By CAMERON VAN TIL Associated Press

SEATTLE (AP) — Luis Castillo pitched seven shutout innings and the Seattle Mariners grabbed sole possession of first place in the AL West, beating the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.

Teoscar Hernández and Julio Rodríguez homered as Seattle won for the 11th time in 12 games. The Mariners also improved to a major league-best 36-14 since July 1 for their best 50-game stretch since they also went 36-14 from April 23-June 18, 2003.

Seattle (74-56) and Texas were tied for the AL West lead coming into the day, but the Rangers lost 7-6 to the Twins. Seattle trailed Texas by 7 1/2 games on Aug. 15.

It’s the latest the Mariners have had sole possession of first in a season since Aug. 24, 2003.

“We have a lot of baseball to go,” Seattle manager Scott Servais said. “There’s no question about it. But we have played extremely well, really since the first of July. And it’s a testament to our players. They just keep their head down and focus on getting better.”

Castillo (11-7) allowed one hit, struck out six and walked one in his fourth consecutive win. The All-Star right-hander retired his last 13 batters.

“It’s been awesome to watch him go out and do it every fifth day,” Servais said. “And today he was as sharp as he’s been in quite some time. When your starting pitching is that consistent, you’re gonna be in a lot of games.”

Hernández put Seattle in front with his third homer in the past two games, hitting&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/1695898720154644783?s=20">a 433-foot solo shot</a>&nbsp;to center off rookie Alec Marsh (0-7) in the second inning. It was his 22nd homer of the season.

Rodríguez&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/1695911839895581109?s=20">also went deep</a>&nbsp;for the second straight day, lining a two-run shot to left-center in the fifth to make it 3-0. It was his 23rd of the season.

Kansas City’s Nelson Velázquez cut it to 3-2 with a two-run homer off Gabe Speier in the eighth. It was Velázquez’s eighth homer.

The Royals put runners on second and third with two outs in the inning, but Justin Topa struck out Salvador Perez to preserve the one-run lead. Andrés Muñoz struck out the side in the ninth for his 10th save.

“You can feel the positivity and the good vibes here,” Castillo said. “It’s a team that just wants to go out there and win.”

Marsh allowed three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out nine in his seventh career start.

Kansas City lost for the 10th time in 12 games. Nine of its past 10 losses are by two runs or fewer.

“Super frustrating series,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Really a frustrating road trip. Played better than what the results ended up.”

Seattle right fielder Dominic Canzone made a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/1695916003245646085?s=20">full-extension diving catch</a>&nbsp;on a slicing line drive by Maikel Garcia in the sixth.

Seattle’s Ty France was hit by a pitch for a franchise-record 28th time this season when Marsh plunked him with a slider in the second. France also held the previous mark, with 27 hit by pitches in 2021.

Royals: RHP Zack Greinke (1-12, 5.34 ERA) faces Pittsburgh RHP Johan Oviedo (7-13, 4.46 ERA) on Monday to open a three-game series at home.

Mariners: Rookie RHP Bryan Woo (1-3, 4.58 ERA) starts against Oakland on Monday to begin a three-game set at home. The A’s have not announced a starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693188468153.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Nelson Velazquez follows through on a two-run home run to score Michael Massey against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Nelson Velazquez follows through on a two-run home run to score Michael Massey against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CAMERON VAN TIL Associated PressSEATTLE (AP) — Luis Castillo pitched seven shutout innings and the Seattle Mariners grabbed sole possession of first place in the AL West, beating the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.Teoscar Hernández and Julio Rodríguez homered as Seattle won for the 11th time in 12 games. The Mariners also improved to a major league-best 36-14 since July 1 for their best 50-game stretch since they also went 36-14 from April 23-June 18, 2003.Seattle (74-56) and Texas were tied for the AL West lead coming into the day, but the Rangers lost 7-6 to the Twins. Seattle trailed Texas by 7 1/2 games on Aug. 15.It’s the latest the Mariners have had sole possession of first in a season since Aug. 24, 2003.“We have a lot of baseball to go,” Seattle manager Scott Servais said. “There’s no question about it. But we have played extremely well, really since the first of July. And it’s a testament to our players. They just keep their head down and focus on getting better.”Castillo (11-7) allowed one hit, struck out six and walked one in his fourth consecutive win. The All-Star right-hander retired his last 13 batters.“It’s been awesome to watch him go out and do it every fifth day,” Servais said. “And today he was as sharp as he’s been in quite some time. When your starting pitching is that consistent, you’re gonna be in a lot of games.”Hernández put Seattle in front with his third homer in the past two games, hitting&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/1695898720154644783?s=20">a 433-foot solo shot</a>&nbsp;to center off rookie Alec Marsh (0-7) in the second inning. It was his 22nd homer of the season.Rodríguez&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/1695911839895581109?s=20">also went deep</a>&nbsp;for the second straight day, lining a two-run shot to left-center in the fifth to make it 3-0. It was his 23rd of the season.Kansas City’s Nelson Velázquez cut it to 3-2 with a two-run homer off Gabe Speier in the eighth. It was Velázquez’s eighth homer.The Royals put runners on second and third with two outs in the inning, but Justin Topa struck out Salvador Perez to preserve the one-run lead. Andrés Muñoz struck out the side in the ninth for his 10th save.“You can feel the positivity and the good vibes here,” Castillo said. “It’s a team that just wants to go out there and win.”Marsh allowed three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out nine in his seventh career start.Kansas City lost for the 10th time in 12 games. Nine of its past 10 losses are by two runs or fewer.“Super frustrating series,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Really a frustrating road trip. Played better than what the results ended up.”LAYING OUTSeattle right fielder Dominic Canzone made a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/1695916003245646085?s=20">full-extension diving catch</a>&nbsp;on a slicing line drive by Maikel Garcia in the sixth.PITCH MAGNETSeattle’s Ty France was hit by a pitch for a franchise-record 28th time this season when Marsh plunked him with a slider in the second. France also held the previous mark, with 27 hit by pitches in 2021.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Zack Greinke (1-12, 5.34 ERA) faces Pittsburgh RHP Johan Oviedo (7-13, 4.46 ERA) on Monday to open a three-game series at home.Mariners: Rookie RHP Bryan Woo (1-3, 4.58 ERA) starts against Oakland on Monday to begin a three-game set at home. The A’s have not announced a starter.

⚾ Royals rally falls short in series finale with Mariners

Aaron Rodgers throws first TD pass with the Jets in his second series vs. Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers capped his second series with the New York Jets by tossing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson in the first quarter of his preseason debut against the Giants. Rodgers completed three of his five passes for 23 yards on his first drive. Rodgers completed a 10-yard quick toss to Mecole Hardman and then threw a perfectly placed pass to Wilson in the left corner of the end zone with 8:23 left in the opening quarter. That was it for Rodgers, who went 5 for 8 for 47 yards and the TD in his two series before being replaced by Zach Wilson on the Jets' third offensive series.

Daewood Davis of Dolphins carted off field after collision; preseason game vs. Jaguars halted

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Miami Dolphins wide receiver Daewood Davis was carted off the field in an immobilized position after a collision in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Dolphins say Davis was taken to a hospital for evaluation, adding that he was conscious and had movement in all his extremities. Players from both teams came onto the field as Davis laid face-down on the turf for several minutes. After he was carted off, coaches agreed to stop the game with 8:32 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Jaguars leading 31-18.

Viktor Hovland shoots 66 for 6-shot lead at Tour Championship to close in on FedEx Cup title

ATLANTA (AP) — Viktor Hovland is one round away from the FedEx Cup title and its $18 million prize. Hovland shot a 66 to build a six-shot lead over Xander Schauffele in the Tour Championship. Hovland is coming off a 61 in the final round last week at Olympia Fields to win the BMW Championship. Schauffele had a 68. He will have to repeat Rory McIlroy's feat from a year ago of rallying from six shots behind. Collin Morikawa had a 73 to fall seven behind. Scottie Scheffler didn't make birdie until the 18th hole for a 73. He was nine back.

Buescher wins at Daytona, eliminating Elliott and helping Wallace land final NASCAR playoff berth

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Chris Buescher won the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway, eliminating fan favorite Chase Elliott from the playoffs and sending Bubba Wallace into the postseason. Buescher and teammate Brad Keselowski finished 1-2 for RFK Racing, with Buescher winning for the third time in the last five races. Because Buescher already had won, Wallace got the 16th and final playoff spot on points. Ryan Preece flipped about a dozen times after sliding into the infield grass with six laps to go and came to a halt in his mangled No. 41 Ford. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver was able to get out with help.

Heisman winner Caleb Williams throws 4 TD passes, leads No. 6 USC past San Jose State 56-28

LOS ANGELES (AP) — No. 6 Southern California opened the season with a 56-28 victory over San Jose State. Caleb Williams passed for 278 yards and four touchdowns in his return from his Heisman Trophy season, and freshman Zachariah Branch made an electrifying debut with a 96-yard kickoff return and a 25-yard reception for touchdowns. Dorian Singer, Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice also caught TD passes and Austin Jones rushed for two more scores as USC opened its second season under Lincoln Riley with another impressive offensive performance that easily covered the Trojans' persistent defensive flaws.

Dominican Republic rallies past Italy; Canada wins in World Cup romp

Karl-Anthony Towns and the Dominican Republic stayed perfect at the Basketball World Cup, and a trip to the second round is in their sights. Towns and Andres Feliz each scored 24 points, and the Dominican Republic connected on 16 3-pointers in an 87-82 win over Italy in a Group A game at Manila on Sunday. Other winners on Day 3 included Canada, Montenegro and Germany.

Noah Lyles begins his Olympic-sized run at stardom

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — The American men who had won the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4x100 relay at world championships before this year are known to track fans: Tyson Gay and Maurice Greene. But some of the American men who have gone 3 for 3 in those races at the Olympics are known far beyond the shadow of any track stadium – think, Jesse Owens and Carl Lewis. The gap between "track star" and "global icon" is one Noah Lyles is hoping he can bridge between now and the Paris Olympics. Lyles capped off his historic world championships by anchoring the men's 4x100 relay team to victory to capture his third gold medal in the sprints. It's an accomplishment last completed at worlds by the sport's last superstar, Usain Bolt, eight years ago.

Victor Kiplangat of Uganda pulls away late to win men's marathon on last day at worlds

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Victor Kiplangat of Uganda executed his game plan to near perfection, pulling away late in the race to win the men's marathon on the last day of world championships. Kiplangat finished in a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, 53 seconds to edge Maru Teferi of Israel by 19 seconds. Leul Gebresilase of Ethiopia took home bronze on a hot day where the temperature at the end soared to 28 degrees Celsius. The heat and humidity led to 24 runners not finishing the race.

Messi scores dazzling goal in MLS debut, leads Miami over New York Red Bulls

HARRISON, N.J. (AP) — Lionel Messi scored a dazzling goal in the 89th minute of his Major League Soccer debut, helping Inter Miami beat the New York Red Bulls 2-0 and end an 11-match league winless streak. Forty-eight years after Pelé joined the North American Soccer League's New York Cosmos in an effort to jumpstart soccer in the United States, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner entered in the 60th minute to huge cheers. Messi scored with the help of a pair of former Barcelona teammates.

FIFA suspends Spain soccer federation president Luis Rubiales for 90 days after World Cup win kiss

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA has suspended Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales from office while its disciplinary committee investigates his conduct at the Women's World Cup final. That included kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's victory over England. FIFA says Rubiales is removed from soccer duties for at least 90 days "pending the disciplinary proceedings opened" against him Thursday. Rubiales refused to resign from his soccer presidency Friday at an emergency meeting despite pressure from the Spanish government, women players and soccer clubs. Hermoso has said the kiss was not consensual and that she felt intimidated.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Final	(6)Southern Cal	56	San Jose St.	28	

Final	Orlando City	2	Saint Louis City SC	1	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, August 27th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Sunday Morning, August 27th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for August 27th.Aaron Rodgers throws first TD pass with the Jets in his second series vs. GiantsEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers capped his second series with the New York Jets by tossing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson in the first quarter of his preseason debut against the Giants. Rodgers completed three of his five passes for 23 yards on his first drive. Rodgers completed a 10-yard quick toss to Mecole Hardman and then threw a perfectly placed pass to Wilson in the left corner of the end zone with 8:23 left in the opening quarter. That was it for Rodgers, who went 5 for 8 for 47 yards and the TD in his two series before being replaced by Zach Wilson on the Jets' third offensive series.Daewood Davis of Dolphins carted off field after collision; preseason game vs. Jaguars haltedJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Miami Dolphins wide receiver Daewood Davis was carted off the field in an immobilized position after a collision in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Dolphins say Davis was taken to a hospital for evaluation, adding that he was conscious and had movement in all his extremities. Players from both teams came onto the field as Davis laid face-down on the turf for several minutes. After he was carted off, coaches agreed to stop the game with 8:32 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Jaguars leading 31-18.Viktor Hovland shoots 66 for 6-shot lead at Tour Championship to close in on FedEx Cup titleATLANTA (AP) — Viktor Hovland is one round away from the FedEx Cup title and its $18 million prize. Hovland shot a 66 to build a six-shot lead over Xander Schauffele in the Tour Championship. Hovland is coming off a 61 in the final round last week at Olympia Fields to win the BMW Championship. Schauffele had a 68. He will have to repeat Rory McIlroy's feat from a year ago of rallying from six shots behind. Collin Morikawa had a 73 to fall seven behind. Scottie Scheffler didn't make birdie until the 18th hole for a 73. He was nine back.Buescher wins at Daytona, eliminating Elliott and helping Wallace land final NASCAR playoff berthDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Chris Buescher won the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway, eliminating fan favorite Chase Elliott from the playoffs and sending Bubba Wallace into the postseason. Buescher and teammate Brad Keselowski finished 1-2 for RFK Racing, with Buescher winning for the third time in the last five races. Because Buescher already had won, Wallace got the 16th and final playoff spot on points. Ryan Preece flipped about a dozen times after sliding into the infield grass with six laps to go and came to a halt in his mangled No. 41 Ford. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver was able to get out with help.Heisman winner Caleb Williams throws 4 TD passes, leads No. 6 USC past San Jose State 56-28LOS ANGELES (AP) — No. 6 Southern California opened the season with a 56-28 victory over San Jose State. Caleb Williams passed for 278 yards and four touchdowns in his return from his Heisman Trophy season, and freshman Zachariah Branch made an electrifying debut with a 96-yard kickoff return and a 25-yard reception for touchdowns. Dorian Singer, Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice also caught TD passes and Austin Jones rushed for two more scores as USC opened its second season under Lincoln Riley with another impressive offensive performance that easily covered the Trojans' persistent defensive flaws.Dominican Republic rallies past Italy; Canada wins in World Cup rompKarl-Anthony Towns and the Dominican Republic stayed perfect at the Basketball World Cup, and a trip to the second round is in their sights. Towns and Andres Feliz each scored 24 points, and the Dominican Republic connected on 16 3-pointers in an 87-82 win over Italy in a Group A game at Manila on Sunday. Other winners on Day 3 included Canada, Montenegro and Germany.Noah Lyles begins his Olympic-sized run at stardomBUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — The American men who had won the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4x100 relay at world championships before this year are known to track fans: Tyson Gay and Maurice Greene. But some of the American men who have gone 3 for 3 in those races at the Olympics are known far beyond the shadow of any track stadium – think, Jesse Owens and Carl Lewis. The gap between "track star" and "global icon" is one Noah Lyles is hoping he can bridge between now and the Paris Olympics. Lyles capped off his historic world championships by anchoring the men's 4x100 relay team to victory to capture his third gold medal in the sprints. It's an accomplishment last completed at worlds by the sport's last superstar, Usain Bolt, eight years ago.Victor Kiplangat of Uganda pulls away late to win men's marathon on last day at worldsBUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Victor Kiplangat of Uganda executed his game plan to near perfection, pulling away late in the race to win the men's marathon on the last day of world championships. Kiplangat finished in a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, 53 seconds to edge Maru Teferi of Israel by 19 seconds. Leul Gebresilase of Ethiopia took home bronze on a hot day where the temperature at the end soared to 28 degrees Celsius. The heat and humidity led to 24 runners not finishing the race.Messi scores dazzling goal in MLS debut, leads Miami over New York Red BullsHARRISON, N.J. (AP) — Lionel Messi scored a dazzling goal in the 89th minute of his Major League Soccer debut, helping Inter Miami beat the New York Red Bulls 2-0 and end an 11-match league winless streak. Forty-eight years after Pelé joined the North American Soccer League's New York Cosmos in an effort to jumpstart soccer in the United States, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner entered in the 60th minute to huge cheers. Messi scored with the help of a pair of former Barcelona teammates.FIFA suspends Spain soccer federation president Luis Rubiales for 90 days after World Cup win kissGENEVA (AP) — FIFA has suspended Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales from office while its disciplinary committee investigates his conduct at the Women's World Cup final. That included kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's victory over England. FIFA says Rubiales is removed from soccer duties for at least 90 days "pending the disciplinary proceedings opened" against him Thursday. Rubiales refused to resign from his soccer presidency Friday at an emergency meeting despite pressure from the Spanish government, women players and soccer clubs. Hermoso has said the kiss was not consensual and that she felt intimidated.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUE Final	Boston	8	L.A. Dodgers	5	Final	Baltimore	5	Colorado	4	Final	L.A. Angels	5	N.Y. Mets	3	___AMERICAN LEAGUE Final	Toronto	8	Cleveland	3	Final	Tampa Bay	3	N.Y. Yankees	0	Final	Seattle	15	Kansas City	2	Final	Houston	9	Detroit	2	Final	Chicago White Sox	6	Oakland	2	Final	Texas	6	Minnesota	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUE Final	Washington	3	Miami	2	Final	Atlanta	7	San Francisco	3	Final	Milwaukee	5	San Diego	4	Final	Philadelphia	12	St. Louis	1	Final	Chicago Cubs	10	Pittsburgh	6	Final	Cincinnati	8	Arizona	7	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON Final	Arizona	18	Minnesota	17	Final	Buffalo	24	Chicago	21	Final	Green Bay	19	Seattle	15	Final	Kansas City	33	Cleveland	32	Final	N-Y Jets	32	N-Y Giants	24	Final	Washington	21	Cincinnati	19	Final	Jacksonville	31	Miami	18	Final	Tampa Bay	26	Baltimore	20	Final	Dallas	31	Las Vegas	16	Final	Denver	41	L.A. Rams	0	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Final	(13)Notre Dame	42	Navy	3	Final	(6)Southern Cal	56	San Jose St.	28	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Final	Washington	78	Las Vegas	62	Final	New York	111	Minnesota	76	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER Final	Atlanta	4	Nashville	0	Final	Charlotte FC	2	Los Angeles FC	1	Final	Cincinnati	3	New York City FC	0	Final	Columbus	2	Toronto FC	0	Final	Philadelphia	3	D.C. United	1	Final	CF Montréal	1	New England	0	Final	Miami	2	New York	0	Final	Orlando City	2	Saint Louis City SC	1	Final	FC Dallas	1	Austin FC	0	Final	Sporting Kansas City	3	San Jose	0	Final	Houston	3	Real Salt Lake	0	Final	LA Galaxy	3	Chicago	0	Final	Vancouver	3	Portland	2	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE L-A Angels	at	N-Y Mets	12:05 p.m.	Colorado	at	Baltimore	1:35 p.m.	L-A Dodgers	at	Boston	1:35 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE Cleveland	at	Toronto	1:37 p.m.	Houston	at	Detroit	1:40 p.m.	N-Y Yankees	at	Tampa Bay	1:40 p.m.	Oakland	at	Chi White Sox	2:10 p.m.	Texas	at	Minnesota	2:10 p.m.	Kansas City	at	Seattle	4:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE Chi Cubs	at	Pittsburgh	1:35 p.m.	St. Louis	at	Philadelphia	1:35 p.m.	Washington	at	Miami	1:40 p.m.	San Diego	at	Milwaukee	2:10 p.m.	Cincinnati	at	Arizona	4:10 p.m.	Atlanta	at	San Francisco	7:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON Houston	at	New Orleans	8 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Los Angeles	at	Connecticut	1 p.m.	Atlanta	at	Indiana	4 p.m.	Chicago	at	Seattle	6 p.m.	Dallas	at	Phoenix	6 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER Seattle	at	Minnesota	4:30 p.m.

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Sunday

CORSICANA, Texas — No. 2 Hutchinson Community College opened the 2023 season with a bunch of new faces. Thirty-four players from last year's national championship runner-up team moved on to four-year schools.

Despite returning zero offensive starters, the Blue Dragons picked up where last year's team left off.

In 2022, then-No. 3 Hutchinson thumped then-No. 13 Navarro 42-0. It was the first time in 257 games that the Bulldogs went scoreless.

With new faces like quarterback Samari Collier and wide receiver Tre Richardson, the Dragons once again put up 42 points — after an inauspicious start.

The first two Dragon possessions went three-and-out before the third possession was squandered by penalties.

"We just needed the reps at it," coach Drew Dallas said of the slow start offensively. "We got a new group of guys, new quarterback, new offensive coordinator. There's a lot of 'new.' (Navarro) came out and showed us something a little bit different than we'd seen on film."

No. 11 Navarro got on the board first with an Eric Acosta 31-yard field goal. The seven-play, 41-yard drive was capped just six seconds into the second quarter.

Hutchinson answered with 14-straight points.

The Dragons capped a 14-play, 74-yard drive with a Brandon Epton Jr. five-yard rush.

With 1:36 left in the half, Tre Richardson hauled in a 57-yard bomb from Collier to put the Dragons up 14-3.

The deep ball was part of a 99-yard drive that took 4:12 off the clock.

Bulldog punter James Ingham had pinned Hutchinson at its own one-yard line, before the Dragons connected in the passing game.

Collier finished 12 of 16 for 160 yards and one touchdown. He connected with Tristan Smith on what was nearly a 14-yard touchdown. Smith battled to the goal line and lost the ball as he stretched for the score.

Fortunately, ManMan Singleton fell on the ball in the end zone to preserve the score. That touchdown was part of Hutchinson's 28 unanswered points to close the game.

After Navarro hit another 31-yard field goal in the third quarter to pull within 14-6, Richardson took the ensuing kickoff 92 yards to the house.

After the Singleton end-zone recovery, the Blue Dragons got a 32-yard scamper from Richardson, his third score of the night.

Richardson scored on a 57-yard reception, a 92-yard kickoff return and a 32-yard rush.

Jordy Scruggs finished the scoring with a 52-yard pick-six.

Hutchinson held Navarro to negative-six-yards rushing in the first half. Quarterback Dane Jentsch found some running room late against the third-stringers to finish with a team-leading 66 rushing yards.

Jentsch was just 15 of 36 for 146 yards and an interception. He was sacked four times.

The Dragons held the Bulldogs to 90 rushing yards and 236 total yards for the night.

"Our defensive effort was great all night long," Dallas said. "Even when (Navarro) had big plays, we were able to bounce back and hold them to field goals."

Meanwhile, the Dragon offense racked up 398 yards on 61 plays (6.5 yards per play).

The Bulldogs were held to 3.5 yards per play on 67 tries.

Richardson finished with 93 receiving yards, 32 rushing yards (on one carry), 113 kick return yards and 30 punt return yards. He scored thrice.

Malik McConico led the defense with 5.5 tackles.

The Dragons (1-0) play at home on Sept. 2 against the Ellsworth Panthers (0-1). Kickoff has been moved up to 11 a.m. in Gowans Stadium.

<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/2023/8/1693109702561.jpeg" alt="Samari Collier threw for 160 yards and rushed for another 55 in his Dragon debut. Collier completed 12 of his 16 passes and threw one touchdown." />
 <figcaption>Samari Collier threw for 160 yards and rushed for another 55 in his Dragon debut. Collier completed 12 of his 16 passes and threw one touchdown.</figcaption>
 </figure>CORSICANA, Texas — No. 2 Hutchinson Community College opened the 2023 season with a bunch of new faces. Thirty-four players from last year's national championship runner-up team moved on to four-year schools.Despite returning zero offensive starters, the Blue Dragons picked up where last year's team left off.In 2022, then-No. 3 Hutchinson thumped then-No. 13 Navarro 42-0. It was the first time in 257 games that the Bulldogs went scoreless.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693112425097.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With new faces like quarterback Samari Collier and wide receiver Tre Richardson, the Dragons once again put up 42 points — after an inauspicious start.The first two Dragon possessions went three-and-out before the third possession was squandered by penalties.<div><iframe title="Drew Dallas postgame show after win over Navarro College on August 26th" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mbai8-1491acf-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>"We just needed the reps at it," coach Drew Dallas said of the slow start offensively. "We got a new group of guys, new quarterback, new offensive coordinator. There's a lot of 'new.' (Navarro) came out and showed us something a little bit different than we'd seen on film."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693112474482.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>No. 11 Navarro got on the board first with an Eric Acosta 31-yard field goal. The seven-play, 41-yard drive was capped just six seconds into the second quarter.Hutchinson answered with 14-straight points.The Dragons capped a 14-play, 74-yard drive with a Brandon Epton Jr. five-yard rush.With 1:36 left in the half, Tre Richardson hauled in a 57-yard bomb from Collier to put the Dragons up 14-3.The deep ball was part of a 99-yard drive that took 4:12 off the clock.Bulldog punter James Ingham had pinned Hutchinson at its own one-yard line, before the Dragons connected in the passing game.Collier finished 12 of 16 for 160 yards and one touchdown. He connected with Tristan Smith on what was nearly a 14-yard touchdown. Smith battled to the goal line and lost the ball as he stretched for the score.Fortunately, ManMan Singleton fell on the ball in the end zone to preserve the score. That touchdown was part of Hutchinson's 28 unanswered points to close the game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693112539144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After Navarro hit another 31-yard field goal in the third quarter to pull within 14-6, Richardson took the ensuing kickoff 92 yards to the house.After the Singleton end-zone recovery, the Blue Dragons got a 32-yard scamper from Richardson, his third score of the night.Richardson scored on a 57-yard reception, a 92-yard kickoff return and a 32-yard rush.Jordy Scruggs finished the scoring with a 52-yard pick-six.Hutchinson held Navarro to negative-six-yards rushing in the first half. Quarterback Dane Jentsch found some running room late against the third-stringers to finish with a team-leading 66 rushing yards.Jentsch was just 15 of 36 for 146 yards and an interception. He was sacked four times.The Dragons held the Bulldogs to 90 rushing yards and 236 total yards for the night."Our defensive effort was great all night long," Dallas said. "Even when (Navarro) had big plays, we were able to bounce back and hold them to field goals."Meanwhile, the Dragon offense racked up 398 yards on 61 plays (6.5 yards per play).The Bulldogs were held to 3.5 yards per play on 67 tries.FINAL: Hutchinson 42 Navarro 6Richardson finished with 93 receiving yards, 32 rushing yards (on one carry), 113 kick return yards and 30 punt return yards. He scored thrice.Malik McConico led the defense with 5.5 tackles.The Dragons (1-0) play at home on Sept. 2 against the Ellsworth Panthers (0-1). Kickoff has been moved up to 11 a.m. in Gowans Stadium.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 No. 2 Dragons cruise by No. 11 Bulldogs in Corsicana

Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM (1450), 7 p.m.</a>; Glen Grunwald (PBP), Darin Dunn (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/O3wwEIzu0ps?si=KVQ4cdtCghesjUIu">Navarro YouTube Channel</a>, 7:15 p.m.

By Steve Carpenter Hutchinson CC Sports Information Director

The names had become all too familiar to Blue Dragon fans over the past three seasons.

Names like Malik Benson, Dylan Kedzior, Dylan Laible, R.J. Evans, Ja'Mez Drummer, Rodney Green and so many others are etched in Blue Dragon lore after an incredible three-year run that saw two trips to the NJCAA title game and winning one national championship.

Now in his fourth season, Hutchinson Community College head coach Drew Dallas is starting to see the "normal" of junior college football with huge roster turnovers nearly every year. He faces that for the first time as the Blue Dragon head coach enters the 2023 season.

The preseason pick to win the Jayhawk Conference and the No. 2-ranked team in the NJCAA preseason rankings, the Blue Dragons open the 2023 season on Saturday against No. 11 Navarro in Corsicana, Texas.

The Blue Dragons return no offensive starters and only seven returning lettermen (players who didn't start but played in at least half of the games). The defense has one starter and 13 returning lettermen back, and the special teams has two starters, including a returning All-American.

Regardless of the level of playing experience the Blue Dragons have entering the season, the standard set by Dallas when he took over before the 2020/21 season remains the same – winning a national championship.

"Our guys step on the field expecting to do that," said Dallas, who is 28-3 through his first three campaigns with the Blue Dragons. "Now, the challenge is making sure that we are all working and pushing to be good enough in the process it takes to get you there and not get caught up in the talk.

"I have to remind them that it's just not going to happen. We have zero wins right now. We've got to have an ultimate goal of winning a national championship. The only way to do that is to focus on the process and take it one day and one game at a time."

The 2023 Blue Dragons have a tough act to follow.

All the 2022 Blue Dragons did was extend a winning streak from the previous season to 17 games – the second-longest win streak in program history – by winning the first 11 games of the season. The Dragons had an undefeated march to the program's 10th Jayhawk Conference title in program history. The Blue Dragons defeated Coffeyville 38-7 in the NJCAA national semifinals at Gowans Stadium, but fell short of the ultimate goal in the national title game with a 31-0 loss to Iowa Western in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Along the way, the 2022 Blue Dragons produced 31 all-conference players with 14 first-team selections and 10 NJCAA All-Americans. Dallas was named the AFCA National Coach of the Year, and quarterback Dylan Laible was a finalist for the Walter Jones Player of the Year Award. Dylan Kedzior was the Jayhawk Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

In addition to the personnel turnover, the Blue Dragons have two new coordinators in defensive coordinator Gary Salgado – last year's defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator – and offensive coordinator Tony Koehling, who was hired from Iowa Western Community College. The staff has three new faces with the additional hirings of DeMarcus Roberson and Davin Hawkins.

Now, Dallas looks to put the 2023 Blue Dragon in position to reach the heights of the 2022 Blue Dragons, maybe perhaps taking that extra step.

"Assuming what normal is and I've never experienced this yet, but we lost 34 guys from last year's team who moved onto Division I programs," Dallas said. "We only have one kid back from last year who started throughout the year. There's a lot of reps to replace, and there is a lot of opportunity for the guys we have on the roster to come in and compete. We don't know what they are capable of doing. We think we have an idea, and we feel like we have good talent.

"There's just a lot of unknowns. You have a lot of turnover on the roster with players who used all that eligibility. We've had a bunch of staff turnover with those new faces as well.

"The good thing about that is when you have those types of things happen, you want to be in a program that you can replace that with the right caliber of person and player. I think we've been able to do that, but know it comes down to executing and getting it done when the lights are on."

2022 OFFENSE The Blue Dragons had one of the top offenses in the NJCAA last season, averaging 37.2 points and 410.4 total yards per game.

Led by the 2022 Jayhawk Conference Offensive Player of the Year Dylan Kedzior, the Blue Dragons led the KJCCC in rushing at 188.6 yards per game. Kedzior rushed for 1,114 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 7.1 yards per carry last season.

Dylan Laible, the program's career passing leader, led a passing game that averaged 221.8 yards per game.

Part of that offense came from the strong special teams' play of Honorable Mention All-American kicker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/segraves_cole_l712">Cole Segraves</a>, who scored a team-high 95 points on 53 of 54 extra-point tries and 14 of 21 field-goal attempts.

2022 DEFENSE The Blue Dragon defense limited opponents to 13.1 points and 263.7 total yards last season. The Blue Dragons posted shutouts over No. 13 Navarro and Independence last season. Twice last season, the Dragons held opponents to negative rushing yards.

Hutchinson held opponents to 100.9 rushing yards and 162.8 passing yards per game last season. The Blue Dragons forced 30 takeaways (18 interceptions, 12 fumbles). The Blue Dragons also accounted for 38 quarterback sacks and 109 tackles for loss.

Opponents had a 24 percent success rate on third down against the Blue Dragons in 2022. The Blue Dragons allowed only 14 touchdowns in just 23 opponent advances into the red zone.

POSITION BREAKDOWNS QUARTERBACK The Blue Dragon must replace three-year starter Dylan Laible, who set records for passing yards (5,958) and touchdown passes (650) in amassing 24 victories.

There are four potential replacements for Laible in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/parker_jake_1kfh">Jake Parker</a>&nbsp;(6'0, 184, Cartersville, GA), University of Illinois transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/collier_samari_cpv0">Samari Collier</a>(6'1, 243, DeSoto, Texas),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/berg_malachi_yolr">Malachi Berg</a>&nbsp;(6'3, 201, Topeka) and Christian Johnson (5'11, 198, Hope Hull, Alabama).

Parker was with the team in 2022 and learned the system in the fall and spring. Collier joined the Blue Dragons for the second semester and has been with the Blue Dragons through spring ball. Berg, a freshman, is one of the most highly-sought quarterbacks from the Kansas senior class of 2023, and Johnson is also a freshman.

"<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/parker_jake_1kfh">Jake Parker</a>&nbsp;was with us last year, and we were luckily able to keep his redshirt on," Dallas said. "He's a very smart, intellectual football player who has great leadership qualities. He operates fast and is consistent.

"<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/collier_samari_cpv0">Samari Collier</a>&nbsp;is a kid who's fit into a lot of different offenses and has had some experience playing some big-time college football, but he still doesn't have a lot of game reps. His skill level is very high.

"It's all going to come down to execution in practice and see who rises to the occasion. We are going to coach 'em up. Regardless of who it is, we are going to have multiple good quarterbacks to help us win football games."

RUNNING BACKS Two running backs return this season.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/williams_iii_ed_7jyo">Ed Williams III</a>&nbsp;(5'11, 208, Oxford, Florida) played in 10 games last season and had some meaningful carries late in the year. Williams rushed for 225 yards on 39 carries and two touchdowns.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/bolden_julius_8r3a">Julius Bolden</a>&nbsp;(5'10, 186, Wichita) played in seven games with 10 carries and 35 yards.

"Ed played some quality reps toward the end of the (2022) season and showed some flashes, but it was in a limited role," Dallas said. "He's a talented kid with the ability to do it."

SMU transfer Brandon Epton (5'11, 197, Dallas) and redshirt Waymond Jordan Jr. (5'11, 195, Pensacola, Florida ) will also be in the mix for playing time.

"I do think we have the numbers and the talent back there," Dallas said. "It's a matter of who's going to execute, who's going to take care of the football, who is going to do the things on a consistent basis to earn those reps and earn those carries. That's a position that might take some time to figure out. It's a physical position where you need to have some depth."

RECEIVER The receiving corps took a serious hit from graduation. In addition losing Benson, a two-time first-team All-American, the Blue Dragons lost a grand total of 151 receptions and 2,115 yards with the departures of Benson, Marcello Bussey, Micah Woods, and Trey Echols.

"There are a lot of catches to be had out there," Dallas said. "There's going to a new host of receivers out there this year trying to be the next Malik Benson, Marcello Bussey, Micah Woods, and Trey Echols. There's going to be some experience back that we can lead on, but there are some new guys who redshirted who expect to make a difference for us."

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/durham_blake_mjgz">Blake Durham</a>&nbsp;(6'2, 192, Prattville, Alabama) is statistically the top returning receiver with six catches and 77 yards in 12 games.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/smith_tristan_wlvh">Tristan Smith</a>&nbsp;(6'5, 198, LaGrange, Georgia) had two receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. Roper (5'11, 172, Haven) had one catch for nine yards.

Redshirt Oran Singleton (5'8, 164, Clewiston, Florida) is originally a transfer from the University of Akron. He had a tremendous spring for the Blue Dragons.

Dallas is also looking hard at returning redshirt player Tre Brown (6'3, 175, Savannah, Georgia) as well as transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/beason_zerah_m1gv">Zeriah Beason</a>&nbsp;(6'0, 196, Midlothian, Texas), who came to Hutchinson from Oregon State and Navarro transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/bonner_marcus_kqx9">Marcus Bonner</a>&nbsp;(6'1, 210, DeSoto, Texas) to vie for time. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/richardson_tre_3jar">Tre Richardson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/thomas_ja-cory_jhwh">Ja'Cory Thomas</a>, and returning redshirt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/whitlock_demetric_5wik">Demetric Whitlock</a>&nbsp;are guys who be in the mix.

H-BACK/TIGHT END One of the biggest losses from 2022 is the departure of three-time first-team All-KJCCC performer Jamauri Chislom, as well as Sloan Hayden and Tyce Hoover.

"Jamauri is going to be extremely tough to replace. His identity as a football player was just being physical," Dallas said. "We had three really good tight ends; so, we were able to get in some different sets."

Returning sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/claytor_jaimelle_thhh">Jaimelle Claytor</a>&nbsp;(6'3, 198, Saint Albans, West Virginia) played in all 12 games last season and caught four passes for 33 yards. Most of Claytor's work was on special teams, including returning a blocked punt in the fourth quarter of the regular season matchup with Iowa Western for a go-ahead touchdown of a 28-27 victory over the Reivers.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/rudy_matthew_kh39">Matt Rudy</a>&nbsp;(6'3, 230, Wichita) was a redshirt last season. After that, several freshmen will battle for playing time.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/gibbs_rodrecas_xrxb">Rodrecas Gibbs</a>&nbsp;(6'5, 245, Atlanta) had a great fall camp. Also, newcomers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/coonrod_cole_a7l5">Cole Coonrod</a>&nbsp;(6'5, 210, Manhattan) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/napoli_jared_cch7">Jared Napoli</a>&nbsp;(6'0, 240, Shawnee) will figure into the rotation.

"The tight end position is one that dictates the identity of your offense, along with the quarterback position," Dallas said. "We are going to have a group of tight ends, and we are going to have to figure out what each of those guys do well and put them in positions to succeed."

OFFENSIVE LINE There are a lot of similarities to the 2022 and 2023 Blue Dragon offensive lines.

Heading into the 2022 season, there wasn't much returning experience from the previous season, and that line group blocked the way for the conference's best rushing attack last season and produced three all-conference players and two NJCAA All-Americans.

The Blue Dragons have just two players with returning experience back in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/glen_matt_5xls">Matt Glen</a>&nbsp;(6'4, 317, Salina) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/honorable_brandon_kvix">Brandon Honorable</a>&nbsp;(6'7, 303, Detroit). Neither player started last season.

Added to the mix are redshirts Christopher Cain (6'7, 297, Eskridge, Kansas),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/jackson_ashton_we5s">Ashton Jackson</a>&nbsp;(6'4, 275, Savannah, Georgia),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/okunlola_sunny_yuke">Sunny Okunlola</a>&nbsp;(6'4, 280, Brockton, Massachusetts),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/richardson_jayven_gmy8">Jayven Richardson</a>&nbsp;(6'6, 203, Gonzalez, Louisiana), Derrick Walker (6'1, 293, Pembroke Pines, Florida),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/marcotte_maddox_h8uz">Maddox Marcotte</a>&nbsp;(6'4, 300, Wichita) and newcomer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/cox_logan_ei0z">Logan Cox</a>&nbsp;(6'5, 335, Topeka).

Josh Robertson (6'8, 287, St. Louis, Missouri) is a transfer from Butler, who will make the position change from defensive end to offensive tackle.

Amidst all the personnel change is a new position coach in Tony Koehling.

"We feel like the offensive line is an area where we have the pieces of the puzzle, but that puzzle has to fit with five guys working together," Dallas said. "The timing of Coach Koehling coming in with all the new guys, that's been good for us.

"There are a lot of new faces, and you don't feel like you are re-teaching things. We are going to be able to find some guys who are ready to play and play some big reps for us."

DEFENSIVE LINE The Blue Dragon defensive front easily returns the most experience from last season.

Returning defensive tackles from last season are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/saili_danny_rmkt">Danny Saili</a>&nbsp;(6'4, 374, Topeka),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/williams_quentin_cp29">Quentin Williams</a>&nbsp;(6'3, 267, Charlotte, North Carolina),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/anderson_kaden_4ma1">Kaden Anderson</a>&nbsp;(6'1, 256, Lafayette, Louisiana),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/stillman_xavier_k6k2">Xavier Stillman</a>&nbsp;(6-5, 308, Wathena, Kansas) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/lamar_adam_ab88">Adam Lamar</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 274, Macon, Georgia).

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/bob_jr._walter_mtg8">Walter Bob Jr.</a>&nbsp;(6'5, 227, Lafayette, Louisiana) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/brown_daniel_a1x7">Daniel Brown</a>&nbsp;(6'1, 234, Kansas City, Missouri) saw playing time on the end.

Saili and Bob were all-KJCCC honorable mention selections. Saili had 17 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. Bob had 35 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback sacks.

"Those guys all got reps last year," Dallas said. "None of them started, but that had more to do with the guys playing ahead of them and their ability. This is the year for those guys to take over those roles.

"That position is one of our deepest positions in returning reps, but we have several people who we can put on the field and lose our quality."

Redshirts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/williams_jr._mickel_r6zv">Mickel Williams Jr.</a>&nbsp;(6'4, 266, Arcadia, Florida),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/vargas_rudy_1jvq">Rudy Vargas</a>&nbsp;(6'2, 285, Junction City) and Duke Clayton (6'6, 237, Suwanee, Georgia) will be in the mix. Temple transfer Balansama Kamara (6'4, 245, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania) will vie for playing time at defensive end, and Missouri transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/matthews_ian_dvwr">Ian Matthews</a>&nbsp;(6'3, 276, Columbia, Missouri) will be in the mix at defensive tackle. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/lowe_devan_32jl">Devan Lowe</a>&nbsp;will be a rotation guy at defensive tackle.

LINEBACKERS The linebacking corps will have pretty much a total reload from last season as well as a new position coach in DeMarcus Roberson.

Redshirt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/sherman_k-von_986x">K'Von Sherman</a>&nbsp;(6'3, 222, Houston, Texas) had a tremendous spring.

Players who saw playing time, but mostly on special teams are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/jones_nylen_05hn">Nylen Jones</a>&nbsp;(6'0, 220, Baton Rouge, Louisiana),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/hawks_cody_xyc1">Cody Hawks</a>&nbsp;(6'1, 222, Goddard),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/hamilton-jordan_jermaine_dumj">Jermaine Hamilton-Jordan</a>&nbsp;(6'1, 190, Kansas City, Missouri), and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/foster_jakari_w9er">Jakari Foster</a>&nbsp;(6'0, 205, Piedmont, Alabama).

"We have players back who have played a lot of reps on special teams or have redshirted, and they were all able to get bigger, faster and stronger," Dallas said. "We lost some really good ones. This crew of linebackers are going to have to step up and take over.

"They have played in various roles, so the speed of the game won't be new to them because they have played a lot of football. The roles that we will be asking them to play will be new, so they have to take advantage of those opportunities."

Lamar University transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/owens_adrian_z23a">Adrian Owens</a>&nbsp;(6'1, 215, Houston, Texas) is in camp to battle for playing time.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/mcgraw_logan_zy4l">Logan McGraw</a>&nbsp;(5'11, 230, Wyandotte, Michigan) will also compete for playing time.

DEFENSIVE SECONDARY Once again, there's not a lot of returning experience, but the secondary possesses the one true starter back from last season.

Cornerback Jamar Mundy (5'11, 175, Cincinnati) was an honorable mention all-Jayhawk Conference selection last season with 10 total tackles and one interception last season.

Cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/edwards_mason_rc1f">Mason Edwards</a>&nbsp;(6'2, 184, Denham Springs, Louisiana) also saw significant playing time with seven tackles in 11 games played.

No game experience returns at safety. Look for redshirts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/mcconico_malik_amvf">Malik McConico</a>&nbsp;(6'3, 192, Ocala, Florida),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/faust_kyree_pdgu">Kyree Faust</a>&nbsp;(6'1, 178, Charlotte, North Carolina) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/gaston_demonte_f623">Demonte Gaston</a>&nbsp;(6'3, 207, Pensacola, Florida) to be in the mix to fill those spots.

"We are going to have a lot of new guys who are going to have to come in here, compete and play quality reps for us," Dallas said. "The talent level is there. It's about finding those guys who can be consistent in what they are doing and raise that level up in practice."

Four transfers –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/clark_logan_1ehn">Logan Clark</a>&nbsp;(Campbell, 6'2, 174, Haddonfield, New Jersey), Davion Nelson (Iowa Western, 6'2, 188, Phoenix), and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/nolan_ryan_iyfa">Ryan Nolan</a>&nbsp;(Army Prep, 5'11, 180, Gainesville, Florida) will add to the depth of the secondary.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/scruggs_jordan_m11u">Jordan Scruggs</a>&nbsp;(5'11, 185. Overland Park, Central Missouri), freshman –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/spencer_la-modrick_olt9">La'Modrick Spencer</a>&nbsp;(6'1, 175, Duncanville, Texas) and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/wallace_ormond_00z2">Ormond Wallace</a>&nbsp;(6'0, 190, Pinson, Alabama) will also compete for playing time.

SPECIAL TEAMS Led by Segraves, an honorable mention All-American kicker, the Blue Dragon special teams start off in great shape in 2023.

Segraves (5'8, 179, Maize) connected on 53 of 54 extra points and 14 of 21 field goals with a long of 46 yards. His 14 field goals tied Kevin Coleman (2004) for the Blue Dragon single-season record and his 53 extra points were fourth most in a season. Segraves' 95 points were the eighth-highest total in Blue Dragon single-season history.

"In that position, you have to be mentally tough and have to prepare yourself for those situations, and you can't replicate it in practice," Dallas said of Segraves. "You've got to prepare to make some big kicks with all eyes on you. He's proven he's capable of doing it. His success is not by accident. He works at it."

Nestus Berger (6'1, 218, Perth, Australia) is a transfer who played soccer at NEO last season,

The Dragons will have to replace punter Trevor Whiteman.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/forbes_stefaan_v56y">Stefaan Forbes</a>&nbsp;(5'10, 172, Tulsa, Oklahoma) is a transfer who started his career at Independence Community College. Forbes averaged 41.8 yards per punt with 19 punts inside the 20-yard line in 2021 at Independence.

Oklahoma State transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/davis_cade_yhsw">Cade Davis</a>&nbsp;(6'1, 218, Tulsa, Oklahoma) will take over at long-snapper for Arkansas-bound Ashton Ngo.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/roper_darby_ep43">Darby Roper</a>, an all-league honorable mention selection in 2022, is back as the top return specialist. Roper averaged 9.2 yards per punt return on 26 attempts. He returned one punt for a touchdown.

"<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/roper_darby_ep43">Darby Roper</a>&nbsp;is extremely confident and makes great decisions as a punt returner," Dallas said. "We will have some kids who will push for those positions. Darby was really good at it last year."

Singleton &amp; Richardson will also we in the mix in the return game.

🏈🎥🎧 HutchCC Blue Dragons look to new faces in 2023; open vs Navarro

SEATTLE (AP) — Teoscar Hernández homered twice and drove in six runs as the Seattle Mariners matched a franchise record with seven home runs in a 15-2 rout of the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.

Hernández hit a grand slam to highlight a seven-run third inning and added a 446-foot shot off position player Matt Duffy in the eighth for his 21st of the season.

Josh Rojas, Mike Ford, Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh and Cade Marlowe also homered for Seattle, which won for the 10th time in 11 games.

It was the fifth time in franchise history the Mariners hit seven homers in a game. They also accomplished the feat in 2002, 1999, 1996 and 1985.

Logan Gilbert (12-5) delivered seven strong innings for Seattle, allowing just one run and two hits. He struck out seven, walked one and won his sixth consecutive decision.

The Mariners improved to 73-56 and ensured they would maintain at least a share of first place in the AL West for a second straight day.

Seattle broke open the game with three homers off Jordan Lyles (3-15) in the third inning. It came just 11 days after the Mariners went deep four times off the Kansas City right-hander during a seven-run fourth inning on Aug. 15.

Lyles became the first 15-loss pitcher in the majors this season. The Royals lost for the ninth time in 11 games.

Rojas led off the third with his third homer since being acquired by Seattle on July 31. He didn’t hit a homer in 59 games with Arizona earlier this season.

Later in the frame, Hernández pulled his third career grand slam over the left-field fence and Ford added his 13th homer to make it 7-0.

Rodríguez hit a two-run shot in the fifth off reliever Jackson Kowar. It was his 22nd homer of the season and 50th of his career.

Raleigh added his 25th homer in the sixth and Marlowe hit a two-run shot in the seventh to make it 14-1.

Seattle reached double-digit runs for the third time in seven games.

Rodríguez’s fifth-inning shot made him just the second player in major league history with at least 50 homers and 50 stolen bases through his first two seasons.

The other player to accomplish the feat is Atlanta star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who totaled 67 homers and 53 stolen bases over his first two seasons in 2018 and 2019.

Rodríguez also became the fastest player in Mariners history to 50 career homers, reaching the mark in 256 career games. Alex Rodriguez previously held the mark at 269 games.

Mariners RHP Luis Castillo (10-7, 3.15 ERA) takes the mound in Sunday’s series finale. The Royals have yet to announce a starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693119597952.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals right fielder Drew Waters (6) holds on to the popout from Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez as he collides with second baseman Michael Massey (19) during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals right fielder Drew Waters (6) holds on to the popout from Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez as he collides with second baseman Michael Massey (19) during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CAMERON VAN TIL Associated PressSEATTLE (AP) — Teoscar Hernández homered twice and drove in six runs as the Seattle Mariners matched a franchise record with seven home runs in a 15-2 rout of the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.Hernández hit a grand slam to highlight a seven-run third inning and added a 446-foot shot off position player Matt Duffy in the eighth for his 21st of the season.Josh Rojas, Mike Ford, Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh and Cade Marlowe also homered for Seattle, which won for the 10th time in 11 games.It was the fifth time in franchise history the Mariners hit seven homers in a game. They also accomplished the feat in 2002, 1999, 1996 and 1985.Logan Gilbert (12-5) delivered seven strong innings for Seattle, allowing just one run and two hits. He struck out seven, walked one and won his sixth consecutive decision.The Mariners improved to 73-56 and ensured they would maintain at least a share of first place in the AL West for a second straight day.Seattle broke open the game with three homers off Jordan Lyles (3-15) in the third inning. It came just 11 days after the Mariners went deep four times off the Kansas City right-hander during a seven-run fourth inning on Aug. 15.Lyles became the first 15-loss pitcher in the majors this season. The Royals lost for the ninth time in 11 games.Rojas led off the third with his third homer since being acquired by Seattle on July 31. He didn’t hit a homer in 59 games with Arizona earlier this season.Later in the frame, Hernández pulled his third career grand slam over the left-field fence and Ford added his 13th homer to make it 7-0.Rodríguez hit a two-run shot in the fifth off reliever Jackson Kowar. It was his 22nd homer of the season and 50th of his career.Raleigh added his 25th homer in the sixth and Marlowe hit a two-run shot in the seventh to make it 14-1.Seattle reached double-digit runs for the third time in seven games.NO. 50 FOR JULIORodríguez’s fifth-inning shot made him just the second player in major league history with at least 50 homers and 50 stolen bases through his first two seasons.The other player to accomplish the feat is Atlanta star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who totaled 67 homers and 53 stolen bases over his first two seasons in 2018 and 2019.Rodríguez also became the fastest player in Mariners history to 50 career homers, reaching the mark in 256 career games. Alex Rodriguez previously held the mark at 269 games.UP NEXTMariners RHP Luis Castillo (10-7, 3.15 ERA) takes the mound in Sunday’s series finale. The Royals have yet to announce a starter.

⚾ Mariners hit seven home runs in rout of Royals

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Deshaun Watson led Cleveland on back-to-back touchdown drives, capping one with a toss to tight end David Njoku, before the Kansas City Chiefs' backups overcame two pick-6s from their quarterbacks and rallied for a 33-32 victory over the Browns on Saturday in the exhibition finale for both teams.

Browns kicker Cade York, whose job could be on the line after a tough preseason, gave them the lead with a 40-yard field goal with 4:23 to go. But the Chiefs quickly drove the other way, and Harrison Butker hit from 44 yards to regain the lead.

York had another chance with less than a minute left, but his 43-yard attempt was partially blocked and never had a chance.

Watson played sparingly in the Browns' first three preseason games, so coach Kevin Stefanski gave him the entire first quarter against Kansas City (2-1). There were plenty of miscues, including a pair of fumbled handoffs, but the $230 million quarterback also provided some highlights once he settled into the game.

Watson, who was disappointing in six starts after serving an 11-game suspension last season, was 5 of 10 for 92 yards on Saturday. But after his first two drives ended with a lost fumble and a three-and-out, the next two made the end zone, including an eight-play, 80-yard drive that Watson highlighted with a 53-yard toss to Amari Cooper on a broken play.

Juan Thornhill picked off Chiefs backup Shane Buechele and returned it 34 yards for a score against his former team, then Caleb Biggers added a 27-yard interception return off Blaine Gabbert as Cleveland (1-2-1) built a 29-16 lead by halftime.

Both teams rested many of their stars — Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce did not play for Kansas City, and Myles Garrett sat out for Cleveland — leaving a collection of backups to decide the outcome.

Despite the precautions, the game proved costly for Cleveland on the injury front.

Jakeem Grant Sr., who had returned after tearing his Achilles tendon last summer, was carted off with a knee injury on the opening kickoff. Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott hurt his hip, linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk his knee and fellow linebacker Tony Fields II was evaluated for a concussion but cleared to return to the game.

Buechele, who has been in a tight competition with Gabbert for the Chiefs' backup QB job, was just 8 of 17 for 89 yards with two picks and a touchdown.

Gabbert fared marginally better, going 10 of 18 for 169 yards with two TD passes and an interception.

Justyn Ross and Ihmir Smith-Marsette had touchdown catches for Kansas City. La'Mical Perine was another other bright spot, potentially locking up a backup job by running for 32 yards while catching three passes for 44 yards and a score.

Browns: Garrett did not suit up for any of the Browns' preseason games. RB Nick Chubb, who had a career-best 1,525 yards rushing with 12 touchdowns last season, and All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio also sat our Saturday.

Chiefs: Mahomes was 12 of 17 for 120 yards with a TD pass during his preseason work. Other starters joining the league MVP and Kelce on the sideline included linebacker Nick Bolton, who had 180 tackles in a breakout season a year ago.

Browns: RT Jack Conklin (concussion) did not play despite returning to practice this week. RB Jerome Ford (hamstring), SS Grant Delpit (arm) and WRs Marquise Goodwin (illness) and Anthony Schwartz (hamstring) also did not play.

Chiefs: LB Leo Chenal left in the first quarter with a hamstring injury, and WR Kadarius Toney (knee) and CB L'Jarius Sneed (knee) did not play. RB Isiah Pacheco (shoulder) made his preseason debut, running once for no gain.

Browns: Open the season against AFC North rival Cincinnati on Sept. 10.

Chiefs: Play the Lions on Sept. 7 in the NFL's regular-season opener.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686767718163.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Deshaun Watson led Cleveland on back-to-back touchdown drives, capping one with a toss to tight end David Njoku, before the Kansas City Chiefs' backups overcame two pick-6s from their quarterbacks and rallied for a 33-32 victory over the Browns on Saturday in the exhibition finale for both teams.Browns kicker Cade York, whose job could be on the line after a tough preseason, gave them the lead with a 40-yard field goal with 4:23 to go. But the Chiefs quickly drove the other way, and Harrison Butker hit from 44 yards to regain the lead.York had another chance with less than a minute left, but his 43-yard attempt was partially blocked and never had a chance.Watson played sparingly in the Browns' first three preseason games, so coach Kevin Stefanski gave him the entire first quarter against Kansas City (2-1). There were plenty of miscues, including a pair of fumbled handoffs, but the $230 million quarterback also provided some highlights once he settled into the game.Watson, who was disappointing in six starts after serving an 11-game suspension last season, was 5 of 10 for 92 yards on Saturday. But after his first two drives ended with a lost fumble and a three-and-out, the next two made the end zone, including an eight-play, 80-yard drive that Watson highlighted with a 53-yard toss to Amari Cooper on a broken play.Juan Thornhill picked off Chiefs backup Shane Buechele and returned it 34 yards for a score against his former team, then Caleb Biggers added a 27-yard interception return off Blaine Gabbert as Cleveland (1-2-1) built a 29-16 lead by halftime.Both teams rested many of their stars — Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce did not play for Kansas City, and Myles Garrett sat out for Cleveland — leaving a collection of backups to decide the outcome.Despite the precautions, the game proved costly for Cleveland on the injury front.Jakeem Grant Sr., who had returned after tearing his Achilles tendon last summer, was carted off with a knee injury on the opening kickoff. Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott hurt his hip, linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk his knee and fellow linebacker Tony Fields II was evaluated for a concussion but cleared to return to the game.Buechele, who has been in a tight competition with Gabbert for the Chiefs' backup QB job, was just 8 of 17 for 89 yards with two picks and a touchdown.Gabbert fared marginally better, going 10 of 18 for 169 yards with two TD passes and an interception.Justyn Ross and Ihmir Smith-Marsette had touchdown catches for Kansas City. La'Mical Perine was another other bright spot, potentially locking up a backup job by running for 32 yards while catching three passes for 44 yards and a score.SITTING STARSBrowns: Garrett did not suit up for any of the Browns' preseason games. RB Nick Chubb, who had a career-best 1,525 yards rushing with 12 touchdowns last season, and All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio also sat our Saturday.Chiefs: Mahomes was 12 of 17 for 120 yards with a TD pass during his preseason work. Other starters joining the league MVP and Kelce on the sideline included linebacker Nick Bolton, who had 180 tackles in a breakout season a year ago.INJURIESBrowns: RT Jack Conklin (concussion) did not play despite returning to practice this week. RB Jerome Ford (hamstring), SS Grant Delpit (arm) and WRs Marquise Goodwin (illness) and Anthony Schwartz (hamstring) also did not play.Chiefs: LB Leo Chenal left in the first quarter with a hamstring injury, and WR Kadarius Toney (knee) and CB L'Jarius Sneed (knee) did not play. RB Isiah Pacheco (shoulder) made his preseason debut, running once for no gain.UP NEXTBrowns: Open the season against AFC North rival Cincinnati on Sept. 10.Chiefs: Play the Lions on Sept. 7 in the NFL's regular-season opener.

🏈 Chiefs rally late to beat Browns in final preseason game

Courtesy of KWU Sports Information

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 <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan">LIVE VIDEO</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.salinapost.com/">LISTEN</a></li>
 </ul>Courtesy of KWU Sports InformationSALINA, Kan.-Starting the season with an essentially a new team might be cause for alarm or at least a dose of trepidation for a returning veteran. <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/nick-allsman/7930">Nick Allsman</a>&nbsp;is a rare greybeard on a Kansas Wesleyan football team that opens the season this weekend with a plethora of new starters and backups. He isn't concerned, though. "This year we have basically a full reset for the guys that are playing," said Allsman, a senior tailback who led the Coyotes with 795 yards rushing last fall and is in his fourth season at KWU. "Last year we had almost 40 seniors, this year we don't even have 10. "In years past that I've been here we've brought back a ton of guys that won a lot of games and were chasing a (championship) ring. They felt like they'd proven themselves. This year with everybody being new it's like they have a chip on their shoulders. They have something to prove, a lot more than they have before." Allsman and Co. play Kansas Conference newcomer Evangel at 6 p.m. Saturday in Nixa, Missouri, located just outside Springfield. KWU was 8-3, 7-3 in the KCAC, in 2022. For Allsman being a veteran has added responsibilities. "We're all chasing the greatness of those '18 and '19 teams," he said. "They won 25 straight conference games and I was a member the last three or four. I'm one of the older guys that people look to as a leader in the way that we do things. "I was here when a lot of the young guys were freshmen. I've watched them grow up in the program and as they've improved it's created a bond between us. They look at me and know that I believe in all of them." Allsman's confidence is high entering the opener primarily because he is injury free and feels good. He took the spring off and didn't participate in KWU's 15 practices. "After last fall I'd played in 50 or 51 games in my college career," he said. "That's a lot of contact, a lot of beating on the body. Running back is a physical position. Whether you get the ball or you don't get the ball you're getting tackled just about every play. "Having the ability to take the spring off and get healthy was a big thing. I played seven games with a shoulder injury last year and was able to get my body right. Going into this season I feel as healthy as I have since we had the COVID time off." Allsman won't likely have a heavy workload as tailbacks&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/mark-benjamin/7938">Mark Benjamin</a>&nbsp;(582 yards) and&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/tyler-boston/7941">Tyler Boston</a>&nbsp;(413) also return. "Mark and I were both all-conference nominees and&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/tyler-boston/7941">Tyler Boston</a>&nbsp;was no slouch either," he said. "Only one starts on Saturday but you give any of us 10 to 15 carries and we can have a hundred yards and couple of touchdowns. What's nice is we'll all play about the same amount of snaps in the games and it's going to be pretty similar. "I think it's going to pay dividends. You'll see in October, November, December when you have all these running backs for other schools that have 150, 200 touches on their bodies and we're sitting at 85, 90. I think we're going to be fresher longer and as the year goes on our run game is really going to start to shine." <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/richard-lara/7992">Richard Lara</a>&nbsp;will open at quarterback Saturday after starting the last six games and throwing for 899 yards and five touchdowns.&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/trent-graves/8609">Trent Graves</a>, a transfer, could also see duty after battling Lara in camp. "(Lara) is going to be efficient and I think he's the guy to really get the ball to the right people and push our offense down the field and allow us to score a lot of points," Allsman said. The offense will rely on a rebuilt line that has one returning starter in right tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/rolandius-williamson/8033">Rolandius Williamson</a>. Again, Allsman isn't too concerned. "The rest of them that were here –&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/chris-muns/8002">Chris Muns</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/jontrell-casimere/7944">Jontrell Casimere</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/roster/dawson-adams/7928">Dawson Adams</a>&nbsp;– played in a lot of games," he said. Allsman likes the six-team, two-division format the KCAC has adopted this fall. Teams open the season with six games against the opposing division. Following a bye week October 7, they'll close the regular season with games against the five teams in their division. The champions advance to NAIA postseason play. "It's great because it allows us to get two teams in the playoffs," Allsman said. "Our first six games matter but as far as postseason goes, they're irrelevant. We have to win the last five. "I think it's fun for us that we're the team that gets to welcome Evangel to the conference and show them that the KCAC is an elite conference. We want to show them the caliber of football we've been playing with the top four or five teams." <ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary">LIVE STATS</a></li><li><a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/news/2023/8/25/football-football-feature-allsman-leads-coyotes-into-season-opener-saturday.aspx">Preview</a></li><li><a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/football/opponent-history/evangel-university-mo-/92">History</a></li>
 </ul>