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Celebrate
Justin Hayworth/Grinnell College
21
Winner Grinnell GRI 2-5 , 2-4
14
Knox KNX 2-5 , 1-5
Winner
Grinnell GRI
2-5 , 2-4
21
Final
14
Knox KNX
2-5 , 1-5
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
GRI Grinnell 0 14 0 7 21
KNX Knox 0 7 0 7 14

Game Recap: Football | | Ted Schultz

Grinnell football team halts decade-long losing streak to Knox with 21-14 decision

GALESBURG, Ill. - It's been a decade in the making, but Grinnell College's football team has again been able to taste victory against Knox College.

The Pioneers, who had a spirited effort last week against unbeaten Lake Forest College, fed off that momentum on their way to a 21-14 victory over the Prairie Fire. The Pioneers entered the contest with a seven-game losing streak to Knox, dating back to 2015.

Grinnell shot out to a 7-0 lead in the second period and never trailed on its way to improving to 2-4 in the Midwest Conference and 2-5 overall. Knox fell to 1-5 in the league and 2-5 in all games.

Grinnell combined timely offense, stellar defense and spectacular special teams play to pull off the victory.

Will Cloake '27, making his first career start at quarterback, completed seven passes for 58 yards. Garrett Wlson '25 had two catches for 22 yards and Sam Eaton '27 rushed for a career-high 68 yards. Lucky Carton '27 and CJ Readon '27 added 55 and 53 rushing yards, respectively.

Hugh Werner '25 sparked the defense with seven tackles, boosting his career total to 278. That ranks ninth in program history. Danny Quirk '25 added a career-high six tackles and Bert Greene '26 also had six stops. Travis Chu '25 posted two tackles for loss, including a sack.

Nick Rhinehart '25 contributed big-time punting, resulting in a 42.8-yard per kick average and three punts inside the 20-yard line. He also kicked three extra points to push his career total to 48, which ranks sixth in program history.

Grinnell's first scoring drive began late in the first period in Knox territory. The Pioneers steadily drove down the field, eventually scoring on a 6-yard scoring pass from Cloake to Wilson. Rhinehart's kick made it 7-0 with 11:18 left in the first half.

The Pioneers' next score was set up when Werner recovered a fumble at the Knox 32-yard line. Eight plays later, Eaton rushed the ball in from a yard out. Rhinehart's kick made it 14-0 with 3:22 left.                             

Knox scored late in the quarter to make it 14-7 at halftime. Keaton Fitzgerald '26 set up Grinnell's final touchdown late in the third period when he intercepted a Knox pass and returned it 12 yards to Prairie Fire 26. The ensuing series continued into the fourth period, with Carton's 1-yard TD completing the drive. Rhinehart's kick made it 21-7 with 14:06 left.

Knox scored on its next drive to come within 21-14. And though Grinnell had to punt on its next two possessions, Rhinehart delivered both times by pinning the hosts back at their own 10-yard line. Knox turned the ball over on downs on its final possession and Grinnell ran out the clock from there.

Grinnell entertains Illinois College next Saturday in a Senior Day affair. Action at Rosenbloom Field begins at 1 p.m.                  
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