<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Following his two-interception performance in Kansas State’s 41-28 Homecoming victory over TCU, senior linebacker&nbsp;Des Purnell&nbsp;has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday.

It is the first-ever conference weekly award for Purnell and the first for a Wildcat defender since Kobe Savage earned the nod after the Texas Tech contest in 2023.

A native of Topeka, Kansas, Purnell came away with eight tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a sack and two pass breakups in addition to his two picks. On back-to-back plays in the third quarter, Purnell recorded an eight-yard sack before picking off a pass and returning it 25 yards for a touchdown. It was K-State’s first pick-6 since current San Francisco 49er Marques Sigle returned an interception 43 yards for a score last year at West Virginia.

Purnell had another interception in the fourth quarter, one he returned 21 yards that led to a K-State field goal to make it a three-score game.

Purnell is one of three linebackers in the country this season to record multiple interceptions in a game, while he is one of only two Big 12 linebackers since 2022 to accomplish the feat. He was the first K-State linebacker with two picks in a game since Elijah Lee against TCU in 2015.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Following his two-interception performance in Kansas State’s 41-28 Homecoming victory over TCU, senior linebacker&nbsp;Des Purnell&nbsp;has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday.It is the first-ever conference weekly award for Purnell and the first for a Wildcat defender since Kobe Savage earned the nod after the Texas Tech contest in 2023.A native of Topeka, Kansas, Purnell came away with eight tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a sack and two pass breakups in addition to his two picks. On back-to-back plays in the third quarter, Purnell recorded an eight-yard sack before picking off a pass and returning it 25 yards for a touchdown. It was K-State’s first pick-6 since current San Francisco 49er Marques Sigle returned an interception 43 yards for a score last year at West Virginia.Purnell had another interception in the fourth quarter, one he returned 21 yards that led to a K-State field goal to make it a three-score game.Purnell is one of three linebackers in the country this season to record multiple interceptions in a game, while he is one of only two Big 12 linebackers since 2022 to accomplish the feat. He was the first K-State linebacker with two picks in a game since Elijah Lee against TCU in 2015.

K-State’s Purnell Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The 2025&nbsp;Dillons&nbsp;Sunflower Showdown between the Kansas&nbsp;Jayhawks&nbsp;and the Kansas State Wildcats will kick off at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 25, at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the Big 12 Conference announced on Monday.&nbsp; The game will air on TNT with a simulcast on&nbsp;truTV&nbsp;and HBO MAX.

It will be the 123rd&nbsp;meeting between the two schools, in a series that the Jayhawks lead all-time, 65-52-5, including a 37-23-2 record in games played in Lawrence.

The 11 a.m. kickoff will be Kansas' second morning game of the season, after hosting Cincinnati on Sept. 27. The Jayhawks will also take on Utah in their regular season finale on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. This will be Kansas' second game on TNT this year.The&nbsp;Jayhawks&nbsp;will enter the&nbsp;Dillons&nbsp;Sunflower Showdown fresh off a bye, following a 42-17 loss at Texas Tech on Oct. 11. Kansas holds a 4-3 overall record with a 2-2 mark in Big 12 Conference play.

The Jayhawks have had success following a bye under head coach Lance Leipold, where the Jayhawks are 5-1, including a 41-10 win over West Virginia following a bye earlier this year.

Tickets for the 123rd&nbsp;Dillons&nbsp;Sunflower Showdown are still available&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/event/F25/05" target="_blank">by clicking here</a>. It will be Kansas' fifth of seven home games in 2025, where the Jayhawks hold a 3-1 record entering their&nbsp;matchup&nbsp;with Kansas State.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The 2025&nbsp;Dillons&nbsp;Sunflower Showdown between the Kansas&nbsp;Jayhawks&nbsp;and the Kansas State Wildcats will kick off at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 25, at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the Big 12 Conference announced on Monday.&nbsp; The game will air on TNT with a simulcast on&nbsp;truTV&nbsp;and HBO MAX.It will be the 123rd&nbsp;meeting between the two schools, in a series that the Jayhawks lead all-time, 65-52-5, including a 37-23-2 record in games played in Lawrence.The 11 a.m. kickoff will be Kansas' second morning game of the season, after hosting Cincinnati on Sept. 27. The Jayhawks will also take on Utah in their regular season finale on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. This will be Kansas' second game on TNT this year.The&nbsp;Jayhawks&nbsp;will enter the&nbsp;Dillons&nbsp;Sunflower Showdown fresh off a bye, following a 42-17 loss at Texas Tech on Oct. 11. Kansas holds a 4-3 overall record with a 2-2 mark in Big 12 Conference play.The Jayhawks have had success following a bye under head coach Lance Leipold, where the Jayhawks are 5-1, including a 41-10 win over West Virginia following a bye earlier this year.Tickets for the 123rd&nbsp;Dillons&nbsp;Sunflower Showdown are still available&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/event/F25/05" target="_blank">by clicking here</a>. It will be Kansas' fifth of seven home games in 2025, where the Jayhawks hold a 3-1 record entering their&nbsp;matchup&nbsp;with Kansas State.

Dillons Sunflower Showdown Set for 11 a.m. Kickoff on Oct. 25

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs knew they were going to have a fight on their hands when the Detroit Lions, riding a four-game winning streak and a whole bunch of momentum, rolled into Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night.

They probably didn't expect their dominant performance to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-chiefs-fight-brian-branch-e1f8f03a80052ad16856673846b2791c">end with an actual fistfight</a>.

Mahomes threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns, scrambled for another score, and led Kansas City to a 30-17 victory that was so comprehensive that Lions safety Brian Branch boiled over at its conclusion. Branch delivered a right hook to Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster as the teams were coming together at midfield, touching off a brief melee among players.

“It is what it is,” Mahomes said. “You just kind of move on. We won the football game.”

Marquise Brown had two touchdown receptions and Xavier Worthy had another for the Chiefs (3-3), who played a near-flawless game — no penalties, no turnovers — one week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-analysis-1bf025fe0f083690f71bc75f47417202">a mistake-strewn, last-second loss</a>&nbsp;at Jacksonville.

Kansas City also managed to hold in check the NFL's highest-scoring offense to snap Detroit's winning streak.

“We just didn't make the plays we needed to make,” said Lions coach Dan Campbell, who began his postgame briefing by saying that Branch's cheap shot was “inexcusable and not going to be accepted here," and that he had apologized to the Chiefs for it.

“We were able to do some good things in phases at times but not enough for a team like that with the pedigrees they have,” Campbell continued. “We were not able to compliment each other and we were not able to make it a game, really. We weren't.”

Jared Goff finished with 203 yards passing for the Lions (4-2), though he did connect with Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta for scores. Amon-Ra St. Brown was held to 45 yards receiving and Jahmyr Gibbs needed 17 carries to gain just 65 yards.

Detroit was intent on trying to grind down the Chiefs' defense and keep their potent offense off the field.

The Lions did a good job on the opening drive, too. They ran 15 plays over a 9:39 span, chewing up so much clock that Mahomes looked downright bored on the sideline. And it looked as if it would pay off when David Montgomery took a direct snap and threw to Goff, who powered into the end zone from a yard out for a touchdown.

But the officials came together to discuss the play, and even though nobody had thrown a flag, they eventually said Goff was not set — an illegal motion penalty. After a delay of game, the Lions had to settle for Jake Bates' chip-shot field goal.

“I've got to do a little research on exactly what went wrong,” Goff said.

Kansas City wasted no time answering, marching 70 yards in eight plays. Mahomes hit three receivers on the drive, and Worthy hauled in a 6-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal to give the Chiefs the lead.

The back-and-forth continued throughout the first half: The Lions went the other way with Williams grabbing a 22-yard pass to give them the lead back, and the Chiefs answered with Mahomes scoring on a keeper for a 13-10 edge at halftime.

“It was important to get that lead back and get the momentum and get the crowd going,” Mahomes said.

The banged-up Lions defense, missing cornerbacks D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold and Avonte Maddox, couldn't slow down the Chiefs, who are finding their offensive mojo again just in time to get suspended wide receiver Rashee Rice back next week.

They roared downfield on the opening drive of the second half, this time with Marquise Brown hauling in the touchdown catch to extend the lead. And when the Lions finally answered behind a flurry of passes to St. Brown and a nifty toss to LaPorta in the end zone, Kansas City rolled right back downfield as Marquise Brown pulled in another touchdown reception for a 27-17 lead.

Detroit proceeded to go three-and-out, and the Chiefs put the game away from there.

“I'm disappointing, you know? I'm disappointed, because it's been a long time ago since you were watching someone kneel it three times in front of you, and it's not even close,” Campbell said. “We got worked pretty good. So yeah, it's disappointing.”

The Chiefs played&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-detroit-lions-e5f1f4336f1f82195304345e8a892b7b">without left tackle Josh Simmons,</a>&nbsp;their first-round pick, who had a personal issue that kept him from making it back to Kansas City for the game. Jaylon Moore played well in his place against Aidan Hutchinson and the Detroit pass rush.

Mahomes has 302 career touchdown passes, including the postseason, becoming the quickest player in NFL history to reach the 300 mark. He accomplished the feat in 139 games, eight faster than Aaron Rodgers, to the delight of a crowd that included Taylor Swift — the fiancee of tight end Travis Kelce — and WNBA star Caitlin Clark.

Lions: CB Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and LT Taylor Decker (shoulder) were inactive.

Chiefs: CB Nohl Williams was evaluated for a concussion and cleared in the first half.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760320332355.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs knew they were going to have a fight on their hands when the Detroit Lions, riding a four-game winning streak and a whole bunch of momentum, rolled into Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night.They probably didn't expect their dominant performance to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-chiefs-fight-brian-branch-e1f8f03a80052ad16856673846b2791c">end with an actual fistfight</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A little post game hands never hurt nobody!<a href="https://t.co/W0A0tal25f">pic.twitter.com/W0A0tal25f</a>&mdash; Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/1977572824664715455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Mahomes threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns, scrambled for another score, and led Kansas City to a 30-17 victory that was so comprehensive that Lions safety Brian Branch boiled over at its conclusion. Branch delivered a right hook to Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster as the teams were coming together at midfield, touching off a brief melee among players.“It is what it is,” Mahomes said. “You just kind of move on. We won the football game.”Did they ever.Marquise Brown had two touchdown receptions and Xavier Worthy had another for the Chiefs (3-3), who played a near-flawless game — no penalties, no turnovers — one week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-analysis-1bf025fe0f083690f71bc75f47417202">a mistake-strewn, last-second loss</a>&nbsp;at Jacksonville.Kansas City also managed to hold in check the NFL's highest-scoring offense to snap Detroit's winning streak.“We just didn't make the plays we needed to make,” said Lions coach Dan Campbell, who began his postgame briefing by saying that Branch's cheap shot was “inexcusable and not going to be accepted here," and that he had apologized to the Chiefs for it.“We were able to do some good things in phases at times but not enough for a team like that with the pedigrees they have,” Campbell continued. “We were not able to compliment each other and we were not able to make it a game, really. We weren't.”Jared Goff finished with 203 yards passing for the Lions (4-2), though he did connect with Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta for scores. Amon-Ra St. Brown was held to 45 yards receiving and Jahmyr Gibbs needed 17 carries to gain just 65 yards.Detroit was intent on trying to grind down the Chiefs' defense and keep their potent offense off the field.The Lions did a good job on the opening drive, too. They ran 15 plays over a 9:39 span, chewing up so much clock that Mahomes looked downright bored on the sideline. And it looked as if it would pay off when David Montgomery took a direct snap and threw to Goff, who powered into the end zone from a yard out for a touchdown.But the officials came together to discuss the play, and even though nobody had thrown a flag, they eventually said Goff was not set — an illegal motion penalty. After a delay of game, the Lions had to settle for Jake Bates' chip-shot field goal.“I've got to do a little research on exactly what went wrong,” Goff said.Kansas City wasted no time answering, marching 70 yards in eight plays. Mahomes hit three receivers on the drive, and Worthy hauled in a 6-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal to give the Chiefs the lead.The back-and-forth continued throughout the first half: The Lions went the other way with Williams grabbing a 22-yard pass to give them the lead back, and the Chiefs answered with Mahomes scoring on a keeper for a 13-10 edge at halftime.“It was important to get that lead back and get the momentum and get the crowd going,” Mahomes said.The banged-up Lions defense, missing cornerbacks D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold and Avonte Maddox, couldn't slow down the Chiefs, who are finding their offensive mojo again just in time to get suspended wide receiver Rashee Rice back next week.They roared downfield on the opening drive of the second half, this time with Marquise Brown hauling in the touchdown catch to extend the lead. And when the Lions finally answered behind a flurry of passes to St. Brown and a nifty toss to LaPorta in the end zone, Kansas City rolled right back downfield as Marquise Brown pulled in another touchdown reception for a 27-17 lead.Detroit proceeded to go three-and-out, and the Chiefs put the game away from there.“I'm disappointing, you know? I'm disappointed, because it's been a long time ago since you were watching someone kneel it three times in front of you, and it's not even close,” Campbell said. “We got worked pretty good. So yeah, it's disappointing.”<h2>Missing Simmons</h2>The Chiefs played&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-detroit-lions-e5f1f4336f1f82195304345e8a892b7b">without left tackle Josh Simmons,</a>&nbsp;their first-round pick, who had a personal issue that kept him from making it back to Kansas City for the game. Jaylon Moore played well in his place against Aidan Hutchinson and the Detroit pass rush.<h2>More on Mahomes</h2>Mahomes has 302 career touchdown passes, including the postseason, becoming the quickest player in NFL history to reach the 300 mark. He accomplished the feat in 139 games, eight faster than Aaron Rodgers, to the delight of a crowd that included Taylor Swift — the fiancee of tight end Travis Kelce — and WNBA star Caitlin Clark.<h2>Injuries</h2>Lions: CB Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and LT Taylor Decker (shoulder) were inactive.Chiefs: CB Nohl Williams was evaluated for a concussion and cleared in the first half.<h2>Up next</h2>Lions: Host Tampa Bay next Monday night.Chiefs: Host Las Vegas next Sunday.

🏈 Mahomes leads the Chiefs to victory over Lions, and a fistfight erupts at the finish

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Cameron Dickey ran for a career-high 263 yards and two long touchdowns, Will Hammond scored twice after replacing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-behren-morton-injury-1c7e3fb079b539e0a158fbc690d0d37c">injured quarterback Behren Morton</a>&nbsp;and No. 9 Texas Tech beat Kansas 42-17 on Saturday night.

Dickey sprinted 71 yards on the first offensive play for the Red Raiders and added a 55-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter. With co-lead back J'Koby Williams slowed by an injury, Dickey had 21 carries, another career best.

Texas Tech (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) had 372 yards rushing and recovered from a malaise after Morton's injury in the school's first game as an AP top 10 team since 2013.

“We felt like we could run the football against the these guys,” coach Joey McGuire said. “Those two guys feed off each other. J’Koby’s a little banged up, and Cam got the majority of the load and offensive line really played well tonight in the run game.”

A 21-0 Texas Tech lead was down to four points at the break when the Jayhawks (4-3, 2-2) scored on three of their first four possessions after Morton appeared to injure his lower right leg on a sack in the second quarter. He didn't return.

Hammond threw an interception and the Red Raiders punted on his other three possessions before halftime. But the redshirt freshman ran 20 yards for a touchdown on the first drive of the second half.

Dickey's second long TD put Texas Tech up 35-17, and Hammond's 10-yard run finished the scoring. Hammond had 61 yards rushing.

It's the third time Hammond has come on with Morton not returning this season. Morton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-behren-morton-injury-13a9ea7986c7bce290c62d0cce241947">hyperextended his right knee</a>&nbsp;in a 67-7 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the season opener and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-behren-morton-utah-ded4ee663707dff8a8f086842cd111e6">sidelined in a 34-10 win over Utah</a>&nbsp;after taking a hard hit to the head.

Jalon Daniels threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas, which dropped to 1-12 in Lubbock and has lost 24 of 26 meetings with the Red Raiders.

“Our margin of error against a top 10 team is going to be pretty small, and we’ve got to play a lot more sound,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “We had trouble blocking them all second half, especially. That’s a really good defensive front. I think it showed up tonight no doubt.”

Kansas: The Jayhawks had all the momentum with the way they finished the first half after Morton's injury. They couldn't sustain it. Kansas punted on its five possessions after the break.

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders gave up some big pass plays to help Kansas get back in the game, but still sacked Daniels eight times. David Bailey had three of them. Texas Tech had a ninth sack on backup Cole Ballard in the final seconds.

Kansas: Off next week before getting rival Kansas State at home Oct. 25.

Texas Tech: At No. 21 Arizona State, the defending Big 12 champion, next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760237877148.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Cameron Dickey ran for a career-high 263 yards and two long touchdowns, Will Hammond scored twice after replacing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-behren-morton-injury-1c7e3fb079b539e0a158fbc690d0d37c">injured quarterback Behren Morton</a>&nbsp;and No. 9 Texas Tech beat Kansas 42-17 on Saturday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760244942714.jpeg" alt="Texas Tech running back Cameron Dickey (8) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)" />
 <figcaption>Texas Tech running back Cameron Dickey (8) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)</figcaption>
 </figure>Dickey sprinted 71 yards on the first offensive play for the Red Raiders and added a 55-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter. With co-lead back J'Koby Williams slowed by an injury, Dickey had 21 carries, another career best.Texas Tech (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) had 372 yards rushing and recovered from a malaise after Morton's injury in the school's first game as an AP top 10 team since 2013.“We felt like we could run the football against the these guys,” coach Joey McGuire said. “Those two guys feed off each other. J’Koby’s a little banged up, and Cam got the majority of the load and offensive line really played well tonight in the run game.”A 21-0 Texas Tech lead was down to four points at the break when the Jayhawks (4-3, 2-2) scored on three of their first four possessions after Morton appeared to injure his lower right leg on a sack in the second quarter. He didn't return.Hammond threw an interception and the Red Raiders punted on his other three possessions before halftime. But the redshirt freshman ran 20 yards for a touchdown on the first drive of the second half.Dickey's second long TD put Texas Tech up 35-17, and Hammond's 10-yard run finished the scoring. Hammond had 61 yards rushing.It's the third time Hammond has come on with Morton not returning this season. Morton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-behren-morton-injury-13a9ea7986c7bce290c62d0cce241947">hyperextended his right knee</a>&nbsp;in a 67-7 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the season opener and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-behren-morton-utah-ded4ee663707dff8a8f086842cd111e6">sidelined in a 34-10 win over Utah</a>&nbsp;after taking a hard hit to the head.Jalon Daniels threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas, which dropped to 1-12 in Lubbock and has lost 24 of 26 meetings with the Red Raiders.“Our margin of error against a top 10 team is going to be pretty small, and we’ve got to play a lot more sound,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “We had trouble blocking them all second half, especially. That’s a really good defensive front. I think it showed up tonight no doubt.”<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas: The Jayhawks had all the momentum with the way they finished the first half after Morton's injury. They couldn't sustain it. Kansas punted on its five possessions after the break.Texas Tech: The Red Raiders gave up some big pass plays to help Kansas get back in the game, but still sacked Daniels eight times. David Bailey had three of them. Texas Tech had a ninth sack on backup Cole Ballard in the final seconds.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: Off next week before getting rival Kansas State at home Oct. 25.Texas Tech: At No. 21 Arizona State, the defending Big 12 champion, next Saturday.

🏈 Dickey runs for 263 yards as No. 9 Texas Tech beats Kansas

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw three touchdown passes — two to Garrett Oakley — and Kansas State added two defensive touchdowns to defeat TCU 41-28 Saturday afternoon. Des Purnell had two interceptions, including a pick-6, for the Wildcats.

“I thought we played well in all three phases at times,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “There’s always going to be things that we’ve got to get better at. But we came out with energy, with urgency. We came out with physicality, and did some really good things.”

Johnson finished 16-of-26 passing for 196 yards for Kansas State (3-4, 2-2 Big 12).

Josh Hoover was 26-of-47 passing for 376 yards and three touchdowns for TCU (4-2, 1-2 Big 12).

“We didn't do a very good job of going out and playing well enough to win,” TCU coach Sonny Dykes said. “It was just kind of a disaster in so many ways.”

K-State took a two-score lead early in the third quarter with its second defensive touchdown of the game. Purnell picked off Hoover and raced 25 yards for the score.

“It kind of feels like high school days all over again with the ball in my hand,” Purnell said. “But that was all set up by the rest of the guys around me.”

Johnson then found Garrett Oakley for his second touchdown, this time from 17 yards out, to give the Wildcats a 28-7 lead with 3:57 left in the third quarter. With that touchdown, Oakley became the all-time leader in touchdown catches among K-State tight ends.

“Avery made really nice throws today,” Oakley said. “I thought he had a really good game, so I’m happy for him as well.

"If you would have told me that (I would be the career leader in touchdowns) when I first got here, I don’t think I’d ever believe you. But this is a process organization, just coming to work every day. I put my head down, going to work is kind of what brought me to this moment.”

TCU used a seven-play, 75-yard drive in just 1:51 to draw within 28-14 late in the fourth quarter. Hoover found Chase Curtis on a 2-yard touchdown on fourth down.

But Johnson found Jarend Bradley for a 12-yard touchdown to give K-State a 35-14 lead.

“I didn’t see us as an underdog going into today’s game, and I don’t see us as a 3-4 team now,” Johnson said. “We just had an unfortunate turn of events early in the year. We didn’t play as well as we wanted to play. Last week at Baylor, things don’t go our way. And you might have one or two of those a year where things don’t go your way, but you win and play well in the other ones to make up for it.”

Hoover connected with Eric McAlister for an 85-yard touchdown, but Purnell's second interception in TCU territory set up a Luis Rodriguez field goal.

TCU got on the scoreboard with a 12-play, 93-yard drive late in the first half. Jeremy Payne went around the left end for a 1-yard touchdown.

Kansas State answered with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to Oakley, capping a six-play, 75-yard drive to even the score.

On TCU's second play of the ensuing possession, Hoover's pass to Ed Small was ruled a backward pass. It was recovered by Wesley Fair at the TCU 15-yard line. Fair ran it in for a touchdown, giving K-State a 14-7 lead at the half.

TCU: The Horned Frogs waited too long to find their offense. They started each half with anemic offense before getting long drives started.

Kansas State: The Wildcats were opportunistic, scoring twice on defense and holding TCU to 1 of 4 on fourth down.

TCU returns home next Saturday for a morning game against Baylor, while Kansas State has a bye before its “Sunflower Showdown” game at Kansas Oct. 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760231044814.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw three touchdown passes — two to Garrett Oakley — and Kansas State added two defensive touchdowns to defeat TCU 41-28 Saturday afternoon. Des Purnell had two interceptions, including a pick-6, for the Wildcats.“I thought we played well in all three phases at times,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “There’s always going to be things that we’ve got to get better at. But we came out with energy, with urgency. We came out with physicality, and did some really good things.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760244748579.jpeg" alt="Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against TCU, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against TCU, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson finished 16-of-26 passing for 196 yards for Kansas State (3-4, 2-2 Big 12).Josh Hoover was 26-of-47 passing for 376 yards and three touchdowns for TCU (4-2, 1-2 Big 12).“We didn't do a very good job of going out and playing well enough to win,” TCU coach Sonny Dykes said. “It was just kind of a disaster in so many ways.”K-State took a two-score lead early in the third quarter with its second defensive touchdown of the game. Purnell picked off Hoover and raced 25 yards for the score.“It kind of feels like high school days all over again with the ball in my hand,” Purnell said. “But that was all set up by the rest of the guys around me.”Johnson then found Garrett Oakley for his second touchdown, this time from 17 yards out, to give the Wildcats a 28-7 lead with 3:57 left in the third quarter. With that touchdown, Oakley became the all-time leader in touchdown catches among K-State tight ends.“Avery made really nice throws today,” Oakley said. “I thought he had a really good game, so I’m happy for him as well."If you would have told me that (I would be the career leader in touchdowns) when I first got here, I don’t think I’d ever believe you. But this is a process organization, just coming to work every day. I put my head down, going to work is kind of what brought me to this moment.”TCU used a seven-play, 75-yard drive in just 1:51 to draw within 28-14 late in the fourth quarter. Hoover found Chase Curtis on a 2-yard touchdown on fourth down.But Johnson found Jarend Bradley for a 12-yard touchdown to give K-State a 35-14 lead.“I didn’t see us as an underdog going into today’s game, and I don’t see us as a 3-4 team now,” Johnson said. “We just had an unfortunate turn of events early in the year. We didn’t play as well as we wanted to play. Last week at Baylor, things don’t go our way. And you might have one or two of those a year where things don’t go your way, but you win and play well in the other ones to make up for it.”Hoover connected with Eric McAlister for an 85-yard touchdown, but Purnell's second interception in TCU territory set up a Luis Rodriguez field goal.TCU got on the scoreboard with a 12-play, 93-yard drive late in the first half. Jeremy Payne went around the left end for a 1-yard touchdown.Kansas State answered with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to Oakley, capping a six-play, 75-yard drive to even the score.On TCU's second play of the ensuing possession, Hoover's pass to Ed Small was ruled a backward pass. It was recovered by Wesley Fair at the TCU 15-yard line. Fair ran it in for a touchdown, giving K-State a 14-7 lead at the half.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>TCU: The Horned Frogs waited too long to find their offense. They started each half with anemic offense before getting long drives started.Kansas State: The Wildcats were opportunistic, scoring twice on defense and holding TCU to 1 of 4 on fourth down.<h2>Up Next</h2>TCU returns home next Saturday for a morning game against Baylor, while Kansas State has a bye before its “Sunflower Showdown” game at Kansas Oct. 25.

🏈Avery Johnson's 3 TD passes, 2 defensive scores lift K-State over TCU 

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball got back to .500 on the season as the Coyotes picked up a second straight sweep, taking out the Ottawa Braves 25-21, 25-23, 25-18 on Friday night inside Mabee Arena.

The victory got the Coyotes back to .500 at 10-10 overall and improved to 4-2 in the KCAC. Ottawa fell to 5-11 overall and 2-4 in the KCAC.

The first set started out all Coyotes as KWU raced out to an 8-0 lead to start the match. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7181adb6-ab63-454e-a939-33d7a86dded9?elinkdata=30508">Gianna Adriaanse</a> had three kills during the run leading the way. The Coyotes held the Braves at arm's length for a majority of the set, but the Braves got within three at 19-16. The Coyotes pushed the lead back out to 24-17 and set point after a block by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6cb0dad3-4719-43d6-ad53-a5997ae17946?elinkdata=30508">Kylee Harris</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09d9c1d5-46ea-4a0b-aeeb-9a14221f65c4?elinkdata=30508">Avery Conner</a>, but Ottawa got two points before a block from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/25697ca9-216b-4968-a7c6-fda56bc0320f?elinkdata=30508">Joey Pennington</a> and Conner gave the Coyotes the set.

The second set was wild as there were 16 ties and six lead changes in the session. Ottawa had a 5-3 lead but the Coyotes came back behind a Harris kill and an error by Ottawa to tie it. The Coyotes grabbed a 7-6 lead on a kill by Harris and after Ottawa tied it, a block by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7a094718-457d-4915-aa14-b30f8ed77a36?elinkdata=30508">Kate Bebout</a> and Harris gave the lead to the Coyotes.

Wesleyan trailed 9-8 in the set when things got going behind a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ea400190-46f1-4f00-afe9-da04ff751008?elinkdata=30508">Kate Bebout</a> to tie it and start a 5-0 run that gave KWU a 13-9 lead on a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f56bfd1b-e509-41d9-a6d0-cf13dcef402b?elinkdata=30508">Rylee Serpan</a>. Ottawa bounced back to tie it at 14 and the Braves took a brief lead that 19-18 before a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ce131636-a98d-4e2a-9bd2-5255e81234fd?elinkdata=30508">Kate Bebout</a> kill tied it up again. Wesleyan had set point at 24-22 but Ottawa got a point before Conner's kill gave the set to the Coyotes.

The third set was tight to start as the teams traded the lead back and forth. The Coyotes broke an 8-8 tie with a 5-0 run to take a 13-8 lead that later increased to 19-12 on a block by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fd5fe95c-45da-4bd7-8410-941ab88b9636?elinkdata=30508">Kate Bebout</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/991b8c30-0725-4e56-98e5-760f6491f805?elinkdata=30508">Joey Pennington</a>. Ottawa came back getting within four at 22-18, but a kill by Harris got things back in favor of the Coyotes and KWU completed the sweep behind a pair of hitting errors by Ottawa.

Serpan led the Coyotes with 13 kills while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/416deed6-85f7-4788-b69c-c4c31d3d6b61?elinkdata=30508">Kate Bebout</a> had nine, Adriaanse had eight and Harris had seven. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f741845-ef9b-41fa-a36c-87fe152775a7?elinkdata=30508">Sara Bebout</a> had 21 assists and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94af7ca6-5fc0-4f01-b32a-145469d8a554?elinkdata=30508">Blair Pennington</a> had 12. Libero <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1719bd81-5988-420c-9a33-77d34ae44a25?elinkdata=30508">Tristyn Hedman</a> had a career high 29 digs to lead the Coyote defense and keep the Coyotes alive on several long rallies. Conner had six blocks and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85de8ae7-4122-4e5a-8571-c02b0a55e57c?elinkdata=30508">Joey Pennington</a> had four.

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball got back to .500 on the season as the Coyotes picked up a second straight sweep, taking out the Ottawa Braves 25-21, 25-23, 25-18 on Friday night inside Mabee Arena.The victory got the Coyotes back to .500 at 10-10 overall and improved to 4-2 in the KCAC. Ottawa fell to 5-11 overall and 2-4 in the KCAC.The first set started out all Coyotes as KWU raced out to an 8-0 lead to start the match. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7181adb6-ab63-454e-a939-33d7a86dded9?elinkdata=30508">Gianna Adriaanse</a> had three kills during the run leading the way. The Coyotes held the Braves at arm's length for a majority of the set, but the Braves got within three at 19-16. The Coyotes pushed the lead back out to 24-17 and set point after a block by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6cb0dad3-4719-43d6-ad53-a5997ae17946?elinkdata=30508">Kylee Harris</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09d9c1d5-46ea-4a0b-aeeb-9a14221f65c4?elinkdata=30508">Avery Conner</a>, but Ottawa got two points before a block from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/25697ca9-216b-4968-a7c6-fda56bc0320f?elinkdata=30508">Joey Pennington</a> and Conner gave the Coyotes the set.The second set was wild as there were 16 ties and six lead changes in the session. Ottawa had a 5-3 lead but the Coyotes came back behind a Harris kill and an error by Ottawa to tie it. The Coyotes grabbed a 7-6 lead on a kill by Harris and after Ottawa tied it, a block by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7a094718-457d-4915-aa14-b30f8ed77a36?elinkdata=30508">Kate Bebout</a> and Harris gave the lead to the Coyotes.Wesleyan trailed 9-8 in the set when things got going behind a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ea400190-46f1-4f00-afe9-da04ff751008?elinkdata=30508">Kate Bebout</a> to tie it and start a 5-0 run that gave KWU a 13-9 lead on a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f56bfd1b-e509-41d9-a6d0-cf13dcef402b?elinkdata=30508">Rylee Serpan</a>. Ottawa bounced back to tie it at 14 and the Braves took a brief lead that 19-18 before a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ce131636-a98d-4e2a-9bd2-5255e81234fd?elinkdata=30508">Kate Bebout</a> kill tied it up again. Wesleyan had set point at 24-22 but Ottawa got a point before Conner's kill gave the set to the Coyotes.The third set was tight to start as the teams traded the lead back and forth. The Coyotes broke an 8-8 tie with a 5-0 run to take a 13-8 lead that later increased to 19-12 on a block by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fd5fe95c-45da-4bd7-8410-941ab88b9636?elinkdata=30508">Kate Bebout</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/991b8c30-0725-4e56-98e5-760f6491f805?elinkdata=30508">Joey Pennington</a>. Ottawa came back getting within four at 22-18, but a kill by Harris got things back in favor of the Coyotes and KWU completed the sweep behind a pair of hitting errors by Ottawa.Serpan led the Coyotes with 13 kills while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/416deed6-85f7-4788-b69c-c4c31d3d6b61?elinkdata=30508">Kate Bebout</a> had nine, Adriaanse had eight and Harris had seven. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f741845-ef9b-41fa-a36c-87fe152775a7?elinkdata=30508">Sara Bebout</a> had 21 assists and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94af7ca6-5fc0-4f01-b32a-145469d8a554?elinkdata=30508">Blair Pennington</a> had 12. Libero <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1719bd81-5988-420c-9a33-77d34ae44a25?elinkdata=30508">Tristyn Hedman</a> had a career high 29 digs to lead the Coyote defense and keep the Coyotes alive on several long rallies. Conner had six blocks and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85de8ae7-4122-4e5a-8571-c02b0a55e57c?elinkdata=30508">Joey Pennington</a> had four.

🏐 KWU sweeps Ottawa for second straight win

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today that&nbsp;Mike Jirschele&nbsp;(jursh-LEE) is retiring following a 38-year career with the Royals organization. Jirsch has served in many roles in the organization, first as a player in Kansas City’s minor league system from 1988-89.

He was selected by Texas in the 5th round of the 1977 Draft and spent the first 10 years of his playing career in the Rangers organization. In total, he spent 48 years in professional baseball, including 12 as a player and 36 as a coach.

“People who know me know I don’t love the attention that comes from an announcement like this,” Jirschele said. “All I’ve wanted is to do my job. I’m grateful for a career in baseball, all these years with the Royals, and the friendships that have come along the way. I hope the people I’ve worked with think I’ve done my job, worked hard for them, and helped.”

“It’s been an absolute honor to work alongside of Jirsch,” said&nbsp;J.J. Picollo, Royals Executive VP &amp; General Manager. “He’s done just about everything in player development and was obviously a big part of our World Series championship. And he did all of it with class and dignity. Very few people can connect with players the way he has throughout his career. He’s truly a Royals legend and we will miss him dearly.”

His career featured a World Series championship while serving as Kansas City’s Third Base Coach in 2015 and 20 seasons as a minor league Manager, including 10 playoff seasons and five league championships. Jirsch was named Manager of the Year three times, including in the Gulf Coast League in 1992, the Carolina League in 1994 and International League in 2024.

Seventeen of his 20 seasons as Manager came with Triple-A Omaha, where he won 1,214 of 2,454 games and led the Storm Chasers to three league titles. He is Omaha’s all-time wins leader and has managed 30% of the 57 seasons that Omaha has been a Royals affiliate.

According to Omaha Storm Chasers Broadcast and Media Relations Manager,&nbsp;Nicholas Badders, 95 players were promoted from Omaha to Kansas City under Jirsch’s managerial tenure, including&nbsp;Joe Randa,&nbsp;Zack Greinke,&nbsp;Eric Hosmer,&nbsp;Danny Duffy,&nbsp;Mike Moustakas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Yordano Ventura, among many others.

Jirsch’s coaching career began in 1990 as the Hitting Coach of Kansas City’s Class-A Appleton affiliate, where he spent two seasons. He managed Royals affiliates in the Gulf Coast League (1992), Rockford (1993), Wilmington (1994) and Omaha (1995-97), before serving as the organization’s Minor League Infield Coordinator for five seasons from 1998-2002.

He returned to Omaha as Manager in 2003, beginning an 11-year reign as the leader of Kansas City’s Triple-A affiliate. Jirsch served as Kansas City’s Third Base Coach on&nbsp;Ned Yost’s&nbsp;staff from 2014-19 and won a World Series in 2015.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today that&nbsp;Mike Jirschele&nbsp;(jursh-LEE) is retiring following a 38-year career with the Royals organization. Jirsch has served in many roles in the organization, first as a player in Kansas City’s minor league system from 1988-89.He was selected by Texas in the 5th round of the 1977 Draft and spent the first 10 years of his playing career in the Rangers organization. In total, he spent 48 years in professional baseball, including 12 as a player and 36 as a coach.“People who know me know I don’t love the attention that comes from an announcement like this,” Jirschele said. “All I’ve wanted is to do my job. I’m grateful for a career in baseball, all these years with the Royals, and the friendships that have come along the way. I hope the people I’ve worked with think I’ve done my job, worked hard for them, and helped.”“It’s been an absolute honor to work alongside of Jirsch,” said&nbsp;J.J. Picollo, Royals Executive VP &amp; General Manager. “He’s done just about everything in player development and was obviously a big part of our World Series championship. And he did all of it with class and dignity. Very few people can connect with players the way he has throughout his career. He’s truly a Royals legend and we will miss him dearly.”His career featured a World Series championship while serving as Kansas City’s Third Base Coach in 2015 and 20 seasons as a minor league Manager, including 10 playoff seasons and five league championships. Jirsch was named Manager of the Year three times, including in the Gulf Coast League in 1992, the Carolina League in 1994 and International League in 2024.Seventeen of his 20 seasons as Manager came with Triple-A Omaha, where he won 1,214 of 2,454 games and led the Storm Chasers to three league titles. He is Omaha’s all-time wins leader and has managed 30% of the 57 seasons that Omaha has been a Royals affiliate.According to Omaha Storm Chasers Broadcast and Media Relations Manager,&nbsp;Nicholas Badders, 95 players were promoted from Omaha to Kansas City under Jirsch’s managerial tenure, including&nbsp;Joe Randa,&nbsp;Zack Greinke,&nbsp;Eric Hosmer,&nbsp;Danny Duffy,&nbsp;Mike Moustakas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Yordano Ventura, among many others.Jirsch’s coaching career began in 1990 as the Hitting Coach of Kansas City’s Class-A Appleton affiliate, where he spent two seasons. He managed Royals affiliates in the Gulf Coast League (1992), Rockford (1993), Wilmington (1994) and Omaha (1995-97), before serving as the organization’s Minor League Infield Coordinator for five seasons from 1998-2002.He returned to Omaha as Manager in 2003, beginning an 11-year reign as the leader of Kansas City’s Triple-A affiliate. Jirsch served as Kansas City’s Third Base Coach on&nbsp;Ned Yost’s&nbsp;staff from 2014-19 and won a World Series in 2015.

Mike Jirschele Retires After 38-Year Career with Royals Organization

By Jeremy Obermeyer Salina Post Contributor

Southeast of Saline welcomed the Hillsboro Trojans for homecoming on Friday night in an anticipated battle of the high-powered offenses.&nbsp;

The Trojans from Marion County entered the contest averaging over 30 points and 340 yards per game, while Southeast averaged over 57 points and almost 500 yards per game.

The Southeast of Saline defense proved to be the difference in this game, rising to the occasion and holding Hillsboro to two late touchdowns and only 159 yards of total offense in a 52-16 victory over Hillsboro.

The Southeast offense continued to roll, racking up 518 yards of total offense and scoring at least one touchdown in every quarter.&nbsp;

Grady Gebhardt and Amarion Holub led the charge with two touchdowns apiece.

Tiernan Ptacek completed 8 of 10 passes for 125 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gebhardt led the ground game with 154 yards and 2 touchdowns on 18 carries, while Holub led in the receiving department with 64 yards and a touchdown on 4 receptions.

“I think as a team we played good defense tonight,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “Their run game is very good, and I thought our kids did a good job with that. We knew they’d throw the ball some on us too, and I felt that our D-Backs did a good job of playing fast and physical, and that’s what we wanted them to do.

Southeast climbs to 6-0 (2-0 in district), and will travel to Halstead next week, as Hillsboro evens their record at 3-3 (1-1), and will host Lyons next Friday.&nbsp;

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

By Jeremy Obermeyer Salina Post ContributorSoutheast of Saline welcomed the Hillsboro Trojans for homecoming on Friday night in an anticipated battle of the high-powered offenses.&nbsp;The Trojans from Marion County entered the contest averaging over 30 points and 340 yards per game, while Southeast averaged over 57 points and almost 500 yards per game.<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 Southeast of Saline defense proved to be the difference in this game, rising to the occasion and holding Hillsboro to two late touchdowns and only 159 yards of total offense in a 52-16 victory over Hillsboro.The Southeast offense continued to roll, racking up 518 yards of total offense and scoring at least one touchdown in every quarter.&nbsp;Grady Gebhardt and Amarion Holub led the charge with two touchdowns apiece.Tiernan Ptacek completed 8 of 10 passes for 125 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gebhardt led the ground game with 154 yards and 2 touchdowns on 18 carries, while Holub led in the receiving department with 64 yards and a touchdown on 4 receptions.“I think as a team we played good defense tonight,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “Their run game is very good, and I thought our kids did a good job with that. We knew they’d throw the ball some on us too, and I felt that our D-Backs did a good job of playing fast and physical, and that’s what we wanted them to do.Southeast climbs to 6-0 (2-0 in district), and will travel to Halstead next week, as Hillsboro evens their record at 3-3 (1-1), and will host Lyons next Friday.&nbsp;You can watch the full broadcast of this game on demand any time in the window below.<figure>
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🏈 Southeast stays undefeated in homecoming win over Hillsboro

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

Every time the Ell-Saline Cardinals and Little River Redskins meet on the gridiron, the potential exists for an instant classic, and Friday night was no exception.

Despite trailing by 14 points at the intermission and looking completely baffled on offense, the Cards rallied twice in the second half to come back and steal a 22-20 upset victory over Little River, handing the 2nd-ranked Redskins their first loss of the season.

Little River dominated the first half of this game, holding Ell-Saline without a single completion and limiting the high-powered Cardinal unit to just 59 yards of total offense.

Jaren Garrison got the Redskins started with a nine-yard touchdown run before Jhet Ewertt doubled the lead on a 34-yard touchdown scamper to give Little River a 14-0 lead at the break.

Second-half adjustments were on display right away for the Cardinals, who marched down the field on their first drive of the third quarter and punched in a two-yard Kas Kramer touchdown run.

If anyone needed reminding that Kramer is a two-way stud, he reinforced that quickly, ending a promising Little River drive with a fourth-quarter interception.

The Cards capitalized on the short field, returning to the wildcat formation where Kramer beat the entire Redskin defense to the edge for his second score of the day, tacking on the two-point conversion to tie the game at 14.

Little River didn’t waste time reclaiming the lead as Jaxson Konen delivered a QB sneak for six, but the Cardinal defense stopped the two-point try to limit the lead to six points.

Ell-Saline failed to score on their ensuing drive, but forced a three-and-out to give the offense one final shot at a game-winning drive.

On the Little River four with the game on the line, Joe Roche reached into his bag of tricks.

Reese Krone pitched an outside toss to Kas Kramer, who immediately looked downfield and delivered a perfect pass to a wide-open Collin Dent for the game-tying touchdown.

Needing a two-point conversion for the lead, the Cardinals lined Kramer up in the wildcat again, but handed the ball off to Jaxsen Seed who took a jet sweep to the pylon to deliver Ell-Saline their first lead of the game 22-20.

Little River had 33 seconds to try and answer, but after hauling in the game-tying touchdown, Collin Dent plucked an overthrown pass out of the air in the end zone for a game-icing interception.

Kramer ended his evening with 14 carries for 61 yards, two rushing touchdowns, a game-tying passing touchdown, and a crucial interception.

Dent hauled in four critical passes for 56 yards, the game-tying score and the game-sealing interception.

With this win, the Cardinals improve to 4-1, and have a sturdy case to be ranked in 8-Man Division I next week.

The Redskins, meanwhile, accept their first loss of the season at 4-1.

Ell-Saline will travel to Central Plains next week while Little River makes the trek to Goessel.

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

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostEvery time the Ell-Saline Cardinals and Little River Redskins meet on the gridiron, the potential exists for an instant classic, and Friday night was no exception.Despite trailing by 14 points at the intermission and looking completely baffled on offense, the Cards rallied twice in the second half to come back and steal a 22-20 upset victory over Little River, handing the 2nd-ranked Redskins their first loss of the season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Little River dominated the first half of this game, holding Ell-Saline without a single completion and limiting the high-powered Cardinal unit to just 59 yards of total offense.Jaren Garrison got the Redskins started with a nine-yard touchdown run before Jhet Ewertt doubled the lead on a 34-yard touchdown scamper to give Little River a 14-0 lead at the break.Second-half adjustments were on display right away for the Cardinals, who marched down the field on their first drive of the third quarter and punched in a two-yard Kas Kramer touchdown run.If anyone needed reminding that Kramer is a two-way stud, he reinforced that quickly, ending a promising Little River drive with a fourth-quarter interception.The Cards capitalized on the short field, returning to the wildcat formation where Kramer beat the entire Redskin defense to the edge for his second score of the day, tacking on the two-point conversion to tie the game at 14.Little River didn’t waste time reclaiming the lead as Jaxson Konen delivered a QB sneak for six, but the Cardinal defense stopped the two-point try to limit the lead to six points.Ell-Saline failed to score on their ensuing drive, but forced a three-and-out to give the offense one final shot at a game-winning drive.On the Little River four with the game on the line, Joe Roche reached into his bag of tricks.Reese Krone pitched an outside toss to Kas Kramer, who immediately looked downfield and delivered a perfect pass to a wide-open Collin Dent for the game-tying touchdown.Needing a two-point conversion for the lead, the Cardinals lined Kramer up in the wildcat again, but handed the ball off to Jaxsen Seed who took a jet sweep to the pylon to deliver Ell-Saline their first lead of the game 22-20.Little River had 33 seconds to try and answer, but after hauling in the game-tying touchdown, Collin Dent plucked an overthrown pass out of the air in the end zone for a game-icing interception.Kramer ended his evening with 14 carries for 61 yards, two rushing touchdowns, a game-tying passing touchdown, and a crucial interception.Dent hauled in four critical passes for 56 yards, the game-tying score and the game-sealing interception.With this win, the Cardinals improve to 4-1, and have a sturdy case to be ranked in 8-Man Division I next week.The Redskins, meanwhile, accept their first loss of the season at 4-1.Ell-Saline will travel to Central Plains next week while Little River makes the trek to Goessel.You can watch the full broadcast of this game on demand any time below.<figure>
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🏈 Cardiac Cards pull off come from behind upset over 2nd-ranked Little River

It was all Knights in this week 6 game of Kansas High School football, as Sacred Heart continues their win streak after a 6 touchdown performance over the Bennington Bulldogs.

The Knights scored first early on with a 31-yard TD pass from Maddox Wells to Noah Hines. After the Bulldogs failed to score, the Knights scored again on the very next drive with a 28-yard TD run by Wells and a successful 2-pt conversion, bringing the score 14-0.

The first play of the 2nd quarter opened with another 31-yard TD pass from Wells to Hines and a 2-pt conversion, making the score 22-0.

The Bulldogs were stopped yet again by the Knights and on the next offensive drive, Wells completed a 10-yard passing TD to Dom Matteucci. A 2-pt conversion was successful once more, tallying the score 30-0.

Before the first half ended, the Knights got the ball back and Wells converted his 5th TD of the day with a 46-yard TD pass to Dom Matteucci. Extra point was good, upping the Knights score to 37-0.

Right after the TD, the first offensive play of the drive for the Bulldogs resulted in an interception by Wells. 

Elias Gordon on the very first offensive play for the Knights' final drive before Halftime, took it to the house for 16 yards. Extra point was good, bringing the score 44-0 at the half with a running clock.

The Bulldogs however, prevented a shutout after converting a 3-yard rushing TD from Brock Murk and successfully completing a 2-pt conversion late in the 4th quarter.&nbsp;

Final score: Knights 44 , Bulldogs 8

The Knights will head back home to JRI Stadium on October 17, to face the Herington Railers. Kickoff @ 7:00 pm.

Maddox Wells: 5 total TDs, 4 passing (213 yards), 1 rushing (28 yards), 1 defensive INT

Noah Hines: 2 total TDs, 2 receiving (90 yards, 4 receptions), 1 INT

Dom Matteucci: 2 total TDs, 2 receiving (126 yards), 27 rushing yards, 1 INT

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725636000149.png" alt="Sacred Heart Knights" />
 <figcaption>Sacred Heart Knights</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERROSalina PostIt was all Knights in this week 6 game of Kansas High School football, as Sacred Heart continues their win streak after a 6 touchdown performance over the Bennington Bulldogs.The Knights scored first early on with a 31-yard TD pass from Maddox Wells to Noah Hines. After the Bulldogs failed to score, the Knights scored again on the very next drive with a 28-yard TD run by Wells and a successful 2-pt conversion, bringing the score 14-0.<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 first play of the 2nd quarter opened with another 31-yard TD pass from Wells to Hines and a 2-pt conversion, making the score 22-0.The Bulldogs were stopped yet again by the Knights and on the next offensive drive, Wells completed a 10-yard passing TD to Dom Matteucci. A 2-pt conversion was successful once more, tallying the score 30-0.Before the first half ended, the Knights got the ball back and Wells converted his 5th TD of the day with a 46-yard TD pass to Dom Matteucci. Extra point was good, upping the Knights score to 37-0.Right after the TD, the first offensive play of the drive for the Bulldogs resulted in an interception by Wells. Elias Gordon on the very first offensive play for the Knights' final drive before Halftime, took it to the house for 16 yards. Extra point was good, bringing the score 44-0 at the half with a running clock.The Bulldogs however, prevented a shutout after converting a 3-yard rushing TD from Brock Murk and successfully completing a 2-pt conversion late in the 4th quarter.&nbsp;Final score: Knights 44 , Bulldogs 8The Knights will head back home to JRI Stadium on October 17, to face the Herington Railers. Kickoff @ 7:00 pm.<h2>Sacred Heart stats and key players</h2>Maddox Wells: 5 total TDs, 4 passing (213 yards), 1 rushing (28 yards), 1 defensive INTNoah Hines: 2 total TDs, 2 receiving (90 yards, 4 receptions), 1 INTDom Matteucci: 2 total TDs, 2 receiving (126 yards), 27 rushing yards, 1 INTElias Gordon: 1 rushing TD, 47 yards<h2>Bennington stats and key players</h2>Brock Murk: 1 rushing TD, 36 yardsCole Casper: 28 rushing yardsWatch the full game below:&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wSxOFjqfdaM?si=NlEOrYtflO9K9AZW" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈 Knights continue win streak after strong 6 touchdown performance over Bulldogs

🏈 Saline County Scoreboard Week Six

When the schedule came out for this year’s Southeast of Saline football season, many thought the Trojans would have three weeks to rest before ramping up into week eight and into a playoff push.

Despite the success that they’ve had and the fact that they will enter this contest as heavy favorites, Hillsboro has emerged as a potential road bump in Southeast’s way, and one they will have to dispatch tonight to remain undefeated on the year.

Southeast has steamrolled all in their path to open the 2025 season, winning their first five games by a combined score of 287-41.

Those wins include a surgical dismantling of Lyons in a 73-7 rout last week, that saw most of Southeast’s freshmen get in for reps.

“I was really proud of our kids for being focused on what we wanted to get done,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “I thought we played well throughout that game, and we were able to get everybody in pads onto the field and got them a chance to compete.”

On the other side of this matchup, Hillsboro is off to a modest 3-2 start, but opened eyes with a blowout win of their own in 54-32 fashion over then-undefeated Ellsworth last week.

“Hillsboro is a team that’s continually improved,” Gebhardt said. “They have several major pieces back from last year, and they’ve taken steps forward throughout the year. I think we’re playing a very good football team this week.”

The Trojans in Maroon and Gold have found ways to beat opposing defenses in an array of ways, but mostly lean on a strong rushing attack, and solid offensive line play.

“We need to slow them down in the run game,” he said. They have a line that does a very good job of running the ball hard. They throw the ball just enough to keep you off guard and that can be scary, we’ll have to be very sound defensively.”

The defensive side of the ball is where Hillsboro has struggled, allowing 25 or more in three of its five games, and conceding 57 in a loss to Hesston earlier this year.

Southeast will have an excellent chance to take care of business on homecoming weekend, but will need to avoid a repeat of last year’s Hillsboro game in which they turned the ball over five times.

“We have to continue playing good team defense, tackling well, and limiting turnovers,” Gebhardt said. “We didn’t take care of the football last year in this game, and they took advantage of that.”

Tonight’s game will be streamed 100% free of charge on the Salina Post Sports Network, and the broadcast will be available both live and on demand.

You can tune in for this game in the window below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostWhen the schedule came out for this year’s Southeast of Saline football season, many thought the Trojans would have three weeks to rest before ramping up into week eight and into a playoff push.Despite the success that they’ve had and the fact that they will enter this contest as heavy favorites, Hillsboro has emerged as a potential road bump in Southeast’s way, and one they will have to dispatch tonight to remain undefeated on the year.<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>Southeast has steamrolled all in their path to open the 2025 season, winning their first five games by a combined score of 287-41.Those wins include a surgical dismantling of Lyons in a 73-7 rout last week, that saw most of Southeast’s freshmen get in for reps.“I was really proud of our kids for being focused on what we wanted to get done,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “I thought we played well throughout that game, and we were able to get everybody in pads onto the field and got them a chance to compete.”On the other side of this matchup, Hillsboro is off to a modest 3-2 start, but opened eyes with a blowout win of their own in 54-32 fashion over then-undefeated Ellsworth last week.“Hillsboro is a team that’s continually improved,” Gebhardt said. “They have several major pieces back from last year, and they’ve taken steps forward throughout the year. I think we’re playing a very good football team this week.”The Trojans in Maroon and Gold have found ways to beat opposing defenses in an array of ways, but mostly lean on a strong rushing attack, and solid offensive line play.“We need to slow them down in the run game,” he said. They have a line that does a very good job of running the ball hard. They throw the ball just enough to keep you off guard and that can be scary, we’ll have to be very sound defensively.”The defensive side of the ball is where Hillsboro has struggled, allowing 25 or more in three of its five games, and conceding 57 in a loss to Hesston earlier this year.Southeast will have an excellent chance to take care of business on homecoming weekend, but will need to avoid a repeat of last year’s Hillsboro game in which they turned the ball over five times.“We have to continue playing good team defense, tackling well, and limiting turnovers,” Gebhardt said. “We didn’t take care of the football last year in this game, and they took advantage of that.”Tonight’s game will be streamed 100% free of charge on the Salina Post Sports Network, and the broadcast will be available both live and on demand.You can tune in for this game in the window 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/CbGm-n20AuM"></iframe>
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🏈 SES entertains Hillsboro for homecoming

Last year’s football game between Ell-Saline and Little River was an instant classic, and this year’s is shaping up to be a satisfying conclusion to this new trilogy.

Since re-joining the 8-man ranks, the Cardinals and Redskins have battled three times, with Little River winning the inaugural meeting, and Ell-Saline taking the last two.

These teams have been on a collision course since week two, with Little River entering the night undefeated and ranked 2nd in the state, and Ell-Saline riding a four-game winning streak into homecoming.

The Cardinals were bested by Hanover in week one, haven’t played in a single third quarter since, winning each of their last four games by mercy rule at halftime.

Those victories have come by a combined score of 204-6, and have paired stifling defense with explosive offense, led by Reese Krone and Kas Kramer, who have combined for 22 touchdowns already this year.

Somehow, Little River’s resume looks even more impressive, with a 5-0 record, and a +266 point differential, outscoring opponents by an average of 53 points per game.

For the Redskins, a dual-quarterback tandem of Jaxson Konen and Jaren Garrison has led the way, with the duo combining for 20 touchdowns all on their own, before accounting for skill players.

Both teams feature unstoppable offenses, and immovable defenses, which should set us up for a thrilling game in Brookville this evening.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostLast year’s football game between Ell-Saline and Little River was an instant classic, and this year’s is shaping up to be a satisfying conclusion to this new trilogy.Since re-joining the 8-man ranks, the Cardinals and Redskins have battled three times, with Little River winning the inaugural meeting, and Ell-Saline taking the last two.<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>These teams have been on a collision course since week two, with Little River entering the night undefeated and ranked 2nd in the state, and Ell-Saline riding a four-game winning streak into homecoming.The Cardinals were bested by Hanover in week one, haven’t played in a single third quarter since, winning each of their last four games by mercy rule at halftime.Those victories have come by a combined score of 204-6, and have paired stifling defense with explosive offense, led by Reese Krone and Kas Kramer, who have combined for 22 touchdowns already this year.Somehow, Little River’s resume looks even more impressive, with a 5-0 record, and a +266 point differential, outscoring opponents by an average of 53 points per game.For the Redskins, a dual-quarterback tandem of Jaxson Konen and Jaren Garrison has led the way, with the duo combining for 20 touchdowns all on their own, before accounting for skill players.Both teams feature unstoppable offenses, and immovable defenses, which should set us up for a thrilling game in Brookville this evening.Tonight’s game will be streamed 100% free of charge on the Salina Post Sports Network, and the broadcast will be available both live and on demand.You can tune in for this game in the window 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/Hv6tuRNRagY"></iframe>
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🏈 Ell-Saline welcomes in 2nd-ranked Little River for homecoming clash

Sacred Heart may have stumbled out of the gates to 0-2 to start their 2025 football season, but with the way they’ve been playing, they may not lose another regular-season game.

The Knights have looked dominant in their last three contests, knocking off Pleasanton 29-7, Valley Heights 26-16, and Sedgwick 12-6.

Not only were the wins over Valley Heights and Sedgwick flipped losses from a season ago, but they showcased Sacred Heart’s ability to stand tall and win with defense, something Knight programs of the past have struggled with.

Sacred Heart fully controls its own destiny in Class 1A’s District 5, as the only team aside from Republic County without a district loss.

Before a big battle against the Buffaloes, the Knights will turn their attention to a road game in Bennington this week, as they look to take care of business against a struggling Bulldog squad.

Bennington emerged from 8-man football last year and will return to 8-man next year. They’ve struggled mightily in 1A, with a 1-13 record as part of the 11-man world.

Those struggles have continued for a Bulldog roster that features just 22 players, and just nine upperclassmen. Bennington enters week six at 0-5 and has been outscored by 242 points this season.

While the Knights enter this game as heavy favorites, the program is still in the midst of righting the ship, and will need to avoid the trap of playing down to competition on Friday night.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostSacred Heart may have stumbled out of the gates to 0-2 to start their 2025 football season, but with the way they’ve been playing, they may not lose another regular-season game.The Knights have looked dominant in their last three contests, knocking off Pleasanton 29-7, Valley Heights 26-16, and Sedgwick 12-6.<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>Not only were the wins over Valley Heights and Sedgwick flipped losses from a season ago, but they showcased Sacred Heart’s ability to stand tall and win with defense, something Knight programs of the past have struggled with.Sacred Heart fully controls its own destiny in Class 1A’s District 5, as the only team aside from Republic County without a district loss.Before a big battle against the Buffaloes, the Knights will turn their attention to a road game in Bennington this week, as they look to take care of business against a struggling Bulldog squad.Bennington emerged from 8-man football last year and will return to 8-man next year. They’ve struggled mightily in 1A, with a 1-13 record as part of the 11-man world.Those struggles have continued for a Bulldog roster that features just 22 players, and just nine upperclassmen. Bennington enters week six at 0-5 and has been outscored by 242 points this season.While the Knights enter this game as heavy favorites, the program is still in the midst of righting the ship, and will need to avoid the trap of playing down to competition on Friday night.Tonight’s game will be streamed 100% free of charge on the Salina Post Sports Network, and the broadcast will be available both live and on demand.You can tune in for this game in the window 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/wSxOFjqfdaM"></iframe>
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🏈 Knights travel to Bennington to battle struggling Bulldogs

Wichita KS – Banana Ball is coming to Equity Bank Park in 2026! The global phenomenon, made famous by the Savannah Bananas, will stop in Wichita for three games on May 7,8, and 9, 2026.

As revealed Thursday night during the 2026 Banana Ball City Selection Show, which aired on ESPN2, Wichita has been selected as a tour stop for the brand-new Banana Ball Championship League (BBCL). Equity Bank Park will host official league games featuring the Loco Beach Coconuts against the Firefighters.&nbsp;

Fans must enter the ticket lottery at <a href="http://bananaball.com/tickets">bananaball.com/tickets</a> by October 31, 2025, for a chance to purchase tickets. Tickets will go on sale approximately two months prior to the scheduled event dates for those selected in the ticket lottery. Individual ticket sales for the games are being handled exclusively by Fans First Entertainment, the company that manages the Savannah Bananas and BBCL member teams. Standard tickets start at $35.

Banana Ball has taken the sports world by storm, drawing millions of fans with its non-stop action, viral moments and unique rules – including a two-hour time limit, no bunting and fans catching foul balls for outs. The 2026 BBCL season will feature six teams playing 60 games across the country, all leading to a can’t-miss championship series in October. With dancing players, surprise guests and one-of-a-kind in-game antics, Banana Ball delivers an entertainment experience unlike anything else in sports.

For updates and announcements, follow the Wichita Wind Surge on social media and visit <a href="http://bananaball.com/">bananaball.com</a>.&nbsp; The Surge open the 2026 season at Equity Bank Park on April 2nd vs Northwest Arkansas.

Director of Corporate Partnerships and Public Relations, Wichita Wind Surge

Media Relations Specialist, Savannah Bananas

Wichita KS – Banana Ball is coming to Equity Bank Park in 2026! The global phenomenon, made famous by the Savannah Bananas, will stop in Wichita for three games on May 7,8, and 9, 2026.As revealed Thursday night during the 2026 Banana Ball City Selection Show, which aired on ESPN2, Wichita has been selected as a tour stop for the brand-new Banana Ball Championship League (BBCL). Equity Bank Park will host official league games featuring the Loco Beach Coconuts against the Firefighters.&nbsp;Fans must enter the ticket lottery at <a href="http://bananaball.com/tickets">bananaball.com/tickets</a> by October 31, 2025, for a chance to purchase tickets. Tickets will go on sale approximately two months prior to the scheduled event dates for those selected in the ticket lottery. Individual ticket sales for the games are being handled exclusively by Fans First Entertainment, the company that manages the Savannah Bananas and BBCL member teams. Standard tickets start at $35.Banana Ball has taken the sports world by storm, drawing millions of fans with its non-stop action, viral moments and unique rules – including a two-hour time limit, no bunting and fans catching foul balls for outs. The 2026 BBCL season will feature six teams playing 60 games across the country, all leading to a can’t-miss championship series in October. With dancing players, surprise guests and one-of-a-kind in-game antics, Banana Ball delivers an entertainment experience unlike anything else in sports.For updates and announcements, follow the Wichita Wind Surge on social media and visit <a href="http://bananaball.com/">bananaball.com</a>.&nbsp; The Surge open the 2026 season at Equity Bank Park on April 2nd vs Northwest Arkansas.For media inquiries, please contact:Tim GrubbsDirector of Corporate Partnerships and Public Relations, Wichita Wind Surgetimg@windsurge.comSam BaumanMedia Relations Specialist, Savannah Bananas

Banana Ball is coming to Wichita

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH AND SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q:&nbsp;How difficult was it to watch the tape against Jacksonville.

TOUB:&nbsp;“There was a lot of good things. I was really proud of the way Brashard (Smith) hit that return. There were a lot of positives. I mean, obviously, the penalties hurt us and (it was) upsetting, but there were a lot of good things though too at the same time. Matt Araiza had a really good game punting. I thought (Harrison) Butker made all of his field goals, obviously, he had the one kick out of bounds that – I mean that was a mistake, he made a mistake. That’s where we are.”

Q:&nbsp;On Brashard Smith’s return that was called back.

TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean I think Brashard Smith keeps getting better and better each week and it was really good to see. He hit that return and he was north and south in a hurry. I’m not sure if I’m glad if he didn’t score because it would’ve been even worse. It was a great return nonetheless, and we’re going to build on that and look at the positives.”

Q:&nbsp;On Detroit’s special teams.

Chiefs Coordinator QuotesOctober 9, 2025ASSISTANT HEAD COACH AND SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ:&nbsp;How difficult was it to watch the tape against Jacksonville.TOUB:&nbsp;“There was a lot of good things. I was really proud of the way Brashard (Smith) hit that return. There were a lot of positives. I mean, obviously, the penalties hurt us and (it was) upsetting, but there were a lot of good things though too at the same time. Matt Araiza had a really good game punting. I thought (Harrison) Butker made all of his field goals, obviously, he had the one kick out of bounds that – I mean that was a mistake, he made a mistake. That’s where we are.”Q:&nbsp;On Brashard Smith’s return that was called back.TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean I think Brashard Smith keeps getting better and better each week and it was really good to see. He hit that return and he was north and south in a hurry. I’m not sure if I’m glad if he didn’t score because it would’ve been even worse. It was a great return nonetheless, and we’re going to build on that and look at the positives.”Q:&nbsp;On Detroit’s special teams.TOUB:&nbsp;“Very good. I know I stand up here every week and say but this is a top 10 unit, for sure. Coached well, (Lions Special Teams Coordinator) Dave Fipp does a great job. (Lions WR) Kalif Raymond is probably one of the best punt returners in the league, former Pro Bowler. He’s coming off an injury. We’ll see if he plays. If he’s in there, he is very dangerous. He does a good job coaching. These guys play hard, I mean really hard, and it starts with their head coach (Dan Campbell) on down obviously. They’re a tough unit, and we’re going to have to really step it up this week.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I’m not going to go back on too much. Certainly, disappointed in the way last week worked out from a defensive standpoint. We get in that position (and) we hope to end the game and win it so very disappointed. We’ve moved on, this next team we’re getting ready to play (is) every bit as good as the one we played (and) maybe better, so all our focus is on that and with that I’ll open it up.”Q: On the last defensive play of the game.SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“It’s a weird deal. Yeah, it’s a weird deal. We always talk about never assume. Like I’m talking about on a first and 10 play, backside corner, don’t assume he’s (Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence) down. Don’t assume your buddy is going to get him tackled, and I think guys just got caught up in the moment (and) thought he was down. It didn’t work out that way, and I think we’ll all learn from it and we’ve moved and hopefully that doesn’t happen again.”Q: On the Detroit Lions.SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“You see it, he’s got a lot of weapons, and the guy pulling the trigger out there is pretty good. He’s (Lions QB Jared Goff) really accurate. Is top in a lot of different things. I flashed them up the other day. This is the number one scoring offense in the NFL or was at least a week ago. I don’t know where they’re now. I’m sure they’re still up there. Our thing, always our number one goal going into this thing is to limit points allowed, and it’ll be the same focus with all the weapons that they (Detroit Lions) have. We’re going to have to pick and choose who we quote-unquote try to take away and then some guys are going to have to do some heavy lifting on their own.”Q: On Lions Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I’m glad you brought him (Lions Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard) up. I think the world of Kelvin (Sheppard). When he played for us in New York those two years, he was our Nick Bolton. They’re very similar. Those guys are kind of cut from the same cloth. I said to Kelvin at the time – I didn’t think he was thinking about coaching when he got done playing. I said: ‘I think you’d make a heck of a football coach.’ Two or three years I think he stayed out of it. He got the bug. I think he went down to LSU first, and there were times that we talked about Kelvin and trying to get him here. I think he is doing a terrific job, and I’m really happy for him. I’m really proud of him.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ:&nbsp;The offensive efficiency is up. What are you seeing that is working for the offense?NAGY:&nbsp;“I agree with that. I think we always want to make sure that – we go back to two weeks ago and you heard me mention (something) about an identity and I think we’re getting closer to that, I still think we are working through some things but part of getting Xavier (Worthy) back is a big part of it which is great. But in the end, the only thing that matters is that win. You go back to the middle of that game, we had two three and outs there at the end of the half and in the start of the third (quarter) – which the last couple games we have been good at the start of the third quarter. This one we went three and out, followed by an 11 or 12 play drive that ended with a pick six. So that was a 14-point swing so there is good within there that we’re doing, and we like that (and) we can build. It’s the situational stuff when you have a game like that, that you want to take advantage of (and) we didn’t do that. I think the beauty of who we are, is we stick together, we learn from it and we got to correct it.”Q:&nbsp;How daunting is the Lions defense?NAGY:&nbsp;“They’re tough. I look at these guys on tape (and) you see them on tv and word that comes to mind is relentless. Their motor goes nonstop, and I think they work off of each other, that defense in general. I mean they get one sack, and they’re looking to get that second sack. If it is a pressure. Relentless is the thing that keeps coming into mind for me, so we want to make sure they’re not relentless on Sunday night.”Q:&nbsp;What did the last Chiefs scoring drive say about your team?NAGY:&nbsp;“It spoke volumes to where we’re at right now. We talked about it as a team, just making sure these guys understand when adversity hits, what type of team are we? So, you can take that to the offensive side and say, do we point the finger at the defense (or) does the defense point the finger at us? None of that. I think to (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid and what he has built here, the culture of togetherness. The sideline the last couple of games has been phenomenal, and so we wanted to do our part by giving up that pick six and going down there and making sure we put together a good drive. Right before that the defense got a pick, so we took advantage of that so its complementary football, and I was proud of the guys for that but we want more and we know in the end none of that stuff matters other than just winning. We don’t care how ugly or pretty it is, we want to win.”Chiefs Player QuotesOctober 9, 2025DT CHRIS JONESQ:&nbsp;On the last Jacksonville Jaguars touchdown.JONES:&nbsp;“It’s a teaching point for me. A little adversity. I can’t think the play is over, you know what I mean? It’s a learning lesson. I thought it was over, I thought we had him (Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence) down so I kind of stopped and was about to celebrate and then realized that he wasn’t down and you know a teaching lesson for me is don’t stop.”Q:&nbsp;How motivated are you for Sunday night against the Lions?JONES:&nbsp;“I’ve been focused on the Lions since the game. You can’t hold your head on one play or one game. It’s a week in and week out thing. You learn from it, you take notes, you take the good (and) you take the bad. It’s never really as good as it seems (and) it’s never really as bad as it seems. You just take the good with the bad and you keep pushing.”Q:&nbsp;On the Detroit Lions offensive line.