Grinnell College struck first, but Knox College answered with three scores and never trailed again as the host Prairie Fire recorded a 31-21 football victory Saturday in Galesburg, Ill.
Mike Bogard ‘12, who threw two touchdown passes in the game while completing 27-of-46 aerials for 354 yards, opened the scoring with a 17-yard strike to Kelsey Davis ‘12 (pictured) at the 13:04 mark of the first period. Bogard also kicked the extra point for a 7-0 edge.
Davis finished with eight catches for 108 yards, while Logan Granera ‘13 had seven catches for 100 yards and Robert Seer ‘12 and Jason Peters ‘14 six catches apiece.
Knox closed within 7-6 by the end of the first period and built its lead to 17-7 by halftime. Grinnell responded in the third period when Bogard hit Seer with a 28-yard scoring pass at the 5:31 mark. Bogard also had the kick after, making it 17-14 in favor of the hosts.
But Knox responded with a touchdown a bit later for a 24-14 edge heading into the final period.
Grinnell came right back with a 2-yard touchdown run by Peters at the 13:05 mark of the final period, but Knox was able to answer with a touchdown to account for the final score.
Defensively, Ryan Fletcher ‘11 had 10 tackles for Grinnell and Marquis Bradley ‘11 and Marc Heronemus ‘11 tallied seven apiece.
Knox is now 1-4 in the Midwest Conference and 1-5 overall, while Grinnell is 3-2 in the MWC and 4-2 in all games.
The Pioneers return to the home field this coming Saturday, facing Lawrence University. Game time at Rosenbloom Field is 1 p.m.
