Kelvin Sampson walked into a meeting of Big 12 coaches not long ago and looked around the room, and the thought that popped into the Houston coach’s head was that it felt like walking into a dog park.

“You’ve got two dogs walk by each other, kind of side-eye, or little one starts yapping at the big one and they start sizing each other up,” Sampson said. “I was sizing them all up. It used to be you could look at a few of those little dogs and go, ‘I can get that one. I can get that one. I can get that one.’ I ain’t seen nobody in this conference like that.”

Indeed, the Cougars — along with UCF, Cincinnati and BYU — are taking a big step up by joining the Big 12 this year. The first three are joining from the American Athletic and BYU from the West Coast conferences. All of them know that their programs are in for some growing pains as they take on what has statistically been the best league in the country.

“They’re all German shepherds, man. Where’s the Shih Tzus? Where’s the Chihuahuas at?” Sampson said. “Oh, that’s a Rottweiler. Oh my God, that’s a pitbull. This is a tough dog park, man.”

The top dog once again is expected to be Kansas, preseason No. 1 in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll" target="_blank">AP Top 25 poll.&nbsp;</a>

The Jayhawks return a talented and experienced core led by Dajuan Harris, Kevin McCullar and K.J. Adams. The landed a highly regarded freshman class headlined by Elmarko Jackson. And they brought in a group of impact transfers that features Hunter Dickinson, the ex-Michigan center widely considered the best player to hit the portal this past offseason.

They also return Bill Self, who missed the postseason after having a heart valve replaced. The Hall of Fame coach was taken to the hospital on the eve of the Big 12 Tournament, and top assistant Norm Roberts led the Jayhawks to a title game — losing there to Texas — and to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they were upset by Arkansas.

“I actually looked the other day because I didn’t even know when we had been ranked preseason 1,” Self said, “but in the years that we had, we’ve had good years but they haven’t finished great. I’m certainly hopeful that we can change that trend.”

The Jayhawks certainly will be tested. They have nonconference games against sixth-ranked and defending national champion UConn, No. 17 Kentucky, Missouri and Indiana. They also have a trip to the Maui Invitational, where they could see third-ranked Purdue, No. 5 Marquette, ninth-ranked Tennessee, No. 11 Gonzaga, Syracuse and UCLA.

Then comes the Big 12 slate, which includes seventh-ranked Houston, No. 18 Texas and No. 20 Baylor.

“I don’t think anybody will be afraid of anybody,” Self said. “The league is great. It got better when Houston came in it; there’s no question, a team that could win a national championship. And I’m not saying the other three can’t, but we know Houston can.”

Transferring within a conference was once verboten, but that is no longer the case. Baylor lost LJ Cryer to Houston. West Virginia watched Joe Toussaint head to Texas Tech. Avery Johnson III departed Oklahoma State for TCU, which also picked up Ernest Udeh from Kansas. And Ithiel Horton bounced from UCF to Texas.

Plenty of new coaches in the league have Big 12 roots, beginning with Sampson, who spent a dozen years at Oklahoma and led the Sooners to the Final Four in 2002. Josh Eilert, a former Kansas State graduate assistant, was picked by West Virginia to replace Bob Huggins, who acrimoniously parted ways with the school after his drunken-driving arrest in June. Texas Tech’s Grant McCasland, who played and coached at Baylor, was hired away from North Texas to replace Mark Adams.

Dickinson was the biggest prize of the portal, but several Big 12 schools landed high-profile transfers. Max Abmas departed Oral Roberts for Texas after finishing in the top 10 nationally in scoring each of the past three seasons. Arthur Kaluma left Creighton for Kansas State and Jameer Nelson Jr. took his 20.6 points per game from Delaware to TCU.

With so much attention on the portal, it’s easy to forget several freshmen are talented enough to push their way into starting lineups this season. Omaha Biliew was a top-10 recruit that Iowa State managed to keep in state, just as Oklahoma State did with Brandon Garrison. Ja’Kobe Walker, the latest star produced by Missouri’s Link Academy, signed with Baylor.

Texas enters the season as the defending Big 12 Tournament champ, a crown that earned then-interim coach Rodney Terry the full-time job. Longtime rival Oklahoma is trying to bounce back from a last-place finish in the league. Both will try to leave a lasting impression before the Longhorns and Sooners jump to the SEC next season.

“The thing is there’s going to be a time and an excitement to talk about what we’re going to do,” Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said, “but right now our focus and our feet are planted in Big 12 basketball.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678363413755.jpeg" alt="Big 12 Basketball&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Big 12 Basketball&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure> BY&nbsp;DAVE SKRETTAKelvin Sampson walked into a meeting of Big 12 coaches not long ago and looked around the room, and the thought that popped into the Houston coach’s head was that it felt like walking into a dog park.“You’ve got two dogs walk by each other, kind of side-eye, or little one starts yapping at the big one and they start sizing each other up,” Sampson said. “I was sizing them all up. It used to be you could look at a few of those little dogs and go, ‘I can get that one. I can get that one. I can get that one.’ I ain’t seen nobody in this conference like that.”Indeed, the Cougars — along with UCF, Cincinnati and BYU — are taking a big step up by joining the Big 12 this year. The first three are joining from the American Athletic and BYU from the West Coast conferences. All of them know that their programs are in for some growing pains as they take on what has statistically been the best league in the country.“They’re all German shepherds, man. Where’s the Shih Tzus? Where’s the Chihuahuas at?” Sampson said. “Oh, that’s a Rottweiler. Oh my God, that’s a pitbull. This is a tough dog park, man.”The top dog once again is expected to be Kansas, preseason No. 1 in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll" target="_blank">AP Top 25 poll.&nbsp;</a>The Jayhawks return a talented and experienced core led by Dajuan Harris, Kevin McCullar and K.J. Adams. The landed a highly regarded freshman class headlined by Elmarko Jackson. And they brought in a group of impact transfers that features Hunter Dickinson, the ex-Michigan center widely considered the best player to hit the portal this past offseason.They also return Bill Self, who missed the postseason after having a heart valve replaced. The Hall of Fame coach was taken to the hospital on the eve of the Big 12 Tournament, and top assistant Norm Roberts led the Jayhawks to a title game — losing there to Texas — and to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they were upset by Arkansas.“I actually looked the other day because I didn’t even know when we had been ranked preseason 1,” Self said, “but in the years that we had, we’ve had good years but they haven’t finished great. I’m certainly hopeful that we can change that trend.”The Jayhawks certainly will be tested. They have nonconference games against sixth-ranked and defending national champion UConn, No. 17 Kentucky, Missouri and Indiana. They also have a trip to the Maui Invitational, where they could see third-ranked Purdue, No. 5 Marquette, ninth-ranked Tennessee, No. 11 Gonzaga, Syracuse and UCLA.Then comes the Big 12 slate, which includes seventh-ranked Houston, No. 18 Texas and No. 20 Baylor.“I don’t think anybody will be afraid of anybody,” Self said. “The league is great. It got better when Houston came in it; there’s no question, a team that could win a national championship. And I’m not saying the other three can’t, but we know Houston can.”<h2>FAMILIAR OPPOSITION</h2>Transferring within a conference was once verboten, but that is no longer the case. Baylor lost LJ Cryer to Houston. West Virginia watched Joe Toussaint head to Texas Tech. Avery Johnson III departed Oklahoma State for TCU, which also picked up Ernest Udeh from Kansas. And Ithiel Horton bounced from UCF to Texas.<h2>WELCOME BACK</h2>Plenty of new coaches in the league have Big 12 roots, beginning with Sampson, who spent a dozen years at Oklahoma and led the Sooners to the Final Four in 2002. Josh Eilert, a former Kansas State graduate assistant, was picked by West Virginia to replace Bob Huggins, who acrimoniously parted ways with the school after his drunken-driving arrest in June. Texas Tech’s Grant McCasland, who played and coached at Baylor, was hired away from North Texas to replace Mark Adams.<h2>INSTANT IMPACT</h2>Dickinson was the biggest prize of the portal, but several Big 12 schools landed high-profile transfers. Max Abmas departed Oral Roberts for Texas after finishing in the top 10 nationally in scoring each of the past three seasons. Arthur Kaluma left Creighton for Kansas State and Jameer Nelson Jr. took his 20.6 points per game from Delaware to TCU.<h2>FRESHMAN FOCUS</h2>With so much attention on the portal, it’s easy to forget several freshmen are talented enough to push their way into starting lineups this season. Omaha Biliew was a top-10 recruit that Iowa State managed to keep in state, just as Oklahoma State did with Brandon Garrison. Ja’Kobe Walker, the latest star produced by Missouri’s Link Academy, signed with Baylor.<h2>LAST GO-AROUND</h2>Texas enters the season as the defending Big 12 Tournament champ, a crown that earned then-interim coach Rodney Terry the full-time job. Longtime rival Oklahoma is trying to bounce back from a last-place finish in the league. Both will try to leave a lasting impression before the Longhorns and Sooners jump to the SEC next season.“The thing is there’s going to be a time and an excitement to talk about what we’re going to do,” Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said, “but right now our focus and our feet are planted in Big 12 basketball.”

🏀 Houston’s Kelvin Sampson on the Big 12: ‘They’re all German shepherds, man. Where’s the Shih Tzus?’

Kelly dominates after Korea detour as Diamondbacks rout Rangers 9-1 to tie World Series 1-all

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Merrill Kelly struck out nine in seven innings of three-hit ball, Ketel Marte extended his postseason hitting streak to a record 18 games and the Arizona Diamondbacks routed the Texas Rangers 9-1 to even the World Series at one game apiece. Gabriel Moreno hit a go-ahead homer in a two-run fourth against Jordan Montgomery, and Tommy Pham went 4 for 4 with a pair of doubles as the young Diamondbacks rebounded quickly from an agonizing defeat the night before. Marte added a two-run single in a three-run eighth, breaking a tie for the longest postseason hitting streak with Derek Jeter, Manny Ramírez and Hank Bauer. Marte has a hit in every postseason game he's ever played.

Neal scores go-ahead TD with 55 seconds left, KU holds on to beat No. 6 Oklahoma 38-33

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Devin Neal ran for 112 yards and the go-ahead touchdown for Kansas with 55 seconds left, and Oklahoma's Dillon Gabriel threw incomplete to the end zone on the final play of the game, as the Jayhawks beat the sixth-ranked Sooners 38-33 on Saturday. The win snapped an 18-game losing streak to the Sooners and marks the highest-ranked opponent the Jayhawks have beaten since a win over Virginia Tech in the 2008 Orange Bowl. Kansas quarterback Jason Bean threw for 218 yards and two interceptions while running for 62 yards and a score. Gabriel had three touchdown runs for the Sooners.

AP Top 25 Takeaways: No. 6 OU upset; No. 8 Oregon flexes; No. 1 UGA, No. 4 FSU roll before CFP debut

The upsets have arrived. Kansas made it two weeks in a row with an unranked team beating a top-10 team, when the Jayhawks knocked No. 6 Oklahoma out of the ranks of the unbeaten to snap an 18-game losing streak against the Sooners. OU's loss comes a week after then-No. 10 North Carolina lost to Virginia at home, and three days before the first College Football Playoff rankings are released. Several other CFP contenders, including No. 1 Georgia and No. 4 Florida State, rolled. None more impressively than Oregon. Clemson, meanwhile, is now a long way from those conversations.

Max Scherzer is set to start Game 3 of the World Series for the Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer is set to start Game 3 of the World Series for Texas against Arizona. The Rangers will be the third team he has started for in a Fall Classic. Scherzer had missed more than a month because of a muscle strain in his shoulder before starting twice in the AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros. He exited the pennant-clinching Game 7 last Monday with the lead after allowing two runs in 2 2/3 innings. Rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt will start Game 3 for the Diamondbacks. The 25-year-old has a 2.70 ERA with no decisions in four postseason starts, all won by the Diamondbacks.

D-backs' Ketel Marte passes Derek Jeter, two others for longest postseason hitting streak

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ketel Marte has the longest hitting streak in postseason history at 18 games after a two-run single in the eighth inning of Game 2 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers. The switch-hitting outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks was hitless his first four at-bats before his two-out single. Marte already had the MLB record for the longest hitting streak to start a postseason career at 17 games. The Game 2 hit sent him past Derek Jerek and Hank Bauer of the New York Yankees and Boston's Manny Ramirez for the longest overall streak. Texas slugger Adolis García went 0 for 3 with a walk to end streaks of five consecutive postseason games with a homer and seven in a row with an RBI.

American hockey player Adam Johnson dies after 'freak accident' during game in England

NOTTINGHAM, England (AP) — American hockey player Adam Johnson has died after a "freak accident" during a game in England on Saturday, his club said. The 29-year-old Minnesota native was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers when he suffered a slashed neck during the second period of the game at Sheffield's Utilita Arena. Minnesota-born Johnson played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League before spending the 2020-21 season in Sweden with the Malmo Redhawks. He went on to play in Canada for the Ontario Reign and in Germany for the Augsburg Panthers before agreeing to join Nottingham for the 2023-24 campaign.

49ers QB Brock Purdy clears concussion protocol and will start against the Bengals

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy cleared the final step of concussion protocol and is set to start on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. The 49ers announced that Purdy will have no injury designation for the game against the Bengals after suffering the concussion late in a loss at Minnesota on Monday night. Purdy got hit in the helmet on a quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter against the Vikings. He remained in the game but through two interceptions on his final six pass attempts in a 22-17 loss.

Las Vegas QB Jimmy Garoppolo cleared to play Monday night at Detroit

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been cleared for the Raiders' game Monday night at the Detroit Lions. He missed the previous six quarters because of a back injury. Kicker Daniel Carlson returned to practice Saturday after sitting out the previous two days. He has an injured right groin. The Raiders signed James McCourt to the practice squad in case Carlson isn't ready to go. Coach Josh McDaniels is optimistic about cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Jakorian Bennett. Hobbs has an ankle injury and Bennett has shoulder and knee injuries. Linebacker Divine Deablo hasn't practiced this week because of an ankle injury.

Heavyweight boxing champ Fury survives scare from former UFC fighter Ngannou to win split decision

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou shockingly went the distance in his boxing debut early Sunday morning, even knocking down reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury at one point, but Fury remained undefeated after winning a split decision. Two judges gave Fury the fight by scores of 96-93 and 95-94, and the other judge favored Ngannou 95-94. Fury remained undefeated at 34-0-1 with 24 knockouts. Ngannou's UFC record was 17-3.

Harrison, Henderson lead unbeaten and No. 3-ranked Ohio State to 24-10 victory at Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Marvin Harrison Jr. caught two touchdown passes, TreyVeon Henderson rushed for 162 yards in his first game in over a month and No. 3 Ohio State remained unbeaten by defeating Wisconsin 24-10 on Saturday night. Wisconsin (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) played the second half without star running back Braelon Allen or wide receiver Chimere Dike due to leg injuries. Harrison finished with six receptions for 123 yards. Henderson had a game-clinching 33-yard touchdown run. He had missed three games with an unspecified injury.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Final	Georgia Tech	46	(17)North Carolina	42	

Final	(25)James Madison	30	Old Dominion	27	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, October 29th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, October 29th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for October 29th.Kelly dominates after Korea detour as Diamondbacks rout Rangers 9-1 to tie World Series 1-allARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Merrill Kelly struck out nine in seven innings of three-hit ball, Ketel Marte extended his postseason hitting streak to a record 18 games and the Arizona Diamondbacks routed the Texas Rangers 9-1 to even the World Series at one game apiece. Gabriel Moreno hit a go-ahead homer in a two-run fourth against Jordan Montgomery, and Tommy Pham went 4 for 4 with a pair of doubles as the young Diamondbacks rebounded quickly from an agonizing defeat the night before. Marte added a two-run single in a three-run eighth, breaking a tie for the longest postseason hitting streak with Derek Jeter, Manny Ramírez and Hank Bauer. Marte has a hit in every postseason game he's ever played.Neal scores go-ahead TD with 55 seconds left, KU holds on to beat No. 6 Oklahoma 38-33LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Devin Neal ran for 112 yards and the go-ahead touchdown for Kansas with 55 seconds left, and Oklahoma's Dillon Gabriel threw incomplete to the end zone on the final play of the game, as the Jayhawks beat the sixth-ranked Sooners 38-33 on Saturday. The win snapped an 18-game losing streak to the Sooners and marks the highest-ranked opponent the Jayhawks have beaten since a win over Virginia Tech in the 2008 Orange Bowl. Kansas quarterback Jason Bean threw for 218 yards and two interceptions while running for 62 yards and a score. Gabriel had three touchdown runs for the Sooners.AP Top 25 Takeaways: No. 6 OU upset; No. 8 Oregon flexes; No. 1 UGA, No. 4 FSU roll before CFP debutThe upsets have arrived. Kansas made it two weeks in a row with an unranked team beating a top-10 team, when the Jayhawks knocked No. 6 Oklahoma out of the ranks of the unbeaten to snap an 18-game losing streak against the Sooners. OU's loss comes a week after then-No. 10 North Carolina lost to Virginia at home, and three days before the first College Football Playoff rankings are released. Several other CFP contenders, including No. 1 Georgia and No. 4 Florida State, rolled. None more impressively than Oregon. Clemson, meanwhile, is now a long way from those conversations.Max Scherzer is set to start Game 3 of the World Series for the RangersARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer is set to start Game 3 of the World Series for Texas against Arizona. The Rangers will be the third team he has started for in a Fall Classic. Scherzer had missed more than a month because of a muscle strain in his shoulder before starting twice in the AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros. He exited the pennant-clinching Game 7 last Monday with the lead after allowing two runs in 2 2/3 innings. Rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt will start Game 3 for the Diamondbacks. The 25-year-old has a 2.70 ERA with no decisions in four postseason starts, all won by the Diamondbacks.D-backs' Ketel Marte passes Derek Jeter, two others for longest postseason hitting streakARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ketel Marte has the longest hitting streak in postseason history at 18 games after a two-run single in the eighth inning of Game 2 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers. The switch-hitting outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks was hitless his first four at-bats before his two-out single. Marte already had the MLB record for the longest hitting streak to start a postseason career at 17 games. The Game 2 hit sent him past Derek Jerek and Hank Bauer of the New York Yankees and Boston's Manny Ramirez for the longest overall streak. Texas slugger Adolis García went 0 for 3 with a walk to end streaks of five consecutive postseason games with a homer and seven in a row with an RBI.American hockey player Adam Johnson dies after 'freak accident' during game in EnglandNOTTINGHAM, England (AP) — American hockey player Adam Johnson has died after a "freak accident" during a game in England on Saturday, his club said. The 29-year-old Minnesota native was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers when he suffered a slashed neck during the second period of the game at Sheffield's Utilita Arena. Minnesota-born Johnson played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League before spending the 2020-21 season in Sweden with the Malmo Redhawks. He went on to play in Canada for the Ontario Reign and in Germany for the Augsburg Panthers before agreeing to join Nottingham for the 2023-24 campaign.49ers QB Brock Purdy clears concussion protocol and will start against the BengalsSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy cleared the final step of concussion protocol and is set to start on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. The 49ers announced that Purdy will have no injury designation for the game against the Bengals after suffering the concussion late in a loss at Minnesota on Monday night. Purdy got hit in the helmet on a quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter against the Vikings. He remained in the game but through two interceptions on his final six pass attempts in a 22-17 loss.Las Vegas QB Jimmy Garoppolo cleared to play Monday night at DetroitHENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been cleared for the Raiders' game Monday night at the Detroit Lions. He missed the previous six quarters because of a back injury. Kicker Daniel Carlson returned to practice Saturday after sitting out the previous two days. He has an injured right groin. The Raiders signed James McCourt to the practice squad in case Carlson isn't ready to go. Coach Josh McDaniels is optimistic about cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Jakorian Bennett. Hobbs has an ankle injury and Bennett has shoulder and knee injuries. Linebacker Divine Deablo hasn't practiced this week because of an ankle injury.Heavyweight boxing champ Fury survives scare from former UFC fighter Ngannou to win split decisionRIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou shockingly went the distance in his boxing debut early Sunday morning, even knocking down reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury at one point, but Fury remained undefeated after winning a split decision. Two judges gave Fury the fight by scores of 96-93 and 95-94, and the other judge favored Ngannou 95-94. Fury remained undefeated at 34-0-1 with 24 knockouts. Ngannou's UFC record was 17-3.Harrison, Henderson lead unbeaten and No. 3-ranked Ohio State to 24-10 victory at WisconsinMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Marvin Harrison Jr. caught two touchdown passes, TreyVeon Henderson rushed for 162 yards in his first game in over a month and No. 3 Ohio State remained unbeaten by defeating Wisconsin 24-10 on Saturday night. Wisconsin (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) played the second half without star running back Braelon Allen or wide receiver Chimere Dike due to leg injuries. Harrison finished with six receptions for 123 yards. Henderson had a game-clinching 33-yard touchdown run. He had missed three games with an unspecified injury.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS Final	Arizona	9	Texas	1	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Final	New Orleans	96	New York	87	Final	Detroit	118	Chicago	102	Final	Washington	113	Memphis	106	Final	Indiana	125	Cleveland	113	Final	Philadelphia	114	Toronto	107	Final	Minnesota	106	Miami	90	Final	Phoenix	126	Utah	104	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Final	Anaheim	7	Philadelphia	4	Final	Florida	3	Seattle	2	Final	N-Y Islanders	2	Columbus	0	Final	Ottawa	5	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Boston	4	Detroit	1	Final OT	Nashville	3	Toronto	2	Final SO	Montreal	4	Winnipeg	3	Final OT	N-Y Rangers	4	Vancouver	3	Final SO	Vegas	4	Los Angeles	3	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Final	(8)Oregon	35	(13)Utah	6	Final	(18)Louisville	23	(20)Duke	0	Final	(4)Florida St.	41	Wake Forest	16	Final	(10)Penn St.	33	Indiana	24	Final	Kansas	38	(6)Oklahoma	33	Final	(7)Texas	35	BYU	6	Final	(14)Notre Dame	58	Pittsburgh	7	Final	(1)Georgia	43	Florida	20	Final	(24)Southern Cal	50	California	49	Final	(22)Tulane	30	Rice	28	Final	(21)Tennessee	33	Kentucky	27	Final	(5)Washington	42	Stanford	33	Final	(19)Air Force	30	Colorado St.	13	Final	(3)Ohio St.	24	Wisconsin	10	Final	(23)UCLA	28	Colorado	16	Final	(12)Mississippi	33	Vanderbilt	7	Final	Georgia Tech	46	(17)North Carolina	42	Final	(25)James Madison	30	Old Dominion	27	Final	Arizona	27	(11)Oregon St.	24	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER Final	Philadelphia	3	New England	1	Final	Los Angeles FC	5	Vancouver	2	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Denver	at	Oklahoma City	3:30 p.m.	Atlanta	at	Milwaukee	7 p.m.	Golden State	at	Houston	7 p.m.	Portland	at	Philadelphia	7:30 p.m.	L.A. Lakers	at	Sacramento	9 p.m.	San Antonio	at	L.A. Clippers	9 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Colorado	at	Buffalo	1 p.m.	Minnesota	at	New Jersey	5 p.m.	San Jose	at	Washington	5 p.m.	Calgary	at	Edmonton	7 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Atlanta	at	Tennessee	1 p.m.	Houston	at	Carolina	1 p.m.	Jacksonville	at	Pittsburgh	1 p.m.	L.A. Rams	at	Dallas	1 p.m.	Minnesota	at	Green Bay	1 p.m.	N-Y Jets	at	N-Y Giants	1 p.m.	New England	at	Miami	1 p.m.	New Orleans	at	Indianapolis	1 p.m.	Philadelphia	at	Washington	1 p.m.	Cleveland	at	Seattle	4:05 p.m.	Baltimore	at	Arizona	4:25 p.m.	Cincinnati	at	San Francisco	4:25 p.m.	Kansas City	at	Denver	4:25 p.m.	Chicago	at	L.A. Chargers	8:20 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER Real Salt Lake	at	Houston	6 p.m.	New York	at	Cincinnati	8 p.m.	Sporting Kansas City	at	St Louis City	10 p.m.

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Sunday

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas coach Lance Leipold has always been focused on the future: the next game, the renovations that are about to transform Memorial Stadium, the long-term prospects of a program that has long been in the dumps.

“It's time,” Leipold said after a 38-33 win over No. 6 Oklahoma on Saturday, “for me to start talking about how far we've come.”

Devin Neal ran for 112 yards and the go-ahead score with 55 seconds left, the Sooners' Dillon Gabriel threw incomplete to the end zone on the final play of the game, and Kansas fans — finally relishing a bit of success after watching so many downtrodden teams over the years — were left to storm the field and celebrate one of the biggest wins in school history.

The Jayhawks snapped an 18-game losing streak to Oklahoma in their final matchup before it departs the Big 12 for the SEC, and they beat their highest-ranked opponent since defeating Virginia Tech in the 2008 Orange Bowl.

And the fans tore down the goal posts and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KU_Football/status/1589049153153552384?s=20">dumped them into Potter Lake.</a>

“This is a huge moment for this team,” said Jason Bean, starting once again in place of injured quarterback Jalon Daniels.

The Jayhawks (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) looked as if they had squandered their chance to win when, trailing 33-32 with 2:29 remaining, Bean threw an interception. But their vastly improved defense forced Oklahoma (7-1, 4-1) to punt, and after two completions and a fourth-down throw that gained 37 yards, Neal scampered in from 9 out against what appeared to be an ambivalent defense to give Kansas the lead back.

But it also give Oklahoma's offense another shot with the ball.

Gabriel completed a 39-yard pass to Brenan Thompson to reach the Kansas 34 with 24 seconds to go. After a short throw to Jovantae Barnes and an incompletion, the quarterback who had been nearly perfect all season threw high to the end zone on the final play to touch off the field-storming celebration.

“I got caught in a whole bunch of students,” Leipold said. “I hope nobody gives me a breathalyzer just off the fumes out there.”

Bean threw for 218 yards with two interceptions while running for 62 yards and a touchdown. Daniel Hishaw also had two TD runs for the Jayhawks, who had not beaten Oklahoma since October 4, 1997.

Gabriel finished with 171 yards passing and three touchdown runs, and Tawee Walker ran for 146 yards and a score, though the Sooners were left to lament too many missed opportunities and the end to their perfect season.

“Turned the ball over, penalties — the timing of all of it was really poor,” Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said. “As I told them, we’re not going to be defined by any one win or any loss. We have a lot still in front of us. But this one hurts. It stings.”

Until the fourth quarter, it had been a dreary Homecoming for the Jayhawks.

A sellout crowd packed Memorial Stadium early to watch Fox's pregame show, then started getting wet when rain moved in after kickoff. Midway through the second quarter, lightning lit up the sky, causing a delay of about an hour. And when the game finally resumed, about half that crowd was left — and a big portion of that was chanting “Boomer Sooner.”

All those Kansas fans that stuck it out were in for a treat.

The Jayhawks had jumped to a 14-0 lead on a pick-six by Mello Dotson and Hishaw's first TD run. But the Sooners, who had been struggling without injured running back Marcus Major, soon found their stride.

When the Jayhawks fumbled a kickoff, Gabriel's second touchdown run marked 21 unanswered points for Oklahoma.

The seesaw affair was just getting started, though.

The Jayhawks had closed within 21-20 in third quarter when they pounced on a fumble and Bean ran 38 yards for a score. The Sooners answered with a 75-yard TD drive to take a 27-26 lead, only to watch the Jayhawks capitalize on three personal fouls — including one on the Oklahoma bench for arguing about the first — to regain a 32-27 lead.

Kansas nearly made it a two-possession game in the fourth quarter when the Sooners muffed the ensuing kickoff, but a holding penalty brought back Hishaw's 20-yard touchdown run and Seth Keller missed a 42-yard field-goal attempt.

The Sooners seized upon the opportunity. Their defense got a hand on Bean's pass and Billy Bowman picked it off at the Kansas 14. Gabriel scored less than 2 minutes later to take a 33-32 lead with 5:22 to go.

Plenty of time for the Jayhawks to score one more touchdown and make a big defensive stand.

“Everyone trusted what we've been doing,” Hishaw said. “I guess you could say this is a little bit of payoff.”

Oklahoma: Three turnovers and 11 penalties for 101 yards were big reasons why the Sooners' College Football Playoff aspirations took a big hit. Now, they find themselves in a logjam of Big 12 teams with one conference loss.

Kansas: Almost as an afterthought, the public address announcer made note to the field-storming fans that the Jayhawks were bowl-eligible again. It's only the second time in school history they have qualified in consecutive seasons.

Oklahoma visits Oklahoma State next Saturday in the last edition of Bedlam for the foreseeable future.

Kansas heads to Iowa State next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698527362997.jpeg" alt="Kansas running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. (20) is tackled by Oklahoma defensive lineman Rondell Bothroyd (80) as he runs for a first down during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. (20) is tackled by Oklahoma defensive lineman Rondell Bothroyd (80) as he runs for a first down during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas coach Lance Leipold has always been focused on the future: the next game, the renovations that are about to transform Memorial Stadium, the long-term prospects of a program that has long been in the dumps.“It's time,” Leipold said after a 38-33 win over No. 6 Oklahoma on Saturday, “for me to start talking about how far we've come.”Devin Neal ran for 112 yards and the go-ahead score with 55 seconds left, the Sooners' Dillon Gabriel threw incomplete to the end zone on the final play of the game, and Kansas fans — finally relishing a bit of success after watching so many downtrodden teams over the years — were left to storm the field and celebrate one of the biggest wins in school history.The Jayhawks snapped an 18-game losing streak to Oklahoma in their final matchup before it departs the Big 12 for the SEC, and they beat their highest-ranked opponent since defeating Virginia Tech in the 2008 Orange Bowl.And the fans tore down the goal posts and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KU_Football/status/1589049153153552384?s=20">dumped them into Potter Lake.</a>“This is a huge moment for this team,” said Jason Bean, starting once again in place of injured quarterback Jalon Daniels.The Jayhawks (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) looked as if they had squandered their chance to win when, trailing 33-32 with 2:29 remaining, Bean threw an interception. But their vastly improved defense forced Oklahoma (7-1, 4-1) to punt, and after two completions and a fourth-down throw that gained 37 yards, Neal scampered in from 9 out against what appeared to be an ambivalent defense to give Kansas the lead back.But it also give Oklahoma's offense another shot with the ball.Gabriel completed a 39-yard pass to Brenan Thompson to reach the Kansas 34 with 24 seconds to go. After a short throw to Jovantae Barnes and an incompletion, the quarterback who had been nearly perfect all season threw high to the end zone on the final play to touch off the field-storming celebration.“I got caught in a whole bunch of students,” Leipold said. “I hope nobody gives me a breathalyzer just off the fumes out there.”Bean threw for 218 yards with two interceptions while running for 62 yards and a touchdown. Daniel Hishaw also had two TD runs for the Jayhawks, who had not beaten Oklahoma since October 4, 1997.Gabriel finished with 171 yards passing and three touchdown runs, and Tawee Walker ran for 146 yards and a score, though the Sooners were left to lament too many missed opportunities and the end to their perfect season.“Turned the ball over, penalties — the timing of all of it was really poor,” Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said. “As I told them, we’re not going to be defined by any one win or any loss. We have a lot still in front of us. But this one hurts. It stings.”Until the fourth quarter, it had been a dreary Homecoming for the Jayhawks.A sellout crowd packed Memorial Stadium early to watch Fox's pregame show, then started getting wet when rain moved in after kickoff. Midway through the second quarter, lightning lit up the sky, causing a delay of about an hour. And when the game finally resumed, about half that crowd was left — and a big portion of that was chanting “Boomer Sooner.”All those Kansas fans that stuck it out were in for a treat.The Jayhawks had jumped to a 14-0 lead on a pick-six by Mello Dotson and Hishaw's first TD run. But the Sooners, who had been struggling without injured running back Marcus Major, soon found their stride.When the Jayhawks fumbled a kickoff, Gabriel's second touchdown run marked 21 unanswered points for Oklahoma.The seesaw affair was just getting started, though.The Jayhawks had closed within 21-20 in third quarter when they pounced on a fumble and Bean ran 38 yards for a score. The Sooners answered with a 75-yard TD drive to take a 27-26 lead, only to watch the Jayhawks capitalize on three personal fouls — including one on the Oklahoma bench for arguing about the first — to regain a 32-27 lead.Kansas nearly made it a two-possession game in the fourth quarter when the Sooners muffed the ensuing kickoff, but a holding penalty brought back Hishaw's 20-yard touchdown run and Seth Keller missed a 42-yard field-goal attempt.The Sooners seized upon the opportunity. Their defense got a hand on Bean's pass and Billy Bowman picked it off at the Kansas 14. Gabriel scored less than 2 minutes later to take a 33-32 lead with 5:22 to go.Plenty of time for the Jayhawks to score one more touchdown and make a big defensive stand.“Everyone trusted what we've been doing,” Hishaw said. “I guess you could say this is a little bit of payoff.”THE TAKEAWAYOklahoma: Three turnovers and 11 penalties for 101 yards were big reasons why the Sooners' College Football Playoff aspirations took a big hit. Now, they find themselves in a logjam of Big 12 teams with one conference loss.Kansas: Almost as an afterthought, the public address announcer made note to the field-storming fans that the Jayhawks were bowl-eligible again. It's only the second time in school history they have qualified in consecutive seasons.UP NEXT:Oklahoma visits Oklahoma State next Saturday in the last edition of Bedlam for the foreseeable future.Kansas heads to Iowa State next Saturday.

🏈 Late Neal TD lifts Jayhawks past No. 6 Oklahoma

HIGHLAND, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (8-0, 5-0) used a 12-play, 77-yard drive that started in the third quarter to hold off Highland (6-4, 3-3).

Saturday's road game featured the top two defenses in the nation. Hutchinson entered the game allowing 9.4 points per contest to the 10.4 allowed by the Scotties.

Hutchinson's defense intercepted Highland quarterback Brinley Vandiver three times in the second quarter.

Ryan Nolan got his fourth and fifth interceptions of the season in the second quarter while Malik McConico added his third of the year.

"Defensively, we played outstanding," head coach Drew Dallas said of his team's first shutout of the year.

Highland mustered 1.8 yards per play in the first half and finished the day with 135 total yards (121 through the air).

Unfortunately, Dragon quarterback Samari Collier threw two interceptions in the first half. Four of his season five interceptions have come in the last two games.

Collier finished 10-of-17 for 112 yards with the two interceptions. Collier added 45 yards on the ground. "He fought for some tough yards out there today," Dallas said of his quarterback.

"It was the battle of the No. 1 and No. 2 defenses in the nation and you saw every bit of it," Dallas said. "There's a reason (Highland's) record is what it is."

After 29 scoreless minutes, Dragon running back Ed Williams III found pay dirt on an 8-yard burst to put Hutchinson up 6-0 before halftime.

The extra point failed as Dominique Stevenson registered his fifth block of the season.

The Dragons failed on a 28-yard field goal in the same direction after a mishandled snap.

Hutchinson struggled on special teams. Kicker Cole Segraves missed in the third quarter from 35 yards away.

"(Highland) made us earn it up and down the field," Dallas said.

Highland missed its only field-goal attempt from 40 in the fourth quarter.

A 12-play, 77-yard drive for Hutchinson gave the Dragons the breathing room they needed to put the game away.

Receiver Zeriah Beason took the ball to the half-yard line with five seconds left in the third quarter. Beason led Dragon receivers with three catches for 38 yards.

Running back Brandon Epton Jr. capped the drive with the half-yard burst to begin the final frame.

Hutchinson had a chance to run out the clock with 2:48 remaining. However, Amaris Shaw coughed up the ball and Jalen Foster returned the ball to the Dragon 30.

The Dragon defense stopped Highland on 4th and 11 to take the ball back.

The Dragon defense held the second-best receiver in the nation, Benson Prosper, to 24 total yards on six catches. He entered the game averaging 88.4 receiving yards per contest.

Defensive end Daniel Brown was disruptive once again on defense. Brown registered three tackles-for-loss and a sack. He also recorded his second broken-up pass of the season.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698524208456.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HIGHLAND, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (8-0, 5-0) used a 12-play, 77-yard drive that started in the third quarter to hold off Highland (6-4, 3-3).Saturday's road game featured the top two defenses in the nation. Hutchinson entered the game allowing 9.4 points per contest to the 10.4 allowed by the Scotties.Hutchinson's defense intercepted Highland quarterback Brinley Vandiver three times in the second quarter.Ryan Nolan got his fourth and fifth interceptions of the season in the second quarter while Malik McConico added his third of the year."Defensively, we played outstanding," head coach Drew Dallas said of his team's first shutout of the year.Highland mustered 1.8 yards per play in the first half and finished the day with 135 total yards (121 through the air).Unfortunately, Dragon quarterback Samari Collier threw two interceptions in the first half. Four of his season five interceptions have come in the last two games.Collier finished 10-of-17 for 112 yards with the two interceptions. Collier added 45 yards on the ground. "He fought for some tough yards out there today," Dallas said of his quarterback."It was the battle of the No. 1 and No. 2 defenses in the nation and you saw every bit of it," Dallas said. "There's a reason (Highland's) record is what it is."After 29 scoreless minutes, Dragon running back Ed Williams III found pay dirt on an 8-yard burst to put Hutchinson up 6-0 before halftime.The extra point failed as Dominique Stevenson registered his fifth block of the season.The Dragons failed on a 28-yard field goal in the same direction after a mishandled snap.Hutchinson struggled on special teams. Kicker Cole Segraves missed in the third quarter from 35 yards away."(Highland) made us earn it up and down the field," Dallas said.Highland missed its only field-goal attempt from 40 in the fourth quarter.A 12-play, 77-yard drive for Hutchinson gave the Dragons the breathing room they needed to put the game away.Receiver Zeriah Beason took the ball to the half-yard line with five seconds left in the third quarter. Beason led Dragon receivers with three catches for 38 yards.Running back Brandon Epton Jr. capped the drive with the half-yard burst to begin the final frame.Hutchinson had a chance to run out the clock with 2:48 remaining. However, Amaris Shaw coughed up the ball and Jalen Foster returned the ball to the Dragon 30.The Dragon defense stopped Highland on 4th and 11 to take the ball back.FINAL: Hutchinson 13 Highland 0Highland was 2-for-18 on third down.Hutchinson was 2-of-11 on third.The Dragon defense held the second-best receiver in the nation, Benson Prosper, to 24 total yards on six catches. He entered the game averaging 88.4 receiving yards per contest.Defensive end Daniel Brown was disruptive once again on defense. Brown registered three tackles-for-loss and a sack. He also recorded his second broken-up pass of the season.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 No. 1 Dragons shut out Scotties

By DAVID SMALE Associated Press

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard was 15-of-17 passing for 164 yards with two touchdowns as Kansas State defeated Houston 41-0 Saturday.

It was the K-State defense, which has gone nine quarters without allowing a touchdown, that shined the brightest. K-State has outscored its opponents 103-3 since falling behind Texas Tech 21-17 on Oct. 14 before winning 38-21.

“I feel like our confidence level is really high right now and it's coming at a good time,” Howard said. “The defense makes my job really easy. Those are two really good offenses (TCU and Houston) they just held to three points combined. When you have your defense playing like that, it's hard not to win games.”

The Wildcats (6-2, 4-1 Big 12) held the Cougars (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) to just 208 yards. The Cougars came into the game second in the Big 12 with 291 passing yards per game but managed just 95 against K-State.

Houston's Donovan Smith had trouble finding open receivers. He finished the day 13 of 28 for 88 yards.

“We're playing at an elite level,” defensive end Nate Matlack said. “That's what we've been trying to replicate the whole season. It feels really good to be playing at this level, shutting guys out or holding them to one score. That's our goal for the rest of the season.”

K-State head coach Chris Klieman had trouble finding a unit to single out in his postgame praise.

“It was a dominant performance,” Klieman said. "We didn't want to be a roller-coaster team. We want to get better every week. Houston is a good team. Our guys really played focused, physical football.

"I can't say enough about our defense. We're playing really well at all three levels of defense, which I'm excited about.

“Will Howard has played a lot of really good football here, but I told him I thought he played his best game today.”

The Wildcats rushed for 174 yards, led by DJ Giddens, who had 96 yards and two of the three rushing touchdowns. His 13-yard run late in the third quarter extended the lead to 35-0.

Avery Johnson threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Seth Porter in the fourth quarter.

“We knew it would be challenging. It’s Big 12 football,” Houston coach Dana Holgorsen said. “I don’t think that’s who we are as a football team. Our opponent had a lot to do with that.

“That’s what Big 12 championship football looks like.”

K-State continued an impressive streak with a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on its opening possession. Through eight games, the Wildcats have scored six touchdowns and had one field goal the first time it touched the ball. Howard passed to Garrett Oakley for a 12-yard score.

Howard then found Phillip Brooks on a 21-yard touchdown to put the Wildcats up 14-0 early in the second quarter, capping a 15-play, 89-yard drive.

Treshaun Ward punched it in from the 1-yard line to give K-State a 21-0 lead. After another three-and-out, Giddens scored on a 9-yard run to put the Wildcats up 28-0 late in the half.

In the first half, the Wildcats held a 277-83 advantage in total yards. Howard was 13 of 14 for 155 yards and two scores.

Houston: The Cougars need to stop spotting their opponents a big lead. For the second straight week, they fell behind by at least 21 points in the first half.

Kansas State: There is no quarterback controversy in Manhattan, and not because Johnson isn't capable. Howard has firm control of the offense, and he can run and pass with efficiency.

Houston: The Cougars travel to take on in-state rival Baylor next Saturday.

Kansas State: The Wildcats play at No. 7 Texas next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698528013094.jpeg" alt="Kansas State running back DJ Giddens carries the ball in for a touchdown against Houston during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Manhattan, Kan., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State running back DJ Giddens carries the ball in for a touchdown against Houston during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Manhattan, Kan., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard was 15-of-17 passing for 164 yards with two touchdowns as Kansas State defeated Houston 41-0 Saturday.It was the K-State defense, which has gone nine quarters without allowing a touchdown, that shined the brightest. K-State has outscored its opponents 103-3 since falling behind Texas Tech 21-17 on Oct. 14 before winning 38-21.“I feel like our confidence level is really high right now and it's coming at a good time,” Howard said. “The defense makes my job really easy. Those are two really good offenses (TCU and Houston) they just held to three points combined. When you have your defense playing like that, it's hard not to win games.”The Wildcats (6-2, 4-1 Big 12) held the Cougars (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) to just 208 yards. The Cougars came into the game second in the Big 12 with 291 passing yards per game but managed just 95 against K-State.Houston's Donovan Smith had trouble finding open receivers. He finished the day 13 of 28 for 88 yards.“We're playing at an elite level,” defensive end Nate Matlack said. “That's what we've been trying to replicate the whole season. It feels really good to be playing at this level, shutting guys out or holding them to one score. That's our goal for the rest of the season.”K-State head coach Chris Klieman had trouble finding a unit to single out in his postgame praise.“It was a dominant performance,” Klieman said. "We didn't want to be a roller-coaster team. We want to get better every week. Houston is a good team. Our guys really played focused, physical football."I can't say enough about our defense. We're playing really well at all three levels of defense, which I'm excited about.“Will Howard has played a lot of really good football here, but I told him I thought he played his best game today.”The Wildcats rushed for 174 yards, led by DJ Giddens, who had 96 yards and two of the three rushing touchdowns. His 13-yard run late in the third quarter extended the lead to 35-0.Avery Johnson threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Seth Porter in the fourth quarter.It was total domination by the Wildcats.“We knew it would be challenging. It’s Big 12 football,” Houston coach Dana Holgorsen said. “I don’t think that’s who we are as a football team. Our opponent had a lot to do with that.“That’s what Big 12 championship football looks like.”K-State continued an impressive streak with a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on its opening possession. Through eight games, the Wildcats have scored six touchdowns and had one field goal the first time it touched the ball. Howard passed to Garrett Oakley for a 12-yard score.Howard then found Phillip Brooks on a 21-yard touchdown to put the Wildcats up 14-0 early in the second quarter, capping a 15-play, 89-yard drive.Treshaun Ward punched it in from the 1-yard line to give K-State a 21-0 lead. After another three-and-out, Giddens scored on a 9-yard run to put the Wildcats up 28-0 late in the half.In the first half, the Wildcats held a 277-83 advantage in total yards. Howard was 13 of 14 for 155 yards and two scores.THE TAKEAWAYHouston: The Cougars need to stop spotting their opponents a big lead. For the second straight week, they fell behind by at least 21 points in the first half.Kansas State: There is no quarterback controversy in Manhattan, and not because Johnson isn't capable. Howard has firm control of the offense, and he can run and pass with efficiency.UP NEXTHouston: The Cougars travel to take on in-state rival Baylor next Saturday.Kansas State: The Wildcats play at No. 7 Texas next Saturday.

 🏈 Howard throws 2 TDs, Giddens runs for 2 in K-State win over Houston

Central Oklahoma (4-4, 3-4 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (6-2, 5-2 MIAA) Saturday, October 28 – 1 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

Hall of Fame Game: Newest Tiger Sports Hall of Fame Inductees to be recognized at halftime. Promotion:&nbsp;Trunk or Treat – Kids that arrive in Halloween costumes receive FREE admission and can participate in Trunk or Treat at halftime.

Fort Hays State Football returns to the gridiron on Saturday afternoon when it takes on Central Oklahoma at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. The Tigers enter the game at 6-2 overall, 5-2 in the MIAA, while the Bronchos are 4-4 overall and 3-4 in the MIAA.

Fort Hays State is currently on a four-game win streak, which includes wins over Lincoln, Missouri Southern, Nebraska-Kearney, and Washburn. The Tigers have averaged 32.3 points per game in their last three conference contests. The Tigers are coming off a 31-28 win at Washburn last week. The Tigers have won three straight games at home and sit at 3-1 in both home and away contests this season.

Central Oklahoma is coming off a win over Northeastern State last week. The Bronchos have scored at least 17 points in all of their games this season and reached at least 20 in seven of eight contests. However, the Bronchos have yielded at least 20 points to all but one opponent this season with a season-low of 17 allowed to Lincoln.

Fort Hays State enters this contest with the best total defense in the MIAA at 262.5 yards per game. The Tigers also own the top pass defense in the conference, allowing just 153.1 yards per game through the air. FHSU ranks second in the MIAA in scoring defense, allowing 18 points per game.

Central Oklahoma has won the last two meetings with FHSU and holds a 9-6 advantage in the all-time series history. FHSU last defeated UCO in 2019 by a score of 35-7 in Edmond. FHSU holds a 5-3 advantage in eight previous MIAA meetings.

On offense, Jack Dawson&nbsp;has thrown for 1,990 yards and 19 touchdowns, while also rushing for three touchdowns. Trevor Watts&nbsp;has been his most frequent target with a team-high 48 receptions for 486 yards. Jayden Horace&nbsp;has 455 receiving yards and a team-high eight receiving touchdowns. Shane Watts&nbsp;is the team leader in rushing yards with 540, rushing for over 100 yards in each of the last two games. The Watts brothers have generated 1,234 all-purpose yards this season.

On defense, John Johnson&nbsp;continues to lead the Tigers in tackles with 57. Makel Williams&nbsp;ranks second in tackles with 50 and leads the team in interceptions with three. With 4.5 sacks over the last two weeks, Myles Menges&nbsp;has a team-leading 5.0 sacks. Parrish Terry&nbsp;leads the team in tackles for loss with 8.0.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698347677546.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsCentral Oklahoma (4-4, 3-4 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (6-2, 5-2 MIAA) Saturday, October 28 – 1 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis FieldRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Hall of Fame Game: Newest Tiger Sports Hall of Fame Inductees to be recognized at halftime. Promotion:&nbsp;Trunk or Treat – Kids that arrive in Halloween costumes receive FREE admission and can participate in Trunk or Treat at halftime.Fort Hays State Football returns to the gridiron on Saturday afternoon when it takes on Central Oklahoma at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. The Tigers enter the game at 6-2 overall, 5-2 in the MIAA, while the Bronchos are 4-4 overall and 3-4 in the MIAA.Fort Hays State is currently on a four-game win streak, which includes wins over Lincoln, Missouri Southern, Nebraska-Kearney, and Washburn. The Tigers have averaged 32.3 points per game in their last three conference contests. The Tigers are coming off a 31-28 win at Washburn last week. The Tigers have won three straight games at home and sit at 3-1 in both home and away contests this season.Central Oklahoma is coming off a win over Northeastern State last week. The Bronchos have scored at least 17 points in all of their games this season and reached at least 20 in seven of eight contests. However, the Bronchos have yielded at least 20 points to all but one opponent this season with a season-low of 17 allowed to Lincoln.Fort Hays State enters this contest with the best total defense in the MIAA at 262.5 yards per game. The Tigers also own the top pass defense in the conference, allowing just 153.1 yards per game through the air. FHSU ranks second in the MIAA in scoring defense, allowing 18 points per game.Central Oklahoma has won the last two meetings with FHSU and holds a 9-6 advantage in the all-time series history. FHSU last defeated UCO in 2019 by a score of 35-7 in Edmond. FHSU holds a 5-3 advantage in eight previous MIAA meetings.On offense, Jack Dawson&nbsp;has thrown for 1,990 yards and 19 touchdowns, while also rushing for three touchdowns. Trevor Watts&nbsp;has been his most frequent target with a team-high 48 receptions for 486 yards. Jayden Horace&nbsp;has 455 receiving yards and a team-high eight receiving touchdowns. Shane Watts&nbsp;is the team leader in rushing yards with 540, rushing for over 100 yards in each of the last two games. The Watts brothers have generated 1,234 all-purpose yards this season.On defense, John Johnson&nbsp;continues to lead the Tigers in tackles with 57. Makel Williams&nbsp;ranks second in tackles with 50 and leads the team in interceptions with three. With 4.5 sacks over the last two weeks, Myles Menges&nbsp;has a team-leading 5.0 sacks. Parrish Terry&nbsp;leads the team in tackles for loss with 8.0.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈🎙️ LISTEN - FHSU hosts Central Oklahoma Saturday in Hays

 Coyotes play Tabor in a Kansas Conference and Gene Bissell Division game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Wiens Stadium in Hillsboro.

The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan

Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary</a>

Radio coverage can be heard locally on&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/">KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM</a>, and online at Salina Post.

The online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>

Tyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at Noon.

Kansas Wesleyan 6-2, 2-0 Bissell Division.Tabor 2-6, 1-1 Bissell Division

The Coyotes have won the last five games and six of the last seven against the Bluejays. KWU rolled to a 62-0 victory last season at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex. KWU has a 13-9 advantage in the series since the 2001 season.

The Coyotes ran their winning streak to five with a 17-14 victory over Saint Mary last Saturday on Homecoming and Family Weekend at JRI Stadium. They led 17-7 at halftime and hung on thanks to another stellar defensive effort.

Saint Mary had 238 yards total offense that included just seven yards rushing on 25 attempts. KWU also recorded five sacks in the game.&nbsp;Julian Urioste&nbsp;and&nbsp;Shaylan Lewis&nbsp;had seven tackles apiece – Lewis also notching two sacks.&nbsp;Ricco Moore&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ricardo Garcia&nbsp;had six tackles each.

The Coyotes finished with 423 total yards – 292 passing and 131 rushing. Freshman quarterback&nbsp;Byron McNair&nbsp;was sacked once.

McNair, making his second start of the season, was 14 of 22 passing for 292 yards, one touchdown and three first half interceptions. The touchdown was a 67-yard catch and run by&nbsp;Jacquante Pitts&nbsp;with 1:38 left in the first half.&nbsp;Nick Allsman&nbsp;scored KWU's first touchdown on a six-yard run early in the first quarter.&nbsp;Talon Cope&nbsp;had a 33-yard field early in the second quarter. Pitts finished with four receptions for 133 yards and fullback&nbsp;Artaveon Shavers&nbsp;five catches for 88 yards. Allsman had a team-best 47 yards rushing on 11 carries.

KWU led Tabor 41-0 at halftime last year.&nbsp;Richard Lara&nbsp;was 13 of 22 passing for 162 yards and two touchdowns while&nbsp;Mark Benjamin&nbsp;rushed for 84 yards and a score. Tabor had just 78 yards total offense.

The Bluejays lost to Avila 35-17 last Saturday in Hillsboro. The loss ended a two-game winning streak – victories over Bethel (31-21) and Sterling (24-10). Tabor lost to Bethany 28-17 September 9 in Lindsborg

&nbsp;The Bluejays average 17 points and 229 yards; they allow 27 points and 395.6 yards per game. Opponents are averaging 228 yards passing and 167.5 rushing

Sophomore William Green and freshman Tyson Dozhier have played quarterback. Green has completed 41.5 percent of his passes for 595 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions while Dozhier has completed 50.6 percent of his throws for 302 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions

Junior running back James Bolden is the primary offensive weapon with 641 yards rushing – 80.1 per game – and 13 receptions for 159 yards. He has scored three touchdowns, two receiving. Devin Jones in the leading receiver with 24 catches for 176 yards and four touchdowns

Senior linebacker Brooks Gardner, son of head coach Mike Gardner, has a team-best 75 tackles.

"We're not walking into this game thinking it's won. Coach Gardner does a great job over there and I know they'll be ready to go and ready to give us a test. We're going to have to come out hot and stay hot. Coach Gardner's offenses always do a good job running the ball. As long as we keep everything in front of us in the pass game, we'll be alright. And coach Gardner always has a couple of trick plays up his sleeve, when you play them you've got to be ready for anything. (Defensively) they use multiple fronts and move guys around. That will be a challenge for us this week."

The Coyotes travel to Ottawa for a 1 p.m. game Saturday against the Braves at Advent Health Field. It will be KWU's final road game of the regular season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698514757026.jpeg" alt="Gameday" />
 <figcaption>Gameday</figcaption>
 </figure> Coyotes play Tabor in a Kansas Conference and Gene Bissell Division game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Wiens Stadium in Hillsboro.<h2>LIVE COVERAGE</h2>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyanLive Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary</a>Radio coverage can be heard locally on&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/">KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM</a>, and online at Salina Post.The online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>ADVERTISINGTyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at Noon.<h2>RECORDS</h2>Kansas Wesleyan 6-2, 2-0 Bissell Division.Tabor 2-6, 1-1 Bissell Division<h2>THE SERIES</h2>The Coyotes have won the last five games and six of the last seven against the Bluejays. KWU rolled to a 62-0 victory last season at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex. KWU has a 13-9 advantage in the series since the 2001 season.<h2>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE</h2>The Coyotes ran their winning streak to five with a 17-14 victory over Saint Mary last Saturday on Homecoming and Family Weekend at JRI Stadium. They led 17-7 at halftime and hung on thanks to another stellar defensive effort.Saint Mary had 238 yards total offense that included just seven yards rushing on 25 attempts. KWU also recorded five sacks in the game.&nbsp;Julian Urioste&nbsp;and&nbsp;Shaylan Lewis&nbsp;had seven tackles apiece – Lewis also notching two sacks.&nbsp;Ricco Moore&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ricardo Garcia&nbsp;had six tackles each.The Coyotes finished with 423 total yards – 292 passing and 131 rushing. Freshman quarterback&nbsp;Byron McNair&nbsp;was sacked once.McNair, making his second start of the season, was 14 of 22 passing for 292 yards, one touchdown and three first half interceptions. The touchdown was a 67-yard catch and run by&nbsp;Jacquante Pitts&nbsp;with 1:38 left in the first half.&nbsp;Nick Allsman&nbsp;scored KWU's first touchdown on a six-yard run early in the first quarter.&nbsp;Talon Cope&nbsp;had a 33-yard field early in the second quarter. Pitts finished with four receptions for 133 yards and fullback&nbsp;Artaveon Shavers&nbsp;five catches for 88 yards. Allsman had a team-best 47 yards rushing on 11 carries.KWU led Tabor 41-0 at halftime last year.&nbsp;Richard Lara&nbsp;was 13 of 22 passing for 162 yards and two touchdowns while&nbsp;Mark Benjamin&nbsp;rushed for 84 yards and a score. Tabor had just 78 yards total offense.<h2>TABOR AT A GLANCE</h2>The Bluejays lost to Avila 35-17 last Saturday in Hillsboro. The loss ended a two-game winning streak – victories over Bethel (31-21) and Sterling (24-10). Tabor lost to Bethany 28-17 September 9 in Lindsborg&nbsp;The Bluejays average 17 points and 229 yards; they allow 27 points and 395.6 yards per game. Opponents are averaging 228 yards passing and 167.5 rushingSophomore William Green and freshman Tyson Dozhier have played quarterback. Green has completed 41.5 percent of his passes for 595 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions while Dozhier has completed 50.6 percent of his throws for 302 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptionsJunior running back James Bolden is the primary offensive weapon with 641 yards rushing – 80.1 per game – and 13 receptions for 159 yards. He has scored three touchdowns, two receiving. Devin Jones in the leading receiver with 24 catches for 176 yards and four touchdownsSenior linebacker Brooks Gardner, son of head coach Mike Gardner, has a team-best 75 tackles.<h2>KWU COACH MATT MYERS</h2>"We're not walking into this game thinking it's won. Coach Gardner does a great job over there and I know they'll be ready to go and ready to give us a test. We're going to have to come out hot and stay hot. Coach Gardner's offenses always do a good job running the ball. As long as we keep everything in front of us in the pass game, we'll be alright. And coach Gardner always has a couple of trick plays up his sleeve, when you play them you've got to be ready for anything. (Defensively) they use multiple fronts and move guys around. That will be a challenge for us this week."<h2>NEXT WEEK</h2>The Coyotes travel to Ottawa for a 1 p.m. game Saturday against the Braves at Advent Health Field. It will be KWU's final road game of the regular season.

KWU Football heads to Hillsboro to take on Tabor

HIGHLAND, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (7-0, 4-0) is on the road at Highland (6-3, 3-2) for a noon kickoff.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/c427c872-e6eb-46d7-ae9d-063c41c083c3">The Dragons defeated Garden City last week 27-18.</a>

Today's game features the top two defenses in the nation. Hutchinson is No. 1 in points allowed (9.4 ppg) while Highland is No. 2 (10.4 ppg).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697923585025.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HIGHLAND, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (7-0, 4-0) is on the road at Highland (6-3, 3-2) for a noon kickoff.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/c427c872-e6eb-46d7-ae9d-063c41c083c3">The Dragons defeated Garden City last week 27-18.</a>Today's game features the top two defenses in the nation. Hutchinson is No. 1 in points allowed (9.4 ppg) while Highland is No. 2 (10.4 ppg).<div><iframe title="SEG 1 at Highland" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=e49i6-14e1f3b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><iframe title="SEG 2 at Highland" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=g8j9r-14e1f56-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><iframe title="SEG 3 at Highland" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dggnn-14e1f5a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈🎧 LISTEN: Countdown To Kickoff at Highland

By Hutchinson CC Sports Information

A battle of the nation's top two defenses takes place Saturday as the No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College football team travels to play the Highland Scotties.

Kickoff at Porter Family Stadium in Highland is set for Noon. The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 11:30 a.m. with Countdown to Kickoff.

Hutchinson's defense is No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense allowing 9.4 points per game. Right behind the Dragons are the Scotties, who are No. 2 in scoring defense at 10.4 points per game allowed.

The Blue Dragons are No. 3 rushing defense (55.6 yards per game) and are third in quarterback sacks with 40).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/brown_daniel_a1x7">Daniel Brown</a>&nbsp;is the nation's leader in quarterback sacks with 13 sacks. Highland is No. 2 in the NJCAA in pass defense (127.6 yards per game) and is second in interceptions with 16. Malik Franklin is tied for first in the NJCAA with five interceptions.

Trips to Porter Family Stadium haven't always been kind to the Blue Dragons. Since 2006 - the first Highland win after 24 consecutive Hutchinson wins in the series - The Blue Dragons are 3-5 in games played in Highland. The last time the Dragons played in Highland was 2019 when the Scotties upset No. 1 Hutchinson 29-27.

Hutchinson (7-0, 4-0 KJCCC) comes off a 27-18 home victory last Saturday over Garden City. The Dragons survived four turnovers. The Blue Dragons held Garden City to 245 total yards and only 23 yards on the ground. The Dragons racked up a season-high-tying seven quarterback sacks.

Highland (6-3, 3-2 KJCCC) has won five games in a row after last week's 63-0 non-conference victory over Detroit Christian. The Scotties limited their opponent to 145 total yards and had four takeaways, including three interceptions.

The Dragons have won four games in a row over the Scotties, including a 31-7 victory one year ago at Gowans Stadium.

The Blue Dragons bid for their seventh 8-0 start to a season in program history. The Dragons have been 8-0 in 2 of the last 3 seasons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698487452518.jpeg" alt="Tre Richardson and the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons travel to play Highland at Noon Saturday in Highland. (McKenzie Franklin/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Tre Richardson and the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons travel to play Highland at Noon Saturday in Highland. (McKenzie Franklin/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698487618573.png" alt="Higland Game Info" />
 <figcaption>Higland Game Info</figcaption>
 </figure>By Hutchinson CC Sports InformationA battle of the nation's top two defenses takes place Saturday as the No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College football team travels to play the Highland Scotties.Kickoff at Porter Family Stadium in Highland is set for Noon. The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 11:30 a.m. with Countdown to Kickoff.Hutchinson's defense is No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense allowing 9.4 points per game. Right behind the Dragons are the Scotties, who are No. 2 in scoring defense at 10.4 points per game allowed.The Blue Dragons are No. 3 rushing defense (55.6 yards per game) and are third in quarterback sacks with 40).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/brown_daniel_a1x7">Daniel Brown</a>&nbsp;is the nation's leader in quarterback sacks with 13 sacks. Highland is No. 2 in the NJCAA in pass defense (127.6 yards per game) and is second in interceptions with 16. Malik Franklin is tied for first in the NJCAA with five interceptions.Trips to Porter Family Stadium haven't always been kind to the Blue Dragons. Since 2006 - the first Highland win after 24 consecutive Hutchinson wins in the series - The Blue Dragons are 3-5 in games played in Highland. The last time the Dragons played in Highland was 2019 when the Scotties upset No. 1 Hutchinson 29-27.Hutchinson (7-0, 4-0 KJCCC) comes off a 27-18 home victory last Saturday over Garden City. The Dragons survived four turnovers. The Blue Dragons held Garden City to 245 total yards and only 23 yards on the ground. The Dragons racked up a season-high-tying seven quarterback sacks.Highland (6-3, 3-2 KJCCC) has won five games in a row after last week's 63-0 non-conference victory over Detroit Christian. The Scotties limited their opponent to 145 total yards and had four takeaways, including three interceptions.The Dragons have won four games in a row over the Scotties, including a 31-7 victory one year ago at Gowans Stadium.The Blue Dragons bid for their seventh 8-0 start to a season in program history. The Dragons have been 8-0 in 2 of the last 3 seasons.

🏈 Nation's top defenses set to do battle Saturday. HutchCC vs Highland

The No. 16-ranked Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team saw its season come to an end on Friday night in the opening round of the Region VI Tournament at the Salthawk Sports Complex.&nbsp;

The Butler Grizzlies scored in the ninth and 76th minute and the Blue Dragons missed a pair of great scoring chances late in the first half in a 2-0 quarterfinal loss.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons close the 2023 season 12-5-3. Butler (10-5-5) advances to the Region VI semifinals next Thursday at a site to be determined.&nbsp;

Trailing 1-0 after Sakiko Manabe’s goal in the ninth minute, the Blue Dragons had two tremendous opportunities to tie the game. &nbsp;

First Jayda Wyatt had a free kick from 20 yards out, but sailed her shot just over the cross bar. Then with about 1:30 left in the half, the Blue Dragons took a Butler turnover and had a breakaway, Katharina Marx crossed the ball to Maren Lackey, who couldn’t get a clean shot on the ball, which was uncontrolled right in front of the goal until Grizzly keeper Carla Apodaca dove on it.&nbsp;

Hutchinson and Butler had six shots each in the opening half, but the Dragons generated just two shots in the second half.&nbsp;

The Grizzlies scored their insurance goal in the 76th minute when Giselle Nash scored to make it 2-0. Emma Kolbe assisted on both Butler goals.&nbsp;

Blue Dragon freshman keeper Karsyn Slothower finished with eight saves. Slothower finished with 103 saves in her freshman season, second most to Ashley Perez’s 105 in 2005. Her 12 victories tie her with Eunice Figueroa, Caroline Howard and Taylor Camp for the fifth-most wins in single-season history.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698485055329.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationThe No. 16-ranked Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team saw its season come to an end on Friday night in the opening round of the Region VI Tournament at the Salthawk Sports Complex.&nbsp;The Butler Grizzlies scored in the ninth and 76th minute and the Blue Dragons missed a pair of great scoring chances late in the first half in a 2-0 quarterfinal loss.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons close the 2023 season 12-5-3. Butler (10-5-5) advances to the Region VI semifinals next Thursday at a site to be determined.&nbsp;Trailing 1-0 after Sakiko Manabe’s goal in the ninth minute, the Blue Dragons had two tremendous opportunities to tie the game. &nbsp;First Jayda Wyatt had a free kick from 20 yards out, but sailed her shot just over the cross bar. Then with about 1:30 left in the half, the Blue Dragons took a Butler turnover and had a breakaway, Katharina Marx crossed the ball to Maren Lackey, who couldn’t get a clean shot on the ball, which was uncontrolled right in front of the goal until Grizzly keeper Carla Apodaca dove on it.&nbsp;Hutchinson and Butler had six shots each in the opening half, but the Dragons generated just two shots in the second half.&nbsp;The Grizzlies scored their insurance goal in the 76th minute when Giselle Nash scored to make it 2-0. Emma Kolbe assisted on both Butler goals.&nbsp;Blue Dragon freshman keeper Karsyn Slothower finished with eight saves. Slothower finished with 103 saves in her freshman season, second most to Ashley Perez’s 105 in 2005. Her 12 victories tie her with Eunice Figueroa, Caroline Howard and Taylor Camp for the fifth-most wins in single-season history.&nbsp;

⚽️ Dragons fall in Region VI Tournament opener

IOLA – Five different runners posted personal-best times and the Hutchinson Community College women’s cross country team finished as 2023 Region VI Championship runner-up on Friday at Creekside Golf Course.&nbsp;

The No. 7-ranked Blue Dragons finished second on Friday with a team score of 58 points. Colby dominated the team championship with a score of 29 points.&nbsp;

This is the third-best regional finish for the Blue Dragons, who were Region VI champions in 2001 and 2022. The was Hutchinson’s 17th all-time Top 3 team finish in its regional championship history.&nbsp;

Freshman Laura Avila led the Blue Dragons with a sixth-place finish. Avila ran her best 5,000-meter time of 18:55.07. That’s the third-fastest Region VI time in Blue Dragon history and the fifth-fastest time in program history.&nbsp;

All-American Serenity Larson finished seventh in a time of 18:56.40.&nbsp;

Freshman Jordyn Picolet placed 13th with a time of 19:37.93, a PR for her and the 12th-best Region VI performance in team history.&nbsp;

Sophomore Taylor Hoskinson was the fourth Blue Dragon to finish, crossing the line in 15th place in a time of 19:56.07.&nbsp;

Sophomore Lauren Aden was the fifth Blue Dragon to count in the scoring. Aden had a PR time of 20:02.67 to finish 17th overall.&nbsp;

Sophomore Ellie VanZelfden placed 19th with a PR time of 20:12.92.&nbsp;

Freshman Abigail Grantham shattered her PR with a time of 20:49.22 to placed 27th.&nbsp;

Sophomore Daisy Orozco placed 34th in 22:14.25. Sophomore Gracie Lambert was 37th in 22:52.13&nbsp;

Freshman Chloe Inskeep ran a PR of 22:56.00 to place 38th.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698484865588.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationIOLA – Five different runners posted personal-best times and the Hutchinson Community College women’s cross country team finished as 2023 Region VI Championship runner-up on Friday at Creekside Golf Course.&nbsp;The No. 7-ranked Blue Dragons finished second on Friday with a team score of 58 points. Colby dominated the team championship with a score of 29 points.&nbsp;This is the third-best regional finish for the Blue Dragons, who were Region VI champions in 2001 and 2022. The was Hutchinson’s 17th all-time Top 3 team finish in its regional championship history.&nbsp;Freshman Laura Avila led the Blue Dragons with a sixth-place finish. Avila ran her best 5,000-meter time of 18:55.07. That’s the third-fastest Region VI time in Blue Dragon history and the fifth-fastest time in program history.&nbsp;All-American Serenity Larson finished seventh in a time of 18:56.40.&nbsp;Freshman Jordyn Picolet placed 13th with a time of 19:37.93, a PR for her and the 12th-best Region VI performance in team history.&nbsp;Sophomore Taylor Hoskinson was the fourth Blue Dragon to finish, crossing the line in 15th place in a time of 19:56.07.&nbsp;Sophomore Lauren Aden was the fifth Blue Dragon to count in the scoring. Aden had a PR time of 20:02.67 to finish 17th overall.&nbsp;Sophomore Ellie VanZelfden placed 19th with a PR time of 20:12.92.&nbsp;Freshman Abigail Grantham shattered her PR with a time of 20:49.22 to placed 27th.&nbsp;Sophomore Daisy Orozco placed 34th in 22:14.25. Sophomore Gracie Lambert was 37th in 22:52.13&nbsp;Freshman Chloe Inskeep ran a PR of 22:56.00 to place 38th.&nbsp;

👟 Dragon women runners-up at Region VI

IOLA – Led by a pair of PRs from freshmen Leo LeGrand and David Ultreras, the Hutchinson Community College men’s cross country team earned a fifth-place finish on Friday at the Region VI Championships at Cedarbrook Golf Course.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698484551116.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationIOLA – Led by a pair of PRs from freshmen Leo LeGrand and David Ultreras, the Hutchinson Community College men’s cross country team earned a fifth-place finish on Friday at the Region VI Championships at Cedarbrook Golf Course.&nbsp;Besieged by injuries throughout the season, the Blue Dragon posted a team score for the first time this season, finishing fifth in the Division I Region VI standings with 112 points.&nbsp;Defending national champion Colby ran away with the team championship, scoring 24 points. Butler was second with 72 points.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons were led by sophomore Christian Darrah, who was one of two Blue Dragons to place in the individual Top 20. Darrah finished 12th in Division I with a time of 26 minutes, 11.48 seconds.&nbsp;LeGrand was the other Top 2- finisher for Hutchinson, finishing 15th with a personal-record time of 26:37.55.&nbsp;Ultreras was the third Blue Dragon to finish, placing 23rd in a PR time of 27:03.85&nbsp;Keyshawn Garcia ran in his first race of the season on Friday. Garcia placed 26th with a time of 27:13.41.&nbsp;Sophomore Evan Ativia was 36th with a time of 23:33.85&nbsp;