Red Hawks Extinguish Prairie Fire In Rainy Conference Opener

RIPON, Wis. — The Ripon football program (1-2, 1-0 MWC) earned their first win of the 2026 season, and their first Midwest Conference win, against the Knox College Prairie Fire (1-2, 0-1 MWC) this Saturday, September 19. With a start time pushed back due to the storms, Ripon took to the field for a night game amidst a steady shower of rain, resulting in slick turf for both programs. The hosts took to the conditions with gusto, as quarterback Cale Barnhart (Canton, Ill., Canton HS) connected with receiver Blake Thelen (Oconomowoc, Wis., Lake Country Lutheran HS) on a short pass…