GRINNELL, Iowa - The Knox Prairie Fire football team were winners today against the Grinnell College Pioneers, with a score of 49-28 being the difference. The win, their second in a row, gives them a decent position in Midwest Conference play, and shows that Knox can win on the road when necessary.

Knox and Grinnell had their offenses firing early, with both teams scoring multiple touchdowns early in the game. Kaile Williams and Hunter Anderson led the way for Knox, using their legs to punish the Pioneers while keeping the clock ticking. A 69 yard Anderson run gave Knox their first score, and after this it was clear that Grinnell would have their hands full trying to stop him. Williams rushed for 131 yards and an impressive 4 touchdowns as well. Midway through the second quarter, with the score tied 14-14, Ean Rau picked off the ball, shutting down a potential scoring drive for the Pioneers and allowing the Prairie Fire to maintain that score.

The second half saw Knox continue riding their dominant rushing attack to success, with multiple Williams touchdown runs in the third quarter putting the Prairie Fire in a very comfortable position on the scoreboard. A forced fumble in the third quarter by Caleb Spinks also demonstrated the prowess of the Knox defense on the day. Sam Walker and Derrick Jackson contributed touchdowns for Knox in the second half, as well, and the team was able to spread around plenty of carries as the team rode to an easy victory.

Williams tallied 131 rushing yards and four scores on the day. Anderson racked up 139 yards rushing and added a touchdown. 

Rau led the defense with 13 tackles and an interception. Kailob Haag and Lucas Cruz added eight tackles apiece. Spinks forced a fumble and picked up a sack.
 
"Today was another step in our race to maturity," said head coach Aaron Willits. "We had to play a full 60 minutes. Told our team before the game to not assume anything and play it one play at a time. Credit to Grinnell for coming out today wanting to establish the run. It was a physical first half for both teams. Credit to our players for continuing to sprint and finish the second half. We played complementary football in the second half, the offense and defense fed off each other. Another great step. Back to work and on to the next one."

The Prairie Fire seek to win their third straight game when they travel to Illinois College next Saturday at 2:00 p.m.