BALTIMORE (AP) — Derrick Henry was off and running from the first time he touched the ball. There was no way the Buffalo Bills were stopping the Baltimore Ravens after that. Henry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derrick-henry-touchdown-e9a14f01b2def8dfb1f3268906a21208">busted out the longest run</a>&nbsp;in the team’s 29 years in Baltimore on the way to a 199-yard game, Lamar Jackson threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another, and the Ravens handed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-analysis-week-3-3dcc08c1520c6310fdd1e98740894f23">Josh Allen and the Bills</a>&nbsp;their first loss of the season, 35-10 on Sunday night. Henry took his first handoff 87 yards to the house to give the Ravens (2-2) an early lead they never relinquished. Jackson, the two-time and reigning NFL MVP, completed 13 of 18 passes for 156 yards with TD throws to Henry and Justice Hill and ran for 54 yards, with Buffalo (3-1) finding no answers to stop Baltimore’s offense.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Ross Chastain finally got to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NASCARonNBC/status/1840519246079553953" target="_blank">smash a watermelon</a>&nbsp;for the first time this season Sunday at Kansas Speedway. Smashed the hopes of a bunch of playoff drivers trying to earn an automatic berth in the next round, too. The seventh-generation watermelon farmer took the lead from Martin Truex Jr. on a restart with 20 laps to go, then held off title contender William Byron the rest of the way to the finish line. It was the first win for Chastain since last year’s finale at Phoenix, when he also played a bit of a spoiler on the day that the NASCAR Cup Series crowned its champion.

NEW YORK (AP) — Luis Arraez held off Shohei Ohtani’s bid to win the National League Triple Crown and was set to become the first player since the 1800s to earn batting titles with three teams. Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. won his first American League batting championship, finishing with a major league-best .332 average. Arraez went 1 for 3 on Sunday and posted a .314 average for San Diego, the lowest for an NL batting champion since Tony Gwynn’s record-low .313 in 1988. After striking out and flying out in his first two at-bats, Arraez doubled in the sixth inning to reach 200 hits for the second straight season. He was pulled for a defensive replacement in the bottom half.

MONTREAL (AP) — U.S. captain Jim Furyk raised the gold trophy before a team that dressed in red shirts that filled the scoreboard early with red scores. The Presidents Cup is one trophy the Americans own, for two decades and counting. It didn’t feel like another rout at Royal Montreal, not with 20 of the 30 matches — nine of them Sunday — not decided until at least the 17th hole. The score suggested otherwise: United States 18 1/2, International 11 1/2. It was the largest margin of victory on the road for the Americans in the Presidents Cup — even if it was just north of the border — and they won for the 10th straight time.

SUNDAY'S SCORES National Football League

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Derrick Henry was off and running from the first time he touched the ball. There was no way the Buffalo Bills were stopping the Baltimore Ravens after that. Henry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derrick-henry-touchdown-e9a14f01b2def8dfb1f3268906a21208">busted out the longest run</a>&nbsp;in the team’s 29 years in Baltimore on the way to a 199-yard game, Lamar Jackson threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another, and the Ravens handed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-analysis-week-3-3dcc08c1520c6310fdd1e98740894f23">Josh Allen and the Bills</a>&nbsp;their first loss of the season, 35-10 on Sunday night. Henry took his first handoff 87 yards to the house to give the Ravens (2-2) an early lead they never relinquished. Jackson, the two-time and reigning NFL MVP, completed 13 of 18 passes for 156 yards with TD throws to Henry and Justice Hill and ran for 54 yards, with Buffalo (3-1) finding no answers to stop Baltimore’s offense.KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Ross Chastain finally got to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NASCARonNBC/status/1840519246079553953" target="_blank">smash a watermelon</a>&nbsp;for the first time this season Sunday at Kansas Speedway. Smashed the hopes of a bunch of playoff drivers trying to earn an automatic berth in the next round, too. The seventh-generation watermelon farmer took the lead from Martin Truex Jr. on a restart with 20 laps to go, then held off title contender William Byron the rest of the way to the finish line. It was the first win for Chastain since last year’s finale at Phoenix, when he also played a bit of a spoiler on the day that the NASCAR Cup Series crowned its champion.NEW YORK (AP) — Luis Arraez held off Shohei Ohtani’s bid to win the National League Triple Crown and was set to become the first player since the 1800s to earn batting titles with three teams. Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. won his first American League batting championship, finishing with a major league-best .332 average. Arraez went 1 for 3 on Sunday and posted a .314 average for San Diego, the lowest for an NL batting champion since Tony Gwynn’s record-low .313 in 1988. After striking out and flying out in his first two at-bats, Arraez doubled in the sixth inning to reach 200 hits for the second straight season. He was pulled for a defensive replacement in the bottom half.MONTREAL (AP) — U.S. captain Jim Furyk raised the gold trophy before a team that dressed in red shirts that filled the scoreboard early with red scores. The Presidents Cup is one trophy the Americans own, for two decades and counting. It didn’t feel like another rout at Royal Montreal, not with 20 of the 30 matches — nine of them Sunday — not decided until at least the 17th hole. The score suggested otherwise: United States 18 1/2, International 11 1/2. It was the largest margin of victory on the road for the Americans in the Presidents Cup — even if it was just north of the border — and they won for the 10th straight time.SUNDAY'S SCORES National Football LeagueKansas City 17, LA Chargers 10Cincinnati 34, Carolina 24Atlanta 26, New Orleans 24Houston 24, Jacksonville 20Denver 10, NY Jets 9Minnesota 31, Green Bay 29Indianapolis 27, Pittsburgh 24Chicago 24, LA Rams 18Tampa Bay 33, Philadelphia 16San Francisco 30, New England 13Washington 42, Arizona 14Oakland 20, Cleveland 16Baltimore 35, Buffalo 10

Monday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Scoring three unanswered Saturday at the Cougar Soccer Complex, the Barton Community College men's soccer team avenged an earlier season defeat with a 3-1 victory over Dodge City Community College.

The victory opening up the second trip around the rugged conference slate improves Barton to 4-3-0 and 8-3-0 on the year while Dodge City drops to 3-4-0 and 3-6-0 overall.

Next up is the mid-season Barton Classic against a pair of non-conference foes beginning with Otero Junior College on Tuesday in a 4:00 p.m. kick followed by Thursday's 10:00 a.m. kick versus No. 3 ranked Indian Hills Community College.

Hamza Bennadi's strike from twenty yards out to near post put the Conquistadors' first and only goal on the board 21:30 into the contest.

Seven minutes later the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pico_abedul_joaquin_39tv">Joaquin Pico Abedul</a>&nbsp;gave Barton the equalizer putting away&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pacheco_hugo_9r7l">Hugo Pacheco</a>'s deflected shot for his 6th of the season.

Tied at 1 with Dodge City outshooting the Cougars 6-4 and 3-1 on frame, Barton turned the tide in second half play doubling up the shot attempts.

It took the Cougars just 2:30 after halftime to produce the game winner as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/grandjean_etienne_opzr">Etienne Grandjean</a>&nbsp;carried&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bassa_gonzalo_boyx">Gonzalo Bassa</a>'s pass to juke a defender before netting his first collegiate net shaker sending a midfield 18-yard rocket to far post.

Not having much success lately via the corner kick set piece,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/onofre_arthur_bfab">Arthur Onofre</a>&nbsp;broke the drought with 14:33 left for the icing goal delivering a rise-n-shine header off of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/dos_santos_lucas_jzie">Lucas Dos Santos</a>' corner kick chalking up his second goal of the season.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/ludemann-ravit_emil_9x58">Emil Ludemann-Ravit</a>&nbsp;worked the net, bouncing back from the goal allowed to reject five more Conquistador shots improving to 3-1 on the season. Geovanni De Luna fell to 1-2 with four saves total in the contest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727702757887.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoScoring three unanswered Saturday at the Cougar Soccer Complex, the Barton Community College men's soccer team avenged an earlier season defeat with a 3-1 victory over Dodge City Community College.The victory opening up the second trip around the rugged conference slate improves Barton to 4-3-0 and 8-3-0 on the year while Dodge City drops to 3-4-0 and 3-6-0 overall.Next up is the mid-season Barton Classic against a pair of non-conference foes beginning with Otero Junior College on Tuesday in a 4:00 p.m. kick followed by Thursday's 10:00 a.m. kick versus No. 3 ranked Indian Hills Community College.Hamza Bennadi's strike from twenty yards out to near post put the Conquistadors' first and only goal on the board 21:30 into the contest.Seven minutes later the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pico_abedul_joaquin_39tv">Joaquin Pico Abedul</a>&nbsp;gave Barton the equalizer putting away&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pacheco_hugo_9r7l">Hugo Pacheco</a>'s deflected shot for his 6th of the season.Tied at 1 with Dodge City outshooting the Cougars 6-4 and 3-1 on frame, Barton turned the tide in second half play doubling up the shot attempts.It took the Cougars just 2:30 after halftime to produce the game winner as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/grandjean_etienne_opzr">Etienne Grandjean</a>&nbsp;carried&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bassa_gonzalo_boyx">Gonzalo Bassa</a>'s pass to juke a defender before netting his first collegiate net shaker sending a midfield 18-yard rocket to far post.Not having much success lately via the corner kick set piece,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/onofre_arthur_bfab">Arthur Onofre</a>&nbsp;broke the drought with 14:33 left for the icing goal delivering a rise-n-shine header off of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/dos_santos_lucas_jzie">Lucas Dos Santos</a>' corner kick chalking up his second goal of the season.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/ludemann-ravit_emil_9x58">Emil Ludemann-Ravit</a>&nbsp;worked the net, bouncing back from the goal allowed to reject five more Conquistador shots improving to 3-1 on the season. Geovanni De Luna fell to 1-2 with four saves total in the contest.

Cougars net three unanswered to avenge earlier loss against Dodge City

Alabama returned to No. 1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Associated Press college football poll</a>&nbsp;for the first time in two years on Sunday following its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-alabama-football-score-e0282bfb6c7459898afd324042750ac3">dizzying victory over Georgia,</a>&nbsp;making this 16 of 17 seasons the Crimson Tide has held the top spot at some point.

UNLV, unbeaten through four games for the first time in its Division I history, cracked the rankings for the first time ever just days after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unlv-sluka-59449174adffe0940266427158d964d3">losing its starting quarterback over a NIL dispute.</a>&nbsp;The Rebels are tied for No. 25 with Texas A&amp;M.

Alabama received 40 of 63 first-place votes and leapfrogged three teams to take over No. 1 from Texas, which tussled with Mississippi State deep into the second half as a five-touchdown favorite and slipped to No. 2. The Longhorns got 19 first-place votes, well off last week's 44.

Ohio State remained No. 3 with four first-place votes. Tennessee, which had an open date, moved up a spot to fourth. Georgia, whose only three losses since 2021 have come to Alabama, dropped to No. 5.

Oregon, Penn State, Miami, Missouri and Michigan rounded out the top 10.

Mississippi and Utah took the biggest falls. The Rebels,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ole-miss-kentucky-football-score-d8e9e201125e573f509fad8d2b9d2285">upset by Kentucky</a>&nbsp;at home, dropped from No. 6 to No. 12. The Utes, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-arizona-score-1e881dc668f9b2f621160427c4245d83">lost to Arizona</a>&nbsp;at home, went from No. 10 to No. 18.

Alabama, which is No. 1 for the first time under coach Kalen DeBoer, has posted back-to-back impressive wins with Heisman Trophy front-runner Jalen Milroe and freshman phenom receiver Ryan Williams leading the way.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-wisconsin-score-f1353faef116a416ee6e3294fb6d6cee">Tide won 42-10 on the road against Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago and prevailed 41-34 against Georgia on Saturday night after squandering a 28-point first-half lead.

The Tide hadn't been No. 1 since Oct. 2, 2022. They memorably held the spot for just one week after needing a late goal-line stand to beat an unranked Texas A&amp;M at home, with Milroe subbing for injured 2021 Heisman winner Bryce Young that night.

The Tide are No. 1 for the 141st time, most of any team since the AP rankings began in 1936, and for the 105th time since 2009 when Nick Saban won the first of his six national championships at 'Bama.

The SEC holds four of the top five spots for the fourth straight week, an ongoing first in the AP poll. The only other time in the 88-year history of the poll that a conference had four of the top five teams was the SEC on Oct. 19, 2014 (No. 1 Mississippi State, No. 3 Mississippi, No. 4 Alabama and No. 5 Auburn). That lasted a week.

The SEC holds nine spots in the Top 25, one off its own record for number of ranked teams from one conference.

The Big Ten has four teams in the top 10 for the first time since October 2021 and seven in the Top 25.

UNLV was one of the feel-good stories of the season even before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unlv-sluka-what-happened-5237f0dba1c523d2d0e74523c7f64a4e">Matthew Sluka announced he would sit out the rest of the season</a>, contending he was cheated out of a $100,000 name, image and likeness payment.

The Rebels, with Hajj-Malik Williams starring as the new quarterback,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fresno-state-bulldogs-unlv-rebels-football-score-03c8c06bd35266d46ce54699771cf170">beat Fresno State 59-14</a>&nbsp;on Saturday. Now the Rebels sit 4-0 for the first time since 1976, when they were Division II, and they will look to knock off a third power-conference opponent when they host Syracuse this week.

Also entering the rankings is Indiana at No. 23. The Hoosiers, who are 5-0 for the first time since 1967, hadn't been ranked since they were No. 17 in the 2021 preseason poll.

Alabama returned to No. 1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Associated Press college football poll</a>&nbsp;for the first time in two years on Sunday following its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-alabama-football-score-e0282bfb6c7459898afd324042750ac3">dizzying victory over Georgia,</a>&nbsp;making this 16 of 17 seasons the Crimson Tide has held the top spot at some point.UNLV, unbeaten through four games for the first time in its Division I history, cracked the rankings for the first time ever just days after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unlv-sluka-59449174adffe0940266427158d964d3">losing its starting quarterback over a NIL dispute.</a>&nbsp;The Rebels are tied for No. 25 with Texas A&amp;M.Alabama received 40 of 63 first-place votes and leapfrogged three teams to take over No. 1 from Texas, which tussled with Mississippi State deep into the second half as a five-touchdown favorite and slipped to No. 2. The Longhorns got 19 first-place votes, well off last week's 44.Ohio State remained No. 3 with four first-place votes. Tennessee, which had an open date, moved up a spot to fourth. Georgia, whose only three losses since 2021 have come to Alabama, dropped to No. 5.Oregon, Penn State, Miami, Missouri and Michigan rounded out the top 10.Mississippi and Utah took the biggest falls. The Rebels,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ole-miss-kentucky-football-score-d8e9e201125e573f509fad8d2b9d2285">upset by Kentucky</a>&nbsp;at home, dropped from No. 6 to No. 12. The Utes, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-arizona-score-1e881dc668f9b2f621160427c4245d83">lost to Arizona</a>&nbsp;at home, went from No. 10 to No. 18.Alabama, which is No. 1 for the first time under coach Kalen DeBoer, has posted back-to-back impressive wins with Heisman Trophy front-runner Jalen Milroe and freshman phenom receiver Ryan Williams leading the way.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-wisconsin-score-f1353faef116a416ee6e3294fb6d6cee">Tide won 42-10 on the road against Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago and prevailed 41-34 against Georgia on Saturday night after squandering a 28-point first-half lead.The Tide hadn't been No. 1 since Oct. 2, 2022. They memorably held the spot for just one week after needing a late goal-line stand to beat an unranked Texas A&amp;M at home, with Milroe subbing for injured 2021 Heisman winner Bryce Young that night.The Tide are No. 1 for the 141st time, most of any team since the AP rankings began in 1936, and for the 105th time since 2009 when Nick Saban won the first of his six national championships at 'Bama.<h2>Poll points</h2>The SEC holds four of the top five spots for the fourth straight week, an ongoing first in the AP poll. The only other time in the 88-year history of the poll that a conference had four of the top five teams was the SEC on Oct. 19, 2014 (No. 1 Mississippi State, No. 3 Mississippi, No. 4 Alabama and No. 5 Auburn). That lasted a week.The SEC holds nine spots in the Top 25, one off its own record for number of ranked teams from one conference.The Big Ten has four teams in the top 10 for the first time since October 2021 and seven in the Top 25.<h2>In-and-out</h2>UNLV was one of the feel-good stories of the season even before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unlv-sluka-what-happened-5237f0dba1c523d2d0e74523c7f64a4e">Matthew Sluka announced he would sit out the rest of the season</a>, contending he was cheated out of a $100,000 name, image and likeness payment.The Rebels, with Hajj-Malik Williams starring as the new quarterback,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fresno-state-bulldogs-unlv-rebels-football-score-03c8c06bd35266d46ce54699771cf170">beat Fresno State 59-14</a>&nbsp;on Saturday. Now the Rebels sit 4-0 for the first time since 1976, when they were Division II, and they will look to knock off a third power-conference opponent when they host Syracuse this week.Also entering the rankings is Indiana at No. 23. The Hoosiers, who are 5-0 for the first time since 1967, hadn't been ranked since they were No. 17 in the 2021 preseason poll.

Alabama overtakes Texas for No. 1; UNLV earns its 1st ranking in program history

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 245 yards and a touchdown while rediscovering his connection with Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied from an early 10-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10 on Sunday.

Making his 100th regular-season start, Mahomes completed 19 of 29 passes for the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs, who are 4-0 for the first time since 2020. Kelce had a season-high seven receptions for 89 yards and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-chiefs-record-466a834119e572d5dad408e0741734f1">set the franchise's career receptions record</a>, surpassing fellow tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Kansas City has won six straight over the Chargers. It also has 11 straight road victories victories its AFC West rival, the longest active winning streak by a visiting squad and tied for third all-time.

The Chargers (2-2) scored 10 points off a pair of Chiefs turnovers — a fumble by Carson Steele and Mahomes' fifth interception of the season — but struggled after that.

<a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1840505902064972101">Mahomes heaved a 54-yard pass to Xavier Worthy</a>&nbsp;in the third quarter for the Chiefs' first touchdown, and Samaje Perine put Kansas City ahead with a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth.

Playing with limited mobility because of a high ankle sprain, LA's Justin Herbert went 16 of 27 for 179 yards. The Chargers used a patchwork offensive line because of injuries to tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.

Herbert was sacked twice by Chris Jones and was hit 10 times on 31 dropbacks.

Kansas City got the opening kickoff and was at the Chargers 30 when Elijah Molden recovered Steele’s fumble at the LA 27 after Tuli Tuipulotu jarred the ball loose while tackling the rookie running back.

The Chargers converted Steele's second fumble of the season into a touchdown.

Herbert completed all four of his passes on Los Angeles' opening 10-play drive, including a 7-yard strike to Ladd McConkey in the back of the end zone. Herbert took a big hit from Chiefs defensive end Malik Herring while throwing, but he put the ball in a tight spot as safety Bryan Cook had his back turned.

Cameron Dicker's 50 yard field goal extended the Chargers' lead to 10-0. The drive started on the KC 20 after a bizarre play in which Kristian Fulton intercepted Mahomes' pass intended for Kelce and returned it 29 yards up the right sideline.

Kansas City's Rashee Rice punched the ball loose behind Fulton for a fumble, which Chiefs center Creed Humphrey recovered. But the call was reversed when a video review showed Rice was out of bounds when he forced the fumble.

Rice was injured when Mahomes hit his legs while trying to tackle Fulton. Rice was carted to the locker room.

Kansas City had a pair of turnovers and went three-and-out on four of its first five possessions before getting on track late in the second quarter.

The Chiefs took over at their 46 after forcing the Chargers to go three-and-out, and Mahomes immediately connected with Worthy for the deep touchdown. Worthy, the speedy rookie wide receiver who was the 28th overall pick in April's draft, blew past Fulton on a go route and caught it 3 yards deep in the end zone on a pass from Mahomes that went 64 yards in the air.

Harrison Butker's 37-yard field goal tied it at 10-all midway through the third quarter.

The Chargers had a chance to take the lead early in the fourth when they drove to the Kansas City 3, but Herbert threw incomplete on fourth-and-1.

Perine's decisive touchdown capped a five-play, 60-yard drive.

Kelce, in his 12th season, has 922 receptions. Gonzalez had 916 catches in 12 seasons with Kansas City, and the Hall of Famer finished his career with 1,325.

Chiefs: At Minnesota Vikings next Sunday.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 245 yards and a touchdown while rediscovering his connection with Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied from an early 10-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10 on Sunday.Making his 100th regular-season start, Mahomes completed 19 of 29 passes for the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs, who are 4-0 for the first time since 2020. Kelce had a season-high seven receptions for 89 yards and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-chiefs-record-466a834119e572d5dad408e0741734f1">set the franchise's career receptions record</a>, surpassing fellow tight end Tony Gonzalez.Kansas City has won six straight over the Chargers. It also has 11 straight road victories victories its AFC West rival, the longest active winning streak by a visiting squad and tied for third all-time.The Chargers (2-2) scored 10 points off a pair of Chiefs turnovers — a fumble by Carson Steele and Mahomes' fifth interception of the season — but struggled after that.<a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1840505902064972101">Mahomes heaved a 54-yard pass to Xavier Worthy</a>&nbsp;in the third quarter for the Chiefs' first touchdown, and Samaje Perine put Kansas City ahead with a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth.Playing with limited mobility because of a high ankle sprain, LA's Justin Herbert went 16 of 27 for 179 yards. The Chargers used a patchwork offensive line because of injuries to tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.Herbert was sacked twice by Chris Jones and was hit 10 times on 31 dropbacks.Kansas City got the opening kickoff and was at the Chargers 30 when Elijah Molden recovered Steele’s fumble at the LA 27 after Tuli Tuipulotu jarred the ball loose while tackling the rookie running back.The Chargers converted Steele's second fumble of the season into a touchdown.Herbert completed all four of his passes on Los Angeles' opening 10-play drive, including a 7-yard strike to Ladd McConkey in the back of the end zone. Herbert took a big hit from Chiefs defensive end Malik Herring while throwing, but he put the ball in a tight spot as safety Bryan Cook had his back turned.Cameron Dicker's 50 yard field goal extended the Chargers' lead to 10-0. The drive started on the KC 20 after a bizarre play in which Kristian Fulton intercepted Mahomes' pass intended for Kelce and returned it 29 yards up the right sideline.Kansas City's Rashee Rice punched the ball loose behind Fulton for a fumble, which Chiefs center Creed Humphrey recovered. But the call was reversed when a video review showed Rice was out of bounds when he forced the fumble.Rice was injured when Mahomes hit his legs while trying to tackle Fulton. Rice was carted to the locker room.Kansas City had a pair of turnovers and went three-and-out on four of its first five possessions before getting on track late in the second quarter.The Chiefs took over at their 46 after forcing the Chargers to go three-and-out, and Mahomes immediately connected with Worthy for the deep touchdown. Worthy, the speedy rookie wide receiver who was the 28th overall pick in April's draft, blew past Fulton on a go route and caught it 3 yards deep in the end zone on a pass from Mahomes that went 64 yards in the air.Harrison Butker's 37-yard field goal tied it at 10-all midway through the third quarter.The Chargers had a chance to take the lead early in the fourth when they drove to the Kansas City 3, but Herbert threw incomplete on fourth-and-1.Perine's decisive touchdown capped a five-play, 60-yard drive.Kelce, in his 12th season, has 922 receptions. Gonzalez had 916 catches in 12 seasons with Kansas City, and the Hall of Famer finished his career with 1,325.<h2>Up next</h2>Chiefs: At Minnesota Vikings next Sunday.

Mahomes and Kelce help Chiefs rally for 17-10 win over Chargers

NEW YORK (AP) — The baseball season is going extra innings.

While the American League playoff picture cleared up Sunday, the National League remained muddled heading into what was supposed to be an off day before the postseason.

AL West champion Houston hosts Detroit, and Baltimore is at home against Kansas City in best-of-three Wild Card Series starting Tuesday. The Astros-Tigers winner faces AL Central champion Cleveland in a Division Series starting Saturday, and the Orioles-Royals winner plays the AL East champion New York Yankees.

The NL is still uncertain because of two rainouts last week caused by Hurricane Helene, with the New York Mets, Arizona and Atlanta vying for the final two wild-card spots in the 12-team playoffs. The Mets traveled back to Atlanta on Sunday and will play a makeup doubleheader against the rival Braves on Monday.

Arizona finished 89-73 and the Mets and Braves are both 88-72. If either team sweeps the doubleheader, the Diamondbacks reach the playoffs. But if the twinbill is split, the Mets and Braves advance and Arizona is out because the Diamondbacks lost their season series to both New York and Atlanta.

Arizona can only be the No. 6 seed if it reaches the postseason and would play a Division Series at NL Central champion Milwaukee.

If the Braves win either game of the doubleheader, they would play a Division Series at San Diego.

If the Mets sweep the doubleheader, they become the No. 5 seed and play at San Diego. If they split and are the No. 6 seed, they go right back to Milwaukee to face the Brewers.

New York beat Milwaukee 5-0 on Sunday to finish 1-5 against the Brewers this season.

Mets right-hander Tylor Megill (4-5) and Atlanta rookie Spencer Schwellenbach (8-7) were scheduled to start the doubleheader opener.

NEW YORK (AP) — The baseball season is going extra innings.While the American League playoff picture cleared up Sunday, the National League remained muddled heading into what was supposed to be an off day before the postseason.AL West champion Houston hosts Detroit, and Baltimore is at home against Kansas City in best-of-three Wild Card Series starting Tuesday. The Astros-Tigers winner faces AL Central champion Cleveland in a Division Series starting Saturday, and the Orioles-Royals winner plays the AL East champion New York Yankees.The NL is still uncertain because of two rainouts last week caused by Hurricane Helene, with the New York Mets, Arizona and Atlanta vying for the final two wild-card spots in the 12-team playoffs. The Mets traveled back to Atlanta on Sunday and will play a makeup doubleheader against the rival Braves on Monday.Arizona finished 89-73 and the Mets and Braves are both 88-72. If either team sweeps the doubleheader, the Diamondbacks reach the playoffs. But if the twinbill is split, the Mets and Braves advance and Arizona is out because the Diamondbacks lost their season series to both New York and Atlanta.Arizona can only be the No. 6 seed if it reaches the postseason and would play a Division Series at NL Central champion Milwaukee.If the Braves win either game of the doubleheader, they would play a Division Series at San Diego.If the Mets sweep the doubleheader, they become the No. 5 seed and play at San Diego. If they split and are the No. 6 seed, they go right back to Milwaukee to face the Brewers.New York beat Milwaukee 5-0 on Sunday to finish 1-5 against the Brewers this season.Mets right-hander Tylor Megill (4-5) and Atlanta rookie Spencer Schwellenbach (8-7) were scheduled to start the doubleheader opener.

NL playoff matchups pending; AL set with Astros-Tigers and O's-Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Josh Hoover threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns, JP Richardson returned a second-half punt 89 yards for the go-ahead score, and TCU pulled away to beat Kansas 38-27 on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium.

Jack Bech had 131 yards receiving and two touchdowns, and Cam Cook had a touchdown run, helping the Horned Frogs (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) improve to 11-1 against the Jayhawks (1-4, 0-2) since they became conference rivals 12 years ago.

“We just kept fighting. There was no panic,” said TCU coach Sonny Dykes, whose defense had just allowed a 101 combined points in back-to-back losses to UCF and SMU. “Guys stepped up and they were tougher and grittier and more determined to win, and sometimes teams that lose two games in a row don't respond that way.”

The Horned Frogs shut down Jalon Daniels, who was 15 of 34 for 179 yards with a touchdown and a pick. Daniel Hishaw and Devin Neal had TD runs for Kansas, but they were unable to carry the load alone.

The Jayhawks, who have lost four straight, are playing their home Big 12 games at the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. And their current losing streak may have been a big reason why there were plenty of empty red and yellow seats.

“Extremely down, but why wouldn’t you be? We put all this time in and we’re not making it happen,” Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold said. “It starts with the head coach. I’m not getting it done and I need to be better.”

Leipold spent much of the second half livid with referee Michael VanderVelde. The officials first overturned a long third-down catch by the Jayhawks after discussing the play, and the on-field call stood upon video review. A few minutes later, Hoover was hit from behind and fumbled, but VanderVelde overturned that call and gave TCU the ball back.

“Did it drastically change the momentum of the game? Yes. Did we still need to make plays and didn’t? Yes,” said Leipold, who spent several minutes blasting the officiating. “They can fine me today. I don’t really care.”

Kansas was fortunate to be within 21-17 at halftime thanks to a couple of TCU turnovers — a fumble on the opening series that Daniels turned into a touchdown pass to Luke Grimm, and a pick by O.J. Burroughs that turned into a field goal.

Otherwise, the Jayhawks were unable to slow down Hoover and the Horned Frogs.

The prolific sophomore was 21 of 26 for 227 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone. His favorite target was Bech, who had seven catches by that point, including a 35-yard TD reception and a 7-yard scoring strike with 12 seconds to go.

The teams swapped scores to start the second half — Hishaw had a TD run for Kansas, Richardson answered with his punt return to retake the lead for TCU. But ultimately, mistakes and missed opportunities doomed the Jayhawks once again.

Their biggest missed chance came early in the fourth quarter, when the Horned Frogs were clinging to a 28-24 lead. Kansas had to settle for a field goal, rather than take the lead with a touchdown. Two plays later, Hoover hit Eric McAlister near the sideline, and he slipped tackles by Burroughs and Mello Dotson on his way to a 59-yard touchdown reception.

“We had some adversity today and fought through,” Hoover said. “I'm really proud of our guys.”

Kyle Lemmermann atoned for an earlier miss with a 29-yard field goal with 3:02 remaining to put the game away.

“I can't say enough about our players,” Dykes said. “I'm proud of them for how hard they worked all week. They never blinked, just with all the stuff last week, having my back personally. I really appreciate it.”

Kansas only had six penalties for 50 yards, but they came at especially bad times. And when open players are dropping passes and the defense is blowing assignments, the accumulated mistakes became too much to overcome.

Kansas heads to Arizona State on Saturday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Josh Hoover threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns, JP Richardson returned a second-half punt 89 yards for the go-ahead score, and TCU pulled away to beat Kansas 38-27 on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium.Jack Bech had 131 yards receiving and two touchdowns, and Cam Cook had a touchdown run, helping the Horned Frogs (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) improve to 11-1 against the Jayhawks (1-4, 0-2) since they became conference rivals 12 years ago.“We just kept fighting. There was no panic,” said TCU coach Sonny Dykes, whose defense had just allowed a 101 combined points in back-to-back losses to UCF and SMU. “Guys stepped up and they were tougher and grittier and more determined to win, and sometimes teams that lose two games in a row don't respond that way.”The Horned Frogs shut down Jalon Daniels, who was 15 of 34 for 179 yards with a touchdown and a pick. Daniel Hishaw and Devin Neal had TD runs for Kansas, but they were unable to carry the load alone.The Jayhawks, who have lost four straight, are playing their home Big 12 games at the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. And their current losing streak may have been a big reason why there were plenty of empty red and yellow seats.“Extremely down, but why wouldn’t you be? We put all this time in and we’re not making it happen,” Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold said. “It starts with the head coach. I’m not getting it done and I need to be better.”Leipold spent much of the second half livid with referee Michael VanderVelde. The officials first overturned a long third-down catch by the Jayhawks after discussing the play, and the on-field call stood upon video review. A few minutes later, Hoover was hit from behind and fumbled, but VanderVelde overturned that call and gave TCU the ball back.“Did it drastically change the momentum of the game? Yes. Did we still need to make plays and didn’t? Yes,” said Leipold, who spent several minutes blasting the officiating. “They can fine me today. I don’t really care.”Kansas was fortunate to be within 21-17 at halftime thanks to a couple of TCU turnovers — a fumble on the opening series that Daniels turned into a touchdown pass to Luke Grimm, and a pick by O.J. Burroughs that turned into a field goal.Otherwise, the Jayhawks were unable to slow down Hoover and the Horned Frogs.The prolific sophomore was 21 of 26 for 227 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone. His favorite target was Bech, who had seven catches by that point, including a 35-yard TD reception and a 7-yard scoring strike with 12 seconds to go.The teams swapped scores to start the second half — Hishaw had a TD run for Kansas, Richardson answered with his punt return to retake the lead for TCU. But ultimately, mistakes and missed opportunities doomed the Jayhawks once again.Their biggest missed chance came early in the fourth quarter, when the Horned Frogs were clinging to a 28-24 lead. Kansas had to settle for a field goal, rather than take the lead with a touchdown. Two plays later, Hoover hit Eric McAlister near the sideline, and he slipped tackles by Burroughs and Mello Dotson on his way to a 59-yard touchdown reception.“We had some adversity today and fought through,” Hoover said. “I'm really proud of our guys.”Kyle Lemmermann atoned for an earlier miss with a 29-yard field goal with 3:02 remaining to put the game away.“I can't say enough about our players,” Dykes said. “I'm proud of them for how hard they worked all week. They never blinked, just with all the stuff last week, having my back personally. I really appreciate it.”<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas only had six penalties for 50 yards, but they came at especially bad times. And when open players are dropping passes and the defense is blowing assignments, the accumulated mistakes became too much to overcome.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas heads to Arizona State on Saturday.

Hoover throws for 356 yards, three TDs; Jayhawks drop fourth-straight

Most of the 43 teams running in Saturday's Crimson race at Rim Rock Farm just outside of Lawrence had some spare runners. Great Bend, with just five athletes in the mix, scored 711 points to finish 28th overall. Class 3A contender Holcomb won the race with 115 points, followed by Wamego with 169 points. Dodge City edged Buhler 274-276 for third.

Buhler junior Brody Deniston cruised to the individual win in 15:58.8, followed by Topeka West senior Adrian Lehman in 16:12.2. McPherson junior Caleb Muehler finished third in 16:14.0.

Less than 12 hours after being named Homecoming King Friday night at the Panther football game, senior Diego Pasos led Great Bend in 125th in 18:36.6. Freshman Isaac Aldana made his Rim Rock debut in 131st with a time of 18:40.5. Sophomore Anthony Lawrence placed 148th in 18:51.6, followed by freshman Brogan Lashley in 151st in 18:52.3. Sophomore Parker Coleman ran 185th in 19:20.0.

 Kansas also dominated the Gold race with eight of the top 10 runners. Mill Valley senior Carter Cline won by 12 seconds in 15:24.1. Three Class 5A schools led the team competition with Spring Hill taking the win by 32 spots with 88 points.

Great Bend Post SportsMost of the 43 teams running in Saturday's Crimson race at Rim Rock Farm just outside of Lawrence had some spare runners. Great Bend, with just five athletes in the mix, scored 711 points to finish 28th overall. Class 3A contender Holcomb won the race with 115 points, followed by Wamego with 169 points. Dodge City edged Buhler 274-276 for third.Buhler junior Brody Deniston cruised to the individual win in 15:58.8, followed by Topeka West senior Adrian Lehman in 16:12.2. McPherson junior Caleb Muehler finished third in 16:14.0.Less than 12 hours after being named Homecoming King Friday night at the Panther football game, senior Diego Pasos led Great Bend in 125th in 18:36.6. Freshman Isaac Aldana made his Rim Rock debut in 131st with a time of 18:40.5. Sophomore Anthony Lawrence placed 148th in 18:51.6, followed by freshman Brogan Lashley in 151st in 18:52.3. Sophomore Parker Coleman ran 185th in 19:20.0. Kansas also dominated the Gold race with eight of the top 10 runners. Mill Valley senior Carter Cline won by 12 seconds in 15:24.1. Three Class 5A schools led the team competition with Spring Hill taking the win by 32 spots with 88 points.

Panther runners finish 28th at Rim Rock Farm Classic

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson passed for three touchdowns and ran for two as No. 23 Kansas State routed No. 20 Oklahoma State 42-20 Saturday.

Johnson passed for 259 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 60 yards and two scores.

DJ Giddens ran for 187 yards and a touchdown and had a catch for 22 yards for Kansas State for the Wildcats (4-1, 1-1 Big 12), who fell behind early before scoring 35 straight points to take control.

Alan Bowman passed for 361 yards and a touchdown for Oklahoma State (3-2, 0-2), but he threw two costly interceptions and lost a fumble. De'Zhaun Stribling had seven catches for 157 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown catch from Bowman on a flea flicker.

Giddens' 66-yard touchdown run on K-State's second offensive play of the second half gave Kansas State a 28-13 lead. Johnson then found Will Anciaux on a 2-yard pass for his first career touchdown and a 35-13 advantage. Johnson iced the game with a nifty 13-yard scramble for a touchdown.

Kansas State: The Wildcats dominated on offense, gaining 559 yards. On defense, they still need to limit the big plays in the passing game — they allowed five different Oklahoma State players to gain at least 10 yards on a reception and gave up 364 yards in the air.

Kansas State: Visits Colorado on Oct. 12.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson passed for three touchdowns and ran for two as No. 23 Kansas State routed No. 20 Oklahoma State 42-20 Saturday.Johnson passed for 259 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 60 yards and two scores.DJ Giddens ran for 187 yards and a touchdown and had a catch for 22 yards for Kansas State for the Wildcats (4-1, 1-1 Big 12), who fell behind early before scoring 35 straight points to take control.Alan Bowman passed for 361 yards and a touchdown for Oklahoma State (3-2, 0-2), but he threw two costly interceptions and lost a fumble. De'Zhaun Stribling had seven catches for 157 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown catch from Bowman on a flea flicker.Giddens' 66-yard touchdown run on K-State's second offensive play of the second half gave Kansas State a 28-13 lead. Johnson then found Will Anciaux on a 2-yard pass for his first career touchdown and a 35-13 advantage. Johnson iced the game with a nifty 13-yard scramble for a touchdown.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>Kansas State: The Wildcats dominated on offense, gaining 559 yards. On defense, they still need to limit the big plays in the passing game — they allowed five different Oklahoma State players to gain at least 10 yards on a reception and gave up 364 yards in the air.<h2>Up Next:</h2>Kansas State: Visits Colorado on Oct. 12.

Johnson's 5 total TDs lead No. 23 Kansas State past No. 20 Oklahoma State

Saturday's Rim Rock Farm Classic just outside Lawrence again featured many of the top regions from the Midwest, including three of the best girls from Kansas. The Lady Panthers ran in Saturday morning's Gold race with the best of the best. Great Bend scored 330 points for 14th overall and sixth among Kansas schools. Omaha's Millard West scored just 109 points for the win, followed by Denver East with 163 points. Class 5A's St. James Academy placed fifth overall with 221 points, and 5A schools Kapaun, Bishop Carroll, and Aquinas all finished ahead of Great Bend.

Kansas dominated the race individually with the top four spots. Topeka Seaman junior Ryin Miller avenged last year's third-place state finish on the course with the win in 17:14.1. Salina Central sophomore Kaylie Shultz ran second in 17:17.4, and senior teammate Katelyn Rupe placed third in 17:20.3. Wichita Trinity's Emily Hein grabbed fourth place by five seconds in 18:00.3.

Lady Panther sophomore Bella Long took her turn leading Great Bend in 58th overall in 20:00.4. Senior Marissa Boone finished exactly a second behind her in 59th. Junior Reese Bullard ran 67th in 20:11.3, and sophomore Teegan Guerra placed 88th in 20:42.5. Sophomore Teah King grabbed the final team points in 20:45.0 for 90th. Junior Sienna Smith placed 93rd in 20:47.7, and senior Kate Welcher finished 145th in 22:17.6.

Great Bend Post SportsSaturday's Rim Rock Farm Classic just outside Lawrence again featured many of the top regions from the Midwest, including three of the best girls from Kansas. The Lady Panthers ran in Saturday morning's Gold race with the best of the best. Great Bend scored 330 points for 14th overall and sixth among Kansas schools. Omaha's Millard West scored just 109 points for the win, followed by Denver East with 163 points. Class 5A's St. James Academy placed fifth overall with 221 points, and 5A schools Kapaun, Bishop Carroll, and Aquinas all finished ahead of Great Bend.Kansas dominated the race individually with the top four spots. Topeka Seaman junior Ryin Miller avenged last year's third-place state finish on the course with the win in 17:14.1. Salina Central sophomore Kaylie Shultz ran second in 17:17.4, and senior teammate Katelyn Rupe placed third in 17:20.3. Wichita Trinity's Emily Hein grabbed fourth place by five seconds in 18:00.3.Lady Panther sophomore Bella Long took her turn leading Great Bend in 58th overall in 20:00.4. Senior Marissa Boone finished exactly a second behind her in 59th. Junior Reese Bullard ran 67th in 20:11.3, and sophomore Teegan Guerra placed 88th in 20:42.5. Sophomore Teah King grabbed the final team points in 20:45.0 for 90th. Junior Sienna Smith placed 93rd in 20:47.7, and senior Kate Welcher finished 145th in 22:17.6.

Long leads Lady Panthers to 14th place team finish at Rim Rock Classic

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend 61, Wichita North 7 Hays 41, Garden City 8 Dodge City 33, Liberal 14 Central Kansas League Hoisington 53, Southwestern Heights 6 Russell 48, Larned 28 Pratt 49, Chaparral 10 Haven 37, Douglass 0 Hesston 53, Nickerson 6 Hillsboro 27, Halstead 0 Wichita Trinity 55, Smoky Valley 44 Other Area 11-Man games Sterling 41, Ellinwood 35 Ellsworth 48, Lyons 7 TMP 50, Stanton County 7 Area 8-Man Games Central Plains 52, Solomon 6 Macksville 26, Stafford 14 Hodgeman County 48, St. John 0 Ellis 53, La Crosse 8 Victoria 56, Pretty Prairie 0 Kinsley 42, Elkhart 6 Sylvan-Lucas 60, Rock Hills 12 Ness City 44, Quinter 42 Pratt-Skyline 46, Udall 0 South Central 54, Kiowa County 8 Little River 58, Goessel 0 Area 6-Man Games Peabody-Burns 58, Pawnee Heights 20 Burrton (0-3) @ Chase (0-3) Otis-Bison (2-1) - OPEN

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend 61, Wichita North 7 Hays 41, Garden City 8 Dodge City 33, Liberal 14 Central Kansas League Hoisington 53, Southwestern Heights 6 Russell 48, Larned 28 Pratt 49, Chaparral 10 Haven 37, Douglass 0 Hesston 53, Nickerson 6 Hillsboro 27, Halstead 0 Wichita Trinity 55, Smoky Valley 44 Other Area 11-Man games Sterling 41, Ellinwood 35 Ellsworth 48, Lyons 7 TMP 50, Stanton County 7 Area 8-Man Games Central Plains 52, Solomon 6 Macksville 26, Stafford 14 Hodgeman County 48, St. John 0 Ellis 53, La Crosse 8 Victoria 56, Pretty Prairie 0 Kinsley 42, Elkhart 6 Sylvan-Lucas 60, Rock Hills 12 Ness City 44, Quinter 42 Pratt-Skyline 46, Udall 0 South Central 54, Kiowa County 8 Little River 58, Goessel 0 Area 6-Man Games Peabody-Burns 58, Pawnee Heights 20 Burrton (0-3) @ Chase (0-3) Otis-Bison (2-1) - OPEN

Area high school football scores - Week 4

ATLANTA (AP) — The Kansas City Royals completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in major league history Friday night, clinching an AL wild card despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/braves-royals-score-fried-02583b042ef05aa1317b0eed23af86e9">a 3-0 loss</a>&nbsp;to the Atlanta Braves.

A year ago, the Royals matched a franchise record with 106 losses. Now, they are headed to the postseason for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.

The celebration was delayed by a masterful performance from Atlanta pitcher Max Fried. But the Royals finally popped the champagne corks in the visitors' clubhouse at Truist Park when the Minnesota Twins were eliminated with a 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.

Led by second-year manager Matt Quatraro, Kansas City is the first team in baseball history to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-major-league-baseball-playoffs-faf7e1aee9a4322eb969f93e503be055">make the playoffs after posting such a dismal mark</a>&nbsp;the previous season.

In fact, since the start of the expansion era in 1961, the Royals are just the third team to advance to the postseason after losing at least 100 games the previous year.

The Twins earned a wild card in 2017 after going 59-103 a year earlier, and the 2020 Florida Marlins qualified for a wild card during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign coming off a 57-105 debacle.

The Royals quickly fell on hard times after claiming back-to-back AL pennants in 2014 and ’15 and their first World Series title in 30 years. They had not recorded a winning season since their championship run, losing at least 100 games in three of the past six, and were a total laughingstock just a year ago.

That all changed this season with a team led by Bobby Witt Jr., who became the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-jr-steals-homers-2f244fb981427ad0622cbc0d73c200df">first shortstop in major league history</a>&nbsp;with multiple seasons of at least 30 homers and 30 steals.

He tops the majors with 210 hits and a .332 average, to go along with 32 homers, 109 RBIs and 31 stolen bases.

Veteran catcher Salvador Perez also is having a huge offensive season with 27 homers and 104 RBIs. The Royals made the playoffs even after losing first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who had 97 RBIs before breaking his right thumb and undergoing surgery.

There is a chance Pasquantino could return during the playoffs if the Royals make an extended run.

Amazingly, general manager J.J. Picollo didn’t break the bank to build a winner. In fact, he barely took out a loan.

The players that have led Kansas City to heights not seen in nearly a decade were either on the team last year and just needed a little more time to grow, or were free-agent signings and trade acquisitions that underscored Picollo’s baseball savvy.

Seth Lugo, who is 16-9 with a 3.03 ERA, signed a modest three-year, $45 million free-agent deal. Michael Wacha signed a similar two-year, $32 million deal and is 13-8 with a 3.35 ERA.

Cole Ragans has contributed 11 wins with 223 strikeouts after being acquired from the Texas Rangers in a trade last season. Brady Singer bounced back from a disappointing 2023, and Michael Lorenzen is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in six starts since his arrival just before the trade deadline.

The bullpen has been entirely rebuilt, too, with Lucas Erceg earning 11 saves since the Royals landed him in a trade with Milwaukee.

Nobody seems to be having more fun than Witt, who has put together a historic season after signing an 11-year deal worth $288.7 million to serve as the cornerstone of the franchise.

The son of longtime big league pitcher Bobby Witt is the first player in major league history with multiple 30-30 seasons in his first three years in the majors. Advanced metrics grade him as not only one of baseball’s best defenders but also one of its fastest players.

“He’s the best player in baseball,” Ragans said recently. “A special talent, a special human being. We’re blessed to be able to watch him each and every day, and how hard he works behind the scenes to make that product on the field be what it is, is incredible."

While fans in Kansas City have seen Witt’s stardom blossoming for several seasons, his coming-out party may have come this summer during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-run-derby-261037bfe182674c9cd7352725d8b62a">Home Run Derby</a>&nbsp;at Globe Life Field in Arlington, not far from where he grew up in Colleyville, Texas.

Witt reached the finals before losing 14-13 to Teoscar Hernández of the Dodgers in a dramatic showdown that came down to the final swings.

Now, Witt can look forward to an even bigger stage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727493170969.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr., lfront eft, and Michael Massey, right, await for their turns at bat in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr., lfront eft, and Michael Massey, right, await for their turns at bat in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — The Kansas City Royals completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in major league history Friday night, clinching an AL wild card despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/braves-royals-score-fried-02583b042ef05aa1317b0eed23af86e9">a 3-0 loss</a>&nbsp;to the Atlanta Braves.A year ago, the Royals matched a franchise record with 106 losses. Now, they are headed to the postseason for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.The celebration was delayed by a masterful performance from Atlanta pitcher Max Fried. But the Royals finally popped the champagne corks in the visitors' clubhouse at Truist Park when the Minnesota Twins were eliminated with a 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.Led by second-year manager Matt Quatraro, Kansas City is the first team in baseball history to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-major-league-baseball-playoffs-faf7e1aee9a4322eb969f93e503be055">make the playoffs after posting such a dismal mark</a>&nbsp;the previous season.In fact, since the start of the expansion era in 1961, the Royals are just the third team to advance to the postseason after losing at least 100 games the previous year.The Twins earned a wild card in 2017 after going 59-103 a year earlier, and the 2020 Florida Marlins qualified for a wild card during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign coming off a 57-105 debacle.The Royals quickly fell on hard times after claiming back-to-back AL pennants in 2014 and ’15 and their first World Series title in 30 years. They had not recorded a winning season since their championship run, losing at least 100 games in three of the past six, and were a total laughingstock just a year ago.That all changed this season with a team led by Bobby Witt Jr., who became the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-jr-steals-homers-2f244fb981427ad0622cbc0d73c200df">first shortstop in major league history</a>&nbsp;with multiple seasons of at least 30 homers and 30 steals.He tops the majors with 210 hits and a .332 average, to go along with 32 homers, 109 RBIs and 31 stolen bases.Veteran catcher Salvador Perez also is having a huge offensive season with 27 homers and 104 RBIs. The Royals made the playoffs even after losing first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who had 97 RBIs before breaking his right thumb and undergoing surgery.There is a chance Pasquantino could return during the playoffs if the Royals make an extended run.Amazingly, general manager J.J. Picollo didn’t break the bank to build a winner. In fact, he barely took out a loan.The players that have led Kansas City to heights not seen in nearly a decade were either on the team last year and just needed a little more time to grow, or were free-agent signings and trade acquisitions that underscored Picollo’s baseball savvy.Just check out the rotation.Seth Lugo, who is 16-9 with a 3.03 ERA, signed a modest three-year, $45 million free-agent deal. Michael Wacha signed a similar two-year, $32 million deal and is 13-8 with a 3.35 ERA.Cole Ragans has contributed 11 wins with 223 strikeouts after being acquired from the Texas Rangers in a trade last season. Brady Singer bounced back from a disappointing 2023, and Michael Lorenzen is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in six starts since his arrival just before the trade deadline.The bullpen has been entirely rebuilt, too, with Lucas Erceg earning 11 saves since the Royals landed him in a trade with Milwaukee.Nobody seems to be having more fun than Witt, who has put together a historic season after signing an 11-year deal worth $288.7 million to serve as the cornerstone of the franchise.The son of longtime big league pitcher Bobby Witt is the first player in major league history with multiple 30-30 seasons in his first three years in the majors. Advanced metrics grade him as not only one of baseball’s best defenders but also one of its fastest players.“He’s the best player in baseball,” Ragans said recently. “A special talent, a special human being. We’re blessed to be able to watch him each and every day, and how hard he works behind the scenes to make that product on the field be what it is, is incredible."While fans in Kansas City have seen Witt’s stardom blossoming for several seasons, his coming-out party may have come this summer during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/home-run-derby-261037bfe182674c9cd7352725d8b62a">Home Run Derby</a>&nbsp;at Globe Life Field in Arlington, not far from where he grew up in Colleyville, Texas.Witt reached the finals before losing 14-13 to Teoscar Hernández of the Dodgers in a dramatic showdown that came down to the final swings.Now, Witt can look forward to an even bigger stage.The postseason.

Royals complete turnaround, make playoffs after 106-loss season

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Russell 48 Larned 28

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581739911992.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Hoisington 53 Southwestern Heights 6<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/ys2csjsb/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 53 Southwestern Heights 6

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 61 Wichita North 7<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/y2hkhysh/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 61 Wichita North 7

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

On paper, No. 5 Great Bend was a clear favorite against a Wichita North squad that entered Friday's game at Memorial Stadium without a win since 2018 (52 straight) and has been outscored 203-6 in three games this season. Still, the Panthers had to prove they were the better team on the field for Homecoming. They did just that, scoring 35 points in the first quarter en route to a 61-7 win.

North took the ball first. Panther senior Brody Schnoebelen helped end that drive in negative yardage with a sack. On the first play following the first Redhawks punt, senior Jace Schartz ran 55 yards to the house for a quick 7-0 Panther lead.

North moved near midfield on the ensuing kick and picked up a first down, but the second Redhawk drive came to an abrupt end as senior Aiden Davidson and Schnoebelen got into the backfield to force a fumble. Junior Trent Kern scooped up the loose ball and ran 28 yards to the end zone for a 14-0 Great Bend lead less than five minutes in.

The Redhawks again moved backwards on their next possession. On the first play after the second North punt, junior Hayden Kelly broke free for a 36-yard touchdown run. The Panther lead grew to 21-0 with 4:59 still to play in the first quarter.

Another Schnoebelen sack ended the next North drive with more negative yards. Following a punt, junior Daxton Minton skipped the ball backwards to sophomore Cooper Ohnmacht, who completed a 39-yard touchdown pass to Kelly. On the next North drive, junior Jacob Hall grabbed a late pitch attempt in midair and ran 15 yards to the end zone for a 35-0 Panther lead with 2:31 left in the opening frame.

Minton hit Ohnmacht for a 28-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter. Minton capped a 4-play drive with a 31-yard run midway through the second for the 48-0 lead Great Bend carried into the half.

Schartz capped a big night with a 91-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. He took his two carries on the night for 146 yards and two scores. North scored its second touchdown of the season on a short pass play with 4:05 to play in the third quarter with a running clock. Panther junior Ian Premer ran the ensuing kick 90 yards to the house to end scoring on the night.

Great Bend (4-0) opens Western Athletic Conference play next Friday in Dodge City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727489487728.jpeg" alt="Panther senior Jace Schartz ran the ball just two times Friday night but finished with 146 yards on touchdown runs of 55 and 91 yards." />
 <figcaption>Panther senior Jace Schartz ran the ball just two times Friday night but finished with 146 yards on touchdown runs of 55 and 91 yards.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostOn paper, No. 5 Great Bend was a clear favorite against a Wichita North squad that entered Friday's game at Memorial Stadium without a win since 2018 (52 straight) and has been outscored 203-6 in three games this season. Still, the Panthers had to prove they were the better team on the field for Homecoming. They did just that, scoring 35 points in the first quarter en route to a 61-7 win.North took the ball first. Panther senior Brody Schnoebelen helped end that drive in negative yardage with a sack. On the first play following the first Redhawks punt, senior Jace Schartz ran 55 yards to the house for a quick 7-0 Panther lead.North moved near midfield on the ensuing kick and picked up a first down, but the second Redhawk drive came to an abrupt end as senior Aiden Davidson and Schnoebelen got into the backfield to force a fumble. Junior Trent Kern scooped up the loose ball and ran 28 yards to the end zone for a 14-0 Great Bend lead less than five minutes in.The Redhawks again moved backwards on their next possession. On the first play after the second North punt, junior Hayden Kelly broke free for a 36-yard touchdown run. The Panther lead grew to 21-0 with 4:59 still to play in the first quarter.Another Schnoebelen sack ended the next North drive with more negative yards. Following a punt, junior Daxton Minton skipped the ball backwards to sophomore Cooper Ohnmacht, who completed a 39-yard touchdown pass to Kelly. On the next North drive, junior Jacob Hall grabbed a late pitch attempt in midair and ran 15 yards to the end zone for a 35-0 Panther lead with 2:31 left in the opening frame.Minton hit Ohnmacht for a 28-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter. Minton capped a 4-play drive with a 31-yard run midway through the second for the 48-0 lead Great Bend carried into the half.Schartz capped a big night with a 91-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. He took his two carries on the night for 146 yards and two scores. North scored its second touchdown of the season on a short pass play with 4:05 to play in the third quarter with a running clock. Panther junior Ian Premer ran the ensuing kick 90 yards to the house to end scoring on the night.Great Bend (4-0) opens Western Athletic Conference play next Friday in Dodge City.

Panthers score 35 points in first 10 minutes, down North 61-7

ATLANTA (AP) — Max Fried pitched three-hit ball over 8 2/3 innings and the Atlanta Braves delayed Kansas City's playoff celebration, beating the Royals 3-0 on Friday night in the opener of a crucial series for both teams.

Sean Murphy hit a two-run homer and Marcell Ozuna trotted home on a throwing error after his first stolen base since 2022 for the Braves, who began the night one game behind Arizona and the New York Mets in the NL wild-card race.

The Mets were playing at Milwaukee, while the Diamondbacks hosted the Padres.

The Royals came in with their magic number at one to clinch their first playoff appearance since winning the 2015 World Series. They were still in position to celebrate an AL wild-card berth Friday if the Minnesota Twins lost to Baltimore.

Fried (11-10) came within one out of a shutout, giving way to Raisel Iglesias when the Royals put runners at second and third. Iglesias retired Salvador Perez on a flyout for his 33rd save.

Fried threw 98 pitches, 63 for strikes. He walked two and struck out nine.

Royals starter Brady Singer (9-13) allowed two runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Murphy homered on an 0-2 pitch in the fourth, and Ozuna tacked on an unlikely insurance run in the eighth by stealing third.

Caught off guard, Perez threw the ball into left field, allowing Ozuna to make it home to a giddy celebration in the Atlanta dugout.

TRAINER'S ROOM Royals: First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (broken right thumb) was on the field during batting practice and will take simulated at-bats against reliever Will Smith on Saturday.

UP NEXT Right-hander Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.03 ERA) will start for the Royals on Saturday. The Braves had not yet announced a starting pitcher. Lugo allowed two runs on three hits over seven innings in his last outing — a 2-0 loss to the Giants on Sept. 22.

ATLANTA (AP) — Max Fried pitched three-hit ball over 8 2/3 innings and the Atlanta Braves delayed Kansas City's playoff celebration, beating the Royals 3-0 on Friday night in the opener of a crucial series for both teams.Sean Murphy hit a two-run homer and Marcell Ozuna trotted home on a throwing error after his first stolen base since 2022 for the Braves, who began the night one game behind Arizona and the New York Mets in the NL wild-card race.The Mets were playing at Milwaukee, while the Diamondbacks hosted the Padres.The Royals came in with their magic number at one to clinch their first playoff appearance since winning the 2015 World Series. They were still in position to celebrate an AL wild-card berth Friday if the Minnesota Twins lost to Baltimore.Fried (11-10) came within one out of a shutout, giving way to Raisel Iglesias when the Royals put runners at second and third. Iglesias retired Salvador Perez on a flyout for his 33rd save.Fried threw 98 pitches, 63 for strikes. He walked two and struck out nine.Royals starter Brady Singer (9-13) allowed two runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Murphy homered on an 0-2 pitch in the fourth, and Ozuna tacked on an unlikely insurance run in the eighth by stealing third.Caught off guard, Perez threw the ball into left field, allowing Ozuna to make it home to a giddy celebration in the Atlanta dugout.TRAINER'S ROOM Royals: First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (broken right thumb) was on the field during batting practice and will take simulated at-bats against reliever Will Smith on Saturday.UP NEXT Right-hander Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.03 ERA) will start for the Royals on Saturday. The Braves had not yet announced a starting pitcher. Lugo allowed two runs on three hits over seven innings in his last outing — a 2-0 loss to the Giants on Sept. 22.

Braves delay Royals' celebration, win 3-0 behind Fried and Murphy

- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl previews Week 4 of the High School Football Season and the week that was in High School Volleyball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mp6xVo1YuvU?si=ypJT_GsRN7E-kcJR" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl previews Week 4 of the High School Football Season and the week that was in High School Volleyball.- "On the Prowl" with Mike Courson- Friday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Friday on Sports Day(Watch)

HAYS, Kan. – Join Fort Hays State University in a groundbreaking celebration for the new Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex during Homecoming. The event will take place Friday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. in Lewis Field Stadium’s south end zone.

With the growth of athletic programs, FHSU has outgrown its current training facilities. The new two-story athletic complex will span nearly 20,000 square feet and set Fort Hays State apart as a leader in sports medicine. Attendees will hear from student-athletes, Director of Athletics Curtis Hammeke, football Head Coach Chris Brown, and Director of Sports Medicine Nate Hepner, among others. Bring a friend, enjoy refreshments, and join us in celebrating the groundbreaking of this incredible new facility.

For a full list of Homecoming events, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqsqfUb1C-2BgprFSbUx0xCgQmmOr4-2Fk-2Fkw9tUht9DePGvXZ-d1_x9osS7BzWruc2vyP0ryhjp1x1SORXKHR3ODGO-2FMcAZWcDEH5sFjG8hifz-2Fx-2FLlz0ywhQ3aSn225U2ntY8ehBVeNagO9eVdTLJp47lJyzn97NxdAPpZKCVKBkbERPShtsg2dIqZV80jUv-2FbUAmYlkpf76dS9nrFtKItCII0g4snoTY3JtpmxILE-2BTfwMJA2OgJedtmsiu0aq6iBUI8WMWMuADhUSDvTe42Aj4-2BSFyvcwHtCVuPUmjqnlU7Wa-2B-2BCCZgaC4L5uOltM7P-2FuMOH4lk8OF-2BH-2Fjx-2Fh0V9yhAf0Ybdpg2ItTWYg3y45thzOLAoNWUNdLsJ-2FG8tlxcCkiQc847RiGFqFIxmH7T7ewbIafWYyQFY420n1IC4cca7LWxlHK">www.FHSUhomecoming.com</a>.

For questions, contact the Fort Hays State University Foundation by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 785-628-5620.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727449310669.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: FHSU FoundationHAYS, Kan. – Join Fort Hays State University in a groundbreaking celebration for the new Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex during Homecoming. The event will take place Friday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. in Lewis Field Stadium’s south end zone.With the growth of athletic programs, FHSU has outgrown its current training facilities. The new two-story athletic complex will span nearly 20,000 square feet and set Fort Hays State apart as a leader in sports medicine. Attendees will hear from student-athletes, Director of Athletics Curtis Hammeke, football Head Coach Chris Brown, and Director of Sports Medicine Nate Hepner, among others. Bring a friend, enjoy refreshments, and join us in celebrating the groundbreaking of this incredible new facility.For a full list of Homecoming events, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqsqfUb1C-2BgprFSbUx0xCgQmmOr4-2Fk-2Fkw9tUht9DePGvXZ-d1_x9osS7BzWruc2vyP0ryhjp1x1SORXKHR3ODGO-2FMcAZWcDEH5sFjG8hifz-2Fx-2FLlz0ywhQ3aSn225U2ntY8ehBVeNagO9eVdTLJp47lJyzn97NxdAPpZKCVKBkbERPShtsg2dIqZV80jUv-2FbUAmYlkpf76dS9nrFtKItCII0g4snoTY3JtpmxILE-2BTfwMJA2OgJedtmsiu0aq6iBUI8WMWMuADhUSDvTe42Aj4-2BSFyvcwHtCVuPUmjqnlU7Wa-2B-2BCCZgaC4L5uOltM7P-2FuMOH4lk8OF-2BH-2Fjx-2Fh0V9yhAf0Ybdpg2ItTWYg3y45thzOLAoNWUNdLsJ-2FG8tlxcCkiQc847RiGFqFIxmH7T7ewbIafWYyQFY420n1IC4cca7LWxlHK">www.FHSUhomecoming.com</a>.For questions, contact the Fort Hays State University Foundation by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 785-628-5620.

FHSU breaking ground on new athletic complex

Already the prep tennis season is on the downhill. Teams head to regional competitions on Oct. 12. But first, the Lady Panthers were in action Thursday at Salina South. Great Bend scored 23 points to finish seventh out of eight teams. Newton won the meet with 48 points, followed by Junction City with 45 points, and Maize with 43 points.

Paige Stacey made it all the way to the championship match in the singles bracket. She was convincing in her first three sets, beating Buhler 8-2, downing Junction City 8-1, and taking down the No. 2 seed from South, reigning state qualifier Sofia Burns, 8-4 in the semifinals. Junction City's Hannah Micheel, a reigning 6A state qualifier, won her first three matches by a combined 24-1 score. She defeated Stacey 8-3 in the finals.

Clarise Snapp also competed in the open singles draw, losing her first two matches 8-3 to Salina Central and 8-1 to South. She rebounded with an 8-3 win over Abilene before falling 8-7(3) to Buhler in the 13th-place match.

The Lady Panthers had some new faces and roles in the doubles bracket without Darcy Feist and Mac Lindberg in action. Maddie Siefkes and Olivia Boone opened with an 8-0 loss to Salina Central's Renfro girls, who finished fifth at state a year ago and did not drop a single game Thursday. After losing an 8-7 (3) thriller against the 10th-place finishers from Abilene, Siefkes and Boone beat Buhler and Salina Central by 8-4 tallies to secure 13th place.

Mackenzie LaViolette and Kylie McCormick also opened at 0-2 with an 8-1 loss to Abilene and an 8-5 loss to Buhler. The girls just missed a shot at Siefkes and Boone with an 8-7 (3) loss to Central. They lost another 8-7 (3) tiebreak to Buhler in the 15th-place match.

The Lady Panthers head to Garden City on Saturday.

Great Bend Post SportsAlready the prep tennis season is on the downhill. Teams head to regional competitions on Oct. 12. But first, the Lady Panthers were in action Thursday at Salina South. Great Bend scored 23 points to finish seventh out of eight teams. Newton won the meet with 48 points, followed by Junction City with 45 points, and Maize with 43 points.Paige Stacey made it all the way to the championship match in the singles bracket. She was convincing in her first three sets, beating Buhler 8-2, downing Junction City 8-1, and taking down the No. 2 seed from South, reigning state qualifier Sofia Burns, 8-4 in the semifinals. Junction City's Hannah Micheel, a reigning 6A state qualifier, won her first three matches by a combined 24-1 score. She defeated Stacey 8-3 in the finals.Clarise Snapp also competed in the open singles draw, losing her first two matches 8-3 to Salina Central and 8-1 to South. She rebounded with an 8-3 win over Abilene before falling 8-7(3) to Buhler in the 13th-place match.The Lady Panthers had some new faces and roles in the doubles bracket without Darcy Feist and Mac Lindberg in action. Maddie Siefkes and Olivia Boone opened with an 8-0 loss to Salina Central's Renfro girls, who finished fifth at state a year ago and did not drop a single game Thursday. After losing an 8-7 (3) thriller against the 10th-place finishers from Abilene, Siefkes and Boone beat Buhler and Salina Central by 8-4 tallies to secure 13th place.Mackenzie LaViolette and Kylie McCormick also opened at 0-2 with an 8-1 loss to Abilene and an 8-5 loss to Buhler. The girls just missed a shot at Siefkes and Boone with an 8-7 (3) loss to Central. They lost another 8-7 (3) tiebreak to Buhler in the 15th-place match.The Lady Panthers head to Garden City on Saturday.

Lady Panther tennis team finishes seventh at Salina South

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — There was a sense of relief in a somewhat subdued Dallas Cowboys locker room after a hard-fought victory over the New York Giants. There was little celebration. What was important Thursday night were the numbers on the scoreboard at MetLife Stadium. Dallas Cowboys 20, New York Giants 15. The two-game losing streak was over and those who have been criticizing Dallas (2-2) and coach Mike McCarthy and predicting a disappointing season had been quieted for one night. The Cowboys were back to being the Cowboys, a good offense and a solid defense.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/padres-vs-dodgers/2024/09/26/746088/final/wrap" target="_blank">Shohei Ohtani</a>&nbsp;is headed to the postseason for the first time in his career after the Los Angeles Dodgers won the NL West on Thursday night by scoring five runs in the seventh inning in a 7-2 win over the second-place San Diego Padres. The Japanese superstar spent his first six MLB seasons in Anaheim, where the Los Angeles Angels never had a winning record or played in October. He signed a $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers last offseason. He made a rookie mistake, though. Ohtani wasn’t wearing goggles like most of his teammates during the alcohol-soaked clubhouse celebration. He blinked hard several times and his eyes appeared red while talking to media outside the throbbing party. “It stung a little bit in my eyes,” he said, smiling. “It was an awesome feeling and I’m hoping to be able to continue popping more champagne.”

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge, spritz from white and gold bottles of Luc Belaire Rare Luxe sparkling wine dripping down his 6-foot-7 frame, appreciated the moment. “Nothing is ever guaranteed,” the New York Yankees captain said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/aaron-judge-homers-58-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field-juan-soto-scores?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" target="_blank">Judge hit his major league-leading 58th home run</a>, going deep for the fifth straight game to help the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/orioles-yankees-score-eba44e0873d6e88bbc47fe44be7844da">Yankees romp over the Baltimore Orioles 10-1</a>&nbsp;on Thursday night and wrap up the AL East with three games to spare. Quite different from 2023’s sputtering descent to an 82-80 record that nearly became the pinstripes’ first losing since 1992. After their 21st division title, including the first half of the 1981 split season, the Yankees (93-66) will open their 59th postseason at home Oct. 5 in a best-of-five Division Series against a winner of next week’s wild-card round.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Mark Kotsay treated this moment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oakland-athletics-baseball-final-season-9c3667e53de52b28209a9bed640f2196">this daunting day</a>, like the World Series he has never had as a player or manager. Kotsay fought tears,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/athletics-last-game-oakland-las-vegas-6a2ebb5f6e7e54e576ace38e9236ed8d">just like so many others</a>&nbsp;Thursday, as the Oakland Athletics bid an emotional farewell to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oakland-coliseum-a1832a247ed94f3162a247c1ef0eb3db">their beloved Coliseum</a>&nbsp;they’ve called home since 1968, complete with all its quirks like plumbing problems and rally possums — and those stray cats who helped inspire Hall of Famer Tony La Russa’s former Animal Rescue Foundation. The A’s beat the Texas Rangers 3-2 and Kotsay took the microphone afterward for a heartfelt thank you to a sellout crowd of 46,889 before leading one last chant of “Let’s go Oakland!” Third baseman Max Schuemann grabbed a huge A’s flag and ran it around the field, stopping to wave it in front of different sections. “I’ve never been to a World Series before,” Kotsay said. “But I feel like today is one of those days that you can kind of experience the emotion of that, the magnitude of it. Driving in the gates today and seeing the fullness of a parking lot, feeling the energy and the emotion is something I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.”

THURSDAY'S SCORES National Football League Dallas 20, NY Giants 15

Major League Baseball (Kansas City gained a game on Minnesota in the Wild Card standings after Miami's comeback win in 13 innings Thursday. The Royals' magic number is now just a single win or Minnesota loss). American League

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721294994442.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — There was a sense of relief in a somewhat subdued Dallas Cowboys locker room after a hard-fought victory over the New York Giants. There was little celebration. What was important Thursday night were the numbers on the scoreboard at MetLife Stadium. Dallas Cowboys 20, New York Giants 15. The two-game losing streak was over and those who have been criticizing Dallas (2-2) and coach Mike McCarthy and predicting a disappointing season had been quieted for one night. The Cowboys were back to being the Cowboys, a good offense and a solid defense.LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/padres-vs-dodgers/2024/09/26/746088/final/wrap" target="_blank">Shohei Ohtani</a>&nbsp;is headed to the postseason for the first time in his career after the Los Angeles Dodgers won the NL West on Thursday night by scoring five runs in the seventh inning in a 7-2 win over the second-place San Diego Padres. The Japanese superstar spent his first six MLB seasons in Anaheim, where the Los Angeles Angels never had a winning record or played in October. He signed a $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers last offseason. He made a rookie mistake, though. Ohtani wasn’t wearing goggles like most of his teammates during the alcohol-soaked clubhouse celebration. He blinked hard several times and his eyes appeared red while talking to media outside the throbbing party. “It stung a little bit in my eyes,” he said, smiling. “It was an awesome feeling and I’m hoping to be able to continue popping more champagne.”NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge, spritz from white and gold bottles of Luc Belaire Rare Luxe sparkling wine dripping down his 6-foot-7 frame, appreciated the moment. “Nothing is ever guaranteed,” the New York Yankees captain said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/aaron-judge-homers-58-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field-juan-soto-scores?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" target="_blank">Judge hit his major league-leading 58th home run</a>, going deep for the fifth straight game to help the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/orioles-yankees-score-eba44e0873d6e88bbc47fe44be7844da">Yankees romp over the Baltimore Orioles 10-1</a>&nbsp;on Thursday night and wrap up the AL East with three games to spare. Quite different from 2023’s sputtering descent to an 82-80 record that nearly became the pinstripes’ first losing since 1992. After their 21st division title, including the first half of the 1981 split season, the Yankees (93-66) will open their 59th postseason at home Oct. 5 in a best-of-five Division Series against a winner of next week’s wild-card round.OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Mark Kotsay treated this moment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oakland-athletics-baseball-final-season-9c3667e53de52b28209a9bed640f2196">this daunting day</a>, like the World Series he has never had as a player or manager. Kotsay fought tears,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/athletics-last-game-oakland-las-vegas-6a2ebb5f6e7e54e576ace38e9236ed8d">just like so many others</a>&nbsp;Thursday, as the Oakland Athletics bid an emotional farewell to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oakland-coliseum-a1832a247ed94f3162a247c1ef0eb3db">their beloved Coliseum</a>&nbsp;they’ve called home since 1968, complete with all its quirks like plumbing problems and rally possums — and those stray cats who helped inspire Hall of Famer Tony La Russa’s former Animal Rescue Foundation. The A’s beat the Texas Rangers 3-2 and Kotsay took the microphone afterward for a heartfelt thank you to a sellout crowd of 46,889 before leading one last chant of “Let’s go Oakland!” Third baseman Max Schuemann grabbed a huge A’s flag and ran it around the field, stopping to wave it in front of different sections. “I’ve never been to a World Series before,” Kotsay said. “But I feel like today is one of those days that you can kind of experience the emotion of that, the magnitude of it. Driving in the gates today and seeing the fullness of a parking lot, feeling the energy and the emotion is something I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.”THURSDAY'S SCORES National Football League Dallas 20, NY Giants 15Major League Baseball (Kansas City gained a game on Minnesota in the Wild Card standings after Miami's comeback win in 13 innings Thursday. The Royals' magic number is now just a single win or Minnesota loss). American LeagueKansas City 7, Washington 4Miami 8, Minnesota 6&nbsp; 13 inningsDetroit 4, Tampa Bay 2Oakland 3, Texas 2Chicago White Sox 7, LA Angels 0NY Yankees 10, Baltimore 1National LeagueMilwaukee 5, Pittsburgh 2Colorado 10, St. Louis 8LA Dodgers 7, San Diego 2

Friday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Four solid sets of volleyball. The No. 10 Lady Panther volleyball team played host to Goddard and Hutchinson Thursday night, rarely being threatened in a pair of straight-set wins. Great Bend moves to 12-2 on the season.

"Our defense was there, our setting was there, hitting was there," said Lady Panther senior Cassie Ellegood. "It was definitely different than (Tuesday's win against Junction City)."

Great Bend def. Goddard 25-17, 25-15

The Ellegoods were big early with a kill from Cassie and a block from freshman Micah for an early 6-4 Panther lead. The Lions were hanging strong at 11-8 until a tip from sophomore Kya Behr put momentum in Great Bend's favor. Freshman Mikala Minton scored a pair of points at the net and Micah Ellegood added another tip as the Panther lead grew to 18-10. A deflection off Behr's shoulder set up match point and senior Kara Feist finished off the opening set at 25-17 with a big hit.

Cassie Ellegood put down three early kills in the second set, then sophomore Alex Mayers added an ace off the net for a quick 8-3 run. A pair of aces from Behr kept the lead at 12-6, then Cassie Ellegood showed off a little versatility with a block, a kill, an ace, and an otherwise strong service to set up match-point at 24-13.

"Service was so much better," said Lady Panther coach Shelly Duvall. "I think just confidence behind the line and serving aggressively made a big difference in our offense, for sure. It gave us a pretty big lead."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727398862775.jpeg" alt="Lady Panther sophomore Alex Mayers and Hutchinson junior Myka Thompson battle for a point atop the net during Thursday's match at GBHS." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panther sophomore Alex Mayers and Hutchinson junior Myka Thompson battle for a point atop the net during Thursday's match at GBHS.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostFour solid sets of volleyball. The No. 10 Lady Panther volleyball team played host to Goddard and Hutchinson Thursday night, rarely being threatened in a pair of straight-set wins. Great Bend moves to 12-2 on the season."Our defense was there, our setting was there, hitting was there," said Lady Panther senior Cassie Ellegood. "It was definitely different than (Tuesday's win against Junction City)."Great Bend def. Goddard 25-17, 25-15The Ellegoods were big early with a kill from Cassie and a block from freshman Micah for an early 6-4 Panther lead. The Lions were hanging strong at 11-8 until a tip from sophomore Kya Behr put momentum in Great Bend's favor. Freshman Mikala Minton scored a pair of points at the net and Micah Ellegood added another tip as the Panther lead grew to 18-10. A deflection off Behr's shoulder set up match point and senior Kara Feist finished off the opening set at 25-17 with a big hit.Cassie Ellegood put down three early kills in the second set, then sophomore Alex Mayers added an ace off the net for a quick 8-3 run. A pair of aces from Behr kept the lead at 12-6, then Cassie Ellegood showed off a little versatility with a block, a kill, an ace, and an otherwise strong service to set up match-point at 24-13."Service was so much better," said Lady Panther coach Shelly Duvall. "I think just confidence behind the line and serving aggressively made a big difference in our offense, for sure. It gave us a pretty big lead."Goddard featured a trio of athletes, including three-year captain and big hitter Emerson Wedel and up-and-coming sophomore Kamille Turner. Great Bend kept their damage to a minimum on both sides of the net."I like it when they're at the net," Cassie Ellegood said. "When you get a block it's just that much more exciting and it hypes you up even more. It's fun when (Wedel) went in the back row. It still gives you that chance to block them in the back row and you still see them on the court and it keeps the competitiveness going."Great Bend def. Hutchinson 25-11, 25-19Cassie Ellegood was not slowed by the break between matches, coming out against the Salthawks with two kills and a block for a 4-1 score. Hutchinson got as close as 16-10 before Cassie did it again with two more blocks and two more spikes for a 22-11 Panther lead. Mayers added a late ace, and Behr and Cassie Ellegood each put down balls to finish the first set in short order 25-11.Five Lady Panthers scored offensive points early on in set two, resulting in a quick 11-5 score. Mayers and Micah Ellegood split six of those first 11 points. The Salthawks were battling back at 14-11 when Behr and Cassie Ellegood both came up with back-to-back acrobatic saves to score a point. Hutchinson stayed around at 15-14 until Minton put down a pair of kills. Behr followed with a big serve and a spike to bump the gap to 19-15. The Salthawks never threatened again as Feist put down a kill, junior Ava Kaiser served up an ace, and Cassie Ellegood put down a final kill to set up match-point.The Lady Panthers take a week off of competition before heading to Dodge City on Oct. 3.