MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang met with the media on Monday afternoon (Nov. 4) to preview the season opener with New Orleans, which tips off the 2024-25 season on Tuesday night at Bramlage Coliseum.

Links to the audio and a transcript of Tang’s availability are above.

K-State will open its 121st season of men’s basketball on Tuesday night with just their second all-time meeting with the Privateers and the first since a 62-47 victory on Dec. 4, 1999. The Wildcats are 93-27 all-time in season openers, including a 29-3 mark at Bramlage Coliseum.

K-State played its first and only public exhibition on Oct. 29, leading wire-to-wire against a nationally ranked Fort Hays State squad. Junior guard Brendan Hausen led four players in double figures with a game-high 15 points, while Preseason Big 12 co-Newcomer of the Year Coleman Hawkins was solid all-around with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals in 32 minutes. Senior David N’Guessan had a near double-double with 10 points and a game-high 9 rebounds.

The third-year head coach and his staff welcome 14 players for the 2024-25 season, including 3 returning lettermen (N’Guessan and sophomores Taj Manning and Macaleab Rich) and 11 newcomers. Among those newcomers are 8 Division I transfers, a junior college All-American (Mobi Ikegwuruka) and a top-50 high school prospect (David Castillo).

Hawkins, who was also a Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team selection, has been named to the watch lists for the Naismith Trophy as well as the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year.

K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including an 8-10 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in Tang’s first two seasons, including consecutive postseason appearances.

Tuesday’s contest will be the first of four consecutive home games for the Wildcats, including matchups with Cleveland State (Saturday), LSU (Nov. 14) and Mississippi Valley State (Nov. 19).

Tickets are still available for Tuesday’s opener starting at $15 by calling (800) 221.CATS or online at <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2015/6/12/mbbtickets">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

On if the team will be at full strength for Tuesday’s game…

“Yes, everyone is healthy. Achor (Achor) had a family emergency, and he’s still not back yet. He should be back sometime today (Monday). So, I’m not sure whether he’ll play tomorrow or not, but other than that, everybody’s healthy.”

On what he learned from the exhibition game…

“I thought we were tight as a staff as well as the players. It was the first time in front of fans with a new group. We had some guys, and this was my fault, who didn’t know how to enter the arena, where to park, things like that that go along with the first game. Achor (Achor) actually walked through the arena because that’s how we normally go to practice. He didn’t know that you walk around. So, there’s so many little things like that. My first year, everything was so new, so I knew that I would have to go through every detail. Last year, we had seven guys returning, so they helped with some of that, but now you have to treat every year like everybody’s brand new and go over every detail of everything. So, it was what an exhibition game is supposed to be. To learn what you need to take care of and correct.”

“I think that’s still developing. Right now, we have nine players who have separated themselves (from the rest of the team). There is a little separation between nine and 10, but 10 and 11 are right there. So, I don’t want anybody to feel comfortable right now with such a new group. I want everyone to realize that if you’re not being your best at practice, working and improving, there’s somebody there who is ready to step in.”

On what he is looking for in the first game…

“I think right now it’s just about getting out there and playing a game. I just want to see how we respond and how we can get a little bit better. I always think it takes a while for you to be able to play the game for 30 to 35 minutes the way you want to play. Part of that is conditioning. Part of it is focus. We want to find out how many minutes we can play the way we want to play so we know what we need to work on.”

“I think it really changes year to year. You look at what the NCAA committee tells you. What do they value? We go to 20 games in league play this year. So, if you play more league games then you have to get rid of some of those high major games in the non-conference because you don’t want to play 30 high major games. You want to challenge yourself with your non-conference schedule, but you don’t want to kill yourself either. It’s a tough balance.”

“They’ll press you. They will get after you. I think against Southern Miss, it was 105 to 102, and they got to the free throw line 41 times. They’re aggressive to the glass. They want to force turnovers and speed things up. They do a good job in the halfcourt, forcing you to really to have to work to get a shot. We can’t settle for early threes because they’re going under ball screens. We’ve got to keep working it (on the offensive end). It will be a challenging game.”

On what fans can expect from Max Jones since he didn’t play in the exhibition…

“He can do a lot of things. A big guard who allows us to play Coleman (Hawkins) at the four. He has experience. He can make shots. He’s a tough kid with a chip on his shoulder who is a lot of fun to play with.”

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang met with the media on Monday afternoon (Nov. 4) to preview the season opener with New Orleans, which tips off the 2024-25 season on Tuesday night at Bramlage Coliseum.Links to the audio and a transcript of Tang’s availability are above.K-State will open its 121st season of men’s basketball on Tuesday night with just their second all-time meeting with the Privateers and the first since a 62-47 victory on Dec. 4, 1999. The Wildcats are 93-27 all-time in season openers, including a 29-3 mark at Bramlage Coliseum.K-State played its first and only public exhibition on Oct. 29, leading wire-to-wire against a nationally ranked Fort Hays State squad. Junior guard Brendan Hausen led four players in double figures with a game-high 15 points, while Preseason Big 12 co-Newcomer of the Year Coleman Hawkins was solid all-around with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals in 32 minutes. Senior David N’Guessan had a near double-double with 10 points and a game-high 9 rebounds.The third-year head coach and his staff welcome 14 players for the 2024-25 season, including 3 returning lettermen (N’Guessan and sophomores Taj Manning and Macaleab Rich) and 11 newcomers. Among those newcomers are 8 Division I transfers, a junior college All-American (Mobi Ikegwuruka) and a top-50 high school prospect (David Castillo).Hawkins, who was also a Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team selection, has been named to the watch lists for the Naismith Trophy as well as the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year.K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including an 8-10 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in Tang’s first two seasons, including consecutive postseason appearances.Tuesday’s contest will be the first of four consecutive home games for the Wildcats, including matchups with Cleveland State (Saturday), LSU (Nov. 14) and Mississippi Valley State (Nov. 19).Tickets are still available for Tuesday’s opener starting at $15 by calling (800) 221.CATS or online at <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2015/6/12/mbbtickets">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.HEAD COACH JEROME TANGOn if the team will be at full strength for Tuesday’s game…“Yes, everyone is healthy. Achor (Achor) had a family emergency, and he’s still not back yet. He should be back sometime today (Monday). So, I’m not sure whether he’ll play tomorrow or not, but other than that, everybody’s healthy.”On what he learned from the exhibition game…“I thought we were tight as a staff as well as the players. It was the first time in front of fans with a new group. We had some guys, and this was my fault, who didn’t know how to enter the arena, where to park, things like that that go along with the first game. Achor (Achor) actually walked through the arena because that’s how we normally go to practice. He didn’t know that you walk around. So, there’s so many little things like that. My first year, everything was so new, so I knew that I would have to go through every detail. Last year, we had seven guys returning, so they helped with some of that, but now you have to treat every year like everybody’s brand new and go over every detail of everything. So, it was what an exhibition game is supposed to be. To learn what you need to take care of and correct.”On the starting lineup…“I think that’s still developing. Right now, we have nine players who have separated themselves (from the rest of the team). There is a little separation between nine and 10, but 10 and 11 are right there. So, I don’t want anybody to feel comfortable right now with such a new group. I want everyone to realize that if you’re not being your best at practice, working and improving, there’s somebody there who is ready to step in.”On what he is looking for in the first game…“I think right now it’s just about getting out there and playing a game. I just want to see how we respond and how we can get a little bit better. I always think it takes a while for you to be able to play the game for 30 to 35 minutes the way you want to play. Part of that is conditioning. Part of it is focus. We want to find out how many minutes we can play the way we want to play so we know what we need to work on.”On his philosophy on season openers…“I think it really changes year to year. You look at what the NCAA committee tells you. What do they value? We go to 20 games in league play this year. So, if you play more league games then you have to get rid of some of those high major games in the non-conference because you don’t want to play 30 high major games. You want to challenge yourself with your non-conference schedule, but you don’t want to kill yourself either. It’s a tough balance.”On New Orleans…“They’ll press you. They will get after you. I think against Southern Miss, it was 105 to 102, and they got to the free throw line 41 times. They’re aggressive to the glass. They want to force turnovers and speed things up. They do a good job in the halfcourt, forcing you to really to have to work to get a shot. We can’t settle for early threes because they’re going under ball screens. We’ve got to keep working it (on the offensive end). It will be a challenging game.”On what fans can expect from Max Jones since he didn’t play in the exhibition…“He can do a lot of things. A big guard who allows us to play Coleman (Hawkins) at the four. He has experience. He can make shots. He’s a tough kid with a chip on his shoulder who is a lot of fun to play with.”On year three for him and staff…

Jerome Tang Previews the Season Opener with UNO

WICHITA -&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6224f47-a199-4586-b6e8-e637020e3346?elinkdata=14626" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;has earned the KCAC Men's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week honor, the conference announced on Monday. Student-athletes are selected for their performances from Oct. 28-Nov. 3 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51f9c4bd-50d8-45c4-af51-24d8ccf6f2ce?elinkdata=14626" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.

Hale was a big part in helping the No. 24 ranked Coyotes open the season with a pair of victories in the Kansas Wesleyan Coyote Basketball Classic, presented by Nex-Tech Wireless on Friday and Saturday.

Hale was great on defense for the Coyotes to open the season. His most impressive performance was on Saturday, when he had to guard Wayland Baptist's Quenton Coleman, who had scored 31 points the night before against Bethel, and held him to 15 points, while forcing him into 20 total shots, and into 1-of-10 shooting from 3-point range. While not always finishing with the steal, he forced Coleman into five turnovers as well. Against Northern New Mexico, he guarded their guards Joziah Ramos and Jesus Mendoza and forced them into a combined 4 of 15 shooting and three turnovers, again not always getting the steal, but his defense forcing them into bad decisions that led to turnovers.

KWU is back in action this week with three games, at Manhattan Christian on Tuesday, then a weekend classic in Sioux City, Iowa, against Waldorf on Friday and Morningside on Saturday.

WICHITA -&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6224f47-a199-4586-b6e8-e637020e3346?elinkdata=14626" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;has earned the KCAC Men's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week honor, the conference announced on Monday. Student-athletes are selected for their performances from Oct. 28-Nov. 3 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51f9c4bd-50d8-45c4-af51-24d8ccf6f2ce?elinkdata=14626" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.Hale was a big part in helping the No. 24 ranked Coyotes open the season with a pair of victories in the Kansas Wesleyan Coyote Basketball Classic, presented by Nex-Tech Wireless on Friday and Saturday.Hale was great on defense for the Coyotes to open the season. His most impressive performance was on Saturday, when he had to guard Wayland Baptist's Quenton Coleman, who had scored 31 points the night before against Bethel, and held him to 15 points, while forcing him into 20 total shots, and into 1-of-10 shooting from 3-point range. While not always finishing with the steal, he forced Coleman into five turnovers as well. Against Northern New Mexico, he guarded their guards Joziah Ramos and Jesus Mendoza and forced them into a combined 4 of 15 shooting and three turnovers, again not always getting the steal, but his defense forcing them into bad decisions that led to turnovers.KWU is back in action this week with three games, at Manhattan Christian on Tuesday, then a weekend classic in Sioux City, Iowa, against Waldorf on Friday and Morningside on Saturday.

Hale named as KCAC Men's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week

WICHITA -- <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1cbf71c-cebb-4692-a926-10fe0038bcca?elinkdata=14600">Myles Elam</a> of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned this week's KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes are selected for their performances from Oct. 28-Nov. 3 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e917690e-c827-4ccc-82ac-d25882510f36?elinkdata=14600">Equity Bank</a>.

Elam had a great game on the defensive side of the ball. He was part of KWU's defense that held Tabor to only 37 yards rushing on the day. Among his eight tackles, he had two on fourth down plays that stopped Tabor drives. He added another on a sack in the third quarter for a 16-yard loss that pinned Tabor at its own 10-yard line and forced the Bluejays to punt out of the end zone.

WICHITA -- <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1cbf71c-cebb-4692-a926-10fe0038bcca?elinkdata=14600">Myles Elam</a> of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned this week's KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes are selected for their performances from Oct. 28-Nov. 3 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e917690e-c827-4ccc-82ac-d25882510f36?elinkdata=14600">Equity Bank</a>.Elam had a great game on the defensive side of the ball. He was part of KWU's defense that held Tabor to only 37 yards rushing on the day. Among his eight tackles, he had two on fourth down plays that stopped Tabor drives. He added another on a sack in the third quarter for a 16-yard loss that pinned Tabor at its own 10-yard line and forced the Bluejays to punt out of the end zone.

Elam named KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week

KCAC TOURNAMENT LINKS (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2b62ced-ea00-42e6-8bf7-a92d653b181e?elinkdata=14574">BRACKET</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a1dda231-65cd-4a95-bfe8-28e784bd2dd2?elinkdata=14574">TICKETS</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3aed81ce-858f-46dc-abf6-bc5145a936fe?elinkdata=14574">WATCH</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fccc925f-7e5e-4e97-8167-58a6d2ca8e45?elinkdata=14574">LIVE STATS</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/963c2269-0f04-4dc9-9b5e-d86d5cefa266?elinkdata=14574">KCAC TOURNAMENT PAGE</a>)

Kansas Wesleyan is the No. 2 seed in the 2024 KCAC Women's Soccer Tournament and will host No. 7 seed York University on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at JRI Hospitality Stadium at Graves Family Sports Complex in the tournament quarterfinals.

Since the match is a KCAC Quarterfinal match, there will be an admission charge to the game. Adult tickets are $12 each, Seniors (55+) are $6, KCAC Faculty and Staff (when showing ID) are $6, Children ages 6-17 are $3, students from KCAC institutions are free when showing their school ID, and children under 5 are free.

ALL TICKETS must be purchased in advance at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7623c9f3-63a9-43a7-b1ac-168f069c6132?elinkdata=14574">www.kcacsports.com</a> and clicking on the TICKETS link. No walk-up, on-site ticket sales will be done. Signs will be posted at the ticket booth for fans to scan a QR code to take them directly to the KCAC ticketing page. KWU will have staff on-hand to assist with ticketing.

The match will also be streamed by the Coyote Sports Network as part of the KCAC network at: <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e4cf0c33-078c-4738-817d-9464db6f92d4?elinkdata=14574">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>. Live stats for the match will be available at: <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc0dab8b-8656-4c30-88ec-0fcc19d4f7cd?elinkdata=14574">www.kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wsoc/summary</a>.

KWU finished the regular season with an 11-2 record in the KCAC this season and an 11-6-1 record overall. The 11 wins came after KWU went 0-4-1 in early season non-conference play where the Coyotes faced four teams that were either ranked or receiving votes in the poll at the time.

In the regular season meeting between the teams on September 18 at York, the Coyotes came away with a 2-0 win over the Panthers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/afbaa3eb-603d-4826-9ac6-2e1cda3369f3?elinkdata=14574">Precious Nwosu</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c910b8df-70be-4956-93c7-1cc83b295ba1?elinkdata=14574">Grace Conner</a> scored first half goals for the Coyotes and the defense settled in to preserve the clean sheet.

KWU leads the all-time series 15-3 with the Panthers, and is currently on an eight match winning streak in the series.

KWU is averaging 2.11 goals per match this season, with 38 total goals, while allowing 20. KWU has surrendered only eight goals during conference play.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a79cc1a7-ae1a-4c6e-bcbd-0d6c4dbc7184?elinkdata=14574">Emma Gervy</a> leads the Coyotes with seven goals on the season and has four assists as well. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/50d62b6a-ff8f-4800-8adf-425ba4649cb6?elinkdata=14574">Grace Conner</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3c6b1feb-b14e-4534-9752-b10aedd354ad?elinkdata=14574">Maleia Jackson</a> have six goals each and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4faccbd5-5eeb-4d94-aa1a-5f17507f01b5?elinkdata=14574">Precious Nwosu</a> adds four goals and has a team best five assists.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/335ab081-ff4a-414b-9123-51a59f88569c?elinkdata=14574">Isabella Galvan</a> is the primary goal keeper for the Coyotes, allowing just 18 goals overall and only seven in conference play. She has an overall 1.16 GAA and a 0.61 GAA and has 53 saves on the season.

York enters the KCAC Tournament with an 8-6-4 overall record and a 5-4-4 record in the KCAC as the No. 7 seed.

The Panthers are averaging 1.78 goals per match this season with 32 goals scored. York has only allowed 12 goals by opponents this season, and only allowed eight during conference play.

Gracie Reynolds is York's leading goal scorer with 12 goals. Sofia Villa Monterd leads the Panthers with five assists. Harumi Cornejo is York's primary net minder appearing in and starting all 18 matches, allowing 12 goals with a 0.71 GAA and 62 saves.

The winner of Tuesday's match advances to the KCAC Tournament semifinals on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Scheels-Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita. The Coyotes are looking for their 20th consecutive appearance in the conference semifinals, an unprecedented streak at the conference level.

The KCAC finals are November 13 also at Stryker at 4 p.m.

KCAC TOURNAMENT LINKS (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2b62ced-ea00-42e6-8bf7-a92d653b181e?elinkdata=14574">BRACKET</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a1dda231-65cd-4a95-bfe8-28e784bd2dd2?elinkdata=14574">TICKETS</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3aed81ce-858f-46dc-abf6-bc5145a936fe?elinkdata=14574">WATCH</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fccc925f-7e5e-4e97-8167-58a6d2ca8e45?elinkdata=14574">LIVE STATS</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/963c2269-0f04-4dc9-9b5e-d86d5cefa266?elinkdata=14574">KCAC TOURNAMENT PAGE</a>)Kansas Wesleyan is the No. 2 seed in the 2024 KCAC Women's Soccer Tournament and will host No. 7 seed York University on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at JRI Hospitality Stadium at Graves Family Sports Complex in the tournament quarterfinals.Since the match is a KCAC Quarterfinal match, there will be an admission charge to the game. Adult tickets are $12 each, Seniors (55+) are $6, KCAC Faculty and Staff (when showing ID) are $6, Children ages 6-17 are $3, students from KCAC institutions are free when showing their school ID, and children under 5 are free.ALL TICKETS must be purchased in advance at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7623c9f3-63a9-43a7-b1ac-168f069c6132?elinkdata=14574">www.kcacsports.com</a> and clicking on the TICKETS link. No walk-up, on-site ticket sales will be done. Signs will be posted at the ticket booth for fans to scan a QR code to take them directly to the KCAC ticketing page. KWU will have staff on-hand to assist with ticketing.The match will also be streamed by the Coyote Sports Network as part of the KCAC network at: <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e4cf0c33-078c-4738-817d-9464db6f92d4?elinkdata=14574">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>. Live stats for the match will be available at: <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc0dab8b-8656-4c30-88ec-0fcc19d4f7cd?elinkdata=14574">www.kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wsoc/summary</a>.KWU finished the regular season with an 11-2 record in the KCAC this season and an 11-6-1 record overall. The 11 wins came after KWU went 0-4-1 in early season non-conference play where the Coyotes faced four teams that were either ranked or receiving votes in the poll at the time.In the regular season meeting between the teams on September 18 at York, the Coyotes came away with a 2-0 win over the Panthers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/afbaa3eb-603d-4826-9ac6-2e1cda3369f3?elinkdata=14574">Precious Nwosu</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c910b8df-70be-4956-93c7-1cc83b295ba1?elinkdata=14574">Grace Conner</a> scored first half goals for the Coyotes and the defense settled in to preserve the clean sheet.KWU leads the all-time series 15-3 with the Panthers, and is currently on an eight match winning streak in the series.KWU is averaging 2.11 goals per match this season, with 38 total goals, while allowing 20. KWU has surrendered only eight goals during conference play.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a79cc1a7-ae1a-4c6e-bcbd-0d6c4dbc7184?elinkdata=14574">Emma Gervy</a> leads the Coyotes with seven goals on the season and has four assists as well. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/50d62b6a-ff8f-4800-8adf-425ba4649cb6?elinkdata=14574">Grace Conner</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3c6b1feb-b14e-4534-9752-b10aedd354ad?elinkdata=14574">Maleia Jackson</a> have six goals each and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4faccbd5-5eeb-4d94-aa1a-5f17507f01b5?elinkdata=14574">Precious Nwosu</a> adds four goals and has a team best five assists.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/335ab081-ff4a-414b-9123-51a59f88569c?elinkdata=14574">Isabella Galvan</a> is the primary goal keeper for the Coyotes, allowing just 18 goals overall and only seven in conference play. She has an overall 1.16 GAA and a 0.61 GAA and has 53 saves on the season.York enters the KCAC Tournament with an 8-6-4 overall record and a 5-4-4 record in the KCAC as the No. 7 seed.The Panthers are averaging 1.78 goals per match this season with 32 goals scored. York has only allowed 12 goals by opponents this season, and only allowed eight during conference play.Gracie Reynolds is York's leading goal scorer with 12 goals. Sofia Villa Monterd leads the Panthers with five assists. Harumi Cornejo is York's primary net minder appearing in and starting all 18 matches, allowing 12 goals with a 0.71 GAA and 62 saves.The winner of Tuesday's match advances to the KCAC Tournament semifinals on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Scheels-Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita. The Coyotes are looking for their 20th consecutive appearance in the conference semifinals, an unprecedented streak at the conference level.The KCAC finals are November 13 also at Stryker at 4 p.m.

KWU WSOC is No. 2 seed in KCAC Women's Soccer Tournament starting Tuesday

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Fresh off their second open week of the season, the Kansas Jayhawks will return home to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to host the No. 17 Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on FS1 with Guy Haberman (Play-by-Play) and Yogi Roth (Analyst) on the call.

Saturday’s Kansas vs. Iowa State matchup marks the 103rd all-time meeting between the two teams in a series that dates back to 1898. Kansas owns the all-time series at 52-45-6, including winners of the last two meetings (2023 – Kansas 28, Iowa State 21;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/2022+%E2%80%93+Kansas+14?entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank">2022 – Kansas 14</a>, Iowa State 11). Saturday’s game between Kansas and Iowa State will also serve as Kansas’ Salute to Service game, honoring service members and first responders for their service.

The Kansas Jayhawks (2-6, 1-4 Big 12) enter the Week 11 matchup off an open week, following a close 29-27 defeat to No. 16 Kansas State in the Dillon’s Sunflower Showdown on Oct. 26.

Kansas led a balanced offensive attack that accumulated 401 yards of total offense to go along with three total rushing touchdowns, including one each from Devin Neal, Jalon Daniels and Sevion Morrison. The Kansas defense forced a fumble and held Kansas State to 6-of-15 (40%) on third-down conversions, which was the second lowest of the season for the Wildcats.

Through eight games this season, Kansas leads the country in red zone offense, scoring on all 26 opportunities this season (21 touchdowns, 5 field goals). The Kansas offense averages 407.1 total yards per game, including 210.6 rushing yards per game, which ranks third in the Big 12 Conference and 16th nationally this season. Defensively, redshirt senior JB Brown leads the Jayhawks with 47 tackles on a defensive unit that averages 24.6 points per game in scoring defense.

The No. 17 Iowa State Cyclones (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) enter Saturday’s showdown among the leaders in the Big 12 Conference. Iowa State is coming off a last-minute 23-22 defeat at the hands of Texas Tech on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State set itself up with a 22-17 lead with just 2:11 remaining following a 44-yard touchdown pass from Rocco Becht to Carson Brown, but Texas Tech responded with just 20 seconds remaining to give the Cyclones their first loss of the season.

Led by head coach Matt Campbell, Iowa State is among the least penalized teams in the country, averaging just 29.38 yards in penalties per game. The Cyclones also allow a Big 12 leading 15.5 points per game to opposing offenses and are led by defensive back Malik Verdon with 57 tackles this season.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Fresh off their second open week of the season, the Kansas Jayhawks will return home to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to host the No. 17 Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on FS1 with Guy Haberman (Play-by-Play) and Yogi Roth (Analyst) on the call.Saturday’s Kansas vs. Iowa State matchup marks the 103rd all-time meeting between the two teams in a series that dates back to 1898. Kansas owns the all-time series at 52-45-6, including winners of the last two meetings (2023 – Kansas 28, Iowa State 21;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/2022+%E2%80%93+Kansas+14?entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank">2022 – Kansas 14</a>, Iowa State 11). Saturday’s game between Kansas and Iowa State will also serve as Kansas’ Salute to Service game, honoring service members and first responders for their service.The Kansas Jayhawks (2-6, 1-4 Big 12) enter the Week 11 matchup off an open week, following a close 29-27 defeat to No. 16 Kansas State in the Dillon’s Sunflower Showdown on Oct. 26.Kansas led a balanced offensive attack that accumulated 401 yards of total offense to go along with three total rushing touchdowns, including one each from Devin Neal, Jalon Daniels and Sevion Morrison. The Kansas defense forced a fumble and held Kansas State to 6-of-15 (40%) on third-down conversions, which was the second lowest of the season for the Wildcats.Through eight games this season, Kansas leads the country in red zone offense, scoring on all 26 opportunities this season (21 touchdowns, 5 field goals). The Kansas offense averages 407.1 total yards per game, including 210.6 rushing yards per game, which ranks third in the Big 12 Conference and 16th nationally this season. Defensively, redshirt senior JB Brown leads the Jayhawks with 47 tackles on a defensive unit that averages 24.6 points per game in scoring defense.The No. 17 Iowa State Cyclones (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) enter Saturday’s showdown among the leaders in the Big 12 Conference. Iowa State is coming off a last-minute 23-22 defeat at the hands of Texas Tech on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State set itself up with a 22-17 lead with just 2:11 remaining following a 44-yard touchdown pass from Rocco Becht to Carson Brown, but Texas Tech responded with just 20 seconds remaining to give the Cyclones their first loss of the season.Led by head coach Matt Campbell, Iowa State is among the least penalized teams in the country, averaging just 29.38 yards in penalties per game. The Cyclones also allow a Big 12 leading 15.5 points per game to opposing offenses and are led by defensive back Malik Verdon with 57 tackles this season.

Kansas Returns Home to Host No. 17 Iowa State to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and its television partners announced Monday that Kansas State’s November 16 home game against new conference member Arizona State will kick at either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. on a network to be announced. This will be the Wildcats’ seventh game this year to kick at 6 p.m. local time, including the fourth in the last five games.

It will be just the second home game for the Wildcats since late September as they host the Sun Devils in Manhattan for the first time ever. ASU holds a 5-1 series lead as it won all five home games – the latest being in 1989 – while the Wildcats won the last meeting between the two programs, a 34-27 victory in the 2002 Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and its television partners announced Monday that Kansas State’s November 16 home game against new conference member Arizona State will kick at either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. on a network to be announced. This will be the Wildcats’ seventh game this year to kick at 6 p.m. local time, including the fourth in the last five games.It will be just the second home game for the Wildcats since late September as they host the Sun Devils in Manhattan for the first time ever. ASU holds a 5-1 series lead as it won all five home games – the latest being in 1989 – while the Wildcats won the last meeting between the two programs, a 34-27 victory in the 2002 Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California.

K-State’s November 16 Game vs. Arizona State to Kick at Night

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football’s first-ever trip to Provo, Utah, to face No. 9 BYU will kick off at 9:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 16, and be televised on ESPN, the Big 12 announced Monday.

This will be the third all-time meeting between Kansas and BYU, and the second between the programs as Big 12 Conference opponents. BYU joined the conference in 2023 and visited David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium last September, with Kansas earning a 38-27 victory to improve to 2-0 all-time against the Cougars. Kansas previously defeated BYU 23-20 to win the 1992 Aloha Bowl, which at the time was the program’s first bowl win in 31 years.

The Jayhawks are 3-3 when appearing on ESPN during Lance Leipold’s tenure, including an 0-1 mark this season after dropping a 23-20 contest vs. UNLV on Sept. 13.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football’s first-ever trip to Provo, Utah, to face No. 9 BYU will kick off at 9:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 16, and be televised on ESPN, the Big 12 announced Monday.This will be the third all-time meeting between Kansas and BYU, and the second between the programs as Big 12 Conference opponents. BYU joined the conference in 2023 and visited David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium last September, with Kansas earning a 38-27 victory to improve to 2-0 all-time against the Cougars. Kansas previously defeated BYU 23-20 to win the 1992 Aloha Bowl, which at the time was the program’s first bowl win in 31 years.The Jayhawks are 3-3 when appearing on ESPN during Lance Leipold’s tenure, including an 0-1 mark this season after dropping a 23-20 contest vs. UNLV on Sept. 13.

Kickoff for Kansas at BYU Game Set for 9:15 p.m. on ESPN

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas City Royals catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;and shortstop&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;have been named finalists for the 2024 Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, as announced this morning by Louisville Slugger. Finalists are voted on by Major League Managers and coaches. Winners will be announced on MLB Network on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6:00 p.m. CT.

Perez is one of four finalists among American League catchers, joining Houston’s&nbsp;Yainer Diaz, Oakland’s&nbsp;Shea Langeliers&nbsp;and Seattle’s&nbsp;Cal Raleigh. Witt Jr. is one of three finalists among American League shortstops, along with Baltimore’s&nbsp;Gunnar Henderson&nbsp;and Texas’&nbsp;Corey Seager.

Among qualified American League catchers in 2024 (min. 50% games at the position), Perez ranked 1st in RBI (104), on-base percentage (.330), slugging percentage (.456), OPS (.786) and extra-base hits (55), 2nd in batting average (.271) and hits (160) and 3rd in home runs (27).

Perez, 34, is by far the oldest among the American League finalists at his position, ahead of Raleigh (27), Langeliers (26) and Diaz (26). Salvy’s 104 RBI were the 2nd most ever by a catcher (min. 50% games) in his age-34 season or older, trailing only&nbsp;Carlton Fisk, who had 107 RBI at age 37 in 1985.

Salvy played in 158 games in 2024, the 2nd-highest total of his 13-year career, and made 90 starts behind the plate. His 27 home runs tied for the 2nd-highest total of his career and marked his eighth season with at least 20 HR. Perez ranked 2nd among all Major League players with 29 go-ahead RBI, trailing only&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(32).

Perez has been a finalist in 10 of the last 11 seasons since 2014, with the only exception being 2019, when he missed the entire season due to injury.

Should Perez win the award (which was established in 1980), it would be his fifth career honor, following 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2021. His four career Silver Slugger Awards are already a club record, ahead of&nbsp;George Brett’s&nbsp;three. He would be the ninth player to win at least five Louisville Silver Slugger Awards as a catcher, along with&nbsp;Mike Piazza&nbsp;(10),&nbsp;Iván Rodríguez&nbsp;(7),&nbsp;Brian McCann&nbsp;(6),&nbsp;Lance Parrish&nbsp;(6),&nbsp;Gary Carter&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Joe Mauer&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Jorge Posada&nbsp;(5) and&nbsp;Buster Posey&nbsp;(5).

Witt Jr., 24, led all Major League players in 2024 with a .332 batting average and 211 hits. Among qualified shortstops in the American League, he also ranked 1st in runs (125), RBI (109), on-base percentage (.389), slugging percentage (.588), OPS (.977), extra-base hits (88) and games (161).

Witt Jr. hit 32 home runs (2nd among AL shortstops) to become the first shortstop in Major League history to record consecutive 30/30 seasons. He also became the second player ever (regardless of position) to lead the Majors in batting average during a 30/30 season, joining&nbsp;Mookie Betts&nbsp;in 2018.

Witt Jr., who was a finalist in 2023, would be the first Royals shortstop to win a Silver Slugger Award.

Witt Jr. was named a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner for the first time last night. If he wins the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, Witt Jr. would be the 13th different shortstop (18th occurrence) to win both honors in the same season, and the first since&nbsp;Brandon Crawford&nbsp;in 2015.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas City Royals catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;and shortstop&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;have been named finalists for the 2024 Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, as announced this morning by Louisville Slugger. Finalists are voted on by Major League Managers and coaches. Winners will be announced on MLB Network on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6:00 p.m. CT.Perez is one of four finalists among American League catchers, joining Houston’s&nbsp;Yainer Diaz, Oakland’s&nbsp;Shea Langeliers&nbsp;and Seattle’s&nbsp;Cal Raleigh. Witt Jr. is one of three finalists among American League shortstops, along with Baltimore’s&nbsp;Gunnar Henderson&nbsp;and Texas’&nbsp;Corey Seager.Among qualified American League catchers in 2024 (min. 50% games at the position), Perez ranked 1st in RBI (104), on-base percentage (.330), slugging percentage (.456), OPS (.786) and extra-base hits (55), 2nd in batting average (.271) and hits (160) and 3rd in home runs (27).Perez, 34, is by far the oldest among the American League finalists at his position, ahead of Raleigh (27), Langeliers (26) and Diaz (26). Salvy’s 104 RBI were the 2nd most ever by a catcher (min. 50% games) in his age-34 season or older, trailing only&nbsp;Carlton Fisk, who had 107 RBI at age 37 in 1985.Salvy played in 158 games in 2024, the 2nd-highest total of his 13-year career, and made 90 starts behind the plate. His 27 home runs tied for the 2nd-highest total of his career and marked his eighth season with at least 20 HR. Perez ranked 2nd among all Major League players with 29 go-ahead RBI, trailing only&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(32).Perez has been a finalist in 10 of the last 11 seasons since 2014, with the only exception being 2019, when he missed the entire season due to injury.Should Perez win the award (which was established in 1980), it would be his fifth career honor, following 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2021. His four career Silver Slugger Awards are already a club record, ahead of&nbsp;George Brett’s&nbsp;three. He would be the ninth player to win at least five Louisville Silver Slugger Awards as a catcher, along with&nbsp;Mike Piazza&nbsp;(10),&nbsp;Iván Rodríguez&nbsp;(7),&nbsp;Brian McCann&nbsp;(6),&nbsp;Lance Parrish&nbsp;(6),&nbsp;Gary Carter&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Joe Mauer&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Jorge Posada&nbsp;(5) and&nbsp;Buster Posey&nbsp;(5).Witt Jr., 24, led all Major League players in 2024 with a .332 batting average and 211 hits. Among qualified shortstops in the American League, he also ranked 1st in runs (125), RBI (109), on-base percentage (.389), slugging percentage (.588), OPS (.977), extra-base hits (88) and games (161).Witt Jr. hit 32 home runs (2nd among AL shortstops) to become the first shortstop in Major League history to record consecutive 30/30 seasons. He also became the second player ever (regardless of position) to lead the Majors in batting average during a 30/30 season, joining&nbsp;Mookie Betts&nbsp;in 2018.Witt Jr., who was a finalist in 2023, would be the first Royals shortstop to win a Silver Slugger Award.Witt Jr. was named a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner for the first time last night. If he wins the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, Witt Jr. would be the 13th different shortstop (18th occurrence) to win both honors in the same season, and the first since&nbsp;Brandon Crawford&nbsp;in 2015.

Salvador Perez, Bobby Witt Jr. named finalists for Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. were named winners of 2024 American League Rawlings Gold Glove Awards for the first time in their careers, Rawlings Sporting Goods Inc. announced tonight. The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards honor the best individual fielding performances at each position in the American League and National League. Winners were chosen by a combination of votes from MLB managers and coaches, and the SABR Defensive Index.

They are the 16th and 17th Royals, respectively, to win the award. The Royals now have 22 Rawlings Gold Gloves over the last 14 seasons since 2011, the most in the Majors during that time.

Lugo is the second Royals pitcher to win the award, joining Royals Hall of Famer Bret Saberhagen (1989). Witt Jr. is the second shortstop in franchise history to earn the honor, joining Alcides Escobar (2015). Witt Jr., who played in his age-24 season, became the 3rd-youngest Royal to win the Award, only older than Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez, who both won their first Gold Glove Awards at age 23 in 2013. Lugo and Witt Jr. are the first Royals to win a Gold Glove Award since outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Michael A. Taylor in 2021.

Lugo, who turns 35 in two weeks, was one of 10 American League pitchers to finish with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and make at least 30 starts, and he started more games (33) and covered more innings (206.2) than everyone in that group. Lugo had 43 defensive chances this season, 2nd to Boston’s Tanner Houck (51) for the AL lead. He successfully recorded 14 putouts and 29 assists, while contributing to 3 double plays, 1 shy of Michael Lorenzen and Casey Mize for the AL lead. Lugo registered 5 Defensive Runs Saved, 1 shy of Tanner Bibee’s American League-leading 6 for pitchers.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. were named winners of 2024 American League Rawlings Gold Glove Awards for the first time in their careers, Rawlings Sporting Goods Inc. announced tonight. The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards honor the best individual fielding performances at each position in the American League and National League. Winners were chosen by a combination of votes from MLB managers and coaches, and the SABR Defensive Index.They are the 16th and 17th Royals, respectively, to win the award. The Royals now have 22 Rawlings Gold Gloves over the last 14 seasons since 2011, the most in the Majors during that time.Lugo is the second Royals pitcher to win the award, joining Royals Hall of Famer Bret Saberhagen (1989). Witt Jr. is the second shortstop in franchise history to earn the honor, joining Alcides Escobar (2015). Witt Jr., who played in his age-24 season, became the 3rd-youngest Royal to win the Award, only older than Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez, who both won their first Gold Glove Awards at age 23 in 2013. Lugo and Witt Jr. are the first Royals to win a Gold Glove Award since outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Michael A. Taylor in 2021.Lugo, who turns 35 in two weeks, was one of 10 American League pitchers to finish with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and make at least 30 starts, and he started more games (33) and covered more innings (206.2) than everyone in that group. Lugo had 43 defensive chances this season, 2nd to Boston’s Tanner Houck (51) for the AL lead. He successfully recorded 14 putouts and 29 assists, while contributing to 3 double plays, 1 shy of Michael Lorenzen and Casey Mize for the AL lead. Lugo registered 5 Defensive Runs Saved, 1 shy of Tanner Bibee’s American League-leading 6 for pitchers.

Lugo, Witt Jr. named 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners

WINFIELD - The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes had to wait a day to finish the 2024 regular season due to inclement weather, but got the match in on Sunday, playing to a 1-1 draw with Southwestern at Jantz Stadium.

The Coyotes finished the regular season and will be the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Men's Soccer Tournament, which begins on Wednesday with quarterfinals at the higher seeded teams.

KWU will again meet Southwestern, the No. 7 seed at 7:30 p.m. at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex on Wednesday evening. More information about the KCAC Tournament will be announced soon.

Southwestern scored the first goal of the match in the 14th minute as Marcos Benavidez pushed one past Wesleyan's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/706641c7-f005-45a8-9484-c718429ee99d?elinkdata=14548">Santiago Pagnutti</a> after staying inches onside making a run down the middle of the field and poking it past a diving Pagnutti at the top of the box.

The Coyotes got the equalizer in the 67th minute as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/69312578-6249-4eb0-b623-e9c0ea387849?elinkdata=14548">Gonzalo Gaubeka</a> converted a pass over the middle from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/91774b21-4eb9-4d44-ac46-3bb218f99a0d?elinkdata=14548">Trevor Peal</a> for the goal.

Wesleyan had chances to get the game winner, but couldn't find the back of the net.

WINFIELD - The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes had to wait a day to finish the 2024 regular season due to inclement weather, but got the match in on Sunday, playing to a 1-1 draw with Southwestern at Jantz Stadium.The Coyotes finished the regular season and will be the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Men's Soccer Tournament, which begins on Wednesday with quarterfinals at the higher seeded teams.KWU will again meet Southwestern, the No. 7 seed at 7:30 p.m. at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex on Wednesday evening. More information about the KCAC Tournament will be announced soon.Southwestern scored the first goal of the match in the 14th minute as Marcos Benavidez pushed one past Wesleyan's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/706641c7-f005-45a8-9484-c718429ee99d?elinkdata=14548">Santiago Pagnutti</a> after staying inches onside making a run down the middle of the field and poking it past a diving Pagnutti at the top of the box.The Coyotes got the equalizer in the 67th minute as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/69312578-6249-4eb0-b623-e9c0ea387849?elinkdata=14548">Gonzalo Gaubeka</a> converted a pass over the middle from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/91774b21-4eb9-4d44-ac46-3bb218f99a0d?elinkdata=14548">Trevor Peal</a> for the goal.Wesleyan had chances to get the game winner, but couldn't find the back of the net.

Men's Soccer ends regular season with 1-1 draw with Southwestern

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals today announced a three-year contract with right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Michael Wacha. The deal also included a club option for 2028.Wacha, 33, completed his 12th season in the Majors in 2024 and first with Kansas City. He made 29 starts and recorded 166.2 innings, the 2nd-highest total of his career and most since 2015 (181.1 IP). His 3.35 ERA (62 ER in 166.2 IP) in 2024 ranked 10th in the American League, helping Kansas City’s starting rotation rank 2nd in the Majors with a 3.55 ERA.

Wacha went 13-8 in 2024 and earned his 100th career win on Sept. 8, becoming one of 20 active pitchers with 100 wins. His .620 career win percentage ranks 6th among active pitchers (min. 150 decisions), trailing&nbsp;Clayton Kershaw&nbsp;(.693),&nbsp;Max Scherzer&nbsp;(.659),&nbsp;Gerrit Cole&nbsp;(.657),&nbsp;Justin Verlander&nbsp;(.641) and&nbsp;Chris Sale&nbsp;(.624).

Wacha was particularly strong over his last 22 starts in 2024, during which he went 12-4 with a 2.72 ERA (39 ER in 129.0 IP). His .750 win percentage from May 9 through season’s end was 2nd best in the American League to&nbsp;Tarik Skubal&nbsp;(.778), and his ERA ranked 3rd in the American League (min. 20 starts) behind&nbsp;Hunter Brown&nbsp;(2.46) and Skubal (2.46).

He allowed 3 earned runs or fewer in 16 consecutive starts from May 9-Aug. 23, matching the single-season franchise record set by&nbsp;Bret Saberhagen&nbsp;during his 1989&nbsp;Cy Young&nbsp;Award-winning season.

Over the last three seasons (since 2022), Wacha’s 3.30 ERA ranks 20th out of 106 pitchers who have recorded at least 300.0 innings, and his 38 wins during that time are tied for 7th most in the Majors. In fact, he’s one of just eight pitchers with at least 11 wins in each of the last three seasons.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals today announced a three-year contract with right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Michael Wacha. The deal also included a club option for 2028.Wacha, 33, completed his 12th season in the Majors in 2024 and first with Kansas City. He made 29 starts and recorded 166.2 innings, the 2nd-highest total of his career and most since 2015 (181.1 IP). His 3.35 ERA (62 ER in 166.2 IP) in 2024 ranked 10th in the American League, helping Kansas City’s starting rotation rank 2nd in the Majors with a 3.55 ERA.Wacha went 13-8 in 2024 and earned his 100th career win on Sept. 8, becoming one of 20 active pitchers with 100 wins. His .620 career win percentage ranks 6th among active pitchers (min. 150 decisions), trailing&nbsp;Clayton Kershaw&nbsp;(.693),&nbsp;Max Scherzer&nbsp;(.659),&nbsp;Gerrit Cole&nbsp;(.657),&nbsp;Justin Verlander&nbsp;(.641) and&nbsp;Chris Sale&nbsp;(.624).Wacha was particularly strong over his last 22 starts in 2024, during which he went 12-4 with a 2.72 ERA (39 ER in 129.0 IP). His .750 win percentage from May 9 through season’s end was 2nd best in the American League to&nbsp;Tarik Skubal&nbsp;(.778), and his ERA ranked 3rd in the American League (min. 20 starts) behind&nbsp;Hunter Brown&nbsp;(2.46) and Skubal (2.46).He allowed 3 earned runs or fewer in 16 consecutive starts from May 9-Aug. 23, matching the single-season franchise record set by&nbsp;Bret Saberhagen&nbsp;during his 1989&nbsp;Cy Young&nbsp;Award-winning season.Over the last three seasons (since 2022), Wacha’s 3.30 ERA ranks 20th out of 106 pitchers who have recorded at least 300.0 innings, and his 38 wins during that time are tied for 7th most in the Majors. In fact, he’s one of just eight pitchers with at least 11 wins in each of the last three seasons.

Royals agree to new deal with Michael Wacha

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KWU WSOC blanks Southwestern 2-0 to end regular season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snyder was pleased with the offense's work.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chiefs Quotes: 11-2-24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Jeremy Obermeyer Salina Post Contributor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Jeremy Obermeyer Salina Post ContributorSoutheast of Saline welcomed the Larned Indians to Steve Fritz Field on Friday night to open up the first round of Class 2A state playoffs. The Trojans were heavy favorites coming into tonight’s game, but it was the Indians who drew first&nbsp;blood on a 62-yard strike from Carson Shaver to Deacon Martin.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>From there however, it was all Southeast as the Trojans reeled off 76 straight points en route to a 76-12 rout.Grady Gebhardt started the purple fury with three touchdown runs of 35, 11, and&nbsp;56 yards. Then came a 24-yard touchdown reception from Tucker Thaxton. sandwiched between Kanyon Douglas touchdowns on runs of 61 and 13 yards.That closed out a 44-point first quarter, and Southeast added four&nbsp;more touchdowns in the second as the Trojan reserves started filtering in before halftime.“I felt like our kids reacted pretty well," SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. It was a total team effort, everyone got to&nbsp;play, and that’s a big deal.”Southeast finished the game with 335 yards rushing and 215 passing yards for a&nbsp;total of 550 yards. Gannon Jacobson completed 8 of 9 passes for 157&nbsp;yards and 3 touchdowns, while Gebhardt led the Trojans in rushing with 140 yards&nbsp;and 3 touchdowns on 7 carries.&nbsp;Thaxton led the receivers with 104 yards&nbsp;and 2 touchdowns on 4 catches, and Bryson Lippold led the Trojan defense with 7&nbsp;tackles and 2 fumble recoveries.Southeast (9-0) will move on to the second round of the playoffs and will play host&nbsp;to Norton (8-1) next Friday while Larned ends their season with a 2-7 record.

Southeast dominates Larned 76-12 in playoff victory

By ADAM COULTER Salina Post Contributor

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

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

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

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

By ADAM COULTER Salina Post ContributorMarion's Jameson Looper rushed for three touchdowns in the opening quarter against Sacred Heart Friday night in Salina and the Warriors never looked back in a 70-31 blowout.Looper scored on carries of 49, 60, and 12 yards respectively and Lane Smith added all three two-point conversations as the Warriors led 24-0 at the end of the first quarter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Knights got on the scoreboard for the first time as Bryson Gotti hauled in a 14-yard touchdown reception at the 8:55 mark of the second quarter to make the score 24-6. The two-point conversation was no good.Marion came back with its fourth touchdown and two-point conversation and extended the advantage to 32-6. Once again, Looper rushed for the touchdown and Smith added the two-point conversation.Finally, with 4:01 remaining in the opening half, Maddox Wells found Noah Wells from nine yards out for the second Sacred Heart scoring play. The two-point conversation was, once again, unsuccessful and the Knights' deficit was 32-12 at halftime.Despite the lopsided score, a shootout ensued in the third quarter as Marion began with possession of the ball and added to its lead. This time Smith ran for the touchdown and Looper added the two-point conversation to make the score 40-12.Wells then threw for his third touchdown and Gotti caught his second pass for a score at the 5:45 mark. The 59-yard reception closed the gap to 40-18.To close out the third quarter, Looper tacked on an additional two rushes for scores and Smith tacked on another pair of two-point conversations as the Warriors went ahead 56-18.Smith also ran for his second touchdown making the score 62-18 heading into the fourth quarter.Hines found the endzone at the&nbsp;9:20 mark of the final period and Leon Rowe tacked on the PAT making the score 62-25.One more touchdown by each team gave Marion an even 70 points and made the final score 70-31. Carson Lehman scored on a seven-yard run to close out the scoring for the Knights.Sacred Heart finishes its season with a 3-5 overall record. Marion improves to 7-2 and will face the top-seeded team in the 1A west bracket in Conway Springs.