GALESBURG, Ill. — The Lawrence University football team earned a hard-fought 14-7 victory over Knox College on Saturday afternoon at Stisser Field at Knosher Bowl, powered by a standout performance from running back Tristian Gooden.
Gooden rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, leading the Vikings' ground attack as Lawrence overcame an early deficit and shut out the Prairie Fire over the final three quarters. The victory also marked Lawrence's first win over Knox since 2013 and snapped a 19-game losing streak.
Knox opened the scoring with a first-quarter touchdown, but Lawrence responded with a lengthy drive in the second. The Vikings marched 95 yards on 18 plays, with Jacob Cawley finishing the drive with a nine-yard touchdown run with 2:38 remaining in the half. Lennon Frazier added the extra point to tie the game at 7-7.
Lawrence took the lead for good in the third quarter. The Vikings put together another sustained drive, covering 80 yards in 11 plays before Gooden punched in a one-yard touchdown run with 8:17 remaining in the period. Frazier's extra point gave Lawrence a 14-7 advantage.
Gooden's performance anchored a productive rushing attack that totaled 196 yards. Raenaldo Farrington Jr. added 51 yards on 16 carries, while Cawley contributed 17 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Jordan Pidala completed 16 of 22 passes for 146 yards. Ethan Holland led the receiving corps with three catches for 48 yards, while Koben Brown also recorded three receptions for 40 yards.
The Lawrence defense made the lead stand, holding Knox scoreless after the opening quarter. The Vikings limited the Prairie Fire to 214 total yards, including just 96 rushing yards, and held Knox to 13 first downs.
Jakobe Blackwood recorded five tackles and an interception, while Dominic Luchina led the defense with six total tackles. Nicholas Aragon added three tackles, forced a fumble and recovered it.
Lawrence controlled the clock throughout the contest, possessing the ball for 41 minutes and 38 seconds while recording 24 first downs. The Vikings also outgained Knox 342-214 in total offense.
