APPLETON, Wisconsin—An incredible bicycle kick pass reception by Knox receiver Ilir Emini was just one of the highlights as the Prairie Fire football team picked up their second straight victory with a win over Lawrence on Saturday.

Knox (2-1) is off to a good start for the second straight year and will look to build on their early success, now in the spotlight thanks to Emini's "tip, kick then catch" that caught the eye of ESPN among other media.

The Vikings and Prairie Fire were scoreless at halftime before Knox broke through early in the third quarter. Jared Zanger (Quincy, IL, Quincy) scored on a rush from the Lawrence one-yard line to cap off a four-play, 83-yard drive. Nick Edlund (St. Charles, IL, Aurora Christian) had a 79-yard rush to set up the score. Wes Koerber (Norco, CA, Norco Senior) converted the extra-point attempt to take a 7-0 lead.

Knox struck again late in the third quarter on another rushing touchdown by Zanger. The 12-yard rush put the Prairie Fire up 13-0.

Lawrence fought back with a touchdown of their own at the 10:46 mark in the fourth quarter. Evan Economos (Urbandale, IA, Urbandale) blocked the extra-point attempt to hold Vikings to six points.

With 3:27 remaining in the game, Zanger picked up his third touchdown of the day to give the Prairie Fire some breathing room. Koerber hit the extra-point to put Knox up 20-6.

The Prairie Fire defense came up big with two sacks of Lawrence quarterback Ryan Butterfield to stop the Vikings rally attempt. Tyler Paul (Quincy, IL, Quincy Senior) was in on both sacks with Trevor Follis (St. Louis, MO, St. Mary's) assisting on one.

Edlund led the rushing attach with 156 yards on the ground, and Zanger added 30 yards to go with his three scores. Ilir Emini (Yorkville, IL, Yorkville) led all receivers with 43 yards on three receptions. Matt McCaffrey (Wilmette, IL, New Trier) completed 9-of-18 passes for 103 yards.

Tyler Paul was one of five Knox defenders with five tackles. 2.5 tackles were for a loss and he finished with 1.5 sacks. Jacob Paul (Quincy, IL, Quincy) also had two tackles for a loss. Trent Wooten (Paxton, IL, Paxton-Buckley-Loda) and Brady Raab (Warren, IL, Warren) also finished with a sack apiece.

The Prairie Fire return home next Saturday to take on Macalester at 1:00 p.m.

 

• Photo coverage of the 2015 football season.