MOUNT VERNON, Iowa - The Prairie Fire football team defeated Cornell 31-27 for their first victory over the Rams since a 30-27 win in 1988. Knox is also guaranteed their most total wins since 2017 and most Midwest Conference wins since 2002. The Prairie Fire are currently 5-4 heading into their final week of play.

Knox struck first when Hunter Anderson rushed 26 yards for a touchdown on the opening drive of the game. The Prairie Fire missed the extra point. 

Cornell scored twice in the first quarter to take a 14-6 lead. Knox responded in their first drive of the second quarter when Jason Clark punched it in from two yards out. Anderson then rushed for a 2-point conversion to tie the game at 14-14. A 21-yard pass from Kaile Williams to Trevor Geggie set up the score.

The Prairie Fire forced a 3-and-out on the Rams next drive, but a Knox fumble on the Cornell 3-yard line on the ensuing possession sapped some of the momentum.

The Prairie Fire defense came up big again with another short drive by the Rams and Preston Lade was able to hit a field goal in the closing seconds of the first half to give Knox the 17-14 lead heading into halftime.

Cornell picked up a first down on their first play of the second half, but Jon Sarich picked up a 10-yard sack to put the Rams in a 3rd-and-21 situation not long after.

The Prairie Fire got the ball on their own 48-yard line after the punt and marched down the field. Williams was able to hit Tyrell Pierce for a 26-yard touchdown on 4th-and-4 to give Knox the 24-14 lead.

Sarich used another sack to force a punt by the Rams on their next possession, but Cornell got the ball right back as Knox muffed the punt.

The Rams used a 6 play, 51-yard drive to score a touchdown and bring their deficit to 24-21.

Sam Walker responded for Knox early in the fourth quarter when he ran the ball in from seven yards out. The Prairie Fire took a 31-21 lead after the Preston Lade extra point was good.

Cornell marched down the field with an 11 play, 57-yard drive, but fumbled the ball on the Knox 13-yard line.

Unfortunately, Knox fumbled the ball two plays later and the Rams took over on the Knox 25-yard line. Cornell scored a few plays later, but fumbled the extra point attempt so the Prairie Fire still had a 4-point lead.

Clark picked up two big first downs to help Knox run the clock out for the victory.

Williams finished with 119 rushing yards to lead the Prairie Fire. He also completed 4-of-4 passes for 60 yards and a touchdown. Walker ran for 72 yards and a score. Pierce caught three passes for 31 yards and a score. Anderson ran for 48 yards and a TD. Clark rushed for 42 yards and a touchdown.

Sarich racked up 11 tackles, including two sacks. Anthony Garcia picked up seven tackles, including two for a loss. Ean Rau added six solo tackles.

"We did have some problems holding onto the ball on offense today, but we found a way to win," said head coach Aaron Willits. "We played well in nearly every other facet of the game and made big plays when it mattered. A real team win today. "

Knox returns to action as they host Monmouth on November 12 for the 133rd Turkey Bowl.