By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

<a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/fhsu.sidearmsports.com/stats/football/2023/pdf/20230923042449-33740.pdf">BOX SCORE</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State football team couldn't overcome five turnovers&nbsp; and a blocked punt and lost 28-7 at Missouri Western Saturday afternoon at Spratt Memorial Stadium.

The game, which was originally scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff Saturday night but was moved up to noon due to a threat of severe weather, was delayed at hour at the start due to thunderstorms.&nbsp;

The Griffons (3-1, 2-1 MIAA) intercepted a Jack Dawson pass on the second play of the game at the FHSU 30 which set up the first of two Seth Cromwell touchdown runs.

The Griffons blocked a Kamren&nbsp;Xaysongkham punt on the Tigers second possession which they recovered inside the five. Cromwell scored his second touchdown two plays later to push the MWSU lead to 14-0 with 8:32 to play in the first quarter.

A Tiger fumble on their own 8-yardline late in the third quarter created another short field for the Griffons. They scored two plays later on an eight-yard touchdown pass to go up 21-0 with 4:12 to play in the third.

The Tigers (2-2, 2-2 MIAA) used a couple of big plays to set up their only score with a little over 10 minutes to play in the fourth. A 14-yard pass, 15-yard pass interference penalty, and a 36-yard run by Shane Watts&nbsp;set up and eight-yard touchdown pass from Jack Dawson to Jayden Horace.

A Makel Williams&nbsp;interception on the Griffons next position helped FHSU move back into the redzone, but a Dawson pass was intercepted in the endzone by Brayden Wright and taken back 100 yards for Missouri Western's final score.

The Tigers outgained the Griffons by nearly 100 yards in total offense, 331 to 237, but the five turnovers proved to be too much to overcome.

It marked only the third time under head coach Chris Brown that the Tigers have held an opponent under 300 yards of total offense and lost.

Dawson finished the game with 257 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions and was sacked seven times. Shane Watts&nbsp;led the Tigers in rushing attack with 57 yards. Cale Cormaney hauled in eight passes for 82 yards.&nbsp;

Sam Brandt and John Johnson&nbsp;led the FHSU defense with nine tackles each. Brandt recorded the Tigers lone sack.

Armani Edden led MWSU with 112 passing yards, one touchdown and two intercepions. Brandon Hall led the Griffons in rushing with 52 yards and Traveon James led in receiving yards with 36. 

The Tigers return to Hays to play their only non-conference game of the season Saturday against Lincoln for their homecoming game. Kickoff set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695528894326.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State tight end Cale Cormaney (0) catches a pass in the Tigers season opener at Northeastern State on Thursday, August 31, 2023, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State tight end Cale Cormaney (0) catches a pass in the Tigers season opener at Northeastern State on Thursday, August 31, 2023, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post<a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/fhsu.sidearmsports.com/stats/football/2023/pdf/20230923042449-33740.pdf">BOX SCORE</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State football team couldn't overcome five turnovers&nbsp; and a blocked punt and lost 28-7 at Missouri Western Saturday afternoon at Spratt Memorial Stadium.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1623909966&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/chris-brown-postgame-v-mwsu-09-23-23" title="Chris Brown Postgame at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown Postgame at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)</a></div></div>The game, which was originally scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff Saturday night but was moved up to noon due to a threat of severe weather, was delayed at hour at the start due to thunderstorms.&nbsp;The Griffons (3-1, 2-1 MIAA) intercepted a Jack Dawson pass on the second play of the game at the FHSU 30 which set up the first of two Seth Cromwell touchdown runs.The Griffons blocked a Kamren&nbsp;Xaysongkham punt on the Tigers second possession which they recovered inside the five. Cromwell scored his second touchdown two plays later to push the MWSU lead to 14-0 with 8:32 to play in the first quarter.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1623910155&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/cale-cormaney-postgame-vs-mwsu-09-23-23" title="Cale Cormaney Postgame at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Cale Cormaney Postgame at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)</a></div></div>A Tiger fumble on their own 8-yardline late in the third quarter created another short field for the Griffons. They scored two plays later on an eight-yard touchdown pass to go up 21-0 with 4:12 to play in the third.The Tigers (2-2, 2-2 MIAA) used a couple of big plays to set up their only score with a little over 10 minutes to play in the fourth. A 14-yard pass, 15-yard pass interference penalty, and a 36-yard run by Shane Watts&nbsp;set up and eight-yard touchdown pass from Jack Dawson to Jayden Horace.A Makel Williams&nbsp;interception on the Griffons next position helped FHSU move back into the redzone, but a Dawson pass was intercepted in the endzone by Brayden Wright and taken back 100 yards for Missouri Western's final score.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1623910446&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/sam-brandt-postgame-vs-mwsu-09-23-23" title="Sam Brandt Postgame at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Sam Brandt Postgame at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)</a></div></div>The Tigers outgained the Griffons by nearly 100 yards in total offense, 331 to 237, but the five turnovers proved to be too much to overcome.It marked only the third time under head coach Chris Brown that the Tigers have held an opponent under 300 yards of total offense and lost.Dawson finished the game with 257 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions and was sacked seven times. Shane Watts&nbsp;led the Tigers in rushing attack with 57 yards. Cale Cormaney hauled in eight passes for 82 yards.&nbsp;Sam Brandt and John Johnson&nbsp;led the FHSU defense with nine tackles each. Brandt recorded the Tigers lone sack.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1623910635&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fort-hays-state-fb-highlights-vs-mwsu-09-23-23" title="Fort Hays State FB Highlights at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State FB Highlights at Missouri Western State (Sept. 23, 2023)</a></div></div>Armani Edden led MWSU with 112 passing yards, one touchdown and two intercepions. Brandon Hall led the Griffons in rushing with 52 yards and Traveon James led in receiving yards with 36. UP NEXTThe Tigers return to Hays to play their only non-conference game of the season Saturday against Lincoln for their homecoming game. Kickoff set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Miscues doom Tigers at Missouri Western State

By DAVE SKRETTA&nbsp; AP Sports Writer

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lance Leipold did plenty of background work on Kansas before accepting its head-coaching job a couple of years ago. But in the pantheon of the obscure, he never looked up the last time the Jayhawks started 4-0 in back-to-back seasons.

When told it had been 108 years, Leipold replied Saturday: “I'm glad I didn't do all my research.”

“Sometimes you don't know what you're really stepping into until you there,” Leipold added with a smile, after leading the once-suffering Jayhawks to a 38-27 victory over BYU in the Cougars' Big 12 debut. “Like I told our team, I'm really proud of them when you look at the short time what we've been able to do.”

Jalon Daniels threw three touchdown passes, including two in the second half to Luke Grimm, and the Jayhawks got a pair of scores from their opportunistic defense in rallying from a 17-14 halftime deficit. Cobee Bryant returned a fumble for the game's first touchdown, and Kenny Logan Jr. brought back an interception early in the third quarter for another score.

The offense got going down the stretch, helping the Jayhawks win their eighth straight September game.

“When you walked in here in the past you would hear frustration,” explained Leipold, whose team will try to match last year's 5-0 start when it heads to No. 3 Texas next weekend. “You walk in there now and it's different, and that's where it should be."

Kedon Slovis was 30 of 51 for 357 yards with two TDs and two interceptions for BYU. But the Cougars (3-1) were imbalanced on offense, running 22 times for nine yards, and settling for two field goals in the red zone proved costly.

“We just battled through,” Logan said. “We showed we can take some jabs.”

The Jayhawks, who struggled to put away Nevada last week, rolled into their conference opener averaging more than 500 yards per game. But the Cougars consistently put pressure on Daniels, who at times needed every bit of his athleticism just to get the ball away, and their defense held Kansas to one offensive touchdown in the first half.

The other score? That came on Bryant's bone-jarring hit on BYU's second play from scrimmage. The ball popped out, Bryant was there to scoop it, and the cornerback — who had a pick later in the game- returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.

The Cougars refused to let the turnover set the tone for the game. They answered with back-to-back 75-yard touchdown drives, then used another long drive in the final minutes of the first half to add a field goal for a 17-14 lead at the break.

That's when the Kansas defense got into the act again.

On the third play of the third quarter, Slovis had his pass batted into the air by tight end Isaac Rex, off the hands of linebacker Jayson Gilliom and into the arms of Logan, who returned the interception 33 yards for a go-ahead touchdown.

“The defense played lights-out,” Daniels said. “Stuff you can’t make up. That doesn’t happen every day.”

“We gave them 14 points,” Rex said later. “If we didn't do that, we would have had enough points to win the game.”

The Cougars could only muster an answering field goal, and the Kansas offense finally started humming.

Daniels swiftly led his team down field, converting an early third down with his legs before finding Grimm in the back of the end zone on another third-down play for a touchdown. And after Bryant picked off Slovis on fourth down to end BYU's ensuing drive, the Jayhawks marched other way with Daniels finding Grimm again to extend the lead to 35-20.

BYU's Keelan Marion scored midway through the fourth quarter, but the Jayhawks added a field goal to put the game away.

"There were some moments we want back,” Cougars defensive lineman Tyler Batty said. “There’s a lot to learn form here.”

BYU survived at Arkansas last week by scoring the last 17 points in a 38-31 win. But the Cougars looked downright tired in the second half Saturday, perhaps worn down by the physical nature of back-to-back road games against Power Five opponents.

Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland made it clear before the season that his group, which struggled mightily at times last year, would not hold back the Jayhawks this season. On Saturday, his defense was the difference in the outcome.

BYU plays its Big 12 home opener against fellow newcomer Cincinnati on Friday night.

Kansas visits Texas next Saturday for the first time since a 57-56 double-overtime win in 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695520340266.jpeg" alt="Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels passes the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels passes the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA&nbsp; AP Sports WriterLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lance Leipold did plenty of background work on Kansas before accepting its head-coaching job a couple of years ago. But in the pantheon of the obscure, he never looked up the last time the Jayhawks started 4-0 in back-to-back seasons.When told it had been 108 years, Leipold replied Saturday: “I'm glad I didn't do all my research.”“Sometimes you don't know what you're really stepping into until you there,” Leipold added with a smile, after leading the once-suffering Jayhawks to a 38-27 victory over BYU in the Cougars' Big 12 debut. “Like I told our team, I'm really proud of them when you look at the short time what we've been able to do.”Jalon Daniels threw three touchdown passes, including two in the second half to Luke Grimm, and the Jayhawks got a pair of scores from their opportunistic defense in rallying from a 17-14 halftime deficit. Cobee Bryant returned a fumble for the game's first touchdown, and Kenny Logan Jr. brought back an interception early in the third quarter for another score.The offense got going down the stretch, helping the Jayhawks win their eighth straight September game.“When you walked in here in the past you would hear frustration,” explained Leipold, whose team will try to match last year's 5-0 start when it heads to No. 3 Texas next weekend. “You walk in there now and it's different, and that's where it should be."Kedon Slovis was 30 of 51 for 357 yards with two TDs and two interceptions for BYU. But the Cougars (3-1) were imbalanced on offense, running 22 times for nine yards, and settling for two field goals in the red zone proved costly.“We just battled through,” Logan said. “We showed we can take some jabs.”The Jayhawks, who struggled to put away Nevada last week, rolled into their conference opener averaging more than 500 yards per game. But the Cougars consistently put pressure on Daniels, who at times needed every bit of his athleticism just to get the ball away, and their defense held Kansas to one offensive touchdown in the first half.The other score? That came on Bryant's bone-jarring hit on BYU's second play from scrimmage. The ball popped out, Bryant was there to scoop it, and the cornerback — who had a pick later in the game- returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.The Cougars refused to let the turnover set the tone for the game. They answered with back-to-back 75-yard touchdown drives, then used another long drive in the final minutes of the first half to add a field goal for a 17-14 lead at the break.That's when the Kansas defense got into the act again.On the third play of the third quarter, Slovis had his pass batted into the air by tight end Isaac Rex, off the hands of linebacker Jayson Gilliom and into the arms of Logan, who returned the interception 33 yards for a go-ahead touchdown.“The defense played lights-out,” Daniels said. “Stuff you can’t make up. That doesn’t happen every day.”“We gave them 14 points,” Rex said later. “If we didn't do that, we would have had enough points to win the game.”The Cougars could only muster an answering field goal, and the Kansas offense finally started humming.Daniels swiftly led his team down field, converting an early third down with his legs before finding Grimm in the back of the end zone on another third-down play for a touchdown. And after Bryant picked off Slovis on fourth down to end BYU's ensuing drive, the Jayhawks marched other way with Daniels finding Grimm again to extend the lead to 35-20.BYU's Keelan Marion scored midway through the fourth quarter, but the Jayhawks added a field goal to put the game away."There were some moments we want back,” Cougars defensive lineman Tyler Batty said. “There’s a lot to learn form here.”THE TAKEAWAYBYU survived at Arkansas last week by scoring the last 17 points in a 38-31 win. But the Cougars looked downright tired in the second half Saturday, perhaps worn down by the physical nature of back-to-back road games against Power Five opponents.Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland made it clear before the season that his group, which struggled mightily at times last year, would not hold back the Jayhawks this season. On Saturday, his defense was the difference in the outcome.UP NEXTBYU plays its Big 12 home opener against fellow newcomer Cincinnati on Friday night.Kansas visits Texas next Saturday for the first time since a 57-56 double-overtime win in 2021.

🏈 Daniels throws 3 TD passes, KU beats BYU

By JOSHUA KOCH Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) — Jordan Lyles gave up just two hits in five innings, Bobby Witt Jr. drove in his 93rd run of the season and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 3-2 on Saturday night.

“It’s like groundhog day,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “We’re playing hard, they’re playing good ball but we’re having trouble pushing runs across. You know hitting with runners in scoring position. When we do good we’re going to get a bunch of them for a period of time. I just feel that. We’re so close to breaking games open. Just didn’t get it done.”

Houston has lost four of its last five games and fell to 39-41 at home this year. Still, the Astros maintained their half-game lead for the final AL wild-card spot over Seattle with seven games remaining. The Mariners lost 2-0 to Texas earlier.

“It feels like we're playing terrible,” said Alex Bregman, who finished 0 for 3. “That's it. We're not playing good.”

The Royals have won nine of their last 10 games for the first time since July 20-30, 2017. The win also clinched a fourth straight series win for the first time since 2019.

“We know where we are as far as our youth and our inexperience," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “There's nobody that knows exactly what the timetable is but these kinds of wins are definitely going to go a long way for our guy's confidence.”

Lyles (5-17) held the Astros to just one hit through the first four innings, while striking out three and walking two. This was his best start since July 17 when he held Detroit to no runs and three hits in a no-decision.

“Every at-bat was a strong battle," Lyles said. "Those guys are one of the better lineups in baseball. It's going to make it difficult on you and they did a really good job. I wasn't able to go deep but five scoreless, team win, sign me up every day of the week for it.”

Taylor Clarke got the last five outs for his third save of the season.

“He just kept pumping strikes,” Quatraro said. “That last inning he was trying to not make a mistake and he just kept making quality after quality pitch. Those guys are dangerous and obviously without what he did we're not going to win that game.”

The Royals got to the Astros early again. Maikel Garcia led off the game against J.P. France (11-6) with an infield single, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Yanier Diaz. Garcia scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by M.J. Melendez to make it 1-0.

Kansas City leads the American League in sacrifice flies this season with 56 — second in the majors behind only the Dodgers (66).

In the fifth inning with the bases loaded, Witt reached on a fielder’s choice and drove in Nick Pratto. A wild pitch by France later in the inning allowed Kyle Isbel to score, making it 3-0.

France gave up three runs and seven hits in five innings, walking one and striking out five.

“Stuff was great, I'm pleased with that outing,” France said. “I went five innings, two earned. Was actually able to get some whiffs, get some strikeouts against these guys opposed to last time. ... Overall felt my stuff was really good today. Arm felt really good.”

Astros reliever Bryan Abreu struck out the side in the eighth inning to extend his scoreless innings streak to a major league-best 24 innings. Abreu has struck out 28 batters in this span.

Trailing 3-0, Chas McCormick led off the seventh inning blasting a ball 418 feet to the train tracks in left field to cut into the lead. It was the second straight game that McCormick homered.

“It's been frustrating, I've never been in this position before," McCormick said of the Astros' last eleven games. “Every team that's come to play us, they want to beat us badly and we just don't want it enough right now ... I don't think we're firing on all cylinders and putting a little pressure on ourselves."

The Astros inched closer in the eighth as back-to-back doubles by Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker made it 3-2. Alvarez finished 1 for 4 with the double, which extended his streak of games reaching base safely in to 29.

With 41,692 fans in attendance on Saturday night, the Astros surpassed 3 million fans for the fifth time in franchise history and for the first time since 2007.

Royals: C Salvador Perez (concussion) is likely to return to the lineup on Sunday, according to Quatraro. ... RHP Brad Keller has been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. He will decide whether to undergo surgery in the coming days, according to Quatraro.

Astros: OF Michael Brantley was out of the lineup for a fifth straight game Saturday with right shoulder soreness.

Astros RHP Hunter Brown (11-12, 4.87 ERA) will start Houston’s final home game of the regular season on Sunday. The Royals have not announced a starter.

By JOSHUA KOCH Associated PressHOUSTON (AP) — Jordan Lyles gave up just two hits in five innings, Bobby Witt Jr. drove in his 93rd run of the season and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 3-2 on Saturday night.“It’s like groundhog day,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “We’re playing hard, they’re playing good ball but we’re having trouble pushing runs across. You know hitting with runners in scoring position. When we do good we’re going to get a bunch of them for a period of time. I just feel that. We’re so close to breaking games open. Just didn’t get it done.”Houston has lost four of its last five games and fell to 39-41 at home this year. Still, the Astros maintained their half-game lead for the final AL wild-card spot over Seattle with seven games remaining. The Mariners lost 2-0 to Texas earlier.“It feels like we're playing terrible,” said Alex Bregman, who finished 0 for 3. “That's it. We're not playing good.”The Royals have won nine of their last 10 games for the first time since July 20-30, 2017. The win also clinched a fourth straight series win for the first time since 2019.“We know where we are as far as our youth and our inexperience," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “There's nobody that knows exactly what the timetable is but these kinds of wins are definitely going to go a long way for our guy's confidence.”Lyles (5-17) held the Astros to just one hit through the first four innings, while striking out three and walking two. This was his best start since July 17 when he held Detroit to no runs and three hits in a no-decision.“Every at-bat was a strong battle," Lyles said. "Those guys are one of the better lineups in baseball. It's going to make it difficult on you and they did a really good job. I wasn't able to go deep but five scoreless, team win, sign me up every day of the week for it.”Taylor Clarke got the last five outs for his third save of the season.“He just kept pumping strikes,” Quatraro said. “That last inning he was trying to not make a mistake and he just kept making quality after quality pitch. Those guys are dangerous and obviously without what he did we're not going to win that game.”The Royals got to the Astros early again. Maikel Garcia led off the game against J.P. France (11-6) with an infield single, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Yanier Diaz. Garcia scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by M.J. Melendez to make it 1-0.Kansas City leads the American League in sacrifice flies this season with 56 — second in the majors behind only the Dodgers (66).In the fifth inning with the bases loaded, Witt reached on a fielder’s choice and drove in Nick Pratto. A wild pitch by France later in the inning allowed Kyle Isbel to score, making it 3-0.France gave up three runs and seven hits in five innings, walking one and striking out five.“Stuff was great, I'm pleased with that outing,” France said. “I went five innings, two earned. Was actually able to get some whiffs, get some strikeouts against these guys opposed to last time. ... Overall felt my stuff was really good today. Arm felt really good.”Astros reliever Bryan Abreu struck out the side in the eighth inning to extend his scoreless innings streak to a major league-best 24 innings. Abreu has struck out 28 batters in this span.Trailing 3-0, Chas McCormick led off the seventh inning blasting a ball 418 feet to the train tracks in left field to cut into the lead. It was the second straight game that McCormick homered.“It's been frustrating, I've never been in this position before," McCormick said of the Astros' last eleven games. “Every team that's come to play us, they want to beat us badly and we just don't want it enough right now ... I don't think we're firing on all cylinders and putting a little pressure on ourselves."The Astros inched closer in the eighth as back-to-back doubles by Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker made it 3-2. Alvarez finished 1 for 4 with the double, which extended his streak of games reaching base safely in to 29.3 MILLION FANSWith 41,692 fans in attendance on Saturday night, the Astros surpassed 3 million fans for the fifth time in franchise history and for the first time since 2007.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez (concussion) is likely to return to the lineup on Sunday, according to Quatraro. ... RHP Brad Keller has been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. He will decide whether to undergo surgery in the coming days, according to Quatraro.Astros: OF Michael Brantley was out of the lineup for a fifth straight game Saturday with right shoulder soreness.UP NEXTAstros RHP Hunter Brown (11-12, 4.87 ERA) will start Houston’s final home game of the regular season on Sunday. The Royals have not announced a starter.

⚾ Lyles pitches five scoreless, Royals beat Astros

NORTH NEWTON –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan held the Bethel Threshers without a second half point and just 64 yards of offense as the Coyotes came away with a 24-14 win on Saturday night at Joe W. Goering Field at Thresher Stadium.

The win was the eighth straight win in North Newton for the Coyotes, a streak dating back to 2009 and was the 14th&nbsp;win in the last 15 meetings for the Coyotes in the series.Wesleyan's defense was again solid, holding Bethel to just 213 yards of total offense in the game, while the Coyote offense had 264 yards of offense, 180 through the air, as KWU got the passing game going.

Bethel scored first on its first drive of the game, capping a 10 play, 66 yard drive with a 35-yard pass from DJ Ciers to Trevon Madison with 6:45 to go in the first.The scoring drive was the only one of the first quarter. 

The Coyotes had a short field to work with on the first drive of the second quarter and capitalized.When the drive stalled at the Bethel 25,&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/talon-cope/7949">Talon Cope</a>&nbsp;got the Coyotes on the board connecting on a 42-yard field goal with 11:12 to go in the half.

Wesleyan's defense then stepped up, forcing two Bethel turnovers that turned into 14 points. 

The Coyotes forced a fumble by Corey Catron that was recovered by&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/deyondre-gomez/8608">Deyondre Gomez</a>&nbsp;after being knocked loose by&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/julian-urioste/8025">Julian Urioste</a>&nbsp;and four plays later were in the endzone as&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/richard-lara/7992">Richard Lara</a>&nbsp;hit&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/tyler-boston/7941">Tyler Boston</a>&nbsp;for a 23-yard touchdown with 8:23 left in the half.

<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/quatama-massaquoi/8626">Quatama Massaquoi</a>&nbsp;picked off a pass on Bethel's next drive and returned it to the Bethel 25 and two plays later Lara hit a wide open&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/nick-allsman/7930">Nick Allsman</a>&nbsp;for a 24-yard touchdown pass and it was 17-7 Coyotes with 5:57 left.

Madison got Bethel back within a field goal returning a&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/griffin-wiltse/8035">Griffin Wiltse</a>&nbsp;punt 72 yards for a touchdown with 2:44 to go before the half.

The Coyotes led 17-14 at intermission.On Wesleyan's first drive of the second half, the Coyotes had to score twice. Lara appeared to hit&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/luke-armstrong/8579">Luke Armstrong</a>&nbsp;for a 64-yard passing touchdown, but Armstrong was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and wiped the points off the board.

Nevertheless, the Coyotes found the endzone again five plays later when Lara hit Armstrong again, this time from three yards out to give KWU a 24-14 lead with 9:29 left in the third.

Neither team had luck getting out of their respective side of the field until late in the fourth when the Coyotes turned Bethel over on downs, taking over at the Bethel 43 with 3:11 left. The KWU drive appeared to stall, but Bethel was called for roughing the kicker on the punt and KWU had new life at the Bethel 28 and was able to run out the clock for the win.Lara was 18 of 28 passing for 180 yards and three scores. Allsman had 49 yards rushing on 15 carries to lead the rushers. Lomax-Spivey had 47 yards receiving on three catches. 

Defensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/ricardo-garcia/7968">Ricardo Garcia</a>&nbsp;led the Coyotes with eight stops while&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/jhalen-haynes/7975">Jhalen Haynes</a>had seven.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/josh-king-bradley/7988">Josh King-Bradley</a>&nbsp;had two sacks and Massaquoi had an interception.

Wesleyan returns home next Saturday to face McPherson in the final non-division game for the Coyotes. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Gene Bissell Field at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695548346735.jpeg" alt="KWU gets win over Bethel" />
 <figcaption>KWU gets win over Bethel</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH NEWTON –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan held the Bethel Threshers without a second half point and just 64 yards of offense as the Coyotes came away with a 24-14 win on Saturday night at Joe W. Goering Field at Thresher Stadium.The win was the eighth straight win in North Newton for the Coyotes, a streak dating back to 2009 and was the 14th&nbsp;win in the last 15 meetings for the Coyotes in the series.Wesleyan's defense was again solid, holding Bethel to just 213 yards of total offense in the game, while the Coyote offense had 264 yards of offense, 180 through the air, as KWU got the passing game going.Bethel scored first on its first drive of the game, capping a 10 play, 66 yard drive with a 35-yard pass from DJ Ciers to Trevon Madison with 6:45 to go in the first.The scoring drive was the only one of the first quarter. The Coyotes had a short field to work with on the first drive of the second quarter and capitalized.When the drive stalled at the Bethel 25,&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/talon-cope/7949">Talon Cope</a>&nbsp;got the Coyotes on the board connecting on a 42-yard field goal with 11:12 to go in the half.Wesleyan's defense then stepped up, forcing two Bethel turnovers that turned into 14 points. The Coyotes forced a fumble by Corey Catron that was recovered by&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/deyondre-gomez/8608">Deyondre Gomez</a>&nbsp;after being knocked loose by&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/julian-urioste/8025">Julian Urioste</a>&nbsp;and four plays later were in the endzone as&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/richard-lara/7992">Richard Lara</a>&nbsp;hit&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/tyler-boston/7941">Tyler Boston</a>&nbsp;for a 23-yard touchdown with 8:23 left in the half.<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/quatama-massaquoi/8626">Quatama Massaquoi</a>&nbsp;picked off a pass on Bethel's next drive and returned it to the Bethel 25 and two plays later Lara hit a wide open&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/nick-allsman/7930">Nick Allsman</a>&nbsp;for a 24-yard touchdown pass and it was 17-7 Coyotes with 5:57 left.Madison got Bethel back within a field goal returning a&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/griffin-wiltse/8035">Griffin Wiltse</a>&nbsp;punt 72 yards for a touchdown with 2:44 to go before the half.The Coyotes led 17-14 at intermission.On Wesleyan's first drive of the second half, the Coyotes had to score twice. Lara appeared to hit&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/luke-armstrong/8579">Luke Armstrong</a>&nbsp;for a 64-yard passing touchdown, but Armstrong was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and wiped the points off the board.Nevertheless, the Coyotes found the endzone again five plays later when Lara hit Armstrong again, this time from three yards out to give KWU a 24-14 lead with 9:29 left in the third.Neither team had luck getting out of their respective side of the field until late in the fourth when the Coyotes turned Bethel over on downs, taking over at the Bethel 43 with 3:11 left. The KWU drive appeared to stall, but Bethel was called for roughing the kicker on the punt and KWU had new life at the Bethel 28 and was able to run out the clock for the win.Lara was 18 of 28 passing for 180 yards and three scores. Allsman had 49 yards rushing on 15 carries to lead the rushers. Lomax-Spivey had 47 yards receiving on three catches. Defensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/ricardo-garcia/7968">Ricardo Garcia</a>&nbsp;led the Coyotes with eight stops while&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/jhalen-haynes/7975">Jhalen Haynes</a>had seven.&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/josh-king-bradley/7988">Josh King-Bradley</a>&nbsp;had two sacks and Massaquoi had an interception.Wesleyan returns home next Saturday to face McPherson in the final non-division game for the Coyotes. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Gene Bissell Field at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

🏈 KWU Coyotes hold Bethel scoreless in second half, comes away with 24-14 win

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (3-0) opens conference play in Gowans Stadium Saturday night against Coffeyville (0-3).

Glen Grunwald, Sean Boston and Daren Dunn prepare you for the 7 p.m. kickoff.

<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/2023/9/1693685468003.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (3-0) opens conference play in Gowans Stadium Saturday night against Coffeyville (0-3).Glen Grunwald, Sean Boston and Daren Dunn prepare you for the 7 p.m. kickoff.<div><iframe title="SEG 1 vs. Coffeyville" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ti5xy-14b160d-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 vs. Coffeyville" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cxcw3-14b1611-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 vs. Coffeyville" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=n5bkr-14b1613-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

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/files/Game_4_-_Coffeyville.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

By Hutchinson CC Sports Information

The Hutchinson Community College football team is the last Jayhawk Conference team to open Jayhawk Conference play this week.

The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (3-0, 0-0 KJCCC) play host to the Coffeyville Red Ravens (0-3, 0-3 KJCCC) at 7 p.m. Saturday for Youth Football Night with the Blue Dragons.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) beginning at 6:30 p.m. with Countdown to Kickoff. Glen Grunwald (play-by-play), Daren Dunn (color) and Sean Boston (sidelines) will have the call. The game will be streamed exclusively on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.

Saturday's game will be the 32nd time the Blue Dragons have opened a Jayhawk Conference season with the Red Ravens. Hutchinson is 15-16 in previous conference openers against the Red Ravens.

Hutchinson brings an 11-game winning streak inside the Jayhawk Conference into the game.

Both teams come into Saturday's contest coming off bye weeks. Leading into the bye week last week, the Blue Dragons and Red Ravens have been traveling in different directions.

Hutchinson defeated No. 5 Iowa Central 27-2 two weeks ago in Fort Dodge, Iowa to start the season 3-0. Freshman defensive back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/nolan_ryan_iyfa">Ryan Nolan</a>&nbsp;tied a Blue Dragon single-game record with three interceptions. Hutchinson had five total takeaways. Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/collier_samari_cpv0">Samari Collier</a>rushed for 107 yards and passed for 176 more, running for one touchdown and throwing two more to lead the Blue Dragon offense against the Tritons.

Coffeyville, which played Hutchinson in last season's NJCAA National semifinal, has had a very un-Coffeyville-like start to the season. The Red Ravens have dropped their first three games this season by a combined total of 18 points in setbacks to Highland, Dodge City and Independence.

The Blue Dragons are tied for first in the NJCAA in scoring defense after allowing just 5.0 points per game. The Dragons rank third in rushing defense (37.3 ypg) and fifth in total defense (184.7 ypg).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695468111881.jpeg" alt="The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragon football team meets Coffeyville in the 2023 KJCCC opener at 7 p.m. Saturday at Gowans Stadium. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragon football team meets Coffeyville in the 2023 KJCCC opener at 7 p.m. Saturday at Gowans Stadium. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/files/Game_4_-_Coffeyville.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>By Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College football team is the last Jayhawk Conference team to open Jayhawk Conference play this week.The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (3-0, 0-0 KJCCC) play host to the Coffeyville Red Ravens (0-3, 0-3 KJCCC) at 7 p.m. Saturday for Youth Football Night with the Blue Dragons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695468596402.png" alt="HutchCC vs Coffeyvile Media information" />
 <figcaption>HutchCC vs Coffeyvile Media information</figcaption>
 </figure>The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) beginning at 6:30 p.m. with Countdown to Kickoff. Glen Grunwald (play-by-play), Daren Dunn (color) and Sean Boston (sidelines) will have the call. The game will be streamed exclusively on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.Saturday's game will be the 32nd time the Blue Dragons have opened a Jayhawk Conference season with the Red Ravens. Hutchinson is 15-16 in previous conference openers against the Red Ravens.Hutchinson brings an 11-game winning streak inside the Jayhawk Conference into the game.Both teams come into Saturday's contest coming off bye weeks. Leading into the bye week last week, the Blue Dragons and Red Ravens have been traveling in different directions.Hutchinson defeated No. 5 Iowa Central 27-2 two weeks ago in Fort Dodge, Iowa to start the season 3-0. Freshman defensive back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/nolan_ryan_iyfa">Ryan Nolan</a>&nbsp;tied a Blue Dragon single-game record with three interceptions. Hutchinson had five total takeaways. Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/collier_samari_cpv0">Samari Collier</a>rushed for 107 yards and passed for 176 more, running for one touchdown and throwing two more to lead the Blue Dragon offense against the Tritons.Coffeyville, which played Hutchinson in last season's NJCAA National semifinal, has had a very un-Coffeyville-like start to the season. The Red Ravens have dropped their first three games this season by a combined total of 18 points in setbacks to Highland, Dodge City and Independence.The Blue Dragons are tied for first in the NJCAA in scoring defense after allowing just 5.0 points per game. The Dragons rank third in rushing defense (37.3 ypg) and fifth in total defense (184.7 ypg).

🏈 🎥 🎧 Blue Dragons open KJCCC play Saturday with Coffeyville at Gowans 

Fort Hays State (2-1, 1-1 MIAA) at RV/- Missouri Western State (2-1, 1-1&nbsp;MIAA) Saturday, September 23 - 12 p.m. St. Joseph, Mo. – Spratt Memorial Stadium 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>

Fort Hays State Football heads to St. Joseph, Missouri this weekend to face Missouri Western. Both teams enter Week 4 of the season at 2-1 overall. All of FHSU's games have been conference contests, while MWSU is 1-1 in MIAA play. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Spratt Stadium on Saturday night.&nbsp;

The Tigers are coming off a 17-6 win over then No. 15/13 ranked Northwest Missouri State last Saturday in Hays. The Tigers ended an eight-game losing string to the Bearcats in Hays that dated back to the 1970s and the result knocked the Bearcats out of the AFCA Top 25 rankings for the first time since 2003 (20 years). The Bearcats had a streak of being ranked in the Top 25 for 242 consecutive polls.

The Griffons are coming off a 34-31 win at Central Oklahoma last week. Both of their wins have been on the road, which also included a blowout of Lincoln in Week 2 in their only non-conference game of the year. MWSU fell to Central Missouri in the season opener at home by a score of 45-38. The Griffons have scored the most points of any MIAA team this year, averaging 46.7 per game. However, they have struggled on defense yielding a conference-worst 476.3 yards per game.

The Tigers are looking to snap a four-game losing string to the Griffons, which goes back to the 2018 season. FHSU's last win over MWSU was in 2017 by a score of 38-10 in St. Joseph. The Tigers lost last year's meeting in Hays 35-19. MWSU leads the all-time series 18-12-1, but have been a thorn in FHSU's side in MIAA play with a 14-2 mark since FHSU joined the conference. The two Tiger wins were in back-to-back years (2016 &amp; 2017). The win in 2017 was the only time in MIAA play the Tigers limited the Griffons to less than 20 points.

Fort Hays State ranks fourth in the MIAA in total defense, allowing 322 yards per game. The Tigers have held two of their three opponents so far this year to less than 300 yards of total offense. In both of those games, FHSU held the opposition to less than 10 points. FHSU ranks second among MIAA teams in points allowed at just 15.3 per game.

Jack Dawson&nbsp;has completed 59 percent of his passes this season for 771 yards and 9 touchdowns. He has thrown for at least 250 yards in two of three games. He ranks 12th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II for passing touchdowns. He has four receiving targets with at least 100 yards this season, led by Trevor Watts&nbsp;with 16 catches for 210 yards. Jayden Horace&nbsp;(174), Hosia Stokes&nbsp;(142) and Bryson Smith&nbsp;(123) join Watts for players north of 100 yards receiving. Cale Cormaney, the top tight end target for FHSU, has 95 yards. Travis Dixon&nbsp;leads the ground game with 102 yards on 38 carries this season.

John Johnson&nbsp;leads the Tiger defense in tackles with 22, followed closely by Makel Williams&nbsp;(21) and Mason Perez&nbsp;(20). Johnson produced his season high in tackles against Northwest Missouri State with 11. The Tiger defensive line has six players with at least six tackles this season, led by Myles Menges and Parrish Terry&nbsp;each with 12. Terry is the reigning MIAA Defensive Player of the Week after a 7 tackle, 1 forced fumble, and 1.5 sacks performance in the win over Northwest Missouri State last week. Jason Wallace leads the team in sacks with 2.0 after having a solo and two assists last week. The Tiger defense has spread around five interceptions among five different players.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695326696664.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (2-1, 1-1 MIAA) at RV/- Missouri Western State (2-1, 1-1&nbsp;MIAA) Saturday, September 23 - 12 p.m. St. Joseph, Mo. – Spratt Memorial Stadium 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>Fort Hays State Football heads to St. Joseph, Missouri this weekend to face Missouri Western. Both teams enter Week 4 of the season at 2-1 overall. All of FHSU's games have been conference contests, while MWSU is 1-1 in MIAA play. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Spratt Stadium on Saturday night.&nbsp;The Tigers are coming off a 17-6 win over then No. 15/13 ranked Northwest Missouri State last Saturday in Hays. The Tigers ended an eight-game losing string to the Bearcats in Hays that dated back to the 1970s and the result knocked the Bearcats out of the AFCA Top 25 rankings for the first time since 2003 (20 years). The Bearcats had a streak of being ranked in the Top 25 for 242 consecutive polls.The Griffons are coming off a 34-31 win at Central Oklahoma last week. Both of their wins have been on the road, which also included a blowout of Lincoln in Week 2 in their only non-conference game of the year. MWSU fell to Central Missouri in the season opener at home by a score of 45-38. The Griffons have scored the most points of any MIAA team this year, averaging 46.7 per game. However, they have struggled on defense yielding a conference-worst 476.3 yards per game.The Tigers are looking to snap a four-game losing string to the Griffons, which goes back to the 2018 season. FHSU's last win over MWSU was in 2017 by a score of 38-10 in St. Joseph. The Tigers lost last year's meeting in Hays 35-19. MWSU leads the all-time series 18-12-1, but have been a thorn in FHSU's side in MIAA play with a 14-2 mark since FHSU joined the conference. The two Tiger wins were in back-to-back years (2016 &amp; 2017). The win in 2017 was the only time in MIAA play the Tigers limited the Griffons to less than 20 points.Fort Hays State ranks fourth in the MIAA in total defense, allowing 322 yards per game. The Tigers have held two of their three opponents so far this year to less than 300 yards of total offense. In both of those games, FHSU held the opposition to less than 10 points. FHSU ranks second among MIAA teams in points allowed at just 15.3 per game.Jack Dawson&nbsp;has completed 59 percent of his passes this season for 771 yards and 9 touchdowns. He has thrown for at least 250 yards in two of three games. He ranks 12th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II for passing touchdowns. He has four receiving targets with at least 100 yards this season, led by Trevor Watts&nbsp;with 16 catches for 210 yards. Jayden Horace&nbsp;(174), Hosia Stokes&nbsp;(142) and Bryson Smith&nbsp;(123) join Watts for players north of 100 yards receiving. Cale Cormaney, the top tight end target for FHSU, has 95 yards. Travis Dixon&nbsp;leads the ground game with 102 yards on 38 carries this season.John Johnson&nbsp;leads the Tiger defense in tackles with 22, followed closely by Makel Williams&nbsp;(21) and Mason Perez&nbsp;(20). Johnson produced his season high in tackles against Northwest Missouri State with 11. The Tiger defensive line has six players with at least six tackles this season, led by Myles Menges and Parrish Terry&nbsp;each with 12. Terry is the reigning MIAA Defensive Player of the Week after a 7 tackle, 1 forced fumble, and 1.5 sacks performance in the win over Northwest Missouri State last week. Jason Wallace leads the team in sacks with 2.0 after having a solo and two assists last week. The Tiger defense has spread around five interceptions among five different players.

🏈🎙️ LISTEN - Tigers face Griffons in St. Joseph Saturday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693517742505.png" alt="Eagle Media HS Football Scoreboard Graphic" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media HS Football Scoreboard Graphic</figcaption>
 </figure><div><div class="scorestream-widget-container" data-ss_widget_type="vertScoreboard" style="height:600px;" data-user-widget-id="57228"></div><script async="async" type="text/javascript" src="https://scorestream.com/apiJsCdn/widgets/embed.js"></script></div>

🏈 EAGLE Media week 4 high school scoreboard

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/muff_callie_ayau">Callie Muff</a>&nbsp;had season highs for kills and attack percentage to lead the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team to a sweep of Spartanburg Methodist College on Friday in the opening match of the Blue Dragon Volleyball Classic at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons won their third-straight match and improved to 13-5. The Dragons played No. 17 Indian Hills later Friday.

Muff got the start as the right-side hitter and put together her best match of the season with 10 kills on 19 attacks with one error for a season-high .474 attack percentage.

Muff's effort helped the Blue Dragons out-hit Spartanburg Methodist (9-6) .228-.101. The Blue Dragons had a 5-2 blocks advantage and a 10-3 advantage in service aces.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/golden_taniya_wjj0">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;had eight kills on .062 hitting. She just missed a double-double with nine digs.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/briseno_alejandra_xati">Alejandra Briseno</a>&nbsp;had five kills and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/murphy_mckenzie_k4jq">McKenzie Murphy</a>&nbsp;finished with four digs. Murphy added one solo block and two block assists.

Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/ravenhani_giovanna_k9db">Giovanna Ravanhani</a>&nbsp;had 29 assists, nine digs and three kills. Ravanhani added a career-high five service aces.

Freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/rollandini_isabella_ircy">Isabella Rollandini</a>&nbsp;had a match-high 20 digs.

Aurora Aho had 11 kills to lead the Pioneers.

Set 1: The Blue Dragons hit a match-low .148 in the first set, but held SMC to .077 hitting. The Dragons had the early lead, but the set was tied at 12-all. A Muff kill sparked a 7-1 Blue Dragon run. Another Pioneer attack error capped the run and gave Hutchinson a 20-13 lead. Spartanburg had 11 attack errors in the opening set, the final one on set point for a 25-17 victory.

Set 2: The Blue Dragons fell quickly behind 6-1 and took a timeout. The Dragons immediately turned that around with an 8-1 run and took a 10-8 lead on an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/dean_anna_0g77">Anna Dean</a>&nbsp;kill. Two-straight Ravanhani aces upped the lead to 18-12. The Pioneers pulled with 19-16, but that run was stopped by a Golden service ace. A Briseno kill pushed the Dragons to a 24-18 lead. Muff's fourth kill of the set came on set point and a 25-19 Hutchinson victory.

Set 3: Trailing 8-7, Ravanhani threw down a setter dump to tie the set. The Dragons then scored five in a row on Ravanhani's serve. Her ace capped the run to give Hutchinson a 14-8 lead. Leading 15-11, the Dragons scored three in a row on a Pioneer service error and kills from Muff and Dean for an 18-11 lead. The match ended on a Dean service ace and Pioneer attack error. The Dragons hit .241 in the second set to .028 for Spartanburg Methodist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695471531212.jpeg" alt="Callie Muff had 10 kills on .474 hitting to lead the Blue Dragon Volleyball team to a 3-0 victory over Spartanburg Methodist on Friday at the Blue dragon Volleyball Classic at the Sports Arena. (McKenzie Franklin/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Callie Muff had 10 kills on .474 hitting to lead the Blue Dragon Volleyball team to a 3-0 victory over Spartanburg Methodist on Friday at the Blue dragon Volleyball Classic at the Sports Arena. (McKenzie Franklin/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Hutchinson CC Sports InformationFreshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/muff_callie_ayau">Callie Muff</a>&nbsp;had season highs for kills and attack percentage to lead the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team to a sweep of Spartanburg Methodist College on Friday in the opening match of the Blue Dragon Volleyball Classic at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons won their third-straight match and improved to 13-5. The Dragons played No. 17 Indian Hills later Friday.Muff got the start as the right-side hitter and put together her best match of the season with 10 kills on 19 attacks with one error for a season-high .474 attack percentage.Muff's effort helped the Blue Dragons out-hit Spartanburg Methodist (9-6) .228-.101. The Blue Dragons had a 5-2 blocks advantage and a 10-3 advantage in service aces.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/golden_taniya_wjj0">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;had eight kills on .062 hitting. She just missed a double-double with nine digs.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/briseno_alejandra_xati">Alejandra Briseno</a>&nbsp;had five kills and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/murphy_mckenzie_k4jq">McKenzie Murphy</a>&nbsp;finished with four digs. Murphy added one solo block and two block assists.Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/ravenhani_giovanna_k9db">Giovanna Ravanhani</a>&nbsp;had 29 assists, nine digs and three kills. Ravanhani added a career-high five service aces.Freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/rollandini_isabella_ircy">Isabella Rollandini</a>&nbsp;had a match-high 20 digs.Aurora Aho had 11 kills to lead the Pioneers.Set 1: The Blue Dragons hit a match-low .148 in the first set, but held SMC to .077 hitting. The Dragons had the early lead, but the set was tied at 12-all. A Muff kill sparked a 7-1 Blue Dragon run. Another Pioneer attack error capped the run and gave Hutchinson a 20-13 lead. Spartanburg had 11 attack errors in the opening set, the final one on set point for a 25-17 victory.Set 2: The Blue Dragons fell quickly behind 6-1 and took a timeout. The Dragons immediately turned that around with an 8-1 run and took a 10-8 lead on an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/dean_anna_0g77">Anna Dean</a>&nbsp;kill. Two-straight Ravanhani aces upped the lead to 18-12. The Pioneers pulled with 19-16, but that run was stopped by a Golden service ace. A Briseno kill pushed the Dragons to a 24-18 lead. Muff's fourth kill of the set came on set point and a 25-19 Hutchinson victory.Set 3: Trailing 8-7, Ravanhani threw down a setter dump to tie the set. The Dragons then scored five in a row on Ravanhani's serve. Her ace capped the run to give Hutchinson a 14-8 lead. Leading 15-11, the Dragons scored three in a row on a Pioneer service error and kills from Muff and Dean for an 18-11 lead. The match ended on a Dean service ace and Pioneer attack error. The Dragons hit .241 in the second set to .028 for Spartanburg Methodist.

🏐 Blue Dragons roll by Pioneers in Classic opener

<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/c837c465-b07f-4e48-8037-93fc724a5ca7">WATCH</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com">LISTEN</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=472958">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/23-FB-GameNotes4-BYU.pdf">GAME NOTES</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football is set to host its third home game of the season on Saturday, September 23 at 2:30 p.m. CT, when the Jayhawks host BYU at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for each team’s Big 12 Conference opener.

The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN with Mark Jones (Play-by-Play), Louis Riddick (Analyst) and Quint Kessenich (Sideline) on the call.

Saturday’s showdown will be a battle of the unbeatens, as Kansas enters 3-0 for the second-straight season, marking the first time since 1991-92 the Jayhawks opened the season 3-0 in back-to-back seasons.

BYU comes to Lawrence with a 3-0 record after a 38-31 victory at Arkansas, while the Cougars have won seven-straight games dating back to the 2022 season.

Kansas vs. BYU will be the Big 12 Conference opener for both teams, while it will be BYU’s first Big 12 Conference game as a member of the conference. Kansas is 7-20 in Big 12 Conference openers all-time, winning its 2022 conference opener at West Virginia, 55-42. It will be the first time since 2005 that Kansas opened Big 12 Conference play at 3-0 against a 3-0 opponent (at Texas Tech).

The Jayhawks and Cougars have met once in the series history, dating back to 1992 when the two teams met in the Aloha Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii on Christmas Day, December 25, 1992. Kansas scored 11 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win that game, 23-20.

Kansas is coming off a 31-24 victory at Nevada in its first road contest of the season, in which junior Devin Neal rushed for three touchdowns and accounted for 148 yards of total offense. Kansas’ defense pulled together to record 10.0 tackles-for-loss, including a crucial 4th-and-1 stop by Kenny Logan Jr., to seal the victory.

Neal enters Saturday’s game with a Big 12 leading five rushing touchdowns and 7.3 yards per carry on 40 carries for 303 yards. Neal also ranks eighth nationally in all-purpose yards with 434.

BYU enters Saturday’s game averaging 31.0 points per game, while holding opponents to 15.7 points per game this season. BYU is led by quarterback Kedon Slovis, who has completed 55-of-90 for 660 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, BYU pitched a shutout in the season opener against Sam Houston and are led by linebacker Max Tooley with 18 tackles. The Cougars have forced seven turnovers through the first three games, which ties for eighth nationally.

Following Saturday’s matchup, Kansas will travel to Austin, Texas to take on the Texas Longhorns on Saturday, Sept. 30. The Jayhawks will then return home to host UCF on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Fans can still purchase individual game tickets for the Jayhawks’ remaining five home games by&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695470322668.png" alt="Kansas vs BYU" />
 <figcaption>Kansas vs BYU</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/c837c465-b07f-4e48-8037-93fc724a5ca7">WATCH</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com">LISTEN</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=472958">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/23-FB-GameNotes4-BYU.pdf">GAME NOTES</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football is set to host its third home game of the season on Saturday, September 23 at 2:30 p.m. CT, when the Jayhawks host BYU at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for each team’s Big 12 Conference opener.The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN with Mark Jones (Play-by-Play), Louis Riddick (Analyst) and Quint Kessenich (Sideline) on the call.Saturday’s showdown will be a battle of the unbeatens, as Kansas enters 3-0 for the second-straight season, marking the first time since 1991-92 the Jayhawks opened the season 3-0 in back-to-back seasons.BYU comes to Lawrence with a 3-0 record after a 38-31 victory at Arkansas, while the Cougars have won seven-straight games dating back to the 2022 season.Kansas vs. BYU will be the Big 12 Conference opener for both teams, while it will be BYU’s first Big 12 Conference game as a member of the conference. Kansas is 7-20 in Big 12 Conference openers all-time, winning its 2022 conference opener at West Virginia, 55-42. It will be the first time since 2005 that Kansas opened Big 12 Conference play at 3-0 against a 3-0 opponent (at Texas Tech).The Jayhawks and Cougars have met once in the series history, dating back to 1992 when the two teams met in the Aloha Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii on Christmas Day, December 25, 1992. Kansas scored 11 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win that game, 23-20.Kansas is coming off a 31-24 victory at Nevada in its first road contest of the season, in which junior Devin Neal rushed for three touchdowns and accounted for 148 yards of total offense. Kansas’ defense pulled together to record 10.0 tackles-for-loss, including a crucial 4th-and-1 stop by Kenny Logan Jr., to seal the victory.Neal enters Saturday’s game with a Big 12 leading five rushing touchdowns and 7.3 yards per carry on 40 carries for 303 yards. Neal also ranks eighth nationally in all-purpose yards with 434.BYU enters Saturday’s game averaging 31.0 points per game, while holding opponents to 15.7 points per game this season. BYU is led by quarterback Kedon Slovis, who has completed 55-of-90 for 660 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, BYU pitched a shutout in the season opener against Sam Houston and are led by linebacker Max Tooley with 18 tackles. The Cougars have forced seven turnovers through the first three games, which ties for eighth nationally.Following Saturday’s matchup, Kansas will travel to Austin, Texas to take on the Texas Longhorns on Saturday, Sept. 30. The Jayhawks will then return home to host UCF on Saturday, Oct. 7.Fans can still purchase individual game tickets for the Jayhawks’ remaining five home games by&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">clicking here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GameWeek_BYU_2-819x1024.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 🎥 🎧 Kansas Set to host BYU in Big 12 Conference opener

MANHATTAN, Kan.-UCF will begin its
life in the Big 12 against the defending conference champion when it
visits Kansas State on Saturday. The Knights are off to a 3-0 start
led by their defense, which has yet to allow more than 16 points in a
game. The Wildcats are 2-1. Quarterback will be a concern for both
teams. The Knights will be without John Rhys Plumlee after he was
hurt against Boise State, meaning transfer Timmy McClain will get the
start. Kansas State's Will Howard was shaken up against Missouri and
is questionable with freshman Avery Johnson next in line.

UCF (3-0) at
Kansas State (2-1), Saturday, 7 p.m. CT (FS1)

Line: Kansas
State by 6 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series record:
Kansas State leads 1-0.

<a href="http://my931.com">LISTEN: MY93.1FM KHMY in Hutchinson</a>

UCF will be making
its Big 12 debut when it heads to Bill Snyder Family Stadium to play
Kansas State, the reigning conference champion. The Knights are
unbeaten after sandwiching a pair of easy non-conference wins around
an 18-16 nailbiter against Boise State. The Wildcats are coming off a
disheartening 30-27 loss at Missouri, where they controlled most of
the game before the Tigers' Harrison Mevis hit a 61-yard winning
field goal as time expired.

Kansas State QB Will
Howard against the UCF defense. Howard was visibly slowed by the
beating he took last week against Missouri, and it showed in his
uneven performance. He had 270 yards and three touchdowns passing
with an interception but was unable to add much in the quarterback
run game. Howard is questionable to play against the Knights, and
freshman Avery Johnson would be next in line to face a UCF defense
that has yet to allow more than 16 points in a game.

UCF: McClain
is expected to start after John Rhys Plumlee hurt his right knee in
the closing minutes of the win over Boise State. Knights coach Gus
Malzahn said Monday that Plumlee could miss multiple weeks, and that
means McClain will lead them into their Big 12 debut. The South
Florida transfer led the Bulls in passing in 2021 before redshirting
last season.

Kansas State:
Johnson could take the spotlight if Howard is unable to play. He has
been used primarily as a running threat, but the four-star prospect
and one of the nation's best dual-threat quarterback recruits has a
big arm, too.

The top dual-threat passer in the Class of 2023, Johnson wowed coaches and teammates during fall camp, and he has their full confidence. He had five carries for 34 yards against the Tigers.&nbsp;

"He can do everything," Klieman said, "and we will do everything with him."

K-State faces a high-powered UCF squad that went through the non-conference with wins over Kent State (56-6), at Boise State (18-16), and against Villanova (48-14).&nbsp;UCF leads the nation in total offense (617.7 yards per game), has reached 500 total yards in every game, and its 723 yards against Kent State mark the most by a FBS team this season. The Knights are second nationally in rushing offense (299.3 yards per game).&nbsp;Making his first start in UCF uniform, redshirt sophomore quarterback Timmy McClain threw for a career-high 321 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Villanova. His favorite target was senior wide receiver Kobe Hudson, who had six catches for 147 yards.Running backs RJ Harvey (79.7 yards per game) and Johnny Richardson (71.0 yards per game) offer a dangerous one-two punch. Both rank in the top-10 in rushing in the league.&nbsp;"They're incredibly explosive," K-State defensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/joe-klanderman/1978">Joe Klanderman</a>&nbsp;said. "Explosive in the pass game. They do a lot of things to try and get one-on-one matchups on the outside. I know they have an RPO element. Sometimes it's based on access and sometimes numbers in the box. They have a lot of good athletes."They're a really good offensive football team."

True freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/austin-romaine/11176">Austin Romaine</a>&nbsp;is expected to get his first-career start in replacing Green at middle linebacker.&nbsp;"We're going to do what we do, and obviously we have to put people into positions to be successful," Klanderman said. "Daniel is a big piece of that just because of his experience and ability. But we have guys who are capable of doing the things that we ask them to do. I'm excited for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/austin-romaine/11176">Austin Romaine</a>&nbsp;and the challenge he has. He's earned this. When he got onto campus in the winter time and he went through spring practice, we knew he was a good football player. Physically, he's pretty mature for his age.&nbsp;"He's flanked by two of our better football players in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/austin-moore/11129">Austin Moore</a>&nbsp;and Des (Desmond) Purnell. They're sensational, and they'll help him be grounded through this whole thing."K-State will be challenged by a UCF defense that didn't allow Villanova past midfield and has recorded an interception in all three games. The Knights rank 20th in the FBS in allowing just 166.7 passing yards per game and also surrender just 117.0 rushing yards per game. They are one of 10 FBS teams to hold every opponent to 16 or fewer points.&nbsp;K-State offensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/collin-klein/1979">Collin Klein</a>&nbsp;on Thursday said that Howard suffered a soft-tissue injury against Missouri but "has gotten better every day," adding that, "if he can go and gets healthy, obviously, he'll go, but it's been day to day, and it'll probably continue that way."Klein has no reservation in starting Johnson if needed.&nbsp;"We wouldn't put him out there if he wasn't ready," he said. "Obviously, it's not just about one guy, too. It's about everybody stepping up and playing well around whoever is back there to make it go."K-State remains on the mend as well.&nbsp;The motto for K-State this year is "Raise the Bar."All K-State players had to do during the week was look at the videoboards in Bill Snyder Family Stadium to remember their four core values — Discipline, Commitment, Toughness, and Be Selfless.&nbsp;As for how those values apply to this week?"Discipline is to let last week go and let it fuel you," K-State safety&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/marques-sigle/11184">Marques Sigle</a>&nbsp;said. "Commitment is staying true to our goal of a Big 12 Championship. Toughness is fighting through all the emotions and all the media and working to get better every day. Being selfless is being there for your brothers. Every play we're making for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-green/11104">Daniel Green</a>."K-State has plenty to play for as the Big 12 season begins.&nbsp;"There's a lot to prove, but a lot of it is you've got to prove to yourself," Gillum said. "Guys have high expectations. We're ready to bounce back."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694463285912.png" alt="(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.-UCF will begin its
life in the Big 12 against the defending conference champion when it
visits Kansas State on Saturday. The Knights are off to a 3-0 start
led by their defense, which has yet to allow more than 16 points in a
game. The Wildcats are 2-1. Quarterback will be a concern for both
teams. The Knights will be without John Rhys Plumlee after he was
hurt against Boise State, meaning transfer Timmy McClain will get the
start. Kansas State's Will Howard was shaken up against Missouri and
is questionable with freshman Avery Johnson next in line.UCF (3-0) at
Kansas State (2-1), Saturday, 7 p.m. CT (FS1)Line: Kansas
State by 6 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.Series record:
Kansas State leads 1-0.<a href="http://my931.com">LISTEN: MY93.1FM KHMY in Hutchinson</a>WHAT’S AT
STAKE?UCF will be making
its Big 12 debut when it heads to Bill Snyder Family Stadium to play
Kansas State, the reigning conference champion. The Knights are
unbeaten after sandwiching a pair of easy non-conference wins around
an 18-16 nailbiter against Boise State. The Wildcats are coming off a
disheartening 30-27 loss at Missouri, where they controlled most of
the game before the Tigers' Harrison Mevis hit a 61-yard winning
field goal as time expired.KEY MATCHUPKansas State QB Will
Howard against the UCF defense. Howard was visibly slowed by the
beating he took last week against Missouri, and it showed in his
uneven performance. He had 270 yards and three touchdowns passing
with an interception but was unable to add much in the quarterback
run game. Howard is questionable to play against the Knights, and
freshman Avery Johnson would be next in line to face a UCF defense
that has yet to allow more than 16 points in a game.PLAYERS TO WATCHUCF: McClain
is expected to start after John Rhys Plumlee hurt his right knee in
the closing minutes of the win over Boise State. Knights coach Gus
Malzahn said Monday that Plumlee could miss multiple weeks, and that
means McClain will lead them into their Big 12 debut. The South
Florida transfer led the Bulls in passing in 2021 before redshirting
last season.Kansas State:
Johnson could take the spotlight if Howard is unable to play. He has
been used primarily as a running threat, but the four-star prospect
and one of the nation's best dual-threat quarterback recruits has a
big arm, too.The top dual-threat passer in the Class of 2023, Johnson wowed coaches and teammates during fall camp, and he has their full confidence. He had five carries for 34 yards against the Tigers.&nbsp;"He can do everything," Klieman said, "and we will do everything with him."K-State faces a high-powered UCF squad that went through the non-conference with wins over Kent State (56-6), at Boise State (18-16), and against Villanova (48-14).&nbsp;UCF leads the nation in total offense (617.7 yards per game), has reached 500 total yards in every game, and its 723 yards against Kent State mark the most by a FBS team this season. The Knights are second nationally in rushing offense (299.3 yards per game).&nbsp;Making his first start in UCF uniform, redshirt sophomore quarterback Timmy McClain threw for a career-high 321 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Villanova. His favorite target was senior wide receiver Kobe Hudson, who had six catches for 147 yards.Running backs RJ Harvey (79.7 yards per game) and Johnny Richardson (71.0 yards per game) offer a dangerous one-two punch. Both rank in the top-10 in rushing in the league.&nbsp;"They're incredibly explosive," K-State defensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/joe-klanderman/1978">Joe Klanderman</a>&nbsp;said. "Explosive in the pass game. They do a lot of things to try and get one-on-one matchups on the outside. I know they have an RPO element. Sometimes it's based on access and sometimes numbers in the box. They have a lot of good athletes."They're a really good offensive football team."<figure>
 <img src="https://www.kstatesports.com/images/2023/9/21/20230916_CM_FB_MU_312_web.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>True freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/austin-romaine/11176">Austin Romaine</a>&nbsp;is expected to get his first-career start in replacing Green at middle linebacker.&nbsp;"We're going to do what we do, and obviously we have to put people into positions to be successful," Klanderman said. "Daniel is a big piece of that just because of his experience and ability. But we have guys who are capable of doing the things that we ask them to do. I'm excited for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/austin-romaine/11176">Austin Romaine</a>&nbsp;and the challenge he has. He's earned this. When he got onto campus in the winter time and he went through spring practice, we knew he was a good football player. Physically, he's pretty mature for his age.&nbsp;"He's flanked by two of our better football players in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/austin-moore/11129">Austin Moore</a>&nbsp;and Des (Desmond) Purnell. They're sensational, and they'll help him be grounded through this whole thing."K-State will be challenged by a UCF defense that didn't allow Villanova past midfield and has recorded an interception in all three games. The Knights rank 20th in the FBS in allowing just 166.7 passing yards per game and also surrender just 117.0 rushing yards per game. They are one of 10 FBS teams to hold every opponent to 16 or fewer points.&nbsp;K-State offensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/collin-klein/1979">Collin Klein</a>&nbsp;on Thursday said that Howard suffered a soft-tissue injury against Missouri but "has gotten better every day," adding that, "if he can go and gets healthy, obviously, he'll go, but it's been day to day, and it'll probably continue that way."Klein has no reservation in starting Johnson if needed.&nbsp;"We wouldn't put him out there if he wasn't ready," he said. "Obviously, it's not just about one guy, too. It's about everybody stepping up and playing well around whoever is back there to make it go."K-State remains on the mend as well.&nbsp;The motto for K-State this year is "Raise the Bar."All K-State players had to do during the week was look at the videoboards in Bill Snyder Family Stadium to remember their four core values — Discipline, Commitment, Toughness, and Be Selfless.&nbsp;As for how those values apply to this week?"Discipline is to let last week go and let it fuel you," K-State safety&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/marques-sigle/11184">Marques Sigle</a>&nbsp;said. "Commitment is staying true to our goal of a Big 12 Championship. Toughness is fighting through all the emotions and all the media and working to get better every day. Being selfless is being there for your brothers. Every play we're making for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-green/11104">Daniel Green</a>."K-State has plenty to play for as the Big 12 season begins.&nbsp;"There's a lot to prove, but a lot of it is you've got to prove to yourself," Gillum said. "Guys have high expectations. We're ready to bounce back."

 🏈 🎧 UCF makes its Big 12 debut on the road vs. Kansas State

Minnesota Twins clinch AL Central title with 8-6 win over Angels

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Ronald Acuña Jr. joins exclusive 40-40 club with 40th home run of the season for Braves

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Judge hits 3 home runs, becomes first Yankees player to do it twice in one season

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Cowboys carry on after star cornerback Trevon Diggs' season-ending knee injury

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49ers give contract extensions to coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch

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Column: Coach Prime dominates the college football world. What might come next?

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Ludvig Åberg is the world's most talked-about young golfer and is about to play in his first Ryder Cup less than four months after the 23-year-old Swede turned pro. It's not just his long and accurate drives that set him apart from other up-and-coming talents. It's the composure and temperament that helped Åberg rip through the college golf scene in the United States and was noticeable even before that as a kid playing in southern Sweden. Yet the tension and raucous atmosphere of a Ryder Cup can bring the fire out of even the most mild-mannered of golfers.

Jets' Rodgers is focused on getting healthy and playing again but won't put a timeline on his return

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers misses being around his New York Jets teammates and feels a bit isolated at times as he recovers from surgery on his torn left Achilles tendon. The star quarterback joked during an appearance Friday on "The Pat McAfee Show" that it's like the reverse darkness retreat. The 39-year-old Rodgers said he doesn't want to get caught up in timelines for his recovery from the injury. He says he's focused on getting healthy and putting himself in position to play again.

US breaking pros want to preserve Black roots, original style of hip-hop dance form at Olympics

U.S. breaking pros who hope to compete in the Paris Olympics next year have a challenge. As ambassadors to the country where the hip-hop dance form originated, they want to preserve breaking's focus on originality and its ties to Black and Latino culture. But as Olympians, they will also have to hone the technical moves their international competitors have perfected. In the past, judges in breaking competitions have been very subjective. But that won't be the case with the Olympics, where officials will use a newly developed judging system to decide who is the best in one-on-one battles. The Paris Games mark breaking's Olympic debut.

Megan Rapinoe's legacy with US team is bigger than soccer

Megan Rapinoe was always unabashedly authentic during her soccer career, whether she was advocating for equal pay and racial justice or scoring an elusive goal off a corner kick. The 38-year old is also showing a more vulnerable side as she prepares to step away from the game. Rapinoe sobbed following the U.S. loss to Sweden at the recent Women's World Cup in Australia, knowing it would be her final tournament with the national team. She was emotional again last weekend, playing her final rivalry match between her NWSL team, OL Reign, and the Portland Thorns. On Sunday, Rapinoe will play her final game in a U.S. jersey when the national team faces South Africa at Chicago's Soldier Field.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Atlanta	at	Washington	1:05 p.m.	(Postponed)

(15)Mississippi	at	(13)Alabama	3:30 p.m.	

(14)Oregon St.	at	(21)Washington St.	7 p.m.	

(5)Southern Cal	at	Arizona St.	10:30 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683366121627.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Saturday Morning, September 23rd, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Saturday Morning, September 23rd, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for September 23rd.Minnesota Twins clinch AL Central title with 8-6 win over AngelsMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have clinched the AL Central title with an 8-6 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Alex Kirilloff homered and drove in three runs, and the Twins held on late to win the division crown for the third time in five seasons under manager Rocco Baldelli. Pablo López pitched six innings for the Twins, allowing three runs and five hits with seven strikeouts. Jhoan Duran gave up a run in the ninth but got the final out with the bases loaded to secure his 27th save of the season.Ronald Acuña Jr. joins exclusive 40-40 club with 40th home run of the season for BravesWASHINGTON (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. has joined baseball's exclusive 40-40 club by hitting his 40th home run of the season for the Atlanta Braves to go along with his 68 stolen bases. The only other players to have at least 40 homers and 40 steals in the same year were Alfonso Soriano for Washington in 2006, Alex Rodríguez for Seattle in 1998, Barry Bonds for San Francisco in 1996, and Jose Canseco for Oakland in 1988. Acuña connected off Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin leading off the top of the first inning. It was his 34th career leadoff homer and eighth this season. The 25-year-old Acuña was already the only player in major league history with 30 homers and 60 stolen bases in one season.Judge hits 3 home runs, becomes first Yankees player to do it twice in one seasonNEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge became the first New York Yankees player to hit three home runs in a game twice in one season when he connected in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Judge hit a three-run homer in the third and a two-run shot in the fifth off rookie starter Brandon Pfaadt. The slugger added his third homer of the night by reaching the second deck in right field with a solo drive off Slade Cecconi. After rounding the bases, the reigning AL MVP took a curtain call from the Yankee Stadium crowd. Judge also doubled during his second career three-homer game — both coming within the past month. He also went deep three times Aug. 23 at home against Washington.Cowboys carry on after star cornerback Trevon Diggs' season-ending knee injuryFRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are carrying on without Trevon Diggs after the star cornerback's season-ending knee injury. The Dallas defense has been playing at a level that matched the club's Super Bowl expectations. Now the depth of that unit will get a severe test after Diggs tore his left ACL in practice. The coaching staff and owner/general manager Jerry Jones are confident in that depth. DaRon Bland is likely to start alongside offseason free agent pickup Stephon Gilmore. Jourdan Lewis could get most of the slot work. Lewis made his season debut last week after missing most of 2022 with a broken foot.49ers give contract extensions to coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John LynchSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers have given coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch multi-year contract extensions. The duo joined the 49ers together in 2017 and by their third season built up a team that had won just two games the year before they arrived into a consistent contender. The Niners made it to the Super Bowl in the 2019 season before losing to Kansas City and the NFC title game in back-to-back seasons in 2021 and 2022. San Francisco is off to a 3-0 start this season after beating the New York Giants 30-12 on Thursday night.Column: Coach Prime dominates the college football world. What might come next?Deion Sanders hobbles to get around these days, but his ability to command an audience is even more potent than it was during his speedier playing days. Just three games into his first head coaching job in college football's top division, Coach Prime has been the talk of the sporting world. It's certainly not too soon to ponder where this phenomenon might lead. Can the Colorado Buffaloes keep winning even with a brutal schedule ahead of them? If they do, will a more prominent school come calling for Coach Prime? Has Sanders established a new template for building a program?Ludvig Åberg dealing with lofty expectations as Europe's widely admired Ryder Cup rookieLudvig Åberg is the world's most talked-about young golfer and is about to play in his first Ryder Cup less than four months after the 23-year-old Swede turned pro. It's not just his long and accurate drives that set him apart from other up-and-coming talents. It's the composure and temperament that helped Åberg rip through the college golf scene in the United States and was noticeable even before that as a kid playing in southern Sweden. Yet the tension and raucous atmosphere of a Ryder Cup can bring the fire out of even the most mild-mannered of golfers.Jets' Rodgers is focused on getting healthy and playing again but won't put a timeline on his returnFLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers misses being around his New York Jets teammates and feels a bit isolated at times as he recovers from surgery on his torn left Achilles tendon. The star quarterback joked during an appearance Friday on "The Pat McAfee Show" that it's like the reverse darkness retreat. The 39-year-old Rodgers said he doesn't want to get caught up in timelines for his recovery from the injury. He says he's focused on getting healthy and putting himself in position to play again.US breaking pros want to preserve Black roots, original style of hip-hop dance form at OlympicsU.S. breaking pros who hope to compete in the Paris Olympics next year have a challenge. As ambassadors to the country where the hip-hop dance form originated, they want to preserve breaking's focus on originality and its ties to Black and Latino culture. But as Olympians, they will also have to hone the technical moves their international competitors have perfected. In the past, judges in breaking competitions have been very subjective. But that won't be the case with the Olympics, where officials will use a newly developed judging system to decide who is the best in one-on-one battles. The Paris Games mark breaking's Olympic debut.Megan Rapinoe's legacy with US team is bigger than soccerMegan Rapinoe was always unabashedly authentic during her soccer career, whether she was advocating for equal pay and racial justice or scoring an elusive goal off a corner kick. The 38-year old is also showing a more vulnerable side as she prepares to step away from the game. Rapinoe sobbed following the U.S. loss to Sweden at the recent Women's World Cup in Australia, knowing it would be her final tournament with the national team. She was emotional again last weekend, playing her final rivalry match between her NWSL team, OL Reign, and the Portland Thorns. On Sunday, Rapinoe will play her final game in a U.S. jersey when the national team faces South Africa at Chicago's Soldier Field.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUE Final	N.Y. Yankees	7	Arizona	1	___AMERICAN LEAGUE Final	Toronto	6	Tampa Bay	2	Final	Boston	3	Chicago White Sox	2	Final	Cleveland	9	Baltimore	8	Final	Texas	8	Seattle	5	Final	Kansas City	7	Houston	5	Final	Minnesota	8	L.A. Angels	6	Final	Oakland	8	Detroit	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUE Final	Chicago Cubs	6	Colorado	0	Final	Milwaukee	16	Miami	1	Final	Atlanta	9	Washington	6	Final	Philadelphia	5	N.Y. Mets	4	Final	Pittsburgh	7	Cincinnati	5	Final	San Diego	4	St. Louis	2	Final	San Francisco	5	L.A. Dodgers	1	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESEASON Final	Arizona	5	Los Angeles	3	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE Arizona	at	N-Y Yankees	1:05 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE L-A Angels	at	Minnesota	2:10 p.m.	Detroit	at	Oakland	4:07 p.m.	Chi White Sox	at	Boston	4:10 p.m.	Toronto	at	Tampa Bay	4:10 p.m.	Baltimore	at	Cleveland	6:10 p.m.	Seattle	at	Texas	7:05 p.m.	Kansas City	at	Houston	7:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE Atlanta	at	Washington	1:05 p.m.	(Postponed)Colorado	at	Chi Cubs	2:20 p.m.	N-Y Mets	at	Philadelphia	4:05 p.m.	Milwaukee	at	Miami	4:10 p.m.	Pittsburgh	at	Cincinnati	6:40 p.m.	St. Louis	at	San Diego	8:40 p.m.	San Francisco	at	L-A Dodgers	9:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESEASON Arizona	at	St. Louis	3 p.m.	St. Louis	at	Arizona	8 p.m.	Arizona	at	Los Angeles	12:05 a.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL (6)Ohio St.	at	(9)Notre Dame	7:30 p.m.	(15)Mississippi	at	(13)Alabama	3:30 p.m.	(19)Colorado	at	(10)Oregon	3:30 p.m.	(14)Oregon St.	at	(21)Washington St.	7 p.m.	(22)UCLA	at	(11)Utah	3:30 p.m.	(24)Iowa	at	(7)Penn St.	7:30 p.m.	Rutgers	at	(2)Michigan	12 p.m.	(16)Oklahoma	at	Cincinnati	12 p.m.	(4)Florida St.	at	Clemson	12 p.m.	(18)Duke	at	Uconn	3:30 p.m.	(20)Miami	at	Temple	3:30 p.m.	UTSA	at	(23)Tennessee	4 p.m.	Arkansas	at	(12)LSU	7 p.m.	Charlotte	at	(25)Florida	7 p.m.	(3)Texas	at	Baylor	7:30 p.m.	UAB	at	(1)Georgia	7:30 p.m.	(17)North Carolina	at	Pittsburgh	8 p.m.	(5)Southern Cal	at	Arizona St.	10:30 p.m.	California	at	(8)Washington	10:30 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER CF Montréal	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.	Charlotte FC	at	Cincinnati	7:30 p.m.	New York	at	D.C. United	7:30 p.m.	Toronto FC	at	New York City FC	7:30 p.m.	Los Angeles FC	at	Philadelphia	7:30 p.m.	New England	at	Chicago	8:30 p.m.	Columbus	at	FC Dallas	8:30 p.m.	Houston	at	Sporting Kansas City	8:30 p.m.	Saint Louis City SC	at	Minnesota	8:30 p.m.	Vancouver	at	Real Salt Lake	9:30 p.m.	Colorado	at	Portland	10:30 p.m.	Nashville	at	San Jose	10:30 p.m.

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Hutchinson Salthawks got off to a
slow start and fell to the Derby Panthers in an Ark Valley Chisholm Trail
League game, 27-17 on Friday at Gowans Stadium.

Derby (3-1) set the tone early, scoring on its first two
drives of the game to lead 13-0 with 5:27 left in the first quarter. The
Panthers then built a 20-0 lead midway through the first half, and never looked
back.

The Panthers won the toss and took the football, marching
the ball down the field with ease, resulting in a four-yard touchdown run from
quarterback Braxton Clark with 10:09 left in the first quarter. The PAT was
wide left, making it 6-0 Derby.

The Panthers defense then forced a Salthawk punt, giving Derby
the ball back on its own 15-yard line. The Derby offense took only 90 seconds
off the clock to go 85 yards on just five plays, as Clark added a three-yard
rushing score to put the Panthers in front, 13-0.

After Derby returned a punt to the Salthawk 15-yard line, a
penalty marker gave the Panthers half the distance to the goal, giving the
Panthers the ball at the Hutchinson seven. Clark connected with Rowan Foster
for a nine-yard touchdown pass to lead 20-0.

Hutchinson (2-2) got on the board with 45 seconds left in
the first half on a safety after the Panthers were called for a holding call in
the end zone, making it 20-2 Derby at halftime.

The Salthawks first drive of the second half was promising,
a 11-play drive, 59 yards in 4:20 off the clock, resulting in a one-yard
touchdown run from Robert Hunter. The two-point try was good, making it 20-10
Derby with 7:34 left in the third.

Derby answered back on its ensuing drive, a 54-yard pass
from Clark to Da’Saahn Brame to put the Panthers back in front, 27-10 with 4:03
to play in the third quarter.

Hutchinson added its final points on a 19-yard rushing score
by Hunter with under a minute to play to pull within 27-17.

The Salthawks outgained the Panthers, 271-262, and ran 35
more plays than Derby, 75-40. 

Hunter finished 15-for-24 passing for 132 yards and an
interception, while Clark finished 8-for-11 for 126 yards and two touchdowns.
Zion Burgess ran the ball 18 times for 59 yards to lead the Salthawks ground
game, while Derek Hubbard finished with 12 carries for 93 yards for the
Panthers. 

The Salthawks fall to 2-2 on the season, while the Panthers
improve their record to 3-1. Hutchinson will host Salina South (0-4) on Friday
for homecoming at Gowans Stadium. Derby will host Campus (1-3) for its
homecoming game, as well.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar.
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update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695442542580.jpeg" alt="(Sean Boston/Hutch Post)" />
 <figcaption>(Sean Boston/Hutch Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Hutchinson Salthawks got off to a
slow start and fell to the Derby Panthers in an Ark Valley Chisholm Trail
League game, 27-17 on Friday at Gowans Stadium.Derby (3-1) set the tone early, scoring on its first two
drives of the game to lead 13-0 with 5:27 left in the first quarter. The
Panthers then built a 20-0 lead midway through the first half, and never looked
back.The Panthers won the toss and took the football, marching
the ball down the field with ease, resulting in a four-yard touchdown run from
quarterback Braxton Clark with 10:09 left in the first quarter. The PAT was
wide left, making it 6-0 Derby.The Panthers defense then forced a Salthawk punt, giving Derby
the ball back on its own 15-yard line. The Derby offense took only 90 seconds
off the clock to go 85 yards on just five plays, as Clark added a three-yard
rushing score to put the Panthers in front, 13-0.After Derby returned a punt to the Salthawk 15-yard line, a
penalty marker gave the Panthers half the distance to the goal, giving the
Panthers the ball at the Hutchinson seven. Clark connected with Rowan Foster
for a nine-yard touchdown pass to lead 20-0.Hutchinson (2-2) got on the board with 45 seconds left in
the first half on a safety after the Panthers were called for a holding call in
the end zone, making it 20-2 Derby at halftime.The Salthawks first drive of the second half was promising,
a 11-play drive, 59 yards in 4:20 off the clock, resulting in a one-yard
touchdown run from Robert Hunter. The two-point try was good, making it 20-10
Derby with 7:34 left in the third.Derby answered back on its ensuing drive, a 54-yard pass
from Clark to Da’Saahn Brame to put the Panthers back in front, 27-10 with 4:03
to play in the third quarter.Hutchinson added its final points on a 19-yard rushing score
by Hunter with under a minute to play to pull within 27-17.The Salthawks outgained the Panthers, 271-262, and ran 35
more plays than Derby, 75-40. Hunter finished 15-for-24 passing for 132 yards and an
interception, while Clark finished 8-for-11 for 126 yards and two touchdowns.
Zion Burgess ran the ball 18 times for 59 yards to lead the Salthawks ground
game, while Derek Hubbard finished with 12 carries for 93 yards for the
Panthers. The Salthawks fall to 2-2 on the season, while the Panthers
improve their record to 3-1. Hutchinson will host Salina South (0-4) on Friday
for homecoming at Gowans Stadium. Derby will host Campus (1-3) for its
homecoming game, as well.<div><div class="scorestream-widget-container" data-ss_widget_type="vertScoreboard" style="height:600px;" data-user-widget-id="57228"></div><script async="async" type="text/javascript" src="https://scorestream.com/apiJsCdn/widgets/embed.js"></script></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar.
 <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;&nbsp;

🏈 Salthawks can't overcome slow start, fall to Derby in AVCTL showdown

HOUSTON (AP) — Cole Ragans gave up three hits and two runs over six strong innings and the Kansas City Royals used two big innings to defeat Houston 7-5 on Friday night, knocking the Astros out of first place in the AL West.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695442314065.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals relief pitcher James McArthur reacts after striking out Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker in the ninth inning to end a baseball game Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in Houston. The Royals won 7-5. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals relief pitcher James McArthur reacts after striking out Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker in the ninth inning to end a baseball game Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in Houston. The Royals won 7-5. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Cole Ragans gave up three hits and two runs over six strong innings and the Kansas City Royals used two big innings to defeat Houston 7-5 on Friday night, knocking the Astros out of first place in the AL West.Houston, which has lost seven of its last 10 games, dropped a half-game back of the Texas Rangers in the division. Houston, 39-40 at home this season, holds a half-game lead for the final AL wild-card spot over the Mariners with eight games remaining. The Rangers beat the Mariners 8-5 on Friday night.“It’s very frustrating,” Houston manager Dusty Baker said. “The guys are a little frustrated, but we are still in a good position.”The Royals jumped on Framber Valdez for four runs in the first. Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI triple, and M.J. Melendez, Edward Olivares and Nick Loftin also drove in runs.The Royals tacked on three more in the sixth on an RBI groundout by Nick Pratto and a two-run single by Kyle Isbel for a 7-2 lead.“Really big part of that game was Pratto getting the ball in play and Izzy getting the ball in play against Valdez, whose been really tough on lefties,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said.Ragans (7-4) struck out five and walked four.“I had a few walks, made some pitches when I needed to make a pitch,” Ragans said. “Offense was relentless once again and giving me a four-run cushion there early helps me settle down. Good team win.”He allowed five runs in six innings against the Astros last Saturday.“Cole, that’s pretty impressive,” Quatraro said. “Two starts in a row against this team as he’s emerging in his big league career and to battle the way he did. They made him work. He had good stuff. He wasn’t getting as much swing and miss, but he executed some pitches when he really needed to, and that was really impressive.”James McArthur pitched the final 1 2/3 innings for his second save as Kansas City won for the eighth time in its last nine games.Yordan Alvarez hit an RBI double in the first, and José Abreu hit a solo home run in the second.Chas McCormick hit a three-run home run in the eighth to cut the lead to 7-5, but after Jose Altuve singled to put runners on the corners with two outs, Jeremy Peña flew out to end the threat.Houston finished 2 for 13 with runners in scoring position.“It was a frustrating night because we had opportunities,” Baker said. “I don’t know how many, but I know we had quite a few, we just didn’t pick up the RBIs, which I talk about all the time."Valdez (12-11) surrendered seven runs — six earned — on four hits with 10 strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. He also walked three and hit two batters.“Winning,” Valdez said through a translator when asked about the mindset of the team. “Try to continue winning and try to continue battling. That’s the priority.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez (concussion) cleared his concussion protocol and worked out on Friday, Quatraro said. Perez can be activated off the 7-day concussion injured list on Sunday. … LHP Daniel Lynch IV (left shoulder strain) threw two scoreless innings in his first rehab start Thursday with Triple A Omaha. Lynch did well and will go to Arizona to “do a progression,” Quatraro said. … LHP Austin Cox (left knee sprain) had successful surgery Thursday, Quatraro said.Astros: RHP Ryne Stanek (right ankle sprain) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list. RHP Joel Kuhnel was optioned to Triple A Sugar Land to make room on the active roster. … OF Michael Brantley was out of the lineup for a fourth straight game Friday with right shoulder soreness.FIRST ROUND PICKS THROW OUT FIRST PITCHESHouston Rockets first round draft picks Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore threw out the ceremonial first pitches Friday.UP NEXTAstros RHP J.P. France (11-5, 3.84 ERA) starts Saturday in the second game of the three-game series opposite Royals RHP Jordan Lyles (4-17, 6.43 ERA).