By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

If ever there had been a night for Southeast of Saline to lose a football game, this was it.

Yet despite suffering self-inflicted wounds, late-game adversity, and virtually insurmountable odds inside the closing minutes, the Trojans steeled their resolve and battled back to knock off Beloit on a walk-off game winner 34-30.

After building an early 14-6 lead things fell apart fast for SES, who allowed Beloit to march down and cut the deficit to two just before the halftime break.

Things did not improve in the third quarter as Evan Watkins had a punt blocked inside his own end zone on Southeast’s first drive, setting Beloit up for a Joel Rexroat touchdown run to take an 18-14 lead.

The two teams traded turnovers, but Beloit handed the ball back to Rexroat on the first play of their ensuing drive, and the tailback took it 76 yards to the house to extend the lead to 24-14.

For many teams, that would have been a knockout blow, but Southeast was far from finished, as Gannon Jacobson delivered a 33-yard beauty to Tucker Thaxton to put the game back within reach.

An SES stop to start the fourth quarter gave the ball back to the Trojans in purple and white, and on the very next play, Southeast responded on a screen play that Grady Gebhardt took 80 yards to paydirt to restore a 28-24 lead to SES.

While Southeast celebrated, those watching and on both sidelines knew this contes was still far from finished.

From the Southeast 42-yard line, Beloit flexed their muscle through the air as Jaxon Weston linked up with Jacob Hand on a deep ball to force yet another lead change and put Beloit in front 30-28.

SES was forced to punt but stood tall defensively and returned their offense to the field for one last 2:00 drill with a chance to win the game in the closing minutes.

Instead, Ryker Clark picked off Gannon Jacobson for his fourth interception of the season to line the nails around the SES coffin.

Understanding that a first down would spell the end of their season, Southeast once again stood tall, stopping Beloit on three straight plays, using their final two timeouts, and forcing Beloit to punt one final time with 53 seconds remaining.

The final drive would require 80 yards in under a minute, but a completion to Evan Watkins, a scramble by Gannon Jacobson, and another completion to Kanyon Douglas for his first catch of the day put the Trojans at the 25-yard line.

With time for just one last play, Jacobson took the snap, stepped up in the pocket, and delivered a ball to the front corner of the end zone that fell right into the lap of a streaking Kanyon Douglas.

As the Trojan players and coaches rushed the field to celebrate the realization began to set in; for just the second time in program history, the Southeast of Saline Trojans will be playing for a state title.

“This is the way our kids are, they’re going to keep fighting and clawing. Could we have made some plays in the first half that would have made this easier? Sure, but our kids kept digging and even exhausted our guys found a way to get it done.”

The final hurdle will be a steep one in the form of the two-time defending state champion Nemaha Central Thunder (11-1), but with the wind of this win in their sails, Southeast of Saline will be amped and ready to come for the kings next Friday.

To watch the full broadcast of tonight’s game, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/n55bNFEtdI4">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732338906757.jpeg" alt="Southeast of Saline poses with their sub-state trophy after walking off the Beloit Trojans. Photo Courtesy of Tanner Colvin." />
 <figcaption>Southeast of Saline poses with their sub-state trophy after walking off the Beloit Trojans. Photo Courtesy of Tanner Colvin.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostIf ever there had been a night for Southeast of Saline to lose a football game, this was it.Yet despite suffering self-inflicted wounds, late-game adversity, and virtually insurmountable odds inside the closing minutes, the Trojans steeled their resolve and battled back to knock off Beloit on a walk-off game winner 34-30.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.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>After building an early 14-6 lead things fell apart fast for SES, who allowed Beloit to march down and cut the deficit to two just before the halftime break.Things did not improve in the third quarter as Evan Watkins had a punt blocked inside his own end zone on Southeast’s first drive, setting Beloit up for a Joel Rexroat touchdown run to take an 18-14 lead.The two teams traded turnovers, but Beloit handed the ball back to Rexroat on the first play of their ensuing drive, and the tailback took it 76 yards to the house to extend the lead to 24-14.For many teams, that would have been a knockout blow, but Southeast was far from finished, as Gannon Jacobson delivered a 33-yard beauty to Tucker Thaxton to put the game back within reach.An SES stop to start the fourth quarter gave the ball back to the Trojans in purple and white, and on the very next play, Southeast responded on a screen play that Grady Gebhardt took 80 yards to paydirt to restore a 28-24 lead to SES.While Southeast celebrated, those watching and on both sidelines knew this contes was still far from finished.From the Southeast 42-yard line, Beloit flexed their muscle through the air as Jaxon Weston linked up with Jacob Hand on a deep ball to force yet another lead change and put Beloit in front 30-28.SES was forced to punt but stood tall defensively and returned their offense to the field for one last 2:00 drill with a chance to win the game in the closing minutes.Instead, Ryker Clark picked off Gannon Jacobson for his fourth interception of the season to line the nails around the SES coffin.Understanding that a first down would spell the end of their season, Southeast once again stood tall, stopping Beloit on three straight plays, using their final two timeouts, and forcing Beloit to punt one final time with 53 seconds remaining.The final drive would require 80 yards in under a minute, but a completion to Evan Watkins, a scramble by Gannon Jacobson, and another completion to Kanyon Douglas for his first catch of the day put the Trojans at the 25-yard line.With time for just one last play, Jacobson took the snap, stepped up in the pocket, and delivered a ball to the front corner of the end zone that fell right into the lap of a streaking Kanyon Douglas.Ballgame.As the Trojan players and coaches rushed the field to celebrate the realization began to set in; for just the second time in program history, the Southeast of Saline Trojans will be playing for a state title.“This is the way our kids are, they’re going to keep fighting and clawing. Could we have made some plays in the first half that would have made this easier? Sure, but our kids kept digging and even exhausted our guys found a way to get it done.”The final hurdle will be a steep one in the form of the two-time defending state champion Nemaha Central Thunder (11-1), but with the wind of this win in their sails, Southeast of Saline will be amped and ready to come for the kings next Friday.To watch the full broadcast of tonight’s game, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/n55bNFEtdI4">HERE</a>.Photo courtesy of Tanner Colvin.

Southeast walks off Beloit to complete thrilling semifinal comeback

ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (AP) — David N’Guessan had 17 points and nine rebounds, Dug McDaniel added 13 points with five assists and Kansas State beat George Washington 83-71 on Friday night at the Paradise Jam.

Kansas State (4-1) plays a winner-bracket game against Liberty on Sunday. George Washington (4-1) moves to the consolation bracket against Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday. The Wildcats are playing the Paradise Jam for the third time and first since 2018.

It’s a homecoming for Kansas State coach Jerome Tang and assistant Jareem Dowling, who spent most of their formative years in the Virgin Islands.

McDaniel scored four straight points in a half-closing 6-0 run to make it 46-27 at the break. Kansas State shot 52% from the field in the first half, while George Washington was 7 of 28 (25%).

George Washington scored 10 unanswered points midway through the second half to get within 59-55 with 10:20 left. Coleman Hawkins made a 3-pointer on Kansas State's next possession and McDaniel added a basket with 5:57 left to give Kansas State a double-digit lead it wouldn't give up.

Max Jones scored 12 points, Brendan Hausen added 11 and Hawkins had nine points and nine rebounds for Kansas State. N’Guessan is the only Wildcat to score in double figures in each of the first five games.

Jacoi Hutchinson scored 19 points for George Washington. Rafael Castro added 12 points, and Gerald Drumgoole Jr. and Christian Jones each scored 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732332686797.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (AP) — David N’Guessan had 17 points and nine rebounds, Dug McDaniel added 13 points with five assists and Kansas State beat George Washington 83-71 on Friday night at the Paradise Jam.Kansas State (4-1) plays a winner-bracket game against Liberty on Sunday. George Washington (4-1) moves to the consolation bracket against Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday. The Wildcats are playing the Paradise Jam for the third time and first since 2018.It’s a homecoming for Kansas State coach Jerome Tang and assistant Jareem Dowling, who spent most of their formative years in the Virgin Islands.McDaniel scored four straight points in a half-closing 6-0 run to make it 46-27 at the break. Kansas State shot 52% from the field in the first half, while George Washington was 7 of 28 (25%).George Washington scored 10 unanswered points midway through the second half to get within 59-55 with 10:20 left. Coleman Hawkins made a 3-pointer on Kansas State's next possession and McDaniel added a basket with 5:57 left to give Kansas State a double-digit lead it wouldn't give up.Max Jones scored 12 points, Brendan Hausen added 11 and Hawkins had nine points and nine rebounds for Kansas State. N’Guessan is the only Wildcat to score in double figures in each of the first five games.Jacoi Hutchinson scored 19 points for George Washington. Rafael Castro added 12 points, and Gerald Drumgoole Jr. and Christian Jones each scored 10.

🏀  Kansas State beats George Washington in the Paradise Jam

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan placed a program-best 14th in the team standings at the NAIA Women's National Cross Country Championship on Friday.

KWU finished with 449 points in the 6,000-meter race at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course. The Master's (California) won the team title with 93 points while Saint Mary was third with 125 in the field of 35 teams.

Two Coyotes finished in the top 100. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9844fecf-bdc8-4819-af71-8b039780a2ba?elinkdata=15856">Madisyn Ehrlich</a> led the pack finishing 49th in a time of 22 minutes, 8.4 seconds. It was a vast improvement from 2023 when she qualified as an individual and placed 101st in 23:36.1 in the race at Vancouver, Washington. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/07daeb61-adec-4bdb-88d0-52bbd22574a6?elinkdata=15856">Kierra Jensen</a> was KWU second runner placing 77th in 22:30.9.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a4b4f287-dd39-414e-985f-88348c233031?elinkdata=15856">Josie Koppes</a> was 113th in 22:53.3 - one minute faster than her time of 23:53.3 last season when she was 131st. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fad15abd-a4d8-4759-95a4-fd09457203d9?elinkdata=15856">Kirstin Hackney</a> finished 142nd (23:08.8) on Friday and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/542a25fd-fbb5-45d4-b6e7-05f8dccfe13b?elinkdata=15856">Charlee Lind</a> 148th (23:12.2) to round out the KWU scoring. Like Ehrlich and Koppes, Lind was dramatically better than last fall when she placed 209th (24:32.1) at the national meet.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe05d540-7a5b-40d6-8110-b57cc7aa5acb?elinkdata=15856">Alayna Behrman</a> finished 169th (23:22.0) and Haley Nordhus 240th (24:05.5) for KWU in Friday's race. A total of 326 runners crossed the finish line.

"The women executed really well at a very, very high level and kept a lot of composure throughout the race," KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/66180082-d0c6-465b-bfe7-6bd29b25eb31?elinkdata=15856">Garrett Young</a> said. "They put together a really strong performance as a group."

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan placed a program-best 14th in the team standings at the NAIA Women's National Cross Country Championship on Friday.KWU finished with 449 points in the 6,000-meter race at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course. The Master's (California) won the team title with 93 points while Saint Mary was third with 125 in the field of 35 teams.Two Coyotes finished in the top 100. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9844fecf-bdc8-4819-af71-8b039780a2ba?elinkdata=15856">Madisyn Ehrlich</a> led the pack finishing 49th in a time of 22 minutes, 8.4 seconds. It was a vast improvement from 2023 when she qualified as an individual and placed 101st in 23:36.1 in the race at Vancouver, Washington. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/07daeb61-adec-4bdb-88d0-52bbd22574a6?elinkdata=15856">Kierra Jensen</a> was KWU second runner placing 77th in 22:30.9.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a4b4f287-dd39-414e-985f-88348c233031?elinkdata=15856">Josie Koppes</a> was 113th in 22:53.3 - one minute faster than her time of 23:53.3 last season when she was 131st. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fad15abd-a4d8-4759-95a4-fd09457203d9?elinkdata=15856">Kirstin Hackney</a> finished 142nd (23:08.8) on Friday and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/542a25fd-fbb5-45d4-b6e7-05f8dccfe13b?elinkdata=15856">Charlee Lind</a> 148th (23:12.2) to round out the KWU scoring. Like Ehrlich and Koppes, Lind was dramatically better than last fall when she placed 209th (24:32.1) at the national meet.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe05d540-7a5b-40d6-8110-b57cc7aa5acb?elinkdata=15856">Alayna Behrman</a> finished 169th (23:22.0) and Haley Nordhus 240th (24:05.5) for KWU in Friday's race. A total of 326 runners crossed the finish line."The women executed really well at a very, very high level and kept a lot of composure throughout the race," KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/66180082-d0c6-465b-bfe7-6bd29b25eb31?elinkdata=15856">Garrett Young</a> said. "They put together a really strong performance as a group."

KWU Women's XC with program best 14th place finish at NAIA National Championships

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan placed 22nd in the NAIA Men's National Cross Country Championship on Friday.

The Coyotes compiled 502 points, one point behind Montreat and four points behind Doane. College of Idaho won the team championship with 87 points while Saint Mary had 254 points and placed sixth in the field of 36 teams.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1c85e77-6139-4a1b-8158-f9e28be0b7eb?elinkdata=15827">Julian Avila</a> was KWU's top runner finishing the 8,000-meter Gans Creek Cross Country Course in a time of 25 minutes, 4.5 seconds and placing 86th. It was a vast improvement from a year ago when he finished 263rd in 27:45.9 in the NAIA Championship at Vancouver, Washington.

Rounding out the Coyotes' scoring Friday was <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe4c2543-ff0d-49fa-ab59-ad85fb02a5c2?elinkdata=15827">Damion Jackson</a> 111th in 25:14.9, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/013d3153-5875-467e-994b-8c872fde1d61?elinkdata=15827">Austin Hess</a> 115th in 25:14.9, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/702c6054-7343-4ce3-8014-5775f78698c5?elinkdata=15827">Jake Cruz</a> 137th in 25:24.5 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b95e06e6-fc3b-4dbc-9f27-aa86719bb541?elinkdata=15827">Giovanni Rios</a> 187th in 25:41.2. Hess finished 122nd, Cruz 155th and Rios 214th at last year's national meet.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/03cf7d66-058b-4b25-afef-443b6a536890?elinkdata=15827">Tytus Reed</a> was 219th in 25:59.3 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d9a0167c-ddb6-4b9b-ac72-b4bffb3aaf70?elinkdata=15827">Austin Schaeffer</a> 223rd in 26:01.5 on Friday for KWU. A total of 326 runners finished the race.

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan placed 22nd in the NAIA Men's National Cross Country Championship on Friday.The Coyotes compiled 502 points, one point behind Montreat and four points behind Doane. College of Idaho won the team championship with 87 points while Saint Mary had 254 points and placed sixth in the field of 36 teams.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1c85e77-6139-4a1b-8158-f9e28be0b7eb?elinkdata=15827">Julian Avila</a> was KWU's top runner finishing the 8,000-meter Gans Creek Cross Country Course in a time of 25 minutes, 4.5 seconds and placing 86th. It was a vast improvement from a year ago when he finished 263rd in 27:45.9 in the NAIA Championship at Vancouver, Washington.Rounding out the Coyotes' scoring Friday was <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe4c2543-ff0d-49fa-ab59-ad85fb02a5c2?elinkdata=15827">Damion Jackson</a> 111th in 25:14.9, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/013d3153-5875-467e-994b-8c872fde1d61?elinkdata=15827">Austin Hess</a> 115th in 25:14.9, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/702c6054-7343-4ce3-8014-5775f78698c5?elinkdata=15827">Jake Cruz</a> 137th in 25:24.5 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b95e06e6-fc3b-4dbc-9f27-aa86719bb541?elinkdata=15827">Giovanni Rios</a> 187th in 25:41.2. Hess finished 122nd, Cruz 155th and Rios 214th at last year's national meet.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/03cf7d66-058b-4b25-afef-443b6a536890?elinkdata=15827">Tytus Reed</a> was 219th in 25:59.3 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d9a0167c-ddb6-4b9b-ac72-b4bffb3aaf70?elinkdata=15827">Austin Schaeffer</a> 223rd in 26:01.5 on Friday for KWU. A total of 326 runners finished the race.

KWU Men's Cross Country finishes 22nd at NAIA National Championships

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals tonight announced that they have acquired infielder&nbsp;Jonathan India&nbsp;and outfielder&nbsp;Joey Wiemer&nbsp;from the Cincinnati Reds for right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Brady Singer. Kansas City’s Major League Reserve List is now at 38.

India, 27, played in a career-high 151 games in 2024 and slashed .248/.357/.392 (132-for-533) with 45 extra-base hits (.750 OPS). He drew a career-best 80 walks this season, tied for 5th most in the Majors behind only&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(133),&nbsp;Juan Soto&nbsp;(129),&nbsp;Kyle Schwarber&nbsp;(106) and&nbsp;Shohei Ohtani&nbsp;(81). Over his four-year Major League career—all of which he’s spent with the Reds organization—he’s batted in the leadoff spot more than any other position, hitting first in 341 of his 523 career games (65.2%). Defensively, he’s posted a .978 career fielding percentage at second base, including a career-best .991 in 133 games (132) at the position this season, a mark that ranked 2nd among all qualified second basemen. India was originally drafted by the Reds 5th overall in the 2018 First-Year Player Draft, just 13 spots behind his University of Florida teammate Singer, who was selected by the Royals 18th overall.

Wiemer, 25, split time between the Brewers and Reds organizations in 2024, as he was traded to Cincinnati with pitcher&nbsp;Jakob Junis&nbsp;on July 30 for pitcher&nbsp;Frankie Montas. He opened the season with Triple-A Nashville but was recalled on April 14 and played in 19 games for the Brewers around a brief stint on the Injured List. Following his trade to Cincinnati, he played in just 2 games for the Reds and ended the season with Triple-A Louisville, where he played in 30 games. This marked Wiemer’s second season in the Majors, after playing in 132 games (113 starts) for Milwaukee in 2023, when he recorded 13 home runs and 11 stolen bases. Over his two-year career, he’s played in 17 games in left field (6 starts), 123 games in center field (103 starts) and 15 games in right field (10 starts). Wiemer was originally selected by Milwaukee in the 4th round of the 2020 Draft out of the University of Cincinnati.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals tonight announced that they have acquired infielder&nbsp;Jonathan India&nbsp;and outfielder&nbsp;Joey Wiemer&nbsp;from the Cincinnati Reds for right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Brady Singer. Kansas City’s Major League Reserve List is now at 38.India, 27, played in a career-high 151 games in 2024 and slashed .248/.357/.392 (132-for-533) with 45 extra-base hits (.750 OPS). He drew a career-best 80 walks this season, tied for 5th most in the Majors behind only&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(133),&nbsp;Juan Soto&nbsp;(129),&nbsp;Kyle Schwarber&nbsp;(106) and&nbsp;Shohei Ohtani&nbsp;(81). Over his four-year Major League career—all of which he’s spent with the Reds organization—he’s batted in the leadoff spot more than any other position, hitting first in 341 of his 523 career games (65.2%). Defensively, he’s posted a .978 career fielding percentage at second base, including a career-best .991 in 133 games (132) at the position this season, a mark that ranked 2nd among all qualified second basemen. India was originally drafted by the Reds 5th overall in the 2018 First-Year Player Draft, just 13 spots behind his University of Florida teammate Singer, who was selected by the Royals 18th overall.Wiemer, 25, split time between the Brewers and Reds organizations in 2024, as he was traded to Cincinnati with pitcher&nbsp;Jakob Junis&nbsp;on July 30 for pitcher&nbsp;Frankie Montas. He opened the season with Triple-A Nashville but was recalled on April 14 and played in 19 games for the Brewers around a brief stint on the Injured List. Following his trade to Cincinnati, he played in just 2 games for the Reds and ended the season with Triple-A Louisville, where he played in 30 games. This marked Wiemer’s second season in the Majors, after playing in 132 games (113 starts) for Milwaukee in 2023, when he recorded 13 home runs and 11 stolen bases. Over his two-year career, he’s played in 17 games in left field (6 starts), 123 games in center field (103 starts) and 15 games in right field (10 starts). Wiemer was originally selected by Milwaukee in the 4th round of the 2020 Draft out of the University of Cincinnati.

Royals acquire infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer

Just four teams remain in every classification of high school football across the state of Kansas and this week, Tyler and Devin broke each of the final four matchups down, taking a look at games in all classes from 6A to 6-Man.

We also preview a busy weekend for Kansas Wesleyan, and break down a rematch between SES and Beloit in Class 2A.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4T7NS3rd1qY"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just four teams remain in every classification of high school football across the state of Kansas and this week, Tyler and Devin broke each of the final four matchups down, taking a look at games in all classes from 6A to 6-Man.We also preview a busy weekend for Kansas Wesleyan, and break down a rematch between SES and Beloit in Class 2A.

Salina Post Sports Friday Night Preview: State Semifinal Round

For the third time in five years, the Southeast of Saline Trojans find themselves in the state semifinals, one win away from a coveted trip to a state title game.

To reach that promised land for the first time since the team’s 2005 state championship, Southeast must overcome a familiar foe, as they prepare to take on Beloit for the second time this season.

Southeast of Saline (11-0), manhandled Beloit (9-2) by a final score of 32-6 back in week three in the worst loss of the season for the orange Trojans.

“We were very fortunate in that first game that Beloit put the ball on the ground multiple times,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “They put us in good spots and we capitalized in the second quarter but we know they’re going to do a good job.”

Despite winning confidently in September, and dominating the series winning each of the last seven contests, Southeast understands the magnitude of the moment, and will be expecting a real challenge on Friday night.

“At the end of the day it’s Beloit,” Gebhardt said. “They do an outstanding job with their football program and have for a long time. Coach Gober and his staff do a good job, it doesn’t surprise me that we’re playing Beloit this late in the year. Our mentality is playing our best football this week and finding a way to go 1-0.”

For Southeast of Saline, success will start on the defensive end, where the Trojans have allowed just 14 points all postseason.

“Coach Ptacek has done a great job with oud defense for years and our kids do an excellent job of playing together and playing as one unit,” he said. “They trust the guy next to them, they’re in the right spots and they play fast and physical. That group has only gotten better as the year has gone on.”

That unit will be responsible for stopping the two-headed monster of quarterback Jaxon Weston, and tailback Joel Rexroat.

“Their offense is very good and both Weston and Rexroat do a good job with the football,” Gebhardt said. “Their offensive line is very good and if you’re undisciplined they’ll gash you. Offensively we have to play disciplined and pick up first downs to keep those guys off the field.”

Offensively, no one has had an answer for SES all season long, as the team has outscored their opponents 482-104, thanks in large part to the triple threat of Gannon Jacobson, Grady Gebhardt, and Tucker Thaxton.

“The versatility of our skill guys is a big deal and we have a lot of guys that touch the football,” he said. “When someone else can step up and we can move the football in different ways that’s huge and having those guys is big.”

The blueprint for beating Beloit has been clear from day one; stop the run, and challenge the secondary. While obvious, just two teams have managed to follow that to a victory, but Southeast is well equipped to become the third, and to repeat their week three performance on Friday night if they can cross their t’s and dot their i’s.

“We have move the football effectively against them and we need to speed them up,” Gebhardt said. “Defensively we have to be sound, they do a lot of different things that look the same but we have to make the right reads and be physical when we get there.”

Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 at Kansas Wesleyan’s JRI Stadium in Salina, and as always, can be streamed with live video and commentary on Salina Post by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/n55bNFEtdI4">HERE</a>, or heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM).

The winner of this matchup will face either Nemaha Central (10-1), or Council Grove (8-3) in the 2A State Championship game next week.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostFor the third time in five years, the Southeast of Saline Trojans find themselves in the state semifinals, one win away from a coveted trip to a state title game.To reach that promised land for the first time since the team’s 2005 state championship, Southeast must overcome a familiar foe, as they prepare to take on Beloit for the second time this season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Southeast of Saline (11-0), manhandled Beloit (9-2) by a final score of 32-6 back in week three in the worst loss of the season for the orange Trojans.“We were very fortunate in that first game that Beloit put the ball on the ground multiple times,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “They put us in good spots and we capitalized in the second quarter but we know they’re going to do a good job.”Despite winning confidently in September, and dominating the series winning each of the last seven contests, Southeast understands the magnitude of the moment, and will be expecting a real challenge on Friday night.“At the end of the day it’s Beloit,” Gebhardt said. “They do an outstanding job with their football program and have for a long time. Coach Gober and his staff do a good job, it doesn’t surprise me that we’re playing Beloit this late in the year. Our mentality is playing our best football this week and finding a way to go 1-0.”For Southeast of Saline, success will start on the defensive end, where the Trojans have allowed just 14 points all postseason.“Coach Ptacek has done a great job with oud defense for years and our kids do an excellent job of playing together and playing as one unit,” he said. “They trust the guy next to them, they’re in the right spots and they play fast and physical. That group has only gotten better as the year has gone on.”That unit will be responsible for stopping the two-headed monster of quarterback Jaxon Weston, and tailback Joel Rexroat.“Their offense is very good and both Weston and Rexroat do a good job with the football,” Gebhardt said. “Their offensive line is very good and if you’re undisciplined they’ll gash you. Offensively we have to play disciplined and pick up first downs to keep those guys off the field.”Offensively, no one has had an answer for SES all season long, as the team has outscored their opponents 482-104, thanks in large part to the triple threat of Gannon Jacobson, Grady Gebhardt, and Tucker Thaxton.“The versatility of our skill guys is a big deal and we have a lot of guys that touch the football,” he said. “When someone else can step up and we can move the football in different ways that’s huge and having those guys is big.”The blueprint for beating Beloit has been clear from day one; stop the run, and challenge the secondary. While obvious, just two teams have managed to follow that to a victory, but Southeast is well equipped to become the third, and to repeat their week three performance on Friday night if they can cross their t’s and dot their i’s.“We have move the football effectively against them and we need to speed them up,” Gebhardt said. “Defensively we have to be sound, they do a lot of different things that look the same but we have to make the right reads and be physical when we get there.”Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 at Kansas Wesleyan’s JRI Stadium in Salina, and as always, can be streamed with live video and commentary on Salina Post by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/n55bNFEtdI4">HERE</a>, or heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM).The winner of this matchup will face either Nemaha Central (10-1), or Council Grove (8-3) in the 2A State Championship game next week.

🏈 2A Semifinal features Trojan War between SES and Beloit

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries, everybody practiced today. We’ll end up listing (Charles) Omenihu and (Isiah) Pacheco as out, they won’t dress this week. Look forward to the challenge of playing Carolina. Again, they’re playing real good football on both sides of the ball and special teams. (Panthers Head Coach) Dave’s (Canales) done a nice job with that group and our guy have had a good week of practice and look forward to that challenge again to play a good football team. With that, time’s yours.”

Q: Are Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu on track to play next week?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see but they’re (Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu) doing great. Yeah, they’re doing great. (They’re) working hard and we’ll just take it day-by-day as we go on this thing.”

Q: On not overlooking any teams in the NFL.

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesNovember 22, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries, everybody practiced today. We’ll end up listing (Charles) Omenihu and (Isiah) Pacheco as out, they won’t dress this week. Look forward to the challenge of playing Carolina. Again, they’re playing real good football on both sides of the ball and special teams. (Panthers Head Coach) Dave’s (Canales) done a nice job with that group and our guy have had a good week of practice and look forward to that challenge again to play a good football team. With that, time’s yours.”Q: Are Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu on track to play next week?REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see but they’re (Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu) doing great. Yeah, they’re doing great. (They’re) working hard and we’ll just take it day-by-day as we go on this thing.”Q: On not overlooking any teams in the NFL.

Chiefs Quotes: 11-22-24

OMAHA, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer made a late run at the Williams Baptist Eagles in Thursday's NAIA National Championship First Round, but it wasn't quite enough as the Coyotes fell 2-1 at Morrison Stadium on the campus of Creighton University.

WBU made two first half goals stick for the Eagles for the victory.

The Eagles scored in the 26th minute on a goal by Mateus Ribeiro as he ran down a long ball and cut back and scored it in the box.

WBU scored again in the 43rd on a goal by Jacobo Obradors off an assist by Colin Haupt.

Trailing 2-0 at the half, the Coyotes turned up the offensive aggressiveness in the second half, outshooting the Eagles 10-2 in the second 45.

Wesleyan had chances at goals in the 47th on a header shot by Sebastian Fernandez, and in the 50th minute <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e16b376d-57ac-416e-b0a3-56de3e51908f?elinkdata=15799">Cayden Andersen</a> had a shot go off the crossbar.

The Coyotes got on the board in the 89th minute when an initial shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/83cde886-8f6e-4ba2-9c17-f90ee3280ffe?elinkdata=15799">Mateo Hoyos</a> was blocked, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f74779e-3fd6-4a58-9617-a7de58a3a003?elinkdata=15799">Gerardo Garcia</a> was there to collect the rebound and score it for the Coyotes making it 2-1.

The Coyotes nearly had the equalizer in the final minute but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ec0eab39-1f52-44d7-be5b-5fc84a68c420?elinkdata=15799">Kamille Kum's</a> shot hit the side netting.

KWU outshot Williams Baptist in the match, and had six corner kicks. KWU was also whistled for 17 fouls against just seven against the Eagles.

OMAHA, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer made a late run at the Williams Baptist Eagles in Thursday's NAIA National Championship First Round, but it wasn't quite enough as the Coyotes fell 2-1 at Morrison Stadium on the campus of Creighton University.WBU made two first half goals stick for the Eagles for the victory.The Eagles scored in the 26th minute on a goal by Mateus Ribeiro as he ran down a long ball and cut back and scored it in the box.WBU scored again in the 43rd on a goal by Jacobo Obradors off an assist by Colin Haupt.Trailing 2-0 at the half, the Coyotes turned up the offensive aggressiveness in the second half, outshooting the Eagles 10-2 in the second 45.Wesleyan had chances at goals in the 47th on a header shot by Sebastian Fernandez, and in the 50th minute <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e16b376d-57ac-416e-b0a3-56de3e51908f?elinkdata=15799">Cayden Andersen</a> had a shot go off the crossbar.The Coyotes got on the board in the 89th minute when an initial shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/83cde886-8f6e-4ba2-9c17-f90ee3280ffe?elinkdata=15799">Mateo Hoyos</a> was blocked, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f74779e-3fd6-4a58-9617-a7de58a3a003?elinkdata=15799">Gerardo Garcia</a> was there to collect the rebound and score it for the Coyotes making it 2-1.The Coyotes nearly had the equalizer in the final minute but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ec0eab39-1f52-44d7-be5b-5fc84a68c420?elinkdata=15799">Kamille Kum's</a> shot hit the side netting.KWU outshot Williams Baptist in the match, and had six corner kicks. KWU was also whistled for 17 fouls against just seven against the Eagles.

Late push not enough as KWU Men's Soccer falls to Williams Baptist 2-1 in NAIA First Round

KANSAS STATE (3-1) vs. GEORGE WASHINGTON (4-0)

25th&nbsp;Annual U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise JamFriday, November 22, 2024 &gt;&gt; 7 p.m., CT &gt;&gt; UVI Sports and Fitness Center &gt;&gt; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.Paradise Jam Tournament Website (<a href="https://www.basketballtravelers.com/paradise-jam" target="_blank">here</a>)Paradise Jam Tournament Bracket (<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66302c07fbbbca25b9b2b492/t/670849ff2c8dda5ff4fcd373/1728596479784/Men%27s+Bracket+2024.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>)TELEVISIONESPN+ / WatchESPN (link&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/eventCalendarId/401706975" target="_blank">here</a>)

K-State Sports NetworkFlagships: // KMAN 1350 &amp; WIBW 580Satellite Radio: Ch. 386Online: Varsity Network [free] /&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/watch" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;[free]

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

<a href="http://kstate.statbroadcast.com/" target="_blank"></a>COACHES

K-State: Jerome Tang [Charter Oak State College ‘07]Record at K-State: 48-26/3rd YearCareer Record: 50-26*/3rd Yearvs.

George Washington: 0-0 [0-0 neutral site]George Washington: Chris Caputo [Westfield State ‘02]Record at GW: 35-33/3rd YearCareer Record: 35-33/3rd Yearvs. K-State: 0-0 [0-0 neutral site]

K-State (3-1)G: #3 C.J. JonesG: #11 Brendan HausenG: #2 Max JonesW: #33 Coleman HawkinsW: #1 David N’Guessan

George Washington (4-0)G: #1 Trey MossG: #2 Christian JonesG: #5 Gerald Drumgoole Jr.F: #3 Darren Buchanan Jr.C: #30 Rafael Castro

Overall: K-State leads 4-1At Neutral Sites: K-State leads 1-0At Paradise Jam: First meetingActive Streak: K-State, 4First Meeting: L, 25-48 [12/28/1940 in Washington, D.C.]Last Meeting: W, 67-59 [11/24/2017 in Las Vegas]Jerome Tang vs. Chris Caputo: 0-0

K-STATE OPENS PLAY IN PARADISE JAM VS. GEORGE WASHINGTON FRIDAY

K-State opens play in the 25th annual U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam on Friday, as the Wildcats take on Atlantic 10 foe George Washington (4-0) at 7 p.m., CT at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. The winner will face either Liberty (4-1) or Louisiana (1-3) on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m., CT, while the teams losing their opening round game will meet on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 4:30 p.m., CT. All games of the tournament will air on ESPN+.The eight-team field also includes teams from UAB (3-2), Illinois State (3-1), Longwood (5-0) and McNeese (2-2), which face off in the other side of the bracket. The two teams who win the first 2 games will face off in the championship game on Monday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m., CT. The remaining teams will play in consolation games prior to the title contest at 11:30 a.m., CT (seventh-place game), 2 p.m., CT (fourth-place game) and 4:30 p.m., CT (third-place game), respectively.Six of the eight teams in the Paradise Jam won 18 or more games in 2023-24, while Longwood, McNeese and UAB all advanced to the NCAA Tournament.Previous winners of the Paradise Jam include Big 12 members BYU (2002), Baylor (2007) and Colorado (2017) as well as Arkansas (2004), Wisconsin (2005), Alabama (2006), UConn (2008), Purdue (2009), Marquette (2011) and Creighton (2016). Last season, Missouri State defeated Abilene Christian, 87-69, in the championship game.

K-State used a 16-3 run out of halftime to close out its season-opening 4-game homestand on a high note with a 74-56 win over Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday. With its 3-point shooting off (3-of-23), the Wildcats used rebounding and free throw shooting to flip a 2-point halftime lead into an 18-point victory over the Delta Devils (1-4). The team held a 45-28 edge on the glass, scoring 36 points in the paint, while converting on an impressive 25 of 27 attempts from the free throw line.Junior Ugonna Onyenso paced three Wildcats in double figures with a career-high 16 points, while junior C.J. Jones and senior David N’Guessan added 12 and 10 points, respectively. Senior Coleman Hawkins had a career-tying 13 rebounds and team-highs in assists (4) and steals (3).

LAST MEETING:K-STATE 67, GW 59 [11/24/2017]

Overall Record: 183-116/92nd TournamentIn-Season Tournament Titles: 17Last In-Season Tournament Title: 2022 Cayman Islands Classic (3-0)At Paradise Jam: Third Appearance / 2002Paradise Jam Record:&nbsp;5-2

MBB: Preview // K-State Opens Play in Paradise Jam vs. George Washington Friday

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef182d91-694f-48ab-9b95-d9269469eb4b?elinkdata=15771">Byron McNair</a> understands the sizable task he and his Kansas Wesleyan teammates will face when they play Dickinson State on Saturday in the first round of the NAIA Football Championship Series.

"We're the sleeper," said McNair, the Coyotes' sophomore quarterback. "It's David and Goliath, and David took down the giant. Any team that we face is going to be the giant to us."

McNair speaks from experience, considering the personal challenges he has overcome this season. Shoulder and clavicle injuries, coupled with a midseason coaching change, have steeled his resolve and mental toughness, which will be sorely tested in the 2 p.m. game in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Wesleyan is 7-4 and seeded 19th, while DSU is 9-1 and the No. 14 seed. The Blue Hawks won the North Star Athletic Association title with an 8-0 record and have won seven in a row. Their defense allows just under 70 yards rushing per game, which is the strength of the KWU offense.

"Like I tell my team all the time, they put their pads on just like you do," he said. "We're all human, we all bleed, cry and sweat. When it comes to out on the field, who has the bigger heart?"

Heart is something McNair has plenty of, as he has demonstrated this season. Playing rival Bethany in the second game of the season, he was hurt on the opening drive - the first step of a painful journey.

"I dropped my shoulder and (the defender) made me fumble," he said. "I was like, 'OK, my shoulder feels a little iffy,' but me being the person I am, I pushed through the rest of the game and went to go get it checked out that Monday. They said it was just a minor sprain in my AC joint."

Things got much worse a week later against Southwestern.

"I got it landed on again and was like, 'Something's a little off, so let me go ahead walk off this field,'" he said. "When I got to the sideline, I wanted to go back in. (The trainer) had me throw a little bit, and I told myself, 'Nah, me going out there would be a liability rather than the asset,' and I didn't want to do that for my team.'"

"I sat down and some tears came out, and I'm a man who usually doesn't cry," he said.

Inspiration arrived in the form of defensive teammate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/00555541-60db-4612-bbc5-4939dc33fc5f?elinkdata=15771">Jordan Diggins</a>.

"He said, 'We need you, you're that person for it, we can't have you over here crying like this,'" he said. "As soon as he said that, I wiped my face, got up immediately and knew that my guys needed me. No matter what I was going through, I knew I had to be there for my guys."

McNair went back in and was on the field the following week against Friends when he suffered the clavicle injury. Combined, they were more than he could overcome, and he missed the Coyotes' games against Bethel and McPherson, which preceded the bye week.

"It was trouble sleeping, trouble putting on and taking off shirts," he said. "It was hard to move around, eat, shower, all your daily, easy things. Everything was bad because both shoulder mobilities were off. We had faced adversity already, so I knew what it took - just keep pushing."

McNair returned for the Avila game, with co-coaches <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56f62517-e2c4-43d0-9c0b-3b936793cb8c?elinkdata=15771">Chris Snyder</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/48064ae6-c55c-41c5-801e-d759b2a05a39?elinkdata=15771">David Leonard</a>, the first after the break, and shared duties with senior <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b8a8a995-4417-40de-becf-5c91e790dee6?elinkdata=15771">Richard Lara</a> as his health improved. He assumed the full-time role last Saturday against Sterling in the regular-season finale.

"When we played Avila, there was one time I could have gone out of bounds, and I purposely stayed in and got tackled to see how it felt," he said. "Once I felt that weight on me, it was, 'OK, this doesn't hurt,' and I knew I was good."

KWU has won all five of its games since the bye. McNair has completed 51.4 percent of his passes for 760 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in nine games.

"We didn't break down as a team when so many of us could have broken down and given up," he said. "We stayed consistent, showed up for each other every single day, and we pushed forward. I just love the guys for that and appreciate them."

McNair has a special appreciation for Lara.

"There's no selfishness or animosity or anything like that," he said. "Every single day, we're helping each other, picking each other up. Quarterback is the most important position, so if they see us being compatible and working together when it's a one-man job, then everybody is following us."

"Byron's greatest attributes don't necessarily come from his arm, in my opinion," Leonard said. "He's a natural leader, and he's not afraid of failure. He's going to put himself out there, regardless of if it puts him in a situation to fail or succeed."

"He's mature beyond his years, we saw that from day one," Snyder said. "He walked into the camp last year, and everybody was like, 'This kid's going to be it for us.' It took him a couple weeks, but he got a shot and ran with it. It's just that maturity as a freshman and the competitiveness, that's why you feel like you have a chance on every snap.

"He's played only maybe 10 games in his career because of injuries and starting halfway during last year. You can't really gauge a quarterback on those few games."

Teamwork is a must Saturday, according to McNair.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef182d91-694f-48ab-9b95-d9269469eb4b?elinkdata=15771">Byron McNair</a> understands the sizable task he and his Kansas Wesleyan teammates will face when they play Dickinson State on Saturday in the first round of the NAIA Football Championship Series."We're the sleeper," said McNair, the Coyotes' sophomore quarterback. "It's David and Goliath, and David took down the giant. Any team that we face is going to be the giant to us."McNair speaks from experience, considering the personal challenges he has overcome this season. Shoulder and clavicle injuries, coupled with a midseason coaching change, have steeled his resolve and mental toughness, which will be sorely tested in the 2 p.m. game in Dickinson, North Dakota.Wesleyan is 7-4 and seeded 19th, while DSU is 9-1 and the No. 14 seed. The Blue Hawks won the North Star Athletic Association title with an 8-0 record and have won seven in a row. Their defense allows just under 70 yards rushing per game, which is the strength of the KWU offense.Don't expect McNair to flinch, though."Like I tell my team all the time, they put their pads on just like you do," he said. "We're all human, we all bleed, cry and sweat. When it comes to out on the field, who has the bigger heart?"Heart is something McNair has plenty of, as he has demonstrated this season. Playing rival Bethany in the second game of the season, he was hurt on the opening drive - the first step of a painful journey."I dropped my shoulder and (the defender) made me fumble," he said. "I was like, 'OK, my shoulder feels a little iffy,' but me being the person I am, I pushed through the rest of the game and went to go get it checked out that Monday. They said it was just a minor sprain in my AC joint."Things got much worse a week later against Southwestern."I got it landed on again and was like, 'Something's a little off, so let me go ahead walk off this field,'" he said. "When I got to the sideline, I wanted to go back in. (The trainer) had me throw a little bit, and I told myself, 'Nah, me going out there would be a liability rather than the asset,' and I didn't want to do that for my team.'"He knew the injury could be serious."I sat down and some tears came out, and I'm a man who usually doesn't cry," he said.Inspiration arrived in the form of defensive teammate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/00555541-60db-4612-bbc5-4939dc33fc5f?elinkdata=15771">Jordan Diggins</a>."He said, 'We need you, you're that person for it, we can't have you over here crying like this,'" he said. "As soon as he said that, I wiped my face, got up immediately and knew that my guys needed me. No matter what I was going through, I knew I had to be there for my guys."McNair went back in and was on the field the following week against Friends when he suffered the clavicle injury. Combined, they were more than he could overcome, and he missed the Coyotes' games against Bethel and McPherson, which preceded the bye week.Rehab was an arduous task."It was trouble sleeping, trouble putting on and taking off shirts," he said. "It was hard to move around, eat, shower, all your daily, easy things. Everything was bad because both shoulder mobilities were off. We had faced adversity already, so I knew what it took - just keep pushing."The bye was much-needed.McNair returned for the Avila game, with co-coaches <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56f62517-e2c4-43d0-9c0b-3b936793cb8c?elinkdata=15771">Chris Snyder</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/48064ae6-c55c-41c5-801e-d759b2a05a39?elinkdata=15771">David Leonard</a>, the first after the break, and shared duties with senior <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b8a8a995-4417-40de-becf-5c91e790dee6?elinkdata=15771">Richard Lara</a> as his health improved. He assumed the full-time role last Saturday against Sterling in the regular-season finale."When we played Avila, there was one time I could have gone out of bounds, and I purposely stayed in and got tackled to see how it felt," he said. "Once I felt that weight on me, it was, 'OK, this doesn't hurt,' and I knew I was good."KWU has won all five of its games since the bye. McNair has completed 51.4 percent of his passes for 760 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in nine games."We didn't break down as a team when so many of us could have broken down and given up," he said. "We stayed consistent, showed up for each other every single day, and we pushed forward. I just love the guys for that and appreciate them."McNair has a special appreciation for Lara."There's no selfishness or animosity or anything like that," he said. "Every single day, we're helping each other, picking each other up. Quarterback is the most important position, so if they see us being compatible and working together when it's a one-man job, then everybody is following us."McNair has impressed the coaches."Byron's greatest attributes don't necessarily come from his arm, in my opinion," Leonard said. "He's a natural leader, and he's not afraid of failure. He's going to put himself out there, regardless of if it puts him in a situation to fail or succeed.""He's mature beyond his years, we saw that from day one," Snyder said. "He walked into the camp last year, and everybody was like, 'This kid's going to be it for us.' It took him a couple weeks, but he got a shot and ran with it. It's just that maturity as a freshman and the competitiveness, that's why you feel like you have a chance on every snap."He's played only maybe 10 games in his career because of injuries and starting halfway during last year. You can't really gauge a quarterback on those few games."Teamwork is a must Saturday, according to McNair.

KWU FB FEATURE: Resilient McNair ready for Dickinson State challenge

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q: What did you see from Spencer Shrader that made you want to sign him?

TOUB: “Every year we rate all the kickers coming out. A lot like (Harrison) Butker, he (Spencer Shrader) was our number one guy coming out, we had him number one on our list. He was a guy obviously we targeted, we looked at and we liked him early and then he was on the practice squad, so we took a shot and got him. We’re happy we got him. He’s got a strong leg. We haven’t seen a lot of him but in practice, he’s looked really good.”

Q: On kickers seeming to have more powerful legs nowadays.

TOUB: “I mean the guys are so much – we’ve had this conversation before. I mean the guys are – they’re powerful. The leg strength is really off the charts so it’s not unusual – I mean the guys have to be able to kick a 50-yarder now to be considered an NFL kicker. Then, it comes down to accuracy after that, obviously consistently with the pressure and weather and wind. All those things come into play.”

Q: Do you agree that every yard matters?

TOUB: “Very much so. The last two games – I mean for us, winning field position, that’s the number one thing that we try to do. The last two games, we haven’t won the field position battle. That’s something that you know obviously we’re striving to get on the right track.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, a little uncharted waters for this year, (we’re) a little disappointed in last week. Listen, we’ve put it all to bed and flushed it away and now onto another good football team. They don’t get any easier and I know what their (the Carolina Panthers) record says, but (the) quarterback’s (Panthers QB Bryce Young) playing really good and (the) running back’s (Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard) a good player. I think these young guys on the outside are getting a lot of confidence so that’s what we’re getting prepared for. With that, I’ll open it up (to questions).”

Q:&nbsp;Are you satisfied with what you’re getting from your pass rush?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Look, the numbers say that you wouldn’t be. Now, I don’t measure everything on sacks, you know that. That particular quarterback (Bills QB Josh Allen) and a bunch of these quarterbacks we’ve played, we’ve had to play a certain way and sometimes you’re not getting four and five guys turned loose. I think you guys (the media) know what I’m saying, and it makes it hard. This guy makes one guy miss and we’re off point (and) he can – like he did on that fourth down play. We’re hoping to crank it up and get the so-called numbers where we want them or at least get the hits, the pressures, getting the quarterback off his spot, those are the things that we need to get better at.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from the recent success of the Carolina Panthers?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Listen, they’re playing confident. Listen, they can be a scary bunch when you have a bunch of young guys that have a lot of confidence – they’re coming off a bye week, I’m sure (Head Coach) Andy’s (Reid) talked about all of that. We’re in tune to it, our eyes are open, (and) nobody’s overlooking this particular unit that we’re going against. All we handle is the defense, right? I think this quarterback (Panthers QB Bryce Young) feels really good about what he’s doing. I think they’re doing really good things with him. If we don’t go out there and play our best football, that won’t be good. Any team in this league can make you look bad.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you get your defense to ramp up during November and December football to prepare for a playoff push?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, one of the things (that) we try to do is simplify at times. I think sometimes when you simplify, you play faster. There’s been a little bit of that direction this week. We’re always going to be multiple because we believe in putting pressure on the team that we’re playing, but if everybody can just be on point and just stay in their lane, do their job – we talk about that all the time. When we play our best is when the unit chemistry is like that (meshed hands together), not anybody trying to do their own thing. We haven’t had a lot of that this year so if we can get back to that and not make those mental errors, I think we’ll be okay.”

NAGY:&nbsp;“He (Noah Gray) really has. He’s been somebody that – since I’ve got here, I’ve really taken on to what he’s done as far as the details, his practice habits, his in-game adjustments (and) his making plays when given a chance. You see what he did last week in Buffalo, he made some nice plays. He’s Mr. Consistent, I think it’s very valuable and he’s probably one of the more underrated and underappreciated guys – from outside of this building – when you look at what he does.”

Q: How do you see your running back rotation working with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt when Isiah Pacheco returns?

NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s a good problem – I don’t see it as a problem, I used that word, but for him (Isiah Pacheco) to be able to get back into the mix – I always start off with, number one, who he is a football player. What he does for our offense is great stuff. I mean, he’s growing as a young kid (and) as a young football player in this offense but then you also take his personality, his demeanor, his fire, his energy (and) you throw that into the mix with Kareem (Hunt) and the other guys, it does nothing but help you. Whenever that is, whether it’s this week or next week, you know, he just brings positivity and I’m just happy for him to be able to get back.”

Q: How do you approach building on the final touchdown drive for this week and the rest of the season?

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ: What did you see from Spencer Shrader that made you want to sign him?TOUB: “Every year we rate all the kickers coming out. A lot like (Harrison) Butker, he (Spencer Shrader) was our number one guy coming out, we had him number one on our list. He was a guy obviously we targeted, we looked at and we liked him early and then he was on the practice squad, so we took a shot and got him. We’re happy we got him. He’s got a strong leg. We haven’t seen a lot of him but in practice, he’s looked really good.”Q: On kickers seeming to have more powerful legs nowadays.TOUB: “I mean the guys are so much – we’ve had this conversation before. I mean the guys are – they’re powerful. The leg strength is really off the charts so it’s not unusual – I mean the guys have to be able to kick a 50-yarder now to be considered an NFL kicker. Then, it comes down to accuracy after that, obviously consistently with the pressure and weather and wind. All those things come into play.”Q: Do you agree that every yard matters?TOUB: “Very much so. The last two games – I mean for us, winning field position, that’s the number one thing that we try to do. The last two games, we haven’t won the field position battle. That’s something that you know obviously we’re striving to get on the right track.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, a little uncharted waters for this year, (we’re) a little disappointed in last week. Listen, we’ve put it all to bed and flushed it away and now onto another good football team. They don’t get any easier and I know what their (the Carolina Panthers) record says, but (the) quarterback’s (Panthers QB Bryce Young) playing really good and (the) running back’s (Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard) a good player. I think these young guys on the outside are getting a lot of confidence so that’s what we’re getting prepared for. With that, I’ll open it up (to questions).”Q:&nbsp;Are you satisfied with what you’re getting from your pass rush?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Look, the numbers say that you wouldn’t be. Now, I don’t measure everything on sacks, you know that. That particular quarterback (Bills QB Josh Allen) and a bunch of these quarterbacks we’ve played, we’ve had to play a certain way and sometimes you’re not getting four and five guys turned loose. I think you guys (the media) know what I’m saying, and it makes it hard. This guy makes one guy miss and we’re off point (and) he can – like he did on that fourth down play. We’re hoping to crank it up and get the so-called numbers where we want them or at least get the hits, the pressures, getting the quarterback off his spot, those are the things that we need to get better at.”Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from the recent success of the Carolina Panthers?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Listen, they’re playing confident. Listen, they can be a scary bunch when you have a bunch of young guys that have a lot of confidence – they’re coming off a bye week, I’m sure (Head Coach) Andy’s (Reid) talked about all of that. We’re in tune to it, our eyes are open, (and) nobody’s overlooking this particular unit that we’re going against. All we handle is the defense, right? I think this quarterback (Panthers QB Bryce Young) feels really good about what he’s doing. I think they’re doing really good things with him. If we don’t go out there and play our best football, that won’t be good. Any team in this league can make you look bad.”Q:&nbsp;How do you get your defense to ramp up during November and December football to prepare for a playoff push?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, one of the things (that) we try to do is simplify at times. I think sometimes when you simplify, you play faster. There’s been a little bit of that direction this week. We’re always going to be multiple because we believe in putting pressure on the team that we’re playing, but if everybody can just be on point and just stay in their lane, do their job – we talk about that all the time. When we play our best is when the unit chemistry is like that (meshed hands together), not anybody trying to do their own thing. We haven’t had a lot of that this year so if we can get back to that and not make those mental errors, I think we’ll be okay.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ: On the evolution of Noah Gray.NAGY:&nbsp;“He (Noah Gray) really has. He’s been somebody that – since I’ve got here, I’ve really taken on to what he’s done as far as the details, his practice habits, his in-game adjustments (and) his making plays when given a chance. You see what he did last week in Buffalo, he made some nice plays. He’s Mr. Consistent, I think it’s very valuable and he’s probably one of the more underrated and underappreciated guys – from outside of this building – when you look at what he does.”Q: How do you see your running back rotation working with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt when Isiah Pacheco returns?NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s a good problem – I don’t see it as a problem, I used that word, but for him (Isiah Pacheco) to be able to get back into the mix – I always start off with, number one, who he is a football player. What he does for our offense is great stuff. I mean, he’s growing as a young kid (and) as a young football player in this offense but then you also take his personality, his demeanor, his fire, his energy (and) you throw that into the mix with Kareem (Hunt) and the other guys, it does nothing but help you. Whenever that is, whether it’s this week or next week, you know, he just brings positivity and I’m just happy for him to be able to get back.”Q: How do you approach building on the final touchdown drive for this week and the rest of the season?

Chiefs Quotes: 11-21-24

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4794ba56-87a0-4b4c-b3d3-fd37227b4a05?elinkdata=15743">Alex Littlejohn</a> was not feeling well in advance of Kansas Wesleyan's basketball game against McPherson.

Littlejohn, to nobody's surprise though, donned his uniform and played in the Kansas Conference contest Wednesday night inside Mabee Arena. His performance left the visiting Bulldogs feeling puny by game's end.

Littlejohn scored 21 points on 9 of 15 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds in leading KWU to a 72-65 victory. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9220937b-771c-41bf-a6bf-b40efc8f3670?elinkdata=15743">Evens Appolon</a>, the Coyotes' man-mountain center who was playing on his birthday, blocked a program-record 11 shots to go along with eight points and seven rebounds.

The Coyotes ended a two-game losing streak and improved to 5-2 overall, 1-1 in the conference. McPherson fell to 2-3 and 0-2.

Littlejohn, the Coyotes' all-everything senior forward, was magnificent once more. He entered the game averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds.

"Alex was sick all day," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c03b9ab8-8190-453e-bbdc-9c349cefe949?elinkdata=15743">Anthony Monson</a> said on the postgame radio show. "He wasn't here for most of the day and we didn't know if he was actually going to play until maybe an hour before gametime. He made the big buckets when we needed them."

Littlejohn scored 10 points and KWU shot 55.6 percent from the field (20 of 36) en route to a 44-32 halftime lead.

McPherson rallied in the second half and got as close as three points on four occasions, the last 67-64 with 59 seconds left. The comeback was fueled by a 47-41 rebounding advantage that included 21 offensive rebounds and resulted in 21 second chance points.

"It's been a problem all year and we've got to find a way to fix that," Monson said. "They got 21 offensive boards tonight and we still found a way to win. We're playing with fire especially with (No. 17-ranked) Oklahoma Wesleyan coming here Saturday. That's what they do best and we've got to find a way to clean that glass or we're going to be in a world of hurt."

Appolon, a 6-foot-8, 250-pound transfer from Central Methodist, was one-man wrecking crew on the defensive end. His six blocks in the second half help keep McPherson at bay.

"He's got a ton of potential, he's just so raw and still so young," Monson said. "He's a guy who works hard and he's fun to work with every day. He's got a great attitude and just does everything that you want. It's fun to see him continue to grow and to continue to get better."

After McPherson got within three the final time the Coyotes closed it out in the final 42.3 seconds by making 4 of 6 free throws while McPherson missed two shots - the first blocked by Appolon - and was 1 of 2 at the foul line.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0985dd1b-2cea-45df-96dc-7a49dd7659c4?elinkdata=15743">Izaiah Hale</a> added 10 points as KWU shot 47 percent (30 of 64) for the game but just 2 of 13 from beyond the 3-point line. McPherson shot 34 percent (27 of 80) and was 6 of 21 from long range.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a327a2f9-b8f8-4642-8e83-e18010deff27?elinkdata=15743">Jayden Hall</a> started at point guard for the Coyotes and finished with eight points, three rebounds, two assists and just one turnover.

"He did a good job tonight," Monson said. "That's why I tell everybody you've got to be ready because you never know when I'm going to make a switch. We made a switch tonight and felt like it was what we needed for this game. Luckily for us it worked out."

Charles Snyder and Jamil Hardaway had 14 points apiece for McPherson which was without starting forward Collin Storr.

"I thought defensively, except for a little stretch there in the second half, we were pretty good," Monson said. "And honestly if we wouldn't have given up so many offensive boards and a couple turnovers things would have been a little different."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4794ba56-87a0-4b4c-b3d3-fd37227b4a05?elinkdata=15743">Alex Littlejohn</a> was not feeling well in advance of Kansas Wesleyan's basketball game against McPherson.Littlejohn, to nobody's surprise though, donned his uniform and played in the Kansas Conference contest Wednesday night inside Mabee Arena. His performance left the visiting Bulldogs feeling puny by game's end.Littlejohn scored 21 points on 9 of 15 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds in leading KWU to a 72-65 victory. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9220937b-771c-41bf-a6bf-b40efc8f3670?elinkdata=15743">Evens Appolon</a>, the Coyotes' man-mountain center who was playing on his birthday, blocked a program-record 11 shots to go along with eight points and seven rebounds.The Coyotes ended a two-game losing streak and improved to 5-2 overall, 1-1 in the conference. McPherson fell to 2-3 and 0-2.Littlejohn, the Coyotes' all-everything senior forward, was magnificent once more. He entered the game averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds."Alex was sick all day," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c03b9ab8-8190-453e-bbdc-9c349cefe949?elinkdata=15743">Anthony Monson</a> said on the postgame radio show. "He wasn't here for most of the day and we didn't know if he was actually going to play until maybe an hour before gametime. He made the big buckets when we needed them."Littlejohn scored 10 points and KWU shot 55.6 percent from the field (20 of 36) en route to a 44-32 halftime lead.McPherson rallied in the second half and got as close as three points on four occasions, the last 67-64 with 59 seconds left. The comeback was fueled by a 47-41 rebounding advantage that included 21 offensive rebounds and resulted in 21 second chance points."It's been a problem all year and we've got to find a way to fix that," Monson said. "They got 21 offensive boards tonight and we still found a way to win. We're playing with fire especially with (No. 17-ranked) Oklahoma Wesleyan coming here Saturday. That's what they do best and we've got to find a way to clean that glass or we're going to be in a world of hurt."Appolon, a 6-foot-8, 250-pound transfer from Central Methodist, was one-man wrecking crew on the defensive end. His six blocks in the second half help keep McPherson at bay."He's got a ton of potential, he's just so raw and still so young," Monson said. "He's a guy who works hard and he's fun to work with every day. He's got a great attitude and just does everything that you want. It's fun to see him continue to grow and to continue to get better."After McPherson got within three the final time the Coyotes closed it out in the final 42.3 seconds by making 4 of 6 free throws while McPherson missed two shots - the first blocked by Appolon - and was 1 of 2 at the foul line.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0985dd1b-2cea-45df-96dc-7a49dd7659c4?elinkdata=15743">Izaiah Hale</a> added 10 points as KWU shot 47 percent (30 of 64) for the game but just 2 of 13 from beyond the 3-point line. McPherson shot 34 percent (27 of 80) and was 6 of 21 from long range.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a327a2f9-b8f8-4642-8e83-e18010deff27?elinkdata=15743">Jayden Hall</a> started at point guard for the Coyotes and finished with eight points, three rebounds, two assists and just one turnover."He did a good job tonight," Monson said. "That's why I tell everybody you've got to be ready because you never know when I'm going to make a switch. We made a switch tonight and felt like it was what we needed for this game. Luckily for us it worked out."Charles Snyder and Jamil Hardaway had 14 points apiece for McPherson which was without starting forward Collin Storr."I thought defensively, except for a little stretch there in the second half, we were pretty good," Monson said. "And honestly if we wouldn't have given up so many offensive boards and a couple turnovers things would have been a little different."

Ailing Littlejohn, Appolon lead Coyotes past McPherson 72-65

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball improved to 2-0 in the Kansas Conference with a convincing 97-64 win over the McPherson College Bulldogs on Wednesday night at Mabee Arena.

"We were ready to play. We were locked in," Wesleyan coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ea67b38f-4966-4d3e-b316-3c064f007bcf?elinkdata=15715">Ryan Showman</a> said. "I thought we had two really good days of practice and preparation and we were ready to go. The starters set the tone and people came off the bench and keep the momentum going.

One of those key bench players was senior sharpshooter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1768817e-5fdd-4b45-b4c7-46f1fc198f42?elinkdata=15715">Jill Stephens</a>. Stephens went 4-4 from 3-point range in the first quarter and added a free throw, scoring 13 points in the period as the Coyotes jumped out to a 29-12 lead.

"I thought <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/edca916d-4f97-4dac-857d-030d01b5c012?elinkdata=15715">Jill Stephens</a> was phenomenal off the bench in that first half, hitting a bunch of big shots for us and extended the lead," Showman said.

Both teams struggled in the second quarter, but the Coyotes picked things up in the last two minutes. McPherson had cut the lead to nine thanks to a 9-0 run when Wesleyan responded.

Showman called a timeout midway through McPherson's run to refocus the team.

"There were some challenges issued in the timeout. I thought the response was great," he said. "It was what you would expect from a veteran team. We came out and closed things out heading to half time and I think that was really important."

The Coyotes closed the half on an 8-1 run pushing the lead back out to 16 at half time.

Five straight points by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/db78c8c9-517a-4c86-b765-fae8e943ef9b?elinkdata=15715">Catherine Bowman</a> halfway through the third pushed KWU's lead out over 20 points for the first time.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b77a6f24-1775-4965-95bc-241066ef3bf8?elinkdata=15715">Kourtney Kaufman's</a> 3-pointer just before the third quarter horn gave KWU a 71-44 lead.

Another Kaufman triple got the difference over 30 for the first time with seven minutes left at 81-50.

Wesleyan shot lights out in the first quarter (10 of 12 for 83 percent) and in the third as well (9 of 14 for 64.3 percent) on the way to shooting 31 of 65 from the field for the game for 47.7 percent. The Coyotes hit 14 3-pointers, going 14 of 37 from deep.

Stephens had 16 to lead all scorers in the game, and another balanced output by the Coyotes. Bowman and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/476ab41b-4bef-4ae5-b55d-2eed55ef1e7b?elinkdata=15715">LaMyah Ricks</a> added 11 each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1725490b-c22b-45dc-8af2-c4eb9b2d2fbe?elinkdata=15715">Paige Chauncey</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7c722111-05cd-45ee-a72b-73959769cac8?elinkdata=15715">Angel Lee</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/809d5ed5-15d7-42cf-8da9-8d80aab2386a?elinkdata=15715">Odessa Ozuna</a> had nine each for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ea25a2db-4a64-4f71-a588-60fc3fabc17e?elinkdata=15715">Jocelyn Hall</a> had 12 rebounds for the Coyotes, who out rebounded McPherson 48-42.

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball improved to 2-0 in the Kansas Conference with a convincing 97-64 win over the McPherson College Bulldogs on Wednesday night at Mabee Arena."We were ready to play. We were locked in," Wesleyan coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ea67b38f-4966-4d3e-b316-3c064f007bcf?elinkdata=15715">Ryan Showman</a> said. "I thought we had two really good days of practice and preparation and we were ready to go. The starters set the tone and people came off the bench and keep the momentum going.One of those key bench players was senior sharpshooter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1768817e-5fdd-4b45-b4c7-46f1fc198f42?elinkdata=15715">Jill Stephens</a>. Stephens went 4-4 from 3-point range in the first quarter and added a free throw, scoring 13 points in the period as the Coyotes jumped out to a 29-12 lead."I thought <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/edca916d-4f97-4dac-857d-030d01b5c012?elinkdata=15715">Jill Stephens</a> was phenomenal off the bench in that first half, hitting a bunch of big shots for us and extended the lead," Showman said.Both teams struggled in the second quarter, but the Coyotes picked things up in the last two minutes. McPherson had cut the lead to nine thanks to a 9-0 run when Wesleyan responded.Showman called a timeout midway through McPherson's run to refocus the team."There were some challenges issued in the timeout. I thought the response was great," he said. "It was what you would expect from a veteran team. We came out and closed things out heading to half time and I think that was really important."The Coyotes closed the half on an 8-1 run pushing the lead back out to 16 at half time.Five straight points by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/db78c8c9-517a-4c86-b765-fae8e943ef9b?elinkdata=15715">Catherine Bowman</a> halfway through the third pushed KWU's lead out over 20 points for the first time.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b77a6f24-1775-4965-95bc-241066ef3bf8?elinkdata=15715">Kourtney Kaufman's</a> 3-pointer just before the third quarter horn gave KWU a 71-44 lead.Another Kaufman triple got the difference over 30 for the first time with seven minutes left at 81-50.Wesleyan shot lights out in the first quarter (10 of 12 for 83 percent) and in the third as well (9 of 14 for 64.3 percent) on the way to shooting 31 of 65 from the field for the game for 47.7 percent. The Coyotes hit 14 3-pointers, going 14 of 37 from deep.Stephens had 16 to lead all scorers in the game, and another balanced output by the Coyotes. Bowman and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/476ab41b-4bef-4ae5-b55d-2eed55ef1e7b?elinkdata=15715">LaMyah Ricks</a> added 11 each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1725490b-c22b-45dc-8af2-c4eb9b2d2fbe?elinkdata=15715">Paige Chauncey</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7c722111-05cd-45ee-a72b-73959769cac8?elinkdata=15715">Angel Lee</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/809d5ed5-15d7-42cf-8da9-8d80aab2386a?elinkdata=15715">Odessa Ozuna</a> had nine each for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ea25a2db-4a64-4f71-a588-60fc3fabc17e?elinkdata=15715">Jocelyn Hall</a> had 12 rebounds for the Coyotes, who out rebounded McPherson 48-42.

KWU WBB cruises to 97-64 win over McPherson

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– (10/10) K-State dispatched of Milwaukee in the opening five minutes of Wednesday night’s game and cruised to a season-high 111-46 win at Bramlage Coliseum.

The 111 points are the second-most points K-State has scored in a game in program history and the most since setting the school record of 115 on Dec. 2, 2002, against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

K-State shot a season-high 60.0 percent from the field (45-of-75) and registered its highest field goal percentage since a 60.4 percent effort against Baylor on Feb. 15, 2023.

K-State (5-0) improved its season-opening win streak to five. This is the third straight season the Wildcats have opened a season with a five-game winning streak and marks the first time in program history K-State has started three consecutive seasons with a 5-0 record.

The Wildcats featured a season-high six players in double figures and were led by All-America center Ayoka Lee with a game-high 25 points on 11-of-15 shooting. She also pulled in seven rebounds and blocked two shots.

Senior guard Jaelyn Glenn equaled her season-high with 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting including 3-of-4 from 3-point range to go with three rebounds, three steals and two assists.

Senior guard and All-America candidate Serena Sundell carded 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and a blocked shot. This was Sundell’s 47th&nbsp;career game with 10 or more points and five or more assists.

Sophomore guard Zyanna Walker narrowly missed a triple-double with 13 points, a career-high nine rebounds and a career-high nine assists.

Sophomore guard Taryn Sides added 11 points off the bench, while junior Gisela Sanchez carded 10 points, a career-high seven assists and five rebounds.

- K-State raced out to an 18-4 lead with 4:31 to play in the first quarter. Lee scored half of K-State’s points, nine, in the five-and-a-half-minute stretch. The Wildcats would end the frame with a 27-11 lead and shot 55.6 percent (10-of-18).

- Milwaukee (2-4) narrowed the deficit to 18, 35-17, with 7:11 to play in the second quarter. The Wildcats answered the mini-run by the Panthers with a 19-1 run to end the first half and build a 54-18 lead at the break.

- The Wildcats shot 61.1 percent (11-of-18) from the field in the second quarter.

- The 54 first half points were the most by K-State in a first half since scoring 54 in the opening half against Utah Tech on Nov. 20, 2022. This was the first time K-State scored 25 or more points in consecutive quarters since Dec. 6, 2023, against McNeese State when K-State scored 30 points and 25 in the third and fourth quarters.

- K-State registered a season-high for points in a quarter with 33 in the third quarter to build an 87-33 advantage at the end of the third. The Wildcats shot 56.5 percent (13-of-23) from the field in the frame.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– (10/10) K-State dispatched of Milwaukee in the opening five minutes of Wednesday night’s game and cruised to a season-high 111-46 win at Bramlage Coliseum.The 111 points are the second-most points K-State has scored in a game in program history and the most since setting the school record of 115 on Dec. 2, 2002, against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.K-State shot a season-high 60.0 percent from the field (45-of-75) and registered its highest field goal percentage since a 60.4 percent effort against Baylor on Feb. 15, 2023.K-State (5-0) improved its season-opening win streak to five. This is the third straight season the Wildcats have opened a season with a five-game winning streak and marks the first time in program history K-State has started three consecutive seasons with a 5-0 record.The Wildcats featured a season-high six players in double figures and were led by All-America center Ayoka Lee with a game-high 25 points on 11-of-15 shooting. She also pulled in seven rebounds and blocked two shots.Senior guard Jaelyn Glenn equaled her season-high with 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting including 3-of-4 from 3-point range to go with three rebounds, three steals and two assists.Senior guard and All-America candidate Serena Sundell carded 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and a blocked shot. This was Sundell’s 47th&nbsp;career game with 10 or more points and five or more assists.Sophomore guard Zyanna Walker narrowly missed a triple-double with 13 points, a career-high nine rebounds and a career-high nine assists.Sophomore guard Taryn Sides added 11 points off the bench, while junior Gisela Sanchez carded 10 points, a career-high seven assists and five rebounds.HOW IT HAPPENED- K-State raced out to an 18-4 lead with 4:31 to play in the first quarter. Lee scored half of K-State’s points, nine, in the five-and-a-half-minute stretch. The Wildcats would end the frame with a 27-11 lead and shot 55.6 percent (10-of-18).- Milwaukee (2-4) narrowed the deficit to 18, 35-17, with 7:11 to play in the second quarter. The Wildcats answered the mini-run by the Panthers with a 19-1 run to end the first half and build a 54-18 lead at the break.- The Wildcats shot 61.1 percent (11-of-18) from the field in the second quarter.- The 54 first half points were the most by K-State in a first half since scoring 54 in the opening half against Utah Tech on Nov. 20, 2022. This was the first time K-State scored 25 or more points in consecutive quarters since Dec. 6, 2023, against McNeese State when K-State scored 30 points and 25 in the third and fourth quarters.- K-State registered a season-high for points in a quarter with 33 in the third quarter to build an 87-33 advantage at the end of the third. The Wildcats shot 56.5 percent (13-of-23) from the field in the frame.- The Wildcats won the fourth quarter, 24-13, and shot 68.8 percent (11-of-16) from the field.- K-State outrebounded the Panthers, 51-18, as the Wildcats converted 16 offensive rebounds into 20 second chance points.- The Wildcats handed out a season-high 27 assists on their 45 made field goals.QUICK FACTS- K-State and Milwaukee played the first game in the series between the schools. The Wildcats are 11-2 against current members of the Horizon League.- K-State is 401-156 (.720) in its 37-season history inside Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats own a 234-30 (.886) record against non-conference opponents inside Bramlage.- K-State owns a record of 253-95 (.727) as an AP ranked team. K-State is 16-5 (.762) all-time when ranked 10th in the nation.- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 649-370 (.637) in his 33 seasons as a head coach, including a mark of 195-135 (.591) in his 11 seasons at K-State. Mittie is 405-113 (.782) in games played in his home venue, including a 131-48 (.732) mark in Bramlage Coliseum.- The Wildcats are 165-54 (.753) in games played in the month of November, including wins in 53 of its last 64 games in the month. Under Mittie, K-State is 51-11 (.823) in games during the 11th&nbsp;month.TEAM NOTES- K-State's starting five consisted of guards: Zyanna Walker, Jaelyn Glenn and Serena Sundell; forward Temira Poindexter and center Ayoka Lee. This was the fourth time this lineup has started together this season. This was the 118th&nbsp;career start for Lee, the 108th career start for Sundell, the 104th career start for Jaelyn Glenn, the 92nd career collegiate start and fifth at K-State for Poindexter and the fifth career start for Walker. With her 118th&nbsp;career start at K-State, Lee moves into sole possession of 8th&nbsp;in program history for career starts.- The Wildcats held a 54-18 lead at halftime on Wednesday. Under Mittie, K-State is 155-19 (.891) when leading at halftime. The Wildcats have led at the half in all five games this season.- K-State has scored 20-or more points in a quarter 12 times this season, including all four quarters on Wednesday night. Since the start of the quarter-system in 2015-16, the Wildcats are 137-62 (.688) when scoring 20 or more points in any quarter of a game.- K-State shot 50.0 percent or better in a quarter in all four quarters on Wednesday night.The Wildcats have 10 quarters this season of 50.0 percent or better shooting.- Over the last four seasons, K-State is 47-3 (.940) when holding the advantage on the glass.- K-State recorded a combination of 23 blocks and steals (nine blocks, 14 steals) on Wednesday. In the Jeff Mittie era, K-State is 24-1 when achieving a combination of 20 or more blocks and steals in a game.PLAYER NOTES- Lee needs 64 points to pass Kendra Wecker (2001-05; 2,333 points) for the school record for points in a career. Lee’s career point total stands at 2,270. Lee tallied her 54th career game with 20 or more points and her 108th career game with 10 or more points. Lee has scored in every game of her career (118 games).- Lee hauled in seven rebounds on Wednesday. Lee’s career total for rebounds stands at 1,143, improving upon her own school record for career rebounds. Lee is seventh in Big 12 history for career rebounds. This was her 104th&nbsp;career game with five or more rebounds.- Lee has shot 50.0 percent or better from the field in 81 career games. With her 11 made field goals on Wednesday, Lee improved her career total to 919. She needs 17 made field goals to pass Ohlde for the school record for career field goals made. This was her 32nd&nbsp;career game with 10 or more made field goals.- Lee improved her career blocked shot total to 316, improving upon her school record for career blocked shots. Lee ranks fifth all-time in Big 12 history for career blocked shots.- With her 17 points on Wednesday, Glenn improved her career total to 905 points. She needs 95 points to become the 46th&nbsp;player in program history to score 1,000 or more career points at K-State. This was her 42nd&nbsp;career game with 10 or more points.- Glenn made three 3-pointers on Wednesday. This was her 51st career game with two or more connections from long range. She is tied for 10th on the K-State career 3-point field goals made list (166).- Glenn pocketed three steals on Wednesday for her 61st&nbsp;career game with two or more steals. With her three steals, Glenn improved her career total to 213 steals and moved into eighth in school history for career steals, passing Shaelyn Martin (2014-18; 212).- Sundell notched her 74th career game with 10 or more points. Sundell owns 1,313 career points and passed Megan Mahoney (2001-05; 1,307) for 19th&nbsp;and is tied with Marlies Gipson (2005-09; 1,313) for 18th&nbsp;on the K-State career scoring list.- Sundell’s five assists on Wednesday improved her career total to 572 and she remains in third in school history for career assists. With 18 assists, Sundell will pass Megan Mahoney (2001-05; 589) for second in school history. This was her 68th&nbsp;career game with five or more assists.- Walker recorded her 14th&nbsp;career game, all at K-State, with 10 or more points.- Walker handed out five or more assists for the fourth time this season and the sixth time in her career.- Walker achieved 14th&nbsp;career game and her third this season with five or more rebounds.- Sides connected on three 3-point field goals, equaling her career-high and marking her 12th&nbsp;career game with two or more connections from long range.- Sanchez tallied a season-high in points and her eighth career game with 10 or more points.- Sanchez hauled in five or more rebounds for the third time this season and the 16th&nbsp;time in her career.- Sanchez dished out a career-high seven assists. This was her second career game with five or more assists.FROM THE HEAD COACHK-State Head Coach Jeff MittieOpening Statement…“When you don't make shots, it tends to not look good. I mean, that's the thing, when you make shots, everything looks good. But I think the things that lead to making shots, ball movement, spacing, those things were much better. And I thought our effort was much better. I said a couple games ago, one of the things that concerned me about our transition game was we were getting three and maybe a four, but we weren't getting a fifth to run hard like we needed to. I think tonight we saw some players run really well. I'll give you an example. There was a play coming our way, where I was in front of the bench and I was yelling at her [Zyanna Walker] to go through, and she was ahead of the pack, and she went all the way through and got it back, got the ball, got a ball screen from Kennedy [Taylor], and hit the pull up jumper on the other side. And you know, we weren't playing that way, certainly Monday night, we've had glimpses of it. But tonight we put it together. Now we had some advantages, but at the same time you can either take advantage of those advantages or play down a notch. And tonight we played up.”On holding Milwaukee to 18 rebounds…"I think two things. I think one, our transition game got going so well, they got so concerned about that so they weren't sending people to the glass. It's one of the things that I think goes unnoticed when you're running so well at the other end, and the other team says, 'We got to get back.' They tend to do that quicker. And then I think that we chased the ball really well tonight. I thought our guards really chased the ball well tonight. I had to look at that twice on the stat sheet, because I thought Randy had made a mistake and because it didn't feel like that to me watching it, but it also didn't feel like they were getting any second chances."On teaching points tonight…"I think as a coach, I think you're always curious on how your team’s going to handle success and how they're going to handle some adversity. And while we won a game the other night, you guys all know that I wasn't pleased with some things, and our team knew I wasn't pleased with some things. So how are they going to bounce back from that? Shoot around, practice preparation, and then when the lights are on, how are they going to handle that? So I thought this was a good step forward for us. We saw a lot of people play well tonight, and that's what I was looking for."On going into the Ball Dawgs Classic…"We know we've got a really good matchup with Duke, and it's a great tournament. You've got Oklahoma and DePaul on the other side. We're going to go to win a tournament championship. We got four teams that have that opportunity. Every player, every coach, gets more excited about ranked games, tournament games, those things are exciting for us. Hopefully we'll have good preparation going into it. We've got a couple days here in Manhattan, and then we'll get into Vegas on Saturday."FROM THE FLOORK-State Senior Guard Serena SundellOn the team’s ability to quickly turn around defensively…“I think we did a good job of refocusing. We had a practice yesterday where we were focused on us. We didn't really talk about Milwaukee. We focused on what we needed to do, and what we could control, just the little things that kind of go a long way, whether that's our defense and guarding people one-on-one or rebounding and taking good shots. Like you said, we did a good job of kind of refocusing coming in tonight with a different mindset of putting it on them, and then let's not play the score.”On Gap Goat’s influence with intensity and motivation…“I think even tonight, Coach (Jeff) Mittie was honest about our defense. I think we still had different ways we could improve. We knew that they were going to come in, and you saw it with strides, stops, pivot work, and angles. He said, they're not the fastest team, and we can beat them to the spots but we have to be disciplined. We kind of lost our discipline a few times there, but overall, it was a good defensive performance. I think the Gap Goat intensity is still fun, it still motivates us. It's fun to see the managers get into it with the crowd.”On the legacy of gap goat without Gabby Gregory…“She did a good job. She was obviously a presence on Twitter. We needed somebody to step up and get that going again. I think our team, just embraces it. It's just what makes K-State Women's Basketball unique. It's something that our fans and community have really bought into, which has been a lot of fun to see just that grow. As silly as it is, it is helpful, and it's a lot of fun to get seven gaps. We all really believe in what it means and the statistics of if you are getting seven gaps, you're going to win 95% of your games. So I think our team believes and we trust in coach Mittie and that philosophy. It's been fun to kind of see that hard work kind of pan out so far.”K-State Sophomore Guard Taryn SidesOn how the offense performed…“I think it's just a lot of fun. The way we played tonight suits us. Guard good, get out and run, push the ball, get some easy buckets in transition and then play out of it. I think it's what we did well tonight. It was a lot of fun.”On her confidence…“I think Coach [Jeff] Mittie has instilled confidence in me to shoot the ball. He says let it fly and when your coach is telling you that, it just gives you the free will and you just play looser. And I think I've done that better this year compared to last year.”On her growth as a player…“I just feel more confident and loose. My teammates can attest to that. We just play together so well, so it makes it easy. Just knock down shots, get everyone involved, and play basketball the right way.”UP NEXTK-State will play its first two games away from Bramlage Coliseum next week, as the Wildcats take part in the 2024 Ball Dawgs Classic in Henderson, Nevada. K-State will face (14/14) Duke on Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. (CT).