Another round of high school football action is in the books and of the six schools in our area networks, four will be moving on to their respective quarterfinals.

4A Wamego 42, Rose Hill 14 Andover Central 28, Abilene 21

3A Wichita Collegiate 47, Rock Creek 28

2A SE of Saline 36, Kingman 28 Ellsworth 34, Garden Plain 31

Another round of high school football action is in the books and of the six schools in our area networks, four will be moving on to their respective quarterfinals.4A Wamego 42, Rose Hill 14 Andover Central 28, Abilene 213A Wichita Collegiate 47, Rock Creek 282A SE of Saline 36, Kingman 28 Ellsworth 34, Garden Plain 318M-DI Ell-Saline 68, Meade 20

Area HS Football Scores: Round of 16

OTTAWA - The difference between playing in the postseason and having the season end next week came down to two measly yards for the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes.

KWU drove to Ottawa's 2-yard line in overtime but had to settle for a field goal. The Braves were able to go the distance during their overtime possession and emerged with a 27-24 Kansas Conference and Gene Bissell Division victory Saturday afternoon.

The loss ended the Coyotes' playoff hopes and dropped them to 7-3 overall, 3-1 in the division. It also halted their six-game winning streak and was their first loss to Ottawa since 2014. KWU will play Sterling on Senior Day in the season finale at 1 p.m. next Saturday at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.

Ottawa (6-4, 4-0 division) secures the automatic bid to the NAIA Championship Series that begins later this month with the victory.

Tied at 21 after regulation the Coyotes got the ball first in overtime. A 14-yard pass from&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ddcf6eb7-98c8-49e1-8174-483176091e50?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Byron McNair</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/de5dd309-8516-4288-8b65-258e87fe6540?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Luke Armstrong</a>&nbsp;gave them a first down at the Ottawa 5-yard line but three running plays gained three yards. After a penalty on fourth down they settled for&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/375d1d7e-595b-45cb-9426-270da5ea1d05?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Talon Cope's</a>&nbsp;29-yard field goal that gave them a 24-21 lead.

Wynton Ruth's 20-yard run on Ottawa's first play in overtime gave the Braves a first down at the KWU 5. Ruth gained a yard on the next play then ran into the end zone from the 4 for the game winning touchdown.

Ruth, a senior tailback and reigning KCAC Offensive Player of the Week, led Ottawa with 96 yards rushing on 20 carries and surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the season.

The Coyotes outgained Ottawa 374-307 in total yards but McNair was sacked four times and KWU was penalized 13 times for 107 yards.

McNair was 13 of 23 passing for 170 yards and an interception.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ab8d6188-4f28-4a9b-aee1-df95dbdade31?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Mark Benjamin</a>&nbsp;led the offense with 133 yards rushing on 16 carries that included a 65-yard touchdown run with 7:40 left in the third quarter that gave KWU a brief 21-14 lead.

Ottawa responded 13 seconds later, though, when Malik Patterson took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 86 yards for the game-tying touchdown.

Wesleyan played without leading rusher&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd24676b-6e43-4356-9342-b4023c09c6b5?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Tyler Boston</a>&nbsp;who suffered a season-ending injury against Tabor a week earlier.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5856c8e9-74ac-46f7-a019-3f4ff9968959?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Zarek Fewell</a>&nbsp;had 38 yards rushing on nine carries and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8f34fc0c-8d11-4e1b-b5cb-41a8cdf8b5e9?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Nick Allsman</a>&nbsp;25 yards on 13 attempts.

Ottawa scored first on Billy Maples' 13-yard pass to De'Anthony Curtis with 8:44 left in the first quarter.

KWU drew even on Benjamin's 2-yard run with 11:27 left in the half that capped an 87-yard, 13-play drive but Ottawa went back on top 14-7 on Maples' 11-yard pass to Jayden Johnson with 7:12 left in the half.

The Coyotes tied it 14-14 on Fewell's six-yard run with 1:22 left in the half, the 12th play of a 68-yard drive.

Neither team scored in the fourth quarter.

Maples was 10 of 22 passing for 158 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and was sacked twice.

Linebackers&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5ba833c1-456d-4bb2-835b-fb72e2448ff9?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Ricco Moore</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3457d310-994e-4ad2-8c36-b8b726ba88df?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Shaylan Lewis</a>&nbsp;led the KWU defense with 10 tackles apiece.

OTTAWA - The difference between playing in the postseason and having the season end next week came down to two measly yards for the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes.KWU drove to Ottawa's 2-yard line in overtime but had to settle for a field goal. The Braves were able to go the distance during their overtime possession and emerged with a 27-24 Kansas Conference and Gene Bissell Division victory Saturday afternoon.The loss ended the Coyotes' playoff hopes and dropped them to 7-3 overall, 3-1 in the division. It also halted their six-game winning streak and was their first loss to Ottawa since 2014. KWU will play Sterling on Senior Day in the season finale at 1 p.m. next Saturday at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.Ottawa (6-4, 4-0 division) secures the automatic bid to the NAIA Championship Series that begins later this month with the victory.Tied at 21 after regulation the Coyotes got the ball first in overtime. A 14-yard pass from&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ddcf6eb7-98c8-49e1-8174-483176091e50?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Byron McNair</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/de5dd309-8516-4288-8b65-258e87fe6540?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Luke Armstrong</a>&nbsp;gave them a first down at the Ottawa 5-yard line but three running plays gained three yards. After a penalty on fourth down they settled for&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/375d1d7e-595b-45cb-9426-270da5ea1d05?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Talon Cope's</a>&nbsp;29-yard field goal that gave them a 24-21 lead.Wynton Ruth's 20-yard run on Ottawa's first play in overtime gave the Braves a first down at the KWU 5. Ruth gained a yard on the next play then ran into the end zone from the 4 for the game winning touchdown.Ruth, a senior tailback and reigning KCAC Offensive Player of the Week, led Ottawa with 96 yards rushing on 20 carries and surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the season.The Coyotes outgained Ottawa 374-307 in total yards but McNair was sacked four times and KWU was penalized 13 times for 107 yards.McNair was 13 of 23 passing for 170 yards and an interception.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ab8d6188-4f28-4a9b-aee1-df95dbdade31?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Mark Benjamin</a>&nbsp;led the offense with 133 yards rushing on 16 carries that included a 65-yard touchdown run with 7:40 left in the third quarter that gave KWU a brief 21-14 lead.Ottawa responded 13 seconds later, though, when Malik Patterson took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 86 yards for the game-tying touchdown.Wesleyan played without leading rusher&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd24676b-6e43-4356-9342-b4023c09c6b5?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Tyler Boston</a>&nbsp;who suffered a season-ending injury against Tabor a week earlier.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5856c8e9-74ac-46f7-a019-3f4ff9968959?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Zarek Fewell</a>&nbsp;had 38 yards rushing on nine carries and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8f34fc0c-8d11-4e1b-b5cb-41a8cdf8b5e9?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Nick Allsman</a>&nbsp;25 yards on 13 attempts.Ottawa scored first on Billy Maples' 13-yard pass to De'Anthony Curtis with 8:44 left in the first quarter.KWU drew even on Benjamin's 2-yard run with 11:27 left in the half that capped an 87-yard, 13-play drive but Ottawa went back on top 14-7 on Maples' 11-yard pass to Jayden Johnson with 7:12 left in the half.The Coyotes tied it 14-14 on Fewell's six-yard run with 1:22 left in the half, the 12th play of a 68-yard drive.Neither team scored in the fourth quarter.Maples was 10 of 22 passing for 158 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and was sacked twice.Linebackers&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5ba833c1-456d-4bb2-835b-fb72e2448ff9?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Ricco Moore</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3457d310-994e-4ad2-8c36-b8b726ba88df?elinkdata=2392" target="_blank">Shaylan Lewis</a>&nbsp;led the KWU defense with 10 tackles apiece.

KWU Football falls to Ottawa 27-24 in overtime

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball claimed a share of the 2023 KCAC Women's Volleyball Regular Season Championship after the Coyotes' sweep of Evangel on Saturday morning inside Mabee Arena 25-17, 25-15, 25-22.

It's the first regular season title for the Coyotes since 2017.

KWU and Oklahoma Wesleyan finished the season 12-1 in the KCAC, sharing the title, but OKWU will be the No. 1 seed in the tournament, and KWU will be the No. 2 seed after applying conference tiebreaking procedures.

It was a fitting finish to the regular season for the Coyotes, who honored seven seniors and two early-graduating juniors in the program before the match -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/538b331d-273e-4c52-aa9d-754a96178fcf?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Malia Mack</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e0a6d3e8-1e17-495f-9631-93f53ce5e5ba?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Taylor Suko</a>, Hina Kua,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b2160926-8d63-4b17-92aa-da3fbf9a1858?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Savannah Koga</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/daa391fa-bbf3-4ac1-8677-82ad5a983775?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Kelcey Hund</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ca91def8-c212-4cc4-bc7f-e1c831a0ca72?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Megan Peeler</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/20f184ee-a9b5-423e-8c66-eda7bbcbd237?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Josie Deckinger</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7d502834-8477-41e7-bc19-c0975bfd9fc5?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Katie Crain</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9db0a592-6329-4db8-9095-7864695d71bb?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Courtney Beers</a>.

It was 11-9 Coyotes in the opening set when KWU broke free. Four straight Evangel errors put the Coyotes up 15-9 and a later assisted block by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9f652cbc-b073-44b4-a733-7468740370df?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Sarah Girard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6defb06f-380e-41ac-867a-e4c28ce4401e?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Rylee Serpan</a>&nbsp;put the Coyotes up 19-10.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6c3ba9ec-4823-474f-a9f0-72af3943ebb4?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Gianna Adriaanse's</a>&nbsp;kill capped the first set 25-17.It was 11-8 in the second set in favor of the Coyotes when Wesleyan pulled away again. A block by Girard and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/667aabf7-0bc8-4a18-84aa-a0d73654bb39?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Kylee Harris</a>&nbsp;spurred the run for the Coyotes who took a 19-9 lead on Girard's service ace. Deckinger closed the set with a service ace.

Sensing the impending title call on the horizon, the third set was close throughout. A kill by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5eaaa8d5-d8d2-4dfc-b08b-e1d3006ed246?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Kylee Harris</a>&nbsp;gave Wesleyan a 21-15 lead, but Evangel came back and got within a point at 23-22 before a Wesleyan timeout calmed the Coyote nerves. A ball handling error by Evangel set up match point and KWU closed it out on an Evangel hitting error.

Serpan led the Coyotes with 16 kills in the match. Deckinger had 24 assists and six digs. Hund had 17 digs. Girard had five blocks and two aces.

The Coyotes will be the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Tournament which is next Friday and Saturday in Hutchinson at the Sports Arena. KWU will face the winner between 7-seed Saint Mary and 10-seed Sterling at 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball claimed a share of the 2023 KCAC Women's Volleyball Regular Season Championship after the Coyotes' sweep of Evangel on Saturday morning inside Mabee Arena 25-17, 25-15, 25-22.It's the first regular season title for the Coyotes since 2017.KWU and Oklahoma Wesleyan finished the season 12-1 in the KCAC, sharing the title, but OKWU will be the No. 1 seed in the tournament, and KWU will be the No. 2 seed after applying conference tiebreaking procedures.It was a fitting finish to the regular season for the Coyotes, who honored seven seniors and two early-graduating juniors in the program before the match -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/538b331d-273e-4c52-aa9d-754a96178fcf?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Malia Mack</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e0a6d3e8-1e17-495f-9631-93f53ce5e5ba?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Taylor Suko</a>, Hina Kua,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b2160926-8d63-4b17-92aa-da3fbf9a1858?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Savannah Koga</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/daa391fa-bbf3-4ac1-8677-82ad5a983775?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Kelcey Hund</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ca91def8-c212-4cc4-bc7f-e1c831a0ca72?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Megan Peeler</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/20f184ee-a9b5-423e-8c66-eda7bbcbd237?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Josie Deckinger</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7d502834-8477-41e7-bc19-c0975bfd9fc5?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Katie Crain</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9db0a592-6329-4db8-9095-7864695d71bb?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Courtney Beers</a>.It was 11-9 Coyotes in the opening set when KWU broke free. Four straight Evangel errors put the Coyotes up 15-9 and a later assisted block by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9f652cbc-b073-44b4-a733-7468740370df?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Sarah Girard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6defb06f-380e-41ac-867a-e4c28ce4401e?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Rylee Serpan</a>&nbsp;put the Coyotes up 19-10.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6c3ba9ec-4823-474f-a9f0-72af3943ebb4?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Gianna Adriaanse's</a>&nbsp;kill capped the first set 25-17.It was 11-8 in the second set in favor of the Coyotes when Wesleyan pulled away again. A block by Girard and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/667aabf7-0bc8-4a18-84aa-a0d73654bb39?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Kylee Harris</a>&nbsp;spurred the run for the Coyotes who took a 19-9 lead on Girard's service ace. Deckinger closed the set with a service ace.Sensing the impending title call on the horizon, the third set was close throughout. A kill by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5eaaa8d5-d8d2-4dfc-b08b-e1d3006ed246?elinkdata=2518" target="_blank">Kylee Harris</a>&nbsp;gave Wesleyan a 21-15 lead, but Evangel came back and got within a point at 23-22 before a Wesleyan timeout calmed the Coyote nerves. A ball handling error by Evangel set up match point and KWU closed it out on an Evangel hitting error.Serpan led the Coyotes with 16 kills in the match. Deckinger had 24 assists and six digs. Hund had 17 digs. Girard had five blocks and two aces.The Coyotes will be the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Tournament which is next Friday and Saturday in Hutchinson at the Sports Arena. KWU will face the winner between 7-seed Saint Mary and 10-seed Sterling at 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Coyote Women's Volleyball claims share of KCAC title with sweep of Evangel

LEAVENWORTH -&nbsp;Much like the sun coming up every morning, Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer will play in the KCAC Semifinals.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4d8d0eba-a09d-4630-b4b4-818492191512?elinkdata=2497" target="_blank">Graciela Lopez's</a>&nbsp;85th-minute goal was all the Coyotes needed as KWU held on to knock off No. 3 seed Saint Mary 1-0 on Saturday night at Berkel Memorial Stadium in the KCAC quarterfinals.

With the win, the Coyotes move on to next Wednesday's KCAC Semifinals, where they'll face No. 2 seed Friends at 7:30 p.m. at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita.It will be Kansas Wesleyan's 19th consecutive appearance in the KCAC Semifinals.

Lopez scored the goal on a deep shot from the left side that deflected off the outstretched arm of the Saint Mary keeper Marisol Vargas' arm and into the right side netting of the goal. Lopez got the loose ball and sent the shot into the box finding nylon.

Saint Mary nearly had the equalizer in the 88th minute but hit the cross bar with the shot.

The lone goal was the highlight of the defensive battle that only saw 15 combined shots between the teams. Saint Mary led the shots 9-6. Lopez had three of KWU's six.

LEAVENWORTH -&nbsp;Much like the sun coming up every morning, Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer will play in the KCAC Semifinals.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4d8d0eba-a09d-4630-b4b4-818492191512?elinkdata=2497" target="_blank">Graciela Lopez's</a>&nbsp;85th-minute goal was all the Coyotes needed as KWU held on to knock off No. 3 seed Saint Mary 1-0 on Saturday night at Berkel Memorial Stadium in the KCAC quarterfinals.With the win, the Coyotes move on to next Wednesday's KCAC Semifinals, where they'll face No. 2 seed Friends at 7:30 p.m. at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita.It will be Kansas Wesleyan's 19th consecutive appearance in the KCAC Semifinals.Lopez scored the goal on a deep shot from the left side that deflected off the outstretched arm of the Saint Mary keeper Marisol Vargas' arm and into the right side netting of the goal. Lopez got the loose ball and sent the shot into the box finding nylon.Saint Mary nearly had the equalizer in the 88th minute but hit the cross bar with the shot.The lone goal was the highlight of the defensive battle that only saw 15 combined shots between the teams. Saint Mary led the shots 9-6. Lopez had three of KWU's six.

KWU Women's Soccer tops third-seeded Saint Mary Spires 1-0 in KCAC quarterfinals

WINFIELD -&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan Men's Cross Country posted a second place finish at the 2023 KCAC Men's Cross Country Championships on Saturday.

The Coyotes now await final determination if they will receive the second automatic qualifying bid from the NAIA. NAIA rules state a second automatic qualifier must be rated in the Top 30 in order to receive the bid. The Coyotes are currently ranked No. 20 in the latest NAIA Top 25 rating.

Wesleyan was 14 points better than Tabor in the final standings as the Coyotes finished with 59 points.

Three runners finished in the Top 10 led by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/25847d0d-59d6-44bd-810c-ed1e837fa49d?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Shane Calvin</a>&nbsp;with a seventh place finish, covering the 8K course in 24:47.44.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ac86dca6-13a3-4975-a6b7-a92650e75c16?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Damion Jackson</a>&nbsp;was eighth in 24:51.59, and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1777ebeb-fbf3-442d-925c-926803422c2b?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Austin Hess</a>&nbsp;was ninth in 25:01.74.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0996148c-a1b9-4f1e-9067-22ec8a66d461?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Carter Huyser</a>&nbsp;was 22nd in 25:57.89,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/16275dd6-8b33-47cd-91c0-123c4a584106?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Julian Avila</a>&nbsp;was 23rd in 25:58.64.

The next eight spots from 26th to 33rd were all Coyotes.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43dc3ce6-7098-430a-b4ab-0c7eac3e8f36?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Jake Cruz</a>&nbsp;led the group with a time of 26:09.48,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dfa9e573-caf2-4512-81a4-cfb1f96d6ff0?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Giovanni Rios</a>&nbsp;finished in 26:15.78,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2f7812e4-ca41-4d0a-9349-cd62293db6f5?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Tytus Reed</a>&nbsp;in 26:16.94,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c646518c-ee05-4584-bd22-031e773c4a60?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Wyatt Johnson</a>&nbsp;in 26:17.44,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4711b4e8-f8a4-4085-a454-48948a4b15e7?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Ty Davidson</a>&nbsp;in 26:17.46,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9b01e973-e7a5-4946-b8ef-de6c982a1f86?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Brenden Ellis</a>&nbsp;in 26:18.26,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3fdae5c2-bc35-4d0e-adc2-d8a06abf4dc3?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Nicolas Martinez</a>&nbsp;in 26:24.18 and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/79015f4e-20f8-4e21-aa8e-0931c97b1632?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Cisco Alvarez</a>&nbsp;in 26:28.90.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/88c1a524-c7b5-41ca-87a4-6ac375554ff5?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Triston Cottone</a>&nbsp;was 35th in 26:35.04,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/21e76150-888a-4739-a20d-897d4c6b332d?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Jack Horacek</a>&nbsp;was 45th in 26:59.24,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/13611955-e4ff-4ee5-985d-404c3b72adc9?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Cameron Churchill-Dowd</a>&nbsp;was 49th in 27:05.20,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6a5a7d23-a87d-432d-b1ec-761df4cc2e98?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Roman Mai</a>&nbsp;was 59th in 27:45.43,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d2e50775-df70-4909-8c23-ae4e8797192f?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Brodie Bradshaw</a>&nbsp;was 64th in 28:01.09, Zack Tibbits was 75th in 28:34.66,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bd229c74-98e6-46a6-b97c-e75533e13126?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Remington Wiseman</a>&nbsp;was 97th in 31:19.04, and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ee970ba3-14e2-4bb6-b518-445e6a2e5112?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Hayden Dotson</a>&nbsp;was 109th in 33:21.91.

Saint Mary was the KCAC Champion posting a perfect cross country score of 15 points. Evangel was fourth and Friends was fifth to round out the Top 5 finishing teams.

WINFIELD -&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan Men's Cross Country posted a second place finish at the 2023 KCAC Men's Cross Country Championships on Saturday.The Coyotes now await final determination if they will receive the second automatic qualifying bid from the NAIA. NAIA rules state a second automatic qualifier must be rated in the Top 30 in order to receive the bid. The Coyotes are currently ranked No. 20 in the latest NAIA Top 25 rating.Wesleyan was 14 points better than Tabor in the final standings as the Coyotes finished with 59 points.Three runners finished in the Top 10 led by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/25847d0d-59d6-44bd-810c-ed1e837fa49d?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Shane Calvin</a>&nbsp;with a seventh place finish, covering the 8K course in 24:47.44.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ac86dca6-13a3-4975-a6b7-a92650e75c16?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Damion Jackson</a>&nbsp;was eighth in 24:51.59, and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1777ebeb-fbf3-442d-925c-926803422c2b?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Austin Hess</a>&nbsp;was ninth in 25:01.74.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0996148c-a1b9-4f1e-9067-22ec8a66d461?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Carter Huyser</a>&nbsp;was 22nd in 25:57.89,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/16275dd6-8b33-47cd-91c0-123c4a584106?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Julian Avila</a>&nbsp;was 23rd in 25:58.64.The next eight spots from 26th to 33rd were all Coyotes.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43dc3ce6-7098-430a-b4ab-0c7eac3e8f36?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Jake Cruz</a>&nbsp;led the group with a time of 26:09.48,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dfa9e573-caf2-4512-81a4-cfb1f96d6ff0?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Giovanni Rios</a>&nbsp;finished in 26:15.78,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2f7812e4-ca41-4d0a-9349-cd62293db6f5?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Tytus Reed</a>&nbsp;in 26:16.94,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c646518c-ee05-4584-bd22-031e773c4a60?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Wyatt Johnson</a>&nbsp;in 26:17.44,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4711b4e8-f8a4-4085-a454-48948a4b15e7?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Ty Davidson</a>&nbsp;in 26:17.46,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9b01e973-e7a5-4946-b8ef-de6c982a1f86?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Brenden Ellis</a>&nbsp;in 26:18.26,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3fdae5c2-bc35-4d0e-adc2-d8a06abf4dc3?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Nicolas Martinez</a>&nbsp;in 26:24.18 and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/79015f4e-20f8-4e21-aa8e-0931c97b1632?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Cisco Alvarez</a>&nbsp;in 26:28.90.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/88c1a524-c7b5-41ca-87a4-6ac375554ff5?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Triston Cottone</a>&nbsp;was 35th in 26:35.04,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/21e76150-888a-4739-a20d-897d4c6b332d?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Jack Horacek</a>&nbsp;was 45th in 26:59.24,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/13611955-e4ff-4ee5-985d-404c3b72adc9?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Cameron Churchill-Dowd</a>&nbsp;was 49th in 27:05.20,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6a5a7d23-a87d-432d-b1ec-761df4cc2e98?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Roman Mai</a>&nbsp;was 59th in 27:45.43,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d2e50775-df70-4909-8c23-ae4e8797192f?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Brodie Bradshaw</a>&nbsp;was 64th in 28:01.09, Zack Tibbits was 75th in 28:34.66,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bd229c74-98e6-46a6-b97c-e75533e13126?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Remington Wiseman</a>&nbsp;was 97th in 31:19.04, and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ee970ba3-14e2-4bb6-b518-445e6a2e5112?elinkdata=2434" target="_blank">Hayden Dotson</a>&nbsp;was 109th in 33:21.91.Saint Mary was the KCAC Champion posting a perfect cross country score of 15 points. Evangel was fourth and Friends was fifth to round out the Top 5 finishing teams.

Coyote Men's Cross Country finishes second at KCAC Championships

WINFIELD -&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan Women's Cross Country finished third at the 2023 KCAC Women's Cross Country Championships held at the Winfield Veterans Home on Saturday.

The Coyotes had three Top 20 finishers in the field, led by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1afa9351-b558-4eee-a0d8-b841ca1cacf2?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Josie Koppes</a>&nbsp;who finished 11th with a time of 23:07.55 for the 6K course.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6e099e5-d7d0-41bc-8f75-07596c506b05?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>&nbsp;was 12th finishing almost in a tie with Koppes with a time of 23:07.58.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a04233b5-23db-4875-a1ca-44491714c19d?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Charlee Lind</a>&nbsp;placed 18th with a time of 23:50.43.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bb95a2b1-0b94-4667-86d2-fa1082865bf6?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Joni Schroeder</a>&nbsp;finished 25th with a time of 24:39.45,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba902d9c-dd90-4efa-9156-f5a99aaff5e3?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Alayna Behrman</a>&nbsp;was 27th with a time of 24:45.59,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/53e357d4-3552-40fa-b64f-fa0aa7ca4026?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Shelby Lingle</a>&nbsp;was 33rd in 25:14.27.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0729d147-0009-4fc9-a372-0cc379220aaa?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Josey Arthurs</a>&nbsp;was 37th in 25:45.07, and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/546895a7-f770-4857-aaf1-25323dbdc80b?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Allyson Taylor</a>&nbsp;was 44th in 26:32.78.

The Coyotes finished with a team score of 82 points, well ahead of Evangel in fourth with 120.

Saint Mary was the KCAC Champion missing a perfect cross country score by one point with 16 points. Tabor was second with 55. Bethel was fifth with 171 to round out the top five teams.

WINFIELD -&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan Women's Cross Country finished third at the 2023 KCAC Women's Cross Country Championships held at the Winfield Veterans Home on Saturday.The Coyotes had three Top 20 finishers in the field, led by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1afa9351-b558-4eee-a0d8-b841ca1cacf2?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Josie Koppes</a>&nbsp;who finished 11th with a time of 23:07.55 for the 6K course.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6e099e5-d7d0-41bc-8f75-07596c506b05?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>&nbsp;was 12th finishing almost in a tie with Koppes with a time of 23:07.58.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a04233b5-23db-4875-a1ca-44491714c19d?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Charlee Lind</a>&nbsp;placed 18th with a time of 23:50.43.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bb95a2b1-0b94-4667-86d2-fa1082865bf6?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Joni Schroeder</a>&nbsp;finished 25th with a time of 24:39.45,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba902d9c-dd90-4efa-9156-f5a99aaff5e3?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Alayna Behrman</a>&nbsp;was 27th with a time of 24:45.59,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/53e357d4-3552-40fa-b64f-fa0aa7ca4026?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Shelby Lingle</a>&nbsp;was 33rd in 25:14.27.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0729d147-0009-4fc9-a372-0cc379220aaa?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Josey Arthurs</a>&nbsp;was 37th in 25:45.07, and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/546895a7-f770-4857-aaf1-25323dbdc80b?elinkdata=2413" target="_blank">Allyson Taylor</a>&nbsp;was 44th in 26:32.78.The Coyotes finished with a team score of 82 points, well ahead of Evangel in fourth with 120.Saint Mary was the KCAC Champion missing a perfect cross country score by one point with 16 points. Tabor was second with 55. Bethel was fifth with 171 to round out the top five teams.

KWU Women's Cross Country places third at KCAC Championships

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Jason Bean passed for 287 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown to Lawrence Arnold after Iowa State pulled within three points in the fourth quarter, and the No. 22 Jayhawks held off the Cyclones for a 28-21 victory Saturday night.

The Jayhawks (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) won consecutive conference games for the first time since 2008. They also reached the seven-win benchmark and won in Ames for the first time since that '08 season.

Iowa State (5-4, 4-2) began the day in a five-way tie for first place in the Big 12, but the Cyclones' comeback bid came up short after they trailed 21-3 with 9:24 left in the third quarter.

Bean completed 14 of 23 passes, his biggest one to Arnold giving Kansas a 10-point cushion right after Iowa State had scored to make it 21-18. Arnold got behind the secondary to make the catch at the 50 and ran the rest of the way untouched.

A field goal got the Cyclones within 28-21 with 4:53 left. The Jayhawks were able to pick up two first downs on their final possession to run out the clock.

Arnold finished with 112 yards on three catches.

Kansas' Devin Neal scored the first of his two touchdowns on the game's opening series, capping a nine-play, 87-yard drive.

Mello Dotson returned an interception 50 yards for Kansas' second touchdown, and his second pick-six in two games. The Jayhawks missed two field goals before Iowa State trimmed the margin to 14-3 on Chase Contreraz's 35-yard kick before halftime.

Neal's second touchdown completed a 75-yard drive to start the third quarter and gave Kansas a 21-3 lead.

The first two times Kansas was in the Top 25 this season, it lost its next game. The Jayhawks should stay in the rankings a second straight week.

Kansas' Dotson appeared woozy after hitting his head while making a diving tackle of Dimitri Stanley with 10 seconds left in the first half. Athletic trainers tended to Dotson on the field for a few minutes, but he was able to walk off the field on his own.

Bean grabbed the back of his left leg after ISU’s Will McLaughlin hit him low after he threw a pass in the second half. No. 3 quarterback Cole Ballard came on to take one snap.

Iowa State's defense neutralized the top running back duo in the Power Five. Neal and Daniel Hishaw came into Saturday with a combined 1,259 rushing yards on the season but netted a combined 86 yards on 30 carries. Neal ended up with 57 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699155934075.jpeg" alt="Kansas wide receiver Lawrence Arnold (2) catchers a pass over Iowa State defensive back Jontez Williams (31) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas wide receiver Lawrence Arnold (2) catchers a pass over Iowa State defensive back Jontez Williams (31) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)</figcaption>
 </figure>AMES, Iowa (AP) — Jason Bean passed for 287 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown to Lawrence Arnold after Iowa State pulled within three points in the fourth quarter, and the No. 22 Jayhawks held off the Cyclones for a 28-21 victory Saturday night.The Jayhawks (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) won consecutive conference games for the first time since 2008. They also reached the seven-win benchmark and won in Ames for the first time since that '08 season.Iowa State (5-4, 4-2) began the day in a five-way tie for first place in the Big 12, but the Cyclones' comeback bid came up short after they trailed 21-3 with 9:24 left in the third quarter.Bean completed 14 of 23 passes, his biggest one to Arnold giving Kansas a 10-point cushion right after Iowa State had scored to make it 21-18. Arnold got behind the secondary to make the catch at the 50 and ran the rest of the way untouched.A field goal got the Cyclones within 28-21 with 4:53 left. The Jayhawks were able to pick up two first downs on their final possession to run out the clock.Arnold finished with 112 yards on three catches.Kansas' Devin Neal scored the first of his two touchdowns on the game's opening series, capping a nine-play, 87-yard drive.Mello Dotson returned an interception 50 yards for Kansas' second touchdown, and his second pick-six in two games. The Jayhawks missed two field goals before Iowa State trimmed the margin to 14-3 on Chase Contreraz's 35-yard kick before halftime.Neal's second touchdown completed a 75-yard drive to start the third quarter and gave Kansas a 21-3 lead.POLL IMPLICATIONSThe first two times Kansas was in the Top 25 this season, it lost its next game. The Jayhawks should stay in the rankings a second straight week.INJURY REPORTKansas' Dotson appeared woozy after hitting his head while making a diving tackle of Dimitri Stanley with 10 seconds left in the first half. Athletic trainers tended to Dotson on the field for a few minutes, but he was able to walk off the field on his own.Bean grabbed the back of his left leg after ISU’s Will McLaughlin hit him low after he threw a pass in the second half. No. 3 quarterback Cole Ballard came on to take one snap.NOT GAINING ON THE GROUNDIowa State's defense neutralized the top running back duo in the Power Five. Neal and Daniel Hishaw came into Saturday with a combined 1,259 rushing yards on the season but netted a combined 86 yards on 30 carries. Neal ended up with 57 rushing yards and two touchdowns.UP NEXTKansas hosts Texas Tech on Saturday.

No. 22 Kansas holds off Iowa State to reach 7-win mark 

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas was dominant for most of three quarters against Kansas State, building a comfortable 20-point lead behind a suffocating defense.

Then the No. 7 Longhorns found themselves in overtime, clinging to a three point lead with just six yards between the No. 25 Wildcats, the end zone and a loss.

“These are the moments you live for. Everybody wants to be the person to make that play,” Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron said. “Trust one another. And that's what we did.”

With a chance to win and all the momentum, Kansas State gained just two yards in three plays before Texas' Barryn Sorrell pressured Will Howard into a desperate, off-balance pass that fell incomplete, as the Longhorns made Bert Auburn's 42-yard field goal stand up for a 33-30 win that keeps them atop the Big 12.

Texas (8-1, 5-1 Big 12, No. 7 CFP) matched last season's win total and stayed on track for a possible berth in the Big 12 championship game. Texas hasn't won the league since 2009, and this is the last chance before the program leaves for the Southeastern Conference next season.

“Versatility, resilience, perseverance ... those are all qualities championship teams have,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “They can make plays at critical moments.”

That was Kansas State (6-3, 402, No. 23 CFP) when the Wildcats came storming back from a 27-7 deficit late in the third quarter. Kansas State rallied behind three touchdown passes from Howard in less than three minutes.

Kansas State forced overtime on Chris Tennant's 45-yard field goal with 1 second left. Tennant had earlier missed a short chance to tie with just under two minutes left.

Texas went nowhere on its first possession of overtime before Auburn's go-ahead kick, his fourth field goal of the game. Kansas State was then quickly inside the Texas 10.

Facing fourth down, the Wildcats went for the win instead of another field goal to tie and more overtime. Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said he didn't hesitate to make the call and would do it again if given another chance.

“Our kids always believe we have a shot,” Klieman said. “I’m upset that we lost, but watching what our guys were able to do in the second half was pretty special.”

Jonathon Brooks ran for 112 yards and a touchdown for Texas, which also got a 54-yard scoring run early from C.J. Baxter. Howard passed for 327 yards and four touchdowns for the Wildcats, two of them to Phillip Brooks.

Kansas State's rally was helped by consecutive Texas turnovers — an interception and fumble — that set up two quick Howard touchdown passes. A blocked punt set up Kansas State's only touchdown in the first half.

“It tested us. It tested our resilience," Sarkisian said. “It tested our culture to stick together.”

Texas has been dominant on run defense all season and allowed just 33 yards on the ground Saturday.

“I think we're proving the physicality that Texas can play with on defense that probably hasn't been there in the past decade,” said Texas edge rusher Ethan Burker, who had two sacks. "We're really showing the country how physical and strong we are.

Kansas State: The Wildcats stubbornly stuck to a running game that was going nowhere in the first half. Even when they rotated in speedy freshman quarterback Avery Johnson, his first full series produced three consecutive handoffs instead of letting him probe for an opening. The Wildcats moved the ball through the air on a short scoring drive in the second quarter before opening up the offense on Howard's passing in the second half.

Texas: Maalik Murphy has managed the last two games at quarterback for Texas but has been erratic and struggled with accuracy and turnovers Saturday. After a quick start Saturday, he threw one interception and two more passes that were dropped by Wildcats defenders. Ewers has been deemed “week-to-week” by coach Steve Sarkisian with a sprained right throwing shoulder.

“Quinn is moving in the right direction" to return, Sarkisian said. "How quickly I don't know yet.”

Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, a transfer from Georgia, caught eight passes for 149 yards and touchdown, his third scoring connection with Murphy in two games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699135850346.jpeg" alt="Kansas State wide receiver Keagan Johnson (10) scores on a touchdown catch against Texas during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State wide receiver Keagan Johnson (10) scores on a touchdown catch against Texas during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas was dominant for most of three quarters against Kansas State, building a comfortable 20-point lead behind a suffocating defense.Then the No. 7 Longhorns found themselves in overtime, clinging to a three point lead with just six yards between the No. 25 Wildcats, the end zone and a loss.“These are the moments you live for. Everybody wants to be the person to make that play,” Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron said. “Trust one another. And that's what we did.”With a chance to win and all the momentum, Kansas State gained just two yards in three plays before Texas' Barryn Sorrell pressured Will Howard into a desperate, off-balance pass that fell incomplete, as the Longhorns made Bert Auburn's 42-yard field goal stand up for a 33-30 win that keeps them atop the Big 12.Texas (8-1, 5-1 Big 12, No. 7 CFP) matched last season's win total and stayed on track for a possible berth in the Big 12 championship game. Texas hasn't won the league since 2009, and this is the last chance before the program leaves for the Southeastern Conference next season.“Versatility, resilience, perseverance ... those are all qualities championship teams have,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “They can make plays at critical moments.”That was Kansas State (6-3, 402, No. 23 CFP) when the Wildcats came storming back from a 27-7 deficit late in the third quarter. Kansas State rallied behind three touchdown passes from Howard in less than three minutes.Kansas State forced overtime on Chris Tennant's 45-yard field goal with 1 second left. Tennant had earlier missed a short chance to tie with just under two minutes left.Texas went nowhere on its first possession of overtime before Auburn's go-ahead kick, his fourth field goal of the game. Kansas State was then quickly inside the Texas 10.Facing fourth down, the Wildcats went for the win instead of another field goal to tie and more overtime. Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said he didn't hesitate to make the call and would do it again if given another chance.“Our kids always believe we have a shot,” Klieman said. “I’m upset that we lost, but watching what our guys were able to do in the second half was pretty special.”Jonathon Brooks ran for 112 yards and a touchdown for Texas, which also got a 54-yard scoring run early from C.J. Baxter. Howard passed for 327 yards and four touchdowns for the Wildcats, two of them to Phillip Brooks.Kansas State's rally was helped by consecutive Texas turnovers — an interception and fumble — that set up two quick Howard touchdown passes. A blocked punt set up Kansas State's only touchdown in the first half.“It tested us. It tested our resilience," Sarkisian said. “It tested our culture to stick together.”STUFFING THE RUNTexas has been dominant on run defense all season and allowed just 33 yards on the ground Saturday.“I think we're proving the physicality that Texas can play with on defense that probably hasn't been there in the past decade,” said Texas edge rusher Ethan Burker, who had two sacks. "We're really showing the country how physical and strong we are.THE TAKEAWAYKansas State: The Wildcats stubbornly stuck to a running game that was going nowhere in the first half. Even when they rotated in speedy freshman quarterback Avery Johnson, his first full series produced three consecutive handoffs instead of letting him probe for an opening. The Wildcats moved the ball through the air on a short scoring drive in the second quarter before opening up the offense on Howard's passing in the second half.Texas: Maalik Murphy has managed the last two games at quarterback for Texas but has been erratic and struggled with accuracy and turnovers Saturday. After a quick start Saturday, he threw one interception and two more passes that were dropped by Wildcats defenders. Ewers has been deemed “week-to-week” by coach Steve Sarkisian with a sprained right throwing shoulder.“Quinn is moving in the right direction" to return, Sarkisian said. "How quickly I don't know yet.”BIG TARGETTexas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, a transfer from Georgia, caught eight passes for 149 yards and touchdown, his third scoring connection with Murphy in two games.UP NEXTKansas State hosts Baylor next Saturday.

FG and late defensive stand lift Texas over Kansas State in OT

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cf1e6faf-0734-4369-8d16-613dcd771788?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Jun Murdock</a>&nbsp;had not forgotten Kansas Wesleyan's final basketball game of the 2022-23 season as he took the court Friday night for the No. 16 ranked Coyotes' game against No. 13 ranked Morningside.

KWU's season ended with an 87-80 loss to the Mustangs in the second round of the NAIA Men's Championship on March 8 in Wichita. The Coyotes led 41-36 at halftime but couldn't hang on.

Murdock did his part, scoring 23 points, but the sting remained throughout the offseason.

The pain has finally subsided a bit following Wesleyan's 84-73 victory over Morningside in the Kansas Wesleyan Coyote Classic inside Mabee Arena. They did so thanks to another incredible effort from Murdock.

The Coyotes' irrepressible point guard scored their first 10 points and finished with 31 to go along with 10 assists, six rebounds and four steals while playing the entire 40 minutes.

"I think (that game) was on all of our minds," Murdock said. "They got us in the national tournament last year so that added a lot of fuel to the fire. We wanted to come out with a lot of energy and I think we had that."

Morningside, which returns four starters including the top three scorers from the game in Wichita, threw the first punch by taking an early 8-3 lead. Murdock responded in dazzling fashion scoring the game's next seven points igniting a withering 23-0 run that gave the Coyotes a 26-8 lead. And they never looked back.

Murdock scored two points in the KWU's victory over Bellevue last Saturday in Bellevue, Nebraska but said that was not a consideration.

"That just happened out there," he said. "My teammates believe in me; my coaches believe in me and they just told me to keep my confidence. I'm in the gym all the time so it's going to show.

It certainly did Friday. Murdock was 8 of 15 from the field including two 3-pointers and 13 of 16 from the foul line.

"He didn't have a great first weekend and kind of struggled to finish," KWU coach&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c9c33dcd-babc-4e74-86b9-9a6c426ad77d?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Anthony Monson</a>&nbsp;said. "We love it when he's aggressive like he was tonight and he's been aggressive all year. Tonight, he was just able to finish."We needed it. We were struggling, getting off to a slow start and he responded in a big way and helped us get the job done."

Four other Coyotes scored in double figures as well -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3e0e51c1-80c0-470a-8f25-347b4507d021?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Alex Littlejohn</a>&nbsp;had 13 points to go along with 11 rebounds, backup forward&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fd2fae6e-46c6-49a0-86ce-dcef164a034d?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Grant Dye</a>&nbsp;12 points off the bench, and reserve guard&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2de34f67-5257-43d5-b970-1991851e4ba9?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Caden Hale</a>&nbsp;11.

Monson was especially pleased with Dye and reserve forward&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/13f3fb74-96e5-4a08-9f71-6e6a7a080a46?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Gabe Phillips</a>."A big key was&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0be75e3f-54b6-4701-b6ce-1a51045716a1?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Grant Dye</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4003dc0f-d031-4afc-9aa2-464f877f3474?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Gabe Phillips</a>&nbsp;off the bench," he said.

"We got in foul trouble with (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/37909d55-5eff-4e78-bf32-8796dada1d59?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Thurbil Bile</a>) and Gabe being undersized was super physical. Grant stretching the floor at a five spot gave them problems and made them have to come out away from the basket. You can't say enough about those two coming off the bench."

KWU led 45-38 at halftime after Morningside rallied from the 18-point deficit. The Coyotes remained in control the second half, though - the Mustangs getting no closer than seven the final 20 minutes.

Wesleyan shot 47.4 percent for the game (27 of 57) including 9 of 23 beyond the arc and was 21 of 28 at the line. Morningside shot 37.7 percent (20 of 53), was just 4 of 17 from deep and 29 of 37 at the line.

Ely Doble, Morningside's post player who scored 22 against KWU last year, led the Mustangs Friday with 24 points and 14 rebounds."We guarded well but they got too many free throws, they lived at the line," Monson said. 

"We kind of kept them in the game the whole night but I thought we battled defensively, we boarded well and we competed. That's a national tournament we beat right there."Murdock said it was a big improvement over last weekend."I felt like we weren't locked in all the way those two game (in Nebraska) but we're starting to get it together," he said.

The Coyotes play Briar Cliff (Iowa) at 6 p.m. Saturday in the Classic. Briar Cliff (3-0) defeated Bethany 76-59 Friday.

"They've got five guys running around throwing the ball everywhere, screening and causing a lot of confusion," Monson said. "If we're not on top of our game and if we think we're just going to roll in there because we beat Morningside we're going to get it handed to us tomorrow. It's a long season and we can't become complacent with this."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cf1e6faf-0734-4369-8d16-613dcd771788?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Jun Murdock</a>&nbsp;had not forgotten Kansas Wesleyan's final basketball game of the 2022-23 season as he took the court Friday night for the No. 16 ranked Coyotes' game against No. 13 ranked Morningside.KWU's season ended with an 87-80 loss to the Mustangs in the second round of the NAIA Men's Championship on March 8 in Wichita. The Coyotes led 41-36 at halftime but couldn't hang on.Murdock did his part, scoring 23 points, but the sting remained throughout the offseason.The pain has finally subsided a bit following Wesleyan's 84-73 victory over Morningside in the Kansas Wesleyan Coyote Classic inside Mabee Arena. They did so thanks to another incredible effort from Murdock.The Coyotes' irrepressible point guard scored their first 10 points and finished with 31 to go along with 10 assists, six rebounds and four steals while playing the entire 40 minutes."I think (that game) was on all of our minds," Murdock said. "They got us in the national tournament last year so that added a lot of fuel to the fire. We wanted to come out with a lot of energy and I think we had that."Morningside, which returns four starters including the top three scorers from the game in Wichita, threw the first punch by taking an early 8-3 lead. Murdock responded in dazzling fashion scoring the game's next seven points igniting a withering 23-0 run that gave the Coyotes a 26-8 lead. And they never looked back.Murdock scored two points in the KWU's victory over Bellevue last Saturday in Bellevue, Nebraska but said that was not a consideration."That just happened out there," he said. "My teammates believe in me; my coaches believe in me and they just told me to keep my confidence. I'm in the gym all the time so it's going to show.It certainly did Friday. Murdock was 8 of 15 from the field including two 3-pointers and 13 of 16 from the foul line."He didn't have a great first weekend and kind of struggled to finish," KWU coach&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c9c33dcd-babc-4e74-86b9-9a6c426ad77d?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Anthony Monson</a>&nbsp;said. "We love it when he's aggressive like he was tonight and he's been aggressive all year. Tonight, he was just able to finish."We needed it. We were struggling, getting off to a slow start and he responded in a big way and helped us get the job done."Four other Coyotes scored in double figures as well -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3e0e51c1-80c0-470a-8f25-347b4507d021?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Alex Littlejohn</a>&nbsp;had 13 points to go along with 11 rebounds, backup forward&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fd2fae6e-46c6-49a0-86ce-dcef164a034d?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Grant Dye</a>&nbsp;12 points off the bench, and reserve guard&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2de34f67-5257-43d5-b970-1991851e4ba9?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Caden Hale</a>&nbsp;11.Monson was especially pleased with Dye and reserve forward&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/13f3fb74-96e5-4a08-9f71-6e6a7a080a46?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Gabe Phillips</a>."A big key was&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0be75e3f-54b6-4701-b6ce-1a51045716a1?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Grant Dye</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4003dc0f-d031-4afc-9aa2-464f877f3474?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Gabe Phillips</a>&nbsp;off the bench," he said. "We got in foul trouble with (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/37909d55-5eff-4e78-bf32-8796dada1d59?elinkdata=2371" target="_blank">Thurbil Bile</a>) and Gabe being undersized was super physical. Grant stretching the floor at a five spot gave them problems and made them have to come out away from the basket. You can't say enough about those two coming off the bench."KWU led 45-38 at halftime after Morningside rallied from the 18-point deficit. The Coyotes remained in control the second half, though - the Mustangs getting no closer than seven the final 20 minutes.Wesleyan shot 47.4 percent for the game (27 of 57) including 9 of 23 beyond the arc and was 21 of 28 at the line. Morningside shot 37.7 percent (20 of 53), was just 4 of 17 from deep and 29 of 37 at the line.Ely Doble, Morningside's post player who scored 22 against KWU last year, led the Mustangs Friday with 24 points and 14 rebounds."We guarded well but they got too many free throws, they lived at the line," Monson said. "We kind of kept them in the game the whole night but I thought we battled defensively, we boarded well and we competed. That's a national tournament we beat right there."Murdock said it was a big improvement over last weekend."I felt like we weren't locked in all the way those two game (in Nebraska) but we're starting to get it together," he said.The Coyotes play Briar Cliff (Iowa) at 6 p.m. Saturday in the Classic. Briar Cliff (3-0) defeated Bethany 76-59 Friday."They've got five guys running around throwing the ball everywhere, screening and causing a lot of confusion," Monson said. "If we're not on top of our game and if we think we're just going to roll in there because we beat Morningside we're going to get it handed to us tomorrow. It's a long season and we can't become complacent with this."

Sweet Revenge: Murdock leads No. 16 KWU past No. 13 Morningside

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer got two second half goals in a three-minute span to secure a trip to the Kansas Conference semifinals as the Coyotes beat Tabor 2-0 in the conference quarterfinals at JRI Hospitality Stadium.

The victory sends the Coyotes to Wichita, and the KCAC semifinals to face Ottawa on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at Stryker Sports Complex.

It's the first trip to the conference semifinals for the Coyotes since the 2019 season.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1a74f97a-c7d4-4341-90b9-b07297b18647?elinkdata=2308" target="_blank">Jacob Langebartels</a>&nbsp;scored the first goal for the Coyotes in the 51st minute on a corner kick set piece. The ball was sent in from the right side and bounced off the heads of several players before finally ending up at Langebartels for the score.

Abeanya Nundu scored the second goal for the Coyotes in the 54th minute, getting the ball across the middle of the pitch and weaving through several defenders before scoring it.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/aa4164f4-c362-43a9-bbaf-7f05eb938964?elinkdata=2308" target="_blank">Jesus Moreno</a>&nbsp;had five shots to lead the Coyotes who edged Tabor 13-11 in total tries.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2e021153-f773-4663-b366-fef8a85f11ce?elinkdata=2308" target="_blank">Santiago Pagnutti</a>&nbsp;had seven saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer got two second half goals in a three-minute span to secure a trip to the Kansas Conference semifinals as the Coyotes beat Tabor 2-0 in the conference quarterfinals at JRI Hospitality Stadium.The victory sends the Coyotes to Wichita, and the KCAC semifinals to face Ottawa on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at Stryker Sports Complex.It's the first trip to the conference semifinals for the Coyotes since the 2019 season.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1a74f97a-c7d4-4341-90b9-b07297b18647?elinkdata=2308" target="_blank">Jacob Langebartels</a>&nbsp;scored the first goal for the Coyotes in the 51st minute on a corner kick set piece. The ball was sent in from the right side and bounced off the heads of several players before finally ending up at Langebartels for the score.Abeanya Nundu scored the second goal for the Coyotes in the 54th minute, getting the ball across the middle of the pitch and weaving through several defenders before scoring it.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/aa4164f4-c362-43a9-bbaf-7f05eb938964?elinkdata=2308" target="_blank">Jesus Moreno</a>&nbsp;had five shots to lead the Coyotes who edged Tabor 13-11 in total tries.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2e021153-f773-4663-b366-fef8a85f11ce?elinkdata=2308" target="_blank">Santiago Pagnutti</a>&nbsp;had seven saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Coyote Men's Soccer knocks off Tabor 2-0 in KCAC Quarterfinals

On Friday night, the Southeast of Saline Trojans got exactly what they wanted...a rematch with Kingman. It was the Eagles who eliminated the Trojans 50 weeks ago in the Sub-State final four game and kept them from the State Championship. That game went to double overtime. This game would be settled in regulation.

Southeast started quickly and scored on the opening drive behind a 58 yard run from senior running back Nathan Friesen. That run would set up a big night for Friesen who finished with 11 carries, 128 yards and 2 touchdowns on offense. Kingman would answer after a 14 play drive with a Tristan Davidson 6 yard run. SES led at the end of the opening quarter, 8-6.

The two teams would continue battle in the second quarter with big plays on both sides, but neither team would be able to capitalize. The key play for SES came with 3.8 seconds left when quarterback Daniel Kejr hit senior Cameron Witte over the middle. Witte would do the rest, weaving through traffic and finding the end zone. That score would put the Trojans in the lead, 20-14 at the half.&nbsp;

Kingman would start the third quarter with the football, but the Trojan defense would quickly force them to punt. Shortly after getting the ball back, Friesen would find the end zone again on a 40 yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion from Kejr to Tucker Thaxton would give Southeast a 28-14 lead. The Eagles would strike again on a touchdown pass that would draw them back to within a possession and a 28-21 score going into the final quarter.&nbsp;

SES would assemble an 8 play drive capped by Daniel Kejr's 4 yard touchdown run. Kejr would also add the two-point conversion giving the Trojans a 36-21 lead. Kingman would score again but Southeast would never give the football back, ending the game with a 36-28 victory.&nbsp;

For Southeast of Saline, this is the third consecutive season they have started 10-0. The Regional Championship will propel the Trojans into the round of eight and a road trip next Friday to play unbeaten Hoisington.&nbsp;

You can watch a replay of the Southeast of Saline vs. Kingman game here:&nbsp;

On Friday night, the Southeast of Saline Trojans got exactly what they wanted...a rematch with Kingman. It was the Eagles who eliminated the Trojans 50 weeks ago in the Sub-State final four game and kept them from the State Championship. That game went to double overtime. This game would be settled in regulation.Southeast started quickly and scored on the opening drive behind a 58 yard run from senior running back Nathan Friesen. That run would set up a big night for Friesen who finished with 11 carries, 128 yards and 2 touchdowns on offense. Kingman would answer after a 14 play drive with a Tristan Davidson 6 yard run. SES led at the end of the opening quarter, 8-6.The two teams would continue battle in the second quarter with big plays on both sides, but neither team would be able to capitalize. The key play for SES came with 3.8 seconds left when quarterback Daniel Kejr hit senior Cameron Witte over the middle. Witte would do the rest, weaving through traffic and finding the end zone. That score would put the Trojans in the lead, 20-14 at the half.&nbsp;Kingman would start the third quarter with the football, but the Trojan defense would quickly force them to punt. Shortly after getting the ball back, Friesen would find the end zone again on a 40 yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion from Kejr to Tucker Thaxton would give Southeast a 28-14 lead. The Eagles would strike again on a touchdown pass that would draw them back to within a possession and a 28-21 score going into the final quarter.&nbsp;SES would assemble an 8 play drive capped by Daniel Kejr's 4 yard touchdown run. Kejr would also add the two-point conversion giving the Trojans a 36-21 lead. Kingman would score again but Southeast would never give the football back, ending the game with a 36-28 victory.&nbsp;For Southeast of Saline, this is the third consecutive season they have started 10-0. The Regional Championship will propel the Trojans into the round of eight and a road trip next Friday to play unbeaten Hoisington.&nbsp;You can watch a replay of the Southeast of Saline vs. Kingman game here:&nbsp;<figure>
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Trojans Remain Perfect, Beat Kingman

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

Last week, the Ell-Saline Cardinals rolled to the first playoff win of their 8-man tenure in dominant 48-0 fashion over Quinter, pitching their third shutout of the 2023 season.

Now, the Cardinals (8-1) turn their attention to a battle with a perennial power in Meade (8-1), who defeated Pratt-Skyline 76-50 in their opening-round matchup.

“We’re playing with confidence,” Ell-Saline head coach Joe Roche said. “We’ve played some really good teams tough and we’ve worked very hard to get to where we are right now.”

There’s no question that this year’s Cardinals have faced a gauntlet of a schedule, going 2-1 in games with Moundridge, Little River, and Clifton-Clyde, three games that should have Ell-Saline ready to go come Friday night.

“I can only hope that our games against some tough opponents have prepared us for this,” Roche said. “We’re healthy, we’re working hard and we’re looking forward to facing a new team with a great tradition that presents a big challenge.”

That challenge comes in the form of a Buffalo team that has run all over its opponents this season, scoring 50 or more points in all but two of their games.

&nbsp;“They’re a physical bunch on offense and we’ll have to play hard and disciplined with sound technique to handle all of that,” he said. “They’re a run-heavy team and they want to beat you at the point of attack and put their speed underneath those blocks.”

Defensively, Meade has looked good, but does have weaknesses, surrendering 30 or more points in three games already this season.

“They have a good secondary and I don’t know how many great passing offenses they’ve faced but they’re sound back there,” Roche said. “They have aggressive linebackers and they have a good three-man front that’s going to test our O-Line for sure.”

To have success again this week, and to continue pushing the 8-man envelope, the Cardinals will have to keep another opponent guessing on defense and find an answer for another team that comes in with an edge in size.

“We’re going to have to continue spreading the wealth offensively and force Meade to play the entire field at all times,” he said. “I don’t know where they grow em but they have a lot of big 200-pound kids and that will be a challenge as well.”

Fortunately for Ell-Saline, this game comes in front of the Brookville faithful, who will be packed in to see their Cardinals attempt to punch their ticket to a quarterfinal.

“Being at home in front of friends, family, and loved ones is so big for us and we view this as a real opportunity,” Roche said. “Our guys are awfully excited for this one.”

Kickoff between the Cardinals and Buffaloes is set for 6:00 in Brookville, and the winner will advance to the 8MDI quarterfinals to face either 8-1 Hoxie or 6-3 LaCrosse.

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>Last week, the Ell-Saline Cardinals rolled to the first playoff win of their 8-man tenure in dominant 48-0 fashion over Quinter, pitching their third shutout of the 2023 season.Now, the Cardinals (8-1) turn their attention to a battle with a perennial power in Meade (8-1), who defeated Pratt-Skyline 76-50 in their opening-round matchup.“We’re playing with confidence,” Ell-Saline head coach Joe Roche said. “We’ve played some really good teams tough and we’ve worked very hard to get to where we are right now.”There’s no question that this year’s Cardinals have faced a gauntlet of a schedule, going 2-1 in games with Moundridge, Little River, and Clifton-Clyde, three games that should have Ell-Saline ready to go come Friday night.“I can only hope that our games against some tough opponents have prepared us for this,” Roche said. “We’re healthy, we’re working hard and we’re looking forward to facing a new team with a great tradition that presents a big challenge.”That challenge comes in the form of a Buffalo team that has run all over its opponents this season, scoring 50 or more points in all but two of their games.&nbsp;“They’re a physical bunch on offense and we’ll have to play hard and disciplined with sound technique to handle all of that,” he said. “They’re a run-heavy team and they want to beat you at the point of attack and put their speed underneath those blocks.”Defensively, Meade has looked good, but does have weaknesses, surrendering 30 or more points in three games already this season.“They have a good secondary and I don’t know how many great passing offenses they’ve faced but they’re sound back there,” Roche said. “They have aggressive linebackers and they have a good three-man front that’s going to test our O-Line for sure.”To have success again this week, and to continue pushing the 8-man envelope, the Cardinals will have to keep another opponent guessing on defense and find an answer for another team that comes in with an edge in size.“We’re going to have to continue spreading the wealth offensively and force Meade to play the entire field at all times,” he said. “I don’t know where they grow em but they have a lot of big 200-pound kids and that will be a challenge as well.”Fortunately for Ell-Saline, this game comes in front of the Brookville faithful, who will be packed in to see their Cardinals attempt to punch their ticket to a quarterfinal.“Being at home in front of friends, family, and loved ones is so big for us and we view this as a real opportunity,” Roche said. “Our guys are awfully excited for this one.”Kickoff between the Cardinals and Buffaloes is set for 6:00 in Brookville, and the winner will advance to the 8MDI quarterfinals to face either 8-1 Hoxie or 6-3 LaCrosse.

Cardinals Welcome in Meade Looking to Unseat Another Perrenial Power

After breezing through the opening round of the playoffs in a 42-0 shutout of Haven, the Ellsworth Bearcats will hit the road this week in search of a big round-of-16 win over Garden Plain.

Both teams come into this contest at 8-1 with the Owls entering fresh off a 21-7 victory over Halstead last week.

Despite the dominant performance, Ellsworth understands that to reach their full potential, they must take yet another step this week to advance to the first quarterfinal in recent memory.

“I thought we played really well defensively again,” Bearcat head coach Josh Homolka said. “Those guys really clamped down. We still need to continue progressing on offense, moving the ball and getting points on the board to keep our defense off the field will be key.”

This week’s challenge comes in the form of a Garden Plain team that ranks fifth in Class 2A in rushing offense (286 yds/g), and 11th in scoring defense (15 PPGA).

“They’re not afraid of grinding it out on offense and they’re content fighting for three yards all night and then popping a big one late,” Homolka said. “They’re built to be a four-down offense and you have to get them off schedule to get off the field but that’s easier said than done.”

The Bearcats got a firsthand look at this offense a season ago in a 21-7 opening-round victory over the Owls in 2022.

This matchup will also pit strength against strength, as Ellsworth currently holds the 3rd best scoring defense (7.3 PPGA), and fourth-best run defense (82 yds/ga) in their class.

“We’ve seen teams like this but I don’t think we’ve seen a team as strong as what they are in the run game this year,” Homolka said. “I like their style, they’re willing to pound their head into the wall until it cracks open and they do a good job of it.”

On the other side of the matchup, the Owls have struggled at times to stop the pass, surrendering more air yards on average than almost any other team in 2A, which could play right into the hands of the always-dangerous Will Cravens come kickoff.

Ultimately, this game could very well come down to which team takes better care of the football, as the Bearcats will need to find ways to keep a slow, methodical Owl offense off the field.

“We have to play solid on defense and make sure that we can get them off schedule and doing things that they don’t like to do,” he said. “Turnovers will be the biggest factor in this game and if we can get a few that’ll go a long way, you have to manufacture extra possessions against a team like Garden Plain.”

Kickoff between the Bearcats and Owls is scheduled for 7:00 on the campus of Garden Plain High School, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinal to face either Hoisington (9-0) or Beloit (5-4) next week.

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>After breezing through the opening round of the playoffs in a 42-0 shutout of Haven, the Ellsworth Bearcats will hit the road this week in search of a big round-of-16 win over Garden Plain.Both teams come into this contest at 8-1 with the Owls entering fresh off a 21-7 victory over Halstead last week.Despite the dominant performance, Ellsworth understands that to reach their full potential, they must take yet another step this week to advance to the first quarterfinal in recent memory.“I thought we played really well defensively again,” Bearcat head coach Josh Homolka said. “Those guys really clamped down. We still need to continue progressing on offense, moving the ball and getting points on the board to keep our defense off the field will be key.”This week’s challenge comes in the form of a Garden Plain team that ranks fifth in Class 2A in rushing offense (286 yds/g), and 11th in scoring defense (15 PPGA).“They’re not afraid of grinding it out on offense and they’re content fighting for three yards all night and then popping a big one late,” Homolka said. “They’re built to be a four-down offense and you have to get them off schedule to get off the field but that’s easier said than done.”The Bearcats got a firsthand look at this offense a season ago in a 21-7 opening-round victory over the Owls in 2022.This matchup will also pit strength against strength, as Ellsworth currently holds the 3rd best scoring defense (7.3 PPGA), and fourth-best run defense (82 yds/ga) in their class.“We’ve seen teams like this but I don’t think we’ve seen a team as strong as what they are in the run game this year,” Homolka said. “I like their style, they’re willing to pound their head into the wall until it cracks open and they do a good job of it.”On the other side of the matchup, the Owls have struggled at times to stop the pass, surrendering more air yards on average than almost any other team in 2A, which could play right into the hands of the always-dangerous Will Cravens come kickoff.Ultimately, this game could very well come down to which team takes better care of the football, as the Bearcats will need to find ways to keep a slow, methodical Owl offense off the field.“We have to play solid on defense and make sure that we can get them off schedule and doing things that they don’t like to do,” he said. “Turnovers will be the biggest factor in this game and if we can get a few that’ll go a long way, you have to manufacture extra possessions against a team like Garden Plain.”Kickoff between the Bearcats and Owls is scheduled for 7:00 on the campus of Garden Plain High School, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinal to face either Hoisington (9-0) or Beloit (5-4) next week.

Bearcats Travel to Garden Plain Looking to Eliminate Owls for Second-Straight Season

After knocking off Ark City 38-12 in the opening round last week, the Abilene Cowboys will host a second-round playoff game for the first time in over a decade as they prepare to welcome in Andover Central.

The Cowboys come into this contest at 7-2 while the Jaguars enter at 6-3, fresh off a 41-20 win over Independence last week.

This will also mark the second straight playoff game for Abilene against an opponent with a deceptive resume, as Andover Central, like Ark City, has faced a steady diet of 5A opponents this year.

“Andover Central is absolutely better than their record,” Cowboy head coach Brad Nicks said. “Offensively they have great weapons and they like to throw it around. They also have a very strong line and one of the best running backs we’ve seen this year.”

The Jaguars have been led all season by the junior duo of quarterback Jace Jefferson, and running back Maddox Archibald.

Jefferson has completed 56% of his passes for 1,534 yards and 16 touchdowns while Archibald averages over five yards per carry as part of a 1,000-yard season with 14 scores.

That tandem will go toe-to-toe with a Cowboy offense that still ranks as one of Class 4A's best, leading the pack in passing offense (260 yds/g).

“For us, everything we do starts up front and we’ll have to be able to run the ball a bit and buy Stocton time to sit back and throw it when we need to,” Nicks said.

While this season has undoubtedly been one of Abilene’s best in recent memory, the Cowboys continue to look for ways to push that envelope even further as they look to make a real run in Class 4A.

“We’re still looking for a little more consistency,” he said. “We play really well a lot of the time but we still have breakdowns here and there. We’re getting to the point in the season where every little thing matters now more than it does in the regular season.”

Having this game at home isn’t just a boost on Friday night, it serves as a reminder of just how far the Cowboys have come as a program just two years removed from another winless season.

“The kids told me they wanted to host the second round at home before the season began and I remember thinking that was going to be tough but we set out to do it and here we are,” Nicks said. “We have such a great community here in Abilene and they really come out and support our program, it’s great to be back at Cowboy Stadium again this week.”

Kickoff between the Cowboys and Jaguars is set for 7:00 at Abilene High School.

The winner of this game will advance to the 4A quarterfinals to await either Buhler (7-2) or McPherson (6-3).

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>After knocking off Ark City 38-12 in the opening round last week, the Abilene Cowboys will host a second-round playoff game for the first time in over a decade as they prepare to welcome in Andover Central.The Cowboys come into this contest at 7-2 while the Jaguars enter at 6-3, fresh off a 41-20 win over Independence last week.This will also mark the second straight playoff game for Abilene against an opponent with a deceptive resume, as Andover Central, like Ark City, has faced a steady diet of 5A opponents this year.“Andover Central is absolutely better than their record,” Cowboy head coach Brad Nicks said. “Offensively they have great weapons and they like to throw it around. They also have a very strong line and one of the best running backs we’ve seen this year.”The Jaguars have been led all season by the junior duo of quarterback Jace Jefferson, and running back Maddox Archibald.Jefferson has completed 56% of his passes for 1,534 yards and 16 touchdowns while Archibald averages over five yards per carry as part of a 1,000-yard season with 14 scores.That tandem will go toe-to-toe with a Cowboy offense that still ranks as one of Class 4A's best, leading the pack in passing offense (260 yds/g).“For us, everything we do starts up front and we’ll have to be able to run the ball a bit and buy Stocton time to sit back and throw it when we need to,” Nicks said.While this season has undoubtedly been one of Abilene’s best in recent memory, the Cowboys continue to look for ways to push that envelope even further as they look to make a real run in Class 4A.“We’re still looking for a little more consistency,” he said. “We play really well a lot of the time but we still have breakdowns here and there. We’re getting to the point in the season where every little thing matters now more than it does in the regular season.”Having this game at home isn’t just a boost on Friday night, it serves as a reminder of just how far the Cowboys have come as a program just two years removed from another winless season.“The kids told me they wanted to host the second round at home before the season began and I remember thinking that was going to be tough but we set out to do it and here we are,” Nicks said. “We have such a great community here in Abilene and they really come out and support our program, it’s great to be back at Cowboy Stadium again this week.”Kickoff between the Cowboys and Jaguars is set for 7:00 at Abilene High School.The winner of this game will advance to the 4A quarterfinals to await either Buhler (7-2) or McPherson (6-3).

Cowboys Host Jaguars in Search of First Quarterfinal Berth Since 2011

After dispatching Chaparral 56-7 in their playoff opener last week, the Southeast of Saline Trojans will return to Gypsum for a rematch of last year’s 2A semifinal with the Kingman Eagles.

SES enters this contest still undefeated at 9-0 while Kingman comes in at 7-2 having handled Hillsboro 31-6 last week.

While the Trojans appear to be all business this week, several starters, including seven seniors, haven’t forgotten last year’s double overtime result that held Southeast out of the 2A state title match.

“This is a playoff game and we know that if we don’t play well we’re going home,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “They ended our season last year and I’m sure that’s in the back of some guys’ minds but we have to continue to do a good job of taking care of our business against a very good football team this week.”

Statistically, this year’s Kingman team is more balanced than the unit Southeast faced a season ago, and still holds a top-15 scoring defense, holding their opponents to just 15 points per game on average.

Those numbers are made all the more impressive when looking at the Eagle’s resume, which features opponents like Cheney, Garden Plain, Hesston, and Wichita Trinity.

“Like last year their speed on defense is a big key for them,” Gebhardt said. “They play physical team defense but their speed might allow them to survive a mistake or two and they’ve played a good schedule.”

Offensively, Kingman comes into this game in disarray, having lost quarterback Ben Bradshaw to a broken hand in the Garden Plain game.

In his absence, two-way star and leading receiver Tristen Davidson has stepped up to fill the void, but the Eagle offense clearly missed their starter as they committed five turnovers in their week nine win.

Despite that, Kingman remains a dangerous bunch, and Southeast will have to stay on their toes for four quarters on Friday night.

“Kingman is well coached on both sides of the ball and they look similar to what we saw a season ago,” he said. “Their kids understand what they need to do and they’ve got speed, size up front and they run to the ball hard on defense.”

Unlike last year’s matchup, this one will take place in Gypsum, and the Trojans will be excited to play it in front of a purple wave at The Fritz.

“It’s always great to play at home and our kids feel great about playing in front of our fans,” Gebhardt said. “We worked hard to handle our business throughout the season and we get to do this as a result. We have to take care of the football, keep their offense off the field, play good team defense, and play sound on special teams.”

Kickoff between the Trojans and Eagles is set for 7:00 on the campus of SES and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM), or streamed with live audio and video on the Salina Post <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dI-fTQj4xQ">HERE</a>.

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>After dispatching Chaparral 56-7 in their playoff opener last week, the Southeast of Saline Trojans will return to Gypsum for a rematch of last year’s 2A semifinal with the Kingman Eagles.SES enters this contest still undefeated at 9-0 while Kingman comes in at 7-2 having handled Hillsboro 31-6 last week.While the Trojans appear to be all business this week, several starters, including seven seniors, haven’t forgotten last year’s double overtime result that held Southeast out of the 2A state title match.“This is a playoff game and we know that if we don’t play well we’re going home,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “They ended our season last year and I’m sure that’s in the back of some guys’ minds but we have to continue to do a good job of taking care of our business against a very good football team this week.”Statistically, this year’s Kingman team is more balanced than the unit Southeast faced a season ago, and still holds a top-15 scoring defense, holding their opponents to just 15 points per game on average.Those numbers are made all the more impressive when looking at the Eagle’s resume, which features opponents like Cheney, Garden Plain, Hesston, and Wichita Trinity.“Like last year their speed on defense is a big key for them,” Gebhardt said. “They play physical team defense but their speed might allow them to survive a mistake or two and they’ve played a good schedule.”Offensively, Kingman comes into this game in disarray, having lost quarterback Ben Bradshaw to a broken hand in the Garden Plain game.In his absence, two-way star and leading receiver Tristen Davidson has stepped up to fill the void, but the Eagle offense clearly missed their starter as they committed five turnovers in their week nine win.Despite that, Kingman remains a dangerous bunch, and Southeast will have to stay on their toes for four quarters on Friday night.“Kingman is well coached on both sides of the ball and they look similar to what we saw a season ago,” he said. “Their kids understand what they need to do and they’ve got speed, size up front and they run to the ball hard on defense.”Unlike last year’s matchup, this one will take place in Gypsum, and the Trojans will be excited to play it in front of a purple wave at The Fritz.“It’s always great to play at home and our kids feel great about playing in front of our fans,” Gebhardt said. “We worked hard to handle our business throughout the season and we get to do this as a result. We have to take care of the football, keep their offense off the field, play good team defense, and play sound on special teams.”Kickoff between the Trojans and Eagles is set for 7:00 on the campus of SES and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM), or streamed with live audio and video on the Salina Post <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dI-fTQj4xQ">HERE</a>.The winner of this contest will advance to the 2A quarterfinals to face either Hoisington (9-0), or Beloit (5-4).