<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6fc26978-2c41-4cab-a612-69ec3304fa94?elinkdata=14522">Izaiah Hale</a> knew it was going to be his night when his first shot from beyond the 3-point line went in.

So, he shot another one on Kansas Wesleyan's next possession and another on the third trip down the floor, all with the same results. Nine points on three shots in just over a minute.

"I was confident in the beginning but watching that first shot go in I was just ready to keep shooting," said Hale, a senior guard."This was my night."

Indeed, it was. Hale scored 23 points that included 6 of 7 shooting from beyond the arc as KWU outlasted Wayland Baptist 73-63 in the final game of the Coyote Classic on Saturday night inside Mabee Arena.

The Coyotes shot 46.3 percent overall for the game (25 of 54) but were better from long distance at 50 percent (14 of 28). <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cb64cbf8-d5d8-43eb-a1f5-054dbc39de2e?elinkdata=14522">Easton Hunter</a> and newcomer <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e7ad4051-4d76-4f5f-ab74-56d28a40ff52?elinkdata=14522">Landon Wagler</a> made three 3s apiece.

"This was a night when we really needed to hit shots from the perimeter and we hit the timely ones which are always big," KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/991808c6-bc4c-48d0-b22f-8d8fb8dddb96?elinkdata=14522">Anthony Monson</a> said. "We've worked hard in the preseason and their work's paying off for them. That was definitely something we needed tonight."

Hale, who averaged 10.2 points and shot 35 percent from 3-point range a year ago, scored 12 points in the first half on four 3-pointers and helped the Coyotes take a 38-29 lead into the locker room at halftime.

He scored seven consecutive points midway through the second half that included his sixth 3-pointer.

"I said he's probably going to be that scoring guard that can score a bunch of different ways for us and he did a really good job of that tonight," Monson said. "The way the game went tonight we tried to get as many shooters on the floor as we could. They were double (teaming) Alex (Littlejohn) all night long."

Littlejohn had another huge game despite the defensive pressure finishing with his usual double-double - 14 points and 13 rebounds - to go along with four blocks and three assists.

Hale also spent some time playing point guard with backup <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0394a0f1-a58e-48a1-9818-7ebb0fb30849?elinkdata=14522">Tucker Bowman</a> out.

"I played some point guard last year so I was pretty comfortable with that," Hale said.

Wayland Baptist (0-3) stayed close the second half, but the Coyotes were able to keep them at arm's length. The Pioneers got within three (45-42) and within four twice (60-56 and 62-58) but KWU answered each time.

Leading 67-62 Hunter buried a pivotal 3-pointer with 54 seconds left. A WBU free throw cut the deficit to 70-63 with 46.4 seconds left but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/39f37493-8e1b-47fa-88dc-a3d5577e5bdc?elinkdata=14522">Caden Hale</a> sealed it with three free throws in the final 27.6 seconds. The Pioneers missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw opportunity and missed two field goal attempts just before time expired.

WBU shot 38 percent (27 of 71) and was led by guard Quenton Coleman's 15 points. The Pioneers won the rebounding battle 41-31 and had 13 second-chance points - statistics that got Monson's attention.

"We've got to do a better job on the glass," he said. "We've got size, we've got guys who can get it done."

Overall, Monson was pleased with the victory over a team that was 23-11 and advanced to the semifinals of the NAIA National Championship last season.

"That team should not be 0-3," he said of WBU. "They've got some people injured; they've got some people not eligible yet, but they gave a ton of effort, they're very talented and are well coached. We're going to see them again Thanksgiving weekend at their place and it will probably be a dogfight."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6fc26978-2c41-4cab-a612-69ec3304fa94?elinkdata=14522">Izaiah Hale</a> knew it was going to be his night when his first shot from beyond the 3-point line went in.So, he shot another one on Kansas Wesleyan's next possession and another on the third trip down the floor, all with the same results. Nine points on three shots in just over a minute."I was confident in the beginning but watching that first shot go in I was just ready to keep shooting," said Hale, a senior guard."This was my night."Indeed, it was. Hale scored 23 points that included 6 of 7 shooting from beyond the arc as KWU outlasted Wayland Baptist 73-63 in the final game of the Coyote Classic on Saturday night inside Mabee Arena.The Coyotes shot 46.3 percent overall for the game (25 of 54) but were better from long distance at 50 percent (14 of 28). <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cb64cbf8-d5d8-43eb-a1f5-054dbc39de2e?elinkdata=14522">Easton Hunter</a> and newcomer <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e7ad4051-4d76-4f5f-ab74-56d28a40ff52?elinkdata=14522">Landon Wagler</a> made three 3s apiece."This was a night when we really needed to hit shots from the perimeter and we hit the timely ones which are always big," KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/991808c6-bc4c-48d0-b22f-8d8fb8dddb96?elinkdata=14522">Anthony Monson</a> said. "We've worked hard in the preseason and their work's paying off for them. That was definitely something we needed tonight."Hale, who averaged 10.2 points and shot 35 percent from 3-point range a year ago, scored 12 points in the first half on four 3-pointers and helped the Coyotes take a 38-29 lead into the locker room at halftime.He scored seven consecutive points midway through the second half that included his sixth 3-pointer."I said he's probably going to be that scoring guard that can score a bunch of different ways for us and he did a really good job of that tonight," Monson said. "The way the game went tonight we tried to get as many shooters on the floor as we could. They were double (teaming) Alex (Littlejohn) all night long."Littlejohn had another huge game despite the defensive pressure finishing with his usual double-double - 14 points and 13 rebounds - to go along with four blocks and three assists.Hale also spent some time playing point guard with backup <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0394a0f1-a58e-48a1-9818-7ebb0fb30849?elinkdata=14522">Tucker Bowman</a> out."I played some point guard last year so I was pretty comfortable with that," Hale said.Wayland Baptist (0-3) stayed close the second half, but the Coyotes were able to keep them at arm's length. The Pioneers got within three (45-42) and within four twice (60-56 and 62-58) but KWU answered each time.Leading 67-62 Hunter buried a pivotal 3-pointer with 54 seconds left. A WBU free throw cut the deficit to 70-63 with 46.4 seconds left but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/39f37493-8e1b-47fa-88dc-a3d5577e5bdc?elinkdata=14522">Caden Hale</a> sealed it with three free throws in the final 27.6 seconds. The Pioneers missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw opportunity and missed two field goal attempts just before time expired.WBU shot 38 percent (27 of 71) and was led by guard Quenton Coleman's 15 points. The Pioneers won the rebounding battle 41-31 and had 13 second-chance points - statistics that got Monson's attention."We've got to do a better job on the glass," he said. "We've got size, we've got guys who can get it done."Overall, Monson was pleased with the victory over a team that was 23-11 and advanced to the semifinals of the NAIA National Championship last season."That team should not be 0-3," he said of WBU. "They've got some people injured; they've got some people not eligible yet, but they gave a ton of effort, they're very talented and are well coached. We're going to see them again Thanksgiving weekend at their place and it will probably be a dogfight."

No. 24 ranked Coyotes improve to 2-0, holding off Wayland Baptist 73-63

WINFIELD - Both Kansas Wesleyan and Southwestern faced Mother Nature on Saturday at Jantz Stadium. Thankfully, the teams won that contest. And then the Coyotes won the match.KWU scored two goals in the weather-delayed first half and controlled the match on the way to a 2-0 win over the Moundbuilders.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2b294a2f-8997-419f-b181-5af0372cfc38?elinkdata=14470" target="_blank">Emma Gervy</a>&nbsp;scored the first goal for the Coyotes just three minutes in, and then after a lengthy weather delay in the 29th&nbsp;minute, the teams resumed play and right out of the gates the Coyotes were in goal again as&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fbfbee0f-122a-425a-b9db-5620324acd67?elinkdata=14470" target="_blank">Leslie Serrato</a>&nbsp;scored it to make it 2-0.

After outshooting Southwestern 10-1 in the first half, KWU again peppered the goal with 11 more second half tries, while Southwestern had five. The Coyotes put 15 shots on frame.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2d6486a9-68d9-4c23-ae73-419055652996?elinkdata=14470" target="_blank">Isabella Galvan</a>&nbsp;recorded another clean sheet with five saves.

The Coyotes are the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Women's Soccer Championships which begin on Tuesday with quarterfinal match-ups. KWU will face No. 7 seed York at 6 p.m. at JRI Stadium.

The winner advances to the KCAC semifinals at Stryker Complex in Wichita next Friday.

WINFIELD - Both Kansas Wesleyan and Southwestern faced Mother Nature on Saturday at Jantz Stadium. Thankfully, the teams won that contest. And then the Coyotes won the match.KWU scored two goals in the weather-delayed first half and controlled the match on the way to a 2-0 win over the Moundbuilders.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2b294a2f-8997-419f-b181-5af0372cfc38?elinkdata=14470" target="_blank">Emma Gervy</a>&nbsp;scored the first goal for the Coyotes just three minutes in, and then after a lengthy weather delay in the 29th&nbsp;minute, the teams resumed play and right out of the gates the Coyotes were in goal again as&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fbfbee0f-122a-425a-b9db-5620324acd67?elinkdata=14470" target="_blank">Leslie Serrato</a>&nbsp;scored it to make it 2-0.After outshooting Southwestern 10-1 in the first half, KWU again peppered the goal with 11 more second half tries, while Southwestern had five. The Coyotes put 15 shots on frame.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2d6486a9-68d9-4c23-ae73-419055652996?elinkdata=14470" target="_blank">Isabella Galvan</a>&nbsp;recorded another clean sheet with five saves.The Coyotes are the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Women's Soccer Championships which begin on Tuesday with quarterfinal match-ups. KWU will face No. 7 seed York at 6 p.m. at JRI Stadium.The winner advances to the KCAC semifinals at Stryker Complex in Wichita next Friday.

KWU WSOC blanks Southwestern 2-0 to end regular season

The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes stand alone atop the Kansas Conference's Gene Bissell Division.

Their 28-14 victory over Tabor on Saturday at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex gave them a 3-0 record in the division, one game ahead of the Bluejays with two games remaining in the regular season.

KWU plays Ottawa next Saturday at JRI Stadium and ends the regular season at Sterling in two weeks.

Despite winning in their two previous games concerns remained after second half letdowns in both. Saturday the Coyotes kept the proverbial pedal to the metal from start to finish and produced a complete performance.

"I think what we're preaching to them is a big deal but also when you're in a dogfight that kind of makes it easy," KWU co-interim head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d83f1c88-a2be-4085-8b1b-d6954b6e55fa?elinkdata=14444">Chris Snyder</a> said. "It's not a four-score lead already or something like that. When it's a one-score game and the starters are going to stay in along with what we've been preaching to the kids and what they've been preaching to themselves it goes hand-in-hand."

On a wet, windy, gloomy day the Coyotes did what they do best - run the football, to the tune of 280 yards on 37 attempts. Tailback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/be8f6e60-fcc9-4708-8406-b41793e3964f?elinkdata=14444">Luke Armstrong</a>, the reigning KCAC Offensive Player of the Week, rushed for 187 yards on 24 carries - 7.8 yards per carry - and included touchdown jaunts of 15 and 35 yards. Tailback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56bb5af1-cf67-444e-a10a-59dcbfd80478?elinkdata=14444">Zarek Fewell</a> added 78 yards on 22 carries and had a touchdown.

Wesleyan (5-4 overall) finished with 395 total yards on 73 plays while Tabor had 252 yards on 64 plays.

"We went through a lot in this game, and it was good to see the kids staying together," Snyder said. "I guess you'd say it's a proud dad moment."

Following a Tabor fumble on the first possession of the game Fewell broke free for a 19-yard touchdown run that gave KWU a 7-0 lead with 10:27 left in the quarter.

After the Bluejays tied the game 7-7 with 9:34 left in the second quarter Armstrong quickly answered with his 15-yard scoring run. The extra point was blocked with 5:38 left in the half and KWU led 13-7 - the advantage they took into the locker room at halftime.

Ignoring off the second-half doldrums of the past the Coyotes scored on their first possession of the third quarter, Armstrong at the forefront again with his 35-yard touchdown dash. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef579004-d40b-4136-abf7-e8b2bb9a2a83?elinkdata=14444">Richard Lara</a> tossed a shuttle pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f8441eff-1d3d-42be-9cc0-6307f97e0b7b?elinkdata=14444">Epoki Tafea</a> for the two-point conversion and a 21-14 lead with 10:45 left in the third.

Tabor held KWU on downs at its own 20-yard line then drove 80 yards for a touchdown - Willie Green's 26-yard pass to Devin Jones with 9:01 left in the game making it 21-14.

The Coyotes responded on their next possession going 65 yards on 15 plays, Lara a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47ce2453-2aa3-4e50-bbc2-1b9bdd43bce7?elinkdata=14444">Artaveon Shavers</a> with 2:10 remaining that effectively sealed the deal.

Snyder was pleased with the offense's work.

"Everybody knows we're going to run," he said. "Coach (James) Bauer (offensive coordinator) does a really good job of mixing it up. He has no ego, I don't have an ego, nobody on the staff has an ego so if it takes 60 rushes to win or 50 throws we're definitely running what is working.

"I give credit to coach (Tanner) Glisson (offensive line coach). He's done a really good job in that situation the last few weeks. It starts up front and the O-line and D-line have done a great job the last few weeks."

Lara and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/64397658-949d-4017-a0eb-8ebdb369b88f?elinkdata=14444">Byron McNair</a> shared the quarterback duties once again. Lara was 6 of 10 passing for 81 yards and one touchdown while McNair was 4 of 7 for 34 yards. Neither had an interception. Armstrong was the top receiver with 41 yards on three catches while Darius Pearsall had two receptions for 40 yards.

Tabor managed just 37 yards rushing on 36 attempts (1.4 per carry). Green was 20 of 38 for 215 yards and was sacked four times. Linebackers <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a02b2200-5a1a-455e-ad45-ce843f1aa22b?elinkdata=14444">Myles Elam</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3be369ba-22d7-4182-ae28-0f1d24f49d3d?elinkdata=14444">Daren Hawkins</a> had a team-best eight tackles apiece in leading the KWU defense.

Next Saturday's game against Ottawa is Senior Day and the final home contest of the season. Kickoff is 1 p.m. at JRI Stadium. The Braves (1-8) lost to Avila 26-13 Saturday in Ottawa.

The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes stand alone atop the Kansas Conference's Gene Bissell Division.Their 28-14 victory over Tabor on Saturday at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex gave them a 3-0 record in the division, one game ahead of the Bluejays with two games remaining in the regular season.KWU plays Ottawa next Saturday at JRI Stadium and ends the regular season at Sterling in two weeks.Despite winning in their two previous games concerns remained after second half letdowns in both. Saturday the Coyotes kept the proverbial pedal to the metal from start to finish and produced a complete performance."I think what we're preaching to them is a big deal but also when you're in a dogfight that kind of makes it easy," KWU co-interim head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d83f1c88-a2be-4085-8b1b-d6954b6e55fa?elinkdata=14444">Chris Snyder</a> said. "It's not a four-score lead already or something like that. When it's a one-score game and the starters are going to stay in along with what we've been preaching to the kids and what they've been preaching to themselves it goes hand-in-hand."On a wet, windy, gloomy day the Coyotes did what they do best - run the football, to the tune of 280 yards on 37 attempts. Tailback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/be8f6e60-fcc9-4708-8406-b41793e3964f?elinkdata=14444">Luke Armstrong</a>, the reigning KCAC Offensive Player of the Week, rushed for 187 yards on 24 carries - 7.8 yards per carry - and included touchdown jaunts of 15 and 35 yards. Tailback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56bb5af1-cf67-444e-a10a-59dcbfd80478?elinkdata=14444">Zarek Fewell</a> added 78 yards on 22 carries and had a touchdown.Wesleyan (5-4 overall) finished with 395 total yards on 73 plays while Tabor had 252 yards on 64 plays."We went through a lot in this game, and it was good to see the kids staying together," Snyder said. "I guess you'd say it's a proud dad moment."Following a Tabor fumble on the first possession of the game Fewell broke free for a 19-yard touchdown run that gave KWU a 7-0 lead with 10:27 left in the quarter.After the Bluejays tied the game 7-7 with 9:34 left in the second quarter Armstrong quickly answered with his 15-yard scoring run. The extra point was blocked with 5:38 left in the half and KWU led 13-7 - the advantage they took into the locker room at halftime.Ignoring off the second-half doldrums of the past the Coyotes scored on their first possession of the third quarter, Armstrong at the forefront again with his 35-yard touchdown dash. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef579004-d40b-4136-abf7-e8b2bb9a2a83?elinkdata=14444">Richard Lara</a> tossed a shuttle pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f8441eff-1d3d-42be-9cc0-6307f97e0b7b?elinkdata=14444">Epoki Tafea</a> for the two-point conversion and a 21-14 lead with 10:45 left in the third.Tabor held KWU on downs at its own 20-yard line then drove 80 yards for a touchdown - Willie Green's 26-yard pass to Devin Jones with 9:01 left in the game making it 21-14.The Coyotes responded on their next possession going 65 yards on 15 plays, Lara a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47ce2453-2aa3-4e50-bbc2-1b9bdd43bce7?elinkdata=14444">Artaveon Shavers</a> with 2:10 remaining that effectively sealed the deal.Snyder was pleased with the offense's work."Everybody knows we're going to run," he said. "Coach (James) Bauer (offensive coordinator) does a really good job of mixing it up. He has no ego, I don't have an ego, nobody on the staff has an ego so if it takes 60 rushes to win or 50 throws we're definitely running what is working."I give credit to coach (Tanner) Glisson (offensive line coach). He's done a really good job in that situation the last few weeks. It starts up front and the O-line and D-line have done a great job the last few weeks."Lara and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/64397658-949d-4017-a0eb-8ebdb369b88f?elinkdata=14444">Byron McNair</a> shared the quarterback duties once again. Lara was 6 of 10 passing for 81 yards and one touchdown while McNair was 4 of 7 for 34 yards. Neither had an interception. Armstrong was the top receiver with 41 yards on three catches while Darius Pearsall had two receptions for 40 yards.Tabor managed just 37 yards rushing on 36 attempts (1.4 per carry). Green was 20 of 38 for 215 yards and was sacked four times. Linebackers <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a02b2200-5a1a-455e-ad45-ce843f1aa22b?elinkdata=14444">Myles Elam</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3be369ba-22d7-4182-ae28-0f1d24f49d3d?elinkdata=14444">Daren Hawkins</a> had a team-best eight tackles apiece in leading the KWU defense.Next Saturday's game against Ottawa is Senior Day and the final home contest of the season. Kickoff is 1 p.m. at JRI Stadium. The Braves (1-8) lost to Avila 26-13 Saturday in Ottawa.

🏈 Coyotes ground Bluejays 28-14, take lead in Division

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries go, JuJu (Smith-Schuster) is doing better. The bigger one or the most – the latest one was (Jared) Wiley – Jared Wiley at practice tore his ACL. Non-contact and it was one of those freak things. He’ll go through that whole process. (Peyton) Hendershot will be brought up and he’ll work in there and he’s been taking reps and he’s played before so he’ll be ok. (We) look forward to the challenge of playing Tampa Bay, they’re a heck of a football team and well coached and so we look forward to bringing them in here to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. I know we’ll have a great crowd there. With that, time’s yours.”

Q: Will JuJu Smith-Schuster be out for the game on Monday?

Q: What have you seen from Patrick Mahomes with his ankle this week in practice?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Patrick Mahomes) doing good. It hasn’t slowed him up at all so he’s done a good job with it.”

Q: Has Nazeeh Johnson cleared the concussion protocol and will he be good to go on Monday?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesNovember 2, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries go, JuJu (Smith-Schuster) is doing better. The bigger one or the most – the latest one was (Jared) Wiley – Jared Wiley at practice tore his ACL. Non-contact and it was one of those freak things. He’ll go through that whole process. (Peyton) Hendershot will be brought up and he’ll work in there and he’s been taking reps and he’s played before so he’ll be ok. (We) look forward to the challenge of playing Tampa Bay, they’re a heck of a football team and well coached and so we look forward to bringing them in here to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. I know we’ll have a great crowd there. With that, time’s yours.”Q: Will JuJu Smith-Schuster be out for the game on Monday?REID:&nbsp;“Yes.”Q: What have you seen from Patrick Mahomes with his ankle this week in practice?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Patrick Mahomes) doing good. It hasn’t slowed him up at all so he’s done a good job with it.”Q: Has Nazeeh Johnson cleared the concussion protocol and will he be good to go on Monday?

Chiefs Quotes: 11-2-24

HOUSTON (AP) — Zeon Chriss threw for 103 yards and a touchdown without an incompletion as Houston rallied in fourth quarter to beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-19 on Saturday.

Trailing 19-10 to start the fourth quarter, Chriss threw a 1-yard touchdown to Maliq Carr with 11 minutes left. After forcing a punt, Chriss rushed for a 41-yard touchdown with 2:31 to go.

Chriss, who finished 11 of 11, also rushed for 75 yards and caught a pass for eight yards.

“We’ve experienced a lot (of adversity) this season,” Chriss said. “We were trying to be positive about it, and trust in the defense. The defense told us ‘We got y’all,’ and we got them.”

Linebacker Michael Batton intercepted Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson on the next drive.

After Houston (4-5, 3-3 Big 12) was forced to punt with 40 seconds left, the Wildcats drove to the Cougars’ 39 with 4 seconds left, but Johnson’s heave was knocked out of the end zone.

“We didn’t play a perfect game, but we played well enough to win, and that’s what matters,” Houston coach Willie Fritz said.

The win was Houston’s first win over a ranked team since beating No. 19 SMU 44-37 on Oct. 30, 2021.

“They’re going to start believing,” Fritz said about Houston’s second straight one-possession win. “We got to keep going.”

The loss snapped Kansas State’s four-game winning streak.

Wildcats coach Chris Klieman said his team didn’t play “with good enough fundamentals and techniques" and pointed to Kansas State’s inability to run the ball, as they finished with 89 yards rushing.

“We weren’t running the ball a lick,” Klieman said. “Our inability to rush the football makes it harder to throw.”

Johnson finished 23 of 39 for 238 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions and found Keagan Johnson for a 7-yard touchdown pass with nine seconds left in the first half to give the Wildcats (7-2, 4-2) a 16-10 halftime lead. Johnson finished with 76 yards receiving.

“It just felt like we were flat offensively,” Avery Johnson said. “We couldn’t get anything going. We stalled a lot in the second half. We didn’t really play collectively as well as we wanted to.”

DJ Giddens rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown as Kansas State outgained the Cougars 327-232.

“I don’t want to take anything away from them, but I feel like the words to describe it was we let it slip away,” Keagan Johnson said. “They’re a good team. They played better today. It comes down to that. We didn’t execute when we needed to.”

The game was delayed 55 minutes to start because of lightning.

Kansas State: The loss hurts the chances of the Wildcats making the Big 12 championship and the College Football Playoff.

Houston: The Cougars finished 3 for 3 in the red zone after struggling last week against Utah.

Kansas State could potentially drop out of the rankings after the loss.

Kansas State hosts Arizona State on Nov. 16, while Houston plays at Arizona on Nov. 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730594141398.jpeg" alt="Houston quarterback Zeon Chriss rousts the crowd as he celebrates after his game winning touchdown run to upset Kansas State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)" />
 <figcaption>Houston quarterback Zeon Chriss rousts the crowd as he celebrates after his game winning touchdown run to upset Kansas State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Zeon Chriss threw for 103 yards and a touchdown without an incompletion as Houston rallied in fourth quarter to beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-19 on Saturday.Trailing 19-10 to start the fourth quarter, Chriss threw a 1-yard touchdown to Maliq Carr with 11 minutes left. After forcing a punt, Chriss rushed for a 41-yard touchdown with 2:31 to go.Chriss, who finished 11 of 11, also rushed for 75 yards and caught a pass for eight yards.“We’ve experienced a lot (of adversity) this season,” Chriss said. “We were trying to be positive about it, and trust in the defense. The defense told us ‘We got y’all,’ and we got them.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730596853416.png" alt="Photo courtesy K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Linebacker Michael Batton intercepted Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson on the next drive.After Houston (4-5, 3-3 Big 12) was forced to punt with 40 seconds left, the Wildcats drove to the Cougars’ 39 with 4 seconds left, but Johnson’s heave was knocked out of the end zone.“We didn’t play a perfect game, but we played well enough to win, and that’s what matters,” Houston coach Willie Fritz said.The win was Houston’s first win over a ranked team since beating No. 19 SMU 44-37 on Oct. 30, 2021.“They’re going to start believing,” Fritz said about Houston’s second straight one-possession win. “We got to keep going.”The loss snapped Kansas State’s four-game winning streak.Wildcats coach Chris Klieman said his team didn’t play “with good enough fundamentals and techniques" and pointed to Kansas State’s inability to run the ball, as they finished with 89 yards rushing.“We weren’t running the ball a lick,” Klieman said. “Our inability to rush the football makes it harder to throw.”Johnson finished 23 of 39 for 238 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions and found Keagan Johnson for a 7-yard touchdown pass with nine seconds left in the first half to give the Wildcats (7-2, 4-2) a 16-10 halftime lead. Johnson finished with 76 yards receiving.“It just felt like we were flat offensively,” Avery Johnson said. “We couldn’t get anything going. We stalled a lot in the second half. We didn’t really play collectively as well as we wanted to.”DJ Giddens rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown as Kansas State outgained the Cougars 327-232.“I don’t want to take anything away from them, but I feel like the words to describe it was we let it slip away,” Keagan Johnson said. “They’re a good team. They played better today. It comes down to that. We didn’t execute when we needed to.”The game was delayed 55 minutes to start because of lightning.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas State: The loss hurts the chances of the Wildcats making the Big 12 championship and the College Football Playoff.Houston: The Cougars finished 3 for 3 in the red zone after struggling last week against Utah.<h2>Poll implications</h2>Kansas State could potentially drop out of the rankings after the loss.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State hosts Arizona State on Nov. 16, while Houston plays at Arizona on Nov. 15.

🏈 Houston scores twice in 4th quarter to beat Kansas State

By Jeremy Obermeyer Salina Post Contributor

Southeast of Saline welcomed the Larned Indians to Steve Fritz Field on Friday night to open up the first round of Class 2A state playoffs. 

The Trojans were heavy favorites coming into tonight’s game, but it was the Indians who drew first&nbsp;blood on a 62-yard strike from Carson Shaver to Deacon Martin.

From there however, it was all Southeast as the Trojans reeled off 76 straight points en route to a 76-12 rout.

Grady Gebhardt started the purple fury with three touchdown runs of 35, 11, and&nbsp;56 yards. 

Then came a 24-yard touchdown reception from Tucker Thaxton. sandwiched between Kanyon Douglas touchdowns on runs of 61 and 13 yards.

That closed out a 44-point first quarter, and Southeast added four&nbsp;more touchdowns in the second as the Trojan reserves started filtering in before halftime.

“I felt like our kids reacted pretty well," SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. It was a total team effort, everyone got to&nbsp;play, and that’s a big deal.”

Southeast finished the game with 335 yards rushing and 215 passing yards for a&nbsp;total of 550 yards. 

Gannon Jacobson completed 8 of 9 passes for 157&nbsp;yards and 3 touchdowns, while Gebhardt led the Trojans in rushing with 140 yards&nbsp;and 3 touchdowns on 7 carries.&nbsp;

Thaxton led the receivers with 104 yards&nbsp;and 2 touchdowns on 4 catches, and Bryson Lippold led the Trojan defense with 7&nbsp;tackles and 2 fumble recoveries.

Southeast (9-0) will move on to the second round of the playoffs and will play host&nbsp;to Norton (8-1) next Friday while Larned ends their season with a 2-7 record.

By Jeremy Obermeyer Salina Post ContributorSoutheast of Saline welcomed the Larned Indians to Steve Fritz Field on Friday night to open up the first round of Class 2A state playoffs. The Trojans were heavy favorites coming into tonight’s game, but it was the Indians who drew first&nbsp;blood on a 62-yard strike from Carson Shaver to Deacon Martin.<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>From there however, it was all Southeast as the Trojans reeled off 76 straight points en route to a 76-12 rout.Grady Gebhardt started the purple fury with three touchdown runs of 35, 11, and&nbsp;56 yards. Then came a 24-yard touchdown reception from Tucker Thaxton. sandwiched between Kanyon Douglas touchdowns on runs of 61 and 13 yards.That closed out a 44-point first quarter, and Southeast added four&nbsp;more touchdowns in the second as the Trojan reserves started filtering in before halftime.“I felt like our kids reacted pretty well," SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. It was a total team effort, everyone got to&nbsp;play, and that’s a big deal.”Southeast finished the game with 335 yards rushing and 215 passing yards for a&nbsp;total of 550 yards. Gannon Jacobson completed 8 of 9 passes for 157&nbsp;yards and 3 touchdowns, while Gebhardt led the Trojans in rushing with 140 yards&nbsp;and 3 touchdowns on 7 carries.&nbsp;Thaxton led the receivers with 104 yards&nbsp;and 2 touchdowns on 4 catches, and Bryson Lippold led the Trojan defense with 7&nbsp;tackles and 2 fumble recoveries.Southeast (9-0) will move on to the second round of the playoffs and will play host&nbsp;to Norton (8-1) next Friday while Larned ends their season with a 2-7 record.

Southeast dominates Larned 76-12 in playoff victory

By ADAM COULTER Salina Post Contributor

Marion's Jameson Looper rushed for three touchdowns in the opening quarter against Sacred Heart Friday night in Salina and the Warriors never looked back in a 70-31 blowout.

Looper scored on carries of 49, 60, and 12 yards respectively and Lane Smith added all three two-point conversations as the Warriors led 24-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Knights got on the scoreboard for the first time as Bryson Gotti hauled in a 14-yard touchdown reception at the 8:55 mark of the second quarter to make the score 24-6. The two-point conversation was no good.

Marion came back with its fourth touchdown and two-point conversation and extended the advantage to 32-6. Once again, Looper rushed for the touchdown and Smith added the two-point conversation.

Finally, with 4:01 remaining in the opening half, Maddox Wells found Noah Wells from nine yards out for the second Sacred Heart scoring play. The two-point conversation was, once again, unsuccessful and the Knights' deficit was 32-12 at halftime.

Despite the lopsided score, a shootout ensued in the third quarter as Marion began with possession of the ball and added to its lead. This time Smith ran for the touchdown and Looper added the two-point conversation to make the score 40-12.

Wells then threw for his third touchdown and Gotti caught his second pass for a score at the 5:45 mark. The 59-yard reception closed the gap to 40-18.

To close out the third quarter, Looper tacked on an additional two rushes for scores and Smith tacked on another pair of two-point conversations as the Warriors went ahead 56-18.

Smith also ran for his second touchdown making the score 62-18 heading into the fourth quarter.

9:20 mark of the final period and Leon Rowe tacked on the PAT making the score 62-25.

One more touchdown by each team gave Marion an even 70 points and made the final score 70-31. Carson Lehman scored on a seven-yard run to close out the scoring for the Knights.

Sacred Heart finishes its season with a 3-5 overall record. Marion improves to 7-2 and will face the top-seeded team in the 1A west bracket in Conway Springs. 

By ADAM COULTER Salina Post ContributorMarion's Jameson Looper rushed for three touchdowns in the opening quarter against Sacred Heart Friday night in Salina and the Warriors never looked back in a 70-31 blowout.Looper scored on carries of 49, 60, and 12 yards respectively and Lane Smith added all three two-point conversations as the Warriors led 24-0 at the end of the first quarter.<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>The Knights got on the scoreboard for the first time as Bryson Gotti hauled in a 14-yard touchdown reception at the 8:55 mark of the second quarter to make the score 24-6. The two-point conversation was no good.Marion came back with its fourth touchdown and two-point conversation and extended the advantage to 32-6. Once again, Looper rushed for the touchdown and Smith added the two-point conversation.Finally, with 4:01 remaining in the opening half, Maddox Wells found Noah Wells from nine yards out for the second Sacred Heart scoring play. The two-point conversation was, once again, unsuccessful and the Knights' deficit was 32-12 at halftime.Despite the lopsided score, a shootout ensued in the third quarter as Marion began with possession of the ball and added to its lead. This time Smith ran for the touchdown and Looper added the two-point conversation to make the score 40-12.Wells then threw for his third touchdown and Gotti caught his second pass for a score at the 5:45 mark. The 59-yard reception closed the gap to 40-18.To close out the third quarter, Looper tacked on an additional two rushes for scores and Smith tacked on another pair of two-point conversations as the Warriors went ahead 56-18.Smith also ran for his second touchdown making the score 62-18 heading into the fourth quarter.Hines found the endzone at the&nbsp;9:20 mark of the final period and Leon Rowe tacked on the PAT making the score 62-25.One more touchdown by each team gave Marion an even 70 points and made the final score 70-31. Carson Lehman scored on a seven-yard run to close out the scoring for the Knights.Sacred Heart finishes its season with a 3-5 overall record. Marion improves to 7-2 and will face the top-seeded team in the 1A west bracket in Conway Springs.

Sacred Heart ends season in high-scoring battle with Marion

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Basketball jumped out to a quick start and never looked back cruising to an 86-63 win over Northern New Mexico College in the Kansas Wesleyan Coyote Classic Presented by Nex-Tech Wireless inside Mabee Arena.

It just wasn't the Eagles' night. Northern New Mexico opened the game being called for an administrative technical for wearing uniforms that are rules compliant.

Wesleyan jumped out to an 8-2 lead to start the game, and after the Eagles got within a point at 10-9, the Coyote express got going again, taking a 16-9 lead on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4595e0fd-0a11-4801-8505-44857c125c80?elinkdata=14392">Tucker Bowman's</a> 3-pointer with 14 minutes left in the half.

Free throws by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3b602b69-e5e6-4abc-9ab2-1e0f40367d8c?elinkdata=14392">Alex Littlejohn</a> with 10:51 left in the half vaulted KWU's lead into double digits for the first time at 22-12.

Wesleyan continued to pull away leading by as many as 22 points, at 44-22 on a free throw by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ffbfd25b-bb9b-4de3-93b4-5245a911b744?elinkdata=14392">Izaiah Hale</a> with 2:12 left in the first.

KWU kept Northern New Mexico at arm's length the entire second half, never letting the Eagles closer than 15 points, at 48-33 with 18:28 left.

A 3-pointer by Bowman with 11:19 left pushed KWU's lead out to 64-40, the biggest difference of the night.

The Eagles got the difference down to 16 with 5:50 left, but couldn't get any closer the rest of the way as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/17d021e4-d7d8-4c52-8fb4-21eedcc1bde9?elinkdata=14392">Jameer Clemons'</a> 3-pointer with 3:58 left pushed the lead back out to 22 points at 79-57.

The Coyotes shot 54.2 percent for the game, going 32-of-59 from the field and hit eight 3-pointers, but struggled at the free throw line going 14-of-24 for 58.3 percent.

It was business as usual for <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6a4abcbc-059b-4f66-ab1d-c63946eff015?elinkdata=14392">Alex Littlejohn</a> who had 16 points and 11 rebounds, while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f33da972-41a1-4733-8dbb-1d0dc7c0b8ec?elinkdata=14392">Easton Hunter</a> scored 14. Thirteen of the 16 players who got in the game scored for the Coyotes.

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Basketball jumped out to a quick start and never looked back cruising to an 86-63 win over Northern New Mexico College in the Kansas Wesleyan Coyote Classic Presented by Nex-Tech Wireless inside Mabee Arena.It just wasn't the Eagles' night. Northern New Mexico opened the game being called for an administrative technical for wearing uniforms that are rules compliant.Wesleyan jumped out to an 8-2 lead to start the game, and after the Eagles got within a point at 10-9, the Coyote express got going again, taking a 16-9 lead on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4595e0fd-0a11-4801-8505-44857c125c80?elinkdata=14392">Tucker Bowman's</a> 3-pointer with 14 minutes left in the half.Free throws by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3b602b69-e5e6-4abc-9ab2-1e0f40367d8c?elinkdata=14392">Alex Littlejohn</a> with 10:51 left in the half vaulted KWU's lead into double digits for the first time at 22-12.Wesleyan continued to pull away leading by as many as 22 points, at 44-22 on a free throw by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ffbfd25b-bb9b-4de3-93b4-5245a911b744?elinkdata=14392">Izaiah Hale</a> with 2:12 left in the first.KWU kept Northern New Mexico at arm's length the entire second half, never letting the Eagles closer than 15 points, at 48-33 with 18:28 left.A 3-pointer by Bowman with 11:19 left pushed KWU's lead out to 64-40, the biggest difference of the night.The Eagles got the difference down to 16 with 5:50 left, but couldn't get any closer the rest of the way as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/17d021e4-d7d8-4c52-8fb4-21eedcc1bde9?elinkdata=14392">Jameer Clemons'</a> 3-pointer with 3:58 left pushed the lead back out to 22 points at 79-57.The Coyotes shot 54.2 percent for the game, going 32-of-59 from the field and hit eight 3-pointers, but struggled at the free throw line going 14-of-24 for 58.3 percent.It was business as usual for <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6a4abcbc-059b-4f66-ab1d-c63946eff015?elinkdata=14392">Alex Littlejohn</a> who had 16 points and 11 rebounds, while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f33da972-41a1-4733-8dbb-1d0dc7c0b8ec?elinkdata=14392">Easton Hunter</a> scored 14. Thirteen of the 16 players who got in the game scored for the Coyotes.

No. 24 ranked Coyotes open season with 86-63 win in Coyote Classic

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b6e61655-6085-4d36-9e70-a653bf13231c?elinkdata=14366">Ryan Showman</a> wasn't sure what the player rotation would be for his Kansas Wesleyan women's team entering the season opener against Northern New Mexico.

The Coyotes' convincing 76-50 season opening victory in the Coyote Classic on Friday night inside Mabee Arena didn't provide much clarity though. Eleven Coyotes played at least eight minutes and 11 scored in the game.

"It's a great problem to have," Showman said when asked about the team's apparent depth. "I don't know if I'm any closer to figuring out a rotation than I was before the game. People came in when their number was called and they did a good job."

Reserve players accounted for 34 points in the game.

"We're going to need that moving forward," he said. "The teams that are left standing at the end are the ones that stay healthy and have deep benches and rotations. That's what we're trying to build here."

It was a complete performance. KWU shot 45.8 percent (27 of 59); sizzled from long range making 11 of 25 3-pointers; had a whopping 54-30 rebounding advantage; and limited NNM to 30.6 percent shooting.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fd18ee9a-d4de-40f8-b053-6aa7cdc15a0b?elinkdata=14366">LaMyah Ricks</a> was the top scorer with 19 points followed by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/af661d9a-d0c7-4d58-85dd-0e5f67eb5a92?elinkdata=14366">Hampton Williams</a> with 11. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43581054-f2e8-49f1-9832-059735a312ea?elinkdata=14366">Paige Chauncey</a> had 11 rebounds in her first collegiate start.

Trailing 13-8 following an 11-0 NNM run <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d7bb0371-f95d-4512-b4fe-52ac4ee13651?elinkdata=14366">Abigail Lombardoni's</a> 3-pointer ignited a 12-0 run that gave the Coyotes a 20-13 lead with 9:11 left in the second quarter. Another 12-0 surge later in the quarter increased the advantage to 35-17 and KWU went into intermission with a 41-24 lead.

The Coyotes shot 52 percent from the floor in the first half (14 of 27).

Ricks, KWU's irrepressible fifth-year point guard, kickstarted the offense with 14 points in the game's first 11½ minutes.

"I saw that the offense wasn't really flowing well so I just felt I needed to be a part of it whether that's to pass the ball or score the ball," she said.

Ricks was 7 of 12 shooting from the field, 4 of 4 at the line and grabbed seven rebounds in the game.

"I feel like I have more (scoring) opportunities and I feel I've grown over the summer and am more versatile," she said.

"She's been here for so long I don't even know where her hometown is, I feel like she's a Salina resident," Showman said with a laugh. "LaMyah was fantastic the first half, she took on that scoring mentality. The second half she was that scoring facilitator and found everybody else that was open."

The Coyotes steadily pulled away in the second half. They led 63-41 after three quarters and built their biggest lead of the game (75-42) late in the fourth quarter.

"The first week of practice we got back to basics and reset our standards," Showman said. "We've carried that through the last six weeks, and I think what you're seeing is that buy-in. We're playing at a higher level; we're finishing at a higher level because they know it's important to our success."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b6e61655-6085-4d36-9e70-a653bf13231c?elinkdata=14366">Ryan Showman</a> wasn't sure what the player rotation would be for his Kansas Wesleyan women's team entering the season opener against Northern New Mexico.The Coyotes' convincing 76-50 season opening victory in the Coyote Classic on Friday night inside Mabee Arena didn't provide much clarity though. Eleven Coyotes played at least eight minutes and 11 scored in the game."It's a great problem to have," Showman said when asked about the team's apparent depth. "I don't know if I'm any closer to figuring out a rotation than I was before the game. People came in when their number was called and they did a good job."Reserve players accounted for 34 points in the game."We're going to need that moving forward," he said. "The teams that are left standing at the end are the ones that stay healthy and have deep benches and rotations. That's what we're trying to build here."It was a complete performance. KWU shot 45.8 percent (27 of 59); sizzled from long range making 11 of 25 3-pointers; had a whopping 54-30 rebounding advantage; and limited NNM to 30.6 percent shooting.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fd18ee9a-d4de-40f8-b053-6aa7cdc15a0b?elinkdata=14366">LaMyah Ricks</a> was the top scorer with 19 points followed by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/af661d9a-d0c7-4d58-85dd-0e5f67eb5a92?elinkdata=14366">Hampton Williams</a> with 11. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43581054-f2e8-49f1-9832-059735a312ea?elinkdata=14366">Paige Chauncey</a> had 11 rebounds in her first collegiate start.Trailing 13-8 following an 11-0 NNM run <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d7bb0371-f95d-4512-b4fe-52ac4ee13651?elinkdata=14366">Abigail Lombardoni's</a> 3-pointer ignited a 12-0 run that gave the Coyotes a 20-13 lead with 9:11 left in the second quarter. Another 12-0 surge later in the quarter increased the advantage to 35-17 and KWU went into intermission with a 41-24 lead.The Coyotes shot 52 percent from the floor in the first half (14 of 27).Ricks, KWU's irrepressible fifth-year point guard, kickstarted the offense with 14 points in the game's first 11½ minutes."I saw that the offense wasn't really flowing well so I just felt I needed to be a part of it whether that's to pass the ball or score the ball," she said.Ricks was 7 of 12 shooting from the field, 4 of 4 at the line and grabbed seven rebounds in the game."I feel like I have more (scoring) opportunities and I feel I've grown over the summer and am more versatile," she said."She's been here for so long I don't even know where her hometown is, I feel like she's a Salina resident," Showman said with a laugh. "LaMyah was fantastic the first half, she took on that scoring mentality. The second half she was that scoring facilitator and found everybody else that was open."The Coyotes steadily pulled away in the second half. They led 63-41 after three quarters and built their biggest lead of the game (75-42) late in the fourth quarter."The first week of practice we got back to basics and reset our standards," Showman said. "We've carried that through the last six weeks, and I think what you're seeing is that buy-in. We're playing at a higher level; we're finishing at a higher level because they know it's important to our success."Shaela Carrillo led NNM with 14 points.

Coyote Women's Basketball grounds Eagles in season opener of Coyote Classic

🏈 Area High School Football Scores: Week Nine Playoffs

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, here we go – another challenge. I keep waiting for a game when I put the film on and it’s not a top offense we’re playing or – these guys are good. I’m really impressed with the three (running) backs. The quarterback’s playing really good. I know – listen, I know all about the injuries at wideout, but I think all of a sudden what happened is they have a lot more speed out there with some of these young guys so this will be a challenge – with that, I’ll open it up.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you feel about the cornerback position right now?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, we had – so Josh (Williams) and Nazeeh (Johnson) both went in there. We’re finding out where we are with Nazeeh as the week goes on. I thought there were some really good downs. I though Nazeeh tackled well a couple times and then Josh had to go in there – we had the one penalty so we’d like to get rid of that, but I think both those guys could probably play better and I think they’d tell you that.”

Q:&nbsp;What role do you see Joshua Uche playing in this defense on Monday night and going forward?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I’m not sure what will happen this Monday – I mean, it’s quick, but (Defensive Line Coach) Joe’s (Cullen) doing – Joe and (Assistant Defensive Line Coach) Terry (Bradden) are doing the best they can to get him (Joshua Uche) up to date on the things we’re doing. We just went through a walk through there and he got involved in it so that’s good. We’ll see where we’re at. Hopefully, we get some edge rush out of him. I know he’s a good football player – a lot of good things about him – all the research we did. Mike Danna played with him. I remember talking to Mike about him as a teammate and everything came back positive so (we’ll) keep our fingers crossed and be hopeful.”

Q:&nbsp;How much do you feel like your defensive edges have factored into your successful run defense?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah, guys on the edge like the d-(defensive) ends we’re talking about, Leo (Chenal) – You know, our linebackers have done a really good job at triggering real quick in the run game. It begins up front with our guys, but when your linebackers can trigger like that, you can get a double-team off a d-lineman quicker and then they become more effective. I think our secondary – (Defensive Backs Coach) Dave (Merritt) and (Safeties Coach) Donald (D’Alesio) do a great job with those guys. I think we have a secondary that’s willing to tackle in the run game and get involved and we’re preaching it all the time and they’ve bought in. I was just talking to the production team there before I came in and they asked about that same thing with how our DB’s play and I think some of that was established – I go back to (Saints S) Tyrann Mathieu when he first got here – (Titans CB) LJ (L’Jarius Sneed), and the way LJ played physically, and I think all the guys that come in and you see that – sometimes players in this league don’t listen to coaches as much as they would just observe what the guys in front of them are doing. I think having guys like that here prior has helped us become that way on the back end.”

Q: How has DeAndre Hopkins impressed you in this short amount of time?

NAGY:&nbsp;“Probably the biggest thing for me – I’m impressed with just his (DeAndre Hopkins) ability to pick up the offense. He’s done a great job. (He) came in last week and wanted to do as much as he possibly could. We knew we had to keep a little bit of an eye on how much we can give him on somewhat of a short week, but he’s been great. (I) love his attitude, (he’s) super smart, really football (smart). (He) understands – you know, obviously, the football part on the field within the plays is easy for him because he's played so much (but) just taking what we do and implementing it into that is where I think he’s excelled.”

Q: What challenges do you feel like you have with Buccaneers NT Vita Vea in the run game?

NAGY:&nbsp;“Well, he’s (Buccaneers NT Vita Vea) a heck of a football player, man. (He) just can play the a-gap and b-gap at the same time, (he’s) physically strong. (In the) pass game when he’s there and he gets his hands on you, it’s going to be tough to get away. You just have a lot of – he put puts stress on you as an offensive line – we have a lot of faith in our guys but he’s a hell of a player.”

Q: What stood out to you about your execution on third downs against the Raiders?

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, here we go – another challenge. I keep waiting for a game when I put the film on and it’s not a top offense we’re playing or – these guys are good. I’m really impressed with the three (running) backs. The quarterback’s playing really good. I know – listen, I know all about the injuries at wideout, but I think all of a sudden what happened is they have a lot more speed out there with some of these young guys so this will be a challenge – with that, I’ll open it up.”Q:&nbsp;How do you feel about the cornerback position right now?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Well, we had – so Josh (Williams) and Nazeeh (Johnson) both went in there. We’re finding out where we are with Nazeeh as the week goes on. I thought there were some really good downs. I though Nazeeh tackled well a couple times and then Josh had to go in there – we had the one penalty so we’d like to get rid of that, but I think both those guys could probably play better and I think they’d tell you that.”Q:&nbsp;What role do you see Joshua Uche playing in this defense on Monday night and going forward?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I’m not sure what will happen this Monday – I mean, it’s quick, but (Defensive Line Coach) Joe’s (Cullen) doing – Joe and (Assistant Defensive Line Coach) Terry (Bradden) are doing the best they can to get him (Joshua Uche) up to date on the things we’re doing. We just went through a walk through there and he got involved in it so that’s good. We’ll see where we’re at. Hopefully, we get some edge rush out of him. I know he’s a good football player – a lot of good things about him – all the research we did. Mike Danna played with him. I remember talking to Mike about him as a teammate and everything came back positive so (we’ll) keep our fingers crossed and be hopeful.”Q:&nbsp;How much do you feel like your defensive edges have factored into your successful run defense?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah, guys on the edge like the d-(defensive) ends we’re talking about, Leo (Chenal) – You know, our linebackers have done a really good job at triggering real quick in the run game. It begins up front with our guys, but when your linebackers can trigger like that, you can get a double-team off a d-lineman quicker and then they become more effective. I think our secondary – (Defensive Backs Coach) Dave (Merritt) and (Safeties Coach) Donald (D’Alesio) do a great job with those guys. I think we have a secondary that’s willing to tackle in the run game and get involved and we’re preaching it all the time and they’ve bought in. I was just talking to the production team there before I came in and they asked about that same thing with how our DB’s play and I think some of that was established – I go back to (Saints S) Tyrann Mathieu when he first got here – (Titans CB) LJ (L’Jarius Sneed), and the way LJ played physically, and I think all the guys that come in and you see that – sometimes players in this league don’t listen to coaches as much as they would just observe what the guys in front of them are doing. I think having guys like that here prior has helped us become that way on the back end.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ: How has DeAndre Hopkins impressed you in this short amount of time?NAGY:&nbsp;“Probably the biggest thing for me – I’m impressed with just his (DeAndre Hopkins) ability to pick up the offense. He’s done a great job. (He) came in last week and wanted to do as much as he possibly could. We knew we had to keep a little bit of an eye on how much we can give him on somewhat of a short week, but he’s been great. (I) love his attitude, (he’s) super smart, really football (smart). (He) understands – you know, obviously, the football part on the field within the plays is easy for him because he's played so much (but) just taking what we do and implementing it into that is where I think he’s excelled.”Q: What challenges do you feel like you have with Buccaneers NT Vita Vea in the run game?NAGY:&nbsp;“Well, he’s (Buccaneers NT Vita Vea) a heck of a football player, man. (He) just can play the a-gap and b-gap at the same time, (he’s) physically strong. (In the) pass game when he’s there and he gets his hands on you, it’s going to be tough to get away. You just have a lot of – he put puts stress on you as an offensive line – we have a lot of faith in our guys but he’s a hell of a player.”Q: What stood out to you about your execution on third downs against the Raiders?

Chiefs Quotes: 11-1-24

MANHATTAN, Kansas -&nbsp;(13/13) K-State begins its 57th season of action with a unique Monday morning tip-off, as the Wildcats host Green Bay in Bramlage Coliseum at 11 a.m.

• Monday’s game is Education Day, as over 1,200 local elementary school students will be in attendance to see the Wildcats.

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

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

1. Cats Picked as Big 12 Favorites

• For the first time in Big 12 history, K-State was chosen as the league favorite in the 2024-25 Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll. The Wildcats received 7 first-place votes and 211 points.

2. K-State 13th in AP &amp; Coaches Polls

• For the fourth time in program history and the first time since 2004-05, K-State is ranked in the Associated Press and USA Today/WBCA Coaches preseason polls. The Wildcats check in at 13th in both, its highest preseason ranking since 2003-04 when the Cats were ranked fifth.

3. Duo Named to Preseason Watch List

• K-State’s Ayoka Lee and Serena Sundell were named to 2024-25 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Women’s Player of the Year Watch List.

• K-State head coach Jeff Mittie is prepared for his 11th season in Manhattan. He owns a 190-135 (.585) record and eight postseason appearances with the Wildcats. With 10 wins, Mittie will become the third K-State WBB coach (Deb Patterson, 350; Judy Akers, 206) with 200 or more wins at the helm of the Wildcats.

• Senior center and 2024-25 Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year Ayoka Lee needs 140 points to pass Kendra Wecker (2001-05; 2,333 points) for the K-State career scoring record. Lee owns the career school records for rebounds (1,118) and blocks (310).

• K-State returns 85 percent (2,067 points) of its points from the 2023-24 season.

• This is the second straight season K-State will return over 2,000 points scored from the previous season (2,120 entering 2023-24).

• Of the 2,067 points returning from last season, K-State returns its eight of its top nine scorers (Ayoka Lee, 533 points; Serena Sundell, 4111 points; Jaelyn Glenn, 239 points; Zyanna Walker, 231 points;&nbsp; Brylee Glenn, 214 points; Gisela Sanchez, 180 points; Eliza Maupin, 116 points; Taryn Sides, 115 points).

• The Wildcats scored 2,437 points in the 2023-24 season, the third straight season K-State has scored 2,000 or more points in a season. K-State has scored 2,000 or more points under Jeff Mittie in seven of his previous 10 seasons.

2024-25 Coach and Player Milestones to Watch

• Needs 10 wins to become third K-State Women’s Basketball head coach with 200 or more wins at K-State

• Needs 17 wins to move into second on the K-State Women’s Basketball wins list (Judy Akers, 206)

• Needs 140 points to set the school career scoring record

• Needs six double-doubles to move into second in Big 12 history for career double-doubles

• Needs 274 rebounds to move into second in Big 12 history for career rebounds

• Needs 56 made free throws to set the school record for career free throws made

• Needs 50 made field goals to set the school record for career field goals made

• Needs 238 points to reach 1,500 career points

• Needs 41 assists to move into second in school history for career assists

• Needs 145 points to reach 1,000 career points

• Needs 12 made 3-pointers to move into 10th on K-State career 3-point field goals made list

• Needs 84 steals to move into third on K-State career steals list

• Needs 45 rebounds to move into top-30 on K-State career rebounds list

• Needs 223 points to reach 1,000 career points

• Green Bay opens its 2024-25 season with three of its first four games on the road.

• The Phoenix were voted second in the 2024-25 Under Armour Horizon League Preseason Poll.

• Green Bay is guided on the sideline by first-year head coach Kayla Karius. The 2011 graduate of Green Bay owns a career record of 37-29 (.561) in her two previous seasons as a head coach at South Dakota.

• The top returning scorer and rebounder for the Phoenix is senior guard Natalie McNeal. The product of Germantown, Wisconsin, averaged 13.2 points and hauled in 6.8 rebounds. Entering the season, McNeal was a Preseason All-Horizon League First Team selection.

• Green Bay’s top passer from a season ago, Bailey Butler, also returns. The senior from South Wayne, Wisconsin, averaged 5.4 assists and enters this season as a Preseason All-Horizon League Second Team recipient.

• Kansas State made its 2024-25 preseason debut at 13th in the Associated Press (AP) top-25 poll.

• This is the fourth time in program history and the first time since the 2004-05 season that K-State appeared in the AP preseason poll. This was the program’s highest preseason ranking since 2003-04 when the Wildcats entered the season ranked fifth.

• Since making its poll debut on Nov. 20, 2023, K-State has been ranked for 20 consecutive weeks. This is the longest consecutive streak for K-State since being ranked for the entirety of the 2004-05 season. In its history, K-State has now been ranked for a total of 193 weeks in the AP poll.

• As an AP ranked team, K-State owns a 247-94 (.724) record.

• During the 2023-24 season, the Wildcats achieved the program’s highest ranking in the Jeff Mittie era (2014-present), as the team was ranked 2nd on Jan. 29, 2024. It was the highest ranking for the program in the AP poll since Nov. 25, 2002 when K-State was ranked 2nd.

• According to Stats Perform, K-State was the first women’s program since the start of the AP poll in 1976 to go from unranked in the preseason to either No. 1 or No. 2 in the same season.

• The Wildcats are ranked 13th in the preseason USA Today/WBCA Coaches Poll. This is the fourth time K-State has appeared in the preseason Coaches Poll and the first time since 2004-05. This is K-State’s highest preseason ranking in the poll since 2003-04 when the Wildcats entered the season ranked fifth.

• K-State reached a high of 2nd in the Coaches Poll for two straight weeks in the 2023-24 season, its highest Coaches Poll ranking since being ranked 2nd in the third poll of the 2002-03 season.

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

MANHATTAN, Kansas -&nbsp;(13/13) K-State begins its 57th season of action with a unique Monday morning tip-off, as the Wildcats host Green Bay in Bramlage Coliseum at 11 a.m.• Monday’s game is Education Day, as over 1,200 local elementary school students will be in attendance to see the Wildcats.• Monday’s game can be seen live on ESPN+, as Brian Smoller (play-by-play), Missy Heidrick (analyst) and Hannah Whetstone (sideline) will have the call.Starting 5Five names, numbers or storylines about K-State women’s basketball1. Cats Picked as Big 12 Favorites• For the first time in Big 12 history, K-State was chosen as the league favorite in the 2024-25 Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll. The Wildcats received 7 first-place votes and 211 points.2. K-State 13th in AP &amp; Coaches Polls• For the fourth time in program history and the first time since 2004-05, K-State is ranked in the Associated Press and USA Today/WBCA Coaches preseason polls. The Wildcats check in at 13th in both, its highest preseason ranking since 2003-04 when the Cats were ranked fifth.3. Duo Named to Preseason Watch List• K-State’s Ayoka Lee and Serena Sundell were named to 2024-25 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Women’s Player of the Year Watch List.4. Mittie Set for 11th season• K-State head coach Jeff Mittie is prepared for his 11th season in Manhattan. He owns a 190-135 (.585) record and eight postseason appearances with the Wildcats. With 10 wins, Mittie will become the third K-State WBB coach (Deb Patterson, 350; Judy Akers, 206) with 200 or more wins at the helm of the Wildcats.5. Lee on Cusp of Scoring Record• Senior center and 2024-25 Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year Ayoka Lee needs 140 points to pass Kendra Wecker (2001-05; 2,333 points) for the K-State career scoring record. Lee owns the career school records for rebounds (1,118) and blocks (310).Number to Know2,067• K-State returns 85 percent (2,067 points) of its points from the 2023-24 season.• This is the second straight season K-State will return over 2,000 points scored from the previous season (2,120 entering 2023-24).• Of the 2,067 points returning from last season, K-State returns its eight of its top nine scorers (Ayoka Lee, 533 points; Serena Sundell, 4111 points; Jaelyn Glenn, 239 points; Zyanna Walker, 231 points;&nbsp; Brylee Glenn, 214 points; Gisela Sanchez, 180 points; Eliza Maupin, 116 points; Taryn Sides, 115 points).• The Wildcats scored 2,437 points in the 2023-24 season, the third straight season K-State has scored 2,000 or more points in a season. K-State has scored 2,000 or more points under Jeff Mittie in seven of his previous 10 seasons.2024-25 Coach and Player Milestones to WatchJeff Mittie• Needs 10 wins to become third K-State Women’s Basketball head coach with 200 or more wins at K-State• Needs 17 wins to move into second on the K-State Women’s Basketball wins list (Judy Akers, 206)Ayoka Lee• Needs 140 points to set the school career scoring record• Needs six double-doubles to move into second in Big 12 history for career double-doubles• Needs 274 rebounds to move into second in Big 12 history for career rebounds• Needs 56 made free throws to set the school record for career free throws made• Needs 50 made field goals to set the school record for career field goals madeSerena Sundell• Needs 238 points to reach 1,500 career points• Needs 41 assists to move into second in school history for career assistsJaelyn Glenn• Needs 145 points to reach 1,000 career points• Needs 12 made 3-pointers to move into 10th on K-State career 3-point field goals made list• Needs 84 steals to move into third on K-State career steals list• Needs 45 rebounds to move into top-30 on K-State career rebounds listBrylee Glenn• Needs 223 points to reach 1,000 career pointsAt a Glance: Green Bay• Green Bay opens its 2024-25 season with three of its first four games on the road.• The Phoenix were voted second in the 2024-25 Under Armour Horizon League Preseason Poll.• Green Bay is guided on the sideline by first-year head coach Kayla Karius. The 2011 graduate of Green Bay owns a career record of 37-29 (.561) in her two previous seasons as a head coach at South Dakota.• The top returning scorer and rebounder for the Phoenix is senior guard Natalie McNeal. The product of Germantown, Wisconsin, averaged 13.2 points and hauled in 6.8 rebounds. Entering the season, McNeal was a Preseason All-Horizon League First Team selection.• Green Bay’s top passer from a season ago, Bailey Butler, also returns. The senior from South Wayne, Wisconsin, averaged 5.4 assists and enters this season as a Preseason All-Horizon League Second Team recipient.K-State Among the Rankings• Kansas State made its 2024-25 preseason debut at 13th in the Associated Press (AP) top-25 poll.• This is the fourth time in program history and the first time since the 2004-05 season that K-State appeared in the AP preseason poll. This was the program’s highest preseason ranking since 2003-04 when the Wildcats entered the season ranked fifth.• Since making its poll debut on Nov. 20, 2023, K-State has been ranked for 20 consecutive weeks. This is the longest consecutive streak for K-State since being ranked for the entirety of the 2004-05 season. In its history, K-State has now been ranked for a total of 193 weeks in the AP poll.• As an AP ranked team, K-State owns a 247-94 (.724) record.• During the 2023-24 season, the Wildcats achieved the program’s highest ranking in the Jeff Mittie era (2014-present), as the team was ranked 2nd on Jan. 29, 2024. It was the highest ranking for the program in the AP poll since Nov. 25, 2002 when K-State was ranked 2nd.• According to Stats Perform, K-State was the first women’s program since the start of the AP poll in 1976 to go from unranked in the preseason to either No. 1 or No. 2 in the same season.• The Wildcats are ranked 13th in the preseason USA Today/WBCA Coaches Poll. This is the fourth time K-State has appeared in the preseason Coaches Poll and the first time since 2004-05. This is K-State’s highest preseason ranking in the poll since 2003-04 when the Wildcats entered the season ranked fifth.• K-State reached a high of 2nd in the Coaches Poll for two straight weeks in the 2023-24 season, its highest Coaches Poll ranking since being ranked 2nd in the third poll of the 2002-03 season.• The Wildcats have been ranked in 20 straight USA Today/WBCA Coaches Polls dating back to Nov. 20, 2023.Mittie in 11th season at K-State• Jeff Mittie, one of the winningest active coaches in NCAA Division I with over 600 career wins, enters his 11th season at the helm of the K-State program in 2024-25.• Mittie, the ninth head women’s basketball coach in K-State history, owns an overall career record of 644-370 (.635) in 33 years as a head coach, including a 190-135 (.585) mark in his time at K-State. He has won 19 or more games in seven of 10 seasons with K-State.• The 2024 Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List honoree achieved a K-State career-best 26 wins in the 2023-24 season and his most wins as a head coach since registering 31 in the 1994-95 season at Missouri Western.• His 644 career wins at NCAA programs ranks 11th among active NCAA Division I head coaches.• Mittie registered the 600th win of his coaching career, an 83-43 victory over Central Arkansas on Nov. 7, 2022.• With his 190 wins at Kansas State, Mittie ranks third for wins at the helm of the K-State program.• Mittie is the third-longest tenured head coach in K-State women’s basketball history and currently the second-longest tenured head coach of any sport at K-State.• He has averaged 20.0 wins per season and experienced only two losing seasons in his 32 seasons.• Mittie has 23 postseason appearances in his career (NCAA or WNIT Tournaments), in which he has a combined record of 24-21 (.533). He ranks second in program history for NCAA Tournament appearances with five, trailing Deb Patterson’s program record nine appearances. Mittie is 4-5 in his five NCAA Tournament appearances with the Wildcats.K-State in Season Openers• The Wildcats have been dominant in season-openers since the team’s first season in 1968-69. Kansas State is 47-9 (.839) in season openers and have won 22 of the last 24 season openers, including 13 straight.• Head coach Jeff Mittie is 26-6 (.813) in season-openers, including a 10-0 mark at K-State.K-State in Home Openers• Kansas State has won 30 of its last 32 home openers in Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats are 47-9 (.839) all-time in home openers and 32-4 (.889) in openers in Bramlage.• Head coach Jeff Mittie is 30-2 (.938) in home openers in his previous 32 seasons.Remember the Month of November• In its 57 seasons of action, K-State has accumulated a record of 160-54 (.748) in the month of November. The Wildcats have won 48 of its last 59 games in the month of November.• Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 46-11 (.807) in November games.• The Wildcats have ended the 11th month with a .500 or better record in 13 straight seasons, including a 6-0 mark in 2016-17. Overall, K-State has registered a .500 or better record in November 44 times in its history.They Got Their Eye on Them• K-State women’s basketball placed three players on the Hoop Hall Awards, national positional awards watch lists. Fans can vote for these honors daily at&nbsp;<a href="http://hoophallawards.com/" target="_blank">hoophallawards.com</a>.• Senior guard Serena Sundell was chosen for the Nancy Lieberman Award watch list, given annually to the top point guard in the nation. This was the second time Sundell was named to the list.• Senior forward Temira Poindexter was selected to the Cheryl Miller Award watch list, given annually to the nation’s top small forward.• Senior center Ayoka Lee was named to the Lisa Leslie Award watch list, given annually to the top center in the nation. This is the fourth time in her career that Lee was named to the Leslie Award watch list. In 2022, Lee was a finalist for the honor.