By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

In week seven of the 2024 season, Salina South defeated Haysville-Campus 42-23.

That win snapped a 30-game losing streak stretching back to 2021, and while cause for celebration, was the highlight of an otherwise 1-9 campaign, marking a decade since the last winning season at Salina South.

For those who only follow high school football through box scores and social media, the steady progress the Cougars have made could be easy to miss, but things aren’t the way they were for the green and gold, and that progress has begun with a change in mindset.

“I think we’re really close to having the football culture where we’d like it to be here,” second-year head coach Christien Ozores said. “Our coaches have done a lot of work over the offseason, not just getting kids stronger physically but mentally as well. Trying to fix attitude, behavior, mindset, things like that. Hopefully, we can get this thing turned around. I know we have a challenging schedule, but I think we’re going to sneak up on some people.”

The 2024 season had massive obstacles from the very beginning. The team played 13 sophomores and 11 juniors, implemented its third different defensive scheme in as many years, and had to go through all the growing pains a young team with a new head coach would in one of the most competitive leagues in the state of Kansas.

While a 1-9 season isn’t enough to move the needle considerably, the swarm of returning Cougars who make up this year’s team has leveled up physically and mentally, and should be far more prepared to take on the challenges that lie ahead with a new intensity.

“From a mental standpoint, we have more confidence,” Ozores said. “Our guys have bought into being close to each other and doing the right things on and off the field, and it’s made a difference.”

On the field, the Cougars will be led by a quarterback tandem of sophomore Izzy Telles and senior Aiden Spellman, who each bring a unique skill set to the table.

In the trenches, the Cougars have hit the weight room with three of their returning starters combining to put on 65 lbs this offseason.

That group will work to carve a path for returning back Armane Redmond in the ground game, and look to buy time for South’s quarterbacks to find talented receivers like Jaxon Myers, Jay Curtis, Kolton Herbal, Kobie Henley, and Jaxton Kitchener.

“We have a few guys that have moved to different positions and into the spots we feel fit best with our system,” he said. “That can be a big change but the kids are doing a good job of making adjustments and playing fast and physical.”

On defense, the Cougars will start just one underclassman in sophomore defensive tackle Corbin Beason, who started in the majority of games his freshman year and who has also added 20 pounds this offseason.

Beason will join Jayven Correa-Brown and Conner Riley in the trenches, backed up by the experienced linebacking corps of Jaxon Anthony, Gabe Wheelbarger, Maddox Girard and Ra’Shawn Jones.

In the secondary, Kobie Henley and Landon Huffman return at safety, while Caden Stauffer and Jalen Cheeks work to lock up receivers from the corner positions.

“Our kids feel more comfortable being in the same defensive system for the first time in three years,” Ozores said. We still want to tackle better, we need to be more physical, and we need more sacks and turnovers; all of those will be big points of emphasis this season.”

With another season of learning experiences under their belts, and another offseason in the weight room, the Cougars could very well be primed to take the next step this season if they can put all the pieces together.

“I think we can sneak up on a lot of teams and I’m sure we’ll be underestimated but we have to use our experience to our advantage,” he said. “These kids have so much experience, now, hopefully we can establish that winning mindset.”

The Cougars open their 2025 season in Salina with cross-town rival Salina Central.

This year’s Mayor’s Cup matchup will be broadcast with live video and audio commentary on Salina Post.

Full 2025 Football Schedule 9/5 - vs. Salina Central 9/12 - at Maize South 9/19 - at Derby 9/26 - at Hutch 10/3 - vs. Valley Center 10/10 - at Goddard 10/17 - vs. Haysville Campus 10/24 - vs. Maize

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostIn week seven of the 2024 season, Salina South defeated Haysville-Campus 42-23.That win snapped a 30-game losing streak stretching back to 2021, and while cause for celebration, was the highlight of an otherwise 1-9 campaign, marking a decade since the last winning season at Salina South.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.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>For those who only follow high school football through box scores and social media, the steady progress the Cougars have made could be easy to miss, but things aren’t the way they were for the green and gold, and that progress has begun with a change in mindset.“I think we’re really close to having the football culture where we’d like it to be here,” second-year head coach Christien Ozores said. “Our coaches have done a lot of work over the offseason, not just getting kids stronger physically but mentally as well. Trying to fix attitude, behavior, mindset, things like that. Hopefully, we can get this thing turned around. I know we have a challenging schedule, but I think we’re going to sneak up on some people.”The 2024 season had massive obstacles from the very beginning. The team played 13 sophomores and 11 juniors, implemented its third different defensive scheme in as many years, and had to go through all the growing pains a young team with a new head coach would in one of the most competitive leagues in the state of Kansas.While a 1-9 season isn’t enough to move the needle considerably, the swarm of returning Cougars who make up this year’s team has leveled up physically and mentally, and should be far more prepared to take on the challenges that lie ahead with a new intensity.“From a mental standpoint, we have more confidence,” Ozores said. “Our guys have bought into being close to each other and doing the right things on and off the field, and it’s made a difference.”On the field, the Cougars will be led by a quarterback tandem of sophomore Izzy Telles and senior Aiden Spellman, who each bring a unique skill set to the table.In the trenches, the Cougars have hit the weight room with three of their returning starters combining to put on 65 lbs this offseason.That group will work to carve a path for returning back Armane Redmond in the ground game, and look to buy time for South’s quarterbacks to find talented receivers like Jaxon Myers, Jay Curtis, Kolton Herbal, Kobie Henley, and Jaxton Kitchener.“We have a few guys that have moved to different positions and into the spots we feel fit best with our system,” he said. “That can be a big change but the kids are doing a good job of making adjustments and playing fast and physical.”On defense, the Cougars will start just one underclassman in sophomore defensive tackle Corbin Beason, who started in the majority of games his freshman year and who has also added 20 pounds this offseason.Beason will join Jayven Correa-Brown and Conner Riley in the trenches, backed up by the experienced linebacking corps of Jaxon Anthony, Gabe Wheelbarger, Maddox Girard and Ra’Shawn Jones.In the secondary, Kobie Henley and Landon Huffman return at safety, while Caden Stauffer and Jalen Cheeks work to lock up receivers from the corner positions.“Our kids feel more comfortable being in the same defensive system for the first time in three years,” Ozores said. We still want to tackle better, we need to be more physical, and we need more sacks and turnovers; all of those will be big points of emphasis this season.”With another season of learning experiences under their belts, and another offseason in the weight room, the Cougars could very well be primed to take the next step this season if they can put all the pieces together.“I think we can sneak up on a lot of teams and I’m sure we’ll be underestimated but we have to use our experience to our advantage,” he said. “These kids have so much experience, now, hopefully we can establish that winning mindset.”The Cougars open their 2025 season in Salina with cross-town rival Salina Central.This year’s Mayor’s Cup matchup will be broadcast with live video and audio commentary on Salina Post.Full 2025 Football Schedule 9/5 - vs. Salina Central 9/12 - at Maize South 9/19 - at Derby 9/26 - at Hutch 10/3 - vs. Valley Center 10/10 - at Goddard 10/17 - vs. Haysville Campus 10/24 - vs. Maize

🏈 Stronger, seasoned Salina South looking to level up in year two of Ozores era

There’s a saying at Salina Central High School: Pressure is Privilege.

That statement rings especially true following a 4-5 season where the Mustangs felt they left a lot on the table, finishing without a playoff win for a second-straight season.

Despite all that, and the graduation of excellent talents like Jack Gordon, Tate Gary, Isaiah White, James Mackinney, and Tyrus Young, expectations are still riding high for the Mustangs in 2025 with a veteran-heavy squad brimming with talent.

“There’s a lot to be excited about this year,” Central head coach Mark Sandbo said. “We have great leadership with 19 seniors, and we’ve got great numbers out for football. You can do a lot of good things in 5A football with a senior group that big, and these guys have come through our system and spent a lot of time with us, they’re geared up and ready to go.”

For the Mustangs to return from good to great, they’ll need to clean things up across the board, from penalties to turnovers to simple miscues, but for a team that was two plays away from finishing 6-3 last season, there’s good reason to think brighter days are ahead for Salina Central.

“We’ve gotta stay healthy, and we need to play clean,” Sandbo said. “We were inconsistent last year, and that falls on my shoulders. I didn’t do a good enough job of preparing our guys for those situations and that pressure and I think we’re going to be a lot cleaner this year.”

That level of accountability is what Salina has come to expect from Sandbo, who enters his eighth season at Central with a 38-29 record, seven Mayor’s Cup wins, and three postseason victories.

While the Mustang’s floor feels very high this season, their ceiling will likely hinge on the play of junior quarterback Griffin Hall, who takes the reins from Jack Gordon.

“If you were to recruit a guy for what we like to do it would be a guy like Griffin,” Sandbo said. “The guys who have had a lot of success in our system mirror his abilities and intangibles. He’s a great thrower, he’s dynamic with the football and he’s a high-IQ player that makes good decisions. He checks all of those boxes and he’s a terrific leader as well.”

Hall will have a wealth of talent around him, including returning 1,400-yard rusher Cooper Reves, and stellar wideouts like Bodie Rodriguez, Noah Peck, Keaton Smith and Gannon Cole.

All of this will run behind an offensive line that averages 290 lbs on its left side, anchored by 4-star left tackle Kaden Snyder, who has committed to play football at Kansas University next season.

The defense will also be veteran-heavy, featuring just one underclassman on the starting 11, and six seniors returning to reclaim their starting roles.

“A lot of our strengths defensively are in the second level and on the back end, which hasn’t been the case for the last few years,” he said. “We have to replace guys like James Mackinney who are taking reps at Air Force this year but we have some newcomers and returning starters that we’re excited about.”

Connor Carter, Kytrell Johnson and Ryne Callahan will lead the charge in the trenches, while Grant Ostmeyer joins Jesus Delgado, Abram Owings and Grayton Gross in the linebacking corps.

Kory Serocki reprises his role at free safety, and will anchor a unit that stars Alex Garcia, Trae Wise, and Jeremiah Smith in patrolling the deepest parts of the field.

The combination of experienced veterans and talented newcomers has Central in an excellent position to take a step forward this season, and that confidence has spread throughout the locker room ahead of the new campaign.

“We can’t turn the ball over, we have to take care of the football, and we need to stay healthy. If we can do those three things, I think we have a chance to be really successful,” Sandbo said. “There are a lot of good football teams in 5A and there are years where I hope we never see them, but this year I think we can mix it up with anyone. Some things have to go our way but I think this could be a fun year.”

The Mustangs open their 2025 season in Salina with cross-town rival Salina South.

Full 2025 Football Schedule 9/5 - at Salina South 9/12 - vs. Ark City 9/19 - vs. Haysville Campus 9/26 - at Goddard-Eisenhower 10/3 - at Newton 10/10 - vs. Andover Central 10/17 - vs. Andover 10/24 - at Goddard

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThere’s a saying at Salina Central High School: Pressure is Privilege.That statement rings especially true following a 4-5 season where the Mustangs felt they left a lot on the table, finishing without a playoff win for a second-straight season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.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>Despite all that, and the graduation of excellent talents like Jack Gordon, Tate Gary, Isaiah White, James Mackinney, and Tyrus Young, expectations are still riding high for the Mustangs in 2025 with a veteran-heavy squad brimming with talent.“There’s a lot to be excited about this year,” Central head coach Mark Sandbo said. “We have great leadership with 19 seniors, and we’ve got great numbers out for football. You can do a lot of good things in 5A football with a senior group that big, and these guys have come through our system and spent a lot of time with us, they’re geared up and ready to go.”For the Mustangs to return from good to great, they’ll need to clean things up across the board, from penalties to turnovers to simple miscues, but for a team that was two plays away from finishing 6-3 last season, there’s good reason to think brighter days are ahead for Salina Central.“We’ve gotta stay healthy, and we need to play clean,” Sandbo said. “We were inconsistent last year, and that falls on my shoulders. I didn’t do a good enough job of preparing our guys for those situations and that pressure and I think we’re going to be a lot cleaner this year.”That level of accountability is what Salina has come to expect from Sandbo, who enters his eighth season at Central with a 38-29 record, seven Mayor’s Cup wins, and three postseason victories.While the Mustang’s floor feels very high this season, their ceiling will likely hinge on the play of junior quarterback Griffin Hall, who takes the reins from Jack Gordon.“If you were to recruit a guy for what we like to do it would be a guy like Griffin,” Sandbo said. “The guys who have had a lot of success in our system mirror his abilities and intangibles. He’s a great thrower, he’s dynamic with the football and he’s a high-IQ player that makes good decisions. He checks all of those boxes and he’s a terrific leader as well.”Hall will have a wealth of talent around him, including returning 1,400-yard rusher Cooper Reves, and stellar wideouts like Bodie Rodriguez, Noah Peck, Keaton Smith and Gannon Cole.All of this will run behind an offensive line that averages 290 lbs on its left side, anchored by 4-star left tackle Kaden Snyder, who has committed to play football at Kansas University next season.The defense will also be veteran-heavy, featuring just one underclassman on the starting 11, and six seniors returning to reclaim their starting roles.“A lot of our strengths defensively are in the second level and on the back end, which hasn’t been the case for the last few years,” he said. “We have to replace guys like James Mackinney who are taking reps at Air Force this year but we have some newcomers and returning starters that we’re excited about.”Connor Carter, Kytrell Johnson and Ryne Callahan will lead the charge in the trenches, while Grant Ostmeyer joins Jesus Delgado, Abram Owings and Grayton Gross in the linebacking corps.Kory Serocki reprises his role at free safety, and will anchor a unit that stars Alex Garcia, Trae Wise, and Jeremiah Smith in patrolling the deepest parts of the field.The combination of experienced veterans and talented newcomers has Central in an excellent position to take a step forward this season, and that confidence has spread throughout the locker room ahead of the new campaign.“We can’t turn the ball over, we have to take care of the football, and we need to stay healthy. If we can do those three things, I think we have a chance to be really successful,” Sandbo said. “There are a lot of good football teams in 5A and there are years where I hope we never see them, but this year I think we can mix it up with anyone. Some things have to go our way but I think this could be a fun year.”The Mustangs open their 2025 season in Salina with cross-town rival Salina South.This year’s Mayor’s Cup matchup will be broadcast with live video and audio commentary on Salina Post.Full 2025 Football Schedule 9/5 - at Salina South 9/12 - vs. Ark City 9/19 - vs. Haysville Campus 9/26 - at Goddard-Eisenhower 10/3 - at Newton 10/10 - vs. Andover Central 10/17 - vs. Andover 10/24 - at Goddard

🏈 With new QB under center, Central eyes return from good to great

The Abilene Cowboys found themselves in a bit of a reloading season in 2024, experiencing growing pains at several key positions throughout a 3-6 campaign that left many, including those in the locker room, wanting more.

With those challenges behind them, and a slew of returning stars on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys are primed and ready to return to their winning ways in 2025, with a senior-heavy roster and a clearer path to success.

“I love the progression that we’ve made over the offseason,” Abilene head coach Brad Nicks said. “We have 14 great seniors who have been staples in this program since they were freshmen, and all of them should play a big role in the season ahead.”

That colossal senior class begins with quarterback Taygen Funston, whose dual-threat abilities posed a real challenge for opposing defenses.

Several of Funston’s favorite targets return to this offense as well, including Levi Evans, Heath and Lane Hoekman, Jaxon Cuba and Noah Wilkins.

The backfield will be familiar to Abilene fans, led by the tandem of Lane Hoekman and Davyn Cuba, but running behind a mostly new offensive line.

“Line play for us is where everything starts,” Nicks said. “You don’t replace guys like the ones we lost easily, but I feel really good about the guys we have who are stepping into those roles.”

Those newcomers include a familiar name in Cael Casteel, who joins his brother Pierce on the line, and a fresh senior in Bradyn Blake, who set a new standard in the weight room with a squat max of over 500 pounds.

On defense, the veteran presence is even more pronounced, with Taygen Funston, Lane Hoekman, Kayden Thrower, and Levi Evans reprising their roles in the secondary, and Jaxon Cuba, Kash Hargrave, and Ethan Evans all returning to fill out the linebacking corps.

Even on a D-Line that lost Devin Alvarez and Tyler Holloway, a pair of returners in Heath Hoekman and Jaxon Cuba bookend a unit that includes more veterans like Pierce Casteel and Jaelin Robinson on the interior.

“Our defensive strength is in our line,” Nicks said. “When you have bookends like Heath Hoekman and Jaxon Cuba, that’s a heck of a thing to anchor to, and we’ve got guys behind them that look really strong.”

While the 2024 season came with a learning curve, 2025 has been much smoother in preseason, something the Cowboys are confident will translate to the field in their first few weeks of the season.

“It’s been great to have so many guys back who know our systems,” he said. “Things have been very seamless with so many guys who played big roles for us. That’s allowed us to push beyond where we were a year ago, and it’s helped us push everyone on our roster from top to bottom.”

Many around the state have tempered their expectations for Abilene in 2025, but inside the locker room, standards remain high despite the gauntlet ahead.

“The kids have set the goal to be 7-1, and we still want to host a home playoff game. We’re trying to get back to where we were a few years back,” Nicks said. “We feel like we were two plays away from being 5-3 last season. Our kids are hungry, and I think we have good goals to chase this year.”

The Cowboys will have a chance to make a statement and begin the year with a bang when they host Clay Center this Friday, looking for their first win over the Tigers since 2018.

Full 2025 Football Schedule 9/5 - vs. Clay Center 9/12 - at Chapman 9/19 - at Concordia 9/26 - vs. Rock Creek 10/3 - at Marysville 10/10 - at Augusta 10/17 - vs. El Dorado 10/24 - vs. Wamego

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Abilene Cowboys found themselves in a bit of a reloading season in 2024, experiencing growing pains at several key positions throughout a 3-6 campaign that left many, including those in the locker room, wanting more.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.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>With those challenges behind them, and a slew of returning stars on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys are primed and ready to return to their winning ways in 2025, with a senior-heavy roster and a clearer path to success.“I love the progression that we’ve made over the offseason,” Abilene head coach Brad Nicks said. “We have 14 great seniors who have been staples in this program since they were freshmen, and all of them should play a big role in the season ahead.”That colossal senior class begins with quarterback Taygen Funston, whose dual-threat abilities posed a real challenge for opposing defenses.Several of Funston’s favorite targets return to this offense as well, including Levi Evans, Heath and Lane Hoekman, Jaxon Cuba and Noah Wilkins.The backfield will be familiar to Abilene fans, led by the tandem of Lane Hoekman and Davyn Cuba, but running behind a mostly new offensive line.“Line play for us is where everything starts,” Nicks said. “You don’t replace guys like the ones we lost easily, but I feel really good about the guys we have who are stepping into those roles.”Those newcomers include a familiar name in Cael Casteel, who joins his brother Pierce on the line, and a fresh senior in Bradyn Blake, who set a new standard in the weight room with a squat max of over 500 pounds.On defense, the veteran presence is even more pronounced, with Taygen Funston, Lane Hoekman, Kayden Thrower, and Levi Evans reprising their roles in the secondary, and Jaxon Cuba, Kash Hargrave, and Ethan Evans all returning to fill out the linebacking corps.Even on a D-Line that lost Devin Alvarez and Tyler Holloway, a pair of returners in Heath Hoekman and Jaxon Cuba bookend a unit that includes more veterans like Pierce Casteel and Jaelin Robinson on the interior.“Our defensive strength is in our line,” Nicks said. “When you have bookends like Heath Hoekman and Jaxon Cuba, that’s a heck of a thing to anchor to, and we’ve got guys behind them that look really strong.”While the 2024 season came with a learning curve, 2025 has been much smoother in preseason, something the Cowboys are confident will translate to the field in their first few weeks of the season.“It’s been great to have so many guys back who know our systems,” he said. “Things have been very seamless with so many guys who played big roles for us. That’s allowed us to push beyond where we were a year ago, and it’s helped us push everyone on our roster from top to bottom.”Many around the state have tempered their expectations for Abilene in 2025, but inside the locker room, standards remain high despite the gauntlet ahead.“The kids have set the goal to be 7-1, and we still want to host a home playoff game. We’re trying to get back to where we were a few years back,” Nicks said. “We feel like we were two plays away from being 5-3 last season. Our kids are hungry, and I think we have good goals to chase this year.”The Cowboys will have a chance to make a statement and begin the year with a bang when they host Clay Center this Friday, looking for their first win over the Tigers since 2018.Full 2025 Football Schedule 9/5 - vs. Clay Center 9/12 - at Chapman 9/19 - at Concordia 9/26 - vs. Rock Creek 10/3 - at Marysville 10/10 - at Augusta 10/17 - vs. El Dorado 10/24 - vs. Wamego

🏈 Senior-heavy Cowboys maintain high expectations in 2025

After a trip to the 8-Man Division I semifinals in 2023 and a 7-1 finish to the regular season in 2024, the Ell-Saline Cardinals were primed and ready to make another deep playoff run.

The Cards dispatched Mankato-Rock Hills with ease in week nine, but saw their dreams washed out in the midst of a torrential downpour, and a shock 14-12 upset at the hands of the Madison Bulldogs.

Some programs would have simply wiped the slate clean then and there, hoping to put a game like that behind them, but for Ell-Saline, the sting of that defeat has become the fuel for a revenge tour.

“We are not ready to forget that game,” Ell-Saline head coach Joe Roche said. “We’ve been ready for this season to begin since a few days after the Madison game, and we do feel like we have unfinished business.”

That opportunity to right last year’s wrongs will be in the hands of many of the same players who were part of that second-round matchup, as Ell-Saline returns a slew of talented athletes on both sides of the ball.

Reese Krone reprises his role as the Cardinal signal caller and will return to the backfield with a newly promoted Kas Kramer, who should add to the offense on the ground and in the passing attack.

Trey Williams will anchor a mostly new receiving corps while Julian Roche and newly converted Branton Gosvener lead the offensive line.

On defense, Williams and Wyatt Allen join veteran Reese Krone on the line, while Gosvener and Collin Dent reprise their roles in the linebacking corps alongside newcomer Jaxsen Seed.

Kas Kramer will patrol the secondary as another 2-way stalwart opposite Landon May, who will need to step up in place of the injured Lucas Correa.

Ell-Saline’s veteran class goes beyond just the returning starters, as even some of the “newcomers” have been around the program for 3-4 years.

“We’ve got some kids coming back who are upperclassmen, but because of the personnel that we had last year, they didn’t really get a chance to show off what they could do on Friday nights,” Roche said. “Those are the kids we need to step up and solidify themselves in those roles.”

Regardless of who steps onto the field on any given Friday night, Ell-Saline has established a reputation and a standard of excellence that’s become synonymous with the red and black throughout their last two seasons.

“We’re gonna outhit you, we’re gonna outblock you, and we’re going to be the most physical team on the field every single week,” he said. “New players don’t change that, and new rules don’t change that. Our goal is to do that and to do it with good discipline every week, that’s Cardinal football.”

Ell-Saline gets a good test in week one with a tough road opponent as the 4th-ranked Cardinals battle the 3rd-ranked Wildcats in Hanover.

Full 2025 Football Schedule 9/5 - at Hanover 9/12 - at Osborne 9/19 - at Norwich 9/26 - vs. Canton-Galva 10/3 - at Solomon 10/10 - vs. Little River 10/17 - at Goessel 10/24 - vs. Central Plains

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostAfter a trip to the 8-Man Division I semifinals in 2023 and a 7-1 finish to the regular season in 2024, the Ell-Saline Cardinals were primed and ready to make another deep playoff run.The Cards dispatched Mankato-Rock Hills with ease in week nine, but saw their dreams washed out in the midst of a torrential downpour, and a shock 14-12 upset at the hands of the Madison Bulldogs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.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>Some programs would have simply wiped the slate clean then and there, hoping to put a game like that behind them, but for Ell-Saline, the sting of that defeat has become the fuel for a revenge tour.“We are not ready to forget that game,” Ell-Saline head coach Joe Roche said. “We’ve been ready for this season to begin since a few days after the Madison game, and we do feel like we have unfinished business.”That opportunity to right last year’s wrongs will be in the hands of many of the same players who were part of that second-round matchup, as Ell-Saline returns a slew of talented athletes on both sides of the ball.Reese Krone reprises his role as the Cardinal signal caller and will return to the backfield with a newly promoted Kas Kramer, who should add to the offense on the ground and in the passing attack.Trey Williams will anchor a mostly new receiving corps while Julian Roche and newly converted Branton Gosvener lead the offensive line.On defense, Williams and Wyatt Allen join veteran Reese Krone on the line, while Gosvener and Collin Dent reprise their roles in the linebacking corps alongside newcomer Jaxsen Seed.Kas Kramer will patrol the secondary as another 2-way stalwart opposite Landon May, who will need to step up in place of the injured Lucas Correa.Ell-Saline’s veteran class goes beyond just the returning starters, as even some of the “newcomers” have been around the program for 3-4 years.“We’ve got some kids coming back who are upperclassmen, but because of the personnel that we had last year, they didn’t really get a chance to show off what they could do on Friday nights,” Roche said. “Those are the kids we need to step up and solidify themselves in those roles.”Regardless of who steps onto the field on any given Friday night, Ell-Saline has established a reputation and a standard of excellence that’s become synonymous with the red and black throughout their last two seasons.“We’re gonna outhit you, we’re gonna outblock you, and we’re going to be the most physical team on the field every single week,” he said. “New players don’t change that, and new rules don’t change that. Our goal is to do that and to do it with good discipline every week, that’s Cardinal football.”Ell-Saline gets a good test in week one with a tough road opponent as the 4th-ranked Cardinals battle the 3rd-ranked Wildcats in Hanover.Full 2025 Football Schedule 9/5 - at Hanover 9/12 - at Osborne 9/19 - at Norwich 9/26 - vs. Canton-Galva 10/3 - at Solomon 10/10 - vs. Little River 10/17 - at Goessel 10/24 - vs. Central Plains

🏈 Fueled by sting of early exit, Ell-Saline begins revenge tour in 2025

Undefeated state champions, it doesn’t get much better than that.

After flirting with perfection for years, the Southeast of Saline football team finally ascended to the mountaintop in 2024, defeating Nemaha Central to claim their second state title in program history and finish a 13-0 masterpiece.

Most programs would take a long, well-deserved victory lap to bask in the hard-fought glory of an achievement 19 years in the making.

Southeast of Saline is not most programs.

“There’s no part of this team on the staff or in the locker room that’s thinking about last year,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “Whether you get beat early on or win it all, you have to focus on what’s ahead, and I think our guys have done an outstanding job of focusing on what we need to do for this year.”

Many around the state, both in the media and in opposing locker rooms, are expecting Southeast of Saline to maintain their spot at the top, and while the Trojan’s have spent plenty of seasons looking to prove naysayers wrong, this year, it’s about proving those outside voices right.

“We have high expectations for ourselves, we always do,” Gebhardt said. “Because we won a state championship, a lot of people think we have things going and that we’re going to do big things, we want to prove ourselves and them right.”

From a personnel standpoint, the Trojans will be in an excellent position to run things back in 2025, with key members of last year’s title-winning team returning in droves.

Quarterback Gannon Jacobson, who completed 57% of his passes for 2,146 yards and 33 touchdowns last year, returns to wreak havoc on opposing secondaries, with a senior-heavy receiving corps led by Kanyon Douglas, Kaden Barragan, and Malachi Hopkins to throw to.

In the run game, bruising tailback Grady Gebhardt will look to follow up on a season that saw him rush for 1,439 yards and find the end zone 18 total times, behind an offensive line that also returns most of its depth from 2024.

On defense, Drew Weller and Brody Chambers are back in the trenches, Douglas and Gebhardt return to a linebacking corps that also brings back Killian Vaughan and Bryson Lippold, and Jacobson, Hopkins, Barragan, and Amarion Holub all reprise their roles patrolling the deepest parts of the field.

While all that talent is certainly a feather in the cap of a Trojan team with an embarrassment of riches, it’s the experience that has Coach Gebhardt excited to try and run things back in 2025.

“Experience is big in anything you do, and I’m not saying it’ll be easier, but these kids understand the grind of a football season and of a varsity game,” he said. “Nothing about winning a football game is easy, and if you don’t put the work in, you’re going to end up on the short end of the stick. We have to get better and come together better as a team every single week.”

Expectations in Gypsum are high, and while it can be difficult not to think back on a magical 2024 season, or to look ahead to what 2025 could represent, you won’t hear talk of either in a Trojan locker room whose only focus is on their week one matchup.&nbsp;

“The success that we’ve had over the years has been built on our kids working hard and our players doing things the way they're supposed to be done,” Gebhardt said. “I’m proud of our kids for believing in what we do and working hard to do things correctly. “Our only goal right now is to play well and go 1-0 this week.”

The Trojans will kick off the new campaign on the road in Minneapolis.

All Southeast of Saline football games will be broadcast on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and live-streamed on Salina Post with Devin Hanney and Tyler Smith providing commentary in the booth.

Full 2025 Football Schedule 9/5 - at Minneapolis 9/12 - vs. Clay Center 9/19 - at Beloit 9/26 - vs. Kingman 10/3 - at Lyons 10/10 - vs. Hillsboro 10/17 - at Halstead 10/24 - vs. Ellsworth

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostUndefeated state champions, it doesn’t get much better than that.After flirting with perfection for years, the Southeast of Saline football team finally ascended to the mountaintop in 2024, defeating Nemaha Central to claim their second state title in program history and finish a 13-0 masterpiece.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.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>Most programs would take a long, well-deserved victory lap to bask in the hard-fought glory of an achievement 19 years in the making.Southeast of Saline is not most programs.“There’s no part of this team on the staff or in the locker room that’s thinking about last year,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “Whether you get beat early on or win it all, you have to focus on what’s ahead, and I think our guys have done an outstanding job of focusing on what we need to do for this year.”Many around the state, both in the media and in opposing locker rooms, are expecting Southeast of Saline to maintain their spot at the top, and while the Trojan’s have spent plenty of seasons looking to prove naysayers wrong, this year, it’s about proving those outside voices right.“We have high expectations for ourselves, we always do,” Gebhardt said. “Because we won a state championship, a lot of people think we have things going and that we’re going to do big things, we want to prove ourselves and them right.”From a personnel standpoint, the Trojans will be in an excellent position to run things back in 2025, with key members of last year’s title-winning team returning in droves.Quarterback Gannon Jacobson, who completed 57% of his passes for 2,146 yards and 33 touchdowns last year, returns to wreak havoc on opposing secondaries, with a senior-heavy receiving corps led by Kanyon Douglas, Kaden Barragan, and Malachi Hopkins to throw to.In the run game, bruising tailback Grady Gebhardt will look to follow up on a season that saw him rush for 1,439 yards and find the end zone 18 total times, behind an offensive line that also returns most of its depth from 2024.On defense, Drew Weller and Brody Chambers are back in the trenches, Douglas and Gebhardt return to a linebacking corps that also brings back Killian Vaughan and Bryson Lippold, and Jacobson, Hopkins, Barragan, and Amarion Holub all reprise their roles patrolling the deepest parts of the field.While all that talent is certainly a feather in the cap of a Trojan team with an embarrassment of riches, it’s the experience that has Coach Gebhardt excited to try and run things back in 2025.“Experience is big in anything you do, and I’m not saying it’ll be easier, but these kids understand the grind of a football season and of a varsity game,” he said. “Nothing about winning a football game is easy, and if you don’t put the work in, you’re going to end up on the short end of the stick. We have to get better and come together better as a team every single week.”Expectations in Gypsum are high, and while it can be difficult not to think back on a magical 2024 season, or to look ahead to what 2025 could represent, you won’t hear talk of either in a Trojan locker room whose only focus is on their week one matchup.&nbsp;“The success that we’ve had over the years has been built on our kids working hard and our players doing things the way they're supposed to be done,” Gebhardt said. “I’m proud of our kids for believing in what we do and working hard to do things correctly. “Our only goal right now is to play well and go 1-0 this week.”The Trojans will kick off the new campaign on the road in Minneapolis.All Southeast of Saline football games will be broadcast on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and live-streamed on Salina Post with Devin Hanney and Tyler Smith providing commentary in the booth.Full 2025 Football Schedule 9/5 - at Minneapolis 9/12 - vs. Clay Center 9/19 - at Beloit 9/26 - vs. Kingman 10/3 - at Lyons 10/10 - vs. Hillsboro 10/17 - at Halstead 10/24 - vs. Ellsworth

🏈 Despite claiming 2A title, SES back to 1-0 mindset ahead of 2025 season

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced this afternoon that infielder&nbsp;Vinnie Pasquantino&nbsp;and right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Ryan Bergert&nbsp;have been named Royals Player and Pitcher of the Month, respectively, for August. The awards are determined by a local media vote.

Of Pasquantino’s 25 hits last month, 15 went for extra bases, including 5 doubles and 10 home runs, which tied for the 3rd most in the American League, behind only&nbsp;Junior Caminero&nbsp;(12) and&nbsp;Shea Langeliers&nbsp;(11). His 10 home runs marked the most in any single month of his career and tied for the 3rd most by any player in the month of August in Royals history, trailing&nbsp;Chili Davis’&nbsp;12 home runs in August 1997 and&nbsp;Salvador Perez’s&nbsp;12 homers in August 2021. Pasquantino homered in 5 consecutive games from Aug. 18-22—matching a club record—and he recorded an extra-base hit in 7 straight games from Aug. 18-24, a stretch in which he amassed 12 RBI. In 28 overall games last month, he tallied an American League-leading 29 RBI, which trailed only&nbsp;Kyle Schwarber&nbsp;(33) and&nbsp;Lourdes Gurriel Jr.&nbsp;(32) in the Majors. He had the 3rd-most RBI in August in Royals history, behind&nbsp;Mike Sweeney&nbsp;in 2000 (31) and&nbsp;George Brett&nbsp;in 1980 (30). Pasquantino was named American League Player of the Week for Aug. 18-24—his third career honor—after batting .379 (11-for-29) and leading the AL with 6 homers and 12 RBI, and ranking 2nd with a 1.069 slugging percentage and 1.506 OPS. This marks his fourth career monthly honor and first since June 2024.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced this afternoon that infielder&nbsp;Vinnie Pasquantino&nbsp;and right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Ryan Bergert&nbsp;have been named Royals Player and Pitcher of the Month, respectively, for August. The awards are determined by a local media vote.Of Pasquantino’s 25 hits last month, 15 went for extra bases, including 5 doubles and 10 home runs, which tied for the 3rd most in the American League, behind only&nbsp;Junior Caminero&nbsp;(12) and&nbsp;Shea Langeliers&nbsp;(11). His 10 home runs marked the most in any single month of his career and tied for the 3rd most by any player in the month of August in Royals history, trailing&nbsp;Chili Davis’&nbsp;12 home runs in August 1997 and&nbsp;Salvador Perez’s&nbsp;12 homers in August 2021. Pasquantino homered in 5 consecutive games from Aug. 18-22—matching a club record—and he recorded an extra-base hit in 7 straight games from Aug. 18-24, a stretch in which he amassed 12 RBI. In 28 overall games last month, he tallied an American League-leading 29 RBI, which trailed only&nbsp;Kyle Schwarber&nbsp;(33) and&nbsp;Lourdes Gurriel Jr.&nbsp;(32) in the Majors. He had the 3rd-most RBI in August in Royals history, behind&nbsp;Mike Sweeney&nbsp;in 2000 (31) and&nbsp;George Brett&nbsp;in 1980 (30). Pasquantino was named American League Player of the Week for Aug. 18-24—his third career honor—after batting .379 (11-for-29) and leading the AL with 6 homers and 12 RBI, and ranking 2nd with a 1.069 slugging percentage and 1.506 OPS. This marks his fourth career monthly honor and first since June 2024.

Vinnie Pasquantino, Ryan Bergert named Royals Pitcher, Player of the Month for August

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mitch Farris pitched five effective innings to win his major league debut and Jo Adell hit a two-run homer that helped the Los Angeles Angels defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Tuesday night.

Adell finished with three hits and Oswald Peraza had an RBI double for the Angels, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-trout-scratched-skin-infection-angels-5965805b874df0fcdd5a304a91799cd6">scratched star slugger Mike Trout</a>&nbsp;less than an hour before the game because of a skin infection on his left arm. Trout will be re-evaluated Wednesday and is day-to-day.

Kansas City remained 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the last American League wild card.

Farris (1-0) walked his first batter but soon settled in. He allowed one run and three hits with two walks and three strikeouts.

Royals starter Michael Lorenzen (5-9) permitted two runs and four hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out five.

Bobby Witt Jr. tripled for Kansas City in the third and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's sacrifice fly.

The Angels took a 2-1 lead on Adell's two-run homer off Lorenzen in the sixth. Peraza doubled home a run in the seventh and scored on a wild pitch.

Lorenzen took a two-hit shutout into the sixth. But after a one-out single, Adell launched a 454-foot homer to left field.

Farris was the fourth Angels pitcher to make his MLB debut as a starter in Kansas City, following Frank Tanana (1973), Jarrod Washburn (1998) and Seth Etherton (2000).

The Royals will send RHP Ryan Bergert (2-1, 2.67 ERA) to the mound Wednesday night. The Angels counter with RHP Caden Dana (0-0, 7.50).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756869824375.png" alt="Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Mitch Farris throws as he makes his major league debut during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Mitch Farris throws as he makes his major league debut during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mitch Farris pitched five effective innings to win his major league debut and Jo Adell hit a two-run homer that helped the Los Angeles Angels defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Tuesday night.Adell finished with three hits and Oswald Peraza had an RBI double for the Angels, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-trout-scratched-skin-infection-angels-5965805b874df0fcdd5a304a91799cd6">scratched star slugger Mike Trout</a>&nbsp;less than an hour before the game because of a skin infection on his left arm. Trout will be re-evaluated Wednesday and is day-to-day.Kansas City remained 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the last American League wild card.Farris (1-0) walked his first batter but soon settled in. He allowed one run and three hits with two walks and three strikeouts.Royals starter Michael Lorenzen (5-9) permitted two runs and four hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out five.Bobby Witt Jr. tripled for Kansas City in the third and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's sacrifice fly.The Angels took a 2-1 lead on Adell's two-run homer off Lorenzen in the sixth. Peraza doubled home a run in the seventh and scored on a wild pitch.<h2>Key moment</h2>Lorenzen took a two-hit shutout into the sixth. But after a one-out single, Adell launched a 454-foot homer to left field.<h2>Key stat</h2>Farris was the fourth Angels pitcher to make his MLB debut as a starter in Kansas City, following Frank Tanana (1973), Jarrod Washburn (1998) and Seth Etherton (2000).<h2>Up next</h2>The Royals will send RHP Ryan Bergert (2-1, 2.67 ERA) to the mound Wednesday night. The Angels counter with RHP Caden Dana (0-0, 7.50).

⚾ Farris wins MLB debut as Angels beat the Royals

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, the only one that didn’t practice today was (Jalen) Royals. Everybody else practiced (and) had a good day today. (We) look forward to the challenge of playing the Chargers. Tomorrow we’ll hop on the plane and head out and go from there. We have a walkthrough down there the following day, which will be a normal Saturday for us. Anyways, times yours.”

Q: What have you seen from Hollywood Brown this week regarding his injury?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, listen, he’s (Hollywood Brown) done everything. He looked good out there, running around. He just needs to get in the game and play. As far as practice goes, he’s done everything.”

Q: What do you expect from the Chargers?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, listen, they’re well coached. (Chargers Head Coach) Jim (Harbaugh) does a great job with that crew; he’s got good coordinators and good coaches. Like any year, early in the season, you have to be ready and flexible to adjust with new things that might come up.”

Q: Who helps you the most behind the scenes to get ready for Week 1?

BROWN:&nbsp;“Everyone. Last year was tough for me mentally. So, this time around (I’ve) leaned on my family, on my coaches (and the) chaplain, everybody that is there for me. I feel blessed to be in this position.”

Q: How does having you completely healthy and Xavier worthy help extend the offense?

BROWN:&nbsp;“It’s exciting. Definitely excited to take the field with him (Xavier Worthy) – with all the guys. Just ready to showcase what we can do.”

Q: How far has your chemistry with Patrick Mahomes continued to grow since last year?

BROWN:&nbsp;“A lot. I mean, it’s easy to build chemistry with a guy like that. It’s basically feeling our speed and feeling (out) how I like to do things and from that point on, you know the guys, he gets it there.”

Q: How fired up are you for the season opener?

KARLAFTIS:&nbsp;“We have a lot of motivation going into this season. Prove some people right (and) prove some people wrong. Fired up and super excited to get this thing started and prove what we got and prove what we are made of.”

Q: How much has it been stressed to start the season off hot and raise your sack numbers?

KARLAFTIS:&nbsp;“Yeah, we’re definitely aware of that (sack numbers) and it’s kind of been talked about amongst ourselves the whole offseason. Definitely one of the motivators we have going into the season. Just affecting the quarterback in any way we can because that’s going to help our team win at the end of the day and (help) our defense succeed. Definitely something that we’re going to strive for just getting the quarterback down and affecting the game the best way that we can.”

Q: What do you like about the whole defense heading into this season?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesSeptember 2, 2025HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, the only one that didn’t practice today was (Jalen) Royals. Everybody else practiced (and) had a good day today. (We) look forward to the challenge of playing the Chargers. Tomorrow we’ll hop on the plane and head out and go from there. We have a walkthrough down there the following day, which will be a normal Saturday for us. Anyways, times yours.”Q: What have you seen from Hollywood Brown this week regarding his injury?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, listen, he’s (Hollywood Brown) done everything. He looked good out there, running around. He just needs to get in the game and play. As far as practice goes, he’s done everything.”Q: What do you expect from the Chargers?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, listen, they’re well coached. (Chargers Head Coach) Jim (Harbaugh) does a great job with that crew; he’s got good coordinators and good coaches. Like any year, early in the season, you have to be ready and flexible to adjust with new things that might come up.”Chiefs Player QuotesSeptember 2, 2025WR HOLLYWOOD BROWNQ: Who helps you the most behind the scenes to get ready for Week 1?BROWN:&nbsp;“Everyone. Last year was tough for me mentally. So, this time around (I’ve) leaned on my family, on my coaches (and the) chaplain, everybody that is there for me. I feel blessed to be in this position.”Q: How does having you completely healthy and Xavier worthy help extend the offense?BROWN:&nbsp;“It’s exciting. Definitely excited to take the field with him (Xavier Worthy) – with all the guys. Just ready to showcase what we can do.”Q: How far has your chemistry with Patrick Mahomes continued to grow since last year?BROWN:&nbsp;“A lot. I mean, it’s easy to build chemistry with a guy like that. It’s basically feeling our speed and feeling (out) how I like to do things and from that point on, you know the guys, he gets it there.”DE GEORGE KARLAFTISQ: How fired up are you for the season opener?KARLAFTIS:&nbsp;“We have a lot of motivation going into this season. Prove some people right (and) prove some people wrong. Fired up and super excited to get this thing started and prove what we got and prove what we are made of.”Q: How much has it been stressed to start the season off hot and raise your sack numbers?KARLAFTIS:&nbsp;“Yeah, we’re definitely aware of that (sack numbers) and it’s kind of been talked about amongst ourselves the whole offseason. Definitely one of the motivators we have going into the season. Just affecting the quarterback in any way we can because that’s going to help our team win at the end of the day and (help) our defense succeed. Definitely something that we’re going to strive for just getting the quarterback down and affecting the game the best way that we can.”Q: What do you like about the whole defense heading into this season?

Chiefs Quotes: 9-2-25

WICHITA, Kan. - Kansas Wesleyan's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/680a31a6-1b07-40b5-8833-a1cc9b6502e0?elinkdata=28265">Isabella Galvan</a> has been named as the KCAC Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week for her efforts for the Coyotes in the last week.

Galvan's selection comes from nominations made by and voted upon by conference sports information directors. The KCAC Player of the Week program recognizes outstanding accomplishments by individuals over the last week of play and is presented at the conference level by Equity Bank.

KWU played in one match in the past week, playing to a scoreless draw with No. 18 ranked Central Methodist on Saturday.

Galvan had an outstanding effort in goal for Kansas Wesleyan in Saturday's match against No. 18-ranked Central Methodist (Mo.). Galvan recorded four saves for the Coyotes in goal on the way to recording a shutout as KWU drew with CMU in a scoreless match. All four of Galvan's saves proved crucial in stopping CMU from getting its high-powered offense going.

The draw moves Wesleyan's record to 1-0-1 on the season.

The Coyotes play twice this week, hosting Mid-America Christian on Wednesday at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex, then heading to Seward, Nebraska on Saturday to take on Concordia.

WICHITA, Kan. - Kansas Wesleyan's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/680a31a6-1b07-40b5-8833-a1cc9b6502e0?elinkdata=28265">Isabella Galvan</a> has been named as the KCAC Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week for her efforts for the Coyotes in the last week.Galvan's selection comes from nominations made by and voted upon by conference sports information directors. The KCAC Player of the Week program recognizes outstanding accomplishments by individuals over the last week of play and is presented at the conference level by Equity Bank.KWU played in one match in the past week, playing to a scoreless draw with No. 18 ranked Central Methodist on Saturday.Galvan had an outstanding effort in goal for Kansas Wesleyan in Saturday's match against No. 18-ranked Central Methodist (Mo.). Galvan recorded four saves for the Coyotes in goal on the way to recording a shutout as KWU drew with CMU in a scoreless match. All four of Galvan's saves proved crucial in stopping CMU from getting its high-powered offense going.The draw moves Wesleyan's record to 1-0-1 on the season.The Coyotes play twice this week, hosting Mid-America Christian on Wednesday at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex, then heading to Seward, Nebraska on Saturday to take on Concordia.

Galvan earns KCAC Women's Soccer weekly honor

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q: On Nikko Remigio making the 53-man roster.

TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean, you know you think about Nikko (Remigio). I mean, he’s been our starter. For the last eight games that we’ve played, he’s been our guy. And I’ve gotten used to having him back there, and he just keeps getting better and he really had a great training camp. He’s become a leader for us, as far as his work ethic, and everything he’s about, and he’s a great teammate and he’s a good guy. And I’m happy he’s on the team.”

Q: What have you seen from Tyquan Thornton regarding kickoff returns?

TOUB:&nbsp;“I saw somebody that hits it fast, he’s (Tyquan Thornton) got great speed. He’s a willing blocker, so that’s important. I talked about that before how important that off returner is to be able to single block somebody. He’s going to have to block somebody. Nikko (Remigio) does that as well, if he gets the ball and Brashard (Smith) is still working on it and getting better and better each day. He (Brashard Smith) had a good game too, by the way, in that last game, so that was good to see with him. We talked about getting him a lot more touches and we did, and he showed up and it was good to see.”

Q: What have you seen from the Chargers return game?

TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah, (Chargers WR) Derius Davis. He’s very good. Excellent dynamic. Not a real big guy but man, he is quick and fast and shifty, you know, and you have to be sound covering him. You can’t over commit one way or the other. He’ll cut it back on you. So, we got our hands full with him for sure, and we know those guys. We play them (Chargers) twice a year. A great coach, (Special Teams Coordinator Ryan) Ficken does a great job and the punter and the kicker, (Chargers K Cameron) Dicker the kicker, they’re both excellent. And the thing they have, they have a change at the long snapper (position), but it looks like they got a veteran, (Chargers LS Rick) Lovato. So, we played against him. He was at the Eagles last year, so we know him, but he’s an experienced guy, so they won’t miss a beat. They’re solid across the board.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

Q: On Ashton Gillotte and Omarr Norman-Lott.

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I thought he (Ashton Gillotte) played really good, too. He had some explosive plays, a tackle for a loss where he busted right through. It was slow-go at the beginning with both (of) those guys from the standpoint of learning the system. But Ashton (Gillotte) just gets better and better. He impresses guys in one-on-ones and the things that he’s doing, he’s real strong from the waist down. Omarr (Norman-Lott) is just kind of taking a little while to get going, you know? He makes strides and then he gets an injury here, and that’s been a tough thing for him to get through. So, we’ll see where we’re at by (the) time we get to gametime. But as we get going here in the course of the season, we’re going to rely on both of those guys.”

Q: When you go into an opener, do you have a sense of what you have defensively?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“It’s always a good question. Like right now, I was just doing something with Mitch (Holthus) in there, he just asked the same question. I’m a firm believer that you don’t fully know what you have, what you’re going to be, (and) what you’re going to be able to do from a defensive scheme standpoint until you’re in the first quarter of the season. I think offenses feel the same way. I mean, a lot of times when we are doing an offseason study on a team, sometimes I throw the first four games out, because everybody’s doing that. They’re trying to figure out what they have, and the pieces change every year, I mean, there are guys that we had last year that we don’t have anymore. We’ve got some new pieces, so it's going to take a little bit. I do think in these early games, the in-game adjustments are really important, and I think (that) the defensive staff we have does as good (of) a job at that as anybody, and then we get in there at halftime and decide to maybe do something different that we hadn’t planned on. I think all that’s really important.”

Q: What strategy do you use to build your season?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah, we’re building every week. I mean, listen, these early games, especially a divisional game, we’re probably not going to hold anything back because we’ve got to win the division games. So, there’s not a portion of that, that we’re trying to hide anything. We do a lot of self-scouting. We’ll get six weeks into it and have six games of our defense on film (and) try to do things differently – there’s a lot of that. But right now, it’s going in the game, and kind of figuring out as quick as you can what they’re trying to do to you and trying to combat that.”

Q: How do we know the deep ball is a priority this season?

NAGY:&nbsp;“I think it’s for sure the mindset. It started not just right now, but it started in OTAs. For him (Patrick Mahomes) it’s when you start looking at just - whether it’s a progression. I’ll use for example: If there’s something where there’s a post over the top or if there’s something as simple as a guy in the flat with an intermediate route, it’s the mindset of being able to know you might not throw the post, but you’re going to start there and it’s always been that way but I think the repetitive nature of where we’re at, it’s important and he’s had that since OTAs. We talk internally. We have some reminders for him and it’s good for him and those guys, they’re embracing it, and I think now we (have) got to just go out there and play within the play.”

Q: What has changed most in Patrick Mahomes since he entered the league?

NAGY:&nbsp;“Probably his (Patrick Mahomes) consistent drive to be great. And when I say that it sounds pretty easy to say but when you do the things that he has done early in his career, and he comes back the next year and wants to do more and work harder and be a greater leader. He truly leads by example. He’s not a guy that – he leads in every way possible. On the field, I think what’s happened is we’ve really done a good job – he’s done a good job at being able to step back where he’s at now in his career and say: ‘You know what, let’s get back to the basics. Let’s get back to fundamentals and let’s get back to progressions.’ And that’s where we’ve been challenged as a staff to make sure that we hold him accountable and he wants that. And so, like it’s an all-encompassing deal, but the leadership, the drive to be great every year and be better is just not normal and I think he does a great job with that.”

Q: On what makes him most eager about Isiah Pacheco having a full offseason.

NAGY:&nbsp;“Well, we’ve always said Nate (Taylor) that he’s (Isiah Pacheco) our energy guy. Whatever he does he brings it every single play. Last year we lost a little bit of that when he got hurt and then he came back, and I don’t know with his weight and everything with where exactly he was, but he came into this year in OTAs and then into training camp with a really good weight, playing fast. You see it on tape, you just – you see him finishing every single play. There’s this focus that he has right now. He's locked in. I think he’s very, very motivated. He felt what we felt last year and so, he’s a leader now. This is no longer his first or second year, he’s become a leader. We need him.”

Q:&nbsp;What has your anticipation been for this season?

JONES:&nbsp;“Getting through the process of training camp, first and foremost. Seeing what type of talent we got amongst the team and building from it. Building from it and preparing for the Chargers in Brazil. I think it’s sweet we get to play international (for the) first game of the season. I think that is a challenge for us as a team, a division rivalry. So, we got a lot of things to look forward to and also, we get to test where we’re at on this team.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you see from Justin Herbert as he approaches this season?

JONES:&nbsp;“You know, (Chargers QB) Justin Herbert is always improving. Players are always improving, so we understand he had a big arm. They got some new talent amongst the offensive line. The backfield set is different, (Chargers RB) Najee Harris (has) came over from Pittsburgh, who’s a heck of a (running) back, who I have great respect for. (Chargers WR) Keenan Allen is back, who I have a great amount of respect for. So, they have a lot of talent over there, and it’s going to be a challenge for us. And last year we didn’t get to play against (Chargers WR Ladd) McConkey – if I’m saying his name right, last year, so that’s a challenge for us also because they tend to get him the ball.”

Q:&nbsp;What has it been like having Derrick Nnadi back as a teammate?

Chiefs Coordinator QuotesSeptember 1, 2025ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ: On Nikko Remigio making the 53-man roster.TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean, you know you think about Nikko (Remigio). I mean, he’s been our starter. For the last eight games that we’ve played, he’s been our guy. And I’ve gotten used to having him back there, and he just keeps getting better and he really had a great training camp. He’s become a leader for us, as far as his work ethic, and everything he’s about, and he’s a great teammate and he’s a good guy. And I’m happy he’s on the team.”Q: What have you seen from Tyquan Thornton regarding kickoff returns?TOUB:&nbsp;“I saw somebody that hits it fast, he’s (Tyquan Thornton) got great speed. He’s a willing blocker, so that’s important. I talked about that before how important that off returner is to be able to single block somebody. He’s going to have to block somebody. Nikko (Remigio) does that as well, if he gets the ball and Brashard (Smith) is still working on it and getting better and better each day. He (Brashard Smith) had a good game too, by the way, in that last game, so that was good to see with him. We talked about getting him a lot more touches and we did, and he showed up and it was good to see.”Q: What have you seen from the Chargers return game?TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah, (Chargers WR) Derius Davis. He’s very good. Excellent dynamic. Not a real big guy but man, he is quick and fast and shifty, you know, and you have to be sound covering him. You can’t over commit one way or the other. He’ll cut it back on you. So, we got our hands full with him for sure, and we know those guys. We play them (Chargers) twice a year. A great coach, (Special Teams Coordinator Ryan) Ficken does a great job and the punter and the kicker, (Chargers K Cameron) Dicker the kicker, they’re both excellent. And the thing they have, they have a change at the long snapper (position), but it looks like they got a veteran, (Chargers LS Rick) Lovato. So, we played against him. He was at the Eagles last year, so we know him, but he’s an experienced guy, so they won’t miss a beat. They’re solid across the board.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOQ: On Ashton Gillotte and Omarr Norman-Lott.SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I thought he (Ashton Gillotte) played really good, too. He had some explosive plays, a tackle for a loss where he busted right through. It was slow-go at the beginning with both (of) those guys from the standpoint of learning the system. But Ashton (Gillotte) just gets better and better. He impresses guys in one-on-ones and the things that he’s doing, he’s real strong from the waist down. Omarr (Norman-Lott) is just kind of taking a little while to get going, you know? He makes strides and then he gets an injury here, and that’s been a tough thing for him to get through. So, we’ll see where we’re at by (the) time we get to gametime. But as we get going here in the course of the season, we’re going to rely on both of those guys.”Q: When you go into an opener, do you have a sense of what you have defensively?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“It’s always a good question. Like right now, I was just doing something with Mitch (Holthus) in there, he just asked the same question. I’m a firm believer that you don’t fully know what you have, what you’re going to be, (and) what you’re going to be able to do from a defensive scheme standpoint until you’re in the first quarter of the season. I think offenses feel the same way. I mean, a lot of times when we are doing an offseason study on a team, sometimes I throw the first four games out, because everybody’s doing that. They’re trying to figure out what they have, and the pieces change every year, I mean, there are guys that we had last year that we don’t have anymore. We’ve got some new pieces, so it's going to take a little bit. I do think in these early games, the in-game adjustments are really important, and I think (that) the defensive staff we have does as good (of) a job at that as anybody, and then we get in there at halftime and decide to maybe do something different that we hadn’t planned on. I think all that’s really important.”Q: What strategy do you use to build your season?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah, we’re building every week. I mean, listen, these early games, especially a divisional game, we’re probably not going to hold anything back because we’ve got to win the division games. So, there’s not a portion of that, that we’re trying to hide anything. We do a lot of self-scouting. We’ll get six weeks into it and have six games of our defense on film (and) try to do things differently – there’s a lot of that. But right now, it’s going in the game, and kind of figuring out as quick as you can what they’re trying to do to you and trying to combat that.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ: How do we know the deep ball is a priority this season?NAGY:&nbsp;“I think it’s for sure the mindset. It started not just right now, but it started in OTAs. For him (Patrick Mahomes) it’s when you start looking at just - whether it’s a progression. I’ll use for example: If there’s something where there’s a post over the top or if there’s something as simple as a guy in the flat with an intermediate route, it’s the mindset of being able to know you might not throw the post, but you’re going to start there and it’s always been that way but I think the repetitive nature of where we’re at, it’s important and he’s had that since OTAs. We talk internally. We have some reminders for him and it’s good for him and those guys, they’re embracing it, and I think now we (have) got to just go out there and play within the play.”Q: What has changed most in Patrick Mahomes since he entered the league?NAGY:&nbsp;“Probably his (Patrick Mahomes) consistent drive to be great. And when I say that it sounds pretty easy to say but when you do the things that he has done early in his career, and he comes back the next year and wants to do more and work harder and be a greater leader. He truly leads by example. He’s not a guy that – he leads in every way possible. On the field, I think what’s happened is we’ve really done a good job – he’s done a good job at being able to step back where he’s at now in his career and say: ‘You know what, let’s get back to the basics. Let’s get back to fundamentals and let’s get back to progressions.’ And that’s where we’ve been challenged as a staff to make sure that we hold him accountable and he wants that. And so, like it’s an all-encompassing deal, but the leadership, the drive to be great every year and be better is just not normal and I think he does a great job with that.”Q: On what makes him most eager about Isiah Pacheco having a full offseason.NAGY:&nbsp;“Well, we’ve always said Nate (Taylor) that he’s (Isiah Pacheco) our energy guy. Whatever he does he brings it every single play. Last year we lost a little bit of that when he got hurt and then he came back, and I don’t know with his weight and everything with where exactly he was, but he came into this year in OTAs and then into training camp with a really good weight, playing fast. You see it on tape, you just – you see him finishing every single play. There’s this focus that he has right now. He's locked in. I think he’s very, very motivated. He felt what we felt last year and so, he’s a leader now. This is no longer his first or second year, he’s become a leader. We need him.”Chiefs Player QuotesSeptember 1, 2025DT CHRIS JONESQ:&nbsp;What has your anticipation been for this season?JONES:&nbsp;“Getting through the process of training camp, first and foremost. Seeing what type of talent we got amongst the team and building from it. Building from it and preparing for the Chargers in Brazil. I think it’s sweet we get to play international (for the) first game of the season. I think that is a challenge for us as a team, a division rivalry. So, we got a lot of things to look forward to and also, we get to test where we’re at on this team.”Q:&nbsp;What do you see from Justin Herbert as he approaches this season?JONES:&nbsp;“You know, (Chargers QB) Justin Herbert is always improving. Players are always improving, so we understand he had a big arm. They got some new talent amongst the offensive line. The backfield set is different, (Chargers RB) Najee Harris (has) came over from Pittsburgh, who’s a heck of a (running) back, who I have great respect for. (Chargers WR) Keenan Allen is back, who I have a great amount of respect for. So, they have a lot of talent over there, and it’s going to be a challenge for us. And last year we didn’t get to play against (Chargers WR Ladd) McConkey – if I’m saying his name right, last year, so that’s a challenge for us also because they tend to get him the ball.”Q:&nbsp;What has it been like having Derrick Nnadi back as a teammate?

Chiefs Quotes: 9-1-25

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– For the first time since 2011 and the 121st&nbsp;time overall, the Kansas Jayhawks and Missouri Tigers will face off on the gridiron Saturday in the return of the StorageMart Border Showdown. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m., at Faurot Field, with the action being televised by ESPN2 with Mike Monaco, Kirk Morrison and Dawn Davenport on the call.

The two programs met every season from 1919 to 2011, before the rivalry stopped when Missouri moved to the Southeastern Conference. The matchup reignites this week, with Missouri leading the all-time series 56-55-9. Missouri won the most recent matchup between the two schools in 2011, earning a 24-10 win at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Kansas last played in Columbia in 2006 and last won there in 2004.

Both teams are off to undefeated starts this season. The Jayhawks moved to 2-0 on the season on Friday night, beating Wagner 46-7. That win came on the heels of a Week 0 win over Fresno State, 31-7. The Kansas defense, under first-year defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald, has allowed just 14 points and 359 yards of total offense through two games.

Fresno State and Wagner have combined to rush for just 90 yards in two games. The 90 rushing yards allowed are the fewest allowed through two games since 2009 and the 14 points allowed are also the fewest allowed through two games since ’09.

Quarterback Jalon Daniels has had an explosive start to the season to lead the offensive side. Daniels has already thrown for 456 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception in two games. The seven touchdown passes are the most by a Kansas quarterback through the first two games of the season since at least 1996. Daniels is one of just three Power 4 quarterbacks nationally to have 50-plus touchdown passes and 7,000-plus yards at one school in his career.

Daniels has gotten plenty of help on offense, including from running back Daniel Hishaw Jr., who has rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown so far this season and receivers Emmanuel Henderson Jr., and Cam Pickett, who have combined for 17 catches, 260 yards and five touchdowns in just two games. Daniels has completed passes to 15 different receivers through two games.

Missouri enters the game at 1-0 on the season, having beaten Central Arkansas, 61-6, last Thursday. Quarterback Beau Pribula, a transfer from Penn State, threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns on 23-of-28 passing in the opener. Running back Ahmad Hardy, a transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Defensively, Missouri was led by linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who had eight tackles and one tackle-for-loss against UCA. Trotter transferred from West Virginia, where he played with current KU linebacker and leading tackler, Trey Lathan.

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– For the first time since 2011 and the 121st&nbsp;time overall, the Kansas Jayhawks and Missouri Tigers will face off on the gridiron Saturday in the return of the StorageMart Border Showdown. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m., at Faurot Field, with the action being televised by ESPN2 with Mike Monaco, Kirk Morrison and Dawn Davenport on the call.The two programs met every season from 1919 to 2011, before the rivalry stopped when Missouri moved to the Southeastern Conference. The matchup reignites this week, with Missouri leading the all-time series 56-55-9. Missouri won the most recent matchup between the two schools in 2011, earning a 24-10 win at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Kansas last played in Columbia in 2006 and last won there in 2004.Both teams are off to undefeated starts this season. The Jayhawks moved to 2-0 on the season on Friday night, beating Wagner 46-7. That win came on the heels of a Week 0 win over Fresno State, 31-7. The Kansas defense, under first-year defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald, has allowed just 14 points and 359 yards of total offense through two games.Fresno State and Wagner have combined to rush for just 90 yards in two games. The 90 rushing yards allowed are the fewest allowed through two games since 2009 and the 14 points allowed are also the fewest allowed through two games since ’09.Quarterback Jalon Daniels has had an explosive start to the season to lead the offensive side. Daniels has already thrown for 456 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception in two games. The seven touchdown passes are the most by a Kansas quarterback through the first two games of the season since at least 1996. Daniels is one of just three Power 4 quarterbacks nationally to have 50-plus touchdown passes and 7,000-plus yards at one school in his career.Daniels has gotten plenty of help on offense, including from running back Daniel Hishaw Jr., who has rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown so far this season and receivers Emmanuel Henderson Jr., and Cam Pickett, who have combined for 17 catches, 260 yards and five touchdowns in just two games. Daniels has completed passes to 15 different receivers through two games.Missouri enters the game at 1-0 on the season, having beaten Central Arkansas, 61-6, last Thursday. Quarterback Beau Pribula, a transfer from Penn State, threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns on 23-of-28 passing in the opener. Running back Ahmad Hardy, a transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Defensively, Missouri was led by linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who had eight tackles and one tackle-for-loss against UCA. Trotter transferred from West Virginia, where he played with current KU linebacker and leading tackler, Trey Lathan.

Kansas Travels to Columbia to Take on Missouri for 121st Time

Stadium: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000)

TV: ESPN (<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/04005295-e20f-4832-a5c7-9b64521b5e12">Watch</a>)

K-State Radio: K-State Sports Network; <a href="http://k-statesports.com/">k-statesports.com</a> (<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/live">Listen</a>)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Wyatt Thompson (Play-by-Play)&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Stan Weber (Analyst)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Matt Walters (Sidelines)

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<a href="https://tunein.com/radio/Big-12-Radio-s329464/">Big 12 Radio on TuneIn</a>

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THE TOP 51) Coming off a 38-35 come-from-behind win over North Dakota last week in its home opener, K-State now turns its attention to Army as the Black Knights visit Manhattan on Saturday evening inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game, which kicks off at 6 p.m., will be shown on ESPN with Roy Philpott (play-by-play) and Louis Riddick (analyst) and Kris Budden (sideline) on the call.

2) Quarterback Avery Johnson is set to make his 17th-career start under center. The Wichita, Kansas, product enters the game with a 157.7 pass efficiency ranking and is 49-of-73 (67.1%) for 591 yards and five touchdowns on the year. He enters the week ranking 14th nationally in passing yards per game (295.5) and 16th nationally in completions per game (24.5).

3) K-State has seen 11 different players record catches this season, and wide receiver Jayce Brown is coming off his best game as a Wildcat. Brown had 12 catches for 109 yards and a touchdown, while Jaron Tibbs and Joe Jackson each hauled in TD receptions last week.&nbsp; Brown leads the team in receiving with 16 catches for 187 yards and three TDs, while Jerand Bradley has eight catches for 121 yards and a score.

4) In two games, K-State’s defense has held its opponents to an average of 2.9 yards per rush on 79 attempts and also has 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks, the latter of which ranks 24th nationally. Austin Romaine leads the way in tackles with 18 stops, which includes 10 last week against North Dakota. Tobi Osunsanmi has a team-leading 3.0 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss.

5) The Wildcats’ defensive backs have totaled 10 pass breakups through the first two weeks of the season. Cornerback Zashon Rich leads the way with three passes defended, and he is second on the team with 11 tackles. Fellow cornerback Donovan McIntosh has two pass breakups, while five other Wildcats have recorded one each. The Cats also have three fumble recoveries on the year.

STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHTS375 – K-State has totaled at least 375 offensive yards in 34 games since 2022, which is tied for fourth among Power 4 teams.

67.1 – Completion percentage by Avery Johnson through two games this season. Last year, he completed 58.3% of his passes.

23 – Consecutive games that Jayce Brown has recorded at least one catch, which dates back to the 2023 Texas Tech game.

7 – Number of sacks in two games, which ranks 24th nationally. The Cats also have recorded 16 TFLs in two games.

3 – This is the third meeting all-time between K-State and Army with the last meeting dating back to 1987.

• Last week’s 38-35 triumph over North Dakota marked the fifth come-from-behind victory since the beginning of 2024 when trailing in the fourth quarter.

• It represented K-State’s first game-winning touchdown with under 1:00 left in regulation since Skylar Thompson connected with Isaiah Zuber on the final play in a home game against Iowa State in 2017.

• Kansas State totaled 461 offensive yards against the Fighting Hawks, the 34th time in the last 41 games dating back to the beginning of the 2022 season that the Wildcats have totaled at least 375 yards.