GALESBURG, Illinois - This Saturday the Prairie Fire football team hosted the Westminster College Blue Jays, it was a great showing of defense for the Fire as they ended up getting the 26-0 shutout victory. The game started out with an amazing kick return by Hunter Anderson, and the Fire did not take their foot off the gas.

After the first half the score was 9-0, the Knox defense really showed their prowess by holding the Blue Jays to 27 yards on 26 plays, just a little over a yard per play. If the Prairie Fire defense can keep up this kind of work they might have a promising season in front of them. Ean Rau is one of the key players and leaders of the team. His presence at middle linebacker as a fifth year is definitely a boost to the defense and he brings a lot of good experience there. 

In the second half, the Fire started to pile on a little more pressure, Hunter Anderson broke free for a long rushing touchdown and then a few drives later Kaile Williams went 48 yards to the house on the quarterback keeper. Great rushing game but there was also a great catch. Tyler Elfering had an amazing scoop catch in the endzone to get the first touchdown that put Knox ahead. 

The Westminster offense never threatened too closely, and that is a good sign for the Knox defense going forward. Kaile Williams went 8-for-22 with 84 yards passing and 84 yards rushing, with a touchdown each way as well. Hunter Anderson also had 51 rushing yards and a touchdown. Ean Rau racked up 13 tackles to lead the defense. Caleb Spinks added seven tackles, including four tackles for a loss and a forced fumble.

Knox will return to action on September 10 at Ripon College under the lights.