Buhler 6, Circle 0 Hutchinson 1, Valley Center 0

Hutch beat Derby in 2&nbsp; Hutch beat Salina South in 2

Nickerson beat Halstead in 2 Nickerson beat Haven in 2

Central Christian (#7 in 1A II) beat Pretty Prairie (#2 in 1A II) 3-1

SoccerBuhler 6, Circle 0 Hutchinson 1, Valley Center 0VolleyballHutch beat Derby in 2&nbsp; Hutch beat Salina South in 2Nickerson beat Halstead in 2 Nickerson beat Haven in 2Central Christian (#7 in 1A II) beat Pretty Prairie (#2 in 1A II) 3-1

High school results from September 14, 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals are evaluating options for once their lease expires at Kauffman Stadium. Owner John Sherman says a new downtown ballpark is a possibility. 

The Royals are tied to the 53-year-old stadium until 2031 under terms of a public-private partnership. 

The team must make a decision in the next couple of years to look elsewhere or press on with more renovations at Truman Sports Complex, which is also home to Arrowhead Stadium and the Kansas City Chiefs.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals are evaluating options for once their lease expires at Kauffman Stadium. Owner John Sherman says a new downtown ballpark is a possibility. The Royals are tied to the 53-year-old stadium until 2031 under terms of a public-private partnership. The team must make a decision in the next couple of years to look elsewhere or press on with more renovations at Truman Sports Complex, which is also home to Arrowhead Stadium and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Royals looking at options for when lease is up in 2031

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the sixth inning, the Kansas City bullpen bailed out starter Jackson Kowar and the Royals rallied from an early six-run hole to beat Oakland 10-7. 

Kyle Isbel hit his first career homer and Hunter Dozier also went deep for the Royals. Jake Brentz earned the win and Scott Barlow picked up a save for Kansas City. Yusmeiro Petit took the loss after giving up Perez's 43rd home run of the season. 

The A's have lost three straight and seven of 10 to fall farther out of contention in the AL wild-card race.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the sixth inning, the Kansas City bullpen bailed out starter Jackson Kowar and the Royals rallied from an early six-run hole to beat Oakland 10-7. Kyle Isbel hit his first career homer and Hunter Dozier also went deep for the Royals. Jake Brentz earned the win and Scott Barlow picked up a save for Kansas City. Yusmeiro Petit took the loss after giving up Perez's 43rd home run of the season. The A's have lost three straight and seven of 10 to fall farther out of contention in the AL wild-card race.

Royals win over A's Tuesday

Wichita, KS—Tuesday night’s game between the Wichita Wind Surge and the Arkansas Travelers was suspended due to rain with two out in the top of the 5th inning. Arkansas led 4-1 when the tarp was put on the field and the game will be picked up from that point.

Tuesday’s game will be restarted at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday and played to completion at nine innings. 

Wednesday’s regularly scheduled game will be a seven inning game and take place 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game.

Wichita, KS—Tuesday night’s game between the Wichita Wind Surge and the Arkansas Travelers was suspended due to rain with two out in the top of the 5th inning. Arkansas led 4-1 when the tarp was put on the field and the game will be picked up from that point.Tuesday’s game will be restarted at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday and played to completion at nine innings. Wednesday’s regularly scheduled game will be a seven inning game and take place 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game.

Surge, Travelers game suspended Tuesday

September 14, 2021 Afternoon Sports

KANSAS CITY, MO — 
Kansas City Royals Chairman and CEO, John Sherman announced on Tuesday that Dayton Moore has been named President of Baseball Operations and J.J. Picollo has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations/General Manager.

Moore is in his 15th season with the Royals, joining the organization on June 8, 2006, after a lengthy stint with the Atlanta Braves during their run of 14 consecutive division titles. His time in Kansas City has witnessed consecutive trips to the World Series in 2014 and 2015, winning the World Championship in the ’15 season. His clubs have racked up 18 Rawlings Gold Gloves, 30 All-Star Game selections, six Silver Sluggers and a Cy Young Award winner.  Moore has also been a pillar in the community leading the charge on Kansas City’s Urban Youth Academy, a $21 million facility in the 18th and Vine district. He also championed the “C” You in the Major Leagues Foundation to support youth baseball, education, families in crisis and faith-based programs and organizations.

Picollo joined the Royals’ organization just two months after Moore arrived in 2006 as Director of Player Development. He has also served Baseball Operations as Assistant General Manager/ Scouting &amp; Player Development and most recently as Vice President/Assistant GM &amp; Player Personnel. Also previously with Atlanta, J.J. joined the Braves in 1999 as Area Scouting Supervisor, then was promoted to Assistant Director of Player Development. He was Director of Minor League Operations for the Braves at the time of his move to Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, MO — 
Kansas City Royals Chairman and CEO, John Sherman announced on Tuesday that Dayton Moore has been named President of Baseball Operations and J.J. Picollo has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations/General Manager.Moore is in his 15th season with the Royals, joining the organization on June 8, 2006, after a lengthy stint with the Atlanta Braves during their run of 14 consecutive division titles. His time in Kansas City has witnessed consecutive trips to the World Series in 2014 and 2015, winning the World Championship in the ’15 season. His clubs have racked up 18 Rawlings Gold Gloves, 30 All-Star Game selections, six Silver Sluggers and a Cy Young Award winner. Moore has also been a pillar in the community leading the charge on Kansas City’s Urban Youth Academy, a $21 million facility in the 18th and Vine district. He also championed the “C” You in the Major Leagues Foundation to support youth baseball, education, families in crisis and faith-based programs and organizations.Picollo joined the Royals’ organization just two months after Moore arrived in 2006 as Director of Player Development. He has also served Baseball Operations as Assistant General Manager/ Scouting &amp; Player Development and most recently as Vice President/Assistant GM &amp; Player Personnel. Also previously with Atlanta, J.J. joined the Braves in 1999 as Area Scouting Supervisor, then was promoted to Assistant Director of Player Development. He was Director of Minor League Operations for the Braves at the time of his move to Kansas City.

Moore now President of Royals, Picollo now GM

September 14, 2021 Morning Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Browns center JC Tretter believes Kansas City assistant coach Greg Lewis should be disciplined by the NFL for his role in a sideline skirmish with Cleveland safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. on Sunday. Harrison was ejected from Cleveland’s 33-29 loss in the first quarter after he forcefully pushed Lewis, who shoved the Browns safety after coming over to help Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Tretter, the NFLPA’s president, didn’t condone Harrison’s behavior, but said Lewis needs to be held accountable by the league for his actions. An NFL spokesman said the incident is under review and that Harrison will not be suspended.&nbsp;

CLEVELAND (AP) — Browns center JC Tretter believes Kansas City assistant coach Greg Lewis should be disciplined by the NFL for his role in a sideline skirmish with Cleveland safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. on Sunday. Harrison was ejected from Cleveland’s 33-29 loss in the first quarter after he forcefully pushed Lewis, who shoved the Browns safety after coming over to help Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Tretter, the NFLPA’s president, didn’t condone Harrison’s behavior, but said Lewis needs to be held accountable by the league for his actions. An NFL spokesman said the incident is under review and that Harrison will not be suspended.&nbsp;

NFLPA president believes coach needs discipline for Sunday incident

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas State is feeling a bit of deja vu after watching quarterback Skylar Thompson go down with a knee injury in Saturday's win over Southern Illinois. 

The sixth-year senior missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, too. Now, the Wildcats will have to rely on Will Howard to lead the way. Howard was pressed into action as a freshman last season and got plenty of experience, even though he went through a series of wild ups and downs. 

His first game back in the starting role will be against Nevada on Saturday.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas State is feeling a bit of deja vu after watching quarterback Skylar Thompson go down with a knee injury in Saturday's win over Southern Illinois. The sixth-year senior missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, too. Now, the Wildcats will have to rely on Will Howard to lead the way. Howard was pressed into action as a freshman last season and got plenty of experience, even though he went through a series of wild ups and downs. His first game back in the starting role will be against Nevada on Saturday.&nbsp;

Cats back to Howard at the helm

UNDATED (AP) — Big 12 coaches feel the league is solidified for the long haul after the conference's swift action to expand. Kansas State coach Chris Klieman says the Big 12 got four really good programs with the additions of BYU, UCF, Cincinnati and Houston. 

That quartet got invited to the league six weeks after Oklahoma and Texas accepted invitations to join the Southeastern Conference by 2025. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy says the league hit a home run, keeping the Big 12 status and getting back to 12 teams from 10.

UNDATED (AP) — Big 12 coaches feel the league is solidified for the long haul after the conference's swift action to expand. Kansas State coach Chris Klieman says the Big 12 got four really good programs with the additions of BYU, UCF, Cincinnati and Houston. That quartet got invited to the league six weeks after Oklahoma and Texas accepted invitations to join the Southeastern Conference by 2025. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy says the league hit a home run, keeping the Big 12 status and getting back to 12 teams from 10.

Coaches happy to see Big 12 live up to its name

COLBY – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team turned in a superb defensive effort, but the Blue Dragon offense struggled in a four-set Jayhawk West loss to the Colby Trojans on Monday night.

The Blue Dragons lost to Colby 20-25, 17-25, 25-16, 18-25 in a match filled with long rallies. The Dragons weren’t able to finish many of those rallies after hitting .037 for the match.

Hutchinson drops to 7-5 overall and 2-2 in the Jayhawk West. Colby improved to 9-7 overall and is 2-2 in league play. The Blue Dragons play host to Dodge City at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.

The offense came to life in the third set for Hutchinson. After hitting just .083 in the first two sets, including a negative .406 in the second set, freshman Blondie Penaflor hit .333 in a decisive third-set victory. But the offense sputtered again down the stretch as Colby scored on 7 of the match’s final 8 rallies to seal the victory.

Sophomore Kristina Head led Hutchinson’s stellar back-row performance with a career-high 15 digs. Freshman Andrea Serrano had 12 digs and sophomore Shelby Reeder had 11 digs. The Dragons had 52 total digs in the match.

Penaflor had six of her team-high nine kills in the third set. Penaflor also had four total blocks (1 solo, 3 assists).

Head had seven kills and freshman Aubreigh Haxton had six kills. Freshman Sophie Connor finished with five kills.

The Blue Dragons had 38 kills and 35 total attack errors.

Serrano finished with 17 assists and McKinley Johnson had 13 assists and a service ace

Maelie Chupin had a match-high 14 kills to lead Colby.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports Information COLBY – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team turned in a superb defensive effort, but the Blue Dragon offense struggled in a four-set Jayhawk West loss to the Colby Trojans on Monday night.The Blue Dragons lost to Colby 20-25, 17-25, 25-16, 18-25 in a match filled with long rallies. The Dragons weren’t able to finish many of those rallies after hitting .037 for the match.Hutchinson drops to 7-5 overall and 2-2 in the Jayhawk West. Colby improved to 9-7 overall and is 2-2 in league play. The Blue Dragons play host to Dodge City at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.The offense came to life in the third set for Hutchinson. After hitting just .083 in the first two sets, including a negative .406 in the second set, freshman Blondie Penaflor hit .333 in a decisive third-set victory. But the offense sputtered again down the stretch as Colby scored on 7 of the match’s final 8 rallies to seal the victory.Sophomore Kristina Head led Hutchinson’s stellar back-row performance with a career-high 15 digs. Freshman Andrea Serrano had 12 digs and sophomore Shelby Reeder had 11 digs. The Dragons had 52 total digs in the match.Penaflor had six of her team-high nine kills in the third set. Penaflor also had four total blocks (1 solo, 3 assists).Head had seven kills and freshman Aubreigh Haxton had six kills. Freshman Sophie Connor finished with five kills.The Blue Dragons had 38 kills and 35 total attack errors.Serrano finished with 17 assists and McKinley Johnson had 13 assists and a service aceMaelie Chupin had a match-high 14 kills to lead Colby.

Dragon offense struggles in four-set loss at Colby

September 13, 2021 Afternoon Sports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Major League Baseball announced Monday that Andrew Benintendi has been named American League Player of the Week for the period of Sept. 6-12. During that time, the Royals’ outfielder batted .500 (14-for-28) with three doubles, three homers and led all Major League players in hits and RBI (14).

This marks Benintendi’s first AL Player of the Week Award, while it’s the second by a Royal in the last three weeks, as Salvador Perez received the honor for the period of Aug. 23-29. It’s the first time KC has had multiple AL Player of the Week winners since 2016, when Kendrys Morales was honored twice. 

Benintendi’s 14 RBI last week matched the franchise record for RBI on a road trip of seven games or fewer, tying Jeff King on a seven-game trip in 1997 and Morales in six games in 2016. His week included four go-ahead RBI as well as two game winners. He recorded RBI in six of the seven games on the trip, which included matching a season high with five RBI in Baltimore last Wednesday and again last Friday in Minnesota. The left-handed hitter also recorded five games with multiple hits, which included a season-high four knocks and a pair of home runs – his second multi-homer game of the season and fifth of his career – last Friday at Target Field.

A week ago today, Benintendi drove in the winning run with a single in the eighth inning in Baltimore and preserved the lead with a catch in left-center in the ninth, taking a potential game-tying home run away from Anthony Santander. On Wednesday in Baltimore, he drove in five of KC’s eight runs, which included a three-run homer in the ninth inning. Last Friday in Minneapolis, he hit another three-run blast to give the Royals a first-inning lead and then clubbed a two-run shot to start the 11th in a 6-4 triumph, marking his second career go-ahead HR in extra innings. It was also his second game with four or more hits and five or more RBI, previously doing so with five hits and six RBI on July 4, 2017 at Texas (with Boston). He capped the week with two hits and an RBI in both Saturday and Sunday’s contests against the Twins.

Along with his Major League highs in hits and RBI last week, Benintendi ranked second among American League players (min. 30 PA) in on-base percentage (.516), slugging pct. (.929) and OPS (1.445), while ranking tied for third in total bases (26). He led the Royals to a second-straight winning road trip, going 4-3.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Major League Baseball announced Monday that Andrew Benintendi has been named American League Player of the Week for the period of Sept. 6-12. During that time, the Royals’ outfielder batted .500 (14-for-28) with three doubles, three homers and led all Major League players in hits and RBI (14).This marks Benintendi’s first AL Player of the Week Award, while it’s the second by a Royal in the last three weeks, as Salvador Perez received the honor for the period of Aug. 23-29. It’s the first time KC has had multiple AL Player of the Week winners since 2016, when Kendrys Morales was honored twice. Benintendi’s 14 RBI last week matched the franchise record for RBI on a road trip of seven games or fewer, tying Jeff King on a seven-game trip in 1997 and Morales in six games in 2016. His week included four go-ahead RBI as well as two game winners. He recorded RBI in six of the seven games on the trip, which included matching a season high with five RBI in Baltimore last Wednesday and again last Friday in Minnesota. The left-handed hitter also recorded five games with multiple hits, which included a season-high four knocks and a pair of home runs – his second multi-homer game of the season and fifth of his career – last Friday at Target Field.A week ago today, Benintendi drove in the winning run with a single in the eighth inning in Baltimore and preserved the lead with a catch in left-center in the ninth, taking a potential game-tying home run away from Anthony Santander. On Wednesday in Baltimore, he drove in five of KC’s eight runs, which included a three-run homer in the ninth inning. Last Friday in Minneapolis, he hit another three-run blast to give the Royals a first-inning lead and then clubbed a two-run shot to start the 11th in a 6-4 triumph, marking his second career go-ahead HR in extra innings. It was also his second game with four or more hits and five or more RBI, previously doing so with five hits and six RBI on July 4, 2017 at Texas (with Boston). He capped the week with two hits and an RBI in both Saturday and Sunday’s contests against the Twins.Along with his Major League highs in hits and RBI last week, Benintendi ranked second among American League players (min. 30 PA) in on-base percentage (.516), slugging pct. (.929) and OPS (1.445), while ranking tied for third in total bases (26). He led the Royals to a second-straight winning road trip, going 4-3.

 Benintendi named American League Player of the Week

September 13, 2021 Morning Sports

EL DORADO – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team had four players with seven or more kills, but the Blue Dragons’ balance wasn’t enough to stop Trinity Valley in a four-set loss on Saturday at the Butler Invitational.

The Blue Dragons lost to Trinity Valley 22-25, 18-25, 27-25, 17-25 in Hutchinson’s only match on Saturday. NEO, Hutch’s fourth scheduled opponent, had to pull out of the Butler tournament. The Blue Dragons fall to 7-4 overall. Hutchinson returns to conference play on Monday with a road trip to Colby.

This was also the first of two meetings in seven days between the Blue Dragons and Cardinals. Hutchinson and Trinity Valley are also scheduled to meet in the Blue Dragon Classic next weekend at the Sports Arena.

Freshman Sophie Connor and sophomore Tauja Durham had nine kills each to lead the Blue Dragons on Saturday. Freshman Blondie Penaflor finished with eight kills and freshman Morgan Harvey had seven kills.

Sophomore Kristina Head finished with four total blocks, including one solo block.

Freshman setter Andrea Serrano led with 20 set assists and three service aces. Freshman McKinley Johnson had 14 assists.

Sophomore libero Shelby Reeder had 24 digs for Hutchinson.

EL DORADO – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team had four players with seven or more kills, but the Blue Dragons’ balance wasn’t enough to stop Trinity Valley in a four-set loss on Saturday at the Butler Invitational.The Blue Dragons lost to Trinity Valley 22-25, 18-25, 27-25, 17-25 in Hutchinson’s only match on Saturday. NEO, Hutch’s fourth scheduled opponent, had to pull out of the Butler tournament. The Blue Dragons fall to 7-4 overall. Hutchinson returns to conference play on Monday with a road trip to Colby.This was also the first of two meetings in seven days between the Blue Dragons and Cardinals. Hutchinson and Trinity Valley are also scheduled to meet in the Blue Dragon Classic next weekend at the Sports Arena.Freshman Sophie Connor and sophomore Tauja Durham had nine kills each to lead the Blue Dragons on Saturday. Freshman Blondie Penaflor finished with eight kills and freshman Morgan Harvey had seven kills.Sophomore Kristina Head finished with four total blocks, including one solo block.Freshman setter Andrea Serrano led with 20 set assists and three service aces. Freshman McKinley Johnson had 14 assists.Sophomore libero Shelby Reeder had 24 digs for Hutchinson.

Dragons fall in 4 to Trinity Valley

WICHITA — 
Cole Sands pitched six scoreless innings and Leobaldo Cabrera drove in three runs to lead the Wind Surge to a 6-2 victory over the NW Arkansas Naturals Sunday at Riverfront Stadium.

The Surge now have a three-game lead on Arkansas at 65-49. The Surge's final regular season home series against Arkansas starts Tuesday.

At the Double-A level, the top two teams in the league will compete in a best-of-5 game set. 

These top two teams are determined based upon best regular season winning percentage. That best of five playoff series will begin September 21. 

WICHITA — 
Cole Sands pitched six scoreless innings and Leobaldo Cabrera drove in three runs to lead the Wind Surge to a 6-2 victory over the NW Arkansas Naturals Sunday at Riverfront Stadium.The Surge now have a three-game lead on Arkansas at 65-49. The Surge's final regular season home series against Arkansas starts Tuesday.At the Double-A level, the top two teams in the league will compete in a best-of-5 game set. These top two teams are determined based upon best regular season winning percentage. That best of five playoff series will begin September 21.

Surge win Sunday over NW Arkansas

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kyle Isbel drove in the go-ahead run with a single in the eighth inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 5-3. 

Adalberto Mondesi homered for the Royals and Whit Merrifield had three hits, including a pair of doubles. A quartet of relievers combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Jake Brentz struck out two in the seventh, Josh Staumont worked out of a jam in the eighth and Scott Barlow finished for his 12th save. 

Byron Buxton had two of Minnesota’s six hits.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kyle Isbel drove in the go-ahead run with a single in the eighth inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 5-3. Adalberto Mondesi homered for the Royals and Whit Merrifield had three hits, including a pair of doubles. A quartet of relievers combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Jake Brentz struck out two in the seventh, Josh Staumont worked out of a jam in the eighth and Scott Barlow finished for his 12th save. Byron Buxton had two of Minnesota’s six hits.

Royals beat Twins Sunday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns while running for another score as the Chiefs rallied to beat the Browns 33-29. 

Tyreek Hill caught 11 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown, and Travis Kelce hauled in a pair of TD catches for Kansas City. One of them was the go-ahead score with 7:02 remaining. The Browns' last chance ended when Baker Mayfield threw an interception near midfield with just over a minute to go. 

He finished with 321 yards passing while Nick Chubb had two touchdown runs and Kareem Hunt and Jarvis Landry also scored.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns while running for another score as the Chiefs rallied to beat the Browns 33-29. Tyreek Hill caught 11 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown, and Travis Kelce hauled in a pair of TD catches for Kansas City. One of them was the go-ahead score with 7:02 remaining. The Browns' last chance ended when Baker Mayfield threw an interception near midfield with just over a minute to go. He finished with 321 yards passing while Nick Chubb had two touchdown runs and Kareem Hunt and Jarvis Landry also scored.&nbsp;

Chiefs beat Browns Sunday

EL DORADO – The Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team struggled at both ends of the field Saturday as the No. 12-ranked Butler Grizzlies rolled to a 5-0 Jayhawk Conference victory at BG Products/Veterans Stadium on Saturday.

The Blue Dragons fall to 2-3 overall and 1-3 in conference play. The Blue Dragons play host to the Cowley Tigers at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Salthawk Sports Complex.

Butler scored in the 10th minute and scored three times in the first half from three different goal scorers. The Grizzlies tallied two more goals in the second half. Kim McAlpine had two goals to lead the Grizzlies.

The Blue Dragons were out-shot 16-8 and had only two shots on goal by freshman Hadlie Lowe. The Grizzlies had 10 shots on goal with Blue Dragon freshman goalkeeper Olivia Felix-Cardona making five saves.

The five goals allowed tied for the second most goals allowed in Blue Dragon team history and it was the first time since October 22, 2012 that the Dragons allowed five goals in a game. This was only the ninth time in team history the Dragons have allowed five or more goals in a game. The five-goal margin of defeat also tied for the worst loss in team history.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationEL DORADO – The Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team struggled at both ends of the field Saturday as the No. 12-ranked Butler Grizzlies rolled to a 5-0 Jayhawk Conference victory at BG Products/Veterans Stadium on Saturday.The Blue Dragons fall to 2-3 overall and 1-3 in conference play. The Blue Dragons play host to the Cowley Tigers at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Salthawk Sports Complex.Butler scored in the 10th minute and scored three times in the first half from three different goal scorers. The Grizzlies tallied two more goals in the second half. Kim McAlpine had two goals to lead the Grizzlies.The Blue Dragons were out-shot 16-8 and had only two shots on goal by freshman Hadlie Lowe. The Grizzlies had 10 shots on goal with Blue Dragon freshman goalkeeper Olivia Felix-Cardona making five saves.The five goals allowed tied for the second most goals allowed in Blue Dragon team history and it was the first time since October 22, 2012 that the Dragons allowed five goals in a game. This was only the ninth time in team history the Dragons have allowed five or more goals in a game. The five-goal margin of defeat also tied for the worst loss in team history.

Dragons shut out at Butler

ELLSWORTH — 
The Nickerson High volleyball squad participated in the Ellsworth Invitational over the weekend.

The Panthers went 3-2 with a loss to Central Plains 25-19, 25-18, a win over Sacred Heart 25-15, 25-21, a loss to Ellinwood 25-14, 25-23, a win over Ellsworth 25-16, 25-18 and a win over Republic County 25-10, 25-10.

Ellinwood was first going 5-0, with Central Plains 2nd and Nickerson 3rd.

ELLSWORTH — 
The Nickerson High volleyball squad participated in the Ellsworth Invitational over the weekend.The Panthers went 3-2 with a loss to Central Plains 25-19, 25-18, a win over Sacred Heart 25-15, 25-21, a loss to Ellinwood 25-14, 25-23, a win over Ellsworth 25-16, 25-18 and a win over Republic County 25-10, 25-10.Ellinwood was first going 5-0, with Central Plains 2nd and Nickerson 3rd.

Nickerson VB finishes 3rd at Ellsworth

WICHITA, KS – Northwest Arkansas scored nine of its 10 runs in the first three innings en route to a 10-3 win Saturday night at Riverfront Stadium.

The Wind Surge lead on Arkansas in the division is just 2 games. The Surge and Naturals wrap up their set in Wichita Sunday afternoon. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m.

WICHITA, KS – Northwest Arkansas scored nine of its 10 runs in the first three innings en route to a 10-3 win Saturday night at Riverfront Stadium.The Wind Surge lead on Arkansas in the division is just 2 games. The Surge and Naturals wrap up their set in Wichita Sunday afternoon. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m.

Surge lose Saturday, division lead down to two games

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu was added to the active roster from the COVID-19 list on Saturday, and the three-time All-Pro was listed as questionable for Kansas City’s regular-season opener against the Cleveland  Browns. 

Mathieu tested positive on Sept. 1, even though he was fully vaccinated. He needed to return two negative tests taken 24 hours apart to be eligible to play. He was still in the protocol on Friday, but was cleared to play on Sunday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu was added to the active roster from the COVID-19 list on Saturday, and the three-time All-Pro was listed as questionable for Kansas City’s regular-season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Mathieu tested positive on Sept. 1, even though he was fully vaccinated. He needed to return two negative tests taken 24 hours apart to be eligible to play. He was still in the protocol on Friday, but was cleared to play on Sunday.

Mathieu cleared for Sunday; listed as questionable

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jorge Polanco hit two of Minnesota’s five home runs, Michael Pineda pitched five strong innings in his return to the rotation and the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-2. 

Byron Buxton homered for the second straight day, and Nick Gordon and Max Kepler also went deep for Minnesota. Pineda (6-8) allowed one run on five hits. He was making his first start since returning from the injured list on Sept. 6 with a left oblique strain. Brady Singer (4-10) surrendered six runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings while striking out seven for Kansas City.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jorge Polanco hit two of Minnesota’s five home runs, Michael Pineda pitched five strong innings in his return to the rotation and the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-2. Byron Buxton homered for the second straight day, and Nick Gordon and Max Kepler also went deep for Minnesota. Pineda (6-8) allowed one run on five hits. He was making his first start since returning from the injured list on Sept. 6 with a left oblique strain. Brady Singer (4-10) surrendered six runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings while striking out seven for Kansas City.

Twins beat Royals Saturday

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State held on to beat Southern Illinois 31-23 despite losing starting quarterback Skylar Thompson in the first quarter. 

Deuce Vaughn scored a rushing touchdown with less than two minutes for the final margin. The Kansas State defense forced a fumble on the next possession to seal the win. The Wildcats held the Salukis scoreless in the second half. Thompson appeared to suffer a non-contact injury in attempting to block for running back Vaughn. 

Nic Baker threw for 176 yards and Javon Williams Jr. ran for 46 yards and two touchdowns for Southern Illinois.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State held on to beat Southern Illinois 31-23 despite losing starting quarterback Skylar Thompson in the first quarter. Deuce Vaughn scored a rushing touchdown with less than two minutes for the final margin. The Kansas State defense forced a fumble on the next possession to seal the win. The Wildcats held the Salukis scoreless in the second half. Thompson appeared to suffer a non-contact injury in attempting to block for running back Vaughn. Nic Baker threw for 176 yards and Javon Williams Jr. ran for 46 yards and two touchdowns for Southern Illinois.

K-State wins, Thompson injured

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a disappointing loss in Coffeyville last week, the defending national champion Blue Dragons hoped to bounce back at home against Butler.

Both teams entered the contest 0-1 for the first time since 1991.

Like last week, No. 11 Hutchinson scored quickly to take an early 7-0 lead.

The first touchdown came via the legs of Anwar Lewis. Hutchinson almost turned the ball over at the 1. Lineman Stevie Young had to fall on a Lewis fumble to keep the drive alive. Lewis also had a touchdown called back because his helmet came off on the play. With less than four minutes gone by, Lewis punched it in from one yard out to give Hutchinson the early advantage.

Butler would answer in the second quarter on a one-yard TD pass from Jake Wolff to Darrius Lassiter.

Hutchinson took nearly five minutes off the clock with a 12-play, 65-yard drive that finished with another one-yard run. This one came from Jaheim Simmons.

Without missing a beat, Butler came back with a 40-yard connection from Wolff to Lassiter. Wolff threw for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Lassiter finished with seven receptions for 108 yards and the two scores.

Tied at 14-all, Dylan Kedzior took the ensuing kickoff 52 yards into Butler territory. A fourth-down defensive pass interference call moved the ball to Butler's 13. When Hutchinson was forced into 4th and 1, a false start penalty forced C.J. Moya to kick a 26-yard field goal.

The Blue Dragons were poised to take the lead into halftime, something that also seemed inevitable last Saturday in Coffeyville. Instead, Butler used a 13-play, 75-yard drive that was capped by another touchdown pass. This pass, however, came from the arm of Gavin Screws, who replaced an injured Wolff. Wolff was forced out of bounds on a first-down run and was slow to get up. He exited the game and did not return.

Screws threw his first touchdown from six yards out to Daevon Robinson. Screws completed 10 of his 16 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

"We weren't able to get a stop when we needed to," head coach Drew Dallas said after the game. He admitted that the defense did not execute at a high level.

"We didn't play our best and, in this conference when you don't play your best, you're susceptible to losing," Dallas said.

The defense still seemed to be strong after only giving up 17 points in week one. Arguably, only 3 points were scored against the defense last week as a blocked punt was picked up in the end zone for one score and the special teams extended a drive inside the 10 after a roughing-the-kicker penalty.

Dallas felt like the defense was the one thing he could depend on after a bad week in Coffeyville for his offense and special teams that featured seven turnovers and two muffed punts.

Against Butler, Hutchinson (0-2) surrendered 43 points.

After taking a 21-17 lead into halftime, the Grizzlies (1-1) scored the game's next 22 points. Butler took a 43-17 lead with 3:39 left in the contest. The four straight scores for Butler were part of a 29-point run.

The scoring run featured one more touchdown pass from Screws. He hit A.J. King early in the third quarter from 23 yards out. Screws nearly fumbled away an opportunity in the red zone to start the fourth quarter, but running back Kevontae McDonald scooped up the botched snap and ran it in for a short touchdown.

McDonald would score again with 3:39 left in the game on a 26-yard scamper.

"We didn't match their intensity in the second half," Dallas said.

Hutchinson scored one last time as the clock expired on an 11-yard pass from Dylan Laible to Miles Kitselman. With the clock at zero and the game decided, Hutchinson did not get to attempt the extra point.

Dylan Laible finished 14 of 30 with one touchdown and an interception. He threw for 164 yards.

Anwar Lewis rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown. He had two fumbles at the 1. His offensive lineman covered up the fumble on one of the drives, but the other fumble in the fourth quarter was recovered by Butler.

Russell Wilkey caught two passes for 48 yards. Micah Woods added 44 yards on three catches for Hutchinson.

Albert Nunes led Hutchinson with six tackles.

Hutchinson enters a bye week and will play Fort Scott (0-2) in Gowans Stadium on Sept. 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631419037042.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAREN DUNNHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a disappointing loss in Coffeyville last week, the defending national champion Blue Dragons hoped to bounce back at home against Butler.Both teams entered the contest 0-1 for the first time since 1991.Like last week, No. 11 Hutchinson scored quickly to take an early 7-0 lead.The first touchdown came via the legs of Anwar Lewis. Hutchinson almost turned the ball over at the 1. Lineman Stevie Young had to fall on a Lewis fumble to keep the drive alive. Lewis also had a touchdown called back because his helmet came off on the play. With less than four minutes gone by, Lewis punched it in from one yard out to give Hutchinson the early advantage.Butler would answer in the second quarter on a one-yard TD pass from Jake Wolff to Darrius Lassiter.Hutchinson took nearly five minutes off the clock with a 12-play, 65-yard drive that finished with another one-yard run. This one came from Jaheim Simmons.Without missing a beat, Butler came back with a 40-yard connection from Wolff to Lassiter. Wolff threw for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Lassiter finished with seven receptions for 108 yards and the two scores.Tied at 14-all, Dylan Kedzior took the ensuing kickoff 52 yards into Butler territory. A fourth-down defensive pass interference call moved the ball to Butler's 13. When Hutchinson was forced into 4th and 1, a false start penalty forced C.J. Moya to kick a 26-yard field goal.The Blue Dragons were poised to take the lead into halftime, something that also seemed inevitable last Saturday in Coffeyville. Instead, Butler used a 13-play, 75-yard drive that was capped by another touchdown pass. This pass, however, came from the arm of Gavin Screws, who replaced an injured Wolff. Wolff was forced out of bounds on a first-down run and was slow to get up. He exited the game and did not return.Screws threw his first touchdown from six yards out to Daevon Robinson. Screws completed 10 of his 16 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns."We weren't able to get a stop when we needed to," head coach Drew Dallas said after the game. He admitted that the defense did not execute at a high level."We didn't play our best and, in this conference when you don't play your best, you're susceptible to losing," Dallas said.The defense still seemed to be strong after only giving up 17 points in week one. Arguably, only 3 points were scored against the defense last week as a blocked punt was picked up in the end zone for one score and the special teams extended a drive inside the 10 after a roughing-the-kicker penalty.Dallas felt like the defense was the one thing he could depend on after a bad week in Coffeyville for his offense and special teams that featured seven turnovers and two muffed punts.Against Butler, Hutchinson (0-2) surrendered 43 points.After taking a 21-17 lead into halftime, the Grizzlies (1-1) scored the game's next 22 points. Butler took a 43-17 lead with 3:39 left in the contest. The four straight scores for Butler were part of a 29-point run.The scoring run featured one more touchdown pass from Screws. He hit A.J. King early in the third quarter from 23 yards out. Screws nearly fumbled away an opportunity in the red zone to start the fourth quarter, but running back Kevontae McDonald scooped up the botched snap and ran it in for a short touchdown.McDonald would score again with 3:39 left in the game on a 26-yard scamper."We didn't match their intensity in the second half," Dallas said.Hutchinson scored one last time as the clock expired on an 11-yard pass from Dylan Laible to Miles Kitselman. With the clock at zero and the game decided, Hutchinson did not get to attempt the extra point.FINAL: Butler 43 Hutchinson 23Dylan Laible finished 14 of 30 with one touchdown and an interception. He threw for 164 yards.Anwar Lewis rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown. He had two fumbles at the 1. His offensive lineman covered up the fumble on one of the drives, but the other fumble in the fourth quarter was recovered by Butler.Russell Wilkey caught two passes for 48 yards. Micah Woods added 44 yards on three catches for Hutchinson.Albert Nunes led Hutchinson with six tackles.Hutchinson enters a bye week and will play Fort Scott (0-2) in Gowans Stadium on Sept. 25.