JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Parker Washington delivered the longest return under the NFL’s new kickoff rules —&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1822412003433923070">an ankle-breaking, 73-yarder that set up an early touchdown</a>&nbsp;— and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs 26-13 in a preseason game Saturday night.

Washington made at least five tacklers miss before finally going down at the Chiefs’ 30-yard line.&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1822413318264623461">Trevor Lawrence found running back Travis Etienne for a 9-yard score</a>&nbsp;four plays later to give the Jaguars the two biggest highlights of the game.

Chiefs receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who signed a one-year, $7 million contract in March, landed awkwardly on a shoulder following an 11-yard reception on the opening play and did not return.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and Kansas City’s other starters played a series before watching the rest from the sideline. Mahomes drove the Chiefs into field-goal range and might have done more had Rashee Rice not dropped a third-down pass over the middle.

Washington, meanwhile, made the most of every opportunity.

The second-year pro, a sixth-round draft pick in 2023 from Penn State, turned heads with the kickoff return and then added a 13-yard punt return. He later chipped in a 10-yard catch in which he slipped out of Keith Taylor’s grasp.

The Jaguars have raved about Washington since training camp opened, and he showed up under the lights. He’s expected to be the team’s No. 4 receiver in a room that includes Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and first-round rookie Brian Thomas Jr.

Washington gave the Chiefs plenty to work on moving forward. Covering kickoffs has to be an area of emphasis for them.

After Jacksonville went ahead 18-10 on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1822430364746367133">C.J. Beathard’s 44-yard TD pass to speedster Devin Duvernay</a>, Mecole Hardman tried to down a kickoff that bounced in and out of the end zone. Officials huddled, checked the replay and ruled it a safety.

“I think that’s kind of the first time that’s ever happened,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said at halftime. “With the new kickoff rule, the ball is always live, even when it hits in the end zone.”

Jacksonville’s Tank Bigsby looked like he was going to return the ensuing kickoff for a score — kicker Harrison Butker showed no interest in trying to tackle the 215-pound running back — but Bigsby tripped near midfield.

Officials overturned Jaguars cornerback Christian Braswell’s 52-yard fumble return for a touchdown late in the third. Braswell stripped the ball from Nikko Remigio following a 29-yard reception in which he landed on the ground and got up to gain more yards.

Officials ruled Braswell touched Remigio while he was still on the ground, but few in the stands and none on Jacksonville’s sideline agreed.

Thomas, the 23rd overall pick in April from LSU, had the catch of the night for Jacksonville. Thomas&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1822421357621387698">hauled in a 41-yarder from Beathard in the first quarter</a>&nbsp;despite having cornerback Joshua Williams draped all over him. Williams was flagged for pass interference. It was Thomas’ lone reception.

Kansas City’s Xavier Worthy, selected five picks after Thomas, started but wasn’t even targeted in the game.

The Jaguars held out eight players, including starting defensive backs Darnell Savage (shoulder) and Tyson Campbell (ankle). They also held out two starting offensive linemen: left guard Ezra Cleveland (heel) and right tackle Anton Harrison (concussion protocol).

Second-year linebacker Ventrell Miller, who missed all of last season after tearing his right Achilles tendon, left the game briefly with a right shoulder injury but later returned.

Chiefs guard McKade Mettauer limped off the field in the fourth with a left knee injury after getting caught in a pile. Rookie linebacker Curtis Jacobs also was shaken up late.

The Jaguars host Tampa Bay next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723343108482.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Parker Washington delivered the longest return under the NFL’s new kickoff rules —&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1822412003433923070">an ankle-breaking, 73-yarder that set up an early touchdown</a>&nbsp;— and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs 26-13 in a preseason game Saturday night.Washington made at least five tacklers miss before finally going down at the Chiefs’ 30-yard line.&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1822413318264623461">Trevor Lawrence found running back Travis Etienne for a 9-yard score</a>&nbsp;four plays later to give the Jaguars the two biggest highlights of the game.Chiefs receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who signed a one-year, $7 million contract in March, landed awkwardly on a shoulder following an 11-yard reception on the opening play and did not return.Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and Kansas City’s other starters played a series before watching the rest from the sideline. Mahomes drove the Chiefs into field-goal range and might have done more had Rashee Rice not dropped a third-down pass over the middle.Washington, meanwhile, made the most of every opportunity.The second-year pro, a sixth-round draft pick in 2023 from Penn State, turned heads with the kickoff return and then added a 13-yard punt return. He later chipped in a 10-yard catch in which he slipped out of Keith Taylor’s grasp.The Jaguars have raved about Washington since training camp opened, and he showed up under the lights. He’s expected to be the team’s No. 4 receiver in a room that includes Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and first-round rookie Brian Thomas Jr.Washington gave the Chiefs plenty to work on moving forward. Covering kickoffs has to be an area of emphasis for them.After Jacksonville went ahead 18-10 on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1822430364746367133">C.J. Beathard’s 44-yard TD pass to speedster Devin Duvernay</a>, Mecole Hardman tried to down a kickoff that bounced in and out of the end zone. Officials huddled, checked the replay and ruled it a safety.“I think that’s kind of the first time that’s ever happened,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said at halftime. “With the new kickoff rule, the ball is always live, even when it hits in the end zone.”Jacksonville’s Tank Bigsby looked like he was going to return the ensuing kickoff for a score — kicker Harrison Butker showed no interest in trying to tackle the 215-pound running back — but Bigsby tripped near midfield.QUESTIONABLE CALLOfficials overturned Jaguars cornerback Christian Braswell’s 52-yard fumble return for a touchdown late in the third. Braswell stripped the ball from Nikko Remigio following a 29-yard reception in which he landed on the ground and got up to gain more yards.Officials ruled Braswell touched Remigio while he was still on the ground, but few in the stands and none on Jacksonville’s sideline agreed.ROOKIE WATCHThomas, the 23rd overall pick in April from LSU, had the catch of the night for Jacksonville. Thomas&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1822421357621387698">hauled in a 41-yarder from Beathard in the first quarter</a>&nbsp;despite having cornerback Joshua Williams draped all over him. Williams was flagged for pass interference. It was Thomas’ lone reception.Kansas City’s Xavier Worthy, selected five picks after Thomas, started but wasn’t even targeted in the game.NOTABLE INJURIESThe Jaguars held out eight players, including starting defensive backs Darnell Savage (shoulder) and Tyson Campbell (ankle). They also held out two starting offensive linemen: left guard Ezra Cleveland (heel) and right tackle Anton Harrison (concussion protocol).Second-year linebacker Ventrell Miller, who missed all of last season after tearing his right Achilles tendon, left the game briefly with a right shoulder injury but later returned.Chiefs guard McKade Mettauer limped off the field in the fourth with a left knee injury after getting caught in a pile. Rookie linebacker Curtis Jacobs also was shaken up late.UP NEXTThe Chiefs host Detroit next Saturday.The Jaguars host Tampa Bay next Saturday.

🏈 Jags beat Super Bowl champion Chiefs in the preseason opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. drove in three runs and Michael Wacha struck out six in seven innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to an 8-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night.

Maikel Garcia had an RBI single, Witt added an RBI triple and Salvador Perez hit a two-run, opposite field homer to right in the Royals’ four-run seventh inning.

The victory clinched the season season for Kansas City for the first time since 2016. The teams split the two-game series.

Wacha (9-6) gave up two runs on five hits with two walks. He has allowed two runs or fewer in eight of his 10 starts at Kauffman Stadium this season. Lucas Erceg recorded his fourth save.

Garcia gave the Royals a 3-2 lead in the seventh. Kyle Isbel gave Kansas City an insurance run in the eighth with an RBI triple. Freddy Fermin drove in his 31st run of the season.

Cardinals starter Andre Pallante pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up two runs, one earned, on three hits with four walks with four strikeouts. Ryan Fernandez (1-4) took the loss in relief.

Paul Goldschmidt hit a 430-foot, two-run home run, his 18th of the season, to give the Cardinals a lead in the second inning. Nolan Gorman added two hits as St. Louis went 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

Royals: Placed RHP Hunter Harvey (mid-back tightness) on the 15-day injured list retroactive to August 7. RHP Carlos Hernandez was recalled in the corresponding move.

St. Louis will head to Cincinnati for a three-game series starting Monday. Sonny Gray (11-6, 3.65 ERA) is slated to take the mound for the Cardinals. Kansas City will head to Minnesota for a three-game series starting Monday. Brady Singer (8-7, 3.03) will get the start.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723342921795.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. drove in three runs and Michael Wacha struck out six in seven innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to an 8-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night.Maikel Garcia had an RBI single, Witt added an RBI triple and Salvador Perez hit a two-run, opposite field homer to right in the Royals’ four-run seventh inning.The victory clinched the season season for Kansas City for the first time since 2016. The teams split the two-game series.Wacha (9-6) gave up two runs on five hits with two walks. He has allowed two runs or fewer in eight of his 10 starts at Kauffman Stadium this season. Lucas Erceg recorded his fourth save.Garcia gave the Royals a 3-2 lead in the seventh. Kyle Isbel gave Kansas City an insurance run in the eighth with an RBI triple. Freddy Fermin drove in his 31st run of the season.Cardinals starter Andre Pallante pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up two runs, one earned, on three hits with four walks with four strikeouts. Ryan Fernandez (1-4) took the loss in relief.Paul Goldschmidt hit a 430-foot, two-run home run, his 18th of the season, to give the Cardinals a lead in the second inning. Nolan Gorman added two hits as St. Louis went 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Placed RHP Hunter Harvey (mid-back tightness) on the 15-day injured list retroactive to August 7. RHP Carlos Hernandez was recalled in the corresponding move.UP NEXTSt. Louis will head to Cincinnati for a three-game series starting Monday. Sonny Gray (11-6, 3.65 ERA) is slated to take the mound for the Cardinals. Kansas City will head to Minnesota for a three-game series starting Monday. Brady Singer (8-7, 3.03) will get the start.

⚾ Bobby Witt drives in 3 to lead Royals over rival Cardinals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Willson Contreras hit a pair of two-run homers and the St. Louis Cardinals rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 on Friday night.

Contreras opened the scoring in the first with a two-run shot off the top of the bullpen fence in right and added another two-run shot in the ninth,&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/Contreras%20homers%20twice,%20drives%20in%20four,%20as%20Cards%20down%20Royals,%208-5">blasting his 15th homer</a>&nbsp;424 feet to left for his 15th multi-homer game.

“An absolute tank to left,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “Some really good at-bats and big swings by Contreras.”

Trailing 5-3 after five innings, the Cardinals scored five runs on seven hits against six relievers.

Will Smith (0-4) retired one of three batters faced in the eighth and, after a failed Kansas City challenge on a potential inning-ending double play grounder, St. Louis took a 6-5 lead on Victor Scott II’s two-out, two-run double.

“I was telling myself if he’s safe, it’s going to be definitely a critical situation in the ballgame,” Scott said. “Being able to come through right there is definitely special. There’s runners on base, so I’m just trying to do damage.”

Contreras, Alex Burleson and Brendan Donovan each had three of St. Louis’ 13 hits.

Matthew Liberatore (3-3) threw three hitless innings in relief of Miles Mikolas, who allowed five runs on eight hits in four innings.

“My goodness, look at what (Liberatore) did,” Marmol said. “36 pitches, three innings, didn’t give up anything at all. His stuff was sharp. He was pretty dominant. It was good to go to him early. (He) just shut them down.”

Mikolas has a 7.11 ERA over his past five starts. Ryan Hensley allowed a hit and a walk in finishing for his 37th save.

“I felt like we had a pretty good game plan going in,” Michael Massey said. “I felt like we did a pretty good job against him.”

Burleson lined his team-leading 20th home run to right leading off the third as the Cardinals built a 3-0 lead.

Kyle Isbel’s third-inning RBI triple snapped his 0-for-21 slide, plating the first run Mikolas surrendered to the Royals after 19 career scoreless frames. RBI singles by Massey and Salvador Perez tied it.

Maikel Garcia’s RBI double into the left-field corner and Massey’s deep sacrifice fly to center gave Kansas City a 5-3 lead in the fourth.

Michael Lorenzen made his second start since his July 29 acquisition from Texas, working 4 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts.

Massey had three of Kansas City’s 10 hits.

The Royals were homerless, snapping a 13-game streak with at least one home run, the second longest streak in club history.

Royals RHP John Schreiber (right knee patella tendon inflammation) threw a bullpen session Thursday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Willson Contreras hit a pair of two-run homers and the St. Louis Cardinals rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 on Friday night.Contreras opened the scoring in the first with a two-run shot off the top of the bullpen fence in right and added another two-run shot in the ninth,&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/Contreras%20homers%20twice,%20drives%20in%20four,%20as%20Cards%20down%20Royals,%208-5">blasting his 15th homer</a>&nbsp;424 feet to left for his 15th multi-homer game.“An absolute tank to left,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “Some really good at-bats and big swings by Contreras.”Trailing 5-3 after five innings, the Cardinals scored five runs on seven hits against six relievers.Will Smith (0-4) retired one of three batters faced in the eighth and, after a failed Kansas City challenge on a potential inning-ending double play grounder, St. Louis took a 6-5 lead on Victor Scott II’s two-out, two-run double.“I was telling myself if he’s safe, it’s going to be definitely a critical situation in the ballgame,” Scott said. “Being able to come through right there is definitely special. There’s runners on base, so I’m just trying to do damage.”Contreras, Alex Burleson and Brendan Donovan each had three of St. Louis’ 13 hits.Matthew Liberatore (3-3) threw three hitless innings in relief of Miles Mikolas, who allowed five runs on eight hits in four innings.“My goodness, look at what (Liberatore) did,” Marmol said. “36 pitches, three innings, didn’t give up anything at all. His stuff was sharp. He was pretty dominant. It was good to go to him early. (He) just shut them down.”Mikolas has a 7.11 ERA over his past five starts. Ryan Hensley allowed a hit and a walk in finishing for his 37th save.“I felt like we had a pretty good game plan going in,” Michael Massey said. “I felt like we did a pretty good job against him.”Burleson lined his team-leading 20th home run to right leading off the third as the Cardinals built a 3-0 lead.Kyle Isbel’s third-inning RBI triple snapped his 0-for-21 slide, plating the first run Mikolas surrendered to the Royals after 19 career scoreless frames. RBI singles by Massey and Salvador Perez tied it.Maikel Garcia’s RBI double into the left-field corner and Massey’s deep sacrifice fly to center gave Kansas City a 5-3 lead in the fourth.Michael Lorenzen made his second start since his July 29 acquisition from Texas, working 4 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts.Massey had three of Kansas City’s 10 hits.The Royals were homerless, snapping a 13-game streak with at least one home run, the second longest streak in club history.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals RHP John Schreiber (right knee patella tendon inflammation) threw a bullpen session Thursday.UP NEXT

⚾ Contreras hits pair of homers in Cardinals victory over Royals

BY GARY VAN CLEAVE Salina Post Contributor

DOWNS - Ian Kresin, one of the all-time greats from Lakeside High football, garnered rave reviews, even from rivals.

“He's such a good running back," Thunder Ridge quarterback Mason Baker said. "In college, they say all the great running backs make one move and get vertical, Ian did just that. I’ve always known him as a physical running back; he hits like a truck, and he’s fast.”

Kresin, a 5-foot-9 roadrunner-type with electrifying speed, will be lacing his cleats this fall for Kansas Wesleyan.

“They are getting a very hard-working back. I’ve seen him at all powerlifting meets, and he's very determined to win,” said Baker, bound for Evangel College this fall. “I can tell he has heart and passion for the game, so he will do great.”

That respect went both ways, and persists as the former high school rivals depart for the same college conference.

“He was an excellent quarterback,” Kresin said of Baker. “He can run, and he can run well.”

Kresin reports Friday as his college football career begins for the purple-clad Coyotes.

“I always visioned myself playing at the highest level,” Kresin said. “If you believe you can, you could have a possibility. But if you know you can then you will. It’s a mental sport. That’s what separates players.”

While Kresin received plenty of praise from opponents, those sentiments were echoed by those he shared a locker room with throughout high school.

“He's a very developed freshman, they will be very happy with him from the first day,” Knight teammate Gabe Smith said. “He’ll work as hard as possible to make sure he’s on the field.”

“KWU is getting the most determined and level-headed running back they have probably ever gotten,” Lakeside senior quarterback Kaden McCoy said. “Ian is a very good football player and he shows it. Look at the stats and highlights, he will always push you as a player to get better. He was a very good team player also. They will be amazed by what he can do on the field, Lakeside was only the beginning for him.”

In 36 games as a Knight, Kresin rushed a beastly 518 times for 3,748 yards and 61 touchdowns, racking up 100 yards or more in nearly half (16) of those games. 

During his senior senior season, Kresin muscled his way to 1,448 yards, 32 TDs and seven 100-yard outings.

“When I watched him play, he was always a very smart running back that could make a good play out of nothing,” senior skill player Reece Remus said. “He gives 110 percent effort on every play.”

Through it all, Kresin credited his teammates, and the players around him for his on-field successes.

“It was amazing," he said. "The amount of support from my family and coaches was incredible, but most importantly, it came from the team. The energy and brotherhood that comes from small-town sports is something I have never seen before. I was closer to my team than anybody else, and that’s because we did everything together, it was more than just a team.”

Kresin was more than just a player who wore #2.

“Ian’s one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met,"&nbsp;sophomore quarterback Eli Schmitt said. "I lifted weights with him all summer and he never cuts himself short. He's good at lifting people up and not tearing them down so he’s a good locker room presence. Every day I’m with him he has a positive attitude even if he might not want to all the time.”

“Ian has a strong sense of leadership and always points his teammates in the correct direction,” senior lineman Gage Gradig said. “He has a hard work ethic, it doesn’t matter if it’s during practice, in the weight room or when he’s playing a game, he gives it his all. On the field, he’s a great teammate who communicates with his teammates to help solve problems and improve the offense. He is even exceptional off the field with his ability to bond with his team and create a chemistry.”

Kresin helped the Knights win 22 games in his career, including a 6-3 campaign this past year.

“I've learned that finding the want and drive to do the same thing every day is hard,” Kresin said. “But that’s what separates others. We were still a pretty young team, so we had to find a groove that made us be the best team we can be.”

The more people you speak to around the Lakeside-Downs program, the more the praise continues.

“Hard-working, smart, agile, leader, strong and very athletic. Full package,” Smith said of Kresin. “He will help anyone with anything no matter if it’s a freshman all the way to a senior. You have a question ask him, he’s the one who got me in the weight room.”

“When he gets to the open field, he runs like he’s mad but is still composed enough to make quick decisions,” Gradig said. “And the only thing that is on his mind is for him to make it across the pylons.”

“He was able to motivate anyone around him and even make everyone around him better,” Remus said.

“Success is the best version of yourself you can,” said Kresin, who also generated nearly 200 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and eight sacks in his career. “Success is looking back and saying I did the best I could do.”

Kresin’s best the past four years has earned him a chance to play on Saturday’s.

“It means a lot. It’s always been a goal in my life. And I appreciate everyone who helped make that happen,” Kresin said. “It took a lot of self-discipline, a lot of times the only one to push you is yourself. So I got pretty comfortable with pushing myself,”

Kresin’s team-first philosophy showed when asked what his numbers meant to him.

“Very little. I would much rather take a win than stats,” Kresin said. “However, I do thank my teammates for helping me reach those numbers.”

“With Ian, you could call a play to the right and block someone and turn around and he made three cutbacks and is running in the end zone,” Smith said with a chuckle. “One time I remember him running a guy over on the sideline and that kid may have flown three feet.”

“He was definitely one of the toughest I’ve played, his play style was different from others and he had speed and strength,” Baker said. “I’ve faced a lot of great running backs and he is definitely up there.”

Kresin said he’s honored to represent Lakeside at the next level.

“I'm very ready to take the challenge, I’m ready to have something to chase, something to get me up in the morning," Kresin concluded. I want to show that it doesn’t matter if you’re from a small town, you're only able to do what you believe you can do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723226594321.jpeg" alt="Ian Kresin runs through a tackle during his time with Lakeside-Downs. Photo courtesy of Gary Van Cleave" />
 <figcaption>Ian Kresin runs through a tackle during his time with Lakeside-Downs. Photo courtesy of Gary Van Cleave</figcaption>
 </figure>BY GARY VAN CLEAVE Salina Post ContributorDOWNS - Ian Kresin, one of the all-time greats from Lakeside High football, garnered rave reviews, even from rivals.“He's such a good running back," Thunder Ridge quarterback Mason Baker said. "In college, they say all the great running backs make one move and get vertical, Ian did just that. I’ve always known him as a physical running back; he hits like a truck, and he’s fast.”Kresin, a 5-foot-9 roadrunner-type with electrifying speed, will be lacing his cleats this fall for Kansas Wesleyan.“They are getting a very hard-working back. I’ve seen him at all powerlifting meets, and he's very determined to win,” said Baker, bound for Evangel College this fall. “I can tell he has heart and passion for the game, so he will do great.”That respect went both ways, and persists as the former high school rivals depart for the same college conference.“He was an excellent quarterback,” Kresin said of Baker. “He can run, and he can run well.”Kresin reports Friday as his college football career begins for the purple-clad Coyotes.“I always visioned myself playing at the highest level,” Kresin said. “If you believe you can, you could have a possibility. But if you know you can then you will. It’s a mental sport. That’s what separates players.”While Kresin received plenty of praise from opponents, those sentiments were echoed by those he shared a locker room with throughout high school.“He's a very developed freshman, they will be very happy with him from the first day,” Knight teammate Gabe Smith said. “He’ll work as hard as possible to make sure he’s on the field.”“KWU is getting the most determined and level-headed running back they have probably ever gotten,” Lakeside senior quarterback Kaden McCoy said. “Ian is a very good football player and he shows it. Look at the stats and highlights, he will always push you as a player to get better. He was a very good team player also. They will be amazed by what he can do on the field, Lakeside was only the beginning for him.”In 36 games as a Knight, Kresin rushed a beastly 518 times for 3,748 yards and 61 touchdowns, racking up 100 yards or more in nearly half (16) of those games. During his senior senior season, Kresin muscled his way to 1,448 yards, 32 TDs and seven 100-yard outings.“When I watched him play, he was always a very smart running back that could make a good play out of nothing,” senior skill player Reece Remus said. “He gives 110 percent effort on every play.”Through it all, Kresin credited his teammates, and the players around him for his on-field successes.“It was amazing," he said. "The amount of support from my family and coaches was incredible, but most importantly, it came from the team. The energy and brotherhood that comes from small-town sports is something I have never seen before. I was closer to my team than anybody else, and that’s because we did everything together, it was more than just a team.”Kresin was more than just a player who wore #2.“Ian’s one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met,"&nbsp;sophomore quarterback Eli Schmitt said. "I lifted weights with him all summer and he never cuts himself short. He's good at lifting people up and not tearing them down so he’s a good locker room presence. Every day I’m with him he has a positive attitude even if he might not want to all the time.”“Ian has a strong sense of leadership and always points his teammates in the correct direction,” senior lineman Gage Gradig said. “He has a hard work ethic, it doesn’t matter if it’s during practice, in the weight room or when he’s playing a game, he gives it his all. On the field, he’s a great teammate who communicates with his teammates to help solve problems and improve the offense. He is even exceptional off the field with his ability to bond with his team and create a chemistry.”Kresin helped the Knights win 22 games in his career, including a 6-3 campaign this past year.“I've learned that finding the want and drive to do the same thing every day is hard,” Kresin said. “But that’s what separates others. We were still a pretty young team, so we had to find a groove that made us be the best team we can be.”The more people you speak to around the Lakeside-Downs program, the more the praise continues.“Hard-working, smart, agile, leader, strong and very athletic. Full package,” Smith said of Kresin. “He will help anyone with anything no matter if it’s a freshman all the way to a senior. You have a question ask him, he’s the one who got me in the weight room.”“When he gets to the open field, he runs like he’s mad but is still composed enough to make quick decisions,” Gradig said. “And the only thing that is on his mind is for him to make it across the pylons.”“He was able to motivate anyone around him and even make everyone around him better,” Remus said.“Success is the best version of yourself you can,” said Kresin, who also generated nearly 200 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and eight sacks in his career. “Success is looking back and saying I did the best I could do.”Kresin’s best the past four years has earned him a chance to play on Saturday’s.“It means a lot. It’s always been a goal in my life. And I appreciate everyone who helped make that happen,” Kresin said. “It took a lot of self-discipline, a lot of times the only one to push you is yourself. So I got pretty comfortable with pushing myself,”Kresin’s team-first philosophy showed when asked what his numbers meant to him.“Very little. I would much rather take a win than stats,” Kresin said. “However, I do thank my teammates for helping me reach those numbers.”“With Ian, you could call a play to the right and block someone and turn around and he made three cutbacks and is running in the end zone,” Smith said with a chuckle. “One time I remember him running a guy over on the sideline and that kid may have flown three feet.”“He was definitely one of the toughest I’ve played, his play style was different from others and he had speed and strength,” Baker said. “I’ve faced a lot of great running backs and he is definitely up there.”Kresin said he’s honored to represent Lakeside at the next level.“I'm very ready to take the challenge, I’m ready to have something to chase, something to get me up in the morning," Kresin concluded. I want to show that it doesn’t matter if you’re from a small town, you're only able to do what you believe you can do.”

Lakeside standout embarks on career at KWU

Hello and happy Friday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…

The Kansas City Chiefs and Arrowhead Events are hosting the fifth-annual Red Wednesday Run to coincide with the 33rd&nbsp;year of the club’s traditional Red Friday celebration. Red Wednesday will be celebrated on September 4 with the Chiefs opening the season at home against the Ravens on Thursday, September 5th

This year’s edition of the race remains virtual and will be part of festivities leading up to the start of the season. Registration is now open at&nbsp;chiefs.com/red-wednesday/run&nbsp;with two registration options available.

Elsewhere As part of K-State Athletics’ continued effort to provide the Best Fan Experience, all athletics facilities will be cashless venues starting with the 2024-25 season. Going cashless will reduce wait times while providing a faster and more secure payment system for fans. The change will also allow the facilities and staff to operate more efficiently.

And finally speaking of K-State Tara Davis-Woodhall, an assistant coach under new K-State Wildcat track and field coach&nbsp;Travis Geopfert, walked away with Olympic gold on Thursday in the long jump, winning with a bound of roughly 23 feet, 4 inches

Davis-Woodhall, who graduated as a student-athlete at the University of Texas was just announced as an assistant coach for the Wildcats back on Aug. 2nd.

The US leads China atop the medal count 103-74

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zqeOonQr4uo"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY SALINA POST(Transcript)Hello and happy Friday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…_________The Kansas City Chiefs and Arrowhead Events are hosting the fifth-annual Red Wednesday Run to coincide with the 33rd&nbsp;year of the club’s traditional Red Friday celebration. Red Wednesday will be celebrated on September 4 with the Chiefs opening the season at home against the Ravens on Thursday, September 5thThis year’s edition of the race remains virtual and will be part of festivities leading up to the start of the season. Registration is now open at&nbsp;chiefs.com/red-wednesday/run&nbsp;with two registration options available._________Elsewhere As part of K-State Athletics’ continued effort to provide the Best Fan Experience, all athletics facilities will be cashless venues starting with the 2024-25 season. Going cashless will reduce wait times while providing a faster and more secure payment system for fans. The change will also allow the facilities and staff to operate more efficiently._________And finally speaking of K-State Tara Davis-Woodhall, an assistant coach under new K-State Wildcat track and field coach&nbsp;Travis Geopfert, walked away with Olympic gold on Thursday in the long jump, winning with a bound of roughly 23 feet, 4 inchesDavis-Woodhall, who graduated as a student-athlete at the University of Texas was just announced as an assistant coach for the Wildcats back on Aug. 2nd.The US leads China atop the medal count 103-74_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — August 9

PARIS, France.&nbsp; - Tara Davis-Woodhall, an assistant coach under new K-State Wildcat track and field coach&nbsp;Travis Geopfert, walked away with Olympic gold on Thursday in the long jump, winning with a bound of roughly 23 feet, 4 inches (7.1 meters).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Davis-Woodhall was just announced as an assistant coach for the Wildcats back on Aug. 2nd.

“I’m thrilled to have Tara joining us at K-State. To say that she brings the energy is an understatement,” Geopfert said per a release. “I’ve loved coaching this young woman for the last three years and to bring her elite level experience to Manhattan is absolutely invaluable. She knows what it takes to be great, and she also fully understands the challenges of what life is like as both a student-athlete and as a professional athlete. Her mentorship of these young student-athletes is going to expedite their careers to an elite level in dramatic fashion. So excited to have TDW and her husband Hunter joining us in Manhattan!”

According to Kansas State Athletics, she graduated in 2021 from the University of Texas. She swept the 2020-21 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships in the long jump and was the Big 12 Outdoor Champion.

Before Texas, Davis-Woodhall spent her freshman year at Georgia where she was named the 2018 SEC Indoor Women’s Co-Freshman Field Athlete of the Year. All told she was a five-time First-Team All-American, with four honors in the long jump and one in the 60-meter hurdles.

Her husband Hunter Woodhall is also in attendance in Paris, is a 2024 U.S. Paralympian set for his third Olympic games in the 100- and 400-meter dash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723192457614.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of World Athletes" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of World Athletes</figcaption>
 </figure>PARIS, France.&nbsp; - Tara Davis-Woodhall, an assistant coach under new K-State Wildcat track and field coach&nbsp;Travis Geopfert, walked away with Olympic gold on Thursday in the long jump, winning with a bound of roughly 23 feet, 4 inches (7.1 meters).&nbsp;&nbsp;Davis-Woodhall was just announced as an assistant coach for the Wildcats back on Aug. 2nd.“I’m thrilled to have Tara joining us at K-State. To say that she brings the energy is an understatement,” Geopfert said per a release. “I’ve loved coaching this young woman for the last three years and to bring her elite level experience to Manhattan is absolutely invaluable. She knows what it takes to be great, and she also fully understands the challenges of what life is like as both a student-athlete and as a professional athlete. Her mentorship of these young student-athletes is going to expedite their careers to an elite level in dramatic fashion. So excited to have TDW and her husband Hunter joining us in Manhattan!”According to Kansas State Athletics, she graduated in 2021 from the University of Texas. She swept the 2020-21 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships in the long jump and was the Big 12 Outdoor Champion.Before Texas, Davis-Woodhall spent her freshman year at Georgia where she was named the 2018 SEC Indoor Women’s Co-Freshman Field Athlete of the Year. All told she was a five-time First-Team All-American, with four honors in the long jump and one in the 60-meter hurdles.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723194046297.png" alt="Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall Celebrate Gold.png" />
 <figcaption>Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall Celebrate Gold.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Her husband Hunter Woodhall is also in attendance in Paris, is a 2024 U.S. Paralympian set for his third Olympic games in the 100- and 400-meter dash.

New K-State assistant Tara Davis-Woodhall brings home gold

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Noah Lyles lost the Olympic 200 meters Thursday, falling to Botswana's Letsile Tebogo, then being tended to by medics who carted him off the track in a wheelchair suffering with what The Associated Press learned was a case of COVID.

After crossing the line third for the second straight Olympics, Lyles fell to his back and eventually sat up to be tended to by medical staff. A person familiar with Lyles' condition, who did not want to be identified, told AP was diagnosed with COVID two days before the final.

It's the second straight Olympics the virus has played a major role in Lyles' trip to the Games. He also won the bronze in the Tokyo Olympics, and he has said the empty stands and the year-long delay before the Games led to depression that hampered his performance and inspired his road to Paris.

Tebogo, 21, led wire-to-wire and won in 19.46 seconds, the fourth-fastest time in history, but .15 slower than Lyles' top time. Kenny Bednarek finished in 19.62 for his second straight silver, and Lyles, four nights&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-olympics-100m-lyles-thompson-ccf37184afc2f3318271d4c495d2a16b">after winning a close-as-can-be 100</a>, ran the curve in 19.70.

Lyles came into Paris having not been beaten in a 200 since that night in Tokyo, and after his win in the 100, he brought the bronze medal to the press conference, slammed it on the table and said that had been his motivation for three full years.

Thursday’s final marked the second straight night Tebogo beat him to the finish line in the Lyles’ favorite race. Lyles' win streak ended when he finished second in the semifinal. After that one, skipped his traditional meeting with reporters to head to the medical tent. His coach said he was fine.

This time, Tebogo was leading as the sprinters reached the curve. Usually at that point, Lyles puts on his trademark close, but there was no strong finish — only a desperate push in to the line then a collapse onto the purple track.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723145343801.png" alt="Noah Lyles, of the United States, rests on the track following the men's 200-meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)" />
 <figcaption>Noah Lyles, of the United States, rests on the track following the men's 200-meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Noah Lyles lost the Olympic 200 meters Thursday, falling to Botswana's Letsile Tebogo, then being tended to by medics who carted him off the track in a wheelchair suffering with what The Associated Press learned was a case of COVID.After crossing the line third for the second straight Olympics, Lyles fell to his back and eventually sat up to be tended to by medical staff. A person familiar with Lyles' condition, who did not want to be identified, told AP was diagnosed with COVID two days before the final.It's the second straight Olympics the virus has played a major role in Lyles' trip to the Games. He also won the bronze in the Tokyo Olympics, and he has said the empty stands and the year-long delay before the Games led to depression that hampered his performance and inspired his road to Paris.Tebogo, 21, led wire-to-wire and won in 19.46 seconds, the fourth-fastest time in history, but .15 slower than Lyles' top time. Kenny Bednarek finished in 19.62 for his second straight silver, and Lyles, four nights&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-olympics-100m-lyles-thompson-ccf37184afc2f3318271d4c495d2a16b">after winning a close-as-can-be 100</a>, ran the curve in 19.70.Lyles came into Paris having not been beaten in a 200 since that night in Tokyo, and after his win in the 100, he brought the bronze medal to the press conference, slammed it on the table and said that had been his motivation for three full years.Now, he’ll get another one.Thursday’s final marked the second straight night Tebogo beat him to the finish line in the Lyles’ favorite race. Lyles' win streak ended when he finished second in the semifinal. After that one, skipped his traditional meeting with reporters to head to the medical tent. His coach said he was fine.This time, Tebogo was leading as the sprinters reached the curve. Usually at that point, Lyles puts on his trademark close, but there was no strong finish — only a desperate push in to the line then a collapse onto the purple track.

Lyles, suffering from COVID, finishes 3rd in Olympic 200 meters 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;The Kansas City Chiefs and Arrowhead Events are hosting the fifth-annual Red Wednesday Run presented by GEHA to coincide with the 33rd&nbsp;year of the club’s traditional Red Friday celebration. Red Wednesday will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 4 this year with the Chiefs opening the season at home against the Baltimore Ravens for the NFL Kickoff Game on Thursday, September 5.

This year’s edition of the race remains virtual and will be part of festivities leading up to the start of the 2024 NFL season. Registration is now open at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/red-wednesday/run" target="_blank">www.chiefs.com/red-wednesday/run</a>&nbsp;with two registration options available.

As part of their race registration, participants will receive this year’s special edition Super Bowl LVIII Champions Red Wednesday flag benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City (RMHC-KC) and a Red Wednesday Run t-shirt mailed directly to the address provided during registration. Additionally, all race participants will receive a seven-day all-access pass redeemable at either Chiefs Fit location.

With no official racecourse for this year’s event, Chiefs fans throughout the country and all over the world can participate virtually with the option to complete the 5K however they choose, including running or walking in their neighborhood, in a local park, on a nature trail or from their treadmill.

While Wednesday, September 4 serves as the official day of the Red Wednesday Run, registration for the virtual race is open now and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 6. Once participants complete the 5K, they’re asked to take a photo in their Chiefs/Red Wednesday 5K gear with their flag and post on social media using #RedWednesday.

The 2024 Red Wednesday Run presented by GEHA marks the 16th&nbsp;team-sponsored 5K run/walk for the Chiefs and Arrowhead Events. It is designed to give all Chiefs fans the opportunity to connect with the team, even virtually. Whether you run or walk, finish with the fastest time or just run for fun, the Red Wednesday Run is designed for everyone to enjoy.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;The Kansas City Chiefs and Arrowhead Events are hosting the fifth-annual Red Wednesday Run presented by GEHA to coincide with the 33rd&nbsp;year of the club’s traditional Red Friday celebration. Red Wednesday will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 4 this year with the Chiefs opening the season at home against the Baltimore Ravens for the NFL Kickoff Game on Thursday, September 5.This year’s edition of the race remains virtual and will be part of festivities leading up to the start of the 2024 NFL season. Registration is now open at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/red-wednesday/run" target="_blank">www.chiefs.com/red-wednesday/run</a>&nbsp;with two registration options available.Early-Bird Registration<ul>
 <li>Now – Saturday, August 31</li><li>$45 for the public</li><li>$40 for Chiefs Season Ticket Members</li>
 </ul>Event Registration<ul>
 <li>Sunday, September 1 – Friday, September 6</li><li>$50 for the public</li><li>$45 for Chiefs Season Ticket Members</li>
 </ul>As part of their race registration, participants will receive this year’s special edition Super Bowl LVIII Champions Red Wednesday flag benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City (RMHC-KC) and a Red Wednesday Run t-shirt mailed directly to the address provided during registration. Additionally, all race participants will receive a seven-day all-access pass redeemable at either Chiefs Fit location.With no official racecourse for this year’s event, Chiefs fans throughout the country and all over the world can participate virtually with the option to complete the 5K however they choose, including running or walking in their neighborhood, in a local park, on a nature trail or from their treadmill.While Wednesday, September 4 serves as the official day of the Red Wednesday Run, registration for the virtual race is open now and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 6. Once participants complete the 5K, they’re asked to take a photo in their Chiefs/Red Wednesday 5K gear with their flag and post on social media using #RedWednesday.The 2024 Red Wednesday Run presented by GEHA marks the 16th&nbsp;team-sponsored 5K run/walk for the Chiefs and Arrowhead Events. It is designed to give all Chiefs fans the opportunity to connect with the team, even virtually. Whether you run or walk, finish with the fastest time or just run for fun, the Red Wednesday Run is designed for everyone to enjoy.

Chiefs to host fifth annual "Red Wednesday" run 

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;As part of K-State Athletics’ continued effort to provide the Best Fan Experience in the Big 12, all athletics facilities will be cashless venues starting with the 2024-25 season. Going cashless will reduce wait times while providing a faster and more secure payment system for fans. The change will also allow the facilities and staff to operate more efficiently.

K-State Athletics has transitioned to entirely cashless payment systems throughout its venues. This changeover includes the ticket office, concessions, parking, Rally House locations, gameday Cat Cushion purchases and other points of sale in the facilities. Fans can use traditional credit/debit card payment methods, while checks will not be accepted.

K-State team stores transitioned to cashless payments during the 2020 season, and most of the concessions stands were converted to card-only stations over the past two seasons. The main concession stands will also accept Apple Pay.

Single-game parking transactions in the East and West lots of the K-State Athletics Complex will also transition to cashless payments. ADA parking for football will continue to be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis when lots open five hours prior to kickoff.

Men’s and women’s basketball single-game general admission parking will now be available for purchase in advance of gameday through the K-State ticket website (<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>). Fans can also purchase parking using a credit card on gameday when lots open 90 minutes prior to tipoff.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;As part of K-State Athletics’ continued effort to provide the Best Fan Experience in the Big 12, all athletics facilities will be cashless venues starting with the 2024-25 season. Going cashless will reduce wait times while providing a faster and more secure payment system for fans. The change will also allow the facilities and staff to operate more efficiently.K-State Athletics has transitioned to entirely cashless payment systems throughout its venues. This changeover includes the ticket office, concessions, parking, Rally House locations, gameday Cat Cushion purchases and other points of sale in the facilities. Fans can use traditional credit/debit card payment methods, while checks will not be accepted.K-State team stores transitioned to cashless payments during the 2020 season, and most of the concessions stands were converted to card-only stations over the past two seasons. The main concession stands will also accept Apple Pay.Single-game parking transactions in the East and West lots of the K-State Athletics Complex will also transition to cashless payments. ADA parking for football will continue to be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis when lots open five hours prior to kickoff.Men’s and women’s basketball single-game general admission parking will now be available for purchase in advance of gameday through the K-State ticket website (<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>). Fans can also purchase parking using a credit card on gameday when lots open 90 minutes prior to tipoff.

K-State Athletics Moves to Cashless Facilities in 2024-25

LAWRENCE, Kan. -&nbsp;Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels added to his list of preseason accolades Thursday as he was named to the 2024 Davey O’Brien Award Watch List, which features a group of 36 of the nation’s top returning college quarterbacks.

This is the fourth preseason watch list of the preseason for Daniels, who was previously listed by the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award and the Comeback Player of the Year Award. His appearance on the Davey O’Brien Watch List marks his second straight season among the top returning quarterbacks.

The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback and is the oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award. The 48th Annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner honoring the winner will be held Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Compiled by a subset of the Davey O’Brien National Selection Committee, this year’s list was selected based on previous Division I career player performance as well as expectations heading into the 2024 college football season.

Daniels returns for his fifth season at Kansas in 2024 after throwing for 705 yards and five touchdowns in three games last year. In 2022, Daniels was a breakthrough player as he led the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start and the program's first bowl game appearance since 2008. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection after completing 66.1 percent (152-of-230) of his passes for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns. Daniels capped off his sophomore season with a record-setting performance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, when he completed 37-of-55 passes for 544 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown.

From Lawndale, California, Daniels enters the season ranked No. 9 in school history with 4,297 passing yards and No. 5 with 31 passing touchdowns. At his current career completion rate of 63.6 percent (365-of-574), Daniels would surpass the previous school record of 63.3 percent, set by Todd Reesing from 2006-09.

The preseason watch list features 22 seniors, 12 juniors and two sophomores. Daniels is one of eight quarterbacks from the Big 12 Conference on the list, which ties the league with the ACC for the most watch list honorees. The official Davey O’Brien Midseason Watch List will be released on Tuesday, Oct. 22, and will contain active quarterbacks from the Preseason Watch List, players honored as weekly Great 8 recipients through the season’s first eight weeks and any additional quarterbacks approved by the selection subcommittee.

The list of semifinalists selected from the QB Class will be named on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The Foundation will announce the three finalists two weeks later (Tuesday, Nov. 26). The 2024 Davey O’Brien Award winner will be unveiled live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 12, during The Home Depot College Football Awards.

2024 Kansas Football Preseason Watch Lists:

Maxwell Award – QB Jalon Daniels, RB Devin Neal

Patrick Mannelly Award – LS Luke Hosford

Bronko Nagurski Award – CB Cobee Bryant

Paycom Jim Thorpe Award – CB Cobee Bryant

Allstate Wuerffel Trophy – TE Jared Casey

Doak Walker Award – RB Devin Neal, RB Daniel Hishaw Jr.

Comeback Player of the Year – QB Jalon Daniels

LAWRENCE, Kan. -&nbsp;Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels added to his list of preseason accolades Thursday as he was named to the 2024 Davey O’Brien Award Watch List, which features a group of 36 of the nation’s top returning college quarterbacks.This is the fourth preseason watch list of the preseason for Daniels, who was previously listed by the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award and the Comeback Player of the Year Award. His appearance on the Davey O’Brien Watch List marks his second straight season among the top returning quarterbacks.The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback and is the oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award. The 48th Annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner honoring the winner will be held Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Compiled by a subset of the Davey O’Brien National Selection Committee, this year’s list was selected based on previous Division I career player performance as well as expectations heading into the 2024 college football season.Daniels returns for his fifth season at Kansas in 2024 after throwing for 705 yards and five touchdowns in three games last year. In 2022, Daniels was a breakthrough player as he led the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start and the program's first bowl game appearance since 2008. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection after completing 66.1 percent (152-of-230) of his passes for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns. Daniels capped off his sophomore season with a record-setting performance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, when he completed 37-of-55 passes for 544 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown.From Lawndale, California, Daniels enters the season ranked No. 9 in school history with 4,297 passing yards and No. 5 with 31 passing touchdowns. At his current career completion rate of 63.6 percent (365-of-574), Daniels would surpass the previous school record of 63.3 percent, set by Todd Reesing from 2006-09.The preseason watch list features 22 seniors, 12 juniors and two sophomores. Daniels is one of eight quarterbacks from the Big 12 Conference on the list, which ties the league with the ACC for the most watch list honorees. The official Davey O’Brien Midseason Watch List will be released on Tuesday, Oct. 22, and will contain active quarterbacks from the Preseason Watch List, players honored as weekly Great 8 recipients through the season’s first eight weeks and any additional quarterbacks approved by the selection subcommittee.The list of semifinalists selected from the QB Class will be named on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The Foundation will announce the three finalists two weeks later (Tuesday, Nov. 26). The 2024 Davey O’Brien Award winner will be unveiled live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 12, during The Home Depot College Football Awards.2024 Kansas Football Preseason Watch Lists:Maxwell Award – QB Jalon Daniels, RB Devin NealPatrick Mannelly Award – LS Luke HosfordBronko Nagurski Award – CB Cobee BryantPaycom Jim Thorpe Award – CB Cobee BryantAllstate Wuerffel Trophy – TE Jared CaseyWalter Camp Award – QB Jalon DanielsDoak Walker Award – RB Devin Neal, RB Daniel Hishaw Jr.Biletnikoff Award – WR Lawrence ArnoldComeback Player of the Year – QB Jalon Daniels

Jalon Daniels Named to Davey O’Brien Award Watch List

Hello and happy Thursday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…

On Wednesday Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels became one of 90 college student-athletes named to the Watch List for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year Award on Wednesday.

The award recognizes college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness or other circumstances. And this is the third preseason watch list of the offseason for Daniels, who has honored by the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Award leading into the 2024 season.&nbsp;

Daniels is back for his redshirt junior season after being limited to three games by injury in 2023. In limited time, Daniels led Kansas to a 3-0 record while throwing for 705 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.

Kansas senior Lawrence Arnold has also been selected to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Biletnikoff Award, recognizing college football’s most outstanding reciever

Arnold finished the 2023 campaign with 44 receptions for 784 yards and six touchdowns. He had two 100-yard receiving games and closed out the season with a career-high 132 yards and three touchdown in the Jayhawks’ 49-36 victory over UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

And finally Bobby Witt Jr. had two homers, a double and four RBIs as the Kansas City Royals beat the Boston Red Sox 8-4 Wednesday night and salvaged the final game of a three-game series.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723122050244.png" alt="KINA.png" />
 <figcaption>KINA.png</figcaption>
 </figure>BY SALINA POST(Transcript)Hello and happy Thursday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…_________On Wednesday Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels became one of 90 college student-athletes named to the Watch List for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year Award on Wednesday.The award recognizes college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness or other circumstances. And this is the third preseason watch list of the offseason for Daniels, who has honored by the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Award leading into the 2024 season.&nbsp;Daniels is back for his redshirt junior season after being limited to three games by injury in 2023. In limited time, Daniels led Kansas to a 3-0 record while throwing for 705 yards and five touchdowns in 2023._________Kansas senior Lawrence Arnold has also been selected to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Biletnikoff Award, recognizing college football’s most outstanding recieverArnold finished the 2023 campaign with 44 receptions for 784 yards and six touchdowns. He had two 100-yard receiving games and closed out the season with a career-high 132 yards and three touchdown in the Jayhawks’ 49-36 victory over UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl._________And finally Bobby Witt Jr. had two homers, a double and four RBIs as the Kansas City Royals beat the Boston Red Sox 8-4 Wednesday night and salvaged the final game of a three-game series.&nbsp;_________

910 KINA Sports Headlines — August 8

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries go, (Nick) Bolton, (Jaaron) Hayek, (Chris) Jones, (Kelvin) Joseph, (Justin) Reid (and Kadarius) Toney were out. Toney’s back is just stiffening up on him. Other than that, everybody practiced (and) had a good day. (Swayze) Bozeman hyperextended his knee today and we’ll just see where it goes from there. As far as the play time, for this game, we’ll go ones for a quarter, twos for the second quarter, threes the third quarter and fours for the fourth quarter and we’ll just keep it at that. Alright, the time’s yours.”

Q: Wanya Morris left for a minute and came back?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Wanya Morris) came back. Yeah, he just tweaked his knee a little bit. I think he’s going to be alright.”

Q: You have a long history for former Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden and he’s been here a couple of days. Is there any consideration for an advisor role?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, he advises a lot of people, so he’s staying busy. The grass isn’t growing under his feet, man, he’s rolling. I think he’s just going to keep doing that (advising) and hopefully he’s able to get back in (into the NFL) and get a head coaching job. (He’s) a phenomenal football coach, he’s touched everybody here. Both sides of the ball – special teams, he got to sit down in those meetings. (He’s) just a heck of a coach.”

Q: What are your thought on the new kickoff rule? How do you prepare?

REID:&nbsp;“(Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave Toub, our special teams coach, he’s been practicing it since OTAs. He’s trying to find the things that you can do and that you can’t do. It’ll be a bit of a learning process as we go but we think we have a decent plan for it.”

Q:&nbsp; Are there any the young players in particular that you’re looking forward to seeing play on Saturday night?

REID:&nbsp;“I’m going to play everybody, Adam (Teicher). So, all those young guys, I’d love to see how they compete. The higher draft picks are going to be in there (against) a little bit better competition, so (I) want to see how they handle that.”

REID:&nbsp;“Kingsley (Suamataia) being one of them. Yeah, so Kingsley being one of them that’ll be in there working. We’ll just see how he does in there but I’m anticipating good things.”

Q: The initial roster showed the fullback spot coming back. What does that offer you flexibility-wise on offense?

REID:&nbsp;“(Carson) Steele, he’s kind of a tweener guy – he’s a heck of a running back. You see him out here running the football and he does a pretty good job. What he did at Ball State was unbelievable (and at) UCLA - unbelievable. We’re kind of maneuvering around and seeing if he can do the fullback stuff and it looks like, so far, he can, and then we’ll just see. We’ll see how the numbers work out. You’ve got to have the special teams numbers and all that stuff, so we’ll just see how the numbers work out as we go down the stretch.”

Q: Harrison Butker just resigned his contract, what has he meant to this team?

REID:&nbsp;“I mean obviously a lot. He’s (Harrison Butker) been in huge situations for us and (has) really come through. His consistency has been great. This won’t bother him because he’s got that work ethic and he just sticks to it. It won’t be a distraction at all. Listen, I’m happy for him, happy for the organization and he’s a heck of a football player – great kicker.”

Q: How important was it for you to have a veteran in the kicker spot, like Harrison Butker?

REID:&nbsp;“I like that. I mean I like – the field goal kicker – I like to have a little time under his belt although we’ve done it both ways. It’s great to have the experience and then at the level of experience that he’s (Harrison Butker) had is like crazy. He’s done it in huge games for us.”

Q: You just resigned Harrison Butker which brings attention to Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey and Nick Bolton because they’re next up regarding contracts. How important have those three been? How do you go about their future and contracts?

REID:&nbsp;“That’s the trick – how you do keep them. That’s (General Manager) Brett’s (Veach) – he’s the magician in that. I’m just a spectator there. They’ve played so well for us (so) you got to see what you can do with the contracts as they come up.”

Q: Will Joe Thuney play in this upcoming preseason game?

REID:&nbsp;“Joe (Thuney) will not.”

Q: Will any of the guys who sat out of practice today play in the game on Saturday?

REID:&nbsp;“I would probably say no. We’ll see. I mean we’ll get it to you. We have a few days.”

Q: You usually play Patrick Mahomes in the first preseason game. What is your philosophy on that as other teams don’t play their starting quarterback in these games?

REID:&nbsp;“I allow him (Patrick Mahomes) to get in the swing of things. The ones know how to do that, both sides of the ball, they know how to go about doing that. Somewhere you got to get on there and shoot and this gives him an opportunity to do that.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;How excited are you to get in this preseason game and finally see your wide receivers in a game-like setting?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I’m extremely excited. I mean, obviously for me to go out there and play with these guys and showcase what we’re – we have the ability to do, but then learn from our mistakes too. I mean you want to go out there and play for real and play against someone else. I’m tired of going against (Defensive Coordinator Coach Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) and every defense known to man and so I think just going out there, letting the guys play, make decisions under fire and have to make those right decisions and learn from the mistakes after.”

Q:&nbsp;Have you seen some things that let you know things will be different once the season starts as far as passing game?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean obviously with the speed we’re going to be able to hit guys over the top, but I think the biggest thing is you want to be able to do both. I think that’s something we’ve worked on all camp – is you got to be able to hit the guys over the top and then when the defenses play deep, you got to be able to hit the medium – type things and then we need to be able to run the football and that’s what makes great offenses great is just having the ability to do all of that. So as much as I want to throw it deep every single play, I think just being able to do everything is going to be the biggest part of our offense.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you assessed from the wide receiver battle?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think what I’ve loved the most is how much they root for each other. I mean you can see it out there, when guys make plays, everybody is going out there to celebrate. We have a lot of good guys that are playing hard and all making plays against a great defense. It’s not always going to be perfect (and) it’s not always going to be the perfect play or whatever, but they’re all competing every single time (and) they’re rooting for each other and that’s what you want in the receiving room is a good group of guys that are talented.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you feel physically compared to last year? How do you see your team?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I feel great physically. I think I’m – guys have the right mindset. I mean at the end of the day all you can do is focus on today. Obviously we want to win three in a row, but we know just as much as anybody, is that you got to execute today at practice in Saint Joseph in order to do that. So, if you take it day-by-day type of process the hope is at the end of the year that you can go out there and get that ring.”

Q:&nbsp;Do having more guys that can run deep open things up for Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean obviously if we can hit the people deep, it’s going to make the safeties get back and then you – it’ll open up more space in that medium part of the field. I mean y’all have seen Rashee (Rice) has had a great camp and so has Travis (Kelce), so has guys like Noah (Gray) and Wiley (Jared Wiley) – I mean it’s – if you can open it up down the field with those speed guys, that threat opens every – the whole entire field up and so I’m excited for it. As well as just letting those speed guys just work into that intermediate range as well. It’s about being – having a diverse offense, being able to go out there and attack in different ways, and I’m excited for the opportunity to go out there and show it.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Xavier Worthy?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah no, Xavier (Worthy) he does a great job – obviously he’s fast, but it’s almost like he runs fast, but he can run with pace fast and so he’s able to track the ball really well. He runs a lot of great routes and he’s going to get as physical camp as any here so. I mean he’s done a great job trying to fight off press as best as he can, getting through there (and) making plays happen and so he’ll keep getting better and better. I mean if he can get through this camp, he’ll be able to get through a lot of stuff, so I’m excited for him and how he’s progressed throughout camp.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Isiah Pacheco after his work during the offseason? Has he improved at all?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s done a great job. He actually – he would run routes, (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid would put him out there and let him run some type of routes – some shorter routes (and) some deeper&nbsp; routes that he hadn’t ran before and some read routes that necessarily aren’t for running backs and he’s done a great job with that. He wants to be great. I mean he’s done a great job running the football for us, he’s done a great job catching out of the back field, but if he can catch it from the slot or from a receiver type position, it's just going to help him be (an) even better football player.

Q:&nbsp;What does it mean for Former Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden to be out here?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s always great to hear offensive minds and obviously someone that we’ve went up against so you kind of can listen to the ways that were trying to go against us and combating stuff that we did so it did well. Then him (Jon Gruden) and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid have a long history and so just to hear them talk about old school football plays is always cool for me being a football historian. He’s been a – it’s been fun to have him out here and just listen to him talk about football.”

Q:&nbsp;On Kingsley Suamataia. Do you feel yourself thinking that you have to be a little quicker, given that he is a rookie?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah you got to just trust that he’s (Kinglsey Suamataia) going to go out there and make the plays happen. He’s doing a great job this camp, going against a lot of different types of rushers. Obviously, it’s going to be a great challenge – I don’t know how much their starters are going to play – but going against the defensive ends with (Jaguars Defensive End Travon) Walker and (Jaguars Defensive End Josh) Hines-Allen and so I think just him going up against some of the best is going to even bring out the best in him and that’s what you have to expect. And then for everybody, I mean everybody that’s going to be out there and so that’s what it’s all about. I’ve got trust in those guys in order to go out there and play the game that I want to play so I’ll let them go out there and be the football player that he’s been all camp.”

Q:&nbsp;With the newfound speed of the wide receivers, how do you think Head Coach Andy Reid and Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy will go about calling the game with a balance between the deep ball and check downs?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesAugust 7, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries go, (Nick) Bolton, (Jaaron) Hayek, (Chris) Jones, (Kelvin) Joseph, (Justin) Reid (and Kadarius) Toney were out. Toney’s back is just stiffening up on him. Other than that, everybody practiced (and) had a good day. (Swayze) Bozeman hyperextended his knee today and we’ll just see where it goes from there. As far as the play time, for this game, we’ll go ones for a quarter, twos for the second quarter, threes the third quarter and fours for the fourth quarter and we’ll just keep it at that. Alright, the time’s yours.”Q: Wanya Morris left for a minute and came back?REID:&nbsp;“He (Wanya Morris) came back. Yeah, he just tweaked his knee a little bit. I think he’s going to be alright.”Q: You have a long history for former Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden and he’s been here a couple of days. Is there any consideration for an advisor role?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, he advises a lot of people, so he’s staying busy. The grass isn’t growing under his feet, man, he’s rolling. I think he’s just going to keep doing that (advising) and hopefully he’s able to get back in (into the NFL) and get a head coaching job. (He’s) a phenomenal football coach, he’s touched everybody here. Both sides of the ball – special teams, he got to sit down in those meetings. (He’s) just a heck of a coach.”Q: What are your thought on the new kickoff rule? How do you prepare?REID:&nbsp;“(Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave Toub, our special teams coach, he’s been practicing it since OTAs. He’s trying to find the things that you can do and that you can’t do. It’ll be a bit of a learning process as we go but we think we have a decent plan for it.”Q:&nbsp; Are there any the young players in particular that you’re looking forward to seeing play on Saturday night?REID:&nbsp;“I’m going to play everybody, Adam (Teicher). So, all those young guys, I’d love to see how they compete. The higher draft picks are going to be in there (against) a little bit better competition, so (I) want to see how they handle that.”Q: What about Kingsley Suamataia?REID:&nbsp;“Kingsley (Suamataia) being one of them. Yeah, so Kingsley being one of them that’ll be in there working. We’ll just see how he does in there but I’m anticipating good things.”Q: The initial roster showed the fullback spot coming back. What does that offer you flexibility-wise on offense?REID:&nbsp;“(Carson) Steele, he’s kind of a tweener guy – he’s a heck of a running back. You see him out here running the football and he does a pretty good job. What he did at Ball State was unbelievable (and at) UCLA - unbelievable. We’re kind of maneuvering around and seeing if he can do the fullback stuff and it looks like, so far, he can, and then we’ll just see. We’ll see how the numbers work out. You’ve got to have the special teams numbers and all that stuff, so we’ll just see how the numbers work out as we go down the stretch.”Q: Harrison Butker just resigned his contract, what has he meant to this team?REID:&nbsp;“I mean obviously a lot. He’s (Harrison Butker) been in huge situations for us and (has) really come through. His consistency has been great. This won’t bother him because he’s got that work ethic and he just sticks to it. It won’t be a distraction at all. Listen, I’m happy for him, happy for the organization and he’s a heck of a football player – great kicker.”Q: How important was it for you to have a veteran in the kicker spot, like Harrison Butker?REID:&nbsp;“I like that. I mean I like – the field goal kicker – I like to have a little time under his belt although we’ve done it both ways. It’s great to have the experience and then at the level of experience that he’s (Harrison Butker) had is like crazy. He’s done it in huge games for us.”Q: You just resigned Harrison Butker which brings attention to Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey and Nick Bolton because they’re next up regarding contracts. How important have those three been? How do you go about their future and contracts?REID:&nbsp;“That’s the trick – how you do keep them. That’s (General Manager) Brett’s (Veach) – he’s the magician in that. I’m just a spectator there. They’ve played so well for us (so) you got to see what you can do with the contracts as they come up.”Q: Will Joe Thuney play in this upcoming preseason game?REID:&nbsp;“Joe (Thuney) will not.”Q: Will any of the guys who sat out of practice today play in the game on Saturday?REID:&nbsp;“I would probably say no. We’ll see. I mean we’ll get it to you. We have a few days.”Q: You usually play Patrick Mahomes in the first preseason game. What is your philosophy on that as other teams don’t play their starting quarterback in these games?REID:&nbsp;“I allow him (Patrick Mahomes) to get in the swing of things. The ones know how to do that, both sides of the ball, they know how to go about doing that. Somewhere you got to get on there and shoot and this gives him an opportunity to do that.”&nbsp;Chiefs Player QuotesAugust 7, 2024QB PATRICK MAHOMESQ:&nbsp;How excited are you to get in this preseason game and finally see your wide receivers in a game-like setting?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I’m extremely excited. I mean, obviously for me to go out there and play with these guys and showcase what we’re – we have the ability to do, but then learn from our mistakes too. I mean you want to go out there and play for real and play against someone else. I’m tired of going against (Defensive Coordinator Coach Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) and every defense known to man and so I think just going out there, letting the guys play, make decisions under fire and have to make those right decisions and learn from the mistakes after.”Q:&nbsp;Have you seen some things that let you know things will be different once the season starts as far as passing game?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean obviously with the speed we’re going to be able to hit guys over the top, but I think the biggest thing is you want to be able to do both. I think that’s something we’ve worked on all camp – is you got to be able to hit the guys over the top and then when the defenses play deep, you got to be able to hit the medium – type things and then we need to be able to run the football and that’s what makes great offenses great is just having the ability to do all of that. So as much as I want to throw it deep every single play, I think just being able to do everything is going to be the biggest part of our offense.”Q:&nbsp;What have you assessed from the wide receiver battle?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think what I’ve loved the most is how much they root for each other. I mean you can see it out there, when guys make plays, everybody is going out there to celebrate. We have a lot of good guys that are playing hard and all making plays against a great defense. It’s not always going to be perfect (and) it’s not always going to be the perfect play or whatever, but they’re all competing every single time (and) they’re rooting for each other and that’s what you want in the receiving room is a good group of guys that are talented.”Q:&nbsp;How do you feel physically compared to last year? How do you see your team?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I feel great physically. I think I’m – guys have the right mindset. I mean at the end of the day all you can do is focus on today. Obviously we want to win three in a row, but we know just as much as anybody, is that you got to execute today at practice in Saint Joseph in order to do that. So, if you take it day-by-day type of process the hope is at the end of the year that you can go out there and get that ring.”Q:&nbsp;Do having more guys that can run deep open things up for Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean obviously if we can hit the people deep, it’s going to make the safeties get back and then you – it’ll open up more space in that medium part of the field. I mean y’all have seen Rashee (Rice) has had a great camp and so has Travis (Kelce), so has guys like Noah (Gray) and Wiley (Jared Wiley) – I mean it’s – if you can open it up down the field with those speed guys, that threat opens every – the whole entire field up and so I’m excited for it. As well as just letting those speed guys just work into that intermediate range as well. It’s about being – having a diverse offense, being able to go out there and attack in different ways, and I’m excited for the opportunity to go out there and show it.”Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Xavier Worthy?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah no, Xavier (Worthy) he does a great job – obviously he’s fast, but it’s almost like he runs fast, but he can run with pace fast and so he’s able to track the ball really well. He runs a lot of great routes and he’s going to get as physical camp as any here so. I mean he’s done a great job trying to fight off press as best as he can, getting through there (and) making plays happen and so he’ll keep getting better and better. I mean if he can get through this camp, he’ll be able to get through a lot of stuff, so I’m excited for him and how he’s progressed throughout camp.”Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Isiah Pacheco after his work during the offseason? Has he improved at all?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s done a great job. He actually – he would run routes, (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid would put him out there and let him run some type of routes – some shorter routes (and) some deeper&nbsp; routes that he hadn’t ran before and some read routes that necessarily aren’t for running backs and he’s done a great job with that. He wants to be great. I mean he’s done a great job running the football for us, he’s done a great job catching out of the back field, but if he can catch it from the slot or from a receiver type position, it's just going to help him be (an) even better football player.Q:&nbsp;What does it mean for Former Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden to be out here?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s always great to hear offensive minds and obviously someone that we’ve went up against so you kind of can listen to the ways that were trying to go against us and combating stuff that we did so it did well. Then him (Jon Gruden) and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid have a long history and so just to hear them talk about old school football plays is always cool for me being a football historian. He’s been a – it’s been fun to have him out here and just listen to him talk about football.”Q:&nbsp;On Kingsley Suamataia. Do you feel yourself thinking that you have to be a little quicker, given that he is a rookie?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah you got to just trust that he’s (Kinglsey Suamataia) going to go out there and make the plays happen. He’s doing a great job this camp, going against a lot of different types of rushers. Obviously, it’s going to be a great challenge – I don’t know how much their starters are going to play – but going against the defensive ends with (Jaguars Defensive End Travon) Walker and (Jaguars Defensive End Josh) Hines-Allen and so I think just him going up against some of the best is going to even bring out the best in him and that’s what you have to expect. And then for everybody, I mean everybody that’s going to be out there and so that’s what it’s all about. I’ve got trust in those guys in order to go out there and play the game that I want to play so I’ll let them go out there and be the football player that he’s been all camp.”Q:&nbsp;With the newfound speed of the wide receivers, how do you think Head Coach Andy Reid and Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy will go about calling the game with a balance between the deep ball and check downs?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think it’s just about being smart and I think more than even about (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) calling the game, it’s got to be about me making the right decisions. He’s going to call plays that have shots in them but every time he calls a play that has a shot in there, there’s plays for me to get underneath and get to the right guy. So, it’s about him – (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid, (Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Matt) Nagy, me and all the other coaches talking it through throughout the week - knowing when we want to take shots, when we want to be aggressive, what the situation is in the football game and take it and be aggressive but at the same time, when it’s not there, get underneath these guys and let them make plays. That’s what I’ve learned over my time is you’ve got to be making the right decision out there at the end of the day.”Q:&nbsp;You’re obviously always on the other end of this but what do you think are the challenges of tracking a ball as a receiver? Why are some so good at it and others not?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I mean it’s hard. You’re running full speed, trying to catch a football in the air and not knowing if you’re going to get hit the moment you catch the football. It’s a tough job as any, I think, in the world because you can catch the ball and get your cleats knocked off of you. I commend those guys man. It’s hard to track a football running full speed with the ball. I throw it high, throw it far but I always let them know that I’m the best at tracking the football. I grew up shagging BP (batting practice) so I’m pretty nice at it myself, but I wasn’t getting hit.”Q:&nbsp;You always talk about getting that first hit out of the way. How excited are you for that this week potentially?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I already took my first hit. You didn’t see Chris (Jones) the other day? He just smoked me (laughter). Nah, it’s cool. I always want to get hit but not hit hard. So, if I can just throw the ball and one of those d-ends just wants to just give me a little push, that’s all I need. It’s cool, I like playing in the preseason honestly. Getting in there, trying to make sure that we’re doing stuff the right way and then getting out. Trying to keep everybody healthy and then playing the sport that I love so I’m excited of the opportunity. Hopefully we can hold off the rain a little bit and go out there and play a good football game against a good team.”Q:&nbsp;On signing Harrison Butker.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, it’s awesome. I mean, for me it’s just getting in field goal range in some of these situations. Like at the end of the Super Bowl last year. Obviously, we want to score a touchdown in that situation but knowing that once we cross the 50 (yard line) that we’re pretty much, we’re good to at least get to over time. It’s something that – I don’t even know what the word is - it’s something that you have to just rely on and it’s something that’s just fun to have, honestly. I mean knowing that you don’t even have to worry because that guy’s (Harrison Butker) going to knock it through and so I’m glad that they were able to get that deal done and he can go out there and just kick field goals.”Q:&nbsp;On being ranked number four on the Top 100 list. What was your reaction?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It is what it is. At the end of the day all I can do is go out there and just play the sport that I love, and the rankings are the rankings.”Q:&nbsp;Did you ever get the helmet back that broke last year?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I haven’t gotten it back yet. I’m trying to get it back still. (Equipment Director) Allen (Wright), man, Allen just sometimes he’s kind of lazy. I wasn’t going to say it but it’s just a little bit (laughter).”K HARRISON BUTKERQ:&nbsp;On being the highest paid kicker. How does it feel to be the highest paid kicker in the league?&nbsp;BUTKER:&nbsp;““Exactly, at least for now (laughter). You never know. In six months from now, there’s going to be another kicker that tops it. I think it’s good to know that the kicker market is still moving forward. I think offense is definitely the strength of the NFL right now. There’s a lot of points being scored, and kickers are a part of that – games are closer than ever. (Baltimore Ravens Kicker Justin) Tucker signed his contract two years ago and then (Philadelphia Eagles Kicker) Jake Elliott just signed and tied his. I’m grateful to be able to move it up a little bit. Like you said, I know there’s going to be a bunch of kickers after me that are going to continue to push it.”Q:&nbsp;Have you had any discussions with anybody within the organization that may have had contrasting opinions from your speech earlier this year?