ASHLAND, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Cross Country had an excellent day on the course as the Coyotes finished fourth out of 27 teams at the Doane Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic at Mahoney State Park.

The Coyotes finished with 153 points in the meet, 53 better than fifth place Lewis-Clark State in the standings, but were behind three NAIA Top 15 ranked teams. The Coyotes' finish over Lewis-Clark State was a victory for the Coyotes over a higher rated team.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/960565a1-9761-406c-aef9-7711dc4de2fd?elinkdata=13983">Madisyn Ehrlich</a> led the way for the Coyotes with a time of 22.38.8 to cover the 6000m course. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a5467951-60de-4713-a975-319c3c54a993?elinkdata=13983">Kierra Jensen</a> was 25th with a time of 22:51.1, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd87bf32-dbe2-4522-8a23-7d2093ddbcf7?elinkdata=13983">Josie Koppes</a> was 26th in 22:51.3, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/41098fbf-be30-4662-a608-64f9fc1dab40?elinkdata=13983">Charlee Lind</a> was 42nd in 23:07.2, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/db0df28e-4946-4d0d-ab26-058779a23c37?elinkdata=13983">Kirstin Hackney</a> was 54th in 23:29.9, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ece34fe-ffa6-44b5-a11a-617336f4bd6d?elinkdata=13983">Alayna Behrman</a> was 57th in 23:33, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3380d9df-cd09-4e5f-a4df-138ae5dbcb58?elinkdata=13983">Micah Dickens</a> was 84th in 24:13.4 to round out the team scorers for the Coyotes.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c6cb4673-69a9-447d-bb92-083b91655f4d?elinkdata=13983">Hailey Nordhus</a> was 111th in 24:27.6. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/691ed841-95c1-4974-98ce-36384d4b5446?elinkdata=13983">Mya Schweitzer</a> was 113th in 24:29.8, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef5bdc3a-befd-42c0-85aa-d619b1447378?elinkdata=13983">Shelby Lingle</a> was 170th in 25:25.4, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94546595-f082-4763-a555-21403ef891aa?elinkdata=13983">Makayla Little</a> was 188th in 25:46.2, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7bb6fb47-bffb-4f86-864f-01b86dc919ae?elinkdata=13983">Allyson Taylor</a> was 195th in 25:53, and Emma McAllister was 224th in 26:20.8 to round out the Coyote finishers.

Reagan Hiebert of Saint Mary was the individual champion. Saint Mary also claimed the team title with 30 points. College of Idaho was second and Dordt was third.

ASHLAND, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Cross Country had an excellent day on the course as the Coyotes finished fourth out of 27 teams at the Doane Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic at Mahoney State Park.The Coyotes finished with 153 points in the meet, 53 better than fifth place Lewis-Clark State in the standings, but were behind three NAIA Top 15 ranked teams. The Coyotes' finish over Lewis-Clark State was a victory for the Coyotes over a higher rated team.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/960565a1-9761-406c-aef9-7711dc4de2fd?elinkdata=13983">Madisyn Ehrlich</a> led the way for the Coyotes with a time of 22.38.8 to cover the 6000m course. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a5467951-60de-4713-a975-319c3c54a993?elinkdata=13983">Kierra Jensen</a> was 25th with a time of 22:51.1, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd87bf32-dbe2-4522-8a23-7d2093ddbcf7?elinkdata=13983">Josie Koppes</a> was 26th in 22:51.3, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/41098fbf-be30-4662-a608-64f9fc1dab40?elinkdata=13983">Charlee Lind</a> was 42nd in 23:07.2, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/db0df28e-4946-4d0d-ab26-058779a23c37?elinkdata=13983">Kirstin Hackney</a> was 54th in 23:29.9, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ece34fe-ffa6-44b5-a11a-617336f4bd6d?elinkdata=13983">Alayna Behrman</a> was 57th in 23:33, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3380d9df-cd09-4e5f-a4df-138ae5dbcb58?elinkdata=13983">Micah Dickens</a> was 84th in 24:13.4 to round out the team scorers for the Coyotes.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c6cb4673-69a9-447d-bb92-083b91655f4d?elinkdata=13983">Hailey Nordhus</a> was 111th in 24:27.6. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/691ed841-95c1-4974-98ce-36384d4b5446?elinkdata=13983">Mya Schweitzer</a> was 113th in 24:29.8, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef5bdc3a-befd-42c0-85aa-d619b1447378?elinkdata=13983">Shelby Lingle</a> was 170th in 25:25.4, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94546595-f082-4763-a555-21403ef891aa?elinkdata=13983">Makayla Little</a> was 188th in 25:46.2, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7bb6fb47-bffb-4f86-864f-01b86dc919ae?elinkdata=13983">Allyson Taylor</a> was 195th in 25:53, and Emma McAllister was 224th in 26:20.8 to round out the Coyote finishers.A total of 308 runners started the race.Reagan Hiebert of Saint Mary was the individual champion. Saint Mary also claimed the team title with 30 points. College of Idaho was second and Dordt was third.

KWU WXC finishes fourth at Doane Blazing Tiger

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Former Wildcat Tylor Perry was selected with the 15th pick by Raptors 905 in the 2024 NBA G League Draft on Saturday (October 26) afternoon.

Perry had already signed an Exhibition-10 deal with the Toronto Raptors in late June, playing with the Summer League team at the NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas July 12-22. He played in all 4 games in summer league action, averaging 1.8 points, 1.5 assists and 0.8 rebounds in 7.3 minutes per game. The Exhibit 10 contract allowed the Raptors to convert Perry’s one-year, minimum contract into a two-way contract.

G-League training camp runs from Monday, Oct. 28 to Thursday, Nov. 7 with the regular season for Raptors 905 beginning on Saturday, Nov. 9 with a matchup with the Delaware Blue Coats.

A 5-foot-11, 180-pound guard from Fort Coffee, Okla., Perry spent one season at K-State, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors after leading the Wildcats in several categories, including scoring (519), 3-point field goals made (93), free throws (160), assists (148) and minutes (2,238), while starting all 34 games. He scored in double figures in a team-best 24 games with 11 20-point performances. For the season, he averaged a team-best 15.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 36.4 minutes per game.

Perry scored nearly 2,500 points during his college career (2,490 points), which included stints at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College (2019-21), North Texas (2021-23) and K-State (2023-24). He posted double figures in 81 of his 101 career games at the Division I level with 30 20-point efforts and one 30-point performance. He led those teams to a combined 128-40 (.762) record with 4 20-win seasons, one NJCAA National Championship (2021), one NIT Championship (2023) and two conference titles (2021 KJCCC, 2022 C-USA).

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Former Wildcat Tylor Perry was selected with the 15th pick by Raptors 905 in the 2024 NBA G League Draft on Saturday (October 26) afternoon.Perry had already signed an Exhibition-10 deal with the Toronto Raptors in late June, playing with the Summer League team at the NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas July 12-22. He played in all 4 games in summer league action, averaging 1.8 points, 1.5 assists and 0.8 rebounds in 7.3 minutes per game. The Exhibit 10 contract allowed the Raptors to convert Perry’s one-year, minimum contract into a two-way contract.G-League training camp runs from Monday, Oct. 28 to Thursday, Nov. 7 with the regular season for Raptors 905 beginning on Saturday, Nov. 9 with a matchup with the Delaware Blue Coats.A 5-foot-11, 180-pound guard from Fort Coffee, Okla., Perry spent one season at K-State, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors after leading the Wildcats in several categories, including scoring (519), 3-point field goals made (93), free throws (160), assists (148) and minutes (2,238), while starting all 34 games. He scored in double figures in a team-best 24 games with 11 20-point performances. For the season, he averaged a team-best 15.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 36.4 minutes per game.Perry scored nearly 2,500 points during his college career (2,490 points), which included stints at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College (2019-21), North Texas (2021-23) and K-State (2023-24). He posted double figures in 81 of his 101 career games at the Division I level with 30 20-point efforts and one 30-point performance. He led those teams to a combined 128-40 (.762) record with 4 20-win seasons, one NJCAA National Championship (2021), one NIT Championship (2023) and two conference titles (2021 KJCCC, 2022 C-USA).

Perry Chosen by Raptors in NBA G-League Draft

A strong defensive effort by the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes sent Wesleyan to a 1-0 win over the Friends Falcons on Saturday at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

The Coyote defense was again stellar on the pitch, holding Friends to only four shots, and two on frame, both saved by keeper <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/31c1ef39-9d49-4a16-9109-3e1c456dc339?elinkdata=13933">Santiago Pagnutti</a>.

The Coyotes peppered the Friends goal in the first half sending 11 shots, but only getting three on frame in the half.

Wesleyan's goal came in the 30th minute when Friends was called for a hand ball in the penalty area, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3dcfd29d-a1dd-4582-9994-e052fcbd0f59?elinkdata=13933">Noel Zimbeva</a> converted the resulting penalty kick for the lone goal of the match by either side.

The Coyotes would play possession soccer in the second half, controlling the ball for a majority of the time.

Friends had a chance to equalize in the 79th minute, but Pagnutti recorded a save on a shot by Jose Quiel to preserve the clean sheet.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc7e333d-fb32-40b6-b2db-0acb09d12fe2?elinkdata=13933">Kamille Kum</a> led the Coyotes with three shots.

A strong defensive effort by the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes sent Wesleyan to a 1-0 win over the Friends Falcons on Saturday at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.The Coyote defense was again stellar on the pitch, holding Friends to only four shots, and two on frame, both saved by keeper <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/31c1ef39-9d49-4a16-9109-3e1c456dc339?elinkdata=13933">Santiago Pagnutti</a>.The Coyotes peppered the Friends goal in the first half sending 11 shots, but only getting three on frame in the half.Wesleyan's goal came in the 30th minute when Friends was called for a hand ball in the penalty area, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3dcfd29d-a1dd-4582-9994-e052fcbd0f59?elinkdata=13933">Noel Zimbeva</a> converted the resulting penalty kick for the lone goal of the match by either side.The Coyotes would play possession soccer in the second half, controlling the ball for a majority of the time.Friends had a chance to equalize in the 79th minute, but Pagnutti recorded a save on a shot by Jose Quiel to preserve the clean sheet.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc7e333d-fb32-40b6-b2db-0acb09d12fe2?elinkdata=13933">Kamille Kum</a> led the Coyotes with three shots.

KWU Men's Soccer gets 1-0 win over Friends

LEAVENWORTH - Another near-perfect first half produced another Kansas Conference and Bissell Division victory for Kansas Wesleyan.

The Coyotes thoroughly dominated the first 30 minutes and rolled to a 38-19 victory over Saint Mary on Saturday afternoon at Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium. They led Avila 35-3 at halftime enroute to a 38-3 victory a week earlier.

KWU improves to 3-3 overall, 2-0 in the Gene Bissell Division. Saint Mary falls to 1-6 and 0-2.

A juggernaut rushing attack paved the way Saturday as the Coyotes finished with 384 yards on 38 attempts - a whopping 10.1 yards per carry.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/40e896c9-71a8-4e54-b6a8-f0e7525045ae?elinkdata=13958">Luke Armstrong</a> had 264 yards on 19 carries - an average of 13.9 yards - and scored three touchdowns. He scored on a one-yard run in the first quarter for KWU's first score and scored twice in the second quarter on runs of 96 and 63 yards. He had 203 yards on 10 carries at halftime.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1a286c3-a854-40ff-80c6-8f898e2d2ebe?elinkdata=13958">Zarek Fewell</a> had a huge game as well, gaining 115 yards on 17 carries. He accounted for the Coyotes' second touchdown of the day on one-yard run later in the first quarter.

"We're pretty blessed to have Fewell and Luke," KWU co-interim head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2346f6e-cc68-401b-b096-88c8bf6d9a14?elinkdata=13958">Chris Snyder</a> said on the postgame radio show. "It's literally a 1A and 1B punch and the O-line played great. I thought coach (James) Bauer (offensive coordinator) did an amazing job of running what was working."

After punting on their initial possession, the Coyotes scored six of the next seven times they had the ball.

Leading 14-0 following Armstrong and Fewell's touchdowns the Spires' attempted a fake punt on fourth down but a pass by their punter fell incomplete. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51aa0351-8644-41b0-8ded-9caf344a487f?elinkdata=13958">Richard Lara</a> promptly threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/42d55664-5320-47ab-9ad0-4f0fe0aef1b5?elinkdata=13958">Woody Banks</a> on the first play from scrimmage making it 21-0 with 45 seconds left in the quarter.

After a USM punt early in the second quarter pinned the Coyotes back at their 4-yard line Armstrong took a handoff and sprinted 96 yards for a touchdown that Wesleyan a 28-0 lead with 11:03 left in the half.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7b0e197f-d78e-4b64-b135-d51c4032d74f?elinkdata=13958">Colby Klieman's</a> interception on the Spires' next possession gave the Coyotes the ball at the Saint Mary 39 and five plays later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/40f828b1-96ae-427d-89ec-9702e934ee7e?elinkdata=13958">Talon Cope</a> kicked a 39-yard field goal to push the lead to 31-0 with 8:10 left in the half.

Saint Mary scored on Raymond Webster's 37-yard run with 1:52 remaining making it 31-7. On KWU's first play following the kickoff Armstrong was off to the races once more going 63 yards for his third touchdown of the half and gave the Coyotes the 31-point halftime advantage.

Lara and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/897bc8ba-ae8f-4d46-a436-95df782bfd48?elinkdata=13958">Byron McNair</a> alternated at quarterback once again. Lara was 9 of 14 passing for 60 yards and one touchdown while McNair was 1 of 3 for 17 yards. Banks had four catches for 42 yards.

It was another solid day for the defense as well. The Spires had 366 total yards, but quarterback Cesar Vela was 15 of 30 passing for 121 yards, one touchdown and the three interceptions.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b17f5f93-71e1-4045-ab77-25ebf82a1026?elinkdata=13958">Deyondre Gomez</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3fab04e-7f50-4da2-995f-5a590e75e2ec?elinkdata=13958">Quatama Massaquoi</a> had first half interceptions along with Klieman. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/17c63c90-7302-4235-906d-de7fc7a20a98?elinkdata=13958">Myles Elam</a> had nine tackles and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/52ae171a-e27b-4330-9028-8f3851db4bc7?elinkdata=13958">Jordan Diggins</a> had seven tackles.

"I think coach (Nolan) Jones and his staff had a great (defensive) gameplan," Snyder said. "Really good effort by the kids. I couldn't say anything more, really proud of them."

The Coyotes play their next two games Gene Bissell Field at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex starting with Tabor at 1 p.m. next Saturday. The Bluejays (4-4, 2-0 Bissell) defeated Avila 41-28 Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri.

"(Saint Mary) made a run in the second half and we had some adversity but I thought for the most part we handled it pretty decent," Snyder said. "The kids got off the bus ready to go. That's always your fear as a coach on a long road trip and having to be on the bus at 7 (a.m.).

LEAVENWORTH - Another near-perfect first half produced another Kansas Conference and Bissell Division victory for Kansas Wesleyan.The Coyotes thoroughly dominated the first 30 minutes and rolled to a 38-19 victory over Saint Mary on Saturday afternoon at Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium. They led Avila 35-3 at halftime enroute to a 38-3 victory a week earlier.KWU improves to 3-3 overall, 2-0 in the Gene Bissell Division. Saint Mary falls to 1-6 and 0-2.A juggernaut rushing attack paved the way Saturday as the Coyotes finished with 384 yards on 38 attempts - a whopping 10.1 yards per carry.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/40e896c9-71a8-4e54-b6a8-f0e7525045ae?elinkdata=13958">Luke Armstrong</a> had 264 yards on 19 carries - an average of 13.9 yards - and scored three touchdowns. He scored on a one-yard run in the first quarter for KWU's first score and scored twice in the second quarter on runs of 96 and 63 yards. He had 203 yards on 10 carries at halftime.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1a286c3-a854-40ff-80c6-8f898e2d2ebe?elinkdata=13958">Zarek Fewell</a> had a huge game as well, gaining 115 yards on 17 carries. He accounted for the Coyotes' second touchdown of the day on one-yard run later in the first quarter."We're pretty blessed to have Fewell and Luke," KWU co-interim head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2346f6e-cc68-401b-b096-88c8bf6d9a14?elinkdata=13958">Chris Snyder</a> said on the postgame radio show. "It's literally a 1A and 1B punch and the O-line played great. I thought coach (James) Bauer (offensive coordinator) did an amazing job of running what was working."After punting on their initial possession, the Coyotes scored six of the next seven times they had the ball.Leading 14-0 following Armstrong and Fewell's touchdowns the Spires' attempted a fake punt on fourth down but a pass by their punter fell incomplete. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51aa0351-8644-41b0-8ded-9caf344a487f?elinkdata=13958">Richard Lara</a> promptly threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/42d55664-5320-47ab-9ad0-4f0fe0aef1b5?elinkdata=13958">Woody Banks</a> on the first play from scrimmage making it 21-0 with 45 seconds left in the quarter.After a USM punt early in the second quarter pinned the Coyotes back at their 4-yard line Armstrong took a handoff and sprinted 96 yards for a touchdown that Wesleyan a 28-0 lead with 11:03 left in the half.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7b0e197f-d78e-4b64-b135-d51c4032d74f?elinkdata=13958">Colby Klieman's</a> interception on the Spires' next possession gave the Coyotes the ball at the Saint Mary 39 and five plays later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/40f828b1-96ae-427d-89ec-9702e934ee7e?elinkdata=13958">Talon Cope</a> kicked a 39-yard field goal to push the lead to 31-0 with 8:10 left in the half.Saint Mary scored on Raymond Webster's 37-yard run with 1:52 remaining making it 31-7. On KWU's first play following the kickoff Armstrong was off to the races once more going 63 yards for his third touchdown of the half and gave the Coyotes the 31-point halftime advantage.Lara and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/897bc8ba-ae8f-4d46-a436-95df782bfd48?elinkdata=13958">Byron McNair</a> alternated at quarterback once again. Lara was 9 of 14 passing for 60 yards and one touchdown while McNair was 1 of 3 for 17 yards. Banks had four catches for 42 yards.It was another solid day for the defense as well. The Spires had 366 total yards, but quarterback Cesar Vela was 15 of 30 passing for 121 yards, one touchdown and the three interceptions.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b17f5f93-71e1-4045-ab77-25ebf82a1026?elinkdata=13958">Deyondre Gomez</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3fab04e-7f50-4da2-995f-5a590e75e2ec?elinkdata=13958">Quatama Massaquoi</a> had first half interceptions along with Klieman. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/17c63c90-7302-4235-906d-de7fc7a20a98?elinkdata=13958">Myles Elam</a> had nine tackles and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/52ae171a-e27b-4330-9028-8f3851db4bc7?elinkdata=13958">Jordan Diggins</a> had seven tackles."I think coach (Nolan) Jones and his staff had a great (defensive) gameplan," Snyder said. "Really good effort by the kids. I couldn't say anything more, really proud of them."The Coyotes play their next two games Gene Bissell Field at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex starting with Tabor at 1 p.m. next Saturday. The Bluejays (4-4, 2-0 Bissell) defeated Avila 41-28 Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri."(Saint Mary) made a run in the second half and we had some adversity but I thought for the most part we handled it pretty decent," Snyder said. "The kids got off the bus ready to go. That's always your fear as a coach on a long road trip and having to be on the bus at 7 (a.m.).

Coyotes topple Spires 38-19 behind Armstrong’s career day

By Jeremy Obermeyer Salina Post Contributor

Southeast of Saline traveled to Ellsworth on Friday night as they looked to keep their perfect regular season streak alive.&nbsp; 

The Trojans have not lost a regular-season game since 2019 and have not lost to the Bearcats in the last nine meetings, but along with those streaks, there was also a lot more on the line in the regular-season closer.&nbsp;

Southeast was also looking to win their seventh consecutive NCAA league title, fifth consecutive District title, plus looking to earn the #1 seed and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

After both teams played through a scoreless opening for the third week in a row, the Trojans put up 30 points in the second quarter on their way to a to a 44-8 victory over the Bearcats.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I thought our second quarter was real good” SES Head Coach, Mitch Gebhardt said. “Obviously, when you score 30 points and hold Ellsworth to 0, I thought we played real well. We tackled better tonight than we have the last two weeks, and I thought our kids did a pretty good job against the running game tonight.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Trojans had a total of 548 yards of offense while only allowing Ellsworth 164 yards.&nbsp; 

Gannon Jacobson threw for 274 yards and 2 touchdowns, completing 15 of 23 passes, while Gray Gebhardt led the purple in rushing with 136 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, 

Tucker Thaxton was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Southeast ends the regular season with a perfect 8-0 record, giving them the #1 seed and home field in the playoffs where they will host Larned next Friday night.

Ellsworth meanwhile, drops to 5-3, giving them the #13 seed, they will travel to Hoisington.

You can rewatch this game on-demand any time by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/Mvqd5EADrxY">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730041661004.jpeg" alt="The Trojans hold up their plaque after taking the District 6 title" />
 <figcaption>The Trojans hold up their plaque after taking the District 6 title</figcaption>
 </figure>By Jeremy Obermeyer Salina Post ContributorSoutheast of Saline traveled to Ellsworth on Friday night as they looked to keep their perfect regular season streak alive.&nbsp; The Trojans have not lost a regular-season game since 2019 and have not lost to the Bearcats in the last nine meetings, but along with those streaks, there was also a lot more on the line in the regular-season closer.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Southeast was also looking to win their seventh consecutive NCAA league title, fifth consecutive District title, plus looking to earn the #1 seed and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;After both teams played through a scoreless opening for the third week in a row, the Trojans put up 30 points in the second quarter on their way to a to a 44-8 victory over the Bearcats.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“I thought our second quarter was real good” SES Head Coach, Mitch Gebhardt said. “Obviously, when you score 30 points and hold Ellsworth to 0, I thought we played real well. We tackled better tonight than we have the last two weeks, and I thought our kids did a pretty good job against the running game tonight.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Trojans had a total of 548 yards of offense while only allowing Ellsworth 164 yards.&nbsp; Gannon Jacobson threw for 274 yards and 2 touchdowns, completing 15 of 23 passes, while Gray Gebhardt led the purple in rushing with 136 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, Tucker Thaxton was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Southeast ends the regular season with a perfect 8-0 record, giving them the #1 seed and home field in the playoffs where they will host Larned next Friday night.Ellsworth meanwhile, drops to 5-3, giving them the #13 seed, they will travel to Hoisington.You can rewatch this game on-demand any time by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/Mvqd5EADrxY">HERE</a>.

Southeast Handles Ellsworth to take league and district crown

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score, Chris Tennant kicked a 51-yard go-ahead field goal with 1:42 to go and No. 16 Kansas State stopped Kansas on fourth down to preserve a 29-27 victory Saturday night.

D.J. Giddens added 102 yards rushing for the Wildcats (7-1, 4-1 Big 12), who kept alive their chances of playing for a conference title and in the College Football Playoff by beating their biggest rival for the 16th consecutive time.

Kansas (2-6, 1-4) got the ball back after Tennant's field goal and picked up a quick first down. But Jalon Daniels bookended a short completion with a couple of incomplete passes, and he was tracked down on fourth down with less than a minute to go, giving the Wildcats the ball back and the chance to run out the clock.

Daniels threw for 209 yards and accounted for two touchdowns and an interception. Devin Neal ran for 66 yards and a score.

Kansas opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown drive, then looked as if it would take control a few minutes later, when Daniels spotted Quentin Skinner running open down the middle of the field. But the senior wide receiver dropped the would-be 49-yard touchdown throw, and the Jayhawks ultimately were forced to punt.

The Wildcats seized on the opening, then took advantage of another Kansas blunder.

After Johnson led a 95-yard drive to knot the game, Kansas freshman Jameel Croft Jr. inexplicably caught the ensuing kickoff at the 1-yard line and stepped out of bounds. Neal was stuffed for a safety on the very next play, and Kansas State followed with a 59-yard drive and its second touchdown in a matter of minutes.

Daniels calmed the Jayhawks, though, and his touchdown throw to Luke Grimm got them within 16-14 at the break.

The teams swapped touchdowns to begin the second half, then traded punts, before the Jayhawks regained the lead on Daniels' touchdown run late in the third quarter — the second year in a row they have led Kansas State in the second half.

The Jayhawks still led 27-26 with 3:44 to go when Daniels, trying to scramble near midfield, went airborne and had the ball pop loose. Brendan Mott was there to recover it for the Wildcats, giving Johnson and Co. one last chance with the ball.

They did just enough to set up Tennant's go-ahead field goal inside the final 2 minutes.

Kansas dominated the game for long stretches but was forced to overcome itself. Daniels had two turnovers, something that was a problem for him earlier in the season, and the Jayhawks made too many special teams blunders.

Kansas State had 479 yards of total offense but struggled on third down. It also had a chance to score a go-ahead TD early in the fourth quarter, but Johnson's pass sailed high and the Wildcats kicked a chip-shot field goal that nearly cost them.

Kansa: Plays No. 10 Iowa State on Nov. 9 at Arrowhead Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730000495626.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score, Chris Tennant kicked a 51-yard go-ahead field goal with 1:42 to go and No. 16 Kansas State stopped Kansas on fourth down to preserve a 29-27 victory Saturday night.D.J. Giddens added 102 yards rushing for the Wildcats (7-1, 4-1 Big 12), who kept alive their chances of playing for a conference title and in the College Football Playoff by beating their biggest rival for the 16th consecutive time.Kansas (2-6, 1-4) got the ball back after Tennant's field goal and picked up a quick first down. But Jalon Daniels bookended a short completion with a couple of incomplete passes, and he was tracked down on fourth down with less than a minute to go, giving the Wildcats the ball back and the chance to run out the clock.Daniels threw for 209 yards and accounted for two touchdowns and an interception. Devin Neal ran for 66 yards and a score.Kansas opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown drive, then looked as if it would take control a few minutes later, when Daniels spotted Quentin Skinner running open down the middle of the field. But the senior wide receiver dropped the would-be 49-yard touchdown throw, and the Jayhawks ultimately were forced to punt.The Wildcats seized on the opening, then took advantage of another Kansas blunder.After Johnson led a 95-yard drive to knot the game, Kansas freshman Jameel Croft Jr. inexplicably caught the ensuing kickoff at the 1-yard line and stepped out of bounds. Neal was stuffed for a safety on the very next play, and Kansas State followed with a 59-yard drive and its second touchdown in a matter of minutes.Daniels calmed the Jayhawks, though, and his touchdown throw to Luke Grimm got them within 16-14 at the break.The teams swapped touchdowns to begin the second half, then traded punts, before the Jayhawks regained the lead on Daniels' touchdown run late in the third quarter — the second year in a row they have led Kansas State in the second half.The outcome would be the same, too.The Jayhawks still led 27-26 with 3:44 to go when Daniels, trying to scramble near midfield, went airborne and had the ball pop loose. Brendan Mott was there to recover it for the Wildcats, giving Johnson and Co. one last chance with the ball.They did just enough to set up Tennant's go-ahead field goal inside the final 2 minutes.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas dominated the game for long stretches but was forced to overcome itself. Daniels had two turnovers, something that was a problem for him earlier in the season, and the Jayhawks made too many special teams blunders.Kansas State had 479 yards of total offense but struggled on third down. It also had a chance to score a go-ahead TD early in the fourth quarter, but Johnson's pass sailed high and the Wildcats kicked a chip-shot field goal that nearly cost them.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansa: Plays No. 10 Iowa State on Nov. 9 at Arrowhead Stadium.Kansas State: At Houston next Saturday.

🏈 Tennant kicks go-ahead field goal as K-State wins Sunflower Showdown

By ADAM COULTER Salina Post Contributor

Sacred Heart went into its game with Republic County looking for a third straight win and to earn another home game to start the postseason. After giving up a game-opening kickoff return for a touchdown, the Knights pulled away for a 32-13 win.

Sacred Heart won the opening coin flip and deferred to the second half while Republic County wasted no time making a statement. The Buffs needed just 12 seconds to take an early 7-0 lead.

The Knights would answer with Dom Matteucci completing a drive with a 9-yard touchdown reception at the 8:03 mark. The two-point conversation was no good and the score remained 7-6 at the end of the opening quarter.

Noah Hines caught the first of three touchdown passes with 6:24 left before halftime to give Sacred Heart a lead it would never relinquish. Matteucci added the two-point conversation to make the score 14-7.

Quarterback Maddox Wells and Hines hooked up again with 2:31 remaining in the second quarter. This time it was a 37-yard reception. Although the two-point conversation failed, the Knights went ahead by two possessions 20-7.

Despite that, the Buffs had one last chance to answer before halftime and they made the most of it. With no time on the clock, a pass to the the endzone pulled Republic County within a 20-13 score.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Knights tacked on two additional scores to put the game away. Both two-point conversation attempts were no good, but Sacred Heart got what it came for - a 37-13 win on its senior night and to host its game in week nine.

Sacred Heart drew the 8-seed in the western bracket in class 1A. The Marion Warriors will travel to Salina on Friday night as the ninth-seeded team of 16 from the west. The Warriors finished with a 6-2 overall record and 2-2 in their district with their only losses to once-beaten Sedgwick and undefeated Moundridge.

The Knights and Warriors matchup will begin at 7pm Friday night at JRI Stadium in Salina. Live streaming video and audio can be seen and heard, as always, at <a href="http://salinapost.com/">salinapost.com</a>.

By ADAM COULTER Salina Post ContributorSacred Heart went into its game with Republic County looking for a third straight win and to earn another home game to start the postseason. After giving up a game-opening kickoff return for a touchdown, the Knights pulled away for a 32-13 win.Sacred Heart won the opening coin flip and deferred to the second half while Republic County wasted no time making a statement. The Buffs needed just 12 seconds to take an early 7-0 lead.<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 would answer with Dom Matteucci completing a drive with a 9-yard touchdown reception at the 8:03 mark. The two-point conversation was no good and the score remained 7-6 at the end of the opening quarter.Noah Hines caught the first of three touchdown passes with 6:24 left before halftime to give Sacred Heart a lead it would never relinquish. Matteucci added the two-point conversation to make the score 14-7.Quarterback Maddox Wells and Hines hooked up again with 2:31 remaining in the second quarter. This time it was a 37-yard reception. Although the two-point conversation failed, the Knights went ahead by two possessions 20-7.Despite that, the Buffs had one last chance to answer before halftime and they made the most of it. With no time on the clock, a pass to the the endzone pulled Republic County within a 20-13 score.After a scoreless third quarter, the Knights tacked on two additional scores to put the game away. Both two-point conversation attempts were no good, but Sacred Heart got what it came for - a 37-13 win on its senior night and to host its game in week nine.Sacred Heart drew the 8-seed in the western bracket in class 1A. The Marion Warriors will travel to Salina on Friday night as the ninth-seeded team of 16 from the west. The Warriors finished with a 6-2 overall record and 2-2 in their district with their only losses to once-beaten Sedgwick and undefeated Moundridge.The Knights and Warriors matchup will begin at 7pm Friday night at JRI Stadium in Salina. Live streaming video and audio can be seen and heard, as always, at <a href="http://salinapost.com/">salinapost.com</a>.

Sacred Heart pulls away from Republic County; will face Marion to open playoffs

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

At 3-4 a week before the start of the playoffs, Salina Central was in need of a statement win, and on Friday night, the Mustangs got it in a 52-24 rout of the Goddard Lions.

With this result, the Mustangs close out the regular season at 4-4 while Goddard drops to 6-2, snapping their 5 game win streak.

I’m really proud of our kids and their responses to how we challenged them,” Central head coach Mark Sandbo said. “It was going to require us to be physical and disciplined defensively, but we were extremely physical tonight. Offensively, they were challenged to play a clean game and to finish drives. After scoring on every drive except our fumble and never punting, I would say our kids answered the challenge.”

Goddard settled into their game early, taking half of the first quarter to slowly and methodically march down the field and punch in the first score of the game on an Erik Olivas run.

Not deterred in the slightest, Central took the ball back, and broke off five plays for 65 yards and a touchdown of their own in under three minutes, striking on a 24-yard run by Cooper Reves.

After trading touchdowns, the Mustangs forced Goddard to punt the ball away for the first time in the second quarter, but immediately coughed up the football, leading to the third Lion score of the day and an 18-12 Goddard lead.

In need of a quick score, Central perfectly executed the 2-minute drill, and found Reves for his second touchdown just before the intermission to take their first lead of the day 19-18.

That score was just a preview of the Cooper Reves show that was to come, and on the first drive of the third quarter, the junior tailback exploded through the hole, broke four tackles, and flew 59 yards to the end zone for his third score of the day.

An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty gave the Mustangs better field position on the ensuing kickoff, and Central utilized the short field to pull off an ambush onside kick, setting up a fourth Reves rushing score, this time from 34 yards away.

Not to be outdone, Abram Owings would run in a second touchdown of his own, and with those four unanswered touchdowns, the game was out of reach for the run-leaning Lions of Goddard, as the Mustangs cruised to a 52-24 rout.

Reves finished the day with over 200 yards rushing and four touchdowns, while Owings would add a strip fumble returned for a touchdown to complete a hat trick of his own.

Jack Gordon impressed as well, completing 9-13 for 150 yards and a TD pass to Bodie Rodriguez.

Central (4-4), will open postseason play on the road at Maize South (5-3) next Friday night while Goddard (6-2) returns home to host Valley Center (2-6).

You can watch the full broadcast of last nights game for free by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/_yQe5QjgtB4">HERE</a>.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostAt 3-4 a week before the start of the playoffs, Salina Central was in need of a statement win, and on Friday night, the Mustangs got it in a 52-24 rout of the Goddard Lions.With this result, the Mustangs close out the regular season at 4-4 while Goddard drops to 6-2, snapping their 5 game win streak.<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>I’m really proud of our kids and their responses to how we challenged them,” Central head coach Mark Sandbo said. “It was going to require us to be physical and disciplined defensively, but we were extremely physical tonight. Offensively, they were challenged to play a clean game and to finish drives. After scoring on every drive except our fumble and never punting, I would say our kids answered the challenge.”Goddard settled into their game early, taking half of the first quarter to slowly and methodically march down the field and punch in the first score of the game on an Erik Olivas run.Not deterred in the slightest, Central took the ball back, and broke off five plays for 65 yards and a touchdown of their own in under three minutes, striking on a 24-yard run by Cooper Reves.Game on.After trading touchdowns, the Mustangs forced Goddard to punt the ball away for the first time in the second quarter, but immediately coughed up the football, leading to the third Lion score of the day and an 18-12 Goddard lead.In need of a quick score, Central perfectly executed the 2-minute drill, and found Reves for his second touchdown just before the intermission to take their first lead of the day 19-18.That score was just a preview of the Cooper Reves show that was to come, and on the first drive of the third quarter, the junior tailback exploded through the hole, broke four tackles, and flew 59 yards to the end zone for his third score of the day.An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty gave the Mustangs better field position on the ensuing kickoff, and Central utilized the short field to pull off an ambush onside kick, setting up a fourth Reves rushing score, this time from 34 yards away.Not to be outdone, Abram Owings would run in a second touchdown of his own, and with those four unanswered touchdowns, the game was out of reach for the run-leaning Lions of Goddard, as the Mustangs cruised to a 52-24 rout.Reves finished the day with over 200 yards rushing and four touchdowns, while Owings would add a strip fumble returned for a touchdown to complete a hat trick of his own.Jack Gordon impressed as well, completing 9-13 for 150 yards and a TD pass to Bodie Rodriguez.Central (4-4), will open postseason play on the road at Maize South (5-3) next Friday night while Goddard (6-2) returns home to host Valley Center (2-6).You can watch the full broadcast of last nights game for free by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/_yQe5QjgtB4">HERE</a>.

Mustangs gallop past Goddard in senior night rout

🏈 Area High School Football Scores: Week Eight

The Salina Post Sports Friday Night Preview show returns for week eight, as Tyler Henry and Devin Hanney get you ready for another exciting week of high school football.

This week's show includes a look at the full slate of area games, an interview with Salina Central head coach Mark Sandbo, and a full preview of all three broadcasts that will appear on the Salina Post Sports Network this week.

Below you can see the full schedule for all 11 of our area teams in week four.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yDyEuChpcT0"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Post Sports Friday Night Preview show returns for week eight, as Tyler Henry and Devin Hanney get you ready for another exciting week of high school football.This week's show includes a look at the full slate of area games, an interview with Salina Central head coach Mark Sandbo, and a full preview of all three broadcasts that will appear on the Salina Post Sports Network this week.Below you can see the full schedule for all 11 of our area teams in week four.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729888315209.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729888328993.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>

Salina Post Sports Friday Night Preview: Week Eight

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, Mike Danna and JuJu (Smith-Schuster) will be out. (We) look forward to the challenge of playing the Raiders. We know they’re a good football team (and) we know they’re well coached. I think our guys have had a good week of practice and respect them, so we’ll get on that plane tomorrow and go roll. With that, (the) time’s yours.”

Q: Do you anticipate playing DeAndre Hopkins on Sunday?

REID:&nbsp;“Probably, yeah. Yeah.”

Q: I know DeAndre Hopkins only practiced for a couple of days but how does he look to you?

REID:&nbsp;“He (DeAndre Hopkins) did a good job. He’s in the process of going through everything so every thing he does is the first time, but he’s got the experience with relative plays. He’s picked it up – he’s a smart guy, which really helps.”

Q: Tomorrow is a big day for DeAndre Hopkins to keep studying the playbook. How do you gauge that on a day that you guys are traveling?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) diligent with all that stuff. I mean, he knows what he has to do and that he has to be in the (play)book, looking at stuff and he asks great questions. I haven’t been worried about that at all. He’s very astute.”

Q: Do you plan on elevating anybody from the practice squad?

HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, Mike Danna and JuJu (Smith-Schuster) will be out. (We) look forward to the challenge of playing the Raiders. We know they’re a good football team (and) we know they’re well coached. I think our guys have had a good week of practice and respect them, so we’ll get on that plane tomorrow and go roll. With that, (the) time’s yours.”Q: Do you anticipate playing DeAndre Hopkins on Sunday?REID:&nbsp;“Probably, yeah. Yeah.”Q: I know DeAndre Hopkins only practiced for a couple of days but how does he look to you?REID:&nbsp;“He (DeAndre Hopkins) did a good job. He’s in the process of going through everything so every thing he does is the first time, but he’s got the experience with relative plays. He’s picked it up – he’s a smart guy, which really helps.”Q: Tomorrow is a big day for DeAndre Hopkins to keep studying the playbook. How do you gauge that on a day that you guys are traveling?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) diligent with all that stuff. I mean, he knows what he has to do and that he has to be in the (play)book, looking at stuff and he asks great questions. I haven’t been worried about that at all. He’s very astute.”Q: Do you plan on elevating anybody from the practice squad?

Chiefs Quotes: 10-25-24

This week, our Salina Post Game of the Week takes back to Salina for a dynamic AVCTL-II matchup between Salina Central and the Lions of Goddard.

The Mustangs come into this contest at 3-4 looking to build some momentum after falling in three of their last four games, while the Lions look to keep things rolling at 6-1 riding a five game winning streak.

This game will also be big for playoff seedings, with both teams looking to position themselves well in the 5A state bracket that will kick off the postseason next week.

For Salina Central, putting together a complete effort will be the name of the game, as both sides of the ball have flashed their high ceiling in various games this season.

“We’ve never clicked offensively and defensively at the same time,” Central head coach Mark Sandbo said. “We’ve also shot ourselves in the foot after getting some momentum and putting ourselves in a good position. Dropped balls, bad penalties, and missed assignments have hurt us at the worst times.”

For Goddard, time of possession will be crucial, as the Lions prefer to grind out slow, sustained, long possessions, keeping the ball on the ground with playmakers like Kaden Stroot, Joe Diekemper, and Brock Sullivan.

The Lions will also rely on one of the best defensive units in the state, which has held opponents to just 13 points per game on average this season.

“We’re really confident in who we are defensively,” Goddard head coach Tommy Beason said. “That’s where we put all of our energy and time and that is who we are trying to be. We’ve been fortunate enough to hold the bad guys to few points and yards, and offensively we’ve managed to play a keep-away style of offense, and keep the other team off the field.”

To win that game of keep-away, Central will have to find ways to get quick stops, to give their own playmakers like Jack Gordon, Cooper Reves and Bodie Rodriguez ample opportunities to put points on the board.

“Goddard knows what we want to do and they always scout us up really well but they also know what they want to do especially offensively,” Sandbo said. “You probably have to go back a few decades to find the style of football that they want to play and they’re comfortable putting it on their defense to be aggressive, fast, and to play downhill.”

These teams, and coaches, have a tremendous amount of respect for one another, and both are expecting the other’s best shot when the ball gets in the air on Friday night.

“You have to throw Central’s record away, that means nothing to me,” Beason said. “Two of their losses are to state-ranked teams and one of those teams beat us too. They have too many playmakers, too many veterans, and some of the best coaching we’ve seen, and we can’t give them additional possessions like we did last year. We have to keep the ball longer than what they have it and we know what we need to do, now the quesiton is can we execute”?

Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7:00 at Salina Stadium.

You can tune into this contest with live video and audio commentary 100% free by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/_yQe5QjgtB4">HERE</a>, and watch it back any time on-demand.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThis week, our Salina Post Game of the Week takes back to Salina for a dynamic AVCTL-II matchup between Salina Central and the Lions of Goddard.The Mustangs come into this contest at 3-4 looking to build some momentum after falling in three of their last four games, while the Lions look to keep things rolling at 6-1 riding a five game winning streak.<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>This game will also be big for playoff seedings, with both teams looking to position themselves well in the 5A state bracket that will kick off the postseason next week.For Salina Central, putting together a complete effort will be the name of the game, as both sides of the ball have flashed their high ceiling in various games this season.“We’ve never clicked offensively and defensively at the same time,” Central head coach Mark Sandbo said. “We’ve also shot ourselves in the foot after getting some momentum and putting ourselves in a good position. Dropped balls, bad penalties, and missed assignments have hurt us at the worst times.”For Goddard, time of possession will be crucial, as the Lions prefer to grind out slow, sustained, long possessions, keeping the ball on the ground with playmakers like Kaden Stroot, Joe Diekemper, and Brock Sullivan.The Lions will also rely on one of the best defensive units in the state, which has held opponents to just 13 points per game on average this season.“We’re really confident in who we are defensively,” Goddard head coach Tommy Beason said. “That’s where we put all of our energy and time and that is who we are trying to be. We’ve been fortunate enough to hold the bad guys to few points and yards, and offensively we’ve managed to play a keep-away style of offense, and keep the other team off the field.”To win that game of keep-away, Central will have to find ways to get quick stops, to give their own playmakers like Jack Gordon, Cooper Reves and Bodie Rodriguez ample opportunities to put points on the board.“Goddard knows what we want to do and they always scout us up really well but they also know what they want to do especially offensively,” Sandbo said. “You probably have to go back a few decades to find the style of football that they want to play and they’re comfortable putting it on their defense to be aggressive, fast, and to play downhill.”These teams, and coaches, have a tremendous amount of respect for one another, and both are expecting the other’s best shot when the ball gets in the air on Friday night.“You have to throw Central’s record away, that means nothing to me,” Beason said. “Two of their losses are to state-ranked teams and one of those teams beat us too. They have too many playmakers, too many veterans, and some of the best coaching we’ve seen, and we can’t give them additional possessions like we did last year. We have to keep the ball longer than what they have it and we know what we need to do, now the quesiton is can we execute”?Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7:00 at Salina Stadium.You can tune into this contest with live video and audio commentary 100% free by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/_yQe5QjgtB4">HERE</a>, and watch it back any time on-demand.

Mustangs host Goddard for heavyweight AVCTL-II bout

The Southeast of Saline football team has aced every test they have received this season, and on Friday night, they’ll hit the road for one more as the Trojans travel to Ellsworth to battle the Bearcats.

Once again, this matchup has extremely high stakes, with sole possession of a league title, a district title, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs on the table for SES.

“This is a big game, and it has been for the last several years when we’ve played Ellsworth,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “We know it’s going to be a battle and we’d sure like a league title, a district title, and a chance to play as many home games in the playoffs as we can but we’re preparing the way we normally do, we still want to go 1-0 this week.”

The Trojans enter this contest at 7-0 after dispatching Halstead 38-15 last week, while the Bearcats come in at 5-2, looking to snap a two-game losing streak.

“These have been big-time league games and this is an even bigger one with a district championship on the line,” Ellsworth head coach Josh Homolka said. “We’re going to put our best foot forward, Southeast is a really good football team and we’ll have our hands full but there’s a lot of motivation going into the last game of the season.”

Historically, Southeast has dominated this series, with Mitch Gebhardt winning each of the last nine contests dating back to 2010, most recently in a 30-0 shutout last season against a Bearcat team that made a run to the 2A quarterfinals.

Despite that precedent, Coach Gebhardt and his Trojans understand the importance of this matchup, and have a ton of respect for the Bearcats lining up across from them tonight.

“Ellsworth flys to the football defensively, and they play physical and run downhill,” Gebhardt said. “Offensively they don’t throw as much as they have in the past but they do a good job in the run game and they throw it just enough to keep you off guard.”

Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 in Ellsworth, and as always the game can be streamed with live video and commentary on Salina Post by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/Mvqd5EADrxY">HERE</a>, or heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM), with Devin Hanney and Russ Cossel on the call.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline football team has aced every test they have received this season, and on Friday night, they’ll hit the road for one more as the Trojans travel to Ellsworth to battle the Bearcats.Once again, this matchup has extremely high stakes, with sole possession of a league title, a district title, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs on the table for SES.<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>“This is a big game, and it has been for the last several years when we’ve played Ellsworth,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “We know it’s going to be a battle and we’d sure like a league title, a district title, and a chance to play as many home games in the playoffs as we can but we’re preparing the way we normally do, we still want to go 1-0 this week.”The Trojans enter this contest at 7-0 after dispatching Halstead 38-15 last week, while the Bearcats come in at 5-2, looking to snap a two-game losing streak.“These have been big-time league games and this is an even bigger one with a district championship on the line,” Ellsworth head coach Josh Homolka said. “We’re going to put our best foot forward, Southeast is a really good football team and we’ll have our hands full but there’s a lot of motivation going into the last game of the season.”Historically, Southeast has dominated this series, with Mitch Gebhardt winning each of the last nine contests dating back to 2010, most recently in a 30-0 shutout last season against a Bearcat team that made a run to the 2A quarterfinals.Despite that precedent, Coach Gebhardt and his Trojans understand the importance of this matchup, and have a ton of respect for the Bearcats lining up across from them tonight.“Ellsworth flys to the football defensively, and they play physical and run downhill,” Gebhardt said. “Offensively they don’t throw as much as they have in the past but they do a good job in the run game and they throw it just enough to keep you off guard.”Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 in Ellsworth, and as always the game can be streamed with live video and commentary on Salina Post by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/Mvqd5EADrxY">HERE</a>, or heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM), with Devin Hanney and Russ Cossel on the call.

Trojans travel to Ellsworth to battle Bearcats for league and district titles

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, just a real quick injury update. Obviously, we’ve put Skyy (Moore) down (to IR). Skyy came in yesterday with a core muscle injury. We had him evaluated and he’s going to need that fixed. He will be put down there on IR. Then, as far as JuJu (Smith-Schuster) and Mike Danna go, both are making progress and so on and so forth there. Then, DeAndre Hopkins – (I will) take a few questions on that but we’re excited to have him here and join in with that receiving corp. Again, he’s been a proven player, and he’ll work in those spots that JuJu and Rashee (Rice) did.”

Q:&nbsp;Is there something specifically that DeAndre Hopkins does well that you feel like you guys have been lacking?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, I think – not necessarily lacking, but I think he’s (DeAndre Hopkins) a good – he’s a veteran player. You’ve seen just about everything over 12 years. He’s a good space player, so he’s very good at understanding how to work in space. At the same time, he’s a tough matchup because of his size, arm length – (he’s a) big body that knows how to kind of play that low post area.”

Q:&nbsp;What is the timetable for him playing?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, it could be this weekend. We’ll see how he (DeAndre Hopkins) picks up (laughter) – we have to get him on the practice field. I mean, why wait, right? If he can handle it without putting him in a bad position.”

Q:&nbsp;How much will DeAndre Hopkins’ football knowledge mean in this process?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) a smart guy. He understands football, likewise. Justin (Reid) knows him probably better than anybody just having been with him those years (in Houston), so that’s exciting. I mean, that’s a good thing. We’ve got a lot in right now and we’re just trying to get him acclimated with meetings here. We’ll see how things go at practice, but you can tell he’s a very focused guy and he’s intelligent.”

Q:&nbsp;How many additional hours would DeAndre Hopkins have to put in in order to play this week?

REID:&nbsp;“Well you start counting from the bottom of just the snap count part of it and work your way up through, but he’s (DeAndre Hopkins) seen enough. He’s been around it long enough to where it’s more (of) a dialect than a language that he has to learn.”

Q:&nbsp;Are you done making moves at wide receiver with the trade deadline approaching?

REID:&nbsp;“Only if you want to jump in and take a few reps (laughter).”

Q:&nbsp;Do you need to adjust the offense to fit DeAndre Hopkins’ skill set or will he need to adjust to what you guys are already doing?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, we do this so often. We try to utilize their strengths and work them in to what we do without completely changing everything. I mean, we have a little of everything in the offense, but he’s (DeAndre Hopkins) similar in his awareness in space as JuJu (Smith-Schuster) and (what) Rashee (Rice) was developing into. That’s a good thing in this offense to be able to do.”

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q: On Trent McDuffie’s block on special teams during Mecole Hardman’s 55-yard punt return.

TOUB: “I had all those guys before so when they get out there on that play, they have a chance to make a play on special teams, he (Trent McDuffie) takes it really serious. You know, like just the other day he stuck his head in my office (and said), ‘Hey, did you see my knockdown?’ I said ‘Yeah, I saw your knockdown (laughter).’ It’s awesome, I mean all those guys, Turk (Tershawn Wharton) and everybody out there, (Nick) Bolton, every one of them is working real hard to get blocks and that’s why that play worked. You have defensive guys that are starting that are playing their butt off for you on special teams, so I mean that’s what we have going right now.”

Q: Do you trust Mecole Hardman as the punt returner?

TOUB: “The punt returner, I’ve said this a lot of times, the punt returner is – besides the quarterback – is probably the hardest thing to do in my opinion, on the football field. It’s hard. You have guys coming down on you, you have to make a lot of quick decisions, you have to catch the ball (laughter), it’s tough. I have a lot of trust in him (Mecole Hardman), he has the great experience and he’s gotten better and better. He’s really taking it serious this year. I mean, because it’s a big part of his role right now is being that guy.”

Q: What have you learned about Chris Roland-Wallace?

TOUB: “He’s (Chris Roland-Wallace) just a solid player that – a rookie that’s kind of (that) unsung hero kind of guy. He’s a lot like (Jaden) Hicks, I have a lot of trust in him. (He) does a lot of important things for us. Singled up gunners as a corner and singles up guys and runs with them. Great effort, you know he’s a smart, instinctive football player that’s really stepped up for us. Our young guys (are) doing a great job.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I know you (the media) just got done with (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) and (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Coach (Dave) Toub. We had one day of practice yesterday for this team (and I’m) anxious to get another one in here, so with that I’ll just kind of open it up.”

Q:&nbsp;What’s was the difficulty like of playing against DeAndre Hopkins?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“(DeAndre Hopkins is a) big wide receiver that has a huge catch radius, right? (He) catches everything. (I have) a lot of respect for him (and) I’m glad he’s on our team now (laughs). That’s a good thing.”

Q:&nbsp;How has Chris Roland-Wallace developed and how is he fitting into what you’re doing with the defense?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Listen, C-Ro (Chris Roland-Wallace) is one of those guys that – he came here as a free agent. He earned everything he’s gotten right now. He made the team, made the roster, made the 53. He’s earned playing time. I don’t know if you know – (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) and I talked every week about trying to get him in there in games. We got him in there last week. I think before Jaylen (Watson) got hurt, I can’t even remember, but we’ve been talking about it a lot. I guess what I’m trying to say is he’s kind of earned the right to get some playing time, so you’ll see him in and out of there and we’re going to have to use him as one guy goes down – other guys, our responsibilities go up so that’ll happen to Chris.”

Q:&nbsp; What do you remember most about that last game against the Raiders?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“The thing that I remember most is we were in there swinging away, right? It was a pretty tight game but where we kind of were disappointing as a group was when we had to stop them at the end, right? I think we had enough time outs, and we call it four-minute defense, right? We didn’t get that done. They ripped off a couple of long runs to kind of ice the game which is what you want your offense to do if you’re on their sideline, but we would’ve liked to have rose up somehow and got the ball back to Patrick (Mahomes) one more time. Am I right in saying it was a 20-14 final? Yeah, so if we could’ve got it back to Pat one more time – that’s what I remember. Now, I thought we played for the most part pretty good. I think we only gave up six points. Weren’t there were a couple of pick-sixes? Yeah, but when you finish like that, it’s just kind of a bad taste so we’re going to remember that and hopefully not let that happen.”

Q: What have your early conversations with DeAndre Hopkins been like and how is he meshing with the guys?

NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s exciting – I think for everybody. You get a guy (DeAndre Hopkins) that’s super experienced, he’s been in this league a long time (and) he’s had a lot of success. So, you look at both situations and I feel like it’s really a win-win type (of) deal, but he came in this morning and (he’s) ready to rock and roll. Everything is a first time now for him so he’s getting in here the first time trying to figure out where to sit in the meetings, first time to go in walk-throughs and figure out how we do walk-throughs. (His) first time to go out and figure out what practice tempo’s like, there’s a lot of firsts. Sometimes, it can get to thinking it’s just like plug-and-play (but) there’s a process to it, so we want to make sure we do that the right way and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid’s been great with that.”

Q: Is there something that DeAndre Hopkins does specifically well that can help you guys offensively?

NAGY:&nbsp;“I’d say, Adam (Teicher), the biggest thing right now is the – his (DeAndre Hopkins) hands are phenomenal, he has really, really good hands. I think he’s got some of the least amount of drops in the history of the NFL. The experience that he has, which comes I think with that, is trust. So, he’s played in a lot of games, he understands and he’s seen a bunch of different defenses, that’s valuable. Whether it’s zone or man (coverage), he’s a very good route runner, he understands leverages. One of the things – just getting it kind of – you see it on tape, you see it in interviews but then when he’s here, up close and live and in person, you see the confidence and the swagger that he has. I think that confidence can really penetrate, and you feel that with the other players – you’ve got to go out and do it. It’s just that we’re at the beginning stages but he’s does a lot of good things in zones, too.”

Q: What do you hope that the other receivers learn from DeAndre Hopkins?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesOctober 24, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, just a real quick injury update. Obviously, we’ve put Skyy (Moore) down (to IR). Skyy came in yesterday with a core muscle injury. We had him evaluated and he’s going to need that fixed. He will be put down there on IR. Then, as far as JuJu (Smith-Schuster) and Mike Danna go, both are making progress and so on and so forth there. Then, DeAndre Hopkins – (I will) take a few questions on that but we’re excited to have him here and join in with that receiving corp. Again, he’s been a proven player, and he’ll work in those spots that JuJu and Rashee (Rice) did.”Q:&nbsp;Is there something specifically that DeAndre Hopkins does well that you feel like you guys have been lacking?REID:&nbsp;“Well, I think – not necessarily lacking, but I think he’s (DeAndre Hopkins) a good – he’s a veteran player. You’ve seen just about everything over 12 years. He’s a good space player, so he’s very good at understanding how to work in space. At the same time, he’s a tough matchup because of his size, arm length – (he’s a) big body that knows how to kind of play that low post area.”Q:&nbsp;What is the timetable for him playing?REID:&nbsp;“Well, it could be this weekend. We’ll see how he (DeAndre Hopkins) picks up (laughter) – we have to get him on the practice field. I mean, why wait, right? If he can handle it without putting him in a bad position.”Q:&nbsp;How much will DeAndre Hopkins’ football knowledge mean in this process?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) a smart guy. He understands football, likewise. Justin (Reid) knows him probably better than anybody just having been with him those years (in Houston), so that’s exciting. I mean, that’s a good thing. We’ve got a lot in right now and we’re just trying to get him acclimated with meetings here. We’ll see how things go at practice, but you can tell he’s a very focused guy and he’s intelligent.”Q:&nbsp;How many additional hours would DeAndre Hopkins have to put in in order to play this week?REID:&nbsp;“Well you start counting from the bottom of just the snap count part of it and work your way up through, but he’s (DeAndre Hopkins) seen enough. He’s been around it long enough to where it’s more (of) a dialect than a language that he has to learn.”Q:&nbsp;Are you done making moves at wide receiver with the trade deadline approaching?REID:&nbsp;“Only if you want to jump in and take a few reps (laughter).”Q:&nbsp;Do you need to adjust the offense to fit DeAndre Hopkins’ skill set or will he need to adjust to what you guys are already doing?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, we do this so often. We try to utilize their strengths and work them in to what we do without completely changing everything. I mean, we have a little of everything in the offense, but he’s (DeAndre Hopkins) similar in his awareness in space as JuJu (Smith-Schuster) and (what) Rashee (Rice) was developing into. That’s a good thing in this offense to be able to do.”Chiefs Coordinator QuotesOctober 24, 2024ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ: On Trent McDuffie’s block on special teams during Mecole Hardman’s 55-yard punt return.TOUB: “I had all those guys before so when they get out there on that play, they have a chance to make a play on special teams, he (Trent McDuffie) takes it really serious. You know, like just the other day he stuck his head in my office (and said), ‘Hey, did you see my knockdown?’ I said ‘Yeah, I saw your knockdown (laughter).’ It’s awesome, I mean all those guys, Turk (Tershawn Wharton) and everybody out there, (Nick) Bolton, every one of them is working real hard to get blocks and that’s why that play worked. You have defensive guys that are starting that are playing their butt off for you on special teams, so I mean that’s what we have going right now.”Q: Do you trust Mecole Hardman as the punt returner?TOUB: “The punt returner, I’ve said this a lot of times, the punt returner is – besides the quarterback – is probably the hardest thing to do in my opinion, on the football field. It’s hard. You have guys coming down on you, you have to make a lot of quick decisions, you have to catch the ball (laughter), it’s tough. I have a lot of trust in him (Mecole Hardman), he has the great experience and he’s gotten better and better. He’s really taking it serious this year. I mean, because it’s a big part of his role right now is being that guy.”Q: What have you learned about Chris Roland-Wallace?TOUB: “He’s (Chris Roland-Wallace) just a solid player that – a rookie that’s kind of (that) unsung hero kind of guy. He’s a lot like (Jaden) Hicks, I have a lot of trust in him. (He) does a lot of important things for us. Singled up gunners as a corner and singles up guys and runs with them. Great effort, you know he’s a smart, instinctive football player that’s really stepped up for us. Our young guys (are) doing a great job.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I know you (the media) just got done with (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) and (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Coach (Dave) Toub. We had one day of practice yesterday for this team (and I’m) anxious to get another one in here, so with that I’ll just kind of open it up.”Q:&nbsp;What’s was the difficulty like of playing against DeAndre Hopkins?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“(DeAndre Hopkins is a) big wide receiver that has a huge catch radius, right? (He) catches everything. (I have) a lot of respect for him (and) I’m glad he’s on our team now (laughs). That’s a good thing.”Q:&nbsp;How has Chris Roland-Wallace developed and how is he fitting into what you’re doing with the defense?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Listen, C-Ro (Chris Roland-Wallace) is one of those guys that – he came here as a free agent. He earned everything he’s gotten right now. He made the team, made the roster, made the 53. He’s earned playing time. I don’t know if you know – (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) and I talked every week about trying to get him in there in games. We got him in there last week. I think before Jaylen (Watson) got hurt, I can’t even remember, but we’ve been talking about it a lot. I guess what I’m trying to say is he’s kind of earned the right to get some playing time, so you’ll see him in and out of there and we’re going to have to use him as one guy goes down – other guys, our responsibilities go up so that’ll happen to Chris.”Q:&nbsp; What do you remember most about that last game against the Raiders?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“The thing that I remember most is we were in there swinging away, right? It was a pretty tight game but where we kind of were disappointing as a group was when we had to stop them at the end, right? I think we had enough time outs, and we call it four-minute defense, right? We didn’t get that done. They ripped off a couple of long runs to kind of ice the game which is what you want your offense to do if you’re on their sideline, but we would’ve liked to have rose up somehow and got the ball back to Patrick (Mahomes) one more time. Am I right in saying it was a 20-14 final? Yeah, so if we could’ve got it back to Pat one more time – that’s what I remember. Now, I thought we played for the most part pretty good. I think we only gave up six points. Weren’t there were a couple of pick-sixes? Yeah, but when you finish like that, it’s just kind of a bad taste so we’re going to remember that and hopefully not let that happen.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ: What have your early conversations with DeAndre Hopkins been like and how is he meshing with the guys?NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s exciting – I think for everybody. You get a guy (DeAndre Hopkins) that’s super experienced, he’s been in this league a long time (and) he’s had a lot of success. So, you look at both situations and I feel like it’s really a win-win type (of) deal, but he came in this morning and (he’s) ready to rock and roll. Everything is a first time now for him so he’s getting in here the first time trying to figure out where to sit in the meetings, first time to go in walk-throughs and figure out how we do walk-throughs. (His) first time to go out and figure out what practice tempo’s like, there’s a lot of firsts. Sometimes, it can get to thinking it’s just like plug-and-play (but) there’s a process to it, so we want to make sure we do that the right way and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid’s been great with that.”Q: Is there something that DeAndre Hopkins does specifically well that can help you guys offensively?NAGY:&nbsp;“I’d say, Adam (Teicher), the biggest thing right now is the – his (DeAndre Hopkins) hands are phenomenal, he has really, really good hands. I think he’s got some of the least amount of drops in the history of the NFL. The experience that he has, which comes I think with that, is trust. So, he’s played in a lot of games, he understands and he’s seen a bunch of different defenses, that’s valuable. Whether it’s zone or man (coverage), he’s a very good route runner, he understands leverages. One of the things – just getting it kind of – you see it on tape, you see it in interviews but then when he’s here, up close and live and in person, you see the confidence and the swagger that he has. I think that confidence can really penetrate, and you feel that with the other players – you’ve got to go out and do it. It’s just that we’re at the beginning stages but he’s does a lot of good things in zones, too.”Q: What do you hope that the other receivers learn from DeAndre Hopkins?

Chiefs Quotes: 10-24-24

The Kansas Wesleyan Coaches' Show returns for week eight as the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes (3-4), hit the road for Leavenworth to battle the Saint Mary Spires (1-5)

On this week's show, we sat down and visited with co-interim head coaches David Leonard and Chris Snyder, Quarterback Richard Lara, D-Line coach Nolan Jones, and developmental DL Jacob Flores.

Saturday's game can be heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) with Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson on the call.

Pregame coverage begins at noon with kickoff scheduled for 1:00.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9UTN07KA2sQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Wesleyan Coaches' Show returns for week eight as the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes (3-4), hit the road for Leavenworth to battle the Saint Mary Spires (1-5)On this week's show, we sat down and visited with co-interim head coaches David Leonard and Chris Snyder, Quarterback Richard Lara, D-Line coach Nolan Jones, and developmental DL Jacob Flores.Saturday's game can be heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) with Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson on the call.Pregame coverage begins at noon with kickoff scheduled for 1:00.

Kansas Wesleyan Coaches Show- Week Eight

By Gary Van Cleave Salina Post Contributor

Now that The Streak is in the Salina South rear view mirror, the Cougars can focus on more important things.

“Expectations,” first-year football coach Christien Ozores said, “are to keep getting better and win a playoff game.”

“Man, it feels great,” sophomore running back Armane Redmond said. “A lot of weight has finally been lifted off of our shoulders. It shows how much our hard work has paid off.”

The Cougars hadn’t won a football game in 1,127 days - a span from September 17, 2021 to October 18, 2024. Thirty consecutive defeats on the gridiron haunted these Cougars.

“When the clock hit 0:00’s, it was a sigh of relief for all us coaches and I was just excited for the kids,” Ozores said of Friday’s 41-23 victory over Haysville-Campus. “It was one of (those) moments where you just look around and soak it in. Something that I know those kids will cherish forever.”

“It feels great to accomplish something that the guys and coaches have fought so hard for,” said senior quarterback Landon Putman, who completed an efficient 15-of-20 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

Putman has thrown for 949 yards on the season. He’s thrown eight touchdowns and just five interceptions in 173 pass attempts as his QB rating went from 67 to 74.1.

“Landon has been everything we have asked him to do and more,” Ozores said. “He has stepped up with his legs running the ball the past 3-4 games and been feeling more and more comfortable with our system and all the progressions.”

Ozores has especially loved what he’s seeing from his eight seniors.

Aiden Anderes, DE, RB, TE, is an overall great player and teammate, leads by example and plays everywhere for the Cougars, Ozores said. Ozores noted contributions from defensive lineman Zach Johnson, who loves football, offensive lineman Erik Franco, a player the Cougars lean heavily on up front, lineman Sean Iselin, who plays hard and is a high IQ player, tight end Brady Oliver, who does all the little things right, defensive end Jesus Mariscal, a physical player who has stepped up this year for South and DB Kaiden Wachs, who works hard and does everything he is asked.&nbsp;

“The senior leadership has gotten better,” Ozores said. “We only have eight, but they do the right things and work hard. They aren’t so much vocal leaders which is okay but they practice, prepare and work hard and know their roles of trying to help turn around the program.”

Redmond scored two touchdowns and galloped for a season-high 123 yards rushing. He’s the Cougars’ leading ground gainer with 230 yards on 55 totes and four TDs.

By Gary Van Cleave Salina Post ContributorNow that The Streak is in the Salina South rear view mirror, the Cougars can focus on more important things.“Expectations,” first-year football coach Christien Ozores said, “are to keep getting better and win a playoff game.”“Man, it feels great,” sophomore running back Armane Redmond said. “A lot of weight has finally been lifted off of our shoulders. It shows how much our hard work has paid off.”<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 Cougars hadn’t won a football game in 1,127 days - a span from September 17, 2021 to October 18, 2024. Thirty consecutive defeats on the gridiron haunted these Cougars.“When the clock hit 0:00’s, it was a sigh of relief for all us coaches and I was just excited for the kids,” Ozores said of Friday’s 41-23 victory over Haysville-Campus. “It was one of (those) moments where you just look around and soak it in. Something that I know those kids will cherish forever.”“It feels great to accomplish something that the guys and coaches have fought so hard for,” said senior quarterback Landon Putman, who completed an efficient 15-of-20 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns.Putman has thrown for 949 yards on the season. He’s thrown eight touchdowns and just five interceptions in 173 pass attempts as his QB rating went from 67 to 74.1.“Landon has been everything we have asked him to do and more,” Ozores said. “He has stepped up with his legs running the ball the past 3-4 games and been feeling more and more comfortable with our system and all the progressions.”Ozores has especially loved what he’s seeing from his eight seniors.Aiden Anderes, DE, RB, TE, is an overall great player and teammate, leads by example and plays everywhere for the Cougars, Ozores said. Ozores noted contributions from defensive lineman Zach Johnson, who loves football, offensive lineman Erik Franco, a player the Cougars lean heavily on up front, lineman Sean Iselin, who plays hard and is a high IQ player, tight end Brady Oliver, who does all the little things right, defensive end Jesus Mariscal, a physical player who has stepped up this year for South and DB Kaiden Wachs, who works hard and does everything he is asked.&nbsp;“The senior leadership has gotten better,” Ozores said. “We only have eight, but they do the right things and work hard. They aren’t so much vocal leaders which is okay but they practice, prepare and work hard and know their roles of trying to help turn around the program.”Redmond scored two touchdowns and galloped for a season-high 123 yards rushing. He’s the Cougars’ leading ground gainer with 230 yards on 55 totes and four TDs.“Just thinking back to every morning we have worked out as a team and getting better together means a lot to us,” Redmond said. “People do notice when things go the way they should. So our plan is to keep grinding and getting better so the people can hear more about us.”Junior Jaxon Meyers is Putman’s top receiver with 514 yards and six touchdowns, but unfortunately he broke his arm early in third quarter and is out for the year.“It feels good to get this off our back,” Meyers said of the streak. “Thinking about it for a while and it means a lot to help contribute to the win even when I got injured just knowing that they’re doing it for me. Hope this helps stack another one this week.”The 1-6 Cougars conclude the regular season Friday at Maize.“This victory means a lot not only to the program but the whole high school and the South community,” Ozores said. “These kids have worked extremely hard to start turning the program around and to take steps in the right direction. I truly believe when you have a successful football program it carries into all athletics in the whole school. It sets the tone in the weight room and the competitive atmosphere you need to have to be successful. Now our kids need to learn quickly how to handle success and when people say good things about you how to stay hungry and want more. We still need to finish things strong and I’m excited about what we can show these last weeks of the season.”“Ending the streak is something that has been on everybody’s mind this season and a big goal of ours,” junior Landon Huffman said. “But it wasn’t our only goal. We aren’t done, plain and simple.”