GALESBURG, Illinois—The Prairie Fire football team picked up a big conference win over Illinois College on Saturday for Homecoming.
 
Knox (2-5, 2-1 MWC) defeated the Blueboys 20-6, the first victory since a 14-0 shutout on October 29, 2005 in Jacksonville.
 
The Prairie Fire offense came out firing on all cylinders as they marched down the field on the first drive of the game. Jacob Amaro completed his first four passes and Ty Straw rushed for 20 yards on a 13-play, 77-yard drive that ate up 5:39 on the clock. Straw found the end zone to put Knox on the board early.
 
Garret Rau intercepted a pass on Illinois College's first possession of the game, but a three-and-out by the Prairie Fire gave IC the ball to finish the first quarter. Mario Whitley knocked down a pass on 4^th-and-4 to give Knox the ball on their own 14-yard line early in the second quarter. The Prairie Fire again marched down the field on a good mix of pass and run plays and Amaro found Kobe Shutter over the middle to put Knox up 13-0.
 
The Prairie Fire forced a three-and-out on the Blueboys' next possession, but IC recovered a fumbled punt and retained possession. The excellent field position led to a 4-play, 45-yard drive that ended in a touchdown by Illinois College. The extra point was blocked and after a few more changes of possession, the Blueboys threatened to score again at the end of the first half. Garrett Rau intercepted a pass at the Knox 12-yard line to send the Prairie Fire into halftime with their lead intact.
 
After a few quick possessions early in the second half, Logan Hollis forced a fumble and recovered it at the Illinois College 21-yard line. The Blueboys defense stood tough on a first-and-goal at the one-yard line, but the field position netted the Prairie Fire the ball in IC territory once again after a quick three-and-out by Illinois College on the ensuing possession. This time Amaro was able to find Hunter Lee in the corner of the end zone for another Prairie Fire touchdown.
 
As time winded down in the third quarter, IC threatened to score working their way to the Knox five-yard line. Jeremiah Mathews sacked the Illinois College quarterback to send the game to the fourth quarter and the Blueboys missed a field goal attempt two plays later. A few more quick possessions later, IC was attempting to stage a late comeback. They worked the football all the way to the Knox four-yard line, but Jordan Anderson picked up a sack and Tyrese Reed and Logan Hollis broke up a pair of passes to secure the Prairie Fire victory.
 
Amaro finished 20-of-29 passing for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Straw netted 57 yards and a touchdown on the ground and Lee caught four passes for 69 yards and a score. Hollis racked up 14 total tackles, while Whitley and Tyler Podwojski each had 10 of their own. Tyrese Reed was all over the Blueboys' star receiver with six pass breakups.
 
"Today was a great win for Knox and a great memory for our 14 seniors on their final Homecoming as a player," said head coach Damon Tomeo. "The energy of the crowd definitely energized our play today and we cannot be more thankful for the great fan base that we have."
 
Knox will look for their third straight victory as they travel to Cornell on October 27.