CINCINNATI (AP) —
Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally
with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds
8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep. Blanco, an outfielder, had
just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals
outscore the Reds 28-3. The 31-year old from Cuba drove in seven runs
on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he
started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott
with a bunt single.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Shohei Ohtani hit his National League-leading 39th home run and
Clayton Kershaw tossed six shutout innings to lead the Los Angeles
Dodgers to a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Miguel Rojas and
Gavin Lux had three hits apiece as the NL West leaders won for the
seventh time in 10 games. Lars Nootbaar provided a pinch-hit homer in
the eighth for the Cardinals, who have lost six of seven. Ohtani
drilled a first-pitch offering from Sonny Gray over the wall in the
fifth to break a scoreless tie. Rojas added a run-scoring single
later in the inning. Kershaw allowed four hits and struck out two.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner made his fifth major league
start since undergoing shoulder surgery in November.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
(AP) — Parker Meadows set off fireworks with a 10th-inning single
that brought hundreds of Little Leaguers to their feet and scored
Zach McKinstry on a headfirst slide to give the Detroit Tigers a 3-2
win over the New York Yankees in the Major League Baseball Little
League Classic. Jace Jung tied it 1-all when he ripped an RBI single
off Yankees closer Clay Holmes with two outs in the ninth inning to
score Colt Keith, who hit a one-out double. DJ LeMahieu’s
run-scoring single in the top of the 10th gave the Yankees a 2-1
lead, only for McKinstry to make it 2-all with an RBI single in the
bottom half.

DENVER (AP) —
Rookie Bo Nix led Denver on scoring drives on both of his possessions
on Sunday when the Broncos beat Green Bay 27-2. The Packers sat 31
players including all of their regular starters. Nix threw a
touchdown pass to Tim Patrick and would have had another one had he
not stepped over the line of scrimmage while firing a 14-yard pass to
Javonte Williams. Jarrett Stidham replaced Nix with Denver ahead 10-0
in the second quarter and ran for a 9-yard TD that made it 17-0 at
halftime.

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP)
— Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce says Gardner Minshew will
be the team's starting quarterback going into the season. Minshew
beat out Aidan O’Connell. Pierce said Minshew’s experience and
his handling of the offense gave him the edge. Minshew is in his
sixth season. He nearly led the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs
last season. The Raiders host the San Francisco 49ers on Friday in
their final preseason game.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)
— Hideki Matsuyama has won the FedEx St. Jude Championship just
like everyone expected. No one expected a wild finish like Sunday at
the TPC Southwind. Matsuyama lost a five-shot lead in a matter of
four holes on the back nine. He suddenly was trailing. And then he
birdied the last two holes to win by two shots with a 70. Xander
Schauffele and Viktor Hovland tied for second. Nick Dunlap also felt
like a winner. He was in contention to win, and then he was in danger
of not being among the top 50 who advanced to next week.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Mike Tyson says he is feeling good and has resumed training after a
health scare forced the postponement of his boxing match against Jake
Paul. The 58-year-old former heavyweight champion and the former
YouTube star will now meet Nov. 15 in Arlington, Texas. They had been
set to meet in July before Tyson became nauseous and dizzy on a
flight. His representatives said that was related to an ulcer
problem. Tyson says he has been training for two or three weeks for
the bout that will stream on Netflix.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL
LEAGUE PRESEASON

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) —
Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally
with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds
8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep. Blanco, an outfielder, had
just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals
outscore the Reds 28-3. The 31-year old from Cuba drove in seven runs
on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he
started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott
with a bunt single.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Shohei Ohtani hit his National League-leading 39th home run and
Clayton Kershaw tossed six shutout innings to lead the Los Angeles
Dodgers to a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Miguel Rojas and
Gavin Lux had three hits apiece as the NL West leaders won for the
seventh time in 10 games. Lars Nootbaar provided a pinch-hit homer in
the eighth for the Cardinals, who have lost six of seven. Ohtani
drilled a first-pitch offering from Sonny Gray over the wall in the
fifth to break a scoreless tie. Rojas added a run-scoring single
later in the inning. Kershaw allowed four hits and struck out two.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner made his fifth major league
start since undergoing shoulder surgery in November.WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
(AP) — Parker Meadows set off fireworks with a 10th-inning single
that brought hundreds of Little Leaguers to their feet and scored
Zach McKinstry on a headfirst slide to give the Detroit Tigers a 3-2
win over the New York Yankees in the Major League Baseball Little
League Classic. Jace Jung tied it 1-all when he ripped an RBI single
off Yankees closer Clay Holmes with two outs in the ninth inning to
score Colt Keith, who hit a one-out double. DJ LeMahieu’s
run-scoring single in the top of the 10th gave the Yankees a 2-1
lead, only for McKinstry to make it 2-all with an RBI single in the
bottom half.DENVER (AP) —
Rookie Bo Nix led Denver on scoring drives on both of his possessions
on Sunday when the Broncos beat Green Bay 27-2. The Packers sat 31
players including all of their regular starters. Nix threw a
touchdown pass to Tim Patrick and would have had another one had he
not stepped over the line of scrimmage while firing a 14-yard pass to
Javonte Williams. Jarrett Stidham replaced Nix with Denver ahead 10-0
in the second quarter and ran for a 9-yard TD that made it 17-0 at
halftime.HENDERSON, Nev. (AP)
— Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce says Gardner Minshew will
be the team's starting quarterback going into the season. Minshew
beat out Aidan O’Connell. Pierce said Minshew’s experience and
his handling of the offense gave him the edge. Minshew is in his
sixth season. He nearly led the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs
last season. The Raiders host the San Francisco 49ers on Friday in
their final preseason game.MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)
— Hideki Matsuyama has won the FedEx St. Jude Championship just
like everyone expected. No one expected a wild finish like Sunday at
the TPC Southwind. Matsuyama lost a five-shot lead in a matter of
four holes on the back nine. He suddenly was trailing. And then he
birdied the last two holes to win by two shots with a 70. Xander
Schauffele and Viktor Hovland tied for second. Nick Dunlap also felt
like a winner. He was in contention to win, and then he was in danger
of not being among the top 50 who advanced to next week.NEW YORK (AP) —
Mike Tyson says he is feeling good and has resumed training after a
health scare forced the postponement of his boxing match against Jake
Paul. The 58-year-old former heavyweight champion and the former
YouTube star will now meet Nov. 15 in Arlington, Texas. They had been
set to meet in July before Tyson became nauseous and dizzy on a
flight. His representatives said that was related to an ulcer
problem. Tyson says he has been training for two or three weeks for
the bout that will stream on Netflix.SUNDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Milwaukee	2	Cleveland	0	Final	Kansas
City	8	Cincinnati	1	Final	Seattle	10	Pittsburgh	3	Final	Toronto	1	Chicago
Cubs	0	Final	Tampa
Bay	8	Arizona	7	Final	Atlanta	3	L.A.
Angels	1	Final	San
Francisco	4	Oakland	2	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Houston	2	Chicago
White Sox	0	Final	Baltimore	4	Boston	2	Final	Texas	6	Minnesota	5	Final	Detroit	3	N.Y.
Yankees	2	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Miami	3	N.Y.
Mets	2	Final	Washington	6	Philadelphia	4	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	2	St. Louis	1	Final	Colorado	3	San
Diego	2	NATIONAL FOOTBALL
LEAGUE PRESEASONFinal	Denver	27	Green
Bay	2

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep.

Blanco, an outfielder, had just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals outscore the Reds 26-3.

“He had a down day today with just one homer,” Royals manager Matt Quatrao joked. “I'm so happy for him. The lack of playing time, the ability to be ready to go. He has physical ability. We know that. We give him consistent at-bats but he's always ready.”

The 31-year-old from Cuba drove in seven runs on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott with a bunt single. Blanco stole second and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's single. Salvatore Perez added a sacrifice fly.

On a team with All-Star Bobby Witt Jr. among three players with over 80 RBIs, Blanco emerged as the star of the series.

“I'm extremely happy. I always prepare myself,” Blanco said through an interpreter. “I stick with my routine. We have great players in this clubhouse. Everybody has a role. This series I had mine.”

Blanco hit his fourth home run of the season off Abbott (10-10). It was the 25th home run allowed by Abbott.

Pasquantino drove in three runs to take the team lead over Witt with 92.

Brady Singer (9-8) snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming a 45-minute rain delay to pitch six scoreless innings. He allowed five hits, a walk and a hit batter while striking out seven.

“You got to start with Brady on that one,” Quatrao said. “Keeping focus with the rain delay and the threat of another rain delay. Staying loose, the way he was pounding the zone. The tone was set by Brady.”

Singer has been through rain delays before.

“A little different than normal with the rain delay. I tried to stay as loose as I can. I battled around some traffic. After that I felt locked in,” Singer said. “We got out there quick enough to keep going.”

Sam Long took over for Singer, pitching the seventh inning in a light rain. He allowed Santiago Espinal's third single, then walked three straight Reds with one out. Lucas Erceg entered to face Elly De La Cruz with the bases loaded. Erceg struck out De La Cruz and Spencer Steer to end the threat.

“I was ready for any time the bullpen phone rang. I knew who I was going to face, I did my homework. At the end of the day it is getting ahead of the hitters. I think I did that today,” Erceg said.

Abbott allowed four runs in five innings on six hits and an intentional walk. He struck out four.

“It’s not exactly how you want to come off a sweep of a division rival. We know we have to be better,” Abbott said.

TJ Friedl robbed Witt of his 26th home run, with a leaping catch in the seventh inning.

The Royals scored four in the ninth. Witt singled for his 91st RBI.

“We've been in this situation before. It's the challenge of the baseball season,” Reds manager David Bell said. “We're focused on the Blue Jays tomorrow. I'm focused on our team. We have a long way to go and have to prepare for the rest of the way.”

Reds: Hunter Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness retroactive to Aug. 14. He had an MRI exam and is seeking a second opinion.

The Royals will host the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Carson Fulmer (0-3, 4.22) starts for the Angels. Seth Lugo (13-7, 3.04) takes the ball for the Royals.

The Reds will visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The Reds have not announced the replacement for Greene. The Blue Jays will start Kevin Gausman (11-8, 4.20)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724022510909.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Dairon Blanco rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Dairon Blanco rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar)</figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep.Blanco, an outfielder, had just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals outscore the Reds 26-3.“He had a down day today with just one homer,” Royals manager Matt Quatrao joked. “I'm so happy for him. The lack of playing time, the ability to be ready to go. He has physical ability. We know that. We give him consistent at-bats but he's always ready.”The 31-year-old from Cuba drove in seven runs on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott with a bunt single. Blanco stole second and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's single. Salvatore Perez added a sacrifice fly.On a team with All-Star Bobby Witt Jr. among three players with over 80 RBIs, Blanco emerged as the star of the series.“I'm extremely happy. I always prepare myself,” Blanco said through an interpreter. “I stick with my routine. We have great players in this clubhouse. Everybody has a role. This series I had mine.”Blanco hit his fourth home run of the season off Abbott (10-10). It was the 25th home run allowed by Abbott.Pasquantino drove in three runs to take the team lead over Witt with 92.Brady Singer (9-8) snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming a 45-minute rain delay to pitch six scoreless innings. He allowed five hits, a walk and a hit batter while striking out seven.“You got to start with Brady on that one,” Quatrao said. “Keeping focus with the rain delay and the threat of another rain delay. Staying loose, the way he was pounding the zone. The tone was set by Brady.”Singer has been through rain delays before.“A little different than normal with the rain delay. I tried to stay as loose as I can. I battled around some traffic. After that I felt locked in,” Singer said. “We got out there quick enough to keep going.”Sam Long took over for Singer, pitching the seventh inning in a light rain. He allowed Santiago Espinal's third single, then walked three straight Reds with one out. Lucas Erceg entered to face Elly De La Cruz with the bases loaded. Erceg struck out De La Cruz and Spencer Steer to end the threat.“I was ready for any time the bullpen phone rang. I knew who I was going to face, I did my homework. At the end of the day it is getting ahead of the hitters. I think I did that today,” Erceg said.Abbott allowed four runs in five innings on six hits and an intentional walk. He struck out four.“It’s not exactly how you want to come off a sweep of a division rival. We know we have to be better,” Abbott said.TJ Friedl robbed Witt of his 26th home run, with a leaping catch in the seventh inning.The Royals scored four in the ninth. Witt singled for his 91st RBI.“We've been in this situation before. It's the challenge of the baseball season,” Reds manager David Bell said. “We're focused on the Blue Jays tomorrow. I'm focused on our team. We have a long way to go and have to prepare for the rest of the way.”TRAINER'S ROOMReds: Hunter Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness retroactive to Aug. 14. He had an MRI exam and is seeking a second opinion.UP NEXTThe Royals will host the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Carson Fulmer (0-3, 4.22) starts for the Angels. Seth Lugo (13-7, 3.04) takes the ball for the Royals.The Reds will visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The Reds have not announced the replacement for Greene. The Blue Jays will start Kevin Gausman (11-8, 4.20)

Royals complete a sweep of the Reds with an 8-1 victory

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas football is two weeks away from its season opener vs. Lindenwood on Aug. 29 at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, and the Jayhawks unveiled a new red uniform that will be worn during the 2024 season.

The red uniforms feature an all-red jersey and pants, with a bolded Kansas across the chest. Each of the arm sleeves features "Rock Chalk" in block lettering centered between two stripes.

In 2023, Kansas unveiled a series of new uniforms, including its "Blackhawk" uniforms, which were worn against Illinois on Sept. 8, 2023 and Kansas State on Nov. 18, 2023. Months prior, the Jayhawks unveiled a new home and away set of uniforms in blue and white, featuring the same bolded Kansas across the chest and sleeve stripes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724009869241.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas football is two weeks away from its season opener vs. Lindenwood on Aug. 29 at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, and the Jayhawks unveiled a new red uniform that will be worn during the 2024 season.The red uniforms feature an all-red jersey and pants, with a bolded Kansas across the chest. Each of the arm sleeves features "Rock Chalk" in block lettering centered between two stripes.In 2023, Kansas unveiled a series of new uniforms, including its "Blackhawk" uniforms, which were worn against Illinois on Sept. 8, 2023 and Kansas State on Nov. 18, 2023. Months prior, the Jayhawks unveiled a new home and away set of uniforms in blue and white, featuring the same bolded Kansas across the chest and sleeve stripes.

Kansas Football Unveils New Red Uniforms

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

HAYS – The Fort Hays State football team closed out preseason camp Saturday morning with their only scheduled scrimmage at Lewis Field.

The scrimmage, which included MIAA officials, was a success according to head coach Chris Brown.

“The physicality was there today." Brown said. “Through camp, I didn't think we were physical, not where I quite wanted, but today, I really thought that physicality came through, you know, across the board, offensively and defensively.”

FHSU returns the majority of their starters on the defensive side of the ball and Brown thought that showed Saturday.

“I'm pretty pleased, defense did really well today, but you know, we've seen our offense for two weeks now and that really makes it tough on our offense.” Brown said.  “They didn't give us all the looks that we were expecting to try to keep it pretty simple and just let us guys line up and play, but overall, I thought we did really well. I thought we got some really good talent out here, and I thought we played some really good speed today.”

One of those returning defensive starters is defensive end Myles Menges who, thanks to COVID, is in his sixth season with the Tigers.

“This is the best overall team chemistry we’ve ever had throughout the camp.” Menges said. “I would say we got after it this year and this is probably one of the most physical units we’ve had at this point of camp.”

Jack Dawson is the Tigers returning starting quarterback and felt the defense had the upper hand.

“Our defense, they’re really solid.” Dawson said. “We practice against them every single day and it’s hard for us. With our new offensive coordinator (Matt Ross) we’re still figuring things out. You can kind of see through the first few days of camp we’re having success and when the bullets start firing, we can’t fold.”

With the start of classes Monday, the Tigers shift to afternoon practices. They open the season on Thursday, August 29 at home against Angelo State.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723923556615.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State wide receiver Tariq Logan tries to break a tackle after making a catch in a scrimmage on Saturday, August 17, 2024 (Hays Post photo/Jeff Leiker)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State wide receiver Tariq Logan tries to break a tackle after making a catch in a scrimmage on Saturday, August 17, 2024 (Hays Post photo/Jeff Leiker)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS – The Fort Hays State football team closed out preseason camp Saturday morning with their only scheduled scrimmage at Lewis Field.The scrimmage, which included MIAA officials, was a success according to head coach Chris Brown.“The physicality was there today." Brown said. “Through camp, I didn't think we were physical, not where I quite wanted, but today, I really thought that physicality came through, you know, across the board, offensively and defensively.”FHSU returns the majority of their starters on the defensive side of the ball and Brown thought that showed Saturday.“I'm pretty pleased, defense did really well today, but you know, we've seen our offense for two weeks now and that really makes it tough on our offense.” Brown said. “They didn't give us all the looks that we were expecting to try to keep it pretty simple and just let us guys line up and play, but overall, I thought we did really well. I thought we got some really good talent out here, and I thought we played some really good speed today.”One of those returning defensive starters is defensive end Myles Menges who, thanks to COVID, is in his sixth season with the Tigers.“This is the best overall team chemistry we’ve ever had throughout the camp.” Menges said. “I would say we got after it this year and this is probably one of the most physical units we’ve had at this point of camp.”Jack Dawson is the Tigers returning starting quarterback and felt the defense had the upper hand.“Our defense, they’re really solid.” Dawson said. “We practice against them every single day and it’s hard for us. With our new offensive coordinator (Matt Ross) we’re still figuring things out. You can kind of see through the first few days of camp we’re having success and when the bullets start firing, we can’t fold.”With the start of classes Monday, the Tigers shift to afternoon practices. They open the season on Thursday, August 29 at home against Angelo State.

Tigers wrap up preseason camp with Saturday scrimmage

CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco homered twice — including his first career grand slam — and drove in seven runs as the Kansas City Royals routed the Cincinnati Reds 13-1 on Saturday night.

The offensive fireworks by the Royals overshadowed a fine start by Michael Wacha (10-6), who allowed just four hits and struck out nine through six shutout innings as Kansas City beat the Reds for the second straight night.

Blanco, who wielded a bat painted to look like a yellow crayon, hit a two-run homer deep to center field on the first pitch he saw from Reds starter Nick Lodolo in the second inning.

Then the 31-year-old Cuban cleared the loaded bases with a shot deep into the left-field seats in the third and drove in another run with a single in the fourth. He came into the game with just one homer and five RBIs this season.

“It’s all about sticking with your routine, throughout the day, no matter what,” Blanco said through a translator. “And I felt good. And it showed today.”

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said he was glad to see Blanco, typically a utility player, be rewarded for his work.

"Really cool for him. He doesn't get a ton of at-bats, but he's ready to go anytime he gets in there, whether it's pinch-run, defense," Quatraro said. "He's ready to swing the bat. And for him to have a night like that is really special."

Regarding the unusual bat, Blanco had some help picking it out. He had several to choose from, painted with special themes for the Players Weekend when players are allowed to bend some of the traditional rules of baseball equipment.

“I was talking to my family, and I asked them, like, which bat did they like for me to use today? And everybody picked the yellow one,” he said. “It’s mom’s favorite color. So, once I hit the first home run and, you know, I just laughed, and it was a good feeling."

It was a rough outing for Lodolo (9-5), who loaded the bases in the disastrous third and walked in a run before allowing an RBI single to Paul DeJong. Buck Farmer relieved, and promptly gave up the grand slam to Blanco.

The Royals scored seven in the third and led 10-0 before Cincinnati got through its batting order once.

Lodolo made it only 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs and eight hits.

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to six games. He finished 1 for 4 with his major league-leading average slipping a point to .351.

Jeimer Candelario hit a solo homer, his 20th of the season, for the Reds in the seventh inning.

“Tonight the Royals beat us in every way," Reds manager David Bell said. "It’s one game. We have too much to play for.”

Reds RHP Hunter Greene went on the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness. He's expected to have an MRI in the next few days.

Reds lefty Andrew Abbott (10-9, 3.59 ERA) faces Royals right-hander Brady Singer (8-8, 3.32) in the finale of the three-game series on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723987285288.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Cincinnati Reds first baseman Jeimer Candelario (3) looks on as Kansas City Royals' Dairon Blanco (44) rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam in the third inning of a baseball game in Cincinnati, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Cincinnati Reds first baseman Jeimer Candelario (3) looks on as Kansas City Royals' Dairon Blanco (44) rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam in the third inning of a baseball game in Cincinnati, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)</figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco homered twice — including his first career grand slam — and drove in seven runs as the Kansas City Royals routed the Cincinnati Reds 13-1 on Saturday night.The offensive fireworks by the Royals overshadowed a fine start by Michael Wacha (10-6), who allowed just four hits and struck out nine through six shutout innings as Kansas City beat the Reds for the second straight night.Blanco, who wielded a bat painted to look like a yellow crayon, hit a two-run homer deep to center field on the first pitch he saw from Reds starter Nick Lodolo in the second inning.Then the 31-year-old Cuban cleared the loaded bases with a shot deep into the left-field seats in the third and drove in another run with a single in the fourth. He came into the game with just one homer and five RBIs this season.“It’s all about sticking with your routine, throughout the day, no matter what,” Blanco said through a translator. “And I felt good. And it showed today.”Royals manager Matt Quatraro said he was glad to see Blanco, typically a utility player, be rewarded for his work."Really cool for him. He doesn't get a ton of at-bats, but he's ready to go anytime he gets in there, whether it's pinch-run, defense," Quatraro said. "He's ready to swing the bat. And for him to have a night like that is really special."Regarding the unusual bat, Blanco had some help picking it out. He had several to choose from, painted with special themes for the Players Weekend when players are allowed to bend some of the traditional rules of baseball equipment.“I was talking to my family, and I asked them, like, which bat did they like for me to use today? And everybody picked the yellow one,” he said. “It’s mom’s favorite color. So, once I hit the first home run and, you know, I just laughed, and it was a good feeling."It was a rough outing for Lodolo (9-5), who loaded the bases in the disastrous third and walked in a run before allowing an RBI single to Paul DeJong. Buck Farmer relieved, and promptly gave up the grand slam to Blanco.The Royals scored seven in the third and led 10-0 before Cincinnati got through its batting order once.Lodolo made it only 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs and eight hits.Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to six games. He finished 1 for 4 with his major league-leading average slipping a point to .351.Jeimer Candelario hit a solo homer, his 20th of the season, for the Reds in the seventh inning.“Tonight the Royals beat us in every way," Reds manager David Bell said. "It’s one game. We have too much to play for.”TRAINER'S ROOMReds RHP Hunter Greene went on the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness. He's expected to have an MRI in the next few days.UP NEXTReds lefty Andrew Abbott (10-9, 3.59 ERA) faces Royals right-hander Brady Singer (8-8, 3.32) in the finale of the three-game series on Sunday.

Dairon Blanco drives in 7 runs as the Royals rout Reds 13-1

CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco homered twice — including his first career grand slam — and drove in seven runs as the Kansas City Royals routed the Cincinnati Reds 13-1. The offensive fireworks by the Royals overshadowed a fine start by Michael Wacha (10-6), who allowed just four hits and struck out nine through six shutout innings as Kansas City beat the Reds for the second straight night. Blanco hit a two-run homer in the second inning and the grand slam in the third before driving in another run with a single in the fourth.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Masyn Winn, Alec Burleson and Nolan Arenado homered and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2 on Saturday night to snap a five-game losing streak. Andre Pallante (5-6) allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings. JoJo Romero pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Ryan Helsley had a perfect ninth inning for his major league- leading 38th save. Shohei Ohtani went 2 for 3 with a homer and a two stolen bases for Los Angeles. He broke a out of a 10-game slump where he went 5 for 44 (.144) without a multi-hit game. Bobby Miller (1-3) allowed four runs on eight hits and four wild pitches in 4 2/3 innings after being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — With nostalgia and so many famous faces, it felt like old times in Oakland again — at least for a day. Mark Kotsay and Bob Melvin and Miguel Tejada felt it. Same for Mark Canha and Matt Chapman, a couple of former Athletics stars now wearing the rival’s jersey. Even for a teary and touched José Canseco, one of the newest members of the Athletics Hall of Fame who never saw this honor coming. The A’s and Giants played the first of two games that will mark the final Bay Bridge Series in Oakland. The A’s defeated the Giants 2-0 in the first game on Saturday before a season-high 37,551 fans for the matinee.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes completed a nifty behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce while throwing for 93 yards in two tidy series, though the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Detroit Lions 24-23 in their preseason game. Mahomes was 8 of 14 while leading the Chiefs to a pair of field goals against the Lions’ backup defense. He also led Kansas City to a field goal in his only series in its preseason opener against the Jaguars. Nate Sudfeld was 14 of 27 for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception as he tries to nail down the backup job behind Detroit starter Jared Goff. Hendon Hooker was 12 of 15 for 150 yards with a TD run.

UNDATED (AP) — It’s almost time. College football is about to ramp up again. There are a handful of games next Saturday, including No. 10 Florida State taking on Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland. Led by defensive end Patrick Payton and offensive tackle Darius Washington, the Seminoles are a popular pick to repeat as Atlantic Coast Conference champions. Florida State and Georgia Tech kick off at 12 p.m. EDT. Also on the slate next Saturday: Norfolk State faces Florida A&amp;M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta and SMU visits Nevada.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville senior wide receiver Caullin Lacy will miss six to eight weeks after breaking his collarbone during a scrimmage. The South Alabama transfer was expected to have a prominent role in the Cardinals’ offense after leading the Sun Belt Conference with 1,316 yards receiving last season. Lacy was a first-team All-Sun Belt selection last year and had 208 receptions for 2,521 yards and 13 TDs over four seasons with the Jaguars. Lacy’s yardage total was seventh best in the Football Bowl Subdivision last season.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama is running away with the FedEx St. Jude Championship in sweltering Memphis, Tennessee. The Japanese star hit another great 3-wood over the water to set up eagle. He shot a 64 and built a five-shot lead going into the final round. Nick Dunlap had a 66 and was in second place. Scottie Scheffler had three bogeys in his round of 69 and Sam Burns was all over the map in his round of 70. They were seven shots behind. The focus now shifts to the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings who advance to the BMW Championship.

BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) — Austin Dillon has no regrets over his aggressive actions that triggered last-lap wrecks for Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin before Dillon went on to win at Richmond Raceway and had NASCAR later revoke his automatic spot in the playoffs. All three are scheduled to compete on the same track again Sunday in the Firekeepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The checkered flag seemed out of reach for Dillon last weekend until the final seconds when he spun Logano out of the way and sent Hamlin into the wall at Richmond.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco homered twice — including his first career grand slam — and drove in seven runs as the Kansas City Royals routed the Cincinnati Reds 13-1. The offensive fireworks by the Royals overshadowed a fine start by Michael Wacha (10-6), who allowed just four hits and struck out nine through six shutout innings as Kansas City beat the Reds for the second straight night. Blanco hit a two-run homer in the second inning and the grand slam in the third before driving in another run with a single in the fourth.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Masyn Winn, Alec Burleson and Nolan Arenado homered and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2 on Saturday night to snap a five-game losing streak. Andre Pallante (5-6) allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings. JoJo Romero pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Ryan Helsley had a perfect ninth inning for his major league- leading 38th save. Shohei Ohtani went 2 for 3 with a homer and a two stolen bases for Los Angeles. He broke a out of a 10-game slump where he went 5 for 44 (.144) without a multi-hit game. Bobby Miller (1-3) allowed four runs on eight hits and four wild pitches in 4 2/3 innings after being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City.OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — With nostalgia and so many famous faces, it felt like old times in Oakland again — at least for a day. Mark Kotsay and Bob Melvin and Miguel Tejada felt it. Same for Mark Canha and Matt Chapman, a couple of former Athletics stars now wearing the rival’s jersey. Even for a teary and touched José Canseco, one of the newest members of the Athletics Hall of Fame who never saw this honor coming. The A’s and Giants played the first of two games that will mark the final Bay Bridge Series in Oakland. The A’s defeated the Giants 2-0 in the first game on Saturday before a season-high 37,551 fans for the matinee.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes completed a nifty behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce while throwing for 93 yards in two tidy series, though the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Detroit Lions 24-23 in their preseason game. Mahomes was 8 of 14 while leading the Chiefs to a pair of field goals against the Lions’ backup defense. He also led Kansas City to a field goal in his only series in its preseason opener against the Jaguars. Nate Sudfeld was 14 of 27 for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception as he tries to nail down the backup job behind Detroit starter Jared Goff. Hendon Hooker was 12 of 15 for 150 yards with a TD run.UNDATED (AP) — It’s almost time. College football is about to ramp up again. There are a handful of games next Saturday, including No. 10 Florida State taking on Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland. Led by defensive end Patrick Payton and offensive tackle Darius Washington, the Seminoles are a popular pick to repeat as Atlantic Coast Conference champions. Florida State and Georgia Tech kick off at 12 p.m. EDT. Also on the slate next Saturday: Norfolk State faces Florida A&amp;M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta and SMU visits Nevada.LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville senior wide receiver Caullin Lacy will miss six to eight weeks after breaking his collarbone during a scrimmage. The South Alabama transfer was expected to have a prominent role in the Cardinals’ offense after leading the Sun Belt Conference with 1,316 yards receiving last season. Lacy was a first-team All-Sun Belt selection last year and had 208 receptions for 2,521 yards and 13 TDs over four seasons with the Jaguars. Lacy’s yardage total was seventh best in the Football Bowl Subdivision last season.MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama is running away with the FedEx St. Jude Championship in sweltering Memphis, Tennessee. The Japanese star hit another great 3-wood over the water to set up eagle. He shot a 64 and built a five-shot lead going into the final round. Nick Dunlap had a 66 and was in second place. Scottie Scheffler had three bogeys in his round of 69 and Sam Burns was all over the map in his round of 70. They were seven shots behind. The focus now shifts to the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings who advance to the BMW Championship.BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) — Austin Dillon has no regrets over his aggressive actions that triggered last-lap wrecks for Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin before Dillon went on to win at Richmond Raceway and had NASCAR later revoke his automatic spot in the playoffs. All three are scheduled to compete on the same track again Sunday in the Firekeepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The checkered flag seemed out of reach for Dillon last weekend until the final seconds when he spun Logano out of the way and sent Hamlin into the wall at Richmond.SATURDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	7	Seattle	2	Final	Chicago Cubs	3	Toronto	2	Final	Tampa Bay	6	Arizona	1	Final	Kansas City	13	Cincinnati	1	Final	Milwaukee	2	Cleveland	1	Final	Oakland	2	San Francisco	0	Final	Atlanta	11	L.A. Angels	3	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	4	N.Y. Yankees	0	Final	Minnesota	5	Texas	2	Final	Houston	6	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	Boston	5	Baltimore	1	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Mets	4	Miami	0	Final	Philadelphia	5	Washington	1	Final	St. Louis	5	L.A. Dodgers	2	Final	San Diego	8	Colorado	3	NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASONFinal	Baltimore	13	Atlanta	12	Final	Chicago	27	Cincinnati	3	Final	Houston	28	N-Y Giants	10	Final	Detroit	24	Kansas City	23	Final	Minnesota	27	Cleveland	12	Final	Buffalo	9	Pittsburgh	3	Final	Indianapolis	21	Arizona	13	Final	Miami	13	Washington	6	Final	N-Y Jets	15	Carolina	12	Final	Tennessee	16	Seattle	15	Final	L.A. Rams	13	L.A. Chargers	9	Final	Jacksonville	20	Tampa Bay	7	Final	Dallas	27	Las Vegas	12

Sunday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes was rolling to his right in the first half of the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Saturday when he realized that Travis Kelce had run the wrong route.

So, Mahomes threw to his trusty tight end out of spite anyway — by throwing it to him behind his back.

The audacious throw was the highlight of an otherwise forgettable preseason game in which Mahomes threw for 93 yards in two tidy series of work, but the Lions rallied to win 24-23 on Jake Bates' 43-yard field goal with no time remaining.

“I always told you it had to happen naturally,” said Mahomes, who has fooled around with behind-the-back passes in practice but had never tried it in a game. “I knew it was on target. It was just low. But like I said, it wasn't like — I didn't do it to look cool. I did it because I was like, pissed off (at Kelce), like why did you run that route like that? And it just worked out.”

Mahomes was 8 of 14 through the air while leading the Chiefs to a pair of field goals against the Lions' backup defense. He also led Kansas City to a field goal in his only series in its preseason opener against the Jaguars last week.

But none of that will be remembered like his behind-the-back pass to Kelce, when Detroit defensive lineman Josh Paschal was beginning to bear down on him.

Kelce reached down and snagged the pass, and the completion on third-and-3 at the Detroit 33 was good for a first down and helped to set up an eventual field goal.

“He does it in practice every day,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I'm alright with it as long as it's a completion.”

It didn’t take long for clips of the pass to go viral. Kelce’s brother and retired Eagles center Jason Kelce tweeted, “The son of a gun actually did it!” Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, added: “That was unnecessary, but beautiful!”

Carson Wentz took over for Mahomes and was 5 of 10 for 31 yards with a touchdown throw to Xavier Worthy. The speedy first-round pick out of Texas had three catches for 62 yards and the score while adding 11 yards on a rushing attempt.

Lions coach Dan Campbell opted to sit his starters for their second preseason game, just as he did last year against the Jaguars. Campbell had been noncommittal about his plan for the game earlier in the week, though he did cancel a planned scrimmage for Wednesday because of the number of injuries the team has sustained in training camp.

Nate Sudfeld was 14 of 27 for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception as he tries to nail down the backup job behind Detroit starter Jared Goff. Hendon Hooker, who returned after sustaining a concussion last week against the Giants, was 12 of 15 for 150 yards while running for a touchdown as he tried to make some headway in the competition.

The Lions' special teams were in preseason form most of the game. They fumbled the ball away on a kickoff return — Wentz hit Worthy three plays later for their TD strike. They also fumbled a punt return and Bates missed an extra point.

Then again, Bates made the kick that won the Lions the game.

“That’s a big kick,” Campbell said. “That’s two weeks in a row. He hits a 53 (last week against the Giants) and a 55-yarder, and then hits a game-winner. Every time he does something like that, you gain a little more confidence in him.”

Chiefs LS James Winchester left in the first half with a shoulder injury but returned after the break.

Chiefs: Play the Bears on Thursday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723928013525.png" alt="&nbsp;(AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;(AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes was rolling to his right in the first half of the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Saturday when he realized that Travis Kelce had run the wrong route.So, Mahomes threw to his trusty tight end out of spite anyway — by throwing it to him behind his back.The audacious throw was the highlight of an otherwise forgettable preseason game in which Mahomes threw for 93 yards in two tidy series of work, but the Lions rallied to win 24-23 on Jake Bates' 43-yard field goal with no time remaining.“I always told you it had to happen naturally,” said Mahomes, who has fooled around with behind-the-back passes in practice but had never tried it in a game. “I knew it was on target. It was just low. But like I said, it wasn't like — I didn't do it to look cool. I did it because I was like, pissed off (at Kelce), like why did you run that route like that? And it just worked out.”Mahomes was 8 of 14 through the air while leading the Chiefs to a pair of field goals against the Lions' backup defense. He also led Kansas City to a field goal in his only series in its preseason opener against the Jaguars last week.But none of that will be remembered like his behind-the-back pass to Kelce, when Detroit defensive lineman Josh Paschal was beginning to bear down on him.Kelce reached down and snagged the pass, and the completion on third-and-3 at the Detroit 33 was good for a first down and helped to set up an eventual field goal.“He does it in practice every day,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I'm alright with it as long as it's a completion.”It didn’t take long for clips of the pass to go viral. Kelce’s brother and retired Eagles center Jason Kelce tweeted, “The son of a gun actually did it!” Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, added: “That was unnecessary, but beautiful!”Carson Wentz took over for Mahomes and was 5 of 10 for 31 yards with a touchdown throw to Xavier Worthy. The speedy first-round pick out of Texas had three catches for 62 yards and the score while adding 11 yards on a rushing attempt.Lions coach Dan Campbell opted to sit his starters for their second preseason game, just as he did last year against the Jaguars. Campbell had been noncommittal about his plan for the game earlier in the week, though he did cancel a planned scrimmage for Wednesday because of the number of injuries the team has sustained in training camp.Nate Sudfeld was 14 of 27 for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception as he tries to nail down the backup job behind Detroit starter Jared Goff. Hendon Hooker, who returned after sustaining a concussion last week against the Giants, was 12 of 15 for 150 yards while running for a touchdown as he tried to make some headway in the competition.The Lions' special teams were in preseason form most of the game. They fumbled the ball away on a kickoff return — Wentz hit Worthy three plays later for their TD strike. They also fumbled a punt return and Bates missed an extra point.Then again, Bates made the kick that won the Lions the game.“That’s a big kick,” Campbell said. “That’s two weeks in a row. He hits a 53 (last week against the Giants) and a 55-yarder, and then hits a game-winner. Every time he does something like that, you gain a little more confidence in him.”INJURIESChiefs LS James Winchester left in the first half with a shoulder injury but returned after the break.UP NEXTLions: Play the Steelers next Saturday.Chiefs: Play the Bears on Thursday night.

Mahomes completes behind-the-back pass in 24-23 preseason loss to Detroit

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

The 17th ranked Barton Community College women's soccer team has been tabbed to finish fourth in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division I women's soccer preseason order of finish as voted on by the league coaches.

Outperforming their runner-up prediction a season ago, the Cougars clinched their second straight conference title and made their second consecutive national tournament appearance.

Finishing league play with a best record of 12-1-3 and 36 points, the Lady Cougars earned an at-large bid after falling in the Region VI/Plains District title before concluding the season in pool play at the NJCAA National Tournament finishing 14-3-4 overall.

Defending Region 6/Plains District Champion 10th ranked Cowley College was picked to win the conference while 12th ranked Butler and 20th ranked Hutchinson rounded out the projected top-3 order of finishers.

Entering new direction with the program's winningest coach Ousmane Camara leaving after eight seasons for Monroe College, first year head coach Rafael Simmons looks to revamp the squad that lost seven of its' nine postseason honors last season including a pair of All-America selections.

Returning 11 players with just three appearing consistently in the starting lineup a season ago, forward Fiona Jolly and goalkeeper Mio Tanaka highlight the lone postseason award returners each earning all-honorable mention nods. Jolly looks to guide the offense after finding the net five times last year for third most on the club with a pair of assists. Tanaka returns between the pipes looking to build off her solid freshman campaign that featured just two games of allowing two or more goals and helping pitch six shutouts in 21 matches in net.

Simmons will depend heavily on the depth of his squad this season which features 13 newcomers with two-transfers.

The Cougars have one scrimmage remaining next Thursday at Fort Hays State University after playing their first exhibition of the year Wednesday night on the road at Friends University.

Barton's schedule features five preseason ranked teams all within the Jayhawk Conference. The Cougars will be on the road for five of their opening six games with their home opener coming September 4th against Coffeyville following a September 1st trip to 12th ranked Butler.

Closing out the month of September with four of five at home, the Cougars will host 20th ranked Hutchinson on the 14th with a three match homestand coming following a trip to 10th ranked Cowley on the 18th.

Barton will have a busy October with seven games which highlight a trio of ranked opponents hosting Butler to open the month, a mid-month trip to Hutchinson before facing the conference favorite Tigers of Cowley to conclude the home portion of the season on the 19th.

Postseason play begins on November 3rd, in a hopeful first round hosting followed by the final two rounds taking place November 7th and 10th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723911220712.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe 17th ranked Barton Community College women's soccer team has been tabbed to finish fourth in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division I women's soccer preseason order of finish as voted on by the league coaches.Outperforming their runner-up prediction a season ago, the Cougars clinched their second straight conference title and made their second consecutive national tournament appearance.Finishing league play with a best record of 12-1-3 and 36 points, the Lady Cougars earned an at-large bid after falling in the Region VI/Plains District title before concluding the season in pool play at the NJCAA National Tournament finishing 14-3-4 overall.Defending Region 6/Plains District Champion 10th ranked Cowley College was picked to win the conference while 12th ranked Butler and 20th ranked Hutchinson rounded out the projected top-3 order of finishers.Entering new direction with the program's winningest coach Ousmane Camara leaving after eight seasons for Monroe College, first year head coach Rafael Simmons looks to revamp the squad that lost seven of its' nine postseason honors last season including a pair of All-America selections.Returning 11 players with just three appearing consistently in the starting lineup a season ago, forward Fiona Jolly and goalkeeper Mio Tanaka highlight the lone postseason award returners each earning all-honorable mention nods. Jolly looks to guide the offense after finding the net five times last year for third most on the club with a pair of assists. Tanaka returns between the pipes looking to build off her solid freshman campaign that featured just two games of allowing two or more goals and helping pitch six shutouts in 21 matches in net.Simmons will depend heavily on the depth of his squad this season which features 13 newcomers with two-transfers.The Cougars have one scrimmage remaining next Thursday at Fort Hays State University after playing their first exhibition of the year Wednesday night on the road at Friends University.Barton's schedule features five preseason ranked teams all within the Jayhawk Conference. The Cougars will be on the road for five of their opening six games with their home opener coming September 4th against Coffeyville following a September 1st trip to 12th ranked Butler.Closing out the month of September with four of five at home, the Cougars will host 20th ranked Hutchinson on the 14th with a three match homestand coming following a trip to 10th ranked Cowley on the 18th.Barton will have a busy October with seven games which highlight a trio of ranked opponents hosting Butler to open the month, a mid-month trip to Hutchinson before facing the conference favorite Tigers of Cowley to conclude the home portion of the season on the 19th.Postseason play begins on November 3rd, in a hopeful first round hosting followed by the final two rounds taking place November 7th and 10th.

17th ranked Barton Women's Soccer tabbed 4th in KJCCC preseason poll

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard has won Ohio State's quarterback battle against Devin Brown and will be the starter when the No. 2 Buckeyes open against Akron on Aug. 31, coach Ryan Day said Thursday.

Howard transferred from Kansas State after starting 28 games over four seasons, and he graded out the highest through nearly 30 practices over the spring and preseason.

Brown is the No. 2 quarterback, but Day said Lincoln Kienholz, Julian Sayin and Air Noland would be given an opportunity to continue competing for the top backup job.

“We're excited about Will being the starter,” Day said. “Will has really taken a command of the offense, I believe. You feel him in the huddle, you feel his experience. He did a real good job of changing his body in the offseason so he's become a threat both with his legs and his arm.”

Howard led Kansas State to the 2022 Big 12 championship and set the school career record with 48 touchdown passes. He tied the K-State single-season record with 24 TD passes last season. He also rushed for 921 yards and 19 TDs in his career for the Wildcats.

Day said Howard had an excellent summer coming off an up-and-down spring, and he showed up to preseason practice with a much greater understanding of coordinator Chip Kelly's offensive system.

“You could see him playing faster, his feet were moving, the ball was coming out with more pace,” Day said. “After the first week, you started to see him take control, make good decisions.”

It was the second straight year Brown has been beaten out. Last year he lost a close competition against Kyle McCord, who transferred to Syracuse after the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723910826594.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Then-0Kansas State quarterback Will Howard looks to pass during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Baylor, Nov. 11, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Then-0Kansas State quarterback Will Howard looks to pass during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Baylor, Nov. 11, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard has won Ohio State's quarterback battle against Devin Brown and will be the starter when the No. 2 Buckeyes open against Akron on Aug. 31, coach Ryan Day said Thursday.Howard transferred from Kansas State after starting 28 games over four seasons, and he graded out the highest through nearly 30 practices over the spring and preseason.Brown is the No. 2 quarterback, but Day said Lincoln Kienholz, Julian Sayin and Air Noland would be given an opportunity to continue competing for the top backup job.“We're excited about Will being the starter,” Day said. “Will has really taken a command of the offense, I believe. You feel him in the huddle, you feel his experience. He did a real good job of changing his body in the offseason so he's become a threat both with his legs and his arm.”Howard led Kansas State to the 2022 Big 12 championship and set the school career record with 48 touchdown passes. He tied the K-State single-season record with 24 TD passes last season. He also rushed for 921 yards and 19 TDs in his career for the Wildcats.Day said Howard had an excellent summer coming off an up-and-down spring, and he showed up to preseason practice with a much greater understanding of coordinator Chip Kelly's offensive system.“You could see him playing faster, his feet were moving, the ball was coming out with more pace,” Day said. “After the first week, you started to see him take control, make good decisions.”It was the second straight year Brown has been beaten out. Last year he lost a close competition against Kyle McCord, who transferred to Syracuse after the season.

Will Howard wins No. 2 Ohio State's quarterback competition. Devin Brown is backup again

By ERIC OLSON AP College Football Writer

Zach Zebrowski more than made up for lost time in his first season at Central Missouri.

After spending three years mostly on the bench at Southern Illinois in the Football Championship Subdivision, Zebrowski turned in one of the greatest seasons by a college quarterback in any division.

He passed for at least five touchdowns in nine of the Mules' 13 games and finished with a Division II record 61, making him only the sixth player at any level to throw for at least 60.

The fifth-year senior goes into 2024 as the reigning Harlon Hill Trophy winner as Division II's player of the year and motivated to make a deeper playoff run after a late blocked extra point ended the Mules' season in the second round.

The 6-foot-2, 208-pound Zebrowski was undersized for most of his career at East Ridge High in Woodbury, Minnesota. He grew 6 inches after his junior year and was one of the top quarterbacks in the Twin Cities area as a senior, but he didn't attract much Division I recruiting attention.

He walked on at Southern Illinois, appeared in only seven games over three years and, with the Salukis' starter returning, his prospects for playing time last season were dim. At Central Missouri, he was co-No. 1 quarterback entering the opener at Missouri Western and spent the first quarter on the bench. He took over on the fourth possession, passed for 390 yards and five touchdowns and ended the quarterback competition then and there.

“I don’t know if I would have believed it if you told me it would happen," Zebrowski said. “I've always had confidence in myself and thought I would be able to do it if I got the chance. Getting the chance and being able to run with it was pretty damn cool.”

In addition to his prodigious TD numbers, Zebrowksi finished with a Division II-record 5,690 yards of total offense, threw only five interceptions and ranked second in the country in passing efficiency.

Zebrowski said he explored transferring to a higher-division school for his final season. His dad, Jim Zebrowski, is quarterbacks coach at Kansas, but he never seriously considered that an option because the Jayhawks have an established starter in Jalon Daniels.

Zebrowski said he decided to return to take care of unfinished business.

“I was always pretty set on coming back,” he said. “If we had won a national championship, it would have been a different conversation. Losing the way we did left a sour taste in all our mouths.”

Other players to watch at smaller schools this season:

QB Luke Lehnen, North Central (Illinois)

Lehnen threw for 48 touchdowns and ran for 13, completed 73% of his passes and was intercepted just twice. He finished with 3,407 yards passing and 850 rushing. He led North Central to national titles in 2021 and '22 and to the championship game last year. He enters his fourth year as the starter favored to become the first player in 10 seasons to be a back-to-back winner of the Gagliardi Trophy as the Division III player of the year.

Volk won the Cliff Harris Award as the best small-college defensive player and was a Harlon Hill finalist. His 13 interceptions were most in any NCAA division and his 124 tackles led Division II. He picked off two passes in four games and had at least one in nine of 13 games. He enters his senior season with 18 interceptions in 34 games.

DL Anthony Cikauskas, Monmouth (Illinois)

Cikauskas was the most dominant defensive lineman in Division III as a sophomore with 26 tackles for loss and a nation-leading 17 sacks. He had at least one sack in every game but the opener; he had a career-high 3.5 against Illinois College. The 6-3, 240-pounder also forced five fumbles, broke up two passes and blocked a kick.

RB Rontavious Farmer, St. Thomas (Florida)

Farmer's 3,326 yards rushing the last two seasons are most in the NAIA. Last year he carried 280 times for 1,773 yards (6.3 per attempt) and 26 touchdowns. He went over 200 yards in three games, including 236 in a playoff loss at Keiser (Florida). The 5-9, 185-pound Farmer had 254 carries for 1,553 yards (6.1) and 14 TDs in 2022.

WR Austin Jablonski, Concordia (Nebraska)

Jablonski transferred to Concordia after spending two seasons at Nebraska. He moved from quarterback to receiver early in the 2022 season, and last year his 91 catches and 113.4 yards receiving per game led the NAIA. He had 11 catches for 162 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for a score against Hastings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723910582357.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - In this photo provided by Central Missouri Athletics, Central Missouri quarterback Zach Zebrowski throws a pass during an MIAA college football game in Warrensburg, Mo., on Oct. 21, 2023. (Andrew Mather Photography/UCM Athletics via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - In this photo provided by Central Missouri Athletics, Central Missouri quarterback Zach Zebrowski throws a pass during an MIAA college football game in Warrensburg, Mo., on Oct. 21, 2023. (Andrew Mather Photography/UCM Athletics via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC OLSON AP College Football WriterZach Zebrowski more than made up for lost time in his first season at Central Missouri.After spending three years mostly on the bench at Southern Illinois in the Football Championship Subdivision, Zebrowski turned in one of the greatest seasons by a college quarterback in any division.He passed for at least five touchdowns in nine of the Mules' 13 games and finished with a Division II record 61, making him only the sixth player at any level to throw for at least 60.The fifth-year senior goes into 2024 as the reigning Harlon Hill Trophy winner as Division II's player of the year and motivated to make a deeper playoff run after a late blocked extra point ended the Mules' season in the second round.The 6-foot-2, 208-pound Zebrowski was undersized for most of his career at East Ridge High in Woodbury, Minnesota. He grew 6 inches after his junior year and was one of the top quarterbacks in the Twin Cities area as a senior, but he didn't attract much Division I recruiting attention.He walked on at Southern Illinois, appeared in only seven games over three years and, with the Salukis' starter returning, his prospects for playing time last season were dim. At Central Missouri, he was co-No. 1 quarterback entering the opener at Missouri Western and spent the first quarter on the bench. He took over on the fourth possession, passed for 390 yards and five touchdowns and ended the quarterback competition then and there.“I don’t know if I would have believed it if you told me it would happen," Zebrowski said. “I've always had confidence in myself and thought I would be able to do it if I got the chance. Getting the chance and being able to run with it was pretty damn cool.”In addition to his prodigious TD numbers, Zebrowksi finished with a Division II-record 5,690 yards of total offense, threw only five interceptions and ranked second in the country in passing efficiency.Zebrowski said he explored transferring to a higher-division school for his final season. His dad, Jim Zebrowski, is quarterbacks coach at Kansas, but he never seriously considered that an option because the Jayhawks have an established starter in Jalon Daniels.Zebrowski said he decided to return to take care of unfinished business.“I was always pretty set on coming back,” he said. “If we had won a national championship, it would have been a different conversation. Losing the way we did left a sour taste in all our mouths.”Other players to watch at smaller schools this season:QB Luke Lehnen, North Central (Illinois)Lehnen threw for 48 touchdowns and ran for 13, completed 73% of his passes and was intercepted just twice. He finished with 3,407 yards passing and 850 rushing. He led North Central to national titles in 2021 and '22 and to the championship game last year. He enters his fourth year as the starter favored to become the first player in 10 seasons to be a back-to-back winner of the Gagliardi Trophy as the Division III player of the year.S Tanner Volk, Central WashingtonVolk won the Cliff Harris Award as the best small-college defensive player and was a Harlon Hill finalist. His 13 interceptions were most in any NCAA division and his 124 tackles led Division II. He picked off two passes in four games and had at least one in nine of 13 games. He enters his senior season with 18 interceptions in 34 games.DL Anthony Cikauskas, Monmouth (Illinois)Cikauskas was the most dominant defensive lineman in Division III as a sophomore with 26 tackles for loss and a nation-leading 17 sacks. He had at least one sack in every game but the opener; he had a career-high 3.5 against Illinois College. The 6-3, 240-pounder also forced five fumbles, broke up two passes and blocked a kick.RB Rontavious Farmer, St. Thomas (Florida)Farmer's 3,326 yards rushing the last two seasons are most in the NAIA. Last year he carried 280 times for 1,773 yards (6.3 per attempt) and 26 touchdowns. He went over 200 yards in three games, including 236 in a playoff loss at Keiser (Florida). The 5-9, 185-pound Farmer had 254 carries for 1,553 yards (6.1) and 14 TDs in 2022.WR Austin Jablonski, Concordia (Nebraska)Jablonski transferred to Concordia after spending two seasons at Nebraska. He moved from quarterback to receiver early in the 2022 season, and last year his 91 catches and 113.4 yards receiving per game led the NAIA. He had 11 catches for 162 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for a score against Hastings.

Pick Six: Central Missouri's Zach Zebrowski among 2024 small-college stars

CINCINNATI (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered, doubled and singled to boost his major league-leading average to .352, Michael Lorenzen pitched into the sixth inning to get his first win since being traded and the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-1 in the opener of an interleague series on Friday night.

Witt, the Royals' All-Star shortstop, hit a four-seam fastball from Nick Martinez 430 feet into the upper deck for his 25th homer in the fourth inning. He doubled and scored on a fielder’s choice in the sixth and had an infield single in the seventh.

The Reds intentionally walked him with two outs in the ninth, just before he trotted home on Vinnie Pasquantino's 18th homer.

Witt became the third Royals player to hit 25 homers and steal 25 bases in consecutive seasons.

“It's special any time you kind of say that word 'history,'” Witt said. “I've just got to keep preparing the way I'm preparing and keep trying to get these wins. This team is a lot of fun, and we're just having a blast here.”

Lorenzen (6-6), acquired by the Royals in a July 29 trade with Texas, started his third game after two no-decisions. He allowed a run and two hits in 5 2/3 innings and departed after 83 pitches.

“Truthfully, it was tough,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Lorenzen’s outing. “He was behind a lot of those guys but was able to execute pitches when he needed to. It’s probably not the way he would have liked to go about it, but he really made pitches when he had to.”

Lorenzen is just glad to be on Witt's team instead of pitching against him.

“You know, I see it on MLB Network every night, and you kind of get sick of it, to be honest, because he’s on it every night, his highlights and stuff," Lorenzen said. “And playing with him, it’s the real deal. There’s not many people you can say that about. You can say that about Bobby. It’s the real deal. It’s incredible.”

Salvador Perez, Adam Frazier and Freddie Fermin also drove in runs for Kansas City, helping snap Cincinnati's four-game win streak.

Martinez (6-6) pitched six innings, allowing three runs and three hits with four strikeouts.

“I could have held them a little closer,” Martinez said. "It is a good lineup.”

Tyler Stephenson had an RBI double in the sixth, one of only four hits by Cincinnati.

Royals: RHP John Schreiber (knee) is on a rehab assignment at Single-A Quad Cities. He landed on the 15-day injury list July 29.

Reds: LHP Brent Suter pitched live batting practice Friday. He went on the 15-day injured list July 20 with a partially torn muscle in the back of his left shoulder.

The Royals send right-hander Michael Wacha (9-6, 3.50 ERA) to the mound to oppose Reds lefty Nick Lodolo (9-4, 3.99) as the series continues Saturday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723905596246.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino reacts after making an unassisted double play on a ball hit by Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz in the third inning of a baseball game in Cincinnati, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino reacts after making an unassisted double play on a ball hit by Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz in the third inning of a baseball game in Cincinnati, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)</figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered, doubled and singled to boost his major league-leading average to .352, Michael Lorenzen pitched into the sixth inning to get his first win since being traded and the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-1 in the opener of an interleague series on Friday night.Witt, the Royals' All-Star shortstop, hit a four-seam fastball from Nick Martinez 430 feet into the upper deck for his 25th homer in the fourth inning. He doubled and scored on a fielder’s choice in the sixth and had an infield single in the seventh.The Reds intentionally walked him with two outs in the ninth, just before he trotted home on Vinnie Pasquantino's 18th homer.Witt became the third Royals player to hit 25 homers and steal 25 bases in consecutive seasons.“It's special any time you kind of say that word 'history,'” Witt said. “I've just got to keep preparing the way I'm preparing and keep trying to get these wins. This team is a lot of fun, and we're just having a blast here.”Lorenzen (6-6), acquired by the Royals in a July 29 trade with Texas, started his third game after two no-decisions. He allowed a run and two hits in 5 2/3 innings and departed after 83 pitches.“Truthfully, it was tough,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Lorenzen’s outing. “He was behind a lot of those guys but was able to execute pitches when he needed to. It’s probably not the way he would have liked to go about it, but he really made pitches when he had to.”Lorenzen is just glad to be on Witt's team instead of pitching against him.“You know, I see it on MLB Network every night, and you kind of get sick of it, to be honest, because he’s on it every night, his highlights and stuff," Lorenzen said. “And playing with him, it’s the real deal. There’s not many people you can say that about. You can say that about Bobby. It’s the real deal. It’s incredible.”Salvador Perez, Adam Frazier and Freddie Fermin also drove in runs for Kansas City, helping snap Cincinnati's four-game win streak.Martinez (6-6) pitched six innings, allowing three runs and three hits with four strikeouts.“I could have held them a little closer,” Martinez said. "It is a good lineup.”Tyler Stephenson had an RBI double in the sixth, one of only four hits by Cincinnati.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP John Schreiber (knee) is on a rehab assignment at Single-A Quad Cities. He landed on the 15-day injury list July 29.Reds: LHP Brent Suter pitched live batting practice Friday. He went on the 15-day injured list July 20 with a partially torn muscle in the back of his left shoulder.UP NEXTThe Royals send right-hander Michael Wacha (9-6, 3.50 ERA) to the mound to oppose Reds lefty Nick Lodolo (9-4, 3.99) as the series continues Saturday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. collects 3 hits as Royals beat Reds 7-1

CINCINNATI (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered, doubled and singled to boost his major league-leading average to .352, Michael Lorenzen pitched into the sixth inning to get his first win since being traded and the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-1 in the opener of an interleague series. The Royals’ All-Star shortstop hit a four-seam fastball from Nick Martinez 430 feet into the upper deck for his 25th homer in the fourth inning. He doubled and scored on a fielder’s choice in the sixth and had an infield single in the seventh.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Mookie Betts and Kevin Kiermaier homered in a five-run sixth inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers came back to beat the skidding St. Louis Cardinals 7-6. The offensive outburst gave Justin Wrobleski his first major league win. The left-hander was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier in the day to make his fifth career start. Wrobleski allowed four runs and four hits — including three homers — in five innings as the NL West leaders stopped a two-game skid. Michael Kopech earned his 10th save this season and first with the Dodgers since being acquired from the Chicago White Sox last month. Kiermaier’s three-run homer in the sixth gave the Dodgers a 7-4 lead.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The launch of Venu Sports will be delayed after a federal judge granted FuboTV’s motion for a preliminary injunction against the planned sports streaming venture by ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery. United States District Judge Margaret M. Garnett in the Southern District of New York said in her 69-page ruling that Fubo was likely to be successful in proving that the joint venture would violate antitrust laws. Fubo TV filed the lawsuit two weeks after ESPN, Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery and Hulu announced their plans to offer a sports streaming service on Feb. 6.

DETROIT (AP) — A former Michigan football staff member at the center of a sign-stealing scandal is running the defense at a Detroit high school. Connor Stalions is the defensive coordinator at Mumford. Coach William McMichael says, "The kids all love him and we’re all learning from him.” Stalions is accused of running an advance-scouting scheme for more than two years at Michigan. He sent people to games involving Michigan’s future opponents to digitally record signals. Stalions hasn't talked publicly about the allegations. The NCAA is investigating.

UNDATED (AP) — The Big 12 is bigger even after losing two national champions. Mike Gundy is going into his 20th season as 17th-ranked Oklahoma State’s head coach and expects a lot of parity in what is now a 16-team league. Four schools were added from the dismembered Pac-12 while Oklahoma and Texas went to the SEC. Coach Kyle Whittingham is going into his 20th season with newcomer Utah, the league’s highest-ranked team in The Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll at No. 12. Deion Sanders-coached Colorado, Arizona and Arizona State are also Big 12 newcomers.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah is the preseason pick to win the Big 12 championship. Key offensive playmakers Cam Rising, Brant Kuithe, and Micah Bernard are back after being sidelined with injuries a year ago. Keeping those players healthy will be a key to the 12th-ranked Utes making their third successful conference title run in four seasons. Injuries cost the Utes a shot at a third consecutive Pac-12 title in their final season in the league. This is their first season in the Big 12.

UNDATED (AP) — This tumultuous and uncertain period of college football, with rules about player compensation and transfers seemingly changing every six months, has made more than a few coaches — including Nick Saban — question whether the job is really for them anymore. For younger coaches such as Oregon running backs coach Ra'Shaad Samples — the potential head coaches of the future — evolution is everything. Thirty-something head coaches such as the Rams' Sean McVay Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham and now Oregon’s Dan Lanning have taught Samples: It’s not about keeping up with trends, but being a trendsetter.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama and Denny McCarthy are tied for the lead going into the weekend at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. They both relied on putting at the TPC Southwind, combining for nearly 300 feet of made putts. Matsuyama had a 64 and McCarthy a 63. They were one shot ahead of Sam Burns. Scottie Scheffler had a bogey-free 65 and was two shots behind. This is the first playoff event, and only the top 50 in the FedEx Cup advance to next weeks. Among those on the ropes is Jordan Spieth. He shot a 75 and was toward the bottom.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered, doubled and singled to boost his major league-leading average to .352, Michael Lorenzen pitched into the sixth inning to get his first win since being traded and the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-1 in the opener of an interleague series. The Royals’ All-Star shortstop hit a four-seam fastball from Nick Martinez 430 feet into the upper deck for his 25th homer in the fourth inning. He doubled and scored on a fielder’s choice in the sixth and had an infield single in the seventh.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Mookie Betts and Kevin Kiermaier homered in a five-run sixth inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers came back to beat the skidding St. Louis Cardinals 7-6. The offensive outburst gave Justin Wrobleski his first major league win. The left-hander was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier in the day to make his fifth career start. Wrobleski allowed four runs and four hits — including three homers — in five innings as the NL West leaders stopped a two-game skid. Michael Kopech earned his 10th save this season and first with the Dodgers since being acquired from the Chicago White Sox last month. Kiermaier’s three-run homer in the sixth gave the Dodgers a 7-4 lead.SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The launch of Venu Sports will be delayed after a federal judge granted FuboTV’s motion for a preliminary injunction against the planned sports streaming venture by ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery. United States District Judge Margaret M. Garnett in the Southern District of New York said in her 69-page ruling that Fubo was likely to be successful in proving that the joint venture would violate antitrust laws. Fubo TV filed the lawsuit two weeks after ESPN, Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery and Hulu announced their plans to offer a sports streaming service on Feb. 6.DETROIT (AP) — A former Michigan football staff member at the center of a sign-stealing scandal is running the defense at a Detroit high school. Connor Stalions is the defensive coordinator at Mumford. Coach William McMichael says, "The kids all love him and we’re all learning from him.” Stalions is accused of running an advance-scouting scheme for more than two years at Michigan. He sent people to games involving Michigan’s future opponents to digitally record signals. Stalions hasn't talked publicly about the allegations. The NCAA is investigating.UNDATED (AP) — The Big 12 is bigger even after losing two national champions. Mike Gundy is going into his 20th season as 17th-ranked Oklahoma State’s head coach and expects a lot of parity in what is now a 16-team league. Four schools were added from the dismembered Pac-12 while Oklahoma and Texas went to the SEC. Coach Kyle Whittingham is going into his 20th season with newcomer Utah, the league’s highest-ranked team in The Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll at No. 12. Deion Sanders-coached Colorado, Arizona and Arizona State are also Big 12 newcomers.SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah is the preseason pick to win the Big 12 championship. Key offensive playmakers Cam Rising, Brant Kuithe, and Micah Bernard are back after being sidelined with injuries a year ago. Keeping those players healthy will be a key to the 12th-ranked Utes making their third successful conference title run in four seasons. Injuries cost the Utes a shot at a third consecutive Pac-12 title in their final season in the league. This is their first season in the Big 12.UNDATED (AP) — This tumultuous and uncertain period of college football, with rules about player compensation and transfers seemingly changing every six months, has made more than a few coaches — including Nick Saban — question whether the job is really for them anymore. For younger coaches such as Oregon running backs coach Ra'Shaad Samples — the potential head coaches of the future — evolution is everything. Thirty-something head coaches such as the Rams' Sean McVay Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham and now Oregon’s Dan Lanning have taught Samples: It’s not about keeping up with trends, but being a trendsetter.MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama and Denny McCarthy are tied for the lead going into the weekend at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. They both relied on putting at the TPC Southwind, combining for nearly 300 feet of made putts. Matsuyama had a 64 and McCarthy a 63. They were one shot ahead of Sam Burns. Scottie Scheffler had a bogey-free 65 and was two shots behind. This is the first playoff event, and only the top 50 in the FedEx Cup advance to next weeks. Among those on the ropes is Jordan Spieth. He shot a 75 and was toward the bottom.FRIDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Chicago Cubs	6	Toronto	5	Final	Kansas City	7	Cincinnati	1	Final	Pittsburgh	5	Seattle	3	Final	Tampa Bay	5	Arizona	4	Final	Milwaukee	5	Cleveland	3	Final	L.A. Angels	3	Atlanta	2	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Yankees	3	Detroit	0	Final	Boston	12	Baltimore	10	Final	Minnesota	4	Texas	3	Final	Chicago White Sox	5	Houston	4	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Philadelphia	3	Washington	2	Final	N.Y. Mets	7	Miami	3	Final	L.A. Dodgers	7	St. Louis	6	Final	Colorado	7	San Diego	3

Saturday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

High school sports practices begin around Kansas on Aug. 19. Games will follow shortly after that. Great Bend High School is offering a few ways to get into those activities at a discounted rate. Activities Director Matt Westerhaus said Great Bend High School and Great Bend Middle School students are eligible for a student pass for $30.

"Since we issue ID cards at both of those buildings, they can pay in the office," he said. "That is printed on their ID card. They simply show that at every event and they get into every event throughout the course of the 2024-25 school year for $30."

The Western Athletic Conference has set the cost of admission for all league schools at $7 per person. That can add up quickly for families attending multiple events. GBHS is offering several family pass options this year for home events.

"We currently do not offer discounts for elementary-age students with an activities pass for the year," Westerhaus said. "We wanted to offer something for families who have elementary-aged children, so we came up with these family passes of three, four, and five. Those can be purchased per season: fall, winter, and spring."

Family passes are $150 for a family of three, $200 for a family of four, and $250 for a family of five and must be purchased each season. GBHS continues to offer its Gold Card pass for Panther fans who are 60 years of age or older. The school also offers a 10-punch pass for $60, and an all-season pass that allows a single individual to attend all GBHS home events for $150.

<a href="https://gofan.co/app/school/KS25138">CLICK HERE</a> to purchase tickets or email courtney.kelly@usd428.net with questions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666802996419.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostHigh school sports practices begin around Kansas on Aug. 19. Games will follow shortly after that. Great Bend High School is offering a few ways to get into those activities at a discounted rate. Activities Director Matt Westerhaus said Great Bend High School and Great Bend Middle School students are eligible for a student pass for $30."Since we issue ID cards at both of those buildings, they can pay in the office," he said. "That is printed on their ID card. They simply show that at every event and they get into every event throughout the course of the 2024-25 school year for $30."The Western Athletic Conference has set the cost of admission for all league schools at $7 per person. That can add up quickly for families attending multiple events. GBHS is offering several family pass options this year for home events."We currently do not offer discounts for elementary-age students with an activities pass for the year," Westerhaus said. "We wanted to offer something for families who have elementary-aged children, so we came up with these family passes of three, four, and five. Those can be purchased per season: fall, winter, and spring."Family passes are $150 for a family of three, $200 for a family of four, and $250 for a family of five and must be purchased each season. GBHS continues to offer its Gold Card pass for Panther fans who are 60 years of age or older. The school also offers a 10-punch pass for $60, and an all-season pass that allows a single individual to attend all GBHS home events for $150.<a href="https://gofan.co/app/school/KS25138">CLICK HERE</a> to purchase tickets or email courtney.kelly@usd428.net with questions.

Great Bend High School offering several discount ticket options

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and union officials said they object to NFL access policies to certain areas of Allegiant Stadium and the union has urged its officers to not work Raiders home games after this weekend if the new arrangement remains in place.

The NFL is using facial-recognition technology this season for those credentialed for games, including for players, media and vendors. The Las Vegas Police Protective Association, with the backing of the department, said they are concerned such technology compromises the officers’ privacy.

Police have asked the NFL to let officers wear wristbands, as has been the case in previous seasons. Police will wear wristbands when Las Vegas hosts the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason game Saturday night.

“We want to see what they bring to the table for changes,” union president Steve Grammas said. “(Privacy is) what everybody’s concerned about — taking our personal information and sharing it with vendors and teams.”

The union said on social media on Thursday the league also wants personal information such as fingerprints, home addresses and phone numbers.

The NFL issued a detailed explanation of the new policy, which was tested in six stadiums last season. The league said access photos will be used only to verify the person’s identity and for no other purpose.

“We recognize the importance of our public safety partners and appreciate their efforts to ensure a safe gameday environment,” the NFL said in a statement. “We’ve had productive conversations with the LVPPA and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department about our modernized, secure credentialing system for all working staff. The credentialing system will enhance security at our stadiums, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to address any questions or concerns raised.”

Las Vegas police said in a statement that Sheriff Kevin McMahill backs the union’s “position against the proposed changes in NFL credentialing.”

The Nevada Republican Party also weighed in by expressing support for the police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723825850240.png" alt="Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) celebrates with teammates after an interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)" />
 <figcaption>Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) celebrates with teammates after an interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and union officials said they object to NFL access policies to certain areas of Allegiant Stadium and the union has urged its officers to not work Raiders home games after this weekend if the new arrangement remains in place.The NFL is using facial-recognition technology this season for those credentialed for games, including for players, media and vendors. The Las Vegas Police Protective Association, with the backing of the department, said they are concerned such technology compromises the officers’ privacy.Police have asked the NFL to let officers wear wristbands, as has been the case in previous seasons. Police will wear wristbands when Las Vegas hosts the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason game Saturday night.“We want to see what they bring to the table for changes,” union president Steve Grammas said. “(Privacy is) what everybody’s concerned about — taking our personal information and sharing it with vendors and teams.”The union said on social media on Thursday the league also wants personal information such as fingerprints, home addresses and phone numbers.The NFL issued a detailed explanation of the new policy, which was tested in six stadiums last season. The league said access photos will be used only to verify the person’s identity and for no other purpose.“We recognize the importance of our public safety partners and appreciate their efforts to ensure a safe gameday environment,” the NFL said in a statement. “We’ve had productive conversations with the LVPPA and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department about our modernized, secure credentialing system for all working staff. The credentialing system will enhance security at our stadiums, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to address any questions or concerns raised.”Las Vegas police said in a statement that Sheriff Kevin McMahill backs the union’s “position against the proposed changes in NFL credentialing.”The Nevada Republican Party also weighed in by expressing support for the police.

Las Vegas police officials say new NFL policy violates officer privacy

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723821195200.jpeg" alt="Great Bend High School showed off the new surface to the gym floor at the Panther Fieldhouse." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School showed off the new surface to the gym floor at the Panther Fieldhouse.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Great Bend HS shows off new gym floor surface

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard has won Ohio State’s quarterback battle against Devin Brown and will be the starter when the No. 2 Buckeyes open against Akron on Aug. 31, coach Ryan Day said Thursday. Howard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-state-howard-kansas-state-24e115277960806afc846754827b026f">transferred from Kansas State</a>&nbsp;after starting 28 games over four seasons, and he graded out the highest through nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-state-buckeyes-camp-big-ten-0df283ff7b01f0d4a2314da14dc945cc">30 practices over the spring and preseason</a>. Brown is the No. 2 quarterback, but Day said Lincoln Kienholz, Julian Sayin and Air Noland would be given an opportunity to continue competing for the top backup job. Howard led Kansas State to the 2022 Big 12 championship and set the school career record with 48 touchdown passes. He tied the K-State single-season record with 24 TD passes last season. He also rushed for 921 yards and 19 TDs in his career for the Wildcats.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard has won Ohio State’s quarterback battle against Devin Brown and will be the starter when the No. 2 Buckeyes open against Akron on Aug. 31, coach Ryan Day said Thursday. Howard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-state-howard-kansas-state-24e115277960806afc846754827b026f">transferred from Kansas State</a>&nbsp;after starting 28 games over four seasons, and he graded out the highest through nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-state-buckeyes-camp-big-ten-0df283ff7b01f0d4a2314da14dc945cc">30 practices over the spring and preseason</a>. Brown is the No. 2 quarterback, but Day said Lincoln Kienholz, Julian Sayin and Air Noland would be given an opportunity to continue competing for the top backup job. Howard led Kansas State to the 2022 Big 12 championship and set the school career record with 48 touchdown passes. He tied the K-State single-season record with 24 TD passes last season. He also rushed for 921 yards and 19 TDs in his career for the Wildcats.PARIS (AP) - American gymnast Jordan Chiles called an arbitration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-chiles-bronze-medal-ana-barbosu-b982ecfff1e846c57b0e1cb524a84cad">panel’s decision</a>&nbsp;that dropped her out of the bronze medal position in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics “unjust” and a “significant blow” in a message posted on social media Thursday. The International Olympic Committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-olympics-paris-gymnastics-4004ae4869ac2eafbb89b68ee5966110">in light of the decision</a>&nbsp;by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, announced it would reallocate the bronze to Ana Barbosu of Romania. Barbosu is scheduled to receive the medal on Friday at a ceremony in Bucharest. Chiles initially finished fifth in the eight-woman final before Team USA coach Cecile Landi appealed Chiles’ score, asking to receive credit for a maneuver that would boost her score by .1. The appeal was granted, moving Chiles into third. She was awarded the bronze and participated in the medal ceremony following the competition.SYDNEY (AP) — Australian breaker Rachael Gunn said the backlash to her much-ridiculed Olympic performance has been “devastating,” adding Thursday that she took the competition seriously and gave her best effort. The 36-year-old b-girl known as Raygun said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-sDDtfokE4/?igsh=NGdwb2JyZjQ1NzVu" target="_blank">a video posted to social media</a>&nbsp;that she wasn’t prepared for the level of negative attention she has received since judges awarded her zero points in her Olympic debut. Meanwhile, the Australian Olympic Committee criticized an anonymous online petition attacking the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games">Paris Games</a>&nbsp;competitor, saying it was “vexatious, misleading and bullying.” The sport of breaking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-olympics-breaking-a3101ed263a9368bb33627931f5102f3">made its Olympic debut</a>&nbsp;in Paris, and one of the lasting images was the performance of Gunn, a 36-year-old university professor from Sydney — who did a “kangaroo dance” among other questionable moves during her routine — and did not receive a single point from any of the nine judges in either round.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Just in case Weston Wilson needed a reminder on the hit he needed to complete the cycle — Phillies fans chanted “Double! Double!” for his at-bat as a noisy cue — Bryce Harper offered a helpful tip. “Harper was at the top (step) letting me know,” Wilson said, laughing. “If you hit it, keep running. Don’t stop until second.” With the Phillies ahead in a rout against the Washington Nationals, Wilson&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Phillies/status/1824252321427059193" target="_blank">lined a shot to right field</a>&nbsp;that was nearly caught by right fielder Alex Call. He fell short on a diving attempt, the ball smacked off his glove and rolled toward center, giving Wilson the opening he needed to take up Harper on his advice. Wilson hustled to second base, becoming the first rookie to hit for the cycle in Philadelphia history. Philadelphia defeated Washington 13-3.EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — If Colin Kaepernick wants to join the Los Angeles Chargers, it will not be until next year at the earliest. And it will only be as a member of Jim Harbaugh’s coaching staff. “I love Colin, but he’s not going to be on the coaching staff, which is set for this year. And he’s not going to be playing on the roster either,” Harbaugh said after Thursday’s practice. Harbaugh — who coached Kaepernick in San Francisco from 2011 through ’14 — told USA Today Sports earlier this week that he reached out to Kaepernick about joining his Chargers’ staff shortly after being named coach on Jan. 24. Harbaugh said on Thursday that it wasn’t the first time he has touched base with Kaepernick about coaching, and that he mentioned it a couple times when he was the coach at Michigan.THURSDAY'S SCORES MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL AMERICAN LEAGUEDetroit 2, Seattle 1Baltimore 5, Boston 1Minnesota 3, Texas 2NATIONAL LEAGUEMilwaukee 6, LA Dodgers 4San Francisco 6, Atlanta 0Philadelphia 13, Washington 3INTERLEAGUEOakland 7, NY Mets 6