By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A school-record 31 wins last year. Six seniors from that team gone to graduation. Yet the 2024 Lady Panther volleyball team continues to further its own legacy. Great Bend entered Saturday's substate bracket on its home court with a new school record of 33 wins in a season. The Lady Panthers overcame a 4-point deficit midway through the second set of the championship match against Valley Center to beat the Hornets 25-21, 25-23 and advance to the state tournament for the first time since 2020.

"It's amazing," said senior Kara Feist, who tipped over the match point. "It's just relief seeing everyone rush the floor. Seeing my teammates being able to celebrate, with this particular team, is amazing."

Another school record fell as sophomore Kya Behr entered the championship match just six assists shy of Taryn Kirmer's (Steuder) record for assists in a season. That record fell in Valley Center win.

After a slow start against Goddard in round one, the Lady Panthers largely dominated the first set against Valley Center, which pulled a 2-set upset over Hays to reach the finals. Senior Cassie Ellegood and Behr put down kills for a 4-2 lead, then a kill from Feist and ace from freshman Mikala Minton bumped the gap to 8-5.

Valley Center's school-record holder for blocks had to play a factor. Taylor McDonald, a 6-1 junior, put down one of her trade stuffs to keep the score close at 9-8.

"It was a lot of fun," Ellegood said. "She was definitely the biggest block we've seen and it's a good challenge. It's good to know you're going to have to go out and do your best. There's no slacking in this game."

Sophomores Alex Mayers and Behr put down kills to keep the lead at 14-10, then Ellegood added a pair of aces to push the lead to 16-10. The Lady Panthers needed their sizeable 23-16 lead as the Hornets got as close as 24-20 before Ellegood ended the threat with a kill for a 25-21 first set.

The Lady Panthers played from behind for the first half of the second set. McDonald was just as effective on the offensive side, putting down a pair of kills for a 12-8 Valley Center advantage. Her ace gave the Hornets their largest lead of the match at 14-9.

Then Great Bend buckled down. Ellegood started things off with an ace. The Panthers got two kills each from Mayers and freshman Micah Ellegood, and another from Feist to pull even at 17. In a battle thereafter, Cassie Ellegood put down a kill and a tip from Behr gave Great Bend its first lead in the set since 2-1 at 21-20.

Mayers followed with an ace for a 22-20 lead but McDonald answered with a long kill from the back row for a 23-22 score. Great Bend's seniors were big all day but especially late. Cassie Ellegood put down a kill to set up match point and Feist finished off the substate with a tip.

"We had to keep our heads up and and be leaders on court," said Feist. "We couldn't show any emotion. We just had to cheer everybody up and we did so."

Just five days before Halloween, the Lady Panthers played in front of a raucous crowd at court level and in the stands above. Several members of the Panther football team donned costumes in the lower level.

"Our boys always come out," Ellegood said. "They're loud. They have their army songs. They're good supporters."

"The packed stands up top, too," Feist said. "Everybody was just full of red and black tonight.

Great Bend fell behind 4-1 in the first set of the tournament against Goddard. Junior Ava Kaiser had another big day in the back row, but her two early aces helped the Lady Panthers pull back ahead 18-10 in the first set. Great Bend went on to take the set 25-15.

A pair of aces from Behr gave Great Bend a 12-5 lead early in the second set against Goddard. Junior Kimmy Hofflinger added a late ace and kills from Cassie Ellegood and Minton set up Behr's match-winning tip at 25-15.

Great Bend moves to 35-2 on the season, and the Lady Panthers will take a 27-match win streak into next week's Class 5A State Volleyball Championships in Salina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729980344048.jpeg" alt="Great Bend defeated Goddard and Valley Center in straight sets in Saturday's Class 5A substate action at GBHS. The Lady Panthers take a 35-2 record and a 27-match win streak into next week's state tournament in Salina." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend defeated Goddard and Valley Center in straight sets in Saturday's Class 5A substate action at GBHS. The Lady Panthers take a 35-2 record and a 27-match win streak into next week's state tournament in Salina.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA school-record 31 wins last year. Six seniors from that team gone to graduation. Yet the 2024 Lady Panther volleyball team continues to further its own legacy. Great Bend entered Saturday's substate bracket on its home court with a new school record of 33 wins in a season. The Lady Panthers overcame a 4-point deficit midway through the second set of the championship match against Valley Center to beat the Hornets 25-21, 25-23 and advance to the state tournament for the first time since 2020."It's amazing," said senior Kara Feist, who tipped over the match point. "It's just relief seeing everyone rush the floor. Seeing my teammates being able to celebrate, with this particular team, is amazing."Another school record fell as sophomore Kya Behr entered the championship match just six assists shy of Taryn Kirmer's (Steuder) record for assists in a season. That record fell in Valley Center win.After a slow start against Goddard in round one, the Lady Panthers largely dominated the first set against Valley Center, which pulled a 2-set upset over Hays to reach the finals. Senior Cassie Ellegood and Behr put down kills for a 4-2 lead, then a kill from Feist and ace from freshman Mikala Minton bumped the gap to 8-5.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729980638363.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Valley Center's school-record holder for blocks had to play a factor. Taylor McDonald, a 6-1 junior, put down one of her trade stuffs to keep the score close at 9-8."It was a lot of fun," Ellegood said. "She was definitely the biggest block we've seen and it's a good challenge. It's good to know you're going to have to go out and do your best. There's no slacking in this game."Sophomores Alex Mayers and Behr put down kills to keep the lead at 14-10, then Ellegood added a pair of aces to push the lead to 16-10. The Lady Panthers needed their sizeable 23-16 lead as the Hornets got as close as 24-20 before Ellegood ended the threat with a kill for a 25-21 first set.The Lady Panthers played from behind for the first half of the second set. McDonald was just as effective on the offensive side, putting down a pair of kills for a 12-8 Valley Center advantage. Her ace gave the Hornets their largest lead of the match at 14-9.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729980708919.jpeg" alt="Lady Panther junior Kimmy Hofflinger (10) celebrates with freshman Micah Ellegood (7)." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panther junior Kimmy Hofflinger (10) celebrates with freshman Micah Ellegood (7).</figcaption>
 </figure>Then Great Bend buckled down. Ellegood started things off with an ace. The Panthers got two kills each from Mayers and freshman Micah Ellegood, and another from Feist to pull even at 17. In a battle thereafter, Cassie Ellegood put down a kill and a tip from Behr gave Great Bend its first lead in the set since 2-1 at 21-20.Mayers followed with an ace for a 22-20 lead but McDonald answered with a long kill from the back row for a 23-22 score. Great Bend's seniors were big all day but especially late. Cassie Ellegood put down a kill to set up match point and Feist finished off the substate with a tip."We had to keep our heads up and and be leaders on court," said Feist. "We couldn't show any emotion. We just had to cheer everybody up and we did so."Just five days before Halloween, the Lady Panthers played in front of a raucous crowd at court level and in the stands above. Several members of the Panther football team donned costumes in the lower level."Our boys always come out," Ellegood said. "They're loud. They have their army songs. They're good supporters.""The packed stands up top, too," Feist said. "Everybody was just full of red and black tonight.Great Bend fell behind 4-1 in the first set of the tournament against Goddard. Junior Ava Kaiser had another big day in the back row, but her two early aces helped the Lady Panthers pull back ahead 18-10 in the first set. Great Bend went on to take the set 25-15.A pair of aces from Behr gave Great Bend a 12-5 lead early in the second set against Goddard. Junior Kimmy Hofflinger added a late ace and kills from Cassie Ellegood and Minton set up Behr's match-winning tip at 25-15.Great Bend moves to 35-2 on the season, and the Lady Panthers will take a 27-match win streak into next week's Class 5A State Volleyball Championships in Salina.

Lady Panthers survive Valley Center; advance to state for first time since 2020

A longstanding Kansas State High School Activities Association rule made it sometimes difficult to tell which runners were headed to state competition. That changed this season with the top-15 runners at each regional meet punching their ticket to state. With a 14th-place finish Saturday morning at Lake Barton, Great Bend junior Tavon Stroup is headed to Rim Rock Farm.

The Panthers would have needed a top-three team finish to qualify all members to state. Valley Center won the 5A regional meet with 61 points, followed by Goddard-Eisenhower with 66 points, and Salina Central with 67 points. Great Bend finished sixth overall with 122 points.

Salina Central's Liam Deniau-Young won the individual title by nearly eight seconds in 16:20.01. Stroup crossed in 17:36.06, 15 seconds behind the 13th-place runner and 22 seconds out of a top-10 finish.

Anthony Lawrence ran 23rd for the Panthers in 18:06.64, followed by Brogan Lashley in 28th in 18:19.26, and Diego Pasos in 18:20.26 for 29th. Isaac Aldana ran 31st in 18:25.85. Noah Kaiser placed 40th for the Panthers in 19:01.63, and Parker Coleman finished 44th in 19:22.25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729972320673.jpeg" alt="Panther junior Tavon Stroup ran 14th in Saturday's Class 5A regional meet at Lake Barton to punch his ticket to state." />
 <figcaption>Panther junior Tavon Stroup ran 14th in Saturday's Class 5A regional meet at Lake Barton to punch his ticket to state.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA longstanding Kansas State High School Activities Association rule made it sometimes difficult to tell which runners were headed to state competition. That changed this season with the top-15 runners at each regional meet punching their ticket to state. With a 14th-place finish Saturday morning at Lake Barton, Great Bend junior Tavon Stroup is headed to Rim Rock Farm.The Panthers would have needed a top-three team finish to qualify all members to state. Valley Center won the 5A regional meet with 61 points, followed by Goddard-Eisenhower with 66 points, and Salina Central with 67 points. Great Bend finished sixth overall with 122 points.Salina Central's Liam Deniau-Young won the individual title by nearly eight seconds in 16:20.01. Stroup crossed in 17:36.06, 15 seconds behind the 13th-place runner and 22 seconds out of a top-10 finish.Anthony Lawrence ran 23rd for the Panthers in 18:06.64, followed by Brogan Lashley in 28th in 18:19.26, and Diego Pasos in 18:20.26 for 29th. Isaac Aldana ran 31st in 18:25.85. Noah Kaiser placed 40th for the Panthers in 19:01.63, and Parker Coleman finished 44th in 19:22.25.

Stroup leads Panthers at regional run, qualifies for Saturday's state meet

A photo finish was required to parse out the winner of Saturday morning's Class 5A regional cross country race at Lake Barton. That's what happens when two of the best runners in Kansas decide to cross the finish line together. Behind the Salina Central duo, Great Bend junior Reese Bullard finished third to lead the reigning state runner-up Lady Panthers to a fourth-straight regional title. Great Bend won the crown with 37 points, followed by Valley Center with 65 points, and Salina South in the final team-qualifying spot with 74 points.

Reigning 5A champion Katelyn Rupe, the North Carolina-bound senior from Salina Central, finished 0.02 seconds behind sophomore teammate Kaylie Schultz. The duo crossed in 18:10.38 and 18:10.40.

Bullard has battled a muscle injury for two weeks. Even a chilly October morning could not deter the junior Saturday morning. She ultimately broke from a pack of Lady Panther runners with no leaders in sight. Bullard crossed in 19:39.87, six seconds ahead of sophomore teammate Bella Long, who placed fourth in 19:45.79.

"Really, all it was, it was a mental game," she said. "I went in just hoping for the best. It was all mental. Considering the first two were so far ahead, I didn't know where I was. But it was kind of cool to feel like I was leading for a second."

Marissa Boone and Sienna Smith were part of the pack that included Bullard and Long midway through the race. Boone ultimately ran sixth in 19:59.64, and Smith finished 10th in 20:30.27. Teah King grabbed the final team points in 14th with a time of 20:43.29. 

"That push of people behind you is always motivation knowing there is someone behind you pushing just as hard as you are," Bullard said. "Us being in a pack helped, too."

Kate Welcher ran 21st in 21:35.47, and Samantha Negaard placed 24th in 21:41.56.&nbsp;

The Lady Panthers return to Rim Rock Farm just outside Lawrence on Saturday for the Class 5A State Cross Country Championships.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729962539807.jpeg" alt="Lady Panther junior Reese Bullard (left) finished third overall and Great Bend's Marissa Boone, Sienna Smith, and Bella Long joined the pack as the Lady Panthers cruised to a fourth-straight Class 5A regional title Saturday at Lake Barton." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panther junior Reese Bullard (left) finished third overall and Great Bend's Marissa Boone, Sienna Smith, and Bella Long joined the pack as the Lady Panthers cruised to a fourth-straight Class 5A regional title Saturday at Lake Barton.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA photo finish was required to parse out the winner of Saturday morning's Class 5A regional cross country race at Lake Barton. That's what happens when two of the best runners in Kansas decide to cross the finish line together. Behind the Salina Central duo, Great Bend junior Reese Bullard finished third to lead the reigning state runner-up Lady Panthers to a fourth-straight regional title. Great Bend won the crown with 37 points, followed by Valley Center with 65 points, and Salina South in the final team-qualifying spot with 74 points.Reigning 5A champion Katelyn Rupe, the North Carolina-bound senior from Salina Central, finished 0.02 seconds behind sophomore teammate Kaylie Schultz. The duo crossed in 18:10.38 and 18:10.40.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729962889815.jpeg" alt="Reese Bullard" />
 <figcaption>Reese Bullard</figcaption>
 </figure>Bullard has battled a muscle injury for two weeks. Even a chilly October morning could not deter the junior Saturday morning. She ultimately broke from a pack of Lady Panther runners with no leaders in sight. Bullard crossed in 19:39.87, six seconds ahead of sophomore teammate Bella Long, who placed fourth in 19:45.79."Really, all it was, it was a mental game," she said. "I went in just hoping for the best. It was all mental. Considering the first two were so far ahead, I didn't know where I was. But it was kind of cool to feel like I was leading for a second."Marissa Boone and Sienna Smith were part of the pack that included Bullard and Long midway through the race. Boone ultimately ran sixth in 19:59.64, and Smith finished 10th in 20:30.27. Teah King grabbed the final team points in 14th with a time of 20:43.29. "That push of people behind you is always motivation knowing there is someone behind you pushing just as hard as you are," Bullard said. "Us being in a pack helped, too."Kate Welcher ran 21st in 21:35.47, and Samantha Negaard placed 24th in 21:41.56.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729962928566.jpeg" alt="Regional champions, from left: Sienna Smith, Bella Long, Reese Bullard, Teah King, Kate Welcher, Samantha Negaard, and Marissa Boone. (photo courtesy of Hillary King)" />
 <figcaption>Regional champions, from left: Sienna Smith, Bella Long, Reese Bullard, Teah King, Kate Welcher, Samantha Negaard, and Marissa Boone. (photo courtesy of Hillary King)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Lady Panthers return to Rim Rock Farm just outside Lawrence on Saturday for the Class 5A State Cross Country Championships.

Bullard runs third; Lady Panthers secure fourth-straight regional XC title

BetMGM&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports">NFL odds</a>: Chiefs by 9.

Against the spread: Chiefs 5-1; Raiders 3-4.

Last meeting: Raiders beat Chiefs 20-14 at Kansas City, on Dec. 25.

Last week: Chiefs beat San Francisco 28-18; Raiders lost to Los Angeles Rams 20-15.

Chiefs offense: overall (10), rush (10), pass (12), scoring (13).

Chiefs defense: overall (10), rush (4), pass (20), scoring (5).

Raiders offense: overall (26), rush (30), pass (16), scoring (26).

Raiders defense: overall (11), rush (23), pass (8), scoring (29).

Turnover differential: Chiefs minus-3; Raiders minus-13.

DT Chris Jones. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said his team can't rely on just one blocker to keep Jones out of Las Vegas' backfield, a testament to how dominant the 30-year-old remains. “This guy is playing at that MVP level — defensive MVP level,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He takes a lot of pride in being the best and right now he’s doing that, he’s showing that.”

DE Maxx Crosby. He finally appears to be fully healthy after playing through a high ankle sprain. Even while playing through pain, Crosby has made at least half a sack in every game but one this season. With 6 1/2 sacks, he's on pace to surpass his career high of 14 1/2 set last season. He also has had notable interactions with Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, as shown in the Netflix docuseries “Quarterback.”

Chiefs offensive line vs. Raiders defensive front. Pro Football Focus ranks Kansas City's offensive line as the NFL's third best, noting it had a particularly strong run-blocking performance Sunday's victory over the 49ers. The Raiders have had a series of issues on their line — DT Christian Wilkins is on injured reserve and DE Malcolm Koonce is out for the season. That puts extra pressure on Crosby, LB Robert Spillane and others to pick up the slack.

Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) and DE Mike Danna (pectoral) will not play. Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is questionable after missing the past two games, but coach Antonio Pierce said he believed he would play. G Dylan Parham (foot) will be out for the second game in a row. LB Tommy Eichenberg (quadriceps) and TE Harrison Bryant (elbow) are questionable.

The Raiders were the most recent team to beat the Chiefs, who have won 12 consecutive games including the Super Bowl since then. ... Until that Christmas Day game, Kansas City had defeated the Raiders six straight times, 11 of 12 meetings and 16 of 18. ... The Chiefs are 4-0 against the Raiders in Las Vegas.

Kansas City is 8-2 in its past 10 regular-season road games against the Raiders. ... The Chiefs picked off 49ers QB Brock Purdy three times last week, the first game with that many interceptions since Oct. 5, 2020, against New England. ... Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman had 110 all-purpose yards against San Francisco, including two carries for 38 yards and a touchdown. ... Mahomes has 225 TD passes. He needs 13 more to pass Len Dawson for the Chiefs franchise record. ... Chiefs TE Travis Kelce needs one TD catch to pass Jason Witten (74) for fifth most by a tight end. He needs three TD catches to break Tony Gonzalez’s franchise record. ... Chiefs C Creed Humphrey has started 57 straight games since entering the league in 2021. ... Jones is tied with Justin Houston for fourth in Chiefs history with 78 1/2 sacks. ... Raiders TE Brock Bowers has been targeted on 30.3% of his routes, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, the highest rate for a rookie tight end through seven weeks since 2018. ... Bowers also leads all tight ends with receptions (47), yards receiving (477), receiving first downs (23) and yards after catch (251). ... CB Jakorian Bennett is allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete only 40.6% of their passes when he is the primary defender. That's the fifth-lowest rate through seven games since Next Gen Stats began tracking the statistic in 2016. ... Opponents are converting 28.9% of third downs against Las Vegas, the second-lowest rate in the NFL. It's also the lowest for the Raiders through the first seven games since 2001 when the club held opposing teams to 25%. ... Crosby has 98 tackles for loss. J.J. Watt (133), Aaron Donald (117) and DeMarcus Ware (101) are the only others to top 100 in their first six seasons.

Chiefs defense. Kansas City is playing at a high level, allowing just 17.2 points per game, and the Chiefs face a Raiders offense that has been held in the teens during a three-game losing streak.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729918152662.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, left, is sacked for a 6-yard loss by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, left, is sacked for a 6-yard loss by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City (6-0) at Las Vegas (2-5)Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, CBSBetMGM&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports">NFL odds</a>: Chiefs by 9.Against the spread: Chiefs 5-1; Raiders 3-4.Series record: Chiefs lead 71-54-2.Last meeting: Raiders beat Chiefs 20-14 at Kansas City, on Dec. 25.Last week: Chiefs beat San Francisco 28-18; Raiders lost to Los Angeles Rams 20-15.Chiefs offense: overall (10), rush (10), pass (12), scoring (13).Chiefs defense: overall (10), rush (4), pass (20), scoring (5).Raiders offense: overall (26), rush (30), pass (16), scoring (26).Raiders defense: overall (11), rush (23), pass (8), scoring (29).Turnover differential: Chiefs minus-3; Raiders minus-13.<h2>Chiefs player to watch</h2>DT Chris Jones. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said his team can't rely on just one blocker to keep Jones out of Las Vegas' backfield, a testament to how dominant the 30-year-old remains. “This guy is playing at that MVP level — defensive MVP level,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He takes a lot of pride in being the best and right now he’s doing that, he’s showing that.”<h2>Raiders player to watch</h2>DE Maxx Crosby. He finally appears to be fully healthy after playing through a high ankle sprain. Even while playing through pain, Crosby has made at least half a sack in every game but one this season. With 6 1/2 sacks, he's on pace to surpass his career high of 14 1/2 set last season. He also has had notable interactions with Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, as shown in the Netflix docuseries “Quarterback.”<h2>Key matchup</h2>Chiefs offensive line vs. Raiders defensive front. Pro Football Focus ranks Kansas City's offensive line as the NFL's third best, noting it had a particularly strong run-blocking performance Sunday's victory over the 49ers. The Raiders have had a series of issues on their line — DT Christian Wilkins is on injured reserve and DE Malcolm Koonce is out for the season. That puts extra pressure on Crosby, LB Robert Spillane and others to pick up the slack.<h2>Key injuries</h2>Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) and DE Mike Danna (pectoral) will not play. Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is questionable after missing the past two games, but coach Antonio Pierce said he believed he would play. G Dylan Parham (foot) will be out for the second game in a row. LB Tommy Eichenberg (quadriceps) and TE Harrison Bryant (elbow) are questionable.<h2>Series notes</h2>The Raiders were the most recent team to beat the Chiefs, who have won 12 consecutive games including the Super Bowl since then. ... Until that Christmas Day game, Kansas City had defeated the Raiders six straight times, 11 of 12 meetings and 16 of 18. ... The Chiefs are 4-0 against the Raiders in Las Vegas.<h2>Stats and stuff</h2>Kansas City is 8-2 in its past 10 regular-season road games against the Raiders. ... The Chiefs picked off 49ers QB Brock Purdy three times last week, the first game with that many interceptions since Oct. 5, 2020, against New England. ... Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman had 110 all-purpose yards against San Francisco, including two carries for 38 yards and a touchdown. ... Mahomes has 225 TD passes. He needs 13 more to pass Len Dawson for the Chiefs franchise record. ... Chiefs TE Travis Kelce needs one TD catch to pass Jason Witten (74) for fifth most by a tight end. He needs three TD catches to break Tony Gonzalez’s franchise record. ... Chiefs C Creed Humphrey has started 57 straight games since entering the league in 2021. ... Jones is tied with Justin Houston for fourth in Chiefs history with 78 1/2 sacks. ... Raiders TE Brock Bowers has been targeted on 30.3% of his routes, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, the highest rate for a rookie tight end through seven weeks since 2018. ... Bowers also leads all tight ends with receptions (47), yards receiving (477), receiving first downs (23) and yards after catch (251). ... CB Jakorian Bennett is allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete only 40.6% of their passes when he is the primary defender. That's the fifth-lowest rate through seven games since Next Gen Stats began tracking the statistic in 2016. ... Opponents are converting 28.9% of third downs against Las Vegas, the second-lowest rate in the NFL. It's also the lowest for the Raiders through the first seven games since 2001 when the club held opposing teams to 25%. ... Crosby has 98 tackles for loss. J.J. Watt (133), Aaron Donald (117) and DeMarcus Ware (101) are the only others to top 100 in their first six seasons.<h2>Fantasy tip</h2>Chiefs defense. Kansas City is playing at a high level, allowing just 17.2 points per game, and the Chiefs face a Raiders offense that has been held in the teens during a three-game losing streak.

Chiefs looking to remain unbeaten when they visit the Raiders

The Great Bend High School football team continues to push its way toward the record books. With a 42-6 win at Garden City Friday, the Panthers clinched the No. 1 seed in the 5A West playoff bracket. Great Bend will host all rounds of the playoffs. The 8-0 start is also the best GBHS start since 1978.

As the No. 1 seed in 5A West, Great Bend will host Newton (0-8) Friday at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. The winner will get either Andover (4-4) or Hays (4-4) in round two. Hays led Liberal 19-14 with 2:41 to play Friday at Fort Hays State University before a 60-yard strip sack went the other way to give the Redskins a 20-19 win. Hutchinson (6-2) or Liberal (6-2) likely await the Panthers in round three. Goddard-Eisenhower (6-2) is the No. 2 seed in the 5A West bracket. St. Thomas Aquinas (8-0) is the No. 1 seed overall in Class 5A.

With a 52-19 win over Cimarron Friday, Hoisington secured another district title and improved to 4-4 on the season. The Cardinals enter the 2A West bracket as the No. 4 seed opposite No. 13 Ellsworth (5-3) Friday at Elton Brown Field. The winner draws either Haven (7-1) or Cimarron (2-6) in round two. Round three would likely mean either No. 2 Garden Plain (6-2), No. 3 Beloit (6-2), or No. 7 Phillipsburg (5-3). Spending much of the season at No. 1, Norton takes a 7-1 record to Hillsboro (4-4) as the No. 9 seed. Humboldt and Osage City each have 8-0 records on the east side, and reigning champion Nemaha Central enters 3A East as the No. 3 seed at 7-1. Southeast of Saline enters the 2A West bracket at 8-0 against Larned (2-6) on Friday.

In 6-man, Otis-Bison (5-3) will see Marais Des Cygnes (6-2) in round two after both teams receive a bye in week one. Pawnee Heights (4-4) will host Western Plains (1-7) in round one with the winner drawing Golden Plains (6-2) in round two.

With a 42-22 loss to Medicine Lodge on Friday, Ellinwood falls to the No. 5 spot in Class 1A, District 7. The Eagles will miss the playoffs.

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Great Bend High School football team continues to push its way toward the record books. With a 42-6 win at Garden City Friday, the Panthers clinched the No. 1 seed in the 5A West playoff bracket. Great Bend will host all rounds of the playoffs. The 8-0 start is also the best GBHS start since 1978.As the No. 1 seed in 5A West, Great Bend will host Newton (0-8) Friday at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. The winner will get either Andover (4-4) or Hays (4-4) in round two. Hays led Liberal 19-14 with 2:41 to play Friday at Fort Hays State University before a 60-yard strip sack went the other way to give the Redskins a 20-19 win. Hutchinson (6-2) or Liberal (6-2) likely await the Panthers in round three. Goddard-Eisenhower (6-2) is the No. 2 seed in the 5A West bracket. St. Thomas Aquinas (8-0) is the No. 1 seed overall in Class 5A.With a 52-19 win over Cimarron Friday, Hoisington secured another district title and improved to 4-4 on the season. The Cardinals enter the 2A West bracket as the No. 4 seed opposite No. 13 Ellsworth (5-3) Friday at Elton Brown Field. The winner draws either Haven (7-1) or Cimarron (2-6) in round two. Round three would likely mean either No. 2 Garden Plain (6-2), No. 3 Beloit (6-2), or No. 7 Phillipsburg (5-3). Spending much of the season at No. 1, Norton takes a 7-1 record to Hillsboro (4-4) as the No. 9 seed. Humboldt and Osage City each have 8-0 records on the east side, and reigning champion Nemaha Central enters 3A East as the No. 3 seed at 7-1. Southeast of Saline enters the 2A West bracket at 8-0 against Larned (2-6) on Friday.In 6-man, Otis-Bison (5-3) will see Marais Des Cygnes (6-2) in round two after both teams receive a bye in week one. Pawnee Heights (4-4) will host Western Plains (1-7) in round one with the winner drawing Golden Plains (6-2) in round two.With a 42-22 loss to Medicine Lodge on Friday, Ellinwood falls to the No. 5 spot in Class 1A, District 7. The Eagles will miss the playoffs.

Panthers clinch No. 1 seed in 5A West: Area football playoff picture

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman hit the first game-ending grand slam in World Series history with two outs in the 10th inning to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 6-3 victory over the New York Yankees in a dramatic opener Friday night.

Hobbled by a badly sprained ankle, Freeman homered on the first pitch he saw — an inside fastball from Nestor Cortes — and raised his bat high before beginning his trot as the sellout crowd of 52,394 roared.

“I cannot believe what just happened,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “That’s what makes the Fall Classic a classic, right, because the stars come out and superstars make big plays, get big hits, in the biggest of moments. ... I’m speechless right now.”

It was reminiscent of Kirk Gibson’s game-ending homer that lifted Los Angeles over the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series at Dodger Stadium — one of the most famous swings in baseball lore.

Gibson, sidelined by leg injuries, came off the bench and connected against Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley.

Freeman, who missed three games during the National League playoffs because of the injury to his right ankle, didn’t have an extra-base hit this postseason until legging out a triple earlier on Friday.

“Actually felt pretty good,” Freeman said. “The last six days we treated it really well. I’ve been feeling pretty good. Right when I ran out to give high-fives to my teammates, I felt pretty good, because that was the first time I ran all week. So, ankle’s good.”

After the home run, Freeman ran over to his father.

“I was just screaming in his face. I’m sorry, dad,” Freeman said, laughing. “He’s been there since I was a little boy, throwing batting practice to me every day. So this is a moment, it’s my dad’s moment.”

In this much-hyped, star-studded World Series between two of baseball’s most storied and successful franchises, Game 1 certainly delivered. It was the third straight Series opener to go extra innings.

“We can’t sit here and mope,” Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said. “Learn from it, where we can improve, and try to win the next one.”

In the top of the 10th, Anthony Volpe grounded into a fielder’s choice to shortstop, scoring Jazz Chisholm Jr. from third after he stole two bases, to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead.

The speedy Chisholm singled off Blake Treinen and then stole second. Following an intentional walk to Anthony Rizzo, Chisholm swiped third base uncontested as Treinen was slow to the plate with Max Muncy playing deep at third.

Tommy Edman made a diving stop to his left on Volpe’s grounder, but couldn’t get it out of his glove at first. He tossed to second to get Rizzo out as Chisholm came flying home with the go-ahead run.

Gavin Lux walked against Jake Cousins with one out in the bottom of the 10th and went to second on Edman’s infield single to second. Defensive replacement Oswaldo Cabrera knocked down the ball with his glove but it leaked into the outfield.

That brought up star slugger Shohei Ohtani, a left-handed hitter. Yankees manager Aaron Boone went to his bullpen again for Cortes, a lefty starter who hadn’t pitched since Sept. 18 because of an elbow injury.

After missing the AL playoffs, Cortes was added to the World Series roster Friday.

Left fielder Alex Verdugo made a running catch in foul territory to retire Ohtani. Verdugo’s momentum sent him tumbling over the low retaining wall, advancing both runners one base because by rule it became a dead ball when Verdugo wound up in the stands.

With first base open, New York intentionally walked Mookie Betts to load the bases and set up lefty-on-lefty matchup of Cortes against Freeman.

“I was on time for the heater,” Freeman said.

His drive into the right-field pavilion sent Dodgers fans into a frenzy. It was the third walk-off homer in World Series history for a team that was trailing, following Gibson’s shot and Joe Carter’s drive for the Toronto Blue Jays that won the 1993 World Series against Philadelphia.

“That’s stuff, you’re 5 years old in the backyard right there,” Freeman said. “That’s a dream come true, but it’s only one. We’ve got three more.”

It’s the 12th time the Yankees and Dodgers are meeting in the World Series, the most frequent matchup in major league annals, but their previous October clash was 43 years ago.

While the Dodgers are seeking their eighth title and second in five years, the Yankees are in the Fall Classic for the first time since winning No. 27 in 2009.

The first Series with a pair of 50-home run hitters in Judge (58) and Ohtani (54) opened quietly as Gerrit Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner, and Jack Flaherty dueled through four scoreless innings. Judge struck out swinging in his first three at-bats before singling off Brusdar Graterol with two outs in the seventh.

Ohtani was 0 for 3 before ripping a double off the right-field wall in the eighth. He raced to third on the play when second baseman Gleyber Torres mishandled Juan Soto’s throw, which became costly when Ohtani scored on a sacrifice fly by Betts that tied it 2-all.

With two outs in the ninth, Torres sent a long drive to left-center. A fan wearing a Dodgers jersey reached over the wall and caught the ball. Umpires ruled fan interference and gave Torres a double, a call confirmed on video replay. The fan immediately left the area.

Blake Treinen came in and intentionally walked Soto to get to Judge. He popped up to end the inning in a 1-for-5 performance that included three strikeouts.

The Dodgers broke through for a 1-0 lead in the fifth when Kiké Hernández tripled past Soto in right field and scored on Will Smith’s sacrifice fly.

The Yankees answered right back in the sixth. Soto singled leading off before Judge struck out swinging for the third time. Giancarlo Stanton followed with a 412-foot shot to left off Flaherty for his 17th career postseason homer. Stanton grew up in the nearby San Fernando Valley, not far from Flaherty’s hometown of Burbank.

Stanton, the American League Championship Series MVP, connected on a knuckle-curve that hung slightly at the bottom of the strike zone. His sixth homer in 11 games this postseason came off his bat at 116.6 mph.

After last weekend’s pennant-clinching win at Cleveland, Stanton said, “This ain’t the trophy I want. I want the next one.”

The Yankees then loaded the bases. Chisholm singled off Anthony Banda and stole second. After Rizzo struck out, Volpe was intentionally walked. Austin Wells reached on an infield single that Edman smothered with a dive to save a run before Verdugo struck out swinging against his former team.

Game 2 is Saturday evening at Dodger Stadium, with Yankees LHP Carlos Rodón pitching against $325 million rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman hit the first game-ending grand slam in World Series history with two outs in the 10th inning to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 6-3 victory over the New York Yankees in a dramatic opener Friday night.Hobbled by a badly sprained ankle, Freeman homered on the first pitch he saw — an inside fastball from Nestor Cortes — and raised his bat high before beginning his trot as the sellout crowd of 52,394 roared.“I cannot believe what just happened,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “That’s what makes the Fall Classic a classic, right, because the stars come out and superstars make big plays, get big hits, in the biggest of moments. ... I’m speechless right now.”It was reminiscent of Kirk Gibson’s game-ending homer that lifted Los Angeles over the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series at Dodger Stadium — one of the most famous swings in baseball lore.Gibson, sidelined by leg injuries, came off the bench and connected against Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley.Freeman, who missed three games during the National League playoffs because of the injury to his right ankle, didn’t have an extra-base hit this postseason until legging out a triple earlier on Friday.“Actually felt pretty good,” Freeman said. “The last six days we treated it really well. I’ve been feeling pretty good. Right when I ran out to give high-fives to my teammates, I felt pretty good, because that was the first time I ran all week. So, ankle’s good.”After the home run, Freeman ran over to his father.“I was just screaming in his face. I’m sorry, dad,” Freeman said, laughing. “He’s been there since I was a little boy, throwing batting practice to me every day. So this is a moment, it’s my dad’s moment.”In this much-hyped, star-studded World Series between two of baseball’s most storied and successful franchises, Game 1 certainly delivered. It was the third straight Series opener to go extra innings.“We can’t sit here and mope,” Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said. “Learn from it, where we can improve, and try to win the next one.”In the top of the 10th, Anthony Volpe grounded into a fielder’s choice to shortstop, scoring Jazz Chisholm Jr. from third after he stole two bases, to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead.The speedy Chisholm singled off Blake Treinen and then stole second. Following an intentional walk to Anthony Rizzo, Chisholm swiped third base uncontested as Treinen was slow to the plate with Max Muncy playing deep at third.Tommy Edman made a diving stop to his left on Volpe’s grounder, but couldn’t get it out of his glove at first. He tossed to second to get Rizzo out as Chisholm came flying home with the go-ahead run.But the Dodgers weren’t done.Gavin Lux walked against Jake Cousins with one out in the bottom of the 10th and went to second on Edman’s infield single to second. Defensive replacement Oswaldo Cabrera knocked down the ball with his glove but it leaked into the outfield.That brought up star slugger Shohei Ohtani, a left-handed hitter. Yankees manager Aaron Boone went to his bullpen again for Cortes, a lefty starter who hadn’t pitched since Sept. 18 because of an elbow injury.After missing the AL playoffs, Cortes was added to the World Series roster Friday.Left fielder Alex Verdugo made a running catch in foul territory to retire Ohtani. Verdugo’s momentum sent him tumbling over the low retaining wall, advancing both runners one base because by rule it became a dead ball when Verdugo wound up in the stands.With first base open, New York intentionally walked Mookie Betts to load the bases and set up lefty-on-lefty matchup of Cortes against Freeman.“I was on time for the heater,” Freeman said.His drive into the right-field pavilion sent Dodgers fans into a frenzy. It was the third walk-off homer in World Series history for a team that was trailing, following Gibson’s shot and Joe Carter’s drive for the Toronto Blue Jays that won the 1993 World Series against Philadelphia.“That’s stuff, you’re 5 years old in the backyard right there,” Freeman said. “That’s a dream come true, but it’s only one. We’ve got three more.”It’s the 12th time the Yankees and Dodgers are meeting in the World Series, the most frequent matchup in major league annals, but their previous October clash was 43 years ago.While the Dodgers are seeking their eighth title and second in five years, the Yankees are in the Fall Classic for the first time since winning No. 27 in 2009.The first Series with a pair of 50-home run hitters in Judge (58) and Ohtani (54) opened quietly as Gerrit Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner, and Jack Flaherty dueled through four scoreless innings. Judge struck out swinging in his first three at-bats before singling off Brusdar Graterol with two outs in the seventh.Ohtani was 0 for 3 before ripping a double off the right-field wall in the eighth. He raced to third on the play when second baseman Gleyber Torres mishandled Juan Soto’s throw, which became costly when Ohtani scored on a sacrifice fly by Betts that tied it 2-all.With two outs in the ninth, Torres sent a long drive to left-center. A fan wearing a Dodgers jersey reached over the wall and caught the ball. Umpires ruled fan interference and gave Torres a double, a call confirmed on video replay. The fan immediately left the area.Blake Treinen came in and intentionally walked Soto to get to Judge. He popped up to end the inning in a 1-for-5 performance that included three strikeouts.The Dodgers broke through for a 1-0 lead in the fifth when Kiké Hernández tripled past Soto in right field and scored on Will Smith’s sacrifice fly.The Yankees answered right back in the sixth. Soto singled leading off before Judge struck out swinging for the third time. Giancarlo Stanton followed with a 412-foot shot to left off Flaherty for his 17th career postseason homer. Stanton grew up in the nearby San Fernando Valley, not far from Flaherty’s hometown of Burbank.Stanton, the American League Championship Series MVP, connected on a knuckle-curve that hung slightly at the bottom of the strike zone. His sixth homer in 11 games this postseason came off his bat at 116.6 mph.After last weekend’s pennant-clinching win at Cleveland, Stanton said, “This ain’t the trophy I want. I want the next one.”The Yankees then loaded the bases. Chisholm singled off Anthony Banda and stole second. After Rizzo struck out, Volpe was intentionally walked. Austin Wells reached on an infield single that Edman smothered with a dive to save a run before Verdugo struck out swinging against his former team.UP NEXTGame 2 is Saturday evening at Dodger Stadium, with Yankees LHP Carlos Rodón pitching against $325 million rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Freeman hits 1st walk-off slam in World Series history as Dodgers top Yankees 6-3

1. Great Bend Sports on 104 3 the Point sponsored by USD #428, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance Agency, Equity Bank, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, People's Bank and Trust, Comfort Pro, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Great Bend Rec, Edward Jones, Damm Pipe Testing, University of Kansas Health System, The Fieldhouse, Scott's Welding Service, American Plains COOP, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Innovative Livestock Services, Marmie Auto Group, Mpire Realty, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, GB Tarp Company, Freedom Claims Management, Coldwell Banker - Megan Wells, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Nextech, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Sutherlands, Great Bend Redi Mix, Kern Floor Service, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Shelter Insurance - Chris Ramsey, and Mitchell K Haney and Associates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886602159.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend 42 Garden City 6<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/jmrrw51t/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Great Bend Sports on 104 3 the Point sponsored by USD #428, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance Agency, Equity Bank, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, People's Bank and Trust, Comfort Pro, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Great Bend Rec, Edward Jones, Damm Pipe Testing, University of Kansas Health System, The Fieldhouse, Scott's Welding Service, American Plains COOP, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Innovative Livestock Services, Marmie Auto Group, Mpire Realty, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, GB Tarp Company, Freedom Claims Management, Coldwell Banker - Megan Wells, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Nextech, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Sutherlands, Great Bend Redi Mix, Kern Floor Service, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Shelter Insurance - Chris Ramsey, and Mitchell K Haney and Associates.

Great Bend 42 Garden City 6

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend 42, Garden City 6 Liberal 20, Hays 19 Dodge City 21, Wichita East 14 Central Kansas League Hoisington 52, Cimarron 19 Lakin 49, Larned 0 Cheney 28, Pratt 26 Andale 60, Hesston 14 Wichita Trinity 40, Nickerson 28 Hillsboro 21, Smoky Valley 16 Haven 39, Kingman 6 Halstead 54, Lyons 0 Other 11-Man Games Medicine Lodge 42, Ellinwood 22 Southeast of Saline 44, Ellsworth 8 Beloit 46, Beloit 12 Plainville 24, TMP 14 Sterling 41, Hutch-Trinity 18 Area 8-Man Games Ell-Saline 58, Central Plains 12 St. John 30, Macksville 28 LaCrosse 54, Ness City 8 South Gray 36, Kinsley 14 Fairfield 46, Stafford 34 Victoria 46, Hodgeman County 0 Kiowa County 70, Pratt-Skyline 24 Sylvan-Lucas 54, Washington County 0 Little River 56, Solomon 0 Area 6-Man Games Otis-Bison 62, Chase 6 Ingalls 66, Pawnee Heights 6

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend 42, Garden City 6 Liberal 20, Hays 19 Dodge City 21, Wichita East 14 Central Kansas League Hoisington 52, Cimarron 19 Lakin 49, Larned 0 Cheney 28, Pratt 26 Andale 60, Hesston 14 Wichita Trinity 40, Nickerson 28 Hillsboro 21, Smoky Valley 16 Haven 39, Kingman 6 Halstead 54, Lyons 0 Other 11-Man Games Medicine Lodge 42, Ellinwood 22 Southeast of Saline 44, Ellsworth 8 Beloit 46, Beloit 12 Plainville 24, TMP 14 Sterling 41, Hutch-Trinity 18 Area 8-Man Games Ell-Saline 58, Central Plains 12 St. John 30, Macksville 28 LaCrosse 54, Ness City 8 South Gray 36, Kinsley 14 Fairfield 46, Stafford 34 Victoria 46, Hodgeman County 0 Kiowa County 70, Pratt-Skyline 24 Sylvan-Lucas 54, Washington County 0 Little River 56, Solomon 0 Area 6-Man Games Otis-Bison 62, Chase 6 Ingalls 66, Pawnee Heights 6

Area high school football scores - Week 8

1.Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored  by...USD #431 Hoisington, Ehler Chevrolet, Cardinal Pharmacy, Equity Bank, Donald E Reif Jr. Attorney at Law, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, Superior Essex, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock Services, Mpire Realty Jessy Kirmer/Nikki Henderson, Clara Barton Medical Center, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Central Chiropractic, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Bobcat Backhoe Service, and Barton Community College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581739911992.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hoisington 52 Cimarron 19<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/yfvwxxh4/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1.Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored by...USD #431 Hoisington, Ehler Chevrolet, Cardinal Pharmacy, Equity Bank, Donald E Reif Jr. Attorney at Law, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, Superior Essex, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock Services, Mpire Realty Jessy Kirmer/Nikki Henderson, Clara Barton Medical Center, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Central Chiropractic, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Bobcat Backhoe Service, and Barton Community College.

Hoisington 52 Cimarron 19

1. Larned Sports on 106.9 brought to you in part by USD #495, Beckwith Mortuary, Equity Bank, Smith Dental, Eakin Concrete, Santa Fe Liquor Mart, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust in Larned, Farm Bureau Financial Services Leigh Anne Seeman, Clock Realty &amp; Insurance, Pawnee Plaza, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Pawnee County COOP, Progressive Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Frick Veterinary, Services, H&amp;H Roofing, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Fusion Bank, Doerr's Ace Hardware, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned Veterinary Clinic, Heart of Kansas Family Health, Barton Community College, and Off Broadway Boutique.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695238768373.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lakin 49 Larned 0<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/myeemwgr/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Larned Sports on 106.9 brought to you in part by USD #495, Beckwith Mortuary, Equity Bank, Smith Dental, Eakin Concrete, Santa Fe Liquor Mart, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust in Larned, Farm Bureau Financial Services Leigh Anne Seeman, Clock Realty &amp; Insurance, Pawnee Plaza, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Pawnee County COOP, Progressive Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Frick Veterinary, Services, H&amp;H Roofing, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Fusion Bank, Doerr's Ace Hardware, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned Veterinary Clinic, Heart of Kansas Family Health, Barton Community College, and Off Broadway Boutique.

Lakin 49 Larned 0

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-dodgers-shohei-ohtani-34410cd526afe2ac765d6f8ec40984d9">Shohei Ohtani</a>&nbsp;sat behind a small table and waited.

Across the center field plaza at Dodger Stadium, a horde of media listened for the signal. Once it came, the stampede was on. Reporters and photographers ran, ignoring security's commands to walk, in a beeline to reach Ohtani first.

Minus any screaming, it could have been the Beatles playing Dodger Stadium in 1966.

“That’s what I do whenever he shows up in the clubhouse,” Dodgers reliever Brent Honeywell joked.

Thursday's chaos was likely just the start as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-yankees-dogers-preview-566d47e09d6a6d946f995f568d806a5f">Dodgers and New York Yankees</a>&nbsp;prepared for Friday night's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-watch-2024-dodgers-yankees-45843b9f5dbb75af829ee58ba6b9ac77">World Series</a>&nbsp;opener.

“It just feels like it has finally arrived,” Ohtani said through an interpreter.

He may well have been talking about himself.

“I have been watching the World Series every year and watching in the sense of disappointment because I couldn’t play in one," Ohtani said, referring to his six losing seasons with the Los Angeles Angels before joining the Dodgers on a $700 million contract last offseason. “But this year, I’m able to participate in one and very much looking forward to it.”

Ohtanimania has come to the Fall Classic. Renowned for his unprecedented two-way skills, Ohtani hasn't pitched this season while recovering from right elbow surgery. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts re-affirmed Thursday there's no chance Ohtani takes the mound against New York.

“There is no possibility, none whatsoever,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Thank you for asking.”

But all eyes are still on him — not a new phenomenon for the 30-year-old international star.

Ohtani appeared unruffled by the pushing and shoving and wall of cameras and mics pointed at him. He rested his arms on the table, his fingers laced together, a slight smile on his boyish face.

“The guy never wavers,” said Honeywell, wearing a T-shirt commemorating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-ohtani-dodgers-f61356b31bf462f3627490997d6d95dc">Ohtani's historic 50 home runs</a>&nbsp;and 50 stolen bases in a season. “He is as advertised.”

Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus managed Ohtani and the Angels in 2019. Ohtani played a shortened season that year since he was recovering from Tommy John surgery at the start and had knee surgery near the end.

“It wouldn’t shock me if he went 60-60 and 20 wins a year from now,” Ausmus said. “This guy is the greatest baseball player ever and there’s not a close second.”

Ohtani has just three homers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-ohtani-4c01558f7ea370eb72ffe12b9a3e889d">no stolen bases</a>&nbsp;this postseason after 54 homers and 59 steals during the regular season. He's batting .286 with 10 RBIs, hitting 6 for 9 with runners in scoring position.

“He is like a unicorn," Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. said. “But we got one of our own.”

That would be slugger&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aaron-judge-mlb-playoffs-78bc92b947d7643e3cfc2b0f643c0900">Aaron Judge</a>. He and Ohtani — baseball's top two home run hitters — traded compliments out of earshot of each other.

Told that Judge called him the best player in baseball, Ohtani replied, “I’m honored that that’s how he thinks of me. He's also one of the top players in this league.”

Judge said, "He can attack you in so many different ways. He can hit for power, for average, it’s a tough battle.”

Yankees outfielder Juan Soto is most impressed by Ohtani's consistency.

“He doesn’t take off and then come down,” he said. "He’s been coming up all the way, little by little and makes his goals. He works every day and is focused on what he wants.”

Ohtani's home country of Japan has already been tuning into the playoffs in record numbers to watch him and $325 million rookie teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Ohtani will have his personal cheering section on hand.

His parents are expected to attend the World Series. He made no mention of new wife, Mamiko, who has been an elusive presence during the playoffs.

“If he’s in good shape, yes he will,” Ohtani said of the pup popularized on his cleats and bobblehead this season. Decoy even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-bobblehead-3a425263a0599f363952738acac7eee2">threw out a first pitch</a>&nbsp;with Ohtani's help.

After nearly 20 minutes of entertaining English-language questions, Ohtani segued into ones in Japanese.

“The greatest moment that I’m hoping for is for us to be able to celebrate with a World Series win,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729864119730.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani speaks during media day for the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani speaks during media day for the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-dodgers-shohei-ohtani-34410cd526afe2ac765d6f8ec40984d9">Shohei Ohtani</a>&nbsp;sat behind a small table and waited.Across the center field plaza at Dodger Stadium, a horde of media listened for the signal. Once it came, the stampede was on. Reporters and photographers ran, ignoring security's commands to walk, in a beeline to reach Ohtani first.Minus any screaming, it could have been the Beatles playing Dodger Stadium in 1966.“That’s what I do whenever he shows up in the clubhouse,” Dodgers reliever Brent Honeywell joked.Thursday's chaos was likely just the start as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-yankees-dogers-preview-566d47e09d6a6d946f995f568d806a5f">Dodgers and New York Yankees</a>&nbsp;prepared for Friday night's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-watch-2024-dodgers-yankees-45843b9f5dbb75af829ee58ba6b9ac77">World Series</a>&nbsp;opener.“It just feels like it has finally arrived,” Ohtani said through an interpreter.He may well have been talking about himself.“I have been watching the World Series every year and watching in the sense of disappointment because I couldn’t play in one," Ohtani said, referring to his six losing seasons with the Los Angeles Angels before joining the Dodgers on a $700 million contract last offseason. “But this year, I’m able to participate in one and very much looking forward to it.”Ohtanimania has come to the Fall Classic. Renowned for his unprecedented two-way skills, Ohtani hasn't pitched this season while recovering from right elbow surgery. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts re-affirmed Thursday there's no chance Ohtani takes the mound against New York.“There is no possibility, none whatsoever,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Thank you for asking.”But all eyes are still on him — not a new phenomenon for the 30-year-old international star.Ohtani appeared unruffled by the pushing and shoving and wall of cameras and mics pointed at him. He rested his arms on the table, his fingers laced together, a slight smile on his boyish face.“The guy never wavers,” said Honeywell, wearing a T-shirt commemorating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-ohtani-dodgers-f61356b31bf462f3627490997d6d95dc">Ohtani's historic 50 home runs</a>&nbsp;and 50 stolen bases in a season. “He is as advertised.”Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus managed Ohtani and the Angels in 2019. Ohtani played a shortened season that year since he was recovering from Tommy John surgery at the start and had knee surgery near the end.“It wouldn’t shock me if he went 60-60 and 20 wins a year from now,” Ausmus said. “This guy is the greatest baseball player ever and there’s not a close second.”Ohtani has just three homers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-ohtani-4c01558f7ea370eb72ffe12b9a3e889d">no stolen bases</a>&nbsp;this postseason after 54 homers and 59 steals during the regular season. He's batting .286 with 10 RBIs, hitting 6 for 9 with runners in scoring position.“He is like a unicorn," Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. said. “But we got one of our own.”That would be slugger&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aaron-judge-mlb-playoffs-78bc92b947d7643e3cfc2b0f643c0900">Aaron Judge</a>. He and Ohtani — baseball's top two home run hitters — traded compliments out of earshot of each other.Told that Judge called him the best player in baseball, Ohtani replied, “I’m honored that that’s how he thinks of me. He's also one of the top players in this league.”Judge said, "He can attack you in so many different ways. He can hit for power, for average, it’s a tough battle.”Yankees outfielder Juan Soto is most impressed by Ohtani's consistency.“He doesn’t take off and then come down,” he said. "He’s been coming up all the way, little by little and makes his goals. He works every day and is focused on what he wants.”Ohtani's home country of Japan has already been tuning into the playoffs in record numbers to watch him and $325 million rookie teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto.Ohtani will have his personal cheering section on hand.His parents are expected to attend the World Series. He made no mention of new wife, Mamiko, who has been an elusive presence during the playoffs.And his dog Decoy?“If he’s in good shape, yes he will,” Ohtani said of the pup popularized on his cleats and bobblehead this season. Decoy even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-bobblehead-3a425263a0599f363952738acac7eee2">threw out a first pitch</a>&nbsp;with Ohtani's help.After nearly 20 minutes of entertaining English-language questions, Ohtani segued into ones in Japanese.In any language, he has the same goal.“The greatest moment that I’m hoping for is for us to be able to celebrate with a World Series win,” he said.

Ohtani won't pitch in the World Series, but that's not slowing Ohtanimania

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds is recovering from two gunshot wounds after he and another man were fired upon following a visit to a strip club last week.

“Josh Reynolds was a victim of a shooting on Friday in Denver and received treatment for minor injuries,” the Broncos said in a statement to The Associated Press. “Out of respect for the legal process, we will defer further comment on this matter to the authorities.”

Denver&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DenverPolice/status/1849276540808270066/photo/1">police said they have arrested two men</a>&nbsp;— Luis Mendoza, 35, and Burr Charlesworth, 42 — in connection with the shootings, which occurred around 3 a.m. on Oct. 18 along a stretch of Interstate 25 south of downtown.

The men were being held for investigation of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. Police said they were trying to identify possible additional suspects and “therefore the arrest reports are sealed to protect the integrity of the investigation.”

<a href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/investigations/denver-bronco-josh-reynolds-shot/73-f51bf502-5129-4dd1-bad8-a4495be20909">NBC affiliate KUSA-TV</a>&nbsp;in Denver, the Broncos' flagship station, which first reported the shooting, said Reynolds was shot once in his left arm and once in the back of his head. The station said Reynolds and the other man were followed after leaving a strip club called Shotgun Willies.

Reynolds is on injured reserve with a broken finger and didn't travel with the Broncos to New Orleans for their Thursday night game on Oct. 17. The shooting happened a few hours after the Broncos beat the Saints.

Reynolds has been working out on a side field during the Broncos' practices this week. Players on IR aren't available to speak with reporters.

Reynolds is in his ninth NFL season and his first in Denver after signing a two-year, $9 million contract last offseason. He's played in five games with one start and has caught 12 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown.

He spent the last three seasons with Detroit. He's also played for the Titans and the Rams, who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Texas A&amp;M.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729864438289.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) celebrates his 9-yard reception for a touchdown with teammate wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/Geneva Heffernan)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) celebrates his 9-yard reception for a touchdown with teammate wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/Geneva Heffernan)</figcaption>
 </figure>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds is recovering from two gunshot wounds after he and another man were fired upon following a visit to a strip club last week.“Josh Reynolds was a victim of a shooting on Friday in Denver and received treatment for minor injuries,” the Broncos said in a statement to The Associated Press. “Out of respect for the legal process, we will defer further comment on this matter to the authorities.”Denver&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DenverPolice/status/1849276540808270066/photo/1">police said they have arrested two men</a>&nbsp;— Luis Mendoza, 35, and Burr Charlesworth, 42 — in connection with the shootings, which occurred around 3 a.m. on Oct. 18 along a stretch of Interstate 25 south of downtown.The men were being held for investigation of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. Police said they were trying to identify possible additional suspects and “therefore the arrest reports are sealed to protect the integrity of the investigation.”<a href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/investigations/denver-bronco-josh-reynolds-shot/73-f51bf502-5129-4dd1-bad8-a4495be20909">NBC affiliate KUSA-TV</a>&nbsp;in Denver, the Broncos' flagship station, which first reported the shooting, said Reynolds was shot once in his left arm and once in the back of his head. The station said Reynolds and the other man were followed after leaving a strip club called Shotgun Willies.Reynolds is on injured reserve with a broken finger and didn't travel with the Broncos to New Orleans for their Thursday night game on Oct. 17. The shooting happened a few hours after the Broncos beat the Saints.Reynolds has been working out on a side field during the Broncos' practices this week. Players on IR aren't available to speak with reporters.Reynolds is in his ninth NFL season and his first in Denver after signing a two-year, $9 million contract last offseason. He's played in five games with one start and has caught 12 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown.He spent the last three seasons with Detroit. He's also played for the Titans and the Rams, who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Texas A&amp;M.

Broncos receiver recovering from gunshot wounds after visit to strip club

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Even 8-year-old Charlie Freeman is excited about a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-watch-2024-dodgers-yankees-45843b9f5dbb75af829ee58ba6b9ac77">Dodgers-Yankees World Series</a>.

“He's at Universal (Studios) right now with a couple of his buddies, but he goes, ‘Daddy, I can’t wait for the World Series to start tomorrow,’” Los Angeles first baseman Freddie Freeman said at the last workout before Friday's opener. “He’s on YouTube and seeing all the videos about Yankees-Dodgers. So you're starting to get a hint of how big this could be.”

This will be the 12th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-analysis-yankees-dodgers-c18316183d60a42c2d91006d4f951e20">Dodgers-Yankees matchup</a>&nbsp;and the first in 43 years. The rivalry dates to 1941, when the Dodgers were in Brooklyn and Joe DiMaggio's Yankees were seeking their fifth title in six years.

“You can be the best player. You can do whatever you want,” Yankees star Juan Soto said, “but at the end of the day, people remember you because you won a World Series.”

Broadway vs. Hollywood has produced the starriest Series in decades, if not ever. The League Championship Series had the highest U.S. TV ratings since 2017, and that's been dwarfed by viewership of the Dodgers from Japan driven by interest in Shohei Ohtani.

“You could easily argue that on a global scale, the Yankees and the Dodgers are the most followed, the most supported, the most visible," Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said.

This figures to be the first World Series featuring five MVPs: the Dodgers' Ohtani, Freeman and Mookie Betts, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-yankees-statue-of-liberty-8e982b899987e216b1f1cd61c6c843e1">the Yankees' Aaron Judge</a>&nbsp;and Giancarlo Stanton. There hasn’t been even been a Fall Classic with four since 1971.

Ohtani and Judge are the likely MVPs this year, marking the first Series to feature both since San Francisco’s Buster Posey and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera in 2012. This will be the first Series with a pair of 50-home run hitters in Judge (58) and Ohtani (54).

In an age of expanding playoffs, this is just the fifth World Series since the Wild Card Era started in 1995 involving the teams with the best records in each league.

“I’m sure I’m going to feel how special it is,” Ohtani said through an interpreter.

Players practiced in 85-degree weather as the sun highlighted Dodger Stadium's sky blue, yellow, light orange and sea foam green seats. Freeman, slowed by a bad ankle, insisted he will be in the lineup for the opener.

While the Dodgers are seeking their eighth title and second in five years, the Yankees are in the World Series for the first time since winning No. 27 in 2009.

“This is where the real fun starts,” Judge said.

Judge realizes a title is necessary for membership among the Yankees' greats.

“They definitely got a different aura walking around here when you got a couple of rings on your fingers,” he said. “I think that’s the biggest thing, is that you see that they’re battle-tested. They’ve been through the grind. They’ve been through the ups and downs and they came out on top.”

Roberts and Yankees manager Aaron Boone have faced each other since April 3, 1992, when Roberts' UCLA Bruins beat Boone's Southern California Trojans' 11-1 UCLA's Jackie Robinson Stadium.

“As we all know in here, you’re a Trojan for life. You’re a Bruin for four years,” Boone said playfully.

Told of Boone's shot, Roberts said: “Ouch! That hurts" and “absolutely disagree, 100 percent.”

Boone texted a Yankees emoji to Roberts when New York's charter flight landed Wednesday.

“There was another emoji I thought about sending him with one finger, but I didn’t,” Roberts said. “I just gave a laughing emoji back.”

Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty, who starts the opener against the Yankees' Gerrit Cole, was high school teammates with Max Fried and Lucas Giolito at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles. Three years ago, Flaherty was at Houston's Minute Maid Park for World Series Game 6 along with Giolito to watch Fried get the win that finished off the Atlanta Braves' World Series title.

“It's a funny feeling watching that,” Flaherty said, “because you’re excited for one of your best friends and you’re incredibly happy for him, also at that same moment you’re a competitor and you want to be in that situation, you want to be on the field.”

Flaherty is 1-2 with a 7.04 ERA in three postseason starts this year. Cole is 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA in three starts.

Like Roberts, Cole went to UCLA. The pitcher's college rooting aligns more with the Dodgers manager than his own.

“Aaron and I don’t always agree on everything,” he said.

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner was 7 years old in 1977 when the Yankees won their first title under his father, George. New York clinched the title over the Dodgers with a Game 6 win in the Bronx as Reggie Jackson hit three homers on three straight swings.

“I’d say my two most prevalent memories are Reggie’s third home run, and of course the final popup that was caught by (Mike) Torrez and the pandemonium that ensued,” he recalled this week. “Was a great day!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729863957746.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty warms up during batting practice during media day for the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty warms up during batting practice during media day for the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Even 8-year-old Charlie Freeman is excited about a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-watch-2024-dodgers-yankees-45843b9f5dbb75af829ee58ba6b9ac77">Dodgers-Yankees World Series</a>.“He's at Universal (Studios) right now with a couple of his buddies, but he goes, ‘Daddy, I can’t wait for the World Series to start tomorrow,’” Los Angeles first baseman Freddie Freeman said at the last workout before Friday's opener. “He’s on YouTube and seeing all the videos about Yankees-Dodgers. So you're starting to get a hint of how big this could be.”This will be the 12th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-analysis-yankees-dodgers-c18316183d60a42c2d91006d4f951e20">Dodgers-Yankees matchup</a>&nbsp;and the first in 43 years. The rivalry dates to 1941, when the Dodgers were in Brooklyn and Joe DiMaggio's Yankees were seeking their fifth title in six years.“You can be the best player. You can do whatever you want,” Yankees star Juan Soto said, “but at the end of the day, people remember you because you won a World Series.”Broadway vs. Hollywood has produced the starriest Series in decades, if not ever. The League Championship Series had the highest U.S. TV ratings since 2017, and that's been dwarfed by viewership of the Dodgers from Japan driven by interest in Shohei Ohtani.“You could easily argue that on a global scale, the Yankees and the Dodgers are the most followed, the most supported, the most visible," Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said.This figures to be the first World Series featuring five MVPs: the Dodgers' Ohtani, Freeman and Mookie Betts, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-yankees-statue-of-liberty-8e982b899987e216b1f1cd61c6c843e1">the Yankees' Aaron Judge</a>&nbsp;and Giancarlo Stanton. There hasn’t been even been a Fall Classic with four since 1971.Ohtani and Judge are the likely MVPs this year, marking the first Series to feature both since San Francisco’s Buster Posey and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera in 2012. This will be the first Series with a pair of 50-home run hitters in Judge (58) and Ohtani (54).In an age of expanding playoffs, this is just the fifth World Series since the Wild Card Era started in 1995 involving the teams with the best records in each league.“I’m sure I’m going to feel how special it is,” Ohtani said through an interpreter.Players practiced in 85-degree weather as the sun highlighted Dodger Stadium's sky blue, yellow, light orange and sea foam green seats. Freeman, slowed by a bad ankle, insisted he will be in the lineup for the opener.While the Dodgers are seeking their eighth title and second in five years, the Yankees are in the World Series for the first time since winning No. 27 in 2009.“This is where the real fun starts,” Judge said.Judge realizes a title is necessary for membership among the Yankees' greats.“They definitely got a different aura walking around here when you got a couple of rings on your fingers,” he said. “I think that’s the biggest thing, is that you see that they’re battle-tested. They’ve been through the grind. They’ve been through the ups and downs and they came out on top.”<h2>Old rivals</h2>Roberts and Yankees manager Aaron Boone have faced each other since April 3, 1992, when Roberts' UCLA Bruins beat Boone's Southern California Trojans' 11-1 UCLA's Jackie Robinson Stadium.“As we all know in here, you’re a Trojan for life. You’re a Bruin for four years,” Boone said playfully.Told of Boone's shot, Roberts said: “Ouch! That hurts" and “absolutely disagree, 100 percent.”Boone texted a Yankees emoji to Roberts when New York's charter flight landed Wednesday.“There was another emoji I thought about sending him with one finger, but I didn’t,” Roberts said. “I just gave a laughing emoji back.”<h2>For starters</h2>Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty, who starts the opener against the Yankees' Gerrit Cole, was high school teammates with Max Fried and Lucas Giolito at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles. Three years ago, Flaherty was at Houston's Minute Maid Park for World Series Game 6 along with Giolito to watch Fried get the win that finished off the Atlanta Braves' World Series title.“It's a funny feeling watching that,” Flaherty said, “because you’re excited for one of your best friends and you’re incredibly happy for him, also at that same moment you’re a competitor and you want to be in that situation, you want to be on the field.”Flaherty is 1-2 with a 7.04 ERA in three postseason starts this year. Cole is 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA in three starts.Like Roberts, Cole went to UCLA. The pitcher's college rooting aligns more with the Dodgers manager than his own.“Aaron and I don’t always agree on everything,” he said.<h2>Memories</h2>Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner was 7 years old in 1977 when the Yankees won their first title under his father, George. New York clinched the title over the Dodgers with a Game 6 win in the Bronx as Reggie Jackson hit three homers on three straight swings.“I’d say my two most prevalent memories are Reggie’s third home run, and of course the final popup that was caught by (Mike) Torrez and the pandemonium that ensued,” he recalled this week. “Was a great day!”

Dodgers and Yankees are ready for the starriest World Series in decades

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — South Florida coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who led the Bulls to the American Athletic Conference's regular-season championship a year ago, has died, the school announced Thursday. He was 43.

The school said he died from complications that presented while he was undergoing a procedure at a Tampa-area hospital.

“He was authentic, driven, and his infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation," USF athletic director Michael Kelly said. "Coach Abdur-Rahim leaves a lasting impact on our student-athletes, the university and the community. We are supporting those closest to him, including his family, team and athletics staff, to ensure they have the resources they need to deal with this tremendous loss.”

Abdur-Rahim was a rising star in the coaching world. He went 19-65 in his first three seasons at Kennesaw State but enjoyed great success over the next two seasons. His 2022-23 team at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennesaw-state-ncaa-tournament-2f0a9c43ce247215832b429a520f580e">Kennesaw State went 26-9 and made the NCAA Tournament</a>, earning him the shot to coach at USF.

He once quipped he “had no clue” what he was doing during his first season as a head coach, when Kennesaw State won just once.

Abdur-Rahim was an immediate success with USF and was the unanimous pick as the AAC's coach of the year last season. The Bulls went 25-8, won the conference regular-season title, won a game in the NIT and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-25-south-florida-da4527dab3aa4626ed2366209ae7ca3d">celebrated the program's first-ever ranking</a>&nbsp;in the AP Top 25 along the way.

“Honestly, I learned from my mistakes,” Abdur-Rahim told The Associated Press at the time. “Early on at Kennesaw, I wanted everything right away. And so my patience and how I responded to things wasn’t as good. ... And I believe wholeheartedly, a team is only going to be as good as their coach’s response. And I try to respond the right way.”

USF President Rhea Law lauded the impact he had on campus.

“Throughout my time working with coach Abdur-Rahim, I was continually inspired by his leadership, and truly admired his sincere approach to connecting with our entire student body,” Law said. “His influence on our student-athletes, coaching staff and the university community will live on forever.”

This season’s USF team was picked third in the AAC preseason poll. It is scheduled to play an exhibition game on Oct. 30 against Edward Waters, then opens the season against No. 21 Florida in Jacksonville on Nov. 4.

“This is truly a terrible tragedy,” George Washington coach Chris Caputo posted on social media. “Amir was a good man and an excellent coach. Please pray for him and his family.”

Abdur-Rahim and his wife had three children, USF said. Abdur-Rahim had 12 brothers and sisters; one of his brothers is G League president and former NBA player Shareef Abdur-Rahim.

“I am devastated by the sudden passing of my good friend Amir Abdur-Rahim, an outstanding man, husband, father and leader who brought tremendous positive energy to all he encountered,” USF football coach Alex Golesh said. “My heart breaks for his wife, Arianne, his three children, extended family and many friends.”

NCAA senior vice president Dan Gavitt called Abdur-Rahim's death “heartbreaking.”

“Amir was such a vibrant and talented coach, and an even better man,” Gavitt said.

AAC commissioner Tim Pernetti echoed those sentiments, saying Abdur-Rahim “won the right way, with class and grace.”

“In only five years as a head coach, Amir established himself as one of the best in college basketball, winning championships in two conferences and taking both South Florida and Kennesaw State to unprecedented levels of success,” Pernetti said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729864245409.jpeg" alt="FILE - South Florida head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim looks on during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Charlotte, March 2, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - South Florida head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim looks on during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Charlotte, March 2, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — South Florida coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who led the Bulls to the American Athletic Conference's regular-season championship a year ago, has died, the school announced Thursday. He was 43.The school said he died from complications that presented while he was undergoing a procedure at a Tampa-area hospital.“He was authentic, driven, and his infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation," USF athletic director Michael Kelly said. "Coach Abdur-Rahim leaves a lasting impact on our student-athletes, the university and the community. We are supporting those closest to him, including his family, team and athletics staff, to ensure they have the resources they need to deal with this tremendous loss.”Abdur-Rahim was a rising star in the coaching world. He went 19-65 in his first three seasons at Kennesaw State but enjoyed great success over the next two seasons. His 2022-23 team at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennesaw-state-ncaa-tournament-2f0a9c43ce247215832b429a520f580e">Kennesaw State went 26-9 and made the NCAA Tournament</a>, earning him the shot to coach at USF.He once quipped he “had no clue” what he was doing during his first season as a head coach, when Kennesaw State won just once.Abdur-Rahim was an immediate success with USF and was the unanimous pick as the AAC's coach of the year last season. The Bulls went 25-8, won the conference regular-season title, won a game in the NIT and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-25-south-florida-da4527dab3aa4626ed2366209ae7ca3d">celebrated the program's first-ever ranking</a>&nbsp;in the AP Top 25 along the way.“Honestly, I learned from my mistakes,” Abdur-Rahim told The Associated Press at the time. “Early on at Kennesaw, I wanted everything right away. And so my patience and how I responded to things wasn’t as good. ... And I believe wholeheartedly, a team is only going to be as good as their coach’s response. And I try to respond the right way.”USF President Rhea Law lauded the impact he had on campus.“Throughout my time working with coach Abdur-Rahim, I was continually inspired by his leadership, and truly admired his sincere approach to connecting with our entire student body,” Law said. “His influence on our student-athletes, coaching staff and the university community will live on forever.”This season’s USF team was picked third in the AAC preseason poll. It is scheduled to play an exhibition game on Oct. 30 against Edward Waters, then opens the season against No. 21 Florida in Jacksonville on Nov. 4.“This is truly a terrible tragedy,” George Washington coach Chris Caputo posted on social media. “Amir was a good man and an excellent coach. Please pray for him and his family.”Abdur-Rahim and his wife had three children, USF said. Abdur-Rahim had 12 brothers and sisters; one of his brothers is G League president and former NBA player Shareef Abdur-Rahim.“I am devastated by the sudden passing of my good friend Amir Abdur-Rahim, an outstanding man, husband, father and leader who brought tremendous positive energy to all he encountered,” USF football coach Alex Golesh said. “My heart breaks for his wife, Arianne, his three children, extended family and many friends.”NCAA senior vice president Dan Gavitt called Abdur-Rahim's death “heartbreaking.”“Amir was such a vibrant and talented coach, and an even better man,” Gavitt said.AAC commissioner Tim Pernetti echoed those sentiments, saying Abdur-Rahim “won the right way, with class and grace.”“In only five years as a head coach, Amir established himself as one of the best in college basketball, winning championships in two conferences and taking both South Florida and Kennesaw State to unprecedented levels of success,” Pernetti said.

USF men's basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim dies at 43

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua have missed most of the season due to injury, and the Los Angeles Rams’ dismal record reflected it. When both star receivers came back for the same prime-time showcase, they provided exactly what Matthew Stafford and the Rams have been missing all year — and it was something the Minnesota Vikings couldn’t match. Kupp caught a touchdown pass and Nacua had 106 yards receiving in their returns to the lineup, and Stafford passed for 279 yards and four TDs in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a>&nbsp;' 30-20 victory over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/los-angeles-rams">Vikings</a>&nbsp;on Thursday night. Demarcus Robinson caught two TD passes from Stafford for the Rams (3-4), who won back-to-back games for the first time this season with 386 yards from an offense that looked exponentially more dangerous with its top two receivers in uniform.

DALLAS (AP) — Klay Thompson chatted up Tony Romo during a break early in the fourth quarter, not long before being so wide open for a 3-pointer, he paused, dribbled once, paused again to line up the shot and made it. The Dallas debut was quite a bit better than the finale from Thompson’s 13 seasons with Golden State.&nbsp;Thompson set a franchise record in a debut with six 3-pointers and scored 22 points playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for the first time Thursday night in the Mavericks’ 120-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the opener for both teams.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and their New York teammates were showered with confetti as the Liberty celebrated winning the WNBA title in the Canyon of Heroes in downtown Manhattan. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/nyliberty/status/1849516759801376838" target="_blank">joined the thousands</a>&nbsp;who lined the streets on Thursday.&nbsp;The Liberty won the franchise’s first championship, defeating the Minnesota Lynx&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-lynx-liberty-score-game-5-64d2a724bc33bbec219dee826b5376ca">in overtime</a>&nbsp;in a decisive Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.&nbsp;“(To) see how many people were in the crowd, smiling, celebrating the Liberty,” Ionescu said, “it really puts into perspective what it means to bring a championship to this city and how it really takes everyone.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua have missed most of the season due to injury, and the Los Angeles Rams’ dismal record reflected it. When both star receivers came back for the same prime-time showcase, they provided exactly what Matthew Stafford and the Rams have been missing all year — and it was something the Minnesota Vikings couldn’t match. Kupp caught a touchdown pass and Nacua had 106 yards receiving in their returns to the lineup, and Stafford passed for 279 yards and four TDs in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a>&nbsp;' 30-20 victory over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/los-angeles-rams">Vikings</a>&nbsp;on Thursday night. Demarcus Robinson caught two TD passes from Stafford for the Rams (3-4), who won back-to-back games for the first time this season with 386 yards from an offense that looked exponentially more dangerous with its top two receivers in uniform.DALLAS (AP) — Klay Thompson chatted up Tony Romo during a break early in the fourth quarter, not long before being so wide open for a 3-pointer, he paused, dribbled once, paused again to line up the shot and made it. The Dallas debut was quite a bit better than the finale from Thompson’s 13 seasons with Golden State.&nbsp;Thompson set a franchise record in a debut with six 3-pointers and scored 22 points playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for the first time Thursday night in the Mavericks’ 120-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the opener for both teams.NEW YORK (AP) — Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and their New York teammates were showered with confetti as the Liberty celebrated winning the WNBA title in the Canyon of Heroes in downtown Manhattan. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/nyliberty/status/1849516759801376838" target="_blank">joined the thousands</a>&nbsp;who lined the streets on Thursday.&nbsp;The Liberty won the franchise’s first championship, defeating the Minnesota Lynx&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-lynx-liberty-score-game-5-64d2a724bc33bbec219dee826b5376ca">in overtime</a>&nbsp;in a decisive Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.&nbsp;“(To) see how many people were in the crowd, smiling, celebrating the Liberty,” Ionescu said, “it really puts into perspective what it means to bring a championship to this city and how it really takes everyone.”PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh linebacker coach Ryan Manalac nicknamed his group “The Sharks” during training camp, an ode to their relentlessness and hunger. Manalac’s players have leaned into it. And on Thursday night, the 19th-ranked Panthers and “The Sharks’ in the middle of their defense sent a message to Syracuse and the rest of the ACC that Pitt’s unbeaten start is hardly a fluke. Rasheem Biles, Kyle Louis and Braylan Lovelace — linebackers all — returned first-half interceptions for touchdowns as the Panthers crushed Syracuse 41-13. “This ‘shark’ stuff is really a movement,” said Biles, whose 35-yard score just over two minutes in set the tone. “It’s really deep for us. ... It just shows how much work we put in, how good we are, ... it brings joy to us.”&nbsp;They’re not the only ones. The “Panther Pitt” student section at Acrisure Stadium is dotted with shark gear, including fans in full costume. They celebrated together after Lovelace’s 33-yard sprint to the end zone late in the second quarter put Pitt up 31-0.THURSDAY SCORES National Football League LA Rams 30, Minnesota 20