By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

Nick Sirianni was an assistant coach with the Chargers in 2017 when Austin Ekeler made the team following a strong performance in the final preseason game.

Ekeler now is in his eighth NFL season and first in Washington.

Sirianni, who is entering his fourth season as the Eagles head coach, used clips from Ekeler to motivate players going into Philadelphia’s preseason finale last year. He’ll try the same tactic before the Eagles face Minnesota on Saturday.

“Yeah, we’ll probably do something similar to that,” Sirianni said Wednesday. “But as far as the guys here, we had a good amount of undrafted free agents make it the last couple years.”

Sirianni cited Eagles punt returner Britain Covey, cornerback Josh Jobe and linebacker Ben VanSumeren.

The final preseason game is an opportunity for players on the bubble to impress coaches and earn a roster spot before Tuesday’s deadline for cuts. Late-round draft picks and undrafted rookies benefit most from the playing time.

Ekeler was an undrafted running back struggling to make the Chargers before he caught the coaching staff’s attention by gaining 108 yards combined rushing and receiving. He eventually worked up to a starting role and had 38 touchdowns rushing and receiving in 2021-22. The Commanders gave him a two-year, $11.4 million contract in free agency.

While young players battle for roster spots this weekend, several veteran players are on edge because they could be on the way out.

Here are five veteran players on the bubble:

Wide receiver Kadarius Toney, a 2021 first-round pick by the New York Giants, helped the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl two years ago after they acquired him in a trade during the season. In a three-minute span in the fourth quarter of Kansas City’s 38-35 win over Philadelphia in the Super Bowl, Toney made two monumental plays. First, he caught a 5-yard TD pass that gave the Chiefs a 28-27 lead. Then, he returned a punt 65 yards to the Eagles 5 to set up another TD.

But Toney couldn’t build off that success. He struggled last season and was inactive from Week 15 through the playoffs and sat out Kansas City’s Super Bowl win over San Francisco. His most memorable play of the 2023 season was an offside penalty that negated a go-ahead TD that he scored off a lateral from Travis Kelce late in the fourth quarter of a loss to Buffalo.

The Chiefs added veteran wideout Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and drafted Xavier Worthy in the first round to go with Rashee Rice. They also have Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman and Justin Watson.

Cornerback James Bradberry was a second-team All-Pro in 2022, playing an important role in helping the Philadelphia Eagles reach the Super Bowl. He had a poor season last year and the Eagles moved him to safety after selecting cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the first two rounds of the NFL draft.

Bradberry has earned praise from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio during camp but he’s still learning the position. The Eagles would take on about $15 million in dead cap money by releasing Bradberry but can spread that hit over two seasons with about $4.3 million counting against this season’s cap and the rest in 2025.

Quarterback Bailey Zappe has started eight games for the New England Patriots in his first two seasons, going 4-4. But Zappe’s future is likely elsewhere. Drake Maye was drafted to be the quarterback of the future and Jacoby Brissett was signed to provide veteran leadership. The Patriots also drafted Joe Milton in the sixth round to add depth.

New England has probably held onto Zappe to try to trade him, though there won’t be much of a market for him unless a team loses a backup.

Right tackle La’el Collins hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2022 because a knee injury forced him to miss last season. He finished the season on Dallas’ practice squad, returning to the Cowboys after starting 71 games for them from 2015-21 and spending 2022 with Cincinnati.

Buffalo signed Collins to be a swing backup for tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown. But he has struggled in training camp and was moved to guard as a last option to earn a roster spot.

Safety Mike Edwards, who won Super Bowl rings with Tampa Bay and Kansas City, also is battling to make the Bills. He missed the spring with a shoulder injury and much of training camp with an ankle injury. Edwards was eased into practice this week and is fighting to make up for lost time. He does have $1.6 million guaranteed but the Bills would save $1.2 million on the salary cap if they cut him.

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterNick Sirianni was an assistant coach with the Chargers in 2017 when Austin Ekeler made the team following a strong performance in the final preseason game.Ekeler now is in his eighth NFL season and first in Washington.Sirianni, who is entering his fourth season as the Eagles head coach, used clips from Ekeler to motivate players going into Philadelphia’s preseason finale last year. He’ll try the same tactic before the Eagles face Minnesota on Saturday.“Yeah, we’ll probably do something similar to that,” Sirianni said Wednesday. “But as far as the guys here, we had a good amount of undrafted free agents make it the last couple years.”Sirianni cited Eagles punt returner Britain Covey, cornerback Josh Jobe and linebacker Ben VanSumeren.The final preseason game is an opportunity for players on the bubble to impress coaches and earn a roster spot before Tuesday’s deadline for cuts. Late-round draft picks and undrafted rookies benefit most from the playing time.Ekeler was an undrafted running back struggling to make the Chargers before he caught the coaching staff’s attention by gaining 108 yards combined rushing and receiving. He eventually worked up to a starting role and had 38 touchdowns rushing and receiving in 2021-22. The Commanders gave him a two-year, $11.4 million contract in free agency.While young players battle for roster spots this weekend, several veteran players are on edge because they could be on the way out.Here are five veteran players on the bubble:Kadarius ToneyWide receiver Kadarius Toney, a 2021 first-round pick by the New York Giants, helped the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl two years ago after they acquired him in a trade during the season. In a three-minute span in the fourth quarter of Kansas City’s 38-35 win over Philadelphia in the Super Bowl, Toney made two monumental plays. First, he caught a 5-yard TD pass that gave the Chiefs a 28-27 lead. Then, he returned a punt 65 yards to the Eagles 5 to set up another TD.But Toney couldn’t build off that success. He struggled last season and was inactive from Week 15 through the playoffs and sat out Kansas City’s Super Bowl win over San Francisco. His most memorable play of the 2023 season was an offside penalty that negated a go-ahead TD that he scored off a lateral from Travis Kelce late in the fourth quarter of a loss to Buffalo.The Chiefs added veteran wideout Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and drafted Xavier Worthy in the first round to go with Rashee Rice. They also have Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman and Justin Watson.James BradberryCornerback James Bradberry was a second-team All-Pro in 2022, playing an important role in helping the Philadelphia Eagles reach the Super Bowl. He had a poor season last year and the Eagles moved him to safety after selecting cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the first two rounds of the NFL draft.Bradberry has earned praise from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio during camp but he’s still learning the position. The Eagles would take on about $15 million in dead cap money by releasing Bradberry but can spread that hit over two seasons with about $4.3 million counting against this season’s cap and the rest in 2025.Bailey ZappeQuarterback Bailey Zappe has started eight games for the New England Patriots in his first two seasons, going 4-4. But Zappe’s future is likely elsewhere. Drake Maye was drafted to be the quarterback of the future and Jacoby Brissett was signed to provide veteran leadership. The Patriots also drafted Joe Milton in the sixth round to add depth.New England has probably held onto Zappe to try to trade him, though there won’t be much of a market for him unless a team loses a backup.La’el CollinsRight tackle La’el Collins hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2022 because a knee injury forced him to miss last season. He finished the season on Dallas’ practice squad, returning to the Cowboys after starting 71 games for them from 2015-21 and spending 2022 with Cincinnati.Buffalo signed Collins to be a swing backup for tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown. But he has struggled in training camp and was moved to guard as a last option to earn a roster spot.Mike EdwardsSafety Mike Edwards, who won Super Bowl rings with Tampa Bay and Kansas City, also is battling to make the Bills. He missed the spring with a shoulder injury and much of training camp with an ankle injury. Edwards was eased into practice this week and is fighting to make up for lost time. He does have $1.6 million guaranteed but the Bills would save $1.2 million on the salary cap if they cut him.

Kadarius Toney headlines list of players on the roster bubble

AMERICAN LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GBNew
York	74	53	.583	—Baltimore	74	54	.578	½Boston	67	59	.532	6½Tampa
Bay	64	62	.508	9½Toronto	59	68	.465	15Central DivisionCleveland	73	53	.579	—Kansas
City	71	56	.559	2½Minnesota	71	56	.559	2½Detroit	62	65	.488	11½Chicago	31	97	.242	43West DivisionHouston	68	58	.540	—Seattle	64	64	.500	5Texas	59	69	.461	10Los
Angeles	54	73	.425	14½Oakland	54	73	.425	14½NATIONAL LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GBPhiladelphia	74	52	.587	—Atlanta	67	59	.532	7New
York	66	61	.520	8½Washington	57	70	.449	17½Miami	46	81	.362	28½Central DivisionMilwaukee	73	53	.579	—St.
Louis	62	64	.492	11Chicago	62	65	.488	11½Cincinnati	62	65	.488	11½Pittsburgh	59	67	.468	14West DivisionLos
Angeles	76	52	.594	—Arizona	72	56	.563	4San
Diego	72	56	.563	4San
Francisco	65	64	.504	11½

MLB Standings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Lorenzen pitched seven shutout innings, MJ Melendez homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Wednesday for their sixth win in seven games.

The Royals spoiled the season debut of Johnny Cueto (0-1), a 17-year veteran who helped Kansas City win the 2015 World Series.

Cueto hadn’t pitched in the majors since Sept. 27 last year with the Marlins. He signed a minor league contract with the Angels in July, and was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake earlier Wednesday. He allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings and left the mound to an ovation from the Kansas City crowd.

Lorenzen (7-6) allowed four hits, two walks, a hit batter and struck out five. He only allowed two runners to reach scoring position. Three of the four hits he allowed came in the first three innings.

“I wasn’t very happy with the first three innings. I was kind of spraying the ball all over the place, getting frustrated with myself,” Lorenzen said. “I guess I was able to make that adjustment and my pitch quality got a lot better.”

Lorenzen gave up a hit to Taylor Ward to lead off the game but got Zach Neto to ground into a double play.

“The double play the second hitter of the game, that was a big relief,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It was more of a mentality of let’s just attack here and not work the edges as much. He was on the attack more so after the first couple innings.”

John Schreiber pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Lucas Erceg worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his sixth save and fourth with the Royals.

The Royals (71-56) remained tied with the Minnesota Twins for the second wild-card spot and moved to within 2.5 games of AL Central-leading Cleveland with their first home series win in a month.

The Royals put together a two-out rally in the second to grab a 2-0 lead. Hunter Renfroe and Adam Frazier singled, Maikel Garcia walked and Kyle Isbel hit a two-run double to the right-center gap.

“It was a five-pitch first and I think he had 12 pitches total in the second before we put those two runs up,” Quatraro said of Cueto. “He got a ton of ground balls. He was working the edges, he’s got the sinker. ... He elevated it too, so he pitched well.”

Melendez hit a two-out solo home run off the right-field foul pole in the sixth for a 3-0 lead.

“Obviously he’s got good stuff and he knows how to pitch,” Melendez said of facing Cueto. “He is able to disrupt your timing. He definitely knows what he’s doing up there. ... You just have to stay locked in and stay within yourself and not try to do too much against him.”

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the second inning to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. That’s Witt’s fifth hitting streak of 10 or more games this season.

The Angels optioned RHP Hans Crouse to Triple-A Salt Lake City to make room for Cueto. They also released RHP Jose Cisneros to add Cueto to the 40-man roster.

The Angels have not announced a starter for the series opener at Toronto Thursday. ... Michael Wacha (10-6, 3.33 ERA) will start for the Royals at home against Philadelphia on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724320302968.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Lorenzen pitched seven shutout innings, MJ Melendez homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Wednesday for their sixth win in seven games.The Royals spoiled the season debut of Johnny Cueto (0-1), a 17-year veteran who helped Kansas City win the 2015 World Series.Cueto hadn’t pitched in the majors since Sept. 27 last year with the Marlins. He signed a minor league contract with the Angels in July, and was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake earlier Wednesday. He allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings and left the mound to an ovation from the Kansas City crowd.Lorenzen (7-6) allowed four hits, two walks, a hit batter and struck out five. He only allowed two runners to reach scoring position. Three of the four hits he allowed came in the first three innings.“I wasn’t very happy with the first three innings. I was kind of spraying the ball all over the place, getting frustrated with myself,” Lorenzen said. “I guess I was able to make that adjustment and my pitch quality got a lot better.”Lorenzen gave up a hit to Taylor Ward to lead off the game but got Zach Neto to ground into a double play.“The double play the second hitter of the game, that was a big relief,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It was more of a mentality of let’s just attack here and not work the edges as much. He was on the attack more so after the first couple innings.”John Schreiber pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Lucas Erceg worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his sixth save and fourth with the Royals.The Royals (71-56) remained tied with the Minnesota Twins for the second wild-card spot and moved to within 2.5 games of AL Central-leading Cleveland with their first home series win in a month.The Royals put together a two-out rally in the second to grab a 2-0 lead. Hunter Renfroe and Adam Frazier singled, Maikel Garcia walked and Kyle Isbel hit a two-run double to the right-center gap.“It was a five-pitch first and I think he had 12 pitches total in the second before we put those two runs up,” Quatraro said of Cueto. “He got a ton of ground balls. He was working the edges, he’s got the sinker. ... He elevated it too, so he pitched well.”Melendez hit a two-out solo home run off the right-field foul pole in the sixth for a 3-0 lead.“Obviously he’s got good stuff and he knows how to pitch,” Melendez said of facing Cueto. “He is able to disrupt your timing. He definitely knows what he’s doing up there. ... You just have to stay locked in and stay within yourself and not try to do too much against him.”Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the second inning to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. That’s Witt’s fifth hitting streak of 10 or more games this season.ROSTER MOVESThe Angels optioned RHP Hans Crouse to Triple-A Salt Lake City to make room for Cueto. They also released RHP Jose Cisneros to add Cueto to the 40-man roster.UP NEXTThe Angels have not announced a starter for the series opener at Toronto Thursday. ... Michael Wacha (10-6, 3.33 ERA) will start for the Royals at home against Philadelphia on Friday.

Michael Lorenzen's strong start leads Royals over Angels 3-0

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Michael Lorenzen pitched seven shutout innings, MJ Melendez
homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on
Wednesday for their sixth win in seven games. The Royals spoiled the
season debut of Johnny Cueto, a 17-year veteran who helped Kansas
City win the 2015 World Series. He allowed three runs on eight hits
and two walks in 6 1/3 innings and left the mound to an ovation from
the Kansas City crowd. Lorenzen allowed four hits, two walks, a hit
batter and struck out five. Lucas Erceg worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn
his sixth save and fourth with the Royals.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Nolan Arenado hit a grand slam in the 10th inning to give the St.
Louis Cardinals a 10-6 comeback victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Arenado’s fifth career walk-off homer and sixth career grand slam
gave the Cardinals their second win in their last eight games and
snapped the Brewers’ six-game winning streak. The Brewers led 6-4
after Joey Ortiz’s two-run double in the eighth inning. But the
Cardinals capitalized on Devin Williams’ control issues. Williams
hit Willson Contreras to start the ninth and St. Louis tied the game
at 6-all with bases loaded walks to Matt Carpenter and Tommy Pham.
Ryan Helsley (5-4) pitched a scoreless 10th for the win.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Pinch-hitter Jesse Winker led off the ninth inning with his first
home run for the New York Mets, giving them another rousing 4-3
victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Mets starter Sean Manaea retired
his first 17 batters and Mark Vientos put New York ahead 3-2 with a
solo homer in the seventh. Francisco Lindor also went deep and J.D.
Martinez drove in a run with a grounder to help the Mets take two of
three in the series. Austin Slater had a two-run homer for the
Orioles. In the series opener Monday night, it was Francisco
Alvarez’s solo homer in the ninth that gave the Mets a 4-3 victory.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.
(AP) — Rookie Bo Nix was informed Wednesday that he'd won the
Denver Broncos' starting quarterback job. That means he'll be the
14th different player to start at quarterback for the Broncos since
Peyton Manning retired in 2016. Nix was the 12th player and sixth
quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL draft. He started 61 games at
Auburn and Oregon, which is the most by a quarterback in NCAA
history. Nix beat out incumbent Jarrett Stidham and trade acquisition
Zach Wilson, whom the Broncos acquired from the New York Jets in
April.

CLEVELAND (AP) —
Deshaun Watson is dealing with what the Browns describe as “general
arm soreness.” That development could impact whether Cleveland’s
quarterback makes his preseason debut this week. The Browns stopped
Watson from throwing during Wednesday’s practice. Coach Kevin
Stefanski said he's not "overly concerned” by the soreness.
Watson had shoulder surgery in November to repair a fracture that
ended his second season with Cleveland after six starts. Stefanski
has not decided if or how much Watson will play on Saturday when the
Browns visit Seattle Seahawks. Also, Browns running back Pierre
Strong Jr. has been released from a hospital after suffering a rib
injury in practice.

UNDATED (AP) — The
impact of the NCAA ruling granting an extra year of eligibility as a
result of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season remains apparent four
years later as players extend their college careers into their
mid-20s.Hundreds of Football Bowl Subdivision players are in their
sixth season of eligibility and dozens are in their seventh year or
later. Miami tight end Cam McCormick is entering his ninth season of
eligibility at the age of 26. No. 17 Oklahoma State has two
seventh-year players in quarterback Alan Bowman and linebacker Justin
Wright. Fourteen other Oklahoma State players are entering their
sixth seasons.

UNDATED (AP) —
Superconferences and a 12-team College Football Playoff make this
season more difficult to predict than ever, but we’ll give it a
shot anyway. Georgia and Ohio State appear to be the closest thing to
locks. The Southeastern Conference could have a third of the field,
and still not get Alabama in. There will be some surprises, too.
Wisconsin and Virginia Tech, anybody?

CASTLE ROCK, Colo.
(AP) — Scottie Scheffler could have skipped the BMW Championship.
He already is practically assured of the top seed going to the FedEx
Cup finale this week. Castle Pines is not only at mile-high altitude
south of Denver, it's new to 48 out of the 50 players in the field.
But Scheffler is setting his sights on another trophy. He already has
six of them this year, along with an Olympic gold medal. At stake for
the other 50 players is making sure they get into the top 30 in the
FedEx Cup and qualify for the season finale.

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) —
Bobby Hurley is returning to Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium for a
charity exhibition game with his Arizona State basketball team. The
Sun Devils and Blue Devils will play the game on Oct. 27 with
benefits going to the Duke Children’s Hospital. Hurley won two
national championships and was a first-team All-American under former
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski from 1989-93. Hurley is still the NCAA’s
all-time assists leader with 1,076. Hurley has spent the past nine
seasons coaching at Arizona State.

Final	Chicago White
Sox	6	San Francisco	2	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Michael Lorenzen pitched seven shutout innings, MJ Melendez
homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on
Wednesday for their sixth win in seven games. The Royals spoiled the
season debut of Johnny Cueto, a 17-year veteran who helped Kansas
City win the 2015 World Series. He allowed three runs on eight hits
and two walks in 6 1/3 innings and left the mound to an ovation from
the Kansas City crowd. Lorenzen allowed four hits, two walks, a hit
batter and struck out five. Lucas Erceg worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn
his sixth save and fourth with the Royals.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Nolan Arenado hit a grand slam in the 10th inning to give the St.
Louis Cardinals a 10-6 comeback victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Arenado’s fifth career walk-off homer and sixth career grand slam
gave the Cardinals their second win in their last eight games and
snapped the Brewers’ six-game winning streak. The Brewers led 6-4
after Joey Ortiz’s two-run double in the eighth inning. But the
Cardinals capitalized on Devin Williams’ control issues. Williams
hit Willson Contreras to start the ninth and St. Louis tied the game
at 6-all with bases loaded walks to Matt Carpenter and Tommy Pham.
Ryan Helsley (5-4) pitched a scoreless 10th for the win.NEW YORK (AP) —
Pinch-hitter Jesse Winker led off the ninth inning with his first
home run for the New York Mets, giving them another rousing 4-3
victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Mets starter Sean Manaea retired
his first 17 batters and Mark Vientos put New York ahead 3-2 with a
solo homer in the seventh. Francisco Lindor also went deep and J.D.
Martinez drove in a run with a grounder to help the Mets take two of
three in the series. Austin Slater had a two-run homer for the
Orioles. In the series opener Monday night, it was Francisco
Alvarez’s solo homer in the ninth that gave the Mets a 4-3 victory.ENGLEWOOD, Colo.
(AP) — Rookie Bo Nix was informed Wednesday that he'd won the
Denver Broncos' starting quarterback job. That means he'll be the
14th different player to start at quarterback for the Broncos since
Peyton Manning retired in 2016. Nix was the 12th player and sixth
quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL draft. He started 61 games at
Auburn and Oregon, which is the most by a quarterback in NCAA
history. Nix beat out incumbent Jarrett Stidham and trade acquisition
Zach Wilson, whom the Broncos acquired from the New York Jets in
April.CLEVELAND (AP) —
Deshaun Watson is dealing with what the Browns describe as “general
arm soreness.” That development could impact whether Cleveland’s
quarterback makes his preseason debut this week. The Browns stopped
Watson from throwing during Wednesday’s practice. Coach Kevin
Stefanski said he's not "overly concerned” by the soreness.
Watson had shoulder surgery in November to repair a fracture that
ended his second season with Cleveland after six starts. Stefanski
has not decided if or how much Watson will play on Saturday when the
Browns visit Seattle Seahawks. Also, Browns running back Pierre
Strong Jr. has been released from a hospital after suffering a rib
injury in practice.UNDATED (AP) — The
impact of the NCAA ruling granting an extra year of eligibility as a
result of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season remains apparent four
years later as players extend their college careers into their
mid-20s.Hundreds of Football Bowl Subdivision players are in their
sixth season of eligibility and dozens are in their seventh year or
later. Miami tight end Cam McCormick is entering his ninth season of
eligibility at the age of 26. No. 17 Oklahoma State has two
seventh-year players in quarterback Alan Bowman and linebacker Justin
Wright. Fourteen other Oklahoma State players are entering their
sixth seasons.UNDATED (AP) —
Superconferences and a 12-team College Football Playoff make this
season more difficult to predict than ever, but we’ll give it a
shot anyway. Georgia and Ohio State appear to be the closest thing to
locks. The Southeastern Conference could have a third of the field,
and still not get Alabama in. There will be some surprises, too.
Wisconsin and Virginia Tech, anybody?CASTLE ROCK, Colo.
(AP) — Scottie Scheffler could have skipped the BMW Championship.
He already is practically assured of the top seed going to the FedEx
Cup finale this week. Castle Pines is not only at mile-high altitude
south of Denver, it's new to 48 out of the 50 players in the field.
But Scheffler is setting his sights on another trophy. He already has
six of them this year, along with an Olympic gold medal. At stake for
the other 50 players is making sure they get into the top 30 in the
FedEx Cup and qualify for the season finale.DURHAM, N.C. (AP) —
Bobby Hurley is returning to Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium for a
charity exhibition game with his Arizona State basketball team. The
Sun Devils and Blue Devils will play the game on Oct. 27 with
benefits going to the Duke Children’s Hospital. Hurley won two
national championships and was a first-team All-American under former
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski from 1989-93. Hurley is still the NCAA’s
all-time assists leader with 1,076. Hurley has spent the past nine
seasons coaching at Arizona State.WEDNESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	N.Y.
Mets	4	Baltimore	3	Final	Texas	1	Pittsburgh	0	Final	Chicago White
Sox	6	San Francisco	2	Final	Minnesota	11	San
Diego	4	Final	Cincinnati	11	Toronto	7	Final	Detroit	8	Chicago
Cubs	2	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	8	Seattle	4	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Boston	4	Houston	1	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	8	Cleveland	1	Final	Kansas
City	3	L.A. Angels	0	Final	Tampa
Bay	4	Oakland	2	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Washington	6	Colorado	1	Final	Philadelphia	3	Atlanta	2	Final	Arizona	10	Miami	8

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

* All games begin at 7pm unless noted. Home games are in CAPS

Fri. Nov. 1&nbsp; Class 1A Playoffs - TBA

* All games begin at 7pm unless noted. Home games are in CAPSFri. Sept. 6&nbsp; SYRACUSEFri. Sept. 13&nbsp; HERINGTONFri. Sept. 20&nbsp; @ Stanton CountyFri. Sept. 27&nbsp; @ SterlingFri. Oct. 4&nbsp; SOUTH SUMNERFri. Oct. 11 @ Hutch-TrinityFri. Oct. 18&nbsp; @ Conway SpringsFri. Oct.&nbsp; 25 MEDICINE LODGEFri. Nov. 1&nbsp; Class 1A Playoffs - TBA

2024 Ellinwood Eagle Football Schedule

- Great Bend High School Volleyball coach Shelly Duvall

- "Voice of the K-State Wildcats" Wyatt Thompson

- "Voice of the FHSU Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Wednesday show lineup with Hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher." />
 <figcaption>Wednesday 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/dCTT-1OSO5I?si=W_47YEoSbeKoBlKu" 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>- Great Bend High School Volleyball coach Shelly Duvall- "Voice of the K-State Wildcats" Wyatt Thompson- "Voice of the FHSU Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock- Wednesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Wednesday on Sports Day (Watch)

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska football program posted a picture of Dylan Raiola moving into his dormitory on one of its social media platforms and it was viewed nearly 14 million times in a week. His hairstyle and sunglasses prompted a flood of comments about how much he resembled Patrick Mahomes.

The anecdote illustrates the excitement and expectations for the highest-rated recruit in program history among a fan base that's endured seven straight losing seasons, the Cornhuskers' worst stretch since the 1940s.

Raiola was the nation's No. 1 or 2 quarterback prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, and he had pledged to Ohio State and Georgia before he flipped to Nebraska in December. Anticipation has been building since. On Wednesday, he was named the starter for the Aug. 31 opener against UTEP.

How does the son of Nebraska All-America center Dominic Raiola tune out the noise?

“First, my faith,” he said. “I wake up every morning, give my devotion, and it sets your day off right and you protect yourself from the world. And then I have great parents that have raised me correctly and have taught me the way to act and how to be around people and keep the distractions out.”

It also helps that his uncle, Donovan Raiola, is the offensive line coach and his sister, Taylor, is a graduate manager for football recruiting.

“To have family in the building is very comforting,” Dylan said.

As for similarities between Mahomes and Raiola, both wear jersey No. 15, and Raiola has trained with Mahomes' longtime personal coach, Jeff Christensen. Raiola said it's cool if fans want to say he looks like Mahomes. He said he can only aspire to play like him.

“Just try to do my thing," he said, pausing. “My hair? I guess it looks like his.”

The Huskers haven't won more than five games since 2016. They had four losses by three points while going 5-7 last year.

“If I say 10-2 is good, or 8-4, I'm telling you I think we're going to lose four games,” coach Matt Rhule said. “I want to go out and try to win every game. So I guess what I’m saying to you is I expect us to be a really good team. If we’re 5-7 again, that’s not going to be enough.”

The list of priorities begins with cutting down on turnovers, an issue that carried over from the Scott Frost regime. The Huskers' 50 turnovers since 2022 are most among power-conference teams. Their 15 lost fumbles last year were most in the nation, and their minus-17 turnover margin was second worst.

“Having a minus-17 turnover ratio ... We might have won nine games, and I don't think we were necessarily a nine-win team," Rhule said. "That speaks to a lot of good things we did, but one thing messed it up. And so we’ll fix it.”

The most improved position should be receiver, where the Huskers added transfers Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor. Each has one year of eligibility.

Banks recorded more than 100 catches and 1,400 receiving yards in four seasons at Wake Forest. Last year he caught 59 balls for a team-high 653 yards and four touchdowns.

Neyor was one of the top receivers in the Mountain West for Wyoming in 2021. He transferred to Texas and missed 2022 because of injury and appeared in just one game last season.

Freshman Carter Nelson, who played tight end in high school, has moved to receiver and is in line for significant playing time. Tight end Thomas Fidone is set to build on a solid 2023.

Isaac Gifford, the Huskers' leading tackler last year, leads a veteran defense under coordinator Tony White. He said he returned for a fifth season rather than declare for the NFL draft because his work is not done at Nebraska.

The Gifford name has been part of the program for most of the last 10 years. Luke was a linebacker at Nebraska from 2014-18 and now plays for the Tennessee Titans.

“Since I’ve been here, it’s to get Nebraska to the place where everybody respects you,” Isaac said. “And that’s what we’re going to get done.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724259985606.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola throws passes for teammates during the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day, March 20, 2024 in Lincoln, Neb. (Anna Reed/Omaha World-Herald via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola throws passes for teammates during the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day, March 20, 2024 in Lincoln, Neb. (Anna Reed/Omaha World-Herald via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska football program posted a picture of Dylan Raiola moving into his dormitory on one of its social media platforms and it was viewed nearly 14 million times in a week. His hairstyle and sunglasses prompted a flood of comments about how much he resembled Patrick Mahomes.The anecdote illustrates the excitement and expectations for the highest-rated recruit in program history among a fan base that's endured seven straight losing seasons, the Cornhuskers' worst stretch since the 1940s.Raiola was the nation's No. 1 or 2 quarterback prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, and he had pledged to Ohio State and Georgia before he flipped to Nebraska in December. Anticipation has been building since. On Wednesday, he was named the starter for the Aug. 31 opener against UTEP.How does the son of Nebraska All-America center Dominic Raiola tune out the noise?“First, my faith,” he said. “I wake up every morning, give my devotion, and it sets your day off right and you protect yourself from the world. And then I have great parents that have raised me correctly and have taught me the way to act and how to be around people and keep the distractions out.”It also helps that his uncle, Donovan Raiola, is the offensive line coach and his sister, Taylor, is a graduate manager for football recruiting.“To have family in the building is very comforting,” Dylan said.As for similarities between Mahomes and Raiola, both wear jersey No. 15, and Raiola has trained with Mahomes' longtime personal coach, Jeff Christensen. Raiola said it's cool if fans want to say he looks like Mahomes. He said he can only aspire to play like him.“Just try to do my thing," he said, pausing. “My hair? I guess it looks like his.”Can Nebraska improve?The Huskers haven't won more than five games since 2016. They had four losses by three points while going 5-7 last year.“If I say 10-2 is good, or 8-4, I'm telling you I think we're going to lose four games,” coach Matt Rhule said. “I want to go out and try to win every game. So I guess what I’m saying to you is I expect us to be a really good team. If we’re 5-7 again, that’s not going to be enough.”Those pesky turnoversThe list of priorities begins with cutting down on turnovers, an issue that carried over from the Scott Frost regime. The Huskers' 50 turnovers since 2022 are most among power-conference teams. Their 15 lost fumbles last year were most in the nation, and their minus-17 turnover margin was second worst.“Having a minus-17 turnover ratio ... We might have won nine games, and I don't think we were necessarily a nine-win team," Rhule said. "That speaks to a lot of good things we did, but one thing messed it up. And so we’ll fix it.”Upgraded receiving corpsThe most improved position should be receiver, where the Huskers added transfers Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor. Each has one year of eligibility.Banks recorded more than 100 catches and 1,400 receiving yards in four seasons at Wake Forest. Last year he caught 59 balls for a team-high 653 yards and four touchdowns.Neyor was one of the top receivers in the Mountain West for Wyoming in 2021. He transferred to Texas and missed 2022 because of injury and appeared in just one game last season.Freshman Carter Nelson, who played tight end in high school, has moved to receiver and is in line for significant playing time. Tight end Thomas Fidone is set to build on a solid 2023.It's about respectIsaac Gifford, the Huskers' leading tackler last year, leads a veteran defense under coordinator Tony White. He said he returned for a fifth season rather than declare for the NFL draft because his work is not done at Nebraska.The Gifford name has been part of the program for most of the last 10 years. Luke was a linebacker at Nebraska from 2014-18 and now plays for the Tennessee Titans.“Since I’ve been here, it’s to get Nebraska to the place where everybody respects you,” Isaac said. “And that’s what we’re going to get done.”The schedule

Nebraska turns to star QB recruit to pull program out of tailspin

By JOHN ZENOR AP Sports Writer

Marc Smith was relaxing in his basement when he got an alert on his phone. An athlete at his alma mater, Grambling State, had posted on social media about not having enough food and needing help.

That incident led Smith to form the Icon 1901 Collective in April 2022 to help Grambling athletes land paid endorsement deals at the school best known for iconic football coach Eddie Robinson. Smith searched and couldn't find a single historically Black college or university with a collective focused on name, image or likeness compensation so he expanded Icon 1901 to represent HBCU athletes elsewhere as well.

“These kids want to be inclusive in the NIL space and many of the universities don’t have the resources,” Smith said.

Outside the biggest and wealthiest athletic programs, the financial strain of offering robust NIL options to college athletes is a constant concern and is often especially pronounced at HBCUs. The four major HBCU conferences recently agreed to work together to increase the value of HBCUs and send more athletes to the pros, but now there is a new wrinkle.

The mammoth $2.8 billion antitrust settlement agreed to by the NCAA and the biggest conferences in the nation includes the prospect of schools paying athletes directly starting as early as 2025. Revenue sharing is a new and daunting factor for all schools with modest resources, including HBCUs.

“There may be some questions about how are they going to be able to navigate this, but if past experience is any indication they will find a will and a way based on alumni coming together to figure out a way to push these institutions forward,” said Texas Southern Professor J. Kenyatta Cavil, who studies HBCU athletics.

Only a handful of Black colleges have NIL collectives to help arrange deals for athletes, though efforts have grown in the past year or so as alumni have rallied and in the wake of Deion Sanders' football coaching tenure at Jackson State.

Many HBCU schools don’t rake in nearly as much money from sports as their Championship Subdivision peers. Out of 64 FCS schools, none reported less total athletic revenue in 2023 than Mississippi Valley State’s $4.8 million, according to Knight-Newhouse. Eight of the bottom 11 were HBCUs.

Alcorn State, like Grambling and Mississippi Valley part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, reported $7.9 million. That compares to James Madison’s $68 million at the top of the list (not acounting Ivy League schools).

SWAC Commissioner Charles McClelland said he doesn’t know what the athletics landscape will look like down the road. But he knows big-money schools and conferences don’t either, and that whatever happens will ultimately trickle down to his league and the rest of the FCS.

The SWAC and Southeastern Conference are both headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. That affords McClelland and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey chances to meet and discuss the potential changes.

“One thing he said to me, he said, ‘Charles, we have the same problems. There might just be differences in zeroes at the end of those problems. We’re all in this thing together,’” McClelland said. “We have to share ideas. And what better opportunity to learn and grow than to share ideas with the SEC from the Southwestern Athletic Conference standpoint?"

Prairie View A&amp;M football coach Bubba McDowell said his SWAC program lost a half-dozen top players because of NIL money. His school didn’t have it, others did. He is leery of what revenue sharing might do to recruiting and retention of players at HBCUs.

“It’s going to hurt big time,” McDowell said. “That’s what these kids are looking for and that’s what society has done for these young men. I’m not against that. I’ve said from Day 1, if we’re going to do this thing, let’s do it the right way. We just still haven’t figured out how to do it the right way.”

McDowell and his SWAC peers are realistic. Unless their name is Sanders, now at Colorado, top recruits were likely headed elsewhere anyway.

Now they are also more likely to develop and then lose players who are missed or not recruited by bigger programs out of high school. Alabama State coach Eddie Robinson Jr. (no relation to the former Grambling coach) went from a walk-on with the Hornets to a second-round NFL draft pick at the same school.

The Hornets' leading receiver, Kisean Johnson, left for Western Kentucky after last season.

“We’re still looking for the same type of kid," Robinson said. "It’s just a matter of can we hold on to them once they develop into that player. That’s kind of the part that you don’t like.”

There's no denying the tradition and passionate fan bases of HBCUs. The Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern drew nearly 65,000 fans to the Superdome in New Orleans last season. The Magic City Classic pitting Alabama State and Alabama A&amp;M brought 52,000-plus to Legion Field in Birmingham.

“I think once you become part of the HBCU family you’re going to go to all of those big games and it’s more than just, ‘I went 2,000 miles away from home, I got a big check and then I never go back to the school again,’” Robinson said. “Once you start coming to Alabama State, you come to the Magic City Classic, you’re going to be 50 years old coming back to the Magic City Classic. It’s going to be part of what you do.”

Black colleges are hardly alone in their uncertainty about how to handle sharing revenue with athletes. Athletic directors below the Power Four leagues are grappling with three major financial topics: Less annual money from the NCAA because of the damages portion of the settlement; establishing the best options for a limited donor base so their school has a shot at landing athletes with NIL deals; and figuring out how much they can take on should their school decide to pay athletes.

“As a general sense, FCS football programs are struggling to retain talent because they do not have established NIL collectives or partners,” said Blake Lawrence, CEO of Opendorse.com, an NIL marketplace. “I think there’s a growing need for those programs in the HBCU and beyond to have a real answer to, how do we retain talent by leveraging NIL? It will become a growing need.”

Opendorse partners with dozens of schools across all three NCAA divisions that have or are trying to develop NIL collectives. That group includes HBCUs Jackson State, Delaware State and Howard.

The Icon Collective's web site reads: “For years, the Black athlete has built wealth with their skills on the field and some have written their way into history via their universities and on the national level.”

Smith said he and his team aren't trying to make HBCU athletes wealthy. He said his collective represents some 350 athletes from 45 Black colleges, just under half of the 107 total, according to the Labor Department. He said the deals typically range from $500 to $1,000 per athlete and often run for 3-6 months.

"We’re not here to make millionaires or make school free for kids. I’m here to lessen the burden," Smith said.

His son, Jayden, landed a $20,000 deal with math tutoring company Mathnasium in October 2023. Jayden Smith plays baseball for Xavier University of Louisiana, an NAIA school, and does things like promotional videos on YouTube.

Grambling basketball player Jimel Cofer received a deal with Buffalo Wild Wings after his layup sent the Tigers into overtime in an eventual win over Montana State in a First Four game of the NCAA Tournament. Marc Smith said the deal was worth $5,000.

Krispy Kreme locations in Tallahassee, Florida, have offered a “Dean Dozen” special named after Florida A&amp;M running back Kelvin Dean, who was the Celebration Bowl offensive MVP.

Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body, a Texas Southern transfer, said he had some interest from Bowl Subdivision schools while in the transfer portal. Going to those might have meant some NIL money, but he said he is being patient and focusing on a potential pro career, saying “getting paid in college right now kind of takes a little hunger away from your game.”

“It’s tough to compete with (NIL money) but the thing I think the kids are really missing on most is, if you do what you’ve got to do on the field, some type of connections, revenue, whatever it may be are going to come your way,” Body said.

Grambling State quarterback Myles Crawley, the preseason SWAC offensive player of the year, said in July that he didn’t have a NIL deal but noted “there’s nothing like the HBCU experience.”

“I grew up around the HBCU coaching so I always said I wanted to start at the HBCU and finish,” Crawley said. “I’m building a culture for the next guy to understand that they can make it from an HBCU. The money might be different but as far as culture, there’s nothing like HBCUs.”

By JOHN ZENOR AP Sports WriterMarc Smith was relaxing in his basement when he got an alert on his phone. An athlete at his alma mater, Grambling State, had posted on social media about not having enough food and needing help.That incident led Smith to form the Icon 1901 Collective in April 2022 to help Grambling athletes land paid endorsement deals at the school best known for iconic football coach Eddie Robinson. Smith searched and couldn't find a single historically Black college or university with a collective focused on name, image or likeness compensation so he expanded Icon 1901 to represent HBCU athletes elsewhere as well.“These kids want to be inclusive in the NIL space and many of the universities don’t have the resources,” Smith said.Outside the biggest and wealthiest athletic programs, the financial strain of offering robust NIL options to college athletes is a constant concern and is often especially pronounced at HBCUs. The four major HBCU conferences recently agreed to work together to increase the value of HBCUs and send more athletes to the pros, but now there is a new wrinkle.The mammoth $2.8 billion antitrust settlement agreed to by the NCAA and the biggest conferences in the nation includes the prospect of schools paying athletes directly starting as early as 2025. Revenue sharing is a new and daunting factor for all schools with modest resources, including HBCUs.“There may be some questions about how are they going to be able to navigate this, but if past experience is any indication they will find a will and a way based on alumni coming together to figure out a way to push these institutions forward,” said Texas Southern Professor J. Kenyatta Cavil, who studies HBCU athletics.Less money to work withOnly a handful of Black colleges have NIL collectives to help arrange deals for athletes, though efforts have grown in the past year or so as alumni have rallied and in the wake of Deion Sanders' football coaching tenure at Jackson State.Many HBCU schools don’t rake in nearly as much money from sports as their Championship Subdivision peers. Out of 64 FCS schools, none reported less total athletic revenue in 2023 than Mississippi Valley State’s $4.8 million, according to Knight-Newhouse. Eight of the bottom 11 were HBCUs.Alcorn State, like Grambling and Mississippi Valley part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, reported $7.9 million. That compares to James Madison’s $68 million at the top of the list (not acounting Ivy League schools).Big pictureSWAC Commissioner Charles McClelland said he doesn’t know what the athletics landscape will look like down the road. But he knows big-money schools and conferences don’t either, and that whatever happens will ultimately trickle down to his league and the rest of the FCS.The SWAC and Southeastern Conference are both headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. That affords McClelland and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey chances to meet and discuss the potential changes.“One thing he said to me, he said, ‘Charles, we have the same problems. There might just be differences in zeroes at the end of those problems. We’re all in this thing together,’” McClelland said. “We have to share ideas. And what better opportunity to learn and grow than to share ideas with the SEC from the Southwestern Athletic Conference standpoint?"Dollars and departuresPrairie View A&amp;M football coach Bubba McDowell said his SWAC program lost a half-dozen top players because of NIL money. His school didn’t have it, others did. He is leery of what revenue sharing might do to recruiting and retention of players at HBCUs.“It’s going to hurt big time,” McDowell said. “That’s what these kids are looking for and that’s what society has done for these young men. I’m not against that. I’ve said from Day 1, if we’re going to do this thing, let’s do it the right way. We just still haven’t figured out how to do it the right way.”McDowell and his SWAC peers are realistic. Unless their name is Sanders, now at Colorado, top recruits were likely headed elsewhere anyway.Now they are also more likely to develop and then lose players who are missed or not recruited by bigger programs out of high school. Alabama State coach Eddie Robinson Jr. (no relation to the former Grambling coach) went from a walk-on with the Hornets to a second-round NFL draft pick at the same school.The Hornets' leading receiver, Kisean Johnson, left for Western Kentucky after last season.“We’re still looking for the same type of kid," Robinson said. "It’s just a matter of can we hold on to them once they develop into that player. That’s kind of the part that you don’t like.”Rich on traditionThere's no denying the tradition and passionate fan bases of HBCUs. The Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern drew nearly 65,000 fans to the Superdome in New Orleans last season. The Magic City Classic pitting Alabama State and Alabama A&amp;M brought 52,000-plus to Legion Field in Birmingham.“I think once you become part of the HBCU family you’re going to go to all of those big games and it’s more than just, ‘I went 2,000 miles away from home, I got a big check and then I never go back to the school again,’” Robinson said. “Once you start coming to Alabama State, you come to the Magic City Classic, you’re going to be 50 years old coming back to the Magic City Classic. It’s going to be part of what you do.”FCS challengesBlack colleges are hardly alone in their uncertainty about how to handle sharing revenue with athletes. Athletic directors below the Power Four leagues are grappling with three major financial topics: Less annual money from the NCAA because of the damages portion of the settlement; establishing the best options for a limited donor base so their school has a shot at landing athletes with NIL deals; and figuring out how much they can take on should their school decide to pay athletes.“As a general sense, FCS football programs are struggling to retain talent because they do not have established NIL collectives or partners,” said Blake Lawrence, CEO of Opendorse.com, an NIL marketplace. “I think there’s a growing need for those programs in the HBCU and beyond to have a real answer to, how do we retain talent by leveraging NIL? It will become a growing need.”HBCU teams and collectivesOpendorse partners with dozens of schools across all three NCAA divisions that have or are trying to develop NIL collectives. That group includes HBCUs Jackson State, Delaware State and Howard.The Icon Collective's web site reads: “For years, the Black athlete has built wealth with their skills on the field and some have written their way into history via their universities and on the national level.”Smith said he and his team aren't trying to make HBCU athletes wealthy. He said his collective represents some 350 athletes from 45 Black colleges, just under half of the 107 total, according to the Labor Department. He said the deals typically range from $500 to $1,000 per athlete and often run for 3-6 months."We’re not here to make millionaires or make school free for kids. I’m here to lessen the burden," Smith said.His son, Jayden, landed a $20,000 deal with math tutoring company Mathnasium in October 2023. Jayden Smith plays baseball for Xavier University of Louisiana, an NAIA school, and does things like promotional videos on YouTube.Grambling basketball player Jimel Cofer received a deal with Buffalo Wild Wings after his layup sent the Tigers into overtime in an eventual win over Montana State in a First Four game of the NCAA Tournament. Marc Smith said the deal was worth $5,000.Krispy Kreme locations in Tallahassee, Florida, have offered a “Dean Dozen” special named after Florida A&amp;M running back Kelvin Dean, who was the Celebration Bowl offensive MVP.Players' perspectiveAlabama State quarterback Andrew Body, a Texas Southern transfer, said he had some interest from Bowl Subdivision schools while in the transfer portal. Going to those might have meant some NIL money, but he said he is being patient and focusing on a potential pro career, saying “getting paid in college right now kind of takes a little hunger away from your game.”“It’s tough to compete with (NIL money) but the thing I think the kids are really missing on most is, if you do what you’ve got to do on the field, some type of connections, revenue, whatever it may be are going to come your way,” Body said.Grambling State quarterback Myles Crawley, the preseason SWAC offensive player of the year, said in July that he didn’t have a NIL deal but noted “there’s nothing like the HBCU experience.”“I grew up around the HBCU coaching so I always said I wanted to start at the HBCU and finish,” Crawley said. “I’m building a culture for the next guy to understand that they can make it from an HBCU. The money might be different but as far as culture, there’s nothing like HBCUs.”

Prospect of player pay another wrinkle for HBCU schools

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Anderson outlasted Cole Ragans in a matchup of All-Star pitchers, Zach Neto hit a go-ahead homer for Los Angeles, and the Angels beat Kansas City 9-5 on Tuesday night to end the Royals' five-game winning streak.

Anthony Rendon, Kevin Pillar and Logan O'Hoppe drove in two runs apiece for the Angels, who had lost three straight and six of seven overall. Nolan Schanuel walked three times, and Jo Adell and Jack Lopez each drove in a run.

“That team has been playing really good baseball,” Anderson said. "You just want to battle and give your guys a chance."

Anderson (10-11) allowed five runs on 12 hits and two walks while pitching into the seventh, when Kansas City trimmed a five-run deficit to two. It was good enough to make Anderson the first Angels lefty since Hector Santiago in 2016 to reach 10 wins.

It also was better than Ragans (10-8), who was pulled after Neto homered and two more batters reached base in the sixth. The left-hander allowed five runs — four earned — on three hits, three walks and a hit batter while striking out nine.

“It's always nice when you score runs and we've been having trouble doing it,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “Today we got a chance to score them and tomorrow I hope we can continue. ... I just want us to be consistent and able to sustain it. Tonight we were able to do that. But I would like to see us come back tomorrow and put those types of at-bats together.”

Vinnie Pasquantino had three RBIs for Kansas City. Bobby Witt Jr. had three hits and drove in a run.

The Royals had not trailed during their five-game win streak, but the Angels were able to strike first Tuesday night. Schanuel and Pillar led off the fourth with doubles, and Rendon's sacrifice fly later in the inning gave them a 2-0 lead.

Kansas City answered in the bottom half on doubles by Witt and Pasquantino and Hunter Renfroe's tying single.

Neto homered for the second straight game leading off the sixth, and Ragans walked Schanuel and plunked Pillar before departing for the night. O'Hoppe and Rendon greeted James McArthur with run-scoring singles to give Los Angeles a 5-2 lead.

In the seventh, Pillar added a sacrifice fly after a 14-pitch at-bat and O'Hoppe hit an RBI single to extend the lead to five.

The support came in handy when Kansas City scored three times in the bottom of the inning. But Hunter Strickland came in for Anderson and limited the damage, and Los Angeles added two more runs in the ninth to put the game away.

“They fought like they always do,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a chance to come back there in the seventh and just couldn’t get there.”

Crew chief Vic Carapazza's umpires had a tough night, getting three calls overturned by review. Two involved first base umpire Mike Estabrook and the third came when plate umpire Tom Hanahan incorrectly called Rendon out trying to score in the ninth.

Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) had a setback while throwing before Monday night's game. He received an injection Tuesday, Quatraro said, and the hope is Harvey can try throwing again later in the week.

Angels: RHP Johnny Cueto will be back on a big league mound Wednesday night when the Angels wrap up the series. The 38-year-old Cueto, who helped the Royals win the World Series in 2015, had been pitching at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (6-6, 3.68 ERA) gets the start in the series finale against the Angels before Kansas City takes Thursday off. Lorenzen tossed 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball his last time out in his return to Cincinnati.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Anderson outlasted Cole Ragans in a matchup of All-Star pitchers, Zach Neto hit a go-ahead homer for Los Angeles, and the Angels beat Kansas City 9-5 on Tuesday night to end the Royals' five-game winning streak.Anthony Rendon, Kevin Pillar and Logan O'Hoppe drove in two runs apiece for the Angels, who had lost three straight and six of seven overall. Nolan Schanuel walked three times, and Jo Adell and Jack Lopez each drove in a run.“That team has been playing really good baseball,” Anderson said. "You just want to battle and give your guys a chance."Anderson (10-11) allowed five runs on 12 hits and two walks while pitching into the seventh, when Kansas City trimmed a five-run deficit to two. It was good enough to make Anderson the first Angels lefty since Hector Santiago in 2016 to reach 10 wins.It also was better than Ragans (10-8), who was pulled after Neto homered and two more batters reached base in the sixth. The left-hander allowed five runs — four earned — on three hits, three walks and a hit batter while striking out nine.“It's always nice when you score runs and we've been having trouble doing it,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “Today we got a chance to score them and tomorrow I hope we can continue. ... I just want us to be consistent and able to sustain it. Tonight we were able to do that. But I would like to see us come back tomorrow and put those types of at-bats together.”Vinnie Pasquantino had three RBIs for Kansas City. Bobby Witt Jr. had three hits and drove in a run.The Royals had not trailed during their five-game win streak, but the Angels were able to strike first Tuesday night. Schanuel and Pillar led off the fourth with doubles, and Rendon's sacrifice fly later in the inning gave them a 2-0 lead.Kansas City answered in the bottom half on doubles by Witt and Pasquantino and Hunter Renfroe's tying single.Neto homered for the second straight game leading off the sixth, and Ragans walked Schanuel and plunked Pillar before departing for the night. O'Hoppe and Rendon greeted James McArthur with run-scoring singles to give Los Angeles a 5-2 lead.In the seventh, Pillar added a sacrifice fly after a 14-pitch at-bat and O'Hoppe hit an RBI single to extend the lead to five.The support came in handy when Kansas City scored three times in the bottom of the inning. But Hunter Strickland came in for Anderson and limited the damage, and Los Angeles added two more runs in the ninth to put the game away.“They fought like they always do,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a chance to come back there in the seventh and just couldn’t get there.”CUE THE VIDEOCrew chief Vic Carapazza's umpires had a tough night, getting three calls overturned by review. Two involved first base umpire Mike Estabrook and the third came when plate umpire Tom Hanahan incorrectly called Rendon out trying to score in the ninth.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) had a setback while throwing before Monday night's game. He received an injection Tuesday, Quatraro said, and the hope is Harvey can try throwing again later in the week.UP NEXTAngels: RHP Johnny Cueto will be back on a big league mound Wednesday night when the Angels wrap up the series. The 38-year-old Cueto, who helped the Royals win the World Series in 2015, had been pitching at Triple-A Salt Lake.Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (6-6, 3.68 ERA) gets the start in the series finale against the Angels before Kansas City takes Thursday off. Lorenzen tossed 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball his last time out in his return to Cincinnati.

Angels beat KC 9-5 to end Royals' 5-game win streak

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Tyler Anderson outlasted Cole Ragans in a matchup of
All-Star pitchers as the Angels beat Kansas City 9-5 to end the
Royals’ five-game winning streak. Zach Neto homered and Anthony
Rendon, Kevin Pillar and Logan O’Hoppe drove in two runs apiece for
the Angels, who had lost three straight and six of their last seven.
Anderson became the first Angels left-hander to reach 10 wins since
Hector Santiago in 2016. Ragans allowed five runs, four earned, and
was pulled by Royals manager Matt Quatraro without recording an out
in the sixth inning.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Pinch-hitter Lane Thomas delivered a tiebreaking double to spark a
six-run 12th inning, and the Cleveland Guardians outlasted the New
York Yankees 9-5 in the longest major league game this season. Both
teams began the night in first place, and the tense opener of their
three-game series at Yankee Stadium had the feel of a potential
playoff preview. Juan Soto and Aaron Judge hit back-to-back homers in
the first, but Cleveland came right back and the game was tied at 3
after four innings. Despite numerous chances on both sides, neither
offense managed to score again until the 12th.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Frankie Montas pitched seven sparkling innings and Devin Williams
escaped a jam in the ninth, helping the Milwaukee Brewers beat the
reeling St. Louis Cardinals 3-2. Montas allowed one hit in his fourth
start since he was acquired in a trade with Cincinnati. William
Contreras had three hits for the NL Central-leading Brewers, who
earned their sixth straight win. Matt Carpenter homered for St. Louis
in its seventh loss in eight games. Erick Fedde was charged with two
runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
The St. Louis Cardinals have released veteran shortstop Brandon
Crawford and reinstated infielder Matt Carpenter from the injured
list. Crawford was a four-time Gold Glove winner and three-time
All-Star in 13 seasons with the San Francisco Giants. He hit .169
with a homer and four RBIs in 80 plate appearances for the Cardinals
this season. He last played on Aug. 10. The 37-year-old Crawford was
signed as a free agent this offseason to back up rookie Masyn Winn,
who has been having a strong season as St. Louis’ regular leadoff
hitter. That meant fewer opportunities for Crawford.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Johnny Cueto will be back on a big league mound Wednesday
night when the Los Angeles Angels wrap their three-game series with
the Kansas City Royals. The 38-year-old pitcher helped to carry the
Royals to a World Series title in 2015. The Angels needed some help
in the rotation after placing Jose Soriano on the injured list with
arm fatigue and losing Patrick Sandoval to surgery on his elbow
earlier in the year. Cueto struggled earlier this season at Triple-A
Round Rock as part of the Rangers organization, but he was fairly
effective in four starts for Triple-A Salt Lake in the Angels system.
He allowed eight runs on 27 hits and five walks in 23 1/3 innings
there.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.
(AP) — Alabama has given one of Kalen DeBoer’s key
behind-the-scenes staffers, general manager Courtney Morgan, a new
three-year contract worth nearly $2.5 million. The move is a notable
investment from one of the top programs in the country at a time when
colleges teams are increasingly operating like professional
franchises. Plenty of major college teams now have general managers.
They are increasingly valuable.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) —
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores acknowledged he
was stung by the sharp criticism of his coaching style from Miami
quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s recent public assessment of their time
together with the Dolphins. Flores responded to remarks Tagovailoa
made in an interview that aired on the "Dan LeBatard Show."
He wished his former player well and expressed pleasure in the
success the fifth pick in the 2020 draft has had. Flores also said he
has reflected on his time as head coach of the Dolphins and believes
he has learned to improve as a leader.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)
— Bryce Young isn’t concerned if he doesn’t take a snap in the
preseason. The No. 1 overall pick in 2023 is coming off a tough
rookie season. He went 2-14 as a starter and ranked near the bottom
of the league in most statistical categories. And he enters Year 2
having had to learn a different offense under new coach Dave Canales.
Despite all that, Canales held Young out of Carolina’s first two
preseason games. Young says he's comfortable enough in the offense
and will be ready for the regular season even if he doesn’t play in
Saturday’s final exhibition game at the Buffalo Bills.

CASTLE ROCK, Colo.
(AP) — Scottie Scheffler says it's silly to call the FedEx Cup
title a season-long competition when it comes down to one tournament
at the end. He's not wrong. This also is nothing new. Scheffler has
said it before. So have Jon Rahm and and Patrick Cantlay and even
Tiger Woods some 15 years ago. It's a matter of the PGA Tour having
to choose between the risk of someone wrapping up the title before
the Tour Championship or making the season finale compelling. The
FedEx Cup is an important title for players. It just doesn't always
define the best season.

Final	San
Francisco	4	Chicago White Sox	1	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Tyler Anderson outlasted Cole Ragans in a matchup of
All-Star pitchers as the Angels beat Kansas City 9-5 to end the
Royals’ five-game winning streak. Zach Neto homered and Anthony
Rendon, Kevin Pillar and Logan O’Hoppe drove in two runs apiece for
the Angels, who had lost three straight and six of their last seven.
Anderson became the first Angels left-hander to reach 10 wins since
Hector Santiago in 2016. Ragans allowed five runs, four earned, and
was pulled by Royals manager Matt Quatraro without recording an out
in the sixth inning.NEW YORK (AP) —
Pinch-hitter Lane Thomas delivered a tiebreaking double to spark a
six-run 12th inning, and the Cleveland Guardians outlasted the New
York Yankees 9-5 in the longest major league game this season. Both
teams began the night in first place, and the tense opener of their
three-game series at Yankee Stadium had the feel of a potential
playoff preview. Juan Soto and Aaron Judge hit back-to-back homers in
the first, but Cleveland came right back and the game was tied at 3
after four innings. Despite numerous chances on both sides, neither
offense managed to score again until the 12th.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Frankie Montas pitched seven sparkling innings and Devin Williams
escaped a jam in the ninth, helping the Milwaukee Brewers beat the
reeling St. Louis Cardinals 3-2. Montas allowed one hit in his fourth
start since he was acquired in a trade with Cincinnati. William
Contreras had three hits for the NL Central-leading Brewers, who
earned their sixth straight win. Matt Carpenter homered for St. Louis
in its seventh loss in eight games. Erick Fedde was charged with two
runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
The St. Louis Cardinals have released veteran shortstop Brandon
Crawford and reinstated infielder Matt Carpenter from the injured
list. Crawford was a four-time Gold Glove winner and three-time
All-Star in 13 seasons with the San Francisco Giants. He hit .169
with a homer and four RBIs in 80 plate appearances for the Cardinals
this season. He last played on Aug. 10. The 37-year-old Crawford was
signed as a free agent this offseason to back up rookie Masyn Winn,
who has been having a strong season as St. Louis’ regular leadoff
hitter. That meant fewer opportunities for Crawford.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Johnny Cueto will be back on a big league mound Wednesday
night when the Los Angeles Angels wrap their three-game series with
the Kansas City Royals. The 38-year-old pitcher helped to carry the
Royals to a World Series title in 2015. The Angels needed some help
in the rotation after placing Jose Soriano on the injured list with
arm fatigue and losing Patrick Sandoval to surgery on his elbow
earlier in the year. Cueto struggled earlier this season at Triple-A
Round Rock as part of the Rangers organization, but he was fairly
effective in four starts for Triple-A Salt Lake in the Angels system.
He allowed eight runs on 27 hits and five walks in 23 1/3 innings
there.TUSCALOOSA, Ala.
(AP) — Alabama has given one of Kalen DeBoer’s key
behind-the-scenes staffers, general manager Courtney Morgan, a new
three-year contract worth nearly $2.5 million. The move is a notable
investment from one of the top programs in the country at a time when
colleges teams are increasingly operating like professional
franchises. Plenty of major college teams now have general managers.
They are increasingly valuable.EAGAN, Minn. (AP) —
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores acknowledged he
was stung by the sharp criticism of his coaching style from Miami
quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s recent public assessment of their time
together with the Dolphins. Flores responded to remarks Tagovailoa
made in an interview that aired on the "Dan LeBatard Show."
He wished his former player well and expressed pleasure in the
success the fifth pick in the 2020 draft has had. Flores also said he
has reflected on his time as head coach of the Dolphins and believes
he has learned to improve as a leader.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)
— Bryce Young isn’t concerned if he doesn’t take a snap in the
preseason. The No. 1 overall pick in 2023 is coming off a tough
rookie season. He went 2-14 as a starter and ranked near the bottom
of the league in most statistical categories. And he enters Year 2
having had to learn a different offense under new coach Dave Canales.
Despite all that, Canales held Young out of Carolina’s first two
preseason games. Young says he's comfortable enough in the offense
and will be ready for the regular season even if he doesn’t play in
Saturday’s final exhibition game at the Buffalo Bills.CASTLE ROCK, Colo.
(AP) — Scottie Scheffler says it's silly to call the FedEx Cup
title a season-long competition when it comes down to one tournament
at the end. He's not wrong. This also is nothing new. Scheffler has
said it before. So have Jon Rahm and and Patrick Cantlay and even
Tiger Woods some 15 years ago. It's a matter of the PGA Tour having
to choose between the risk of someone wrapping up the title before
the Tour Championship or making the season finale compelling. The
FedEx Cup is an important title for players. It just doesn't always
define the best season.TUESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Toronto	10	Cincinnati	3	Final	Baltimore	9	N.Y.
Mets	5	Final	Pittsburgh	4	Texas	0	Final	Chicago
Cubs	3	Detroit	1	Final	San
Francisco	4	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	San
Diego	7	Minnesota	5	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	6	Seattle	3	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Boston	6	Houston	5	Final	L.A.
Angels	9	Kansas City	5	Final	Cleveland	9	N.Y.
Yankees	5	Final	Tampa
Bay	1	Oakland	0	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Arizona	3	Miami	1	Final	Colorado	3	Washington	1	Final	Atlanta	3	Philadelphia	1

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels will be under center when No. 22 Kansas opens the season against Lindenwood next week.

Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold confirmed Tuesday the electrifying but injury-prone quarterback had remained healthy through fall camp and would be ready for the game on Aug. 29. Daniels hurt his shoulder and missed half of their breakout 2022 season, then had a back injury that limited him to just three games last season.

“He will start the opener,” Leipold said. “I've seen a lot of good things from Jalon Daniels in the last 10 days, and he hasn't missed anything. He's played well and he's confident and he's excited. His enthusiasm is contagious. And we all know that it's important for him to stay healthy, but it's good to see.”

The health of Daniels could be what decides whether the Jayhawks can make a college football playoff run in the new-look Big 12, where Texas and Oklahoma are no longer around and the path toward its championship game is wide open.

“I mean, it's definitely exciting. My last game actually being able to play was against BYU,” Daniels said, referring to a win over the Cougars on Sept. 23, 2023. “So I feel like, you know, I'm just going to take advantage of the opportunity that's given.”

The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 2,729 yards and 23 touchdowns with only five interceptions over 12 games the past two seasons, though even those impressive numbers are a bit deceiving. He didn't play the full game in several instances.

In the Jayhawks' bowl game against Arkansas two years ago, Daniels threw for 555 yards and five scores while running for another touchdown in a triple-overtime loss. And in the three games he played last season, Daniels completed nearly 75% of his passes for 705 yards with five touchdowns and a single interception in wins over Illinois, Nevada and BYU.

The fact that Daniels has been on the field, uninterrupted, throughout training camp has buoyed the confidence of a team that has higher expectations than at any point in recent memory. Kansas returns its top four wide receivers — Lawrence Arnold, Luke Grimm, Quentin Skinner and Trevor Wilson — along with 1,200-yard rusher Devin Neal and backup Daniel Hishaw Jr. from a team that went 9-4 and finished No. 23 in the final AP Top 25, even with productive backup Jason Bean at quarterback.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724183992596.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU, Sept. 23, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU, Sept. 23, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels will be under center when No. 22 Kansas opens the season against Lindenwood next week.Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold confirmed Tuesday the electrifying but injury-prone quarterback had remained healthy through fall camp and would be ready for the game on Aug. 29. Daniels hurt his shoulder and missed half of their breakout 2022 season, then had a back injury that limited him to just three games last season.“He will start the opener,” Leipold said. “I've seen a lot of good things from Jalon Daniels in the last 10 days, and he hasn't missed anything. He's played well and he's confident and he's excited. His enthusiasm is contagious. And we all know that it's important for him to stay healthy, but it's good to see.”The health of Daniels could be what decides whether the Jayhawks can make a college football playoff run in the new-look Big 12, where Texas and Oklahoma are no longer around and the path toward its championship game is wide open.“I mean, it's definitely exciting. My last game actually being able to play was against BYU,” Daniels said, referring to a win over the Cougars on Sept. 23, 2023. “So I feel like, you know, I'm just going to take advantage of the opportunity that's given.”The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 2,729 yards and 23 touchdowns with only five interceptions over 12 games the past two seasons, though even those impressive numbers are a bit deceiving. He didn't play the full game in several instances.In the Jayhawks' bowl game against Arkansas two years ago, Daniels threw for 555 yards and five scores while running for another touchdown in a triple-overtime loss. And in the three games he played last season, Daniels completed nearly 75% of his passes for 705 yards with five touchdowns and a single interception in wins over Illinois, Nevada and BYU.The fact that Daniels has been on the field, uninterrupted, throughout training camp has buoyed the confidence of a team that has higher expectations than at any point in recent memory. Kansas returns its top four wide receivers — Lawrence Arnold, Luke Grimm, Quentin Skinner and Trevor Wilson — along with 1,200-yard rusher Devin Neal and backup Daniel Hishaw Jr. from a team that went 9-4 and finished No. 23 in the final AP Top 25, even with productive backup Jason Bean at quarterback.

After series of injuries, Jalon Daniels to start for Kansas in season opener

* All games begin at 7pm unless noted. Home games in CAPS

Fri. Oct. 11&nbsp; @ Southwestern Heights

Fri. Nov. 1&nbsp; 1st Round 2A Playoffs - TBA

* All games begin at 7pm unless noted. Home games in CAPSFri. Sept. 6&nbsp; @ Smoky ValleyFri. Sept. 13&nbsp; HILLSBOROFri. Sept. 20&nbsp; @ PrattFri. Sept. 27&nbsp; RUSSELLFri. Oct. 4&nbsp; CIMARRONFri. Oct. 11&nbsp; @ Southwestern HeightsFri. Oct. 18&nbsp; HOISINGTONFri. Oct. 25&nbsp; @ LakinFri. Nov. 1&nbsp; 1st Round 2A Playoffs - TBA

2024 Larned Indian Football Schedule

- "Voice of the Cardinals and Cougars" Cole Reif

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Tuesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday 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/EFlBhcZW4u4?si=Uz4XfiGO91NL0AYo" 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>- "Voice of the Cardinals and Cougars" Cole Reif- Barton Volleyball coach Megan Besecker- "On the Prowl" with Mike Courson- Tuesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Tuesday on Sports Day (WATCH)

The Big 12 Conference is well-represented in the American Volleyball Coaches Association's (AVCA)/TARAFLEX Preseason Division I Women's Volleyball Poll with four teams in the top 25.

The Kansas Jayhawks headline the four, coming in at No. 13, the highest start in the poll since 2017 (No. 8). The Jayhawks are the preseason favorite to win the conference title.

KU opens the season on Aug. 30 against South Carolina in the Duke Tournament, held in Durham, N.C. The Jayhawks will also face Duke and Colgate in the tourney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724169978467.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Big 12 Conference is well-represented in the American Volleyball Coaches Association's (AVCA)/TARAFLEX Preseason Division I Women's Volleyball Poll with four teams in the top 25.The Kansas Jayhawks headline the four, coming in at No. 13, the highest start in the poll since 2017 (No. 8). The Jayhawks are the preseason favorite to win the conference title.KU opens the season on Aug. 30 against South Carolina in the Duke Tournament, held in Durham, N.C. The Jayhawks will also face Duke and Colgate in the tourney.

KU ranked No. 13 in preseason AVCA poll

SEAN BOSTON Hutch Post

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas State football team announced its team captains for the 2024 season on Sunday. Avery Johnson, Hadley Panzer, Austin Moore, Brendan Mott, Marques Sigle and Cody Stufflebean represent the six chosen by the coaches and players.

Four of the six have ties to Kansas, including McPherson native Stufflebean. Others include Johnson from Maize, Panzer from Lakin, and Moore from Louisburg.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724169795854.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (2) looks for a receiver as he scrambles from the pocket during the first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (2) looks for a receiver as he scrambles from the pocket during the first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostMANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas State football team announced its team captains for the 2024 season on Sunday. Avery Johnson, Hadley Panzer, Austin Moore, Brendan Mott, Marques Sigle and Cody Stufflebean represent the six chosen by the coaches and players.Four of the six have ties to Kansas, including McPherson native Stufflebean. Others include Johnson from Maize, Panzer from Lakin, and Moore from Louisburg.&nbsp;

K-State announces team captains, 4 of 6 have ties to Kansas

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer, Seth Lugo once again looked like the pitcher whose brilliant first half made him an All-Star, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 on Monday night to extend their winning streak to five games.

Lugo (14-7), who had been just 2-3 with 5.23 ERA since the All-Star break, allowed four hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out eight. That tied him with the Braves’ Chris Sale and the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal for the big league lead in wins.

Salvador Perez added two hits and three RBIs for the Royals, who have outscored their opponents 37-7 during their winning streak. Kansas City never trailed in any of those games against the AL Central-rival Twins, Reds and Angels.

“It's something we all feel together,” Lugo said simply. “It's a team sport and we're all doing it together.”

Lugo only allowed two hits until the seventh, when Brandon Drury drew a walk and Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell followed with doubles to draw the Angels to 3-2. Lugo bounced back by getting Taylor Ward to pop out and end the inning.

Kris Bubic gave up Zach Neto's homer in the eighth before John Schreiber worked the ninth for his second save.

“We battled him, battled him, battled him,” Angels manager Ron Washington said of Lugo. "At the end, we got some runs on him, but we just couldn’t put him away. If you can stay with a good pitcher like that, usually toward the end, hopefully you get an opportunity. We started getting to him in the seventh, but by that time he’d already did his damage.”

Washington confirmed that hitting coach Johnny Washington was ejected during the game for arguing balls and strikes.

"He thought he had to do what he had to do to protect his hitters,” the manager said.

Carson Fulmer (0-4) allowed three runs — two earned — and five hits with three walks over four innings for Los Angeles.

He was in trouble right from the start, when Michael Massey led off with a single and Fulmer walked two batters in the first inning. And while he was able to wiggle out of that jam, it drove Fulmer's pitch count up and led to a short night.

Massey walked leading off the third and scored on Perez's single. But the first big blow for Kansas City came in the fourth, when DeJong hit his two-run shot into the left-field bullpen. It came one pitch after he had yanked a would-be homer just foul.

Perez added a two-run double off Angels reliever Victor Mederos in the seventh to restore the Royals' cushion.

“I mean, that was the base hit of the night right there,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It separated us again a little bit with two innings to go.”

Angels: 3B Anthony Rendon was back in the lineup after getting hit by a pitch on the elbow in Atlanta and missing the next two games. “The last three days he's been taking care of it, and he said he's ready to go,” Ron Washington said.

Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) hopes to throw a bullpen session later in the week. He has been out since Aug. 5. If that goes well, the club will decide whether Harvey needs a rehab assignment, Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said,

Royals: Schreiber (right patellar tendon) was reinstated from the injured list before the game. The reliever had been out since July 28. RHP Carlos Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Omaha in the corresponding roster move.

Angels LHP Tyler Anderson (9-11, 3.30 ERA) starts the second game of the series on Tuesday night. LHP Cole Ragans (10-7, 3.18) goes for his sixth win in his last seven starts for Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724146694498.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Paul DeJong hits a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Paul DeJong hits a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer, Seth Lugo once again looked like the pitcher whose brilliant first half made him an All-Star, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 on Monday night to extend their winning streak to five games.Lugo (14-7), who had been just 2-3 with 5.23 ERA since the All-Star break, allowed four hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out eight. That tied him with the Braves’ Chris Sale and the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal for the big league lead in wins.Salvador Perez added two hits and three RBIs for the Royals, who have outscored their opponents 37-7 during their winning streak. Kansas City never trailed in any of those games against the AL Central-rival Twins, Reds and Angels.“It's something we all feel together,” Lugo said simply. “It's a team sport and we're all doing it together.”Lugo only allowed two hits until the seventh, when Brandon Drury drew a walk and Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell followed with doubles to draw the Angels to 3-2. Lugo bounced back by getting Taylor Ward to pop out and end the inning.Kris Bubic gave up Zach Neto's homer in the eighth before John Schreiber worked the ninth for his second save.“We battled him, battled him, battled him,” Angels manager Ron Washington said of Lugo. "At the end, we got some runs on him, but we just couldn’t put him away. If you can stay with a good pitcher like that, usually toward the end, hopefully you get an opportunity. We started getting to him in the seventh, but by that time he’d already did his damage.”Washington confirmed that hitting coach Johnny Washington was ejected during the game for arguing balls and strikes."He thought he had to do what he had to do to protect his hitters,” the manager said.Carson Fulmer (0-4) allowed three runs — two earned — and five hits with three walks over four innings for Los Angeles.He was in trouble right from the start, when Michael Massey led off with a single and Fulmer walked two batters in the first inning. And while he was able to wiggle out of that jam, it drove Fulmer's pitch count up and led to a short night.Massey walked leading off the third and scored on Perez's single. But the first big blow for Kansas City came in the fourth, when DeJong hit his two-run shot into the left-field bullpen. It came one pitch after he had yanked a would-be homer just foul.Perez added a two-run double off Angels reliever Victor Mederos in the seventh to restore the Royals' cushion.“I mean, that was the base hit of the night right there,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It separated us again a little bit with two innings to go.”TRAINER'S ROOMAngels: 3B Anthony Rendon was back in the lineup after getting hit by a pitch on the elbow in Atlanta and missing the next two games. “The last three days he's been taking care of it, and he said he's ready to go,” Ron Washington said.Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) hopes to throw a bullpen session later in the week. He has been out since Aug. 5. If that goes well, the club will decide whether Harvey needs a rehab assignment, Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said,ROSTER MOVESRoyals: Schreiber (right patellar tendon) was reinstated from the injured list before the game. The reliever had been out since July 28. RHP Carlos Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Omaha in the corresponding roster move.UP NEXTAngels LHP Tyler Anderson (9-11, 3.30 ERA) starts the second game of the series on Tuesday night. LHP Cole Ragans (10-7, 3.18) goes for his sixth win in his last seven starts for Kansas City.

Royals beat Angels 5-3

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer, Seth Lugo allowed four hits
over seven innings and the Royals beat the Angels 5-3 on Monday
night. That extended Kansas City's streak to five consecutive wins.
Salvador Perez had a pair of hits and also drove in three runs for
the Royals. Lugo won his 14th game to move into a tie with the
Braves’ Chris Sale and the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal for the big
league lead. Carson Fulmer took the loss for the Angels, allowing
three runs, two earned, on five hits and three walks in just four
innings. Zach Neto homered and Jo Adell drove in a pair of runs for
Los Angeles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer, Seth Lugo allowed four hits
over seven innings and the Royals beat the Angels 5-3 on Monday
night. That extended Kansas City's streak to five consecutive wins.
Salvador Perez had a pair of hits and also drove in three runs for
the Royals. Lugo won his 14th game to move into a tie with the
Braves’ Chris Sale and the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal for the big
league lead. Carson Fulmer took the loss for the Angels, allowing
three runs, two earned, on five hits and three walks in just four
innings. Zach Neto homered and Jo Adell drove in a pair of runs for
Los Angeles.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Kansas City Royals reinstated right-hander John
Schreiber from the injured list and optioned fellow reliever Carlos
Hernandez to Triple-A Omaha before their series opener against the
Los Angeles Angels on Monday night. Schreiber is 3-3 with a 4.13 ERA.
He's been out since hurting the patellar tendon in his right knee
while recording the third out of an inning against the Cubs on July
28. Schreiber was placed on the IL the following day. Hernandez has
appeared in 15 games for Kansas City this season, going 0-1 with a
3.45 ERA. He pitched an inning apiece on Friday and Saturday as the
Royals swept the Reds in Cincinnati.NEW YORK (AP) —
Francisco Alvarez hit a solo home run with one out in the ninth
inning to give the New York Mets a 4-3 victory over the Baltimore
Orioles. J.D. Martinez launched an early two-run shot and Tyrone
Taylor had an RBI single as the Mets moved within 1 1/2 games of idle
Atlanta for the last National League wild card. Ramón Urías hit a
tying homer in the seventh for the Orioles, who dropped a half-game
behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. The
slumping Alvarez connected on a 3-0 fastball from Seranthony
Domínguez for his first home run since July 26.ATLANTA (AP) —
Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley will miss at least the rest
of the regular season after breaking his right hand. Riley was struck
Sunday by a 97 mph fastball from Los Angeles Angels starter Jack
Kochanowicz in the first inning of Atlanta’s 3-1 victory. An MRI
confirmed the fracture. The Braves said Monday that Riley will miss
six to eight weeks, which knocks him out through the regular season
and likely into the playoffs should the Braves qualify. The Braves
have won six straight NL East titles, but that streak is in jeopardy
after a rash of injuries. They trail Philadelphia by seven games.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs expect to have All-Pro defensive
tackle Chris Jones, starting right guard Jawaan Taylor and All-Pro
left guard Joe Thuney on the field when they open the regular season
against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5. Jones and Taylor have been
dealing with shoulder injuries and Thuney is coming back from a torn
pectoral muscle. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday none of those
players will play in the preseason finale Thursday night against
Chicago. Most of the starters played the first half in Saturday's
preseason loss to Detroit.UNDATED (AP) — The
NFL’s new dynamic kickoff is achieving its goals in the preseason
of raising the rate of return and the threat of big plays after years
of increasing touchbacks. Whether that will carry over to the regular
season when coaches might be more concerned with avoiding risk than
testing out the new rule remains an open question. With the average
start after kickoffs nearly reaching the 30, teams might opt to kick
it deep and give up touchbacks to the 30 instead of risking giving up
a long return. The NFL says it is “not likely” that the touchback
will be moved to the 35 this season.STILLWATER, Okla.
(AP) — Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy has had enough of the
distractions that come with this new era of college football. There’s
so much to navigate now with the transfer portal and name, image and
likeness deals. Gundy has drawn the line, and he’s excited to turn
the focus to the Aug. 31 opener against South Dakota State. He told
his players, "Tell your agent to quit calling us and asking for
more money," and said negotiating time is over until December.
No. 17 Oklahoma State should be a contender for the Big 12 title and
a spot in the College Football Playoff.UNDATED (AP) —
Conference realignment has brought Oklahoma and Texas into the SEC,
Oregon, Washington, UCLA and USC into the Big Ten and Utah, Arizona,
Arizona State and Colorado into the Big 12. Because the conferences
at the top are so loaded now, there will be more big games in league
play. And with the new 12-team playoff, more late-season games will
affect the national championship race than ever. No. 1 Georgia has
three games against top six opponents and two more against the top
15. Defending champ Michigan plays Texas in the first truly huge
matchup of the season.UNDATED (AP) —
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is one of the second-ranked Buckeyes’
high-profile transfers. He and three of his new teammates have been
selected to The Associated Press preseason All-America team. Downs
was joined by guard Donovan Jackson, receiver Emeka Egbuka and
cornerback Denzel Burke to give Ohio State the most first-team
selections. No. 1 Georgia and No. 9 Michigan each had three players
picked for the first team, including Bulldogs quarterback Carson
Beck.BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP)
— Tyler Reddick took the lead on a restart in the second overtime
to win at Michigan International Speedway, opening up another spot
for a driver in NASCAR’s playoffs. Reddick is one of 12 drivers
with a place secured in the postseason, leaving four spots available
with races remaining at Daytona and Darlington. He also won at
Talladega four months ago in his No. 45 Toyota for 23XI, the team
owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan. The race at Michigan was
suspended on Sunday after 51 laps because of rain and concluded
Monday. William Byron was second and Ty Gibbs finished third.MONDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	N.Y.
Mets	4	Baltimore	3	Final	Cincinnati	6	Toronto	3	Final	Texas	4	Pittsburgh	3	Final	San
Diego	5	Minnesota	3	Final	San
Francisco	5	Chicago White Sox	3	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	3	Seattle	0	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Kansas
City	5	L.A. Angels	3	Final	Houston	5	Boston	4	Final	Oakland	3	Tampa
Bay	0	NATIONAL LEAGUE