By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Winning was the mindset for Salina South High School's 2023-2024 boys' soccer season, finishing third at the Kansas State High School Activities Association, or KSHAA, Class 5A Boys' Soccer Championship.

Salina South's season record concluded with 14 wins, six losses and one tie, but they won five games during overtime — a new school record, according to SSHS boys' soccer coach Tim Crow.

The team faced off against Saint Thomas Aquinas from Overland Park at the KSHAA Boys' Soccer Championship in Spring Hill on Saturday, Nov. 4, winning three to two.

Salina South boys' soccer coach Trey Coach attributed the season's success to the players' will to continue striving toward a win.

"The biggest thing is just the drive that each of the kids have — they don't quit ever, and that shows up," Crow said.

Crow began coaching in 2002 and later started a YMCA youth soccer club. 

There, he coached his son, Carson Crow, a senior SSHS soccer player and three other seniors on the team, Dominique Girard, Seth Flores and Abram Jennings.

Crow said he watched the four boys grow and helped coach them throughout their careers after joining the SSHS Boys' Soccer coaching staff in 2010.

"It was just a really special year," Crow said. "To see those guys grow from the time they were about six or seven years old to the time they're seniors has been an amazing experience."

The two assistant coaches at SSHS are Caleb Williams and Hernan Hernandez, whom Crow works closely with during the season and relies on for coaching the talented players.

He said it has also been validating for his coaching career, with the recent third place at the championship showcasing his coaching team's ability.

"I feel like what I'm doing is worth it," Crow said. "To see them go from where they first started out to being in a state tournament. I don't think people realize how much time and effort goes into coaching, even on the bad seasons."

Another strategy Crow and his coaching staff put in place was goal setting and continuing to set new goals throughout the season as the team achieved them.

The team would perform pre and post-game reflections for each game, setting game goals, looking at challenges during the pre-game reflection, and utilizing the post-game reviews to analyze the team's performance and what to strive for in the next game.

Getting to the state championship game had been the team's leading goal since the beginning of the season, and Crow said they never gave up, even when they lost in the first round of the championship.

"They will fight tooth and nail until the very end, and just that ability and that willingness to do whatever it took to finish what they started is impressive," Crow said.

Another essential goal for the team was hosting the regional playoffs, which the team accomplished this season.

Ryan Stuart, the SSHS athletic director, attributed the coaches with forming a "team-first" mentality, focusing on the talented players and building up the skills of each teammate.

"Everything they did was with the team-first mentality, and when you have that mixture, that correct mixture of players, you can have a successful season like this," Stuart said.

This season was the second time in the school's history that the boys' soccer team reached the KSHAA 5A Championship stage. SSHS Boys' Soccer won the championship in 2015.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695481497195.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School junior Luke Matto gives a thumbs up to his teammates during the varsity soccer game against Salina Central High School on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School junior Luke Matto gives a thumbs up to his teammates during the varsity soccer game against Salina Central High School on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostWinning was the mindset for Salina South High School's 2023-2024 boys' soccer season, finishing third at the Kansas State High School Activities Association, or KSHAA, Class 5A Boys' Soccer Championship.Salina South's season record concluded with 14 wins, six losses and one tie, but they won five games during overtime — a new school record, according to SSHS boys' soccer coach Tim Crow.The team faced off against Saint Thomas Aquinas from Overland Park at the KSHAA Boys' Soccer Championship in Spring Hill on Saturday, Nov. 4, winning three to two.Salina South boys' soccer coach Trey Coach attributed the season's success to the players' will to continue striving toward a win."The biggest thing is just the drive that each of the kids have — they don't quit ever, and that shows up," Crow said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695481431677.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School junior Rylan Snell prepares to pass to a fellow player during the varsity soccer game against Salina Central High School on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School junior Rylan Snell prepares to pass to a fellow player during the varsity soccer game against Salina Central High School on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Crow began coaching in 2002 and later started a YMCA youth soccer club. There, he coached his son, Carson Crow, a senior SSHS soccer player and three other seniors on the team, Dominique Girard, Seth Flores and Abram Jennings.Crow said he watched the four boys grow and helped coach them throughout their careers after joining the SSHS Boys' Soccer coaching staff in 2010."It was just a really special year," Crow said. "To see those guys grow from the time they were about six or seven years old to the time they're seniors has been an amazing experience."The two assistant coaches at SSHS are Caleb Williams and Hernan Hernandez, whom Crow works closely with during the season and relies on for coaching the talented players.He said it has also been validating for his coaching career, with the recent third place at the championship showcasing his coaching team's ability."I feel like what I'm doing is worth it," Crow said. "To see them go from where they first started out to being in a state tournament. I don't think people realize how much time and effort goes into coaching, even on the bad seasons."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695481905902.jpeg" alt="Salina Central senior Carson Abbott leaps for the ball while Salina South junior Rylan Snell competes for it during the varsity soccer game on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Salina Central senior Carson Abbott leaps for the ball while Salina South junior Rylan Snell competes for it during the varsity soccer game on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Salina Stadium. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Another strategy Crow and his coaching staff put in place was goal setting and continuing to set new goals throughout the season as the team achieved them.The team would perform pre and post-game reflections for each game, setting game goals, looking at challenges during the pre-game reflection, and utilizing the post-game reviews to analyze the team's performance and what to strive for in the next game.Getting to the state championship game had been the team's leading goal since the beginning of the season, and Crow said they never gave up, even when they lost in the first round of the championship."They will fight tooth and nail until the very end, and just that ability and that willingness to do whatever it took to finish what they started is impressive," Crow said.Another essential goal for the team was hosting the regional playoffs, which the team accomplished this season.Ryan Stuart, the SSHS athletic director, attributed the coaches with forming a "team-first" mentality, focusing on the talented players and building up the skills of each teammate."Everything they did was with the team-first mentality, and when you have that mixture, that correct mixture of players, you can have a successful season like this," Stuart said.This season was the second time in the school's history that the boys' soccer team reached the KSHAA 5A Championship stage. SSHS Boys' Soccer won the championship in 2015.

Salina South High School Boys' Soccer places third at KSHAA 5A Championship

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Today we didn’t do much, just went out and got ourselves moving around a little bit, it’s an extra day. It was good to get back out there, everyone had a chance to work, so that was a positive. With that time’s yours.”

Q:&nbsp;It seems like Kadarius Toney’s usage has been down, what’s the reason behind that and what is the outlook for him?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ll just keep coming with him. I just want to remind everybody that he did have the knee surgery (during training camp), we’re taking it easy with him up to this point just making sure he can make it through the year in good health.”

Q:&nbsp;What has impressed you most with Mike Danna and George Karlaftis?

REID:&nbsp;“Two young guys that are really playing good solid football. One thing you’re going to get with them is 110% every snap, there’s no plays off with those two. They’re both smart kids, they know the defense, what they can get away with and what they can’t.”

Q:&nbsp;What have been the biggest positives with the offensive line and what do they need to do better?

REID:&nbsp;“I think we’re doing a pretty good job with the run game and for the most part with the pass game. We’ve got to eliminate the penalties, that’s the main thing. (If) we take care of that, we’ll be fine.”

Q:&nbsp;Has winning games in a different style this year required any adjustments for you?

REID:&nbsp;“I would say you adjust every – I mean every week you adjust, and you adjust every year. There are certain things we’re still working through and learning, that will continue I’m sure throughout the year. These young guys are getting better every week which is a plus. We’ve got to keep that rolling, we’ve had a couple drops, we’ve got to keep working through that and make sure we stay strong through the ball. Other than that, we’re third in the National Football League in throwing, so that’s pretty good.”

Q:&nbsp;Is there any gratification winning games in a different way than you have in the past?

REID:&nbsp;“We’re probably – between the run game and the pass game maybe more rounded, but I’m not sure about that either. Our numbers are about the same if you take percentages from what we’ve been doing. I like some of the things I’m seeing, but again, there’s some things we need to work on. I would tell you the penalties are probably the biggest thing right now; we’ve just got to take care of business with that.”

Q:&nbsp;When you went to the Super Bowl for the first time with the Chiefs did you have any sense that you personally were the sentimental favorite?

REID:&nbsp;“I’m insulated from it, but if that were the case it’s probably because I’m old and hadn’t won one – or been a head coach for one.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you have a sense now that people are tired of you and the Chiefs winning?

REID:&nbsp;“I’m in this office – you know how I do this – I’m in this office more than I’m out of the office, so I’m not feeling a whole lot of that either way. I’m kind of toned in on trying to make sure we play well against the Eagles right now.”

Q: What is your reaction with the effectiveness of the "Tush Push" and how much time do you think the Eagles spend on it in practice?

REID: “That’s a tough one to practice because you almost have to do it live, so I don’t think they’re spending a ton of time on it. I just think they’re good at it. I mean their inside three (offensive lineman) do a pretty good job with it and they’ve kind of – I think they’ve grown with it over time here. That’s what I see.”

Q: Do other coaches ask you about Taylor Swift?

REID:&nbsp;“No, nobody’s really mentioned much on that. It is what it is, and I’m just glad he’s found somebody he likes and she’s found somebody she likes and that’s a good thing.”

Q: Taking time to assess in the bye week, what are you focused on going forward?

REID: “There’s plenty of things we can work on, and it’s all great what the record is. The main thing we focus on – we don’t care about that; we care about improving in all three phases and there’s room to do that. And (Statistical Analysis Coordinator Mike) Fraz (Frazier) does a great job with keeping us abreast after every game. Then you do, you have a little bit more time to kind of work on some things and look through them maybe at a little slower pace. I would tell you yes, there’s things that we can get better at. I tell you that every year though, but we’ve got to keep cranking and working in that area, just getting better.”

Q: How do you find the balance in playing time for Kadarius Toney?

REID: “Listen, he played seven plays last week, we can play him more than that and still be okay. We just keep an eye on his leg and make sure that were repping that out the right way, let him keep progressing as we go here throughout the year, that’s the important part.”

Q: What do you hope the team takes away from playing the Dolphins?

REID: “They’re a good football team, so you want to keep that part, you want to inevitably win games, I mean that’s what you’re trying to do. At the same time as you want to get better as you go and so coming out of that game we met right after we landed here and there were things that we can work on. We were all able to look at the tape as coaches on the plane ride back, so you know there are things there that we have to get better at but yet at the same time continue to play with that aggressiveness and that attitude.”

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Today we didn’t do much, just went out and got ourselves moving around a little bit, it’s an extra day. It was good to get back out there, everyone had a chance to work, so that was a positive. With that time’s yours.”Q:&nbsp;It seems like Kadarius Toney’s usage has been down, what’s the reason behind that and what is the outlook for him?REID:&nbsp;“We’ll just keep coming with him. I just want to remind everybody that he did have the knee surgery (during training camp), we’re taking it easy with him up to this point just making sure he can make it through the year in good health.”Q:&nbsp;What has impressed you most with Mike Danna and George Karlaftis?REID:&nbsp;“Two young guys that are really playing good solid football. One thing you’re going to get with them is 110% every snap, there’s no plays off with those two. They’re both smart kids, they know the defense, what they can get away with and what they can’t.”Q:&nbsp;What have been the biggest positives with the offensive line and what do they need to do better?REID:&nbsp;“I think we’re doing a pretty good job with the run game and for the most part with the pass game. We’ve got to eliminate the penalties, that’s the main thing. (If) we take care of that, we’ll be fine.”Q:&nbsp;Has winning games in a different style this year required any adjustments for you?REID:&nbsp;“I would say you adjust every – I mean every week you adjust, and you adjust every year. There are certain things we’re still working through and learning, that will continue I’m sure throughout the year. These young guys are getting better every week which is a plus. We’ve got to keep that rolling, we’ve had a couple drops, we’ve got to keep working through that and make sure we stay strong through the ball. Other than that, we’re third in the National Football League in throwing, so that’s pretty good.”Q:&nbsp;Is there any gratification winning games in a different way than you have in the past?REID:&nbsp;“We’re probably – between the run game and the pass game maybe more rounded, but I’m not sure about that either. Our numbers are about the same if you take percentages from what we’ve been doing. I like some of the things I’m seeing, but again, there’s some things we need to work on. I would tell you the penalties are probably the biggest thing right now; we’ve just got to take care of business with that.”Q:&nbsp;When you went to the Super Bowl for the first time with the Chiefs did you have any sense that you personally were the sentimental favorite?REID:&nbsp;“I’m insulated from it, but if that were the case it’s probably because I’m old and hadn’t won one – or been a head coach for one.”Q:&nbsp;Do you have a sense now that people are tired of you and the Chiefs winning?REID:&nbsp;“I’m in this office – you know how I do this – I’m in this office more than I’m out of the office, so I’m not feeling a whole lot of that either way. I’m kind of toned in on trying to make sure we play well against the Eagles right now.”Q: What is your reaction with the effectiveness of the "Tush Push" and how much time do you think the Eagles spend on it in practice?REID: “That’s a tough one to practice because you almost have to do it live, so I don’t think they’re spending a ton of time on it. I just think they’re good at it. I mean their inside three (offensive lineman) do a pretty good job with it and they’ve kind of – I think they’ve grown with it over time here. That’s what I see.”Q: Do other coaches ask you about Taylor Swift?REID:&nbsp;“No, nobody’s really mentioned much on that. It is what it is, and I’m just glad he’s found somebody he likes and she’s found somebody she likes and that’s a good thing.”Q: Taking time to assess in the bye week, what are you focused on going forward?REID: “There’s plenty of things we can work on, and it’s all great what the record is. The main thing we focus on – we don’t care about that; we care about improving in all three phases and there’s room to do that. And (Statistical Analysis Coordinator Mike) Fraz (Frazier) does a great job with keeping us abreast after every game. Then you do, you have a little bit more time to kind of work on some things and look through them maybe at a little slower pace. I would tell you yes, there’s things that we can get better at. I tell you that every year though, but we’ve got to keep cranking and working in that area, just getting better.”Q: How do you find the balance in playing time for Kadarius Toney?REID: “Listen, he played seven plays last week, we can play him more than that and still be okay. We just keep an eye on his leg and make sure that were repping that out the right way, let him keep progressing as we go here throughout the year, that’s the important part.”Q: What do you hope the team takes away from playing the Dolphins?REID: “They’re a good football team, so you want to keep that part, you want to inevitably win games, I mean that’s what you’re trying to do. At the same time as you want to get better as you go and so coming out of that game we met right after we landed here and there were things that we can work on. We were all able to look at the tape as coaches on the plane ride back, so you know there are things there that we have to get better at but yet at the same time continue to play with that aggressiveness and that attitude.”

Chiefs Quotes 11-13-23

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks (7-3, 4-3 Big 12) will host the No. 23 Kansas State Wildcats (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) for the 121st edition of the Dillons Sunflower Showdown at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, November 18 inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The game will serve as Kansas’ home finale and Senior Day.

The game will air on FS1 with Alex Faust (Play-by-Play) and Petros Papadakis (Analyst) on the call. Game action can also be heard across the Jayhawk Radio Network with Brian Hanni (Play-by-Play), David Lawrence (Analyst) and Brandon McAnderson (Sideline) calling the action.

The matchup between the Jayhawks and the Wildcats will be the 121st in the series history, in what is the ninth longest played rivalry game in FBS football and now the longest in KU program history – surpassing Kansas vs. Missouri’s 120 games played from 1891 to 2011. The series has been played every year since 1911, making it the fourth-longest active series in FBS and the second-longest in-state rivalry.

Kansas enters the Dillons Sunflower Showdown with a 7-3 overall record, marking Kansas’ first winning season since 2008. Kansas’ seven wins in its first 10 games are the most in a season since 2007, when Kansas started 10-0.

Kansas is coming off a 16-13 defeat at the hands of Texas Tech on Nov. 11, in which running back Devin Neal rushed for 137 yards and a touchdown. Texas Tech won the game with two seconds remaining on a 30-yard field goal by Gino Garcia. The loss was Kansas’ first at home this season, as the Jayhawks enter Saturday’s contest winning nine of its last 12 home games including a 5-1 record at home this season.

Kansas State is coming off a bounce-back win over Baylor on Nov. 11, as the Wildcats outscored the Bears 59-25 to move to 6-0 at home this season. In a series that dates to 1902, Kansas leads the all-time series at 65-50-5, including a 37-22-2 record in games played in Lawrence.

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sold-out-kansas-football-announces-sellouts-for-final-two-home-games/" target="_blank">Kansas Athletics announced Friday</a>&nbsp;that KU will host Kansas State in front of a sold-out crowd at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the fourth sellout of the season and seventh under head coach Lance Leipold. Fans still looking to attend are encouraged to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://seatgeek.com/kansas-jayhawks-football-tickets?aid=16092&amp;pid=integration&amp;rid=5&amp;utm_medium=partnership&amp;utm_source=kansas_sponsorship&amp;utm_campaign=integration" target="_blank">SeatGeek, the official secondary partner of Kansas Athletics</a>.

Kansas will finish off its regular season schedule by traveling to Cincinnati, Ohio to take on the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday, November 25. The meeting between the Jayhawks and Bearcats will be the third in the series history and the first as members of the Big 12 Conference. The two teams last played in 1997 in Cincinnati, which the Bearcats won, 34-7. Kansas won the inaugural matchup in 1995 in Lawrence, 23-18.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks (7-3, 4-3 Big 12) will host the No. 23 Kansas State Wildcats (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) for the 121st edition of the Dillons Sunflower Showdown at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, November 18 inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The game will serve as Kansas’ home finale and Senior Day.The game will air on FS1 with Alex Faust (Play-by-Play) and Petros Papadakis (Analyst) on the call. Game action can also be heard across the Jayhawk Radio Network with Brian Hanni (Play-by-Play), David Lawrence (Analyst) and Brandon McAnderson (Sideline) calling the action.The matchup between the Jayhawks and the Wildcats will be the 121st in the series history, in what is the ninth longest played rivalry game in FBS football and now the longest in KU program history – surpassing Kansas vs. Missouri’s 120 games played from 1891 to 2011. The series has been played every year since 1911, making it the fourth-longest active series in FBS and the second-longest in-state rivalry.Kansas enters the Dillons Sunflower Showdown with a 7-3 overall record, marking Kansas’ first winning season since 2008. Kansas’ seven wins in its first 10 games are the most in a season since 2007, when Kansas started 10-0.Kansas is coming off a 16-13 defeat at the hands of Texas Tech on Nov. 11, in which running back Devin Neal rushed for 137 yards and a touchdown. Texas Tech won the game with two seconds remaining on a 30-yard field goal by Gino Garcia. The loss was Kansas’ first at home this season, as the Jayhawks enter Saturday’s contest winning nine of its last 12 home games including a 5-1 record at home this season.Kansas State is coming off a bounce-back win over Baylor on Nov. 11, as the Wildcats outscored the Bears 59-25 to move to 6-0 at home this season. In a series that dates to 1902, Kansas leads the all-time series at 65-50-5, including a 37-22-2 record in games played in Lawrence.<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sold-out-kansas-football-announces-sellouts-for-final-two-home-games/" target="_blank">Kansas Athletics announced Friday</a>&nbsp;that KU will host Kansas State in front of a sold-out crowd at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the fourth sellout of the season and seventh under head coach Lance Leipold. Fans still looking to attend are encouraged to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://seatgeek.com/kansas-jayhawks-football-tickets?aid=16092&amp;pid=integration&amp;rid=5&amp;utm_medium=partnership&amp;utm_source=kansas_sponsorship&amp;utm_campaign=integration" target="_blank">SeatGeek, the official secondary partner of Kansas Athletics</a>.Kansas will finish off its regular season schedule by traveling to Cincinnati, Ohio to take on the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday, November 25. The meeting between the Jayhawks and Bearcats will be the third in the series history and the first as members of the Big 12 Conference. The two teams last played in 1997 in Cincinnati, which the Bearcats won, 34-7. Kansas won the inaugural matchup in 1995 in Lawrence, 23-18.

Kansas Hosts Kansas State in 121st Edition of the Dillons Sunflower Showdown

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Coming off a three-touchdown performance where he also set the school record for career passing touchdowns, Kansas State senior quarterback&nbsp;Will Howard&nbsp;has been named a Manning Award Star of the Week, the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced Monday.

K-State fans can now vote for Howard as the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week by&nbsp;<a href="https://allstatesugarbowl.org/poll.aspx?poll=23" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. It was the second time in his career he has been named a Star of the Week, the other being after the 2022 Oklahoma State game.

Howard threw for 235 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-29 aim, helping the Wildcats earn a 59-25 victory over Baylor. Howard’s final touchdown of the afternoon was the 45th&nbsp;of his career as he set the school’s career record, passing former first-round NFL Draft pick Josh Freeman (2006-08). It was Howard’s fifth game this season with three or more passing touchdowns, the most since Freeman had five such games in 2008. Howard has three or more scoring strikes in three Big 12 games this year, the most since Ell Roberson did so in four games in 2003.

A native of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Howard has come on strong the last four games, throwing for 220.0 yards per game on 70-of-104 (67.3%) aim with 12 touchdowns and just one interception. He ranks fifth in passing touchdowns this season with 21 – just three shy of tying the school record – while he also ranks ninth in completions (182), touchdowns responsible for (28) and passing efficiency (147.1). Howard is also just outside the school’s top-10 lists for single-season passing yards (2,190) and attempts (285).

No. 23 Kansas State takes on in-state rival Kansas for the 121st&nbsp;edition of the Dillons Sunflower Showdown this Saturday inside Memorial Stadium in Lawrence. The game, which kicks off at 6 p.m., will be televised by FS1.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Coming off a three-touchdown performance where he also set the school record for career passing touchdowns, Kansas State senior quarterback&nbsp;Will Howard&nbsp;has been named a Manning Award Star of the Week, the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced Monday.K-State fans can now vote for Howard as the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week by&nbsp;<a href="https://allstatesugarbowl.org/poll.aspx?poll=23" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. It was the second time in his career he has been named a Star of the Week, the other being after the 2022 Oklahoma State game.Howard threw for 235 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-29 aim, helping the Wildcats earn a 59-25 victory over Baylor. Howard’s final touchdown of the afternoon was the 45th&nbsp;of his career as he set the school’s career record, passing former first-round NFL Draft pick Josh Freeman (2006-08). It was Howard’s fifth game this season with three or more passing touchdowns, the most since Freeman had five such games in 2008. Howard has three or more scoring strikes in three Big 12 games this year, the most since Ell Roberson did so in four games in 2003.A native of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Howard has come on strong the last four games, throwing for 220.0 yards per game on 70-of-104 (67.3%) aim with 12 touchdowns and just one interception. He ranks fifth in passing touchdowns this season with 21 – just three shy of tying the school record – while he also ranks ninth in completions (182), touchdowns responsible for (28) and passing efficiency (147.1). Howard is also just outside the school’s top-10 lists for single-season passing yards (2,190) and attempts (285).No. 23 Kansas State takes on in-state rival Kansas for the 121st&nbsp;edition of the Dillons Sunflower Showdown this Saturday inside Memorial Stadium in Lawrence. The game, which kicks off at 6 p.m., will be televised by FS1.

K-State’s Howard Named a Manning Award Star of the Week

Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes Coach Show 6 p.m. (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)

Kansas Wesleyan Basketball Pregame Show 5:40 p.m.&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)

Kansas Wesleyan WBB vs. Friends University Falcons 6 p.m. at Mabee Arena Kansas Wesleyan University Salina, Kansas. (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)

Kansas Wesleyan MBB vs. Friends University Falcons 8 p.m.&nbsp; at Mabee Arena Kansas Wesleyan University Salina, Kansas (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)

Kpreps Football Pregame Show&nbsp;&nbsp;5:10pm&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/">910kina.com</a>)

Tescott Trojan Football Pregame Show&nbsp;&nbsp;5:40pm&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/">910kina.com</a>)

Tescott Trojans VS Cunningman Wildcats Football&nbsp;&nbsp;6 p.m. &nbsp;at Cunningham High School, Cunningman, Kansas (Listen live on KINA,&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/">910kina.com</a>&nbsp;and watch live on Salina Post)

KIN Scoreboard Show&nbsp; 10 p.m.&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)

MRN Nascar Live 8 a.m. (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)

Kansas Wesleyan Basketball Pregame Show 4:40 p.m/&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)

Kansas Wesleyan WBB VS Evangel University Valor 5 p.m.&nbsp; at Mabee Arena Kansas Wesleyan University Salina, Kansas (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)

Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes vs. Evangel University Valor 7 p.m.&nbsp; at Mabee Arena Kansas Wesleyan University Salina, Kansas (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)

PRN The Pit Reporters 9 a.m.&nbsp; (Listen on KINA 910AM/107.5FM and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910KIINA.COM</a>)

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591971280271.jpeg" alt="KINA New logo Blue Black" />
 <figcaption>KINA New logo Blue Black</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Monday</h2>Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes Coach Show 6 p.m. (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)<h2>Wednesday</h2>Kansas Wesleyan Basketball Pregame Show 5:40 p.m.&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)Kansas Wesleyan WBB vs. Friends University Falcons 6 p.m. at Mabee Arena Kansas Wesleyan University Salina, Kansas. (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)Kansas Wesleyan MBB vs. Friends University Falcons 8 p.m.&nbsp; at Mabee Arena Kansas Wesleyan University Salina, Kansas (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)<h2>Friday</h2> Kpreps Football Pregame Show&nbsp;&nbsp;5:10pm&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/">910kina.com</a>) Tescott Trojan Football Pregame Show&nbsp;&nbsp;5:40pm&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/">910kina.com</a>) Tescott Trojans VS Cunningman Wildcats Football&nbsp;&nbsp;6 p.m. &nbsp;at Cunningham High School, Cunningman, Kansas (Listen live on KINA,&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/">910kina.com</a>&nbsp;and watch live on Salina Post)KIN Scoreboard Show&nbsp; 10 p.m.&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)<h2>Saturday </h2>MRN Nascar Live 8 a.m. (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)Kansas Wesleyan Basketball Pregame Show 4:40 p.m/&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)Kansas Wesleyan WBB VS Evangel University Valor 5 p.m.&nbsp; at Mabee Arena Kansas Wesleyan University Salina, Kansas (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes vs. Evangel University Valor 7 p.m.&nbsp; at Mabee Arena Kansas Wesleyan University Salina, Kansas (Listen on KINA and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910kina.com</a>)<h2>Sunday</h2>PRN The Pit Reporters 9 a.m.&nbsp; (Listen on KINA 910AM/107.5FM and <a href="http://www.910KIINA.COM">910KIINA.COM</a>)

910 KINA weekly sports schedule

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;No. 25 Kansas State knew it needed to rebound after a narrow loss at Texas last weekend. The Wildcats did so emphatically with a 59-25 stomping of Baylor that kept them in the hunt to defend their Big 12 Championship.

On a record-setting day for quarterback Will Howard, the Wildcats amassed at least 50 points for the first time in three years while reaching their biggest scoring total in series history against a Bears squad that suffered their worst loss of the season.

K-State, which improved to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the Big 12, is 6-0 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium for the first time since 2012. The Bears dropped to 3-7 and 2-5.

“A great performance by our guys today,” K-State head coach Chris Klieman said. “Phenomenal performance under a difficult situation and circumstance as far as having a heart-wrenching loss last week, and to hear the outside noise of what you have to play for. We met with the guys on Monday and talked about we have a lot to play for. We have an opportunity to play for each other and to play in The Bill and to do something pretty special in finishing the story of the 2023 season.

“Our guys came to play today. I don’t know if anybody was worried or questioned — our guys came to play.”

K-State is in the thick of things in the league race with games at No. 16 Kansas and against Iowa State left to go in the regular season.

“The manner with which we’ve won at home just doesn’t happen typically,” Klieman said. “I did see that Texas Tech won (16-13 at Kansas). They’re a good football team, and Kansas is a good football team. I saw the score of Oklahoma State-UCF (a 45-3 win by UCF) and everybody saw UCF, and they’re a really talented team. I don’t know how the race will shake out. We just have to keep playing. That’s all we can do because this is a really good league.

“It’s got parity, it’s deep, and if you don’t play your best football, you’re going to get beat.”

K-State jumped out to a 35-7 lead and kept going. It has outscored its opponents 272-72 in Manhattan this season. The Wildcats played in front of a crowd of 51,790, which marked the 13th consecutive sellout at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

“I’m telling&nbsp; you, the environment and crowd, we feed off that energy so well,” Howard said. “It gives us so much confidence.”

Howard threw for 235 yards and three touchdowns, setting the all-time record for passing touchdowns in the second quarter with his third scoring toss of the game. The two-yard scoring strike to Christian Moore with 13 minutes, 7 seconds left until halftime, gave Howard 45 career touchdown passes, passing Josh Freeman for the all-time mark.

“It’s an unbelievable honor,” Howard said. “I couldn’t do it without all those guys in that locker room who’ve caught passes from me and have blocked from me, the defense, all my team. I wouldn’t be able to do this without all my guys. I’m blessed and grateful. It still hasn’t fully sunk in yet.”

Howard has thrown 12 touchdowns and one interception in the last four games. He went 19-of-29 passing and connected with nine different pass catchers.

“The kid has battled through, and he’s playing at such a high level right now,” Klieman said. “Excited for him as he’s having a great season.”

Six different players scored a total of six offensive touchdowns for the Wildcats, who also had two defensive touchdowns — a 15-yard fumble recovery by linebacker Desmond Purnell and a 45-yard interception return by Keenan Garber — while also forcing four turnover on downs.

“We had four stops on fourth down,” Klieman said. “This is a part of what you have to do when you play Baylor. You have to play four downs.”

The Wildcats led 35-13 at halftime. By that time, Howard already fired his third touchdown. He went to the bench in the fourth quarter and received a rousing ovation by fans as his record achievement was announced inside the stadium. Freshman Avery Johnson helped score the final points for the Wildcats when he found Garrett Oakley with a 28-yard touchdown pass to put the Wildcats ahead at 59-19 with under 4 minutes to play.

“We’re rolling,” Howard said. “We feel really good. We still have a lot of good football ahead of us. I feel really good about it and we’re excited.”

DJ Giddens, who caught a short pass and turned it into a 31-yard touchdown to begin the game, rushed 18 times for 115 yards while Treshaun Ward had 44 yards and one score on 10 carries.

Tight end Ben Sinnott had three catches for 68 yards and one touchdown, and Oakley had three catches for 46 and a touchdown as well. Phillip Brooks led with five catches for 41 yards and was particularly pivotal on the first couple scoring drives for the Wildcats, who turned a 7-7 tie into a blowout by scoring the next 28 points, capped by Howard’s record-setting touchdown pass.

“We expected to bounce back, to be honest, just with our prep and how we fought at the end of the Texas game last week,” Brooks said. “I knew there wasn’t going to be a falloff, and we played well. We expected this. I’m glad we executed and got the W.”

The Wildcats were firing on all cylinders when their defense sprang into action. Defensive end Cody Stufflebean sacked Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen, forced a fumble, and Purnell scooped up the ball and sprinted 15 yards untouched into the end zone for a 21-7 advantage. Later, Garber intercepted a pass and returned it 45 yards for a score, giving the Wildcats a 52-19 lead.

“Coach Klanderman called a great blitz and luckily they slid away from me, and I just got free and got home,” Stufflebean said.

Added Purnell: “It’s always great trying to find the end zone. I was shocked that I made it in there.”

K-State outgained Baylor 451-332. The Bears’ best offensive possession came at the end of the game — a 10-play, 77-yard charge in which Shapen completed a 6-yard pass to Monaray Baldwin with 20 seconds left.

The K-State marching band played, “Happy Trails to You.” Fans applauded as the Wildcats headed to the locker room.

Now K-State embarks on its next test: Kansas.

“We have to look ahead to attacking tomorrow and Monday, and we’ve done a great job of taking things day by day,” offensive lineman KT Leveston said. “Like Coach Klieman says, ‘Win the dang day.’”

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;No. 25 Kansas State knew it needed to rebound after a narrow loss at Texas last weekend. The Wildcats did so emphatically with a 59-25 stomping of Baylor that kept them in the hunt to defend their Big 12 Championship.On a record-setting day for quarterback Will Howard, the Wildcats amassed at least 50 points for the first time in three years while reaching their biggest scoring total in series history against a Bears squad that suffered their worst loss of the season.K-State, which improved to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the Big 12, is 6-0 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium for the first time since 2012. The Bears dropped to 3-7 and 2-5.“A great performance by our guys today,” K-State head coach Chris Klieman said. “Phenomenal performance under a difficult situation and circumstance as far as having a heart-wrenching loss last week, and to hear the outside noise of what you have to play for. We met with the guys on Monday and talked about we have a lot to play for. We have an opportunity to play for each other and to play in The Bill and to do something pretty special in finishing the story of the 2023 season.“Our guys came to play today. I don’t know if anybody was worried or questioned — our guys came to play.”K-State is in the thick of things in the league race with games at No. 16 Kansas and against Iowa State left to go in the regular season.“The manner with which we’ve won at home just doesn’t happen typically,” Klieman said. “I did see that Texas Tech won (16-13 at Kansas). They’re a good football team, and Kansas is a good football team. I saw the score of Oklahoma State-UCF (a 45-3 win by UCF) and everybody saw UCF, and they’re a really talented team. I don’t know how the race will shake out. We just have to keep playing. That’s all we can do because this is a really good league.“It’s got parity, it’s deep, and if you don’t play your best football, you’re going to get beat.”K-State jumped out to a 35-7 lead and kept going. It has outscored its opponents 272-72 in Manhattan this season. The Wildcats played in front of a crowd of 51,790, which marked the 13th consecutive sellout at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.“I’m telling&nbsp; you, the environment and crowd, we feed off that energy so well,” Howard said. “It gives us so much confidence.”Howard threw for 235 yards and three touchdowns, setting the all-time record for passing touchdowns in the second quarter with his third scoring toss of the game. The two-yard scoring strike to Christian Moore with 13 minutes, 7 seconds left until halftime, gave Howard 45 career touchdown passes, passing Josh Freeman for the all-time mark.“It’s an unbelievable honor,” Howard said. “I couldn’t do it without all those guys in that locker room who’ve caught passes from me and have blocked from me, the defense, all my team. I wouldn’t be able to do this without all my guys. I’m blessed and grateful. It still hasn’t fully sunk in yet.”Howard has thrown 12 touchdowns and one interception in the last four games. He went 19-of-29 passing and connected with nine different pass catchers.“The kid has battled through, and he’s playing at such a high level right now,” Klieman said. “Excited for him as he’s having a great season.”Six different players scored a total of six offensive touchdowns for the Wildcats, who also had two defensive touchdowns — a 15-yard fumble recovery by linebacker Desmond Purnell and a 45-yard interception return by Keenan Garber — while also forcing four turnover on downs.“We had four stops on fourth down,” Klieman said. “This is a part of what you have to do when you play Baylor. You have to play four downs.”The Wildcats led 35-13 at halftime. By that time, Howard already fired his third touchdown. He went to the bench in the fourth quarter and received a rousing ovation by fans as his record achievement was announced inside the stadium. Freshman Avery Johnson helped score the final points for the Wildcats when he found Garrett Oakley with a 28-yard touchdown pass to put the Wildcats ahead at 59-19 with under 4 minutes to play.“We’re rolling,” Howard said. “We feel really good. We still have a lot of good football ahead of us. I feel really good about it and we’re excited.”DJ Giddens, who caught a short pass and turned it into a 31-yard touchdown to begin the game, rushed 18 times for 115 yards while Treshaun Ward had 44 yards and one score on 10 carries.Tight end Ben Sinnott had three catches for 68 yards and one touchdown, and Oakley had three catches for 46 and a touchdown as well. Phillip Brooks led with five catches for 41 yards and was particularly pivotal on the first couple scoring drives for the Wildcats, who turned a 7-7 tie into a blowout by scoring the next 28 points, capped by Howard’s record-setting touchdown pass.“We expected to bounce back, to be honest, just with our prep and how we fought at the end of the Texas game last week,” Brooks said. “I knew there wasn’t going to be a falloff, and we played well. We expected this. I’m glad we executed and got the W.”The Wildcats were firing on all cylinders when their defense sprang into action. Defensive end Cody Stufflebean sacked Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen, forced a fumble, and Purnell scooped up the ball and sprinted 15 yards untouched into the end zone for a 21-7 advantage. Later, Garber intercepted a pass and returned it 45 yards for a score, giving the Wildcats a 52-19 lead.“Coach Klanderman called a great blitz and luckily they slid away from me, and I just got free and got home,” Stufflebean said.Added Purnell: “It’s always great trying to find the end zone. I was shocked that I made it in there.”K-State outgained Baylor 451-332. The Bears’ best offensive possession came at the end of the game — a 10-play, 77-yard charge in which Shapen completed a 6-yard pass to Monaray Baldwin with 20 seconds left.The K-State marching band played, “Happy Trails to You.” Fans applauded as the Wildcats headed to the locker room.Now K-State embarks on its next test: Kansas.“We have to look ahead to attacking tomorrow and Monday, and we’ve done a great job of taking things day by day,” offensive lineman KT Leveston said. “Like Coach Klieman says, ‘Win the dang day.’”

Howard Sets Career TD Mark in K-State’s 59-25 win over Baylor

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and&nbsp;<a></a><a>FOX announced late Saturday night that the 2023 edition of the Dillons’ Sunflower Showdown between Kansas State and Kansas next weekend in Lawrence will kick off at 6 p.m. and be televised by FS1.</a>

The Wildcats have won each of the last 14 games in the series, including each of the last seven in at Kansas. This is the 113th-consecutive year of the Sunflower Showdown dating back to 1911, which is the fourth-longest uninterrupted series in FBS history. It is also the ninth-most play rivalry in FBS history with the 121st meeting on tap.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and&nbsp;<a></a><a>FOX announced late Saturday night that the 2023 edition of the Dillons’ Sunflower Showdown between Kansas State and Kansas next weekend in Lawrence will kick off at 6 p.m. and be televised by FS1.</a>The Wildcats have won each of the last 14 games in the series, including each of the last seven in at Kansas. This is the 113th-consecutive year of the Sunflower Showdown dating back to 1911, which is the fourth-longest uninterrupted series in FBS history. It is also the ninth-most play rivalry in FBS history with the 121st meeting on tap.

Sunflower Showdown Set for Primetime Matchup

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f5211cfc-1bf1-4017-bf2b-500727e686bb?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Nick Allsman</a>&nbsp;ended his career as a Kansas Wesleyan Coyote the best way possible.

Playing his final college football game on Senior Day, Allsman rushed for 109 yards on 19 carries that helped KWU overcome six turnovers and defeat Sterling 24-13 Saturday afternoon at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.

"I've been here four years, I owe a lot to the program," said Allsman, who transferred to KWU from William Jewell four years ago. "The part that keeps coming back is the guys, the teammates, the memories, the bonds that you make. I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for coach (Matt) Myers, Kansas Wesleyan and the football program."

"We love Nick here, he's a great kid," Myers said. "Excited for his future and what he's going to do next. I'm glad he got the job done; it was good to see."

The Coyotes (8-3) claimed a share of the Kansas Conference's Bissell Division with Ottawa with 4-1 records but the Braves, who lost to Tabor 31-28 Saturday, will advance to NAIA postseason play virtue of defeating KWU a week earlier.

A rout appeared in the offing early on as the Coyotes scored on their first three possessions, the first two on passes from&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/29e11e5c-19c0-4528-b7ff-87f886741307?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Byron McNair</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1f65c8a9-ff0d-4330-8dd4-dec84de64cc8?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Jacob Backus</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/97332c16-af39-4e3c-a589-999997f48442?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Zarek Fewell's</a>&nbsp;long run that gave them a quick 21-0 lead.

Sterling (2-9, 1-4 Bissell) changed its defensive approach and slowed the Coyotes' attack. They did not score again until&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a36190c-a4b4-4689-8b30-db81547dc484?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Talon Cope</a>&nbsp;made a game-clinching 39-yard field goal with 1:43 left in the game.

Turnovers were the issue - three interceptions and three fumbles, four turnovers in the second quarter.

"I don't know how many teams win football games when they turn the ball over six times," Allsman said with a laugh. "This is the first one I've been part of it."

The Warriors took advantage of two of the turnovers by scoring both of their touchdowns in the second quarter. The second came with 51 seconds left in the half on a 49-yard pass on fourth down, Rocklin Baptista to Myreik Goodwin-Lagree, but KWU blocked the extra point and led 21-13 at the break.

Wesleyan's defense, as it has done so often this season, stepped up the second half and stuffed Sterling's offense. The Warriors managed just 69 total yards the final 30 minute - 29 yards rushing, 40 passing - and the Coyotes intercepted two passes.

Myers was pleased that his team was able to overcome the mistakes.

"Every once and while you need to battle something to see if you're tough enough and gritty enough and have what it takes to stay in games and win games," he said. "I'm happy and proud of those guys, the seniors. Those guys represent our program well and I'm excited for the future."

KWU led 14-0 just 4:29 into the game needing just five players to score twice, McNair hitting Backus with scoring passes of 25 and 45 yards.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/60e7fb5a-1ba8-4264-99f7-33b41085fd44?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Zarek Fewell's</a>&nbsp;42-yard touchdown run capped a four-play drive and made it 21-0 with 8:17 left in the quarter.

Sterling was able to stem the tide, though.

"They started packing the box a little bit and weren't pressing our outsides so our receivers weren't one-on-one anymore," Allsman said. "They got right in their face and took away the deep balls.

"I wouldn't say that we got complacent, we just weren't executing like we started the game."

The Coyotes finished with 377 total yards - 199 passing, 178 rushing. McNair was 14 of 20 with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Fewell had 70 yards rushing on 12 carries.

Sterling had 217 total yards - 169 passing and 48 rushing. Linebacker&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/73bf34b6-7207-4780-8ad0-e951c6b8dcd3?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Ricco Moore</a>&nbsp;had 11 tackles for KWU in his final game and the Coyotes sacked Baptista five times. He was 10 of 24 passing, one touchdown and three interceptions.

"The defense played absolutely out of their minds," Allsman said. "They were doing their thing."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f5211cfc-1bf1-4017-bf2b-500727e686bb?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Nick Allsman</a>&nbsp;ended his career as a Kansas Wesleyan Coyote the best way possible.Playing his final college football game on Senior Day, Allsman rushed for 109 yards on 19 carries that helped KWU overcome six turnovers and defeat Sterling 24-13 Saturday afternoon at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex."I've been here four years, I owe a lot to the program," said Allsman, who transferred to KWU from William Jewell four years ago. "The part that keeps coming back is the guys, the teammates, the memories, the bonds that you make. I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for coach (Matt) Myers, Kansas Wesleyan and the football program.""We love Nick here, he's a great kid," Myers said. "Excited for his future and what he's going to do next. I'm glad he got the job done; it was good to see."The Coyotes (8-3) claimed a share of the Kansas Conference's Bissell Division with Ottawa with 4-1 records but the Braves, who lost to Tabor 31-28 Saturday, will advance to NAIA postseason play virtue of defeating KWU a week earlier.A rout appeared in the offing early on as the Coyotes scored on their first three possessions, the first two on passes from&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/29e11e5c-19c0-4528-b7ff-87f886741307?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Byron McNair</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1f65c8a9-ff0d-4330-8dd4-dec84de64cc8?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Jacob Backus</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/97332c16-af39-4e3c-a589-999997f48442?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Zarek Fewell's</a>&nbsp;long run that gave them a quick 21-0 lead.Sterling (2-9, 1-4 Bissell) changed its defensive approach and slowed the Coyotes' attack. They did not score again until&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a36190c-a4b4-4689-8b30-db81547dc484?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Talon Cope</a>&nbsp;made a game-clinching 39-yard field goal with 1:43 left in the game.Turnovers were the issue - three interceptions and three fumbles, four turnovers in the second quarter."I don't know how many teams win football games when they turn the ball over six times," Allsman said with a laugh. "This is the first one I've been part of it."The Warriors took advantage of two of the turnovers by scoring both of their touchdowns in the second quarter. The second came with 51 seconds left in the half on a 49-yard pass on fourth down, Rocklin Baptista to Myreik Goodwin-Lagree, but KWU blocked the extra point and led 21-13 at the break.Wesleyan's defense, as it has done so often this season, stepped up the second half and stuffed Sterling's offense. The Warriors managed just 69 total yards the final 30 minute - 29 yards rushing, 40 passing - and the Coyotes intercepted two passes.Myers was pleased that his team was able to overcome the mistakes."Every once and while you need to battle something to see if you're tough enough and gritty enough and have what it takes to stay in games and win games," he said. "I'm happy and proud of those guys, the seniors. Those guys represent our program well and I'm excited for the future."KWU led 14-0 just 4:29 into the game needing just five players to score twice, McNair hitting Backus with scoring passes of 25 and 45 yards.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/60e7fb5a-1ba8-4264-99f7-33b41085fd44?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Zarek Fewell's</a>&nbsp;42-yard touchdown run capped a four-play drive and made it 21-0 with 8:17 left in the quarter.Sterling was able to stem the tide, though."They started packing the box a little bit and weren't pressing our outsides so our receivers weren't one-on-one anymore," Allsman said. "They got right in their face and took away the deep balls."I wouldn't say that we got complacent, we just weren't executing like we started the game."The Coyotes finished with 377 total yards - 199 passing, 178 rushing. McNair was 14 of 20 with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Fewell had 70 yards rushing on 12 carries.Sterling had 217 total yards - 169 passing and 48 rushing. Linebacker&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/73bf34b6-7207-4780-8ad0-e951c6b8dcd3?elinkdata=2707" target="_blank">Ricco Moore</a>&nbsp;had 11 tackles for KWU in his final game and the Coyotes sacked Baptista five times. He was 10 of 24 passing, one touchdown and three interceptions."The defense played absolutely out of their minds," Allsman said. "They were doing their thing."

Coyotes strike early, hang on to beat Sterling, claim share of division championship

NORTH NEWTON - Kansas Wesleyan held off a second half rally by the William Woods Owls on Friday night in the Bethel College Classic for an 81-79 win inside Thresher Gym.

The victory bumped the Coyotes to 3-2 on the season heading into Saturday afternoon's tilt with Peru State at 3 p.m. at Thresher Gym.

Wesleyan led by 13 points at 60-47 with 12:10 left in the game when William Woods would start its rally. The Owls cut it to seven at 63-56 with 8:52 left, and got within a point at 71-70 with 2:32 to go.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e8bf036c-5841-4b4f-aa08-fc7f6692def1?elinkdata=2665" target="_blank">Easton Hunter's</a>&nbsp;basket with 2:12 left put the Coyotes up three, but William Woods tied it at 73-all with 1:53 to go. The Owls took a brief 76-75 lead before&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3531861-a7e4-4edc-bbab-127713d72a1c?elinkdata=2665" target="_blank">Alex Littlejohn</a>&nbsp;scored it to put the Coyotes up by a point and Hunter's free throw with nine seconds left put the Coyotes up four at 80-76.

The Owls hit a 3-pointer to get within a point with four seconds left, but&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/05c46fe2-a45c-4efd-a9eb-4afeeae03044?elinkdata=2665" target="_blank">Jun Murdock</a>&nbsp;hit one of two free throws with two seconds left to give the Coyotes the two-point win.

The first half was back and forth and was tied at 24 when the Coyotes made a run.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/353f3886-0107-4da4-afc3-a8ba12f8a540?elinkdata=2665" target="_blank">Thurbil Bile's</a>&nbsp;dunk off a steal by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d630ff72-7b0d-41df-baac-c65d58a339f3?elinkdata=2665" target="_blank">Cory Kaplan</a>&nbsp;ignited an 8-0 run for the Coyotes to make it 32-24 with 4:43 to go in the half. The Coyotes pushed the lead out to 15 making it a 18-3 run with 2:33 left on free throws by Murdock.

The Coyotes pushed the lead back out to as much as 14 with 14:17 left in the second half, but could not break free of the Owls. Wesleyan led 65-56 with 8:29 to go marking the last time the Coyotes held a double-digit lead in the game.

Littlejohn led the Coyotes with another double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. He also finished with three assists and three steals. Kaplan added 16, Hunter 12, Murdock 11 and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/061fdf85-4f75-4300-bcce-2a4245af7826?elinkdata=2665" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;had 10 off the bench. The Coyotes were 26 of 49 shooting for 53.1 percent in the game.

NORTH NEWTON - Kansas Wesleyan held off a second half rally by the William Woods Owls on Friday night in the Bethel College Classic for an 81-79 win inside Thresher Gym.The victory bumped the Coyotes to 3-2 on the season heading into Saturday afternoon's tilt with Peru State at 3 p.m. at Thresher Gym.Wesleyan led by 13 points at 60-47 with 12:10 left in the game when William Woods would start its rally. The Owls cut it to seven at 63-56 with 8:52 left, and got within a point at 71-70 with 2:32 to go.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e8bf036c-5841-4b4f-aa08-fc7f6692def1?elinkdata=2665" target="_blank">Easton Hunter's</a>&nbsp;basket with 2:12 left put the Coyotes up three, but William Woods tied it at 73-all with 1:53 to go. The Owls took a brief 76-75 lead before&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3531861-a7e4-4edc-bbab-127713d72a1c?elinkdata=2665" target="_blank">Alex Littlejohn</a>&nbsp;scored it to put the Coyotes up by a point and Hunter's free throw with nine seconds left put the Coyotes up four at 80-76.The Owls hit a 3-pointer to get within a point with four seconds left, but&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/05c46fe2-a45c-4efd-a9eb-4afeeae03044?elinkdata=2665" target="_blank">Jun Murdock</a>&nbsp;hit one of two free throws with two seconds left to give the Coyotes the two-point win.The first half was back and forth and was tied at 24 when the Coyotes made a run.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/353f3886-0107-4da4-afc3-a8ba12f8a540?elinkdata=2665" target="_blank">Thurbil Bile's</a>&nbsp;dunk off a steal by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d630ff72-7b0d-41df-baac-c65d58a339f3?elinkdata=2665" target="_blank">Cory Kaplan</a>&nbsp;ignited an 8-0 run for the Coyotes to make it 32-24 with 4:43 to go in the half. The Coyotes pushed the lead out to 15 making it a 18-3 run with 2:33 left on free throws by Murdock.Wesleyan led 44-36 at the break.The Coyotes pushed the lead back out to as much as 14 with 14:17 left in the second half, but could not break free of the Owls. Wesleyan led 65-56 with 8:29 to go marking the last time the Coyotes held a double-digit lead in the game.Littlejohn led the Coyotes with another double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. He also finished with three assists and three steals. Kaplan added 16, Hunter 12, Murdock 11 and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/061fdf85-4f75-4300-bcce-2a4245af7826?elinkdata=2665" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;had 10 off the bench. The Coyotes were 26 of 49 shooting for 53.1 percent in the game.

KWU Men's Basketball holds on to beat William Woods 81-79

Four of our area teams took part in KSHSAA state quarterfinal games on Friday and when the dust settled, two will be moving on to the semifinal round next week.

You can find the results of those games below

Four of our area teams took part in KSHSAA state quarterfinal games on Friday and when the dust settled, two will be moving on to the semifinal round next week.You can find the results of those games below<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699810176540.png" alt="Wamego defeats Wellington" />
 <figcaption>Wamego defeats Wellington</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699810205890.png" alt="SES falls to Hoisington" />
 <figcaption>SES falls to Hoisington</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699810225510.png" alt="Ellsworth falls to Norton" />
 <figcaption>Ellsworth falls to Norton</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699810248556.png" alt="Ell-Saline defeats Hoxie" />
 <figcaption>Ell-Saline defeats Hoxie</figcaption>
 </figure>

Area HS Football Scores: State Quarterfinals

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard became the all-time leader in touchdown passes in Kansas State history, leading the Wildcats past Baylor 59-19 on Saturday afternoon.

Howard was 19-of-29 for 235 yards and three touchdowns. He moved past Josh Freeman with 45 career touchdown passes. It was Howard's fifth game this season with at least three TD passes, tying Freeman for the school record.

Kansas State (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) has scored at least 40 points in all six home games (6-0) this season.

Blake Shapen was was 22-of-45 for 253 yards and four touchdowns for Baylor (3-7, 2-5 Big 12).

K-State extended its 35-13 halftime lead early in the third quarter on a 33-yard field goal by Chris Tennant.

Shapen hit Drake Dabney for a 63-yard touchdown. After a pair of laterals, Shapen found Dabney, who eluded the K-State defense. The Wildcats responded with a nine-play, 73-yard touchdown drive, capped by Treshaun Ward's 4-yard run.

Keenan Garber then picked off Shapen and returned it 45 yards for a pick-6.

Avery Johnson hit Garrett Oakley and Shapen hit Monaray Baldwin for K-State's final touchdowns.

K-State took the opening kickoff and scored on a 19-yard screen pass from Howard to DJ Giddens, capping a 12-play, 81-yard drive. But Baylor responded immediately with a five-play, 72-yard drive to tie it. Shapen found Dawson Pendergrass for a 13-yard touchdown.

Howard found Ben Sinnott in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown as the Wildcats regained the lead, 14-7.

Desmond Purnell scored a defensive touchdown to extend the lead to 21-7. Cody Stufflebean hit Shapen from behind, forcing a fumble that Purnell picked up and ran 15 yards untouched into the end zone.

Howard then plunged in from the 1-yard line on fourth down early in the second quarter to add to the lead. Things only got worse for Baylor. Palmer Williams fumbled the snap on a punt and was tackled at the 2. Howard then found Christian Moore on a 2-yard pass for a 35-7 lead with 13:07 left in the half. Howard's third TD pass of the game gave him the career mark.

After Josh Cameron's 70-yard punt return set up Baylor at the K-State 16, Shapen hit Pendergrass on a 1-yard TD pass. The 2-point conversion failed.

Baylor: The Bears hit the road for the final time this season with a game at TCU.

Kansas State: The Wildcats will face in-state rival Kansas in Lawrence, Kan.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard became the all-time leader in touchdown passes in Kansas State history, leading the Wildcats past Baylor 59-19 on Saturday afternoon.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Game changers <a href="https://t.co/HfFh4Jdlz2">pic.twitter.com/HfFh4Jdlz2</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1723495095310176743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Howard was 19-of-29 for 235 yards and three touchdowns. He moved past Josh Freeman with 45 career touchdown passes. It was Howard's fifth game this season with at least three TD passes, tying Freeman for the school record.Kansas State (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) has scored at least 40 points in all six home games (6-0) this season.Blake Shapen was was 22-of-45 for 253 yards and four touchdowns for Baylor (3-7, 2-5 Big 12).K-State extended its 35-13 halftime lead early in the third quarter on a 33-yard field goal by Chris Tennant.Shapen hit Drake Dabney for a 63-yard touchdown. After a pair of laterals, Shapen found Dabney, who eluded the K-State defense. The Wildcats responded with a nine-play, 73-yard touchdown drive, capped by Treshaun Ward's 4-yard run.Keenan Garber then picked off Shapen and returned it 45 yards for a pick-6.Avery Johnson hit Garrett Oakley and Shapen hit Monaray Baldwin for K-State's final touchdowns.K-State took the opening kickoff and scored on a 19-yard screen pass from Howard to DJ Giddens, capping a 12-play, 81-yard drive. But Baylor responded immediately with a five-play, 72-yard drive to tie it. Shapen found Dawson Pendergrass for a 13-yard touchdown.Howard found Ben Sinnott in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown as the Wildcats regained the lead, 14-7.Desmond Purnell scored a defensive touchdown to extend the lead to 21-7. Cody Stufflebean hit Shapen from behind, forcing a fumble that Purnell picked up and ran 15 yards untouched into the end zone.Howard then plunged in from the 1-yard line on fourth down early in the second quarter to add to the lead. Things only got worse for Baylor. Palmer Williams fumbled the snap on a punt and was tackled at the 2. Howard then found Christian Moore on a 2-yard pass for a 35-7 lead with 13:07 left in the half. Howard's third TD pass of the game gave him the career mark.After Josh Cameron's 70-yard punt return set up Baylor at the K-State 16, Shapen hit Pendergrass on a 1-yard TD pass. The 2-point conversion failed.UP NEXT:Baylor: The Bears hit the road for the final time this season with a game at TCU.Kansas State: The Wildcats will face in-state rival Kansas in Lawrence, Kan.

Will Howard sets K-State TD pass record, Wildcats dominate Baylor 

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Gino Garcia hit a game-winning 30-yard field goal with 3 seconds to play and Texas Tech upset No. 19 Kansas 16-13 on Saturday as the Jayhawks struggled after losing quarterback Jason Bean in the first half.

Behren Morton completed passes of 16, 14 and 32 yards as Texas Tech went 63 yards in 20 seconds to set up the game-deciding kick.

“Those were day one installs,” Morton said. “Jerand (Bradley) went up and got that last ball and I just tried to put it where only he could get it.”

Tahj Brooks ran for 133 yards and a touchdown as the Red Raiders (5-5, 4-3 Big 12) came back after Kansas (7-3, 4-3) tied the game on a 22-yard field goal by Seth Keller with 26 seconds left in regulation.

“We go up against our defense every day so I had faith they'd do the job,” Brooks said. “They came up big for us with those stops.”

Texas Tech stopped Kansas after they had several chances to score inside the 10-yard line and take the lead.

“We battled and found a way to tie it up late but credit them for driving down the field,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “Our defense found a way to get stops and responded well when challenged. Offensively, I don’t think we ever fully got set today.”

Texas Tech opened a 10-0 lead in the first quarter as Brooks scored early in a 5-yard TD run. Garcia added a 32-yard field goal late in the quarter.

The Red Raiders extended their lead to 13-0 early in the third quarter on Garcia's second field goal before Kansas got back in the game on a Devin Neal 60-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.

The Jayhawks marched 71 yards later in the fourth quarter and got within three points on a 24-yard field goal by Keller. He tied the game late but Texas Tech found a way to win as Morton was 19 of 25 for 176 yards.

Bean went down with an injury in the second quarter and returned for just one drive the rest of the game. Cole Ballard finished up and was 9 of 20 for 124 yards and an interception.

Texas Tech is a win away from being bowl eligible.

“We haven't been able to win on the road this year, we've played well, but haven't got many wins to show for it,” Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said. “Kansas is a good team and now we need one more win to make it to a bowl.”

Texas Tech: Their run game was too much for the Jayhawk defense to handle in the first half, but their offense struggled in the second half before the winning drive in the final minute.

Kansas: Without their quarterback, Kansas struggled to move the ball and had its Big 12 Conference hopes smashed.

Texas Tech: Returns home to face UCF next Saturday.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Gino Garcia hit a game-winning 30-yard field goal with 3 seconds to play and Texas Tech upset No. 19 Kansas 16-13 on Saturday as the Jayhawks struggled after losing quarterback Jason Bean in the first half.Behren Morton completed passes of 16, 14 and 32 yards as Texas Tech went 63 yards in 20 seconds to set up the game-deciding kick.“Those were day one installs,” Morton said. “Jerand (Bradley) went up and got that last ball and I just tried to put it where only he could get it.”Tahj Brooks ran for 133 yards and a touchdown as the Red Raiders (5-5, 4-3 Big 12) came back after Kansas (7-3, 4-3) tied the game on a 22-yard field goal by Seth Keller with 26 seconds left in regulation.“We go up against our defense every day so I had faith they'd do the job,” Brooks said. “They came up big for us with those stops.”Texas Tech stopped Kansas after they had several chances to score inside the 10-yard line and take the lead.“We battled and found a way to tie it up late but credit them for driving down the field,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “Our defense found a way to get stops and responded well when challenged. Offensively, I don’t think we ever fully got set today.”Texas Tech opened a 10-0 lead in the first quarter as Brooks scored early in a 5-yard TD run. Garcia added a 32-yard field goal late in the quarter.The Red Raiders extended their lead to 13-0 early in the third quarter on Garcia's second field goal before Kansas got back in the game on a Devin Neal 60-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.The Jayhawks marched 71 yards later in the fourth quarter and got within three points on a 24-yard field goal by Keller. He tied the game late but Texas Tech found a way to win as Morton was 19 of 25 for 176 yards.Bean went down with an injury in the second quarter and returned for just one drive the rest of the game. Cole Ballard finished up and was 9 of 20 for 124 yards and an interception.Texas Tech is a win away from being bowl eligible.“We haven't been able to win on the road this year, we've played well, but haven't got many wins to show for it,” Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said. “Kansas is a good team and now we need one more win to make it to a bowl.”THE TAKEAWAYTexas Tech: Their run game was too much for the Jayhawk defense to handle in the first half, but their offense struggled in the second half before the winning drive in the final minute.Kansas: Without their quarterback, Kansas struggled to move the ball and had its Big 12 Conference hopes smashed.UP NEXTTexas Tech: Returns home to face UCF next Saturday.

Texas Tech upsets No. 19 Kansas

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

Earlier this week it was reported that after 15 seasons, Salina South and long-time head coach Sam Sellers would be parting ways.

Sellers assumed head coaching duties midway through the 2009 campaign and led the Cougars to a stretch of three consecutive ten-win seasons from 2012-2014, including several deep playoff runs.

In a public statement, the administration of South High said “We would like to offer our sincere thanks to Coach Sellers for his many years of dedicated service to our student-athletes and our athletic program at Salina South High School.”

Reached for comment, the long-time head coach reminisced about how much his time as the leader of the Cougars meant to him.

“I bleed green and gold and I love everything about South High,” Sellers said. “Not just the football program but all of our students and activities. It’s crazy how fast time goes but if I had a time machine I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier this week it was reported that after 15 seasons, Salina South and long-time head coach Sam Sellers would be parting ways.Sellers assumed head coaching duties midway through the 2009 campaign and led the Cougars to a stretch of three consecutive ten-win seasons from 2012-2014, including several deep playoff runs.In a public statement, the administration of South High said “We would like to offer our sincere thanks to Coach Sellers for his many years of dedicated service to our student-athletes and our athletic program at Salina South High School.”Reached for comment, the long-time head coach reminisced about how much his time as the leader of the Cougars meant to him.“I bleed green and gold and I love everything about South High,” Sellers said. “Not just the football program but all of our students and activities. It’s crazy how fast time goes but if I had a time machine I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

Salina South, Sam Sellers Part Ways After 15 Seasons

The Southeast of Saline Trojans battled their hearts out on Friday night, but another magical undefeated season came to an end in the quarterfinals, this time at the hands of Hoisington 49-42.

The Cardinals (11-0) will advance to the 2A semifinals to take on Norton (11-0), while Southeast’s campaign comes to a close at 10-1.

This game was a shootout from the very beginning, as the two teams traded punches early and often, with Hoisington holding a 16-14 lead at the end of the first, and a 35-28 lead at the intermission.

Both defenses tightened the screws a bit in the second half, with each side scoring just one time in the third quarter, including an explosive 37-yard touchdown connection from Daniel Kejr to Grady Gebhardt to make it 42-36 after three.

It didn’t take long for Hoisington to respond however, as the Cardinals punched in another touchdown run, their sixth of the day, to take a 49-36 lead early in the fourth.

The Trojans would cut that deficit back down to seven on a 17-yard touchdown pass to Wyatt Boyd in the final five minutes, but their defense couldn’t get off the field and the Cardinals were able to waste away the clock to secure the quarterfinal victory.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Southeast of Saline Trojans battled their hearts out on Friday night, but another magical undefeated season came to an end in the quarterfinals, this time at the hands of Hoisington 49-42.The Cardinals (11-0) will advance to the 2A semifinals to take on Norton (11-0), while Southeast’s campaign comes to a close at 10-1.This game was a shootout from the very beginning, as the two teams traded punches early and often, with Hoisington holding a 16-14 lead at the end of the first, and a 35-28 lead at the intermission.Both defenses tightened the screws a bit in the second half, with each side scoring just one time in the third quarter, including an explosive 37-yard touchdown connection from Daniel Kejr to Grady Gebhardt to make it 42-36 after three.It didn’t take long for Hoisington to respond however, as the Cardinals punched in another touchdown run, their sixth of the day, to take a 49-36 lead early in the fourth.The Trojans would cut that deficit back down to seven on a 17-yard touchdown pass to Wyatt Boyd in the final five minutes, but their defense couldn’t get off the field and the Cardinals were able to waste away the clock to secure the quarterfinal victory.All told, the #1 scoring offense in Class 2A ran for 280 yards as part of a night that saw them rack up over 430 yards of total offense, and 49 points, all high watermarks against the SES defense.In his final game for the purple and white, Daniel Kejr was excellent, completing 20-33 for over 400 yards and five touchdowns despite two picks.This game also marks the end of a remarkable run for yet another stellar senior class, who put together a four-year stretch that saw SES go 41-4 with four trips to the state quarterfinals, and a trip to the state semis in 2022.Photo courtesy of Macy Bunch