Knox College Prairie Fire

Junior Derek Mortensen had another sensational performance against Illinois College during Knox College’s Homecoming game on October 20, earning him the Prairie Fire Performer of the Week Award, the second consecutive time he’s been named to the honor.

Mortensen rushed 34 times for 195 yards and had two touchdowns against IC after gaining 232 yards on 37 attempts and scoring three touchdowns on October 13 at Cornell College.  His 232 yards rushing is the second-highest total in the Midwest Conference so far in 2012.  He has the first and second-most carries in a game this season in the MWC -- 37 against Cornell College and 34 against Illinois College – both of which among the all-time top 10 at Knox.

Mortensen has rushed for over 100 yards in five games this season, which is tied for #2 in Knox football history.  He also eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards this year in the game against the Blueboys.  His 1,005 yards ranks #5 all-time for rushing yards in a season at Knox. In addition, his two touchdowns against Illinois College moved him up to #3 all-time with 22 in his career.  The record is 25 touchdowns, shared by Rick Truttman (1972-75) and Kevin Megli (2003-06). 

Mortensen also moved up the career rushing yards list to #4 all-time with 2,279 – passing Knox greats Jim Smith (1974-76) and Drew Sherman (1996-99).  Mortensen leads the Midwest Conference in rushing yards (1005), is second with his average of 125.6 yards per game, and he ranks third in the league with nine touchdowns and an average of 127 all-purpose yards per game.

The football team has a bye on October 27 before reuming play on November 3 against Lawrence University at 1:00 p.m.  The game is the Prairie Fire's 2012 home finale and is designated as Senior and Parents Day.