VALLEY CENTER, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks will travel to Valley Center tonight for a key Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League matchup against the Hornets. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Hutchinson (1-0) is coming off a decisive 34-0 win over Andover Central, while Valley Center (1-0) notched a 10-point victory over Goddard Eisenhower last week. Both teams enter Friday’s game unbeaten, setting the stage for an early-season conference showdown.

Coverage begins with the Kansas Kickoff Show at 6 p.m. from Kpreps and Sports in Kansas, followed by the Salthawk Pregame Show presented by Papa John’s Pizza at 6:30 p.m. Kickoff follows at 7 p.m.

The award-winning EAGLE Media sportscast crew will be on the call. Glen Grunwald provides play-by-play alongside color analyst Dan “Coach Nac” Naccarato. Matt Peterson will handle the video stream on the Hutch High Hudl channel beginning at 6:50 p.m.

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

Video stream of tonight's game wis also provided by the Valley Center&nbsp; Hudl.com channel. <a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ks/valley-center/organization/748/valley-centers-high-school/schedule?date=2025-09-07T05%3A00%3A00.000Z&amp;range=Week&amp;s=U2NoZWR1bGVFbnRyeVB1YmxpY1N1bW1hcnk2N2FjZDBlOTlhMjBmZTM2ZjYwZWU3MGU%3D">CICK HERE</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757664636175.png" alt="Game Day - Hutch travels to Valley Center tonight, pregame starts at 6pm" />
                        <figcaption>Game Day - Hutch travels to Valley Center tonight, pregame starts at 6pm</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>VALLEY CENTER, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks will travel to Valley Center tonight for a key Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League matchup against the Hornets. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.</p><p>Hutchinson (1-0) is coming off a decisive 34-0 win over Andover Central, while Valley Center (1-0) notched a 10-point victory over Goddard Eisenhower last week. Both teams enter Friday’s game unbeaten, setting the stage for an early-season conference showdown.</p><p>Coverage begins with the Kansas Kickoff Show at 6 p.m. from Kpreps and Sports in Kansas, followed by the Salthawk Pregame Show presented by Papa John’s Pizza at 6:30 p.m. Kickoff follows at 7 p.m.</p><p>The award-winning EAGLE Media sportscast crew will be on the call. Glen Grunwald provides play-by-play alongside color analyst Dan “Coach Nac” Naccarato. Matt Peterson will handle the video stream on the Hutch High Hudl channel beginning at 6:50 p.m.</p><p>Fans can catch the game on KWBW 1450 AM/98.5 FM, with audio streaming on kwbwradio.com and pay-per-view video streaming on hutchpost.com as well as on the Hutch High Hudl.com channel beginning at 6:50pm. CL<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ks/hutchinson/organization/8/hutchinson-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0Mjc1MTM2OQ%3D%3D">ICK HERE!</a></p><div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2751369?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div><p>Video stream of tonight's game wis also provided by the Valley Center&nbsp; Hudl.com channel. <a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ks/valley-center/organization/748/valley-centers-high-school/schedule?date=2025-09-07T05%3A00%3A00.000Z&amp;range=Week&amp;s=U2NoZWR1bGVFbnRyeVB1YmxpY1N1bW1hcnk2N2FjZDBlOTlhMjBmZTM2ZjYwZWU3MGU%3D">CICK HERE</a>.</p>

🏈🎥🎧 Hutch High travels to Valley Center for baattle of unbeatens

By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a><br><i>Hutch Post</i>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Press Box Suite C at Gowans Stadium has been renamed the Rusty Hilst Broadcast Booth, honoring the longtime voice of Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College athletics.

Hilst, who died in June after a battle with ALS, spent more than 50 years calling football and basketball games for the Salthawks and Blue Dragons. Known for his warm and steady delivery, he became a fixture on the local airwaves and a trusted source for generations of fans.

The dedication was held Friday at Gowans Stadium, where family, colleagues and friends gathered to celebrate Hilst’s legacy as a teacher, coach and broadcaster.

“Rusty started broadcasting Blue Dragon athletics in 1969,” HutchCC sports information director Steve Carpenter said. “He called 870 Blue Dragon football games, winning 692, and 1,681 Blue Dragon men’s basketball games, winning 1,274. In the later years, he even did 249 women’s basketball games, winning 226. During that time, he got to call three national basketball championships, 19 men’s conference titles, six women’s titles, 14 men’s Region VI titles and six women’s Region VI titles. In football, four league titles and 16 bowl appearances. Rusty got to call a lot of good stuff.”

Over his career, Hilst earned numerous accolades, including Kansas Sportscaster of the Year and the Hod Humiston Award from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. He was inducted into the Hutchinson High School Wall of Honor and later became the first non-player inducted into the Hutchinson Community College Quarterback Club Hall of Fame.

“When you name a room after an individual, it’s a permanent way to recognize their importance to a team, school or organization,” HutchCC athletic director Josh Gooch said. “Today is a special day. We get to honor and memorialize a legendary broadcaster that we all got to enjoy.”

Friends and colleagues said Hilst’s influence extended beyond the press box, recalling his kindness, mentorship and commitment to the Hutchinson community.

“On behalf of Hutch High and USD 308, I just want to say how thankful we are for Rusty,” Hutchinson High athletic director Steve Kappenman said. “Myself, growing up, those are my first memories of listening to Hutch High and the Blue Dragons with my dad — that voice in our house. We didn’t have smartphones, so it was that radio tuned into Rusty each time.”

One of Hilst’s longtime broadcast partners and the current voice of the Salthawks, Glen Grunwald, shared stories from years of traveling to and from games together.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757699902232.jpeg" alt="Press Box Suite C at Gowans Stadium was dedicated Friday as the Rusty Hilst Broadcast Booth in honor of the longtime radio voice of Hutchinson High and Hutchinson Community College football and basketball. Hilst, who passed away in June after a battle with ALS, spent decades on the air calling Blue Dragon and Salthawk games. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
                        <figcaption>Press Box Suite C at Gowans Stadium was dedicated Friday as the Rusty Hilst Broadcast Booth in honor of the longtime radio voice of Hutchinson High and Hutchinson Community College football and basketball. Hilst, who passed away in June after a battle with ALS, spent decades on the air calling Blue Dragon and Salthawk games. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a><br><i>Hutch Post</i></p><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Press Box Suite C at Gowans Stadium has been renamed the Rusty Hilst Broadcast Booth, honoring the longtime voice of Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College athletics.</p><p>Hilst, who died in June after a battle with ALS, spent more than 50 years calling football and basketball games for the Salthawks and Blue Dragons. Known for his warm and steady delivery, he became a fixture on the local airwaves and a trusted source for generations of fans.</p><p>The dedication was held Friday at Gowans Stadium, where family, colleagues and friends gathered to celebrate Hilst’s legacy as a teacher, coach and broadcaster.</p><p>“Rusty started broadcasting Blue Dragon athletics in 1969,” HutchCC sports information director Steve Carpenter said. “He called 870 Blue Dragon football games, winning 692, and 1,681 Blue Dragon men’s basketball games, winning 1,274. In the later years, he even did 249 women’s basketball games, winning 226. During that time, he got to call three national basketball championships, 19 men’s conference titles, six women’s titles, 14 men’s Region VI titles and six women’s Region VI titles. In football, four league titles and 16 bowl appearances. Rusty got to call a lot of good stuff.”</p><p>Over his career, Hilst earned numerous accolades, including Kansas Sportscaster of the Year and the Hod Humiston Award from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. He was inducted into the Hutchinson High School Wall of Honor and later became the first non-player inducted into the Hutchinson Community College Quarterback Club Hall of Fame.</p><p>“When you name a room after an individual, it’s a permanent way to recognize their importance to a team, school or organization,” HutchCC athletic director Josh Gooch said. “Today is a special day. We get to honor and memorialize a legendary broadcaster that we all got to enjoy.”</p><p>Friends and colleagues said Hilst’s influence extended beyond the press box, recalling his kindness, mentorship and commitment to the Hutchinson community.</p><p>“On behalf of Hutch High and USD 308, I just want to say how thankful we are for Rusty,” Hutchinson High athletic director Steve Kappenman said. “Myself, growing up, those are my first memories of listening to Hutch High and the Blue Dragons with my dad — that voice in our house. We didn’t have smartphones, so it was that radio tuned into Rusty each time.”</p><p>One of Hilst’s longtime broadcast partners and the current voice of the Salthawks, Glen Grunwald, shared stories from years of traveling to and from games together.</p>

Gowans Stadium Press Box renamed for late broadcaster Rusty Hilst

For the third time in as many seasons, the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons and Iowa Western Reivers meet as the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the NJCAA Division I national football rankings.

The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (1-0) renew their rivalry against the No. 2-ranked Reivers (1-0) at 12:03 p.m. on Saturday in Hutchinson's 2025 home opener at Gowans Stadium.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 11:30 a.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Rob Dreher (color) calling the action.

The game will also be nationally televised on ESPN+ with Pat Strathman (PBP) and Gary Thomas (color) on the call at Noon.

This is a rematch of the 2024 NJCAA Football Championship game where the No. 3-ranked Blue Dragons rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat the top-ranked Reivers 28-23 on December 18, 2024 in Canyon, Texas, halting Iowa Western's bid at a championship repeat.

Hutchinson plays in a No. 1-vs.-No. 2 match-up for the fifth time in program history. The Blue Dragons are 3-1 in such games with two of the previous four matchups against Iowa Western.

The Blue Dragons opened the 2025 season with an impressive 76-8 road win last Saturday at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico.

Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;threw for career highs of 237 yards and five touchdowns.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/salley_jr._derrick_8ftn">Derrick Salley Jr.</a>&nbsp;caught three touchdown passes and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/mclaughlin_eddie_bpds">Eddie McLaughlin</a>&nbsp;caught two touchdown passes. Defensively, the Blue Dragons broke a season-game record with eight total takeaways, including a record five fumble recoveries.

With the victory, Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas became the fourth Hutchinson head coach to reach 50 career wins. Dallas did so the fastest, reaching that mark in only 55 games.

Iowa Western had last week off, but rolled to a 39-20 season-opening win over No. 6 Georgia Military, defeating the Bulldogs 39-20 on August 30 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Running back Daniel Swinney rushed for 202 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Malachi Marshall was 13 of 15 passing for 238 yards and a touchdown. The Reivers racked up 510 total yards and held Georgia Military to 356 yards with six quarterback sacks and two takeaways.

Hutchinson bids for its 12th home-opening victory on Saturday. Since 2000, the Blue Dragons are 22-3 in home openers and overall they are 67-24-2 in home openers.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757690781930.jpeg" alt="Titus Petteway and the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons play host to No. 2 Iowa Western at Noon Saturday at Gowans Stadium. (Sydney Holzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
                        <figcaption>Titus Petteway and the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons play host to No. 2 Iowa Western at Noon Saturday at Gowans Stadium. (Sydney Holzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Hutchinson CC Sports Information</i></p><p>For the third time in as many seasons, the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons and Iowa Western Reivers meet as the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the NJCAA Division I national football rankings.</p><p>The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (1-0) renew their rivalry against the No. 2-ranked Reivers (1-0) at 12:03 p.m. on Saturday in Hutchinson's 2025 home opener at Gowans Stadium.</p><p>The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 11:30 a.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Rob Dreher (color) calling the action.</p><div><p><strong>BLUE DRAGON FOOTBALL</strong><br /><strong>No. 1 Hutchinson (1-0) vs. No. 2 Iowa Western (1-0)</strong><br /><strong>When</strong>: Saturday, September 13, 2025<br /><strong>Where</strong>: Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson, KS<br /><strong>Kickoff</strong>: 12:03 p.m.<br /><strong>Radio</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 11:30 a.m. (Sean Boston - PBP; Rob Dreher - Color)</strong></a><br /><strong>Video</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/f8c8d7b7-9ca8-3342-affc-ec4a7506b3af/njcaa-football#bucketId=7373" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ESPN+, Noon (Pat Strathman - PBP; Gary Thomas - Color)</strong></a><br /><strong>X</strong>: @bluedragonsport<br /><a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/files/Game_2_-_Iowa_Western.pdf"><strong>CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES</strong></a></p></div><p>The game will also be nationally televised on ESPN+ with Pat Strathman (PBP) and Gary Thomas (color) on the call at Noon.</p><p>This is a rematch of the 2024 NJCAA Football Championship game where the No. 3-ranked Blue Dragons rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat the top-ranked Reivers 28-23 on December 18, 2024 in Canyon, Texas, halting Iowa Western's bid at a championship repeat.</p><p>Hutchinson plays in a No. 1-vs.-No. 2 match-up for the fifth time in program history. The Blue Dragons are 3-1 in such games with two of the previous four matchups against Iowa Western.</p><p>The Blue Dragons opened the 2025 season with an impressive 76-8 road win last Saturday at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico.</p><p>Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;threw for career highs of 237 yards and five touchdowns.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/salley_jr._derrick_8ftn">Derrick Salley Jr.</a>&nbsp;caught three touchdown passes and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/mclaughlin_eddie_bpds">Eddie McLaughlin</a>&nbsp;caught two touchdown passes. Defensively, the Blue Dragons broke a season-game record with eight total takeaways, including a record five fumble recoveries.</p><p>With the victory, Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas became the fourth Hutchinson head coach to reach 50 career wins. Dallas did so the fastest, reaching that mark in only 55 games.</p><p>Iowa Western had last week off, but rolled to a 39-20 season-opening win over No. 6 Georgia Military, defeating the Bulldogs 39-20 on August 30 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.</p><p>Running back Daniel Swinney rushed for 202 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Malachi Marshall was 13 of 15 passing for 238 yards and a touchdown. The Reivers racked up 510 total yards and held Georgia Military to 356 yards with six quarterback sacks and two takeaways.</p><p>Hutchinson bids for its 12th home-opening victory on Saturday. Since 2000, the Blue Dragons are 22-3 in home openers and overall they are 67-24-2 in home openers.</p>

🏈 No. 1 Dragons play host to No. 2 Reivers on Saturday

Tiana Mangakahia, a former Hutchinson Community College women's basketball player whose story of resilience inspired fans around the world, died Thursday at the age of 30.

Mangakahia, originally from Brisbane, Australia, attended HutchCC from 2015 to 2017 but was ruled ineligible to compete under NJCAA rules because she had previously signed an amateur contract in her home country. Despite never playing a game for the Blue Dragons, she became a fixture around the program before transferring to Syracuse in 2017.

At Syracuse, Mangakahia quickly rose to national prominence. She led the nation in assists and earned first-team All-ACC honors, establishing herself as one of the premier point guards in women’s college basketball.

Her career was interrupted in June 2019, when she was diagnosed with Stage 2, Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. She underwent chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, and was declared cancer-free in November 2019. Mangakahia sat out the 2019 season but returned in 2020, averaging 11.4 points, 7.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game for the Orange.

Following graduation, she played professionally in Russia and in the Women’s National Basketball League in Australia. She retired in 2023 after her cancer returned.

Just last week, Mangakahia revealed on social media that her health had taken “a negative turn” and that she was “experiencing significant physical decline.”

Mangakahia’s journey from Hutchinson to Syracuse to the professional ranks, and through the fight of her life against cancer left a lasting impact on teammates, coaches and fans on both sides of the globe.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757684620599.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Tiana Mangakahia, a former Hutchinson Community College women's basketball player whose story of resilience inspired fans around the world, died Thursday at the age of 30.</p><p>Mangakahia, originally from Brisbane, Australia, attended HutchCC from 2015 to 2017 but was ruled ineligible to compete under NJCAA rules because she had previously signed an amateur contract in her home country. Despite never playing a game for the Blue Dragons, she became a fixture around the program before transferring to Syracuse in 2017.</p><p>At Syracuse, Mangakahia quickly rose to national prominence. She led the nation in assists and earned first-team All-ACC honors, establishing herself as one of the premier point guards in women’s college basketball.</p><p>Her career was interrupted in June 2019, when she was diagnosed with Stage 2, Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. She underwent chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, and was declared cancer-free in November 2019. Mangakahia sat out the 2019 season but returned in 2020, averaging 11.4 points, 7.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game for the Orange.</p><p>Following graduation, she played professionally in Russia and in the Women’s National Basketball League in Australia. She retired in 2023 after her cancer returned.</p><p>Just last week, Mangakahia revealed on social media that her health had taken “a negative turn” and that she was “experiencing significant physical decline.”</p><p>Mangakahia’s journey from Hutchinson to Syracuse to the professional ranks, and through the fight of her life against cancer left a lasting impact on teammates, coaches and fans on both sides of the globe.</p><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOfKg-OEVok/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOfKg-OEVok/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; 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🏀 Former HutchCC player Tiana Mangakahia, who battled cancer, dies at 30

🎧⚾ Royals lose finale; 🏈 Prep previews; 🏈 No. 1 HutchCC vs. No. 2 Iowa Western Saturday

<i>All games kickoff at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted</i>

Buhler (1-0) vs. Augusta (0-1)<br>Central Christian (1-0) vs. Canton-Galva (1-0)<br>Hesston (1-0) vs. Hoisington (1-0)<br>Hutchinson (1-0) at Valley Center (1-0)<br>Inman (1-0) vs. Wichita-Trinity Academy (0-1)<br>Little River (1-0) at Rural Vista (1-0)<br>Lyons (0-1) vs. Minneapolis (0-1)<br>McPherson (0-1) at Circle (1-0)<br>Moundridge (1-0) vs. Sterling (1-0)<br>Nickerson (0-1) vs. Haven (1-0)<br>Pratt (0-1) vs. Halstead (0-1)<br>Pratt-Skyline (1-0) vs. Fairfield (1-0)<br>Pretty Prairie (0-1) at Stafford (0-1)<br>Trinity Catholic (0-1) at Sedgwick (0-1)

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719520482079.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>All games kickoff at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted</i></p><p>Buhler (1-0) vs. Augusta (0-1)<br>Central Christian (1-0) vs. Canton-Galva (1-0)<br>Hesston (1-0) vs. Hoisington (1-0)<br>Hutchinson (1-0) at Valley Center (1-0)<br>Inman (1-0) vs. Wichita-Trinity Academy (0-1)<br>Little River (1-0) at Rural Vista (1-0)<br>Lyons (0-1) vs. Minneapolis (0-1)<br>McPherson (0-1) at Circle (1-0)<br>Moundridge (1-0) vs. Sterling (1-0)<br>Nickerson (0-1) vs. Haven (1-0)<br>Pratt (0-1) vs. Halstead (0-1)<br>Pratt-Skyline (1-0) vs. Fairfield (1-0)<br>Pretty Prairie (0-1) at Stafford (0-1)<br>Trinity Catholic (0-1) at Sedgwick (0-1)</p>

🏈 Week 2 Hutch Post area high school football schedule

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (September 11, 2025)—Kala’i Rosario stole his 30th base of the season in a 2-0 loss for the Wichita Wind Surge against the Corpus Christi Hooks at Whataburger Field. Wichita is now one game back of the Tulsa Drillers for the playoff spot with three games left in the regular season after Tulsa fell 7-5 to the Arkansas Travelers at ONEOK Field.

Lucas Spence worked a two-out walk, moved from first to third on an infield error, and stole home on a double steal to give Corpus Christi a 1-0 advantage in the bottom of the second.

Alejandro Hidalgo would finish his night with two hits, two walks, and the unearned run surrendered with seven strikeouts over four frames in his eventual fifth loss with the Wind Surge. Kyle Bischoff followed by retiring the minimum on 11 pitches in the home half of the fifth inning to keep up the one-run game.

Tommy Sacco Jr. slapped an RBI single to left field after the stretch in the seventh, bringing around Jeron Williams, who reached on an infield error, to double the Corpus Christi lead to the future final 2-0 score.

Wichita stranded men on second and third in the top of the eighth, and despite Jacob Wosinski throwing a scoreless bottom of the inning with a hit, a walk, and a strikeout, the Wind Surge would get shut out for the fifth time this season.

The Wind Surge are now one game back of the Tulsa Drillers for the playoff spot with three games left in the regular season.

Kala’i Rosario stole his 30th base of 2025 in the top of the third, becoming the first Wichita player to reach that mark in a single season since Yoyner Fajardo, DaShawn Keirsey Jr., and Will Holland all did so in 2023.

Andrew Cossetti records his 15th multi-hit game of the year.

There were just five total walks all night long between both sides.

Wichita finishes 11-13 in Thursday regular-season games in 2025.

The Wind Surge continue their final regular season series against the Corpus Christi Hooks on September 12 at 7:05 PM. You can listen to Wind Surge games on windsurge.com or watch online at MiLB.TV and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit windsurge.com/tickets.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757674426725.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Wichita Wind Surge</i></p><p>CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (September 11, 2025)—Kala’i Rosario stole his 30th base of the season in a 2-0 loss for the Wichita Wind Surge against the Corpus Christi Hooks at Whataburger Field. Wichita is now one game back of the Tulsa Drillers for the playoff spot with three games left in the regular season after Tulsa fell 7-5 to the Arkansas Travelers at ONEOK Field.</p><p>Lucas Spence worked a two-out walk, moved from first to third on an infield error, and stole home on a double steal to give Corpus Christi a 1-0 advantage in the bottom of the second.</p><p>Alejandro Hidalgo would finish his night with two hits, two walks, and the unearned run surrendered with seven strikeouts over four frames in his eventual fifth loss with the Wind Surge. Kyle Bischoff followed by retiring the minimum on 11 pitches in the home half of the fifth inning to keep up the one-run game.</p><p>Tommy Sacco Jr. slapped an RBI single to left field after the stretch in the seventh, bringing around Jeron Williams, who reached on an infield error, to double the Corpus Christi lead to the future final 2-0 score.</p><p>Wichita stranded men on second and third in the top of the eighth, and despite Jacob Wosinski throwing a scoreless bottom of the inning with a hit, a walk, and a strikeout, the Wind Surge would get shut out for the fifth time this season.</p><p>POSTGAME NOTES</p><p>The Wind Surge are now one game back of the Tulsa Drillers for the playoff spot with three games left in the regular season.</p><p>Kala’i Rosario stole his 30th base of 2025 in the top of the third, becoming the first Wichita player to reach that mark in a single season since Yoyner Fajardo, DaShawn Keirsey Jr., and Will Holland all did so in 2023.</p><p>Andrew Cossetti records his 15th multi-hit game of the year.</p><p>There were just five total walks all night long between both sides.</p><p>Wichita finishes 11-13 in Thursday regular-season games in 2025.</p><p>The Wind Surge continue their final regular season series against the Corpus Christi Hooks on September 12 at 7:05 PM. You can listen to Wind Surge games on windsurge.com or watch online at MiLB.TV and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit windsurge.com/tickets.</p>

⚾ Wind Surge silenced by Hooks

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie C.J. Kayfus hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Cleveland Guardians rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.

Cleveland (75-71) has won six of seven and took three of four in the series against its AL Central rival as it tries to stay in contention for the final AL wild card spot.

The Guardians trail Seattle by three games with 15 games remaining.

Kansas City's Vinnie Pasquantino became the fourth left-handed batter in Royals history to record 30 home runs in a season with a two-run drive in the first inning. The last Royals lefty batter to reach the mark was Mike Moustakas with 38 in 2017. The others were John Mayberry (34 in 1975) and Hall of Famer George Brett (30 in 1985).

The Royals (74-73) have gone 4-6 in their last 10 games and are 4 1/2 games back for the final wild card.

Guardians' catcher Bo Naylor led off the eighth with a base hit to right field. Kayfus followed with a towering 425-foot drive to right-center on a low fastball on a 1-0 count from John Schreiber (3-3) for his third homer of the season.

Matt Festa (4-3) got the win with a scoreless eighth inning. Cade Smith hit Jonathan India with a fastball to lead off the ninth and then retired the next three batters for his 13th save.

The Royals were 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position. They had runners at the corners with two outs in the sixth, but Guardians starter Gavin Williams struck out India with a sweeper on a full count to end the frame.

In 30 games since Aug. 10, Pasquatino leads the majors with 33 RBIs and is tied with the Mets’ Juan Soto at 11 home runs.

Royals: Open a three-game series at Philadelphia on Friday with RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-10, 4.63 ERA) on the mound.

<p>CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie C.J. Kayfus hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Cleveland Guardians rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.</p><p>Cleveland (75-71) has won six of seven and took three of four in the series against its AL Central rival as it tries to stay in contention for the final AL wild card spot.</p><p>The Guardians trail Seattle by three games with 15 games remaining.</p><p>Kansas City's Vinnie Pasquantino became the fourth left-handed batter in Royals history to record 30 home runs in a season with a two-run drive in the first inning. The last Royals lefty batter to reach the mark was Mike Moustakas with 38 in 2017. The others were John Mayberry (34 in 1975) and Hall of Famer George Brett (30 in 1985).</p><p>The Royals (74-73) have gone 4-6 in their last 10 games and are 4 1/2 games back for the final wild card.</p><p>Guardians' catcher Bo Naylor led off the eighth with a base hit to right field. Kayfus followed with a towering 425-foot drive to right-center on a low fastball on a 1-0 count from John Schreiber (3-3) for his third homer of the season.</p><p>Matt Festa (4-3) got the win with a scoreless eighth inning. Cade Smith hit Jonathan India with a fastball to lead off the ninth and then retired the next three batters for his 13th save.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>The Royals were 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position. They had runners at the corners with two outs in the sixth, but Guardians starter Gavin Williams struck out India with a sweeper on a full count to end the frame.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>In 30 games since Aug. 10, Pasquatino leads the majors with 33 RBIs and is tied with the Mets’ Juan Soto at 11 home runs.</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Royals: Open a three-game series at Philadelphia on Friday with RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-10, 4.63 ERA) on the mound.</p>

⚾ Kayfus' homer in 8th propels Guardians to victory over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes doesn’t know how many times he has watched video of the Philadelphia Eagles’ rout of his Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. At least once after the game, the quarterback said, and probably a couple of times over the summer.

It hasn’t gotten any easier to relive. The Chiefs trailed 24-0 at halftime, and 34-0 late in the third quarter, before a flurry of late scores resulted in a more respectable 40-22 final margin. The lopsided defeat last February denied Kansas City an opportunity at an historic third straight championship, and it left Mahomes and Co. vowing to get some revenge this season.

“I watch every game. You have to learn from it,” Mahomes said this week, as the Chiefs were preparing to welcome the Eagles for a rematch Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. “It sucks that you lose the game, but in order to progress and be better next time, you have to watch and learn from it.” 

The Chiefs have had to do a lot of learning lately. For all their talk about bouncing back from their Super Bowl flop, they opened the season with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-score-6c1f1ca2d2a3b4d4e1b539b7eb7367be">a lackluster 27-21 loss</a>&nbsp;to the AFC West rival Chargers in Brazil last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Things got so bad during the game that on at least two occasions the Chiefs began barking at each other — tight end Travis Kelce got into the face of right tackle Jawaan Taylor after his fourth penalty, and linebacker Drue Tranquill likewise lit into Chris Jones after the defensive tackle lost containment and allowed the Chargers to get a clinching first down.

“Everybody in there still loves each other,” Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton said. “No rifts or anything like that.”

Good thing, because facing the Eagles isn’t going to be any easier than it was in New Orleans. They turned back the Cowboys in their own season opener, and they have won seven straight games and 17 of 18 overall.

“It’s just another opportunity for us. That’s been my approach on it,” Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said of the rematch, and his team’s chance for a third straight victory over Kansas City. “We’ve got a lot we can learn from this past week.”

The Chiefs have not lost their first two games since Andy Reid’s second season in 2014, when they lost their opener to Tennessee and then in Week 2 to Peyton Manning and the Broncos; that also was the last time the Chiefs failed to make the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Mahomes has not been on a team that started 0-2 since 2011, his sophomore season in high school.

The Eagles’ A.J. Brown had one catch for 8 yards — it came with 1:51 left in the fourth quarter — against Dallas, way below the usual output for a wide receiver coming off three straight 1,000 yard-receiving seasons. In fact, that play was the only time he was even targeted. But Brown downplayed his lack of production, saying it was just something he had to deal with.

“I’m going to focus on myself,” Brown said. “My effort and what I do.”

Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo said a “fair share” of plays were designed for Brown headed into the game, and that “sometimes games play out like that and that’s kind of how it was. We don’t ever want to force it.”

The Chiefs could be without three of their top wide receivers in Xavier Worthy (shoulder), Jalen Royals (knee) and Rashee Rice (suspension) when they face the Eagles. That means more pressure on Marquise Brown, who had 10 catches for 99 yards in the loss to Los Angeles, and veterans Kelce and JuJu Smith-Schuster.

The Tank has rolled into Philly. As in, Tank Bigsby, whom the Eagles added in a trade with Jacksonville. They were looking for a backup to 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley after Will Shipley sustained a rib injury on a kickoff return in the opener. Bigsby was a third-round pick from Auburn in 2023, and he has 910 yards rushing and nine touchdowns in two-plus seasons.

“Coach tells me it’s time to go, I’m gonna go,” Bigsby said. “When I get an opportunity, just be me for this team, and come out and compete. Do what Tank do best. Do what I have to do for this team.”

Cooper DeJean became the first player in Super Bowl history to pick off a pass or score a touchdown on his birthday (he turned 22) when he returned a poor throw by Mahomes 38 yards to give the Eagles a 17-0 lead. But the second-round choice out of Iowa in 2024 has grown weary of reliving that moment with the media, fans and just about everyone he meets.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757327956809.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Sao Paulo. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)" />
                        <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Sao Paulo. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes doesn’t know how many times he has watched video of the Philadelphia Eagles’ rout of his Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. At least once after the game, the quarterback said, and probably a couple of times over the summer.</p><p>A few more times this week, of course.</p><p>It hasn’t gotten any easier to relive. The Chiefs trailed 24-0 at halftime, and 34-0 late in the third quarter, before a flurry of late scores resulted in a more respectable 40-22 final margin. The lopsided defeat last February denied Kansas City an opportunity at an historic third straight championship, and it left Mahomes and Co. vowing to get some revenge this season.</p><p>“I watch every game. You have to learn from it,” Mahomes said this week, as the Chiefs were preparing to welcome the Eagles for a rematch Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. “It sucks that you lose the game, but in order to progress and be better next time, you have to watch and learn from it.” </p><p>The Chiefs have had to do a lot of learning lately. For all their talk about bouncing back from their Super Bowl flop, they opened the season with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-score-6c1f1ca2d2a3b4d4e1b539b7eb7367be">a lackluster 27-21 loss</a>&nbsp;to the AFC West rival Chargers in Brazil last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Things got so bad during the game that on at least two occasions the Chiefs began barking at each other — tight end Travis Kelce got into the face of right tackle Jawaan Taylor after his fourth penalty, and linebacker Drue Tranquill likewise lit into Chris Jones after the defensive tackle lost containment and allowed the Chargers to get a clinching first down.</p><p>“Everybody in there still loves each other,” Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton said. “No rifts or anything like that.”</p><p>Good thing, because facing the Eagles isn’t going to be any easier than it was in New Orleans. They turned back the Cowboys in their own season opener, and they have won seven straight games and 17 of 18 overall.</p><p>“It’s just another opportunity for us. That’s been my approach on it,” Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said of the rematch, and his team’s chance for a third straight victory over Kansas City. “We’ve got a lot we can learn from this past week.”</p><h2>Staring down 0-2</h2><p>The Chiefs have not lost their first two games since Andy Reid’s second season in 2014, when they lost their opener to Tennessee and then in Week 2 to Peyton Manning and the Broncos; that also was the last time the Chiefs failed to make the playoffs.</p><p>Meanwhile, Mahomes has not been on a team that started 0-2 since 2011, his sophomore season in high school.</p><h2>What can Brown do for you?</h2><p>The Eagles’ A.J. Brown had one catch for 8 yards — it came with 1:51 left in the fourth quarter — against Dallas, way below the usual output for a wide receiver coming off three straight 1,000 yard-receiving seasons. In fact, that play was the only time he was even targeted. But Brown downplayed his lack of production, saying it was just something he had to deal with.</p><p>“I’m going to focus on myself,” Brown said. “My effort and what I do.”</p><p>Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo said a “fair share” of plays were designed for Brown headed into the game, and that “sometimes games play out like that and that’s kind of how it was. We don’t ever want to force it.”</p><h2>Speaking of wide receivers</h2><p>The Chiefs could be without three of their top wide receivers in Xavier Worthy (shoulder), Jalen Royals (knee) and Rashee Rice (suspension) when they face the Eagles. That means more pressure on Marquise Brown, who had 10 catches for 99 yards in the loss to Los Angeles, and veterans Kelce and JuJu Smith-Schuster.</p><h2>Moving the Tank</h2><p>The Tank has rolled into Philly. As in, Tank Bigsby, whom the Eagles added in a trade with Jacksonville. They were looking for a backup to 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley after Will Shipley sustained a rib injury on a kickoff return in the opener. Bigsby was a third-round pick from Auburn in 2023, and he has 910 yards rushing and nine touchdowns in two-plus seasons.</p><p>“Coach tells me it’s time to go, I’m gonna go,” Bigsby said. “When I get an opportunity, just be me for this team, and come out and compete. Do what Tank do best. Do what I have to do for this team.”</p><h2>Coop!</h2><p>Cooper DeJean became the first player in Super Bowl history to pick off a pass or score a touchdown on his birthday (he turned 22) when he returned a poor throw by Mahomes 38 yards to give the Eagles a 17-0 lead. But the second-round choice out of Iowa in 2024 has grown weary of reliving that moment with the media, fans and just about everyone he meets.</p>

🏈 Mahomes keeps reliving painful Super Bowl loss as Chiefs prepare for Eagles rematch

Hutchinson made a loud statement in Week 1, rolling to a 34-0 shutout win over defending Class 4A state champion Andover Central. It was the Salthawks’ first season-opening shutout since 2004, when they blanked Newton 14-0.

Senior linebacker Jackson Anderson was everywhere, piling up 15 tackles, three for loss, and delivering a 48-yard pick-six that put an exclamation point on the defensive effort. Hutch held the Jaguars to just 145 yards on 50 snaps, a stingy 2.9 yards per play.

On the other side of the ball, Hutchinson turned a new page, running a spread offense for the first time in more than 20 years after decades in the flexbone. Senior quarterback Robert Hunter looked comfortable, throwing for 123 yards and three touchdowns while spreading the ball around.

Valley Center also flexed in its opener, outlasting Eisenhower 38-28. Senior quarterback Carter Thatcher was the difference-maker, completing 16 of 23 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. His sophomore target Spencer Crumrine showed flashes of stardom with five catches for 110 yards and two scores, while junior R.J. Logan chipped in five receptions for 69 yards. The Hornets balanced things with 179 rushing yards, led by Cooper Boone’s 87 and a touchdown, while Thatcher added two more on the ground.

Friday’s matchup at Hornet Stadium feels like an early measuring stick in the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division I and could have implications later in the season in Class 5A West. The Salthawks won last year's meeting in the Salt City, 13-0.&nbsp;Hutchinson’s revamped offense and stingy defense get a tougher test against a Valley Center team that can hurt you both through the air and on the ground.

The key? Slowing down Thatcher. The Salthawks held Andover Central’s Max Olson to just 39 passing yards last week. Thatcher won’t be limited to that, but if Hutch can keep him closer to 100 than 200, they’ll likely head home with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2022.

Prediction: Hutchinson 28, Valley Center 14

Central Christian School (1-0) vs. Canton-Galva (1-0)

Central Christian wasted no time in Week 1, cruising past Sunrise Christian 62-14 in Bel Aire. The win avenged last year’s 54-50 loss to the Buffaloes and gave the Cougars the upper hand right out of the gate.

The Cougars set the tone immediately, taking the opening kickoff back for a touchdown just 16 seconds in. By the end of the first quarter it was 28-0, and they stretched it to 56-14 at halftime. The game ended early in the third quarter under the 45-point mercy rule.

CCS did nearly all of its damage on the ground, piling up 296 rushing yards on just 32 attempts, an eye-popping 9.3 yards per carry. Seniors Piercen Huff and Konnor Sullivan were unstoppable. Huff ran 13 times for 149 yards and three touchdowns, while Sullivan added 12 carries for 138 yards and four scores. On defense, Huff and junior Luke Eigsti each picked off a pass.

Canton-Galva also opened with a blowout, blanking Lost Springs-Centre 42-0. The Eagles’ offense was balanced, 116 yards rushing and 88 passing for 204 total, but the defense stole the show, holding Centre to zero net yards. The Cougars finished with 44 passing yards, but were pushed back for minus-44 on the ground.

This week brings a tougher challenge for Canton-Galva on the road. Central Christian dominated last year’s meeting 48-0, and with Huff and Sullivan looking nearly unstoppable, it’s hard to see this year’s result being much different. Expect the Cougars of CCS to roll again.

Prediction: Central Christian 42, Canton-Galva 24

Both Moundridge and Sterling look like contenders in Class 1A, and Friday’s matchup could be an early measuring stick for both programs. Sterling opened with a 47-6 statement win over a talented Sedgwick team, while Moundridge rolled past Bennington 52-0.

For Moundridge, this is a crucial second straight home game before hitting the road for three in a row. The Wildcats have been strong at home, going 4-1 since the start of last season. A year ago, Moundridge went on the road and handled Sterling 28-7, but this year’s challenge looks stiffer.

Sterling showcased its power run game at Sedgwick, piling up 379 rushing yards as part of a 412-yard night. Senior Zane Farney was the star, rushing 18 times for 155 yards and four touchdowns. Coupled with the leadership of four-year starting quarterback Logan Isaac, the Black Bears have the experience to make a deep playoff run.

Moundridge was equally sharp in its opener, totaling 301 yards of offense, 196 on the ground and 105 through the air. The Wildcats’ defense smothered Bennington, holding them to 102 total yards and forcing three turnovers.

This one has the makings of a classic small-school battle, and it may come down to who wins at the line of scrimmage. Moundridge has a defense capable of slowing Sterling, but the Black Bears’ experience and motivation after last year’s loss might give them the edge. Don’t be surprised if Sterling pulls this one out late.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734231644841.jpg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a><br><i>Hutch Post</i></p><h2>Hutchinson (1-0) at Valley Center (1-0)</h2><p>Hutchinson made a loud statement in Week 1, rolling to a 34-0 shutout win over defending Class 4A state champion Andover Central. It was the Salthawks’ first season-opening shutout since 2004, when they blanked Newton 14-0.</p><p>Senior linebacker Jackson Anderson was everywhere, piling up 15 tackles, three for loss, and delivering a 48-yard pick-six that put an exclamation point on the defensive effort. Hutch held the Jaguars to just 145 yards on 50 snaps, a stingy 2.9 yards per play.</p><p>On the other side of the ball, Hutchinson turned a new page, running a spread offense for the first time in more than 20 years after decades in the flexbone. Senior quarterback Robert Hunter looked comfortable, throwing for 123 yards and three touchdowns while spreading the ball around.</p><p>Valley Center also flexed in its opener, outlasting Eisenhower 38-28. Senior quarterback Carter Thatcher was the difference-maker, completing 16 of 23 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. His sophomore target Spencer Crumrine showed flashes of stardom with five catches for 110 yards and two scores, while junior R.J. Logan chipped in five receptions for 69 yards. The Hornets balanced things with 179 rushing yards, led by Cooper Boone’s 87 and a touchdown, while Thatcher added two more on the ground.</p><p>Friday’s matchup at Hornet Stadium feels like an early measuring stick in the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division I and could have implications later in the season in Class 5A West. The Salthawks won last year's meeting in the Salt City, 13-0.&nbsp;Hutchinson’s revamped offense and stingy defense get a tougher test against a Valley Center team that can hurt you both through the air and on the ground.</p><p>The key? Slowing down Thatcher. The Salthawks held Andover Central’s Max Olson to just 39 passing yards last week. Thatcher won’t be limited to that, but if Hutch can keep him closer to 100 than 200, they’ll likely head home with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2022.</p><p>Prediction: Hutchinson 28, Valley Center 14</p><h2>Central Christian School (1-0) vs. Canton-Galva (1-0)</h2><p>Central Christian wasted no time in Week 1, cruising past Sunrise Christian 62-14 in Bel Aire. The win avenged last year’s 54-50 loss to the Buffaloes and gave the Cougars the upper hand right out of the gate.</p><p>The Cougars set the tone immediately, taking the opening kickoff back for a touchdown just 16 seconds in. By the end of the first quarter it was 28-0, and they stretched it to 56-14 at halftime. The game ended early in the third quarter under the 45-point mercy rule.</p><p>CCS did nearly all of its damage on the ground, piling up 296 rushing yards on just 32 attempts, an eye-popping 9.3 yards per carry. Seniors Piercen Huff and Konnor Sullivan were unstoppable. Huff ran 13 times for 149 yards and three touchdowns, while Sullivan added 12 carries for 138 yards and four scores. On defense, Huff and junior Luke Eigsti each picked off a pass.</p><p>Canton-Galva also opened with a blowout, blanking Lost Springs-Centre 42-0. The Eagles’ offense was balanced, 116 yards rushing and 88 passing for 204 total, but the defense stole the show, holding Centre to zero net yards. The Cougars finished with 44 passing yards, but were pushed back for minus-44 on the ground.</p><p>This week brings a tougher challenge for Canton-Galva on the road. Central Christian dominated last year’s meeting 48-0, and with Huff and Sullivan looking nearly unstoppable, it’s hard to see this year’s result being much different. Expect the Cougars of CCS to roll again.</p><p>Prediction: Central Christian 42, Canton-Galva 24</p><h2>Moundridge (1-0) vs. Sterling (1-0)</h2><p>Both Moundridge and Sterling look like contenders in Class 1A, and Friday’s matchup could be an early measuring stick for both programs. Sterling opened with a 47-6 statement win over a talented Sedgwick team, while Moundridge rolled past Bennington 52-0.</p><p>For Moundridge, this is a crucial second straight home game before hitting the road for three in a row. The Wildcats have been strong at home, going 4-1 since the start of last season. A year ago, Moundridge went on the road and handled Sterling 28-7, but this year’s challenge looks stiffer.</p><p>Sterling showcased its power run game at Sedgwick, piling up 379 rushing yards as part of a 412-yard night. Senior Zane Farney was the star, rushing 18 times for 155 yards and four touchdowns. Coupled with the leadership of four-year starting quarterback Logan Isaac, the Black Bears have the experience to make a deep playoff run.</p><p>Moundridge was equally sharp in its opener, totaling 301 yards of offense, 196 on the ground and 105 through the air. The Wildcats’ defense smothered Bennington, holding them to 102 total yards and forcing three turnovers.</p><p>This one has the makings of a classic small-school battle, and it may come down to who wins at the line of scrimmage. Moundridge has a defense capable of slowing Sterling, but the Black Bears’ experience and motivation after last year’s loss might give them the edge. Don’t be surprised if Sterling pulls this one out late.</p><p>Prediction: Sterling 28, Moundridge 20</p>

🏈 The Big Three: Top area high school games to watch in Week 2

🎧⚾ Royals end skid; ⚾ Wind Surge wins third straight; 🏐 KVA releases prep rankings

The No. 12-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team saw No. 11 Cowley score in the 79th minute as the Tigers held on for a 2-1 Jayhawk Conference victory over the Blue Dragons in the 2025 KJCCC opener for both teams on Wednesday night at the Salthawk Soccer Complex.

The Blue Dragons are now 3-1 overall and 0-1 in the KJCCC. Hutchinson travels to Coffeyville at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Cowley is 1-0-1 overall and 1-0-0 in the Jayhawk.

In a rematch of last season's Region 6 Tournament championship game, the Blue Dragons and Tigers battled to a scoreless draw in the opening half.

The Tigers scored in the 66th minute when Sara Cortez scored when she deflected a shot of a Dragon defender into the goal for a 1-0 lead.

The Blue Dragons responded and tied the game in the 71st minute when freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/tamaki_olivia_seh8">Olivia Tamaki</a>&nbsp;took a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/azevedo_maria_vm7a">Maria Azevedo</a>&nbsp;feed for her second goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1 with 29:29 remaining.

Cowley took a 2-1 lead with 11:06 to play in the game when Mariana Andrade headed home a Sophie Knaab cross.

Cowley out-shot Hutchinson 13-11 and had eight shots on goal to the Dragons' four.

Blue Dragon goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/carvell_evie_w1nf">Evie Carvell</a>&nbsp;(2-1) had a season-high six saves. Cowley keeper Julia Suelly had three saves.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757595998682.jpeg" alt="Olivia Tamaki scored her second goal of the season to lead the No. 12-ranked Blue Dragons in a 2-1 loss to No. 11 Cowley on Wednesday at the Salthawk Soccer Complex. (Sydney Holzrichter)" />
                        <figcaption>Olivia Tamaki scored her second goal of the season to lead the No. 12-ranked Blue Dragons in a 2-1 loss to No. 11 Cowley on Wednesday at the Salthawk Soccer Complex. (Sydney Holzrichter)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Hutchinson CC Sports Information</i></p><p>The No. 12-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team saw No. 11 Cowley score in the 79th minute as the Tigers held on for a 2-1 Jayhawk Conference victory over the Blue Dragons in the 2025 KJCCC opener for both teams on Wednesday night at the Salthawk Soccer Complex.</p><p>The Blue Dragons are now 3-1 overall and 0-1 in the KJCCC. Hutchinson travels to Coffeyville at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Cowley is 1-0-1 overall and 1-0-0 in the Jayhawk.</p><p>In a rematch of last season's Region 6 Tournament championship game, the Blue Dragons and Tigers battled to a scoreless draw in the opening half.</p><p>The Tigers scored in the 66th minute when Sara Cortez scored when she deflected a shot of a Dragon defender into the goal for a 1-0 lead.</p><p>The Blue Dragons responded and tied the game in the 71st minute when freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/tamaki_olivia_seh8">Olivia Tamaki</a>&nbsp;took a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/azevedo_maria_vm7a">Maria Azevedo</a>&nbsp;feed for her second goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1 with 29:29 remaining.</p><p>Cowley took a 2-1 lead with 11:06 to play in the game when Mariana Andrade headed home a Sophie Knaab cross.</p><p>Cowley out-shot Hutchinson 13-11 and had eight shots on goal to the Dragons' four.</p><p>Blue Dragon goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/carvell_evie_w1nf">Evie Carvell</a>&nbsp;(2-1) had a season-high six saves. Cowley keeper Julia Suelly had three saves.</p>

⚽ No. 12 Dragons fall to No. 11 Tigers in KJCCC opener

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678361830840.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Kansas Athletics</i></p><div><p><strong>LAWRENCE, Kan.</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Kansas Athletics has announced details for the 41st edition of Late Night in the Phog&nbsp;presented by Hy-Vee.<br /><br />Late Night in the Phog is set for Friday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m. CT, inside historic Allen Fieldhouse. All gates will open at 5 p.m. for fans to enjoy activities on the concourse including a kid zone and a basketball equipment display including uniforms, shoes, balls and travel gear.<br /><br />The night will begin with the women's basketball team scrimmaging. Under the direction of 11th year head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/brandon-schneider/927" rel="smarttag" rev="927">Brandon Schneider</a></dfn>, the team returns its top six scorers from last season, including All-Big 12 selections&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/s-mya-nichols/16487" rel="smarttag" rev="16487">S'Mya Nichols</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/elle-evans/16485" rel="smarttag" rev="16485">Elle Evans</a></dfn>, and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/regan-williams/16488" rel="smarttag" rev="16488">Regan Williams</a></dfn>. The Jayhawks also welcome the No. 7 recruiting class in the country for the 2025-26 season, highlighted by five-star prospects&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaliya-davis/16490" rel="smarttag" rev="16490">Jaliya Davis</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/keeley-parks/16492" rel="smarttag" rev="16492">Keeley Parks</a></dfn>.<br /><br />Following the women's scrimmage, the Late Night halftime will feature entertainers, videos, dances with the Rock Chalk spirit squad, KU band and spirit, and the always fan favorite halfcourt shot in which two individuals will have the opportunity to win $10,000 from men's basketball coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bill-self/938" rel="smarttag" rev="938">Bill Self</a></dfn>&nbsp;by making a half-court shot.<br /><br />The men's team will then hit the court for a scrimmage. This will be the first look at the 2025-26 KU's men's team that features returners&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/flory-bidunga/16505" rel="smarttag" rev="16505">Flory Bidunga</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jamari-mcdowell/16509" rel="smarttag" rev="16509">Jamari McDowell</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elmarko-jackson/16508" rel="smarttag" rev="16508">Elmarko Jackson</a></dfn>. Self welcomes eight newcomers to the KU squad, featuring freshman&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/darryn-peterson/16518" rel="smarttag" rev="16518">Darryn Peterson</a></dfn>, the top-rated recruit in the nation, and four upperclassmen transfers &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/melvin-council-jr-/16516" rel="smarttag" rev="16516">Melvin Council Jr.</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jayden-dawson/16512" rel="smarttag" rev="16512">Jayden Dawson</a></dfn>, Nginyu "Gee" Ngala, and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tre-white/16514" rel="smarttag" rev="16514">Tre White</a></dfn>. Peterson, the third No. 1 ranked national recruit to play for Self at Kansas, joining Andrew Wiggins and Josh Jackson, is surrounded by a talented freshmen class this year, including&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kohl-rosario/16520" rel="smarttag" rev="16520">Kohl Rosario</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/paul-mbiya/16521" rel="smarttag" rev="16521">Paul Mbiya</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bryson-tiller/16517" rel="smarttag" rev="16517">Bryson Tiller</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/samis-calderon/16515" rel="smarttag" rev="16515">Samis Calderon</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/corbin-allen/16513" rel="smarttag" rev="16513">Corbin Allen</a></dfn>.<br /><br />Following the men's scrimmage, new this year will be the Late Night After Party, a KU student-only dance party on the Allen Fieldhouse court featuring dueling DJs. The Late Night After Party is in lieu of a musical artist.<br /><br />Late Night will continue to be a free event for fans, however, like the last three years, tickets will need to be claimed online in advance. All seating outside of the student section will be reserved. Williams Education Fund members will have preferred access to a limited number of reserved seats based on priority within the Williams Education Fund. All other inventory and unclaimed Williams Education Fund inventory will be made available to the public. Students will also have to claim a ticket online. Sports Combo holders will have access first for three days, and then general students will have a chance to claim tickets, based on availability.<br /><br /><strong>Ticket Reservation Timeline:</strong><br /><em>Please note: Availability is not guaranteed at any level, as a limited number of seats are being held for Williams Education Fund donors.</em><br /><strong>Monday, September 29:&nbsp;</strong>Oread &amp; Hall of Fame Donors and Student Combo Pass Holders<br /><strong>Tuesday, September 30:&nbsp;</strong>Champion &amp; Olympian Donors<br /><strong>Wednesday, October 1:&nbsp;</strong>Campanile to Legend Donors<br /><strong>Thursday, October 2:&nbsp;</strong>MVP to Outland Donors, Faculty/Staff and General Student Body<br /><strong>Friday, October 3:&nbsp;</strong>General Public<br /><br />Oread, Hall of Fame and Champion Donors may request up to six tickets, Olympian to Legend level donors up to four and MVP to Outland level donors and Faculty/Staff up to two, all based on ticket availability.<br /><br />Season tickets are currently available by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.evenue.net%2Fcgi-bin%2Fncommerce3%2FSEGetGroupList%3FgroupCode%3DMBB%26linkID%3Dkansas%26shopperContext%3D%26caller%3D%26appCode%3D&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ctheisen%40ku.edu%7C5d2d8d41a45b489c2f1f08ddf07f4459%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638931151607416693%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=aKSQaw4F%2B0rjqmTU5sgbGpZLcgaRGcQw1efB7wnCcTo%3D&amp;reserved=0">here</a>. Additionally, fans in attendance will have the opportunity to purchase specially priced single game tickets for select non-conference games.<br /><br />ADA seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited mobility patrons will be able to sit in sections 9 and 14 and hearing-impaired patrons in sections F and G, both on a first-come, first-served basis. Those needing ADA, limited mobility or hearing-impaired seating should all enter through Gate 11.<br /><br />In addition to HyVee, the production of Late Night in the Phog is supported by Jayhawk Sports Properties corporate partners &ndash; Central Bank,&nbsp;Crown Automotive, King's Hawaiian,&nbsp;LMH Health, Prairie Band Casino and Resort, and Raising Cane's.<br /><br />Kansas Athletics will also host Phog Fest on the front lawn of Allen Fieldhouse before Late Night, with activities starting at 2 p.m. It will have activities for all fans to enjoy, including the Hawk Zone with inflatable games, music and much more. Phog Fest will also include food trucks, giveaways from a variety of sponsors, interactive displays and more.<br /><br />Fans are once again encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which Kansas Athletics will donate to Just Foods which serves KU students by supplying food to Campus Cupboard. Non-perishable food and monetary donations supporting Just Food will be accepted throughout the day at Phog Fest and at all entrances to Allen Fieldhouse.<br /><br />Free parking will be available in Lot 90, east and south of Allen Fieldhouse across Naismith Drive, beginning at 2 p.m. CT. Fans may also park in the parking garage just north of Allen Fieldhouse with hourly rates until 4 p.m., at which time garage parking will be $5 per car. Lower levels of the parking garage will be reserved. All other normal campus parking rules apply.<br /><br />In accordance with the&nbsp;<a href="https://policy.ku.edu/chancellor/public-health-safety-requirements">University of Kansas</a>, KU's&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kuathletics.com/sports/2017/5/3/clear-bag-policy.aspx">clear-bag policy</a>&nbsp;and walk-through metal detectors will be enforced for those entering Allen Fieldhouse.</p></div>

🏀 Details announced for KU's Late Night in the Phog

The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team fell in straight sets to the No. 7-ranked Colby Trojans on Wednesday night at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons lost 25-19, 25-20, 25-17 in a KJCCC matchup.

The Blue Dragons fell to 5-5 overall and 1-2 in the KJCCC. The Blue Dragons are home against Garden City at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Sports Arena. Colby improved to 9-2 overall and 3-0 in conference play.

Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/proctor_atlyn_jzx3">Atlyn Proctor</a>&nbsp;led the Blue Dragons with seven kills each against Colby.

McNeill hit .227 on 22 attacks and had a season-high five block assists. Proctor hit .028 on 36 attacks.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/villanueva_alondra_w1k3">Alondra Villanueva</a>&nbsp;had five kills on 19 swings.

The Blue Dragons hit .031 for the match on 24 kills. Colby hit .170 with 36 kills. The Blue Dragons out-blocked the Trojans 8-4. Colby had 13 service aces to Hutchinson's five and out-dug the Blue Dragons 46-43.

Sorielys Dominguez had two service aces for the Blue Dragons. Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;had a team-high 12 digs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/follmer_kierny_j8x3">Kierny Follmer</a>&nbsp;and Mattie Gallaher had four block assists each.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/garcia_alexandra_ev7s">Alexandra Garcia</a>&nbsp;had 13 assists and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/reupena_angela_5uex">Angela Reupena</a>&nbsp;had eight assists.

Karlotta Kattai had 13 kills to lead Colby.

<b>SET 1:</b> Neither team had great offensive numbers in the opening set – Colby hit .121 and sided out at 47 percent. The Blue Dragons hit a -.081 and sided out at 36 percent. Colby had five service aces in the first set to the Dragons' 3. Tied at 4-all, Colby went on a 4-0 run. A Trojan attack error pulled the Blue Dragons within 11-10. Back-to-back Hutchinson errors upped the Colby lead to 16-11 and the Dragons took a timeout. Proctor had three-straight kills to pull within 17-15 and a Colby hitting error got the Dragons within 18-17. Colby closed out the set with a 7-2 run.

<b>SET 2: </b>The Blue Dragons trailed 6-3 early in the second set and fought back to tie the set at 10-all on a Villanueva kill. McNeill followed with a kill to give the Dragons their first lead of the match at 11-10 and the Hutchinson lead grew to 15-12 after a Colby hitting error. The Trojans then reeled off six unanswered points to take an 18-15 lead. At 18-16, a Dragon error started what turned into a 7-4 run to close out the set for Colby. The Dragons had 11 kills to Colby's 10 in the set, but the Trojans tacked on four more aces.

<b>SET 3:</b> Colby had its best offensive set of the match, hitting .216 in the third set. Hutchinson hit only .062. Tied at 4-all, Colby scored on 6 of the next 9 rallies to build a 10-7 lead. The Dragons stayed within striking distance and pulled within 16-14 after a&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/williamson_mckenzye_wur2">McKenzye Williamson</a>&nbsp;ace serve. Then a double block from McNeill and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/galliher_mattie_fggb">Mattie Galliher</a>&nbsp;got the Dragons within 16-15. Colby closed with a 9-2 run, getting ace serve No. 13 on match point.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757559481332.jpeg" alt="Jaylynn McNeill had seven kills and five digs to lead the Blue Dragon Volleyball team in a 3-0 loss to No. 7 Colby on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
                        <figcaption>Jaylynn McNeill had seven kills and five digs to lead the Blue Dragon Volleyball team in a 3-0 loss to No. 7 Colby on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Hutchinson CC Sports Information</i></p><p>The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team fell in straight sets to the No. 7-ranked Colby Trojans on Wednesday night at the Sports Arena.</p><p>The Blue Dragons lost 25-19, 25-20, 25-17 in a KJCCC matchup.</p><p>The Blue Dragons fell to 5-5 overall and 1-2 in the KJCCC. The Blue Dragons are home against Garden City at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Sports Arena. Colby improved to 9-2 overall and 3-0 in conference play.</p><p>Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/proctor_atlyn_jzx3">Atlyn Proctor</a>&nbsp;led the Blue Dragons with seven kills each against Colby.</p><p>McNeill hit .227 on 22 attacks and had a season-high five block assists. Proctor hit .028 on 36 attacks.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/villanueva_alondra_w1k3">Alondra Villanueva</a>&nbsp;had five kills on 19 swings.</p><p>The Blue Dragons hit .031 for the match on 24 kills. Colby hit .170 with 36 kills. The Blue Dragons out-blocked the Trojans 8-4. Colby had 13 service aces to Hutchinson's five and out-dug the Blue Dragons 46-43.</p><p>Sorielys Dominguez had two service aces for the Blue Dragons. Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;had a team-high 12 digs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/follmer_kierny_j8x3">Kierny Follmer</a>&nbsp;and Mattie Gallaher had four block assists each.</p><p><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/garcia_alexandra_ev7s">Alexandra Garcia</a>&nbsp;had 13 assists and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/reupena_angela_5uex">Angela Reupena</a>&nbsp;had eight assists.</p><p>Karlotta Kattai had 13 kills to lead Colby.</p><p><b>SET 1:</b> Neither team had great offensive numbers in the opening set – Colby hit .121 and sided out at 47 percent. The Blue Dragons hit a -.081 and sided out at 36 percent. Colby had five service aces in the first set to the Dragons' 3. Tied at 4-all, Colby went on a 4-0 run. A Trojan attack error pulled the Blue Dragons within 11-10. Back-to-back Hutchinson errors upped the Colby lead to 16-11 and the Dragons took a timeout. Proctor had three-straight kills to pull within 17-15 and a Colby hitting error got the Dragons within 18-17. Colby closed out the set with a 7-2 run.</p><p><b>SET 2: </b>The Blue Dragons trailed 6-3 early in the second set and fought back to tie the set at 10-all on a Villanueva kill. McNeill followed with a kill to give the Dragons their first lead of the match at 11-10 and the Hutchinson lead grew to 15-12 after a Colby hitting error. The Trojans then reeled off six unanswered points to take an 18-15 lead. At 18-16, a Dragon error started what turned into a 7-4 run to close out the set for Colby. The Dragons had 11 kills to Colby's 10 in the set, but the Trojans tacked on four more aces.</p><p><b>SET 3:</b> Colby had its best offensive set of the match, hitting .216 in the third set. Hutchinson hit only .062. Tied at 4-all, Colby scored on 6 of the next 9 rallies to build a 10-7 lead. The Dragons stayed within striking distance and pulled within 16-14 after a&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/williamson_mckenzye_wur2">McKenzye Williamson</a>&nbsp;ace serve. Then a double block from McNeill and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/galliher_mattie_fggb">Mattie Galliher</a>&nbsp;got the Dragons within 16-15. Colby closed with a 9-2 run, getting ace serve No. 13 on match point.</p>

🏐 Blue Dragons fall in straight sets to No. 7 Trojans

CLEVELAND (AP) — Nick Loftin singled in the tying run and scored on Maikel Garcia’s double in the seventh inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night.

Kansas City snapped a three-game losing streak and moved within 3 1/2 games of Seattle, which holds the third and final American League wild-card position. The Guardians are three behind the Mariners.

Cleveland led 3-2 after six before Loftin drove in Tyler Tolbert, then came around on Garcia’s liner off the wall in left against Hunter Gaddis. Tim Herrin (5-4) was charged with both runs.

Luinder Avila (1-0) worked two scoreless innings for his first career win and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth for his major league-leading 39th save.

Kyle Manzardo hit a two-run homer in the first and Bo Naylor had an RBI single in the fourth for Cleveland, which had won five straight. Manzardo’s 432-foot shot off Jonathan Bowlan was the longest of his career and his 26th homer of the season.

Vinnie Pasquantino and Jonathan India both singled in runs for Kansas City. Pasquantino reached 100 RBIs for the first time.

Guardians starter Logan Allen gave up two runs in five innings, remaining winless in seven outings since July 29.

Jac Caglianone walked with one out in the seventh and was replaced by pinch-runner Tolbert, who scored on Loftin’s pinch-hit single off Herrin. Gaddis entered and gave up Garcia’s RBI double.

Kansas City used six pitchers with Bowlan logging the first two innings. Michael Wacha was slated to start before suffering a concussion as a result of what manager Matt Quatraro termed “an off-field accident.”

Royals RHP Stephen Kolek (5-5, 3.88 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (10-5, 3.17 ERA) in the four-game series finale on Thursday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757555342258.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>CLEVELAND (AP) — Nick Loftin singled in the tying run and scored on Maikel Garcia’s double in the seventh inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night.</p><p>Kansas City snapped a three-game losing streak and moved within 3 1/2 games of Seattle, which holds the third and final American League wild-card position. The Guardians are three behind the Mariners.</p><p>Cleveland led 3-2 after six before Loftin drove in Tyler Tolbert, then came around on Garcia’s liner off the wall in left against Hunter Gaddis. Tim Herrin (5-4) was charged with both runs.</p><p>Luinder Avila (1-0) worked two scoreless innings for his first career win and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth for his major league-leading 39th save.</p><p>Kyle Manzardo hit a two-run homer in the first and Bo Naylor had an RBI single in the fourth for Cleveland, which had won five straight. Manzardo’s 432-foot shot off Jonathan Bowlan was the longest of his career and his 26th homer of the season.</p><p>Vinnie Pasquantino and Jonathan India both singled in runs for Kansas City. Pasquantino reached 100 RBIs for the first time.</p><p>Guardians starter Logan Allen gave up two runs in five innings, remaining winless in seven outings since July 29.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Jac Caglianone walked with one out in the seventh and was replaced by pinch-runner Tolbert, who scored on Loftin’s pinch-hit single off Herrin. Gaddis entered and gave up Garcia’s RBI double.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>Kansas City used six pitchers with Bowlan logging the first two innings. Michael Wacha was slated to start before suffering a concussion as a result of what manager Matt Quatraro termed “an off-field accident.”</p><h2>Up next</h2><p>Royals RHP Stephen Kolek (5-5, 3.88 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (10-5, 3.17 ERA) in the four-game series finale on Thursday.</p>

⚾ Royals snap 3-game skid with victory over the Guardians

Several Hutchinson-area schools are represented in the Kansas Volleyball Association’s first rankings of the regular season, released Wednesday.

In Class 3A, Hesston debuted at No. 3 with a 6-1 start, while Halstead, the defending state champs and preseason No. 1, sits at No. 4 after opening 3-3. In Class 2A, Moundridge is off to a 7-0 start and entered the poll at No. 2, followed closely by Inman at No. 6 after a 5-2 opening stretch. Pretty Prairie claimed the No. 10 spot in Class 1A Division I at 4-4, while Little River held firm at No. 1 in 1A Division I with a 3-1 record.

Ellinwood (2A), Silver Lake (3A), Hayden (4A), St. Thomas Aquinas (5A), and Mill Valley (6A) top their respective classifications. Records listed reflect results through Sept. 8, and classifications are based on 2024-25 enrollments until the KSHSAA releases updated numbers at the end of the month.

Kansas Volleyball Association Week 1 Rankings

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574015954003.jpeg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Several Hutchinson-area schools are represented in the Kansas Volleyball Association’s first rankings of the regular season, released Wednesday.</p><p>In Class 3A, Hesston debuted at No. 3 with a 6-1 start, while Halstead, the defending state champs and preseason No. 1, sits at No. 4 after opening 3-3. In Class 2A, Moundridge is off to a 7-0 start and entered the poll at No. 2, followed closely by Inman at No. 6 after a 5-2 opening stretch. Pretty Prairie claimed the No. 10 spot in Class 1A Division I at 4-4, while Little River held firm at No. 1 in 1A Division I with a 3-1 record.</p><p>Ellinwood (2A), Silver Lake (3A), Hayden (4A), St. Thomas Aquinas (5A), and Mill Valley (6A) top their respective classifications. Records listed reflect results through Sept. 8, and classifications are based on 2024-25 enrollments until the KSHSAA releases updated numbers at the end of the month.</p><h2>Kansas Volleyball Association Week 1 Rankings</h2><p>Class 6A</p><ol>
                        <li>Mill Valley 2-1 (1)
</li><li>Blue Valley West 3-0 (2)
</li><li>Olathe West 3-1 (3)
</li><li>Olathe Northwest 3-1 (NR)
</li><li>Washburn Rural 4-2 (5)
</li><li>Blue Valley North 2-2 (4)
</li><li>Manhattan 3-2 (7)
</li><li>Lawrence Free State 6-2 (NR)
</li><li>Garden City 5-2 (NR)
</li><li>Wichita Northwest 2-0 (9)
</li>
                    </ol><p>Class 5A</p><ol>
                        <li>St. Thomas Aquinas 3-1 (1)
</li><li>Blue Valley Southwest 3-1 (2)
</li><li>St. James Academy 8-1 (3)
</li><li>Maize South 12-1 (4)
</li><li>Bishop Carroll 7-0 (7)
</li><li>Lansing 4-2 (6)
</li><li>Kapaun Mt. Carmel 4-3 (5)
</li><li>De Soto 3-0 (NR)
</li><li>Salina South 6-1 (NR)
</li><li>Salina Central 6-1 (NR)
</li>
                    </ol><p>Class 4A</p><ol>
                        <li>Hayden 4-0 (2)
</li><li>Bishop Miege 0-2 (1)
</li><li>Clay Center 7-1 (4)
</li><li>Andale 7-0 (6)
</li><li>Holton 7-1 (9)
</li><li>Rock Creek 8-2 (3)
</li><li>Concordia 5-3 (8)
</li><li><b>McPherson 4-3 (5)
</b></li><li>Eudora 0-3 (7)
</li><li>Mulvane 5-2 (NR)
</li>
                    </ol><p>Class 3A</p><ol>
                        <li>Silver Lake 7-0 (8)
</li><li>Hoisington 7-1 (3)
</li><li><b>Hesston 6-1 (NR)
</b></li><li><b>Halstead 3-3 (1)
</b></li><li>Beloit 5-1 (4)
</li><li>Nemaha Central 5-3 (2)
</li><li>Neodesha 2-0 (5)
</li><li>Riley County 6-2 (NR)
</li><li>Girard 2-0 (7)
</li><li>Jefferson West 7-1 (NR)
</li>
                    </ol><p>Class 2A</p><ol>
                        <li>Ellinwood 3-0 (1)
</li><li><b>Moundridge 7-0 (NR)
</b></li><li><b>Sedgwick 9-2 (4)
</b></li><li>Rossville 7-0 (10)
</li><li>Maranatha Christian 1-0 (5)
</li><li><b>Inman 5-2 (3)
</b></li><li>Oakley 9-0 (6)
</li><li>Medicine Lodge 9-1 (NR)
</li><li>Hillsboro 4-3 (8)
</li><li>Valley Heights 5-3 (2)
</li>
                    </ol><p>Class 1A Division I</p><ol>
                        <li><b>Little River 3-1 (1)
</b></li><li>Rock Hills 4-0 (4)
</li><li>South Gray 9-1 (6)
</li><li>Centralia 6-1 (2)
</li><li>Spearville 4-1 (7)
</li><li>Greeley County 5-2 (9)
</li><li>Olpe 5-2 (NR)
</li><li>Clifton-Clyde 1-1 (3)
</li><li>Flinthills 3-1 (NR)
</li><li><b>Pretty Prairie 4-4 (8)
</b></li>
                    </ol><p>Class 1A Division II</p><ol>
                        <li>Ingalls 7-0 (2)
</li><li>Marais des Cygnes Valley 5-1 (3)
</li><li>Hanover 0-2 (1)
</li><li>Argonia 3-0 (6)
</li><li>Cheylin 4-1 (8)
</li><li>Lebo 1-1 (4)
</li><li>Attica 5-1 (7)
</li><li>Linn 2-0 (9)
</li><li>Dighton 4-1 (10)
</li><li>Victoria 4-0 (NR)</li>
                    </ol>

🏐 Several Reno County teams earn spots in first KVA volleyball rankings of 2025

🎧⚾ Royals lose again; ⚾ Wind Surge blanks Hooks; 🏈 Johnson named KJCCC OPOW

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757473704475.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><p><em>Wichita Wind Surge</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<p>CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (September 9, 2025)&mdash;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/sam-armstrong-814098"><strong>Sam Armstrong</strong></a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/logan-whitaker-681315"><strong>Logan Whitaker</strong></a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/mike-paredes-702474"><strong>Mike Paredes</strong></a>&nbsp;combined to give up just two hits in a combined 4-0 shutout victory for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Whataburger Field. The Wind Surge move up a half game on the Tulsa Drillers and are 1.5 games back from a playoff spot.</p>
<p>After just one man overall reached on a walk through the first two innings,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ricardo-olivar-691627"><strong>Ricardo Olivar</strong></a>&nbsp;slapped an RBI single to right field to get Wichita on the board in the top of the third.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/harry-genth-702025"><strong>Harry Genth</strong></a>&nbsp;later scampered home after an infield popup dropped to the right of the pitcher&rsquo;s mound to make it 2-0 Wind Surge in the top of the fifth.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ben-ross-805346"><strong>Ben Ross</strong></a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/maddux-houghton-806368"><strong>Maddux Houghton</strong></a>&nbsp;slugged a pair of solo shots to left field in the top of the sixth inning to double the Wind Surge lead to 4-0.</p>
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1965582624069722564&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fnews%2Fwichita-blanks-corpus-christi&amp;sessionId=0d6b95fe6d9d30ab6427f922c288d7244ec263e6&amp;siteScreenName=milb&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1965582624069722564"></iframe></div>
<p>Armstrong earned the win to improve to 3-1 with Wichita after five frames of two-hit baseball with two walks and three strikeouts. Whitaker and Paredes had matching final lines out of the bullpen: two innings with a walk and two strikeouts each.</p>
<p><strong>POSTGAME NOTES</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The Wind Surge are a game and a half back of the Tulsa Drillers for the playoff spot.</li>
<li>Kala&rsquo;i Rosario steals two bases, now has 28 on the year.</li>
<li>Wichita pitchers stranded Corpus Christi on the bases for six straight innings between the home halves of the third and eighth.</li>
<li>Sam Armstrong is now 2-0 with a 2.16 ERA in three road starts with the Wind Surge.</li>
<li>Wichita records their 13th shutout win of the season, ranking second in the Texas League.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Wind Surge continue their final regular season series against the Corpus Christi Hooks on September 10 at 6:35 PM. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</p></div>

⚾ Wind Surge blanks Hooks in series opener

CLEVELAND (AP) — Joey Cantillo allowed four hits in a career-best eight-plus innings, José Ramírez homered, doubled and scored twice, and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory.

Cantillo (5-3) struck out five and didn't issue a walk. Cade Smith pitched a scoreless ninth for his 12th save for the Guardians, who entered play 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the final wild-card spot.

Ramírez, who had three hits, hit a solo homer off Royals starter Noah Cameron (7-6) with two outs in the first. David Fry hit the second of back-to-back to doubles to drive in Ramírez in the fourth.

Cameron, a 26-year-old rookie, gave up two runs on six hits with eight strikeouts in seven innings.

The Guardians, who has won six of seven, beat the Royals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-guardians-score-5675b3be2eb331410784003369761cfa">10-2</a>&nbsp;in the series opener Monday.

Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-india-wacha-1893967f5b5a225280c7786db42aa896">returned</a>&nbsp;from a three-game absence and Jonathan India was activated off the 10-day IL for Kansas City.

Cantillo gave up a leadoff single to Kyle Isbel in the ninth and was replaced by Smith, who got Mikael Garcia to fly out. Isbel moved to second on a wild pitch and advanced to third when Witt singled before Smith struck out Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez to end the game.

The Guardians clinched the season series — and the head-to-head tiebreaker for any postseason implications — over the Royals.

<p>CLEVELAND (AP) — Joey Cantillo allowed four hits in a career-best eight-plus innings, José Ramírez homered, doubled and scored twice, and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory.</p><p>Cantillo (5-3) struck out five and didn't issue a walk. Cade Smith pitched a scoreless ninth for his 12th save for the Guardians, who entered play 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the final wild-card spot.</p><p>Ramírez, who had three hits, hit a solo homer off Royals starter Noah Cameron (7-6) with two outs in the first. David Fry hit the second of back-to-back to doubles to drive in Ramírez in the fourth.</p><p>Cameron, a 26-year-old rookie, gave up two runs on six hits with eight strikeouts in seven innings.</p><p>The Guardians, who has won six of seven, beat the Royals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-guardians-score-5675b3be2eb331410784003369761cfa">10-2</a>&nbsp;in the series opener Monday.</p><p>Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-india-wacha-1893967f5b5a225280c7786db42aa896">returned</a>&nbsp;from a three-game absence and Jonathan India was activated off the 10-day IL for Kansas City.</p><h2>Key moment</h2><p>Cantillo gave up a leadoff single to Kyle Isbel in the ninth and was replaced by Smith, who got Mikael Garcia to fly out. Isbel moved to second on a wild pitch and advanced to third when Witt singled before Smith struck out Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez to end the game.</p><h2>Key stat</h2><p>The Guardians clinched the season series — and the head-to-head tiebreaker for any postseason implications — over the Royals.</p><h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Cantillo pitches 8 innings, Ramírez homers as Guardians beat Royals

After career highs for yards passing and touchdown passes, Hutchinson Community College sophomore quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;was named the KJCCC Football Offensive Player of the Week on Tuesday.

The 5-foot-11, 206-pound sophomore from Montgomery, Alabama, led the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons to a 76-8 triumph on Saturday at New Mexico Military.

Johnson completed 77.8 percent of his passes and tied a Hutchinson Blue Dragon Opening-Day record with five touchdown passes against New Mexico Military. Johnson completed 14 of 18 passes for a career-high 237 yards and threw touchdown passes of 62, 14, 18, 22 and 24 yards. Johnson played only one series into the third quarter.

Johnson also rushed for 42 yards on only six carries to help the Blue Dragons roll up 545 yards in the season opener.

This is Johnson's first career KJCCC Player of the Week award.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757463896658.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Hutchinson CC Sports Information</i></p><p>After career highs for yards passing and touchdown passes, Hutchinson Community College sophomore quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;was named the KJCCC Football Offensive Player of the Week on Tuesday.</p><p>The 5-foot-11, 206-pound sophomore from Montgomery, Alabama, led the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons to a 76-8 triumph on Saturday at New Mexico Military.</p><p>Johnson completed 77.8 percent of his passes and tied a Hutchinson Blue Dragon Opening-Day record with five touchdown passes against New Mexico Military. Johnson completed 14 of 18 passes for a career-high 237 yards and threw touchdown passes of 62, 14, 18, 22 and 24 yards. Johnson played only one series into the third quarter.</p><p>Johnson also rushed for 42 yards on only six carries to help the Blue Dragons roll up 545 yards in the season opener.</p><p>This is Johnson's first career KJCCC Player of the Week award.</p>

🏈 HutchCC's Christian Johnson named KJCCC Offensive Player of the Week

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas football is set to open Big 12 Conference play versus West Virginia on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. on FS1, the league announced Monday.

The matchup between Kansas and West Virginia will be the first Big 12 Conference game this season for both teams and will be the first Big 12 matchup inside the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

It will be the 14th matchup between Kansas and West Virginia in program history, including the sixth game played in Lawrence. Kansas has opened Big 12 Conference play versus West Virginia four times, with this year being the third Big 12 Conference opener against the Mountaineers in the last four seasons.

The game will be Kansas' first on FS1 this season and Kansas' third kickoff at 5p.m. or later. The Jayhawks are 2-0 in both evening kickoffs this season.

Kansas has a 2-0 start in home games this season with a 31-7 win over Fresno State on Aug. 23 and a 46-7 victory over Wagner on Aug. 29. The matchup against West Virginia will be the third of seven home games for the Jayhawks in 2025, with matchups versus Cincinnati (Sept. 27), Kansas State (Oct. 25), Oklahoma State (Nov. 1) and Utah (Nov. 28) on the schedule.

Fans looking to attend Kansas' Big 12 Conference opener vs. West Virginia can <a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/list/FB">shop tickets here</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757510315081.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas football is set to open Big 12 Conference play versus West Virginia on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. on FS1, the league announced Monday.</p><p>The matchup between Kansas and West Virginia will be the first Big 12 Conference game this season for both teams and will be the first Big 12 matchup inside the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.</p><p>It will be the 14th matchup between Kansas and West Virginia in program history, including the sixth game played in Lawrence. Kansas has opened Big 12 Conference play versus West Virginia four times, with this year being the third Big 12 Conference opener against the Mountaineers in the last four seasons.</p><p>The game will be Kansas' first on FS1 this season and Kansas' third kickoff at 5p.m. or later. The Jayhawks are 2-0 in both evening kickoffs this season.</p><p>Kansas has a 2-0 start in home games this season with a 31-7 win over Fresno State on Aug. 23 and a 46-7 victory over Wagner on Aug. 29. The matchup against West Virginia will be the third of seven home games for the Jayhawks in 2025, with matchups versus Cincinnati (Sept. 27), Kansas State (Oct. 25), Oklahoma State (Nov. 1) and Utah (Nov. 28) on the schedule.</p><p>Fans looking to attend Kansas' Big 12 Conference opener vs. West Virginia can <a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/list/FB">shop tickets here</a>.</p>

🏈 Big 12 announces kickoff times for Sept. 20 games, KU to host WVU on FS1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For the first time at a Major League Baseball ballpark, Home Run Derby X is coming to Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The event marks the sixth and final regular-season stop on the Derby X Race to Salt Lake, bringing with it long-awaited rematches between former Royals stars and their postseason rivals.

The competition will feature two Kansas City-themed squads alongside teams representing the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets.

The Royals Outfield roster includes Lorenzo Cain, Ben Zobrist and Ashton Lansdell, with Alex Gordon serving as coach. The Royals Infield features Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Amanda Lorenz, coached by Jeremy Guthrie. The Blue Jays team will be represented by Kevin Pillar, Devon Travis and Rachel Garcia. The Mets roster includes Daniel Murphy, Michael Cuddyer and Tiare Jennings.

In the days leading up to the event, batting practice and media availability with players will take place at Kauffman Stadium, while the Kansas City Royals Urban Youth Academy will host a youth tournament on Friday evening.

On Saturday, batting practice is scheduled from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., followed by the main competition at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

Home Run Derby X, launched by MLB in 2022, is a global competition designed to showcase power hitting with a mix of former stars, rising talent and celebrity participants in a fast-paced format.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752363715123.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For the first time at a Major League Baseball ballpark, Home Run Derby X is coming to Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13.</p><p>The event marks the sixth and final regular-season stop on the Derby X Race to Salt Lake, bringing with it long-awaited rematches between former Royals stars and their postseason rivals.</p><p>The competition will feature two Kansas City-themed squads alongside teams representing the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets.</p><p>The Royals Outfield roster includes Lorenzo Cain, Ben Zobrist and Ashton Lansdell, with Alex Gordon serving as coach. The Royals Infield features Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Amanda Lorenz, coached by Jeremy Guthrie. The Blue Jays team will be represented by Kevin Pillar, Devon Travis and Rachel Garcia. The Mets roster includes Daniel Murphy, Michael Cuddyer and Tiare Jennings.</p><p>In the days leading up to the event, batting practice and media availability with players will take place at Kauffman Stadium, while the Kansas City Royals Urban Youth Academy will host a youth tournament on Friday evening.</p><p>On Saturday, batting practice is scheduled from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., followed by the main competition at 7 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p>Home Run Derby X, launched by MLB in 2022, is a global competition designed to showcase power hitting with a mix of former stars, rising talent and celebrity participants in a fast-paced format.</p>

⚾ Home Run Derby X to make MLB ballpark debut at Kauffman Stadium Sept. 13

🎧⚾ Guardians blast Royals in series opener; 🏐 HutchCC sweeps Pratt

The Hutchinson Community College Football team did nothing to lose its grip on the No. 1 ranking in the latest NJCAA Division I Poll, released on Monday. Nor did Iowa Western when it defeated Georgia Military 39-20 on August 30.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757423874813.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>Hutchinson CC Sports Information</i></p><p>The Hutchinson Community College Football team did nothing to lose its grip on the No. 1 ranking in the latest NJCAA Division I Poll, released on Monday. Nor did Iowa Western when it defeated Georgia Military 39-20 on August 30.</p><p>For the third-straight season, the No. 1 Blue Dragons will meet the No. 2 Reivers in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup. Kickoff for the Blue Dragons'2025 home opener is at Noon Saturday at Gowans Stadium. The game will be nationally televised by ESPN+.</p><p>The Blue Dragons forced a school-record eight takeaways in a 76-8 season-opening win last Saturday at New Mexico Military. The victory was head coach Drew Dallas' 50th win at Hutchinson.</p><p>The Blue Dragons extend their program record for longest consecutive weeks in the national poll with to 51 weeks. The Dragons have been ranked in the top three of the NJCAA Rankings for 45 consecutive polls and have been ranked No. 1 in 40 of the 70 polls released in the Drew Dallas era.</p><p>Saturday's game will be fifth time the Blue Dragons will play in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup and it will be the third time the Blue Dragons and Reivers match up in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown.</p><p>Then No. 2, Hutchinson defeated No. 1 Iowa Western last year 38-37 in Council Bluffs. The Blue Dragons defeated Iowa Western 28-23 in the NJCAA National Championship game on December 18, 2024 in Canyon, Texas. Iowa Western was No. 1 and the Blue Dragons were No. 3 in that game.</p><p>In 2023, No. 1 Hutchinson defeated No. 2 Iowa Western 34-27 at Gowans Stadium.</p><p>The Top 5 has Hutchinson Iowa Western, Northwest Mississippi at No. 3, Garden City at No. 4 and Tyler at No. 5. Butler is the only other team remaining from the KJCCC in poll consideration at No. 15.</p><div><p><strong>NJCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL RANKINGS</strong><br /><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Record&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Points&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Last Poll</strong><br /><span style="background-color: #ffff00;"><strong>1. Hutchinson (12)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 150&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1</strong></span><br />2. Iowa Western&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 140&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2<br />3. Northwest Mississippi&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 125&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3<br />4. Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 120&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6<br />5. Tyler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 107&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;8<br />6. Mississippi Gulf Coast&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;95&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9<br />6. Copiah-Lincoln&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;95&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7<br />8. Navarro&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;0-1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 67&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4<br />9. Snow College&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2-1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 62&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5<br />10. Georgia Military&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2-1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 61&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10<br />11. Trinity Valley&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 57&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 12<br />12. Kilgore&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 46&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11<br />13. Lackawanna&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 26&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 13<br />13. Iowa Central&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 26&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 14<br />15. Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;21&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 15<br />&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Receiving Votes</strong>: Cisco, East Mississippi</p></div>