By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

For many on the outside looking in, it can be easy to miss just how much the Salina South football team has improved this season.

In a flipped schedule, the Cougars have played the same six opponents to open the season. That murderers' row of Salina Central, Maize South, Derby, Hutch, Valley Center, and Goddard has a combined record of 25-11 entering week seven.

Despite all that, the Cougars have improved their results against those teams by a combined 173 total points, including three tight one-score losses.

Now, the Cougars turn their attention to a team they beat handily last season, and an opportunity to pick up a crucial first win of the season as they welcome in the Campus Colts.

Campus has struggled again this year, extending its losing streak to 17 games dating back to 2023.

The last time the Colts had a winning season was back in 2018, and the last time they did it in back-to-back years was in 2005-06.

For South, not only is this an opportunity to pick up a win, but a chance to do it in style with a high-powered offense that’s had no trouble putting points on the board this season.

Tonight’s game will be streamed live on our Salina Post Sports Network with live video and broadcast commentary.

You can watch the full broadcast of this game on demand any time below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostFor many on the outside looking in, it can be easy to miss just how much the Salina South football team has improved this season.In a flipped schedule, the Cougars have played the same six opponents to open the season. That murderers' row of Salina Central, Maize South, Derby, Hutch, Valley Center, and Goddard has a combined record of 25-11 entering week seven.<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, the Cougars have improved their results against those teams by a combined 173 total points, including three tight one-score losses.Now, the Cougars turn their attention to a team they beat handily last season, and an opportunity to pick up a crucial first win of the season as they welcome in the Campus Colts.Campus has struggled again this year, extending its losing streak to 17 games dating back to 2023.The last time the Colts had a winning season was back in 2018, and the last time they did it in back-to-back years was in 2005-06.For South, not only is this an opportunity to pick up a win, but a chance to do it in style with a high-powered offense that’s had no trouble putting points on the board this season.Tonight’s game will be streamed live on our Salina Post Sports Network with live video and broadcast commentary.You can watch the full broadcast of this game on demand any time below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ILy1YK_zOcY"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 Cougars welcome in Campus seeking first win of season

&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f67821e7-7421-49d9-b353-f84e6d95250a?elinkdata=30937">Jordan Murdock</a> is not taking his new job title for granted.

He was named Kansas Wesleyan's basketball coach in March after a one-season stint as an assistant coach at Division II Pittsburg State. It was little more than a brief hiatus after spending the previous four seasons as the assistant at KWU.

"It feels great, it feels amazing, its familiarity," Murdock said Thursday during the Kansas Conference's online media day. "It's all there; all the community members that welcomed me back and it feels fun to be back here in Salina. I'm just ready to get it going."

Murdock is keenly aware of the plethora of responsibilities that accompany the change.

"(Familiarity) has made the transition even better moving into this spot," he said. "Obviously, it's a lot different than being an assistant coach. We all know what comes with that."

The Coyotes were ninth in the KCAC coaches' preseason poll and eighth in the media poll taken Thursday.

The presence of a handful of returning veterans - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ccb3d652-3936-4523-b181-72696b452a84?elinkdata=30937">Gabe Phillips</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f174bff1-4740-4e73-bffa-831f11df402a?elinkdata=30937">Evens Appolon</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc60c07e-d08b-4638-8bda-5f685aa07221?elinkdata=30937">Aiden Leckband</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5edc5ed5-0f62-4df8-96e1-58ef161b6075?elinkdata=30937">Stefan Spray</a> - have made life easier for Murdock.

"The group that's returning has been doing a good job," he said. "They've done a good job upholding the culture that we want to set. These guys have been here; they've won at a high level before. We expect them to be leaders, and they've stepped up in that regard."

Murdock said Phillips, a senior guard/forward and four-year player, has stepped up in the beginning.

"He can play a little bit of every position, he can guard everything," he said. "He's one that I'm really excited for. Started out in our development program and he's continued to get better."

Appolon, a 6-foot-9 post, is the lone returning starter. He averaged 8.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks a year ago.

"Evens is a guy that we're going to need this year," Murdock said. "He's been doing a really good job adjusting to the new things that we're bringing in as far as our new players and our system."

Leckband and Spray were key reserves in 2024-25 - Leckband in the backcourt and the 6-7 Spray inside.

Murdock signed several newcomers to reinforce the roster.

"I'm excited for our new guys," he said. "We got a few Division II transfers, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3ca2ef7f-bea8-41bb-86df-79899f4cde39?elinkdata=30937">Caiden Punt</a> being one of them from the University of Central Oklahoma and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1b67612-f751-4bfd-bfc2-67c784c2dc5c?elinkdata=30937">Wyatt Powell</a> from Missouri Western State. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/057508d9-f5ab-428c-a1ad-3bea796d558d?elinkdata=30937">Teagan Charles</a> is coming over from Cowley Community College, and he's been doing a good job as well.

"We've got a good mixture of freshmen. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a03cbb9-25ae-49d7-94fb-5c9a679e4160?elinkdata=30937">Braylin Goins</a> (Edmond, Okla.) is going into that point guard position along with <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3708cc43-6d84-485d-a4da-e0b9b6d3a9fd?elinkdata=30937">Alec Grill</a> (Maize). Both of those guys are fighting for starter minutes; they're playing together really well. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b3c822ee-a410-48d1-819e-487b5557a171?elinkdata=30937">Brandon Avedon</a> is from Tulsa; he's 6-6 and still growing. He was at a prep school last year and I think he's going to take the next step."

Murdock believes his team is trending in the right direction.

"I'm excited for those guys but at the same time we've got to mesh," he said. "I think we will but it's going to take some time.

"We've got our culture with the guys that have been here. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/11ce413e-a0f5-49ba-b281-39298c809cdf?elinkdata=30937">Gabe Phillips</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a6e155ce-0198-435d-8ad2-762238f9125b?elinkdata=30937">Aiden Leckband</a> Stephen Spray, they've got to step up. They've got to be able to command, and the young guys have got to understand they can't think about being freshmen when they step on the court. They've got to go out there and fight. It starts in practice - our energy level, our enthusiasm, our body language, all that stuff we look for here at Kansas Wesleyan."

&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f67821e7-7421-49d9-b353-f84e6d95250a?elinkdata=30937">Jordan Murdock</a> is not taking his new job title for granted.He was named Kansas Wesleyan's basketball coach in March after a one-season stint as an assistant coach at Division II Pittsburg State. It was little more than a brief hiatus after spending the previous four seasons as the assistant at KWU."It feels great, it feels amazing, its familiarity," Murdock said Thursday during the Kansas Conference's online media day. "It's all there; all the community members that welcomed me back and it feels fun to be back here in Salina. I'm just ready to get it going."Murdock is keenly aware of the plethora of responsibilities that accompany the change."(Familiarity) has made the transition even better moving into this spot," he said. "Obviously, it's a lot different than being an assistant coach. We all know what comes with that."The Coyotes were ninth in the KCAC coaches' preseason poll and eighth in the media poll taken Thursday.The presence of a handful of returning veterans - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ccb3d652-3936-4523-b181-72696b452a84?elinkdata=30937">Gabe Phillips</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f174bff1-4740-4e73-bffa-831f11df402a?elinkdata=30937">Evens Appolon</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc60c07e-d08b-4638-8bda-5f685aa07221?elinkdata=30937">Aiden Leckband</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5edc5ed5-0f62-4df8-96e1-58ef161b6075?elinkdata=30937">Stefan Spray</a> - have made life easier for Murdock."The group that's returning has been doing a good job," he said. "They've done a good job upholding the culture that we want to set. These guys have been here; they've won at a high level before. We expect them to be leaders, and they've stepped up in that regard."Murdock said Phillips, a senior guard/forward and four-year player, has stepped up in the beginning."He can play a little bit of every position, he can guard everything," he said. "He's one that I'm really excited for. Started out in our development program and he's continued to get better."Appolon, a 6-foot-9 post, is the lone returning starter. He averaged 8.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks a year ago."Evens is a guy that we're going to need this year," Murdock said. "He's been doing a really good job adjusting to the new things that we're bringing in as far as our new players and our system."Leckband and Spray were key reserves in 2024-25 - Leckband in the backcourt and the 6-7 Spray inside.Murdock signed several newcomers to reinforce the roster."I'm excited for our new guys," he said. "We got a few Division II transfers, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3ca2ef7f-bea8-41bb-86df-79899f4cde39?elinkdata=30937">Caiden Punt</a> being one of them from the University of Central Oklahoma and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1b67612-f751-4bfd-bfc2-67c784c2dc5c?elinkdata=30937">Wyatt Powell</a> from Missouri Western State. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/057508d9-f5ab-428c-a1ad-3bea796d558d?elinkdata=30937">Teagan Charles</a> is coming over from Cowley Community College, and he's been doing a good job as well."We've got a good mixture of freshmen. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a03cbb9-25ae-49d7-94fb-5c9a679e4160?elinkdata=30937">Braylin Goins</a> (Edmond, Okla.) is going into that point guard position along with <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3708cc43-6d84-485d-a4da-e0b9b6d3a9fd?elinkdata=30937">Alec Grill</a> (Maize). Both of those guys are fighting for starter minutes; they're playing together really well. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b3c822ee-a410-48d1-819e-487b5557a171?elinkdata=30937">Brandon Avedon</a> is from Tulsa; he's 6-6 and still growing. He was at a prep school last year and I think he's going to take the next step."Murdock believes his team is trending in the right direction."I'm excited for those guys but at the same time we've got to mesh," he said. "I think we will but it's going to take some time."We've got our culture with the guys that have been here. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/11ce413e-a0f5-49ba-b281-39298c809cdf?elinkdata=30937">Gabe Phillips</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a6e155ce-0198-435d-8ad2-762238f9125b?elinkdata=30937">Aiden Leckband</a> Stephen Spray, they've got to step up. They've got to be able to command, and the young guys have got to understand they can't think about being freshmen when they step on the court. They've got to go out there and fight. It starts in practice - our energy level, our enthusiasm, our body language, all that stuff we look for here at Kansas Wesleyan."

🏀 Murdock eager to lead Coyotes in first season as head coach

By ANTHONY GORGES Salina Post Contributor

In a battle of two unbeaten teams in the AVCTL - Division Two, the Andover Trojans beat Salina Central 48-21 in Salina on Thursday night.

Central started with the ball, and the first snap of the game went over the head of the Mustangs quarterback Griffin Hall. The Mustangs were well behind the chains and went three-and-out on their first possession.

The Trojans of Andover are a run-heavy team, and they stuck to their script on Thursday night. After forcing a quick punt, the Trojans ran their flexbone offense and got in the endzone on a three-yard rushing touchdown by their quarterback Will Quinn. It was the first of three rushing touchdowns on the night for Quinn. Andover led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

In second-quarter action, Andover threw the ball, something they rarely do, and completed it for a 32-yard gain. The Trojans had goal-to-go from the one-yard line, and Quinn, the QB, sneaked it in to give Andover a 14-0 lead.

Salina Central quickly responded, as the Mustangs converted on a crucial fourth and five at the Trojans' 24-yard line. On the very next play, Hall, the junior quarterback, kept the ball himself on a designed quarterback run, and the Mustangs trimmed the lead to 14-7 with 6:06 to go in the half.

Andover drove down the field, but the Mustangs' defense rose up near the goal line on a crucial third and goal from the three-yard line. The Trojans lined up for a 20-yard field goal. The snap was bad and went through the hands of the holder, Barrett Hill. Smartly, Hill tracked the ball down and threw it to the endzone, where the Mustangs were then called for pass interference in the endzone. After the penalty, on fourth and goal from the one, Quinn snuck in for his third rushing touchdown of the half, and the Trojans led 21-7 at the half.

Possessions were at a premium in this game, so to begin the second half, Salina Central started it off with some trickery. The Mustangs began the half with an onside kick by kicker Elijah Duxler, and the Mustangs recovered the ball at the Andover 49-yard line. After a fourth-down conversion on the drive, Central scored on a 33-yard touchdown connection between Hall and Abram Owings. It was 21-14 Trojans, with 8:56 to go in the third quarter.

The teams then began to go back and forth, trading quick scores. Central’s score was a two-yard run by senior running back Cooper Reves. Andover led 35-21 at the end of the third quarter.

In fourth-quarter action, the Mustangs moved the ball down the field but turned it over on downs twice, which in essence let Andover drain the clock with their powerful and punishing run game. Andover tacked on two touchdowns in the fourth, including one with minimal time left, to win 48-21 over the Salina Central Mustangs.

Central loses its first game of the season on Senior Night and drops to 6-1 on the season. The Mustangs are at Goddard High School next Friday night.

Andover improved to 5-2 on the season and clinched at least a share of the AVCTL - Division Two league title. The Trojans play at Andover Central next week.

You can watch the full broadcast of this game on demand below.

By ANTHONY GORGES Salina Post ContributorIn a battle of two unbeaten teams in the AVCTL - Division Two, the Andover Trojans beat Salina Central 48-21 in Salina on Thursday night.Central started with the ball, and the first snap of the game went over the head of the Mustangs quarterback Griffin Hall. The Mustangs were well behind the chains and went three-and-out on their first possession.<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>The Trojans of Andover are a run-heavy team, and they stuck to their script on Thursday night. After forcing a quick punt, the Trojans ran their flexbone offense and got in the endzone on a three-yard rushing touchdown by their quarterback Will Quinn. It was the first of three rushing touchdowns on the night for Quinn. Andover led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.In second-quarter action, Andover threw the ball, something they rarely do, and completed it for a 32-yard gain. The Trojans had goal-to-go from the one-yard line, and Quinn, the QB, sneaked it in to give Andover a 14-0 lead.Salina Central quickly responded, as the Mustangs converted on a crucial fourth and five at the Trojans' 24-yard line. On the very next play, Hall, the junior quarterback, kept the ball himself on a designed quarterback run, and the Mustangs trimmed the lead to 14-7 with 6:06 to go in the half.Andover drove down the field, but the Mustangs' defense rose up near the goal line on a crucial third and goal from the three-yard line. The Trojans lined up for a 20-yard field goal. The snap was bad and went through the hands of the holder, Barrett Hill. Smartly, Hill tracked the ball down and threw it to the endzone, where the Mustangs were then called for pass interference in the endzone. After the penalty, on fourth and goal from the one, Quinn snuck in for his third rushing touchdown of the half, and the Trojans led 21-7 at the half.Possessions were at a premium in this game, so to begin the second half, Salina Central started it off with some trickery. The Mustangs began the half with an onside kick by kicker Elijah Duxler, and the Mustangs recovered the ball at the Andover 49-yard line. After a fourth-down conversion on the drive, Central scored on a 33-yard touchdown connection between Hall and Abram Owings. It was 21-14 Trojans, with 8:56 to go in the third quarter.The teams then began to go back and forth, trading quick scores. Central’s score was a two-yard run by senior running back Cooper Reves. Andover led 35-21 at the end of the third quarter.In fourth-quarter action, the Mustangs moved the ball down the field but turned it over on downs twice, which in essence let Andover drain the clock with their powerful and punishing run game. Andover tacked on two touchdowns in the fourth, including one with minimal time left, to win 48-21 over the Salina Central Mustangs.Central loses its first game of the season on Senior Night and drops to 6-1 on the season. The Mustangs are at Goddard High School next Friday night.Andover improved to 5-2 on the season and clinched at least a share of the AVCTL - Division Two league title. The Trojans play at Andover Central next week.You can watch the full broadcast of this game on demand below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o06wxCxfxxM"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 Central falls to Andover for first loss of season

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;The entirety of the 2025-26 K-State women’s basketball schedule will be televised by ESPN and FOX platforms, broadcast partners of the Big 12 Conference and Kansas State.

Kansas State has been selected for five games on either ESPN2 or FS1. The five games are: Sunday, December 14, at Creighton at 1 p.m., on FS1, Sunday, January 25, at Kansas at 1 p.m., on FS1, Sunday, February 15, at Iowa State at 1 p.m., on ESPN2, Monday, February 22, at Baylor at 7 p.m., on ESPN2 and Sunday, March 1, against Iowa State at 1 p.m.

K-State will play 14 home games this season exclusively on ESPN+. Brian Smoller and former All-Big 8 Wildcat Missy Heidrick will return for their 15th&nbsp;season as the primary talent, with former All-Big 12 Wildcat Kindred (Wesemann) Orpin and Big 12 Scholar Athlete of the Year Shaelyn (Martin) Floyd rotating as analysts. Sophie Smith and Hannah Whetstone also return for their third season as sideline reporters for home women’s basketball games on ESPN+.

The non-conference home games on ESPN+ are: Monday, November 3, against Omaha at 6:30 p.m., Monday, November 10, against Lamar at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 13, against South Dakota at 4 p.m., Sunday, November 16, against Texas A&amp;M at 1 p.m., Tuesday, November 18, against Troy at 6:30 p.m., and Wednesday, December 10, against San Diego State at 11 a.m.

Following the conclusion of non-conference action, K-State’s home Big 12 games to air on ESPN+ are: Wednesday, December 31, against Cincinnati at 1 p.m., Sunday, January 4, against West Virginia at 1 p.m., Saturday, January 10, against Utah at 4 p.m., Wednesday, January 21, against Houston at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 29, against Colorado at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, February 7, against BYU at 4 p.m., and Saturday, February 21, against Kansas at 4 p.m.

K-State’s non-conference road games to air on ESPN+ include: Monday, October 27, at Tarleton State at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 22, at Green Bay at 1 p.m.

Road Big 12 games to air on ESPN+ include: Saturday, December 20, at TCU at 4 p.m., Wednesday, January 7, at Houston at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, January 17, at Texas Tech at 1 p.m., Sunday, February 1, at Arizona State at 3 p.m., Wednesday, February 4, at Arizona at 7 p.m., and Wednesday, February 18, at UCF at 6 p.m.

The Wildcats’ matchup at SMU on Saturday, November 8, will air on ACCNX, which can be streamed through the ESPN app, at 4 p.m.

All K-State women’s basketball home games are produced in-house by K-StateHD.TV for ESPN platforms. K-StateHD.TV is the Emmy Award-winning video production arm of K-State Athletics, providing third-party broadcast, in-house videoboard, and K-State Athletics social/recruiting video production via full-time staff, freelancers, and graduate/undergraduate students.

Nationally recognized as an industry leader, K-StateHD.TV was the first school production unit in the Big 12 to be distributed by a linear network, the first to win an Emmy award, and the first to provide an all-female broadcast production of a Power 4 conference live event, a K-State women’s basketball home game in 2019.

Most K-State and Big 12 athletic events, home and away – including men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and select football games – are available on ESPN+, the direct-to-consumer sports streaming service.&nbsp; Fans can sign up for ESPN+ at&nbsp;<a href="http://plus.espn.com/" target="_blank">plus.espn.com</a>, with monthly, annual, and bundle options available.&nbsp; No minimum contract is required, cancel anytime.

K-State Athletics has announced on-sale dates for women's basketball conference single-game tickets. The on-sale schedule is: Ahearn Fund Members (online only) begin on Tuesday, October 21, at 5 p.m. Ahearn Fund in-person and phone sales begin on Wednesday, October 22, at 8:30 a.m. Public (online only) begins on Thursday, October 23, at 5 p.m. Public in-person and phone sales begin on Friday, October 24, at 8:30 a.m.

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;The entirety of the 2025-26 K-State women’s basketball schedule will be televised by ESPN and FOX platforms, broadcast partners of the Big 12 Conference and Kansas State.Kansas State has been selected for five games on either ESPN2 or FS1. The five games are: Sunday, December 14, at Creighton at 1 p.m., on FS1, Sunday, January 25, at Kansas at 1 p.m., on FS1, Sunday, February 15, at Iowa State at 1 p.m., on ESPN2, Monday, February 22, at Baylor at 7 p.m., on ESPN2 and Sunday, March 1, against Iowa State at 1 p.m.K-State will play 14 home games this season exclusively on ESPN+. Brian Smoller and former All-Big 8 Wildcat Missy Heidrick will return for their 15th&nbsp;season as the primary talent, with former All-Big 12 Wildcat Kindred (Wesemann) Orpin and Big 12 Scholar Athlete of the Year Shaelyn (Martin) Floyd rotating as analysts. Sophie Smith and Hannah Whetstone also return for their third season as sideline reporters for home women’s basketball games on ESPN+.The non-conference home games on ESPN+ are: Monday, November 3, against Omaha at 6:30 p.m., Monday, November 10, against Lamar at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 13, against South Dakota at 4 p.m., Sunday, November 16, against Texas A&amp;M at 1 p.m., Tuesday, November 18, against Troy at 6:30 p.m., and Wednesday, December 10, against San Diego State at 11 a.m.Following the conclusion of non-conference action, K-State’s home Big 12 games to air on ESPN+ are: Wednesday, December 31, against Cincinnati at 1 p.m., Sunday, January 4, against West Virginia at 1 p.m., Saturday, January 10, against Utah at 4 p.m., Wednesday, January 21, against Houston at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 29, against Colorado at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, February 7, against BYU at 4 p.m., and Saturday, February 21, against Kansas at 4 p.m.K-State’s non-conference road games to air on ESPN+ include: Monday, October 27, at Tarleton State at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 22, at Green Bay at 1 p.m.Road Big 12 games to air on ESPN+ include: Saturday, December 20, at TCU at 4 p.m., Wednesday, January 7, at Houston at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, January 17, at Texas Tech at 1 p.m., Sunday, February 1, at Arizona State at 3 p.m., Wednesday, February 4, at Arizona at 7 p.m., and Wednesday, February 18, at UCF at 6 p.m.The Wildcats’ matchup at SMU on Saturday, November 8, will air on ACCNX, which can be streamed through the ESPN app, at 4 p.m.All K-State women’s basketball home games are produced in-house by K-StateHD.TV for ESPN platforms. K-StateHD.TV is the Emmy Award-winning video production arm of K-State Athletics, providing third-party broadcast, in-house videoboard, and K-State Athletics social/recruiting video production via full-time staff, freelancers, and graduate/undergraduate students.Nationally recognized as an industry leader, K-StateHD.TV was the first school production unit in the Big 12 to be distributed by a linear network, the first to win an Emmy award, and the first to provide an all-female broadcast production of a Power 4 conference live event, a K-State women’s basketball home game in 2019.Most K-State and Big 12 athletic events, home and away – including men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and select football games – are available on ESPN+, the direct-to-consumer sports streaming service.&nbsp; Fans can sign up for ESPN+ at&nbsp;<a href="http://plus.espn.com/" target="_blank">plus.espn.com</a>, with monthly, annual, and bundle options available.&nbsp; No minimum contract is required, cancel anytime.K-State Athletics has announced on-sale dates for women's basketball conference single-game tickets. The on-sale schedule is: Ahearn Fund Members (online only) begin on Tuesday, October 21, at 5 p.m. Ahearn Fund in-person and phone sales begin on Wednesday, October 22, at 8:30 a.m. Public (online only) begins on Thursday, October 23, at 5 p.m. Public in-person and phone sales begin on Friday, October 24, at 8:30 a.m.

K-State Announces 2025-26 WBB Broadcast Schedule, Game Times

Chiefs Coordinators &amp; Assistant Coaches Quotes

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH / SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q:&nbsp;What was behind the differences in penalties?

TOUB:&nbsp;“Focus. I think (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) put a lot of emphasis on it. I mean we all emphasized it, about being smart at the point of attack. We just did a better job. (We were) lucky we didn’t get a lot of penalties as well.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you think Butker is progressing despite the missed field goal?

TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah, I do. We’re going to keep working. It’s just about focus on the little things. The short field goals got to be just as much focus as the long field goals. He’s (Harrison Butker) been solid in practice, and we’re just going to keep grinding on this thing.”

Q:&nbsp;With Rashee Rice back what does this mean for Tyquan Thornton regarding special teams?

TOUB:&nbsp;“(Tyquan) Thornton’s – yeah, I can use him a little bit more now. Which would be great. He’s a threat as a kick returner and punt returner. Also, in the coverage – kickoff coverage, he’s got a lot of speed. We’re going to have; there’s a chance we could have seven wide receivers up. Six (or) seven or five, six, and seven got to help you somewhere on special teams otherwise you’re just wasting spots. That puts Thornton back into that spot as you guys understand.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“We’re on obviously the Raiders, and it’s a big week. It’s a rivalry week, so we’re fired up about that and another home game which is good.”

Q: On Defensive Line Coach Joe Cullen’s Run Meetings and how they set the stage for the run defense.

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Every coach on our staff has an area. (Defensive Line Coach) Joe’s (Cullen) is the run game, (Linebackers Coach) Brendan (Daly) on the same day does play action pass and drop back pass on first and second down, (Defensive Backs Coach) Dave Merritt – third down, (Senior Defensive Assistant) Matt (House) – redzone. And everybody – (Outside Linebackers Coach) Rod’s (Wilson) involved in that but Joe kicks it off. Joe’s (Cullen) got some energy to him. But I think the credit really goes – the players get dialed in and right from the beginning on Wednesday morning because we always begin no matter what team we’re facing we’re stopping the run. I say it all the time. If they’re two dimensional or can be two dimensional that’s tough on us, so let’s try and make it a one-dimensional game.”

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“We love to be in that mode all the time. It does make a huge difference. I call it a little bit differently. I think the guys on defense, they think a little bit differently, and they should. And most teams offensively, when they get in – down two possessions, certainly down three possessions, you’re going to see a lot more passes and I think our guys can pin their ears back and play it as such. It goes back to the headed towards the one dimensional, and that’s a team thing it’s a complementary football just like you said Soren (Petro).”

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I rely heavily on Derrick (Nnadi) with regards to – I trust him, he (Derrick Nnadi) knows what we’re doing. I know he’s going to be where he’s supposed to be, and he handles his gap. Now we don’t put Derrick in to rush the passer because that’s not his (strength), but I think for what we’re asking him to do he’s done a solid job for us. And we need that from those inside guys. You guys see it during the game, Chris (Jones) can’t be out there every down so at some point (Defensive Line Coach) Joe’s (Cullen) got to give him (Chris Jones) a break and the next two guys that go in there got to kind of hold the fort down until Chris gets back in there.”

Q:&nbsp;What will it mean to have Rashee Rice back?

NAGY:&nbsp;“Rashee (Rice), his growth from rookie year to last year, unfortunately getting hurt to now, this year the word is just exciting, optimistic. The kid has done so much on and off the field to better himself, both as a person and a player. I think you feel that and see that with the love and friendship that these guys have internally. You see that (and) you feel it. I half get goosebumps just thinking about when he goes out there and what he does to this offense. There is an excitement that you have – remember now he hasn’t played for a little while, so there is a little bit of some realness to it too. But that’s the beauty of what (General Manager) Brett Veach and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid have done with the depth that we have in this offense. I think it’s been stated that there hasn’t been a whole lot of plays and games that the three of those guys have played together and now we get to do that.”

Q: How mindful will you be of Maxx Crosby in the upcoming game?

NAGY: “You have to. In the offseason the Kelce brothers (Travis and Jason Kelce) they did that little deal – that interview with me and they asked me, “who is one of the most important or toughest defensive players that you go against?”, and Maxx Crosby is right there. Anytime – you’re talking about a ton of players and somebody that does his – he goes 100% of the time all the time. He’s relentless. He’s a game changer; he can affect the game. So just a ton of respect. You got to know where he’s at on every play.”

Q:&nbsp;What are you seeing in Patrick Mahomes level of confidence and trust?

NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s on another level. The trust. That trust is powerful you got to have that – you want to be able to take shots downfield, well you can’t do that if you don’t have protection. You want to be able to take shots downfield, you got to have the guys that together can attack a defense. You put that together and you put Patrick (Mahomes) back there and these guys are just executing at a high level right now. As a coach, that’s fun to be able to come here on a Monday and put together and show them how we’re improving (and) creating this identity. I just go back to eliminating those penalties. When we don’t beat ourselves and just stay ahead of the sticks, we can do good things. But consistency, you have to be able to do that every week, and you can never get complacent. Those two words I think go hand in hand. If we do that, stick together and keep that edge it can be our special special year.”

Q:&nbsp;On having to combat against Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty.

CULLEN:&nbsp;“Well, I’ll tell you what now, they (Las Vegas Raiders) do a great job (Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Chip) Kelly and (Head) Coach (Pete) Carroll emphasize the run game, and (Ashton) Jeanty, he can make all the cuts. You look at the Chicago game when he broke those long runs. You look at the Washington game, he had some great runs in there. Every week, he’s gotten better and better, so it’s all hands-on deck, all 11. We’re going to have our hands full; he is a heck of a player. He was at Boise (State), and he’s continuing to do it. He’s got like 430 yards rushing, top 10 in the league. We got our hands full, run and pass.”

Q:&nbsp;On the run game meetings and his role in them.

CULLEN:&nbsp;“Well everything starts with (Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve) Spags giving us the goals for the week, and like I said before, Coach Spags does a great job. He empowers. He gives ownership to all of the assistant coaches, not just the position coaches but all the young coaches as well. They have a certain game plan, part of the week that they have to present. We have a little run game meeting, we spice it up (with) what our goals are and who we got to stop and how we’re going to stop them, and you know it’s just part of football.”

Q:&nbsp;What other things are the group working on?

CULLEN:&nbsp;“Every day in your technique. Every day in your technique. From the run game when (Defensive Coordinator Steve) Spags asks you to drop. I mean it’s just ongoing, every game.”

WIDE RECEIVERS COACH CONNOR EMBREE

Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from the wide receiver group and their chemistry?

EMBREE:&nbsp;“Yeah, they’re a very close group (and) everyone gets along. The biggest thing I think is they all like to watch each other succeed. They’re each other’s biggest fans and truly just all brothers.”

Q:&nbsp;On Xavier Worthy’s ability to be a route runner.

EMBREE:&nbsp;“I think sometimes not just even him (Xavier Worthy) but some receivers, when they come out from college and into the pros, they kind of get a bad knock on them for being fast and thinking that they can only do one thing because they’re fast. But I said it earlier too, I thought he did a good job this offseason of developing and improving on areas me and him talked about going into the offseason. Everyone knows and you can see it on tape, he’s not just a straight line, I’m just going to run track out here. He’s a football player. It’s great having him.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you like seeing the “everybody has to eat” moto and do you embrace it too?

EMBREE:&nbsp;“Yeah. I told the group at the start of the year; it doesn’t matter if we win 2-0 or 100-0. I don’t care if you guys get 100 catches or zero catches, the most important part is to win. I think they just buy into that – the whole team does and that’s why we are who we are.”

PASS GAME COORDINATOR JOE BLEYMAIER

Q:&nbsp;On what he sees from the wide receiver room’s love for each other and get along.

BLEYMAIER:&nbsp;“It’s a good observation and anybody that has been around them in this room or me or any of the coaches, it’s a genuine respect and admiration that they all have for each other. When you have that respect for somebody else in your receiver room that’s doing the same job, that comes to work (and) is prepared, it allows you to kind of appreciate the different skill sets that everybody has and there’s no jealousy or rivalry, it’s more of a mutual respect and then how can we all complement each other to have fun, play our best and move the ball. It is a true statement that they do get along great. I think it’s built on that true respect.”

Q:&nbsp;On the value of yards after catch.

BLEYMAIER:&nbsp;“I think the value of it (yards after catch) is in a way eliminating some third downs. When you have the yards after the catch, we’re always trying to get explosive plays that move the chains. Sometimes the easiest or highest percentage throw is shorter, but if you can take that higher percentage completion and turn it into a yards after catch that moves the chains, you’re just prolonging the drive, raising the likelihood that you’re scoring points and staying out of those third downs where the potential is coming off the field. I think in the grand scheme of things, we’ve been good on third downs and we’ve been great having third and manageable, third down shorter and staying sort of ahead of the sticks but the YAC really helps you continuing to move the chains.”

Q:&nbsp;How have you seen Travis Kelce raise his game?

BLEYMAIER:&nbsp;“A lot has been said about it. One of the things that I think is unique with Travis (Kelce), especially at 35 (is) he finds an ability to get better during the season. We’re here in October and sometimes guys, especially guys that know they’re going to play (and) know they’re going to have a lot of snaps can go into each week of the season – especially October with sort of a self-preservation mode. Just trying to maintain where they are physically and do it on Sunday. They don’t really push themselves during the week, they’re trying to save something back for Sunday. Trav continues to push himself (on) Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays and that allows him to get better. I think that’s what has gotten him to this point, and he hasn’t slowed that down so even at his age and the years that he has, he’s continuing to get better week to week. You’re seeing it a little bit in the stats, but he’s always done that. That’s rare, the guys who are new and especially the wide receivers that see him work can take that as an example that just because the season starts, it’s not all about Sundays. It really is what you do each day.”

Q:&nbsp;On the success of the run defense so far.

JONES:&nbsp;“(Defensive Line Coach) Joe Cullen. He’s our run game coordinator, and he’s been putting us in the right position to capitalize on the plays. With your run game coordinator, they have to display the runs throughout the week for your aid. As you build that repetition throughout the week, you kind of know what’s coming. For us, familiarity in the game and we are able to be in our spots and capitalize on it.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Charles Omenihu this year compared to last year?

JONES:&nbsp;“He (Charles Omenihu) has 2.0 sacks in back-to-back weeks. Keep him on that trend. Keep his spirits high and a positive mind frame. Charles, we can utilize Charles in multiple sets for us. He can be a great asset for us, especially in the long run and the play off, he can play defensive end and defensive tackle when he puts his mind to it. We have to keep Charles in good spirits and keep him going.”

Q:&nbsp;What’s the key to forcing more turnovers?

Chiefs Coordinators &amp; Assistant Coaches QuotesOctober 16, 2025ASSISTANT HEAD COACH / SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ:&nbsp;What was behind the differences in penalties?TOUB:&nbsp;“Focus. I think (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) put a lot of emphasis on it. I mean we all emphasized it, about being smart at the point of attack. We just did a better job. (We were) lucky we didn’t get a lot of penalties as well.”Q:&nbsp;Do you think Butker is progressing despite the missed field goal?TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah, I do. We’re going to keep working. It’s just about focus on the little things. The short field goals got to be just as much focus as the long field goals. He’s (Harrison Butker) been solid in practice, and we’re just going to keep grinding on this thing.”Q:&nbsp;With Rashee Rice back what does this mean for Tyquan Thornton regarding special teams?TOUB:&nbsp;“(Tyquan) Thornton’s – yeah, I can use him a little bit more now. Which would be great. He’s a threat as a kick returner and punt returner. Also, in the coverage – kickoff coverage, he’s got a lot of speed. We’re going to have; there’s a chance we could have seven wide receivers up. Six (or) seven or five, six, and seven got to help you somewhere on special teams otherwise you’re just wasting spots. That puts Thornton back into that spot as you guys understand.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“We’re on obviously the Raiders, and it’s a big week. It’s a rivalry week, so we’re fired up about that and another home game which is good.”Q: On Defensive Line Coach Joe Cullen’s Run Meetings and how they set the stage for the run defense.SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Every coach on our staff has an area. (Defensive Line Coach) Joe’s (Cullen) is the run game, (Linebackers Coach) Brendan (Daly) on the same day does play action pass and drop back pass on first and second down, (Defensive Backs Coach) Dave Merritt – third down, (Senior Defensive Assistant) Matt (House) – redzone. And everybody – (Outside Linebackers Coach) Rod’s (Wilson) involved in that but Joe kicks it off. Joe’s (Cullen) got some energy to him. But I think the credit really goes – the players get dialed in and right from the beginning on Wednesday morning because we always begin no matter what team we’re facing we’re stopping the run. I say it all the time. If they’re two dimensional or can be two dimensional that’s tough on us, so let’s try and make it a one-dimensional game.”Q: On complementary football.SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“We love to be in that mode all the time. It does make a huge difference. I call it a little bit differently. I think the guys on defense, they think a little bit differently, and they should. And most teams offensively, when they get in – down two possessions, certainly down three possessions, you’re going to see a lot more passes and I think our guys can pin their ears back and play it as such. It goes back to the headed towards the one dimensional, and that’s a team thing it’s a complementary football just like you said Soren (Petro).”Q: On Derrick Nnadi.SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I rely heavily on Derrick (Nnadi) with regards to – I trust him, he (Derrick Nnadi) knows what we’re doing. I know he’s going to be where he’s supposed to be, and he handles his gap. Now we don’t put Derrick in to rush the passer because that’s not his (strength), but I think for what we’re asking him to do he’s done a solid job for us. And we need that from those inside guys. You guys see it during the game, Chris (Jones) can’t be out there every down so at some point (Defensive Line Coach) Joe’s (Cullen) got to give him (Chris Jones) a break and the next two guys that go in there got to kind of hold the fort down until Chris gets back in there.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ:&nbsp;What will it mean to have Rashee Rice back?NAGY:&nbsp;“Rashee (Rice), his growth from rookie year to last year, unfortunately getting hurt to now, this year the word is just exciting, optimistic. The kid has done so much on and off the field to better himself, both as a person and a player. I think you feel that and see that with the love and friendship that these guys have internally. You see that (and) you feel it. I half get goosebumps just thinking about when he goes out there and what he does to this offense. There is an excitement that you have – remember now he hasn’t played for a little while, so there is a little bit of some realness to it too. But that’s the beauty of what (General Manager) Brett Veach and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid have done with the depth that we have in this offense. I think it’s been stated that there hasn’t been a whole lot of plays and games that the three of those guys have played together and now we get to do that.”Q: How mindful will you be of Maxx Crosby in the upcoming game?NAGY: “You have to. In the offseason the Kelce brothers (Travis and Jason Kelce) they did that little deal – that interview with me and they asked me, “who is one of the most important or toughest defensive players that you go against?”, and Maxx Crosby is right there. Anytime – you’re talking about a ton of players and somebody that does his – he goes 100% of the time all the time. He’s relentless. He’s a game changer; he can affect the game. So just a ton of respect. You got to know where he’s at on every play.”Q:&nbsp;What are you seeing in Patrick Mahomes level of confidence and trust?NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s on another level. The trust. That trust is powerful you got to have that – you want to be able to take shots downfield, well you can’t do that if you don’t have protection. You want to be able to take shots downfield, you got to have the guys that together can attack a defense. You put that together and you put Patrick (Mahomes) back there and these guys are just executing at a high level right now. As a coach, that’s fun to be able to come here on a Monday and put together and show them how we’re improving (and) creating this identity. I just go back to eliminating those penalties. When we don’t beat ourselves and just stay ahead of the sticks, we can do good things. But consistency, you have to be able to do that every week, and you can never get complacent. Those two words I think go hand in hand. If we do that, stick together and keep that edge it can be our special special year.”DEFENSIVE LINE COACH JOE CULLENQ:&nbsp;On having to combat against Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty.CULLEN:&nbsp;“Well, I’ll tell you what now, they (Las Vegas Raiders) do a great job (Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Chip) Kelly and (Head) Coach (Pete) Carroll emphasize the run game, and (Ashton) Jeanty, he can make all the cuts. You look at the Chicago game when he broke those long runs. You look at the Washington game, he had some great runs in there. Every week, he’s gotten better and better, so it’s all hands-on deck, all 11. We’re going to have our hands full; he is a heck of a player. He was at Boise (State), and he’s continuing to do it. He’s got like 430 yards rushing, top 10 in the league. We got our hands full, run and pass.”Q:&nbsp;On the run game meetings and his role in them.CULLEN:&nbsp;“Well everything starts with (Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve) Spags giving us the goals for the week, and like I said before, Coach Spags does a great job. He empowers. He gives ownership to all of the assistant coaches, not just the position coaches but all the young coaches as well. They have a certain game plan, part of the week that they have to present. We have a little run game meeting, we spice it up (with) what our goals are and who we got to stop and how we’re going to stop them, and you know it’s just part of football.”Q:&nbsp;What other things are the group working on?CULLEN:&nbsp;“Every day in your technique. Every day in your technique. From the run game when (Defensive Coordinator Steve) Spags asks you to drop. I mean it’s just ongoing, every game.”WIDE RECEIVERS COACH CONNOR EMBREEQ:&nbsp;What have you seen from the wide receiver group and their chemistry?EMBREE:&nbsp;“Yeah, they’re a very close group (and) everyone gets along. The biggest thing I think is they all like to watch each other succeed. They’re each other’s biggest fans and truly just all brothers.”Q:&nbsp;On Xavier Worthy’s ability to be a route runner.EMBREE:&nbsp;“I think sometimes not just even him (Xavier Worthy) but some receivers, when they come out from college and into the pros, they kind of get a bad knock on them for being fast and thinking that they can only do one thing because they’re fast. But I said it earlier too, I thought he did a good job this offseason of developing and improving on areas me and him talked about going into the offseason. Everyone knows and you can see it on tape, he’s not just a straight line, I’m just going to run track out here. He’s a football player. It’s great having him.”Q:&nbsp;Do you like seeing the “everybody has to eat” moto and do you embrace it too?EMBREE:&nbsp;“Yeah. I told the group at the start of the year; it doesn’t matter if we win 2-0 or 100-0. I don’t care if you guys get 100 catches or zero catches, the most important part is to win. I think they just buy into that – the whole team does and that’s why we are who we are.”PASS GAME COORDINATOR JOE BLEYMAIERQ:&nbsp;On what he sees from the wide receiver room’s love for each other and get along.BLEYMAIER:&nbsp;“It’s a good observation and anybody that has been around them in this room or me or any of the coaches, it’s a genuine respect and admiration that they all have for each other. When you have that respect for somebody else in your receiver room that’s doing the same job, that comes to work (and) is prepared, it allows you to kind of appreciate the different skill sets that everybody has and there’s no jealousy or rivalry, it’s more of a mutual respect and then how can we all complement each other to have fun, play our best and move the ball. It is a true statement that they do get along great. I think it’s built on that true respect.”Q:&nbsp;On the value of yards after catch.BLEYMAIER:&nbsp;“I think the value of it (yards after catch) is in a way eliminating some third downs. When you have the yards after the catch, we’re always trying to get explosive plays that move the chains. Sometimes the easiest or highest percentage throw is shorter, but if you can take that higher percentage completion and turn it into a yards after catch that moves the chains, you’re just prolonging the drive, raising the likelihood that you’re scoring points and staying out of those third downs where the potential is coming off the field. I think in the grand scheme of things, we’ve been good on third downs and we’ve been great having third and manageable, third down shorter and staying sort of ahead of the sticks but the YAC really helps you continuing to move the chains.”Q:&nbsp;How have you seen Travis Kelce raise his game?BLEYMAIER:&nbsp;“A lot has been said about it. One of the things that I think is unique with Travis (Kelce), especially at 35 (is) he finds an ability to get better during the season. We’re here in October and sometimes guys, especially guys that know they’re going to play (and) know they’re going to have a lot of snaps can go into each week of the season – especially October with sort of a self-preservation mode. Just trying to maintain where they are physically and do it on Sunday. They don’t really push themselves during the week, they’re trying to save something back for Sunday. Trav continues to push himself (on) Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays and that allows him to get better. I think that’s what has gotten him to this point, and he hasn’t slowed that down so even at his age and the years that he has, he’s continuing to get better week to week. You’re seeing it a little bit in the stats, but he’s always done that. That’s rare, the guys who are new and especially the wide receivers that see him work can take that as an example that just because the season starts, it’s not all about Sundays. It really is what you do each day.”Chiefs Player QuotesOctober 16, 2025DT CHRIS JONESQ:&nbsp;On the success of the run defense so far.JONES:&nbsp;“(Defensive Line Coach) Joe Cullen. He’s our run game coordinator, and he’s been putting us in the right position to capitalize on the plays. With your run game coordinator, they have to display the runs throughout the week for your aid. As you build that repetition throughout the week, you kind of know what’s coming. For us, familiarity in the game and we are able to be in our spots and capitalize on it.”Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Charles Omenihu this year compared to last year?JONES:&nbsp;“He (Charles Omenihu) has 2.0 sacks in back-to-back weeks. Keep him on that trend. Keep his spirits high and a positive mind frame. Charles, we can utilize Charles in multiple sets for us. He can be a great asset for us, especially in the long run and the play off, he can play defensive end and defensive tackle when he puts his mind to it. We have to keep Charles in good spirits and keep him going.”Q:&nbsp;What’s the key to forcing more turnovers?

Chiefs Quotes: 10-16-25

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Salina Central football team is off to its best start since 2005, flying out of the gates to a 6-0 record with just two games to go in the regular season.

While the record is remarkable on its own, the way Central has reached these heights is just as impressive, righting the wrongs of three regular-season losses suffered a year ago in wins over Ark City, Eisenhower, and Andover Central.

Tonight, the Mustangs have an opportunity to wrap up their unfinished business tour if they can take down a stout Andover Trojan team on their home turf.

Andover may be 4-2, but those losses have been to two of the best teams in the state of Kansas, with one coming at the hands of the last undefeated 6A team in Maize, and the other coming at the hands of undefeated Kapaun Mt. Carmel.

The two share four opponents on this year’s schedule, with each team having taken care of Ark City, Eisenhower and Newton already.

To maintain their recent run of dominance, the Mustangs will have to find an answer for a bruising Trojan rushing attack that will be eager to extend drives and keep Central’s high-powered offense off the field.

The Mustangs are 3-4 in the Sandbo era against the Trojans, with Central winning two of the last three, but Andover taking the most recent meeting 21-14 last season.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Salina Central football team is off to its best start since 2005, flying out of the gates to a 6-0 record with just two games to go in the regular season.While the record is remarkable on its own, the way Central has reached these heights is just as impressive, righting the wrongs of three regular-season losses suffered a year ago in wins over Ark City, Eisenhower, and Andover Central.<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>Tonight, the Mustangs have an opportunity to wrap up their unfinished business tour if they can take down a stout Andover Trojan team on their home turf.Andover may be 4-2, but those losses have been to two of the best teams in the state of Kansas, with one coming at the hands of the last undefeated 6A team in Maize, and the other coming at the hands of undefeated Kapaun Mt. Carmel.The two share four opponents on this year’s schedule, with each team having taken care of Ark City, Eisenhower and Newton already.To maintain their recent run of dominance, the Mustangs will have to find an answer for a bruising Trojan rushing attack that will be eager to extend drives and keep Central’s high-powered offense off the field.The Mustangs are 3-4 in the Sandbo era against the Trojans, with Central winning two of the last three, but Andover taking the most recent meeting 21-14 last season.Tonight’s game will be streamed live on our Salina Post Sports Network with live video and broadcast commentary.You can watch the full broadcast of this game on demand any time below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o06wxCxfxxM"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 Mustangs host Andover for rare Thursday night clash

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Junior guard P.J. Haggerty has been named to the 10-member Preseason All-Big 12 team by the league coaches, as the conference announced its annual preseason poll and all-conference teams on Thursday morning (Oct. 16).

A consensus Second Team All-American and AAC Player of the Year at Memphis, Haggerty is one of three newcomers on the Preseason All-Big 12 team, along with freshman phenoms AJ Dybantsa of BYU and Darryn Peterson of Kansas. The trio of newcomers are joined by seven returners in BYU’s Richie Saunders, Houston’s Emanuel Sharp, Joseph Tugler and Milos Uzan, Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey and Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson and JT Toppin.

Dybantsa, Uzan, Peterson and Toppin were all unanimous selections.

Toppin and Peterson were named the Preseason Player and Freshman of the Year, while Toppin’s teammate LeJuan Watts was selected as the Preseason Newcomer of the Year.

K-State was picked ninth in the 16-team preseason poll with 117 points, just three points behind eighth-place Cincinnati and 27 points ahead of 10th-place TCU.

Reigning regular-season and tournament champion Houston was selected first with 224 points and 14 of the 16 first-place votes followed by second-place BYU (204 points, one first-place vote) and third-place Texas Tech (200 points). The rest of the top-7 included Arizona (179 points, one first-place vote), Iowa State (170), Kansas (163) and Baylor (137).

The rest of the preseason poll included eighth-place Cincinnati (120) followed by K-State, TCU, West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Utah, UCF, Colorado and Arizona State.

Haggerty’s selection marks the second straight year that a Wildcat has been named to the preseason all-conference team (Coleman Hawkins, 2024) by the league coaches. He is one of nine players in school history to be chosen for preseason all-conference honors dating to Manny Dies in 1998-99. Others include Jacob Pullen and Curtis Kelly in 2010-11, Rodney McGruder in 2012-13 and Marcus Foster in 2014-15 and Barry Brown Jr. and Dean Wade in 2018-19.

Haggerty is coming off a career year in 2024-25, in which, he became the first Division I player since Ja Morant in 2018-19 to average 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals to go with 6.5 free throws per game. He ranked third nationally in both scoring (21.7 ppg.) and total points (759), while his 759 points were an AAC single-season record and the most since Dajuan Wagner (762) set the school single-season record in 2001-02. He became the first Memphis Tiger since 2008 to be named an AP All-American, while he was selected as the AAC Player of the Year, First Team All-AAC and the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 AAC Championship.

K-State will play the first of two exhibition games on Friday, Oct. 24 at Missouri before hosting Division II foe Newman the following Friday (Oct. 31) at 7 p.m. The season opener is set for Tuesday, Nov. 4 against UNC Greensboro. Game times and TV designations were released on Tuesday (Oct. 14) and can be viewed by clicking on this <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule">link</a>.

The athletics department has announced the on-sale dates for men’s and women’s basketball conference single-game tickets, along with the Big Game Mini Plan for men’s basketball.

The men’s basketball Big Game Mini Plan includes tickets to five weekend marquee matchups inside Bramlage Coliseum against Seton Hall, BYU, KU, Iowa State, and TCU. The Big Game Mini Plan is the only way to secure seats for the men's KU matchup prior to single-game KU tickets being released at a later date.

Single-game tickets for all non-conference matchups and season tickets are currently available. Tickets can be purchased online at <a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>, by visiting the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum or by calling (800) 221.CATS (2287).

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Junior guard P.J. Haggerty has been named to the 10-member Preseason All-Big 12 team by the league coaches, as the conference announced its annual preseason poll and all-conference teams on Thursday morning (Oct. 16).A consensus Second Team All-American and AAC Player of the Year at Memphis, Haggerty is one of three newcomers on the Preseason All-Big 12 team, along with freshman phenoms AJ Dybantsa of BYU and Darryn Peterson of Kansas. The trio of newcomers are joined by seven returners in BYU’s Richie Saunders, Houston’s Emanuel Sharp, Joseph Tugler and Milos Uzan, Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey and Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson and JT Toppin.Dybantsa, Uzan, Peterson and Toppin were all unanimous selections.Toppin and Peterson were named the Preseason Player and Freshman of the Year, while Toppin’s teammate LeJuan Watts was selected as the Preseason Newcomer of the Year.K-State was picked ninth in the 16-team preseason poll with 117 points, just three points behind eighth-place Cincinnati and 27 points ahead of 10th-place TCU.Reigning regular-season and tournament champion Houston was selected first with 224 points and 14 of the 16 first-place votes followed by second-place BYU (204 points, one first-place vote) and third-place Texas Tech (200 points). The rest of the top-7 included Arizona (179 points, one first-place vote), Iowa State (170), Kansas (163) and Baylor (137).The rest of the preseason poll included eighth-place Cincinnati (120) followed by K-State, TCU, West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Utah, UCF, Colorado and Arizona State.Haggerty’s selection marks the second straight year that a Wildcat has been named to the preseason all-conference team (Coleman Hawkins, 2024) by the league coaches. He is one of nine players in school history to be chosen for preseason all-conference honors dating to Manny Dies in 1998-99. Others include Jacob Pullen and Curtis Kelly in 2010-11, Rodney McGruder in 2012-13 and Marcus Foster in 2014-15 and Barry Brown Jr. and Dean Wade in 2018-19.Haggerty is coming off a career year in 2024-25, in which, he became the first Division I player since Ja Morant in 2018-19 to average 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals to go with 6.5 free throws per game. He ranked third nationally in both scoring (21.7 ppg.) and total points (759), while his 759 points were an AAC single-season record and the most since Dajuan Wagner (762) set the school single-season record in 2001-02. He became the first Memphis Tiger since 2008 to be named an AP All-American, while he was selected as the AAC Player of the Year, First Team All-AAC and the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 AAC Championship.K-State will play the first of two exhibition games on Friday, Oct. 24 at Missouri before hosting Division II foe Newman the following Friday (Oct. 31) at 7 p.m. The season opener is set for Tuesday, Nov. 4 against UNC Greensboro. Game times and TV designations were released on Tuesday (Oct. 14) and can be viewed by clicking on this <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule">link</a>.##############################The athletics department has announced the on-sale dates for men’s and women’s basketball conference single-game tickets, along with the Big Game Mini Plan for men’s basketball.On-Sale Schedule<ul>
 <li>Ahearn Fund Members (Online Only): Tuesday, October 21 at 5 p.m., CT</li><li>Ahearn Fund In-Person &amp; Phone Sales: Begin Wednesday, October 22 at 8:30 a.m., CT</li><li>Public (Online Only): Thursday, October 23 at 5 p.m., CT</li><li>Public In-Person &amp; Phone Sales: Begin Friday, October 24 at 8:30 a.m., CT</li>
 </ul>The men’s basketball Big Game Mini Plan includes tickets to five weekend marquee matchups inside Bramlage Coliseum against Seton Hall, BYU, KU, Iowa State, and TCU. The Big Game Mini Plan is the only way to secure seats for the men's KU matchup prior to single-game KU tickets being released at a later date.Single-game tickets for all non-conference matchups and season tickets are currently available. Tickets can be purchased online at <a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>, by visiting the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum or by calling (800) 221.CATS (2287).

🏀 K-State MBB's Haggerty Named to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1a7d47a-5675-4396-9036-9b3a733fc590?elinkdata=30871">Brooklyn Velotta</a> had a hat trick for the Coyotes and also added an assist as the Coyotes routed the Sterling College Warriors 6-0 on Wednesday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

The Coyotes led 1-0 at the half before opening the flood gates in the last 35 minutes of the second half.

The first goal of the second half came in the 55th minute by Velotta. It was a double-helper for the Coyotes as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dfa7cbbe-a8ca-4d37-a1da-b9e466ffe6a1?elinkdata=30871">Isabella Galvan</a> passed to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4d34be77-329f-4892-8fad-b67c36dba921?elinkdata=30871">Emily Martin</a> who sent the ball over the top down the middle of the pitch to Velotta who outraced the Sterling defense and scored it.

Velotta scored again in the 73rd minute, this time off an assist by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/60a9baf6-c49c-4e96-9ff7-0dd797feef55?elinkdata=30871">Valeria Lara</a> who sent a ball through to Velotta who slid it home.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b3baff52-2575-464f-9717-d172ba35d6ed?elinkdata=30871">Rylie Moreno-Rojas</a> scored in the 81st, assisted by Velotta on the play. It was on a set piece for the Coyotes on a corner. Velotta tried to score with a header that was saved by the Sterling keeper but it bounced right to Moreno-Rojas who knocked it in.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f2bef0be-8909-4e74-83f7-c98c827200cb?elinkdata=30871">Paige Proper</a> scored in the 84th off a direct kick following a foul by Sterling. She took the shot from about 25 yards out on the left side and put it home inside the near side post.

Velotta finished off her hat trick and the scoring in the 89th minute off another double-assister. This time Moreno-Rojas returned the favor on her goal to Velotta after she took a pass from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/026ba8af-6381-489a-9d41-6f21f717cc5e?elinkdata=30871">Kylie Pappo</a> on the back line.

The Coyotes wasted little time in getting on the board to start the match. Six seconds in fact. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1c902c6a-21a9-4b27-82b9-57f29d48c717?elinkdata=30871">Lexi Jack</a> played the opening kickoff sending it toward goal and over the head of the Sterling keeper and in, giving the Coyotes the early first minute 1-0 lead.

The Coyotes dominated Sterling in shots 30-3. Velotta led the way with seven. Moreno-Rojas had four. Galvan had the clean sheet in goal with two saves.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1a7d47a-5675-4396-9036-9b3a733fc590?elinkdata=30871">Brooklyn Velotta</a> had a hat trick for the Coyotes and also added an assist as the Coyotes routed the Sterling College Warriors 6-0 on Wednesday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.The Coyotes led 1-0 at the half before opening the flood gates in the last 35 minutes of the second half.The first goal of the second half came in the 55th minute by Velotta. It was a double-helper for the Coyotes as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dfa7cbbe-a8ca-4d37-a1da-b9e466ffe6a1?elinkdata=30871">Isabella Galvan</a> passed to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4d34be77-329f-4892-8fad-b67c36dba921?elinkdata=30871">Emily Martin</a> who sent the ball over the top down the middle of the pitch to Velotta who outraced the Sterling defense and scored it.Velotta scored again in the 73rd minute, this time off an assist by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/60a9baf6-c49c-4e96-9ff7-0dd797feef55?elinkdata=30871">Valeria Lara</a> who sent a ball through to Velotta who slid it home.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b3baff52-2575-464f-9717-d172ba35d6ed?elinkdata=30871">Rylie Moreno-Rojas</a> scored in the 81st, assisted by Velotta on the play. It was on a set piece for the Coyotes on a corner. Velotta tried to score with a header that was saved by the Sterling keeper but it bounced right to Moreno-Rojas who knocked it in.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f2bef0be-8909-4e74-83f7-c98c827200cb?elinkdata=30871">Paige Proper</a> scored in the 84th off a direct kick following a foul by Sterling. She took the shot from about 25 yards out on the left side and put it home inside the near side post.Velotta finished off her hat trick and the scoring in the 89th minute off another double-assister. This time Moreno-Rojas returned the favor on her goal to Velotta after she took a pass from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/026ba8af-6381-489a-9d41-6f21f717cc5e?elinkdata=30871">Kylie Pappo</a> on the back line.The Coyotes wasted little time in getting on the board to start the match. Six seconds in fact. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1c902c6a-21a9-4b27-82b9-57f29d48c717?elinkdata=30871">Lexi Jack</a> played the opening kickoff sending it toward goal and over the head of the Sterling keeper and in, giving the Coyotes the early first minute 1-0 lead.The Coyotes dominated Sterling in shots 30-3. Velotta led the way with seven. Moreno-Rojas had four. Galvan had the clean sheet in goal with two saves.

⚽️ Velotta’s hat trick leads KWU WSOC to 6-0 rout of Sterling

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer overcame Sterling's packed in defense, finally landing home a 62nd minute goal to come away with a 1-0 win over the Warriors on Wednesday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

The first half was pretty quiet as the teams worked against each other trying to find a crease to score.

KWU had a solid chance at a goal in the 30th minute on a shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5c9b00db-2acb-4278-b714-ff498b940f65?elinkdata=30904">Seth Flores</a> but his shot was saved.

The Coyotes almost got a goal in the 34th on a header shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/54016ade-ca32-46d6-9c3f-9e6fccb10989?elinkdata=30904">Morgan Spilker</a>.

Wesleyan's best chance in the first half came in the 37th minute. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/867a5edc-0917-4f1a-bcd1-9cc4cde13356?elinkdata=30904">Quatama Massaquoi</a> took an initial shot that hit the post and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b5b7192f-0b9b-4afa-8f5f-83b439ee4f50?elinkdata=30904">Pierre Gueguen's</a> follow hit the crossbar.

Finally in the 62nd minute the Coyotes broke the ice. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/26b418f9-6646-48cd-a0db-d5e3ec8ceebd?elinkdata=30904">Skyler Denny</a> scored it after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8bea63e3-abef-4344-a911-8373bf566ba3?elinkdata=30904">Gonzalo Gaubeka</a> played a ball from near the end line back to Denny who finished with the shot and goal.

The Coyotes had a few more shots to try to extend the lead but could not penetrate Sterling's packed in defense.

Wesleyan outshot Sterling 19-5 in the match. Flores and Gueguen led the way with three shots each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6eaa969e-2b54-4c43-ad27-38c3465821a7?elinkdata=30904">Shae Wirt</a> had a clean sheet in goal with two saves.

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer overcame Sterling's packed in defense, finally landing home a 62nd minute goal to come away with a 1-0 win over the Warriors on Wednesday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.The first half was pretty quiet as the teams worked against each other trying to find a crease to score.KWU had a solid chance at a goal in the 30th minute on a shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5c9b00db-2acb-4278-b714-ff498b940f65?elinkdata=30904">Seth Flores</a> but his shot was saved.The Coyotes almost got a goal in the 34th on a header shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/54016ade-ca32-46d6-9c3f-9e6fccb10989?elinkdata=30904">Morgan Spilker</a>.Wesleyan's best chance in the first half came in the 37th minute. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/867a5edc-0917-4f1a-bcd1-9cc4cde13356?elinkdata=30904">Quatama Massaquoi</a> took an initial shot that hit the post and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b5b7192f-0b9b-4afa-8f5f-83b439ee4f50?elinkdata=30904">Pierre Gueguen's</a> follow hit the crossbar.Finally in the 62nd minute the Coyotes broke the ice. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/26b418f9-6646-48cd-a0db-d5e3ec8ceebd?elinkdata=30904">Skyler Denny</a> scored it after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8bea63e3-abef-4344-a911-8373bf566ba3?elinkdata=30904">Gonzalo Gaubeka</a> played a ball from near the end line back to Denny who finished with the shot and goal.The Coyotes had a few more shots to try to extend the lead but could not penetrate Sterling's packed in defense.Wesleyan outshot Sterling 19-5 in the match. Flores and Gueguen led the way with three shots each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6eaa969e-2b54-4c43-ad27-38c3465821a7?elinkdata=30904">Shae Wirt</a> had a clean sheet in goal with two saves.

⚽️ KWU Men’s Soccer gets 1-0 win over Sterling

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Really, the only injury is a sickness and that’s Brashard Smith, so he won’t practice today. As far as the Josh Simmons situation goes, I’m not going to comment on it today. (General Manager Brett) Veach is handling everything there and we’ll leave it at that. Then as far as the Raiders go, they’ve got a good football team. They’re very well coached. (Raiders Head Coach) Pete (Carroll), we know has done this once or twice, he’s a heck of a football coach, and between (Raiders Defensive Coordinator) Patrick (Graham), (Raiders Offensive Coordinator) Chip (Kelly) and (Raiders Special Teams Coordinator) Tom (McMahon) they’ve got great coordinators there, and every week they’ve gotten better and more familiar with their systems there. We’ve got to make sure we play a good solid game and also have a great week of preparation. We also love having them come in here to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. We understand the rivalry and our fans really understand the rivalry and they get after it. Our players understand that too it’s a little bit of that college atmosphere to it where you’ve had a team that you’ve had a rivalry with for many years, and you feel privileged to be a part of that. Anyways, with that, times yours.”

Q: Josh Simmons isn’t practicing today?

REID:&nbsp;“I’m just going to let it go here. Yeah, let it go here.”

Q: Is there some plan to get Rashee Rice back into the offense?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, he (Rashee Rice) can play. I mean how many snaps he gets, ask Jeremy (Fowler), he’ll tell you (laughter).”

Q: Is Rashee Rice’s energy up, now that he has returned?

REID:&nbsp;“I think he’s (Rashee Rice) excited to be back in and going. I think getting through practices here will be good for him to kind of get back into the swing of things. We’ll see how everything goes from there. He’s been working hard and he’s in good shape.”

Q: On Jaylon Moore and his performance against the Lions.

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Jaylon Moore) handled that part well. He’s a competitive kid and he did come here to step in, and you never know about drafts and that. But he’s always ready and he practices a third of the practice because (Offensive Line Coach) Andy (Heck) rotates him in there. I thought he did a nice job the other night, played well. We have a lot of trust in him – most of all the guys have trust in him, (and) that’s the most important thing.”

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Maxx Crosby) a heck of a competitor, and he’s 100 miles an hour every play. I’m sure he’s that way in practice (chuckles). He just goes and goes. He and Patrick (Mahomes) I think are friends actually, and they just compete against each other. And that’s the beauty of this sport, you have an opportunity to do that. He’ll be there for sure.”

Q: Has it surprised you how fast the offensive line has gelled together?

REID:&nbsp;“I thought just snaps were important, game snaps. I mean when you can work it in training camp, you can do all of – it’s important for that but that just builds a foundation. You’ve got to get in and play and see the different looks and that’s helped these guys. Communication, which Creed (Humphrey) does a great job of. Creed is a transmitter there. He’s (Creed Humphrey) going to get the right side and the left side coordinated and does a great job of it.”

Q: How excited are you for Rashee Rice to be back and will there be any offensive plays surrounding him?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, it’s great to have him (Rashee Rice) back. But he is fresh here. So, we will see how he does, he’s a good football player. As a coach, I always welcome that. We just want to get him back in the swing here (and) see how he does.”

Q: How refreshing is it for you to see that wide receiver room is cheering for one another?

REID:&nbsp;“Well particularly at that position because there is so many of them (wide receivers). There is one ball, and somebody isn’t going to get it every – the four of them aren’t going to get it every snap. They’ve got to check that ego at the door, and I appreciate that. Then when they do get opportunities, I appreciate the way they handle that too; they’re good football players. Hollywood (Brown) did have a really good game, and he’s made a couple – the last two weeks or so he’s made some catches that were really incredible catches. Tough kid, too. He’s not very big. He’s tougher than shoe leather.”

Q: Have you heard the phrase, “everybody’s got to eat”? The wide receiver room has been saying that.

REID:&nbsp;“They don’t worry about that with me (laughter).”&nbsp;

Q: What does Pete Carroll bring to the Raiders?

REID:&nbsp;“Toughness. There’s a toughness, and he’s (Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll) got great scheme, too. But there’s a toughness that he brings and energy.”

Q: What does Rashee Rice bring to the offense, that might not be there right now?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Rashee Rice) unique because of his size and ability after the catch to play physical. You get some speed guys and smaller guys and he and JuJu Smith-Schuster are kind of similar body types and game types – the way they play their game. He gives you flexibility and the guys feed off of that, they love the kid. It’s a win-win either way to add him into the mix.”

Q: Matt Nagy’s name has come out for potential head coaching positions. How do you handle that?

REID:&nbsp;“They haven’t, no, nobody has called. I’m his (Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy) biggest fan and (Defensive Coordinator Steve) Spags likewise. If they have that opportunity, more power to them. I don’t talk to many people during the season, and I don’t read anything. I hope he gets that opportunity for sure, tremendous coach and person.”

Q:&nbsp;On Rashee Rice joining an offense that is starting to get in a rhythm.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, for sure. I think we’ve gotten better and better and adding guys like Xavier (Worthy) back and then getting Rashee (Rice) back will just continue to hopefully improve what we can do. All you can ask for is to get better each and every week, and I feel like we’re doing that.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you expect out of Rashee Rice and what does he expect out of himself?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“He’s (Rashee Rice) going to want to be out there every single play. That’s just the mentality that he has. I think it’s going to be our job as teammates and coaches to kind of build him back the right way. It’s going to be hard to keep him off the field for sure.”

Q:&nbsp;On his relationship with Maxx Crosby.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s a ton of respect. Like you said, when I talk to him (Maxx Crosby) outside of football, it’s like we’re friends and you wouldn’t even see what happens on the football field, but he’s the type of competitor like me. When you get on that football field, it’s whatever it takes to win and you’re going to leave everything on the football field, and I have a ton of respect for that. Those are the guys that you want on your team because they play with that mentality and he’s trying to do that and build that culture there. I know when we step across that line and you get on that football field, it’s going to take your best effort to find a way to go against that guy.”

Q:&nbsp;On when he noticed Travis Kelce looked more in-shape.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“You can see it from the first day of OTAs. Obviously, I play golf with him (Travis Kelce) and stuff like that, but you don’t know until you get out here and you start moving around. Right when he got to OTAs and you saw him and going through workouts you can see that his body was in good shape, and he was moving faster than he even was the year before. I can tell just from the mentality that he had that he was going out there to prove something and he has done a great job starting off this year.”

Q:&nbsp;On Travis Kelce’s shake against the Lions.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“The Hakeem Olajuwon shake? He’s (Travis Kelce) still got it. He’s got the vet moves, you know? When you get up there a little older you know how to use other guys’ athleticism against them and I feel like I have a couple of those as well, maybe not the shake yet maybe I’ll have to learn that from him.”

Q:&nbsp;On how the 2022 season prepared him for spreading the ball around and throwing it to whoever is open.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think the guys just know that. They know that if they get open, I’m going to throw them the football. It doesn’t matter who it is, if you’re getting open on the football field, you’re getting the football in your hands. I think the room is going to help out a ton with that. They have a lot of guys that truly care about each other and truly want each other to succeed. It’s a good problem to have, to have that many talented guys in the room, but (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid and (Offensive Coordinator Matt) Nags they’ll do a great job of calling different plays for different guys and they’ll keep defenses guessing because they won’t know exactly where the football is going to go.”

Q:&nbsp;Is it easier for guys to settle into roles with Rashee Rice being back?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Those guys work so hard to be their best. From training camp (and) OTAs on, I know they’re going out there and trying to do what they can without Rashee (Rice) there, but they want their guy there, they want one of their teammates there that worked his tail off to be in that position. I think just having him in that room, you can just tell that those guys are energized and that they are ready to go and they want to showcase who they are as a complete room and they’ve done a great job so far this year and I think it’s going to get even better with Rashee now.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you notice more advantageous matchups on the field for other guys with Rashee Rice on the field?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I’m sure there will be. I think you saw even this last week against the Lions with the speed that we had with Tyquan (Thornton) and with Xavier (Worthy) and Hollywood (Brown), sometimes those guys underneath are getting open a lot more and adding Rashee (Rice) there and him catching those balls underneath and then him with his YAC (yards after catch) and able to make stuff happen is going to force the defenses to choose. Are you going to sit back and let us throw stuff underneath or are you going to come up and have to deal with all that speed running down the field and so that’s a good problem to showcase towards defenses.”

Q:&nbsp;On battling back to 3-3 and if there is any fear of letdown.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It was the first thing (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid said was about showing consistency. That’s something that is super important in the league. You can have highs and lows and stuff like that. This is a long NFL season. It’s about who can be the most consistent week in and week out. That is something we have to be better at, and we’ve showcased that we can play against anybody, but we’ve also showcased that we can make mistakes and lose against anybody. For us, it’s about going out there and playing our best football, every single week (and) getting better at practice today and continuing that throughout the week. To go up against a Raiders team that is hungry and that it’s always going to be a tight, contested football game.”

Q:&nbsp;On trusting the offensive line even with Jaylon Moore out there.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I know the work that Jaylon (Moore) has put in. He’s been a professional every single day. Every time he has been in there if it’s at left tackle, right tackle (or) guard. Wherever it is, he’s done his job and done it well. Having those reps in training camp and throughout OTAs. I know that he is going to go out there and battle and he’s done a lot of great things that you just haven’t seen on the field. You see it now that he’s a starting tackle in this league and he can go out there and compete against anybody.”

Q:&nbsp;What is the difference in prepping for a noon game?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesOctober 15, 2025OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Really, the only injury is a sickness and that’s Brashard Smith, so he won’t practice today. As far as the Josh Simmons situation goes, I’m not going to comment on it today. (General Manager Brett) Veach is handling everything there and we’ll leave it at that. Then as far as the Raiders go, they’ve got a good football team. They’re very well coached. (Raiders Head Coach) Pete (Carroll), we know has done this once or twice, he’s a heck of a football coach, and between (Raiders Defensive Coordinator) Patrick (Graham), (Raiders Offensive Coordinator) Chip (Kelly) and (Raiders Special Teams Coordinator) Tom (McMahon) they’ve got great coordinators there, and every week they’ve gotten better and more familiar with their systems there. We’ve got to make sure we play a good solid game and also have a great week of preparation. We also love having them come in here to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. We understand the rivalry and our fans really understand the rivalry and they get after it. Our players understand that too it’s a little bit of that college atmosphere to it where you’ve had a team that you’ve had a rivalry with for many years, and you feel privileged to be a part of that. Anyways, with that, times yours.”Q: Josh Simmons isn’t practicing today?REID:&nbsp;“I’m just going to let it go here. Yeah, let it go here.”Q: Is there some plan to get Rashee Rice back into the offense?REID:&nbsp;“Well, he (Rashee Rice) can play. I mean how many snaps he gets, ask Jeremy (Fowler), he’ll tell you (laughter).”Q: Is Rashee Rice’s energy up, now that he has returned?REID:&nbsp;“I think he’s (Rashee Rice) excited to be back in and going. I think getting through practices here will be good for him to kind of get back into the swing of things. We’ll see how everything goes from there. He’s been working hard and he’s in good shape.”Q: On Jaylon Moore and his performance against the Lions.REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Jaylon Moore) handled that part well. He’s a competitive kid and he did come here to step in, and you never know about drafts and that. But he’s always ready and he practices a third of the practice because (Offensive Line Coach) Andy (Heck) rotates him in there. I thought he did a nice job the other night, played well. We have a lot of trust in him – most of all the guys have trust in him, (and) that’s the most important thing.”Q: On Raiders, Maxx Crosby.REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Maxx Crosby) a heck of a competitor, and he’s 100 miles an hour every play. I’m sure he’s that way in practice (chuckles). He just goes and goes. He and Patrick (Mahomes) I think are friends actually, and they just compete against each other. And that’s the beauty of this sport, you have an opportunity to do that. He’ll be there for sure.”Q: Has it surprised you how fast the offensive line has gelled together?REID:&nbsp;“I thought just snaps were important, game snaps. I mean when you can work it in training camp, you can do all of – it’s important for that but that just builds a foundation. You’ve got to get in and play and see the different looks and that’s helped these guys. Communication, which Creed (Humphrey) does a great job of. Creed is a transmitter there. He’s (Creed Humphrey) going to get the right side and the left side coordinated and does a great job of it.”Q: How excited are you for Rashee Rice to be back and will there be any offensive plays surrounding him?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, it’s great to have him (Rashee Rice) back. But he is fresh here. So, we will see how he does, he’s a good football player. As a coach, I always welcome that. We just want to get him back in the swing here (and) see how he does.”Q: How refreshing is it for you to see that wide receiver room is cheering for one another?REID:&nbsp;“Well particularly at that position because there is so many of them (wide receivers). There is one ball, and somebody isn’t going to get it every – the four of them aren’t going to get it every snap. They’ve got to check that ego at the door, and I appreciate that. Then when they do get opportunities, I appreciate the way they handle that too; they’re good football players. Hollywood (Brown) did have a really good game, and he’s made a couple – the last two weeks or so he’s made some catches that were really incredible catches. Tough kid, too. He’s not very big. He’s tougher than shoe leather.”Q: Have you heard the phrase, “everybody’s got to eat”? The wide receiver room has been saying that.REID:&nbsp;“They don’t worry about that with me (laughter).”&nbsp;Q: What does Pete Carroll bring to the Raiders?REID:&nbsp;“Toughness. There’s a toughness, and he’s (Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll) got great scheme, too. But there’s a toughness that he brings and energy.”Q: What does Rashee Rice bring to the offense, that might not be there right now?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Rashee Rice) unique because of his size and ability after the catch to play physical. You get some speed guys and smaller guys and he and JuJu Smith-Schuster are kind of similar body types and game types – the way they play their game. He gives you flexibility and the guys feed off of that, they love the kid. It’s a win-win either way to add him into the mix.”Q: Matt Nagy’s name has come out for potential head coaching positions. How do you handle that?REID:&nbsp;“They haven’t, no, nobody has called. I’m his (Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy) biggest fan and (Defensive Coordinator Steve) Spags likewise. If they have that opportunity, more power to them. I don’t talk to many people during the season, and I don’t read anything. I hope he gets that opportunity for sure, tremendous coach and person.”Chiefs Player QuotesOctober 15, 2025QB PATRICK MAHOMESQ:&nbsp;On Rashee Rice joining an offense that is starting to get in a rhythm.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, for sure. I think we’ve gotten better and better and adding guys like Xavier (Worthy) back and then getting Rashee (Rice) back will just continue to hopefully improve what we can do. All you can ask for is to get better each and every week, and I feel like we’re doing that.”Q:&nbsp;What do you expect out of Rashee Rice and what does he expect out of himself?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“He’s (Rashee Rice) going to want to be out there every single play. That’s just the mentality that he has. I think it’s going to be our job as teammates and coaches to kind of build him back the right way. It’s going to be hard to keep him off the field for sure.”Q:&nbsp;On his relationship with Maxx Crosby.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s a ton of respect. Like you said, when I talk to him (Maxx Crosby) outside of football, it’s like we’re friends and you wouldn’t even see what happens on the football field, but he’s the type of competitor like me. When you get on that football field, it’s whatever it takes to win and you’re going to leave everything on the football field, and I have a ton of respect for that. Those are the guys that you want on your team because they play with that mentality and he’s trying to do that and build that culture there. I know when we step across that line and you get on that football field, it’s going to take your best effort to find a way to go against that guy.”Q:&nbsp;On when he noticed Travis Kelce looked more in-shape.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“You can see it from the first day of OTAs. Obviously, I play golf with him (Travis Kelce) and stuff like that, but you don’t know until you get out here and you start moving around. Right when he got to OTAs and you saw him and going through workouts you can see that his body was in good shape, and he was moving faster than he even was the year before. I can tell just from the mentality that he had that he was going out there to prove something and he has done a great job starting off this year.”Q:&nbsp;On Travis Kelce’s shake against the Lions.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“The Hakeem Olajuwon shake? He’s (Travis Kelce) still got it. He’s got the vet moves, you know? When you get up there a little older you know how to use other guys’ athleticism against them and I feel like I have a couple of those as well, maybe not the shake yet maybe I’ll have to learn that from him.”Q:&nbsp;On how the 2022 season prepared him for spreading the ball around and throwing it to whoever is open.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think the guys just know that. They know that if they get open, I’m going to throw them the football. It doesn’t matter who it is, if you’re getting open on the football field, you’re getting the football in your hands. I think the room is going to help out a ton with that. They have a lot of guys that truly care about each other and truly want each other to succeed. It’s a good problem to have, to have that many talented guys in the room, but (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid and (Offensive Coordinator Matt) Nags they’ll do a great job of calling different plays for different guys and they’ll keep defenses guessing because they won’t know exactly where the football is going to go.”Q:&nbsp;Is it easier for guys to settle into roles with Rashee Rice being back?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Those guys work so hard to be their best. From training camp (and) OTAs on, I know they’re going out there and trying to do what they can without Rashee (Rice) there, but they want their guy there, they want one of their teammates there that worked his tail off to be in that position. I think just having him in that room, you can just tell that those guys are energized and that they are ready to go and they want to showcase who they are as a complete room and they’ve done a great job so far this year and I think it’s going to get even better with Rashee now.”Q:&nbsp;Do you notice more advantageous matchups on the field for other guys with Rashee Rice on the field?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I’m sure there will be. I think you saw even this last week against the Lions with the speed that we had with Tyquan (Thornton) and with Xavier (Worthy) and Hollywood (Brown), sometimes those guys underneath are getting open a lot more and adding Rashee (Rice) there and him catching those balls underneath and then him with his YAC (yards after catch) and able to make stuff happen is going to force the defenses to choose. Are you going to sit back and let us throw stuff underneath or are you going to come up and have to deal with all that speed running down the field and so that’s a good problem to showcase towards defenses.”Q:&nbsp;On battling back to 3-3 and if there is any fear of letdown.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It was the first thing (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid said was about showing consistency. That’s something that is super important in the league. You can have highs and lows and stuff like that. This is a long NFL season. It’s about who can be the most consistent week in and week out. That is something we have to be better at, and we’ve showcased that we can play against anybody, but we’ve also showcased that we can make mistakes and lose against anybody. For us, it’s about going out there and playing our best football, every single week (and) getting better at practice today and continuing that throughout the week. To go up against a Raiders team that is hungry and that it’s always going to be a tight, contested football game.”Q:&nbsp;On trusting the offensive line even with Jaylon Moore out there.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I know the work that Jaylon (Moore) has put in. He’s been a professional every single day. Every time he has been in there if it’s at left tackle, right tackle (or) guard. Wherever it is, he’s done his job and done it well. Having those reps in training camp and throughout OTAs. I know that he is going to go out there and battle and he’s done a lot of great things that you just haven’t seen on the field. You see it now that he’s a starting tackle in this league and he can go out there and compete against anybody.”Q:&nbsp;What is the difference in prepping for a noon game?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think it’s something that we can be better at, honestly. We haven’t had that noon game this year and I think last year we came out flat in some of those games. We have to have the mentality of getting your work done at night and making sure you can get a good night’s rest. Preparing yourself maybe a little more during the week so you don’t have to have to get that last minute study kind of like cramming for an exam. You want to prepare yourself throughout the week so when you wake up in the morning, you’re fresh (and) you’re ready to go. You get to the stadium (and) you get out there and start the right way and don’t start flat and have to dig yourself out of a hole.”Q:&nbsp;Do you feel more comfort and trust in the offense?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I felt good these last few weeks especially and I think it all starts with the offensive line. When they’re blocking the way they’re blocking, it gives me a lot of confidence to sit in the pocket and make these throws down the field and then when that’s not open, hit the guys underneath and let them make plays happen. You have to continue to steadily build on that. I have to continue to get better and better and look at the tape and learn from even when we’re having success, learn from the mistakes that we make and that’s what I’ll try to continue to do throughout the rest of the season.”Q:&nbsp;Has it felt more like a different sense of that with everything going on at once?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah and then obviously when you start bad you don’t have the room for errors. You have to stay on top of everything. Sometimes wins can almost hide some of the flaws that you have throughout the team, and when you lose, you really take a deep look at what you can get better and better at. For us, it’s about accepting that challenge of now that we’re having a little bit of success, still looking at film the same way and going out there and competing and getting better each and every week.”Q:&nbsp;On if he has communicated with Josh Simmons.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I’ll keep conversations kind of between us but I’m always praying for all my teammates. I’m always praying for them and I’ll keep everything else private to us.”Q:&nbsp;On Texas Tech throwing tortillas on the field and getting penalties.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I’ll stay in line with (Texas Tech Football Head Coach) Coach (Joey) McGuire. I love the tortillas and throwing the tortillas and doing that at the first kickoff is awesome, but whenever it hurts the team, you don’t want to do that but I love the passionate fanbase that the Red Raiders have and I love how the Red Raiders are playing football right now. Just keep it to not getting penalties on gameday that could hurt the team and then go out there and continue to win football games.”Q:&nbsp;On playing a divisional foe in the Raiders.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Oh 100%. You feel that when you step into the building during Raider week. I always say it doesn’t matter if you’re doing good (or) they’re (Las Vegas Raiders) doing good, both doing good or both doing bad, this game, it means more to everybody that’s playing in the game (on) both sides of the football. You have to have that mentality. It’s a true rivalry game. You don’t have a lot of those in the NFL, and I’m blessed to be apart of it because it really does bring out the best in both teams.”LB DRUE TRANQUILLQ:&nbsp;What are your thoughts on the defense against the Lions?TRANQUILL:&nbsp;“Well I thought we played good in a lot of areas. I thought there was a little bit of leakiness in the run game in the first half, but I think the message is just consistency – consistency and execution and energy. We’ll certainly have to do that this week against a division opponent.”Q:&nbsp;How have you seen Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte grow this year?TRANQUILL: “Yeah, they’re great talents and they’re learning schematically how to operate within our scheme. Obviously, two very explosive players. Ashton (Gillotte) is very strong, Omarr (Norman-Lott) as well. Omarr has great get off there in the interior. But as they become more knowledgeable on what we’re trying to do defensively, they’re just going to become bigger and bigger assets for us.”Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Ashton Jeanty?TRANQUILL: “Well, he (Ashton Jeanty) has incredible contact balance; you see it in that 60 plus yard touchdown run he broke where he was able to break the leg tackle there going down the sideline. Obviously, we know what he did at Boise State. They’re giving him a lot of touches, I think you see in Indianapolis (they) gave him a swing pass for 40 yards I think to open the game and, so they’re trying to give him the ball in a lot of different ways and obviously, they think very highly of him.”WR XAVIER WORTHYQ:&nbsp;What is Rashee Rice going to add to the offense?WORTHY:&nbsp;“Just another threat. Like he (Rashee Rice) said, “everybody eats”. I feel like there are just more eyes going on somebody else. I feel like everybody in this offense can make plays and go in on one-on -one’s. Just another explosive guy on the offense.”Q:&nbsp;What’re you seeing from the Raiders?WORTHY:&nbsp;“I just started watching film on them now. They’re a good unit. They’re trying to string wins together obviously. But with what we’re trying to do we just got started and we got a hot hand going. So, they’re a good unit we just need to go in there and play our game and don’t underestimate the opponent.”Q:&nbsp;Can you explain the, “everybody eats” moto?