Fear of the unknown leading into the 2020-21 school year threw officials into a quandary that neither a rules book nor a case book could help them navigate. Deciding whether to officiate amid a global pandemic became a personal challenge filled with angst – and sometimes heartbreak – as they contemplated stepping away from an avocation that has provided rewards and satisfaction for decades.

Deb Weinreis of Minneapolis served on a task force in Minnesota that worked with governmental agencies to determine ways to return youth sports safely. She saw firsthand the scientific data and recommended safety protocols.

“When we moved indoors again, the unknowns became magnified,” said Weinreis, a 22-year college and high school official. “I wasn’t quite ready to return. It was fairly apparent for me to take a pause.”

Tom Rasmussen, a 50-year official based in the Twin Cities with service throughout the Upper Midwest, had to consider his own health, but also that of his immediate family, which included his grandchildren. He also weighed the requirements that included arriving dressed to a game, no carpooling and officiating in empty gyms.

“There were just too many hoops to jump through and when the family physician makes a recommendation, you listen,” he said. “Being around young kids keeps you young. I really missed that. I was confident I made the right decision, but now I am back. As I look back, it was a little bump in the road for me.”

Weinreis and Rasmussen weren’t alone. Thousands of officials across the country opted not to officiate for a myriad of reasons. Many officials still are in wait-and-see mode as schools return to learning while the COVID-19 virus remains an international medical threat.

Administrators from state and local associations across the nation are proactively working to not only recruit and retain officials as they typically do, but also encouraging officials who opted out in the 2020-21 school year to return.

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is experiencing a decrease of nearly 3,000 officials across its activities in the current school year. The IHSA is trying to bridge that decrease by offering a $50 discount to all school staff members (certified and non-certified) when they license for the first time. The association continues to offer free first-year licenses to high school students who are at least 17 years of age. They also offer free first-year licenses to associations to share with adults in their area that are interested in officiating. Some high schools and colleges are offering officiating classes as part of their curriculum.

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” said Sam Knox, an IHSA assistant executive director who oversees officiating. “I’m confident that officials will do everything in their power to help schools cover their games, just like they did last year in the most unique school year of our lives.”

Just north, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association had an estimated 39 percent of its officiating force drop out last school year, according to Pete Vrieze, commissioner of the Middle Border Conference in the northwestern part of the state. He said in his area about 10 percent of officials chose not to work and the larger numbers originated in Milwaukee and Madison.

“I burned out some of my officials because they had to work so much to cover all of those games; by the end of the season, they had had enough,” said Vrieze, a high school and college official for more than four decades. “The concerns – and ultimately the decisions – to not officiate are legitimate and heartfelt. Masking was a big thing and so was the concern about bringing the virus home. We are grateful for the officials who have helped us through this situation, but we continue to engage in dialogue with those we’d like back.”

On a Saturday morning last month, Vrieze stopped by Somerset (Wisconsin) High School to watch a soccer game. While there, the always jovial Vrieze visited with parents and alums of the two participating schools. His visits produced two soccer officials.

“I didn’t go to that game with the intent on recruiting officials,” he said. “The opportunity to share the joys of officiating and the rewards of serving schools became a talking point and it took off with great interest. I think as administrators we need to be aware of our surroundings and our audiences.”

While some state associations like the Missouri State High School Activities Association saw a modest decline in registered officials of just seven percent, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) experienced a 20 percent decrease compared to pre-pandemic registrations.

Jason Nickleby, the coordinator of officials for the MSHSL, said “officials that were on the fence about returning to officiating, but COVID put them over the line of returning.” Nickleby, a Big Ten Conference football official, is mindful, too, that COVID opt-outs also coincided with the officials who didn’t return because of family or work commitments, which is an annual occurrence.

Like most state associations, Minnesota accentuates the positives in officiating. They include an online recruitment forum during each of the three sports seasons, which is a risk-free way for prospective officials to hear from experienced officials about the benefits of officiating and steps to take in a successful officiating journey. The sessions are popular with veteran officials as they re-engage annually in the avocation while also seeking opportunities to give back by assisting newer officials.

“We work really hard to promote the reasons that officiating high school sports is so great and that officiating is an outstanding opportunity to participate in the sports we love,” Nickleby said. “Student-athletes need the camaraderie and fellowship that activities and athletics provide. This has been especially true over the past 18 months. Officials need that, too. Without officials, students don’t have these opportunities to make memories of a lifetime.”

Moving forward, administrators say they have learned lessons in patience and flexibility.

“Amid the challenges, we have learned to not let frustrations overcome you,” Vrieze said. “I felt like school administrators, everyone from the superintendents to principals to activities directors to coaches were the best to work with through this. I give kudos to all of them.”

Said Nickleby: “I am optimistic about officiating every year because of the incredibly talented and dedicated men and women that don the uniform in service to your young people. In terms of the pandemic, we are in a spot where increased vaccinations should put us on a path to great success and growth. We hope that veteran and new officials will be along for the journey when they are ready.”

John Madsen, a Minnesota-based official, is thankful for the patience of assignors. He worked an abbreviated football schedule in 2020, primarily because the game assignments were outdoors. In November, he and his wife welcomed their first child. For the health of their newborn, he decided to sit out the basketball season. While he is working football this fall, he remains undecided on his return to basketball.

“Once my wife and I spent time talking through it, it made sense for me to take the year off,” he said. “It allowed me to be there for our son and remain safe for his sake. As I look back, I am really appreciative of the officiating community for being supportive and understanding some of the situations we were going through.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634212452593.jpeg" alt="Tim Leighton is the communications coordinator of the Minnesota State High School League and a member of the High School Today Publications Committee." />
 <figcaption>Tim Leighton is the communications coordinator of the Minnesota State High School League and a member of the High School Today Publications Committee.</figcaption>
 </figure>Fear of the unknown leading into the 2020-21 school year threw officials into a quandary that neither a rules book nor a case book could help them navigate. Deciding whether to officiate amid a global pandemic became a personal challenge filled with angst – and sometimes heartbreak – as they contemplated stepping away from an avocation that has provided rewards and satisfaction for decades.Deb Weinreis of Minneapolis served on a task force in Minnesota that worked with governmental agencies to determine ways to return youth sports safely. She saw firsthand the scientific data and recommended safety protocols.“When we moved indoors again, the unknowns became magnified,” said Weinreis, a 22-year college and high school official. “I wasn’t quite ready to return. It was fairly apparent for me to take a pause.”Tom Rasmussen, a 50-year official based in the Twin Cities with service throughout the Upper Midwest, had to consider his own health, but also that of his immediate family, which included his grandchildren. He also weighed the requirements that included arriving dressed to a game, no carpooling and officiating in empty gyms.“There were just too many hoops to jump through and when the family physician makes a recommendation, you listen,” he said. “Being around young kids keeps you young. I really missed that. I was confident I made the right decision, but now I am back. As I look back, it was a little bump in the road for me.”Weinreis and Rasmussen weren’t alone. Thousands of officials across the country opted not to officiate for a myriad of reasons. Many officials still are in wait-and-see mode as schools return to learning while the COVID-19 virus remains an international medical threat.Administrators from state and local associations across the nation are proactively working to not only recruit and retain officials as they typically do, but also encouraging officials who opted out in the 2020-21 school year to return.The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is experiencing a decrease of nearly 3,000 officials across its activities in the current school year. The IHSA is trying to bridge that decrease by offering a $50 discount to all school staff members (certified and non-certified) when they license for the first time. The association continues to offer free first-year licenses to high school students who are at least 17 years of age. They also offer free first-year licenses to associations to share with adults in their area that are interested in officiating. Some high schools and colleges are offering officiating classes as part of their curriculum.“I’m cautiously optimistic,” said Sam Knox, an IHSA assistant executive director who oversees officiating. “I’m confident that officials will do everything in their power to help schools cover their games, just like they did last year in the most unique school year of our lives.”Just north, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association had an estimated 39 percent of its officiating force drop out last school year, according to Pete Vrieze, commissioner of the Middle Border Conference in the northwestern part of the state. He said in his area about 10 percent of officials chose not to work and the larger numbers originated in Milwaukee and Madison.“I burned out some of my officials because they had to work so much to cover all of those games; by the end of the season, they had had enough,” said Vrieze, a high school and college official for more than four decades. “The concerns – and ultimately the decisions – to not officiate are legitimate and heartfelt. Masking was a big thing and so was the concern about bringing the virus home. We are grateful for the officials who have helped us through this situation, but we continue to engage in dialogue with those we’d like back.”On a Saturday morning last month, Vrieze stopped by Somerset (Wisconsin) High School to watch a soccer game. While there, the always jovial Vrieze visited with parents and alums of the two participating schools. His visits produced two soccer officials.“I didn’t go to that game with the intent on recruiting officials,” he said. “The opportunity to share the joys of officiating and the rewards of serving schools became a talking point and it took off with great interest. I think as administrators we need to be aware of our surroundings and our audiences.”While some state associations like the Missouri State High School Activities Association saw a modest decline in registered officials of just seven percent, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) experienced a 20 percent decrease compared to pre-pandemic registrations.Jason Nickleby, the coordinator of officials for the MSHSL, said “officials that were on the fence about returning to officiating, but COVID put them over the line of returning.” Nickleby, a Big Ten Conference football official, is mindful, too, that COVID opt-outs also coincided with the officials who didn’t return because of family or work commitments, which is an annual occurrence.Like most state associations, Minnesota accentuates the positives in officiating. They include an online recruitment forum during each of the three sports seasons, which is a risk-free way for prospective officials to hear from experienced officials about the benefits of officiating and steps to take in a successful officiating journey. The sessions are popular with veteran officials as they re-engage annually in the avocation while also seeking opportunities to give back by assisting newer officials.“We work really hard to promote the reasons that officiating high school sports is so great and that officiating is an outstanding opportunity to participate in the sports we love,” Nickleby said. “Student-athletes need the camaraderie and fellowship that activities and athletics provide. This has been especially true over the past 18 months. Officials need that, too. Without officials, students don’t have these opportunities to make memories of a lifetime.”Moving forward, administrators say they have learned lessons in patience and flexibility.“Amid the challenges, we have learned to not let frustrations overcome you,” Vrieze said. “I felt like school administrators, everyone from the superintendents to principals to activities directors to coaches were the best to work with through this. I give kudos to all of them.”Said Nickleby: “I am optimistic about officiating every year because of the incredibly talented and dedicated men and women that don the uniform in service to your young people. In terms of the pandemic, we are in a spot where increased vaccinations should put us on a path to great success and growth. We hope that veteran and new officials will be along for the journey when they are ready.”John Madsen, a Minnesota-based official, is thankful for the patience of assignors. He worked an abbreviated football schedule in 2020, primarily because the game assignments were outdoors. In November, he and his wife welcomed their first child. For the health of their newborn, he decided to sit out the basketball season. While he is working football this fall, he remains undecided on his return to basketball.“Once my wife and I spent time talking through it, it made sense for me to take the year off,” he said. “It allowed me to be there for our son and remain safe for his sake. As I look back, I am really appreciative of the officiating community for being supportive and understanding some of the situations we were going through.”

Administrators Cautiously Optimistic as Officials Slowly Return to Service

Some things to watch in Week 7 of the Big 12 Conference:

No. 12 Oklahoma State at No. 25 Texas. The Cowboys are 5-0 for the first time since 2015, and have a chance to win three consecutive games over Top 25 teams for the first time in program history. Oklahoma State had double-digit wins over ranked teams in their first two Big 12 games before last week’s open date. Texas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) is coming off a 55-48 loss to fourth-ranked Oklahoma, which overcame a 28-7 deficit after the first quarter to stay undefeated. The Cowboys and Longhorns have running backs averaging more than 100 yards a game. Texas sophomore Bijan Robinson leads the league at 132.3 yards per game and eight rushing TDs. Oklahoma State senior Jaylen Warren averages 102.4 yards per game.

Baylor and former BYU offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes against the No. 19 Cougars. This preview of a future Big 12 matchup also includes several reunions. Grimes and offensive line coach Eric Mateos are in their first season at Baylor after coming from BYU. Second-year Bears head coach Dave Aranda was defensive coordinator at Southern Utah in 2008, when BYU assistant head coach Ed Lamb was head coach of the Thunderbirds. Aranda was on the same Utah State staff in 2012 with current BYU defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki. BYU accepted an invitation last month to join the Big 12, and is expected to begin conference play in 2023.

Fourth-ranked Oklahoma has the nation’s longest active winning streak at 14 games. But the Sooners’ last four games, and five of six this season, have been decided by a touchdown or less. ... TCU, which plays at Oklahoma, has won five of its last 11 games played against teams ranked in the top five. ... Before Iowa State’s bye week, Brock Purdy became the first player in school history, and sixth in Big 12 history, to go over 10,000 yards passing in his career. ... Cyclones RB Breece Hall has a rushing TD in a Big 12-record 17 consecutive games. ... The Big 12 is 23-6 (.793 winning percentage) in non-conference games this season. ... Texas Tech (4-2) is playing its seventh consecutive unranked opponent, its longest such season-opening streak since 2008.

It seems very unlikely that Texas Tech will become the first team since 2008 to lose in consecutive trips to Kansas. The Red Raiders lost two years ago as the homecoming opponent in Lawrence, like they are again Saturday. But the Jayhawks (1-4, 0-2) have been outscored 104-14 in their two Big 12 games this season. Texas Tech (4-2, 1-2) has averaged 33 points in its two league losses. The Jayhawks are a 16 1/2-point underdog, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Kansas State junior Malik Knowles has returned kickoffs for touchdowns in each of the past two games, and is the nation’s leading returner at 39.3 yards per return. The Wildcats’ 57 punts or kickoffs returned for TDs since 2005 are 20 more than any other FBS team.

Some things to watch in Week 7 of the Big 12 Conference:GAME OF THE WEEKNo. 12 Oklahoma State at No. 25 Texas. The Cowboys are 5-0 for the first time since 2015, and have a chance to win three consecutive games over Top 25 teams for the first time in program history. Oklahoma State had double-digit wins over ranked teams in their first two Big 12 games before last week’s open date. Texas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) is coming off a 55-48 loss to fourth-ranked Oklahoma, which overcame a 28-7 deficit after the first quarter to stay undefeated. The Cowboys and Longhorns have running backs averaging more than 100 yards a game. Texas sophomore Bijan Robinson leads the league at 132.3 yards per game and eight rushing TDs. Oklahoma State senior Jaylen Warren averages 102.4 yards per game.BEST MATCHUPBaylor and former BYU offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes against the No. 19 Cougars. This preview of a future Big 12 matchup also includes several reunions. Grimes and offensive line coach Eric Mateos are in their first season at Baylor after coming from BYU. Second-year Bears head coach Dave Aranda was defensive coordinator at Southern Utah in 2008, when BYU assistant head coach Ed Lamb was head coach of the Thunderbirds. Aranda was on the same Utah State staff in 2012 with current BYU defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki. BYU accepted an invitation last month to join the Big 12, and is expected to begin conference play in 2023.INSIDE THE NUMBERSFourth-ranked Oklahoma has the nation’s longest active winning streak at 14 games. But the Sooners’ last four games, and five of six this season, have been decided by a touchdown or less. ... TCU, which plays at Oklahoma, has won five of its last 11 games played against teams ranked in the top five. ... Before Iowa State’s bye week, Brock Purdy became the first player in school history, and sixth in Big 12 history, to go over 10,000 yards passing in his career. ... Cyclones RB Breece Hall has a rushing TD in a Big 12-record 17 consecutive games. ... The Big 12 is 23-6 (.793 winning percentage) in non-conference games this season. ... Texas Tech (4-2) is playing its seventh consecutive unranked opponent, its longest such season-opening streak since 2008.LONGSHOTIt seems very unlikely that Texas Tech will become the first team since 2008 to lose in consecutive trips to Kansas. The Red Raiders lost two years ago as the homecoming opponent in Lawrence, like they are again Saturday. But the Jayhawks (1-4, 0-2) have been outscored 104-14 in their two Big 12 games this season. Texas Tech (4-2, 1-2) has averaged 33 points in its two league losses. The Jayhawks are a 16 1/2-point underdog, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.IMPACT PLAYERKansas State junior Malik Knowles has returned kickoffs for touchdowns in each of the past two games, and is the nation’s leading returner at 39.3 yards per return. The Wildcats’ 57 punts or kickoffs returned for TDs since 2005 are 20 more than any other FBS team.

No. 12 Oklahoma at No. 25 Texas, and BYU gets Big 12 preview

While the next step for Kansas is to pick up a Big 12 win, the next for the Red Raiders is stacking one on top of another. They were blown out by Texas after their 3-0 start, then got run over by TCU after their win over the Mountaineers.

“It’s a tough thing because I couldn’t get it done after the West Virginia win, so kind of 0-for-1 in that area,” Wells said. “I think that’s going to come in time in this program. That’s what we want to do: We want us to stack success. And in time, I do believe it’ll come. We’ve undertaken a big, big change here. And you know, that’s kind of the next hurdle.”

Texas Tech has dominated the series over the last two decades, but the last two games have been much closer. Liam Jones hit the winning field goal with no time left in 2019 after Kansas had trailed 17-0 and 27-14 earlier in the game. Texas Tech outlasted the Jayhawks 16-13 in Lubbock last season to end the Jayhawks’ nine-game season.

Kansas has surrendered at least 45 points in each of its last four games, and that culminated in a 59-7 blowout at Iowa State a couple weeks ago. So to say that the bye week came at a good time would be an understatement.

“You can see it,” Leipold said, “probably mentally as much as anything. And now fall break is going on. There’s no school Monday or Tuesday, and we had not been on the field since Thursday. I thought you could see some freshness in them.”

While the Jayhawks have struggled in just about every department this season, one in which they have excelled has been penalties. They have just 22 through five games, the best mark in the Big 12 and the fourth-fewest in the country.

Texas Tech allowed TCU to run for 394 yards and five touchdowns, averaging nearly 8.5 yards every time the Horned Frogs handed off. Kendre Miller had 185 yards and three scores while Zach Evans had 143 yards and two.

“There were a few alignment errors. I think there was a few loose fits, not fitting it right,” Wells said. “And then I think the third thing that compounds both of those is you’re going against a good O-line and two legit backs.”

While success has been scant on offense lately, the Jayhawks are at least playing better up front. They gave up six sacks in their loss at Coastal Carolina in the second week of the season, but they’ve allowed just one in the three games since.

“I think we’ve been playing better up front. Both our tackles have improved immensely and feel more comfortable,” Leipold said. “To see them get better, the offensive staff has done a good job of getting rid of the ball quickly, holistically that group continues to get better, but we need to equate to more points on the board as well.”

While the next step for Kansas is to pick up a Big 12 win, the next for the Red Raiders is stacking one on top of another. They were blown out by Texas after their 3-0 start, then got run over by TCU after their win over the Mountaineers.“It’s a tough thing because I couldn’t get it done after the West Virginia win, so kind of 0-for-1 in that area,” Wells said. “I think that’s going to come in time in this program. That’s what we want to do: We want us to stack success. And in time, I do believe it’ll come. We’ve undertaken a big, big change here. And you know, that’s kind of the next hurdle.”THE SERIESTexas Tech has dominated the series over the last two decades, but the last two games have been much closer. Liam Jones hit the winning field goal with no time left in 2019 after Kansas had trailed 17-0 and 27-14 earlier in the game. Texas Tech outlasted the Jayhawks 16-13 in Lubbock last season to end the Jayhawks’ nine-game season.BLANK SLATEKansas has surrendered at least 45 points in each of its last four games, and that culminated in a 59-7 blowout at Iowa State a couple weeks ago. So to say that the bye week came at a good time would be an understatement.“You can see it,” Leipold said, “probably mentally as much as anything. And now fall break is going on. There’s no school Monday or Tuesday, and we had not been on the field since Thursday. I thought you could see some freshness in them.”FINDING SUCCESSWhile the Jayhawks have struggled in just about every department this season, one in which they have excelled has been penalties. They have just 22 through five games, the best mark in the Big 12 and the fourth-fewest in the country.PLUGGING THE GAPSTexas Tech allowed TCU to run for 394 yards and five touchdowns, averaging nearly 8.5 yards every time the Horned Frogs handed off. Kendre Miller had 185 yards and three scores while Zach Evans had 143 yards and two.“There were a few alignment errors. I think there was a few loose fits, not fitting it right,” Wells said. “And then I think the third thing that compounds both of those is you’re going against a good O-line and two legit backs.”SPEAKING OF O-LINESWhile success has been scant on offense lately, the Jayhawks are at least playing better up front. They gave up six sacks in their loss at Coastal Carolina in the second week of the season, but they’ve allowed just one in the three games since.“I think we’ve been playing better up front. Both our tackles have improved immensely and feel more comfortable,” Leipold said. “To see them get better, the offensive staff has done a good job of getting rid of the ball quickly, holistically that group continues to get better, but we need to equate to more points on the board as well.”

Texas Tech heads back to Kansas as rebuilds continue

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs practiced without five key starters Wednesday, including wide receiver Tyreek Hill and pass rusher Chris Jones, adding a long list of physical ailments to their battered pride five games into the season.

Hill was out with a bruised quadriceps that he sustained in Sunday night’s blowout loss to the Bills, when the Chiefs also lost running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to a sprained knee ligament. Jones continues to deal with a lingering wrist injury.

Also missing practice with knee inflammation was linebacker Anthony Hitchens, who calls the plays in the middle of the defense. Defensive back Charvarius Ward remained out with a quad injury that sidelined him against Buffalo, and starting guard Joe Thuney missed practice with a broken hand sustained against the Bills.

Backup tight end Blake Bell joined the long list of starters on the sideline with a sore back as the Chiefs, at 2-3 and in last place in the AFC West, prepared for their trip to Washington on Sunday.

“It seems like a long list,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged, “but when it’s all said and done, we’ll get some of these guys back here in the next little bit, which is a positive thing.”

The Chiefs haven’t been truly healthy all year, losing safety Tyrann Mathieu to a positive COVID-19 test, defensive end Frank Clark to a hamstring injury and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. to a tie injury before the opener against Cleveland.

This is a new level for the two-time defending AFC champions, though.

Hill managed to finish the game against Buffalo with seven catches for 63 yards, but any injury to the legs of a player whose speed is his primary weapon is worth noting. It’s even more important given the fact the Chiefs have few proven pass-catchers besides Hill and tight end Travis Kelce, who picked up a stinger against the Bills.

Thuney took part in Wednesday’s walkthrough, even though he missed practice, and Reid said it was unlikely that one of the Chiefs’ premier offseason acquisitions would land on the injured reserve list.

“We’ll give him a little time here for that thing to settle down,” Reid said. “He’ll have a chance to be OK.”

Edwards-Helaire went on the IR list Tuesday with a sprained MCL in his knee, which means Darrel Williams will get the start against Washington with Jerrick McKinnon backing him up. And because the Chiefs typically have three running backs active on game day, the Chiefs signed Elijah McGuire to join Derrick Gore on the practice squad.

Williams has been a key contributor for the Chiefs the past four years, appearing in every game last season and taking on an increased role when Edwards-Helaire sprained his ankle. But he has never before started an NFL game.

“It’s something big for my mom and dad,” Williams said. “I didn’t get drafted, and just the look in my parents’ eyes — watching my mom cry — that meant something to me because I had never seen my mom cry. Having that moment and not getting drafted, I took that to heart. Now I get this opportunity. I have to make the most of it.”

On the defensive side, Hitchens has been banged up most of the season. Ward hasn’t played since the Chiefs’ Week 2 loss in Baltimore, forcing the Chiefs to use a revolving door of fill-ins opposite struggling L’Jarius Sneed. And while Clark came back last week against Buffalo, he managed just two tackles and failed to pressure the quarterback.

Jones might be the biggest missing piece, though. The Chiefs were counting on the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle to help them generate more pass rush by moving him to defensive end, but after two sacks in the opener against Cleveland he had been held completely in check before missing last week’s game against the Bills.

Asked when he’ll return, Reid replied: “When he feels comfortable he can play. I mean, that’s literally it. When he feels that he can do his job, he’ll be back in. He’s getting better, though. That’s important.”

In the meantime, the Chiefs are pressing on without him.

NOTES: Gay played for the first time this season Sunday, one day after posting on social media that he was struggling with his mental health. “I’m proud of him for mentioning it. A lot of people don’t mention it. That’s a great tribute to the kid bringing it forward,” Reid said. “He was able to talk to (our doctors) and address the problem. I think that’s a beautiful thing. So many people keep these things hidden and disastrous things happen. I’m glad he came forward.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs practiced without five key starters Wednesday, including wide receiver Tyreek Hill and pass rusher Chris Jones, adding a long list of physical ailments to their battered pride five games into the season.Hill was out with a bruised quadriceps that he sustained in Sunday night’s blowout loss to the Bills, when the Chiefs also lost running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to a sprained knee ligament. Jones continues to deal with a lingering wrist injury.Also missing practice with knee inflammation was linebacker Anthony Hitchens, who calls the plays in the middle of the defense. Defensive back Charvarius Ward remained out with a quad injury that sidelined him against Buffalo, and starting guard Joe Thuney missed practice with a broken hand sustained against the Bills.Backup tight end Blake Bell joined the long list of starters on the sideline with a sore back as the Chiefs, at 2-3 and in last place in the AFC West, prepared for their trip to Washington on Sunday.“It seems like a long list,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged, “but when it’s all said and done, we’ll get some of these guys back here in the next little bit, which is a positive thing.”The Chiefs haven’t been truly healthy all year, losing safety Tyrann Mathieu to a positive COVID-19 test, defensive end Frank Clark to a hamstring injury and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. to a tie injury before the opener against Cleveland.This is a new level for the two-time defending AFC champions, though.Hill managed to finish the game against Buffalo with seven catches for 63 yards, but any injury to the legs of a player whose speed is his primary weapon is worth noting. It’s even more important given the fact the Chiefs have few proven pass-catchers besides Hill and tight end Travis Kelce, who picked up a stinger against the Bills.Thuney took part in Wednesday’s walkthrough, even though he missed practice, and Reid said it was unlikely that one of the Chiefs’ premier offseason acquisitions would land on the injured reserve list.“We’ll give him a little time here for that thing to settle down,” Reid said. “He’ll have a chance to be OK.”Edwards-Helaire went on the IR list Tuesday with a sprained MCL in his knee, which means Darrel Williams will get the start against Washington with Jerrick McKinnon backing him up. And because the Chiefs typically have three running backs active on game day, the Chiefs signed Elijah McGuire to join Derrick Gore on the practice squad.Williams has been a key contributor for the Chiefs the past four years, appearing in every game last season and taking on an increased role when Edwards-Helaire sprained his ankle. But he has never before started an NFL game.“It’s something big for my mom and dad,” Williams said. “I didn’t get drafted, and just the look in my parents’ eyes — watching my mom cry — that meant something to me because I had never seen my mom cry. Having that moment and not getting drafted, I took that to heart. Now I get this opportunity. I have to make the most of it.”On the defensive side, Hitchens has been banged up most of the season. Ward hasn’t played since the Chiefs’ Week 2 loss in Baltimore, forcing the Chiefs to use a revolving door of fill-ins opposite struggling L’Jarius Sneed. And while Clark came back last week against Buffalo, he managed just two tackles and failed to pressure the quarterback.Jones might be the biggest missing piece, though. The Chiefs were counting on the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle to help them generate more pass rush by moving him to defensive end, but after two sacks in the opener against Cleveland he had been held completely in check before missing last week’s game against the Bills.Asked when he’ll return, Reid replied: “When he feels comfortable he can play. I mean, that’s literally it. When he feels that he can do his job, he’ll be back in. He’s getting better, though. That’s important.”In the meantime, the Chiefs are pressing on without him.Without a bunch of others, too.NOTES: Gay played for the first time this season Sunday, one day after posting on social media that he was struggling with his mental health. “I’m proud of him for mentioning it. A lot of people don’t mention it. That’s a great tribute to the kid bringing it forward,” Reid said. “He was able to talk to (our doctors) and address the problem. I think that’s a beautiful thing. So many people keep these things hidden and disastrous things happen. I’m glad he came forward.”

Chiefs begin prep for Washington with mounting injuries

The Barton Community College volleyball team prevailed in straight sets Wednesday night at the Barton Gym dispatching Dodge City Community College 31-29, 25-17, and 25-22.

The Cougars improve their second place conference record to 9-2 and 19-9 overall while Dodge City slides to 5-7 and 12-7 on the season.

Barton will play their next two matches on the road, first coming Saturday in a 6:00 p.m. first serve at No. 5 Butler Community College followed by Monday's trip to Garden City Community College for a 6:30 p.m. first serve. The Cougars will then play their final regular season home match next Wednesday, October 20, hosting Pratt Community College on sophomore night.

During the match, Barton's libero Hanna Miller recorded 16 kills joining a prestigious club becoming just the third Cougar in the program's storied history reaching the 1000 career dig accomplishment. Now with 1006 and counting, Miller only trails single season record holder Karina de Oliveira's career mark of 1217 during the 2018 and 2019 seasons and the top career chart leader Cristin Haines' 1361 set during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634206111826.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College volleyball team prevailed in straight sets Wednesday night at the Barton Gym dispatching Dodge City Community College 31-29, 25-17, and 25-22.The Cougars improve their second place conference record to 9-2 and 19-9 overall while Dodge City slides to 5-7 and 12-7 on the season.Barton will play their next two matches on the road, first coming Saturday in a 6:00 p.m. first serve at No. 5 Butler Community College followed by Monday's trip to Garden City Community College for a 6:30 p.m. first serve. The Cougars will then play their final regular season home match next Wednesday, October 20, hosting Pratt Community College on sophomore night.During the match, Barton's libero Hanna Miller recorded 16 kills joining a prestigious club becoming just the third Cougar in the program's storied history reaching the 1000 career dig accomplishment. Now with 1006 and counting, Miller only trails single season record holder Karina de Oliveira's career mark of 1217 during the 2018 and 2019 seasons and the top career chart leader Cristin Haines' 1361 set during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

Barton volleyball sweeps Dodge City

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Iowa State has had varying levels of success against everybody in the Big 12 over the years, whether it’s been upset wins over heavyweights such as Oklahoma and Texas or regular victories over schools such as Kansas.

One place the Cyclones haven’t had any success: Kansas State.

Even though the two programs are closely tied together, given the land-grant schools’ similar profiles, Iowa State has not beaten the Wildcats on the road in 17 years. That not only predates Cyclones coach Matt Campbell and Chris Klieman, his current counterpart, but it dates all the way back to the first tenure of Bill Snyder in Manhattan.

“Football is really important there. We know,” said Campbell, who is 0-2 in his trips to Kansas State. “I don’t know if I can say enough about Coach Snyder in terms of what he built there and how important he built college football in Manhattan. And you know, Coach (Klieman) has done a phenomenal job of carrying that tradition and pride on.”

The Cyclones (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) have won two straight over Kansas State (3-2, 0-2) at home, including a 45-0 trouncing last season, but road success has been scant. Their last win at the stadium that now bears Snyder’s name was Nov. 20, 2014.

“I think it’s really important to that community,” Campbell said. “You can tell. You can feel it when you walk in the stadium. You can feel it when you walk on the field. You know. I’ll tell you, it’s a special place to play.”

The Cyclones had high expectations this season, but close losses to Iowa and Baylor put a damper on things early. But they hope a 59-7 rout of the Jayhawks their last time out can jumpstart the rest of the season, especially given Iowa State has a track record under Campbell of playing their best late in the year.

“They’re two teams that know each other really well,” Klieman said, “and we spend an awful lot of time in the offseason self-scouting them. They’re a good staff. They probably scout a little bit of everybody. But I think when teams know each other pretty well and have playmakers that make plays, you get competitive games.”

Like the Cyclones, the Wildcats had last week off. And it couldn’t have come at a better time for a team that has been beset by injuries, including the knee injury to quarterback Skylar Thompson that hindered his mobility even when he returned.

“I’m getting better every day, truly,” he said. “The more that I get around and move around, the more confidence I’m building in it. Having a week off to still practice and build that confidence has helped a lot.”

After three straight 100-yard rushing games to start the season, Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn has been bottled up by defenses designed specifically to stop him. He ran 13 times for 22 yards against Oklahoma State and 15 times for 51 yards against Oklahoma — though he also burned the Sooners with 10 catches for 104 yards and a score.

“Equally to his vision, his balance is really good. You see him breaking tackles a lot and being able to bounce off the first tackler and make real positive things happen,” Campbell said. “So a lot of respect for him, certainly really talented.”

Vaughn isn’t the only standout playing Saturday. The Cyclones feature All-American running back Breece Hall, who led major college football in rushing last season, and who happened to play his high school ball in Wichita, Kansas.

“The top challenge is probably their backfield really,” Wildcats defensive end Spencer Trussell said. “They have (quarterback) Brock Purdy and Breece Hall and a handful of very talented tight ends.”

Thompson threw for 320 yards against the Sooners despite his ailing knee, and it was clear that his return jump-started a Kansas State offense that stagnated during his injury. Purdy threw for 240 yards with four touchdown passes and no interceptions his last time out against the Jayhawks.

The Cyclones lead the Big 12 in scoring defense (14.2 point allowed per game) and total defense while ranking second in pass defense, and they should give Thompson and Co. everything they can handle on Saturday night. Three of their first five opponents have been held to 10 points or fewer with Baylor and Iowa the exceptions.

Don’t think the Wildcats have forgotten about the 45-0 drubbing they experienced at Jack Trice Stadium last season.

“We discussed it a little bit on Thursday before we left for a little bit of a break,” Klieman acknowledged. “It’s a new season, new group of guys, and I know a lot of guys were at that game, but there’s a number of guys that weren’t, whether they were on the roster or were injured. So, try not to put too much into what has gone on in the past. You better focus on the future, and I know our guys are excited about the opportunity.”

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Iowa State has had varying levels of success against everybody in the Big 12 over the years, whether it’s been upset wins over heavyweights such as Oklahoma and Texas or regular victories over schools such as Kansas.One place the Cyclones haven’t had any success: Kansas State.Even though the two programs are closely tied together, given the land-grant schools’ similar profiles, Iowa State has not beaten the Wildcats on the road in 17 years. That not only predates Cyclones coach Matt Campbell and Chris Klieman, his current counterpart, but it dates all the way back to the first tenure of Bill Snyder in Manhattan.“Football is really important there. We know,” said Campbell, who is 0-2 in his trips to Kansas State. “I don’t know if I can say enough about Coach Snyder in terms of what he built there and how important he built college football in Manhattan. And you know, Coach (Klieman) has done a phenomenal job of carrying that tradition and pride on.”The Cyclones (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) have won two straight over Kansas State (3-2, 0-2) at home, including a 45-0 trouncing last season, but road success has been scant. Their last win at the stadium that now bears Snyder’s name was Nov. 20, 2014.“I think it’s really important to that community,” Campbell said. “You can tell. You can feel it when you walk in the stadium. You can feel it when you walk on the field. You know. I’ll tell you, it’s a special place to play.”It would be a better place to win.The Cyclones had high expectations this season, but close losses to Iowa and Baylor put a damper on things early. But they hope a 59-7 rout of the Jayhawks their last time out can jumpstart the rest of the season, especially given Iowa State has a track record under Campbell of playing their best late in the year.“They’re two teams that know each other really well,” Klieman said, “and we spend an awful lot of time in the offseason self-scouting them. They’re a good staff. They probably scout a little bit of everybody. But I think when teams know each other pretty well and have playmakers that make plays, you get competitive games.”Like the Cyclones, the Wildcats had last week off. And it couldn’t have come at a better time for a team that has been beset by injuries, including the knee injury to quarterback Skylar Thompson that hindered his mobility even when he returned.“I’m getting better every day, truly,” he said. “The more that I get around and move around, the more confidence I’m building in it. Having a week off to still practice and build that confidence has helped a lot.”GETTING DEUCE LOOSEAfter three straight 100-yard rushing games to start the season, Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn has been bottled up by defenses designed specifically to stop him. He ran 13 times for 22 yards against Oklahoma State and 15 times for 51 yards against Oklahoma — though he also burned the Sooners with 10 catches for 104 yards and a score.“Equally to his vision, his balance is really good. You see him breaking tackles a lot and being able to bounce off the first tackler and make real positive things happen,” Campbell said. “So a lot of respect for him, certainly really talented.”WELCOME HOMEVaughn isn’t the only standout playing Saturday. The Cyclones feature All-American running back Breece Hall, who led major college football in rushing last season, and who happened to play his high school ball in Wichita, Kansas.“The top challenge is probably their backfield really,” Wildcats defensive end Spencer Trussell said. “They have (quarterback) Brock Purdy and Breece Hall and a handful of very talented tight ends.”MORE ON THE QBSThompson threw for 320 yards against the Sooners despite his ailing knee, and it was clear that his return jump-started a Kansas State offense that stagnated during his injury. Purdy threw for 240 yards with four touchdown passes and no interceptions his last time out against the Jayhawks.GETTING DEFENSIVEThe Cyclones lead the Big 12 in scoring defense (14.2 point allowed per game) and total defense while ranking second in pass defense, and they should give Thompson and Co. everything they can handle on Saturday night. Three of their first five opponents have been held to 10 points or fewer with Baylor and Iowa the exceptions.OH, AND ABOUT LAST YEARDon’t think the Wildcats have forgotten about the 45-0 drubbing they experienced at Jack Trice Stadium last season.“We discussed it a little bit on Thursday before we left for a little bit of a break,” Klieman acknowledged. “It’s a new season, new group of guys, and I know a lot of guys were at that game, but there’s a number of guys that weren’t, whether they were on the roster or were injured. So, try not to put too much into what has gone on in the past. You better focus on the future, and I know our guys are excited about the opportunity.”

Iowa State out to earn rare win at Kansas State

KVA Announces 2021
Week 6 Volleyball Rankings

October 13, 2021,
Topeka, KS -- The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to
announce the 2021 Week 6 Volleyball Rankings. Records listed reflect
information that was submitted by Monday, October 11.

Rank – School –
Record – Last Week’s Rank

10. Thomas More
Prep-Marian 23-8 (8)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634205134246.jpeg" alt="Week 6 Rankings" />
 <figcaption>Week 6 Rankings</figcaption>
 </figure>KVA Announces 2021
Week 6 Volleyball RankingsOctober 13, 2021,
Topeka, KS -- The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to
announce the 2021 Week 6 Volleyball Rankings. Records listed reflect
information that was submitted by Monday, October 11.Rank – School –
Record – Last Week’s RankClass 6A1. Washburn Rural
27-0 (1)2. Blue Valley North
24-2 (2)3. Blue Valley West
23-7 (3)4. Shawnee Mission
Northwest 27-7 (4)5. Wichita Northwest
35-1 (5)6. Olathe Northwest
17-8 (6)7. Lawrence-Free
State 19-8 (7)8. Hutchinson 28-4
(8)9. Blue Valley
Northwest 16-10 (9)10. Derby 22-11 (10)Class 5A1. St. Thomas
Aquinas 31-3 (1)2. Lansing 27-1 (2)3. St. James Academy
19-9 (3)4. Mill Valley 27-6
(4)5. Maize South 21-6
(5)6. Seaman 18-8 (6)7. Spring Hill 21-6
(7)8.
Goddard-Eisenhower 20-7 (10)9. Basehor-Linwood
21-8 (8)10. Bishop Carroll
20-10 (9)Class 4A1. Andale 26-1 (1)2. McPherson 27-6
(2)3. Circle 23-5 (4)4. Baldwin 23-3 (3)5. Clay Center 21-5
(5)6. Augusta 22-4 (6)7. Louisburg 18-10
(8)8. Bishop Miege 9-19
(7)9. Ottawa 15-16 (10)10. Labette County
27-3 (NR)Class 3A1. Cheney 26-1 (3)2. Smoky Valley 25-3
(1)3. Heritage
Christian 26-2 (2)4. Nemaha Central
26-3 (4)5. Hiawatha 26-3 (5)6. Goodland 26-3 (9)7. Riverton 27-3 (6)8. Eureka 28-1 (7)9. Silver Lake 23-8
(NR)10. Thomas More
Prep-Marian 23-8 (8)Class 2A1. Smith Center 28-2
(1)2. Sedgwick 27-3 (3)3. Garden Plain 20-6
(2)4. Ellinwood 24-4
(5)5. Hillsboro 21-7
(4)6. Sterling 25-7
(7)7. Wabaunsee 26-5
(6)8. Meade/Fowler 28-1
(8)9. Inman 24-8 (10)10. Jefferson County
North 23-5 (9)Class 1A –
Division 11. Centralia 28-3
(3)2. Little River
25-3 (2)3. Victoria 21-3
(1)4. Pretty Prairie
26-4 (4)5. Kiowa County
25-5 (5)6. Spearville 25-6
(8)7. St. Paul 27-4 (7)8. Burlingame 17-6
(6)9. Doniphan West
20-9 (NR)10. St.
John-Hudson 15-9 (NR)Class 1A –
Division 21. Hanover 24-5 (1)2. Lebo 24-4 (2)3. Attica 24-2 (3)4. Central Plains
19-7 (5)5. Linn 20-8 (6)6. Golden Plains
24-4 (4)7.
Wheatland-Grinnell 19-8 (7)8. Central Christian
17-7 (9)9. Dighton 18-6 (10)10. Argonia 17-5 (8)

Kansas Volleyball Coaches Association Week 6 rankings

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — He was hailed as a hero by his offensive coordinator, but Broncos guard Graham Glasgow says he’ll head straight for the sideline the next time his heart feels like it’s about to pound right out of his chest during a game.

The veteran right guard played through a racing heartbeat in the season opener last month at the Meadowlands and only after being taken by an ambulance to a hospital following Denver’s win over the Giants did he realize how risky that had been.

Doctors diagnosed Glasgow, 29, with atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots and increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.

“I kind of felt weird a little bit early but then during the second series I kind of felt that it was not normal. My heart was kind of beating out of my chest and I felt like I had to move my pads away from my chest to make room for it,” Glasgow said this week in his first comments about the episode.

He wondered if he was having a panic attack.

“Then I thought maybe I’m having an asthma attack because it was a little difficult to breathe,” Glasgow said. “But the heart was just going at like a million miles a minute and I didn’t really know what it was. So I just kind of kept playing.”

He delivered the key block on running back Melvin Gordon’s game-sealing 70-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 27-13 win.

After the game, Glasgow was hospitalized in New York for a couple of days.

“I went into A-fib during the game,” Glasgow explained, still in disbelief a 29-year-old athlete could go through that, even at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds.

“I wouldn’t really say I was scared because I didn’t know what it was,” Glasgow said. “I mean, I don’t know. At some point I was just like, ‘Am I out of shape?’ I don’t know. I talked to my dad on the phone when I was going to the hospital and he’s like, ‘It’s not super normal for somebody your age.’”

That following week, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur raised eyebrows when he declared that Glasgow’s playing through his heart issue was “super heroic.”

“He battled through it,” Shurmur said. “I guess in the moment we didn’t know how big of an issue it was for him, but he’s a tough sucker. ... What he did was super heroic and I think that our team can learn from that.”

Looking back, Glasgow wouldn’t call what he did gallant or gutsy in any way, but simply short-sighted and foolish.

“They told me that if it happens again, I should take myself out just so that nothing bad were to happen with possible stroke stuff or anything like that,” Glasgow said. “I think that knowing the potential long-term ramifications of it, I think I would probably want to get out of that as fast as I could.”

During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s upper chambers beat chaotically and irregularly and are out of sync with the lower chambers. Symptoms can range from nothing at all to a pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath and weakness.

Glasgow said he’s trying to avoid another episode by staying hydrated and using his CPAP at night because he has sleep apnea.

He said he hasn’t talked to his brothers — Jordan is a Colts linebacker and Ryan was a Saints defensive tackle — about being careful themselves.

“Not really. I mean, all of them are younger than me,” Glasgow said. “My dad has never had issues with this or anything, so the whole thing has just been odd.”

Glasgow returned to the lineup in Week 3, but suffered a knee injury against the Jets and missed another game before returning to the lineup last week in Pittsburgh.

“It’s been hard to get into a rhythm so far,” Glasgow said.

NOTES: S Kareem Jackson (back) sat out practice, as did CB Mike Ford (leg).

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — He was hailed as a hero by his offensive coordinator, but Broncos guard Graham Glasgow says he’ll head straight for the sideline the next time his heart feels like it’s about to pound right out of his chest during a game.The veteran right guard played through a racing heartbeat in the season opener last month at the Meadowlands and only after being taken by an ambulance to a hospital following Denver’s win over the Giants did he realize how risky that had been.Doctors diagnosed Glasgow, 29, with atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots and increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.“I kind of felt weird a little bit early but then during the second series I kind of felt that it was not normal. My heart was kind of beating out of my chest and I felt like I had to move my pads away from my chest to make room for it,” Glasgow said this week in his first comments about the episode.He wondered if he was having a panic attack.“Then I thought maybe I’m having an asthma attack because it was a little difficult to breathe,” Glasgow said. “But the heart was just going at like a million miles a minute and I didn’t really know what it was. So I just kind of kept playing.”He delivered the key block on running back Melvin Gordon’s game-sealing 70-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 27-13 win.After the game, Glasgow was hospitalized in New York for a couple of days.“I went into A-fib during the game,” Glasgow explained, still in disbelief a 29-year-old athlete could go through that, even at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds.“I wouldn’t really say I was scared because I didn’t know what it was,” Glasgow said. “I mean, I don’t know. At some point I was just like, ‘Am I out of shape?’ I don’t know. I talked to my dad on the phone when I was going to the hospital and he’s like, ‘It’s not super normal for somebody your age.’”That following week, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur raised eyebrows when he declared that Glasgow’s playing through his heart issue was “super heroic.”“He battled through it,” Shurmur said. “I guess in the moment we didn’t know how big of an issue it was for him, but he’s a tough sucker. ... What he did was super heroic and I think that our team can learn from that.”Looking back, Glasgow wouldn’t call what he did gallant or gutsy in any way, but simply short-sighted and foolish.“They told me that if it happens again, I should take myself out just so that nothing bad were to happen with possible stroke stuff or anything like that,” Glasgow said. “I think that knowing the potential long-term ramifications of it, I think I would probably want to get out of that as fast as I could.”During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s upper chambers beat chaotically and irregularly and are out of sync with the lower chambers. Symptoms can range from nothing at all to a pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath and weakness.Glasgow said he’s trying to avoid another episode by staying hydrated and using his CPAP at night because he has sleep apnea.He said he hasn’t talked to his brothers — Jordan is a Colts linebacker and Ryan was a Saints defensive tackle — about being careful themselves.“Not really. I mean, all of them are younger than me,” Glasgow said. “My dad has never had issues with this or anything, so the whole thing has just been odd.”Glasgow returned to the lineup in Week 3, but suffered a knee injury against the Jets and missed another game before returning to the lineup last week in Pittsburgh.“It’s been hard to get into a rhythm so far,” Glasgow said.NOTES: S Kareem Jackson (back) sat out practice, as did CB Mike Ford (leg).

Broncos’ Glasgow will take himself out if he has A-fib again

The Barton Community College men's golf team won their third straight tournament, rallying from a first round deficit to win by four strokes Tuesday at the Blue Devil Invitational held at Kansas City's Dub's Dread Golf Club.

The Cougars opened with a 306 during Monday's rain drenched round, trailing Dodge City Community College by four strokes. As weather cleared for Tuesday's final round, the Cougars shaved off twelve strokes to fire a 294 to take the team title over the Conquistadors by four shots on the 24-over 600 combined two-round total.

Tom Gehring became the third different Cougar to claim individual title and the fourth in as many meets of the fall season, edging out teammate Carlos Hamou by one stroke in the 39-player field.  Gehring, who led after first round action of the Cougars' last time out at the Barton Invitational, followed his opening round of 73 with a 74 in moving from a tie for second into the top spot with a 3-over 147 total.  Hamou carded a 76 on Monday but charged up the leaderboard with a day two low round of par 72 for the 148 total, winning a tiebreaker for the second overall position over KCK's Colby Unruh.

A pair of Cougars ended up in a three-way tie for sixth giving Barton four in the top ten of the leaderboard, Tom Lehmann competing on the program's "A" grouping while Ethan Bonnett led the "B" grouping as each shot identical 78-74 rounds for an 8-over 152.

Two-time event winner Pontus Nordstrom and Great Bend's Brantley Baldwin rounded out the "A" group with 13-over 157 scores.  Nordstrom posted 83-74 rounds while Baldwin recorded consistent 79-78 rounds.

Placing behind Bonnett on the "B" group, season opening tournament victor Peeranat Suporn also posted a 13th place 157 score behind 77-80 rounds.  Marshall Woolf stayed consistent with 86-84 rounds for a 170 while Toby Woolf carded 114-111 rounds for a 225 total.

Barton concludes their fall portion of the schedule with its toughest test of the year coming November 3-4 in Odessa, Texas, as the Cougars compete in the NJCAA National Championship preview tournament.

T-6th Tom Lehmann (78-74) and Ethan Bonnett (78-74) +8 152

T-13th Pontus Nordstrom (83-74), Brantley Baldwin (79-78), and Peeranat Suporn (77-80) +13 157

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634122439989.jpeg" alt="Baton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Baton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College men's golf team won their third straight tournament, rallying from a first round deficit to win by four strokes Tuesday at the Blue Devil Invitational held at Kansas City's Dub's Dread Golf Club.The Cougars opened with a 306 during Monday's rain drenched round, trailing Dodge City Community College by four strokes. As weather cleared for Tuesday's final round, the Cougars shaved off twelve strokes to fire a 294 to take the team title over the Conquistadors by four shots on the 24-over 600 combined two-round total.Tom Gehring became the third different Cougar to claim individual title and the fourth in as many meets of the fall season, edging out teammate Carlos Hamou by one stroke in the 39-player field. Gehring, who led after first round action of the Cougars' last time out at the Barton Invitational, followed his opening round of 73 with a 74 in moving from a tie for second into the top spot with a 3-over 147 total. Hamou carded a 76 on Monday but charged up the leaderboard with a day two low round of par 72 for the 148 total, winning a tiebreaker for the second overall position over KCK's Colby Unruh.A pair of Cougars ended up in a three-way tie for sixth giving Barton four in the top ten of the leaderboard, Tom Lehmann competing on the program's "A" grouping while Ethan Bonnett led the "B" grouping as each shot identical 78-74 rounds for an 8-over 152.Two-time event winner Pontus Nordstrom and Great Bend's Brantley Baldwin rounded out the "A" group with 13-over 157 scores. Nordstrom posted 83-74 rounds while Baldwin recorded consistent 79-78 rounds.Placing behind Bonnett on the "B" group, season opening tournament victor Peeranat Suporn also posted a 13th place 157 score behind 77-80 rounds. Marshall Woolf stayed consistent with 86-84 rounds for a 170 while Toby Woolf carded 114-111 rounds for a 225 total.Barton concludes their fall portion of the schedule with its toughest test of the year coming November 3-4 in Odessa, Texas, as the Cougars compete in the NJCAA National Championship preview tournament.Barton Results:1st Tom Gehring +3 147 (73-74)2nd Carlos Hamou +4 148 (76-72)T-6th Tom Lehmann (78-74) and Ethan Bonnett (78-74) +8 152T-13th Pontus Nordstrom (83-74), Brantley Baldwin (79-78), and Peeranat Suporn (77-80) +13 157T-28th Marshall Woolf +26 170 (86-84)38th Toby Woolf +81 225 (114-111)

Barton men's golf rallies for third straight team title


Unbeaten Dodge City extended their winning streak to 33 straight
match victories Tuesday in a 10-0 victory over the Great Bend
Panthers in Dodge City. 



The defending 6A state champions improved to 12-0-1 win the win while
Great Bend falls to 4-9-1.


The Panthers are back at home Monday against Liberal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602069895156.png" alt="Dodge City 10 Great Bend 0" />
 <figcaption>Dodge City 10 Great Bend 0</figcaption>
 </figure>
Unbeaten Dodge City extended their winning streak to 33 straight
match victories Tuesday in a 10-0 victory over the Great Bend
Panthers in Dodge City. 

The defending 6A state champions improved to 12-0-1 win the win while
Great Bend falls to 4-9-1.
The Panthers are back at home Monday against Liberal.

Unbeaten Dodge City rolls past Panthers

Gary Patterson compare efforts by defenses to keep pace with changing offenses to the on-and-off fashion cycle of the paisley tie.

In the nearly four decades that Patterson has been in college football, including two decades as TCU’s head coach, he’s seen great defenses come and go, especially in a score-happy league like the Big 12.

Over the past 18 months as the coronavirus pandemic forced college teams to change their routines, meet less often in person and more by way of technology, Patterson said he believes Big 12 defenses adapted.

“You just look at the numbers and the way people, at least in our league, are playing defense,” Patterson said.

Kansas State, No. 4 Oklahoma, Iowa State and No. 12 Oklahoma State rank in the top 12 nationally in rushing defense.

The Cyclones are third nationally in total defense and lead the conference in many other categories. Oklahoma State is first in the league in third-down conversion defense and the fewest touchdown passes allowed, while Baylor is tops in interceptions and has returned two turnovers for touchdowns.

Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma average at least three sacks per game.

Beyond the numbers, some teams have evolved. Patterson points to Kansas State, which is giving opponents a new 3-3-5 defensive look this season similar to those used with success in the NFL and at other colleges.

The pandemic “gave people an opportunity to do some extra things and do some stuff to try to catch up,” Patterson said. “I’m not sure we had any more challenges during that time. If anything, I think it gave us a little bit more time to kind of look at things.”

Patterson said the pattern of standout Big 12 defenses “goes through ebbs and flows” similar to NFL teams trying to keep up with changes made by other offenses.

That brings up the reference to the paisley tie, which “goes out of fashion,” Patterson said. “I think in my 61 years, it’s come back three or four times where it’s now a favorite of people. And so I think offense and defense kind of go that way. I think there for a couple of years, offense really had the advantage. I think defense has caught up a little bit with some things.”

That’s not always the case, mostly notably last weekend in the Red River rivalry game where Oklahoma beat Texas 55-48.

Mike Gundy, in his 17th season as Oklahoma State’s coach, said standout defenses can be minimized by the presence of mature quarterbacks in the league, “but overall, I’d say defenses have rallied a little bit in the last couple of years.”

Texas Tech coach Matt Wells chalks up it up to having solid coaches on that side of the ball.

It starts with Patterson, one of college football’s top defensive minds. There’s Kansas State’s Chris Klieman, a longtime defensive coordinator who won four Championship Subdivision titles at North Dakota State.

Iowa State’s Matt Campbell brought defensive coordinator Jon Heacock with him from Toledo. When Matt Rhule left Baylor after the 2019 season, Dave Aranda, the architect of national champion LSU’s defense that season, was hired as head coach and brought in longtime mentor Ron Roberts as his defensive coordinator.

Aranda has turned things around on his defense since going 2-7 in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He credits an experienced unit and a staff whose consistency in messaging and teaching “has really allowed the guys to play confident and play fast.”

Oklahoma State’s defense has improved in each of the past three seasons under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The Cowboys haven’t allowed more than 23 points in a game this season

Kansas State holds the league record for the fewest points allowed in a season with 144 in 1999, a 12-point average. Averaging under 20 points for a season on defense has been done three times under the current 10-team makeup that began in 2012.

Approaching this season’s midpoint, Iowa State is allowing 15.6 points per game, Baylor 17.8 and Oklahoma State 18.6.

Campbell said all 11 players on his defense strive to work together and understand where their help is on every play.

“That’s something we work really hard at,” he said. “And I think the other piece we really work hard it is getting our 11 guys to run to the football.”

Both Campbell and Aranda point out that Big 12 teams will typically see a different type of defense every week.

“There’s so much variety in the league,” Aranda said. “In other leagues, there’s really good defenses as well, but much more similarity.”

Campbell said with so many different types of defenses, “I think that can be challenging for offenses. So it certainly is unique in our conference where not everybody is running the same thing or the same foundational fronts and coverages. There’s a lot of different schemes in terms of what you see. I think that has certainly shown up at least in the Big 12 so far this year.”

Gary Patterson compare efforts by defenses to keep pace with changing offenses to the on-and-off fashion cycle of the paisley tie.In the nearly four decades that Patterson has been in college football, including two decades as TCU’s head coach, he’s seen great defenses come and go, especially in a score-happy league like the Big 12.Over the past 18 months as the coronavirus pandemic forced college teams to change their routines, meet less often in person and more by way of technology, Patterson said he believes Big 12 defenses adapted.And improved.“You just look at the numbers and the way people, at least in our league, are playing defense,” Patterson said.Kansas State, No. 4 Oklahoma, Iowa State and No. 12 Oklahoma State rank in the top 12 nationally in rushing defense.The Cyclones are third nationally in total defense and lead the conference in many other categories. Oklahoma State is first in the league in third-down conversion defense and the fewest touchdown passes allowed, while Baylor is tops in interceptions and has returned two turnovers for touchdowns.Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma average at least three sacks per game.Beyond the numbers, some teams have evolved. Patterson points to Kansas State, which is giving opponents a new 3-3-5 defensive look this season similar to those used with success in the NFL and at other colleges.The pandemic “gave people an opportunity to do some extra things and do some stuff to try to catch up,” Patterson said. “I’m not sure we had any more challenges during that time. If anything, I think it gave us a little bit more time to kind of look at things.”Patterson said the pattern of standout Big 12 defenses “goes through ebbs and flows” similar to NFL teams trying to keep up with changes made by other offenses.That brings up the reference to the paisley tie, which “goes out of fashion,” Patterson said. “I think in my 61 years, it’s come back three or four times where it’s now a favorite of people. And so I think offense and defense kind of go that way. I think there for a couple of years, offense really had the advantage. I think defense has caught up a little bit with some things.”That’s not always the case, mostly notably last weekend in the Red River rivalry game where Oklahoma beat Texas 55-48.Mike Gundy, in his 17th season as Oklahoma State’s coach, said standout defenses can be minimized by the presence of mature quarterbacks in the league, “but overall, I’d say defenses have rallied a little bit in the last couple of years.”Texas Tech coach Matt Wells chalks up it up to having solid coaches on that side of the ball.It starts with Patterson, one of college football’s top defensive minds. There’s Kansas State’s Chris Klieman, a longtime defensive coordinator who won four Championship Subdivision titles at North Dakota State.Iowa State’s Matt Campbell brought defensive coordinator Jon Heacock with him from Toledo. When Matt Rhule left Baylor after the 2019 season, Dave Aranda, the architect of national champion LSU’s defense that season, was hired as head coach and brought in longtime mentor Ron Roberts as his defensive coordinator.Aranda has turned things around on his defense since going 2-7 in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He credits an experienced unit and a staff whose consistency in messaging and teaching “has really allowed the guys to play confident and play fast.”Oklahoma State’s defense has improved in each of the past three seasons under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The Cowboys haven’t allowed more than 23 points in a game this seasonKansas State holds the league record for the fewest points allowed in a season with 144 in 1999, a 12-point average. Averaging under 20 points for a season on defense has been done three times under the current 10-team makeup that began in 2012.Approaching this season’s midpoint, Iowa State is allowing 15.6 points per game, Baylor 17.8 and Oklahoma State 18.6.Campbell said all 11 players on his defense strive to work together and understand where their help is on every play.“That’s something we work really hard at,” he said. “And I think the other piece we really work hard it is getting our 11 guys to run to the football.”Both Campbell and Aranda point out that Big 12 teams will typically see a different type of defense every week.“There’s so much variety in the league,” Aranda said. “In other leagues, there’s really good defenses as well, but much more similarity.”Campbell said with so many different types of defenses, “I think that can be challenging for offenses. So it certainly is unique in our conference where not everybody is running the same thing or the same foundational fronts and coverages. There’s a lot of different schemes in terms of what you see. I think that has certainly shown up at least in the Big 12 so far this year.”

Like a paisley tie, solid Big 12 defenses are trendy again


The Great Bend Lady Panther volleyball team dropped both matches
Tuesday at a triangular hosted by Smith Center.


Great Bend lost to Phillipsburg in straight sets 18-25, 21-25 before
being swept by the host Redmen 20-25, 14-25.


The Lady Panthers (16-13) now head to the Western Athletic Conference
Tournament in Hays on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603027160626.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
The Great Bend Lady Panther volleyball team dropped both matches
Tuesday at a triangular hosted by Smith Center.
Great Bend lost to Phillipsburg in straight sets 18-25, 21-25 before
being swept by the host Redmen 20-25, 14-25.
The Lady Panthers (16-13) now head to the Western Athletic Conference
Tournament in Hays on Saturday.

Lady Panther drop two matches at Smith Center

The Barton Community College eSports squad experienced the highs and lows of competition in week three action.

The Cougars' suffered their first losing week of the season with a 4-7 mark over the 11-match week. Now 31-games into the season, Barton currently holds an 18-13 mark with 11-matches on tap for the Cougars in week four.

Dropping the opening two matches on Monday, the Rainbow 6 Siege gamers secured Barton's first victory of the week making quick work of Southside Virginia Community College 2-0, improving their season mark to 2-1.

Sophomore Davon Morris sustained his stellar start to the season in Madden 21 with a quick 2-0 dispatching over Eastern Arizona College improving his record to 3-0 for the second straight year. Teammate Chance Costello suffered his first defeat of the season dropping both contests to unbeaten Bryant and Stratton (VA).

The Cougars' next victory of the week unfortunately came with a loss as Call of Duty Cold War Gunfight duos squared up with one another with Kindric Castro and Adam Hardin earning the bragging rights over Trent Keffer and Bryce Hopkins in a 3-0 result.

Barton's final victory of the week came as the Overwatch clan made it two straight since it's week one loss annihilating Snow College in three straight.

On the team side Call of Duty Cold War 4's and Rocket League dropped their season records to 1-2 on the season as they suffered 3-0 defeats to the University of South Carolina – Sumter and Wake Tech Community College.

In Super Smash Brothers, Nicholas Kohman and Keffer had rough battles both dropping their matches on the week. Kohman suffered his first loss of the year in a hard fought 3-2 battle while Keffer moved to 1-2 on the year falling to Finger Lakes Community College 3-1.

The lone other individual result saw Joshua Neal dropping his first contest of the season in NBA2K falling 2-0 to Hutchinson Community College,

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634060993119.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College eSports squad experienced the highs and lows of competition in week three action.The Cougars' suffered their first losing week of the season with a 4-7 mark over the 11-match week. Now 31-games into the season, Barton currently holds an 18-13 mark with 11-matches on tap for the Cougars in week four.Dropping the opening two matches on Monday, the Rainbow 6 Siege gamers secured Barton's first victory of the week making quick work of Southside Virginia Community College 2-0, improving their season mark to 2-1.Sophomore Davon Morris sustained his stellar start to the season in Madden 21 with a quick 2-0 dispatching over Eastern Arizona College improving his record to 3-0 for the second straight year. Teammate Chance Costello suffered his first defeat of the season dropping both contests to unbeaten Bryant and Stratton (VA).The Cougars' next victory of the week unfortunately came with a loss as Call of Duty Cold War Gunfight duos squared up with one another with Kindric Castro and Adam Hardin earning the bragging rights over Trent Keffer and Bryce Hopkins in a 3-0 result.Barton's final victory of the week came as the Overwatch clan made it two straight since it's week one loss annihilating Snow College in three straight.On the team side Call of Duty Cold War 4's and Rocket League dropped their season records to 1-2 on the season as they suffered 3-0 defeats to the University of South Carolina – Sumter and Wake Tech Community College.In Super Smash Brothers, Nicholas Kohman and Keffer had rough battles both dropping their matches on the week. Kohman suffered his first loss of the year in a hard fought 3-2 battle while Keffer moved to 1-2 on the year falling to Finger Lakes Community College 3-1.The lone other individual result saw Joshua Neal dropping his first contest of the season in NBA2K falling 2-0 to Hutchinson Community College,

Morris remains perfect, Rainbow 6 Siege makes it two straight highlighting week three

Others Considered: Blue
Valley North (3-3), Blue Valley West (4-2), Dodge City (4-2),
Garden City (4-2), Junction City (5-1), Lawrence (4-2), Manhattan
(5-1), Olathe Northwest (4-2), Olathe West (4-2), Washburn Rural
(5-1), Wichita East (3-3)

Others Considered:
Andover (5-1), Blue Valley Southwest (2-4), Hays (5-1), Maize
South (5-1), Salina Central (4-2), St. Thomas Aquinas (2-4), Topeka
Seaman (4-2), Wichita Heights (4-2), Wichita Northwest (4-2)

Others Considered:
Atchison (5-1), Augusta (4-2), Chanute (5-1), KC Piper (4-2), Mulvane
(4-2), St. James Academy (2-4), Towanda-Circle (4-2), Wamego (5-1)

Others Considered: Concordia
(6-0), Galena (5-1), Girard (6-0), Holcomb (4-2), Prairie View (5-1),
Pratt (5-1), Riley County (6-0), Rock Creek (4-2), Southeast
of Saline (6-0), Topeka Hayden (5-1)

Others Considered:
Atchison County (5-1), Beloit (4-2), Cimarron (5-1), Hillsboro (5-1),
Kingman (5-1), Nemaha Central (4-2), Osage City (5-1), Riverton
(5-1), St. Marys (3-3), Thomas More Prep (5-1)

Others Considered:
Conway Springs (5-1), Jackson Heights (3-3), Jefferson Co. North
(4-2), Plainville (3-3), Wabaunsee (4-2)

Others Considered:
Argonia-Attica (5-1), Chase County (5-1), Clifton-Clyde (4-1),
Goessel (4-2), Hill City (5-1), Hoxie (3-2), La Crosse (4-2),
Leoti-Wichita Co. (4-2), Medicine Lodge (6-0), Sedan (6-0),
Spearville (4-2), West Elk (5-1), Yates Center (5-1)

Others Considered:
Bucklin (6-0), Caldwell (6-0), Dighton (5-1), Hanover (3-3), Lebo
(5-1), Norwich (4-2), Quinter (5-1), South Barber (5-1), Waverly
(4-1), Wheatland-Grinnell (5-1)

CLASS
6A
#1 DERBY (5-0)#2 BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST (6-0)
#3 BLUE VALLEY (5-1)
#4 OLATHE NORTH (5-1)
#5 LAWRENCE FREE STATE (5-1)
Others Considered: Blue
Valley North (3-3), Blue Valley West (4-2), Dodge City (4-2),
Garden City (4-2), Junction City (5-1), Lawrence (4-2), Manhattan
(5-1), Olathe Northwest (4-2), Olathe West (4-2), Washburn Rural
(5-1), Wichita East (3-3)CLASS
5A
#1 BISHOP CARROLL (5-1)
#2 MILL VALLEY (5-1)
#3 KAPAUN MT. CARMEL (5-1)
#4 MAIZE (5-1)
#5 SPRING HILL (6-0)
Others Considered:
Andover (5-1), Blue Valley Southwest (2-4), Hays (5-1), Maize
South (5-1), Salina Central (4-2), St. Thomas Aquinas (2-4), Topeka
Seaman (4-2), Wichita Heights (4-2), Wichita Northwest (4-2)CLASS
4A
#1 BISHOP MIEGE (2-4)
#2 BASEHOR-LINWOOD (6-0)
#3 ANDOVER CENTRAL (5-1)
#4 BUHLER (5-1)
#5 MCPHERSON (5-1)
Others Considered:
Atchison (5-1), Augusta (4-2), Chanute (5-1), KC Piper (4-2), Mulvane
(4-2), St. James Academy (2-4), Towanda-Circle (4-2), Wamego (5-1)CLASS
3A
#1 ANDALE (6-0)
#2 WICHITA COLLEGIATE (6-0)
#3 CHENEY (6-0)
#4 HOLTON (6-0)
#5 FRONTENAC (5-1)
Others Considered: Concordia
(6-0), Galena (5-1), Girard (6-0), Holcomb (4-2), Prairie View (5-1),
Pratt (5-1), Riley County (6-0), Rock Creek (4-2), Southeast
of Saline (6-0), Topeka Hayden (5-1)CLASS
2A
#1 ROSSVILLE (6-0)
#2 SILVER LAKE (5-1)
#3 WELLSVILLE (6-0)
#4 CHAPARRAL (6-0)#5
HOISINGTON (5-1)
Others Considered:
Atchison County (5-1), Beloit (4-2), Cimarron (5-1), Hillsboro (5-1),
Kingman (5-1), Nemaha Central (4-2), Osage City (5-1), Riverton
(5-1), St. Marys (3-3), Thomas More Prep (5-1)CLASS
1A
#1 OLPE (6-0)
#2 INMAN (6-0)
#3 SMITH CENTER (6-0)
#4 SEDGWICK (6-0)
#5 CENTRALIA (5-1)
Others Considered:
Conway Springs (5-1), Jackson Heights (3-3), Jefferson Co. North
(4-2), Plainville (3-3), Wabaunsee (4-2)8-MAN
DI#1
LITTLE RIVER (6-0)
#2 MADISON (6-0)
#3 CANTON-GALVA (4-1)
#4 WAKEENEY-TREGO (6-0)
#5 MEADE (6-0)
Others Considered:
Argonia-Attica (5-1), Chase County (5-1), Clifton-Clyde (4-1),
Goessel (4-2), Hill City (5-1), Hoxie (3-2), La Crosse (4-2),
Leoti-Wichita Co. (4-2), Medicine Lodge (6-0), Sedan (6-0),
Spearville (4-2), West Elk (5-1), Yates Center (5-1)8-MAN
DII
#1 AXTELL (6-0)
#2 THUNDER RIDGE (6-0)#3
VICTORIA (5-1)
#4 FRANKFORT (5-1)
#5 OSBORNE (4-2)
Others Considered:
Bucklin (6-0), Caldwell (6-0), Dighton (5-1), Hanover (3-3), Lebo
(5-1), Norwich (4-2), Quinter (5-1), South Barber (5-1), Waverly
(4-1), Wheatland-Grinnell (5-1)

Kpreps week 7 football rankings

The Barton Community College volleyball team notched a four-set road victory over Colby Community College (25-17, 25-20, 20-25, and 25-16) Monday evening inside the Colby Event Center.

The third straight victory for the Cougars moves their KJCCC mark to 8-2 and overall record to 18-9 while the Trojans drop to 6-5 in conference play and fall to 13-10 on the season.

Next up for Barton is a home contest on Wednesday against Dodge City Community College before returning to the road on Saturday with a matchup against No. 5 Butler Community College. First serve for each of the contests slated for 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Barton Athletics&nbsp;The Barton Community College volleyball team notched a four-set road victory over Colby Community College (25-17, 25-20, 20-25, and 25-16) Monday evening inside the Colby Event Center.The third straight victory for the Cougars moves their KJCCC mark to 8-2 and overall record to 18-9 while the Trojans drop to 6-5 in conference play and fall to 13-10 on the season.Next up for Barton is a home contest on Wednesday against Dodge City Community College before returning to the road on Saturday with a matchup against No. 5 Butler Community College. First serve for each of the contests slated for 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Lady Cougars grind out road win at Colby

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are haunted by a trifecta of troubles.

It added up to a 27-19 loss at Pittsburgh, where they were beaten by a creaky quarterback they made look young again.

The Broncos (3-2) stretched their NFL-long streak to 24 consecutive games without a touchdown on their opening drive, and it took them seven possessions to find the end zone Sunday.

They once again had trouble converting on third downs (2 for 12). Denver is now dead last in the league with a 28.6% conversion rate.

The Broncos were 1 for 3 in goal-to-go situations, settling for a field goal after reaching the 2 and throwing an interception from the 3.

After a creative call on fourth-and-goal from the 2 that resulted in Kendall Hinton’s first career touchdown, Pat Shurmur’s unimaginative play call on fourth-and-goal from the 3 in the waning seconds sealed the Broncos’ second straight loss. Four receivers lined up against seven drop-back defenders and all were well covered when Teddy Bridgewater’s throw to Courtland Sutton was picked off by James Pierre.

No misdirection. No trailing tight end. No throw-them-off-the-scent trickery. Just a hope and a prayer that had no chance and didn’t come close.

A day after saying the offense was a concern, however, coach Vic Fangio said Monday he had no problem with his much-criticized offensive coordinator.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are haunted by a trifecta of troubles.They can’t start fast.They can’t sustain drives.They can’t punch it in.It added up to a 27-19 loss at Pittsburgh, where they were beaten by a creaky quarterback they made look young again.The Broncos (3-2) stretched their NFL-long streak to 24 consecutive games without a touchdown on their opening drive, and it took them seven possessions to find the end zone Sunday.They once again had trouble converting on third downs (2 for 12). Denver is now dead last in the league with a 28.6% conversion rate.The Broncos were 1 for 3 in goal-to-go situations, settling for a field goal after reaching the 2 and throwing an interception from the 3.After a creative call on fourth-and-goal from the 2 that resulted in Kendall Hinton’s first career touchdown, Pat Shurmur’s unimaginative play call on fourth-and-goal from the 3 in the waning seconds sealed the Broncos’ second straight loss. Four receivers lined up against seven drop-back defenders and all were well covered when Teddy Bridgewater’s throw to Courtland Sutton was picked off by James Pierre.No misdirection. No trailing tight end. No throw-them-off-the-scent trickery. Just a hope and a prayer that had no chance and didn’t come close.A day after saying the offense was a concern, however, coach Vic Fangio said Monday he had no problem with his much-criticized offensive coordinator.“We all just have to do a better job. We have to do a better job of coaching these players; they have to do a better job of playing. We’re all in it together,” Fangio said.“I’ve got no qualms with Pat other than, you know, our results haven’t been good enough, and we’ve got to find a way to fix that.”The Broncos began Sunday with an embarrassing delay-of-game penalty on their first drive.“Yeah, we just lost sight of the play clock there on the change of possession and got surprised by it,” Fangio said. “Shouldn’t happen, but it did.”That sums up the Broncos the last two weeks, when they dared Lamar Jackson to beat them through the air and he did, and they loaded up to stop the run in Pittsburgh and they couldn’t.A team that was last in the league with 55 rushing yards a game burned the Broncos for 147 yards, 122 of them by rookie Najee Harris.Slow starts have long been the Broncos’ bugaboo, but Shurmur is now 0 for 21 on opening drive touchdowns in Denver.“We just got to have some energy,” Bridgewater said. “We might need to do like the colleges and go goal line in pre-game or something, just bash heads or something to get the blood flowing, the juices flowing.”Nothing else has worked since the last time they scored a TD on their opening drive, at Houston on Dec. 8, 2019.One factor in Sunday’s slow start might have been the Broncos’ late arrival in Pittsburgh, where it’s wedding season and the team couldn’t find ballrooms for their Saturday walk-through and team meetings, which they held in Denver before catching a late flight out.Being creatures of habit, a late arrival and early start may have thrown them off-kilter and played a factor, however small, in Kyle Fuller surrendering a 50-yard touchdown on Pittsburgh’s opening drive and the Broncos failing to get a first down until the second quarter.WHAT’S WORKINGFourth downs. Or they were. They were 8 of 8 on the season until Bridgewater’s first interception as a Bronco.NEEDS HELPDenver’s secondary, the most expensive in the NFL, has been exposed by the young and unorthodox Jackson and the old and fading Ben Roethlisberger.STOCK UPHinton, last year’s emergency fill-in when all of Denver’s QBs were quarantined, caught his first TD pass and set up Denver for first-and-goal in the final minute with a 23-yard catch.STOCK DOWNA week after putting the Baltimore loss on his shoulders, LT Garett Bolles was whistled for holding on a takedown more worthy of the octagon than the gridiron.INJURIESCornerback Mike Ford might miss a couple weeks with a leg injury, Fangio said.KEY NUMBER59 — yards gained by Chase Claypool on a play in which he found himself lined up against linebacker Von Miller. “Yeah, we were in a zone there,” Fangio said. “And when we’re in a zone, he can end up on anybody, really, and we just didn’t play it well enough across the board.”NEXT STEPSStart fast and finish strong against the Raiders this weekend or questions will continue to swirl about Shurmur’s job status, and even Fangio’s.