CLEVELAND (AP) — Slade Cecconi took a bid to end Cleveland's long no-hitter drought into the eighth inning, and the Guardians rolled to a 10-2 win over Kansas City on Monday night and leapfrogged the Royals in the AL wild-card race.

Cecconi (6-6) was six outs from the first no-hitter in the majors this season — and Cleveland's first since Len Barker's perfect game in 1981 — when Kansas City's Michael Massey singled leading off the eighth.

On Cecconi's 95th pitch, Massey lined a 2-1 fastball into left-center. The right-hander received a nice ovation from the crowd in Progressive Field before Cecconi got Carter Jensen to hit into a double play.

Cleveland (73-70) won its fourth straight game and moved past the Royals (73-71) into second place in the AL Central. Cleveland entered the four-game series 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the third and final wild card spot.

Kyle Manzardo, Daniel Schneemann and Nolan Jones had two RBIs apiece for Cleveland, which set season highs with 16 hits and seven doubles.

The Guardians tagged Ryan Bergert (2-2) for four RBI doubles and six runs in the fourth inning while opening an 8-0 lead. C.J. Kayfus, Brayan Rocchio, Schneemann and Jones hit the doubles.

Royals All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was not in the starting lineup for the third straight game due to back spasms. Manager Matt Quatraro said Witt ran and did some fielding before the game without any issues and was possible to see “game action.”

Witt didn't get in but is expected to play Tuesday.

Second baseman Rocchio made two nice defensive plays to keep Cecconi's bid intact. In the second, he made a diving stop on Salvador Perez's hard shot up the middle. Two innings later, Rocchio slid in the outfield grass to corral Kyle Isbel's grounder before flipping to second for a forceout.

Since Barker’s perfecto at old Municipal Stadium, eight Cleveland pitchers have carried no-hitters into the ninth inning before their bids were ended. On Aug. 6, Gavin Williams was two outs away before allowing a homer to New York's Juan Soto.

Rookie LHP Noah Cameron (7-6, 3.03 ERA) starts for the Royals against Joey Cantillo (4-3, 3.73), who makes his second career start against Kansas City.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Slade Cecconi took a bid to end Cleveland's long no-hitter drought into the eighth inning, and the Guardians rolled to a 10-2 win over Kansas City on Monday night and leapfrogged the Royals in the AL wild-card race.Cecconi (6-6) was six outs from the first no-hitter in the majors this season — and Cleveland's first since Len Barker's perfect game in 1981 — when Kansas City's Michael Massey singled leading off the eighth.On Cecconi's 95th pitch, Massey lined a 2-1 fastball into left-center. The right-hander received a nice ovation from the crowd in Progressive Field before Cecconi got Carter Jensen to hit into a double play.Cleveland (73-70) won its fourth straight game and moved past the Royals (73-71) into second place in the AL Central. Cleveland entered the four-game series 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the third and final wild card spot.Kyle Manzardo, Daniel Schneemann and Nolan Jones had two RBIs apiece for Cleveland, which set season highs with 16 hits and seven doubles.The Guardians tagged Ryan Bergert (2-2) for four RBI doubles and six runs in the fourth inning while opening an 8-0 lead. C.J. Kayfus, Brayan Rocchio, Schneemann and Jones hit the doubles.Royals All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was not in the starting lineup for the third straight game due to back spasms. Manager Matt Quatraro said Witt ran and did some fielding before the game without any issues and was possible to see “game action.”Witt didn't get in but is expected to play Tuesday.<h2>Key Moment</h2>Second baseman Rocchio made two nice defensive plays to keep Cecconi's bid intact. In the second, he made a diving stop on Salvador Perez's hard shot up the middle. Two innings later, Rocchio slid in the outfield grass to corral Kyle Isbel's grounder before flipping to second for a forceout.<h2>Key Stat</h2>Since Barker’s perfecto at old Municipal Stadium, eight Cleveland pitchers have carried no-hitters into the ninth inning before their bids were ended. On Aug. 6, Gavin Williams was two outs away before allowing a homer to New York's Juan Soto.<h2>Up Next</h2>Rookie LHP Noah Cameron (7-6, 3.03 ERA) starts for the Royals against Joey Cantillo (4-3, 3.73), who makes his second career start against Kansas City.

⚾ Slade Cecconi loses no-hit bid in 8th, Guards rout Royals 

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“So as far as the injuries go, I know Xavier’s (Worthy) the big question, and he’s rehabbing and working his shoulder and we’ll just see where it goes – day by day here (and) see where we end up. As far as the game goes, we’ve got to obviously coach better and play better. I take full responsibility for that, and we’ll get that worked out. There were some good things mixed in there, but there’s some things we’ve got to fix, and I know the players are aware of that, and the coaches are aware of it. So we’ll get busy on that. We’ve got a good (Philadelphia) Eagles team coming in here and (we) look forward to playing right here at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium against a good football team. So, with that, (the) time’s yours.”

Q: How close is Jalen Royals to returning? Considering you may not have Xavier Worthy this week, what is his confidence level?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, Jalen’s (Royals) done a good job with his rehab. Well, again we’ll just see how that ends up this week. We’ve got a couple (of) days here that we’ve had, so guys are making good progress in that, but we’ll see, (we’ll) see where it rolls. If neither (Jalen Royals and Xavier Worthy) play, we’ve got the guys that we played with the other night that are good football players.”

Q: Where is your “preparedness-level” at in regard to giving Kristian Fulton a bigger workload?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s (Kristian Fulton) been working in and working out, which is a good thing, and we’ll just use him as we go here. How much bigger of a load he gets? I can’t tell you that, but he has been working and he gets better every day, so (he’s) more comfortable every day. It’s not only getting back physically, but also with the defensive part of it.”

Q: How would you assess the pass defense overall?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, there are things that we’ve got to work on. Spags (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) has got a great grasp of it and the players, they know. So, we’ve got to fix a few things there. Yeah.”

Q: What mentality do you want to see from the team in the home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think the guys – they’ll be fired up to play against a real good football team (Philadelphia Eagles), and at home. I wouldn’t expect anything less than that.”

Q: What stood out for you from other teams in Week 1?

REID:&nbsp;“You know I didn’t look at much. The one advantage that both the (Philadelphia) Eagles and we had was we had a couple (of) extra days to dig in on each other, so that’s where I spent all my time after going through our stuff.”

Q: Was there any explanation as to exactly why Teair Tart wasn’t ejected from the game following his foul on Travis Kelce?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah. I don't understand that – (the) rule. I didn't – I guess it's open hand, fist or whatever, I don't know. I mean, I don't know all that, what their decision was on that, you know. But he (Travis Kelce) definitely got hit in the head pretty hard whether it was an open fist or closed fist.”

<a>Q</a>: What happened between the Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy collision?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah. I mean, it was just one of those deals. I mean, sometimes that happens, you know that’s –anyways sometimes that happens with crossing routes, but you hope it doesn't and (doesn’t) very often for sure.”

Q: Can you explain your arrival on the field after halftime?

REID:&nbsp;“I think it (halftime) probably went a little longer than what we were given, so that was it.”

Q: Is the Teair Tart personal foul something you can reach out to the league and get more clarification on?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think it’s the open hand, closed hand deal. I’m not sure how you determine that, which hurts more.”

Q: Have you heard from the league about clarification?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesSeptember 8, 2025OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“So as far as the injuries go, I know Xavier’s (Worthy) the big question, and he’s rehabbing and working his shoulder and we’ll just see where it goes – day by day here (and) see where we end up. As far as the game goes, we’ve got to obviously coach better and play better. I take full responsibility for that, and we’ll get that worked out. There were some good things mixed in there, but there’s some things we’ve got to fix, and I know the players are aware of that, and the coaches are aware of it. So we’ll get busy on that. We’ve got a good (Philadelphia) Eagles team coming in here and (we) look forward to playing right here at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium against a good football team. So, with that, (the) time’s yours.”Q: How close is Jalen Royals to returning? Considering you may not have Xavier Worthy this week, what is his confidence level?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, Jalen’s (Royals) done a good job with his rehab. Well, again we’ll just see how that ends up this week. We’ve got a couple (of) days here that we’ve had, so guys are making good progress in that, but we’ll see, (we’ll) see where it rolls. If neither (Jalen Royals and Xavier Worthy) play, we’ve got the guys that we played with the other night that are good football players.”Q: Where is your “preparedness-level” at in regard to giving Kristian Fulton a bigger workload?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s (Kristian Fulton) been working in and working out, which is a good thing, and we’ll just use him as we go here. How much bigger of a load he gets? I can’t tell you that, but he has been working and he gets better every day, so (he’s) more comfortable every day. It’s not only getting back physically, but also with the defensive part of it.”Q: How would you assess the pass defense overall?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, there are things that we’ve got to work on. Spags (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) has got a great grasp of it and the players, they know. So, we’ve got to fix a few things there. Yeah.”Q: What mentality do you want to see from the team in the home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think the guys – they’ll be fired up to play against a real good football team (Philadelphia Eagles), and at home. I wouldn’t expect anything less than that.”Q: What stood out for you from other teams in Week 1?REID:&nbsp;“You know I didn’t look at much. The one advantage that both the (Philadelphia) Eagles and we had was we had a couple (of) extra days to dig in on each other, so that’s where I spent all my time after going through our stuff.”Q: Was there any explanation as to exactly why Teair Tart wasn’t ejected from the game following his foul on Travis Kelce?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah. I don't understand that – (the) rule. I didn't – I guess it's open hand, fist or whatever, I don't know. I mean, I don't know all that, what their decision was on that, you know. But he (Travis Kelce) definitely got hit in the head pretty hard whether it was an open fist or closed fist.”<a>Q</a>: What happened between the Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy collision?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah. I mean, it was just one of those deals. I mean, sometimes that happens, you know that’s –anyways sometimes that happens with crossing routes, but you hope it doesn't and (doesn’t) very often for sure.”Q: Can you explain your arrival on the field after halftime?REID:&nbsp;“I think it (halftime) probably went a little longer than what we were given, so that was it.”Q: Is the Teair Tart personal foul something you can reach out to the league and get more clarification on?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think it’s the open hand, closed hand deal. I’m not sure how you determine that, which hurts more.”Q: Have you heard from the league about clarification?

Chiefs Quotes: 10-8-25

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football is set to open Big 12 Conference play versus West Virginia on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. on FS1, the league announced Monday.

The matchup between Kansas and West Virginia will be the first Big 12 Conference game this season for both teams and will be the first Big 12 matchup inside the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

It will be the 14th&nbsp;matchup between Kansas and West Virginia in program history, including the sixth game played in Lawrence. Kansas has opened Big 12 Conference play versus West Virginia four times, with this year being the third Big 12 Conference opener against the Mountaineers in the last four seasons.

The game will be Kansas’ first on FS1 this season and Kansas’ third kickoff at 5p.m. or later. The Jayhawks are 2-0 in both evening kickoffs this season.

Kansas has a 2-0 start in home games this season with a 31-7 win over Fresno State on Aug. 23 and a 46-7 victory over Wagner on Aug. 29. The matchup against West Virginia will be the third of seven home games for the Jayhawks in 2025, with matchups versus Cincinnati (Sept. 27), Kansas State (Oct. 25), Oklahoma State (Nov. 1) and Utah (Nov. 28) on the schedule.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football is set to open Big 12 Conference play versus West Virginia on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. on FS1, the league announced Monday.The matchup between Kansas and West Virginia will be the first Big 12 Conference game this season for both teams and will be the first Big 12 matchup inside the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.It will be the 14th&nbsp;matchup between Kansas and West Virginia in program history, including the sixth game played in Lawrence. Kansas has opened Big 12 Conference play versus West Virginia four times, with this year being the third Big 12 Conference opener against the Mountaineers in the last four seasons.The game will be Kansas’ first on FS1 this season and Kansas’ third kickoff at 5p.m. or later. The Jayhawks are 2-0 in both evening kickoffs this season.Kansas has a 2-0 start in home games this season with a 31-7 win over Fresno State on Aug. 23 and a 46-7 victory over Wagner on Aug. 29. The matchup against West Virginia will be the third of seven home games for the Jayhawks in 2025, with matchups versus Cincinnati (Sept. 27), Kansas State (Oct. 25), Oklahoma State (Nov. 1) and Utah (Nov. 28) on the schedule.

🏈 Kansas to Open Big 12 Play Against West Virginia at 5 p.m. on FS1

TV: FOX (<a href="https://www.foxsports.com/college-football/kansas-state-wildcats-vs-arizona-wildcats-sep-12-2025-game-boxscore-41426">Watch</a>)

K-State Radio: K-State Sports Network; <a href="http://k-statesports.com/">k-statesports.com</a> (<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/live">Listen</a>)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Wyatt Thompson (Play-by-Play)&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Stan Weber (Analyst)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Matt Walters (Sidelines)

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<a href="https://tunein.com/radio/Big-12-Radio-s329464/">Big 12 Radio on TuneIn</a>

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THE TOP 51) Following a tough 24-21 loss at home to Army, – a game that saw the Wildcats possess the ball for just over three minutes in the second half – K-State now turns it attention to a quick turnaround and Friday night game at Arizona. The contest inside Arizona Stadium kicks off at 8 p.m. (CT) and will be shown on FOX with Jason Benetti (play-by-play), Robert Griffin III (analyst) and Alexa Landestoy (sidelines) on the call.

2) Quarterback Avery Johnson is set to make his 18th-career start under center. The Wichita, Kansas, product enters the game with a 148.9 pass efficiency rating and is 64-of-98 (65.3%) for 763 yards and six touchdowns on the year. He enters the week ranking third nationally in total passing yards (763) and 26th nationally in completions per game (21.3).

3) K-State has seen 12 different players record catches this season, and wide receiver Jayce Brown had a career-best 12 catches for 109 yards and a touchdown against North Dakota, while Jaron Tibbs and Brown each have two touchdown catches on the year. Brown leads the team in receiving with 19 catches for 216 yards and three scores, while Jerand Bradley has 10 catches for 152 yards and a touchdown.

4) In three games, K-State’s defense has held its opponents to an average of 3.1 yards per rush on 149 attempts and also has 20 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Austin Romaine leads the way in tackles with 28 stops thanks to 10 tackles in each of the last two games, while Des Purnell had a career-high 10 tackles against Army. Tobi Osunsanmi has a team-leading 3.0 sacks and 4.0 tackles for loss.

5) The Wildcats’ defensive backs have totaled 10 pass breakups through the first three weeks of the season. Cornerback Zashon Rich leads the way with three passes defended, and he is fifth on the team with 13 tackles. Fellow cornerback Donovan McIntosh has two pass breakups, while five other Wildcats have recorded one each. The Cats also have three fumble recoveries on the year.

STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHTS375 – K-State has totaled at least 375 offensive yards in 34 games since 2022, which is tied for fourth among Power 4 teams.

65.3 – Completion percentage by Avery Johnson through three games in 2025. Last year, he completed 58.3% of his passes.

24 – Consecutive games that Jayce Brown has recorded at least one catch, which dates back to the 2023 Texas Tech game.

5.7 – Despite the loss, the Wildcats averaged 5.7 yards per play against Army. K-State only had 43 total plays in the game.

3:16 – Kansas State’s time of possession in the second half. Its total time of possession of 19:31 was the lowest since 2008.

• Since 1990, K-State holds a 102-21 (82.9%) record in regular-season non-conference games.

• That stretch includes an 85-10 (89.5%) mark at home. Over that period of time, the Wildcats have had perfect regular season non-conference ledgers 18 times and unblemished marks at home on 27 occasions.

• K-State is 4-1 in the regular season against non-conference Power 4 opponents under Chris Klieman. The Wildcats won at Mississippi State in 2019 before defeating Stanford in the 2021 season opener and Missouri at home in 2022. The lone loss was a last-second field goal by Missouri in Columbia last season.

• Last season, the K-State vs. Arizona contest was also a non-conference matchup with the Wildcats winning in Manhattan, 31-7.

• Dating back to his days at North Dakota State, Klieman is 7-1 in the regular season against non-conference Power 5 opponents, as his Bison teams defeated Iowa State in 2014 and Iowa in 2016.

• This is the second-straight season the Wildcats will play a regular-season Friday night game as they defeated Arizona, 31-7, on a Friday night in Manhattan last season.

• K-State will try to reserve the current trend of Friday road games as it has dropped its last two such contests. The Wildcats lost their season-opener at Stanford (26-13) in 2016 on a Friday, while they fell at Texas in the 2021 regular-season finale (22-17).

• K-State’s 38-35 triumph over North Dakota marked the fifth come-from-behind victory since the beginning of 2024 when trailing in the fourth quarter.

• It represented K-State’s first game-winning touchdown with under 1:00 left in regulation since Skylar Thompson connected with Isaiah Zuber on the final play in a home game against Iowa State in 2017.

• K-State is one of only 10 Power 4 schools that have won at least nine games in each of the last three seasons, joining Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State and Tennessee.

• Among those teams, only Kansas State, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Oregon have accomplished that feat in addition to winning a conference championship during that timeframe.

• The Wildcats rank 15th among Power 4 teams and are tops among current Big 12 programs with 29 total wins over the last three seasons.

• K-State has a total of 232 victories since 1996, which is tied for 21st nationally.

• Among active Big 12 teams, the Wildcats rank fourth behind BYU (241), TCU (239) and Utah (235).

• Kansas State has totaled 144 Big 12 victories since the conference’s formation in 1996, which stands as the most among active Big 12 programs.

• The Cats are also second among active Big 12 members in winning percentage since non-divisional play began in 2011. They sit at 59.1% (75-52), trailing only Oklahoma State (61.1%; 77-49).

• During that stretch, the Wildcats are 42-21 (66.7%) at home in Big 12 play and 33-31 (51.6%) on the road/neutral.

• The 2025 Wildcats are tied for sixth in most returning letterwinners since 2003 with 45, which is impressive considering the roster limits that took effect over the summer.

• Among the group, K-State returns 13 starters from last season – which is tied for 10th in the nation – while its 15 returning starters from the Rate Bowl are tied for seventh in the nation.

• Of the 13 returning starters, seven hail from the state of Kansas.

• On offense, the Kansans are quarterback Avery Johnson (Wichita), running back Dylan Edwards (Derby) and offensive linemen Taylor Poitier (Kansas City) and Sam Hecht (Shawnee).

• Defensively, the list includes defensive tackle Damian Ilalio (Manhattan), linebacker Des Purnell (Topeka) and defensive end Cody Stufflebean (McPherson).

• Kansas State played nine night games a year ago – going 6-3 in those contests – and the Wildcats begin the season with each of their first four games kicking off at 5 p.m. local time or later.

• The season opener against Iowa State kicked off at 5 p.m. (Irish Standard Time), while K-State’s first two home games each kicked off at 6 p.m. (Central Time). This week, the Wildcats travel to face Arizona in a game that will kick off at 6 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time).

• Last season was the first time that K-State played nine night games during the regular season in the Big 12 era (1996).

• A proven winner with a championship history, Chris Klieman holds a 121-43 career record, as his 73.8% career winning percentage ranks fourth among current FBS coaches that have completed at least 10 seasons. He is also one of just 16 current Power 4 head coaches with at least 100 career victories.

• Klieman, who is 49-30 since arriving at K-State, has led the Cats to five victories over teams ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25, the most of any active Big 12 program since 2019.

• K-State earned four come-from-behind wins in 2024 when trailing in the fourth quarter – which tied for the second most in the country (Illinois, 5) – and the Cats added another one in 2025.

• The Wildcats’ four wins last season when trailing in the fourth quarter tied the school record originally set by the 2011 squad.

• At Tulane, a Dylan Edwards touchdown run and a Jack Fabris fumble return erased a 27-20 deficit in a 34-27 win.

• At Colorado, a 50-yard touchdown pass from Avery Johnson to Jayce Brown with 2:14 remaining swung a 28-24 deficit to a 31-28 victory in the Buffaloes’ lone home loss of the season.

• K-State trailed Kansas, 27-26, until Chris Tennant’s 51-yard field goal with 1:42 left earned the Wildcats a 29-27 win.

• The Wildcats recorded their largest bowl come-from-behind victory in the 2024 Rate Bowl as they trailed Rutgers by 17 points in the third quarter and by 12 points in the fourth quarter before a 44-41 victory.

• In this year’s home opener against North Dakota, the Wildcats trailed, 35-31, with 1:33 remaining and needed to go 81 yards for a touchdown. Johnson connected with Joe Jackson on a six-yard touchdown pass with 0:42 left for the win. It was the first game-winning touchdown with less than 1:00 remaining in regulation since a Skylar Thompson-to-Isaiah Zuber pass on the final play of the game against Iowa State in 2017.

• K-State is the nation’s best in non-offensive touchdowns over the last 25-plus seasons as it has 136 since 1999, 10 more than the next closest team (Alabama – 126) and 18 more than the next Big 12 program (Utah – 118).

• K-State recorded four non-offensive scores during the 2024 season, its most since also recording four in 2020.

• The Wildcats got on the board in 2025 thanks to Bryce Noernberg’s 99-yard kickoff return against Army.

• After spending the 2024 season coaching the K-State quarterbacks and serving as co-offensive coordinator, associate head coach Matt Wells is now the full-time play caller in 2025.

• All Wells did during his first season on staff was tutor Avery Johnson to a school-record 25 touchdown passes, while his sophomore signal caller ranked fifth in school history in passing yards (2,985) and completions (238).

• Wells and Johnson helped guide a K-State offense that finished in the top 15 nationally in four categories and in the top 10 of school history in 15 game or season categories.

TOTAL OFFENSE• K-State has totaled at least 375 yards of offense in 34 of the last 43 games dating back to the beginning of the 2022 season.

• The 34 games with at least 375 yards are tied for seventh among Power 4 programs and second among Big 12 schools. • Georgia leads the way with 38, followed by Oregon (36), USC (36), TCU (35), Texas (35) and Washington (35).

• During that stretch, K-State holds a 27-7 record when totaling at least 375 yards, while the Wildcats are 2-7 when going under that mark.RED ZONE SUCCESS• Since Chris Klieman’s first season at K-State in 2019, the Wildcats have been the best in the Big 12 in terms of converting red-zone opportunities into points.

• The Wildcats rank first in the Big 12 with an 89.9% (276-of-307) success rate in the red zone since 2019, just ahead of both Texas Tech (88.1%) and Oklahoma State (87.7%).

• K-State also ranks first in the league in touchdown success rate at 66.8% (205-of-307), ahead of Kansas (66.4%) and Utah (65.5%).RED ZONE THREATS• Kansas State’s tight end unit combined for 13 touchdown receptions in 2024, which led the nation.

• The 13 touchdowns came from four different players who are all back in 2025 in Garrett Oakley (5), Will Anciaux (3), Will Swanson (3) and Brayden Loftin (2).GROUND AND POUND• K-State finished the 2024 season ranking 11th nationally by averaging 215.5 rushing yards per game, while the Cats were second in the country by averaging a school-record 6.08 rushing yards per carry.

• The Cats rushed for at least 200 yards in eight games last year, the most in the Big 12 and the second most among Power 4 schools.

• The average was driven by 95 rushes of at least 10 yards to rank seventh in the nation, while K-State’s 34 rushing plays of 20 or more yards last season ranked second (UNLV, 36).NEW – BUT EXPERIENCED – OL• Kansas State brought back seven offensive linemen who have seen playing time in a Wildcat uniform prior to the start of 2025 but only three that earned starts. However, K-State is not void of experience thanks to the addition of a few transfers.

• The Wildcats’ six primary offensive linemen in the first two games have totaled 172 games played and 58 starts, led by left guard Taylor Poitier (34 games, 19 starts).

• The other primary linemen to open the 2025 season are center Sam Hecht (33 games, 16 starts), right guard JB Nelson (33 games, 9 starts), tackle/guard Andrew Leingang (30 games, 5 starts), left tackle John Pastore (13 games, 3 start) and tackle Terrence Enos Jr. (29 games, 6 starts).VERY EFFICIENT• Quarterback Avery Johnson had one of his better outputs in terms of efficiency in the season opener, completing 70.0% of his passes and producing a 168.4 pass efficiency rating.

• Johnson went 21-of-30 for 273 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions against Iowa State. His 70.0% completion clip was a career best (minimum 10 attempts), bettering his 66.7% mark in last year’s season opener against UT Martin. His pass efficiency rating was the second highest of his career, only to be outdone by a 186.0 mark last year at West Virginia.THROWING FOR 300• Avery Johnson backed his season-opening performance up with the first 300-yard passing game of his career as he threw for 318 yards and a career-high tying three touchdowns on 28-of-43 aim against North Dakota. His completion and attempt totals were also a career high.

• It was the 46th 300-yard passing game in school history and the first since Will Howard went for 327 during an overtime contest at Texas in 2023.

MULTIPLE TD PASSES• Avery Johnson threw multiple touchdown passes in five-straight games until that streak was snapped against Army.

• It was the longest streak of games with multiple touchdown passes since Will Howard held a five-game streak in 2023 against TCU, Houston, Texas, Baylor and Kansas.

WINNING FROM A YOUNG AGE• Despite only starting 17 career games, Avery Johnson has led the Wildcats to 11 wins to rank 11th in school history in wins among K-State signal callers since 1990.

• Additionally, his 64.7% winning percentage ranks 10th among those that have started at least 10 games.

FAVORITE TARGET• Avery Johnson’s favorite target to open the 2025 season has been wide receiver Jayce Brown, who has 19 receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns over the first three games.

• Brown hauled in 12 catches against North Dakota, which tied for the seventh-most catches in a single game in school history, doubled his previous career high of six (last year at Colorado) and were the most by a Wildcat since Tyler Lockett had 13 in the final game of his career in the 2014 Alamo Bowl vs. UCLA.

🏈 K-State Closes Non-Conference Play at Arizona

WICHITA, Kan. (September 7, 2025)—Ben Ross hit a walk-off home run in a 12-11 win for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Tulsa Drillers at Equity Bank Park. The Wind Surge are now two games back of the Drillers for the playoff spot.

After Kole Myers reached on an infield error, Chris Newell doubled to the right-center gap to drive him in and give Tulsa a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. James Tibbs III lined a two-run home run over the top of the right field wall two frames later to triple the early advantage for the Drillers.

Wichita put up four runs in the home half of the third on an RBI single to right by Hendry Mendez and a three-run blast to the left field berm by Andrew Cossetti that gave the Wind Surge a 4-3 lead.&nbsp;

Mendez yanked an RBI triple toward the right field corner in the bottom of the fifth, and the designated hitter got awarded home plate on a balk later in the inning. Maddux Houghton grounded a base hit up the middle for the third run of the frame and a 7-3 Wichita score.

Tulsa scored twice before the seventh inning stretch on a disengagement violation and a wild pitch. A two-run blast into the Drillers’ bullpen from Cossetti, an RBI double by Houghton, and a run-scoring single by Jose Salas made it 11-5 Wind Surge after seven.

Six unanswered runs followed for Tulsa over the eighth and ninth, with two-run hits by Myers and Tibbs III in the eighth. The latter was a triple to the wall in right-center. Taylor Young tied the game 11-11 by scampering in on a wild pitch in the ninth.

On the first pitch of the bottom of the ninth inning, Ross launched a walk-off solo home run to left field for a 12-11 Wichita final. The victory brought the Propeller back to the ICT for the first time since 2021.&nbsp;

Jaylen Nowlin improved to 5-0 with the win after giving up an earned run on a hit and two walks over one and one-third innings.

WICHITA, Kan. (September 7, 2025)—Ben Ross hit a walk-off home run in a 12-11 win for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Tulsa Drillers at Equity Bank Park. The Wind Surge are now two games back of the Drillers for the playoff spot.After Kole Myers reached on an infield error, Chris Newell doubled to the right-center gap to drive him in and give Tulsa a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. James Tibbs III lined a two-run home run over the top of the right field wall two frames later to triple the early advantage for the Drillers.Wichita put up four runs in the home half of the third on an RBI single to right by Hendry Mendez and a three-run blast to the left field berm by Andrew Cossetti that gave the Wind Surge a 4-3 lead.&nbsp;Mendez yanked an RBI triple toward the right field corner in the bottom of the fifth, and the designated hitter got awarded home plate on a balk later in the inning. Maddux Houghton grounded a base hit up the middle for the third run of the frame and a 7-3 Wichita score.Tulsa scored twice before the seventh inning stretch on a disengagement violation and a wild pitch. A two-run blast into the Drillers’ bullpen from Cossetti, an RBI double by Houghton, and a run-scoring single by Jose Salas made it 11-5 Wind Surge after seven.Six unanswered runs followed for Tulsa over the eighth and ninth, with two-run hits by Myers and Tibbs III in the eighth. The latter was a triple to the wall in right-center. Taylor Young tied the game 11-11 by scampering in on a wild pitch in the ninth.On the first pitch of the bottom of the ninth inning, Ross launched a walk-off solo home run to left field for a 12-11 Wichita final. The victory brought the Propeller back to the ICT for the first time since 2021.&nbsp;Jaylen Nowlin improved to 5-0 with the win after giving up an earned run on a hit and two walks over one and one-third innings.POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>The Wind Surge are two games behind the Drillers for the second-half playoff spot with six regular games remaining.</li><li>Wichita wins the Propeller Series for the second time and first since 2021.&nbsp;</li><li>The Wind Surge record their third walk-off win of the season and second of the homestand.</li><li>Wichita finishes the 2025 regular season with a franchise-best 44-25 home record.</li><li>The Wind Surge play their final regular season series on the road in Corpus Christi, beginning on Tuesday.</li>
 </ul>

Wind Surge Walk Off Drillers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Byron Buxton and Kody Clemens homered and the Minnesota Twins beat Kansas City 5-1 on Sunday to drop the Royals two games back for the last AL wild card.

Buxton led off the game against Michael Lorenzen (5-10) with his 30th homer, extending his career high. He was hit by a 91.8 mph sinker in the fifth inning and was replaced for the bottom of the sixth because of what the Twins said was a bruised left knee.

Clemens hit his 16th homer in the fourth, a 451-drive that gave Minnesota a 3-0 lead. Minnesota padded its advantage in the fourth with a double steal, with Royce Lewis on first and Luke Keaschall on third.

Kansas City (73-69) fell two games behind Seattle (75-68) for the third AL wild card.

Bailey Ober (5-7) gave up one run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings,

Lorenzen allowed four runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Kansas City scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's RBI single in the sixth.

Kansas City had the potential tying run at the plate with one out in the eighth before Kody Funderburk struck out Pasquantino and Justin Topa retired Salvador Perez on a groundout.

Buxton has 17 leadoff homers, including eight this season.

Twins: RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4, 4.53 ERA) starts Monday against the Los Angeles Angels and RHP Caden Dana (0-0, 4.91).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Byron Buxton and Kody Clemens homered and the Minnesota Twins beat Kansas City 5-1 on Sunday to drop the Royals two games back for the last AL wild card.Buxton led off the game against Michael Lorenzen (5-10) with his 30th homer, extending his career high. He was hit by a 91.8 mph sinker in the fifth inning and was replaced for the bottom of the sixth because of what the Twins said was a bruised left knee.Clemens hit his 16th homer in the fourth, a 451-drive that gave Minnesota a 3-0 lead. Minnesota padded its advantage in the fourth with a double steal, with Royce Lewis on first and Luke Keaschall on third.Kansas City (73-69) fell two games behind Seattle (75-68) for the third AL wild card.Bailey Ober (5-7) gave up one run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings,Lorenzen allowed four runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.Kansas City scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's RBI single in the sixth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kansas City had the potential tying run at the plate with one out in the eighth before Kody Funderburk struck out Pasquantino and Justin Topa retired Salvador Perez on a groundout.<h2>Key stat</h2>Buxton has 17 leadoff homers, including eight this season.<h2>Up next</h2>Twins: RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4, 4.53 ERA) starts Monday against the Los Angeles Angels and RHP Caden Dana (0-0, 4.91).

 ⚾ Royals fall 2 back for last AL wild card after Sunday loss to Twins

LINDSBORG - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2be39772-ccd9-4cbf-9316-6cf3bc098cbd?elinkdata=28680">Henry Austad</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/334a4b43-9eba-458b-bf71-e0a2445a202c?elinkdata=28680">Will Wilcox</a> are getting comfortable in coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ca3829a8-a4ad-4d52-a2e8-c1b9eceda2e5?elinkdata=28680">Matt Middleton</a>'s new Kansas Wesleyan offense.

Austad passed for 276 yards and three touchdowns - 126 yards and two touchdowns to Wilcox - as KWU rolled over Kansas Conference archrival Bethany 38-7 victory Saturday night at Ted Kessinger Family Stadium.

The Coyotes improved to 2-0 in Middleton's first season as head coach and defeated Bethany for the 11th consecutive time. They are 13-1 in the last 14 games and 20-5 against the Swedes since 2005. Saturday's game was the 115th meeting.

Austad, a graduate transfer from Southeastern (Florida), completed 26 of 34 passes and no interceptions while Wilcox, a freshman wide out and transfer from Henderson State (Arkansas), caught seven passes that included touchdown grabs of nine and 69 yards.

"Henry had a really good night, Wilcox had a monster night," Middleton said on his postgame radio show.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ee1da579-9cfd-45dd-8234-0b8b07f6e237?elinkdata=28680">Jevin Dorsey</a> had six receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown as nine different receivers caught passes.

The Coyotes led 28-0 at halftime and continued to shut down Bethany's offense in the second half. They finished with 415 total yards and limited the Swedes to 246 - just 40 rushing.

Middleton was pleased with the victory but saw plenty of room for improvement.

"Good in the first half, I don't feel real good after the second half," he said. "But the effort was there, and a win is a win so I need to be proud about that. It got sloppy and out of control. We had at least three penalties that killed drives tonight and we just can't do that and continue to win. We've got to find a way to get those things fixed."

Wesleyan took a 7-0 lead on its first drive of the game going 51 yards on nine plays - the final nine yards on a perfectly thrown pass from Austad to Wilcox in the back left corner of the end zone at the 8:33 mark.

The Coyotes scored three touchdowns in the second quarter, the first on a two-yard pass from Austad to Dorsey on the second play of the period that finished off an 11-play, 75-yard drive. Austad then hit Wilcox with another dime that covered 69 yards with 6:39 left capping a quick four-play, 95-yard drive.

Bethany fumbled the ensuing kickoff and KWU recovered at the Swedes' 30-yard line. The Coyotes scored nine plays later on Domena's two-yard run with 2:06 left in the half.

The Swedes scored their touchdown on the second play of the second half. A KWU fumble on the first play of the half gave Bethany the ball at the 21-yard line and Landry Shields hit Chase Hyer for the score on the first play.

The Coyotes answered with a 31-yard <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fc091a5b-98d3-46a1-812a-f58c491c595e?elinkdata=28680">Talon Cope</a> field goal on their next possession to increase the lead to 31-7 with 10:31 left in the third quarter.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b5972d99-f6f3-4633-a817-3cbc2962e20d?elinkdata=28680">Kohl Nolan's</a> five-yard touchdown run with 4:49 left in the third quarter was the game's final points. The 10-play drive covered 67 yards.

Bethany had the ball inside the KWU 20-yard line twice in the fourth quarter, but the Coyotes held firm. Shields and fellow quarterback Jessie Caver were a combined 17 of 44 passing (38.6 percent).

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/76258d8a-1266-48bc-8626-68260f838c59?elinkdata=28680">Jamison Price</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b8fee9d3-fb89-4fce-902d-bfb6662bd8ca?elinkdata=28680">Myles Elam</a> led the Wesleyan defensive effort with eight tackles apiece while Rob Rezex had seven. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8d17b357-b11d-4fbe-814f-d4af24295651?elinkdata=28680">Josh King-Bradley</a> accounted for two of KWU's five sacks.

"We talked last week about from week one to two is when you make your biggest jump most of the time," Middleton said. "I thought we did that but now we need to play a complete game. I don't think we've played one yet for four quarters, so we've got to get it figured out quick."

LINDSBORG - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2be39772-ccd9-4cbf-9316-6cf3bc098cbd?elinkdata=28680">Henry Austad</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/334a4b43-9eba-458b-bf71-e0a2445a202c?elinkdata=28680">Will Wilcox</a> are getting comfortable in coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ca3829a8-a4ad-4d52-a2e8-c1b9eceda2e5?elinkdata=28680">Matt Middleton</a>'s new Kansas Wesleyan offense.Austad passed for 276 yards and three touchdowns - 126 yards and two touchdowns to Wilcox - as KWU rolled over Kansas Conference archrival Bethany 38-7 victory Saturday night at Ted Kessinger Family Stadium.The Coyotes improved to 2-0 in Middleton's first season as head coach and defeated Bethany for the 11th consecutive time. They are 13-1 in the last 14 games and 20-5 against the Swedes since 2005. Saturday's game was the 115th meeting.Austad, a graduate transfer from Southeastern (Florida), completed 26 of 34 passes and no interceptions while Wilcox, a freshman wide out and transfer from Henderson State (Arkansas), caught seven passes that included touchdown grabs of nine and 69 yards."Henry had a really good night, Wilcox had a monster night," Middleton said on his postgame radio show.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ee1da579-9cfd-45dd-8234-0b8b07f6e237?elinkdata=28680">Jevin Dorsey</a> had six receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown as nine different receivers caught passes.The Coyotes led 28-0 at halftime and continued to shut down Bethany's offense in the second half. They finished with 415 total yards and limited the Swedes to 246 - just 40 rushing.Middleton was pleased with the victory but saw plenty of room for improvement."Good in the first half, I don't feel real good after the second half," he said. "But the effort was there, and a win is a win so I need to be proud about that. It got sloppy and out of control. We had at least three penalties that killed drives tonight and we just can't do that and continue to win. We've got to find a way to get those things fixed."Wesleyan took a 7-0 lead on its first drive of the game going 51 yards on nine plays - the final nine yards on a perfectly thrown pass from Austad to Wilcox in the back left corner of the end zone at the 8:33 mark.The Coyotes scored three touchdowns in the second quarter, the first on a two-yard pass from Austad to Dorsey on the second play of the period that finished off an 11-play, 75-yard drive. Austad then hit Wilcox with another dime that covered 69 yards with 6:39 left capping a quick four-play, 95-yard drive.Bethany fumbled the ensuing kickoff and KWU recovered at the Swedes' 30-yard line. The Coyotes scored nine plays later on Domena's two-yard run with 2:06 left in the half.The Swedes scored their touchdown on the second play of the second half. A KWU fumble on the first play of the half gave Bethany the ball at the 21-yard line and Landry Shields hit Chase Hyer for the score on the first play.The Coyotes answered with a 31-yard <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fc091a5b-98d3-46a1-812a-f58c491c595e?elinkdata=28680">Talon Cope</a> field goal on their next possession to increase the lead to 31-7 with 10:31 left in the third quarter.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b5972d99-f6f3-4633-a817-3cbc2962e20d?elinkdata=28680">Kohl Nolan's</a> five-yard touchdown run with 4:49 left in the third quarter was the game's final points. The 10-play drive covered 67 yards.Bethany had the ball inside the KWU 20-yard line twice in the fourth quarter, but the Coyotes held firm. Shields and fellow quarterback Jessie Caver were a combined 17 of 44 passing (38.6 percent).<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/76258d8a-1266-48bc-8626-68260f838c59?elinkdata=28680">Jamison Price</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b8fee9d3-fb89-4fce-902d-bfb6662bd8ca?elinkdata=28680">Myles Elam</a> led the Wesleyan defensive effort with eight tackles apiece while Rob Rezex had seven. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8d17b357-b11d-4fbe-814f-d4af24295651?elinkdata=28680">Josh King-Bradley</a> accounted for two of KWU's five sacks."We talked last week about from week one to two is when you make your biggest jump most of the time," Middleton said. "I thought we did that but now we need to play a complete game. I don't think we've played one yet for four quarters, so we've got to get it figured out quick."

🏈 Coyotes get outstanding efforts from Austad, Wilcox, Defense in 38-7 rout over Bethany

HAYS, Kan. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball took the Fort Hays State University Tigers to five sets, but the Coyotes would come up just short, falling in five sets on Saturday at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

FHSU would win the first set 25-15, then KWU came away with wins 25-23 and 26-24, before Hays won the fourth 25-19, and the deciding set 15-12.

Despite the loss, the Coyotes saw senior hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6f95069-5122-4229-927c-1e5607b74c0e?elinkdata=28584">Rylee Serpan</a> become the all-time kills leader in school history. She finished with 16 kills in the match pushing her one beyond Maddy Beckett in the record books. Serpan has 1313 kills in her career.

The Tigers took a 7-0 lead to start the match, but the Coyotes didn't give up the ship. Wesleyan drew back within three at 12-9, but a 5-1 spurt by Hays made it 17-10. Hays took the first set 25-15.

Wesleyan had an early lead in the second set at 6-3 but FHSU came back and would take a 10-8 lead. The Tigers held a 21-17 lead in the set when the Coyotes came charging back. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a6fcd5e7-8093-46eb-9958-dfcb5ddba7aa?elinkdata=28584">Avery Conner's</a> kill tied the set at 22 all and a service ace from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0b9b7fa1-8104-4c05-a7fb-b48dc84b8164?elinkdata=28584">Sara Bebout</a> gave the Coyotes the lead. A Serpan kill made it set point and after a FHSU point, another showstopper by Serpan gave the set to the Coyotes.

The Coyotes continued the momentum of the second set into the third taking an early 5-1 lead but the Tigers came back and drew even at 13-all. The Coyotes regained the lead briefly before Hays took a 19-17 lead and pushed out to a 23-21 lead. Back came the Coyotes again, this time three straight kills by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7e5f434d-51fa-41f1-8157-e9cf0165832d?elinkdata=28584">Kylee Harris</a> gave KWU set point at 24-23. The Tigers tied it at 24 with a kill, but a block by Conner and Serpan on set point gave the Coyotes the set at 26-24.

Hays raced out to a 12-5 lead in the fourth set, and the Coyotes couldn't catch up falling 25-19 to take the match to the deciding set.

It was back and forth to start the fifth before the Coyotes pressed out to a 7-4 lead. FHSU would come back, tying it at 8, and again at 9 when the Tigers took a 12-9 lead. Wesleyan got within a point at 12-11, but two straight from the Tigers gave the hosts match point. KWU got one last point before FHSU would close the match winning 15-12.

The Coyotes were led by Harris with 19 kills, while Serpan had 16 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/975869da-8415-47d8-90b6-78e32ca3f251?elinkdata=28584">Madelyn Wolf</a> had 12. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0d254d19-dbbe-49dd-8e16-9dc136b9786f?elinkdata=28584">Blair Pennington</a> had 26 assists and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0d5ebc6a-ef61-4473-bcf2-cb2677f3e1ac?elinkdata=28584">Sara Bebout</a> had 25 for the Coyotes. Bebout also had three aces. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7e03d975-7579-4db8-811c-5cca92d9d5d1?elinkdata=28584">Kori Arnold</a> had 25 assists. Harris added four blocks and Serpan had two.

HAYS, Kan. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball took the Fort Hays State University Tigers to five sets, but the Coyotes would come up just short, falling in five sets on Saturday at Gross Memorial Coliseum.FHSU would win the first set 25-15, then KWU came away with wins 25-23 and 26-24, before Hays won the fourth 25-19, and the deciding set 15-12.Despite the loss, the Coyotes saw senior hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6f95069-5122-4229-927c-1e5607b74c0e?elinkdata=28584">Rylee Serpan</a> become the all-time kills leader in school history. She finished with 16 kills in the match pushing her one beyond Maddy Beckett in the record books. Serpan has 1313 kills in her career.The Tigers took a 7-0 lead to start the match, but the Coyotes didn't give up the ship. Wesleyan drew back within three at 12-9, but a 5-1 spurt by Hays made it 17-10. Hays took the first set 25-15.Wesleyan had an early lead in the second set at 6-3 but FHSU came back and would take a 10-8 lead. The Tigers held a 21-17 lead in the set when the Coyotes came charging back. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a6fcd5e7-8093-46eb-9958-dfcb5ddba7aa?elinkdata=28584">Avery Conner's</a> kill tied the set at 22 all and a service ace from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0b9b7fa1-8104-4c05-a7fb-b48dc84b8164?elinkdata=28584">Sara Bebout</a> gave the Coyotes the lead. A Serpan kill made it set point and after a FHSU point, another showstopper by Serpan gave the set to the Coyotes.The Coyotes continued the momentum of the second set into the third taking an early 5-1 lead but the Tigers came back and drew even at 13-all. The Coyotes regained the lead briefly before Hays took a 19-17 lead and pushed out to a 23-21 lead. Back came the Coyotes again, this time three straight kills by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7e5f434d-51fa-41f1-8157-e9cf0165832d?elinkdata=28584">Kylee Harris</a> gave KWU set point at 24-23. The Tigers tied it at 24 with a kill, but a block by Conner and Serpan on set point gave the Coyotes the set at 26-24.Hays raced out to a 12-5 lead in the fourth set, and the Coyotes couldn't catch up falling 25-19 to take the match to the deciding set.It was back and forth to start the fifth before the Coyotes pressed out to a 7-4 lead. FHSU would come back, tying it at 8, and again at 9 when the Tigers took a 12-9 lead. Wesleyan got within a point at 12-11, but two straight from the Tigers gave the hosts match point. KWU got one last point before FHSU would close the match winning 15-12.The Coyotes were led by Harris with 19 kills, while Serpan had 16 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/975869da-8415-47d8-90b6-78e32ca3f251?elinkdata=28584">Madelyn Wolf</a> had 12. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0d254d19-dbbe-49dd-8e16-9dc136b9786f?elinkdata=28584">Blair Pennington</a> had 26 assists and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0d5ebc6a-ef61-4473-bcf2-cb2677f3e1ac?elinkdata=28584">Sara Bebout</a> had 25 for the Coyotes. Bebout also had three aces. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7e03d975-7579-4db8-811c-5cca92d9d5d1?elinkdata=28584">Kori Arnold</a> had 25 assists. Harris added four blocks and Serpan had two.

🏐 Serpan becomes all-time Coyote kills leader as Women's Volleyball falls to Fort Hays State

OTTAWA, Kan. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball met up with the Stephens College Stars on Friday at Ottawa University's Wilson Field House, and it was the Coyotes who came away with a straight set win over the Stars - 25-20, 25-20, 26-24.

The Coyotes built comfortable leads in the first and second sets, holding off any rally that the Stars tried to put together.

In the third set however, the Coyotes had to rally big time. Wesleyan trailed most of the set, and were down 24-21 in the set. After a timeout, the Coyotes caught fire, running off the next five points to close out the third set win 26-24 and take the match.

The Coyotes were again led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7956aaf0-0b4f-441c-9efc-9cb62af482e8?elinkdata=28488">Rylee Serpan</a> with 12 kills, while a trio of others - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9af6a6d5-39d1-4fc7-a3a3-bd53555fe90e?elinkdata=28488">Madelyn Wolf</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0e769520-f64d-476d-b9bb-ad05ff5ed0ff?elinkdata=28488">Gianna Adriaanse</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d09be1ae-5211-414f-a2ba-2c480b4057ad?elinkdata=28488">Kylee Harris</a> had six each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d726116d-b72c-4ec7-90b4-6b0d69c819bd?elinkdata=28488">Ryleigh Stuhlsatz</a> had 22 assists and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/533b705e-7119-4fdd-939c-01779d1ea488?elinkdata=28488">Blair Pennington</a> had eight. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/76ab1d23-bd43-49f6-ba02-b86ffd60cc45?elinkdata=28488">Kori Arnold</a> had 15 digs and Wolf had seven. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/95893fec-6a62-4f83-95f0-36831e757593?elinkdata=28488">Sarah Girard</a> and Harris had five blocks each.

OTTAWA, Kan. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball met up with the Stephens College Stars on Friday at Ottawa University's Wilson Field House, and it was the Coyotes who came away with a straight set win over the Stars - 25-20, 25-20, 26-24.The Coyotes built comfortable leads in the first and second sets, holding off any rally that the Stars tried to put together.In the third set however, the Coyotes had to rally big time. Wesleyan trailed most of the set, and were down 24-21 in the set. After a timeout, the Coyotes caught fire, running off the next five points to close out the third set win 26-24 and take the match.The Coyotes were again led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7956aaf0-0b4f-441c-9efc-9cb62af482e8?elinkdata=28488">Rylee Serpan</a> with 12 kills, while a trio of others - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9af6a6d5-39d1-4fc7-a3a3-bd53555fe90e?elinkdata=28488">Madelyn Wolf</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0e769520-f64d-476d-b9bb-ad05ff5ed0ff?elinkdata=28488">Gianna Adriaanse</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d09be1ae-5211-414f-a2ba-2c480b4057ad?elinkdata=28488">Kylee Harris</a> had six each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d726116d-b72c-4ec7-90b4-6b0d69c819bd?elinkdata=28488">Ryleigh Stuhlsatz</a> had 22 assists and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/533b705e-7119-4fdd-939c-01779d1ea488?elinkdata=28488">Blair Pennington</a> had eight. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/76ab1d23-bd43-49f6-ba02-b86ffd60cc45?elinkdata=28488">Kori Arnold</a> had 15 digs and Wolf had seven. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/95893fec-6a62-4f83-95f0-36831e757593?elinkdata=28488">Sarah Girard</a> and Harris had five blocks each.

🏐 KWU gets by Stephens in straight sets

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Cale Hellums accounted for three touchdowns that included a 14-yard touchdown run with 2:52 left to help Army beat Kansas State 24-21 on Saturday night.

Kansas State’s (1-2) final drive ended when Avery Johnson threw an interception just past midfield.

The Black Knights (1-1) kept the ball on the ground, running the ball 70 times out of their 82 offensive plays. Army had four scoring drives of at least 13 plays, including three which took at least seven minutes, and outgained K-State 332-247 in total yards.

Hellums completed 7 of 11 passes and ran 41 times for 124 yards. He tossed a 2-yard touchdown pass to Brady Anderson to end the first half.

Hellums later added a 1-yard TD run late in the third quarter that gave the Black Knights a 14-13 lead, but Bryce Noernberg returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards into the end zone and K-State regained the lead, 21-13.

Army held a 40:44 to 19:16 advantage in time of possession and is the first K-State opponent to rush for more than 200 yards since late in the 2023 season.

Johnson finished 15-of-25 passing for 172 yards and threw one touchdown pass to Jaron Tibbs for the Wildcats. Tibbs finished with five catches for 61 yards.

Army: The Black Knights went for it on fourth down seven times, converting six. Their most gutsy attempt was Hellums' TD toss to Anderson on 4th-and-goal from the 2 with three seconds left in the first half.

Kansas State: The Wildcats missed starting running back Dylan Edwards, who was injured in the season's opening game the first time he touched the ball. Without Edwards' explosiveness, the Wildcats rushed for 75 yards on 18 carries.

Army: The Black Knights have next weekend off before hosting North Texas on Sept. 20.

Kansas State: The Wildcats play at Arizona on Friday. Even though both teams are in the Big 12, it will be a non-conference game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757211922333.png" alt="Photo courtesy Army West Point Football" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Army West Point Football</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Cale Hellums accounted for three touchdowns that included a 14-yard touchdown run with 2:52 left to help Army beat Kansas State 24-21 on Saturday night.Kansas State’s (1-2) final drive ended when Avery Johnson threw an interception just past midfield.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757212074482.png" alt="Cale Hellums led the Black Knights to victory -Photo Army West Point Football" />
 <figcaption>Cale Hellums led the Black Knights to victory -Photo Army West Point Football</figcaption>
 </figure>The Black Knights (1-1) kept the ball on the ground, running the ball 70 times out of their 82 offensive plays. Army had four scoring drives of at least 13 plays, including three which took at least seven minutes, and outgained K-State 332-247 in total yards.Hellums completed 7 of 11 passes and ran 41 times for 124 yards. He tossed a 2-yard touchdown pass to Brady Anderson to end the first half.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/NoernbergBryce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NoernbergBryce</a> TO THE HOUSE FOR 99 YARDS <a href="https://t.co/fqY3JFmhJ4">pic.twitter.com/fqY3JFmhJ4</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1964501821969650169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hellums later added a 1-yard TD run late in the third quarter that gave the Black Knights a 14-13 lead, but Bryce Noernberg returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards into the end zone and K-State regained the lead, 21-13.Army held a 40:44 to 19:16 advantage in time of possession and is the first K-State opponent to rush for more than 200 yards since late in the 2023 season.Johnson finished 15-of-25 passing for 172 yards and threw one touchdown pass to Jaron Tibbs for the Wildcats. Tibbs finished with five catches for 61 yards.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>Army: The Black Knights went for it on fourth down seven times, converting six. Their most gutsy attempt was Hellums' TD toss to Anderson on 4th-and-goal from the 2 with three seconds left in the first half.Kansas State: The Wildcats missed starting running back Dylan Edwards, who was injured in the season's opening game the first time he touched the ball. Without Edwards' explosiveness, the Wildcats rushed for 75 yards on 18 carries.<h2>Up Next</h2>Army: The Black Knights have next weekend off before hosting North Texas on Sept. 20.Kansas State: The Wildcats play at Arizona on Friday. Even though both teams are in the Big 12, it will be a non-conference game.

🏈 Hellums accounts for 3 TDs to push Army past Kansas State

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez’s three-run homer highlighted a five-run first inning as the Kansas City Royals routed the Minnesota Twins 11-2 on Saturday night.

Vinnie Pasquantino doubled sharply off the right-field fence, producing one run before Salvador Perez’s 25th home run added three more. Nick Loftin’s double to left-center made it 5-0 as the Royals batted around in the first.

Joe Ryan allowed five runs on four hits and four walks while throwing 62 pitches in two innings, his shortest outing since Aug. 7, 2024.

It was a rare poor showing for Ryan (13-8) against Kansas City. In 10 previous starts he was 8-0 with a 1.34 ERA.

James Outman doubled leading off the Twins’ third — snapping an 0-for-14 slump — and Byron Buxton followed with an RBI triple before scoring on Luke Keaschall’s grounder. Buxton’s last eight hits have gone for extra bases.

The Royals responded with three runs in the bottom of the third on RBI hits by Kyle Isbel, Maikel Garcia and Pasquantino.

Stephen Kolek (5-5) allowed two runs on six hits in seven innings, striking out four.

Kansas City native Carter Jensen had an RBI double for his first major league hit.

Pasquantino, Loftin and Jensen each had two RBIs. Loftin had three of the Royals’ 13 hits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757212047734.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez’s three-run homer highlighted a five-run first inning as the Kansas City Royals routed the Minnesota Twins 11-2 on Saturday night.Vinnie Pasquantino doubled sharply off the right-field fence, producing one run before Salvador Perez’s 25th home run added three more. Nick Loftin’s double to left-center made it 5-0 as the Royals batted around in the first.Joe Ryan allowed five runs on four hits and four walks while throwing 62 pitches in two innings, his shortest outing since Aug. 7, 2024.It was a rare poor showing for Ryan (13-8) against Kansas City. In 10 previous starts he was 8-0 with a 1.34 ERA.The Twins have lost six straight.James Outman doubled leading off the Twins’ third — snapping an 0-for-14 slump — and Byron Buxton followed with an RBI triple before scoring on Luke Keaschall’s grounder. Buxton’s last eight hits have gone for extra bases.The Royals responded with three runs in the bottom of the third on RBI hits by Kyle Isbel, Maikel Garcia and Pasquantino.Stephen Kolek (5-5) allowed two runs on six hits in seven innings, striking out four.Kansas City native Carter Jensen had an RBI double for his first major league hit.Pasquantino, Loftin and Jensen each had two RBIs. Loftin had three of the Royals’ 13 hits.Kansas City played without star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-6bcd36293c22fe0e667321eb4c22bdec">left Friday’s game</a>&nbsp;with low back spasms. Since 2023, the Royals are 3-5 in games Witt misses.<h2>Key moment</h2>Ryan missed the strike zone with eight of his first 13 pitches.<h2>Key stat</h2>Pasquantino leads the majors with 28 go-ahead RBIs.<h2>Up next</h2>Twins RHP Bailey Ober (4-7, 5.23 ERA) opposes Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-9, 4.54) on Sunday.