DENVER (AP) — Wil Lutz kicked five field goals, including&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1990218327000797565">a 35-yard game-winner</a>&nbsp;as time expired Sunday, pushing the Denver Broncos past the Kansas City Chiefs 22-19 for their eighth straight victory.

The Broncos (9-2) all but buried the Chiefs (5-5) in the AFC West, which Kansas City has won ever year since 2016. Chiefs coach Andy Reid fell to 27-5 following a bye week, counting the playoffs and his time with Philadelphia.

Bo Nix set up the game-winning kick with a 32-yard pass to Troy Franklin that got Denver to the Kansas City 15 with under a minute remaining.

Patrick Mahomes gave Kansas City its only lead on a 21-yard touchdown toss to Travis Kelce — the veteran tight end's 84th career TD, one more than previous Chiefs franchise record-holder Priest Holmes. That put the Chiefs up 19-16, but Harrison Butker's extra point was blocked by Frank Crum.

The Broncos tied it at 19-all on Lutz's 54-yarder with 4:10 remaining.

Denver's defense forced Kansas City to go three-and-out when Ja'Quan McMillian sacked Mahomes on third-and-10 from the Chiefs 36.

The Broncos chewed up the final 2:59 by driving 58 yards in 10 plays. They won their 11th straight game at Empower Field, where they haven't lost since October 2024.

Kelce's TD followed a 46-yard pass-interference flag at the Denver 29 on cornerback Riley Moss on an underthrown pass from Mahomes to Hollywood Brown. That came on third-and-19 from the Kansas City 29.

The Broncos' eight-game winning streak is their longest since 2012, when Peyton Manning led Denver to 11 consecutive victories. As a result, the Chiefs' nine-year reign atop the AFC West is in jeopardy.

Jaleel McLaughlin, playing in place of injured starter J.K. Dobbins, who underwent season-ending foot surgery last week, bullied his way in from 4 yards out to break a 6-6 tie in the third quarter.

The Chiefs seized the momentum, however, when Mahomes found Tyquan Thornton for a 61-yard gain to the Denver 11. That set up Kareem Hunt's 2-yard run that tied it at 13. That was KC's first touchdown at Empower Field in 11 quarters.

Both offenses struggled to move the ball against stingy defenses, and the first half featured four short field goals and ended in a 6-6 tie.

Chiefs: LG Kingsley Suamataia left in the third quarter to be checked for a concussion.

Broncos: Rookie WR Pat Bryant was evaluated for a concussion after his 48-yard catch with 26 seconds left in the third quarter. ... The Broncos were without several starters, including CB Pat Surtain II (pectoral), ILB Alex Singleton (testicular cancer) and Dobbins (left foot), who will miss the rest of the regular season.

Chiefs: Visit the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday.

Broncos: After a bye, visit the Washington Commanders on Nov. 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763340605602.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Denver Broncos" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Denver Broncos</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Wil Lutz kicked five field goals, including&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1990218327000797565">a 35-yard game-winner</a>&nbsp;as time expired Sunday, pushing the Denver Broncos past the Kansas City Chiefs 22-19 for their eighth straight victory.The Broncos (9-2) all but buried the Chiefs (5-5) in the AFC West, which Kansas City has won ever year since 2016. Chiefs coach Andy Reid fell to 27-5 following a bye week, counting the playoffs and his time with Philadelphia.Bo Nix set up the game-winning kick with a 32-yard pass to Troy Franklin that got Denver to the Kansas City 15 with under a minute remaining.Patrick Mahomes gave Kansas City its only lead on a 21-yard touchdown toss to Travis Kelce — the veteran tight end's 84th career TD, one more than previous Chiefs franchise record-holder Priest Holmes. That put the Chiefs up 19-16, but Harrison Butker's extra point was blocked by Frank Crum.The Broncos tied it at 19-all on Lutz's 54-yarder with 4:10 remaining.Denver's defense forced Kansas City to go three-and-out when Ja'Quan McMillian sacked Mahomes on third-and-10 from the Chiefs 36.The Broncos chewed up the final 2:59 by driving 58 yards in 10 plays. They won their 11th straight game at Empower Field, where they haven't lost since October 2024.Kelce's TD followed a 46-yard pass-interference flag at the Denver 29 on cornerback Riley Moss on an underthrown pass from Mahomes to Hollywood Brown. That came on third-and-19 from the Kansas City 29.The Broncos' eight-game winning streak is their longest since 2012, when Peyton Manning led Denver to 11 consecutive victories. As a result, the Chiefs' nine-year reign atop the AFC West is in jeopardy.Jaleel McLaughlin, playing in place of injured starter J.K. Dobbins, who underwent season-ending foot surgery last week, bullied his way in from 4 yards out to break a 6-6 tie in the third quarter.The Chiefs seized the momentum, however, when Mahomes found Tyquan Thornton for a 61-yard gain to the Denver 11. That set up Kareem Hunt's 2-yard run that tied it at 13. That was KC's first touchdown at Empower Field in 11 quarters.Both offenses struggled to move the ball against stingy defenses, and the first half featured four short field goals and ended in a 6-6 tie.<h2>Injuries</h2>Chiefs: LG Kingsley Suamataia left in the third quarter to be checked for a concussion.Broncos: Rookie WR Pat Bryant was evaluated for a concussion after his 48-yard catch with 26 seconds left in the third quarter. ... The Broncos were without several starters, including CB Pat Surtain II (pectoral), ILB Alex Singleton (testicular cancer) and Dobbins (left foot), who will miss the rest of the regular season.<h2>Up next</h2>Chiefs: Visit the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday.Broncos: After a bye, visit the Washington Commanders on Nov. 30.

🏈 Broncos beat Chiefs on Lutz's last-second field goal

The pieces are starting to come together for the Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball team and first-year head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0bf9c944-02d8-4655-ac8e-3d9d06c34069?elinkdata=33209">Harper Taylor</a>.

The Coyotes put together an impressive performance in Saturday's Kansas Conference opener, blasting the Ottawa University Braves 93-75 inside Mabee Arena.

The victory pushed the Coyotes over .500 at 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the KCAC. Ottawa suffered its first defeat of the season falling to 3-1 overall, 0-1 in the league.

Taylor said on her post-game radio interview that Saturday's performance is something that the Coyotes have been building on in practice and in the non-conference slate of games.

"I can't believe how hard we played and I feel there has been so many things that have led up to how hard we played for four quarters tonight," she said. "We've been trying to focus on things in practice, completing four quarters. We had pieces of it in our non-conference but it feels good to shoot that well and protect our home floor. I am really excited and really proud of our players."

Wesleyan torched the nets for 53 percent shooting in the game - 35-of-66 - and knocked down 11 3-pointers. Meanwhile, the Coyote defense held Ottawa to 8 of 34 shooting from 3-point range, including 1 of 14 in the second half.

The Coyotes also shared the ball remarkably well, handing out 25 assists on 35 made field goals, led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f498ab36-0c8a-4047-a9e7-9d9547c6b6a7?elinkdata=33209">Odessa Ozuna</a> with nine.

Wesleyan raced out to a 10-2 lead to start the game on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/12d0ed89-81ee-4647-8a30-3e160b34d03c?elinkdata=33209">Izzy McCool's</a> 3-pointer with 6:56 left in the first.

Ottawa got within two at 11-9 with 4:14 in the first, but a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9b8d8b10-9892-4d3a-867a-be7804d2f598?elinkdata=33209">Kelsey Koza</a> triple on KWU's next possession put the Coyotes up five. KWU led 19-14 after a quarter.

"We've been really working on game management and when to pull it out and get a really great shot. I think that we are starting to trust each other and I am starting to trust them,

Taylor said. "I think it definitely comes with time but I feel like a lot of those pieces we were able to be put on the floor tonight.

A 3-pointer by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47458175-93af-4a95-b216-a54c781e7e8c?elinkdata=33209">Adriana DiPrima</a> with 6:19 left in the second pushed the lead out to double digits for the first time at 31-21. Ottawa again battled back getting within a point at 35-34 and taking a brief 37-35 lead with 2:42 to go in the first before the Coyotes got things going again.

A bucket by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fdb7d72e-f14a-4fba-afcc-b04329f4e441?elinkdata=33209">Jocelyn Hall</a> and a steal by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/289765cd-3062-41d2-8033-2557506ba203?elinkdata=33209">Anna Jueneman</a> that turned into points gave the Coyotes a 40-27 lead just before the half.

The third quarter was the difference maker for the Coyotes as KWU shot 67 percent from the field and hit 4 of 5 3-pointers in the quarter.

Ottawa was again within two at 45-43 with 8:12 to go in the third, but the Coyotes got things going on a 15-4 run capped by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba5b99e8-6bac-4d42-b6a8-d7daf8f7f03f?elinkdata=33209">Emma Gertken's</a> 3-pointer with 5:27 to go that made it 60-47 Coyotes. The run featured a pair of three-point plays by McCool and Jueneman as the Coyotes built on the energy of that run.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/409daed2-f5b2-4799-8cae-8ab9c34b754f?elinkdata=33209">Raegann McDonald's</a> score with 3:49 left pushed the lead out to 15 at 64-49.

The lead touched 20 for the first time at 87-67 on Ozuna's bucket with 4:46 to go in the game.

Taylor pointed out that the team is finding good energy as they try to build their own identity coming off the successes of last season.

"We have been trying to harness that energy with the team," she said. "I feel like it's been a good way for us to find some sort of identity compared to last season and it's awesome to see that hard work pay off."

McCool led the Coyotes with 19, while Ozuna had 14 and DiPrima added 13. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eb78de68-6541-4dee-85fe-4b272de00d31?elinkdata=33209">Paige Chauncey</a> made her season debut scoring eight points and pulling down eight rebounds and was one of three players to score eight points along with <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a184efc6-6c28-4368-bb08-140b2cb7e64c?elinkdata=33209">Madison Lambert</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8595642a-d066-40a8-ba8e-dd6a3648a9ee?elinkdata=33209">Emma Gertken</a>. Chauncey's eight rebounds led the way for the Coyotes to a 42-40 rebounding margin.

The pieces are starting to come together for the Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball team and first-year head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0bf9c944-02d8-4655-ac8e-3d9d06c34069?elinkdata=33209">Harper Taylor</a>.The Coyotes put together an impressive performance in Saturday's Kansas Conference opener, blasting the Ottawa University Braves 93-75 inside Mabee Arena.The victory pushed the Coyotes over .500 at 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the KCAC. Ottawa suffered its first defeat of the season falling to 3-1 overall, 0-1 in the league.Taylor said on her post-game radio interview that Saturday's performance is something that the Coyotes have been building on in practice and in the non-conference slate of games."I can't believe how hard we played and I feel there has been so many things that have led up to how hard we played for four quarters tonight," she said. "We've been trying to focus on things in practice, completing four quarters. We had pieces of it in our non-conference but it feels good to shoot that well and protect our home floor. I am really excited and really proud of our players."Wesleyan torched the nets for 53 percent shooting in the game - 35-of-66 - and knocked down 11 3-pointers. Meanwhile, the Coyote defense held Ottawa to 8 of 34 shooting from 3-point range, including 1 of 14 in the second half.The Coyotes also shared the ball remarkably well, handing out 25 assists on 35 made field goals, led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f498ab36-0c8a-4047-a9e7-9d9547c6b6a7?elinkdata=33209">Odessa Ozuna</a> with nine.Wesleyan raced out to a 10-2 lead to start the game on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/12d0ed89-81ee-4647-8a30-3e160b34d03c?elinkdata=33209">Izzy McCool's</a> 3-pointer with 6:56 left in the first.Ottawa got within two at 11-9 with 4:14 in the first, but a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9b8d8b10-9892-4d3a-867a-be7804d2f598?elinkdata=33209">Kelsey Koza</a> triple on KWU's next possession put the Coyotes up five. KWU led 19-14 after a quarter."We've been really working on game management and when to pull it out and get a really great shot. I think that we are starting to trust each other and I am starting to trust them,Taylor said. "I think it definitely comes with time but I feel like a lot of those pieces we were able to be put on the floor tonight.A 3-pointer by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47458175-93af-4a95-b216-a54c781e7e8c?elinkdata=33209">Adriana DiPrima</a> with 6:19 left in the second pushed the lead out to double digits for the first time at 31-21. Ottawa again battled back getting within a point at 35-34 and taking a brief 37-35 lead with 2:42 to go in the first before the Coyotes got things going again.A bucket by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fdb7d72e-f14a-4fba-afcc-b04329f4e441?elinkdata=33209">Jocelyn Hall</a> and a steal by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/289765cd-3062-41d2-8033-2557506ba203?elinkdata=33209">Anna Jueneman</a> that turned into points gave the Coyotes a 40-27 lead just before the half.Wesleyan led 42-39 at the break.The third quarter was the difference maker for the Coyotes as KWU shot 67 percent from the field and hit 4 of 5 3-pointers in the quarter.Ottawa was again within two at 45-43 with 8:12 to go in the third, but the Coyotes got things going on a 15-4 run capped by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba5b99e8-6bac-4d42-b6a8-d7daf8f7f03f?elinkdata=33209">Emma Gertken's</a> 3-pointer with 5:27 to go that made it 60-47 Coyotes. The run featured a pair of three-point plays by McCool and Jueneman as the Coyotes built on the energy of that run.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/409daed2-f5b2-4799-8cae-8ab9c34b754f?elinkdata=33209">Raegann McDonald's</a> score with 3:49 left pushed the lead out to 15 at 64-49.The lead touched 20 for the first time at 87-67 on Ozuna's bucket with 4:46 to go in the game.Taylor pointed out that the team is finding good energy as they try to build their own identity coming off the successes of last season."We have been trying to harness that energy with the team," she said. "I feel like it's been a good way for us to find some sort of identity compared to last season and it's awesome to see that hard work pay off."McCool led the Coyotes with 19, while Ozuna had 14 and DiPrima added 13. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eb78de68-6541-4dee-85fe-4b272de00d31?elinkdata=33209">Paige Chauncey</a> made her season debut scoring eight points and pulling down eight rebounds and was one of three players to score eight points along with <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a184efc6-6c28-4368-bb08-140b2cb7e64c?elinkdata=33209">Madison Lambert</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8595642a-d066-40a8-ba8e-dd6a3648a9ee?elinkdata=33209">Emma Gertken</a>. Chauncey's eight rebounds led the way for the Coyotes to a 42-40 rebounding margin.Kaelynn Duncan had 20 for Ottawa.

🏀 KWU WBB opens KCAC play with resounding 93-75 win over Ottawa

A long cold streak and the red-hot shooting of two Ottawa Braves in the second half spoiled the Kansas Conference opener for Kansas Wesleyan.

Ottawa used an 18-4 run to erase an eight-point Coyote lead and got 52 combined points from Micah Willis and Rich Martelly in a 92-86 overtime victory over KWU Saturday night inside Mabee Arena.

Wesleyan fell to 2-4 while Ottawa improved to 4-2.

The Coyotes led 44-38 at halftime and had a 63-54 advantage with 8:08 left in the game. That's when Ottawa embarked on the 18-4 surge and led 72-67 with 2:17 remaining. It began with eight consecutive points from Martelly.

KWU rallied and pulled even 74-74 on a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cae12739-8ddd-487c-83e3-5a0612146e38?elinkdata=33174">Gabe Phillips</a> basket with 47 seconds left. Two Martelly free throws with 19 seconds left gave OU a 76-74 lead before <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/296d39ff-2b45-470c-a715-0e1ba7ea0c30?elinkdata=33174">Evens Appolon's</a> dunk with 7 seconds remaining evened at 76. Martelly's shot at the buzzer missed sending the game into overtime.

The Coyotes scored first in the extra period on a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b99d55c-ee35-4657-b13f-2974743dc571?elinkdata=33174">Caiden Punt</a> basket and had an 80-79 lead after two <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/59616e00-d084-407f-b148-49c600dad463?elinkdata=33174">Wyatt Powell</a> free throws with 4:13 left.

Ottawa, though, scored the next nine points, Willis accounting for the final seven, and led 87-80 at the 2:32 mark. KWU got as close as four (90-86) on another Phillips basket with 25.7 seconds left but another Braves basket with 20 seconds left and a Coyote turnover ended it.

"This team is young and playing with a lead is something they're going to have to figure out," KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/863c643e-b1f8-4d0d-9eb5-2a3b78ee9d23?elinkdata=33174">Jordan Murdock</a> said. "It's hard to do especially when a team is coming out in the second half and know they've got a deficit to pick up. We can't be lackadaisical when we come out."

The Coyotes shot 50 percent from the field in the first half (16 of 32) but 37.2 percent in the second (16 of 43). It was a particularly tough night from long range - 2 of 19 (10.5 percent).

"We've got to make shots, we shot 10 percent from the 3-point line," Murdock said. "I felt like we had pretty good shots, but we were rushing a lot. We had some good open looks and they didn't fall.

"At the same time, we've got to be able to guard. Their two guys really got to us, 28 and 24 points, and we can't allow that to happen. We stopped guarding in the second half."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/03232faa-fd1c-4a29-ba94-41675253fe92?elinkdata=33174">Brandon Avedon</a> led Wesleyan with 22 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Phillips and Powell scored 17 apiece, Punt had 15 and eight rebounds and Appolon eight points, eight rebounds and three blocks. The Coyotes won the rebounding battle 42-36 and outscored Ottawa 54-38 in the paint.

Willis finished with 28 points and Martelly 24. Ottawa shot 50 percent for the game (32 of 64) including 10 of 20 from beyond the 3-point arc.

A long cold streak and the red-hot shooting of two Ottawa Braves in the second half spoiled the Kansas Conference opener for Kansas Wesleyan.Ottawa used an 18-4 run to erase an eight-point Coyote lead and got 52 combined points from Micah Willis and Rich Martelly in a 92-86 overtime victory over KWU Saturday night inside Mabee Arena.Wesleyan fell to 2-4 while Ottawa improved to 4-2.The Coyotes led 44-38 at halftime and had a 63-54 advantage with 8:08 left in the game. That's when Ottawa embarked on the 18-4 surge and led 72-67 with 2:17 remaining. It began with eight consecutive points from Martelly.KWU rallied and pulled even 74-74 on a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cae12739-8ddd-487c-83e3-5a0612146e38?elinkdata=33174">Gabe Phillips</a> basket with 47 seconds left. Two Martelly free throws with 19 seconds left gave OU a 76-74 lead before <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/296d39ff-2b45-470c-a715-0e1ba7ea0c30?elinkdata=33174">Evens Appolon's</a> dunk with 7 seconds remaining evened at 76. Martelly's shot at the buzzer missed sending the game into overtime.The Coyotes scored first in the extra period on a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b99d55c-ee35-4657-b13f-2974743dc571?elinkdata=33174">Caiden Punt</a> basket and had an 80-79 lead after two <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/59616e00-d084-407f-b148-49c600dad463?elinkdata=33174">Wyatt Powell</a> free throws with 4:13 left.Ottawa, though, scored the next nine points, Willis accounting for the final seven, and led 87-80 at the 2:32 mark. KWU got as close as four (90-86) on another Phillips basket with 25.7 seconds left but another Braves basket with 20 seconds left and a Coyote turnover ended it."This team is young and playing with a lead is something they're going to have to figure out," KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/863c643e-b1f8-4d0d-9eb5-2a3b78ee9d23?elinkdata=33174">Jordan Murdock</a> said. "It's hard to do especially when a team is coming out in the second half and know they've got a deficit to pick up. We can't be lackadaisical when we come out."The Coyotes shot 50 percent from the field in the first half (16 of 32) but 37.2 percent in the second (16 of 43). It was a particularly tough night from long range - 2 of 19 (10.5 percent)."We've got to make shots, we shot 10 percent from the 3-point line," Murdock said. "I felt like we had pretty good shots, but we were rushing a lot. We had some good open looks and they didn't fall."At the same time, we've got to be able to guard. Their two guys really got to us, 28 and 24 points, and we can't allow that to happen. We stopped guarding in the second half."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/03232faa-fd1c-4a29-ba94-41675253fe92?elinkdata=33174">Brandon Avedon</a> led Wesleyan with 22 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Phillips and Powell scored 17 apiece, Punt had 15 and eight rebounds and Appolon eight points, eight rebounds and three blocks. The Coyotes won the rebounding battle 42-36 and outscored Ottawa 54-38 in the paint.Willis finished with 28 points and Martelly 24. Ottawa shot 50 percent for the game (32 of 64) including 10 of 20 from beyond the 3-point arc.

🏀 Coyote Men's Basketball falls in overtime to Ottawa in KCAC Opener

It wasn't the outcome Kansas Wesleyan coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1c2e81f7-a9c1-4fcd-a7ab-5baad2071313?elinkdata=33139">Matt Middleton</a> wanted on Senior Day and the final game of the season but in the big picture he's grateful for what his injury ravaged team was able to accomplish overall in 2025.

The Coyotes lost to No. 23 Southwestern 59-28, Saturday afternoon on Bissell Field at JRI Hospitality Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex. KWU ended with a 7-4 record, 3-2 in the Bissell Division in Middleton's first season.

"I'm super proud of the young men that stepped up when those guys were hurt and have played all year long," he said on the postgame radio show. "Today hurts getting pounded the way we did but we did. We did get seven (wins) and had a great win last week (over McPherson). Under the circumstances I'm super proud of this group."

Twenty-seven seniors were recognized before the game and three - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/35447d7d-6b93-4d04-a3fc-fae5adb7a6b4?elinkdata=33139">D'Heaven Domena</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/301a8c41-603d-4f8a-90a1-959a570156da?elinkdata=33139">Henry Austad</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b81b7fab-3cbc-4bac-b116-a78542e94745?elinkdata=33139">Rhadarious Lomax-Spivey</a> - had huge games.

Domena, who took over when All-America tailback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8f7c9ea4-2a9b-4fc5-b054-6d890a40dbeb?elinkdata=33139">Luke Armstrong</a> went down with a season-ending injury in the second game, rushed for 182 yards on 38 carries and put the finishing touches on a superb season. He finished with 1,388 yards rushing on 262 carries and 10 touchdowns.

Austad, who played the final five games despite a torn knee ligament, threw for 210 yards and three touchdowns and ran for a fourth. He had 1,900 yards passing, 12 touchdowns and rushed for 286 yards and nine additional TDs on the season.

Lomax-Spivey caught five passes for 89 yards, two touchdowns and finished with 56 receptions for 701 yards and five touchdowns. He emerged as KWU's top wide out after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5df3fc01-694e-47fa-8fab-3e502b288c43?elinkdata=33139">Will Wilcox</a> was lost for year with an injury in the sixth game.

"For him to come back in two weeks and hobble around and make things happen the way he has, I can't speak enough about him and who he is as a person and ultra competitor," Middleton said of Austad. "When Wilcox and (Jevin) Dorsey went down and we lost Luke it forced (Domena and Lomax-Spivey) to be the guys. Everybody on the opposing defense knew it and they found a way to make plays. I'm glad they stayed."

The Coyotes totaled 427 total yards Saturday (217 rushing, 210 passing) and no turnovers.

The defense, which carried the team much of the season, ran into an offensive juggernaut in Southwestern. The Moundbuilders entered the game ranked fourth in the NAIA with 533 yards per game and were fifth in passing yards at 320 yards.

They had 626 yards Saturday (420 passing) and scored on nine of 10 possessions. Quarterback Jamie Odom, the fifth-ranked passer in the NAIA, was 27 of 44 for 404 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught a 16 yard touchdown pass from Bryce Chambers for a sixth touchdown. Matthew Holthus had 12 catches for 157 yards, and two touchdowns, and Chambers had six catches for 127 yards and two scores in addition to the one passing touchdown. Running back Joe Smyth added 109 yards rushing and a touchdown.

"Their quarterback is a special player," Middleton said, "and he's surrounded by some good players too, the wideouts and those things, and they (played) for 60 minutes. Defensively we had a good year, but we struggled today. Didn't get any stops. But let's not take away from the fact that they played well throughout the year. It's just tough that it ends this way."

Middleton said he knows what needs to be done going forward.

It wasn't the outcome Kansas Wesleyan coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1c2e81f7-a9c1-4fcd-a7ab-5baad2071313?elinkdata=33139">Matt Middleton</a> wanted on Senior Day and the final game of the season but in the big picture he's grateful for what his injury ravaged team was able to accomplish overall in 2025.The Coyotes lost to No. 23 Southwestern 59-28, Saturday afternoon on Bissell Field at JRI Hospitality Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex. KWU ended with a 7-4 record, 3-2 in the Bissell Division in Middleton's first season."I'm super proud of the young men that stepped up when those guys were hurt and have played all year long," he said on the postgame radio show. "Today hurts getting pounded the way we did but we did. We did get seven (wins) and had a great win last week (over McPherson). Under the circumstances I'm super proud of this group."Twenty-seven seniors were recognized before the game and three - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/35447d7d-6b93-4d04-a3fc-fae5adb7a6b4?elinkdata=33139">D'Heaven Domena</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/301a8c41-603d-4f8a-90a1-959a570156da?elinkdata=33139">Henry Austad</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b81b7fab-3cbc-4bac-b116-a78542e94745?elinkdata=33139">Rhadarious Lomax-Spivey</a> - had huge games.Domena, who took over when All-America tailback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8f7c9ea4-2a9b-4fc5-b054-6d890a40dbeb?elinkdata=33139">Luke Armstrong</a> went down with a season-ending injury in the second game, rushed for 182 yards on 38 carries and put the finishing touches on a superb season. He finished with 1,388 yards rushing on 262 carries and 10 touchdowns.Austad, who played the final five games despite a torn knee ligament, threw for 210 yards and three touchdowns and ran for a fourth. He had 1,900 yards passing, 12 touchdowns and rushed for 286 yards and nine additional TDs on the season.Lomax-Spivey caught five passes for 89 yards, two touchdowns and finished with 56 receptions for 701 yards and five touchdowns. He emerged as KWU's top wide out after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5df3fc01-694e-47fa-8fab-3e502b288c43?elinkdata=33139">Will Wilcox</a> was lost for year with an injury in the sixth game."For him to come back in two weeks and hobble around and make things happen the way he has, I can't speak enough about him and who he is as a person and ultra competitor," Middleton said of Austad. "When Wilcox and (Jevin) Dorsey went down and we lost Luke it forced (Domena and Lomax-Spivey) to be the guys. Everybody on the opposing defense knew it and they found a way to make plays. I'm glad they stayed."The Coyotes totaled 427 total yards Saturday (217 rushing, 210 passing) and no turnovers.The defense, which carried the team much of the season, ran into an offensive juggernaut in Southwestern. The Moundbuilders entered the game ranked fourth in the NAIA with 533 yards per game and were fifth in passing yards at 320 yards.They had 626 yards Saturday (420 passing) and scored on nine of 10 possessions. Quarterback Jamie Odom, the fifth-ranked passer in the NAIA, was 27 of 44 for 404 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught a 16 yard touchdown pass from Bryce Chambers for a sixth touchdown. Matthew Holthus had 12 catches for 157 yards, and two touchdowns, and Chambers had six catches for 127 yards and two scores in addition to the one passing touchdown. Running back Joe Smyth added 109 yards rushing and a touchdown."Their quarterback is a special player," Middleton said, "and he's surrounded by some good players too, the wideouts and those things, and they (played) for 60 minutes. Defensively we had a good year, but we struggled today. Didn't get any stops. But let's not take away from the fact that they played well throughout the year. It's just tough that it ends this way."Middleton said he knows what needs to be done going forward.

🏈 Coyotes fall to No. 23 Southwestern in season finale

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga scored a career-high 25 points, hitting 10 oi his 11 field goal attempts, as No. 25 Kansas beat Princeton 76-57 on Saturday.

Kansas (3-1) used a 17-3 run midway through the second half to blow open a close game. Tre White added 18 points for the Jayhawks.

Princeton (2-2) was led by Dalen Davis with 21 points. Jack Stanton had 15 and Jackson Hicke added 12.

After Kansas opened up a 10-point lead at the start of the second half, Princeton's Jack Stanton hit a pair of 3-pointers, one on a 4-point play, to trim the deficit to just 39-36. The Jayhawks had trouble pulling away, and when Davis hit a 3-pointer with 14:23 left, the lead was just 44-43.

But when Jayden Dawson made a 3-pointer less than two minutes later, Kansas again led by double digits. The Jayhawks' largest lead was 73-51.

Princeton played at its pace in the first half, holding an 18-13 lead at the 10:44 mark. A 9-0 run that took more than five minutes gave Kansas the lead, but the Tigers stayed close. Kansas finished the half on a 7-2 run and led 37-29 at halftime.

Bidunga stepped up late in the half and led all scorers with 15 points. Davis led Princeton with 13 points.

Both clubs will be in action Tuesday night. The Tigers take on Iona in New Rochelle, N.Y., while Kansas will face Duke in the State Farm Champions Classic in New York.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763241970524.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALELAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga scored a career-high 25 points, hitting 10 oi his 11 field goal attempts, as No. 25 Kansas beat Princeton 76-57 on Saturday.Kansas (3-1) used a 17-3 run midway through the second half to blow open a close game. Tre White added 18 points for the Jayhawks.Princeton (2-2) was led by Dalen Davis with 21 points. Jack Stanton had 15 and Jackson Hicke added 12.After Kansas opened up a 10-point lead at the start of the second half, Princeton's Jack Stanton hit a pair of 3-pointers, one on a 4-point play, to trim the deficit to just 39-36. The Jayhawks had trouble pulling away, and when Davis hit a 3-pointer with 14:23 left, the lead was just 44-43.But when Jayden Dawson made a 3-pointer less than two minutes later, Kansas again led by double digits. The Jayhawks' largest lead was 73-51.Princeton played at its pace in the first half, holding an 18-13 lead at the 10:44 mark. A 9-0 run that took more than five minutes gave Kansas the lead, but the Tigers stayed close. Kansas finished the half on a 7-2 run and led 37-29 at halftime.Bidunga stepped up late in the half and led all scorers with 15 points. Davis led Princeton with 13 points.<h2>Up Next</h2>Both clubs will be in action Tuesday night. The Tigers take on Iona in New Rochelle, N.Y., while Kansas will face Duke in the State Farm Champions Classic in New York.

🏀 Bidunga leads Kansas to win over Princeton

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Kansas State forced five turnovers in a 14-6 win over Oklahoma State on Saturday.

All of the Wildcats' points came off those turnovers. Kansas State, which had averaged 34.2 points in its previous five games, was held to 284 yards. Despite that, the Wildcats have won three of four.

Avery Johnson passed for 177 yards and Joe Jackson added 69 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Wildcats (5-5, 4-3 Big 12), who need one more win to become bowl eligible.

Zane Flores passed for 233 yards for Oklahoma State (1-9, 0-7), but he threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles. Oklahoma State has lost nine straight, and seven straight under interim coach Doug Meacham.

Kansas State did not score until eight minutes into the second quarter. The Wildcats got a first down by penalty after it appeared the Cowboys stopped them on a fourth-and-1, and Jayce Brown caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Johnson on the next play. The extra point put Kansas State up 7-6 — a score that held up at halftime.

An interception by Oklahoma State's Parker Robertson early in the third quarter set the Cowboys up deep in Kansas State territory. But Flores fumbled when stripped by Cody Stufflebean, and Kansas State's Zashon Rich recovered to preserve Kansas State's lead.

Kansas State's Jackson ran 15 yards for a touchdown to put the Wildcats up 14-6 in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys reached the Kansas State 26 on their final possession before turning the ball over on downs in the final minute.

Kansas State: The Wildcats played poorly overall but showed enough grit to pull through. The timely plays saved coach Chris Klieman from an embarrassing loss in a season that began with high expectations.

Oklahoma State: The Cowboys outgained Kansas State by 89 yards, but made too many mistakes to claim their first win under interim coach Doug Meacham.

Oklahoma State visits Central Florida next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763241475879.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Kansas State forced five turnovers in a 14-6 win over Oklahoma State on Saturday.All of the Wildcats' points came off those turnovers. Kansas State, which had averaged 34.2 points in its previous five games, was held to 284 yards. Despite that, the Wildcats have won three of four.Avery Johnson passed for 177 yards and Joe Jackson added 69 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Wildcats (5-5, 4-3 Big 12), who need one more win to become bowl eligible.Zane Flores passed for 233 yards for Oklahoma State (1-9, 0-7), but he threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles. Oklahoma State has lost nine straight, and seven straight under interim coach Doug Meacham.Kansas State did not score until eight minutes into the second quarter. The Wildcats got a first down by penalty after it appeared the Cowboys stopped them on a fourth-and-1, and Jayce Brown caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Johnson on the next play. The extra point put Kansas State up 7-6 — a score that held up at halftime.An interception by Oklahoma State's Parker Robertson early in the third quarter set the Cowboys up deep in Kansas State territory. But Flores fumbled when stripped by Cody Stufflebean, and Kansas State's Zashon Rich recovered to preserve Kansas State's lead.Kansas State's Jackson ran 15 yards for a touchdown to put the Wildcats up 14-6 in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys reached the Kansas State 26 on their final possession before turning the ball over on downs in the final minute.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas State: The Wildcats played poorly overall but showed enough grit to pull through. The timely plays saved coach Chris Klieman from an embarrassing loss in a season that began with high expectations.Oklahoma State: The Cowboys outgained Kansas State by 89 yards, but made too many mistakes to claim their first win under interim coach Doug Meacham.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State visits Utah next Saturday.Oklahoma State visits Central Florida next Saturday.

🏈 Kansas State forces 5 turnovers to edge Oklahoma State 

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The high school football playoffs are supposed to get more challenging with every passing round.

Someone may want to inform Southeast of Saline.

The defending 2A champs bulldozed Phillipsburg 48-6 to claim a sectional victory, and advance to the final four for the fourth time in six years.

Southeast started this game as they often do, manufacturing a touchdown drive that ended with a Tiernan Ptacek connection to Bryson Lippold.

The Panthers responded well with a scoring drive of their own when Tanner Horinek got loose in the secondary and ran in a 37-yard house call to tie the game at 6-6.

That first-quarter score would be the last of Phillipsburg's season.

“We did make some little adjustments to help ourselves out but we played team defense and our guys stepped up,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “They knew we needed to eliminate the sweep against a good, physical football team.”

Grady Gebhardt put Southeast ahead with a rushing touchdown, then extended that lead with another before Ptacek found Lippold for his second touchdown pass of the day.

The Trojans led 26-6 going into the locker room, and on the other side, they picked up right where they left off as Gebhardt carried in his third touchdown of the day from five yards out, and his fourth from seven yards out to finish another four-touchdown day.

To put a bow on another dominant win, Amarion Holub housed a 67-yard punt return for Southeast of Saline’s first special teams touchdown of the season.

Ptacek showed out in the victory, completing 13-17 for 158 yards and two passing touchdowns, while Grady converted 21 carries into 172 yards and four scores.

Holub made the most of his opportunities in the backfield, turning five carries into 105 yards to go along with his special teams touchdown.

This marks the tenth-straight game in which the Trojans have allowed two or fewer touchdowns to their opponent.

For Phillipsburg, a strong season draws to a close at 7-4.

The Trojans, now 11-0, will host 10-0 Hoisington in Gypsum next Friday. The Cardinals eliminated Garden Plain 36-7 on Friday.

You can watch the full broadcast of Friday’s game in the window below 100% free.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe high school football playoffs are supposed to get more challenging with every passing round.Someone may want to inform Southeast of Saline.The defending 2A champs bulldozed Phillipsburg 48-6 to claim a sectional victory, and advance to the final four for the fourth time in six years.<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 started this game as they often do, manufacturing a touchdown drive that ended with a Tiernan Ptacek connection to Bryson Lippold.The Panthers responded well with a scoring drive of their own when Tanner Horinek got loose in the secondary and ran in a 37-yard house call to tie the game at 6-6.That first-quarter score would be the last of Phillipsburg's season.“We did make some little adjustments to help ourselves out but we played team defense and our guys stepped up,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “They knew we needed to eliminate the sweep against a good, physical football team.”Grady Gebhardt put Southeast ahead with a rushing touchdown, then extended that lead with another before Ptacek found Lippold for his second touchdown pass of the day.The Trojans led 26-6 going into the locker room, and on the other side, they picked up right where they left off as Gebhardt carried in his third touchdown of the day from five yards out, and his fourth from seven yards out to finish another four-touchdown day.To put a bow on another dominant win, Amarion Holub housed a 67-yard punt return for Southeast of Saline’s first special teams touchdown of the season.Ptacek showed out in the victory, completing 13-17 for 158 yards and two passing touchdowns, while Grady converted 21 carries into 172 yards and four scores.Holub made the most of his opportunities in the backfield, turning five carries into 105 yards to go along with his special teams touchdown.This marks the tenth-straight game in which the Trojans have allowed two or fewer touchdowns to their opponent.For Phillipsburg, a strong season draws to a close at 7-4.The Trojans, now 11-0, will host 10-0 Hoisington in Gypsum next Friday. The Cardinals eliminated Garden Plain 36-7 on Friday.You can watch the full broadcast of Friday’s game in the window below 100% free.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ebIQG3XfZL4?start=9532s"></iframe>
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🏈 Trojans roll Phillipsburg to advance to fourth semifinal round in six years

It had been over 20 years since Salina South and Salina Central had met in the 5A football playoffs, but anyone in attendance on Friday night will tell you it was well worth the wait.

This back-and-forth affair had a little bit of everything, but when all was said and done it was the Mustangs who survived and advanced by virtue of a 49-24 victory over their cross-town rival.

Central set the tone on the opening drive of the game when Griffin Hall took a designed quarterback run up the middle for what would go down as the first of seven Mustang rushing scores on the night.

South wasted no time responding with a scoring drive of their own, and evened the score on a direct snap to Armane Redmond to level the ledger 7-7.

Every good story needs a hero, and on Friday night, all Cooper Reves was missing was the cape.

Reves put the Mustangs back in front with an 11-yard rushing touchdown to close out the first quarter. C

South responded with a 33-yard field goal, a quick stop, and a long touchdown drive that ended when Izzy Telles found Jaxton Kitchener over the middle for a touchdown that put the Cougars ahead 17-14 at halftime.

Out of the locker room, the Central defense forced a stop, and Reves cashed in from 18 yards away to restore the Mustang lead.

Telles’ second passing touchdown of the day, this time on a deep fade to Jaxon Myers, undid that work to make it 24-21 Cougars, but that would be the last lead Salina South would enjoy for the rest of the night.

Reves was clinical, turning 33 carries into 280 yards and five rushing touchdowns. By the time Griffin Hall drove the final nail into the Cougar coffin, the damage was already done as Central scored the final 28 points en route to a 49-24 win.

For his part, Hall completed three of his six passes for 20 yards, adding 104 yards and two scores on the ground.

Izzy Telles and Armane Redmond showed out for South despite the loss, with Telles completing 10-19 for 173 yards, 2 touchdowns and no turnovers, and Redmond finishing with 104 yards on 24 carries.

Salina South’s campaign comes to a close at 3-8, but the Cougars can hold their heads high, and should be able to build on this success going into the 2026 season.

Salina Central improves to 10-1, and will travel to Great Bend next Friday to take on the #1 team in the state in the 11-1 Panthers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763188235009.jpeg" alt="Salina Central celebrates a crucial touchdown in their win over Salina South, photo courtesy of Kaiden Comeau" />
 <figcaption>Salina Central celebrates a crucial touchdown in their win over Salina South, photo courtesy of Kaiden Comeau</figcaption>
 </figure>By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostIt had been over 20 years since Salina South and Salina Central had met in the 5A football playoffs, but anyone in attendance on Friday night will tell you it was well worth the wait.This back-and-forth affair had a little bit of everything, but when all was said and done it was the Mustangs who survived and advanced by virtue of a 49-24 victory over their cross-town rival.<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>Central set the tone on the opening drive of the game when Griffin Hall took a designed quarterback run up the middle for what would go down as the first of seven Mustang rushing scores on the night.South wasted no time responding with a scoring drive of their own, and evened the score on a direct snap to Armane Redmond to level the ledger 7-7.Every good story needs a hero, and on Friday night, all Cooper Reves was missing was the cape.Reves put the Mustangs back in front with an 11-yard rushing touchdown to close out the first quarter. C<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763188319072.jpeg" alt="Cooper Reves breaks a tackle on his way to a Central touchdown. Photo courtesy of Kaiden Comeau." />
 <figcaption>Cooper Reves breaks a tackle on his way to a Central touchdown. Photo courtesy of Kaiden Comeau.</figcaption>
 </figure>South responded with a 33-yard field goal, a quick stop, and a long touchdown drive that ended when Izzy Telles found Jaxton Kitchener over the middle for a touchdown that put the Cougars ahead 17-14 at halftime.Out of the locker room, the Central defense forced a stop, and Reves cashed in from 18 yards away to restore the Mustang lead.Telles’ second passing touchdown of the day, this time on a deep fade to Jaxon Myers, undid that work to make it 24-21 Cougars, but that would be the last lead Salina South would enjoy for the rest of the night.Reves was clinical, turning 33 carries into 280 yards and five rushing touchdowns. By the time Griffin Hall drove the final nail into the Cougar coffin, the damage was already done as Central scored the final 28 points en route to a 49-24 win.For his part, Hall completed three of his six passes for 20 yards, adding 104 yards and two scores on the ground.Izzy Telles and Armane Redmond showed out for South despite the loss, with Telles completing 10-19 for 173 yards, 2 touchdowns and no turnovers, and Redmond finishing with 104 yards on 24 carries.Salina South’s campaign comes to a close at 3-8, but the Cougars can hold their heads high, and should be able to build on this success going into the 2026 season.Salina Central improves to 10-1, and will travel to Great Bend next Friday to take on the #1 team in the state in the 11-1 Panthers.You can watch the full broadcast of Friday’s game in the window below 100% free.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1L_LFwjhH_w"></iframe>
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🏈 Central rides Reves to first state semi appearance since 2007

🏈 Saline County Scoreboard Quarterfinal Round

Over the last six years, Southeast of Saline has built a football dynasty in Gypsum, and unlike many, it’s one that’s come with guarantees.

In the team’s last six seasons, the Trojans have secured six undefeated regular seasons, six league titles, six district titles, six first-round playoff wins, and six second-round playoff wins.

All of those feats were accomplished in a span of 59 games, in which Southeast of Saline went 59-0, failing to win by at least two possessions only twice.

Guarantees are great, but here in the sectional round of the playoffs, they are extremely hard to come by, as every team still alive represents a real threat on any given Friday night.

Throughout this six-year run, the Trojans are 3-2 in the sectional round, and to avoid falling to .500 will need to find their way past a hungry ground and pound attack of the Phillipsburg Panthers.

Phillipsburg enters this game at 7-3 with wins over Beloit and Russell, and losses to Smith Center, Hays TMP and Pratt.

The Panthers steamrolled Minneapolis 49-0 in the opening round of the playoffs, and followed that up with a confident 52-22 victory over Haven in the second round.

“They have a very good run game,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “They run that flexbone efficiently and their guys are physically up front. Defensively, they’re athletic, they’re physical and they get a lot of hats to the football.”

For their part in getting here, the defending 2A state champs dismantled Southwestern Heights 74-0 before holding the line against a surging Russell program in a 44-12 victory last week.

“We got behind in that game and our kids responded well to that. We had a few kids in the wrong spots a few times and Russell did a great job of throwing the football but as the game progressed we did a better job of getting pressure on him and covering those lanky receivers.”

That win came on the back of three red-zone stops of the Bronco offense, including two from inside the five for a Trojan defense that doesn’t require much support to win football games even in November.

“We 100% feel like if we need to we can hang our hat on our defense,” Gebhardt said. “That group did an outstanding job of stopping Russell inside the red zone and that’s a group we trust.”

Much like Beloit, Phillipsburg is a team that wants to use it’s run game to shorten the contest and limit the number of possessions that both teams have, making early stops and a strong start offensively two big keys for the Trojans tonight.

“We have to take care of the football, pick up first downs, eliminate turnovers, and keep their offense off the field,” he said. “We need to play sound defense against their very disciplined offense and early on getting stops will be key against the slow pace that they want to run.”

There is a scheduling change for this game as kickoff in Gypsum will be held at 6:00. As always, the game can be streamed with live video on Salina Post and heard on KINA.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostOver the last six years, Southeast of Saline has built a football dynasty in Gypsum, and unlike many, it’s one that’s come with guarantees.In the team’s last six seasons, the Trojans have secured six undefeated regular seasons, six league titles, six district titles, six first-round playoff wins, and six second-round playoff wins.All of those feats were accomplished in a span of 59 games, in which Southeast of Saline went 59-0, failing to win by at least two possessions only twice.<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>Guarantees are great, but here in the sectional round of the playoffs, they are extremely hard to come by, as every team still alive represents a real threat on any given Friday night.Throughout this six-year run, the Trojans are 3-2 in the sectional round, and to avoid falling to .500 will need to find their way past a hungry ground and pound attack of the Phillipsburg Panthers.Phillipsburg enters this game at 7-3 with wins over Beloit and Russell, and losses to Smith Center, Hays TMP and Pratt.The Panthers steamrolled Minneapolis 49-0 in the opening round of the playoffs, and followed that up with a confident 52-22 victory over Haven in the second round.“They have a very good run game,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “They run that flexbone efficiently and their guys are physically up front. Defensively, they’re athletic, they’re physical and they get a lot of hats to the football.”For their part in getting here, the defending 2A state champs dismantled Southwestern Heights 74-0 before holding the line against a surging Russell program in a 44-12 victory last week.“We got behind in that game and our kids responded well to that. We had a few kids in the wrong spots a few times and Russell did a great job of throwing the football but as the game progressed we did a better job of getting pressure on him and covering those lanky receivers.”That win came on the back of three red-zone stops of the Bronco offense, including two from inside the five for a Trojan defense that doesn’t require much support to win football games even in November.“We 100% feel like if we need to we can hang our hat on our defense,” Gebhardt said. “That group did an outstanding job of stopping Russell inside the red zone and that’s a group we trust.”Much like Beloit, Phillipsburg is a team that wants to use it’s run game to shorten the contest and limit the number of possessions that both teams have, making early stops and a strong start offensively two big keys for the Trojans tonight.“We have to take care of the football, pick up first downs, eliminate turnovers, and keep their offense off the field,” he said. “We need to play sound defense against their very disciplined offense and early on getting stops will be key against the slow pace that they want to run.”There is a scheduling change for this game as kickoff in Gypsum will be held at 6:00. As always, the game can be streamed with live video on Salina Post and heard on KINA.<figure>
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🏈 Trojans host Phillipsburg at 6:00 looking to punch a ticket to the final four

South and Central have shared Salina since 1863, but the city has never felt big enough for the two of them.

For over 150 years, fierce battles between the Mustangs and the Cougars have delighted Salina on the gridiron, the court, and the diamond, and tonight, the next chapter in this storied rivalry will be written.

In week one of the high school football season, Central defeated South 31-21 to claim the Mayor’s Cup for a fifth-straight year.

When the Cougars finished the regular season 1-7, few around the 5A world could have fathomed that the two would meet in the state quarterfinals, but despite the odds, that’s exactly where we stand.

Central’s path to this moment has been one of triumph.&nbsp;

On the heels of a disappointing 4-5 campaign, the Mustangs rallied behind junior quarterback Griffin Hall and bruising tailback Cooper Reves to right the ship and post a 7-1 record in the regular season against an identical schedule.

The Mustangs picked up right where they left off in the first two rounds of the playoffs, dominating Topeka West 68-22 and doing the same to Goddard 62-32 to reach the sectional round.

For South, this run has been rightfully defined as one of destiny.

The Cougars had won just four games in the five seasons leading up to this one, and won just one contest, a lopsided affair against a hapless Campus team, to finish the 2025 regular season at 1-7.

Then, the pieces that had spent the entire season floating around their intended targets began to snap into place.

South needed to play their best football to survive against an Andover team that just three weeks prior rolled over the Mustangs 48-21.

They did just that, holding the Trojans well under their averages in a stunning 24-20 upset.

The Cougars would have to play another nearly-perfect game of football on the road at Liberal the following week, and yet they found a way, handing the Redskins their third loss of the season in a thrilling 22-16 victory.

Those four wins for two schools have led us here, to the first postseason meeting between South and Central football since 2005.

Anyone who has lived in Salina for long knows the story, but there was an era where the road to a 5A state title ran through Salina.

From 1999-2005 the Mustangs and Cougars met in six-straight playoffs with the winner appearing in the state championship game every year, and a champion from Salina being crowned in five of those six seasons.

Now, for the first time in 20 years, that road will be re-paved in Salina’s quest for a return to immortality.

Central’s stars will be on full display today, led by quarterback Griffin Hall and tailback Cooper Reves, who combined have accounted for over 4,300 yards of total offense, 53 touchdowns, and just three turnovers.

That tandem will need to outpace a South passing attack anchored by sophomore standout Izzy Telles, who has over 2,000 yards passing and 22 touchdowns, thanks in large part to a combination of star wideouts Jaxon Myers and Jae Curtis.

This game has everything, from a made-for-Hollywood script with primetime-level stars to a title-starved community eager to show out and support their teams at the top of their game.

Tonight’s game will be streamed live on Salina Post and on the Salina Post YouTube page 100% free to the public. This game will also be available to watch back on-demand any time.

You can tune in tonight in the window below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostSouth and Central have shared Salina since 1863, but the city has never felt big enough for the two of them.For over 150 years, fierce battles between the Mustangs and the Cougars have delighted Salina on the gridiron, the court, and the diamond, and tonight, the next chapter in this storied rivalry will be written.<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>In week one of the high school football season, Central defeated South 31-21 to claim the Mayor’s Cup for a fifth-straight year.When the Cougars finished the regular season 1-7, few around the 5A world could have fathomed that the two would meet in the state quarterfinals, but despite the odds, that’s exactly where we stand.Central’s path to this moment has been one of triumph.&nbsp;On the heels of a disappointing 4-5 campaign, the Mustangs rallied behind junior quarterback Griffin Hall and bruising tailback Cooper Reves to right the ship and post a 7-1 record in the regular season against an identical schedule.The Mustangs picked up right where they left off in the first two rounds of the playoffs, dominating Topeka West 68-22 and doing the same to Goddard 62-32 to reach the sectional round.For South, this run has been rightfully defined as one of destiny.The Cougars had won just four games in the five seasons leading up to this one, and won just one contest, a lopsided affair against a hapless Campus team, to finish the 2025 regular season at 1-7.Then, the pieces that had spent the entire season floating around their intended targets began to snap into place.South needed to play their best football to survive against an Andover team that just three weeks prior rolled over the Mustangs 48-21.They did just that, holding the Trojans well under their averages in a stunning 24-20 upset.The Cougars would have to play another nearly-perfect game of football on the road at Liberal the following week, and yet they found a way, handing the Redskins their third loss of the season in a thrilling 22-16 victory.Those four wins for two schools have led us here, to the first postseason meeting between South and Central football since 2005.Anyone who has lived in Salina for long knows the story, but there was an era where the road to a 5A state title ran through Salina.From 1999-2005 the Mustangs and Cougars met in six-straight playoffs with the winner appearing in the state championship game every year, and a champion from Salina being crowned in five of those six seasons.Now, for the first time in 20 years, that road will be re-paved in Salina’s quest for a return to immortality.Central’s stars will be on full display today, led by quarterback Griffin Hall and tailback Cooper Reves, who combined have accounted for over 4,300 yards of total offense, 53 touchdowns, and just three turnovers.That tandem will need to outpace a South passing attack anchored by sophomore standout Izzy Telles, who has over 2,000 yards passing and 22 touchdowns, thanks in large part to a combination of star wideouts Jaxon Myers and Jae Curtis.This game has everything, from a made-for-Hollywood script with primetime-level stars to a title-starved community eager to show out and support their teams at the top of their game.Tonight’s game will be streamed live on Salina Post and on the Salina Post YouTube page 100% free to the public. This game will also be available to watch back on-demand any time.You can tune in tonight 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/1L_LFwjhH_w"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Coverage of this playoff showdown is presented by Kelly Kitchener at Shelter Insurance</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 South and Central square off in quarterfinal clash for the first time in 20 years 

WICHITA STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. —&nbsp;Wichita State Athletics announced today that Mike Kennedy, the legendary play-by-play Voice of the Shockers, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, marking the close of a historic 46-year broadcasting career with the program.

Kennedy, 77, began calling Shocker men's basketball full time during the storied 1980-81 Elite Eight season and has since become one of the most enduring and respected voices in college athletics. On Nov. 17, 2023, he reached a remarkable milestone, calling his 1,400th consecutive Wichita State men's basketball game—a streak that stands as one of the longest in the nation.

Over nearly five decades, Kennedy has chronicled the full arc of Wichita State history, including NCAA Tournament runs, conference championships, postseason triumphs, and countless memorable moments across basketball, baseball, volleyball and football. His signature cadence, deep institutional knowledge, and steady presence have connected generations of Shocker fans to the teams they love.

"This has not been an easy decision, as you can imagine, but after a great deal of thought and consideration, I know in my heart, it's the right time to take this step," Kennedy said. "At the forefront of my decision is a desire to be able to spend more time with my family. I have been truly blessed to do something I love for a university I love for 46 years now. Over that time, there have been so many great moments and memories, but above all, has been the opportunity to develop so many longstanding relationships and friendships with coaches and administrators, student-athletes, fellow broadcasters, and the fans. Shocker Nation, your support, encouragement, and kind words are a huge part of what's made my work and my life, so enjoyable and so gratifying, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now I look forward to sharing this last run through these final seasons with you. I think it's going to be a fun ride, so let's do this. Go Shocks!"

Director of Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/staff-directory/kevin-saal/1498">Kevin Saal</a>&nbsp;emphasized Kennedy's unmatched impact. "Mike Kennedy is synonymous with Wichita State and his connection to – and throughout – our journey is immeasurable," Saal said. "His professionalism, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to excellence have elevated our broadcasts, uniquely connected Shocker Nation to our sports programs in authentic ways and strengthened the Shocker brand for nearly half a century. His legacy is profound, lasting, highly impactful and irreplaceable."

In addition to his broadcast accomplishments, Kennedy has been an active contributor to the Wichita community, a mentor to young broadcasters, and a trusted ambassador for Wichita State Athletics.

Wichita State will celebrate Kennedy's career during the upcoming season, with additional recognition plans to be announced.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763137858178.png" alt="Mike Kennedy - Courtesy WSU Athletic Communications" />
 <figcaption>Mike Kennedy - Courtesy WSU Athletic Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. —&nbsp;Wichita State Athletics announced today that Mike Kennedy, the legendary play-by-play Voice of the Shockers, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, marking the close of a historic 46-year broadcasting career with the program.Kennedy, 77, began calling Shocker men's basketball full time during the storied 1980-81 Elite Eight season and has since become one of the most enduring and respected voices in college athletics. On Nov. 17, 2023, he reached a remarkable milestone, calling his 1,400th consecutive Wichita State men's basketball game—a streak that stands as one of the longest in the nation.Over nearly five decades, Kennedy has chronicled the full arc of Wichita State history, including NCAA Tournament runs, conference championships, postseason triumphs, and countless memorable moments across basketball, baseball, volleyball and football. His signature cadence, deep institutional knowledge, and steady presence have connected generations of Shocker fans to the teams they love.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F100064584768369%2Fvideos%2F1701837731203045%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>"This has not been an easy decision, as you can imagine, but after a great deal of thought and consideration, I know in my heart, it's the right time to take this step," Kennedy said. "At the forefront of my decision is a desire to be able to spend more time with my family. I have been truly blessed to do something I love for a university I love for 46 years now. Over that time, there have been so many great moments and memories, but above all, has been the opportunity to develop so many longstanding relationships and friendships with coaches and administrators, student-athletes, fellow broadcasters, and the fans. Shocker Nation, your support, encouragement, and kind words are a huge part of what's made my work and my life, so enjoyable and so gratifying, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now I look forward to sharing this last run through these final seasons with you. I think it's going to be a fun ride, so let's do this. Go Shocks!"Director of Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/staff-directory/kevin-saal/1498">Kevin Saal</a>&nbsp;emphasized Kennedy's unmatched impact. "Mike Kennedy is synonymous with Wichita State and his connection to – and throughout – our journey is immeasurable," Saal said. "His professionalism, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to excellence have elevated our broadcasts, uniquely connected Shocker Nation to our sports programs in authentic ways and strengthened the Shocker brand for nearly half a century. His legacy is profound, lasting, highly impactful and irreplaceable."In addition to his broadcast accomplishments, Kennedy has been an active contributor to the Wichita community, a mentor to young broadcasters, and a trusted ambassador for Wichita State Athletics.Wichita State will celebrate Kennedy's career during the upcoming season, with additional recognition plans to be announced.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙️Kennedy to retire as 'Voice of the Shockers' following 2025-26 season

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball tonight announced its First and Second All-MLB Teams. Kansas City’s&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;was named First Team All-MLB at shortstop for the second consecutive season.

Major League Baseball introduced the All-MLB Team Awards in 2019 to give a more comprehensive honor that covered the full breadth of a season, complementing the All-Star Game selections that are awarded just past the season’s halfway point. Voters were asked only to consider performance during the regular season when casting their ballots. Fans accounted for 50% of the voting for the All-MLB Team, with a panel of experts taking the other 50%.

Witt Jr. has already been recognized this offseason with a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Platinum Glove Award, a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award and was named the Silver Slugger Award winner among American League shortstops.

Witt Jr. led the Majors this season in hits (184) for the second consecutive year, becoming the first player to accomplish that feat (excluding 2020) since&nbsp;Whit Merrifield&nbsp;did so for the Royals from 2018-19. Witt Jr. also led the Majors with 47 doubles in 2025.

Among Major League shortstops, Witt Jr. ranked 1st in hits, doubles, extra-base hits (76) and stolen bases (38), 2nd in slugging percentage (.501) and OPS (.852), 3rd in runs (99) and 4th in RBI (88).

On defense, Witt Jr. tied for the Major League lead among all players in 2025 with 24 Outs Above Average, according to&nbsp;Baseball Savant. He made 153 starts at shortstop and ranked 4th at the position in assists (382). Among American League shortstops, his 10 errors in 578 chances were 2nd fewest at the position (min. 125 starts).

Witt Jr. is the first player in Major League history to record at least 20 home runs and 30 steals in each of his first four seasons. He’s one of four players ever to record at least 100 HR and 100 steals through four seasons, joining&nbsp;Bobby Bonds,&nbsp;Darryl Strawberry&nbsp;and&nbsp;Julio Rodríguez.

Through four big league seasons, Witt Jr., 25, is a two-time All-Star, a two-time&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner, a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Platinum Glove Award winner, a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, a Major League batting champion and now has twice been named First Team All-MLB at shortstop.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball tonight announced its First and Second All-MLB Teams. Kansas City’s&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;was named First Team All-MLB at shortstop for the second consecutive season.Major League Baseball introduced the All-MLB Team Awards in 2019 to give a more comprehensive honor that covered the full breadth of a season, complementing the All-Star Game selections that are awarded just past the season’s halfway point. Voters were asked only to consider performance during the regular season when casting their ballots. Fans accounted for 50% of the voting for the All-MLB Team, with a panel of experts taking the other 50%.Witt Jr. has already been recognized this offseason with a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Platinum Glove Award, a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award and was named the Silver Slugger Award winner among American League shortstops.Witt Jr. led the Majors this season in hits (184) for the second consecutive year, becoming the first player to accomplish that feat (excluding 2020) since&nbsp;Whit Merrifield&nbsp;did so for the Royals from 2018-19. Witt Jr. also led the Majors with 47 doubles in 2025.Among Major League shortstops, Witt Jr. ranked 1st in hits, doubles, extra-base hits (76) and stolen bases (38), 2nd in slugging percentage (.501) and OPS (.852), 3rd in runs (99) and 4th in RBI (88).On defense, Witt Jr. tied for the Major League lead among all players in 2025 with 24 Outs Above Average, according to&nbsp;Baseball Savant. He made 153 starts at shortstop and ranked 4th at the position in assists (382). Among American League shortstops, his 10 errors in 578 chances were 2nd fewest at the position (min. 125 starts).Witt Jr. is the first player in Major League history to record at least 20 home runs and 30 steals in each of his first four seasons. He’s one of four players ever to record at least 100 HR and 100 steals through four seasons, joining&nbsp;Bobby Bonds,&nbsp;Darryl Strawberry&nbsp;and&nbsp;Julio Rodríguez.Through four big league seasons, Witt Jr., 25, is a two-time All-Star, a two-time&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner, a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Platinum Glove Award winner, a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, a Major League batting champion and now has twice been named First Team All-MLB at shortstop.

Bobby Witt Jr. Named First Team All-MLB

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty scored 23 points, Khamari McGriff 21 and Nate Johnson 20 as Kansas State built a big lead before hanging on to edge California 99-96 on Thursday night.

David Castillo added 16 points on four 3-pointers for the Wildcats (3-0), who shot 64% and made 9 of 18 3-point tries.

Chris Bell made 7 of 9 from the arc and scored 27 points and Dai Dai Ames hit 5 of 6 3s for 25 points for Cal (3-1), which shot 56% and made 15 of 28 3-point attempts. Justin Pippen added 14 points.

The Wildcats led 55-34 at halftime and were up 24 early in the second half before the Golden Bears rallied behind the 3-point shooting of Ames and Bell, who combined for 39 points after the break. Ames hit five 3s over the first 10 minutes of the second half then Bell made five in the final 4 1/2 minutes.

Bell's last 3-pointer made it a six-point game with 38 seconds left. The Wildcats made just 1 of 6 free throws in the final half-minute but a couple buckets from Semetri Carr weren't enough to bring the Golden Bears all the way back.

Kansas State shot 68% and made 6 of 8 from the arc in taking a 21-point halftime lead behind 11 points from Castillo and 10 each from Haggerty and McGriff. Haggerty went over 1,500 career points.

Cal is home against Presbyterian on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763089110705.png" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty scored 23 points, Khamari McGriff 21 and Nate Johnson 20 as Kansas State built a big lead before hanging on to edge California 99-96 on Thursday night.David Castillo added 16 points on four 3-pointers for the Wildcats (3-0), who shot 64% and made 9 of 18 3-point tries.Chris Bell made 7 of 9 from the arc and scored 27 points and Dai Dai Ames hit 5 of 6 3s for 25 points for Cal (3-1), which shot 56% and made 15 of 28 3-point attempts. Justin Pippen added 14 points.The Wildcats led 55-34 at halftime and were up 24 early in the second half before the Golden Bears rallied behind the 3-point shooting of Ames and Bell, who combined for 39 points after the break. Ames hit five 3s over the first 10 minutes of the second half then Bell made five in the final 4 1/2 minutes.Bell's last 3-pointer made it a six-point game with 38 seconds left. The Wildcats made just 1 of 6 free throws in the final half-minute but a couple buckets from Semetri Carr weren't enough to bring the Golden Bears all the way back.Kansas State shot 68% and made 6 of 8 from the arc in taking a 21-point halftime lead behind 11 points from Castillo and 10 each from Haggerty and McGriff. Haggerty went over 1,500 career points.<h2>Up next</h2>Cal is home against Presbyterian on Tuesday.

🏀 K-State builds 24-point lead before holding on to beat Cal 

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH AND SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q:&nbsp;On the altitude and weather in Denver.

Chiefs Coordinator QuotesNovember 13, 2025ASSISTANT HEAD COACH AND SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ:&nbsp;On the altitude and weather in Denver.TOUB:&nbsp;“Every time it seems like we have weather, (but) it seems like we’re going to be good this year. Right now, it looks promising, so that’s always a positive. It looked like last week on Thursday it was cold and windy and both punters struggled it looked like. Hopefully we get some good weather. The altitude is always the altitude, and it affects the ball flight. It hangs a little longer, and we pick up an extra few yards there but as far as the conditioning goes, I think the guys feel it early in the game then it kind of goes away. They get used to it. That’s what it seems like to me over the years.”Q:&nbsp;On Harrison Butker’s progress throughout the season.TOUB:&nbsp;“He (Harrison Butker) has had a couple of good games in a row. That’s great. He has had a really good practice – I thought it was his best Wednesday practice yesterday. The ball is flying good right now. I think the rest might have helped him. We talk about, ‘you know you got to go back to work’, and he does a lot. I think this break was really good for him because he looked good yesterday. He had two good games, and hopefully we got this thing righted.”Q:&nbsp;How do you get the guys locked in mentally for the Broncos?TOUB:&nbsp;“It’s easy. Our guys are ready. They’ll be ready for this game for sure. You can feel it already in practice, coming off a bye (week). They know the urgency. We’ve been there before (and) we have enough veterans. We know where we’re at. We know where we stand, and it’s an important game on the road. We’ll be ready.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, so it’s been a while, it’s been two weeks. It’s good to be back at it. Our guys – we had yesterday, and then the walkthrough this morning. It’s nice when they came back in the building on Tuesday because it’s not the same being a football coach without any players. With that, I’ll just open it up.”Q: On Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton and the Broncos offense with changing a lot of personnel.SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, I think they (Broncos) do a really good job of changing personnel. They end up in that a lot when you do the numbers and the percentages and that’s certainly the highest. Especially earlier in games they are rolling a lot of people. If you watch the TV – we watch the TV games and they’re rolling bodies in and out, you got to stay on top of that, that’s one thing. I mean, one thing that we feel a little bit good about is (that) we see 11 personnel from April – I mean, our guys are in it all the time, so it’s not something that we’re uncomfortable with. I think they (the Broncos) do a really good job in what they have quarterback-wise and what he (Bo Nix) does really well, and I think that’s why they’ve had some success.”Q: What have you seen from Bo Nix this year compared to last year?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Listen, so he (Broncos QB Bo Nix) has a year under his belt, he looks like he has full command of what to do at the line of scrimmage. You could see that last year as the year went on, he got better and better at that. I think the coaches, obviously, have confidence in him now with changing plays and he’s another athletic quarterback. Those guys are always a little bit of a headache because even when you’re right in what you’re doing, he can make you look bad by making you miss.”Q: Generally speaking, you guys usually peak defensively towards the end of the season. Why is that?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“We have been able to do that. I hope that that continues because we do need to get better. I give all the credit to the assistant coaches and players. You have to have coaches that feed it and keep working at it, which our guys do. Then, you have to have cerebral players that embrace it (and) want to get better. We have a lot of guys that – we always talk about chasing improvement and that’s what our guys do. Not every team has that I don’t think, but we’re blessed that we have guys that think that way.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ:&nbsp;On the Broncos defense.NAGY:&nbsp;“Well, that’s the very first thing that jumps out on tape, is you go back to some of the statistics and you see the one thing that jumps out to me is red zone wise, it’s not just this year that they’re number one, they’re good every year. I think (Broncos Defensive Coordinator) Vance Joseph does a great job at doing some things schematically, he has got great players, that jumps out. Making sure we’re efficient there. And then you look at that front, they lead the league in sacks. They make game changing plays, which I think is very important that if – that’s the other thing in the Buffalo game, we had a ton of third and eight, nine (and) 10 pluses in that game. Stay out of those. They know that, but we know it too and we got to figure out ways to do it. They’re really good across the board. They’ve lost some valuable players too and they’re still good, that’s a credit to them.”Q:&nbsp;Do you feel like the run game is hitting with Kareem Hunt?NAGY:&nbsp;“We do. We feel good about that. And I agree with you, in the game there versus Buffalo we had some good things going and sometimes it’s just the rhythm but big picture for us as we look at kind of how the year has gone. Where we feel with our run game, we feel like internally as an offense that we like some things we’re doing and we want to grow from that. It’s so important in these times, especially this time of year with the weather changes, you can’t be one dimensional number one, and number two you always got to be able to run the football, sets up play actions (and) screens, we like where we’re at, we want to keep that going and it’s going to be a super big test against a great defense.”Q:&nbsp;On the Denver Broncos pass rush and how the offensive line needs to communicate.NAGY:&nbsp;“Huge. That communication is massive. They’re (Denver Broncos) good enough as is one on one. So you just go one on one, they’re really good. Then you throw some stunts and some blitzes and second level guys coming into it. Then you throw the communication part, they’re good at it. We just have to make sure schematically, that we understand we like where we’re at as an offensive line. We like where we’re at with our protections and then in the run game, that’s critical too. Let’s just make sure we understand, we respect how good they are but we’ll put together a plan, they put together their plan and then we go butt heads and see where it lasts. Ton of respect because they’re really good and they’ve been that way.”Chiefs Player QuotesNovember 13, 2025DT CHRIS JONESQ:&nbsp;On the importance of the game this weekend.JONES:&nbsp;“Division game. We know it’s very important for where we want to be at the end of the year. This game kind of counts as two games. Last year was (a) very close physical game. We have a lot of respect for those guys, and we know what they bring to the table so we’re going to prepare well and be ready to play Sunday.”Q:&nbsp;On the Broncos offense.JONES:&nbsp;“They’re killing it. They’re killing it. They’re playing well. (Bo) Nix makes the game very easy for them and they slow the game down for him (Bo Nix). Play action passing (and) running the ball. When you can run the ball as efficient as they’ve been running, then it opens up for the quarterback with play-action passes. They’ve been doing a really really good job, and they have a head coach (Sean Payton) who I respect the heck out of. (I’ve) seen him this summer over in (Las) Vegas (and I) said a couple words to him. I’m excited to play these guys, man. Division game is always tough, it’s the Denver Broncos.”Q:&nbsp;Does it feel different that you are not winning the division as of right now?