For the 21st year in a row, Monmouth College brought the Bronze Turkey to where it belongs. The Scots hosted The Knox College Prairie Fire this past Saturday and sent them home after a 31-3 win. The weather made for a beautiful Saturday in April Zorn Memorial Stadium, and the fans showed up to watch the third-oldest rivalry in Division III football.
The Scots dominated in nearly every category over the Prairie Fire. Having over 500 yards on the day, the game never slowed down. Henderson Francois got the Scots on the board first with a 6-yard rush into the endzone, followed by an extra point by Joey Biel. Knox responded with a field goal, though that turned out to be the extent of their scoring on the day.
Francois opened up the second quarter like he did the first, rushing 26 yards for a touchdown and then an extra point for Biel. Just a few minutes later, Jake Uryasz received a 3-yard pass from Walker Dycus to put up another 6 points on the board and Biel kicked the 7th through the uprights.
Just 20 seconds into the third quarter, Devin Lawrence broke free for a 79-yard rush and a touchdown. Joey Biel put up another extra point before wrapping up Saturday’s scoring with a field goal in the fourth quarter.
Nick Miyler and Brett Rissmann help hold the defense down with six tackles each. Carter Lewis grabbed five tackles himself, and Monmouth was able to pick off the Prairie Fire three times total.
Monmouth will host St. Norbert at noon on November 16 for the Midwest Conference Title and automatic NCAA berth. The Scots and The Knights met in September during regular-season play, and the Scots won 34-14. With a lot of preparation going into this game, the Scots expect to do it again.
Jeff Knapp - Contributing Writer