&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/brian-green/1308">Brian Green</a>&nbsp;announced the 2026 Wichita State baseball schedule on Thursday, a 55-game slate that includes 33 home games at Eck Stadium, Home of Tyler Field at Gene Stephenson Park.

"We're excited about how this schedule came together for us," Green said. "Playing at home right out of the gate in front of our fans gives us a really good chance to get off to a strong start, and the challenge of the Hawaii series will help us learn things about our team early on. We are excited at the opportunity&nbsp;to bring this program back to its winning ways and championship aspirations in 2026. We have lots of work to do."

The Shockers start the 2026 campaign at home on February 13 against Northern Colorado, kicking off a season-opening stretch loaded with home games. 21 of the first 26 games take place in Wichita, interrupted only by a four-game series at Hawaii from February 19-22 and a midweek game at Kansas State on March 10. 

The home slate includes four, four-game series: Northern Colorado (February 13-15), Omaha (February 26-March 1), West Georgia (March 6-8) and Butler (March 12-15). The Northern Colorado and West Georgia series each include a scheduled doubleheader on February 14 and March 7, respectively.

The final non-conference tuneup before American Conference play comes in the form of a two-game home midweek set against Nebraska on March 17-18, the third consecutive season the Shockers and Huskers will meet in a two-game series.

In conference action, the Shockers host Charlotte (March 20-22), Tulane (April 2-4), Rice (April 24-26) and Florida Atlantic (May 8-10), while traveling to Memphis (March 27-29), UAB (April 10-12), East Carolina (April 17-19), UTSA (May 1-3) and South Florida (May 14-16). The American Conference Championship will once again take place at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida, beginning May 19 and concluding with the championship game on May 24.

Wichita State's midweek schedule features many familiar names, highlighted by home-and-home series against in-state foes Kansas and Kansas State plus a road contest at Oklahoma State. The annual Kid's Day Game is scheduled for March 31 against Washburn, the first time the Shockers and Ichabods have squared off on the diamond since 1991.

The longest road swing of the season for the Shockers is eight games, spanning April 10-21 with three-game series against UAB and East Carolina in addition to midweeks at Kansas and Oklahoma State. Wichita State plays nine straight home games from March 12-22 against Butler, Nebraska and Charlotte.

Brian Green&nbsp;returns for a third season as head coach, leading a new-look roster that includes 31 newcomers to the program. Green's junior college recruiting class was ranked #12 nationally by JBB and true freshman&nbsp;Ethan Rogers&nbsp;was tabbed the #57-ranked freshman to arrive on campus and the #1-ranked freshman pitcher in the American Conference by D1Baseball.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678101911770.jpeg" alt="(Photo courtesy Wichita State Athletic Communications, file)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo courtesy Wichita State Athletic Communications, file)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/brian-green/1308">Brian Green</a>&nbsp;announced the 2026 Wichita State baseball schedule on Thursday, a 55-game slate that includes 33 home games at Eck Stadium, Home of Tyler Field at Gene Stephenson Park."We're excited about how this schedule came together for us," Green said. "Playing at home right out of the gate in front of our fans gives us a really good chance to get off to a strong start, and the challenge of the Hawaii series will help us learn things about our team early on. We are excited at the opportunity&nbsp;to bring this program back to its winning ways and championship aspirations in 2026. We have lots of work to do."The Shockers start the 2026 campaign at home on February 13 against Northern Colorado, kicking off a season-opening stretch loaded with home games. 21 of the first 26 games take place in Wichita, interrupted only by a four-game series at Hawaii from February 19-22 and a midweek game at Kansas State on March 10. The home slate includes four, four-game series: Northern Colorado (February 13-15), Omaha (February 26-March 1), West Georgia (March 6-8) and Butler (March 12-15). The Northern Colorado and West Georgia series each include a scheduled doubleheader on February 14 and March 7, respectively.The final non-conference tuneup before American Conference play comes in the form of a two-game home midweek set against Nebraska on March 17-18, the third consecutive season the Shockers and Huskers will meet in a two-game series.In conference action, the Shockers host Charlotte (March 20-22), Tulane (April 2-4), Rice (April 24-26) and Florida Atlantic (May 8-10), while traveling to Memphis (March 27-29), UAB (April 10-12), East Carolina (April 17-19), UTSA (May 1-3) and South Florida (May 14-16). The American Conference Championship will once again take place at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida, beginning May 19 and concluding with the championship game on May 24.Wichita State's midweek schedule features many familiar names, highlighted by home-and-home series against in-state foes Kansas and Kansas State plus a road contest at Oklahoma State. The annual Kid's Day Game is scheduled for March 31 against Washburn, the first time the Shockers and Ichabods have squared off on the diamond since 1991.The longest road swing of the season for the Shockers is eight games, spanning April 10-21 with three-game series against UAB and East Carolina in addition to midweeks at Kansas and Oklahoma State. Wichita State plays nine straight home games from March 12-22 against Butler, Nebraska and Charlotte.Brian Green&nbsp;returns for a third season as head coach, leading a new-look roster that includes 31 newcomers to the program. Green's junior college recruiting class was ranked #12 nationally by JBB and true freshman&nbsp;Ethan Rogers&nbsp;was tabbed the #57-ranked freshman to arrive on campus and the #1-ranked freshman pitcher in the American Conference by D1Baseball.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Wichita State releases 2026 baseball schedule

🎧⚽ HHS boy's drop game to Kapaun ⛳ HCC Men's Golf at NJCAA Preview 🏐 State volleyball

HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

The Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team opens the 2025-26 season this weekend a little shy on returning experience.

Only four players are back from last season’s 29-5 team that tied for the Jayhawk Conference championship and advanced to the second round of the NJCAA Tournament.

So what has veteran head coach John Ontjes seen as Opening Day looms?

“We have a lot of new faces,” Ontjes said. “We have four returning players and all four of those players are going to be important for us. They are going to have to provide leadership. Some of our freshman are going to have to be major contributors, so we are going to have to figure out how to play together and be competitive defensively.”

Ontjes and the Blue Dragons will open the season this weekend in Sedalia, Missouri in the State Fair Classic. Hutchinson opens at 1 p.m. on Friday against Southeast Community College (NE) and will play Triton College at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Blue Dragons will open at home on November 7 and 8 in the BSN Sports Tipoff Classic at the Sports Arena.

Defense has always been a high priority for the Blue Dragons under Ontjes. Twice in his first 18 seasons the Blue Dragons led the NJCAA in scoring defense. Last season Hutchinson ranked 10th in the nation allowing 51.0 points per game.

With four sophomores – only two played the entire season last year – two transfers and six freshman making up the 2025-26 roster, the Blue Dragons look to find their offensive identity while leading on that tough defense.

Sophomore guard Katie Duncan is the leading returning scorer for the Blue Dragons. She averaged 7.0 points and 1.7 assists last season while shooting 30.6 percent from 3-point range.

Also back is forward Jaden Wilson, who averaged 8.2 minutes per game last season scoring 2.8 points and grabbing 2.2 rebounds per game.

Also back are guard Dylan Alexander and forward Noelle Anthon, both who missed a combined 40 games last season with injuries. Alexander, in 14 games, averaged 8.2 points and 2.1 rebounds. Anthon averaged 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 16 games played.

“We are going to be a different team for sure,” said Ontjes, who is 512-101 entering his 19th season. “This is one of the few years where we don’t return any all-league kids or All-Americans. This is going to have to be a team that has multiple kids step up. Ultimately, it will come down to how much desire we have to defend.

Freshman Whitney Brown takes over at the point to guide the Blue Dragon offense this season. She played at Arkansas high school power Fayetteville High School.

“She is very solid and is a tough-minded kid,” Ontjes said. “She is going to bring a lot of energy. Fans will enjoy watching Whitney play.”

Duncan moves from the point to the shooting guard position this season. The 3-guard position will have Wichita Heights program Kamyra Barber. Alexander returns to play the forward position and Anthon will return in the post.

Off the bench, Ontjes will have Wilson and freshman Kaia Smith working in the paint. Others coming off the bench will be Anaya Guess, Rylee McLucas, Jamya McPherson and Delora Precop, who won’t be available for the weekend with an injury.

The Blue Dragons were picked to finish second in the preseason Jayhawk Conference Coaches’ Poll and starts ranked No. 13 in the NJCAA Division I Preseason Rankings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738379070778.jpeg" alt="Katie Duncan (Pailtyn Kaminkow/Blue Dragon Sports Information, file)" />
 <figcaption>Katie Duncan (Pailtyn Kaminkow/Blue Dragon Sports Information, file)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATIONThe Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team opens the 2025-26 season this weekend a little shy on returning experience.Only four players are back from last season’s 29-5 team that tied for the Jayhawk Conference championship and advanced to the second round of the NJCAA Tournament.So what has veteran head coach John Ontjes seen as Opening Day looms?“We have a lot of new faces,” Ontjes said. “We have four returning players and all four of those players are going to be important for us. They are going to have to provide leadership. Some of our freshman are going to have to be major contributors, so we are going to have to figure out how to play together and be competitive defensively.”Ontjes and the Blue Dragons will open the season this weekend in Sedalia, Missouri in the State Fair Classic. Hutchinson opens at 1 p.m. on Friday against Southeast Community College (NE) and will play Triton College at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Blue Dragons will open at home on November 7 and 8 in the BSN Sports Tipoff Classic at the Sports Arena.Defense has always been a high priority for the Blue Dragons under Ontjes. Twice in his first 18 seasons the Blue Dragons led the NJCAA in scoring defense. Last season Hutchinson ranked 10th in the nation allowing 51.0 points per game.With four sophomores – only two played the entire season last year – two transfers and six freshman making up the 2025-26 roster, the Blue Dragons look to find their offensive identity while leading on that tough defense.Sophomore guard Katie Duncan is the leading returning scorer for the Blue Dragons. She averaged 7.0 points and 1.7 assists last season while shooting 30.6 percent from 3-point range.Also back is forward Jaden Wilson, who averaged 8.2 minutes per game last season scoring 2.8 points and grabbing 2.2 rebounds per game.Also back are guard Dylan Alexander and forward Noelle Anthon, both who missed a combined 40 games last season with injuries. Alexander, in 14 games, averaged 8.2 points and 2.1 rebounds. Anthon averaged 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 16 games played.“We are going to be a different team for sure,” said Ontjes, who is 512-101 entering his 19th season. “This is one of the few years where we don’t return any all-league kids or All-Americans. This is going to have to be a team that has multiple kids step up. Ultimately, it will come down to how much desire we have to defend.Freshman Whitney Brown takes over at the point to guide the Blue Dragon offense this season. She played at Arkansas high school power Fayetteville High School.“She is very solid and is a tough-minded kid,” Ontjes said. “She is going to bring a lot of energy. Fans will enjoy watching Whitney play.”Duncan moves from the point to the shooting guard position this season. The 3-guard position will have Wichita Heights program Kamyra Barber. Alexander returns to play the forward position and Anthon will return in the post.Off the bench, Ontjes will have Wilson and freshman Kaia Smith working in the paint. Others coming off the bench will be Anaya Guess, Rylee McLucas, Jamya McPherson and Delora Precop, who won’t be available for the weekend with an injury.The Blue Dragons were picked to finish second in the preseason Jayhawk Conference Coaches’ Poll and starts ranked No. 13 in the NJCAA Division I Preseason Rankings.

🏀 Blue Dragon women to lean on defense in 2025-26

For the second-straight season, Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball head coach Kyle Fisher has only one player from returning from the previous season.

Fisher said that is the trend in college basketball today.

“Replacing so many players is becoming the norm,” said Fisher, whose 2025-26 Blue Dragons open the season this weekend in Sedalia, Missouri at the State Fair Classic. “Where instead of replacing 50 to 55 percent of your roster, you are replacing sometimes 95 percent. That’s just the nature of college basketball right now.”

Only forward Bobby Cannon returns from last year for Fisher, who has seven transfers and eight freshman on the roster when Hutchinson opens the season with Classic host State Fair at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and NEO at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Last season in Fisher’s first season, the Blue Dragons went 19-12 overall, finished fourth in the Jayhawk Conference and saw their season end in the Region 6 quarterfinals.

Cannon was the fourth-leading scorer and leading rebounder in 2024-25. He averaged 10.8 points while shooting 41.7 percent from the floor. Cannon also averaged 6.2 rebounds and was one of the top shot blockers in the nation last season with 73 rejections.

“We are very happy to have Bobby back,” Fisher said. “He certainly makes our offense better just having the experience of how we play.

The group of seven transfers for the 2025-26 Blue Dragons are made up of six NCAA Division I and one NJCAA transfer. Fisher is very high on this group and likes the way they have grasped his system and philosophy.

“The transfers have been great,” Fisher said. “We have a variety of experiences, some have played a lot and some haven’t played as much. All are wanting to get better and they want to win, which is why it will work for them here.”

Looking at the makeup of the 2025-26 Blue Dragons, sophomore transfer Lolo Rudolph (Cal-State Fullerton) will lead the team at the point. He averaged 2.7 points and 1.9 assists last season.

“Lolo is a high-character kid who gives great effort all the time,” Fisher said of Rudolph. “He is also an elite defender, so we will have him leading the charge for us.”

Freshman Kordell Williams will back up Rudolph.

Three transfers will be at the 2-guard position. Fisher has liked what he has seen from Daleron Thomas (Iowa Western), Anthony Alston (Appalachian State) and Dilen Miller (Robert Morris).

Maryland-Eastern Shore transfer Kyrell Shaw averaged 7.0 points per game last season. He will work at the 3-guard spot.

Inside, the Blue Dragons will be led by Cannon, Jonathan Ogunfuye (Mount St. Mary’s University) and freshman Chudier Dorar.

“Our depth is great,” Fisher said. “I think our forwards are much better and much improved. We’ve got good depth there. I think we have five guys who can play (in the post). We have a number of good yards we feel we can go to, which will be really important because the guys now know they have to earn everything.

“If they aren’t doing what we need them to do, then the next guy will be ready to go.

The Blue Dragons open their 95th season this weekend as a team receiving votes in the NJCAA Division I preseason rankings and they were picked to finish picked to finish fourth in a deep Jayhawk Conference.

The Blue Dragons open the home schedule at 7 p.m. on Tuesday against Metropolitan Community College before playing host to Southwest Christian and Neosho County in the BSN Sports Tipoff Classic next weekend at the Sports Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737213363843.jpeg" alt="Bobby Cannon (Photo courtesy HCC Sports Information, File)" />
 <figcaption>Bobby Cannon (Photo courtesy HCC Sports Information, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON CC SPORTS INFORMATIONFor the second-straight season, Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball head coach Kyle Fisher has only one player from returning from the previous season.Fisher said that is the trend in college basketball today.“Replacing so many players is becoming the norm,” said Fisher, whose 2025-26 Blue Dragons open the season this weekend in Sedalia, Missouri at the State Fair Classic. “Where instead of replacing 50 to 55 percent of your roster, you are replacing sometimes 95 percent. That’s just the nature of college basketball right now.”Only forward Bobby Cannon returns from last year for Fisher, who has seven transfers and eight freshman on the roster when Hutchinson opens the season with Classic host State Fair at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and NEO at 3 p.m. on Saturday.Last season in Fisher’s first season, the Blue Dragons went 19-12 overall, finished fourth in the Jayhawk Conference and saw their season end in the Region 6 quarterfinals.Cannon was the fourth-leading scorer and leading rebounder in 2024-25. He averaged 10.8 points while shooting 41.7 percent from the floor. Cannon also averaged 6.2 rebounds and was one of the top shot blockers in the nation last season with 73 rejections.“We are very happy to have Bobby back,” Fisher said. “He certainly makes our offense better just having the experience of how we play.The group of seven transfers for the 2025-26 Blue Dragons are made up of six NCAA Division I and one NJCAA transfer. Fisher is very high on this group and likes the way they have grasped his system and philosophy.“The transfers have been great,” Fisher said. “We have a variety of experiences, some have played a lot and some haven’t played as much. All are wanting to get better and they want to win, which is why it will work for them here.”Looking at the makeup of the 2025-26 Blue Dragons, sophomore transfer Lolo Rudolph (Cal-State Fullerton) will lead the team at the point. He averaged 2.7 points and 1.9 assists last season.“Lolo is a high-character kid who gives great effort all the time,” Fisher said of Rudolph. “He is also an elite defender, so we will have him leading the charge for us.”Freshman Kordell Williams will back up Rudolph.Three transfers will be at the 2-guard position. Fisher has liked what he has seen from Daleron Thomas (Iowa Western), Anthony Alston (Appalachian State) and Dilen Miller (Robert Morris).Maryland-Eastern Shore transfer Kyrell Shaw averaged 7.0 points per game last season. He will work at the 3-guard spot.Inside, the Blue Dragons will be led by Cannon, Jonathan Ogunfuye (Mount St. Mary’s University) and freshman Chudier Dorar.“Our depth is great,” Fisher said. “I think our forwards are much better and much improved. We’ve got good depth there. I think we have five guys who can play (in the post). We have a number of good yards we feel we can go to, which will be really important because the guys now know they have to earn everything.“If they aren’t doing what we need them to do, then the next guy will be ready to go.The Blue Dragons open their 95th season this weekend as a team receiving votes in the NJCAA Division I preseason rankings and they were picked to finish picked to finish fourth in a deep Jayhawk Conference.The Blue Dragons open the home schedule at 7 p.m. on Tuesday against Metropolitan Community College before playing host to Southwest Christian and Neosho County in the BSN Sports Tipoff Classic next weekend at the Sports Arena.

🏀 New-look Blue Dragons set to open season at State Fair CC

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks open the Class 5A first round of playoffs as they match up against Emporia High School tonight at Gowans Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Hutchinson (6-2) is seeded at #4 while Emporia comes in at 2-6 seeded #13. The winner will match up against the Hays Indians who defeated Goddard Eisenhower on Thursday.

Fans can tune in starting at 6 p.m. with the Kansas Kickoff Show from Kpreps and KSHSAA Covered, followed at 6:30 p.m. by the Salthawk Pregame Show presented by Papa John’s Pizza.

The award-winning EAGLE Media sportscast crew will have the call, with Glen Grunwald on play-by-play, Dan “Coach Nac” Naccarato providing analysis, and Matt Peterson producing the video stream on the Hutch High Hudl channel beginning at 6:50 p.m

&nbsp; Fans can catch the game on KWBW 1450 AM/98.5 FM, with audio streaming on kwbwradio.com and pay-per-view video streaming on hutchpost.com as well as on the Hutch High Hudl.com channel beginning at 6:50pm. CL<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ks/hutchinson/organization/8/hutchinson-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0Mjc1MTM2OQ%3D%3D">ICK HERE!</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761901723768.png" alt="Game Day - Hutchinson hosts Emporia for 1st round of class 4A playoffs tonight at Gowans Stadium" />
 <figcaption>Game Day - Hutchinson hosts Emporia for 1st round of class 4A playoffs tonight at Gowans Stadium</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks open the Class 5A first round of playoffs as they match up against Emporia High School tonight at Gowans Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.Hutchinson (6-2) is seeded at #4 while Emporia comes in at 2-6 seeded #13. The winner will match up against the Hays Indians who defeated Goddard Eisenhower on Thursday.Fans can tune in starting at 6 p.m. with the Kansas Kickoff Show from Kpreps and KSHSAA Covered, followed at 6:30 p.m. by the Salthawk Pregame Show presented by Papa John’s Pizza.The award-winning EAGLE Media sportscast crew will have the call, with Glen Grunwald on play-by-play, Dan “Coach Nac” Naccarato providing analysis, and Matt Peterson producing the video stream on the Hutch High Hudl channel beginning at 6:50 p.m&nbsp; Fans can catch the game on KWBW 1450 AM/98.5 FM, with audio streaming on kwbwradio.com and pay-per-view video streaming on hutchpost.com as well as on the Hutch High Hudl.com channel beginning at 6:50pm. CL<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ks/hutchinson/organization/8/hutchinson-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0Mjc1MTM2OQ%3D%3D">ICK HERE!</a><div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2971234?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏈🎥🎧 Hutch High hosts Emporia in week 9 playoffs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to be without running back Isiah Pacheco for their high-profile showdown against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday after their leading rusher sprained a knee ligament in last week’s win over the Washington Commanders.&nbsp;

Pacheco did not practice Wednesday as the Chiefs turned their attention to the rematch of last year’s AFC championship game, which means Kareem Hunt is in line for more carries with Brashard Smith and Elijah Mitchell backing him up.&nbsp;

Pacheco, who has 329 yards rushing through the first eight weeks, carried 12 times for 58 yards before hurting his knee late in Monday night’s win. Pacheco also missed a chunk of last season when he fractured his fibula in a game against Cincinnati.&nbsp;

“We’ll just see. He’s moving around. But tough kid,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday. “There was a point where he wanted to go back in (Monday) and I wouldn’t let him. That’s how he’s wired. You have to cut his legs off to stop him.”&nbsp;

Hunt has primarily been the short-yardage back for Kansas City this season. The club’s 2017 third-round pick returned to the Chiefs last year, after Pacheco got hurt in Week 2, and filled in admirably for them despite having missed the previous offseason and training camp while recovering from his own injury.&nbsp;

He signed a $1.5 million contract in March to stay with Kansas City, though incentives could push the value much higher.&nbsp;

“He’s probably in better shape, just in overall better shape, not that he was in terrible shape before,” Reid said. “But he’s had a year to do it, and kind of get back in the swing after having a little bit of a layoff there.”&nbsp;

The biggest question is whether Hunt can sustain his effectiveness with additional carries. He has yet to run the ball more than 13 times in a game this season, and he only had four carries in a win over the Raiders two weeks ago.&nbsp;

“I feel the best I’ve felt the last three or four years,” Hunt said. “Body is feeling good.”&nbsp;

Smith, a seventh-round pick in the April draft, had started to earn more playing time even before Pacheco got hurt. The former college wide receiver ran 14 times against the Raiders, mostly in the fourth quarter as Kansas City was trying to finish off a 31-0 rout, and he was effective even though the Las Vegas defense knew he would be getting the ball.&nbsp;

Mitchell is the wild card in the equation. He ran for nearly 1,000 yards during the 2021 season in San Francisco, but his playing time dwindled the following two seasons, and he missed all of last year while recovering from a hamstring injury.&nbsp;

“A lot of guys wouldn’t even come back from that thing,” Reid said. “He battled back, and you could see him getting better every week through camp, and progressing through now. He takes a lot of reps with the scout-team group.”&nbsp;

Whomever gets the carries against Buffalo could benefit from the return of standout right guard Trey Smith, who missed last week’s win over the Commanders with back spasms. Smith returned to the practice field Wednesday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729159682826.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) runs the ball past San Francisco 49ers defensive back Deommodore Lenoir (2) in NFL Super Bowl 58 football game, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Doug Benc,File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) runs the ball past San Francisco 49ers defensive back Deommodore Lenoir (2) in NFL Super Bowl 58 football game, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Doug Benc,File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to be without running back Isiah Pacheco for their high-profile showdown against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday after their leading rusher sprained a knee ligament in last week’s win over the Washington Commanders.&nbsp;Pacheco did not practice Wednesday as the Chiefs turned their attention to the rematch of last year’s AFC championship game, which means Kareem Hunt is in line for more carries with Brashard Smith and Elijah Mitchell backing him up.&nbsp;Pacheco, who has 329 yards rushing through the first eight weeks, carried 12 times for 58 yards before hurting his knee late in Monday night’s win. Pacheco also missed a chunk of last season when he fractured his fibula in a game against Cincinnati.&nbsp;“We’ll just see. He’s moving around. But tough kid,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday. “There was a point where he wanted to go back in (Monday) and I wouldn’t let him. That’s how he’s wired. You have to cut his legs off to stop him.”&nbsp;Hunt has primarily been the short-yardage back for Kansas City this season. The club’s 2017 third-round pick returned to the Chiefs last year, after Pacheco got hurt in Week 2, and filled in admirably for them despite having missed the previous offseason and training camp while recovering from his own injury.&nbsp;He signed a $1.5 million contract in March to stay with Kansas City, though incentives could push the value much higher.&nbsp;“He’s probably in better shape, just in overall better shape, not that he was in terrible shape before,” Reid said. “But he’s had a year to do it, and kind of get back in the swing after having a little bit of a layoff there.”&nbsp;The biggest question is whether Hunt can sustain his effectiveness with additional carries. He has yet to run the ball more than 13 times in a game this season, and he only had four carries in a win over the Raiders two weeks ago.&nbsp;“I feel the best I’ve felt the last three or four years,” Hunt said. “Body is feeling good.”&nbsp;Smith, a seventh-round pick in the April draft, had started to earn more playing time even before Pacheco got hurt. The former college wide receiver ran 14 times against the Raiders, mostly in the fourth quarter as Kansas City was trying to finish off a 31-0 rout, and he was effective even though the Las Vegas defense knew he would be getting the ball.&nbsp;Mitchell is the wild card in the equation. He ran for nearly 1,000 yards during the 2021 season in San Francisco, but his playing time dwindled the following two seasons, and he missed all of last year while recovering from a hamstring injury.&nbsp;“A lot of guys wouldn’t even come back from that thing,” Reid said. “He battled back, and you could see him getting better every week through camp, and progressing through now. He takes a lot of reps with the scout-team group.”&nbsp;Whomever gets the carries against Buffalo could benefit from the return of standout right guard Trey Smith, who missed last week’s win over the Commanders with back spasms. Smith returned to the practice field Wednesday.&nbsp;

🏈 Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco expected to miss Sunday game

Ellsworth (Iowa) (3-5) at No. 13 Coffeyville (4-3, 3-1), 1 p.m. No. 11 Garden City (5-2, 2-2) at No. 2 Iowa Western (6-1), 1 p.m. Dodge City (1-6, 1-2) at Independence (3-5, 1-3), 1 p.m. No. 1 Hutchinson (7-0, 3-0) at No. 9 Butler (5-1, 3-1), 7 p.m.

Saint Mary (2-6, 0-2) at Sterling (1-7, 0-2), 1 p.m. No. 21 McPherson (7-1, 1-1) at Southwestern (6-2, 1-1), 1 p.m. No. 24 Evangel (6-2, 2-0) at Tabor (3-5, 1-1), 1 p.m. Kansas Wesleyan (6-2, 2-0) at No. 4 Friends (8-0, 2-0), 1 p.m. Ottawa (3-5, 1-1) at Bethany 3-5, 1-1), 1 p.m. Avila (1-7, 1-1) at Bethel (2-6, 0-2), 1 p.m.

Central Oklahoma (4-4, 4-2) at Nebraska Kearney (5-4, 3-4), noon Central Missouri (3-5, 3-3) at Fort Hays State (5-4, 4-3), 1 p.m. No. 11 Northwest Missouri (7-1, 6-0) at Emporia State (4-4, 3-3), 2 p.m. Washburn (2-6, 1-5) at Missouri Western (2-6, 1-5), 2 p.m. Missouri Southern (3-5, 1-5) at No. 6 Pittsburg State (6-2, 5-1), 2 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719520416153.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>KJCCC</h2>Ellsworth (Iowa) (3-5) at No. 13 Coffeyville (4-3, 3-1), 1 p.m. No. 11 Garden City (5-2, 2-2) at No. 2 Iowa Western (6-1), 1 p.m. Dodge City (1-6, 1-2) at Independence (3-5, 1-3), 1 p.m. No. 1 Hutchinson (7-0, 3-0) at No. 9 Butler (5-1, 3-1), 7 p.m.<h2>KCAC</h2>Saint Mary (2-6, 0-2) at Sterling (1-7, 0-2), 1 p.m. No. 21 McPherson (7-1, 1-1) at Southwestern (6-2, 1-1), 1 p.m. No. 24 Evangel (6-2, 2-0) at Tabor (3-5, 1-1), 1 p.m. Kansas Wesleyan (6-2, 2-0) at No. 4 Friends (8-0, 2-0), 1 p.m. Ottawa (3-5, 1-1) at Bethany 3-5, 1-1), 1 p.m. Avila (1-7, 1-1) at Bethel (2-6, 0-2), 1 p.m.<h2>MIAA</h2>Central Oklahoma (4-4, 4-2) at Nebraska Kearney (5-4, 3-4), noon Central Missouri (3-5, 3-3) at Fort Hays State (5-4, 4-3), 1 p.m. No. 11 Northwest Missouri (7-1, 6-0) at Emporia State (4-4, 3-3), 2 p.m. Washburn (2-6, 1-5) at Missouri Western (2-6, 1-5), 2 p.m. Missouri Southern (3-5, 1-5) at No. 6 Pittsburg State (6-2, 5-1), 2 p.m.

🏈 KJCCC, KCAC, MIAA schedule for Nov. 1

🎧⚾ Jays take game 5 🏐HCC volleyball loses in four, Olivera named National Player of the Week

Region 6 individual champion Mildred Rono was named the NJCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country National Runner Of The Week on Wednesday.

The Hutchinson Community College freshman was running in a tightly-knit lead pack of five runners through three kilometers at the 2025 Region 6 Women’s Championship last Saturday in Colby.  With two kilometers to go, Rono broke away from the pack and was never challenged again.

Roni posted a time of 17:10.69, winning the race by 45.80 seconds.

Rono's time was the second-fastest Region 6 time in Blue Dragon history. Rono won the third race of her freshman season.

This was the third time this season Rono was awarded NJCAA national weekly honors. She is the only Blue Dragons to win three national weekly honors in one season.

Rono and the Blue Dragons run in the 2025 NJCAA Division I Cross Country Championships on November 8 in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761360851161.jpeg" alt="Mildred Rono won the Region 6 individual championship and led the No. 11 Blue Dragon women to a Region 6 team title on Friday in Colby. (Photo courtesy Michael Smith)" />
 <figcaption>Mildred Rono won the Region 6 individual championship and led the No. 11 Blue Dragon women to a Region 6 team title on Friday in Colby. (Photo courtesy Michael Smith)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON CC SPORTS INFORMATIONRegion 6 individual champion Mildred Rono was named the NJCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country National Runner Of The Week on Wednesday.The Hutchinson Community College freshman was running in a tightly-knit lead pack of five runners through three kilometers at the 2025 Region 6 Women’s Championship last Saturday in Colby. With two kilometers to go, Rono broke away from the pack and was never challenged again.Roni posted a time of 17:10.69, winning the race by 45.80 seconds.Rono's time was the second-fastest Region 6 time in Blue Dragon history. Rono won the third race of her freshman season.This was the third time this season Rono was awarded NJCAA national weekly honors. She is the only Blue Dragons to win three national weekly honors in one season.Rono and the Blue Dragons run in the 2025 NJCAA Division I Cross Country Championships on November 8 in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

👟 Rono claims third NJCAA National Runner of the Week award

The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team closed out the home portion of the 2025 schedule with a four-set loss to the Dodge City Conquistadors Wednesday night at the Sports Arena.

Tied at a set each through two sets, the Blue Dragons struggled offensively through sets 3 and 4 and lost to the Conquistadors 22-25, 25-20, 8-25, 19-25 on Sophomore Recognition Night and Pink-Out Night.

The loss assures the Blue Dragons (14-16) of being on the road for the opening round of the Region 6 Tournament next week. Currently at 7-8, the Blue Dragons are tied with Seward County for sixth place in the KJCCC with one match to play. Hutchinson travels to play Butler at 1 p.m. on Saturday in El Dorado.

The Blue Dragons were outhit by Dodge City .254-.106 for the match. But in the final two sets, the Dragons hit just .058 to Dodge City’s .311.

Sophomores Alondra Villanueva and Jaylynn McNeill led the Blue Dragons with 10 kills each.

Villanueva hit .065 on 31 attacks and she posted her 14th double-double of the season with 14 digs.

Sophomore Kierny Follmer had eight kills on .312 hitting and added three block assists. Sophomore Atlyn Proctor finished with six kills on 26 attacks. Freshman Mattie Galliher had six kills on .200 hitting.

Sophomore setter Angela Reupena finished with 31 assists, three kills and two blocks. Freshman libero Clara Oliveira had 12 kills and freshman defensive specialist McKenzye Williamson had eight digs.

Kayla Cantrill had 15 kills and Amariah White had 10 kills to lead Dodge City.

The Blue Dragons wrap up the regular season at Butler on Saturday at 1 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761825998540.jpeg" alt="Kierny Follmer smacks one of her eight kills on Wednesday night in the Blue Dragon Volleyball team's 3-1 KJCCC loss to Dodge City at the Sports Arena (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photogrpahy)" />
 <figcaption>Kierny Follmer smacks one of her eight kills on Wednesday night in the Blue Dragon Volleyball team's 3-1 KJCCC loss to Dodge City at the Sports Arena (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photogrpahy)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON CC SPORTS INFORMATIONThe Hutchinson Community College volleyball team closed out the home portion of the 2025 schedule with a four-set loss to the Dodge City Conquistadors Wednesday night at the Sports Arena.Tied at a set each through two sets, the Blue Dragons struggled offensively through sets 3 and 4 and lost to the Conquistadors 22-25, 25-20, 8-25, 19-25 on Sophomore Recognition Night and Pink-Out Night.The loss assures the Blue Dragons (14-16) of being on the road for the opening round of the Region 6 Tournament next week. Currently at 7-8, the Blue Dragons are tied with Seward County for sixth place in the KJCCC with one match to play. Hutchinson travels to play Butler at 1 p.m. on Saturday in El Dorado.The Blue Dragons were outhit by Dodge City .254-.106 for the match. But in the final two sets, the Dragons hit just .058 to Dodge City’s .311.Sophomores Alondra Villanueva and Jaylynn McNeill led the Blue Dragons with 10 kills each.Villanueva hit .065 on 31 attacks and she posted her 14th double-double of the season with 14 digs.McNeill hit .083 on 36 attacks.Sophomore Kierny Follmer had eight kills on .312 hitting and added three block assists. Sophomore Atlyn Proctor finished with six kills on 26 attacks. Freshman Mattie Galliher had six kills on .200 hitting.Sophomore setter Angela Reupena finished with 31 assists, three kills and two blocks. Freshman libero Clara Oliveira had 12 kills and freshman defensive specialist McKenzye Williamson had eight digs.The Blue Dragons were out-blocked 9-6.Kayla Cantrill had 15 kills and Amariah White had 10 kills to lead Dodge City.The Blue Dragons wrap up the regular season at Butler on Saturday at 1 p.m.

🏐 Blue Dragons fall in 4 to Dodge City

The Wildcats are coming off their first losing season 2022, when Bruce Weber was still the coach, and their second consecutive year without a postseason bid. High-profile transfers Coleman Hawkins and Dug McDaniel largely failed to live up to expectations, so coach Jerome Tang retooled by landing six transfers headlined by American Conference player of the year PJ Haggerty of Memphis.

Haggerty will get all the headlines after averaging 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Tigers last season. But keep an eye on Andrej Kostić, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard who played for Dynamic Belgrade last season, and who could be one of the biggest surprises not only in the Big 12 but the entire nation.

Hawkins and veterans David N’Guessan and Max Jones graduated, and McDaniel headed to Memphis, while guard Brendan Hausen transferred to Iowa. Most of their depth inside also departed with Achor Achor going to Mississippi State, Baye Fale going to Rutgers, Macaleab Rich heading to UTSA and Ugonna Onyenso transferring to Virginia.

Haggerty and Kostić will be expected to carry the load. But the Wildcats also landed high-scoring Abdi Bashir Jr. from Monmouth, picked up Nate Johnson from Akron and supplemented the front court with Khamari McGriff from UNC-Wilmington and Tyreek Smith from Memphis.

Kansas State opens Nov. 4 against UNC Greensboro, but the first real test will come the following week against California. Other big-name opponents include Mississippi State in the Hall of Fame Classic, Indiana on the road, Seton Hall at home and a trip to Creighton in December.

The Wildcats have a brutal start to Big 12 play against BYU at home and Arizona on the road. There is also a tough midseason stretch with Kansas and Iowa State bookending a game against West Virginia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761703912853.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas State (16-17, 9-11 Big 12)</h2>The Wildcats are coming off their first losing season 2022, when Bruce Weber was still the coach, and their second consecutive year without a postseason bid. High-profile transfers Coleman Hawkins and Dug McDaniel largely failed to live up to expectations, so coach Jerome Tang retooled by landing six transfers headlined by American Conference player of the year PJ Haggerty of Memphis.<h2>Players to watch</h2>Haggerty will get all the headlines after averaging 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Tigers last season. But keep an eye on Andrej Kostić, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard who played for Dynamic Belgrade last season, and who could be one of the biggest surprises not only in the Big 12 but the entire nation.<h2>Departures and arrivals</h2>Hawkins and veterans David N’Guessan and Max Jones graduated, and McDaniel headed to Memphis, while guard Brendan Hausen transferred to Iowa. Most of their depth inside also departed with Achor Achor going to Mississippi State, Baye Fale going to Rutgers, Macaleab Rich heading to UTSA and Ugonna Onyenso transferring to Virginia.Haggerty and Kostić will be expected to carry the load. But the Wildcats also landed high-scoring Abdi Bashir Jr. from Monmouth, picked up Nate Johnson from Akron and supplemented the front court with Khamari McGriff from UNC-Wilmington and Tyreek Smith from Memphis.<h2>Top games</h2>Kansas State opens Nov. 4 against UNC Greensboro, but the first real test will come the following week against California. Other big-name opponents include Mississippi State in the Hall of Fame Classic, Indiana on the road, Seton Hall at home and a trip to Creighton in December.The Wildcats have a brutal start to Big 12 play against BYU at home and Arizona on the road. There is also a tough midseason stretch with Kansas and Iowa State bookending a game against West Virginia.<h2>Facts and figures</h2>

🏀 K-State rebuilds with six new transfers, led by PJ Haggerty of Memphis

The Jayhawks were the preseason No. 1 team last season and never lived up to the hype. They were bounced by Arizona in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament, then were beaten by Arkansas in the first round of the NCAAs. Just about everyone from that team is gone now, replaced by a few select transfers and a freshman class that should be among the best in the nation. Darryn Peterson could be the No. 1 NBA draft pick next year.

Peterson is exactly the kind of player that Kansas has not had the past few years: He can score even when the Jayhawks run bad offense. The 18-year-old from Prolific Prep in Napa, California, was a McDonald’s All-American after averaging more than 30 points per game last season.

Longtime mainstays Hunter Dickinson, K.J. Adams Jr. and Dajuan Harris Jr. all graduated, as did Zeke Mayo, one of the few transfers who worked out last season. AJ Storr transferred to Ole Miss after a disappointing season, Rylan Griffen headed to Texas A&amp;M and Rakease Passmore and David Coit Jr. transferred to Maryland.

Tre White arrived from Illinois, Jayden Dawson came from Loyola and Melvin Council Jr. joined from St. Bonaventure. Peterson is part of a six-man freshman class that includes elite prospects Kohl Rosario, Samis Calderon and French center Paul Mbiya.

The Jayhawks open against Green Bay on Nov. 3 before a trip to No. 25 North Carolina four days later. They also play No. 6 Duke in New York, Notre Dame and Syracuse in Las Vegas, No. 4 UConn at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 2, and Missouri in the Border War in Kansas City.

Big 12 play ends with a brutal stretch that includes No. 2 Houston, No. 13 Arizona, a trip to Arizona State and rival Kansas State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761740734109.jpeg" alt="Kansas head coach Bill Self rects on the sidelines during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against UCF in the second round of the Big 12 Conference tournament, March 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas head coach Bill Self rects on the sidelines during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against UCF in the second round of the Big 12 Conference tournament, March 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>No. 19 Kansas (21-13, 11-9 Big 12)</h2>The Jayhawks were the preseason No. 1 team last season and never lived up to the hype. They were bounced by Arizona in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament, then were beaten by Arkansas in the first round of the NCAAs. Just about everyone from that team is gone now, replaced by a few select transfers and a freshman class that should be among the best in the nation. Darryn Peterson could be the No. 1 NBA draft pick next year.<h2>Players to watch</h2>Peterson is exactly the kind of player that Kansas has not had the past few years: He can score even when the Jayhawks run bad offense. The 18-year-old from Prolific Prep in Napa, California, was a McDonald’s All-American after averaging more than 30 points per game last season.<h2>Departures and arrivals</h2>Longtime mainstays Hunter Dickinson, K.J. Adams Jr. and Dajuan Harris Jr. all graduated, as did Zeke Mayo, one of the few transfers who worked out last season. AJ Storr transferred to Ole Miss after a disappointing season, Rylan Griffen headed to Texas A&amp;M and Rakease Passmore and David Coit Jr. transferred to Maryland.Tre White arrived from Illinois, Jayden Dawson came from Loyola and Melvin Council Jr. joined from St. Bonaventure. Peterson is part of a six-man freshman class that includes elite prospects Kohl Rosario, Samis Calderon and French center Paul Mbiya.<h2>Top games</h2>The Jayhawks open against Green Bay on Nov. 3 before a trip to No. 25 North Carolina four days later. They also play No. 6 Duke in New York, Notre Dame and Syracuse in Las Vegas, No. 4 UConn at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 2, and Missouri in the Border War in Kansas City.Big 12 play ends with a brutal stretch that includes No. 2 Houston, No. 13 Arizona, a trip to Arizona State and rival Kansas State.<h2>Facts and figures</h2>

🏀 No. 19 KU rebuilds around elite freshman Darryn Peterson after back-to-back disappointing seasons

🎧🏈👟🏐 HutchCC claims 5 KJCCC weekly honors; ⚽ Boys soccer regional results from Tuesday

(2) Newton 5, (15) Goddard 0 (13) Hutchinson 3, (4) Valley Center 2

(6) Hesston 3, (11) Winfield 0 (7) McPherson 5, (10) Coffeyville-Field Kindley 0 (8) Wichita-Trinity Academy 3, (9) Buhler 0

(2) Newton vs. (10) Bishop Carroll, Thursday, 6 p.m. (13) Hutchinson at (5) Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Thursday, 4:30 p.m.

(6) Hesston at (3) Classical School of Wichita, 7 p.m. (7) McPherson at (2) Independence, Thursday, 6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761704258344.png" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Class 5A</h2>(2) Newton 5, (15) Goddard 0 (13) Hutchinson 3, (4) Valley Center 2<h2>Class 4-1A</h2>(6) Hesston 3, (11) Winfield 0 (7) McPherson 5, (10) Coffeyville-Field Kindley 0 (8) Wichita-Trinity Academy 3, (9) Buhler 0 <h2>Class 5A Regional Finals</h2>(2) Newton vs. (10) Bishop Carroll, Thursday, 6 p.m. (13) Hutchinson at (5) Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Thursday, 4:30 p.m.<h2>Class 4A Regional Finals</h2>(6) Hesston at (3) Classical School of Wichita, 7 p.m. (7) McPherson at (2) Independence, Thursday, 6 p.m.

⚽ KSHSAA boys regional soccer first-round final scores

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Junior guard P.J. Haggerty was among 20 preseason candidates for the Jerry West Award, which is given annually to the nation's top shooting guard by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Jerry West Award is named after the late Class of 1980 Hall of Famer and 1959 NCAA Final Four Most Valuable Player. It is celebrating its 12th year highlighting the top shooting guard in Division I.

Haggerty was one of 5 finalists for the award in 2025, which was won by Tennessee's Chaz Lanier.

Fans can help Haggerty advance on the watch list by voting in each of three rounds starting on Friday by visiting hoophallawards.com. The watch list of 20 players will be narrowed to 10 in late January then to five in late February. The five finalists will be presented to West's family and the Hall of Fame's selection committee, where the winner will be selected.

Haggerty was one of 5 Big 12 players on the preseason team, including Arizona's Brayden Burries, BYU's Richie Saunders, Houston's Emanuel Sharp and Oklahoma State's Anthony Roy. Others on the list included Creighton's Josh Dix, Duke's Isaiah Evans, Florida's Xaivian Lee, Illinois' Kylan Boswell, Kentucky's Otega Oweh, Louisville's Ryan Conwell, North Carolina's Seth Trimble, Providence's Jason Edwards, St. John's Ian Jackson, UConn's Solo Ball, USC's Rodney Rice, Utah State's Mason Falslev, Virginia's Malik Thomas, Washington's Wesley Yates III and Wisconsin's John Blackwell.

Haggerty has already received a number of preseason accolades, including All-America honors from CBS Sports, Jay Bilas and @CBBAnalytics and All-Big 12 honors from the league coaches.

Haggerty scored a game-high 23 points in Friday's exhibition at Missouri, connecting on 8-of-14 field goals, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, and 5-of-7 free throws to go with a game-high 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 rebounds in just under 25 minutes of action.

A consensus Second Team All-American at Memphis, Haggerty is coming off a career year in 2024-25, in which, he became the first Division I player since Ja Morant in 2018-19 to average 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals to go with 6.5 free throws per game. He ranked third nationally in both scoring (21.7 ppg.) and total points (759), while his 759 points were an AAC single-season record and the most since Dajuan Wagner (762) set the school single-season record in 2001-02. He became the first Memphis Tiger since 2008 to be named an AP All-American, while he was selected as the AAC Player of the Year, First Team All-AAC and the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 AAC Championship.

For more information on the 2025 Jerry West Award, please visit hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophallu and #WestAward on X and Instagram.

The Wildcats will play host to Division II foe Newman on Friday night at 7 p.m., at Bramlage Coliseum. The season opener is set for Tuesday, Nov. 4 against UNC Greensboro. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased in-person at the Athletics Ticket Office, online at kstatesports.com/tickets or by calling (800) 221.CATS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761703912853.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – Junior guard P.J. Haggerty was among 20 preseason candidates for the Jerry West Award, which is given annually to the nation's top shooting guard by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.The Jerry West Award is named after the late Class of 1980 Hall of Famer and 1959 NCAA Final Four Most Valuable Player. It is celebrating its 12th year highlighting the top shooting guard in Division I.Haggerty was one of 5 finalists for the award in 2025, which was won by Tennessee's Chaz Lanier.Fans can help Haggerty advance on the watch list by voting in each of three rounds starting on Friday by visiting hoophallawards.com. The watch list of 20 players will be narrowed to 10 in late January then to five in late February. The five finalists will be presented to West's family and the Hall of Fame's selection committee, where the winner will be selected.Haggerty was one of 5 Big 12 players on the preseason team, including Arizona's Brayden Burries, BYU's Richie Saunders, Houston's Emanuel Sharp and Oklahoma State's Anthony Roy. Others on the list included Creighton's Josh Dix, Duke's Isaiah Evans, Florida's Xaivian Lee, Illinois' Kylan Boswell, Kentucky's Otega Oweh, Louisville's Ryan Conwell, North Carolina's Seth Trimble, Providence's Jason Edwards, St. John's Ian Jackson, UConn's Solo Ball, USC's Rodney Rice, Utah State's Mason Falslev, Virginia's Malik Thomas, Washington's Wesley Yates III and Wisconsin's John Blackwell.Haggerty has already received a number of preseason accolades, including All-America honors from CBS Sports, Jay Bilas and @CBBAnalytics and All-Big 12 honors from the league coaches.Haggerty scored a game-high 23 points in Friday's exhibition at Missouri, connecting on 8-of-14 field goals, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, and 5-of-7 free throws to go with a game-high 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 rebounds in just under 25 minutes of action.A consensus Second Team All-American at Memphis, Haggerty is coming off a career year in 2024-25, in which, he became the first Division I player since Ja Morant in 2018-19 to average 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals to go with 6.5 free throws per game. He ranked third nationally in both scoring (21.7 ppg.) and total points (759), while his 759 points were an AAC single-season record and the most since Dajuan Wagner (762) set the school single-season record in 2001-02. He became the first Memphis Tiger since 2008 to be named an AP All-American, while he was selected as the AAC Player of the Year, First Team All-AAC and the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 AAC Championship.For more information on the 2025 Jerry West Award, please visit hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophallu and #WestAward on X and Instagram.The Wildcats will play host to Division II foe Newman on Friday night at 7 p.m., at Bramlage Coliseum. The season opener is set for Tuesday, Nov. 4 against UNC Greensboro. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased in-person at the Athletics Ticket Office, online at kstatesports.com/tickets or by calling (800) 221.CATS.

🏀 K-State's Haggerty named to Jerry West Award preseason watch list

Fresh off their individual and team Region 6 championships, Hutchinson Community College cross country runners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wxc/2025-26/bios/roni_mildred_mud8">Mildred Rono</a>&nbsp;and Cornelius Kogo were named Jayhawk Conference Runners of the Week on Tuesday.

Both Rono and Kogo captured individual regional titles on Friday in Colby. Rono helped the No. 8-ranked Blue Dragon women win their second team title in the last four years.

Kogo did the same for the No. 2-ranked Hutchinson men as the Blue Dragons won their second-straight Region 6 Team championship.

Cornelius Kogo Kogo became the fourth Blue Dragon to win the Region 6 individual championship. He posted a winning time of 24:17.77.

This was Kogo's second career race victory as a Blue Dragon. Kogo was one of three Blue Dragon runners to place in the Top 10 and help the Blue Dragons win a second-straight team championship.

This is Kogo's second Runner of the Week award this season. He also received conference honors after winning the Terry Masterson Twilight in August

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wxc/2025-26/bios/roni_mildred_mud8">Mildred Rono</a> Rono became the second-straight Blue Dragon women's cross country runner to capture the Region 6 championship.

Rono was running in a tightly-knit lead pack of five runners through three kilometers With two kilometers to go, Rono broke away from the pack and was never challenged again. Posting a time of 17:10.69, Rono won the race by 45.80 seconds.

Rono's time was the second-fastest Region 6 time in Blue Dragon history. Rono won the third race of her freshman season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761743359410.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon freshman Mildred Rono (right) and men's teammate Cornelius Kogo (left) were named KJCCC Cross Country Runners of the Week after both won Region 6 individual and team championships on Friday in Colby." />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon freshman Mildred Rono (right) and men's teammate Cornelius Kogo (left) were named KJCCC Cross Country Runners of the Week after both won Region 6 individual and team championships on Friday in Colby.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationFresh off their individual and team Region 6 championships, Hutchinson Community College cross country runners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wxc/2025-26/bios/roni_mildred_mud8">Mildred Rono</a>&nbsp;and Cornelius Kogo were named Jayhawk Conference Runners of the Week on Tuesday.Both Rono and Kogo captured individual regional titles on Friday in Colby. Rono helped the No. 8-ranked Blue Dragon women win their second team title in the last four years.Kogo did the same for the No. 2-ranked Hutchinson men as the Blue Dragons won their second-straight Region 6 Team championship.Cornelius Kogo Kogo became the fourth Blue Dragon to win the Region 6 individual championship. He posted a winning time of 24:17.77.This was Kogo's second career race victory as a Blue Dragon. Kogo was one of three Blue Dragon runners to place in the Top 10 and help the Blue Dragons win a second-straight team championship.This is Kogo's second Runner of the Week award this season. He also received conference honors after winning the Terry Masterson Twilight in August<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wxc/2025-26/bios/roni_mildred_mud8">Mildred Rono</a> Rono became the second-straight Blue Dragon women's cross country runner to capture the Region 6 championship.Rono was running in a tightly-knit lead pack of five runners through three kilometers With two kilometers to go, Rono broke away from the pack and was never challenged again. Posting a time of 17:10.69, Rono won the race by 45.80 seconds.Rono's time was the second-fastest Region 6 time in Blue Dragon history. Rono won the third race of her freshman season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

👟 Region 6 champions, Rono, Kogo earn KJCCC honors

Hutchinson Community College sophomore safety D.J. Jester was named the KJCCC Football Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday after helping the top-ranked Blue Dragons to a shutout victory last Saturday at Gowans Stadium.

Jester and the No. 1 Blue Dragons blanked No. 10 Coffeyville 31-0.

Jester, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound safety from Homestead, Florida, was Hutchinson's leading tackler against the Red Ravens with five tackles, and he recorded his second interception of the season on Coffeyville's opening drive of the second half.

Jester is the third different Blue Dragon this season to win defensive weekly honors. He joins&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/haines_teegan_n109">Teegan Haines</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/wiley_darius_xg0z">Darius Wiley</a>&nbsp;as Defensive Player of the Week winners. He is the ninth overall Blue Dragon to win a conference honor this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761743269267.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon sophomore safety D.J. Jester (0) is this week's KJCCC Football Defensive Player of the Week." />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon sophomore safety D.J. Jester (0) is this week's KJCCC Football Defensive Player of the Week.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College sophomore safety D.J. Jester was named the KJCCC Football Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday after helping the top-ranked Blue Dragons to a shutout victory last Saturday at Gowans Stadium.Jester and the No. 1 Blue Dragons blanked No. 10 Coffeyville 31-0.Jester, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound safety from Homestead, Florida, was Hutchinson's leading tackler against the Red Ravens with five tackles, and he recorded his second interception of the season on Coffeyville's opening drive of the second half.Jester is the third different Blue Dragon this season to win defensive weekly honors. He joins&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/haines_teegan_n109">Teegan Haines</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/wiley_darius_xg0z">Darius Wiley</a>&nbsp;as Defensive Player of the Week winners. He is the ninth overall Blue Dragon to win a conference honor this season.<div>BLUE DRAGON KJCCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Week 3 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Offense Week 4 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/salley_jr._derrick_8ftn">Derrick Salley Jr.</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Offense Week 4 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/haines_teegan_n109">Teegan Haines</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Defense Week 5 &ndash; Derrick Salley Jr &ndash; Offense Week 5 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/wiley_darius_xg0z">Darius Wiley</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Defense Week 7 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Offense Week 7 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/gouldsby_kordell_rb8n">Kordell Gouldsby</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Special Teams Week 8 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/gouldsby_kordell_rb8n">Kordell Gouldsby</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Special Teams Week 9 &ndash; D.J. Jester &ndash; Defense</div>

🏈 HutchCC's Jester tapped as KJCCC Defensive Player of the Week

A pair of Hutchinson Community College volleyball players earned KJCCC Player of the Week honors for their huge roles on a big road victory on Saturday.

Sophomore right-side hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;was named the conference's Division I Player of the Week. For the second-week in a row, freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;was named the conference's Defensive Player of the Week.

Hutchinson defeated Seward County 3-1 on Saturday in Liberal. The Blue Dragons made sizable late comebacks late in each of the sets they won, including trailing 19-14 in the fourth set.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;– Player of the WeekMcNeill, a 6-foot-1 sophomore from Houston, 14 kills on .370 hitting in the set victory over Seward County.

Down 19-14 in the fourth, McNeill carried the Blue Dragons to a 25-22 match-clinching win with six kills on nine attacks in the set.

McNeill is the second Blue Dragon to win conference honors this season, joining sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/proctor_atlyn_jzx3">Atlyn Proctor</a>, who won the award in Week 2.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;– Defensive Player of the WeekOliveira is a 5'3 freshman from Matonsinhos, Portugal. Oliveira had 35 digs in a four-set victory over Seward County. This was Oliveira's third match this season with 30 or more digs and helped the Blue Dragons continue to battle for conference tournament seeding.

Oliveira is a repeat winner of the award, earning conference honors last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761676407168.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon sophomore Jaylynn McNeill (left) was named the KJCCC Player of the Week and teammate Clara Oliveira (right) was named the league's Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday." />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon sophomore Jaylynn McNeill (left) was named the KJCCC Player of the Week and teammate Clara Oliveira (right) was named the league's Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationA pair of Hutchinson Community College volleyball players earned KJCCC Player of the Week honors for their huge roles on a big road victory on Saturday.Sophomore right-side hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;was named the conference's Division I Player of the Week. For the second-week in a row, freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;was named the conference's Defensive Player of the Week.Hutchinson defeated Seward County 3-1 on Saturday in Liberal. The Blue Dragons made sizable late comebacks late in each of the sets they won, including trailing 19-14 in the fourth set.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;– Player of the WeekMcNeill, a 6-foot-1 sophomore from Houston, 14 kills on .370 hitting in the set victory over Seward County.Down 19-14 in the fourth, McNeill carried the Blue Dragons to a 25-22 match-clinching win with six kills on nine attacks in the set.McNeill is the second Blue Dragon to win conference honors this season, joining sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/proctor_atlyn_jzx3">Atlyn Proctor</a>, who won the award in Week 2.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;– Defensive Player of the WeekOliveira is a 5'3 freshman from Matonsinhos, Portugal. Oliveira had 35 digs in a four-set victory over Seward County. This was Oliveira's third match this season with 30 or more digs and helped the Blue Dragons continue to battle for conference tournament seeding.Oliveira is a repeat winner of the award, earning conference honors last week.<div>Blue Dragon/KJCCC Player of the Week Winners <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/proctor_atlyn_jzx3">Atlyn Proctor</a>&nbsp;- Week 2 (Player) <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;- Week 9 (Defensive) <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;- Week 10 (Player) <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;- Week 10 (Defensive)</div>

🏐 HutchCC's McNeill, Oliveira named KJCCC players of the week

🎧🏈 Chiefs win on MNF; 🏈 HutchCC stays No. 1; ⚾ Dodgers win marathon WS Game 3

The Hutchinson Community College football team goes from one national Top 10 battle right into another as the latest NJCAA Division I Rankings were released on Monday.

Hutchinson (7-0) remained No. 1 for the 11th-straight week after throwing a shutout in a 31-0 victory over then-No. 10 Coffeyville on Saturday at Gowans Stadium.

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/fball/rankings/DI/index" target="_blank">CLICK FOR COMPLETE NJCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL RANKINGS</a>

Now the Blue Dragons will go on the road for another Top 10 showdown on Saturday when Hutchinson travels to play at No. 9 Butler at 7 p.m. in El Dorado.

The Grizzlies moved up four spots into the Top 10 after a double-overtime 26-23 road win at previous-No. 6 Garden City on Saturday.

The Blue Dragons extend their program record for longest consecutive weeks in the national poll to 58 weeks. The Dragons have been ranked in the top three of the NJCAA Rankings for 52 consecutive polls and have been ranked No. 1 in 47 of the 77 polls released in the Drew Dallas era.

Four Jayhawk Conference teams will remain in the national Top 15. After Hutchinson and Butler, Garden City drops five spots to No. 11 and Coffeyville moved down three spots to No. 13.

The Top 5 remained the same this week. Following Hutchinson, Iowa Western remained No. 2, Tyler stayed at No. 3, Northwest Mississippi is at No. 4 and Georgia Military stayed at No. 5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761657524492.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College football team goes from one national Top 10 battle right into another as the latest NJCAA Division I Rankings were released on Monday.Hutchinson (7-0) remained No. 1 for the 11th-straight week after throwing a shutout in a 31-0 victory over then-No. 10 Coffeyville on Saturday at Gowans Stadium.<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/fball/rankings/DI/index" target="_blank">CLICK FOR COMPLETE NJCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL RANKINGS</a>Now the Blue Dragons will go on the road for another Top 10 showdown on Saturday when Hutchinson travels to play at No. 9 Butler at 7 p.m. in El Dorado.The Grizzlies moved up four spots into the Top 10 after a double-overtime 26-23 road win at previous-No. 6 Garden City on Saturday.The Blue Dragons extend their program record for longest consecutive weeks in the national poll to 58 weeks. The Dragons have been ranked in the top three of the NJCAA Rankings for 52 consecutive polls and have been ranked No. 1 in 47 of the 77 polls released in the Drew Dallas era.Four Jayhawk Conference teams will remain in the national Top 15. After Hutchinson and Butler, Garden City drops five spots to No. 11 and Coffeyville moved down three spots to No. 13.The Top 5 remained the same this week. Following Hutchinson, Iowa Western remained No. 2, Tyler stayed at No. 3, Northwest Mississippi is at No. 4 and Georgia Military stayed at No. 5.

🏈 Blue Dragons remain No. 1 ahead of another Top 10 showdown

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid called the first half of Monday night's game against Washington downright weird, full of turnovers and failed fourth-down conversions and so much lousy execution by both teams that he was left scratching his head.

“There wasn't a lot of punting but there wasn't a lot of points,” Reid said. “That doesn't normally happen.”

The second half? About as normal as it gets for Kansas City these days.

Patrick Mahomes wound up throwing for 299 yards and three touchdowns, Kareem Hunt found the end zone twice, and the Chiefs' defense was just as dominant as their high-flying offense over the final 30 minutes, helping Kansas City pull away from a halftime tie for a 28-7 victory over the Commanders on a cold night at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-clark-hunt-94bac7ee85253b069d0145050df10ccb">Arrowhead Stadium</a>.

Mahomes was nearly perfect after throwing two early interceptions, one of which was hardly his fault. One of his touchdown passes&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1982993454537081002">went to good buddy Travis Kelce</a>, giving him 83 scores to tie Priest Holmes for the Chiefs career record, and another went to Rashee Rice, who caught nine passes for 93 yards in his second game back from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-rashee-rice-6c567fcaeea0d92cf7eeb319f1cdf672">a six-game NFL suspension</a>.

It all helped the Chiefs (5-3) win for the fourth time in five games. It also helped them extend their streak of dominance over the Commanders to nine straight wins and 11 in 12 games overall; the lone loss came way back on Sept. 18, 1983.

“I think it just shows the growth we've had as a team,” Mahomes said. “Even though we didn't start the way we wanted to on offense, it showed we can battle through adversity and play the brand of football we want to play.”

Marcus Mariota had 213 yards passing with a touchdown and two interceptions for the Commanders (3-5), who fell to 1-4 away from home this season. Mariota started in place of Jayden Daniels, who hurt his hamstring in last week's loss to Dallas.

Terry McLaurin returned from a quad issue to catch three passes for 54 yards and the score, though he aggravated the injury late in the game. Deebo Samuel also returned from a bruised heel, but after two early catches, he managed just one more.

“It was a tale of two halves,” said McLaurin, adding that he would take his injury day by day this week. “We kind of left some things on the field in the first half that we feel we could have executed. The defense did a great job of getting us the ball back twice. We've got to capitalize on that. The second half, they executed a lot better than us.”

In truth, most of the first half was an exercise in poor execution by both offenses.

The Commanders' opening series ended when Mariota's pass bounced off Samuel for an interception. The Chiefs' ended when Mahomes also was picked off. Kansas City proceeded to stop Washington on fourth down, only for Mahomes to have a pass bounce off Kelce's hands for his second interception — which the Commanders failed to capitalize on when Mariota overthrew everyone on fourth-and-1 deep in Kansas City territory.

To recap: Two picks by the Commanders, who had created three turnovers all season; two thrown by Mahomes, who had thrown just two previously; and two failed fourth-down conversions by a Washington offense desperate to get points.

But then, two very productive drives: Kansas City marched 72 yards for a touchdown, and the Commanders answered with a 66-yard drive that McLaurin finished with a TD reception that was first ruled incomplete but overturned upon review.

“We came out well,” Mariota said, "but when we’re not converting our drives against this type of team, it’s tough, because they’ll get going. I thought our defense did a good job of holding them up, making plays, creating turnovers.”

Until the second half. That's when the Chiefs, who were 12 1/2-point favorites, according to BetMGM, started to play like it.

They opened with a methodical 80-yard drive that Hunt finished with his second score. Then, after Kansas City forced a quick punt by the Commanders, the 36-year-old Kelce capped a 75-yard drive with his record-tying touchdown reception.

“He's just like, the true Chiefs' Chief," Mahomes said. “He helped set the culture and what it means to play in Kansas City.”

The clinching blow came midway through the fourth quarter, a 13-play, 94-yard drive by the Chiefs — well, 119 yards if you include all the penalties they had to overcome — that finally broke the Commanders. Rice finished it with an 18-yard touchdown reception after he had twice come up just shy of scoring earlier in the game.

It made five consecutive games in which Kansas City has scored at least 28 points, and it put this one well out of reach.

“It's tough to score points in this league,” Reid said, “so anything you get, you appreciate it. I like the way the guys went about it. You need mental toughness. There's so much parity. You have to fight through the highs and lows. I appreciate the effort.”

Washington: Matthew Wright kicked in place of Matt Gay, who was out with a back injury. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil hurt his hamstring on the opening series. Defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton hurt his ankle but returned to the game.

Kansas City: Offensive guard Trey Smith was inactive because of a back injury.

The Commanders host Seattle on Sunday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761614320893.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid called the first half of Monday night's game against Washington downright weird, full of turnovers and failed fourth-down conversions and so much lousy execution by both teams that he was left scratching his head.“There wasn't a lot of punting but there wasn't a lot of points,” Reid said. “That doesn't normally happen.”The second half? About as normal as it gets for Kansas City these days.Patrick Mahomes wound up throwing for 299 yards and three touchdowns, Kareem Hunt found the end zone twice, and the Chiefs' defense was just as dominant as their high-flying offense over the final 30 minutes, helping Kansas City pull away from a halftime tie for a 28-7 victory over the Commanders on a cold night at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-clark-hunt-94bac7ee85253b069d0145050df10ccb">Arrowhead Stadium</a>.Mahomes was nearly perfect after throwing two early interceptions, one of which was hardly his fault. One of his touchdown passes&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1982993454537081002">went to good buddy Travis Kelce</a>, giving him 83 scores to tie Priest Holmes for the Chiefs career record, and another went to Rashee Rice, who caught nine passes for 93 yards in his second game back from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-rashee-rice-6c567fcaeea0d92cf7eeb319f1cdf672">a six-game NFL suspension</a>.It all helped the Chiefs (5-3) win for the fourth time in five games. It also helped them extend their streak of dominance over the Commanders to nine straight wins and 11 in 12 games overall; the lone loss came way back on Sept. 18, 1983.“I think it just shows the growth we've had as a team,” Mahomes said. “Even though we didn't start the way we wanted to on offense, it showed we can battle through adversity and play the brand of football we want to play.”Marcus Mariota had 213 yards passing with a touchdown and two interceptions for the Commanders (3-5), who fell to 1-4 away from home this season. Mariota started in place of Jayden Daniels, who hurt his hamstring in last week's loss to Dallas.Terry McLaurin returned from a quad issue to catch three passes for 54 yards and the score, though he aggravated the injury late in the game. Deebo Samuel also returned from a bruised heel, but after two early catches, he managed just one more.“It was a tale of two halves,” said McLaurin, adding that he would take his injury day by day this week. “We kind of left some things on the field in the first half that we feel we could have executed. The defense did a great job of getting us the ball back twice. We've got to capitalize on that. The second half, they executed a lot better than us.”In truth, most of the first half was an exercise in poor execution by both offenses.The Commanders' opening series ended when Mariota's pass bounced off Samuel for an interception. The Chiefs' ended when Mahomes also was picked off. Kansas City proceeded to stop Washington on fourth down, only for Mahomes to have a pass bounce off Kelce's hands for his second interception — which the Commanders failed to capitalize on when Mariota overthrew everyone on fourth-and-1 deep in Kansas City territory.To recap: Two picks by the Commanders, who had created three turnovers all season; two thrown by Mahomes, who had thrown just two previously; and two failed fourth-down conversions by a Washington offense desperate to get points.All told, five empty drives.“Just weird,” Reid said.But then, two very productive drives: Kansas City marched 72 yards for a touchdown, and the Commanders answered with a 66-yard drive that McLaurin finished with a TD reception that was first ruled incomplete but overturned upon review.“We came out well,” Mariota said, "but when we’re not converting our drives against this type of team, it’s tough, because they’ll get going. I thought our defense did a good job of holding them up, making plays, creating turnovers.”Until the second half. That's when the Chiefs, who were 12 1/2-point favorites, according to BetMGM, started to play like it.They opened with a methodical 80-yard drive that Hunt finished with his second score. Then, after Kansas City forced a quick punt by the Commanders, the 36-year-old Kelce capped a 75-yard drive with his record-tying touchdown reception.“He's just like, the true Chiefs' Chief," Mahomes said. “He helped set the culture and what it means to play in Kansas City.”The clinching blow came midway through the fourth quarter, a 13-play, 94-yard drive by the Chiefs — well, 119 yards if you include all the penalties they had to overcome — that finally broke the Commanders. Rice finished it with an 18-yard touchdown reception after he had twice come up just shy of scoring earlier in the game.It made five consecutive games in which Kansas City has scored at least 28 points, and it put this one well out of reach.“It's tough to score points in this league,” Reid said, “so anything you get, you appreciate it. I like the way the guys went about it. You need mental toughness. There's so much parity. You have to fight through the highs and lows. I appreciate the effort.”<h2>Injuries</h2>Washington: Matthew Wright kicked in place of Matt Gay, who was out with a back injury. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil hurt his hamstring on the opening series. Defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton hurt his ankle but returned to the game.Kansas City: Offensive guard Trey Smith was inactive because of a back injury.<h2>Up next</h2>The Commanders host Seattle on Sunday night.The Chiefs play at Buffalo the same day for an AFC title game rematch.___