GALESBURG, Illinois - The Prairie Fire football team claimed a 28-7 victory over Grinnell on Saturday afternoon to move to 3-3 on the season.
Knox went three and out on their first drive, but a fumble recovered by Davis Brumbaugh gave the Prairie Fire the ball at their own 39-yard line. Kaile Williams led the team down the field and scored on a 12-yard rush to cap off the eight play, 61-yard drive.
On the ensuing drive, Isaac Mora picked off a pass to set up Williams for another rushing touchdown and a 14-0 lead after the first quarter.
Grinnell used a 15 play, 78-yard drive to score early in the second quarter and bring the game within a score.
Owen Beaver got through the Grinnell line late in the first half for a 46-yard run to set up a 3-yard Trevor Geggie TD to give Knox the 21-7 lead at halftime.
A nearly nine minute possession by the Pioneers to start the third quarter ended when the Prairie Fire's Cade Cosson grabbed an interception near the endzone.
Another interception by Mora on Grinnell's next drive set up another Williams score early in the fourth quarter and Knox was able to run time off the clock for the remainder of the game to earn the win.
Williams rushed for 106 yards and three touchdowns. Owen Beaver added 74 rushing yards.
Ean Rau led the defense with 17 total tackles. His 14 solo tackles ties a Knox single game record. Lucas Cruz and Anthony Garcia each add five tackles, including a tackle for a loss. Mora adds a tackle and two interceptions.
"We played a pretty good game with only a few mistakes," said head coach Aaron Willits. "This might have been our most complete game of the season, but still had some defensive lapses at times that we can work on."
Knox returns to action as they host Illinois College on October 22 for homecoming.