MANHATTAN, Kansas -&nbsp;K-State used a large second and third quarter advantage to overcome a sluggish first frame to secure a 73-59 win over Houston on Sunday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum.&nbsp; K-State (8-1) has won 16 consecutive non-conference home games with its last loss coming against Idaho State on Dec. 8, 2020. The Wildcats were led by the trio of senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/8613">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;and sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/8607">Jaelyn Glenn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/8612">Serena Sundell</a>. Gregory led all scorers with 21 points on 6-of-13 shooting and a 7-of-8 effort from the foul line. She also pulled in five rebounds. Glenn tallied 18 points including a career-high 8-of-12 performance from the free throw line. She also equaled her season-high on the glass with eight rebounds and handed out three assists, pocketed three steals and blocked two shots. Sundell carded 11 points, eight assists with zero turnovers, six rebounds and two steals. HOW IT HAPPENED - Houston (1-7) entered Sunday's game with six losses with a margin of seven points or less including overtime decisions against Florida State and Florida.&nbsp; - The Cougars, who entered the game shooting 33.9 percent from the field, dashed out to a 12-1 lead and ended the opening frame with a 20-17 edge on a 52.9 percent (9-of-17) effort from the field.&nbsp; - K-State started its 38-17 onslaught during the middle 20 minutes of the game with a 52.9 percent (9-of-17) effort of its own from the field in the second quarter and lock down defense. The Wildcats scored seven points off three Houston turnovers in the frame and held the Cougars to 3-of-16 (.188) shooting over the final 10 minutes of the second quarter.&nbsp; - With a 40-29 lead at the half, K-State pushed its advantage to 18, 55-37, by outscoring Houston, 15-8 in the third quarter. Defensively, K-State frustrated the Cougars to a 3-of-15 (.200) third quarter. - The Wildcats held off a fourth quarter Houston run with a near perfect effort from the foul line, as K-State was 10-of-12 (.833) including an 8-of-10 effort in the final 2:16 of the game. QUICK FACTS - K-State leads the series with Houston, 2-0. This was the first meeting between the schools since Nov. 24, 1977. - The Wildcats are 53-13 all-time against current members of the American Athletic Conference. - K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/1817">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;is 11-6 in his career against Houston. TEAM NOTES - Sunday's starting five was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sarah-shematsi/9881">Sarah Shematsi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/8607">Jaelyn Glenn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/8612">Serena Sundell</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/8606">Brylee Glenn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emilee-ebert/8605">Emilee Ebert</a>. This was the first time this group started a game together this season. - K-State has opened the season by scoring 70 or more points in eight of its first nine games. - For the game, K-State shot 40.4 percent (21-of-52) from the field. - K-State was 5-of-21 (.238) from 3-point range.&nbsp; - The Wildcats were 26-of-31 (.839) from the free throw line. This was the third time this season K-State made 20 or free throws in a game. This marked the fourth time the Wildcats have shot 80.0 percent or better from the charity stripe. - Houston shot 35.8 percent (24-of-67) from the field including a 4-of-16 (.250) effort from 3-point range. PLAYER NOTES -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/8613">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;tallied her 49th career game in double figures for points and her eighth at K-State. This was Gregory's 14th career game with 20 or more points and her sixth at K-State. - Gregory's career collegiate point total stands at 975. - The guard from Tulsa, Oklahoma, finished with two connections from long range her 35th career game with two or more connections from deep. - Gregory hauled in five or more rebounds for the 29th time in her career and the fifth time at K-State. - Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/8607">Jaelyn Glenn</a>&nbsp;reached double figures for the eighth time this season and the 15th time in her career. This was her sixth straight game in double figures, the longest streak of her career. - Glenn made two or more 3-point field goals in a game for the 18th time in her career with two connections on Sunday. - Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/8612">Serena Sundell</a>&nbsp;notched her 25th career game in double figures for points and her sixth this season. - Sundell hauled in five or more rebounds for the 15th time in her career and the seventh time this season. - Sundell ranks 24th in school history for career assists, as her eight on Sunday improved her career total to 222. - Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emilee-ebert/8605">Emilee Ebert</a>&nbsp;was 3-of-3 from the foul line and extended her consecutive free throws made streak to 28, which is tied for the fourth-longest streak in school history. Ebert is a 20-of-20 from the foul line this season and made her last eight free throws in the 2021-22 season. FROM THE HEAD COACH K-State Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/1817">Jeff Mittie</a> Opening Statement... "My opening speech will be just a hair shorter than when I called the first timeout. This started in shoot around today and seemed like it carried over a little bit in terms of our energy and that was a big concern of mine. You know, it's one thing, as I told them, it's one thing if the other team takes a lead and you're engaged and you're doing things well and you're talking and you're doing some things but I didn't like our body language. I didn't like our locker room before the game, so obviously I wanted to at least try to get their attention, and I'm proud of our group for coming back. You know, Houston played very well in that stretch as well. So they stretch that thing out to 12 to 1 but a lot of basketball left and our group after that, probably the last 12 minutes of the first half, I thought we played really well." On his messages during the first timeout… "They still went out and scored a bunch of points after that, you know, &nbsp;man to man helped. They had some players knock some shots down against the zone our activity in the zone wasn't very good. They have not been a good shooting team but you know, they have some players capable and they certainly shot well in that stretch. I think the main thing, my problem early, and I just got done telling them, is that we weren't ready to be physical. We weren't ready to be aggressive. And we're playing a team that that is their strength. And boy, if you linger 10-15 minutes and you don't answer that, then you can be a real problem. And I did think we came out after that and were more physical and more engaged. So I thought it was a little better." On&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/eliza-maupin/8626">Eliza Maupin's</a>&nbsp;minutes in the game… "Early I just felt like we needed somebody that had a little bounce in their step and she's super athletic so defensively she's really good. So the areas that we weren't playing very good I thought, but then it wasn't long, a minute, to be able to see that boy she had a good look to her and had a good balance to her. So I played her a little more at the five today because of that. But it all was just her early look was really good." On the team's rebounding… "Below average? They out rebound us by a couple here. They're not a big team. They were really quick to the ball. They were quicker to the ball than we were, I thought it got better. I think our guards really struggled in this one. Our guards were really, I think, late on some rebounding plays, but I thought it was below average. We'll have to be wanting to be much better going forward." On the focus for Wednesday's game… "Well, I think just on us, I think we've got to continue to grow in handling the pressure better, defensive pressure better. I think we've got to learn that we need to control what we control. You know, we should not have been surprised by their physicality. We're eight games into this. We should not, we need to be the aggressor. And we weren't early in this game so we need to learn from that. It's not so much about Wednesday as it is for us just being able to be ready on Tuesday and be ready when the bell rings." FROM THE FLOOR <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/8613">Gabby Gregory</a>, K-State Senior Guard On what they did well to gain the lead… "I think in games like this where you're playing a team that's super aggressive on defense, are going to come trap you and things like that. It takes you seconds sometimes to kind of get into the flow. And I think once we got kind of used to their aggressiveness and were able to come down and run our offense or run our push and things like that we were able to get the shots that we wanted and I think that really made a difference." <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/8607">Jaelyn Glenn</a>, K-State Sophomore Guard On the change between the first and second half…&nbsp; "I think our energy was different. I think a lot of people, like their hustle was a lot better than when we got down. That was the biggest thing that I noticed. I think Eliza [Maupin] brought a lot of energy when she had the tip in. I think that was really like a huge turning point for us, and that brought up our energy a whole bunch." On playing after a week off… "I think we probably didn't come out the way we wanted to or expected us to just because we had a week off. Getting back into the flow of things and a week off is always nice." UP NEXT K-State returns to Bramlage Coliseum on Wednesday, December 7, as the Wildcats host Kansas City at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, call (800) 221-CATS or visit kstatesports.com. Wednesday's game will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670239844581.jpeg" alt="K-State WBB vs Houston" />
 <figcaption>K-State WBB vs Houston</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas -&nbsp;K-State used a large second and third quarter advantage to overcome a sluggish first frame to secure a 73-59 win over Houston on Sunday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum.&nbsp; K-State (8-1) has won 16 consecutive non-conference home games with its last loss coming against Idaho State on Dec. 8, 2020. The Wildcats were led by the trio of senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/8613">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;and sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/8607">Jaelyn Glenn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/8612">Serena Sundell</a>. Gregory led all scorers with 21 points on 6-of-13 shooting and a 7-of-8 effort from the foul line. She also pulled in five rebounds. Glenn tallied 18 points including a career-high 8-of-12 performance from the free throw line. She also equaled her season-high on the glass with eight rebounds and handed out three assists, pocketed three steals and blocked two shots. Sundell carded 11 points, eight assists with zero turnovers, six rebounds and two steals. HOW IT HAPPENED - Houston (1-7) entered Sunday's game with six losses with a margin of seven points or less including overtime decisions against Florida State and Florida.&nbsp; - The Cougars, who entered the game shooting 33.9 percent from the field, dashed out to a 12-1 lead and ended the opening frame with a 20-17 edge on a 52.9 percent (9-of-17) effort from the field.&nbsp; - K-State started its 38-17 onslaught during the middle 20 minutes of the game with a 52.9 percent (9-of-17) effort of its own from the field in the second quarter and lock down defense. The Wildcats scored seven points off three Houston turnovers in the frame and held the Cougars to 3-of-16 (.188) shooting over the final 10 minutes of the second quarter.&nbsp; - With a 40-29 lead at the half, K-State pushed its advantage to 18, 55-37, by outscoring Houston, 15-8 in the third quarter. Defensively, K-State frustrated the Cougars to a 3-of-15 (.200) third quarter. - The Wildcats held off a fourth quarter Houston run with a near perfect effort from the foul line, as K-State was 10-of-12 (.833) including an 8-of-10 effort in the final 2:16 of the game. QUICK FACTS - K-State leads the series with Houston, 2-0. This was the first meeting between the schools since Nov. 24, 1977. - The Wildcats are 53-13 all-time against current members of the American Athletic Conference. - K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/1817">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;is 11-6 in his career against Houston. TEAM NOTES - Sunday's starting five was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sarah-shematsi/9881">Sarah Shematsi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/8607">Jaelyn Glenn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/8612">Serena Sundell</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/8606">Brylee Glenn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emilee-ebert/8605">Emilee Ebert</a>. This was the first time this group started a game together this season. - K-State has opened the season by scoring 70 or more points in eight of its first nine games. - For the game, K-State shot 40.4 percent (21-of-52) from the field. - K-State was 5-of-21 (.238) from 3-point range.&nbsp; - The Wildcats were 26-of-31 (.839) from the free throw line. This was the third time this season K-State made 20 or free throws in a game. This marked the fourth time the Wildcats have shot 80.0 percent or better from the charity stripe. - Houston shot 35.8 percent (24-of-67) from the field including a 4-of-16 (.250) effort from 3-point range. PLAYER NOTES -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/8613">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;tallied her 49th career game in double figures for points and her eighth at K-State. This was Gregory's 14th career game with 20 or more points and her sixth at K-State. - Gregory's career collegiate point total stands at 975. - The guard from Tulsa, Oklahoma, finished with two connections from long range her 35th career game with two or more connections from deep. - Gregory hauled in five or more rebounds for the 29th time in her career and the fifth time at K-State. - Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/8607">Jaelyn Glenn</a>&nbsp;reached double figures for the eighth time this season and the 15th time in her career. This was her sixth straight game in double figures, the longest streak of her career. - Glenn made two or more 3-point field goals in a game for the 18th time in her career with two connections on Sunday. - Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/8612">Serena Sundell</a>&nbsp;notched her 25th career game in double figures for points and her sixth this season. - Sundell hauled in five or more rebounds for the 15th time in her career and the seventh time this season. - Sundell ranks 24th in school history for career assists, as her eight on Sunday improved her career total to 222. - Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emilee-ebert/8605">Emilee Ebert</a>&nbsp;was 3-of-3 from the foul line and extended her consecutive free throws made streak to 28, which is tied for the fourth-longest streak in school history. Ebert is a 20-of-20 from the foul line this season and made her last eight free throws in the 2021-22 season. FROM THE HEAD COACH K-State Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/1817">Jeff Mittie</a> Opening Statement... "My opening speech will be just a hair shorter than when I called the first timeout. This started in shoot around today and seemed like it carried over a little bit in terms of our energy and that was a big concern of mine. You know, it's one thing, as I told them, it's one thing if the other team takes a lead and you're engaged and you're doing things well and you're talking and you're doing some things but I didn't like our body language. I didn't like our locker room before the game, so obviously I wanted to at least try to get their attention, and I'm proud of our group for coming back. You know, Houston played very well in that stretch as well. So they stretch that thing out to 12 to 1 but a lot of basketball left and our group after that, probably the last 12 minutes of the first half, I thought we played really well." On his messages during the first timeout… "They still went out and scored a bunch of points after that, you know, &nbsp;man to man helped. They had some players knock some shots down against the zone our activity in the zone wasn't very good. They have not been a good shooting team but you know, they have some players capable and they certainly shot well in that stretch. I think the main thing, my problem early, and I just got done telling them, is that we weren't ready to be physical. We weren't ready to be aggressive. And we're playing a team that that is their strength. And boy, if you linger 10-15 minutes and you don't answer that, then you can be a real problem. And I did think we came out after that and were more physical and more engaged. So I thought it was a little better." On&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/eliza-maupin/8626">Eliza Maupin's</a>&nbsp;minutes in the game… "Early I just felt like we needed somebody that had a little bounce in their step and she's super athletic so defensively she's really good. So the areas that we weren't playing very good I thought, but then it wasn't long, a minute, to be able to see that boy she had a good look to her and had a good balance to her. So I played her a little more at the five today because of that. But it all was just her early look was really good." On the team's rebounding… "Below average? They out rebound us by a couple here. They're not a big team. They were really quick to the ball. They were quicker to the ball than we were, I thought it got better. I think our guards really struggled in this one. Our guards were really, I think, late on some rebounding plays, but I thought it was below average. We'll have to be wanting to be much better going forward." On the focus for Wednesday's game… "Well, I think just on us, I think we've got to continue to grow in handling the pressure better, defensive pressure better. I think we've got to learn that we need to control what we control. You know, we should not have been surprised by their physicality. We're eight games into this. We should not, we need to be the aggressor. And we weren't early in this game so we need to learn from that. It's not so much about Wednesday as it is for us just being able to be ready on Tuesday and be ready when the bell rings." FROM THE FLOOR <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/8613">Gabby Gregory</a>, K-State Senior Guard On what they did well to gain the lead… "I think in games like this where you're playing a team that's super aggressive on defense, are going to come trap you and things like that. It takes you seconds sometimes to kind of get into the flow. And I think once we got kind of used to their aggressiveness and were able to come down and run our offense or run our push and things like that we were able to get the shots that we wanted and I think that really made a difference." <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/8607">Jaelyn Glenn</a>, K-State Sophomore Guard On the change between the first and second half…&nbsp; "I think our energy was different. I think a lot of people, like their hustle was a lot better than when we got down. That was the biggest thing that I noticed. I think Eliza [Maupin] brought a lot of energy when she had the tip in. I think that was really like a huge turning point for us, and that brought up our energy a whole bunch." On playing after a week off… "I think we probably didn't come out the way we wanted to or expected us to just because we had a week off. Getting back into the flow of things and a week off is always nice." UP NEXT K-State returns to Bramlage Coliseum on Wednesday, December 7, as the Wildcats host Kansas City at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, call (800) 221-CATS or visit kstatesports.com. Wednesday's game will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WBB: K-State Pulls Away from Pesky Houston

LAWRENCE, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas improved to 7-0 on the season as the Jayhawks defeated Southeast Missouri State 88-51 in a wire-to-wire victory on Sunday afternoon at Allen Fieldhouse. The 88 points were a season high and the undefeated start is the best since the 2019-20 season.

Offensively, Kansas featured a balanced attack with five players scoring in double figures. Senior Taiyanna Jackson paced the Jayhawks with a team-high 17 points and six rebounds. Sanna Strom scored a career-high 13 points, while Holly Kersgieter, Wyvette Mayberry and Zakiyah Franklin added 12 points apiece.

"I think we had the right mentality coming into the game. We addressed it head on, that this could be a trap game in between Texas A&amp;M and Arizona and we felt like with the experience and maturity that we have that this should be a momentum game. I thought we used it the right way, we got some people who haven't got a lot of minutes some opportunities today."

The Jayhawks started out strong and never looked back. An 11-0 run to begin the game followed by another 11-0 run in the first quarter and an 8-0 run to end the quarter had KU leading 30-4 at the end of the first period. The 30 points were the most in a quarter this season. Kansas scored 14 points off six SEMO turnovers.

The lead continued to grow in the second quarter as the Jayhawks went into halftime with a 50-18 advantage. Seven three-pointers in the half helped the Jayhawks finish with a season-high 50 points and build a season-high 32-point edge at the break. Jackson led the team with 13 points at the half.

A 24-16 third quarter by KU allowed Kansas to stretch its lead to as many as 43 points in the fourth quarter.

The Jayhawks finished the game shooting 40.0 percent from beyond the arc (10-of-25) and 75.0 percent from the free throw line (24-of-32). The 37-point victory was the largest since the 2020-21 season against Oral Roberts.

Up Next The Jayhawks are on the road Thursday, Dec. 8 to face Arizona, who is currently ranked No. 14 in the AP Poll. That game tips off at 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on the Pac-12 Networks.

Notes The Jayhawks scored 80+ points for the first time this season, with 88 points. KU also had the most points they’ve scored in one half this season with 50 points in the first half. Taiyanna Jackson has scored in double-figures in every game this season (16, 16, 10, 14, 24, 16,&nbsp;17), averaging 16.1&nbsp;on the season. Five Jayhawks scored in double-figures: Holly Kersgieter (12), Taiyanna Jackson (17), Zakiyah Franklin (12), Wyvette Mayberry (12), Sanna Strom (13), (prev. Franklin (21, Jackson (14), Kersgeiter (11), Mayberry (11), Prater (10) vs Texas A&amp;M 11/23/22. The Jayhawks have never trailed after the first quarter through 7 games this season. Prior to the game, Kansas recognized former Jayhawk Carolyn (Davis) Jenkins, who played at KU from 2010-13 and is currently an assistant coach for the Redhawks.

KANSAS: THE LAST TIME (INDIVIDUAL) Chandler Prater had 5 Assists (prev. Zakiyah Franklin had 5 assists at Saint Mary’s)

KANSAS: THE LAST TIME (TEAM) Scored 50 points in a half (55 points against Vanderbilt 12/5/21) Had 40 rebounds: 44 rebounds (40 at Saint Mary’s 11/26/22)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670239057147.png" alt="KU WBB vs SE Missouri State" />
 <figcaption>KU WBB vs SE Missouri State</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas improved to 7-0 on the season as the Jayhawks defeated Southeast Missouri State 88-51 in a wire-to-wire victory on Sunday afternoon at Allen Fieldhouse. The 88 points were a season high and the undefeated start is the best since the 2019-20 season.Offensively, Kansas featured a balanced attack with five players scoring in double figures. Senior Taiyanna Jackson paced the Jayhawks with a team-high 17 points and six rebounds. Sanna Strom scored a career-high 13 points, while Holly Kersgieter, Wyvette Mayberry and Zakiyah Franklin added 12 points apiece."I think we had the right mentality coming into the game. We addressed it head on, that this could be a trap game in between Texas A&amp;M and Arizona and we felt like with the experience and maturity that we have that this should be a momentum game. I thought we used it the right way, we got some people who haven't got a lot of minutes some opportunities today."HEAD COACH BRANDON SCHNEIDER:The Jayhawks started out strong and never looked back. An 11-0 run to begin the game followed by another 11-0 run in the first quarter and an 8-0 run to end the quarter had KU leading 30-4 at the end of the first period. The 30 points were the most in a quarter this season. Kansas scored 14 points off six SEMO turnovers.The lead continued to grow in the second quarter as the Jayhawks went into halftime with a 50-18 advantage. Seven three-pointers in the half helped the Jayhawks finish with a season-high 50 points and build a season-high 32-point edge at the break. Jackson led the team with 13 points at the half.A 24-16 third quarter by KU allowed Kansas to stretch its lead to as many as 43 points in the fourth quarter.The Jayhawks finished the game shooting 40.0 percent from beyond the arc (10-of-25) and 75.0 percent from the free throw line (24-of-32). The 37-point victory was the largest since the 2020-21 season against Oral Roberts.Up Next The Jayhawks are on the road Thursday, Dec. 8 to face Arizona, who is currently ranked No. 14 in the AP Poll. That game tips off at 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on the Pac-12 Networks.Notes The Jayhawks scored 80+ points for the first time this season, with 88 points. KU also had the most points they’ve scored in one half this season with 50 points in the first half. Taiyanna Jackson has scored in double-figures in every game this season (16, 16, 10, 14, 24, 16,&nbsp;17), averaging 16.1&nbsp;on the season. Five Jayhawks scored in double-figures: Holly Kersgieter (12), Taiyanna Jackson (17), Zakiyah Franklin (12), Wyvette Mayberry (12), Sanna Strom (13), (prev. Franklin (21, Jackson (14), Kersgeiter (11), Mayberry (11), Prater (10) vs Texas A&amp;M 11/23/22. The Jayhawks have never trailed after the first quarter through 7 games this season. Prior to the game, Kansas recognized former Jayhawk Carolyn (Davis) Jenkins, who played at KU from 2010-13 and is currently an assistant coach for the Redhawks.KANSAS: THE LAST TIME (INDIVIDUAL) Chandler Prater had 5 Assists (prev. Zakiyah Franklin had 5 assists at Saint Mary’s)KANSAS: THE LAST TIME (TEAM) Scored 50 points in a half (55 points against Vanderbilt 12/5/21) Had 40 rebounds: 44 rebounds (40 at Saint Mary’s 11/26/22)

🏀 WBB: Hot Start Leads Jayhawks to 7-0 Start to Season

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Making their first postseason appearance since the 2008 season, the Kansas Jayhawks have accepted an invitation to play the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 64th AutoZone Liberty Bowl on December 28. The game will take place inside Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium at 4:30 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN.

It will be Kansas’ second appearance in school history at the Liberty Bowl, with the first coming on Dec. 17, 1973, when Kansas fell to NC State, 31-18. Head Coach Lance Leipold has Kansas making its first Bowl appearance since the 2008 Insight Bowl and Kansas’ 13th&nbsp;all-time Bowl appearance. The Jayhawks enter this year’s AutoZone Liberty Bowl with a 6-6 record in Bowl appearances all-time.

Kansas and Arkansas will meet for the third time in their history, with Kansas leading the all-time series at 2-0. The two teams last met in 1906 in Lawrence (37-5), with the first meeting coming in 1905 in Little Rock (6-0).

“Our program is very excited about having the opportunity to play in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and travel to a great city like Memphis,” Coach Lance Leipold said. “Earning the right to play in such a historic bowl game against a quality opponent is something our players and staff can be very proud of. We are looking forward to the next few weeks of preparation and taking advantage of this valuable time to focus on development and continuing to improve our football team.”

Kansas enters the AutoZone Liberty Bowl at 6-6 on the season, after racing out to a 5-0 start, its best start since 2009. Kansas opened the season with a 56-10 victory over Tennessee Tech, before claiming its first win in program history at West Virginia, 55-42 (OT), on Sept. 10.

The Jayhawks carried their momentum on the road to Houston on Sept. 17, where Kansas defeated the Houston Cougars, 48-30. Kansas returned home for a three-game homestand, defeating Duke (35-27) and Iowa State (14-11), leading to their first AP Top-25 ranking since the 2009 season, ranking No. 19.

With an undefeated Big 12 matchup coming to Lawrence between Kansas and TCU, ESPN’s College GameDay came to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for the first time on Oct. 8.

Kansas officially clinched Bowl eligibility with a 37-16 victory over No. 18 Oklahoma State on Nov. 5, marking Kansas’ first win against a ranked opponent since 2010. Kansas enters the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on a three-game slide.

Arkansas enters the AutoZone Liberty Bowl with a 6-6 record, including a 3-5 record in SEC play to rank fifth in the SEC West. The Razorbacks are Bowl Bound for the second-straight season after defeating Penn State, 24-10, in the 2022 Outback Bowl. Arkansas is 15-24-3 in Bowl appearances all-time and are making their sixth appearance in the Liberty Bowl, where they are 2-3 all-time.

Tickets for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl are now available online by&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/autozone-liberty-bowl/">clicking here</a>, or by calling the Kansas Athletics Ticket Office at 785-864-3141. Kansas Athletics and the KU Alumni Association are excited to partner with Anthony Travel, an On Location company, to offer Official Kansas Bowl Travel Packages, which are&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathleticstravel.com/">available here</a>. Packages are likely to include hotel accommodations, transportation, admission to official Kansas bowl game events and more. Travel packages will not include tickets. Tickets must be requested separately from the Kansas Athletics Ticket Office. Student ticket information will be available early the week of 12/5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670193410343.png" alt="Liberty Bowl KU vs Arkansas.png" />
 <figcaption>Liberty Bowl KU vs Arkansas.png</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Making their first postseason appearance since the 2008 season, the Kansas Jayhawks have accepted an invitation to play the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 64th AutoZone Liberty Bowl on December 28. The game will take place inside Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium at 4:30 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN.It will be Kansas’ second appearance in school history at the Liberty Bowl, with the first coming on Dec. 17, 1973, when Kansas fell to NC State, 31-18. Head Coach Lance Leipold has Kansas making its first Bowl appearance since the 2008 Insight Bowl and Kansas’ 13th&nbsp;all-time Bowl appearance. The Jayhawks enter this year’s AutoZone Liberty Bowl with a 6-6 record in Bowl appearances all-time.Kansas and Arkansas will meet for the third time in their history, with Kansas leading the all-time series at 2-0. The two teams last met in 1906 in Lawrence (37-5), with the first meeting coming in 1905 in Little Rock (6-0).“Our program is very excited about having the opportunity to play in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and travel to a great city like Memphis,” Coach Lance Leipold said. “Earning the right to play in such a historic bowl game against a quality opponent is something our players and staff can be very proud of. We are looking forward to the next few weeks of preparation and taking advantage of this valuable time to focus on development and continuing to improve our football team.”Kansas enters the AutoZone Liberty Bowl at 6-6 on the season, after racing out to a 5-0 start, its best start since 2009. Kansas opened the season with a 56-10 victory over Tennessee Tech, before claiming its first win in program history at West Virginia, 55-42 (OT), on Sept. 10.The Jayhawks carried their momentum on the road to Houston on Sept. 17, where Kansas defeated the Houston Cougars, 48-30. Kansas returned home for a three-game homestand, defeating Duke (35-27) and Iowa State (14-11), leading to their first AP Top-25 ranking since the 2009 season, ranking No. 19.With an undefeated Big 12 matchup coming to Lawrence between Kansas and TCU, ESPN’s College GameDay came to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for the first time on Oct. 8.Kansas officially clinched Bowl eligibility with a 37-16 victory over No. 18 Oklahoma State on Nov. 5, marking Kansas’ first win against a ranked opponent since 2010. Kansas enters the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on a three-game slide.Arkansas enters the AutoZone Liberty Bowl with a 6-6 record, including a 3-5 record in SEC play to rank fifth in the SEC West. The Razorbacks are Bowl Bound for the second-straight season after defeating Penn State, 24-10, in the 2022 Outback Bowl. Arkansas is 15-24-3 in Bowl appearances all-time and are making their sixth appearance in the Liberty Bowl, where they are 2-3 all-time.Tickets for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl are now available online by&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/autozone-liberty-bowl/">clicking here</a>, or by calling the Kansas Athletics Ticket Office at 785-864-3141. Kansas Athletics and the KU Alumni Association are excited to partner with Anthony Travel, an On Location company, to offer Official Kansas Bowl Travel Packages, which are&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathleticstravel.com/">available here</a>. Packages are likely to include hotel accommodations, transportation, admission to official Kansas bowl game events and more. Travel packages will not include tickets. Tickets must be requested separately from the Kansas Athletics Ticket Office. Student ticket information will be available early the week of 12/5.

🏈 Jayhawks Selected for AutoZone Liberty Bowl, to Play Arkansas on Dec. 28

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Fresh off a 31-28 overtime victory in the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship, ninth-ranked Kansas State earned a bid into the 89th&nbsp;annual Allstate Sugar Bowl and will face No. 5 Alabama on Saturday, December 31, inside Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana as the College Football Playoff Selection committee announced the New Year’s Six Bowl matchups on Sunday. The game will kick off at 11 a.m., and be shown on ESPN.

K-State’s No. 9 ranking in the final College Football Playoff Top 25 of the season is its highest for a final ranking since the CFP began in 2014.

“We are excited to represent the Big 12 Conference in the Allstate Sugar Bowl,” said K-State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman, who led the Wildcats to a Big 12 Championship in his fourth year with the program. “I am really proud of our team, especially our seniors, and our staff for their resolve this season. A lot of people doubted this team throughout the year, and they just continued to put their heads down and go to work every day. We look forward to heading to New Orleans for the first time in school history and preparing for a great team in Alabama.”&nbsp;

The Wildcats (10-3) are among the nation’s leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as they are tied for 16th&nbsp;nationally and rank fourth in the Big 12 with 23. K-State will also be one of just 19 Power 5 teams to play in a bowl game at least 11 times in the last 13 years. The Wildcats are looking for a second-consecutive bowl win and four victories in the last five appearances after winning the Texas Bowl over LSU, 42-20, in early 2022. It would be the first time the Wildcats won four bowl games in five tries in school history.

“We are excited to head to New Orleans as Big 12 Champions,” said Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor. “Congratulations&nbsp;to Coach Klieman and our team for a phenomenal season, and now we look forward to showcasing our football program and Kansas State University in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. We had an amazing crowd yesterday in Arlington, and I know our fans will continue to uphold their national reputation for traveling to bowl games when we head to New Orleans later this month.”

The Wildcats and Crimson Tide will play for the first time ever. It will mark the sixth time K-State will face an SEC team in bowl play, including the second-straight season. The Wildcats are 3-2 in their previous five games against SEC opponents in bowl action, including two-straight victories over LSU (2021) and Texas A&amp;M (2016) in the Texas Bowl.

Kansas State’s championship season began with a 2-1 mark in non-conference play before the Wildcats won their first three Big 12 contests – including a 41-34 victory at then-No. 6 Oklahoma. K-State suffered a loss at No. 8 TCU, but it responded with a resounding 48-0 blanking of then-No. 9 Oklahoma State. Following a setback the next week against Texas, the Wildcats rattled off three-straight wins to close out the regular season – a 31-3 victory at Baylor, a 48-31 triumph at West Virginia and a 47-27 victory over Kansas to earn their 14th-straight Governor’s Cup win.

The Wildcats held a 28-17 lead in the fourth quarter of the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship, but TCU – which will play in the College Football Playoff National Semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl right after the Allstate Sugar Bowl – came back to tie the game and send it to overtime.

The Horned Frogs started overtime with the ball but came up empty twice from the one-yard line to end their possession without any points. The Wildcats gained 12 yards on their overtime possession – including a rush to center the ball – and&nbsp;Ty Zentner&nbsp;connected on a 31-yard field goal to send K-State to its fourth ever conference championship and first since 2012.

Alabama finished just outside the top four following its 10-2 season, which included narrow losses at Tennessee (52-49) and at LSU (32-31), the latter coming in overtime. The Crimson Tide will be playing a Big 12 opponent for a second time this season as they won at Texas, 20-19, on September 10. It will be the first time Alabama will play a Big 12 team in a bowl game since taking down Oklahoma, 45-34, in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Orange Bowl.

Tickets in the official K-State sections are available now online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame</a>&nbsp;and via phone beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Remaining tickets in the official K-State sections are priced by the bowl at $175 and $105. Tickets in the $265 sections were sold out through pre-orders.

All Ahearn Fund members and fans who pre-ordered tickets will receive communication with information regarding their requests by the end of the day. K-State students will receive information regarding discounted student tickets via email today.

The K-State Alumni Association will also provide official travel packages to the bowl game. Visit the Alumni Association's official bowl travel page –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesportstours.com/" target="_blank">www.k-statesportstours.com</a>&nbsp;– for travel package information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670193165384.jpeg" alt="sugarbowl.jpg" />
 <figcaption>sugarbowl.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Fresh off a 31-28 overtime victory in the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship, ninth-ranked Kansas State earned a bid into the 89th&nbsp;annual Allstate Sugar Bowl and will face No. 5 Alabama on Saturday, December 31, inside Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana as the College Football Playoff Selection committee announced the New Year’s Six Bowl matchups on Sunday. The game will kick off at 11 a.m., and be shown on ESPN.K-State’s No. 9 ranking in the final College Football Playoff Top 25 of the season is its highest for a final ranking since the CFP began in 2014.“We are excited to represent the Big 12 Conference in the Allstate Sugar Bowl,” said K-State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman, who led the Wildcats to a Big 12 Championship in his fourth year with the program. “I am really proud of our team, especially our seniors, and our staff for their resolve this season. A lot of people doubted this team throughout the year, and they just continued to put their heads down and go to work every day. We look forward to heading to New Orleans for the first time in school history and preparing for a great team in Alabama.”&nbsp;The Wildcats (10-3) are among the nation’s leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as they are tied for 16th&nbsp;nationally and rank fourth in the Big 12 with 23. K-State will also be one of just 19 Power 5 teams to play in a bowl game at least 11 times in the last 13 years. The Wildcats are looking for a second-consecutive bowl win and four victories in the last five appearances after winning the Texas Bowl over LSU, 42-20, in early 2022. It would be the first time the Wildcats won four bowl games in five tries in school history.“We are excited to head to New Orleans as Big 12 Champions,” said Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor. “Congratulations&nbsp;to Coach Klieman and our team for a phenomenal season, and now we look forward to showcasing our football program and Kansas State University in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. We had an amazing crowd yesterday in Arlington, and I know our fans will continue to uphold their national reputation for traveling to bowl games when we head to New Orleans later this month.”The Wildcats and Crimson Tide will play for the first time ever. It will mark the sixth time K-State will face an SEC team in bowl play, including the second-straight season. The Wildcats are 3-2 in their previous five games against SEC opponents in bowl action, including two-straight victories over LSU (2021) and Texas A&amp;M (2016) in the Texas Bowl.Kansas State’s championship season began with a 2-1 mark in non-conference play before the Wildcats won their first three Big 12 contests – including a 41-34 victory at then-No. 6 Oklahoma. K-State suffered a loss at No. 8 TCU, but it responded with a resounding 48-0 blanking of then-No. 9 Oklahoma State. Following a setback the next week against Texas, the Wildcats rattled off three-straight wins to close out the regular season – a 31-3 victory at Baylor, a 48-31 triumph at West Virginia and a 47-27 victory over Kansas to earn their 14th-straight Governor’s Cup win.The Wildcats held a 28-17 lead in the fourth quarter of the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship, but TCU – which will play in the College Football Playoff National Semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl right after the Allstate Sugar Bowl – came back to tie the game and send it to overtime.The Horned Frogs started overtime with the ball but came up empty twice from the one-yard line to end their possession without any points. The Wildcats gained 12 yards on their overtime possession – including a rush to center the ball – and&nbsp;Ty Zentner&nbsp;connected on a 31-yard field goal to send K-State to its fourth ever conference championship and first since 2012.Alabama finished just outside the top four following its 10-2 season, which included narrow losses at Tennessee (52-49) and at LSU (32-31), the latter coming in overtime. The Crimson Tide will be playing a Big 12 opponent for a second time this season as they won at Texas, 20-19, on September 10. It will be the first time Alabama will play a Big 12 team in a bowl game since taking down Oklahoma, 45-34, in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Orange Bowl.Tickets in the official K-State sections are available now online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame</a>&nbsp;and via phone beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Remaining tickets in the official K-State sections are priced by the bowl at $175 and $105. Tickets in the $265 sections were sold out through pre-orders.All Ahearn Fund members and fans who pre-ordered tickets will receive communication with information regarding their requests by the end of the day. K-State students will receive information regarding discounted student tickets via email today.The K-State Alumni Association will also provide official travel packages to the bowl game. Visit the Alumni Association's official bowl travel page –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesportstours.com/" target="_blank">www.k-statesportstours.com</a>&nbsp;– for travel package information.

🏈 K-State to Face Alabama in 89th Annual Allstate Sugar Bowl

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisville junior running back Tiyon Evans&nbsp;has declared for the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft and will forego his remaining collegiate eligibility,&nbsp;he announced Friday on social media.&nbsp;He will not play in Louisville’s upcoming bowl, as he is the first Cardinal to officially declare for the draft.

"First of all, I want to thank the Lord above for blessing me with the ability to do what I love to do,"&nbsp;he said in a graphic posted to Twitter.&nbsp;"All the trials and tribulations that I've overcome over the years have been a great piece of motivation.

"Secondly, to Card Nation, I want to thank everyone who has supported me and helped me along my journey through college. The memories and support will last with me forever. I want to thank Coach Satterfield and his staff for giving me a chance here at Louisville to be a card. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime."

The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back joined the program over the offseason as a transfer from Tennessee, and instantly made a difference in Louisville's rushing attack. By the end of the regular season, he led the Cardinals in yards per carry at 6.3 on 83 total attempts, and had the most rushing touchdowns from the running back spot with six, second only to quarterback Malik Cunningham's 12.

However, the Hartsville, S.C. native struggled with an ankle injury at various points during the season, resulting in him playing in just eight games and starting only six of them. The injury limited him to just 525 rushing yards on the year, second amongst running backs on the team to Jawhar Jordan's 700.

Evans&nbsp;was Tennessee's leading rusher through most of the 2021 season, until another ankle injury forced him to sit for the final five games of the year. He ended that season with 525 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 81 attempts. He had a two-year stint in the JUCO ranks with Hutchinson Community College prior to his lone season with the Volunteers.

Louisville will find out their postseason draw on Sunday, Dec. 4 following the conclusion of conference championship weekend. The Cardinals finished the regular season at 7-5, and 4-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisville junior running back Tiyon Evans&nbsp;has declared for the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft and will forego his remaining collegiate eligibility,&nbsp;he announced Friday on social media.&nbsp;He will not play in Louisville’s upcoming bowl, as he is the first Cardinal to officially declare for the draft."First of all, I want to thank the Lord above for blessing me with the ability to do what I love to do,"&nbsp;he said in a graphic posted to Twitter.&nbsp;"All the trials and tribulations that I've overcome over the years have been a great piece of motivation."Secondly, to Card Nation, I want to thank everyone who has supported me and helped me along my journey through college. The memories and support will last with me forever. I want to thank Coach Satterfield and his staff for giving me a chance here at Louisville to be a card. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime."The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back joined the program over the offseason as a transfer from Tennessee, and instantly made a difference in Louisville's rushing attack. By the end of the regular season, he led the Cardinals in yards per carry at 6.3 on 83 total attempts, and had the most rushing touchdowns from the running back spot with six, second only to quarterback Malik Cunningham's 12.However, the Hartsville, S.C. native struggled with an ankle injury at various points during the season, resulting in him playing in just eight games and starting only six of them. The injury limited him to just 525 rushing yards on the year, second amongst running backs on the team to Jawhar Jordan's 700.Evans&nbsp;was Tennessee's leading rusher through most of the 2021 season, until another ankle injury forced him to sit for the final five games of the year. He ended that season with 525 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 81 attempts. He had a two-year stint in the JUCO ranks with Hutchinson Community College prior to his lone season with the Volunteers.Louisville will find out their postseason draw on Sunday, Dec. 4 following the conclusion of conference championship weekend. The Cardinals finished the regular season at 7-5, and 4-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

🏈 Former Blue Dragon RB Tiyon Evans Declares for 2023 NFL Draft

ARLINGTON, Texas -&nbsp;No. 10 Kansas State used a monster fourth-down stop in overtime and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/ty-zentner/8590">Ty Zentner</a>&nbsp;drilled a 31-yard field goal as the Wildcats outlasted No. 3 TCU in a 31-28 thriller to capture the 2022 Big 12 Championship at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. In what became an instant classic in K-State lore, the Wildcats captured their first Big 12 title since 2012, their first victory in a Big 12 Championship Game since 2003, and reached the top of the mountain in one of the best conferences in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Afterward, confetti shot into the air, and K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-klieman/1795">Chris Klieman</a>&nbsp;hoisted the Big 12 trophy, which rested beside him in the postgame news conference. "Big 12 Champions — it has a nice ring to it," Klieman said. "We went toe-to-toe with them, I thought we could go toe-to-toe with them, and we found a way to win. It was an exceptional football game, a lot of ups and downs between both teams, and great resolve by our guys." K-State, 10-3, reached double-digit wins for the first time since the 2012 campaign, in which the Wildcats bounced back from a loss at Baylor to beat No. 23 Texas 48-24 in Manhattan. These Wildcats redeemed themselves from a 38-28 loss to the Horned Frogs earlier this season by handing them their first loss of the season. That's something the Wildcats also did in the 2003 title game when they beat unbeaten Oklahoma. That K-State won its fourth conference title in the program's long history? "I'll let that sink in at some point," Klieman said. K-State has now beaten three top-10 opponents this season — the others were at No. 6 Oklahoma and against No. 9 Oklahoma State — for the first time in school history. TCU, 12-1, had fought back to win five games in which it trailed, most in the FBS, and turned an 11-point deficit into a 28-28 tie behind gutty quarterback Max Duggan, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Duggan was magnificent — he threw for 251 yards and one touchdown and one interception to go along with 110 rushing yards and one touchdown. However, K-State received an equally gutty performance from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/will-howard/8535">Will Howard</a>, who threw for 199 yards and two touchdowns. "We knew it was going to be a fight," Howard said. "We took some punches, and they took some punches, too. At the end of the day, we knew we were built for it and we know what we had." Running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/deuce-vaughn/8582">Deuce Vaughn</a>&nbsp;was named Big 12 Championship Game Most Outstanding Player after rushing for 130 yards while dashing 44 yards for a score to put the Wildcats ahead 28-17 with 11 minutes, 27 seconds left in the fourth quarter. "We ran a man scheme and our no-pull-power play and the defensive end slanted and great job by Kaitori Leveston to mash him down and it opened up the seam," Vaughn said. "The corner came out and I had a little bit of space and after that it was one-on-one with the safety. I don't do anything without those guys up front and along the perimeter." Back and forth the teams battled until the very end. TCU answered Vaughn's long touchdown with a 42-yard field goal by Griffin Kell and then an eight-yard rush by Duggan with 1:51 remaining in the fourth quarter. Jared Wiley caught the 2-point conversion for a 28-28 tie and the game went to an extra period. "We just stayed in the fight," Klieman said. "We talk all the time you're going to face adversity and you have to stay in the fight. Once we got to overtime and were on defense first, we knew we were going to get a stop." K-State put the clamps on TCU's offense with perhaps the most important fourth-down stop in school history. Linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-green/8526">Daniel Green</a>&nbsp;and nose tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/eli-huggins/8536">Eli Huggins</a>&nbsp;stuffed Kendre Miller for no gain at the goal line, giving the Wildcats possession and a chance to win. "We've talked about situations like that," Green said. "We bowed up and that's what championship games come down to. It comes down to someone making the extra play. I'm so proud of those guys. That's a statement right there. We always talk about the Mob mentality. It doesn't get any better than that right there on the goal line." Under overtime rules, K-State began its drive at the TCU 25-yard line. The Wildcats rushed five times to set up Zentner's game-winner. "I'd say over the last five or six games, there may not be a more valuable kid on our football team than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/ty-zentner/8590">Ty Zentner</a>," Klieman said. "There was no doubt in my mind he was making that. No doubt." K-State entered averaging 40.2 points over its past five games, fifth most among Power 5 schools over that span, while the Wildcats gave up just 15 second-half points over the past five games. The Wildcats punched their ticket for the Big 12 title game with a 47-27 win over Kansas last Saturday. K-State's only losses this season have been to teams currently ranked in the CFP Top 25 Poll. That includes No. 16 Tulane, which played in the American Conference Championship on Saturday. It was the Wildcats who wore purple Championship t-shirts and black Championship hats after the battle with the Horned Frogs. "It means everything," Green said. "If you're playing Power 5 football and Big 12 football it's what you came here to do. To be able to do it with the group of guys on this team, a great group of men, and a great coaching staff, it's really an amazing feeling." Added Vaughn: "This is what we wanted to accomplish this year. It's big time. It's a big thank-you to everybody who's poured into us as players." TCU, led by Big 12 Coach of the Year Sonny Dykes, entered as the first Big 12 team to reach a 12-0 record since Texas in 2009. This marked TCU's second appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game at AT&amp;T Stadium — a 41-17 loss to Oklahoma in 2017. TCU entered with five wins against ranked opponents, tied with Tennessee for most nationally, and was the first team since 1975 to win seven straight games by 10 points or less. TCU also was 5-0 when trailing in the second half, best in the nation. The Horned Frogs battled back from a 28-10 deficit to beat the Wildcats earlier this season. This time, K-State prevailed. "This journey has been so long, and it's been a ride that I wouldn't trade for anything," Green said. "Through adversity and ups and downs we believed in each other. "We believed we could to this." And K-State did it in front of a crowd of 69,335 at AT&amp;T Stadium. About half of the crowd was K-State fans. "The K-State Nation came today," Klieman said. "That crowd was electric, and it was an unbelievable atmosphere and when we were on defense that crowd was phenomenal. I can't thank our fan base enough coming down here in droves and cheering on these guys. "We were playing for them as much as we were playing for each other." In the end, it came down to a single kick. And Zentner made arguably the biggest field goal in school history. And then he kissed the ground. "Coach always tells us to be where our feet are and to embrace everything, every opportunity and every moment that we get," Zentner said. "I knew it was special and that we just made history. "I was trying to soak it all in."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670138026029.jpeg" alt="K-State Big 12 Champs.jpg" />
 <figcaption>K-State Big 12 Champs.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas -&nbsp;No. 10 Kansas State used a monster fourth-down stop in overtime and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/ty-zentner/8590">Ty Zentner</a>&nbsp;drilled a 31-yard field goal as the Wildcats outlasted No. 3 TCU in a 31-28 thriller to capture the 2022 Big 12 Championship at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. In what became an instant classic in K-State lore, the Wildcats captured their first Big 12 title since 2012, their first victory in a Big 12 Championship Game since 2003, and reached the top of the mountain in one of the best conferences in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Afterward, confetti shot into the air, and K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-klieman/1795">Chris Klieman</a>&nbsp;hoisted the Big 12 trophy, which rested beside him in the postgame news conference. "Big 12 Champions — it has a nice ring to it," Klieman said. "We went toe-to-toe with them, I thought we could go toe-to-toe with them, and we found a way to win. It was an exceptional football game, a lot of ups and downs between both teams, and great resolve by our guys." K-State, 10-3, reached double-digit wins for the first time since the 2012 campaign, in which the Wildcats bounced back from a loss at Baylor to beat No. 23 Texas 48-24 in Manhattan. These Wildcats redeemed themselves from a 38-28 loss to the Horned Frogs earlier this season by handing them their first loss of the season. That's something the Wildcats also did in the 2003 title game when they beat unbeaten Oklahoma. That K-State won its fourth conference title in the program's long history? "I'll let that sink in at some point," Klieman said. K-State has now beaten three top-10 opponents this season — the others were at No. 6 Oklahoma and against No. 9 Oklahoma State — for the first time in school history. TCU, 12-1, had fought back to win five games in which it trailed, most in the FBS, and turned an 11-point deficit into a 28-28 tie behind gutty quarterback Max Duggan, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Duggan was magnificent — he threw for 251 yards and one touchdown and one interception to go along with 110 rushing yards and one touchdown. However, K-State received an equally gutty performance from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/will-howard/8535">Will Howard</a>, who threw for 199 yards and two touchdowns. "We knew it was going to be a fight," Howard said. "We took some punches, and they took some punches, too. At the end of the day, we knew we were built for it and we know what we had." Running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/deuce-vaughn/8582">Deuce Vaughn</a>&nbsp;was named Big 12 Championship Game Most Outstanding Player after rushing for 130 yards while dashing 44 yards for a score to put the Wildcats ahead 28-17 with 11 minutes, 27 seconds left in the fourth quarter. "We ran a man scheme and our no-pull-power play and the defensive end slanted and great job by Kaitori Leveston to mash him down and it opened up the seam," Vaughn said. "The corner came out and I had a little bit of space and after that it was one-on-one with the safety. I don't do anything without those guys up front and along the perimeter." Back and forth the teams battled until the very end. TCU answered Vaughn's long touchdown with a 42-yard field goal by Griffin Kell and then an eight-yard rush by Duggan with 1:51 remaining in the fourth quarter. Jared Wiley caught the 2-point conversion for a 28-28 tie and the game went to an extra period. "We just stayed in the fight," Klieman said. "We talk all the time you're going to face adversity and you have to stay in the fight. Once we got to overtime and were on defense first, we knew we were going to get a stop." K-State put the clamps on TCU's offense with perhaps the most important fourth-down stop in school history. Linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-green/8526">Daniel Green</a>&nbsp;and nose tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/eli-huggins/8536">Eli Huggins</a>&nbsp;stuffed Kendre Miller for no gain at the goal line, giving the Wildcats possession and a chance to win. "We've talked about situations like that," Green said. "We bowed up and that's what championship games come down to. It comes down to someone making the extra play. I'm so proud of those guys. That's a statement right there. We always talk about the Mob mentality. It doesn't get any better than that right there on the goal line." Under overtime rules, K-State began its drive at the TCU 25-yard line. The Wildcats rushed five times to set up Zentner's game-winner. "I'd say over the last five or six games, there may not be a more valuable kid on our football team than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/ty-zentner/8590">Ty Zentner</a>," Klieman said. "There was no doubt in my mind he was making that. No doubt." K-State entered averaging 40.2 points over its past five games, fifth most among Power 5 schools over that span, while the Wildcats gave up just 15 second-half points over the past five games. The Wildcats punched their ticket for the Big 12 title game with a 47-27 win over Kansas last Saturday. K-State's only losses this season have been to teams currently ranked in the CFP Top 25 Poll. That includes No. 16 Tulane, which played in the American Conference Championship on Saturday. It was the Wildcats who wore purple Championship t-shirts and black Championship hats after the battle with the Horned Frogs. "It means everything," Green said. "If you're playing Power 5 football and Big 12 football it's what you came here to do. To be able to do it with the group of guys on this team, a great group of men, and a great coaching staff, it's really an amazing feeling." Added Vaughn: "This is what we wanted to accomplish this year. It's big time. It's a big thank-you to everybody who's poured into us as players." TCU, led by Big 12 Coach of the Year Sonny Dykes, entered as the first Big 12 team to reach a 12-0 record since Texas in 2009. This marked TCU's second appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game at AT&amp;T Stadium — a 41-17 loss to Oklahoma in 2017. TCU entered with five wins against ranked opponents, tied with Tennessee for most nationally, and was the first team since 1975 to win seven straight games by 10 points or less. TCU also was 5-0 when trailing in the second half, best in the nation. The Horned Frogs battled back from a 28-10 deficit to beat the Wildcats earlier this season. This time, K-State prevailed. "This journey has been so long, and it's been a ride that I wouldn't trade for anything," Green said. "Through adversity and ups and downs we believed in each other. "We believed we could to this." And K-State did it in front of a crowd of 69,335 at AT&amp;T Stadium. About half of the crowd was K-State fans. "The K-State Nation came today," Klieman said. "That crowd was electric, and it was an unbelievable atmosphere and when we were on defense that crowd was phenomenal. I can't thank our fan base enough coming down here in droves and cheering on these guys. "We were playing for them as much as we were playing for each other." In the end, it came down to a single kick. And Zentner made arguably the biggest field goal in school history. And then he kissed the ground. "Coach always tells us to be where our feet are and to embrace everything, every opportunity and every moment that we get," Zentner said. "I knew it was special and that we just made history. "I was trying to soak it all in."&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/documents/2022/12/3/32359.PDF" target="_blank">FINAL STATS (PDF)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/documents/2022/12/3/Game_13_-_Big_12_Championship.pdf" target="_blank">POSTGAME NOTES&nbsp;(PDF)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/documents/2022/12/3/2022_Dr_Pepper_Big_12_Football_Championship___Kansas_State_Postgame_Quotes.pdf" target="_blank">POSTGAME QUOTES&nbsp;(PDF)</a></li>
 </ul>

🏈 Overtime Field Goal Lifts K-State to Big 12 Championship

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Keyontae Johnson scored 17 points, Marquis Nowell hit a go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute and Kansas State had the last rally in a 55-50 victory over Wichita State on Saturday night.

Gus Okafor's 3-pointer gave Wichita State a 45-39 lead with 10:02 left to play, but the Shockers didn't score again until Quincy Ballard made 1 of 2 free throws with 5:14 remaining. Kansas State (7-1) took a 47-45 lead on Nae'Qwan Tomlin's layup and Marquis Nowell answered Ballard's free throw with a bucket to extend the Wildcats' lead to three.

Ballard sank two free throws, Craig Porter Jr. buried a jumper and Wichita State (4-4) grabbed a 50-49 lead with 2:13 to go. Nowell sank 1 of 2 free throws to knot the score, then stole the ball and sank a 3-pointer with an assist from Desi Sills to put K-State up 53-50 with 54 seconds left. The Shockers turned the ball over on their final two possessions.

Tomlin finished with 14 points and six rebounds for K-State. Nowell scored 11 with seven assists.

Porter topped the Shockers with 11 points.

Kansas State, under first-year coach Jerome Tang, opened the season with six straight wins before losing by 12 to Butler last time out. It was the Wildcats' longest win streak since 2018.

The Wildcats have won four straight over the Shockers and lead the all-time series 22-11, including a 15-2 mark on their home floor. The two in-state rivals played last year — a 65-59 Wildcats victory — after a 20-year hiatus in the series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670137918209.jpeg" alt="K-State defeats WSU.jpg" />
 <figcaption>K-State defeats WSU.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Keyontae Johnson scored 17 points, Marquis Nowell hit a go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute and Kansas State had the last rally in a 55-50 victory over Wichita State on Saturday night.Gus Okafor's 3-pointer gave Wichita State a 45-39 lead with 10:02 left to play, but the Shockers didn't score again until Quincy Ballard made 1 of 2 free throws with 5:14 remaining. Kansas State (7-1) took a 47-45 lead on Nae'Qwan Tomlin's layup and Marquis Nowell answered Ballard's free throw with a bucket to extend the Wildcats' lead to three.Ballard sank two free throws, Craig Porter Jr. buried a jumper and Wichita State (4-4) grabbed a 50-49 lead with 2:13 to go. Nowell sank 1 of 2 free throws to knot the score, then stole the ball and sank a 3-pointer with an assist from Desi Sills to put K-State up 53-50 with 54 seconds left. The Shockers turned the ball over on their final two possessions.Tomlin finished with 14 points and six rebounds for K-State. Nowell scored 11 with seven assists.Porter topped the Shockers with 11 points.Kansas State, under first-year coach Jerome Tang, opened the season with six straight wins before losing by 12 to Butler last time out. It was the Wildcats' longest win streak since 2018.The Wildcats have won four straight over the Shockers and lead the all-time series 22-11, including a 15-2 mark on their home floor. The two in-state rivals played last year — a 65-59 Wildcats victory — after a 20-year hiatus in the series.

🏀 MBB: Kansas State rallies late to turn back Wichita State

EL DORADO, Kan. — Unranked Butler's (10-2, 4-2) big start Saturday was too much for Hutchinson (former No. 4 in the country, now receiving votes in poll) to overcome.

The Grizzlies used the last 12 minutes of the first half to build a 36-25 advantage.

Butler's stingy defense held the high-flying Dragons (8-4, 2-4) to just 63 total points.

As expected, Hutchinson bounced back after an invigorating halftime speech from coach Tommy DeSalme, but the burst was only good enough for the Dragons to pull within six.

Treylon Payne scored back-to-back layups as part of his game-high 18 to maintain Grizzly lead that was built in the first 20 minutes.

Hutchinson outscored Butler in the second half, but not by enough.

This is the lowest offensive output for Hutchinson on the year.

Before conference play, the Dragons scored 112-plus points in each contest, including a program second-best 139 against Labette.

In conference play, however, the Dragons are 2-4, averaging just 87.8 points per game (compared to 121 in non-conference action).

Ty Frierson led the Dragons with 13 points.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile 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/2022/11/1669177368611.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EL DORADO, Kan. — Unranked Butler's (10-2, 4-2) big start Saturday was too much for Hutchinson (former No. 4 in the country, now receiving votes in poll) to overcome.The Grizzlies used the last 12 minutes of the first half to build a 36-25 advantage.Butler's stingy defense held the high-flying Dragons (8-4, 2-4) to just 63 total points.As expected, Hutchinson bounced back after an invigorating halftime speech from coach Tommy DeSalme, but the burst was only good enough for the Dragons to pull within six.Treylon Payne scored back-to-back layups as part of his game-high 18 to maintain Grizzly lead that was built in the first 20 minutes.Hutchinson outscored Butler in the second half, but not by enough.FINAL: Butler 68 Hutchinson 63This is the lowest offensive output for Hutchinson on the year.Before conference play, the Dragons scored 112-plus points in each contest, including a program second-best 139 against Labette.In conference play, however, the Dragons are 2-4, averaging just 87.8 points per game (compared to 121 in non-conference action).Ty Frierson led the Dragons with 13 points.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile 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;

🏀 MBB: Dragons drop third straight

EL DORADO, Kan. — No. 22 Butler (9-1, 5-1) protected the Power Plant Saturday against No. 11 Hutchinson (9-3, 3-3).

Both teams were coming off losses and trying to avoid back-to-back defeats.

Butler lost its first game of the season Wednesday at Coffeyville, while Hutchinson dropped its second game at Cowley.

Unlike their road contest at Coffeyville, which included a slow start, the Grizzlies shot out of the gate defensively and held Hutchinson to nine points on 23.5% shooting in the first quarter.

The Grizzlies used just 14 first-quarter points and a strong defense to set the tone.

However, Mya Williams knocked down a triple in the second quarter to give Hutchinson one-point advantage before the Dragons really put things together and went into the locker room with a six-point advantage.

Freddie Wallace hit her stride for Butler in the third quarter and paved the way for her 25-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Her quick attack cut Hutchinson's lead to one in the third frame.

Headed into the fourth, it was still very much anyone's game.

A Kaylee Nero And-1 in the fourth quarter gave Butler the lead for good.

The Grizzlies outscored the Dragons 33-12 in the second half.

Mya Williams led Hutchinson with just eight points, just the fourth time in her illustrious career that she has been held to single-digit scoring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667621984162.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EL DORADO, Kan. — No. 22 Butler (9-1, 5-1) protected the Power Plant Saturday against No. 11 Hutchinson (9-3, 3-3).Both teams were coming off losses and trying to avoid back-to-back defeats.Butler lost its first game of the season Wednesday at Coffeyville, while Hutchinson dropped its second game at Cowley.Unlike their road contest at Coffeyville, which included a slow start, the Grizzlies shot out of the gate defensively and held Hutchinson to nine points on 23.5% shooting in the first quarter.The Grizzlies used just 14 first-quarter points and a strong defense to set the tone.However, Mya Williams knocked down a triple in the second quarter to give Hutchinson one-point advantage before the Dragons really put things together and went into the locker room with a six-point advantage.Freddie Wallace hit her stride for Butler in the third quarter and paved the way for her 25-point, 11-rebound double-double.Her quick attack cut Hutchinson's lead to one in the third frame.Headed into the fourth, it was still very much anyone's game.A Kaylee Nero And-1 in the fourth quarter gave Butler the lead for good.FINAL: Butler 55 Hutchinson 40The Grizzlies outscored the Dragons 33-12 in the second half.Mya Williams led Hutchinson with just eight points, just the fourth time in her illustrious career that she has been held to single-digit scoring.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile 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;

🏀 WBB: Dragons struggle on road again

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (11-0) and No. 4 Coffeyville (8-3) got off to an inauspicious start for the Dragons Saturday afternoon.

Both teams entered with top five defenses for points allowed in the country.

Coffeyville took the ball to start the game and reached the Hutchinson 24-yard line on the third play of the game when J.R. Martin hit Mario Sanchez on a 40-yard strike.

Hutchinson tightened its defense before giving up a critical 3rd &amp; 1.

Martin's five-yard rush set the Red Ravens up with 1st &amp; Goal.

Coffeyville nearly fumbled the ball away before settling for a short field-goal attempt on 4th &amp; Goal from the 15.

Hutchinson's Jerrell Boykin's Jr. got his hands up and blocked the kick. The defense held despite bending for the first drive of the game — or so the Dragons and their fans thought.

A flag from the middle of the defense was identified as a rare "roughing the snapper penalty" and gave the Red Ravens new life.

That half-the-distance penalty got a half-the-distance penalty tacked onto it when head coach Drew Dallas questioned the call.

Another penalty for a facemask on running back Romal Webb put the Red Ravens on Hutchinson's 2. Webb got the ball again and put the first points on the board in a drive that officially took 10 plays and 5:42 off the clock.

Quick to match, the Hutchinson offense used nine plays over the course of 4:19 to cover 85 yards and tie the score with just under five minutes left in the first quarter.

Martin then took a Coffeyville broken play 62 yards to the house. Fortunately, the Red Ravens were called for an illegal shift, negating the points and lead.

That's when things got really interesting.

Martin was sacked on third down to stop the Coffeyville drive, but Ja'Mez Drummer was called for a facemask.

The Hutchinson defense forced another third down, but penalties by both teams were offset, resulting in another third down.

Walter Bob Jr. stopped Jacqez Barksdale after a one-yard gain, finally forcing a fourth down since no penalties were observed on the play.

That stop brought the first quarter to an end with the game tied at 7.

Hutchinson would fight to a 10-7 lead by the break, despite three more scoring opportunities.

Hutchinson drove to the Red Raven 12 before being forced into a 29-yard field goal. Mr. Consistency, Cole Segraves, finally saw his kick-streak come to an end after going wide left.

Two minutes later, Segraves connected from 39, but then missed a would-be school record from 52 with 20 seconds left in the half.

After giving up the first seven points of the game, the Dragons would ultimately go on to score 38 unanswered.

Running back Dylan Kedzior slowly broke through the stout Red Raven defense with each run that ended in a two-yard gain or loss.

For three quarters and despite a 29-yard romp earlier in the contest, Kedzior was held to runs of nine yards or fewer.

That was, until he sliced through the Raven defense on a 74-yard, game-changing play.

The run was set up by a third-quarter, 65-yard bomb from Laible to the nation's top recruit, Malik Benson, to put the Dragons up 10.

Kedzior provided even more breathing room on a run that should have been stopped in the backfield. Kedzior side-stepped a defender and proceeded down the sideline.

Just as he looked cornered after a big gain and was about to be ushered out of bounds, Kedzior took another jump-cut and ran to daylight.

Nearly nine minutes later, Benson would score again, this time on an 11-yard pass from Laible.

Colin Shields entered the contest and put the finishing touches on a Dragon 31-point victory with his 4th &amp; Goal run from the 4.

FINAL: HUTCHINSON 38 COFFEYVILLE 7

Hutchinson committed 12 total turnovers the last two times these teams met. The Dragons lost in 2021 (17-10) but won earlier this season (14-9).

On Saturday, Hutchinson fumbled once, but the ball rolled harmlessly out of bounds.

Meanwhile, Coffeyville fumbled twice (recovered both) and threw an interception in Dragon territory.

The Dragons held Coffeyville to 35 rushing yards on 30 attempts while racking up 289 yards on the ground themselves.

Kedzior rushed for 156 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns of 2 and 74 yards. Kediri, the 2022 Jayhawk Conference Offensive Player of the Year, became the second-straight Blue Dragon running back to surpass 1,000 yards for a season. Kediri now has 1,056 rushing yards this season.

Benson finished with seven catches for 114 yards, his 10th career game with 100 or more receiving yards in a game. Benson caught touchdowns of 74 and 11 yards. Benson, for the season, now has 51 receptions for 923 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those marks rank 10th, seventh and a tie for sixth, respectively, in Blue Dragon single-season history.

The Blue Dragon defense gave up 75 yards in the opening quarter and limited the Red Ravens to 35 total yards and four first downs over the final three quarters. Coffeyville had season lows of 35 rushing yards and 77 passing yards.

Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas tied David Wheeler for fifth place on the Blue Dragon coaching list with 28 wins. Dallas is now 28-2 on the Blue Dragon sideline.

Blue Dragon freshman kicker Cole Seagraves tied a Blue Dragon single-season record with his 14th field goal of the season, matching the 2012 mark of Michael Mesh. Seagraves kicked a 39-yard field goal with 1:59 to play in the second quarter that gave the Dragons a 10-7 lead.

The Blue Dragons rolled up 460 total yards (289 rushing, 171 passing) and had no turnovers on Saturday. The Dragons had 12 turnovers in the last two games against the Red Ravens.

Blue Dragon quarterback Dylan Liable completed 14 of 24 passes for 171 yards with two touchdowns.

Defensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/jackson_dasheen_tva1">Dasheen Jackson</a>&nbsp;and Jamari Morris had five tackles each. Morris added a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception.

Leading 10-7 at halftime, the Blue Dragon struck quickly when Benson caught a short pass from Liable and sprinted 63 yards for a touchdown, which gave the Dragons a 17-7 lead with 10:09 to play in the third quarter.

After Morris' interception early in the fourth quarter gave Hutchinson the ball at its own 14, two plays later, Kediri burst through the Raven defense for a 74-yard touchdown run and a 24-7 lead with 14:15 to play in the fourth quarter.

Benson made it 31-7 with an 11-yard touchdown strike from Liable with 5:52 to play. Back-up quarterback Collin Shields closed the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run with 34 seconds remaining in the game.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– Making their 25th NJCAA postseason appearance, the Blue Dragons are now 16-7-2 with five-straight postseason wins. … The Dragons are now 32-56-4 all-time vs. Coffeyville. … Liable upped his career passing yards total to 5,810 yards and his career touchdown passes record to 65. … Benson extended his career receiving yards streak to 2,153 yards.

No. 1 Hutchinson now awaits the Sunday winner of No. 2 Northwest Mississippi and No. 4 Iowa Western.

The national championship game will be in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. local time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622958325615.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAREN DUNN Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (11-0) and No. 4 Coffeyville (8-3) got off to an inauspicious start for the Dragons Saturday afternoon.Both teams entered with top five defenses for points allowed in the country.Coffeyville took the ball to start the game and reached the Hutchinson 24-yard line on the third play of the game when J.R. Martin hit Mario Sanchez on a 40-yard strike.Hutchinson tightened its defense before giving up a critical 3rd &amp; 1.Martin's five-yard rush set the Red Ravens up with 1st &amp; Goal.Coffeyville nearly fumbled the ball away before settling for a short field-goal attempt on 4th &amp; Goal from the 15.Hutchinson's Jerrell Boykin's Jr. got his hands up and blocked the kick. The defense held despite bending for the first drive of the game — or so the Dragons and their fans thought.A flag from the middle of the defense was identified as a rare "roughing the snapper penalty" and gave the Red Ravens new life.That half-the-distance penalty got a half-the-distance penalty tacked onto it when head coach Drew Dallas questioned the call.Another penalty for a facemask on running back Romal Webb put the Red Ravens on Hutchinson's 2. Webb got the ball again and put the first points on the board in a drive that officially took 10 plays and 5:42 off the clock.Quick to match, the Hutchinson offense used nine plays over the course of 4:19 to cover 85 yards and tie the score with just under five minutes left in the first quarter.Martin then took a Coffeyville broken play 62 yards to the house. Fortunately, the Red Ravens were called for an illegal shift, negating the points and lead.That's when things got really interesting.Martin was sacked on third down to stop the Coffeyville drive, but Ja'Mez Drummer was called for a facemask.The Hutchinson defense forced another third down, but penalties by both teams were offset, resulting in another third down.Walter Bob Jr. stopped Jacqez Barksdale after a one-yard gain, finally forcing a fourth down since no penalties were observed on the play.That stop brought the first quarter to an end with the game tied at 7.Hutchinson would fight to a 10-7 lead by the break, despite three more scoring opportunities.Hutchinson drove to the Red Raven 12 before being forced into a 29-yard field goal. Mr. Consistency, Cole Segraves, finally saw his kick-streak come to an end after going wide left.Two minutes later, Segraves connected from 39, but then missed a would-be school record from 52 with 20 seconds left in the half.After giving up the first seven points of the game, the Dragons would ultimately go on to score 38 unanswered.Running back Dylan Kedzior slowly broke through the stout Red Raven defense with each run that ended in a two-yard gain or loss.For three quarters and despite a 29-yard romp earlier in the contest, Kedzior was held to runs of nine yards or fewer.That was, until he sliced through the Raven defense on a 74-yard, game-changing play.The run was set up by a third-quarter, 65-yard bomb from Laible to the nation's top recruit, Malik Benson, to put the Dragons up 10.Kedzior provided even more breathing room on a run that should have been stopped in the backfield. Kedzior side-stepped a defender and proceeded down the sideline.Just as he looked cornered after a big gain and was about to be ushered out of bounds, Kedzior took another jump-cut and ran to daylight.Nearly nine minutes later, Benson would score again, this time on an 11-yard pass from Laible.Colin Shields entered the contest and put the finishing touches on a Dragon 31-point victory with his 4th &amp; Goal run from the 4.FINAL: HUTCHINSON 38 COFFEYVILLE 7Hutchinson committed 12 total turnovers the last two times these teams met. The Dragons lost in 2021 (17-10) but won earlier this season (14-9).On Saturday, Hutchinson fumbled once, but the ball rolled harmlessly out of bounds.Meanwhile, Coffeyville fumbled twice (recovered both) and threw an interception in Dragon territory.The Dragons held Coffeyville to 35 rushing yards on 30 attempts while racking up 289 yards on the ground themselves.Kedzior rushed for 156 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns of 2 and 74 yards. Kediri, the 2022 Jayhawk Conference Offensive Player of the Year, became the second-straight Blue Dragon running back to surpass 1,000 yards for a season. Kediri now has 1,056 rushing yards this season.Benson finished with seven catches for 114 yards, his 10th career game with 100 or more receiving yards in a game. Benson caught touchdowns of 74 and 11 yards. Benson, for the season, now has 51 receptions for 923 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those marks rank 10th, seventh and a tie for sixth, respectively, in Blue Dragon single-season history.The Blue Dragon defense gave up 75 yards in the opening quarter and limited the Red Ravens to 35 total yards and four first downs over the final three quarters. Coffeyville had season lows of 35 rushing yards and 77 passing yards.Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas tied David Wheeler for fifth place on the Blue Dragon coaching list with 28 wins. Dallas is now 28-2 on the Blue Dragon sideline.Blue Dragon freshman kicker Cole Seagraves tied a Blue Dragon single-season record with his 14th field goal of the season, matching the 2012 mark of Michael Mesh. Seagraves kicked a 39-yard field goal with 1:59 to play in the second quarter that gave the Dragons a 10-7 lead.The Blue Dragons rolled up 460 total yards (289 rushing, 171 passing) and had no turnovers on Saturday. The Dragons had 12 turnovers in the last two games against the Red Ravens.Blue Dragon quarterback Dylan Liable completed 14 of 24 passes for 171 yards with two touchdowns.Defensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/jackson_dasheen_tva1">Dasheen Jackson</a>&nbsp;and Jamari Morris had five tackles each. Morris added a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception.Leading 10-7 at halftime, the Blue Dragon struck quickly when Benson caught a short pass from Liable and sprinted 63 yards for a touchdown, which gave the Dragons a 17-7 lead with 10:09 to play in the third quarter.After Morris' interception early in the fourth quarter gave Hutchinson the ball at its own 14, two plays later, Kediri burst through the Raven defense for a 74-yard touchdown run and a 24-7 lead with 14:15 to play in the fourth quarter.Benson made it 31-7 with an 11-yard touchdown strike from Liable with 5:52 to play. Back-up quarterback Collin Shields closed the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run with 34 seconds remaining in the game.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– Making their 25th NJCAA postseason appearance, the Blue Dragons are now 16-7-2 with five-straight postseason wins. … The Dragons are now 32-56-4 all-time vs. Coffeyville. … Liable upped his career passing yards total to 5,810 yards and his career touchdown passes record to 65. … Benson extended his career receiving yards streak to 2,153 yards.No. 1 Hutchinson now awaits the Sunday winner of No. 2 Northwest Mississippi and No. 4 Iowa Western.The national championship game will be in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. local time.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile 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;

🏈 FB: Dragons headed to the 'ship

AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Christian Pulisic covered his face as he walked off. Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Kellyn Acosta gathered for a group hug. Tim Weah, DeAndre Yedlin and Sean Johnson sat on the field in a small circle with their cleats off.

“It hurts after a tough loss like that when we feel like we could have had more,” Pulisic said, managing a voice only just above a whisper. “We don't want to feel like this again.”

The United States' return to the World Cup ended with a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands on Saturday in the round of 16. While the Oranje extended their unbeaten streak to 19 games and advanced to a quarterfinal with Argentina, the Americans contemplated how far they came and how short they fell.

Defensive lapses gave the Dutch a treat as Memphis Depay scored in the 10th minute and Daley Blind in first-half stoppage time.

U.S. hope revived when Pulisic's cross hit the trailing foot of second-half substitute Haji Wright and popped over goalkeeper Andries Noppert and into the net in the 76th. But Denzel Dumfries, named after actor Denzel Washington, scored on a volley in the 81st after assisting on the first two goals.

“The American public should be optimistic,” said Gregg Berhalter, the first person to play for and coach the U.S. team at a World Cup. “When you look at the way we wanted to play and did play, it should be positive.”

The U.S. hasn't reached the quarterfinals since 2002 and was eliminated in the first knockout round, just like in 2010 and 2014.

After the American failure to qualify for the 2018, Yedlin was the only holdover on a roster that was the tournament's second-youngest, averaging just over 25 years.

“Now they know that feeling of what it’s like to lose after putting so much into it,” the 29-year-old defender said, “and the feeling of defeat from the past can only fuel success in the future.”

The U.S. is winless in 12 games against European opponents at the World Cup since 2002 and has won once and lost seven in knockout rounds since the championship launched in 1930.

“This tournament has really restored a lot of belief, restored a lot of respect to U.S. soccer and to soccer in our country,” McKennie said. “I think we’ve shown that we can be giants eventually. Maybe we may not be there yet, but I think we’re definitely on our way.”

Before a crowd of 44,846 at the renovated Khalifa International Stadium, Pulisic had a chance to put the U.S. ahead in the third minute. McKennie knocked a poor clearance back into the penalty area, but Noppert blocked his point-blank shot with his left thigh.

“I thought I was way offside when it happened, but I still hit it and he made a good save,” Pulisic said.

The Dutch went ahead when Cody Gakpo played the ball to Dumfries on the right flank. Depay sprinted into the penalty area as Adams failed to track him, and Dumfries one-timed a cross that Depay redirected inside Matt Turner's far post for the first goal against the U.S. during the run of play in the tournament.

Blind scored in the first minute of stoppage time. Following a throw-in, Dumfries got a cross around Adams and Blind beat a late-arriving Sergiño Dest to the ball at the penalty spot for his first international goal in eight years.

Wright entered in the 67th and scored his second international goal on the unusual touch from three yards out, sparking U.S. hopes. But Dumfries was left unmarked by Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson and scored off Blind’s cross from six yards for his sixth goal.

"When you play a team with so much quality like that and you give them three, four chances, they’re going to put three or four away,” Adams said. “We can show that we can hang with some of the best teams in the world, some of the best players in world, and that’s a lot of progress for U.S. soccer.”

Players didn't want to leave the field at first, wanting more time together.

“Just putting perspective and reflecting on the journey,” Yedlin said. “Just giving thanks to the Earth. After every training and game we try to do a thing called grounding. It just helps put in perspective to come, good or bad.”

Others absorbed the defeat without words.

“Just looking around that locker room, the silence is deafening,” Turner said. “We all want to create moments for people back at home to fall in love with the game and tonight was not one of those nights, unfortunately.”

Depay took sole possession of second in the Dutch career scoring list with 43 goals, trailing only Robin van Persie’s 50.

The Americans begin the 2026 cycle with a match against Serbia on Jan. 25 in Los Angeles.

AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Christian Pulisic covered his face as he walked off. Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Kellyn Acosta gathered for a group hug. Tim Weah, DeAndre Yedlin and Sean Johnson sat on the field in a small circle with their cleats off.“It hurts after a tough loss like that when we feel like we could have had more,” Pulisic said, managing a voice only just above a whisper. “We don't want to feel like this again.”The United States' return to the World Cup ended with a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands on Saturday in the round of 16. While the Oranje extended their unbeaten streak to 19 games and advanced to a quarterfinal with Argentina, the Americans contemplated how far they came and how short they fell.Defensive lapses gave the Dutch a treat as Memphis Depay scored in the 10th minute and Daley Blind in first-half stoppage time.U.S. hope revived when Pulisic's cross hit the trailing foot of second-half substitute Haji Wright and popped over goalkeeper Andries Noppert and into the net in the 76th. But Denzel Dumfries, named after actor Denzel Washington, scored on a volley in the 81st after assisting on the first two goals.“The American public should be optimistic,” said Gregg Berhalter, the first person to play for and coach the U.S. team at a World Cup. “When you look at the way we wanted to play and did play, it should be positive.”The U.S. hasn't reached the quarterfinals since 2002 and was eliminated in the first knockout round, just like in 2010 and 2014.After the American failure to qualify for the 2018, Yedlin was the only holdover on a roster that was the tournament's second-youngest, averaging just over 25 years.“Now they know that feeling of what it’s like to lose after putting so much into it,” the 29-year-old defender said, “and the feeling of defeat from the past can only fuel success in the future.”The U.S. is winless in 12 games against European opponents at the World Cup since 2002 and has won once and lost seven in knockout rounds since the championship launched in 1930.“This tournament has really restored a lot of belief, restored a lot of respect to U.S. soccer and to soccer in our country,” McKennie said. “I think we’ve shown that we can be giants eventually. Maybe we may not be there yet, but I think we’re definitely on our way.”Before a crowd of 44,846 at the renovated Khalifa International Stadium, Pulisic had a chance to put the U.S. ahead in the third minute. McKennie knocked a poor clearance back into the penalty area, but Noppert blocked his point-blank shot with his left thigh.“I thought I was way offside when it happened, but I still hit it and he made a good save,” Pulisic said.The Dutch went ahead when Cody Gakpo played the ball to Dumfries on the right flank. Depay sprinted into the penalty area as Adams failed to track him, and Dumfries one-timed a cross that Depay redirected inside Matt Turner's far post for the first goal against the U.S. during the run of play in the tournament.Blind scored in the first minute of stoppage time. Following a throw-in, Dumfries got a cross around Adams and Blind beat a late-arriving Sergiño Dest to the ball at the penalty spot for his first international goal in eight years.Wright entered in the 67th and scored his second international goal on the unusual touch from three yards out, sparking U.S. hopes. But Dumfries was left unmarked by Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson and scored off Blind’s cross from six yards for his sixth goal."When you play a team with so much quality like that and you give them three, four chances, they’re going to put three or four away,” Adams said. “We can show that we can hang with some of the best teams in the world, some of the best players in world, and that’s a lot of progress for U.S. soccer.”Players didn't want to leave the field at first, wanting more time together.“Just putting perspective and reflecting on the journey,” Yedlin said. “Just giving thanks to the Earth. After every training and game we try to do a thing called grounding. It just helps put in perspective to come, good or bad.”Others absorbed the defeat without words.“Just looking around that locker room, the silence is deafening,” Turner said. “We all want to create moments for people back at home to fall in love with the game and tonight was not one of those nights, unfortunately.”MOVING UPDepay took sole possession of second in the Dutch career scoring list with 43 goals, trailing only Robin van Persie’s 50.UP NEXTThe Americans begin the 2026 cycle with a match against Serbia on Jan. 25 in Los Angeles.

⚽️ US knocked out of World Cup, loses to the Netherlands 3-1

Over 30 media members in Kansas in all parts of the state determine the Sports in Kansas awards, along with input from Conor Nicholl and Bethany Bowman, then selections are finalized by Chet Kuplen of Sports in Kansas. 

Congrats to the Coaches of the Year that were honored this week at Sports in Kansas all-state event – powered by Mammoth Sports Construction, Nex-Tech Wireless, SAFE, and Watco. 

All-State teams by classification and non-senior teams will be out 12/3-12/5. 

Bios/capsules are from Conor Nicholl of Sports in Kansas. Be sure to check back for more professional photos from the creative team we had in attendance and follow along for more postseason awards, honors, patches, apparel coming out over the weekend. 

Bios on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsinks.com/2022-sports-in-kansas-football-coach-of-the-year-finalists-announced/" target="_blank">COY FINALISTS</a>&nbsp;are here.

Sports in Kansas All-Classes &amp; Class 6A Coach of the Year: Joe Schartz, Manhattan

Manhattan had the epitome of a dream season in 2022. The Indians were 9-2 and paced 6A in scoring defense in ’21, though entered this fall outside of the top-five in the state rankings. Manhattan has likely zero Division I players, which is generally a prerequisite for a 6A state title. The Indians’ schedule was much more challenging than past years because of Centennial League reshuffling. Manhattan opened the year with a 26-23 overtime win against Derby. The game ended the Panthers’ 46-game home winning streak. Manhattan had lost five straight to Derby going back to 2010.

The Indians eventually finished 13-0, reached the finals for the first time since 2001 and won its first title since 1988. Manhattan set a school record for single season wins. Joe Schartz moved to 120-29 in 14 years with the Indians. Ten of Manhattan’s 13 opponents were ranked at the time of meeting. The Indians won at Hays High, 31-21, in Week 3. HHS eventually went 10-2. Schartz called the team “full of believers and fighters.” Manhattan featured Schartz’s son, senior quarterback Keenan, and senior linebacker Jaxon Vikander.

In Week 4, Manhattan defeated Washburn Rural, 28-25. The Junior Blues were a 6A state quarterfinalist. In Week 6, Manhattan won at Junction City, 44-7, for the historical Silver Trophy. Manhattan defeated Wichita Northwest in the regular season and the playoffs, the classification’s highest scoring offense, and permitted just 46 total points in those two victories. After a 28-23 win against Derby in the state semifinals, Manhattan beat Gardner-Edgerton, 21-20, in double overtime for the state title.

“All season we talked about an unbreakable will to win, and this team exhibited that every day at practice and every game,” Schartz said. “Each week this team was committed to going 1-0, never looking ahead and stayed focused, one week at a time. I was blessed with talented and loyal coaches and talented and loyal players and, when mixed with hard work, a state championship is the result.”

Sports in Kansas Class 5A Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Joel Applebee, Mill Valley

Mill Valley coach Joel Applebee went 12-1 and led the Jaguars to its fourth straight 5A state title. The Jaguars became the first 5A squad in Kansas annals to win four straight titles. Applebee improved to 115-36 in 13 years with the Jaguars, including 6-0 in the state championship. Applebee has the state record for the most state title wins without a loss.

Applebee and his Mill Valley staff prepare and develop arguably the best of any team in Kansas. Longtime defensive coordinator Drew Hudgins is one of many longtime assistant coaches. MV allowed just six points a contest; the Jags’ defense allowed even less when two pick-sixes against Olathe North are subtracted. Mill Valley and 2014 Bishop Carroll are statistically the best 5A defenses in the last 20 years. Likely none of MV’s large senior class will play Division I football, but collectively the group encapsulated the Jags’ philosophy.

They led on and off the field, pushed each other in all aspects and life and strove to improve. Applebee has more than 160 players in the program and 40-plus seniors with an elite youth football pipeline program. For large classes, many schools have looked to Mill Valley as the example for how to run a program. Mill Valley has focused on each day and enjoying the successes along the way, not just focusing on a state championship. The program is based on “great attitude, great work ethic, great focus” and the three pillars of servant leadership. From 2016-2023, recruiting industry leader 247 Sports has 137 players as top Kansas prospects. Mill Valley has one of those – and has six state titles in eight years.

Sports in Kansas Class 4A Coach of the Year: Weston Moody, Wamego

Wamego was unranked at the beginning of the year. The Raiders went 12-1 and finished as 4A state runner-up to Bishop Miege. Wamego reached the state semifinals for the first time since 1975 and its first-ever state championship game. Weston Moody, a former Salina South standout and Fort Hays player, is known for his energetic personality. He helped Wamego improve from 23 points allowed a contest last season to 9.1 this season. Wamego enjoyed great defensive line play, a group that worked well together. The Red Raiders also navigated the quarterback situation with top-15 all classes recruit Hayden Oviatt and Colin Donahue, likely both headed to Army West Point. Oviatt was hurt in the summer, returned for five games and mainly played running back. Donahue, a former wide receiver, passed for more than 2,000 yards and will heavily contend for all-state honors. If a season could be based on just the playoffs, Oviatt may have had the best season in Kansas but was injured the majority of the year. Absolutely one of the best players in Kansas.

A former Manhattan defensive coordinator, Moody is 38-15 as Wamego’s head coach.

“I’m extremely proud of our players, coaching staff, and community.&nbsp;We had a historic&nbsp;season and had a lot of fun in the process,” Moody said. “This team was a classic example of everyone buying into the success of the team above all else. This team will be remembered in Wamego forever.”

Sports in Kansas Class 3A Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Dylan Schmidt, Andale

Andale set school records for scoring offense and scoring defense with a 53.4-5.2 mark in 2021. This year, the Indians had basically identical numbers for the most accomplished senior boy class in Andale history. The Indians posted an average score of 53.0-5.2. Coach Dylan Schmidt improved to 74-2 at his alma mater. Andale has won 51 straight games, the fifth-longest winning streak in Kansas history and second-longest currently in the nation. Schmidt has coached 15 years overall, 12 at Andale. He served at Wellington for one year as head coach and currently six at his alma mater. Schmidt carries a 77-8 overall record as head coach.

Andale was the huge favorite all year, but the Indians had various coaching maneuvers that helped with the success. First, the coaches kept track of turnovers forced in practice, an idea that kept AHS from going through the motions. Against Pratt, Andale, not known for passing, went 7 of 7 passing from quarterback Wyatt Spexarth. Rock Creek had the No. 1 passing offense in Kansas. Andale switched Riley Marx to nose guard and forced seven interceptions. Just as impressively, is the Andale’s culture of youth football, the weight room and longtime assistant coaches. Andale high school has three junior highs: Andale, St. Marks and Colwich, which is rare for a 3A school.

“The thing I am most proud of is the way our kids and coaches approached everyday,” Schmidt said. “Whether it was our summer camps, the weight room, practice, or games, the kids were totally committed and attacked the&nbsp;process everyday.&nbsp; Our team came together for one common goal, one common mission, a state championship and they worked like true champions!”

Sports in Kansas Class 2A Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Michael Glatczak, Nemaha Central

Nemaha Central coach Michael Glatczak led a six-win improvement and 13-0 record for a Class 2A state championship. Glatzcak, like many others of the state title coaches, relies heavily on a veteran group of assistants. A big change for the Thunder came when it moved Cooper Hajek to fullback. Hajek rushed for more than 2,000 yards. He alone rushed for nearly the same number of yards that the Thunder produced as a team in 2021. The Thunder had a sizable increase in offensive production and posted an average score of 48.3-11.6. Glatczak was a Shrine Bowler and state title winning player for his dad, Larry, at Centralia.

“I am so proud of all these kids,” he said. “They have worked their tails off since day one of

summer weights to be crowned state champions. Every single one of them bought in and

trusted what was going on and they came to work every day to get better. This is a resilient

group that loved to compete and loved to win. These Seniors have been incredible leaders the

last thirteen weeks, we will miss all nine of them.”

Sports in Kansas Class 1A Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Kyle Schenk, St. Marys

St. Marys current senior class went 2-7 as freshman and 3-6 as sophomores. Schenk, a former Smith Center Shrine Bowler with extensive college coaching experience, took over the Bears. St. Marys improved to 5-4 in 2A with a big defensive improvement in 2021. As well, the coaching staff made a huge gain with quarterback Keller Hurla. This season, the Bears moved to 1A and were expected to have a big year. St. Marys was preseason No. 1. The Bears opened 1-2, won 10 straight and pulled off the first state championship in program history. St. Marys went on a game-winning 99-yard drive to beat Inman, 44-41, in the 1A title game. St. Marys posted an average margin of 41.7-15.4. In 2021, the Bears had a marge of 36.2-19.1. Hurla has become a Top 11 classes player and four-sport all-state athlete.

“We have an awesome community that supports our programs,” Schenk said. “The assistant coaches Troy Biladeau, CJ Marple and Mark O’Halloran deserve so much credit for the great calls they make and all the hard work they put in.&nbsp; This team got up every morning in the summer to run and lift.&nbsp; They showed up to 7 on 7 and padded camps without excuses.&nbsp; They worked like champions before they were champions and that’s what makes this group special.&nbsp; The seniors showed the underclassmen what great leadership looks like.&nbsp;Thank you to my wife Kristen Schenk because without her I couldn’t be the coach I aspire to be.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas Class 8M-I Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Brant Douglas, Leoti-Wichita County

Leoti-Wichita County coach Brant Douglas has become an offensive genius during his five seasons with the Indians. WC set the all-time eight-man scoring record with 792 points. WC went from 6-3 to 13-0 and won the first state title in school annals. Douglas has led the Indians to the most points per game in eight-man football since he took over. He is 47-9 in five years, already the most successful run in school history. WC went from 38 points allowed in ’21 to 12 this season, a huge change. Defensive coordinator Haydon Parks has played a key role on the WC staff. Wichita County came back from a two-touchdown deficit against Little River in the state championship game. Plus, Douglas believed in his team in the fourth quarter in the rain against Little River. WC converted fourth-and-nine and fourth-and-five for first downs in the fourth to secure the win.

“This season was exceptional for the team, school, and community,” Douglas said. “It took a village to raise this team. We could not have accomplished all that we did without all of the support and encouragement from the community. The assistant coaches also deserve a ton of credit. Coach Parks and Coach Nickelson do a great job of game planning for their respective responsibilities and building relationships with our players. I could not be more proud of our players. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to coach such a fantastic group of young men.&nbsp;

Over 30 media members in Kansas in all parts of the state determine the Sports in Kansas awards, along with input from Conor Nicholl and Bethany Bowman, then selections are finalized by Chet Kuplen of Sports in Kansas. Congrats to the Coaches of the Year that were honored this week at Sports in Kansas all-state event – powered by Mammoth Sports Construction, Nex-Tech Wireless, SAFE, and Watco. All-State teams by classification and non-senior teams will be out 12/3-12/5. Bios/capsules are from Conor Nicholl of Sports in Kansas. Be sure to check back for more professional photos from the creative team we had in attendance and follow along for more postseason awards, honors, patches, apparel coming out over the weekend. Bios on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsinks.com/2022-sports-in-kansas-football-coach-of-the-year-finalists-announced/" target="_blank">COY FINALISTS</a>&nbsp;are here.Sports in Kansas All-Classes &amp; Class 6A Coach of the Year: Joe Schartz, Manhattan<figure>
 <img src="https://i0.wp.com/sportsinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_1298-scaled.jpg?fit=640%2C960&amp;ssl=1" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Joe Schartz of ManhattanManhattan had the epitome of a dream season in 2022. The Indians were 9-2 and paced 6A in scoring defense in ’21, though entered this fall outside of the top-five in the state rankings. Manhattan has likely zero Division I players, which is generally a prerequisite for a 6A state title. The Indians’ schedule was much more challenging than past years because of Centennial League reshuffling. Manhattan opened the year with a 26-23 overtime win against Derby. The game ended the Panthers’ 46-game home winning streak. Manhattan had lost five straight to Derby going back to 2010.The Indians eventually finished 13-0, reached the finals for the first time since 2001 and won its first title since 1988. Manhattan set a school record for single season wins. Joe Schartz moved to 120-29 in 14 years with the Indians. Ten of Manhattan’s 13 opponents were ranked at the time of meeting. The Indians won at Hays High, 31-21, in Week 3. HHS eventually went 10-2. Schartz called the team “full of believers and fighters.” Manhattan featured Schartz’s son, senior quarterback Keenan, and senior linebacker Jaxon Vikander.In Week 4, Manhattan defeated Washburn Rural, 28-25. The Junior Blues were a 6A state quarterfinalist. In Week 6, Manhattan won at Junction City, 44-7, for the historical Silver Trophy. Manhattan defeated Wichita Northwest in the regular season and the playoffs, the classification’s highest scoring offense, and permitted just 46 total points in those two victories. After a 28-23 win against Derby in the state semifinals, Manhattan beat Gardner-Edgerton, 21-20, in double overtime for the state title.“All season we talked about an unbreakable will to win, and this team exhibited that every day at practice and every game,” Schartz said. “Each week this team was committed to going 1-0, never looking ahead and stayed focused, one week at a time. I was blessed with talented and loyal coaches and talented and loyal players and, when mixed with hard work, a state championship is the result.”Sports in Kansas Class 5A Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Joel Applebee, Mill Valley<figure>
 <img src="https://i0.wp.com/sportsinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_1299.jpg?resize=281%2C421&amp;ssl=1" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Joel Applebee of Mill ValleyMill Valley coach Joel Applebee went 12-1 and led the Jaguars to its fourth straight 5A state title. The Jaguars became the first 5A squad in Kansas annals to win four straight titles. Applebee improved to 115-36 in 13 years with the Jaguars, including 6-0 in the state championship. Applebee has the state record for the most state title wins without a loss.Applebee and his Mill Valley staff prepare and develop arguably the best of any team in Kansas. Longtime defensive coordinator Drew Hudgins is one of many longtime assistant coaches. MV allowed just six points a contest; the Jags’ defense allowed even less when two pick-sixes against Olathe North are subtracted. Mill Valley and 2014 Bishop Carroll are statistically the best 5A defenses in the last 20 years. Likely none of MV’s large senior class will play Division I football, but collectively the group encapsulated the Jags’ philosophy.They led on and off the field, pushed each other in all aspects and life and strove to improve. Applebee has more than 160 players in the program and 40-plus seniors with an elite youth football pipeline program. For large classes, many schools have looked to Mill Valley as the example for how to run a program. Mill Valley has focused on each day and enjoying the successes along the way, not just focusing on a state championship. The program is based on “great attitude, great work ethic, great focus” and the three pillars of servant leadership. From 2016-2023, recruiting industry leader 247 Sports has 137 players as top Kansas prospects. Mill Valley has one of those – and has six state titles in eight years.Sports in Kansas Class 4A Coach of the Year: Weston Moody, Wamego<figure>
 <img src="https://i0.wp.com/sportsinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_1302-scaled.jpg?fit=640%2C960&amp;ssl=1" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Weston Moody of WamegoWamego was unranked at the beginning of the year. The Raiders went 12-1 and finished as 4A state runner-up to Bishop Miege. Wamego reached the state semifinals for the first time since 1975 and its first-ever state championship game. Weston Moody, a former Salina South standout and Fort Hays player, is known for his energetic personality. He helped Wamego improve from 23 points allowed a contest last season to 9.1 this season. Wamego enjoyed great defensive line play, a group that worked well together. The Red Raiders also navigated the quarterback situation with top-15 all classes recruit Hayden Oviatt and Colin Donahue, likely both headed to Army West Point. Oviatt was hurt in the summer, returned for five games and mainly played running back. Donahue, a former wide receiver, passed for more than 2,000 yards and will heavily contend for all-state honors. If a season could be based on just the playoffs, Oviatt may have had the best season in Kansas but was injured the majority of the year. Absolutely one of the best players in Kansas.A former Manhattan defensive coordinator, Moody is 38-15 as Wamego’s head coach.“I’m extremely proud of our players, coaching staff, and community.&nbsp;We had a historic&nbsp;season and had a lot of fun in the process,” Moody said. “This team was a classic example of everyone buying into the success of the team above all else. This team will be remembered in Wamego forever.”Sports in Kansas Class 3A Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Dylan Schmidt, Andale<figure>
 <img src="https://i0.wp.com/sportsinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_1304-scaled.jpg?fit=640%2C960&amp;ssl=1" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dylan Schmidt of AndaleAndale set school records for scoring offense and scoring defense with a 53.4-5.2 mark in 2021. This year, the Indians had basically identical numbers for the most accomplished senior boy class in Andale history. The Indians posted an average score of 53.0-5.2. Coach Dylan Schmidt improved to 74-2 at his alma mater. Andale has won 51 straight games, the fifth-longest winning streak in Kansas history and second-longest currently in the nation. Schmidt has coached 15 years overall, 12 at Andale. He served at Wellington for one year as head coach and currently six at his alma mater. Schmidt carries a 77-8 overall record as head coach.Andale was the huge favorite all year, but the Indians had various coaching maneuvers that helped with the success. First, the coaches kept track of turnovers forced in practice, an idea that kept AHS from going through the motions. Against Pratt, Andale, not known for passing, went 7 of 7 passing from quarterback Wyatt Spexarth. Rock Creek had the No. 1 passing offense in Kansas. Andale switched Riley Marx to nose guard and forced seven interceptions. Just as impressively, is the Andale’s culture of youth football, the weight room and longtime assistant coaches. Andale high school has three junior highs: Andale, St. Marks and Colwich, which is rare for a 3A school.“The thing I am most proud of is the way our kids and coaches approached everyday,” Schmidt said. “Whether it was our summer camps, the weight room, practice, or games, the kids were totally committed and attacked the&nbsp;process everyday.&nbsp; Our team came together for one common goal, one common mission, a state championship and they worked like true champions!”Sports in Kansas Class 2A Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Michael Glatczak, Nemaha Central<figure>
 <img src="https://i0.wp.com/sportsinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_1311-scaled.jpg?fit=640%2C960&amp;ssl=1" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Glatczak of Nemaha CentralNemaha Central coach Michael Glatczak led a six-win improvement and 13-0 record for a Class 2A state championship. Glatzcak, like many others of the state title coaches, relies heavily on a veteran group of assistants. A big change for the Thunder came when it moved Cooper Hajek to fullback. Hajek rushed for more than 2,000 yards. He alone rushed for nearly the same number of yards that the Thunder produced as a team in 2021. The Thunder had a sizable increase in offensive production and posted an average score of 48.3-11.6. Glatczak was a Shrine Bowler and state title winning player for his dad, Larry, at Centralia.“I am so proud of all these kids,” he said. “They have worked their tails off since day one ofsummer weights to be crowned state champions. Every single one of them bought in andtrusted what was going on and they came to work every day to get better. This is a resilientgroup that loved to compete and loved to win. These Seniors have been incredible leaders thelast thirteen weeks, we will miss all nine of them.”Sports in Kansas Class 1A Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Kyle Schenk, St. Marys<figure>
 <img src="https://i0.wp.com/sportsinks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_1314-scaled.jpg?fit=640%2C960&amp;ssl=1" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kyle Schenk of St. MarysSt. Marys current senior class went 2-7 as freshman and 3-6 as sophomores. Schenk, a former Smith Center Shrine Bowler with extensive college coaching experience, took over the Bears. St. Marys improved to 5-4 in 2A with a big defensive improvement in 2021. As well, the coaching staff made a huge gain with quarterback Keller Hurla. This season, the Bears moved to 1A and were expected to have a big year. St. Marys was preseason No. 1. The Bears opened 1-2, won 10 straight and pulled off the first state championship in program history. St. Marys went on a game-winning 99-yard drive to beat Inman, 44-41, in the 1A title game. St. Marys posted an average margin of 41.7-15.4. In 2021, the Bears had a marge of 36.2-19.1. Hurla has become a Top 11 classes player and four-sport all-state athlete.“We have an awesome community that supports our programs,” Schenk said. “The assistant coaches Troy Biladeau, CJ Marple and Mark O’Halloran deserve so much credit for the great calls they make and all the hard work they put in.&nbsp; This team got up every morning in the summer to run and lift.&nbsp; They showed up to 7 on 7 and padded camps without excuses.&nbsp; They worked like champions before they were champions and that’s what makes this group special.&nbsp; The seniors showed the underclassmen what great leadership looks like.&nbsp;Thank you to my wife Kristen Schenk because without her I couldn’t be the coach I aspire to be.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas Class 8M-I Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Brant Douglas, Leoti-Wichita County<figure>
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 </figure>Brant Douglas of Wichita CountyLeoti-Wichita County coach Brant Douglas has become an offensive genius during his five seasons with the Indians. WC set the all-time eight-man scoring record with 792 points. WC went from 6-3 to 13-0 and won the first state title in school annals. Douglas has led the Indians to the most points per game in eight-man football since he took over. He is 47-9 in five years, already the most successful run in school history. WC went from 38 points allowed in ’21 to 12 this season, a huge change. Defensive coordinator Haydon Parks has played a key role on the WC staff. Wichita County came back from a two-touchdown deficit against Little River in the state championship game. Plus, Douglas believed in his team in the fourth quarter in the rain against Little River. WC converted fourth-and-nine and fourth-and-five for first downs in the fourth to secure the win.“This season was exceptional for the team, school, and community,” Douglas said. “It took a village to raise this team. We could not have accomplished all that we did without all of the support and encouragement from the community. The assistant coaches also deserve a ton of credit. Coach Parks and Coach Nickelson do a great job of game planning for their respective responsibilities and building relationships with our players. I could not be more proud of our players. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to coach such a fantastic group of young men.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas Class 8M-II Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Eric Detweiler, Axtell<figure>
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 </figure>Eric Detweiler of AxtellAxtell has posted back-to-back 13-0 seasons and two straight Division II state titles. The Eagles briefly held the eight-man single season scoring record before WC broke the mark later in state championship Saturday. Coach Eric Detweiler is 89-24 at his alma mater. Detweiler’s dynamic offense produced 201 career offensive touchdowns responsible for from his son, quarterback Isaac Detweiler. However, Axtell also has remarkable depth with Eli Broxterman, Brandon Schmelzle, Grady Buessing and others. Axtell has three state title trips in the last four years. At state, Broxterman called coach Detweiler a “great teacher” of the offense. Defensive coordinator Dale Buessing is a critical component of Axtell’s success. Notably, Axtell’s coaching staff helped with a comeback against Canton-Galva in the state semifinals and Thunder Ridge in the championship game. “I am so proud of how our team has won back to back state championships,” coach Detweiler said. “All the hard work these boys have put in has paid off for them.&nbsp; The backing from our community is unreal, and it gives our team the extra confidence they need to be successful.”Sports in Kansas Class 6-Man Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Lance McGuire, Cunningham<figure>
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 </figure>Lance McGuire of CunninghamLance McGuire is a longtime stalwart for Cunningham sports, especially in football. The Wildcats had some success under McGuire. Then, the Wildcats went through back-to-back winless seasons and four straight years without its own team. Cunningham re-started in the six-man class four years ago. The Wildcats went 1-7, 6-2, 9-1 and 13-0. This year yielded the first KSHSAA sanctioned six-man state football championship. The Wildcats won their first football state title in school history. Cunningham beat Ashland in Week 1 and in the championship. McGuire is one of few six-man coaches that use two quarterbacks (Luke McGuire and Trey DeWeese) to great success.McGuire also helped with the development of Jack Ruckle, whose improvement helped Cunningham to 8.1 points allowed a contest. That is the best-ever six-man scoring defense since the classification re-started in 2016. Cunningham took a tough loss to Natoma in the six-man Wild West Bowl in ’21, was motivated all year and went wire to wire as the No. 1-ranked six-man team.USD 332 is proud of the 2022 State champion football team! A special shout out to our Sports in Kansas co-offensive POY: Trey DeWeese and Luke McGuire, and co-defensive POY: Lane Halderson and Jack Ruckle! We’re also proud of Coach Lance McGuire! It’s a great day to be a Wildcat! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!Assistant Coach of the Year – Small Classes: Tim Fairchild, Andale<figure>
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 </figure>Fairchild has been a part of the 51-game win streak as the defensive coordinator for state power Andale. Perhaps the states best defense in any class this year along with Mill Valley – Fairchild has consistently some of the best defenses in the state in the class. If the name Fairchild sounds familiar it should. His oldest son, Matt, was a Top 11 pick in the late 2000s, while another son, Mason, was a Top 11 pick a few years back and now starts for the KU football team as a second team All-Big 12 TE. Two of his daughters, one a senior at Andale (McKenzie) is the top javelin thrower in the US and arguably the states best multiple sport athlete (2x 4A POY in volleyball), while daughter Katelyn is an All-SEC javelin thrower at Texas A&amp;M and qualified for the Olympic trials in HS (2021). Fairchild was unable to make the event due to a shoulder surgery but his son (Matt) accepted the award on his behalf at our all-state event.Assistant Coach of the Year- Big Classes: Drew Hudgins, Mill Valley<figure>
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 </figure>Drew Hudgins of Mill Valley being congratulated by Joel Applebee at the SIK all-state event.Hudgins has been one of the best assistants in the state for multiple years at state dynasty Mill Valley. The MV program has won six state football titles since 2015 and recently just 4-peated in 5A. They are 6-0 all-time in state title games. He has been with the program for 12 years and seventh as the defensive coordinator. He is arguably the best defensive coordinator in the big classes of Kansas over the last 10 years with a lot of rings to show for it. The Mill Valley defense is known for its aggressive style of play and depth.