In a milestone achievement, Greg Maxwell, head coach of Ellinwood High School’s varsity volleyball team, secured his 200th career victory Tuesday at home. Now in his seventh year coaching the Eagles, Maxwell has transformed the program into a regional powerhouse, guiding his team with passion, intensity, and a championship mindset.



Maxwell’s coaching journey started on the gridiron as a collegiate football player and later as a football coach at Ellinwood. However, after having two daughters who fell in love with volleyball at an early age, his focus shifted to the new sport where he applied his football background, bringing mental toughness and a disciplined coaching style to the court. His players have come to expect—and embrace—the intensity of his approach, developing a competitive edge that has made them consistently a top team in the state. 


In addition to volleyball, Maxwell also coaches Ellinwood High School’s girls' basketball team and golf team. His coaching versatility is exemplified by last year’s success when he guided the golf team to a runner-up finish at the 2A State championship, further showcasing his ability to inspire athletes across multiple sports.



Maxwell’s 200th volleyball win not only marks a significant personal achievement but also reflects his influence and success across Ellinwood’s athletic programs. As USD 355 celebrates this moment, fans and players are eager to see where his leadership will take the Eagles next.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726595572798.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In a milestone achievement, Greg Maxwell, head coach of Ellinwood High School’s varsity volleyball team, secured his 200th career victory Tuesday at home. Now in his seventh year coaching the Eagles, Maxwell has transformed the program into a regional powerhouse, guiding his team with passion, intensity, and a championship mindset.

Maxwell’s coaching journey started on the gridiron as a collegiate football player and later as a football coach at Ellinwood. However, after having two daughters who fell in love with volleyball at an early age, his focus shifted to the new sport where he applied his football background, bringing mental toughness and a disciplined coaching style to the court. His players have come to expect—and embrace—the intensity of his approach, developing a competitive edge that has made them consistently a top team in the state. 
In addition to volleyball, Maxwell also coaches Ellinwood High School’s girls' basketball team and golf team. His coaching versatility is exemplified by last year’s success when he guided the golf team to a runner-up finish at the 2A State championship, further showcasing his ability to inspire athletes across multiple sports.

Maxwell’s 200th volleyball win not only marks a significant personal achievement but also reflects his influence and success across Ellinwood’s athletic programs. As USD 355 celebrates this moment, fans and players are eager to see where his leadership will take the Eagles next.

Ellinwood's Maxwell picks up 200th career win on volleyball court

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

With teams like Lenexa's St. James Academy, Overland Park's St. Thomas Aquinas, and Wichita's Bishop Carroll winning 16 of the last 18 Class 5A girls' cross country titles, the state's second-largest classification is notoriously tough. This fall, a pair of individual runners are ensuring the tradition continues. Saturday in Topeka, Topeka Seaman junior Ryin Miller smashed the state 5K record in 16:32.62. Girard's Cailie Logue, a six-time All-American at Iowa State University, set the previous record of 16:46 in 2016.

But Miller is not running alone in Class 5A this year. Salina Central senior Katelyn Rupe, who has committed to run at North Carolina next year, set the Lake Barton record during regionals last year in 17:21.18. She reset that record in 17:14.86 at the Great Bend Invite on Sept. 5. Central sophomore Kaylie Shultz ran an 18:05 at the Lake Barton regional last year and improved to 18:02.05 in her first meet of 2024.

Rupe's time on Sept. 5 was the early leader in Kansas this fall until Miller ran a 16:59 two days later in Manhattan. Miller won that race by 75 seconds, and just two girls managed to break 19:21 on the course. After Miller&nbsp; broke the record Saturday in Topeka, Rupe ran a 16:52.70 later that evening in Olathe to win the Twilight meet. Schultz ran second in 17:28.50. No other Kansas girl ran under 18 minutes.

The back-and-forth is hardly new between the trio of top-tier runners. Rupe won last year's Class 5A cross country title at Rim Rock in 17:36.20, followed by Schultz in 17:58.90, and Miller in 18:36.80. Miller gained the upper hand by last spring, beating Rupe by four seconds to win the KU Relays 3200m run in 10:13.97. The next day, Miller beat Rupe by five seconds to win the 1600m run in 4:53.74.

That set the stage for an impressive state track meet in May. Miller, Rupe, and Spring Hill's Marisa January all came in under the previous 5A state record time in the 1600m run with Miller taking the gold by more than three seconds in 4:51.58. Rupe put the pedal down in the 3200m run, smashing a 41-year-old state record by 16 seconds and beating Miller by the same margin.

Class 5A regional sites have not yet been announced but the trio will likely again steal the show at the Class 5A State Cross Country Championships at Rim Rock Farm on Saturday, Nov. 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726578326013.jpeg" alt="Topeka Seaman junior Ryin Miller runs ahead of Salina Central senior Katelyn Rupe during last year's KU Relays. Miller set a new state cross country record Saturday in Topeka, and Rupe missed the previous state record by just six seconds the same day in Olathe. (photo by Mike Courson)" />
 <figcaption>Topeka Seaman junior Ryin Miller runs ahead of Salina Central senior Katelyn Rupe during last year's KU Relays. Miller set a new state cross country record Saturday in Topeka, and Rupe missed the previous state record by just six seconds the same day in Olathe. (photo by Mike Courson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostWith teams like Lenexa's St. James Academy, Overland Park's St. Thomas Aquinas, and Wichita's Bishop Carroll winning 16 of the last 18 Class 5A girls' cross country titles, the state's second-largest classification is notoriously tough. This fall, a pair of individual runners are ensuring the tradition continues. Saturday in Topeka, Topeka Seaman junior Ryin Miller smashed the state 5K record in 16:32.62. Girard's Cailie Logue, a six-time All-American at Iowa State University, set the previous record of 16:46 in 2016.But Miller is not running alone in Class 5A this year. Salina Central senior Katelyn Rupe, who has committed to run at North Carolina next year, set the Lake Barton record during regionals last year in 17:21.18. She reset that record in 17:14.86 at the Great Bend Invite on Sept. 5. Central sophomore Kaylie Shultz ran an 18:05 at the Lake Barton regional last year and improved to 18:02.05 in her first meet of 2024.Rupe's time on Sept. 5 was the early leader in Kansas this fall until Miller ran a 16:59 two days later in Manhattan. Miller won that race by 75 seconds, and just two girls managed to break 19:21 on the course. After Miller&nbsp; broke the record Saturday in Topeka, Rupe ran a 16:52.70 later that evening in Olathe to win the Twilight meet. Schultz ran second in 17:28.50. No other Kansas girl ran under 18 minutes.The back-and-forth is hardly new between the trio of top-tier runners. Rupe won last year's Class 5A cross country title at Rim Rock in 17:36.20, followed by Schultz in 17:58.90, and Miller in 18:36.80. Miller gained the upper hand by last spring, beating Rupe by four seconds to win the KU Relays 3200m run in 10:13.97. The next day, Miller beat Rupe by five seconds to win the 1600m run in 4:53.74.That set the stage for an impressive state track meet in May. Miller, Rupe, and Spring Hill's Marisa January all came in under the previous 5A state record time in the 1600m run with Miller taking the gold by more than three seconds in 4:51.58. Rupe put the pedal down in the 3200m run, smashing a 41-year-old state record by 16 seconds and beating Miller by the same margin.Class 5A regional sites have not yet been announced but the trio will likely again steal the show at the Class 5A State Cross Country Championships at Rim Rock Farm on Saturday, Nov. 2.

One tough class: State XC record falls as battle of 5A runners heats up

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Oh, so this was what Atlanta expected out of $180 million lavished on Kirk Cousins. Certainly not a shaky effort like the 36-year-old veteran had in the opener, raising concerns in the loss about the quarterback’s return to form from a torn Achilles tendon. Cousins calmed fears down the stretch and made all the clutch throws in Philadelphia his counterpart Jalen Hurts could not — and sent the Falcons home winners. Cousins led&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1835886543183180260" target="_blank">a flawless last-minute drive</a>&nbsp;for Atlanta and connected with Drake London&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1835878381302493261" target="_blank">for a 7-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;with 34 seconds left to give the Falcons a 22-21 victory over the Eagles on Monday night.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers had hoped that Bryce Young would put an end to their ever-churning quarterback carousel when they selected him No. 1 overall last year. But two games into his second season,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bryce-young-benched-panthers-45b1100fc5d71bd15ad6dbd667b9f772">Young has been benched</a>&nbsp;and the Panthers are back to another journeyman quarterback. The 36-year-old Andy Dalton will take over the offense on Sunday when the Panthers (0-2) visit the Las Vegas Raiders. “I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Dalton said with a big smile. “When I came here, I wasn’t sure if I was going to get another opportunity to start again. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m excited about what’s ahead. It’s a tough situation. I’ve been on both sides of it and it’s hard for everybody. But for me, I’m looking forward to it.”

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the remainder of the season, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because Wisconsin hasn’t announced the severity of the injury. Van Dyke&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-alabama-van-dyke-injury-bcd81d91c682e40bb39f1838712672fb">hurt his right knee</a>&nbsp;during Wisconsin’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-wisconsin-score-f1353faef116a416ee6e3294fb6d6cee">42-10 loss</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">No. 4</a>&nbsp;Alabama on Saturday. The Wisconsin State Journal first reported that Van Dyke would miss the rest of the season. ESPN first reported that Van Dyke had a torn ACL. After running a third-down keeper on the game’s opening series, Van Dyke clutched his right knee. He was taken into the injury tent on the sideline and was then carted off the field with his head in his hands. He was wearing a brace on his knee and walking with crutches on the sideline during the second half of the game.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout is open to discussing a position change after he has missed 370 games during the past four seasons. The Los Angeles Angels slugger and three-time American League MVP said before Monday’s game against the Chicago White Sox that “everything’s on the table” when he meets with the team during the offseason. That includes moving to a corner outfield spot or more games as a designated hitter. “Ultimately, my goal is to be in that batter’s box, in the field every single day,” said Trout, who spoke to reporters for the first time in nearly two months. “Whether that’s moving to a corner or DHing more, that’s something that I’ll leave it up to the front office to come up with a plan. Where I’m at and what’s happened the last few years, I’m definitely going to try to explore every option that can keep me out there.”

MONDAY'S SCORES National Football League Atlanta 22, Philadelphia 21

Major League Baseball American League

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Oh, so this was what Atlanta expected out of $180 million lavished on Kirk Cousins. Certainly not a shaky effort like the 36-year-old veteran had in the opener, raising concerns in the loss about the quarterback’s return to form from a torn Achilles tendon. Cousins calmed fears down the stretch and made all the clutch throws in Philadelphia his counterpart Jalen Hurts could not — and sent the Falcons home winners. Cousins led&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1835886543183180260" target="_blank">a flawless last-minute drive</a>&nbsp;for Atlanta and connected with Drake London&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1835878381302493261" target="_blank">for a 7-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;with 34 seconds left to give the Falcons a 22-21 victory over the Eagles on Monday night.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers had hoped that Bryce Young would put an end to their ever-churning quarterback carousel when they selected him No. 1 overall last year. But two games into his second season,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bryce-young-benched-panthers-45b1100fc5d71bd15ad6dbd667b9f772">Young has been benched</a>&nbsp;and the Panthers are back to another journeyman quarterback. The 36-year-old Andy Dalton will take over the offense on Sunday when the Panthers (0-2) visit the Las Vegas Raiders. “I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Dalton said with a big smile. “When I came here, I wasn’t sure if I was going to get another opportunity to start again. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m excited about what’s ahead. It’s a tough situation. I’ve been on both sides of it and it’s hard for everybody. But for me, I’m looking forward to it.”MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the remainder of the season, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because Wisconsin hasn’t announced the severity of the injury. Van Dyke&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-alabama-van-dyke-injury-bcd81d91c682e40bb39f1838712672fb">hurt his right knee</a>&nbsp;during Wisconsin’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-wisconsin-score-f1353faef116a416ee6e3294fb6d6cee">42-10 loss</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">No. 4</a>&nbsp;Alabama on Saturday. The Wisconsin State Journal first reported that Van Dyke would miss the rest of the season. ESPN first reported that Van Dyke had a torn ACL. After running a third-down keeper on the game’s opening series, Van Dyke clutched his right knee. He was taken into the injury tent on the sideline and was then carted off the field with his head in his hands. He was wearing a brace on his knee and walking with crutches on the sideline during the second half of the game.ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout is open to discussing a position change after he has missed 370 games during the past four seasons. The Los Angeles Angels slugger and three-time American League MVP said before Monday’s game against the Chicago White Sox that “everything’s on the table” when he meets with the team during the offseason. That includes moving to a corner outfield spot or more games as a designated hitter. “Ultimately, my goal is to be in that batter’s box, in the field every single day,” said Trout, who spoke to reporters for the first time in nearly two months. “Whether that’s moving to a corner or DHing more, that’s something that I’ll leave it up to the front office to come up with a plan. Where I’m at and what’s happened the last few years, I’m definitely going to try to explore every option that can keep me out there.”MONDAY'S SCORES National Football League Atlanta 22, Philadelphia 21Major League Baseball American LeagueCleveland 4, Minnesota 3Detroit 7, Kansas City 6Chicago White Sox 8, LA Angels 4National LeagueNY Mets 2, Washington 1LA Dodgers 9, Atlanta 0Colorado 3, Arizona 2St. Louis 4, Pittsburgh 0Milwaukee 6, Philadelphia 2InterleagueChicago Cubs 9, Oakland 2San Diego 3, Houston 1

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Colt Keith hit a two-run homer, Matt Vierling had three hits while driving in the go-ahead run, and the Detroit Tigers rallied from an early four-run deficit to beat the Kansas City Royals 7-6 on Monday night in a crucial game for their playoff hopes.

Pinch-hitter Wenceel Pérez had the tying two-run double for Detroit, which began its final trip of the regular season by moving within 1 1/2 games of Minnesota for the final AL wild-card spot. The Twins lost to Cleveland earlier in the night.

“It was an incredible win because of how we were able to do it,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We didn't do much early, although our at-bats were pretty good. Started to chip away a little bit, a couple of really big swings, and then we held on."

Brenan Hanifee (1-1) earned the win in relief for Detroit, allowing one run and three hits over 2 1/3 innings. Jason Foley finished off a solid bullpen performance, working a perfect ninth to earn his 24th save and second in two days.

“The bullpen has been doing it all year for us,” Keith said, “and they did it again tonight.”

Bobby Witt Jr. hit a grand slam to stake Kansas City to a 4-0 lead, and he added a bunt single for a five-RBI game. But the Royals otherwise kept squandering chances to score, just as they did in their loss to the Pirates on Sunday.

Sam Long (3-2) took the loss for Kansas City, allowing three runs while retiring just two batters in relief of Seth Lugo.

“A lot of stuff happened in that game, clearly. It was an intense back-and-forth, both teams putting everything on the line,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You get out to a lead, you feel pretty good. You know they're not going to go away.”

Indeed, the Royals started their final homestand by taking advantage of what Detroit could not: the bases loaded.

The Tigers packed them in the third before Keith grounded out to second to end the threat. But when Kansas City loaded the bases in the bottom half — a leadoff walk from Adam Frazier, a single by Yuli Gurriel and a bunt single from Kyle Isbel — Witt hit a 1-1 pitch what seemed like a mile high and over the left-field wall for his second grand slam of the season.

Reese Olson, making his first start since straining his right shoulder July 20 in Toronto, was lifted one batter later, after Salvador Perez blooped a single to right. He allowed four runs, four hits and a walk while throwing 50 pitches.

The Tigers still trailed 5-1 in the fifth when they began their comeback, scoring once on Witt's throwing error and twice more when Keith homered to right. And after Witt delivered an RBI single in the bottom half for his 200th hit of the season, Detroit pushed across three more runs in the sixth off Long and John Schreiber to take a 7-6 lead.

“We had trouble putting them away from the very beginning. There weren’t a lot of easy outs,” Quatraro said. "You have got to give them credit the way they battled their at-bats and drove (Seth) Lugo’s pitch count up. Then they continued to put good at-bats up. I thought ours were pretty good, too. We just didn’t get the big hits like they did.”

The Royals had two aboard with one out in the seventh, and the first two on base in the eighth, but failed to score both times.

“That was one of the best games we've played as a team,” Keith said. “I don't think anybody thought that we were out of it.

Royals: RHP Chris Stratton, who went on the injured list Saturday, was diagnosed with a Grade-1 flexor strain and will be shut down for at least a week. ... RHP James McArthur left Monday's game after retiring two batters with right elbow tightness.

Kansas City: LHP Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.32) faces the Tigers after striking out 12 against them in an 8-3 win on May 22.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Colt Keith hit a two-run homer, Matt Vierling had three hits while driving in the go-ahead run, and the Detroit Tigers rallied from an early four-run deficit to beat the Kansas City Royals 7-6 on Monday night in a crucial game for their playoff hopes.Pinch-hitter Wenceel Pérez had the tying two-run double for Detroit, which began its final trip of the regular season by moving within 1 1/2 games of Minnesota for the final AL wild-card spot. The Twins lost to Cleveland earlier in the night.“It was an incredible win because of how we were able to do it,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We didn't do much early, although our at-bats were pretty good. Started to chip away a little bit, a couple of really big swings, and then we held on."Brenan Hanifee (1-1) earned the win in relief for Detroit, allowing one run and three hits over 2 1/3 innings. Jason Foley finished off a solid bullpen performance, working a perfect ninth to earn his 24th save and second in two days.“The bullpen has been doing it all year for us,” Keith said, “and they did it again tonight.”Bobby Witt Jr. hit a grand slam to stake Kansas City to a 4-0 lead, and he added a bunt single for a five-RBI game. But the Royals otherwise kept squandering chances to score, just as they did in their loss to the Pirates on Sunday.Sam Long (3-2) took the loss for Kansas City, allowing three runs while retiring just two batters in relief of Seth Lugo.“A lot of stuff happened in that game, clearly. It was an intense back-and-forth, both teams putting everything on the line,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You get out to a lead, you feel pretty good. You know they're not going to go away.”Indeed, the Royals started their final homestand by taking advantage of what Detroit could not: the bases loaded.The Tigers packed them in the third before Keith grounded out to second to end the threat. But when Kansas City loaded the bases in the bottom half — a leadoff walk from Adam Frazier, a single by Yuli Gurriel and a bunt single from Kyle Isbel — Witt hit a 1-1 pitch what seemed like a mile high and over the left-field wall for his second grand slam of the season.Reese Olson, making his first start since straining his right shoulder July 20 in Toronto, was lifted one batter later, after Salvador Perez blooped a single to right. He allowed four runs, four hits and a walk while throwing 50 pitches.The Tigers still trailed 5-1 in the fifth when they began their comeback, scoring once on Witt's throwing error and twice more when Keith homered to right. And after Witt delivered an RBI single in the bottom half for his 200th hit of the season, Detroit pushed across three more runs in the sixth off Long and John Schreiber to take a 7-6 lead.“We had trouble putting them away from the very beginning. There weren’t a lot of easy outs,” Quatraro said. "You have got to give them credit the way they battled their at-bats and drove (Seth) Lugo’s pitch count up. Then they continued to put good at-bats up. I thought ours were pretty good, too. We just didn’t get the big hits like they did.”The Royals had two aboard with one out in the seventh, and the first two on base in the eighth, but failed to score both times.“That was one of the best games we've played as a team,” Keith said. “I don't think anybody thought that we were out of it.<h2>Trainer's Room</h2>Royals: RHP Chris Stratton, who went on the injured list Saturday, was diagnosed with a Grade-1 flexor strain and will be shut down for at least a week. ... RHP James McArthur left Monday's game after retiring two batters with right elbow tightness.<h2>Up Next</h2>Kansas City: LHP Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.32) faces the Tigers after striking out 12 against them in an 8-3 win on May 22.

Witt grand slam not enough for Royals in 7-6 loss to Detroit

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

The Barton Community College women's cross country team competed in its second meet of the season on Friday morning participating at the FHSU Tiger Open held at the Rolling Ridge Course in Hays, Kansas.

Fielding just two runners and unable to compete as a team, freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wxc/2024-25/bios/schultz_lakota_kjdl">Lakota Schultz</a>&nbsp;paced the two-pack of Cougars conducting the 25th fastest stoppage of 21:25.6 in the 36 entrée 5K race.

<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wxc/2024-25/bios/sleichter_lainie_fhns">Lainie Sleichter</a>&nbsp;concluded the Barton participants maneuvering around the 5K course in 26:21.9 finishing 34th quickest.

Claiming the team title was host Fort Hays State University with a score of 17 points edging out Jayhawk Conference foes Garden City Community College's runner-up 59 points and Dodge City Community College's third best 64 point total.

Defending her individual title from a season ago, Jaycee Vath of Fort Hays State University paced the field in 18:17.0, edging out teammates Emma Weiner's runner-up time 18:19.7 and Taylor Hoskinson's third quickest 18:33.8.

Barton will have some time off before their next meet coming in a tune-up at the Tiger Preview held October 12th at the Kansas Veterans Home in Arkansas City, Kansas before returning two-weeks later for the KJCCC/Region VI Championships.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726494379888.jpeg" alt="Lakota Schultz competes at FHSU Tiger Open" />
 <figcaption>Lakota Schultz competes at FHSU Tiger Open</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College women's cross country team competed in its second meet of the season on Friday morning participating at the FHSU Tiger Open held at the Rolling Ridge Course in Hays, Kansas.Fielding just two runners and unable to compete as a team, freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wxc/2024-25/bios/schultz_lakota_kjdl">Lakota Schultz</a>&nbsp;paced the two-pack of Cougars conducting the 25th fastest stoppage of 21:25.6 in the 36 entrée 5K race.<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wxc/2024-25/bios/sleichter_lainie_fhns">Lainie Sleichter</a>&nbsp;concluded the Barton participants maneuvering around the 5K course in 26:21.9 finishing 34th quickest.Claiming the team title was host Fort Hays State University with a score of 17 points edging out Jayhawk Conference foes Garden City Community College's runner-up 59 points and Dodge City Community College's third best 64 point total.Defending her individual title from a season ago, Jaycee Vath of Fort Hays State University paced the field in 18:17.0, edging out teammates Emma Weiner's runner-up time 18:19.7 and Taylor Hoskinson's third quickest 18:33.8.Barton will have some time off before their next meet coming in a tune-up at the Tiger Preview held October 12th at the Kansas Veterans Home in Arkansas City, Kansas before returning two-weeks later for the KJCCC/Region VI Championships.

Barton Women's Cross Country completes FHSU Tiger Open

- Great Bend Panther Color Analyst Shawn Behr breaks down Friday's home opener for Great Bend against Olathe South.

- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas

- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl for Panther Sports" with Great Bend cross country coach Lyles Lashley

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Monday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Monday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BjhcVqotB28?si=QLjhEWcKPd3LSeOz" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Great Bend Panther Color Analyst Shawn Behr breaks down Friday's home opener for Great Bend against Olathe South.- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl for Panther Sports" with Great Bend cross country coach Lyles Lashley- Weekend Sports Headlines- Sounds from the weekend

Monday on Sports Day(Watch)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is likely headed to injured reserve after hurting his right ankle in the final minutes of Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals, a person with knowledge of the injury told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because Pacheco was undergoing additional testing, and the team was not prepared to announce the results. Pacheco had X-rays on Sunday night and was still due to have an MRI exam on the ankle.

“I don't have a timeframe on Pacheco,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said on a conference call with reporters later Monday, "but I know it won't be this week, and he'll probably be more than that. So obviously, it's going to take a little bit of time there."

Pacheco was seen leaving Arrowhead Stadium in a walking boot and using crutches, shortly after Harrison Butker kicked a 51-yard field goal with no time remaining to lift the Super Bowl champions to a 26-25 victory over the Bengals. Pacheco was hurt on the first play of that final possession, when he plunged forward into the offensive line and appeared to roll his ankle.

Pacheco, who has been part of the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl championship teams, ran for 45 yards and a touchdown in their season-opening win over Baltimore, and he had 90 yards rushing and a score before leaving Sunday’s game.

“I haven't seen him today but I talked to him twice last night, so I think he's in a better place than he was,” Reid said. “Here's a guy that loves to play the game. He had tears. He was emotional. But you don't ever want to lose it. It's an emotional sport, and that kid — nobody likes to play more than he likes to play.”

The Chiefs, who put wide receiver Marquise Brown on injured reserve last week because of impending shoulder surgery, were already short-handed at running back even before Pacheco hurt his ankle. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on the non-football illness list and must miss two more regular-season games before he can return to the active roster.

Reid said his potential return in Week 5 was among the many factors the team was weighing Monday. Undrafted rookie Carson Steele, who had seven carries for 24 yards but also lost a fumble on Sunday, and Samaje Perine, who signed with Kansas City on Aug. 30 and played just nine snaps against the Bengals, are the only other active running backs.

Keaontay Ingram and Emani Bailey are available on Chiefs' practice squad, or the Chiefs could look at practice squads of other teams for players to sign to their active roster. Deneric Prince, who was with them in camp, is on the Miami practice squad.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is likely headed to injured reserve after hurting his right ankle in the final minutes of Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals, a person with knowledge of the injury told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because Pacheco was undergoing additional testing, and the team was not prepared to announce the results. Pacheco had X-rays on Sunday night and was still due to have an MRI exam on the ankle.“I don't have a timeframe on Pacheco,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said on a conference call with reporters later Monday, "but I know it won't be this week, and he'll probably be more than that. So obviously, it's going to take a little bit of time there."Pacheco was seen leaving Arrowhead Stadium in a walking boot and using crutches, shortly after Harrison Butker kicked a 51-yard field goal with no time remaining to lift the Super Bowl champions to a 26-25 victory over the Bengals. Pacheco was hurt on the first play of that final possession, when he plunged forward into the offensive line and appeared to roll his ankle.Pacheco, who has been part of the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl championship teams, ran for 45 yards and a touchdown in their season-opening win over Baltimore, and he had 90 yards rushing and a score before leaving Sunday’s game.“I haven't seen him today but I talked to him twice last night, so I think he's in a better place than he was,” Reid said. “Here's a guy that loves to play the game. He had tears. He was emotional. But you don't ever want to lose it. It's an emotional sport, and that kid — nobody likes to play more than he likes to play.”The Chiefs, who put wide receiver Marquise Brown on injured reserve last week because of impending shoulder surgery, were already short-handed at running back even before Pacheco hurt his ankle. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on the non-football illness list and must miss two more regular-season games before he can return to the active roster.Reid said his potential return in Week 5 was among the many factors the team was weighing Monday. Undrafted rookie Carson Steele, who had seven carries for 24 yards but also lost a fumble on Sunday, and Samaje Perine, who signed with Kansas City on Aug. 30 and played just nine snaps against the Bengals, are the only other active running backs.Keaontay Ingram and Emani Bailey are available on Chiefs' practice squad, or the Chiefs could look at practice squads of other teams for players to sign to their active roster. Deneric Prince, who was with them in camp, is on the Miami practice squad.

Chiefs' Pacheco likely headed for IR after hurting ankle, AP source says

Just four days after hosting a small tennis invitational on Tuesday, the Lady Panther tennis team returned to the Shannon Schartz Courts Saturday for an 8-team tournament. Garden City scored 67 points for the team title, followed by Sterling with 52 points, and Great Bend with 33 points. Hoisington scored 25 points for sixth, and Ellinwood rounded out the field with 21 points.

Paige Stacey finished third at No. 1 singles. She went 2-1 in pool matches with an 8-6 win against Dodge City and an 8-0 win over Ellinwood's Brooklyn Reynolds before falling to Sterling 8-0. Stacey defeated Hoisington's Claire Crutcher 8-4 in the consolation finals.

Great Bend also had success at No. 2 doubles behind Mackezie LaViolette and Beth Hammeke. After an 8-6 loss to the eventual runners-up from Dodge City, the girls downed Ellinwood's Vivian Klepper and Shelby Steffan 8-3, then defeated Sterling 8-2. Great Bend fell to Liberal 8-3 in the consolation finals.

The No. 1 doubles team of Darcy Feist and Mac Lindberg finished sixth in their bracket. They opened with an 8-2 win against Dodge City, then edged Ellinwood's Grace Sturtz and Mahra Johnson 8-7 (2). The Lady Panthers closed out pool play with an 8-6 loss to Sterling, then fell to Trego 8-5 in the fifth-place match. Sturtz and Johnson fell to Garden City 8-7 (3) in a competitive title match.

Clarise Snapp also finished sixth in the No. 2 singles spot for Great Bend. After an 8-2 loss to Dodge City, she blanked Ellinwood 8-0 and lost an 8-7 (4) battle against Sterling. Snapp fell to Liberal 8-4 in the fifth-place match. Hoisington's Reese Merlau was sitting at 2-1 after pool matches but had to default out of the third-place match.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726501002625.jpeg" alt="Great Bend's Paige Stacey" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend's Paige Stacey</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsJust four days after hosting a small tennis invitational on Tuesday, the Lady Panther tennis team returned to the Shannon Schartz Courts Saturday for an 8-team tournament. Garden City scored 67 points for the team title, followed by Sterling with 52 points, and Great Bend with 33 points. Hoisington scored 25 points for sixth, and Ellinwood rounded out the field with 21 points.Paige Stacey finished third at No. 1 singles. She went 2-1 in pool matches with an 8-6 win against Dodge City and an 8-0 win over Ellinwood's Brooklyn Reynolds before falling to Sterling 8-0. Stacey defeated Hoisington's Claire Crutcher 8-4 in the consolation finals.Great Bend also had success at No. 2 doubles behind Mackezie LaViolette and Beth Hammeke. After an 8-6 loss to the eventual runners-up from Dodge City, the girls downed Ellinwood's Vivian Klepper and Shelby Steffan 8-3, then defeated Sterling 8-2. Great Bend fell to Liberal 8-3 in the consolation finals.The No. 1 doubles team of Darcy Feist and Mac Lindberg finished sixth in their bracket. They opened with an 8-2 win against Dodge City, then edged Ellinwood's Grace Sturtz and Mahra Johnson 8-7 (2). The Lady Panthers closed out pool play with an 8-6 loss to Sterling, then fell to Trego 8-5 in the fifth-place match. Sturtz and Johnson fell to Garden City 8-7 (3) in a competitive title match.Clarise Snapp also finished sixth in the No. 2 singles spot for Great Bend. After an 8-2 loss to Dodge City, she blanked Ellinwood 8-0 and lost an 8-7 (4) battle against Sterling. Snapp fell to Liberal 8-4 in the fifth-place match. Hoisington's Reese Merlau was sitting at 2-1 after pool matches but had to default out of the third-place match.

Lady Panther tennis team finishes third at 8-team home invite

Amidst a grueling stretch facing three straight nationally ranked opponents, the Barton Community College women's soccer team had one slip away Saturday afternoon as an equalizing goal with 17:34 remaining furnished a 1-1 draw with No. 18 Hutchinson Community College at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

The result leaves Barton 1-2-2 in league play and 3-2-2 on the season while the Blue Dragons sit 3-1-2 in conference and 4-1-2 overall. The Cougars will conclude their three-match stretch against ranked opponents traveling to No. 14 Cowley Wednesday night at 5:00 p.m.

Controlling possession for much of the first half, Barton finally broke through on the scoreboard with 1:27 remaining in the first stanza as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/jolly_fiona_g347">Fiona Jolly</a>&nbsp;rattled the nets for the fifth time this season going unmarked inside the 6' cleaning up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/silva_leticia_f680">Leticia Quadros</a>&nbsp;denied free kick shot attempt.

Outshooting the Blue Dragons 11-0 in the opening 45-minutes, the two teams combined for six shots apiece over the final 45-minutes.

Much like Barton's goal, the Blue Dragons benefitted behind a free kick attempt in the 73rd minute, as Kira Artmann's sent in ball found Kaitlyn Edwards in front of the net for a near post-strike to knot the game even at 1-1.

The Cougars created multiple chances for the go-ahead goal behind its 17-6 shot advantage, but the Blue Dragons goalkeeper Karsyn Siothower denied nine of 10 shots faced on frame.

Barton netminder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/tanaka_mio_fiw7">Mio Tanaka</a>&nbsp;was solid between the pipes rejecting four of the five Hutchinson shots faced with a key save coming on Katharina Marx 1-v-1 opportunity with 68:19 remaining.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726493297287.jpeg" alt="Barton's Katy Potter battles with Hutchinson defender." />
 <figcaption>Barton's Katy Potter battles with Hutchinson defender.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoAmidst a grueling stretch facing three straight nationally ranked opponents, the Barton Community College women's soccer team had one slip away Saturday afternoon as an equalizing goal with 17:34 remaining furnished a 1-1 draw with No. 18 Hutchinson Community College at the Cougar Soccer Complex.The result leaves Barton 1-2-2 in league play and 3-2-2 on the season while the Blue Dragons sit 3-1-2 in conference and 4-1-2 overall. The Cougars will conclude their three-match stretch against ranked opponents traveling to No. 14 Cowley Wednesday night at 5:00 p.m.Controlling possession for much of the first half, Barton finally broke through on the scoreboard with 1:27 remaining in the first stanza as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/jolly_fiona_g347">Fiona Jolly</a>&nbsp;rattled the nets for the fifth time this season going unmarked inside the 6' cleaning up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/silva_leticia_f680">Leticia Quadros</a>&nbsp;denied free kick shot attempt.Outshooting the Blue Dragons 11-0 in the opening 45-minutes, the two teams combined for six shots apiece over the final 45-minutes.Much like Barton's goal, the Blue Dragons benefitted behind a free kick attempt in the 73rd minute, as Kira Artmann's sent in ball found Kaitlyn Edwards in front of the net for a near post-strike to knot the game even at 1-1.The Cougars created multiple chances for the go-ahead goal behind its 17-6 shot advantage, but the Blue Dragons goalkeeper Karsyn Siothower denied nine of 10 shots faced on frame.Barton netminder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/tanaka_mio_fiw7">Mio Tanaka</a>&nbsp;was solid between the pipes rejecting four of the five Hutchinson shots faced with a key save coming on Katharina Marx 1-v-1 opportunity with 68:19 remaining.

Barton Women's Soccer plays to 1-1 draw with No. 18 Hutchinson 

The Lady Panther volleyball team pushed its win streak to eight matches to open the season. Great Bend powered past its first four opponents of the Riley County Tournament on Saturday before falling to fourth-ranked Clay Center (4A) in the title match. 

The Lady Panthers dominated Chapman 25-8, 25-13 in the opener. Senior Kara Feist put down seven kills in the win. Senior Cassie Ellegood and freshman Mikala Minton each added five kills, and sophomore Kya Behr finished with four. Ellegood had a strong service game with five aces. Behr and junior Ava Kaiser led the back row with four digs, and Behr had 15 assists in the win.

Great Bend needed three sets to get by No. 4 Valley Heights (2A) 21-25, 25-19, 27-25. Behr led the attack with 12 kills followed by nine from Ellegood. Ellegood and Feist each had two aces, and Feist and Ellegood each had four blocks. A busy back row dug up 77 balls. Kaiser led the charge with 22, followed by 14 from sophomore Alex Mayers, 12 from Behr, 10 from Minton, and nine from junior Kimberly Hofflinger. Behr added 21 assists.

The Lady Panthers downed perennially-tough Jefferson County North 25-9, 25-13. Feist led the way with six kills, followed by five each from Hofflinger and Mayers. Feist also had four blocks and Hofflinger led the defense with eight digs. Behr finished with 14 assists.

Momentum continued to roll with a 25-17, 25-21 win over host Riley County. Feist again led the attack with eight kills, followed by six from Ellegood. Feist again led the team at the net defensively with three blocks. Behr finished with 10 digs in the back, followed by Minton and Kaiser with nine each. Behr tacked on 16 more assists.

Clay Center got nine kills from sophomore Raimee Lipker in their 25-20, 25-15 win over the Panthers. Behr put down six kills for Great Bend, followed by five each from Ellegood and Feist. Hofflinger and Minton paced the back row with eight digs each and Behr added seven digs to go along with 14 assists.

Great Bend takes an 8-1 record to Manhattan for triangular action against the Indians and Hays on Tuesday.

Great Bend Post SportsThe Lady Panther volleyball team pushed its win streak to eight matches to open the season. Great Bend powered past its first four opponents of the Riley County Tournament on Saturday before falling to fourth-ranked Clay Center (4A) in the title match. The Lady Panthers dominated Chapman 25-8, 25-13 in the opener. Senior Kara Feist put down seven kills in the win. Senior Cassie Ellegood and freshman Mikala Minton each added five kills, and sophomore Kya Behr finished with four. Ellegood had a strong service game with five aces. Behr and junior Ava Kaiser led the back row with four digs, and Behr had 15 assists in the win.Great Bend needed three sets to get by No. 4 Valley Heights (2A) 21-25, 25-19, 27-25. Behr led the attack with 12 kills followed by nine from Ellegood. Ellegood and Feist each had two aces, and Feist and Ellegood each had four blocks. A busy back row dug up 77 balls. Kaiser led the charge with 22, followed by 14 from sophomore Alex Mayers, 12 from Behr, 10 from Minton, and nine from junior Kimberly Hofflinger. Behr added 21 assists.The Lady Panthers downed perennially-tough Jefferson County North 25-9, 25-13. Feist led the way with six kills, followed by five each from Hofflinger and Mayers. Feist also had four blocks and Hofflinger led the defense with eight digs. Behr finished with 14 assists.Momentum continued to roll with a 25-17, 25-21 win over host Riley County. Feist again led the attack with eight kills, followed by six from Ellegood. Feist again led the team at the net defensively with three blocks. Behr finished with 10 digs in the back, followed by Minton and Kaiser with nine each. Behr tacked on 16 more assists.Clay Center got nine kills from sophomore Raimee Lipker in their 25-20, 25-15 win over the Panthers. Behr put down six kills for Great Bend, followed by five each from Ellegood and Feist. Hofflinger and Minton paced the back row with eight digs each and Behr added seven digs to go along with 14 assists.Great Bend takes an 8-1 record to Manhattan for triangular action against the Indians and Hays on Tuesday.

Lady Panther volleyball team finishes Riley County tourney at 4-1

The 4th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team wrapped up the tournament portion of the schedule on Saturday going 3-1 this weekend participating at the Sheila Worley Tournament held in Sterling, Colorado.

Barton fell from the unbeatens on Friday going 1-1, sweeping Laramie County Community College (25-21, 25-18, 25-23) before falling for the first time this season to No. 13 Odessa College in four sets (17-25, 23-25, 25-18, 20-25).

Facing a pair of ranked opponents in Saturday's action, the Cougars dropped the opening set 22-25 to No. 10 Indian Hills Community College before recovering to win the next three 25-22, 25-19, and 25-12. Barton concluded the weekend with a straight set victory (25-23, 25-20, 25-6) over No. 17 Western Nebraska Community College.

The results move Barton's record to 15-1 on the season while heading back into conference play Wednesday with a trip to Seward County Community College for a 6:30 p.m. first serve inside the Greenhouse.

Posting a trio of double-doubles on the weekend,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/nixon_kassidy_bbcx">Kassidy Nixon</a>&nbsp;led the attack over the weekend recording double-digit kills in three of the four matches with 49 total kills in 14 sets on a .390 efficiency including a season high 17 kills in the four set win over Indian Hills. Nixon reached double-digit digs in all four matches leading the way with 58 while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/kaneko_mina_z3c5">Mina Kaneko</a>&nbsp;also helped anchor the backline with 52 digs, 18 coming against Odessa.

Defensively a trio of Cougars posted double-digit blocks led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/olander_aubrey_49pp">Aubrey Olander</a>'s 14 total blockages to go along with 15 kills,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_phoebe_zp2h">Phoebe Reyes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wierzbicki_anna_emil">Anna Wierzbicki</a>&nbsp;were next in line with 11 and 10 walls of denials respectfully.

The sophomore setters of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stankovic_elena_icdc">Elena Stankovic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_maurin_5w3d">Maurin Reyes</a>&nbsp;keyed the 6-2 offense to an overall .283 efficiency, Stankovic averaging 5.64 assists per set while Reyes was just behind with 70 assists at 5.00 per set with a pair of double-double performances against Odessa and Indian Hills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726493218412.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe 4th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team wrapped up the tournament portion of the schedule on Saturday going 3-1 this weekend participating at the Sheila Worley Tournament held in Sterling, Colorado.Barton fell from the unbeatens on Friday going 1-1, sweeping Laramie County Community College (25-21, 25-18, 25-23) before falling for the first time this season to No. 13 Odessa College in four sets (17-25, 23-25, 25-18, 20-25).Facing a pair of ranked opponents in Saturday's action, the Cougars dropped the opening set 22-25 to No. 10 Indian Hills Community College before recovering to win the next three 25-22, 25-19, and 25-12. Barton concluded the weekend with a straight set victory (25-23, 25-20, 25-6) over No. 17 Western Nebraska Community College.The results move Barton's record to 15-1 on the season while heading back into conference play Wednesday with a trip to Seward County Community College for a 6:30 p.m. first serve inside the Greenhouse.Posting a trio of double-doubles on the weekend,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/nixon_kassidy_bbcx">Kassidy Nixon</a>&nbsp;led the attack over the weekend recording double-digit kills in three of the four matches with 49 total kills in 14 sets on a .390 efficiency including a season high 17 kills in the four set win over Indian Hills. Nixon reached double-digit digs in all four matches leading the way with 58 while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/kaneko_mina_z3c5">Mina Kaneko</a>&nbsp;also helped anchor the backline with 52 digs, 18 coming against Odessa.Defensively a trio of Cougars posted double-digit blocks led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/olander_aubrey_49pp">Aubrey Olander</a>'s 14 total blockages to go along with 15 kills,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_phoebe_zp2h">Phoebe Reyes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wierzbicki_anna_emil">Anna Wierzbicki</a>&nbsp;were next in line with 11 and 10 walls of denials respectfully.The sophomore setters of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stankovic_elena_icdc">Elena Stankovic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_maurin_5w3d">Maurin Reyes</a>&nbsp;keyed the 6-2 offense to an overall .283 efficiency, Stankovic averaging 5.64 assists per set while Reyes was just behind with 70 assists at 5.00 per set with a pair of double-double performances against Odessa and Indian Hills.

No. 4 Barton Volleyball goes 3-1 at the Sheila Worley Tournament

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mxc/2024-25/bios/limo_lel_nec1">Lel Limo</a>&nbsp;guided the Barton Community College men's cross country team in their second meet of the season Friday morning at the FHSU Tiger Open held at Hays, Kansas Rolling Ridge Course.

Participating in a 4-mile race for the second time this season, Limo guided the four pack of Cougars with a fourth-place finish in the 49-participant field. The freshman displayed a solid effort turning in the program's third quickest 4-mile time 20:30.7, shaving over eight minutes off his season opening run two-weeks ago at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mxc/2024-25/bios/kiprono_lisbon_o9fe">Lisbon Kiprono</a>&nbsp;was Barton's second to cross the finish line adding a new personal best 23:44.3 for 34th place while&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mxc/2024-25/bios/woods_korbin_k587">Korbin Woods</a>&nbsp;navigated the 4-mile course 42nd quickest in 25:04.6 falling three seconds off his personal best.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mxc/2024-25/bios/cole_jack_6980">Jack Cole</a>&nbsp;rounded out the Cougar four pack in 47th with a time of 26:49.1.

Claiming the team title was host school Fort Hays State University compiling 27 points while Jayhawk Conference foes Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Garden City Community College finished second and third with 43 and 58 points respectfully.

Kabelo Maja of Fort Hays Tech Northwest bested the 49-entrée field setting a course record 19:57.2 to edge out Fort Hays State University's Jaret Pfizenmaier's 20:07.2 and Christian Darrah's 20:27.2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726493550783.jpeg" alt="Barton Men's Cross County team competing at the FHSU Tiger Open." />
 <figcaption>Barton Men's Cross County team competing at the FHSU Tiger Open.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mxc/2024-25/bios/limo_lel_nec1">Lel Limo</a>&nbsp;guided the Barton Community College men's cross country team in their second meet of the season Friday morning at the FHSU Tiger Open held at Hays, Kansas Rolling Ridge Course.Participating in a 4-mile race for the second time this season, Limo guided the four pack of Cougars with a fourth-place finish in the 49-participant field. The freshman displayed a solid effort turning in the program's third quickest 4-mile time 20:30.7, shaving over eight minutes off his season opening run two-weeks ago at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mxc/2024-25/bios/kiprono_lisbon_o9fe">Lisbon Kiprono</a>&nbsp;was Barton's second to cross the finish line adding a new personal best 23:44.3 for 34th place while&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mxc/2024-25/bios/woods_korbin_k587">Korbin Woods</a>&nbsp;navigated the 4-mile course 42nd quickest in 25:04.6 falling three seconds off his personal best.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mxc/2024-25/bios/cole_jack_6980">Jack Cole</a>&nbsp;rounded out the Cougar four pack in 47th with a time of 26:49.1.Claiming the team title was host school Fort Hays State University compiling 27 points while Jayhawk Conference foes Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Garden City Community College finished second and third with 43 and 58 points respectfully.Kabelo Maja of Fort Hays Tech Northwest bested the 49-entrée field setting a course record 19:57.2 to edge out Fort Hays State University's Jaret Pfizenmaier's 20:07.2 and Christian Darrah's 20:27.2.Barton will have some time off before their next meet coming in a tune-up at the Tiger Preview held October 12th at the Kansas Veterans Home in Arkansas City, Kansas before returning two-weeks later for the KJCCC/Region VI Championships.

Limo's program third best time paces Barton Men's Cross Country at FHSU Tiger Open

HOUSTON (AP) — In a second half where C.J. Stroud and the Houston offense struggled to move the ball, the Texans’ defense stepped up Sunday night to secure a win over the Chicago Bears. Houston picked off rookie Caleb Williams twice after halftime and the Texans held on for a 19-13 victory. Stroud threw for 260 yards and a touchdown and Ka′imi Fairbairn kicked four field goals to help the Houston to the win. Fairbairn connected from 56, 47, 59 and 53 yards, and Houston’s defense put heavy pressure on Williams for much of the game.

ATLANTA (AP) — Mookie Betts had a tiebreaking RBI single with two outs in a seven-run ninth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 9-2 on Sunday night. The loss dropped the Braves into a tie with the Mets for the third wild-card spot in the National League with 13 games to play. The Dodgers hold a two-game lead on the Brewers in their pursuit of the National League’s No. 2 seed and first-round bye in the playoffs. They lead the Padres by four games in the N.L. West.

The projected College Football Playoff field has a new top seed. Using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Associated Press Top 25 college football poll</a>&nbsp;to fill out the 12-team bracket, Texas now holds the No. 1 seed after taking the top spot in the rankings Sunday. Ohio State is still the projected No. 2 seed as the Big Ten champion, with Miami as the third seed as Atlantic Coast Conference champ and Utah of the Big 12 as the fourth seed. There was little other significant movement in the projections with the same 12 teams in the field this week as last. Tennessee and Missouri swapped spots in what would be an 8-9 game in the first round. Now the Volunteers are the eighth seed and projected home team. Penn State and Oregon also swapped seeds with the Ducks at 10 and Nittany Lions at 11.

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. (AP) — Jon Rahm ended his first year in the LIV Golf League by closing with a 4-under 66 to win the final individual event Sunday and the season points title with its $18 million bonus. Rahm missed a pair of short birdie putts on the back nine that kept Joaquin Niemann and Sergio Garcia in the mix. But then he holed a 12-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole that gave him a three-shot going to the last at Bolingbrook Golf Course. Rahm won for the second time in the Saudi-funded league, adding to his title in England last month. In between those wins, he lost in a playoff to Brooks Koepka.

SUNDAY'S SCORES National Football League Minnesota 23, San Francisco 17

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714991701059.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — In a second half where C.J. Stroud and the Houston offense struggled to move the ball, the Texans’ defense stepped up Sunday night to secure a win over the Chicago Bears. Houston picked off rookie Caleb Williams twice after halftime and the Texans held on for a 19-13 victory. Stroud threw for 260 yards and a touchdown and Ka′imi Fairbairn kicked four field goals to help the Houston to the win. Fairbairn connected from 56, 47, 59 and 53 yards, and Houston’s defense put heavy pressure on Williams for much of the game.ATLANTA (AP) — Mookie Betts had a tiebreaking RBI single with two outs in a seven-run ninth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 9-2 on Sunday night. The loss dropped the Braves into a tie with the Mets for the third wild-card spot in the National League with 13 games to play. The Dodgers hold a two-game lead on the Brewers in their pursuit of the National League’s No. 2 seed and first-round bye in the playoffs. They lead the Padres by four games in the N.L. West.The projected College Football Playoff field has a new top seed. Using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Associated Press Top 25 college football poll</a>&nbsp;to fill out the 12-team bracket, Texas now holds the No. 1 seed after taking the top spot in the rankings Sunday. Ohio State is still the projected No. 2 seed as the Big Ten champion, with Miami as the third seed as Atlantic Coast Conference champ and Utah of the Big 12 as the fourth seed. There was little other significant movement in the projections with the same 12 teams in the field this week as last. Tennessee and Missouri swapped spots in what would be an 8-9 game in the first round. Now the Volunteers are the eighth seed and projected home team. Penn State and Oregon also swapped seeds with the Ducks at 10 and Nittany Lions at 11.BOLINGBROOK, Ill. (AP) — Jon Rahm ended his first year in the LIV Golf League by closing with a 4-under 66 to win the final individual event Sunday and the season points title with its $18 million bonus. Rahm missed a pair of short birdie putts on the back nine that kept Joaquin Niemann and Sergio Garcia in the mix. But then he holed a 12-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole that gave him a three-shot going to the last at Bolingbrook Golf Course. Rahm won for the second time in the Saudi-funded league, adding to his title in England last month. In between those wins, he lost in a playoff to Brooks Koepka.SUNDAY'S SCORES National Football League Minnesota 23, San Francisco 17Seattle 23, New England 20Washington 21, NY Giants 18LA Chargers 26, Carolina 3New Orleans 44, Dallas 19Cleveland 18, Jacksonville 13Green Bay 16, Indianapolis 10Tampa Bay 20, Detroit 16NY Jets 24, Tennessee 17Las Vegas 26, Baltimore 23Arizona 41, LA Rams 10Pittsburgh 13, Denver 6Kansas City 26, Cincinnati 25Houston 19, Chicago 13

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Harrison Butker kicked a 51-yard field goal as time expired and the Kansas City Chiefs, kept alive by a pass interference call on Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony on fourth down in the final minute, rallied to beat Cincinnati 26-25 on Sunday.

Patrick Mahomes threw for 151 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, but it was his incomplete pass to Rashee Rice on fourth-and-16 from the Kansas City 35 that turned out to be decisive. Anthony arrived a split-second early and hit Rice from behind with his body, and flags flew with 38 seconds remaining as the crowd in Arrowhead Stadium erupted.

The penalty came just after the Chiefs had a long gain on fourth down wiped out by a penalty of their own.

The pass interference call moved the Chiefs to the Cincinnati 36, and the Chiefs ran a couple of plays to bleed the clock for the big-legged Butker, who turned around and started walking off the field even before his kick went through the uprights.

Joe Burrow threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns, both to Andrei Iosivas, as the Bengals (0-2) came up empty against one of their biggest nemeses for the third straight time. That includes a loss to Kansas City in the AFC championship game.

Chamarri Conner returned a fumble 37 yards for a touchdown for the Chiefs, and big offensive tackle Wanya Morris — who had the penalty that nearly cost them in the final minute — had a touchdown reception on a day full of bizarre plays.

It was the second win for Kansas City decided on the final play after its 27-20 victory over Baltimore on opening night.

The Chiefs struggled in their first game with Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, who had nine catches for 111 yards and a score. And with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins absent with an ailing hamstring, Burrow leaned heavily on his own tight ends — Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki and rookie Erick All Jr. — to move an offense that never got going last weekend against New England.

Sample and Gesicki accounted for most of the yardage on an opening drive that produced a field goal. A few minutes later, after Mahomes was picked by Akeem Davis-Gaither, All's catch helped set up Iosivas' touchdown reception.

Mahomes eventually atoned for the interception when he found Rice over the outstretched fingers of Cam Taylor-Britt for a tying 44-yard touchdown pass. But otherwise, Andy Reid's potent offense was stuck in neutral and trailed 16-10 at the half.

All that and the hijinks were just beginning.

The Chiefs pulled ahead early in the second half, when Mahomes popped a pass to his 310-pound tackle-eligible Morris for a touchdown. The Bengals answered on fourth-and-goal when Burrow connected with Iosivas for a second time, only to see Burrow get stripped a few minutes later and Conner return the fumble 37 yards for another touchdown.

Evan McPherson's fourth field goal gave the Bengals a 25-23 lead with 5:12 to go, and their defense gave them the ball back. But the Chiefs forced a punt with 2:59 remaining, giving Mahomes and Co. the opportunity to decide the game.

Bengals: DT B.J. Hill (hamstring) left in the second quarter. DT Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) left in the fourth.

Kansas City heads to Atlanta on Sunday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726444020143.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles as Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) and cornerback Dax Hill (23) defend during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles as Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) and cornerback Dax Hill (23) defend during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Harrison Butker kicked a 51-yard field goal as time expired and the Kansas City Chiefs, kept alive by a pass interference call on Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony on fourth down in the final minute, rallied to beat Cincinnati 26-25 on Sunday.Patrick Mahomes threw for 151 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, but it was his incomplete pass to Rashee Rice on fourth-and-16 from the Kansas City 35 that turned out to be decisive. Anthony arrived a split-second early and hit Rice from behind with his body, and flags flew with 38 seconds remaining as the crowd in Arrowhead Stadium erupted.The penalty came just after the Chiefs had a long gain on fourth down wiped out by a penalty of their own.The pass interference call moved the Chiefs to the Cincinnati 36, and the Chiefs ran a couple of plays to bleed the clock for the big-legged Butker, who turned around and started walking off the field even before his kick went through the uprights.Joe Burrow threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns, both to Andrei Iosivas, as the Bengals (0-2) came up empty against one of their biggest nemeses for the third straight time. That includes a loss to Kansas City in the AFC championship game.Chamarri Conner returned a fumble 37 yards for a touchdown for the Chiefs, and big offensive tackle Wanya Morris — who had the penalty that nearly cost them in the final minute — had a touchdown reception on a day full of bizarre plays.It was the second win for Kansas City decided on the final play after its 27-20 victory over Baltimore on opening night.The Chiefs struggled in their first game with Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, who had nine catches for 111 yards and a score. And with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins absent with an ailing hamstring, Burrow leaned heavily on his own tight ends — Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki and rookie Erick All Jr. — to move an offense that never got going last weekend against New England.Sample and Gesicki accounted for most of the yardage on an opening drive that produced a field goal. A few minutes later, after Mahomes was picked by Akeem Davis-Gaither, All's catch helped set up Iosivas' touchdown reception.Mahomes eventually atoned for the interception when he found Rice over the outstretched fingers of Cam Taylor-Britt for a tying 44-yard touchdown pass. But otherwise, Andy Reid's potent offense was stuck in neutral and trailed 16-10 at the half.All that and the hijinks were just beginning.The Chiefs pulled ahead early in the second half, when Mahomes popped a pass to his 310-pound tackle-eligible Morris for a touchdown. The Bengals answered on fourth-and-goal when Burrow connected with Iosivas for a second time, only to see Burrow get stripped a few minutes later and Conner return the fumble 37 yards for another touchdown.Evan McPherson's fourth field goal gave the Bengals a 25-23 lead with 5:12 to go, and their defense gave them the ball back. But the Chiefs forced a punt with 2:59 remaining, giving Mahomes and Co. the opportunity to decide the game.<h2>Injuries</h2>Bengals: DT B.J. Hill (hamstring) left in the second quarter. DT Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) left in the fourth.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City heads to Atlanta on Sunday night.

Butker hits 51-yard winner after penalty on Bengals defense keeps Chiefs alive

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Isiah Kiner-Falefa had three hits, including a go-ahead single in the fifth inning, as the Pittsburgh Pirates avoided a three-game sweep with a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Billy Cook lined a single to left to start the fifth and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AlexJStumpf/status/1835395599278948756">scored from first on a hit and run</a>&nbsp;when Kiner-Falefa shot one to center past a diving Bobby Witt Jr. at short to put the Pirates ahead 3-2. Kiner-Falefa also singled in the first and sixth innings.

“Billy never hesitates. He never breaks stride,” Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said. “We get a run on a groundball to center field just because of the fact of his awareness. Outstanding.”

Kansas City's Brady Singer (9-11), who gave up four runs on six hits and four walks with six strikeouts in five innings, later walked Rowdy Tellez with the bases loaded to bring the Pittsburgh lead to 4-2.

“In the fifth, (Singer) just kind of lost command a little bit there,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Unlike him. But overall, I thought his stuff was fine, just his command was a little bit off.”

Carmen Mlodzinski (3-5) pitched a perfect fifth inning in relief of Pirates starter Jared Jones, who allowed two runs and six hits in the first four. Aroldis Chapman struck out one in a perfect ninth for his ninth save.

The Royals, four games back of first-place Cleveland in the AL Central, had the bases loaded with two outs in the sixth. Colin Holderman walked Witt Jr. to bring in a run but Dennis Santana entered to get Salvador Perez to fly out and limit the damage.

“We needed to capitalize more,” Quatraro said. “We put a lot of pressure on them. We drove up the pitch count early. We had baserunners in several innings and just couldn't come up with the big hit to really take the lead or break it open.”

Bryan Reynolds gave the Pirates an initial lead on a double into the left-field corner after Kiner-Falefa led off the first with a base hit.

Yuli Gurriel tied it 1-1 on a sacrifice fly in the second after Kansas City started the inning with a Paul DeJong single between two walks.

Tommy Pham opened the third with a triple off the top of the Clemente Wall in right.

Witt Jr. then flew out to Cook,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Pirates/status/1835384264319275295">whose throw home from right field beat Pham to preserve the tie</a>. It came from near the line to the right of a No. 21 etched into the outfield grass on Roberto Clemente Day, observed across the majors.

“It was great seeing the 21 and, I think, even more special because it was just out in right field,” said Cook, who wore Clemente's No. 21 along with his Pirates teammates. “He played an amazing right field. To just be able to play the game the right way out there as a tribute to him while wearing the number, really special.”

Gurriel and Maikel Garcia hit consecutive one-out doubles to put the Royals ahead 2-1 the next inning.

Oneil Cruz led off the Pirates’ half of the fourth with a single and scored the tying run when Nick Gonzales grounded to third with the bases loaded.

UP NEXT Royals: RHP Seth Lugo (16-8, 2.94 ERA) will start Monday to open a three-game home series against the Tigers. Detroit has not announced a starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726442056981.jpeg" alt="Pittsburgh Pirates' Isiah Kiner-Falefa, lower right, scores on a double by Bryan Reynolds past Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, with umpire Ryan Wills, upper right, watching the play during the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)" />
 <figcaption>Pittsburgh Pirates' Isiah Kiner-Falefa, lower right, scores on a double by Bryan Reynolds past Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left, with umpire Ryan Wills, upper right, watching the play during the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)</figcaption>
 </figure>PITTSBURGH (AP) — Isiah Kiner-Falefa had three hits, including a go-ahead single in the fifth inning, as the Pittsburgh Pirates avoided a three-game sweep with a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.Billy Cook lined a single to left to start the fifth and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AlexJStumpf/status/1835395599278948756">scored from first on a hit and run</a>&nbsp;when Kiner-Falefa shot one to center past a diving Bobby Witt Jr. at short to put the Pirates ahead 3-2. Kiner-Falefa also singled in the first and sixth innings.“Billy never hesitates. He never breaks stride,” Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said. “We get a run on a groundball to center field just because of the fact of his awareness. Outstanding.”Kansas City's Brady Singer (9-11), who gave up four runs on six hits and four walks with six strikeouts in five innings, later walked Rowdy Tellez with the bases loaded to bring the Pittsburgh lead to 4-2.“In the fifth, (Singer) just kind of lost command a little bit there,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Unlike him. But overall, I thought his stuff was fine, just his command was a little bit off.”Carmen Mlodzinski (3-5) pitched a perfect fifth inning in relief of Pirates starter Jared Jones, who allowed two runs and six hits in the first four. Aroldis Chapman struck out one in a perfect ninth for his ninth save.The Royals, four games back of first-place Cleveland in the AL Central, had the bases loaded with two outs in the sixth. Colin Holderman walked Witt Jr. to bring in a run but Dennis Santana entered to get Salvador Perez to fly out and limit the damage.“We needed to capitalize more,” Quatraro said. “We put a lot of pressure on them. We drove up the pitch count early. We had baserunners in several innings and just couldn't come up with the big hit to really take the lead or break it open.”Bryan Reynolds gave the Pirates an initial lead on a double into the left-field corner after Kiner-Falefa led off the first with a base hit.Yuli Gurriel tied it 1-1 on a sacrifice fly in the second after Kansas City started the inning with a Paul DeJong single between two walks.Tommy Pham opened the third with a triple off the top of the Clemente Wall in right.Witt Jr. then flew out to Cook,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Pirates/status/1835384264319275295">whose throw home from right field beat Pham to preserve the tie</a>. It came from near the line to the right of a No. 21 etched into the outfield grass on Roberto Clemente Day, observed across the majors.“It was great seeing the 21 and, I think, even more special because it was just out in right field,” said Cook, who wore Clemente's No. 21 along with his Pirates teammates. “He played an amazing right field. To just be able to play the game the right way out there as a tribute to him while wearing the number, really special.”Gurriel and Maikel Garcia hit consecutive one-out doubles to put the Royals ahead 2-1 the next inning.Oneil Cruz led off the Pirates’ half of the fourth with a single and scored the tying run when Nick Gonzales grounded to third with the bases loaded.UP NEXT Royals: RHP Seth Lugo (16-8, 2.94 ERA) will start Monday to open a three-game home series against the Tigers. Detroit has not announced a starter.

Kiner-Falefa has 3 hits to lead Pirates past Royals 4-3, avoid series sweep

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. drove in his 100th run of the season with a solo homer in the first inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-1 on Saturday.

Witt also hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth and a run-scoring double in the sixth. He went 2 for 3 to raise his MLB-leading batting average to .333. He also has 31 homers and 102 RBIs.

“It’s hard to set personal goals because you never know what might happen during the season,” Witt said. “So, I just take it day by day, play the game and let things happen on their own. But 100 RBIs does mean a lot. I’m happy to be able to do that.”

Michael Wacha (13-7) gave up one run in five innings to improve to 9-1 with a 2.68 ERA in 13 starts since the beginning of July. He allowed four hits, walked three and struck out eight.

“The first two innings were really efficient then in the third inning they started working some walks and long counts, working some good ABs and really made me work,” Wacha said. “I wish I could have gone a little deeper, but the bullpen came in and did a great job.”

John Schreiber, Sam Long, James McArthur, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg combined for four innings of five-hit ball for Kansas City.

The Royals won for the seventh time in nine games since a seven-game losing streak as they try to reach the postseason for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015. The Royals also assured themselves of their first winning season since 2015 by raising their record to 82-67.

“It really doesn’t mean that much to me,” manager Matt Quatraro said of having a winning record after going 56-106 last season. “Our guys have set the bar much higher than that. They’ve wanted to win the division since the first day of spring training and we might need 90-some wins to do that.”

Kansas City began the day with a 2½-game lead over Minnesota for the second AL wild card. The Royals trailed first-place Cleveland by three games in the AL Central.

The Royals had five stolen bases, three by Maikol Garcia and two by Kyle Isbel.

Mitch Keller (11-10) lost for the fifth time in his last six decisions, allowing four runs — three earned — and four hits with six strikeouts and one walk. The Pirates made three errors behind Keller.

“We gave up a couple runs that were situations he couldn’t control,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “I didn’t think he had his best stuff, but I thought he was able to grind through it and continue to get outs.”

After Witt staked the Royals to the early 1-0 lead, the Royals scored twice in the fifth. Adam Frazier tripled past diving center field Oneil Cruz and scored on Garcia’s double before Witt hit a sacrifice fly.

The Pirates scored their lone run in the fifth on an RBI single by Cruz. They are 14-24 since Aug. 4.

Kansas City’s Michael Massey doubled and scored on third baseman Jared Triolo’s error in the fifth. Witt’s RBI double in the sixth that was misplayed by Cruz made it 5-1.

Bryan Reynolds and Triolo each had two hits for the Pirates.

TRAINER’S ROOM Royals: RHP Chris Stratton (right forearm flexor strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list and LHP Angel Zerpa was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. Stratton will undergo imaging Monday when the Royals return home from their road trip.

UP NEXT The series concludes Sunday with Royals RHP Brady Singer (9-10, 3.42 ERA) facing rookie RHP Jared Jones (6-7, 3.82 ERA). Singer is 1-4 with a 5.17 ERA in his last seven starts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726374983652.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) rounds third to greetings from third base coach Vance Wilson (25) after hitting a solo home run off Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller during the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) rounds third to greetings from third base coach Vance Wilson (25) after hitting a solo home run off Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller during the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)</figcaption>
 </figure>PITTSBURGH (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. drove in his 100th run of the season with a solo homer in the first inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-1 on Saturday.Witt also hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth and a run-scoring double in the sixth. He went 2 for 3 to raise his MLB-leading batting average to .333. He also has 31 homers and 102 RBIs.“It’s hard to set personal goals because you never know what might happen during the season,” Witt said. “So, I just take it day by day, play the game and let things happen on their own. But 100 RBIs does mean a lot. I’m happy to be able to do that.”Michael Wacha (13-7) gave up one run in five innings to improve to 9-1 with a 2.68 ERA in 13 starts since the beginning of July. He allowed four hits, walked three and struck out eight.“The first two innings were really efficient then in the third inning they started working some walks and long counts, working some good ABs and really made me work,” Wacha said. “I wish I could have gone a little deeper, but the bullpen came in and did a great job.”John Schreiber, Sam Long, James McArthur, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg combined for four innings of five-hit ball for Kansas City.The Royals won for the seventh time in nine games since a seven-game losing streak as they try to reach the postseason for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015. The Royals also assured themselves of their first winning season since 2015 by raising their record to 82-67.“It really doesn’t mean that much to me,” manager Matt Quatraro said of having a winning record after going 56-106 last season. “Our guys have set the bar much higher than that. They’ve wanted to win the division since the first day of spring training and we might need 90-some wins to do that.”Kansas City began the day with a 2½-game lead over Minnesota for the second AL wild card. The Royals trailed first-place Cleveland by three games in the AL Central.The Royals had five stolen bases, three by Maikol Garcia and two by Kyle Isbel.Mitch Keller (11-10) lost for the fifth time in his last six decisions, allowing four runs — three earned — and four hits with six strikeouts and one walk. The Pirates made three errors behind Keller.“We gave up a couple runs that were situations he couldn’t control,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “I didn’t think he had his best stuff, but I thought he was able to grind through it and continue to get outs.”After Witt staked the Royals to the early 1-0 lead, the Royals scored twice in the fifth. Adam Frazier tripled past diving center field Oneil Cruz and scored on Garcia’s double before Witt hit a sacrifice fly.The Pirates scored their lone run in the fifth on an RBI single by Cruz. They are 14-24 since Aug. 4.Kansas City’s Michael Massey doubled and scored on third baseman Jared Triolo’s error in the fifth. Witt’s RBI double in the sixth that was misplayed by Cruz made it 5-1.Bryan Reynolds and Triolo each had two hits for the Pirates.TRAINER’S ROOM Royals: RHP Chris Stratton (right forearm flexor strain) was placed on the 15-day injured list and LHP Angel Zerpa was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. Stratton will undergo imaging Monday when the Royals return home from their road trip.UP NEXT The series concludes Sunday with Royals RHP Brady Singer (9-10, 3.42 ERA) facing rookie RHP Jared Jones (6-7, 3.82 ERA). Singer is 1-4 with a 5.17 ERA in his last seven starts.

Bobby Witt Jr. passes 100 RBIs for the season as the Royals beat the Pirates 5-1

More than 200 girls ran in the varsity race Saturday evening at the Olathe Twilight Meet, yet it was a pair of names familiar to Central Kansas that took the top two spots. Salina Central senior Katelyn Rupe, coming off a win at Lake Barton last Thursday, won Saturday's race in 16:52.70. Her sophomore teammate, Kaylie Schultz, ran second in 17:28.50. No other Kansas runner finished under 18 minutes.

The Lady Panther runners scored 222 points to finish eighth out of 27 full teams in action. Washburn Rural won the team side with 90 points, followed by Olathe West with 120 points. Class 5A St. James Academy scored 172 points for third, and 5A Aquinas placed seventh with 213 points.

Senior Marissa Boone paced Great Bend in 19:18.90 for 31st, just half a second out of the top-30. Junior Sienna Smith rounded out the top-40 in 19:33.90. Bella Long ran 54th in 19:56.20, Reese Bullard placed 59th in 19:58.40, and Teah King rounded out team scoring in 79th with a time of 20:25.90. Kate Welcher finished 139th in 21:47.40.

Class 5A Blue Valley Southwest won the boys' race with 128 points. Out-of-state teams took the next four spots, and 5A's Spring Hill placed fifth with 188 points. Great Bend scored 717 points to finish 27th out of 34 teams.

Bentonville's (Ark.) Owen Kelley won the boys' race by five seconds in 14:50.00. Tavon Stroup led the Panther boys in 35th with a time of 15:56.50 to miss the top 30 by just four seconds. Diego Pasos ran 177th in 17:48.30, followed by Anthony Lawrence and Isaac Aldana, both in 192nd with a time of 18:02.60. Brogan Lashley scored the final team points in 238th with a time of 18:46.00. Parker Coleman ran 250th in 18:54, and Sullivan Luttrell placed 311th in 19:40. The boys' varsity race featured 463 athletes.

Great Bend Post SportsMore than 200 girls ran in the varsity race Saturday evening at the Olathe Twilight Meet, yet it was a pair of names familiar to Central Kansas that took the top two spots. Salina Central senior Katelyn Rupe, coming off a win at Lake Barton last Thursday, won Saturday's race in 16:52.70. Her sophomore teammate, Kaylie Schultz, ran second in 17:28.50. No other Kansas runner finished under 18 minutes.The Lady Panther runners scored 222 points to finish eighth out of 27 full teams in action. Washburn Rural won the team side with 90 points, followed by Olathe West with 120 points. Class 5A St. James Academy scored 172 points for third, and 5A Aquinas placed seventh with 213 points.Senior Marissa Boone paced Great Bend in 19:18.90 for 31st, just half a second out of the top-30. Junior Sienna Smith rounded out the top-40 in 19:33.90. Bella Long ran 54th in 19:56.20, Reese Bullard placed 59th in 19:58.40, and Teah King rounded out team scoring in 79th with a time of 20:25.90. Kate Welcher finished 139th in 21:47.40.Class 5A Blue Valley Southwest won the boys' race with 128 points. Out-of-state teams took the next four spots, and 5A's Spring Hill placed fifth with 188 points. Great Bend scored 717 points to finish 27th out of 34 teams.Bentonville's (Ark.) Owen Kelley won the boys' race by five seconds in 14:50.00. Tavon Stroup led the Panther boys in 35th with a time of 15:56.50 to miss the top 30 by just four seconds. Diego Pasos ran 177th in 17:48.30, followed by Anthony Lawrence and Isaac Aldana, both in 192nd with a time of 18:02.60. Brogan Lashley scored the final team points in 238th with a time of 18:46.00. Parker Coleman ran 250th in 18:54, and Sullivan Luttrell placed 311th in 19:40. The boys' varsity race featured 463 athletes.

Boone, Stroup lead Panther runners at large Olathe Twilight meet

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown will have surgery on his dislocated shoulder joint next week and be placed on injured reserve, keeping one of their biggest free-agent acquisitions out for at least four weeks and perhaps much longer.

Brown, who signed a $7 million contract with Kansas City for this season, dislocated his sternoclavicular joint when he was tackled upon making a catch on Aug. 10 in Jacksonville. The team did not put him on IR when they cut their roster after training camp, hoping that he would be back around the start of the season, but the injury did not heal properly.

“The protocol is you look at that in a week and make sure it's still in place. It was," Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said after a final practice for Sunday's game against Cincinnati. “He was doing great in rehab, we were talking a return-to-play plan. He had one last check of another image to do at four weeks out from the injury, and it looked like the bone had moved.”

The Chiefs consulted with several doctors before deciding on surgery. The procedure will take place Monday in Vail, Colorado.

“Everybody involved through it was a little too risky for him to play without having this operated on,” Burkholder said. “He'll have it fixed and we'll go from there. There's no timelines because we don't know (how surgery will go) yet.”

Brown has been slowed by injuries throughout his six-year NFL career. He had foot and ankle injuries as a rookie with Baltimore in 2019, a knee injury the following season, and ankle and hamstring problems in 2021. He was traded in April 2022 to Arizona, where he had more hamstring and foot problems the past two seasons.

His latest injury is similar to the dislocation sustained by then-Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill in Week 1 of the 2019 season, causing him to miss the next four weeks. Coincidentally, that injury also happened in Jacksonville.

“Next time we play down there, I'm not going to use any receivers,” Reid quipped.

Brown was hoping that a healthy season with Reid — and with Patrick Mahomes throwing the ball to him — would allow him to parlay a relatively modest one-year contract in Kansas City into a lucrative multiyear deal next offseason.

“Disappointed, frustrated and sad was the first wave of emotions once I realized I would need surgery, but that only lasted a day or so because of my faith in God,” Brown&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Primetime_jet/status/1834652804805247267">said on social media</a>. “This too shall pass.”

Brown has been a dynamic playmaker when he's been healthy. He caught 98 passes for 1,008 yards when he appeared in all 16 games for the Ravens in 2021, and he has 313 catches for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns in 72 career games.

“He's a great kid, boy I tell you, and nobody wanted to do this more than he did," Reid said. “Our hearts go out to him but he'll get himself back and ready to go whenever that is. It does take a pretty extended amount of time to take place.”

Rather than an in-season injury that would have required the Chiefs to adjust on the fly, they spent much of training camp and the start of the regular season without Brown available anyway. And they play to move forward with their current group, led by second-year pro Rashee Rice and first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy.

Rice had seven catches for 103 yards and Worthy scored twice in last week's 27-20 victory over Baltimore.

The Chiefs also have veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore on the roster. They also could add Justyn Ross, Nikko Remigio or Montrell Washington from their practice squad.

“We'd love to have (Brown). You know that,” Reid said, “but on the other hand, I think we have some guys at that position. We have some depth there and feel good about that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726291617671.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 27-20. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 27-20. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown will have surgery on his dislocated shoulder joint next week and be placed on injured reserve, keeping one of their biggest free-agent acquisitions out for at least four weeks and perhaps much longer.Brown, who signed a $7 million contract with Kansas City for this season, dislocated his sternoclavicular joint when he was tackled upon making a catch on Aug. 10 in Jacksonville. The team did not put him on IR when they cut their roster after training camp, hoping that he would be back around the start of the season, but the injury did not heal properly.“The protocol is you look at that in a week and make sure it's still in place. It was," Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said after a final practice for Sunday's game against Cincinnati. “He was doing great in rehab, we were talking a return-to-play plan. He had one last check of another image to do at four weeks out from the injury, and it looked like the bone had moved.”The Chiefs consulted with several doctors before deciding on surgery. The procedure will take place Monday in Vail, Colorado.“Everybody involved through it was a little too risky for him to play without having this operated on,” Burkholder said. “He'll have it fixed and we'll go from there. There's no timelines because we don't know (how surgery will go) yet.”Brown has been slowed by injuries throughout his six-year NFL career. He had foot and ankle injuries as a rookie with Baltimore in 2019, a knee injury the following season, and ankle and hamstring problems in 2021. He was traded in April 2022 to Arizona, where he had more hamstring and foot problems the past two seasons.His latest injury is similar to the dislocation sustained by then-Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill in Week 1 of the 2019 season, causing him to miss the next four weeks. Coincidentally, that injury also happened in Jacksonville.“Next time we play down there, I'm not going to use any receivers,” Reid quipped.Brown was hoping that a healthy season with Reid — and with Patrick Mahomes throwing the ball to him — would allow him to parlay a relatively modest one-year contract in Kansas City into a lucrative multiyear deal next offseason.“Disappointed, frustrated and sad was the first wave of emotions once I realized I would need surgery, but that only lasted a day or so because of my faith in God,” Brown&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Primetime_jet/status/1834652804805247267">said on social media</a>. “This too shall pass.”Brown has been a dynamic playmaker when he's been healthy. He caught 98 passes for 1,008 yards when he appeared in all 16 games for the Ravens in 2021, and he has 313 catches for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns in 72 career games.“He's a great kid, boy I tell you, and nobody wanted to do this more than he did," Reid said. “Our hearts go out to him but he'll get himself back and ready to go whenever that is. It does take a pretty extended amount of time to take place.”Rather than an in-season injury that would have required the Chiefs to adjust on the fly, they spent much of training camp and the start of the regular season without Brown available anyway. And they play to move forward with their current group, led by second-year pro Rashee Rice and first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy.Rice had seven catches for 103 yards and Worthy scored twice in last week's 27-20 victory over Baltimore.The Chiefs also have veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore on the roster. They also could add Justyn Ross, Nikko Remigio or Montrell Washington from their practice squad.“We'd love to have (Brown). You know that,” Reid said, “but on the other hand, I think we have some guys at that position. We have some depth there and feel good about that.”

Chiefs WR Brown to have shoulder surgery next week, will be placed on IR

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kylin James scored on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 1:51 left to lift UNLV past Kansas 23-20 Friday night at Children's Mercy Park.

The Jayhawks are playing all their games away from Lawrence, Kan., this season because of construction on their stadium.

UNLV (3-0) used an 18-play, 75-yard drive to take the lead late. All 18 plays on the drive were rushes.

“I'm really proud of our team,” UNLV coach Barry Odom said. “I'm proud of our assistant coaches for putting together what I thought was a great plan in all three phases.

"Early on it was tough sledding. It was ugly. I think Kansas is a good football team. We had to stay in the fight. We just found a way.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726282858713.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kylin James scored on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 1:51 left to lift UNLV past Kansas 23-20 Friday night at Children's Mercy Park.The Jayhawks are playing all their games away from Lawrence, Kan., this season because of construction on their stadium.UNLV (3-0) used an 18-play, 75-yard drive to take the lead late. All 18 plays on the drive were rushes.“I'm really proud of our team,” UNLV coach Barry Odom said. “I'm proud of our assistant coaches for putting together what I thought was a great plan in all three phases."Early on it was tough sledding. It was ugly. I think Kansas is a good football team. We had to stay in the fight. We just found a way.”UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka was just 7-for-18 passing for 86 yards, but he rushed for 113 yards.“It was a matter of going down and scoring,” Sluka said of the final drive. “We knew what we had to do. We were down by 4, so a field goal wouldn't do it. It was just a matter of getting in the end zone."We were able to get some yards (on the ground). Some of the RPO (run-pass option) looks I didn't love, so it was a safer decision to keep moving the ball on the ground.”Jalon Daniels was 12-for-23 passing for 153 yards, with two interceptions for Kansas (1-2). He had two rushing touchdowns.“It’s become a fragile situation at the moment,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said of Daniels' confidence.But Leipold took some of the blame as well.“I think we became a little predictable there," he said. "In those backed-up situations, it’s extremely disappointing. Penalties didn’t help either. You’re hurting yourself in some execution areas, your turnover areas and penalties. That’s hard to win football games (that way).”Daniels' second interception of the game gave UNLV the ball at the KU 4-yard line, but the Rebels only got a 23-yard field goal from Caden Chittenden.Kansas answered with a 41-yard field goal by Tabor Allen to stretch the lead to 20-16 in the fourth quarter.But UNLV's game-winning drive, one that UNLV center Jack Hasz called a “must-have drive” — took 9:22 off the clock and left Kansas with less than two minutes to come back.“That was a great job of our offense doing exactly what they needed to do,” Odom said. “A number of guys had big-time performances and they trusted each other."Collectively in the fourth quarter, we out-teamed them.”UNLV now has a bye before opening conference play against Fresno State, but Odom says his team is ready for whatever comes its way.“We're going to have to win a lot of ugly games,” he said. “That's okay. You've got to stay in the arena, continue to trust your preparation and your habits, and you've got to play six seconds at a time. When you do those things, you have an opportunity to win games in the fourth quarter.”After forcing an opening three-and-out, Kansas responded with a 12-play, 81-yard touchdown drive, capped by Daniels' 11-yard run. The Rebels responded with an 11-play drive but had to settle for a Chittenden 38-yard field goal.Daniels then scampered 33 yards, untouched off the right tackle, to cap a 94-yard drive to give Kansas a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter.Kansas' defense stiffened again, stopping UNLV on third-and-7, forcing a 27-yard field goal by Chittenden. Allen then extended the lead to 17-6 with a 35-yard field goal with 3:17 left in the first half.Kansas was driving for another score when Daniels threw his fifth interception of the season. It was returned 46 yards to the Kansas 33. With the first-half clock running down, Sluka found Jai'Den Thomas in the flat and Thomas turned it into a 27-yard touchdown with no time left on the clock to pull within 17-13 at halftime.THE TAKEAWAY UNLV: The Rebels need to work on the long passing game. Sluka attempted seven passes of at least 20 yards — several significantly longer — and missed on all seven.Kansas: Daniels has the talent to be a star, but he has to cut down on the turnovers. He threw one interception in the season opener and had three picks in the loss at Illinois. His first-half pick Friday kept UNLV in the game and his second-half interception set up the Rebels for a chip-shot field goal.UP NEXT Kansas: The Jayhawks will open Big 12 Conference play with a road contest at West Virginia on Sept. 21.