<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/boxscores/20240928_dk69.xml">BOX SCORE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College football team put the scoreboard to work in a 99-0 romp over Ellsworth Community College on Saturday at Gowans Stadium.

The 99 points are the most-ever scored in a Blue Dragon single-game and tie for the most-ever points scored in a NJCAA Division I football game.

Hutchinson (4-0) scored on its first play from scrimmage, a 58-yard scamper by quarterback Samari Collier. The Collier touchdown was the first of eight rushing touchdowns in the win.&nbsp;

Waymond Jordan Jr. finished the game with nine carries for 171 yards and four scores, Julius Bolden eight carries for 80 yards and a score, and Titus Petteway four carries for 67 yards and two touchdowns.

Ben Prosper hauled in two passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns, while Dwayne Moorehead had two catches for 15 yards, Tre Brown with one catch for 15 yards and a score, and Kordell Gouldsby one catch for 19 yards.

The Blue Dragons scored 24 points in the first quarter, 35 in the second, 14 in the third and 26 in the final period.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons ran 57 plays for 591 yards, 40 of the 57 plays were rushing attempts, which the Blue Dragons gashed the Panthers defense for 469 yards.

The Hutchinson defense also joined in on the scoring, recording two interception returns for a touchdown, one by David Jester and the other from MJ Graham. HutchCC held Ellsworth to 100 yards on 83 plays.

The Blue Dragons defense matched its season-total of seven quarterback sacks, while recording 17 tackles for loss in the win.&nbsp;

HutchCC will host Dodge City (3-2) on Saturday at Gowans Stadium with kickoff scheduled for noon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727558743422.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/boxscores/20240928_dk69.xml">BOX SCORE</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College football team put the scoreboard to work in a 99-0 romp over Ellsworth Community College on Saturday at Gowans Stadium.The 99 points are the most-ever scored in a Blue Dragon single-game and tie for the most-ever points scored in a NJCAA Division I football game.Hutchinson (4-0) scored on its first play from scrimmage, a 58-yard scamper by quarterback Samari Collier. The Collier touchdown was the first of eight rushing touchdowns in the win.&nbsp;Waymond Jordan Jr. finished the game with nine carries for 171 yards and four scores, Julius Bolden eight carries for 80 yards and a score, and Titus Petteway four carries for 67 yards and two touchdowns.Ben Prosper hauled in two passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns, while Dwayne Moorehead had two catches for 15 yards, Tre Brown with one catch for 15 yards and a score, and Kordell Gouldsby one catch for 19 yards.The Blue Dragons scored 24 points in the first quarter, 35 in the second, 14 in the third and 26 in the final period.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons ran 57 plays for 591 yards, 40 of the 57 plays were rushing attempts, which the Blue Dragons gashed the Panthers defense for 469 yards.The Hutchinson defense also joined in on the scoring, recording two interception returns for a touchdown, one by David Jester and the other from MJ Graham. HutchCC held Ellsworth to 100 yards on 83 plays.The Blue Dragons defense matched its season-total of seven quarterback sacks, while recording 17 tackles for loss in the win.&nbsp;HutchCC will host Dodge City (3-2) on Saturday at Gowans Stadium with kickoff scheduled for noon.

🏈 No. 1 Hutchinson scores school-record 99 points in thumping of Ellsworth

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson passed for three touchdowns and ran for two as No. 23 Kansas State routed No. 20 Oklahoma State 42-20 Saturday.

Johnson passed for 259 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 60 yards and two scores.

DJ Giddens ran for 187 yards and a touchdown and had a catch for 22 yards for Kansas State for the Wildcats (4-1, 1-1 Big 12), who fell behind early before scoring 35 straight points to take control.

Alan Bowman passed for 361 yards and a touchdown for Oklahoma State (3-2, 0-2), but he threw two costly interceptions and lost a fumble. De'Zhaun Stribling had seven catches for 157 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown catch from Bowman on a flea flicker.

Giddens' 66-yard touchdown run on K-State's second offensive play of the second half gave Kansas State a 28-13 lead. Johnson then found Will Anciaux on a 2-yard pass for his first career touchdown and a 35-13 advantage. Johnson iced the game with a nifty 13-yard scramble for a touchdown.

Oklahoma State: The Cowboys, one of the preseason favorites to play in the Big 12 Championship Game, will have an uphill battle to get there. The Cowboys got running back Ollie Gordon II going early with 72 yards rushing in the first quarter, but he finished with 76.

Kansas State: The Wildcats dominated on offense, gaining 559 yards. On defense, they still need to limit the big plays in the passing game — they allowed five different Oklahoma State players to gain at least 10 yards on a reception and gave up 364 yards in the air.

Oklahoma State: Hosts West Virginia on Oct. 5.

Kansas State: Visits Colorado on Oct. 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727554589001.png" alt="Photo courtesy K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson passed for three touchdowns and ran for two as No. 23 Kansas State routed No. 20 Oklahoma State 42-20 Saturday.Johnson passed for 259 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 60 yards and two scores.DJ Giddens ran for 187 yards and a touchdown and had a catch for 22 yards for Kansas State for the Wildcats (4-1, 1-1 Big 12), who fell behind early before scoring 35 straight points to take control.Alan Bowman passed for 361 yards and a touchdown for Oklahoma State (3-2, 0-2), but he threw two costly interceptions and lost a fumble. De'Zhaun Stribling had seven catches for 157 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown catch from Bowman on a flea flicker.Giddens' 66-yard touchdown run on K-State's second offensive play of the second half gave Kansas State a 28-13 lead. Johnson then found Will Anciaux on a 2-yard pass for his first career touchdown and a 35-13 advantage. Johnson iced the game with a nifty 13-yard scramble for a touchdown.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>Oklahoma State: The Cowboys, one of the preseason favorites to play in the Big 12 Championship Game, will have an uphill battle to get there. The Cowboys got running back Ollie Gordon II going early with 72 yards rushing in the first quarter, but he finished with 76.Kansas State: The Wildcats dominated on offense, gaining 559 yards. On defense, they still need to limit the big plays in the passing game — they allowed five different Oklahoma State players to gain at least 10 yards on a reception and gave up 364 yards in the air.<h2>Up Next:</h2>Oklahoma State: Hosts West Virginia on Oct. 5.Kansas State: Visits Colorado on Oct. 12.

🏈Avery Johnson's 5 total TDs lead K-State past Oklahoma State

By JEREMY OBERMEYER Salina Post Contributor

The Southeast of Saline defense set the tone early Friday in their 40-6 victory over the Kingman Eagles to start District play, tallying an interception, a safety, and 11 tackles for loss.&nbsp;

SES held a powerful Kingman offense to just 106 total yards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“[Kingman] does a good job with their quarterback power run game, and I felt like our kids did a darn good job with it,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “I thought we played a physical football game, and I think we’ve been good about that, but in the open field, we were more physical tonight.”

Offensively, Southeast amassed 275 yards of total offense with 167 rushing and 108 yards passing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gannon Jacobson led the Trojans in rushing with 79 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries, followed by Amarion Holub with 76 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jacobson also passed for 3 touchdowns, including two to Tucker Thaxton and one to Holub.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bryson Lippold led the Trojan defense with 8 solo tackles and 3 assists, while Deacon Baier and Kanyon Douglas each totaled 6 solos and 2 assists.&nbsp;

Douglas also added another interception to his resume, while Baier added a blocked PAT to his.

The Trojans, now 4-0 (1-0 in District), will host Lyons for homecoming next Friday, while Kingman falls to 2-2 and will host Douglass.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727547442376.jpeg" alt="Photo by Jeremy Obermeyer" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Jeremy Obermeyer</figcaption>
 </figure>By JEREMY OBERMEYER Salina Post ContributorThe Southeast of Saline defense set the tone early Friday in their 40-6 victory over the Kingman Eagles to start District play, tallying an interception, a safety, and 11 tackles for loss.&nbsp;SES held a powerful Kingman offense to just 106 total yards.&nbsp;&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>“[Kingman] does a good job with their quarterback power run game, and I felt like our kids did a darn good job with it,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “I thought we played a physical football game, and I think we’ve been good about that, but in the open field, we were more physical tonight.”Offensively, Southeast amassed 275 yards of total offense with 167 rushing and 108 yards passing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gannon Jacobson led the Trojans in rushing with 79 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries, followed by Amarion Holub with 76 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jacobson also passed for 3 touchdowns, including two to Tucker Thaxton and one to Holub.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bryson Lippold led the Trojan defense with 8 solo tackles and 3 assists, while Deacon Baier and Kanyon Douglas each totaled 6 solos and 2 assists.&nbsp;Douglas also added another interception to his resume, while Baier added a blocked PAT to his.The Trojans, now 4-0 (1-0 in District), will host Lyons for homecoming next Friday, while Kingman falls to 2-2 and will host Douglass.

Trojan defense paves the way for win over Kingman

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

Some teams require a quarter or two to settle into a football game.

On the opening kickoff, Eli Bell fielded the ball at his own ten-yard line, made two cuts, and took it 90 yards to the house, setting the tone for a 42-6 rout of the Abilene Cowboys.

With the special teams doing their part, the defense was next. Two drives later, Cooper Sieben snatched a ball off one of his own teammates' helmets for the first of four Mustang interceptions.

Not to be left out, Rock Creek quarterback Mack Lee got the Mustang offense on the board, capitalizing on the field position with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Perkins to make it a 14-0 game.

That was only the beginning for Lee, who would finish this game 16-22 passing with 190 yards through the air, 100 yards on the ground, and five total touchdowns.

On the ensuing drive, Aaron Hartman looked deep for Abilene, but a jump ball came down in the hands of Rock Creek’s Karson Toburen for the second pick of the game.

It didn’t take the Mustangs long to locate paydirt again, and before the end of the first quarter, Lee would punch in two rushing touchdowns to put Rock Creek ahead 28-0 going into the second.

From there, both defenses tightened the screws, with Sieben collecting his second interception in the third quarter and Abilene capitalizing on a ball fumbled at the goal line and into the end zone.

Late in the third quarter, Taygen Funston found Weston Rock to get Abilene on the board, but Lee answered right back for the Mustangs, scoring his third rushing touchdown of the day from 8 yards out to restore a 35-6 lead in the fourth.

A fourth interception from Eli Bell and a touchdown pass from Lee to Ryker Zoeller would seal the deal for Rock Creek as the Mustangs cruised to a 42-6 victory over an NCKL foe.

With this win, Rock Creek moves to 3-1 at the midway mark of the season while Abilene falls to 2-2.

The Mustangs will be back at home to take on Clay Center next week while the Cowboys return to Abilene for a battle with Marysville.

The full broadcast of this game is available for playback any time on-demand below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostSome teams require a quarter or two to settle into a football game.Rock Creek only needed one play.<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>On the opening kickoff, Eli Bell fielded the ball at his own ten-yard line, made two cuts, and took it 90 yards to the house, setting the tone for a 42-6 rout of the Abilene Cowboys.With the special teams doing their part, the defense was next. Two drives later, Cooper Sieben snatched a ball off one of his own teammates' helmets for the first of four Mustang interceptions.Not to be left out, Rock Creek quarterback Mack Lee got the Mustang offense on the board, capitalizing on the field position with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Perkins to make it a 14-0 game.That was only the beginning for Lee, who would finish this game 16-22 passing with 190 yards through the air, 100 yards on the ground, and five total touchdowns.On the ensuing drive, Aaron Hartman looked deep for Abilene, but a jump ball came down in the hands of Rock Creek’s Karson Toburen for the second pick of the game.It didn’t take the Mustangs long to locate paydirt again, and before the end of the first quarter, Lee would punch in two rushing touchdowns to put Rock Creek ahead 28-0 going into the second.From there, both defenses tightened the screws, with Sieben collecting his second interception in the third quarter and Abilene capitalizing on a ball fumbled at the goal line and into the end zone.Late in the third quarter, Taygen Funston found Weston Rock to get Abilene on the board, but Lee answered right back for the Mustangs, scoring his third rushing touchdown of the day from 8 yards out to restore a 35-6 lead in the fourth.A fourth interception from Eli Bell and a touchdown pass from Lee to Ryker Zoeller would seal the deal for Rock Creek as the Mustangs cruised to a 42-6 victory over an NCKL foe.With this win, Rock Creek moves to 3-1 at the midway mark of the season while Abilene falls to 2-2.The Mustangs will be back at home to take on Clay Center next week while the Cowboys return to Abilene for a battle with Marysville.The full broadcast of this game is available for playback any time on-demand below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRBV89oy_aE"></iframe>
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 </figure>

Five Mack Lee touchdowns seal the deal in Rock Creek rout

ATLANTA (AP) — The Kansas City Royals completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in major league history Friday night, clinching an American League wild card despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/braves-royals-score-fried-02583b042ef05aa1317b0eed23af86e9">a 3-0 loss</a>&nbsp;to the Atlanta Braves.

A year ago, the Royals matched a franchise record with 106 losses. Now, they are headed to the postseason for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.

“We’re just so proud of everyone,” said shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., the face of the revitalized franchise. “This is just the beginning of something special.”

The celebration was delayed by a masterful performance from Atlanta pitcher Max Fried. But the Royals finally popped the champagne corks in the visitors' clubhouse at Truist Park when the Minnesota Twins were eliminated with a 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.

“This isn’t how we ideally wanted it,” Witt said. “But we’re here. We did it. We’re so proud of each other. We can’t let one game control our season.”

Led by second-year manager Matt Quatraro, Kansas City is the first team in baseball history to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-major-league-baseball-playoffs-faf7e1aee9a4322eb969f93e503be055">make the playoffs after posting such a dismal mark</a>&nbsp;the previous season.

In fact, since the start of the expansion era in 1961, the Royals are just the third team to advance to the postseason after losing at least 100 games the previous year.

The Twins earned a wild card in 2017 after going 59-103 a year earlier, and the 2020 Florida Marlins qualified for a wild card during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign coming off a 57-105 debacle.

The Royals quickly fell on hard times after claiming back-to-back AL pennants in 2014 and ’15 and their first World Series title in 30 years. They had not recorded a winning season since their championship run, losing at least 100 games in three of the past six, and were a total laughingstock just a year ago.

That all changed this season with a team led by Witt, who became the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-jr-steals-homers-2f244fb981427ad0622cbc0d73c200df">first shortstop in major league history</a>&nbsp;with multiple seasons of at least 30 homers and 30 steals.

“You can’t help but be proud,” general manager J.J. Picollo said. “It was a battle all year long. We overcame a lot of odds.”

The Royals have struggled down the stretch, enduring a pair of seven-game losing streaks.

“We had some adversity here the last month of the season,” Picollo said. “But this is a tough, resilient group and we got through and here we are celebrating this moment.”

Witt tops the majors with 210 hits and a .332 batting average, to go along with 32 homers, 109 RBIs and 31 stolen bases.

Veteran catcher Salvador Perez also is having a huge offensive season with 27 homers and 104 RBIs. The Royals made the playoffs even after losing first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who had 97 RBIs before breaking his right thumb and undergoing surgery.

There is a chance Pasquantino could return during the playoffs if the Royals make an extended run.

Amazingly, Picollo didn’t have to break the bank to build a small-market winner.

The players that have led Kansas City to heights not seen in nearly a decade were either on the team last year and just needed a little more time to grow, or were free-agent signings and trade acquisitions that underscored Picollo’s baseball savvy.

Seth Lugo, who is 16-9 with a 3.03 ERA, signed a modest three-year, $45 million free-agent deal. Michael Wacha signed a similar two-year, $32 million deal and is 13-8 with a 3.35 ERA.

Cole Ragans has contributed 11 wins with 223 strikeouts after being acquired from the Texas Rangers in a trade last season. Brady Singer bounced back from a disappointing 2023, and Michael Lorenzen is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in six starts since his arrival just before the trade deadline.

The bullpen has been entirely rebuilt, too, with Lucas Erceg earning 11 saves since the Royals landed him in a trade with Milwaukee.

Owner John Sherman said he was thrilled the fans of Kansas City have a winning team to cheer for again.

“I remember we talked about this a lot, maybe in spring training, that all we want to do is play meaningful baseball in August and September and have a chance to play in October,” Sherman said. “Here we are.”

Nobody seems to be having more fun than Witt, who has put together a historic season after signing an 11-year deal worth $288.7 million to serve as the cornerstone of the franchise.

The son of longtime big league pitcher Bobby Witt is the first player in major league history with multiple 30-30 seasons in his first three years in the majors. Advanced metrics grade him as not only one of baseball’s best defenders but also one of its fastest players.

“He’s the best player in baseball,” Ragans said recently. “A special talent, a special human being."

While fans in Kansas City have seen Witt’s stardom blossoming for several seasons, his coming-out party may have come this summer during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-run-derby-261037bfe182674c9cd7352725d8b62a">Home Run Derby</a>&nbsp;at Globe Life Field in Arlington, not far from where he grew up in Colleyville, Texas.

Witt reached the finals before losing 14-13 to Teoscar Hernández of the Dodgers in a dramatic showdown that came down to the final swings.

Now, Witt can look forward to an even bigger stage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727514560942.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., center has champagne poured on him by teammates during the celebration in the locker room after a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., center has champagne poured on him by teammates during the celebration in the locker room after a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — The Kansas City Royals completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in major league history Friday night, clinching an American League wild card despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/braves-royals-score-fried-02583b042ef05aa1317b0eed23af86e9">a 3-0 loss</a>&nbsp;to the Atlanta Braves.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Boys are playin&#39; some October ball! <a href="https://t.co/ghrM2oMecn">pic.twitter.com/ghrM2oMecn</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1839862815315624206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A year ago, the Royals matched a franchise record with 106 losses. Now, they are headed to the postseason for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.“We’re just so proud of everyone,” said shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., the face of the revitalized franchise. “This is just the beginning of something special.”The celebration was delayed by a masterful performance from Atlanta pitcher Max Fried. But the Royals finally popped the champagne corks in the visitors' clubhouse at Truist Park when the Minnesota Twins were eliminated with a 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.“This isn’t how we ideally wanted it,” Witt said. “But we’re here. We did it. We’re so proud of each other. We can’t let one game control our season.”Led by second-year manager Matt Quatraro, Kansas City is the first team in baseball history to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-major-league-baseball-playoffs-faf7e1aee9a4322eb969f93e503be055">make the playoffs after posting such a dismal mark</a>&nbsp;the previous season.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CLINCHED!!! The <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Royals</a> are headed to the playoffs!!! 💙💙 Saturday night, Union Station will celebrate with a special royal blue and white lighting display. 2024 file photo by Andrew McDonald, Persistent Vision Photography. <a href="https://t.co/IHaVoHW8fw">pic.twitter.com/IHaVoHW8fw</a>&mdash; Union Station KC (@UnionStationKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnionStationKC/status/1839868800902017147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In fact, since the start of the expansion era in 1961, the Royals are just the third team to advance to the postseason after losing at least 100 games the previous year.The Twins earned a wild card in 2017 after going 59-103 a year earlier, and the 2020 Florida Marlins qualified for a wild card during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign coming off a 57-105 debacle.The Royals quickly fell on hard times after claiming back-to-back AL pennants in 2014 and ’15 and their first World Series title in 30 years. They had not recorded a winning season since their championship run, losing at least 100 games in three of the past six, and were a total laughingstock just a year ago.That all changed this season with a team led by Witt, who became the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-jr-steals-homers-2f244fb981427ad0622cbc0d73c200df">first shortstop in major league history</a>&nbsp;with multiple seasons of at least 30 homers and 30 steals.“You can’t help but be proud,” general manager J.J. Picollo said. “It was a battle all year long. We overcame a lot of odds.”The Royals have struggled down the stretch, enduring a pair of seven-game losing streaks.It didn't stop them in the end.“We had some adversity here the last month of the season,” Picollo said. “But this is a tough, resilient group and we got through and here we are celebrating this moment.”Witt tops the majors with 210 hits and a .332 batting average, to go along with 32 homers, 109 RBIs and 31 stolen bases.Veteran catcher Salvador Perez also is having a huge offensive season with 27 homers and 104 RBIs. The Royals made the playoffs even after losing first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who had 97 RBIs before breaking his right thumb and undergoing surgery.There is a chance Pasquantino could return during the playoffs if the Royals make an extended run.Amazingly, Picollo didn’t have to break the bank to build a small-market winner.The players that have led Kansas City to heights not seen in nearly a decade were either on the team last year and just needed a little more time to grow, or were free-agent signings and trade acquisitions that underscored Picollo’s baseball savvy.Just check out the rotation.Seth Lugo, who is 16-9 with a 3.03 ERA, signed a modest three-year, $45 million free-agent deal. Michael Wacha signed a similar two-year, $32 million deal and is 13-8 with a 3.35 ERA.Cole Ragans has contributed 11 wins with 223 strikeouts after being acquired from the Texas Rangers in a trade last season. Brady Singer bounced back from a disappointing 2023, and Michael Lorenzen is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in six starts since his arrival just before the trade deadline.The bullpen has been entirely rebuilt, too, with Lucas Erceg earning 11 saves since the Royals landed him in a trade with Milwaukee.Owner John Sherman said he was thrilled the fans of Kansas City have a winning team to cheer for again.“I remember we talked about this a lot, maybe in spring training, that all we want to do is play meaningful baseball in August and September and have a chance to play in October,” Sherman said. “Here we are.”Nobody seems to be having more fun than Witt, who has put together a historic season after signing an 11-year deal worth $288.7 million to serve as the cornerstone of the franchise.The son of longtime big league pitcher Bobby Witt is the first player in major league history with multiple 30-30 seasons in his first three years in the majors. Advanced metrics grade him as not only one of baseball’s best defenders but also one of its fastest players.“He’s the best player in baseball,” Ragans said recently. “A special talent, a special human being."While fans in Kansas City have seen Witt’s stardom blossoming for several seasons, his coming-out party may have come this summer during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-run-derby-261037bfe182674c9cd7352725d8b62a">Home Run Derby</a>&nbsp;at Globe Life Field in Arlington, not far from where he grew up in Colleyville, Texas.Witt reached the finals before losing 14-13 to Teoscar Hernández of the Dodgers in a dramatic showdown that came down to the final swings.Now, Witt can look forward to an even bigger stage.The postseason.

⚾ Royals complete remarkable turnaround, clinch wildcard playoff spot

🏈 Area High School Football Scores: Week Four

ADAM COULTER Salina Post Contributor

The Sacred Heart Knights played their first true road game of the season Friday night against the Valley Heights Mustangs and, after falling behind early in the game, things got interesting.

The Knights began the game on offense and drove down the field before ultimately turning the ball over on downs. On Valley Heights' first offensive possession, they had a sustained drive that burned the remaining first quarter clock.&nbsp;

To start the second quarter, Valley Heights' Jayden Dewalt scored on a 19-yard touchdown run to make the score 6-0. The 2-point conversation was no good.

At the 7:07 mark before halftime, the Mustangs struck again on a 47-yard scoring play from Mack Shanks to Royce Ekstrum. Once again however, the PAT was unsuccessful.

The Knights answered with their first points just before the intermission with 17.8 seconds remaining. A 5-yard pass from Maddox Wells to Dom Matteucci cut the lead in half at 12-6 and a successful 2-point conversation catch by Carson Lehmann trimmed the Mustangs advantage to four points.&nbsp;

To start the third quarter, at.the 10:39 mark, Valley Heights scored on a 50-yard touchdown run by Shanks to make the score 18-8. The 2-point conversation was unsuccessful once again.&nbsp;

The Knights responded once again with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Wells to Lehmann to make the score 18-14 with 1:30 left. A successful 2-point conversation by Matteucci made it an 18-16 game.

Early in the fourth quarter, another Ekstrum touchdown put Valley Heights up by 8, but another missed PAT kept it a one-possession game.

Unfortunately for the Knights, an interception near midfield with 6:55 remaining coupled with a Logan Gray 45-yard touchdown run and successful 2-point of conversation made the final score 32-16.

Sacred Heart will be on the road next Friday at Sedgwick. Kickoff is set for 7pm. Every Sacred Heart game throughout the season can be seen and heard with live streaming audio and video at <a href="http://salinapost.com/">salinapost.com</a>.

The full broadcast of tonight's game can be found below.

ADAM COULTER Salina Post ContributorThe Sacred Heart Knights played their first true road game of the season Friday night against the Valley Heights Mustangs and, after falling behind early in the game, things got interesting.The Knights began the game on offense and drove down the field before ultimately turning the ball over on downs. On Valley Heights' first offensive possession, they had a sustained drive that burned the remaining first quarter clock.&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>To start the second quarter, Valley Heights' Jayden Dewalt scored on a 19-yard touchdown run to make the score 6-0. The 2-point conversation was no good.At the 7:07 mark before halftime, the Mustangs struck again on a 47-yard scoring play from Mack Shanks to Royce Ekstrum. Once again however, the PAT was unsuccessful.The Knights answered with their first points just before the intermission with 17.8 seconds remaining. A 5-yard pass from Maddox Wells to Dom Matteucci cut the lead in half at 12-6 and a successful 2-point conversation catch by Carson Lehmann trimmed the Mustangs advantage to four points.&nbsp;To start the third quarter, at.the 10:39 mark, Valley Heights scored on a 50-yard touchdown run by Shanks to make the score 18-8. The 2-point conversation was unsuccessful once again.&nbsp;The Knights responded once again with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Wells to Lehmann to make the score 18-14 with 1:30 left. A successful 2-point conversation by Matteucci made it an 18-16 game.Early in the fourth quarter, another Ekstrum touchdown put Valley Heights up by 8, but another missed PAT kept it a one-possession game.Unfortunately for the Knights, an interception near midfield with 6:55 remaining coupled with a Logan Gray 45-yard touchdown run and successful 2-point of conversation made the final score 32-16.Sacred Heart will be on the road next Friday at Sedgwick. Kickoff is set for 7pm. Every Sacred Heart game throughout the season can be seen and heard with live streaming audio and video at <a href="http://salinapost.com/">salinapost.com</a>.The full broadcast of tonight's game can be found below.<figure>
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Sacred Heart comeback bid at Valley Heights falls short

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries go, we’ve really just got – Mike Danna is the only one (injury). After our walkthrough, that calf was bothering him and so we’ll probably end up holding him out of the game until we get that thing calmed down a little bit. (We) look forward to the challenge of playing the Chargers, (they’re) a well-coached football team and (they have) good players. Anyways, with that, the time’s yours.”

Q: How far back do you go with Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh?

REID:&nbsp;“I actually knew their (the Harbaugh’s) dad (Jack Harbaugh) first way back when I was a graduate assistant at BYU.”

Q: Did you know him before Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh?

REID:&nbsp;“His (Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh) dad (Jack Harbaugh) and (former BYU Head Coach) LaVell Edwards were friends so that’s how I met him.”

Q: How long does it take for a coach to put a stamp on a team?

REID:&nbsp;“I think he’s (Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh) done that. I think you’re seeing it. They’re playing good football. He’s got a great reputation (that) he comes in with and he upholds it. He’s not going to change so the guys understand that. He’s been doing it for years.”

Q: How difficult is it to go from coaching professional sports to college sports and then back to professional sports?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh) didn’t make it look hard (laughs), so he’s done a nice job of that. No, he had the honor of playing the league so he kind of understood that. He’s done that very easily. I would imagine it’s tough, but he’s sure done a nice job with it.”

Q: How fast has Kareem Hunt been able to get into football shape?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Kareem Hunt) done good. He’s worked hard and now it’s just a matter of getting in and getting some snaps and we’ll see how all that goes.”

REID:&nbsp;“I think he’s (Cameron Thomas) ready to roll. He’s a pretty sharp kid and plays hard and all that. He’s been working in there for the last few weeks, anyway.”

Q:&nbsp;What makes you think the team is going to continue to improve?

KELCE:&nbsp;“I see the work throughout the week. I see the attention to detail (and) how hard guys are flying around trying to get things right (and) trying to make things perfect. On top of that, the schemes keep getting better and better and I think that everything just – I don’t know, just kind of stacks on top of each other – all the coaches and the players, everybody together is just – they have the goal in mind to keep getting better throughout this year and throughout this season and that’s the mentality you’ve got to have.”

Q:&nbsp;You’ve had a lot of attention from defenses throughout your career, does this year feel different?

KELCE:&nbsp;“Every single year is different, you know? I think with the pieces that we have, teams are playing us a little bit different than they were last year and they’re playing Patrick (Mahomes) different than they were last year. I think you’re seeing teams early on play a little bit softer, making us drive an entire way down the field instead of – and just taking away those big shots and I think Pat’s just doing a great job of getting the ball in everyone’s hands.”

Q:&nbsp;With what the offense went through last year, do you feel like that has helped you guys navigate through these first couple of games this year?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesSeptember 27, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries go, we’ve really just got – Mike Danna is the only one (injury). After our walkthrough, that calf was bothering him and so we’ll probably end up holding him out of the game until we get that thing calmed down a little bit. (We) look forward to the challenge of playing the Chargers, (they’re) a well-coached football team and (they have) good players. Anyways, with that, the time’s yours.”Q: How far back do you go with Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh?REID:&nbsp;“I actually knew their (the Harbaugh’s) dad (Jack Harbaugh) first way back when I was a graduate assistant at BYU.”Q: Did you know him before Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh?REID:&nbsp;“His (Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh) dad (Jack Harbaugh) and (former BYU Head Coach) LaVell Edwards were friends so that’s how I met him.”Q: How long does it take for a coach to put a stamp on a team?REID:&nbsp;“I think he’s (Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh) done that. I think you’re seeing it. They’re playing good football. He’s got a great reputation (that) he comes in with and he upholds it. He’s not going to change so the guys understand that. He’s been doing it for years.”Q: How difficult is it to go from coaching professional sports to college sports and then back to professional sports?REID:&nbsp;“He (Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh) didn’t make it look hard (laughs), so he’s done a nice job of that. No, he had the honor of playing the league so he kind of understood that. He’s done that very easily. I would imagine it’s tough, but he’s sure done a nice job with it.”Q: How fast has Kareem Hunt been able to get into football shape?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Kareem Hunt) done good. He’s worked hard and now it’s just a matter of getting in and getting some snaps and we’ll see how all that goes.”Q: On Cameron Thomas.REID:&nbsp;“I think he’s (Cameron Thomas) ready to roll. He’s a pretty sharp kid and plays hard and all that. He’s been working in there for the last few weeks, anyway.”Chiefs Player QuotesSeptember 27, 2024TE TRAVIS KELCEQ:&nbsp;What makes you think the team is going to continue to improve?KELCE:&nbsp;“I see the work throughout the week. I see the attention to detail (and) how hard guys are flying around trying to get things right (and) trying to make things perfect. On top of that, the schemes keep getting better and better and I think that everything just – I don’t know, just kind of stacks on top of each other – all the coaches and the players, everybody together is just – they have the goal in mind to keep getting better throughout this year and throughout this season and that’s the mentality you’ve got to have.”Q:&nbsp;You’ve had a lot of attention from defenses throughout your career, does this year feel different?KELCE:&nbsp;“Every single year is different, you know? I think with the pieces that we have, teams are playing us a little bit different than they were last year and they’re playing Patrick (Mahomes) different than they were last year. I think you’re seeing teams early on play a little bit softer, making us drive an entire way down the field instead of – and just taking away those big shots and I think Pat’s just doing a great job of getting the ball in everyone’s hands.”Q:&nbsp;With what the offense went through last year, do you feel like that has helped you guys navigate through these first couple of games this year?

Chiefs Quotes: 9-27-24

ATLANTA (AP) — Max Fried pitched three-hit ball over 8 2/3 innings and the Atlanta Braves delayed Kansas City's playoff celebration, beating the Royals 3-0 on Friday night in the opener of a crucial series for both teams.

Sean Murphy hit a two-run homer and Marcell Ozuna trotted home on a throwing error after his first stolen base since 2022 for the Braves, who began the night one game behind Arizona and the New York Mets in the NL wild-card race.

The Mets were playing at Milwaukee, while the Diamondbacks hosted the Padres.

The Royals came in with their magic number at one to clinch their first playoff appearance since winning the 2015 World Series. They were still in position to celebrate an AL wild-card berth Friday if the Minnesota Twins lost to Baltimore.

Fried (11-10) came within one out of a shutout, giving way to Raisel Iglesias when the Royals put runners at second and third. Iglesias retired Salvador Perez on a flyout for his 33rd save.

Fried threw 98 pitches, 63 for strikes. He walked two and struck out nine.

Royals starter Brady Singer (9-13) allowed two runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Murphy homered on an 0-2 pitch in the fourth, and Ozuna tacked on an unlikely insurance run in the eighth by stealing third.

Caught off guard, Perez threw the ball into left field, allowing Ozuna to make it home to a giddy celebration in the Atlanta dugout.

Royals: First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (broken right thumb) was on the field during batting practice and will take simulated at-bats against reliever Will Smith on Saturday.

Braves: Starting pitcher Reynaldo López (right shoulder inflammation) threw his second side session Thursday. Atlanta manager Brian Snitker did not indicate when López might be activated.

Right-hander Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.03 ERA) will start for the Royals on Saturday. The Braves had not yet announced a starting pitcher. Lugo allowed two runs on three hits over seven innings in his last outing — a 2-0 loss to the Giants on Sept. 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727488300952.jpeg" alt="Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried throws in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)" />
 <figcaption>Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried throws in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Max Fried pitched three-hit ball over 8 2/3 innings and the Atlanta Braves delayed Kansas City's playoff celebration, beating the Royals 3-0 on Friday night in the opener of a crucial series for both teams.Sean Murphy hit a two-run homer and Marcell Ozuna trotted home on a throwing error after his first stolen base since 2022 for the Braves, who began the night one game behind Arizona and the New York Mets in the NL wild-card race.The Mets were playing at Milwaukee, while the Diamondbacks hosted the Padres.The Royals came in with their magic number at one to clinch their first playoff appearance since winning the 2015 World Series. They were still in position to celebrate an AL wild-card berth Friday if the Minnesota Twins lost to Baltimore.Fried (11-10) came within one out of a shutout, giving way to Raisel Iglesias when the Royals put runners at second and third. Iglesias retired Salvador Perez on a flyout for his 33rd save.Fried threw 98 pitches, 63 for strikes. He walked two and struck out nine.Royals starter Brady Singer (9-13) allowed two runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Murphy homered on an 0-2 pitch in the fourth, and Ozuna tacked on an unlikely insurance run in the eighth by stealing third.Caught off guard, Perez threw the ball into left field, allowing Ozuna to make it home to a giddy celebration in the Atlanta dugout.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (broken right thumb) was on the field during batting practice and will take simulated at-bats against reliever Will Smith on Saturday.Braves: Starting pitcher Reynaldo López (right shoulder inflammation) threw his second side session Thursday. Atlanta manager Brian Snitker did not indicate when López might be activated.UP NEXTRight-hander Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.03 ERA) will start for the Royals on Saturday. The Braves had not yet announced a starting pitcher. Lugo allowed two runs on three hits over seven innings in his last outing — a 2-0 loss to the Giants on Sept. 22.

⚾ Braves shutout Royals behind Max Fried and Sean Murphy

A pair of NCKL foes will square off in St. George on Friday night as the Abilene Cowboys travel north to take on the Rock Creek Mustangs.

Both teams come into this contest at 2-1, with Abilene fresh off a 37-7 blowout of Concordia and Rock Creek coming off a rout of their own 57-0 over Bonner Springs.

The Mustangs are the new kids on the block in the NCKL this year, but have gone toe-to-toe with teams like Clay Center, Marysville, and Abilene year after year.

“We’ve played a lot of NCKL teams in all sports so this is no different,” Rock Creek head coach Shane Sieben said. “We know what to expect out of these teams in all sports but now we’re official members and it adds a little excitement to these rivalries.”

Much of the Cowboy’s success has come on the back of junior quarterback Taygen Funston, who leads the team in passing (13-21, 199 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT), and is second in both rushing (12 carries, 183 yds, 3 TD), and receiving (7 rec, 117 yds, 1 TD).

“Taygen is a great athlete but he’s an even better person,” Abilene head coach Brad Nicks said. “He’s a great competitor, he’s phenomenal in the weight room and he’s such a good leader. His skill set is very unique with what he can do and we can line him up in a lot of different spots. He’s intelligent with the football and he’s always looking for ways he can get better.”

Funston will be a big focal point of the Rock Creek defense, as the Mustangs look to contain one of the most elusive athletes in class 4A.

“[Funston] can beat you in a number of ways,” Sieben said. “You don’t know where he’s going to line up and you don’t know where Rock is going to line up. That’s the toughest challenge they present and for us, we have to recognize where guys are at, play true to our keys and execute assignment-sound, physical football.”

For Abilene, this game will be a true test, as Rock Creek represents the biggest challenge they’re received since their season opener with Clay Center.

“Rock Creek is so fundamentally sound,” Nicks said. “They line up exactly right every single time and they’re very consistent with what they do. They bring back a lot of guys from last year and they’re very well-coached. We have to block and tackle well, to me those are the big things. We have to avoid turnovers and we can’t give up big plays.”

This game also represents a big opportunity for the Mustangs to defend their home turf and collect their first statement victory of the season over another contender.

“Abilene is big and physical up front,” Sieben said. “They’ve got a lot of pieces that can hurt you and they put the ball in their playmakers hands in a lot of different ways. We have to win the turnover battle tonight and make sure we get off the field on third downs.”

Kickoff between the Mustangs and Cowboys is scheduled for 7:00 in St. George, KS.

Tonight’s game can be watched on Salina Post free of charge and will be available for playback any time on-demand. The link to our broadcast is below, and pregame coverage will begin at 6:40.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostA pair of NCKL foes will square off in St. George on Friday night as the Abilene Cowboys travel north to take on the Rock Creek Mustangs.Both teams come into this contest at 2-1, with Abilene fresh off a 37-7 blowout of Concordia and Rock Creek coming off a rout of their own 57-0 over Bonner Springs.<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 Mustangs are the new kids on the block in the NCKL this year, but have gone toe-to-toe with teams like Clay Center, Marysville, and Abilene year after year.“We’ve played a lot of NCKL teams in all sports so this is no different,” Rock Creek head coach Shane Sieben said. “We know what to expect out of these teams in all sports but now we’re official members and it adds a little excitement to these rivalries.”Much of the Cowboy’s success has come on the back of junior quarterback Taygen Funston, who leads the team in passing (13-21, 199 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT), and is second in both rushing (12 carries, 183 yds, 3 TD), and receiving (7 rec, 117 yds, 1 TD).“Taygen is a great athlete but he’s an even better person,” Abilene head coach Brad Nicks said. “He’s a great competitor, he’s phenomenal in the weight room and he’s such a good leader. His skill set is very unique with what he can do and we can line him up in a lot of different spots. He’s intelligent with the football and he’s always looking for ways he can get better.”Funston will be a big focal point of the Rock Creek defense, as the Mustangs look to contain one of the most elusive athletes in class 4A.“[Funston] can beat you in a number of ways,” Sieben said. “You don’t know where he’s going to line up and you don’t know where Rock is going to line up. That’s the toughest challenge they present and for us, we have to recognize where guys are at, play true to our keys and execute assignment-sound, physical football.”For Abilene, this game will be a true test, as Rock Creek represents the biggest challenge they’re received since their season opener with Clay Center.“Rock Creek is so fundamentally sound,” Nicks said. “They line up exactly right every single time and they’re very consistent with what they do. They bring back a lot of guys from last year and they’re very well-coached. We have to block and tackle well, to me those are the big things. We have to avoid turnovers and we can’t give up big plays.”This game also represents a big opportunity for the Mustangs to defend their home turf and collect their first statement victory of the season over another contender.“Abilene is big and physical up front,” Sieben said. “They’ve got a lot of pieces that can hurt you and they put the ball in their playmakers hands in a lot of different ways. We have to win the turnover battle tonight and make sure we get off the field on third downs.”Kickoff between the Mustangs and Cowboys is scheduled for 7:00 in St. George, KS.Tonight’s game can be watched on Salina Post free of charge and will be available for playback any time on-demand. The link to our broadcast is below, and pregame coverage will begin at 6:40.<figure>
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Abilene and Rock Creek square off in all-NCKL clash on Salina Post Game of the Week

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

On Friday The Kansas City Royals trimmed their magic number to two with a 7-4 victory over the Washington Nationals

Pinch hitter Adam Frazier’s one-out, line drive base hit to left field in the top of the ninth drove in two runs, breaking a 4-4 tie and guiding the Royals to their third straight win following a seven-game losing streak.

To add to the Royals’ big day, the Minnesota Twins fell 8-6 to the Marlins in 13 innings giving both Detroit, and Kansas City a 3-game lead in the AL Wild Card with just 3 games left to go.

A win for the Royals or a loss for the Twins and Mariners will put KC through to the playoffs for the first time since 2015, KC start’s its final series of the season in Atlanta tonight at 6:20

Tonight will also see week four of the high school football season kick off and our area will be busy as the Central Mustangs entertain Eisenhower, Chapman hosts Clay Center, Ellsworth squares off with Lyons, Minneapolis treks to Norton and Bennington heads to Republic County.

On the Salina Post Sports Network you can also tune in for live video coverage with audio commentary of Abilene’s battle with Rock Creek and Sacred Heart’s game with Valley Heights. Southeast of Saline’s trip to Kingman will also be streamed and can be heard right here on KINA.

And finally don’t forget to tune into KINA for our Friday Night Preview airing at 6:05

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ew6Qd_Wlq0o"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY SALINA POST(Transcript)Hello and happy Friday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…_________On Friday The Kansas City Royals trimmed their magic number to two with a 7-4 victory over the Washington NationalsPinch hitter Adam Frazier’s one-out, line drive base hit to left field in the top of the ninth drove in two runs, breaking a 4-4 tie and guiding the Royals to their third straight win following a seven-game losing streak.To add to the Royals’ big day, the Minnesota Twins fell 8-6 to the Marlins in 13 innings giving both Detroit, and Kansas City a 3-game lead in the AL Wild Card with just 3 games left to go.A win for the Royals or a loss for the Twins and Mariners will put KC through to the playoffs for the first time since 2015, KC start’s its final series of the season in Atlanta tonight at 6:20_________Tonight will also see week four of the high school football season kick off and our area will be busy as the Central Mustangs entertain Eisenhower, Chapman hosts Clay Center, Ellsworth squares off with Lyons, Minneapolis treks to Norton and Bennington heads to Republic County.On the Salina Post Sports Network you can also tune in for live video coverage with audio commentary of Abilene’s battle with Rock Creek and Sacred Heart’s game with Valley Heights. Southeast of Saline’s trip to Kingman will also be streamed and can be heard right here on KINA._________And finally don’t forget to tune into KINA for our Friday Night Preview airing at 6:05_________

910 KINA Sports Headlines — September 27

The Salina Post Sports Friday Night Preview show returns for week four, 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, interviews with Brad Nicks (Abilene) and Shane Sieben (Rock Creek), 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/34qmeurpBp4"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Post Sports Friday Night Preview show returns for week four, 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, interviews with Brad Nicks (Abilene) and Shane Sieben (Rock Creek), 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>
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Salina Post Sports Friday Night Preview: Week Four

Southeast of Saline is off to a hot start to the 2024 campaign, and after winning the Trojan War for a seventh straight season, the Trojans now fix their gaze on a perennial power and postseason rival in Kingman.

The Eagles come into this contest at 2-1, their only loss to the defending 3A state champs in Cheney, while the Trojans enter at 3-0 with two victories over state powers.

Last week’s win over Beloit proved just how tough SES is, after losing both of their top offensive weapons in Grady Gebhardt and Tucker Thaxton for stretches of the game.

“Seeing our guys stick with it and understand what we do has been such a good thing for us,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “Everybody is working together and that’s a huge thing with this group. They’re resilient, they focus on the next play and we’ve had a lot of different guys make big plays for us.”

Southeast will need that resilience again this week against a Kingman team it’s met in each of the last two postsesaons.

The Eagles eliminated SES 28-22 in the 2022 semifinals, but the Trojans got their revenge with a 36-28 win in last year’s quarterfinals, setting up Friday night’s rubber match.

“Kingman is disciplined and their coaching staff does such a great job,” Gebhardt said. “Their kids are in the right spots, they’re always physical and those kids are gonna work hard for four quarters. We’ve had some great battles with them and this is a big game for us.”

This also marks the final game in a brutal early-season stretch that saw Southeast seek out opponents like Clay Center and Beloit for their early-season schedule.

“Playing good teams early like this is big, and it lets you learn who you are,” he said. “Mistakes are compounded in games like this but in our film sessions we can really see what might come back and haunt us later, it makes us better.”

Up against a perennial power, in enemy territory, it will take another strong effort for the Trojans to walk away with a win, but the team is up to the task.

“We have to take care of the football; turnovers are big in a game like this,” he said. “We have to stay together and know our role on defense, and we have to continue to improve on special teams.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and pregame coverage will be on Salina Post and KINA at 6:40. Devin Hanney and Russ Cossell will have the call.

You can tune in for live stream video and audio commentary below 100% free on Salina Post by clicking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/OBnEhzC9aYY">HERE</a>.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostSoutheast of Saline is off to a hot start to the 2024 campaign, and after winning the Trojan War for a seventh straight season, the Trojans now fix their gaze on a perennial power and postseason rival in Kingman.The Eagles come into this contest at 2-1, their only loss to the defending 3A state champs in Cheney, while the Trojans enter at 3-0 with two victories over state powers.<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>Last week’s win over Beloit proved just how tough SES is, after losing both of their top offensive weapons in Grady Gebhardt and Tucker Thaxton for stretches of the game.“Seeing our guys stick with it and understand what we do has been such a good thing for us,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “Everybody is working together and that’s a huge thing with this group. They’re resilient, they focus on the next play and we’ve had a lot of different guys make big plays for us.”Southeast will need that resilience again this week against a Kingman team it’s met in each of the last two postsesaons.The Eagles eliminated SES 28-22 in the 2022 semifinals, but the Trojans got their revenge with a 36-28 win in last year’s quarterfinals, setting up Friday night’s rubber match.“Kingman is disciplined and their coaching staff does such a great job,” Gebhardt said. “Their kids are in the right spots, they’re always physical and those kids are gonna work hard for four quarters. We’ve had some great battles with them and this is a big game for us.”This also marks the final game in a brutal early-season stretch that saw Southeast seek out opponents like Clay Center and Beloit for their early-season schedule.“Playing good teams early like this is big, and it lets you learn who you are,” he said. “Mistakes are compounded in games like this but in our film sessions we can really see what might come back and haunt us later, it makes us better.”Up against a perennial power, in enemy territory, it will take another strong effort for the Trojans to walk away with a win, but the team is up to the task.“We have to take care of the football; turnovers are big in a game like this,” he said. “We have to stay together and know our role on defense, and we have to continue to improve on special teams.”Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and pregame coverage will be on Salina Post and KINA at 6:40. Devin Hanney and Russ Cossell will have the call.You can tune in for live stream video and audio commentary below 100% free on Salina Post by clicking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/OBnEhzC9aYY">HERE</a>.

🏈 Trojans travel to Kingman in search of statement win over Eagles

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will play six of its 10 Big 12 home games on weekends, as the league office announced the dates for its conference-only schedule on Thursday (Sept. 26).

The new 20-game league schedule will run from the end of December to the second week of March with each team playing 10 games at home and on the road as the conference expands to 16 teams in 2024-25 with the additions of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah.

Game times and television information will be released at a later date.

Among the six weekend conference home games will be visits from projected top 10 teams Houston (Saturday, Jan. 11), Kansas (Saturday, Feb. 8) and Iowa State (Saturday, March 8). The Wildcats will also host West Virginia on Saturday, Jan. 25 as well as first-ever Sunday conference games with league newcomers Arizona State (Sunday, Feb. 23) and Colorado (Sunday, March 2).

The expanded conference schedule will tip on Monday, Dec. 30 with a home game against Cincinnati. It will be the first meeting in Manhattan as conference foes and the first visit by the Bearcats since 1967.

Other home games include Texas Tech on Tuesday, Jan. 14, Oklahoma State on Wednesday, Jan. 29 and perennial top 10 program Arizona on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

The road portion of the Big 12 slate starts with back-to-back trips to TCU (Saturday, Jan. 4) and Oklahoma State (Tuesday, Jan. 7). The Wildcats also have consecutive road trips three other times, including Kansas (Saturday, Jan. 18) and Baylor (Wednesday, Jan. 22), Iowa State (Saturday, Feb. 1) and Arizona State (Tuesday, Feb. 4) and BYU (Saturday, Feb. 15) and Utah (Monday, Feb. 17).

The expanded Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship will run Tuesday-Saturday, March 11-15 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City and will coincide with the women’s championship, which runs Thursday-Monday, March 6-10, also at T-Mobile.

Season tickets for the 2024-25 season are currently available, with prices starting at less than $18 per game. Fans can purchase now to see the Wildcats all year by visiting <a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a> or calling (800) 221.CATS.

Thirteen of the 16 Big 12 teams won at least 17 games in 2023-24 with 11 winning at least 20 games, including 32 wins by league champion Houston. Thirteen made the postseason a season ago, including NCAA Tournament appearances by Arizona, Baylor, BYU, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, TCU and Texas Tech.

K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including a tie for ninth in the Big 12 with an 8-10 mark, 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 head coach Jerome Tang’s tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will play six of its 10 Big 12 home games on weekends, as the league office announced the dates for its conference-only schedule on Thursday (Sept. 26).The new 20-game league schedule will run from the end of December to the second week of March with each team playing 10 games at home and on the road as the conference expands to 16 teams in 2024-25 with the additions of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah.Game times and television information will be released at a later date.Among the six weekend conference home games will be visits from projected top 10 teams Houston (Saturday, Jan. 11), Kansas (Saturday, Feb. 8) and Iowa State (Saturday, March 8). The Wildcats will also host West Virginia on Saturday, Jan. 25 as well as first-ever Sunday conference games with league newcomers Arizona State (Sunday, Feb. 23) and Colorado (Sunday, March 2).The expanded conference schedule will tip on Monday, Dec. 30 with a home game against Cincinnati. It will be the first meeting in Manhattan as conference foes and the first visit by the Bearcats since 1967.Other home games include Texas Tech on Tuesday, Jan. 14, Oklahoma State on Wednesday, Jan. 29 and perennial top 10 program Arizona on Tuesday, Feb. 11.The road portion of the Big 12 slate starts with back-to-back trips to TCU (Saturday, Jan. 4) and Oklahoma State (Tuesday, Jan. 7). The Wildcats also have consecutive road trips three other times, including Kansas (Saturday, Jan. 18) and Baylor (Wednesday, Jan. 22), Iowa State (Saturday, Feb. 1) and Arizona State (Tuesday, Feb. 4) and BYU (Saturday, Feb. 15) and Utah (Monday, Feb. 17).The expanded Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship will run Tuesday-Saturday, March 11-15 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City and will coincide with the women’s championship, which runs Thursday-Monday, March 6-10, also at T-Mobile.Season tickets for the 2024-25 season are currently available, with prices starting at less than $18 per game. Fans can purchase now to see the Wildcats all year by visiting <a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a> or calling (800) 221.CATS.Thirteen of the 16 Big 12 teams won at least 17 games in 2023-24 with 11 winning at least 20 games, including 32 wins by league champion Houston. Thirteen made the postseason a season ago, including NCAA Tournament appearances by Arizona, Baylor, BYU, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, TCU and Texas Tech.K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including a tie for ninth in the Big 12 with an 8-10 mark, 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 head coach Jerome Tang’s tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.SCHEDULE NOTES<ul>
 <li>The Big 12 will play a 20-game league schedule in 2024-25, playing 10 at home and 10 on the road... It is the largest conference schedule in school history, as it has evolved from 10 games in the Big Six (1928-47) to 12 games in the Big Seven (1947-58) to 14 games in the Big Eight (1958-96) to 16 (1997-2011), 18 (2012-24) and now 20 in the Big 12 era.</li><li>K-State will play Arizona for the first time since 2014, Arizona State for the first time since 2017, Colorado for the first time since 2020 and Utah for the first time since 1983.</li><li>K-State will play a conference game in the month of December for the fifth time and the first since 2022-23… It is the earliest conference matchup since 2020.</li><li>Cincinnati will visit Manhattan for the third time and the first time since 1967.</li><li>The series with Oklahoma State dates to 1922 while the schools have played home-and-home as Big Eight members (1959-96) and since 2010 when the Big 12 switched to a round-robin schedule.</li><li>Houston will visit Manhattan for the third time and the first time since 1971.</li><li>K-State and Kansas have played home-and-home every year since 1912 and have played at least once every year since 1907... It is the sixth-most played rivalry (301) in Division I men’s basketball.</li><li>K-State will host Arizona for the first time since 1981 with the Purple Wildcats winning all 5 previous meetings at home in the series... The schools have met just 14 times in their respective histories, most recently in the 2014 Maui Invitational, with K-State holding an 8-6 advantage.</li><li>K-State will host Arizona State for the first time since 1982, while the Wildcats will visit Tempe for the first time since 1980... The schools have met 9 times previously with the Sun Devils holding a 5-4 edge.</li><li>K-State and Colorado will meet for the 145th time in 2024-25 and the first time since 2020. All but 2 meetings have come as conference foes, starting with the Big Seven in 1948 followed by the Big Eight (1959-96) and Big 12 (1997-2011, 2024-25).</li><li>K-State and Utah will meet for just the fourth time in 2024-25 and the first time since 1983... The Wildcats will travel to Salt Lake City for the second time and the first time since a 65-59 win in 1972.</li><li>K-State and Iowa State have met home-and-away every year since 1918 with the series dating to 1909… The Wildcats will host the Cyclones on Senior Day for the second straight year.</li><li>K-State will visit UCF for the first time and play for the third time overall.</li>
 </ul>

Six Weekend Home Games Highlight K-State's 2024-25 Big 12 Schedule

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State senior David N’Guessan and junior Dug McDaniel met with the media on Thursday afternoon (Sept. 26), as the Wildcats started practice earlier this week.

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

N’Guessan is one of 3 returning lettermen for the Wildcats, along with sophomores Taj Manning and Macaleab Rich in 2024-25. McDaniel is one of 11 newcomers, including 8 Division I transfers.

The De Lier, The Netherlands native will play his final year of eligibility in 2024-25 after seeing action in 120 games between Virginia Tech (2020-22) and K-State (2022-) with 39 starts. He is coming off a career year in 2023-24, in which, he posted career-highs for points (265), double-digit scoring games (14), field goals made (111) and attempted (190), double-doubles (3), rebounds (230), assists (31), blocks (26), steals (24) and minutes (935).

McDaniel, who was the first of the 8 Division I transfers to commit to the Wildcats in April, arrives after two seasons at Michigan (2022-24), where he averaged 11.8 points, 4.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 32.8 minutes per game in 60 games with 52 starts. He led the Wolverines in scoring (16.3 ppg.), 3-point field goals (56), assists (4.7 apg.), steals (1.1 spg.) and minutes (35.4 mpg.) as a sophomore in 2023-24.

The Wildcats 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.

The Big 12 announced its new-look 20-game conference schedule earlier today (Sept. 26) with the Wildcats set to face Cincinnati in the opener on Monday, Dec. 30. The team will play their first and only exhibition game against Fort Hays State on Tuesday, Oct. 29 before hosting New Orleans in the opener on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

“It's been good so far. I came late because I was playing with the (Netherlands) national team, but I feel like I built chemistry with all the guys really fast. Vibes been really good to me, personally.”

On the similarities between Dug McDaniel and Markquis Nowell…

“Yeah, he does a little bit. Two different players, but yeah, point guard leaders, both dogs, like to get their teammates involved. So, to see a lot of that, they make it easier for other guys. So, make it easy for me personally. So, it's a lot of fun to play with.”

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State senior David N’Guessan and junior Dug McDaniel met with the media on Thursday afternoon (Sept. 26), as the Wildcats started practice earlier this week.Links to the audio and a transcript of the availability are above.N’Guessan is one of 3 returning lettermen for the Wildcats, along with sophomores Taj Manning and Macaleab Rich in 2024-25. McDaniel is one of 11 newcomers, including 8 Division I transfers.The De Lier, The Netherlands native will play his final year of eligibility in 2024-25 after seeing action in 120 games between Virginia Tech (2020-22) and K-State (2022-) with 39 starts. He is coming off a career year in 2023-24, in which, he posted career-highs for points (265), double-digit scoring games (14), field goals made (111) and attempted (190), double-doubles (3), rebounds (230), assists (31), blocks (26), steals (24) and minutes (935).McDaniel, who was the first of the 8 Division I transfers to commit to the Wildcats in April, arrives after two seasons at Michigan (2022-24), where he averaged 11.8 points, 4.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 32.8 minutes per game in 60 games with 52 starts. He led the Wolverines in scoring (16.3 ppg.), 3-point field goals (56), assists (4.7 apg.), steals (1.1 spg.) and minutes (35.4 mpg.) as a sophomore in 2023-24.The Wildcats 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.The Big 12 announced its new-look 20-game conference schedule earlier today (Sept. 26) with the Wildcats set to face Cincinnati in the opener on Monday, Dec. 30. The team will play their first and only exhibition game against Fort Hays State on Tuesday, Oct. 29 before hosting New Orleans in the opener on Tuesday, Nov. 5.SENIOR WING DAVID N’GUESSANOn the vibes of the team so far…“It's been good so far. I came late because I was playing with the (Netherlands) national team, but I feel like I built chemistry with all the guys really fast. Vibes been really good to me, personally.”On the similarities between Dug McDaniel and Markquis Nowell…“Yeah, he does a little bit. Two different players, but yeah, point guard leaders, both dogs, like to get their teammates involved. So, to see a lot of that, they make it easier for other guys. So, make it easy for me personally. So, it's a lot of fun to play with.”On what it takes to get back to the NCAA tournament…“I mean, it takes everybody. Obviously, last year we had a few guys that could have contributed that wasn't there for us. We just want the whole team to be there, hold the rope so we can fight together.”On his role as a veteran with a team full of newcomers…“I feel just like being the leader, the lead by example, being my third year here, but also being a fifth year in college, I've been through it. I see what it has looked like when he made it to (NCAA) elite eight and then compared to last year, when he went to the NIT. So, I seen the good and the bad. I tried to set the good example for the rest of the guys, so they can, you know, learn faster, kind of speed up that process.”On the good things he’s already seeing from the team this early…“I would say how, what's the word, like, we got a little bit of everything. I feel like we can shoot, we got length, we got speed, athleticism. We got, you know, good point guards that can handle the ball. I feel like we're really all around, versatile. That's the word I was looking for, really versatile. So that's what I'm really liking.”On his decision to stay at K-State for three years…“I would say coaching staff. Obviously, with me graduating, I had the chance to, you know, go somewhere else and explore a little bit, but I don't feel like there will be a better place out there for me. I feel like coaches got my back, like Dug was saying, I've seen that the past two years, they go all out, and that makes it easy for you to do it for them on the floor.”JUNIOR GUARD DUG MCDANIELOn his first impressions of the K-State team…“I was excited, you know. We may not have the big names that everybody expected, but, you know, we have a lot of great dudes and leading up to the season, you know, we gonna find a way to mesh it, make it work, and we're gonna be really good this year.”On how his skills fit in with the team…“I think it fits in great. You know, I kind of could get back to my strengths of being a pass first guard, getting my teammates involved. You know, I got a lot of great weapons around me and I can't wait to get back to my original game.”On his role as a pass first guard…“Most definitely, most definitely. Going into the portal I made an emphasis to, you know, be around a lot of great guys that could take the pressure off me. Because just knowing me, knowing how I grew up, if you really know me, know I don't want to score the ball all the time, I'm trying to get others involved. My highlight plays, making a pass for my teammates, so now I kind of could get back to the flow of that. It's gonna be a really great season for me, and you know, we're gonna win a lot.”On his dog mentality…&nbsp;&nbsp;“You know, I'm proud of my environment, that's the most I can say. You know, growing up where I'm from, you got to be tough to survive. So, you know, just having that dog mentally and carrying it on to the court, you know, sometimes you feel unstoppable out there. And you know, I'm the shortest guy, so I got to work extra hard. And, you know, dogs pretty small, but, you know, they pack a punch. So, I try to, you know, make that my identity.”On Jerome Tang being the first coach to contact him while in the transfer portal…“I was really surprised, you know. I entered the portal, I sat down on my couch, my phone wrung, I got back up immediately, answer the phone, it was coach Reem (Jareem Dowling). He said, ‘I got somebody for you, coach Tang,’ got on the phone. This was on a Monday, by the way. And then that same Thursday, both of them were at my house, you know, meeting me face to face. So, from that moment on, I already knew, like these guys were serious about this. And you know, as we kept going along, in the process, it just kept getting better. Now, I'm home.”On the coaching staff relating him to Markquis Nowell…“They mentioned him a few. But, you know, I feel like we share a similar traits, but we two totally different players. So, you know, I feel like they just trying to focus on me being the best me, you know, instead of me trying to be somebody else and just be the best Dug.”On seeing his improvement on defense with these coaches…“Most definitely, you know, I feel like that comes with being around great players that can take upon some of the other struggles that I had to do. You know, I have fresher legs, I have to make multiple plays and I could really focus on my task at hand. And, you know, defense has definitely been an emphasis in my going to the portal, like I want to show teams that I could play defense. And I feel like my defense got very better, coach U (Ulric Maligi) we watched a lot of film on it, and I can’t wait for the season. You know, I’m chasing player of the year, defensive player of the year, no question.”On what he remembers from playing Coleman Hawkins at Illinois while at Michigan…