EUREKA, Illinois—The Prairie Fire football team fell to Eureka 42-28 in the eighth annual Lincoln Bowl on Saturday night.
The Red Devils struck first when they completed a 67-yard touchdown pass
on the opening play of the game. Knox responded with a 10-play, 78-yard
drive capped off by a 7-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Grant
Graham.
Eureka scored again with 2:58 to play in the first quarter to take a
14-7 lead. The Prairie Fire tied the game with 3:36 left in the first
half to send the teams to halftime tied at 14-14
.
The Red Devils took control in the third quarter with three touchdowns
to take a 35-14 lead. Knox countered with a 62- yard touchdown
completion to Hunter Lee as time expired in the third quarter to cut
into Eureka’s lead.
The Red Devils tacked on a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to pull
ahead again. The Prairie Fire concluded the scoring when Graham found
Lee for their second scoring connection.
Graham passed for 211 yards on 15-of-31 passing and three touchdowns. He
also added a rushing touchdown. Derrick Jackson led the running attack
with 71 total yards. Hunter Lee grabbed four receptions for 113 yards
and a pair of scores.
Tyrese Reed also scored on a 35-yard reception.
Corey Schunke led Knox with six total tackles, including a tackle for a loss. Larry Harris added four tackles and a 24-yard interception.
“We played very well in the first half and for the majority of the game,” said head coach Damon
Tomeo. “Eureka found a
rhythm in their passing game and took advantage of it in the second
half. We saw a lot of good things and will get back to work to prepare
for Iowa Wesleyan at home.”
The Prairie Fire host Iowa Wesleyan in the home opener on September 14.
