MOUNT VERNON, Iowa—The Prairie Fire football team fell to Cornell 22-7 on Saturday afternoon.
 
Knox (2-6, 2-2 MWC) and the Rams were scoreless through the first quarter. The Prairie Fire had the best drive of the quarter when they ran 11 plays for 41 yards down to the Cornell 18-yard line, but came up just short of a score.
 
Cornell picked off a pass early in the second quarter and took advantage to take a 6-0 lead. The Rams took advantage of another Knox turnover a few drives later and added to their lead to take a 12-0 advantage into halftime.
 
The third quarter was a flurry of turnovers and short possessions with neither team able to take advantage of their opportunities. Neither team was able to advance the ball into the red zone all quarter.
 
Another Prairie Fire turnover to begin the final quarter set up a Cornell field goal to take a 15-0 lead. After a few quick possessions, Knox found the end zone when Ty Straw rushed for a six-yard score. Jesus Flores converted the extra point attempt to cut the lead to 15-7. The Rams used a 24-yard kick return and a 43-yard run to add to their lead with 3:07 to play. Knox advanced down the field in their final possession, but another interception gave Cornell the ball with 1:15 to play and they were able to run out the clock to secure the victory.
 
Hunter Lee led the Prairie Fire with 62 yards receiving, while Brendan Powers reeled in six catches for 53 yards. Grant Graham also caught four passes for 50 yards. Jordan Anderson racked up 11 total tackles including two tackles for a loss and a sack. Tyler Podwojski also made nine tackles including two tackles for a loss and a sack. Tyrese Reed forced a fumble and Logan Hollis picked up seven tackles and two pass breakups.
 
"Turnovers were costly for us today," said head coach Damon Tomeo. "Jordan Anderson had a fine day from his defensive end position with 11 total tackles, a sack, and two tackles for a loss. On offense we had a lot of guys contribute to help move the football which is something we can build on."
 
Knox hosts Monmouth on November 3 for the final home game of the year.