Omaha (0-0-0, 0-0-0 Summit League) at (rv/25) K-State (0-0-0, 0-0-0 Big 12)

Monday, November 3, 2025&nbsp; |&nbsp; 6:30 p.m. |&nbsp; Bramlage Coliseum (11,010)&nbsp; |&nbsp; Manhattan, Kan.

Call (800) 221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>

<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a>

• K-State leads the series with Omaha, 8-0.

• This is the third time in the last eight seasons the schools will meet in a season-opener.

• Head coach Jeff Mittie is 8-1 in his career against Omaha.

K-State Set to Open 58th Season of WBB on Monday

MANHATTAN, Kansas -&nbsp; (rv/25) K-State begins its 58th season of action, as the Wildcats host Omaha in Bramlage Coliseum at 6:30 p.m. Monday’s game is the earliest season-opener in program history.

• This is the third time in the last eight seasons that K-State and Omaha will open a women’s basketball season against each other.

• Monday’s game can be seen live on ESPN+, as Brian Smoller (play-by-play), Missy Heidrick (analyst) and Hannah Whetstone (sideline) will have the call.

Five names, numbers or storylines about K-State women’s basketball

• K-State head coach Jeff Mittie is prepared for his 12th season in Manhattan. He owns a 218-143 (.604) record and nine postseason appearances with the Wildcats. Mittie owns the second-most wins at the helm of K-State WBB (Deb Patterson, 350). His 672 career wins at NCAA programs ranks ninth among active NCAA Division I head coaches and second among active Big 12 coaches.

• K-State’s roster of 12 for the 2025-26 season features nine new faces including four true freshmen (Aniya Foy, Gina Garcia, Brandie Harrod and Jordan Speiser) and five transfers (Izela Arenas, Nastja Claessens, Jenessa Cotton, Tess Heal and Ramiya White).

3. Cats Picked For 7th in Big 12 Poll

• K-State was chosen to finish seventh in the 2025-26 Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll.

• Junior guard Taryn Sides had a breakout season in 2024-25. Among sophomores in the nation, Sides was second for 3-point percentage (min. 60 or more 3-pt field goals made) and was fourth with 84 three-point field goals made.

• Senior guard Tess Heal is the only Wildcat on the 2025-26 roster with collegiate starts on her resume. Heal has started 74 games in her collegiate career, with 66 coming at Santa Clara and eight at Stanford in 2024-25.

• Omaha enters Monday’s season-opener after being picked for an eighth-place finish in the Summit League in the preseason coaches and media poll.

• The Mavericks finished the 2024-25 season with a 14-17 overall record, including a 5-11 mark in the Summit League.

• Omaha is guided on the sideline by first-year head coach Jamie Carey. The 2004 graduate of Texas had served as the associate head coach at UTSA the previous four seasons.

• The top returning scorer and rebounder for the Mavericks is junior forward Cora Olsen. The product of Omaha, Neb., averaged 9.4 points and hauled in 3.2 rebounds in 18 games last season.

Mittie Starts 12th season at K-State

• Jeff Mittie, one of the winningest active coaches in NCAA Division I with over 650 career wins, is in his 12th season at the helm of the K-State program and his 34th as an NCAA head coach.

• Mittie, the ninth head women’s basketball coach in K-State history, owns an overall career record of 672-378 (.640), including a 218-143 (.604) mark in his time at K-State. He has won 19 or more games in eight of his previous 11 seasons with K-State.

• Mittie is a two-time Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s Coach of the Year Watch List honoree, 2023-24 and 2024-25.

• His 672 career wins at NCAA programs ranks ninth among active NCAA Division I head coaches and second among active Big 12 coaches. Mittie registered the 650th win of his coaching career, a 92-66 victory over DePaul on Nov. 27, 2024.

• With his 218 wins at Kansas State, Mittie ranks second for wins at the helm of the K-State program.

• Mittie is the third-longest tenured head coach in K-State women’s basketball history and currently the longest tenured head coach of any sport at K-State.

• He has averaged 20.4 wins per season and experienced only two losing seasons in his 33 seasons.

• Mittie has 24 postseason appearances in his career (NCAA or WNIT Tournaments), in which he has a combined record of 26-22 (.542). He ranks second in program history for NCAA Tournament appearances with six, trailing Deb Patterson’s program record nine appearances. Mittie is 6-6 in his six NCAA Tournament appearances with the Wildcats.

• K-State will open the 2025-26 season ranked 25th in the USA Today/WBCA Coaches Poll.

• This was the fifth time K-State has appeared in the preseason Coaches Poll and second straight season.

• The Wildcats have been ranked in 41 straight USA Today/WBCA Coaches Polls dating back to Nov. 20, 2023.

• K-State concluded the 2024-25 season ranked 15th in the final USA Today/WBCA Coaches Poll.

• The Wildcats have been dominant in season-openers since the team’s first season in 1968-69. Kansas State is 48-9 (.842) in season openers and have won 23 of the last 25 season openers, including 14 straight.

• Head coach Jeff Mittie is 27-6 (.818) in season-openers, including an 11-0 mark at K-State.

K-State in Home Openers

• Kansas State has won 31 of its last 33 home openers in Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats are 48-9 (.842) all-time in home openers and 33-4 (.892) in openers in Bramlage.

• Head coach Jeff Mittie is 31-2 (.939) in home openers in his previous 33 seasons.

• K-State is 413-157 (.725) all-time inside Bramlage Coliseum, which is in its 37th season of existence.

• This season, K-State was 17-1 (.944) in home games. This tied for the fifth-longest home win streak in program history and tied for the second-longest in Bramlage. This was the longest in-season home win streak since 2002-03 (19). The .944 winning percentage this season was the best since going 19-1 (.950 in 2002-03.

• This was the 34th time in program history that the Wildcats reached double figures in home victories. It was the 26th season K-State has won 10 or more games in Bramlage.

• With this season’s 17 home wins and the 16 from the 2023-24 season, the 33 home wins by the Wildcats over the last two seasons are the most wins in Bramlage over a two-season span in program history.

• In his career in games played in his home venue, head coach Jeff Mittie is 417-114 (.785) including a 143-49 (.745) record at K-State.

• Kansas State has protected Bramlage Coliseum with determination against non-conference foes with a record of 238-30 (.888). Mittie is 84-9 (.903) in non-conference games in Bramlage.

• In its 58 seasons of action, K-State has accumulated a record of 166-55 (.751) in the month of November. The Wildcats have won 54 of its last 66 games in the month of November.

• Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 52-12 (.813) in November games.

• The Wildcats have ended the 11th month with a .500 or better record in 14 straight seasons, including a 6-0 mark in 2016-17. Overall, K-State has registered a .500 or better record in November 45 times in its history.

• K-State’s 2025-26 roster will have an international flair.

• The Wildcats feature three players from three different countries: Nastja Claessens (Belgium), Gina Garcia (Spain) and Tess Heal (Australia). Claessens is the first player in program history from Belgium, while Heal is the second player to play for the Wildcats from Australia and Garcia is the third from Spain.

• Claessens helped Belgium win the 2025 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket and was a member of the 2024 Belgian National Team at the Paris Olympics.

• Garcia had a busy summer, as she helped Spain win the 2025 FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket and the 2025 FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket. Garcia was named to the All-Star Five in both events and captured MVP honors at the U20s.

• In its history, K-State has had a letterwinner from five different foreign countries (Spain, 2; Ukraine, Canada, Australia and France, 1).

K-State Top-25 in NCAA History for Wins

• K-State is in its 58th season of action and ranks among the top programs in NCAA history for all-time wins.

• K-State’s all-time record stands at 1,071-672 (.614) and the Wildcats enter the 2025-26 season ranked 21st in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history for program wins. The Wildcats were the 19th program in NCAA Division I history to reach 1,000 or more wins as a program and are one of four members of the Big 12 (Baylor, Utah, Texas Tech). K-State is averaging 18.5 wins per season.

• K-State is one of three teams in the nation to be guided by an active head coach with 650 or more career wins and the program has surpassed the 1,000-win mark (UConn, NC State).

• The Wildcats have accumulated 28 20-win seasons and have secured 413 victories inside Bramlage Coliseum.

• K-State has 245 wins in the Big 12 Conference.

• Kansas State has registered 276 victories when they were ranked in the Associated Press top-25 poll and achieved 95 wins against teams ranked in the AP poll.

• Guard Taryn Sides kept the offensive attack rolling in her time on the floor.

• In the 2024-25 season, Sides shot a career-high 43.3 percent from 3-point range (84-of-194). She ranked 17th in the nation for 3-point percentage. She ranked eighth in the Big 12 and 47th in the nation for 3-point field goals made per game (2.40). Sides has tallied 78.0 percent of her points this season from beyond the arc.

• Among sophomores in the nation, Sides was second for 3-point percentage (min. 60 or more 3-point field goals made) and was fourth with 84 three-point field goals made.

• Sides ranks second in program history for 3-point field goals made in a sophomore season. She was the fourth player in program history and ranked second (+58) to improve her made 3-pointers by 50 or more from one season to the next in program history.

GAME #1Omaha (0-0-0, 0-0-0 Summit League) at (rv/25) K-State (0-0-0, 0-0-0 Big 12)Monday, November 3, 2025&nbsp; |&nbsp; 6:30 p.m. |&nbsp; Bramlage Coliseum (11,010)&nbsp; |&nbsp; Manhattan, Kan.TICKETS &amp; PROMOTIONSCall (800) 221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>Postgame autographs in the Shamrock ZoneTELEVISIONESPN+Play-by-Play: Brian SmollerAnalyst: Missy HeidrickSideline: Hannah WhetstoneLIVE STATS<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a>SERIES HISTORY vs. Omaha8-0• K-State leads the series with Omaha, 8-0.• This is the third time in the last eight seasons the schools will meet in a season-opener.• Head coach Jeff Mittie is 8-1 in his career against Omaha.K-State Set to Open 58th Season of WBB on MondayMANHATTAN, Kansas -&nbsp; (rv/25) K-State begins its 58th season of action, as the Wildcats host Omaha in Bramlage Coliseum at 6:30 p.m. Monday’s game is the earliest season-opener in program history.• This is the third time in the last eight seasons that K-State and Omaha will open a women’s basketball season against each other.• Monday’s game can be seen live on ESPN+, as Brian Smoller (play-by-play), Missy Heidrick (analyst) and Hannah Whetstone (sideline) will have the call.Starting 5Five names, numbers or storylines about K-State women’s basketball1. Mittie Set for 12th season• K-State head coach Jeff Mittie is prepared for his 12th season in Manhattan. He owns a 218-143 (.604) record and nine postseason appearances with the Wildcats. Mittie owns the second-most wins at the helm of K-State WBB (Deb Patterson, 350). His 672 career wins at NCAA programs ranks ninth among active NCAA Division I head coaches and second among active Big 12 coaches.2. Nice to Meet You• K-State’s roster of 12 for the 2025-26 season features nine new faces including four true freshmen (Aniya Foy, Gina Garcia, Brandie Harrod and Jordan Speiser) and five transfers (Izela Arenas, Nastja Claessens, Jenessa Cotton, Tess Heal and Ramiya White).3. Cats Picked For 7th in Big 12 Poll• K-State was chosen to finish seventh in the 2025-26 Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll.4. Taryn Up the Nets• Junior guard Taryn Sides had a breakout season in 2024-25. Among sophomores in the nation, Sides was second for 3-point percentage (min. 60 or more 3-pt field goals made) and was fourth with 84 three-point field goals made.5. Heal on Her Toes• Senior guard Tess Heal is the only Wildcat on the 2025-26 roster with collegiate starts on her resume. Heal has started 74 games in her collegiate career, with 66 coming at Santa Clara and eight at Stanford in 2024-25.At a Glance: Omaha• Omaha enters Monday’s season-opener after being picked for an eighth-place finish in the Summit League in the preseason coaches and media poll.• The Mavericks finished the 2024-25 season with a 14-17 overall record, including a 5-11 mark in the Summit League.• Omaha is guided on the sideline by first-year head coach Jamie Carey. The 2004 graduate of Texas had served as the associate head coach at UTSA the previous four seasons.• The top returning scorer and rebounder for the Mavericks is junior forward Cora Olsen. The product of Omaha, Neb., averaged 9.4 points and hauled in 3.2 rebounds in 18 games last season.Mittie Starts 12th season at K-State• Jeff Mittie, one of the winningest active coaches in NCAA Division I with over 650 career wins, is in his 12th season at the helm of the K-State program and his 34th as an NCAA head coach.• Mittie, the ninth head women’s basketball coach in K-State history, owns an overall career record of 672-378 (.640), including a 218-143 (.604) mark in his time at K-State. He has won 19 or more games in eight of his previous 11 seasons with K-State.• Mittie is a two-time Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s Coach of the Year Watch List honoree, 2023-24 and 2024-25.• His 672 career wins at NCAA programs ranks ninth among active NCAA Division I head coaches and second among active Big 12 coaches. Mittie registered the 650th win of his coaching career, a 92-66 victory over DePaul on Nov. 27, 2024.• With his 218 wins at Kansas State, Mittie ranks second for wins at the helm of the K-State program.• Mittie is the third-longest tenured head coach in K-State women’s basketball history and currently the longest tenured head coach of any sport at K-State.• He has averaged 20.4 wins per season and experienced only two losing seasons in his 33 seasons.• Mittie has 24 postseason appearances in his career (NCAA or WNIT Tournaments), in which he has a combined record of 26-22 (.542). He ranks second in program history for NCAA Tournament appearances with six, trailing Deb Patterson’s program record nine appearances. Mittie is 6-6 in his six NCAA Tournament appearances with the Wildcats.K-State Among the Rankings• K-State will open the 2025-26 season ranked 25th in the USA Today/WBCA Coaches Poll.• This was the fifth time K-State has appeared in the preseason Coaches Poll and second straight season.• The Wildcats have been ranked in 41 straight USA Today/WBCA Coaches Polls dating back to Nov. 20, 2023.• K-State concluded the 2024-25 season ranked 15th in the final USA Today/WBCA Coaches Poll.K-State in Season Openers• The Wildcats have been dominant in season-openers since the team’s first season in 1968-69. Kansas State is 48-9 (.842) in season openers and have won 23 of the last 25 season openers, including 14 straight.• Head coach Jeff Mittie is 27-6 (.818) in season-openers, including an 11-0 mark at K-State.K-State in Home Openers• Kansas State has won 31 of its last 33 home openers in Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats are 48-9 (.842) all-time in home openers and 33-4 (.892) in openers in Bramlage.• Head coach Jeff Mittie is 31-2 (.939) in home openers in his previous 33 seasons.Wildcats 400+ Wins in Bramlage• K-State is 413-157 (.725) all-time inside Bramlage Coliseum, which is in its 37th season of existence.• This season, K-State was 17-1 (.944) in home games. This tied for the fifth-longest home win streak in program history and tied for the second-longest in Bramlage. This was the longest in-season home win streak since 2002-03 (19). The .944 winning percentage this season was the best since going 19-1 (.950 in 2002-03.• This was the 34th time in program history that the Wildcats reached double figures in home victories. It was the 26th season K-State has won 10 or more games in Bramlage.• With this season’s 17 home wins and the 16 from the 2023-24 season, the 33 home wins by the Wildcats over the last two seasons are the most wins in Bramlage over a two-season span in program history.• In his career in games played in his home venue, head coach Jeff Mittie is 417-114 (.785) including a 143-49 (.745) record at K-State.• Kansas State has protected Bramlage Coliseum with determination against non-conference foes with a record of 238-30 (.888). Mittie is 84-9 (.903) in non-conference games in Bramlage.Remember the Month of November• In its 58 seasons of action, K-State has accumulated a record of 166-55 (.751) in the month of November. The Wildcats have won 54 of its last 66 games in the month of November.• Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 52-12 (.813) in November games.• The Wildcats have ended the 11th month with a .500 or better record in 14 straight seasons, including a 6-0 mark in 2016-17. Overall, K-State has registered a .500 or better record in November 45 times in its history.International Cats• K-State’s 2025-26 roster will have an international flair.• The Wildcats feature three players from three different countries: Nastja Claessens (Belgium), Gina Garcia (Spain) and Tess Heal (Australia). Claessens is the first player in program history from Belgium, while Heal is the second player to play for the Wildcats from Australia and Garcia is the third from Spain.• Claessens helped Belgium win the 2025 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket and was a member of the 2024 Belgian National Team at the Paris Olympics.• Garcia had a busy summer, as she helped Spain win the 2025 FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket and the 2025 FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket. Garcia was named to the All-Star Five in both events and captured MVP honors at the U20s.• In its history, K-State has had a letterwinner from five different foreign countries (Spain, 2; Ukraine, Canada, Australia and France, 1).K-State Top-25 in NCAA History for Wins• K-State is in its 58th season of action and ranks among the top programs in NCAA history for all-time wins.• K-State’s all-time record stands at 1,071-672 (.614) and the Wildcats enter the 2025-26 season ranked 21st in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history for program wins. The Wildcats were the 19th program in NCAA Division I history to reach 1,000 or more wins as a program and are one of four members of the Big 12 (Baylor, Utah, Texas Tech). K-State is averaging 18.5 wins per season.• K-State is one of three teams in the nation to be guided by an active head coach with 650 or more career wins and the program has surpassed the 1,000-win mark (UConn, NC State).• The Wildcats have accumulated 28 20-win seasons and have secured 413 victories inside Bramlage Coliseum.• K-State has 245 wins in the Big 12 Conference.• Kansas State has registered 276 victories when they were ranked in the Associated Press top-25 poll and achieved 95 wins against teams ranked in the AP poll.No Side Eye for Sides• Guard Taryn Sides kept the offensive attack rolling in her time on the floor.• In the 2024-25 season, Sides shot a career-high 43.3 percent from 3-point range (84-of-194). She ranked 17th in the nation for 3-point percentage. She ranked eighth in the Big 12 and 47th in the nation for 3-point field goals made per game (2.40). Sides has tallied 78.0 percent of her points this season from beyond the arc.• Among sophomores in the nation, Sides was second for 3-point percentage (min. 60 or more 3-point field goals made) and was fourth with 84 three-point field goals made.• Sides ranks second in program history for 3-point field goals made in a sophomore season. She was the fourth player in program history and ranked second (+58) to improve her made 3-pointers by 50 or more from one season to the next in program history.

🏀 K-State Set to Open 58th Season of WBB on Monday

The Sacred Heart Knights end their season after falling short to a close game against the Marion Warriors in the 1st round of the 2025 Kansas High School Football playoffs.

The last time these two teams met was last season where the Warriors defeated the Knights 70-31 in the 1st round of playoffs. This time around, the Knights were seeking to turn that around.

The Warriors' defense were able to stop the Knights' first offensive drive, forcing a punt. The special teams of the Warriors however, blocked the punt from the Knights, taking the ball over in great field position on the 22-yard line.

The Warriors then capitalized and scored a 1-yard rushing TD by Jameson Looper. The Knights prevented a successful 2-pt conversion, bringing the score 6-0.&nbsp;

After another defensive stop, the Warriors scored again with a 10-yard rushing TD by Wyatt Soyez and a successful 2-pt conversion, bringing the score 14-0.

Heading into the 2nd quarter, the Knights defense stopped the Warriors on a couple of offensive drives and leading them to score their first points of the game.&nbsp;

Dom Matteucci ran a 9-yard rushing TD, after a big 42-yard rush from Maddox Wells, bringing the score 14-6.

After the half, the Knights started with the football and moved down the field very well. However, as they got closer to the endzone, Wells gave up an interception to Isaac Wesner.

The Warriors did not capitalize after the turnover, as the Knights defense forced a fumble and recovering it on their own 8-yard line.

Going into the 4th quarter, Wells opened the drive with a 35-yard pass to Noah Hines. Shortly afterwards, Wells completes another deep ball to Hines for 34-yards moving towards the 4-yard line in Warrior territory.

Matteucci then decreased the Warrior lead to two, after a 3-yard rushing TD, bringing the score 14-12.

On the very next offensive possession, the Warriors responded with a rushing TD of their own as Soyez converted one for 24-yards, bringing the Warrior lead to 20-12.

Final score: Marion 20 , Sacred Heart 12

The Knights finished the 2025 season with an overall record of 5-4, first time since 2013 to finish with a winning record.

Dom Matteucci: 2 rushing TDs, 75 all-purpose yards

Maddox Wells: 209 all-purpose yards&nbsp;

Jameson Looper: 1 rushing TD, 117 yards, 1 sack

<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 PostThe Sacred Heart Knights end their season after falling short to a close game against the Marion Warriors in the 1st round of the 2025 Kansas High School Football playoffs.The last time these two teams met was last season where the Warriors defeated the Knights 70-31 in the 1st round of playoffs. This time around, the Knights were seeking to turn that around.The Warriors' defense were able to stop the Knights' first offensive drive, forcing a punt. The special teams of the Warriors however, blocked the punt from the Knights, taking the ball over in great field position on the 22-yard line.The Warriors then capitalized and scored a 1-yard rushing TD by Jameson Looper. The Knights prevented a successful 2-pt conversion, bringing the score 6-0.&nbsp;After another defensive stop, the Warriors scored again with a 10-yard rushing TD by Wyatt Soyez 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>Heading into the 2nd quarter, the Knights defense stopped the Warriors on a couple of offensive drives and leading them to score their first points of the game.&nbsp;Dom Matteucci ran a 9-yard rushing TD, after a big 42-yard rush from Maddox Wells, bringing the score 14-6.After the half, the Knights started with the football and moved down the field very well. However, as they got closer to the endzone, Wells gave up an interception to Isaac Wesner.The Warriors did not capitalize after the turnover, as the Knights defense forced a fumble and recovering it on their own 8-yard line.Going into the 4th quarter, Wells opened the drive with a 35-yard pass to Noah Hines. Shortly afterwards, Wells completes another deep ball to Hines for 34-yards moving towards the 4-yard line in Warrior territory.Matteucci then decreased the Warrior lead to two, after a 3-yard rushing TD, bringing the score 14-12.On the very next offensive possession, the Warriors responded with a rushing TD of their own as Soyez converted one for 24-yards, bringing the Warrior lead to 20-12.Final score: Marion 20 , Sacred Heart 12The Knights finished the 2025 season with an overall record of 5-4, first time since 2013 to finish with a winning record.<h2>Sacred Heart stats and key players</h2>Dom Matteucci: 2 rushing TDs, 75 all-purpose yardsMaddox Wells: 209 all-purpose yards&nbsp;Noah Hines: 87 receiving yards<h2>Marion stats and key players</h2>Jameson Looper: 1 rushing TD, 117 yards, 1 sackWyatt Soyez: 2 rushing TDs, 99 yardsCarson Krause: 83 all-purpose yardsIsaac Wesner: 1 INT, 16 receiving yardsWatch the full game below:&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tFtOsA1mRaM?si=9NDjauZ1wsk3u_HY" 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 fall short in close game to Marion in playoffs 

🏈 Saline County Scoreboard Opening Round

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

Every team gets challenged in the playoffs, but for Southeast of Saline, that first postseason test will have to wait as the Trojans breezed by their first-round opponent, defeating Southwestern Heights 74-0 to advance to the round of 16.

A 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter may have been a slower start than Southeast anticipated, but the Trojans rattled off 46 points in the second to put the game away with a 60-point lead at halftime.

With this win, SES improves to 9-0 for the sixth time in as many years, while Southwestern Heights concludes its campaign at 3-7.

Six different Trojans found the end zone in this beatdown, led by Grady Gebhardt, who rushed for 130 yards in another three-touchdown performance.

The defense also had a field day, with three interceptions, including two pick-sixes, and a fumble recovery in the shutout.

Tiernan Ptacek completed five of his seven passes for two touchdowns, connecting with Gebhardt and Malachi Hopkins.

Amarion Holub and Christian Peterson each added a score on the ground while LaVone Hopkins found the end zone twice in the win.

Southeast will meet the winner of a Friday night contest between 6-2 Russell and 4-4 Cimmaron next week in the round of 16 next week.

You can watch our full broadcast of this game below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostEvery team gets challenged in the playoffs, but for Southeast of Saline, that first postseason test will have to wait as the Trojans breezed by their first-round opponent, defeating Southwestern Heights 74-0 to advance to the round of 16.A 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter may have been a slower start than Southeast anticipated, but the Trojans rattled off 46 points in the second to put the game away with a 60-point lead at halftime.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>With this win, SES improves to 9-0 for the sixth time in as many years, while Southwestern Heights concludes its campaign at 3-7.Six different Trojans found the end zone in this beatdown, led by Grady Gebhardt, who rushed for 130 yards in another three-touchdown performance.The defense also had a field day, with three interceptions, including two pick-sixes, and a fumble recovery in the shutout.Tiernan Ptacek completed five of his seven passes for two touchdowns, connecting with Gebhardt and Malachi Hopkins.Amarion Holub and Christian Peterson each added a score on the ground while LaVone Hopkins found the end zone twice in the win.Southeast will meet the winner of a Friday night contest between 6-2 Russell and 4-4 Cimmaron next week in the round of 16 next week.You can watch our full broadcast of this game 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/B9RmSR5tsFE"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 Trojans trounce Mustangs in opening round rout

Despite a heartbreaking loss at the hands of Republic County last week, the Sacred Heart football team won’t have to wait long to prove how far they’ve come, as they prepare for a rematch against the very team that eliminated them from playoff contention in 2024.

Sacred Heart’s turnaround has been undeniable, flipping a 3-4 regular season in 2024 into a 5-3 campaign in 2025 against the same opponents.

In addition to altering their record, the Knights also improved how they won, turning a -56 point differential into a +22 line this season.

Last week’s gut-wrenching 8-0 Overtime loss to Republic County didn’t just alter the Knights’ record, it also put them in the path of a familiar foe, as instead of facing 2-5 Oakley, Sacred Heart will now have to contend with 6-2 Marion.

The Warriors have been no joke this season, with their only two losses coming at the hands of Inman (6-2) and Moundridge (7-1).

Marion holds a point differential on the season of +131 and hasn’t been shy about putting up big points on opponents, scoring 60 or more twice this season while holding opponents to single digits on three separate occasions.

Last season, this game went the way of the Warriors 70-31, but this Knights squad is a much-improved one from the team that took the field a season ago, and in front of a home crowd, Sacred Heart will be eager to show just how far they’ve come.

This game will be streamed live on Salina Post with video and audio commentary, a link to the broadcast can be found below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostDespite a heartbreaking loss at the hands of Republic County last week, the Sacred Heart football team won’t have to wait long to prove how far they’ve come, as they prepare for a rematch against the very team that eliminated them from playoff contention in 2024.Sacred Heart’s turnaround has been undeniable, flipping a 3-4 regular season in 2024 into a 5-3 campaign in 2025 against the same opponents.<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 addition to altering their record, the Knights also improved how they won, turning a -56 point differential into a +22 line this season.Last week’s gut-wrenching 8-0 Overtime loss to Republic County didn’t just alter the Knights’ record, it also put them in the path of a familiar foe, as instead of facing 2-5 Oakley, Sacred Heart will now have to contend with 6-2 Marion.The Warriors have been no joke this season, with their only two losses coming at the hands of Inman (6-2) and Moundridge (7-1).Marion holds a point differential on the season of +131 and hasn’t been shy about putting up big points on opponents, scoring 60 or more twice this season while holding opponents to single digits on three separate occasions.Last season, this game went the way of the Warriors 70-31, but this Knights squad is a much-improved one from the team that took the field a season ago, and in front of a home crowd, Sacred Heart will be eager to show just how far they’ve come.This game will be streamed live on Salina Post with video and audio commentary, a link to the broadcast can be found 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/tFtOsA1mRaM"></iframe>
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🏈 Knights welcome Warriors for playoff rematch

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Junior guard P.J. Haggerty was among 20 players named to the watch list for the 2026 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division I Player of the Year award in an announcement by the organization on Thursday (Oct. 30).

The award is selected in a nationwide vote of Division I head coaches at the conclusion of the regular season. It will be announced the week of the 2026 Final Four.

Haggerty was joined on the watch list by four other Big 12 players, including BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, Texas Tech’s JT Toppin and Houston’s Milos Uzan.

Other candidates include Tennessee’s Nate Ament, Duke’s Cameron Boozer, Florida’s Alex Condon, UCLA’s Donovan Dent, St. John’s Zuby Ejiofor, Gonzaga’s Graham Ike, UConn’s Alex Karaban, Purdue’s Trey Kaufman-Renn, Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford, Alabama’s Labaron Philon, Purdue’s Braden Smith, Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz and N.C. State’s Darrion Williams.

Haggerty has already received a number of preseason accolades, including All-America honors from CBS Sports, Jay Bilas, The Field of 68, Jon Rothstein and @CBBAnalytics and All-Big 12 honors from the league coaches. He was also named to the watch list for the Jerry West Award, which is given annually the nation’s top shooting guard.

Haggerty scored a game-high 23 points in last Friday’s exhibition at Missouri, connecting on 8-of-14 field goals, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, and 5-of-7 free throws to go with a game-high 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 rebounds in just under 25 minutes of action.

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

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Junior guard P.J. Haggerty was among 20 players named to the watch list for the 2026 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division I Player of the Year award in an announcement by the organization on Thursday (Oct. 30).The award is selected in a nationwide vote of Division I head coaches at the conclusion of the regular season. It will be announced the week of the 2026 Final Four.Haggerty was joined on the watch list by four other Big 12 players, including BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, Texas Tech’s JT Toppin and Houston’s Milos Uzan.Other candidates include Tennessee’s Nate Ament, Duke’s Cameron Boozer, Florida’s Alex Condon, UCLA’s Donovan Dent, St. John’s Zuby Ejiofor, Gonzaga’s Graham Ike, UConn’s Alex Karaban, Purdue’s Trey Kaufman-Renn, Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford, Alabama’s Labaron Philon, Purdue’s Braden Smith, Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz and N.C. State’s Darrion Williams.Haggerty has already received a number of preseason accolades, including All-America honors from CBS Sports, Jay Bilas, The Field of 68, Jon Rothstein and @CBBAnalytics and All-Big 12 honors from the league coaches. He was also named to the watch list for the Jerry West Award, which is given annually the nation’s top shooting guard.Haggerty scored a game-high 23 points in last Friday’s exhibition at Missouri, connecting on 8-of-14 field goals, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, and 5-of-7 free throws to go with a game-high 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 rebounds in just under 25 minutes of action.A consensus Second Team All-American at Memphis, Haggerty is coming off a career year in 2024-25, in which, he became the first Division I player since Ja Morant in 2018-19 to average 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals to go with 6.5 free throws per game. He ranked third nationally in both scoring (21.7 ppg.) and total points (759), while his 759 points were an AAC single-season record and the most since Dajuan Wagner (762) set the school single-season record in 2001-02. He became the first Memphis Tiger since 2008 to be named an AP All-American, while he was selected as the AAC Player of the Year, First Team All-AAC and the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 AAC Championship.

Haggerty Named to NABC Division I Player of the Year Watch List

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH AND SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q:&nbsp;Does anything stand out in the particular stadium in Buffalo?

TOUB:&nbsp;“It’s, every time we go it’s windy, it’s rainy, it seems like every time. It’s kind of weird that way. I don’t know. I haven’t really looked at the weather. I don’t know what we’re going to get. It’s always a factor it seems like every time.”

Q:&nbsp;On getting positive yards within the return game.

TOUB:&nbsp;“We’re better than what we’re playing right now. We’re not getting those returns on the board and when we do, we’re going to be where we should be. We’re just not there yet.”

Q:&nbsp;Matt Araiza began his career in Buffalo; can you speak to what he has done for you since he’s been in Kansas City?

TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah, you just reminded me about that. That last time we played Buffalo he (Matt Araiza) ran down – I don’t know if you guys remember, he ran down there and made a tackle. He was like a nut. I’m going to make sure he pulls back a little bit. It’s special any time that you go back, I mean they drafted him. I know he’s going to have some added pressure to do a great job (and) you got to keep your head on straight. I know it’s going to be a big game for Matt.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

Q: How quickly can Mike Pennel make an impact?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, the good thing about Mike (Pennel) is he was here before this season I think it is probably an easier transition for him than going someplace else. We’re glad that we got him. Mike is a fun guy to have around, and a good football player. So we’re happy about that.”

Q: What are some of the key factors to being a successful defense on fourth downs?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I would put that right back on the players because our guys do a really good job of being on point. They recognize the situation. We talked about fourth down on Tuesday. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing. We do that on Tuesday in our first meeting when we segway to the next team and we research (and) the guys do a great job. (Outside Linebackers Coach) Rod Wilson is involved in that. No matter what you call, the guys got to execute and our guys have done a pretty good job at that.”

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“This is a real dynamic runner (Bills RB James Cook). We’ve faced a bunch of them already this season. This guy might be the tops of the crew. I think he is really – I’m always impressed with running backs that can make the jump cut behind the line of scrimmage and go and he can do that. He really – I showed three of them this morning, he can capture that edge (and) he can convince an edge defender that he is going inside and then boom get outside on them and that’s where he is really dangerous, because he’s got really good speed. He can do it all. I mean he’s going to look to cut back on us – it looks to me like they really are trying to feature their run game and they’re doing a really good job of it.”

Q:&nbsp;What is unique about the Bills defense?

NAGY:&nbsp;“The idea that they all play within (Head Coach Sean) McDermott and Coach (Defensive Coordinator Bobby) Babich’s scheme that they have. They play it fast (and) they play it well. They do a good job – it’s always a hostile environment there in Buffalo, they feed off of that with the crowd noise. So, we want to make sure that with silent count we’re good there. Part of that is being – no self-inflicting wounds with penalties – pre-snap penalties. Schematically, they do a really good job in their zones and when they play man, they’re super physical, they’re sticky, they make you be good with releases, they make you win at the top of routes and then they have good ball skills. So, you kind of put that all together with an offense that’s scoring points, and it makes it tough.”

Q:&nbsp;How much fun has this season been?

NAGY:&nbsp;“This has been a lot of fun. For me, the experiences that I’ve had in my career as a coach this is up there at the top. Our record is our record (and) we’ve come together here after those first couple games. The people that are doing it in this building, together, it’s everybody. It makes you feel good when you drive in here to work every morning and you’re excited for the moment to be with the guys, but you’re not satisfied. And I think that’s what’s so powerful about this culture that we have right now is that we’re doing It together. There is not one selfish person that is on this team or coach.&nbsp; When you win defensively, special teams, offense, coaches, the support, the fans, the city, it’s awesome. That’s why we do what we do. From the offensive side, I haven’t really been apart of this before. It’s a bunch of good guys playing good football.”

Q:&nbsp;How much of a factor is it where you’re playing and the atmosphere when deciding to go for it on fourth down?

NAGY:&nbsp;“No man. I like what you just said with the aggressive. You just used it twice in there and we got to keep that going. Making sure we’re aggressive is important. I know we’ve talked about it all the time. We talk about it internally. We have to stay that way, and if you don’t get it that’s okay at least everybody knows this is how were going to do it and we’re going to go down this way and then when you do get it, it’s just contagious. So, we want to keep that going, and that’s the positivity and the power of speaking it into existence.”

Q:&nbsp;What is the best part of having Mike Pennel back in the defensive line room?

JONES:&nbsp;“Mike (Pennel) brings a veteran presence. Good for the locker room. Great guy. Like one of my brothers, you know? A lot of good things I could say about him. Just bringing positive energy. I think that’s something that goes underrated in a football locker room. A good, high-energy guy that keeps everyone fun, happy but also makes you remember the important stuff (like) how old and how gracious this game is.”

JONES:&nbsp;“This is one of those matchups where this game could be a huge deciding factor of seeding for playoff, and it’s always exciting, competitive game. Especially when you play a guy like (Bills QB) Josh Allen. Who can do so many things well. He’s big, he’s physical, but also fast, also has a big arm that can make any throw, and he makes the guys around him better. So, we know it’s going to be a competitive matchup, and we always look forward to the challenge.”

Q:&nbsp;What fuels you when playing in a hostile environment?

Chiefs Coordinator QuotesOctober 30, 2025ASSISTANT HEAD COACH AND SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ:&nbsp;Does anything stand out in the particular stadium in Buffalo?TOUB:&nbsp;“It’s, every time we go it’s windy, it’s rainy, it seems like every time. It’s kind of weird that way. I don’t know. I haven’t really looked at the weather. I don’t know what we’re going to get. It’s always a factor it seems like every time.”Q:&nbsp;On getting positive yards within the return game.TOUB:&nbsp;“We’re better than what we’re playing right now. We’re not getting those returns on the board and when we do, we’re going to be where we should be. We’re just not there yet.”Q:&nbsp;Matt Araiza began his career in Buffalo; can you speak to what he has done for you since he’s been in Kansas City?TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah, you just reminded me about that. That last time we played Buffalo he (Matt Araiza) ran down – I don’t know if you guys remember, he ran down there and made a tackle. He was like a nut. I’m going to make sure he pulls back a little bit. It’s special any time that you go back, I mean they drafted him. I know he’s going to have some added pressure to do a great job (and) you got to keep your head on straight. I know it’s going to be a big game for Matt.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOQ: How quickly can Mike Pennel make an impact?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, the good thing about Mike (Pennel) is he was here before this season I think it is probably an easier transition for him than going someplace else. We’re glad that we got him. Mike is a fun guy to have around, and a good football player. So we’re happy about that.”Q: What are some of the key factors to being a successful defense on fourth downs?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I would put that right back on the players because our guys do a really good job of being on point. They recognize the situation. We talked about fourth down on Tuesday. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing. We do that on Tuesday in our first meeting when we segway to the next team and we research (and) the guys do a great job. (Outside Linebackers Coach) Rod Wilson is involved in that. No matter what you call, the guys got to execute and our guys have done a pretty good job at that.”Q: On containing James Cook.SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“This is a real dynamic runner (Bills RB James Cook). We’ve faced a bunch of them already this season. This guy might be the tops of the crew. I think he is really – I’m always impressed with running backs that can make the jump cut behind the line of scrimmage and go and he can do that. He really – I showed three of them this morning, he can capture that edge (and) he can convince an edge defender that he is going inside and then boom get outside on them and that’s where he is really dangerous, because he’s got really good speed. He can do it all. I mean he’s going to look to cut back on us – it looks to me like they really are trying to feature their run game and they’re doing a really good job of it.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ:&nbsp;What is unique about the Bills defense?NAGY:&nbsp;“The idea that they all play within (Head Coach Sean) McDermott and Coach (Defensive Coordinator Bobby) Babich’s scheme that they have. They play it fast (and) they play it well. They do a good job – it’s always a hostile environment there in Buffalo, they feed off of that with the crowd noise. So, we want to make sure that with silent count we’re good there. Part of that is being – no self-inflicting wounds with penalties – pre-snap penalties. Schematically, they do a really good job in their zones and when they play man, they’re super physical, they’re sticky, they make you be good with releases, they make you win at the top of routes and then they have good ball skills. So, you kind of put that all together with an offense that’s scoring points, and it makes it tough.”Q:&nbsp;How much fun has this season been?NAGY:&nbsp;“This has been a lot of fun. For me, the experiences that I’ve had in my career as a coach this is up there at the top. Our record is our record (and) we’ve come together here after those first couple games. The people that are doing it in this building, together, it’s everybody. It makes you feel good when you drive in here to work every morning and you’re excited for the moment to be with the guys, but you’re not satisfied. And I think that’s what’s so powerful about this culture that we have right now is that we’re doing It together. There is not one selfish person that is on this team or coach.&nbsp; When you win defensively, special teams, offense, coaches, the support, the fans, the city, it’s awesome. That’s why we do what we do. From the offensive side, I haven’t really been apart of this before. It’s a bunch of good guys playing good football.”Q:&nbsp;How much of a factor is it where you’re playing and the atmosphere when deciding to go for it on fourth down?NAGY:&nbsp;“No man. I like what you just said with the aggressive. You just used it twice in there and we got to keep that going. Making sure we’re aggressive is important. I know we’ve talked about it all the time. We talk about it internally. We have to stay that way, and if you don’t get it that’s okay at least everybody knows this is how were going to do it and we’re going to go down this way and then when you do get it, it’s just contagious. So, we want to keep that going, and that’s the positivity and the power of speaking it into existence.”Chiefs Player QuotesOctober 30, 2025DT CHRIS JONESQ:&nbsp;What is the best part of having Mike Pennel back in the defensive line room?JONES:&nbsp;“Mike (Pennel) brings a veteran presence. Good for the locker room. Great guy. Like one of my brothers, you know? A lot of good things I could say about him. Just bringing positive energy. I think that’s something that goes underrated in a football locker room. A good, high-energy guy that keeps everyone fun, happy but also makes you remember the important stuff (like) how old and how gracious this game is.”Q:&nbsp;On the Bills matchup.JONES:&nbsp;“This is one of those matchups where this game could be a huge deciding factor of seeding for playoff, and it’s always exciting, competitive game. Especially when you play a guy like (Bills QB) Josh Allen. Who can do so many things well. He’s big, he’s physical, but also fast, also has a big arm that can make any throw, and he makes the guys around him better. So, we know it’s going to be a competitive matchup, and we always look forward to the challenge.”Q:&nbsp;What fuels you when playing in a hostile environment?

Chiefs Quotes: 10-30-25

If you’ve watched Southeast of Saline football over the years, you’ve seen a program steadily marching toward an ultimate goal.

After a rough 2017 campaign, 2018 and 2019 were about returning to the playoffs and winning playoff games.

As the team improved, 2020-2023 were about establishing themselves as true contenders and competing with some of the best teams in the state.

Then, in 2024, the dam broke, and the Trojans marched into the 2A state championship game, pulled off an unthinkable comeback, and staked their claim to a second state title over a Nemaha Central juggernaut.

In 2025, Southeast finds itself in a new position, with a sizable target on its back, and everyone in the state looking to take them down and prevent a repeat title run.

The regular season was all business for SES, as the Trojans rolled to a sixth-straight undefeated 8-0 start, a sixth-straight uncontested league title, and a sixth-straight district crown.

While in a traditional year, Southeast would receive a test or two, this year the games weren’t even close as the Trojans won those contests by a combined score of 447-77.

No one has held SES to under 50 points this season, and the Trojans haven’t allowed more than 16 points in a game since week one.

Now, Southeast turns its attention to a playoff run that begins this Thursday against Southwestern Heights, standing five wins away from a repeat state title.

“We always want to 1-0 every week but with our goals everything goes in stages,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “We want to be league champs, we want to be district champs and then every week of the playoffs presents a new challenge for that week. When we get that far we’d also like to be state champs but we can’t do that without going 1-0 against Southwestern Heights.”

It’s been tough sledding for the 2-6 Mustangs, who played a brutal regular-season schedule, and now find themselves in the path of one of the best teams in the entire state in round one.

Much of what Southwestern Heights does revolves around quarterback Omar Mercado, who has done his best to keep the Mustangs above water all season long.

“They’ve played a really tough schedule but they’re seasoned and they have a quarterback who does a really great job running the ball and throwing it,” Gebhardt said. “Defensively they get a lot of guys to the football so we’ll have to be ready come kickoff.”

The winner of this game will play the victor of a showdown between 6-2 Russell and 4-4 Cimmaron next week.

Tonight’s game will be broadcast on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) and can also be streamed live on Salina Post below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostIf you’ve watched Southeast of Saline football over the years, you’ve seen a program steadily marching toward an ultimate goal.After a rough 2017 campaign, 2018 and 2019 were about returning to the playoffs and winning playoff games.<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>As the team improved, 2020-2023 were about establishing themselves as true contenders and competing with some of the best teams in the state.Then, in 2024, the dam broke, and the Trojans marched into the 2A state championship game, pulled off an unthinkable comeback, and staked their claim to a second state title over a Nemaha Central juggernaut.In 2025, Southeast finds itself in a new position, with a sizable target on its back, and everyone in the state looking to take them down and prevent a repeat title run.The regular season was all business for SES, as the Trojans rolled to a sixth-straight undefeated 8-0 start, a sixth-straight uncontested league title, and a sixth-straight district crown.While in a traditional year, Southeast would receive a test or two, this year the games weren’t even close as the Trojans won those contests by a combined score of 447-77.No one has held SES to under 50 points this season, and the Trojans haven’t allowed more than 16 points in a game since week one.Now, Southeast turns its attention to a playoff run that begins this Thursday against Southwestern Heights, standing five wins away from a repeat state title.“We always want to 1-0 every week but with our goals everything goes in stages,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “We want to be league champs, we want to be district champs and then every week of the playoffs presents a new challenge for that week. When we get that far we’d also like to be state champs but we can’t do that without going 1-0 against Southwestern Heights.”It’s been tough sledding for the 2-6 Mustangs, who played a brutal regular-season schedule, and now find themselves in the path of one of the best teams in the entire state in round one.Much of what Southwestern Heights does revolves around quarterback Omar Mercado, who has done his best to keep the Mustangs above water all season long.“They’ve played a really tough schedule but they’re seasoned and they have a quarterback who does a really great job running the ball and throwing it,” Gebhardt said. “Defensively they get a lot of guys to the football so we’ll have to be ready come kickoff.”The winner of this game will play the victor of a showdown between 6-2 Russell and 4-4 Cimmaron next week.Tonight’s game will be broadcast on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) and can also be streamed live on Salina Post 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/B9RmSR5tsFE"></iframe>
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🏈 Trojans begin playoff portion of state title defense against Mustangs on Thursday

Kansas Wesleyan Athletics will host a Coaches Corner on Monday, November 3, at The Library on Santa Fe, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Kansas Wesleyan Coaches Corner series is proudly presented by the Jeff Wells Agency of American Family Insurance.

Fans of the Coyotes will have the chance to hear updates from the fall sport coaches and from the bowling and basketball coaches about their newly started seasons.

In the first half of the Coaches Corner, Coyote supporters will be able to hear from men's soccer coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6631db72-e17b-4c4b-a787-0afe8677a2a7?elinkdata=31828">Ryan Palmbaum</a>, football coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe549af2-d5d3-4f9e-96bb-daf5bfdd7a8c?elinkdata=31828">Matt Middleton</a> and cross country coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1a6ff927-7163-4072-ad02-620fd451f545?elinkdata=31828">Garrett Young</a> to talk about their seasons that are wrapping up. First-year women's basketball coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3102b5f6-e7ed-44dc-9972-f1116e45ae79?elinkdata=31828">Harper Taylor</a> will also speak about her team's start to the season.

Kansas Wesleyan Athletics will host a Coaches Corner on Monday, November 3, at The Library on Santa Fe, starting at 5:30 p.m.The Kansas Wesleyan Coaches Corner series is proudly presented by the Jeff Wells Agency of American Family Insurance.Fans of the Coyotes will have the chance to hear updates from the fall sport coaches and from the bowling and basketball coaches about their newly started seasons.In the first half of the Coaches Corner, Coyote supporters will be able to hear from men's soccer coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6631db72-e17b-4c4b-a787-0afe8677a2a7?elinkdata=31828">Ryan Palmbaum</a>, football coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe549af2-d5d3-4f9e-96bb-daf5bfdd7a8c?elinkdata=31828">Matt Middleton</a> and cross country coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1a6ff927-7163-4072-ad02-620fd451f545?elinkdata=31828">Garrett Young</a> to talk about their seasons that are wrapping up. First-year women's basketball coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3102b5f6-e7ed-44dc-9972-f1116e45ae79?elinkdata=31828">Harper Taylor</a> will also speak about her team's start to the season.

Kansas Wesleyan to host Coaches Corner on November 3 at The Library

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer used three second half goals to defeat McPherson College Bulldogs 3-0 on Wednesday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

KWU guaranteed itself no worse than a fourth-place finish in the Kansas Conference this season with one match left as the Coyotes are in fourth with 26 points, seven ahead of Tabor with 19. The Coyotes can earn the No. 3 spot in the table with a victory over Avila on Saturday and a draw or loss by York at Oklahoma Wesleyan also on Saturday.

The first half was quiet offensively as the teams worked each other for position. The Coyotes did have an early flurry of shots but all would come up empty.

In the 59th minute the Coyotes broke through. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0ef5184c-1928-4569-972f-0d44e82eb05b?elinkdata=31762">Aaron Joseph</a> had the ball over the middle and passed out to the left side to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8f450d25-4c8d-4da7-a29d-43241d15529a?elinkdata=31762">Seth Flores</a> who then sent a long pass to the middle finding <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5ddc631c-69bc-4a92-ab16-4689da982107?elinkdata=31762">Gonzalo Gaubeka</a> who made a sliding play at the ball, getting enough on it to push it into goal just beyond the McPherson goalkeeper.

The Coyotes made it 2-0 in the 77th minute. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a885361f-d863-4350-9f52-0aeb13fa77ef?elinkdata=31762">Noel Zimbeva</a> had the ball along the left sideline and sent a pass ahead to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4d11b1a1-8aea-461c-b1c1-ef6ec6cbeab6?elinkdata=31762">Brennen Lamont</a> who dribbled near the touch line and sent a pass in to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/657c5ac5-f801-4ffa-b484-fd63f5912fa5?elinkdata=31762">Quatama Massaquoi</a> who scored it just inside the near post.

KWU capped the scoring in the 83rd minute. After a McPherson goal kick, the Coyotes got control of the ball and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/84aee28b-6411-4561-b444-cefc68509290?elinkdata=31762">Seth Flores</a> had it and dribbled down the middle of the pitch and sent one in just inside the near side post.

After an evenly played first half, the Coyotes controlled the second half, outshooting the Bulldogs 13-4 in the second half and 20-8 for the match. Three different players had four shots each for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/071d0d17-85a6-43f7-ac81-208aa0b07479?elinkdata=31762">Shae Wirt</a> claimed another clean sheet with three saves.

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer used three second half goals to defeat McPherson College Bulldogs 3-0 on Wednesday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.KWU guaranteed itself no worse than a fourth-place finish in the Kansas Conference this season with one match left as the Coyotes are in fourth with 26 points, seven ahead of Tabor with 19. The Coyotes can earn the No. 3 spot in the table with a victory over Avila on Saturday and a draw or loss by York at Oklahoma Wesleyan also on Saturday.The first half was quiet offensively as the teams worked each other for position. The Coyotes did have an early flurry of shots but all would come up empty.In the 59th minute the Coyotes broke through. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0ef5184c-1928-4569-972f-0d44e82eb05b?elinkdata=31762">Aaron Joseph</a> had the ball over the middle and passed out to the left side to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8f450d25-4c8d-4da7-a29d-43241d15529a?elinkdata=31762">Seth Flores</a> who then sent a long pass to the middle finding <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5ddc631c-69bc-4a92-ab16-4689da982107?elinkdata=31762">Gonzalo Gaubeka</a> who made a sliding play at the ball, getting enough on it to push it into goal just beyond the McPherson goalkeeper.The Coyotes made it 2-0 in the 77th minute. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a885361f-d863-4350-9f52-0aeb13fa77ef?elinkdata=31762">Noel Zimbeva</a> had the ball along the left sideline and sent a pass ahead to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4d11b1a1-8aea-461c-b1c1-ef6ec6cbeab6?elinkdata=31762">Brennen Lamont</a> who dribbled near the touch line and sent a pass in to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/657c5ac5-f801-4ffa-b484-fd63f5912fa5?elinkdata=31762">Quatama Massaquoi</a> who scored it just inside the near post.KWU capped the scoring in the 83rd minute. After a McPherson goal kick, the Coyotes got control of the ball and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/84aee28b-6411-4561-b444-cefc68509290?elinkdata=31762">Seth Flores</a> had it and dribbled down the middle of the pitch and sent one in just inside the near side post.After an evenly played first half, the Coyotes controlled the second half, outshooting the Bulldogs 13-4 in the second half and 20-8 for the match. Three different players had four shots each for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/071d0d17-85a6-43f7-ac81-208aa0b07479?elinkdata=31762">Shae Wirt</a> claimed another clean sheet with three saves.

⚽️ KWU Men’s Soccer gets 3-0 win over McPherson

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer picked up an important 2-1 win over the McPherson College Bulldogs on Wednesday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

The victory gives KWU no worse than a third place finish in the KCAC standings regardless of what happens on Saturday when the Coyotes play Avila at JRI Stadium. KWU does have a chance to move into second place in the conference table with a win Saturday and a loss by Friends to McPherson.

KWU also remains undefeated in the all-time series against McPherson dating back to 1996, KWU's first season of soccer. KWU is now 32-0-4 all-time against the Bulldogs, and has 10 straight victories since a 2016 tie between the teams.

McPherson deployed the defensive formation against the Coyotes, essentially putting nine on the back lines to try to slow down the Coyotes. Despite the defensive shift, the Coyotes had several early looks.

KWU's had its first good chance in the 12th minute when a shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d9c6cad0-b851-420d-adc4-a4f9140ab89e?elinkdata=31795">Talia Walsh</a> hit the crossbar.

The Coyotes got on the board first in the 32nd minute. After a McPherson foul, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ad43dc85-6c15-441f-b7c7-469e09016845?elinkdata=31795">Carstyn Anderson</a> sent a ball into the box and found <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/690d5860-5f0c-4da4-a596-0deeabfd33ac?elinkdata=31795">Kendall Davis</a> who knocked it in to give the Coyotes the lead and break the stalemate.

A hand ball in the box in the 58th minute led to KWU's second goal. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4072ae57-2834-416d-9647-5ddd5fc648f1?elinkdata=31795">Rylie Moreno-Rojas</a> lined up the penalty try and slid it in giving KWU a 2-0 lead.

McPherson got a lone goal by Ayden Jones in the 67th minute, but could not manage another shot the rest of the match.

KWU outshot McPherson 18-2 in the match. Seven players had two shots each for the Coyotes.

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer picked up an important 2-1 win over the McPherson College Bulldogs on Wednesday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.The victory gives KWU no worse than a third place finish in the KCAC standings regardless of what happens on Saturday when the Coyotes play Avila at JRI Stadium. KWU does have a chance to move into second place in the conference table with a win Saturday and a loss by Friends to McPherson.KWU also remains undefeated in the all-time series against McPherson dating back to 1996, KWU's first season of soccer. KWU is now 32-0-4 all-time against the Bulldogs, and has 10 straight victories since a 2016 tie between the teams.McPherson deployed the defensive formation against the Coyotes, essentially putting nine on the back lines to try to slow down the Coyotes. Despite the defensive shift, the Coyotes had several early looks.KWU's had its first good chance in the 12th minute when a shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d9c6cad0-b851-420d-adc4-a4f9140ab89e?elinkdata=31795">Talia Walsh</a> hit the crossbar.The Coyotes got on the board first in the 32nd minute. After a McPherson foul, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ad43dc85-6c15-441f-b7c7-469e09016845?elinkdata=31795">Carstyn Anderson</a> sent a ball into the box and found <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/690d5860-5f0c-4da4-a596-0deeabfd33ac?elinkdata=31795">Kendall Davis</a> who knocked it in to give the Coyotes the lead and break the stalemate.A hand ball in the box in the 58th minute led to KWU's second goal. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4072ae57-2834-416d-9647-5ddd5fc648f1?elinkdata=31795">Rylie Moreno-Rojas</a> lined up the penalty try and slid it in giving KWU a 2-0 lead.McPherson got a lone goal by Ayden Jones in the 67th minute, but could not manage another shot the rest of the match.KWU outshot McPherson 18-2 in the match. Seven players had two shots each for the Coyotes.

⚽️ Coyote Women’s Soccer remains unbeaten all-time against McPherson with 2-1 win over Bulldogs

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“As far as the guys not practicing, Hollywood (Brown) is sick (and) won’t practice. (Isiah) Pacheco with his knee (injury) won’t practice and then Josh (Simmons) will be out. Other than that, everybody is going to go (and) Trey (Smith) is going to give it a whirl. He did the walk through this morning, so we’ll just see how he does. Look forward to the challenge of playing Buffalo. We know they’re a good football team. There’s a lot of history between the two teams over the last few years and it’s been a good battle every time that we have an opportunity to play each other. (Bills Head Coach) Sean (McDermott) does a great job with that crew, and he has a solid – very good coaching staff and good players. So, we have to have a good week of preparation going forward here. With that time is yours.”

Q: How do you handle trade discussions with Brett Veach?

REID:&nbsp;“(General Manager) Brett (Veach) does all of that. If he gets to a point where something is up and he feels comfortable about it, then he hits me up on it. He takes care of all of that. Those guys – you know how Brett is wired so he’s endlessly looking for people and trying to bring people on to make us better. That’s how he goes about it.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you envision Isiah Pacheco’s injury as long term or just week-to-week evaluation?

REID:&nbsp;“I don’t think so. We’ll just see how he (Isiah Pacheco) is moving around. (He’s) a tough kid (and) there was a point there where he wanted to go back in, and I wouldn’t let him. But that’s how he’s wired, you’d have to cut his leg off to stop him (chuckles).”

Q: Was Patrick Mahomes’ interception he threw on the back shoulder a part of him trusting the receivers and being more aggressive?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I’d probably saying the trusting part. He’s (Patrick Mahomes) got to trust that the guys will make that play. It didn’t work out for Hollywood (Brown) there, or Pat but that’s something that we’ve seen him do in practice and done in practice. We’ve had a couple in games – back shoulder throws. I’d tell you I would put more on the trust on the guys than anything.”

Q: What concerns you most about the Bills?

REID:&nbsp;“Their offense is special and obviously the quarterback (Bills QB Josh Allen) is one of the best in the league at what he does, and he has a great surrounding crew starting up front and moving on back. Defensively their front is again – they can bring it. They’ve got a solid front and their linebackers, secondary – they’re well coached. The scheme on both sides of the balls (and) special teams, they’re solid there too (and) well coached (Special Teams Coordinator) Chris (Tabor) does a nice job with that crew. They’re just an all-around good football team and there aren’t a whole lot of weaknesses there.”

Q: How better suited is Kareem Hunt for a lead running back role this year versus last year?

REID:&nbsp;“Probably in better shape. Just overall, better shape. Not that he (Kareem Hunt) was in terrible shape before, but he’s been – he’s had a year to do it and kind of get back into the swing after having a little bit of a lay off there.”

Q: What have you seen from Elijah Mitchell this year and can you speak to his position on the depth chart?

REID:&nbsp;“First of all he (Elijah Mitchell) had a severe injury at one point, and a lot of guys wouldn’t even come back from this thing, and he battled back. You could see him just get better every week during camp and then progressing through to now. He takes a lot of reps with the scout team group. I would tell you that we all have confidence in his playability for sure.”