MOUNT VERNON – Senior
Mitchell Frahm booted a school-record four field goals, and Cornell needed them all to hold off Knox for a 26-24 Midwest Conference football victory Saturday at Van Metre Field at Ash Park.
Frahm connected on all four of his field goal tries – one in each quarter – and also made both of his PAT attempts as the Rams (3-4 overall, 2-3 MWC) beat the Prairie Fire for the 22nd time in the last 23 meetings.
Frahm jumped to No. 5 on Cornell's career list for points by a kicker (129) and moved into a tie for fifth place for career made field goals (15). He was one field goal shy of the Midwest Conference single-game record, set by Knox's Joe Metzka in 1993.
It didn't appear in the early going that the game would hinge on Frahm's left leg as Cornell built an early 17-0 lead.
Sophomore
Jackson Lindsay took a short pass from quarterback
Mason Dew and raced 55 yards for a touchdown on Cornell's opening possession. After a 3-and-out by Knox, Frahm made it 10-0 with a 24-yard field goal.
On Knox's next offensive snap, Cornell safety
Joshua Martin returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown. Martin's third career pick six put the Rams ahead 17-0 with 5:21 left in the first quarter.
Martin recorded his sixth interception of the season and 12th of his career. The senior also collected a career-high 14 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss. Martin had eight solo stops.
Frahm nailed a 38-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, giving the Rams a 20-10 cushion at the break. He made room for a 33-yarder in the third quarter and a crucial 31-yarder with 12:22 left in regulation that put Cornell in front 26-17.
Knox (1-5 overall, 0-4 MWC) struck on a long TD pass with 57 seconds remaining to make it a two-point game. Cornell recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal the victory.
Dew enjoyed another big passing day, completing 22-of-35 attempts for 299 yards. Top target
Kaleb Skeffington had six receptions for 92 yards.
Darnell Boyd added five catches for 53 yards, Lindsay four for 81. Lindsay also led Cornell's ground game with 43 yards on 13 carries.
Cornell outgained the Prairie Fire in total yards, 402-291. The Rams overcame four turnovers, including three lost fumbles.
Sophomore linebacker
Jensen Clark totaled eight tackles.
Zavion Jordan had an interception and a forced fumble.
Coming up – The Rams travel to play in-state rival Grinnell (4-3 overall, 3-2 MWC) at 1 p.m. Saturday in Grinnell.
