GALESBURG, Illinois—The Prairie Fire football team fell to Lake Forest 35-0 in the first conference game of the season.
 
Knox (0-5, 0-1 MWC) trailed early as the Foresters scored on their first two possessions to take a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. The Prairie Fire then held Lake Forest without scoring for three drives, but the Foresters found the end zone again midway through the second quarter. Lake Forest appeared destined to score again on their next drive, but defensive back Corey Schunke refused to give up on the play and forced a fumble just before the goal line and the ball rolled out the back of the end zone for a touchback. With a bit of momentum on their side, Knox threatened in the waning seconds of the first half. However, they could not convert on a field goal attempt after a 15-play, 71-yard drive and went into halftime down 21-0.
 
"Forester quarterback Jagan Cleary did a nice job of moving the ball around today to multiple receivers," said head coach Damon Tomeo. "We defended the run better today, but a few passes cost us."
 
The Prairie Fire started the second half with another promising drive, but stalled out in Lake Forest territory. The Foresters added a score on their first drive of the second half, but the Knox defense held strong for the remainder of the quarter behind strong play from Evan Economos who intercepted a pass. Lake Forest scored their fifth and final touchdown on their first possession of the fourth quarter and held on for the victory.
 
"Evan Economos played well on defense and on special teams," added Tomeo. "It was good to see a senior contribute so much and play as hard as he did."
 
Ty Straw impressed for the Prairie Fire with 12 rushes for 49 yards and five catches for 52 yards. Grant Graham completed 22-of-38 passes for 168 yards. Logan Hollis picked up seven total tackles and Garrett Rau added six of his own.
 
"It was good to see Ty Straw's performance today both running the ball and catching it," said head coach Damon Tomeo. "Good to have him back on the field."
 
Knox will travel to Grinnell on October 13 for another Midwest Conference game.