The Red Devils took the field on September 2nd rekindling a storied rivalry with The Knox College Prairie Fire.
The rivalry is related to both Knox College and Eureka College. Both colleges have a strong tie to President Abraham Lincoln, as he spoke at both colleges in the 1850s. Lincoln spoke at Eureka in 1856 on behalf of John Charles Fremont, the Republican Party’s very first candidate for President of the United States. Two years later, in 1858, Lincoln debated alongside Stephen Douglas at Knox for a seat on the United States Senate.
Among a rich historical background, this rivalry has brought national attention over the years. Sam Durley, a Eureka College Alumni, set the all division passing yards record on September 1, 2012. Passing for 736 yards in the Lincoln Bowl, he capped off a game winning touchdown from Durley.
The Red Devils wasted no time dominating the Prairie Fire in the renewed 2023 match-up winning 41-16.
“I think we had an internal hunger to be successful that night,” Head Coach Kurt Barth said. “I think that added to the focus and environment that was needed to be successful.”
The Red Devil defense held Knox to just 16 points on 229 yards of total offense. Brendan Durr led the way with 8 tackles.
Fellow seniors Jack Arnett, Austin Hopkins, and Donovan Hathaway also tallied 7 tackles a piece in the dominant defensive showing.
The offense was a balanced attack led by Kaeden Frazier, who threw for 224 yards and 4 touchdowns through the air. Angel Garcia led the way on the ground with a team-high 70 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown. Ben Bernabei also complimented 50 yards on 9 carries including 1 rushing touchdown and 1 receiving touchdown. Sebastian Hill also racked up 5 receptions for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns (Stats).
“It was special to play in an atmosphere like that and start our season off with a win,” Ben Bernabei said. “The support from the students and alumni was special for all of us. It was definitely loud.”
The Red Devils are now 3-0 after defeating Greenville University (23-14) and Rockford University (35-28).
The Devils are set to take on a physical St. Norbert Team at McKinzie Field September 23rd in hopes to stay perfect on the season. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
