CHICAGO -- The day the Royals knew they had a special reliever occupying the back end of their bullpen came on a day he pitched twice.

Just a few hours after&nbsp;Carlos Estévez&nbsp;recorded a blown save in the Royals’ Game 1 loss against the Cardinals on June 5 at Busch Stadium -- a walk-off single from Willson Contreras in the bottom of the 10th inning -- Estévez was running in from the ‘pen in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 2. He shut down the same part of the order he faced in Game 1, but this time, it didn’t get to Contreras.

Estévez notched his 18th save of the season instead.

“Oh yeah, I remember that day. The whole time that [Game 2] was playing out, I was just like, ‘Get me into this game,’” Estévez said. “I was praying. I couldn’t wait. And it was funny because it was the same guys, and a 1-2-3 inning. I was like, ‘There we go. I can put this day behind me.’

“I remember that [pitching coach] Brian Sweeney didn’t even come talk to me in between games, no one was talking to me. I was really mad about that first game. But then when we went out to the bullpen for Game 2, I told them I was good to go.”

Estévez might have put the day behind him, but his teammates have not forgotten about it, in part because of how quickly he moved on from the first outing that lost a game to help earn a split of the doubleheader later that night. When the Royals' closer surpassed his career high in saves last week, that day was brought up several times to describe the impact Estévez has had in his first year in Kansas City.

“That was a catalyst for me, I think,” said Daniel Lynch IV, who is still learning the transition from starting to relieving. “It helped me to see, like, ‘Dude, you got to want to have the next one.' Especially after a rough one. That’s how you get better. You can’t be living in fear.”

With a 2.62 ERA this season, Estévez is up to 35 saves now, tied for most in the Majors with Padres righty Robert Suarez. It’s four more saves than Estévez had in 2023 with the Angels, and he still has a month left of the season. The 32-year-old All-Star is not perfect, with six blown saves, but he has an 85.4% save percentage and has saved 35 of Kansas City’s 69 wins (50.7%).

Estévez is attempting to become the third pitcher in Royals history to lead the American League in saves, and he would join Dan Quisenberry (1980, 1982-85) and Jeff Montgomery (1993).

While Estévez doesn’t blow his stuff by hitters, he does throw strikes and knows how to keep hitters off balance. More than anything, his impact has come in his availability, his ability to move quickly past the bad -- and, because of the nature of his role and when he’s pitching, game-altering -- outings, and his presence out in the bullpen and in the clubhouse. There are certain personalities that just make a roster click, and Estévez is one of them for the Royals this year.

Plus, he’s taken young relievers like Angel Zerpa and Steven Cruz under his wing. Lynch has learned more about life as a reliever from Estévez. Lucas Erceg has taken notes on durability and availability.

“He’s been great for me as I learn to pitch in the important situations, how to handle the bad outings and get ready for the next one,” Zerpa said.

As the Royals push for a playoff spot, they’re going to need all of their relievers -- and have been leaning on them a lot already -- Erceg and Estévez high on that list as their two highest-leverage arms for late, close games.

Estévez is hoping that number of saves just keeps going up. That means the Royals are winning games.

“I want to get as many as I can,” he said. “Numbers mean a lot in baseball, but I’m not chasing certain numbers. At the same time, I’m just glad and happy that I have gotten the opportunity to do it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756470955404.jpeg" alt="Royals.com" />
 <figcaption>Royals.com</figcaption>
 </figure>Anne Rogers MLB.comCHICAGO -- The day the Royals knew they had a special reliever occupying the back end of their bullpen came on a day he pitched twice.Just a few hours after&nbsp;Carlos Estévez&nbsp;recorded a blown save in the Royals’ Game 1 loss against the Cardinals on June 5 at Busch Stadium -- a walk-off single from Willson Contreras in the bottom of the 10th inning -- Estévez was running in from the ‘pen in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 2. He shut down the same part of the order he faced in Game 1, but this time, it didn’t get to Contreras.Estévez notched his 18th save of the season instead.“Oh yeah, I remember that day. The whole time that [Game 2] was playing out, I was just like, ‘Get me into this game,’” Estévez said. “I was praying. I couldn’t wait. And it was funny because it was the same guys, and a 1-2-3 inning. I was like, ‘There we go. I can put this day behind me.’“I remember that [pitching coach] Brian Sweeney didn’t even come talk to me in between games, no one was talking to me. I was really mad about that first game. But then when we went out to the bullpen for Game 2, I told them I was good to go.”Estévez might have put the day behind him, but his teammates have not forgotten about it, in part because of how quickly he moved on from the first outing that lost a game to help earn a split of the doubleheader later that night. When the Royals' closer surpassed his career high in saves last week, that day was brought up several times to describe the impact Estévez has had in his first year in Kansas City.“That was a catalyst for me, I think,” said Daniel Lynch IV, who is still learning the transition from starting to relieving. “It helped me to see, like, ‘Dude, you got to want to have the next one.' Especially after a rough one. That’s how you get better. You can’t be living in fear.”With a 2.62 ERA this season, Estévez is up to 35 saves now, tied for most in the Majors with Padres righty Robert Suarez. It’s four more saves than Estévez had in 2023 with the Angels, and he still has a month left of the season. The 32-year-old All-Star is not perfect, with six blown saves, but he has an 85.4% save percentage and has saved 35 of Kansas City’s 69 wins (50.7%).Estévez is attempting to become the third pitcher in Royals history to lead the American League in saves, and he would join Dan Quisenberry (1980, 1982-85) and Jeff Montgomery (1993).While Estévez doesn’t blow his stuff by hitters, he does throw strikes and knows how to keep hitters off balance. More than anything, his impact has come in his availability, his ability to move quickly past the bad -- and, because of the nature of his role and when he’s pitching, game-altering -- outings, and his presence out in the bullpen and in the clubhouse. There are certain personalities that just make a roster click, and Estévez is one of them for the Royals this year.Plus, he’s taken young relievers like Angel Zerpa and Steven Cruz under his wing. Lynch has learned more about life as a reliever from Estévez. Lucas Erceg has taken notes on durability and availability.“He’s been great for me as I learn to pitch in the important situations, how to handle the bad outings and get ready for the next one,” Zerpa said.As the Royals push for a playoff spot, they’re going to need all of their relievers -- and have been leaning on them a lot already -- Erceg and Estévez high on that list as their two highest-leverage arms for late, close games.Estévez is hoping that number of saves just keeps going up. That means the Royals are winning games.“I want to get as many as I can,” he said. “Numbers mean a lot in baseball, but I’m not chasing certain numbers. At the same time, I’m just glad and happy that I have gotten the opportunity to do it.”

How the Royals discovered just how special Estévez is

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Following a convincing 31-7 win over Fresno State in the opening game of the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the Kansas Jayhawks won't wait long for their second game inside The Booth as they are set to take on Wagner on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with Mark Neely and Todd Doxzon on the call.

The Jayhawks and Seahawks will face off for the first time ever in this matchup Friday night. While Kansas earned a Week 0 win over the Bulldogs, Wagner will be making its 2025 season debut against the Jayhawks. Out of the Northeast Conference, the FCS Seahawks went 4-8 last season under coach Tom Masella. Friday's game will be the Jayhawks' Salute to Service game, celebrating service members with tributes throughout the game.

Kansas opened its season in style in front of a sold-out crowd of 41,525 fans. Senior quarterback&nbsp;Jalon Daniels&nbsp;had a brilliant season debut, completing 18 of 20 passes for 176 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added 47 yards on the ground, leading the Jayhawks to a strong, efficient effort on offense.

Wide receiver&nbsp;Cam Pickett, a transfer from Ball State, making his Kansas debut, emerged as one of Daniels' favorite targets in the win, catching six passes for 77 yards and a pair of touchdowns.&nbsp;Keaton Kubecka&nbsp;also caught the first touchdown of his career when he hauled in a 12-yard score from Daniels in the third quarter. The running game was also solid, with&nbsp;Daniel Hishaw Jr., totaling 68 yards on 13 carries and Iowa transfer&nbsp;Leshon Williams&nbsp;adding 57 yards and a touchdown on six carries.

Defensively, the Jayhawks were stout, allowing just 216 yards of total offense and just 37 rushing yards on 29 attempts. Linebackers&nbsp;Trey Lathan&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bangally Kamara&nbsp;anchored the effort, combining for 12 tackles, 1 sack, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup and 1 quarterback hurry. The defensive unit combined for 10 tackles-for-loss in the win, along with two interceptions, four pass breakups and three sacks.

Following the matchup with Wagner, Kansas will travel to Missouri to take on the Tigers on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m., on ESPN2. Following an open week, the Jayhawks return for two more home games at The Booth against Big 12 opponents, West Virginia and Cincinnati.

Hawk Walk on Friday is set for 4:15 p.m., at the top of The Hill. Gates will open at 5 p.m., with the pregame show starting at 6 p.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756470516713.jpeg" alt="KUAthletics.com" />
 <figcaption>KUAthletics.com</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Following a convincing 31-7 win over Fresno State in the opening game of the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the Kansas Jayhawks won't wait long for their second game inside The Booth as they are set to take on Wagner on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with Mark Neely and Todd Doxzon on the call.The Jayhawks and Seahawks will face off for the first time ever in this matchup Friday night. While Kansas earned a Week 0 win over the Bulldogs, Wagner will be making its 2025 season debut against the Jayhawks. Out of the Northeast Conference, the FCS Seahawks went 4-8 last season under coach Tom Masella. Friday's game will be the Jayhawks' Salute to Service game, celebrating service members with tributes throughout the game.Kansas opened its season in style in front of a sold-out crowd of 41,525 fans. Senior quarterback&nbsp;Jalon Daniels&nbsp;had a brilliant season debut, completing 18 of 20 passes for 176 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added 47 yards on the ground, leading the Jayhawks to a strong, efficient effort on offense.Wide receiver&nbsp;Cam Pickett, a transfer from Ball State, making his Kansas debut, emerged as one of Daniels' favorite targets in the win, catching six passes for 77 yards and a pair of touchdowns.&nbsp;Keaton Kubecka&nbsp;also caught the first touchdown of his career when he hauled in a 12-yard score from Daniels in the third quarter. The running game was also solid, with&nbsp;Daniel Hishaw Jr., totaling 68 yards on 13 carries and Iowa transfer&nbsp;Leshon Williams&nbsp;adding 57 yards and a touchdown on six carries.Defensively, the Jayhawks were stout, allowing just 216 yards of total offense and just 37 rushing yards on 29 attempts. Linebackers&nbsp;Trey Lathan&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bangally Kamara&nbsp;anchored the effort, combining for 12 tackles, 1 sack, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup and 1 quarterback hurry. The defensive unit combined for 10 tackles-for-loss in the win, along with two interceptions, four pass breakups and three sacks.Following the matchup with Wagner, Kansas will travel to Missouri to take on the Tigers on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m., on ESPN2. Following an open week, the Jayhawks return for two more home games at The Booth against Big 12 opponents, West Virginia and Cincinnati.Hawk Walk on Friday is set for 4:15 p.m., at the top of The Hill. Gates will open at 5 p.m., with the pregame show starting at 6 p.m.&nbsp;

Kansas Set to Host Wagner for Friday Night Matchup at The Booth

D. Scott Fritchen KStateSports.com

A week has passed since No. 17 Kansas State took an eight-hour flight to Dublin, Ireland, and fell just short amid dreary weather in a 24-21 nailbiter to No. 22 Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic last Saturday to kick off the 2025 college football season.

On Monday, the K-State weight room and indoor practice facility were quiet, as the Wildcats spent the day recouping from their long trip back to Manhattan.

K-State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman, whose team came off a 9-4 season capped by a win in the 2024 Rate Bowl, dissected the initial performance in the 2025 season opener, and indicated a directive of sorts to fans and cynics alike going forward.

"Guys are really disappointed we didn't win, but we saw some really good things on both sides of the ball," Klieman said. "We have a chance to be a really good football team."

K-State, 0-1 overall and 0-1 in the Big 12 Conference, faces FCS member North Dakota, 0-0, for the first time in history in the Wildcats' home opener at 6:00 p.m. Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The last time K-State fell to an FCS opponent came in the 2013 season opener against North Dakota State — a team that had Klieman on staff.

Now Klieman in his seventh season owns the second-most victories in K-State history.

And Klieman believes that K-State, which is one of 10 Power 4 schools to win at least nine games in each of the last three seasons, is aptly prepared to face first-year head coach Eric Schmidt and North Dakota — a team that Klieman faced in 2014 when he was head coach at North Dakota State.

"We have this opportunity and for a lot of our seniors this is their last home opener, and I also know we're going to face a really good, physical, disciplined team that's going to give us their all," Klieman said. "We need to make some strides. You usually can make up some ground from game one to game two. Our guys who played for the first time, they're veterans now.

North Dakota, which went 5-7 and finished eighth in the Missouri Valley Football Conference last season, hired alum Eric Schmidt on December 8 after one year as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at San Diego State. Schmidt also previously spent two years at Washington and two seasons at Fresno State. Schmidt, a native of Mandan, North Dakota, served as North Dakota defensive coordinator for the Fighting Hawks from 2014-19. His first collegiate job was as linebackers coach at North Dakota from 2006-07.

Schmidt replaced Bubba Schweigert, who took an administrative role after posting 66 wins, two conference titles, five postseason appearances, and coaching 16 All-Americans and seven players that advanced to the professional ranks in his 11-year tenure.

"I know Smitty pretty well," Klieman said. "He's a great coach. He's a UND guy. When they hired Smitty, I knew that was the right hire. You can't be in that area and not have somebody really familiar. He'll put his own stamp on it. One thing you know is you're going to have tight ends, linebackers, offensive line and defensive line — tough dudes who are physical farm kids who never will back down."

Schmidt has already put his thumbprint on the North Dakota program. He has installed a 4-2-5 defensive setup, changing from the 3-4 base defensive package used by the Fighting Hawks for more than 30 years.

Schmidt named Jerry Kaminski the starting quarterback for Saturday after he completed 4-of-5 passes for 28 yards in three games last season. Schmidt suggested that he may utilize multiple quarterbacks against the Wildcats. That could either be Javance Tupou'ata-Johnson, a transfer from San Diego State, or Simon Romfo, who threw for 2,051 yards and 18 touchdowns with eight interceptions while starting all 12 games for North Dakota last season.

"We felt like we needed to improve at that position and felt that if we wanted to get to where we want to get to at the top of this league and to the championships that this position needed to continue to get better," Schmidt said. "During the last week of training camp, Jerry really took another step in his development leading our offense."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

K-State quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;continues to take steps as well.

Johnson, in the first start of his second year as a full-time starter, fought through heavy rain in the first quarter before fully going to work the remainder of the contest against the Cyclones. He recorded the second-highest pass efficiency rating (168.4) and highest completion percentage (70%) of his career, as he threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns, including a 65-yarder, and rushed for another score.

Johnson's pass efficiency rating was the second highest in the FBS last Saturday.

"Take out the first quarter when nobody could get a grip on the football, and he was razor sharp," Klieman said.

Unfortunately, one of Johnson's oldest and best friends, junior running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards, whose sharp moves led to 196 rushing yards in the Rate Bowl, went down to injury on a punt-return attempt before K-State ran a single play from scrimmage against Iowa State.

Klieman is unsure when Edwards might return, but the apparent injury to his lower left leg/ankle left the Wildcats and first-year offensive coordinator&nbsp;Matt Wells&nbsp;mightily adjusting their offensive game plan from the start against the Cyclones.

"I don't know how long it's going to be, I really don't," Klieman said. "It was unfortunate he got injured on the punt. We had a huge game plan ready and set for him.&nbsp;Matt Wells&nbsp;and the offensive staff did a tremendous job pivoting when one of your top playmakers went down without an offensive play yet and found different ways to move the football. He's an explosive guy, and I love Dylan. He'll be back without a doubt, but it was just unfortunate. I don't really have a timetable other than it's not going to be this week.

"Especially with how he ended the season and to have that kind of explosive game and to be all fired up about the opportunity to be the everyday guy that's going to get 20 touches and he doesn't get any? That's hard. We started the season with a game that's on the national stage with everyone watching us against a great opponent, and he didn't get to compete with his teammates."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Sophomore&nbsp;Joe Jackson&nbsp;and redshirt freshman&nbsp;DeVon Rice&nbsp;handled the running back position in Edwards' absence.

"They did a really good job considering we were trying to get maybe 25 plays out of&nbsp;Joe Jackson&nbsp;and 10 plays out of&nbsp;DeVon Rice, and they ended up getting 60 plays and 30 plays," Klieman said. "They both played well. Joe was running hard. DeVon, for his first real game activity and on that stage, he ran the ball a couple times really well. All of that is going to help him. With Dylan potentially down for a little bit, those two guys are going to continue. It might also give (redshirt freshman running back)&nbsp;JB Price&nbsp;an opportunity."

K-State was solid along an offensive line that featured a few new faces, and tight end&nbsp;Garrett Oakley&nbsp;was brilliant with five catches for 62 yards. But there was a noticeable absence on the playing field as true freshman tight end&nbsp;Linkon Cure, the No. 1-rated high school tight end in the Class of 2025 and highest-rated signee in K-State history, was inactive due to an injury that he sustained early in preseason camp.

"He's a tremendous athlete with a bright, bright future," Klieman said. "It's unfortunate Linkon has been hurt since late in July, so we haven't seen what we all know we're going to see. Linkon wants to be out there in the worst way. He's just not ready yet. He's going to be back, whether that's in two weeks or three weeks, I don't know, but he's practicing on a limited basis now. We need to be smart and make sure he's healthy. I'm pretty positive he'll help us this year."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

K-State's passing attack struck with immediacy after the rain-soaked first quarter. New wide receiver&nbsp;Jaron Tibbs&nbsp;had four catches for 35 yards, and new wide receiver&nbsp;Jerand Bradley&nbsp;had three catches for 75 yards with a 65-yard catch-and-run touchdown. They proved to be the perfect complement to returning junior&nbsp;Jayce Brown, who had four catches for 78 yards and one touchdown, and added two carries for 29 yards.

"It's fun to have those guys," Klieman said. "It makes Jayce's world a little bit more open without a doubt. I'm excited because Tibbs made a couple catches, and then Jerand makes a huge touchdown catch. You saw the size, athleticism and speed of those guys. With those three receivers being as dynamic as they are, we have guys to spin the ball to."

As soon as Tibbs and Bradley arrived in Manhattan, Johnson began developing chemistry with them along with their fellow incoming pass catchers eager to help the Wildcats this season. The chemistry seemingly only grew during training camp.

When Johnson wasn't taking reps at quarterback,&nbsp;Jacob Knuth,&nbsp;Dillon Duff&nbsp;and&nbsp;Blake Barnett&nbsp;were working on their own consistency as the potential backup quarterback. There's the possibility that one or more of those quarterbacks could see some action against North Dakota on Saturday. Who will it be? That remains unclear.

"All three guys are taking equal reps," Klieman said. "Coach Wells and I talk about it an awful lot. Sooner or later, we're going to have to decide who we put in next, but we're really not ready to answer that question yet because it's an ongoing evaluation."

Wells seemed generally pleased with the execution of his offense in his first game as offensive coordinator, indicating that there were a few plays that he'd like back, while at the same time championing the efforts of a unit that had no luxury of a dress rehearsal prior to facing Iowa State.

"We're explosive and we showed capabilities of being explosive, especially in the passing game," Wells said. "In the running game, we had some shorter runs and can do a better job blocking on the perimeter, and that'll help us become more explosive. That's the biggest thing I'd hoped for. and that we'd seen in training camp, and some of that came to fruition."

As for what Wells would like to see against North Dakota?

"I want to see maturity in terms of how we're preparing for this game," he said, "and when we go out and the lights turn on and there's 22 guys on the field that we're operating at a high level."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

K-State debuted its 4-man defensive front in its season opener —&nbsp;a move that defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;said was made because of the talent and numbers at the defensive line positions. He said that "protection beats coverage" and illustrated that in past years K-State might rush three defenders with effective coverage in the back end, but a lack of consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback could cause K-State defensive backs – no matter how good – to eventually breakdown in coverage. Klanderman sought a solution to better eliminate consistent pressure on his defensive backs. His solution?

"It was about finding more 'zone' answers while rushing four with good people that can win in those situations," Klanderman said. "All that stuff was going through my head as early as last season. I think this will give us the flexibility to do more things coverage wise."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

New starting sophomore cornerbacks&nbsp;Zashon Rich&nbsp;and&nbsp;Donovan McIntosh&nbsp;apparently held their own for the most part during their first significant action for the Wildcats.

"Zashon Rich&nbsp;might be one of the best corners in the country, and he continues to get better and better," Klieman said, "and Donnie is getting so much more confident and comfortable."

Another name to watch? 6-foot-1, 213-pound true freshman free safety&nbsp;Logan Bartley. He made two tackles while playing 15 snaps.

"Logan is just getting his feet, wet and he's going to play more and more," Klieman said. "He's a special, special talent and for a freshman is mature beyond his years. The game isn't too big for him. I can't wait to see that kid as he plays more and more."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

If there was a defensive MVP in Week 0, it was likely junior defensive end&nbsp;Tobi Osunsanmi, a 6-foot-3, 250-pounder who collected a career-high two sacks.

"Tobi is such an explosive athlete," Klanderman said. "We always knew he'd be a really big factor in the pass game. He was a really good defender, too. He was getting knock back and playing on their line of scrimmage, getting the rock, getting off blocks, and was very disruptive. That's what we expected of him."

Klanderman's defenses have been tried and true. K-State has allowed 21.8 points per game over the last four seasons, which ranks 17th&nbsp;among Power 4 teams, while also forcing 62 turnovers over the last three seasons, which is most in the Big 12.

"We have a competitive group of guys, and we're going to get a lot better," Klanderman said. "There are a lot of young guys who got some really good experience in a competitive game. We just have to make plays in the big moments.

"When the moment is on us, we have to be at our best."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

A moment will arrive on Saturday when K-State players will jog out of the tunnel at Bill Snyder Family Stadium — many for the first time. And what a moment that might be.

"When I run out of our stadium, just seeing the fans and everything, looking up there, I'll probably feel a little overwhelmed, but it'll feel good, for sure," said safety&nbsp;Qua Moss, a junior transfer from the University of West Georgia. "To see that many people, it'll be crazy."

On Saturday, they plan to be at their best.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756470353796.jpeg" alt="KStateSports.com" />
 <figcaption>KStateSports.com</figcaption>
 </figure>D. Scott Fritchen KStateSports.comA week has passed since No. 17 Kansas State took an eight-hour flight to Dublin, Ireland, and fell just short amid dreary weather in a 24-21 nailbiter to No. 22 Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic last Saturday to kick off the 2025 college football season.On Monday, the K-State weight room and indoor practice facility were quiet, as the Wildcats spent the day recouping from their long trip back to Manhattan.K-State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman, whose team came off a 9-4 season capped by a win in the 2024 Rate Bowl, dissected the initial performance in the 2025 season opener, and indicated a directive of sorts to fans and cynics alike going forward.Don't sleep on K-State."Guys are really disappointed we didn't win, but we saw some really good things on both sides of the ball," Klieman said. "We have a chance to be a really good football team."K-State, 0-1 overall and 0-1 in the Big 12 Conference, faces FCS member North Dakota, 0-0, for the first time in history in the Wildcats' home opener at 6:00 p.m. Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The last time K-State fell to an FCS opponent came in the 2013 season opener against North Dakota State — a team that had Klieman on staff.Now Klieman in his seventh season owns the second-most victories in K-State history.And Klieman believes that K-State, which is one of 10 Power 4 schools to win at least nine games in each of the last three seasons, is aptly prepared to face first-year head coach Eric Schmidt and North Dakota — a team that Klieman faced in 2014 when he was head coach at North Dakota State."We have this opportunity and for a lot of our seniors this is their last home opener, and I also know we're going to face a really good, physical, disciplined team that's going to give us their all," Klieman said. "We need to make some strides. You usually can make up some ground from game one to game two. Our guys who played for the first time, they're veterans now."It's time to roll."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Dakota, which went 5-7 and finished eighth in the Missouri Valley Football Conference last season, hired alum Eric Schmidt on December 8 after one year as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at San Diego State. Schmidt also previously spent two years at Washington and two seasons at Fresno State. Schmidt, a native of Mandan, North Dakota, served as North Dakota defensive coordinator for the Fighting Hawks from 2014-19. His first collegiate job was as linebackers coach at North Dakota from 2006-07.Schmidt replaced Bubba Schweigert, who took an administrative role after posting 66 wins, two conference titles, five postseason appearances, and coaching 16 All-Americans and seven players that advanced to the professional ranks in his 11-year tenure."I know Smitty pretty well," Klieman said. "He's a great coach. He's a UND guy. When they hired Smitty, I knew that was the right hire. You can't be in that area and not have somebody really familiar. He'll put his own stamp on it. One thing you know is you're going to have tight ends, linebackers, offensive line and defensive line — tough dudes who are physical farm kids who never will back down."Schmidt has already put his thumbprint on the North Dakota program. He has installed a 4-2-5 defensive setup, changing from the 3-4 base defensive package used by the Fighting Hawks for more than 30 years.Schmidt named Jerry Kaminski the starting quarterback for Saturday after he completed 4-of-5 passes for 28 yards in three games last season. Schmidt suggested that he may utilize multiple quarterbacks against the Wildcats. That could either be Javance Tupou'ata-Johnson, a transfer from San Diego State, or Simon Romfo, who threw for 2,051 yards and 18 touchdowns with eight interceptions while starting all 12 games for North Dakota last season."We felt like we needed to improve at that position and felt that if we wanted to get to where we want to get to at the top of this league and to the championships that this position needed to continue to get better," Schmidt said. "During the last week of training camp, Jerry really took another step in his development leading our offense."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; K-State quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;continues to take steps as well.Johnson, in the first start of his second year as a full-time starter, fought through heavy rain in the first quarter before fully going to work the remainder of the contest against the Cyclones. He recorded the second-highest pass efficiency rating (168.4) and highest completion percentage (70%) of his career, as he threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns, including a 65-yarder, and rushed for another score.Johnson's pass efficiency rating was the second highest in the FBS last Saturday."Take out the first quarter when nobody could get a grip on the football, and he was razor sharp," Klieman said.Unfortunately, one of Johnson's oldest and best friends, junior running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards, whose sharp moves led to 196 rushing yards in the Rate Bowl, went down to injury on a punt-return attempt before K-State ran a single play from scrimmage against Iowa State.Klieman is unsure when Edwards might return, but the apparent injury to his lower left leg/ankle left the Wildcats and first-year offensive coordinator&nbsp;Matt Wells&nbsp;mightily adjusting their offensive game plan from the start against the Cyclones."I don't know how long it's going to be, I really don't," Klieman said. "It was unfortunate he got injured on the punt. We had a huge game plan ready and set for him.&nbsp;Matt Wells&nbsp;and the offensive staff did a tremendous job pivoting when one of your top playmakers went down without an offensive play yet and found different ways to move the football. He's an explosive guy, and I love Dylan. He'll be back without a doubt, but it was just unfortunate. I don't really have a timetable other than it's not going to be this week."Especially with how he ended the season and to have that kind of explosive game and to be all fired up about the opportunity to be the everyday guy that's going to get 20 touches and he doesn't get any? That's hard. We started the season with a game that's on the national stage with everyone watching us against a great opponent, and he didn't get to compete with his teammates."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sophomore&nbsp;Joe Jackson&nbsp;and redshirt freshman&nbsp;DeVon Rice&nbsp;handled the running back position in Edwards' absence."They did a really good job considering we were trying to get maybe 25 plays out of&nbsp;Joe Jackson&nbsp;and 10 plays out of&nbsp;DeVon Rice, and they ended up getting 60 plays and 30 plays," Klieman said. "They both played well. Joe was running hard. DeVon, for his first real game activity and on that stage, he ran the ball a couple times really well. All of that is going to help him. With Dylan potentially down for a little bit, those two guys are going to continue. It might also give (redshirt freshman running back)&nbsp;JB Price&nbsp;an opportunity."K-State was solid along an offensive line that featured a few new faces, and tight end&nbsp;Garrett Oakley&nbsp;was brilliant with five catches for 62 yards. But there was a noticeable absence on the playing field as true freshman tight end&nbsp;Linkon Cure, the No. 1-rated high school tight end in the Class of 2025 and highest-rated signee in K-State history, was inactive due to an injury that he sustained early in preseason camp."He's a tremendous athlete with a bright, bright future," Klieman said. "It's unfortunate Linkon has been hurt since late in July, so we haven't seen what we all know we're going to see. Linkon wants to be out there in the worst way. He's just not ready yet. He's going to be back, whether that's in two weeks or three weeks, I don't know, but he's practicing on a limited basis now. We need to be smart and make sure he's healthy. I'm pretty positive he'll help us this year."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; K-State's passing attack struck with immediacy after the rain-soaked first quarter. New wide receiver&nbsp;Jaron Tibbs&nbsp;had four catches for 35 yards, and new wide receiver&nbsp;Jerand Bradley&nbsp;had three catches for 75 yards with a 65-yard catch-and-run touchdown. They proved to be the perfect complement to returning junior&nbsp;Jayce Brown, who had four catches for 78 yards and one touchdown, and added two carries for 29 yards."It's fun to have those guys," Klieman said. "It makes Jayce's world a little bit more open without a doubt. I'm excited because Tibbs made a couple catches, and then Jerand makes a huge touchdown catch. You saw the size, athleticism and speed of those guys. With those three receivers being as dynamic as they are, we have guys to spin the ball to."As soon as Tibbs and Bradley arrived in Manhattan, Johnson began developing chemistry with them along with their fellow incoming pass catchers eager to help the Wildcats this season. The chemistry seemingly only grew during training camp.When Johnson wasn't taking reps at quarterback,&nbsp;Jacob Knuth,&nbsp;Dillon Duff&nbsp;and&nbsp;Blake Barnett&nbsp;were working on their own consistency as the potential backup quarterback. There's the possibility that one or more of those quarterbacks could see some action against North Dakota on Saturday. Who will it be? That remains unclear."All three guys are taking equal reps," Klieman said. "Coach Wells and I talk about it an awful lot. Sooner or later, we're going to have to decide who we put in next, but we're really not ready to answer that question yet because it's an ongoing evaluation."Wells seemed generally pleased with the execution of his offense in his first game as offensive coordinator, indicating that there were a few plays that he'd like back, while at the same time championing the efforts of a unit that had no luxury of a dress rehearsal prior to facing Iowa State."We're explosive and we showed capabilities of being explosive, especially in the passing game," Wells said. "In the running game, we had some shorter runs and can do a better job blocking on the perimeter, and that'll help us become more explosive. That's the biggest thing I'd hoped for. and that we'd seen in training camp, and some of that came to fruition."As for what Wells would like to see against North Dakota?"I want to see maturity in terms of how we're preparing for this game," he said, "and when we go out and the lights turn on and there's 22 guys on the field that we're operating at a high level."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; K-State debuted its 4-man defensive front in its season opener —&nbsp;a move that defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;said was made because of the talent and numbers at the defensive line positions. He said that "protection beats coverage" and illustrated that in past years K-State might rush three defenders with effective coverage in the back end, but a lack of consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback could cause K-State defensive backs – no matter how good – to eventually breakdown in coverage. Klanderman sought a solution to better eliminate consistent pressure on his defensive backs. His solution?"It was about finding more 'zone' answers while rushing four with good people that can win in those situations," Klanderman said. "All that stuff was going through my head as early as last season. I think this will give us the flexibility to do more things coverage wise."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; New starting sophomore cornerbacks&nbsp;Zashon Rich&nbsp;and&nbsp;Donovan McIntosh&nbsp;apparently held their own for the most part during their first significant action for the Wildcats."Zashon Rich&nbsp;might be one of the best corners in the country, and he continues to get better and better," Klieman said, "and Donnie is getting so much more confident and comfortable."Another name to watch? 6-foot-1, 213-pound true freshman free safety&nbsp;Logan Bartley. He made two tackles while playing 15 snaps."Logan is just getting his feet, wet and he's going to play more and more," Klieman said. "He's a special, special talent and for a freshman is mature beyond his years. The game isn't too big for him. I can't wait to see that kid as he plays more and more."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If there was a defensive MVP in Week 0, it was likely junior defensive end&nbsp;Tobi Osunsanmi, a 6-foot-3, 250-pounder who collected a career-high two sacks."Tobi is such an explosive athlete," Klanderman said. "We always knew he'd be a really big factor in the pass game. He was a really good defender, too. He was getting knock back and playing on their line of scrimmage, getting the rock, getting off blocks, and was very disruptive. That's what we expected of him."Klanderman's defenses have been tried and true. K-State has allowed 21.8 points per game over the last four seasons, which ranks 17th&nbsp;among Power 4 teams, while also forcing 62 turnovers over the last three seasons, which is most in the Big 12."We have a competitive group of guys, and we're going to get a lot better," Klanderman said. "There are a lot of young guys who got some really good experience in a competitive game. We just have to make plays in the big moments."When the moment is on us, we have to be at our best."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A moment will arrive on Saturday when K-State players will jog out of the tunnel at Bill Snyder Family Stadium — many for the first time. And what a moment that might be."When I run out of our stadium, just seeing the fans and everything, looking up there, I'll probably feel a little overwhelmed, but it'll feel good, for sure," said safety&nbsp;Qua Moss, a junior transfer from the University of West Georgia. "To see that many people, it'll be crazy."It's home sweet home for the Wildcats.On Saturday, they plan to be at their best.&nbsp;&nbsp;

‘It’s Time to Roll’

Micah Parsons is headed to the Green Bay Packers after a blockbuster trade, leaving the Dallas Cowboys following a lengthy contract dispute. A person with knowledge of the details said Parsons and the Packers have agreed on a record-setting $188 million, four-year contract that includes $136 million guaranteed. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the terms haven't been announced. Parsons, a two-time All-Pro edge rusher, becomes the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Jerry Jones says the Dallas Cowboys are still in win-now mode. This is despite the decision to trade star edge rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay for two first-round draft picks and Kenny Clark, an aging defensive tackle whose production declined last season. Jones and his son, executive vice president of personnel Stephen Jones, even suggested they might use those future first-rounders to help the team now. The Cowboys say they have an urgent need to improve their run defense.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia slugger Kyle Schwarber hit four home runs Thursday night against Atlanta to become the fourth Phillies player and 21st major leaguer to accomplish the feat. Schwarber was 4 for 6 with a Phillies-record nine RBIs in the 19-4 victory. He took the outright National League homer lead with a career-high 49 and moved within one of Seattle’s Cal Raleigh for the major league lead. Schwarber leads the majors with a career-high 119 RBIs. Mike Schmidt was the last Philadelphia player to hit four homers in a game, doing at the Chicago Cubs in April 1976. Schwarber had the third four-homer game of the season, following Eugenio Suárez and Nick Kurtz.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have prepared for Rashee Rice's six-game suspension by keeping eight wide receivers on their roster. Rice pleaded guilty to charges related to a crash and received probation and jail time. The Chiefs believe they can handle his absence better than last season, when he was injured. JuJu Smith-Schuster has returned in excellent shape, and rookie Jalen Royals shows promise. Marquise Brown is also healthy after missing most of last season. General manager Brett Veach expressed confidence in their depth. The Chiefs aim to manage without Rice until his return on Oct.19.

NEW YORK (AP) — Coco Gauff kept wiping the tears welling in her eyes between points in her second-round match at the U.S. Open. She was trying to stay composed and trying to give herself a chance to win Thursday night. Gauff’s serving troubles were again an issue, just as they were two nights earlier, just as they’ve been for a while now. The two-time Grand Slam champion teamed up with a new coach recently to try to fix that aspect of her game, and while there clearly is still work to be done, Gauff did figure out how to stay in the tournament, beating Donna Vekic 7-6 (5), 6-2 in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Townsend does not have the star power or the name recognition of fellow Americans Coco Gauff or Jessica Pegula, and she's not even seeded in singles play the U.S. Open. Still, she's set to play in prime time at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night. Townsend has been thrust into the spotlight at the Grand Slam tournament after her post-match argument with Jelena Ostapenko and the subsequent discourse surrounding it. A supportive crowd witnessed Townsend and doubles partner Katerina Siniakova win Thursday. Townsend hopes the attention brings more people to tennis.

NEW YORK (AP) — Tommy Paul and Nuno Borges played well into Friday morning in another post-midnight marathon classic match at the U.S. Open. Paul won the first two sets and had a couple of match point chances to close it out in three. The American seeded 14th instead lost the third and fourth sets and was tied in the fifth after going up 3-0. Paul broke Borges one final time to finish off a 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 5-7, 7-5 victory. The match that began as the Thursday nightcap at Arthur Ashe Stadium lasted 4 hours, 25 minutes and ended at 1:46 am. It was the 17th-latest finish in tournament history, joining the history books as the second-latest finish in the second round.

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — The Formula 1 title race is back and the tension is building. The Dutch Grand Prix is the first race in four weeks. The season resumes with Oscar Piastri just nine points ahead of his McLaren teammate and title rival Lando Norris. Norris won three of the last four races before the mid-season break. Piastri has won praise for his ability to stay cool in his first season as a true title contender. He admits the nerves are there, even if they’re not always obvious.

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California bookmaker who took thousands of sports bets from the former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani is expected to be sentenced in federal court. Mathew Bowyer pleaded guilty a year ago to running an illegal gambling business, money laundering and filing a false tax return. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday. Prosecutors say Bowyer assisted in other investigations, and they recommended a 15-month sentence. Bowyer's lawyer wants him spared of prison time. The case is part of a broader probe into illegal sports gambling that led to the arrest of Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.

Jose Mourinho has left his role as coach of Fenerbahce, two days after failing to qualify the Turkish club for the Champions League. Fenerbahce was eliminated by Benfica in the playoff round after a 1-0 loss on Wednesday. The 62-year-old Mourinho is one of the world’s most famous coaches. He has been in charge of Fenerbahce since June of last year. Mourinho’s spell in Turkey has been turbulent. There was an incident in April when he grabbed the nose of Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk in the Istanbul derby, earning a three-match ban and a fine. He was also handed a four-match ban in February after making an incendiary comment after a league match against Galatasaray.

INTERLEAGUE Final Houston 4 Colorado 3

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Boston 3 Baltimore 2 Final N.Y. Yankees 10 Chicago White Sox 4

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final St. Louis 4 Pittsburgh 1 Final Arizona 6 Milwaukee 4 Final San Francisco 4 Chicago Cubs 3 Final Philadelphia 19 Atlanta 4 Final Miami 7 N.Y. Mets 4

TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Final South Florida 34 (25) Boise St. 7

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Micah Parsons is headed to the Green Bay Packers after a blockbuster trade, leaving the Dallas Cowboys following a lengthy contract dispute. A person with knowledge of the details said Parsons and the Packers have agreed on a record-setting $188 million, four-year contract that includes $136 million guaranteed. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the terms haven't been announced. Parsons, a two-time All-Pro edge rusher, becomes the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Jerry Jones says the Dallas Cowboys are still in win-now mode. This is despite the decision to trade star edge rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay for two first-round draft picks and Kenny Clark, an aging defensive tackle whose production declined last season. Jones and his son, executive vice president of personnel Stephen Jones, even suggested they might use those future first-rounders to help the team now. The Cowboys say they have an urgent need to improve their run defense.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia slugger Kyle Schwarber hit four home runs Thursday night against Atlanta to become the fourth Phillies player and 21st major leaguer to accomplish the feat. Schwarber was 4 for 6 with a Phillies-record nine RBIs in the 19-4 victory. He took the outright National League homer lead with a career-high 49 and moved within one of Seattle’s Cal Raleigh for the major league lead. Schwarber leads the majors with a career-high 119 RBIs. Mike Schmidt was the last Philadelphia player to hit four homers in a game, doing at the Chicago Cubs in April 1976. Schwarber had the third four-homer game of the season, following Eugenio Suárez and Nick Kurtz.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have prepared for Rashee Rice's six-game suspension by keeping eight wide receivers on their roster. Rice pleaded guilty to charges related to a crash and received probation and jail time. The Chiefs believe they can handle his absence better than last season, when he was injured. JuJu Smith-Schuster has returned in excellent shape, and rookie Jalen Royals shows promise. Marquise Brown is also healthy after missing most of last season. General manager Brett Veach expressed confidence in their depth. The Chiefs aim to manage without Rice until his return on Oct.19.NEW YORK (AP) — Coco Gauff kept wiping the tears welling in her eyes between points in her second-round match at the U.S. Open. She was trying to stay composed and trying to give herself a chance to win Thursday night. Gauff’s serving troubles were again an issue, just as they were two nights earlier, just as they’ve been for a while now. The two-time Grand Slam champion teamed up with a new coach recently to try to fix that aspect of her game, and while there clearly is still work to be done, Gauff did figure out how to stay in the tournament, beating Donna Vekic 7-6 (5), 6-2 in Arthur Ashe Stadium.NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Townsend does not have the star power or the name recognition of fellow Americans Coco Gauff or Jessica Pegula, and she's not even seeded in singles play the U.S. Open. Still, she's set to play in prime time at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night. Townsend has been thrust into the spotlight at the Grand Slam tournament after her post-match argument with Jelena Ostapenko and the subsequent discourse surrounding it. A supportive crowd witnessed Townsend and doubles partner Katerina Siniakova win Thursday. Townsend hopes the attention brings more people to tennis.NEW YORK (AP) — Tommy Paul and Nuno Borges played well into Friday morning in another post-midnight marathon classic match at the U.S. Open. Paul won the first two sets and had a couple of match point chances to close it out in three. The American seeded 14th instead lost the third and fourth sets and was tied in the fifth after going up 3-0. Paul broke Borges one final time to finish off a 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 5-7, 7-5 victory. The match that began as the Thursday nightcap at Arthur Ashe Stadium lasted 4 hours, 25 minutes and ended at 1:46 am. It was the 17th-latest finish in tournament history, joining the history books as the second-latest finish in the second round.ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — The Formula 1 title race is back and the tension is building. The Dutch Grand Prix is the first race in four weeks. The season resumes with Oscar Piastri just nine points ahead of his McLaren teammate and title rival Lando Norris. Norris won three of the last four races before the mid-season break. Piastri has won praise for his ability to stay cool in his first season as a true title contender. He admits the nerves are there, even if they’re not always obvious.SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California bookmaker who took thousands of sports bets from the former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani is expected to be sentenced in federal court. Mathew Bowyer pleaded guilty a year ago to running an illegal gambling business, money laundering and filing a false tax return. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday. Prosecutors say Bowyer assisted in other investigations, and they recommended a 15-month sentence. Bowyer's lawyer wants him spared of prison time. The case is part of a broader probe into illegal sports gambling that led to the arrest of Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.Jose Mourinho has left his role as coach of Fenerbahce, two days after failing to qualify the Turkish club for the Champions League. Fenerbahce was eliminated by Benfica in the playoff round after a 1-0 loss on Wednesday. The 62-year-old Mourinho is one of the world’s most famous coaches. He has been in charge of Fenerbahce since June of last year. Mourinho’s spell in Turkey has been turbulent. There was an incident in April when he grabbed the nose of Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk in the Istanbul derby, earning a three-match ban and a fine. He was also handed a four-match ban in February after making an incendiary comment after a league match against Galatasaray.FinalsINTERLEAGUE Final Houston 4 Colorado 3AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Boston 3 Baltimore 2 Final N.Y. Yankees 10 Chicago White Sox 4NATIONAL LEAGUE Final St. Louis 4 Pittsburgh 1 Final Arizona 6 Milwaukee 4 Final San Francisco 4 Chicago Cubs 3 Final Philadelphia 19 Atlanta 4 Final Miami 7 N.Y. Mets 4TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Final South Florida 34 (25) Boise St. 7

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

- GBHS Football head coach Erin Beck joins the show along with TE Ian Premer and LB/OL Trent Kern.

- New Barton Volleyball head coach Jim Cartisser joins the show for the first time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756047315700.jpeg" alt="Thursday Lineup with Host Brant Daughtry" />
 <figcaption>Thursday Lineup with Host Brant Daughtry</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XzJAA7Qbfiw?si=4ZoG3FcC_44rlAxA" 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>- Sounds of the Past 24 Hours- GBHS Football head coach Erin Beck joins the show along with TE Ian Premer and LB/OL Trent Kern.- New Barton Volleyball head coach Jim Cartisser joins the show for the first time.

Thursday on Sports Day (Watch)

A 35th-minute goal on a cool, overcast morning in Hutchinson proved the difference maker as the Barton Community College women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to 12th ranked Trinity Valley Community College at Don Michael Field.

The decisive moment came when the Cardinals' Megan Gerrish found the back of the net off a corner kick from Nancy Jacobo, providing what held as the game-winner.

With the loss, the Cougars move to 1-1-0 on the young season, while Trinity Valley evens its record at 1-1-0 following a narrow 2-1 loss on Monday at 15th ranked Hutchinson. Barton will now have a two-week break before beginning Jayhawk Conference play on September 10 at Seward County Community College in a 6:00 p.m. kickoff.

Barton finished with 10 total shots, placing four on frame.&nbsp;Katie Potter&nbsp;led the offensive end with four attempts, including two on target, while&nbsp;Sara Aguirre&nbsp;and&nbsp;Saki Takaki&nbsp;each tested the keeper with a shot on goal.

In net,&nbsp;Leonie Kerle&nbsp;(1-1-0) collected four saves, while Trinity Valley's Nikia van Middendorp matched her efforts in recording the shutout.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756389865399.jpeg" alt="Photo by Todd Moore" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Todd Moore</figcaption>
 </figure>A 35th-minute goal on a cool, overcast morning in Hutchinson proved the difference maker as the Barton Community College women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to 12th ranked Trinity Valley Community College at Don Michael Field.The decisive moment came when the Cardinals' Megan Gerrish found the back of the net off a corner kick from Nancy Jacobo, providing what held as the game-winner.With the loss, the Cougars move to 1-1-0 on the young season, while Trinity Valley evens its record at 1-1-0 following a narrow 2-1 loss on Monday at 15th ranked Hutchinson. Barton will now have a two-week break before beginning Jayhawk Conference play on September 10 at Seward County Community College in a 6:00 p.m. kickoff.Barton finished with 10 total shots, placing four on frame.&nbsp;Katie Potter&nbsp;led the offensive end with four attempts, including two on target, while&nbsp;Sara Aguirre&nbsp;and&nbsp;Saki Takaki&nbsp;each tested the keeper with a shot on goal.In net,&nbsp;Leonie Kerle&nbsp;(1-1-0) collected four saves, while Trinity Valley's Nikia van Middendorp matched her efforts in recording the shutout.

Barton Women's Soccer falls 1-0 against 12th ranked Trinity Valley

Kansas State&nbsp;will be without star tailback&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;for Saturday's matchup against&nbsp;North Dakota&nbsp;due to a left ankle injury, a source told ESPN.

He's also considered "doubtful" for Kansas State's game on Sept. 6 against&nbsp;Army, the source added.

Edwards appeared to suffer the injury in Kansas State's&nbsp;season-opening loss&nbsp;to&nbsp;Iowa State&nbsp;in Dublin, Ireland, after he got hit in the wake of a fumble on a punt return early in the first quarter. He left the game after the play and did not return.

Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said on Tuesday that Edwards' X-Rays came back negative, which he said was a "positive" for a Edwards' eventual return to the field.

Edwards is key cog in Kansas State's offense, as he averaged 7.4 yards per carry in 2024. He finished the season with eight touchdowns - five rushing, two passing and another on a punt return.

That diverse scoring ability epitomizes his value to Kansas State, as Edwards had 19 receptions for 133 yards last year. In his freshman year at&nbsp;Colorado, Edwards caught 36 balls for 299 yards, while adding 321 yards on the ground

Kansas State (0-1) plays at&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;in a nonconference game on Sept. 12, which looms as a potential return date for Edwards. The Wildcats then have a bye week before hosting&nbsp;UCF&nbsp;the following week on Sept. 27.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756386132557.jpeg" alt="Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards moves the ball during the Wildcats’ 29-27 win over Kansas, Oct. 26, at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Staff photo by Lewis Marien" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards moves the ball during the Wildcats’ 29-27 win over Kansas, Oct. 26, at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Staff photo by Lewis Marien</figcaption>
 </figure>Pete Thamel ESPN.comKansas State&nbsp;will be without star tailback&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;for Saturday's matchup against&nbsp;North Dakota&nbsp;due to a left ankle injury, a source told ESPN.He's also considered "doubtful" for Kansas State's game on Sept. 6 against&nbsp;Army, the source added.Edwards appeared to suffer the injury in Kansas State's&nbsp;season-opening loss&nbsp;to&nbsp;Iowa State&nbsp;in Dublin, Ireland, after he got hit in the wake of a fumble on a punt return early in the first quarter. He left the game after the play and did not return.Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said on Tuesday that Edwards' X-Rays came back negative, which he said was a "positive" for a Edwards' eventual return to the field.Edwards is key cog in Kansas State's offense, as he averaged 7.4 yards per carry in 2024. He finished the season with eight touchdowns - five rushing, two passing and another on a punt return.That diverse scoring ability epitomizes his value to Kansas State, as Edwards had 19 receptions for 133 yards last year. In his freshman year at&nbsp;Colorado, Edwards caught 36 balls for 299 yards, while adding 321 yards on the groundKansas State (0-1) plays at&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;in a nonconference game on Sept. 12, which looms as a potential return date for Edwards. The Wildcats then have a bye week before hosting&nbsp;UCF&nbsp;the following week on Sept. 27.

Source: Kansas St. RB Dylan Edwards (ankle) out vs. North Dakota

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been suspended six games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, keeping him out of a series of high-profile games starting with next week’s season opener against the Chargers in Brazil.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-charges-dallas-crash-kansas-city-chiefs-d71cfd66fabfc151111d67ea1bfa0f74">Rice pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;about six weeks ago to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. As part of his plea agreement from the March 2024 crash on a Dallas highway, prosecutors said, Rice also received a sentence of five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail as a condition of his probation.

The NFL handed down its suspension, which Rice will not appeal, after its own internal investigation. It voids a&nbsp;Sept. 30 hearing&nbsp;before former federal Judge Sue L. Robinson that was scheduled for the NFL’s headquarters in New York.

Along with missing the Chargers game, Rice will miss a Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles on Sept. 14 at Arrowhead Stadium; a Sunday night trip to New York to face the Giants; a high-profile matchup with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Sept. 28; a game against Jacksonville the following Monday night; and a Sunday night showdown with the Lions.

Rice will be eligible to return to the field when Kansas City faces the&nbsp;AFC West&nbsp;rival Raiders on Oct. 19.

The Chiefs did not make Rice nor coach Andy Reid available Wednesday. Rice also was not at their final practice before Sunday, when the Chiefs go into their game-week schedule to prepare for the Friday night matchup with the Chargers.

“We're just going to go out there, trust what the coaches put on our plates, whatever game plan we have regardless of who is in there,” tight end Noah Gray said Wednesday. “I'm extremely confident in all the guys.”

Rice’s status has been in limbo ever since he was driving a&nbsp;Lamborghini Urus SUV&nbsp;at 119 mph (191 kph) on the North Central Expressway, made “multiple aggressive maneuvers around traffic” and struck other vehicles, prosecutors said. After the crash, Rice did not check on the welfare of those in the other vehicles but instead fled on foot.

Rice said in a statement issued by his attorney that he’s had “a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole.”

The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office said the 25-year-old Rice will have some flexibility in when he must serve his jail time. He also was required to pay the victims for their out-of-pocket medical expenses, which totaled about $115,000.

“I’ve completely changed. You have to learn from things like that,” Rice said during a&nbsp;brief media availability in training camp. “All I can focus on is what I can control right now and that’s me doing what I do.”

After a breakout rookie season, Rice was on his way to a memorable follow-up last fall, catching 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games. But in Week 4, after Patrick Mahomes had thrown an interception, the QB accidentally dived into Rice’s leg as they were trying to make a tackle, tearing the lateral collateral ligament in his knee.

Rice wound up&nbsp;missing the rest of the season, including a loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.

He spent the offseason rehabbing the knee, and Rice was ready to participate in the Chiefs’ offseason program. But under terms of the suspension, Rice now will be barred from the practice facility until the middle of next month.

The Chiefs undoubtedly believed a suspension was coming. They kept eight wide receivers on Tuesday, when NFL roster cuts were due. That group includes rookie Jalen Royals, who has been dealing with an injury and may not be available for the season opener in Brazil, and Marquise Brown, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury.

Now, the Chiefs will be relying on Brown and second-year pro Xavier Worthy alongside tight end Travis Kelce in their passing game. The other wide receivers on the initial roster are veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster, return specialist Nikko Remigio, preseason standout Tyquan Thornton and Jason Brownlee, who spent part of last season with the Jets.

AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi in Tampa, Florida, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756385879693.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) reacts during warm ups before an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) reacts during warm ups before an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been suspended six games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, keeping him out of a series of high-profile games starting with next week’s season opener against the Chargers in Brazil.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-charges-dallas-crash-kansas-city-chiefs-d71cfd66fabfc151111d67ea1bfa0f74">Rice pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;about six weeks ago to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. As part of his plea agreement from the March 2024 crash on a Dallas highway, prosecutors said, Rice also received a sentence of five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail as a condition of his probation.The NFL handed down its suspension, which Rice will not appeal, after its own internal investigation. It voids a&nbsp;Sept. 30 hearing&nbsp;before former federal Judge Sue L. Robinson that was scheduled for the NFL’s headquarters in New York.Along with missing the Chargers game, Rice will miss a Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles on Sept. 14 at Arrowhead Stadium; a Sunday night trip to New York to face the Giants; a high-profile matchup with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Sept. 28; a game against Jacksonville the following Monday night; and a Sunday night showdown with the Lions.Rice will be eligible to return to the field when Kansas City faces the&nbsp;AFC West&nbsp;rival Raiders on Oct. 19.The Chiefs did not make Rice nor coach Andy Reid available Wednesday. Rice also was not at their final practice before Sunday, when the Chiefs go into their game-week schedule to prepare for the Friday night matchup with the Chargers.“We're just going to go out there, trust what the coaches put on our plates, whatever game plan we have regardless of who is in there,” tight end Noah Gray said Wednesday. “I'm extremely confident in all the guys.”Rice’s status has been in limbo ever since he was driving a&nbsp;Lamborghini Urus SUV&nbsp;at 119 mph (191 kph) on the North Central Expressway, made “multiple aggressive maneuvers around traffic” and struck other vehicles, prosecutors said. After the crash, Rice did not check on the welfare of those in the other vehicles but instead fled on foot.Rice said in a statement issued by his attorney that he’s had “a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole.”The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office said the 25-year-old Rice will have some flexibility in when he must serve his jail time. He also was required to pay the victims for their out-of-pocket medical expenses, which totaled about $115,000.“I’ve completely changed. You have to learn from things like that,” Rice said during a&nbsp;brief media availability in training camp. “All I can focus on is what I can control right now and that’s me doing what I do.”After a breakout rookie season, Rice was on his way to a memorable follow-up last fall, catching 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games. But in Week 4, after Patrick Mahomes had thrown an interception, the QB accidentally dived into Rice’s leg as they were trying to make a tackle, tearing the lateral collateral ligament in his knee.Rice wound up&nbsp;missing the rest of the season, including a loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.He spent the offseason rehabbing the knee, and Rice was ready to participate in the Chiefs’ offseason program. But under terms of the suspension, Rice now will be barred from the practice facility until the middle of next month.The Chiefs undoubtedly believed a suspension was coming. They kept eight wide receivers on Tuesday, when NFL roster cuts were due. That group includes rookie Jalen Royals, who has been dealing with an injury and may not be available for the season opener in Brazil, and Marquise Brown, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury.Now, the Chiefs will be relying on Brown and second-year pro Xavier Worthy alongside tight end Travis Kelce in their passing game. The other wide receivers on the initial roster are veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster, return specialist Nikko Remigio, preseason standout Tyquan Thornton and Jason Brownlee, who spent part of last season with the Jets.___AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi in Tampa, Florida, contributed to this report.

Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice is suspended 6 games by NFL, beginning with opener next week in Brazil

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a leadoff homer and a two-run double in Kansas City's eight-run fifth inning as the Royals pummeled the Chicago White Sox 12-1 on Wednesday night.

Perez’s double gave him 993 RBIs — one more than Amos Otis for third place in Royals history. Next on the list is Hal McRae with 1,012. George Brett leads with 1,596.

Ryan Bergert (2-1) pitched a season-high six innings, allowing one run and six hits for his first win in five starts with Kansas City. Jonathan Bowlan, Angel Zerpa and Daniel Lynch IV finished with a scoreless inning apiece.

Perez tied it at 1 with his 23rd homer when he connected off Aaron Civale (3-9). Bobby Witt Jr. chased Civale with a two-out, two-run single and Vinnie Pasquantino greeted Tyler Gilbert with a two-run single for a 5-1 lead. Adam Frazier doubled in Perez for an 8-1 advantage.

Mike Yastrzemski hit his 14th homer — a three-run shot off Gilbert in the sixth to make it 11-1. Yastrzemski doubled and scored on Maikel Garcia's single in the eighth. Witt went 2 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to 16 games.

Andrew Benintendi hit his 15th home run in the Chicago fourth. The drive came on a pitch 1.02 feet above the ground, the lowest pitch he's homered on in his career, according to MLB Statcast.

Civale gave up five runs in 4 2/3 innings. Gilbert retired one batter and allowed six runs.

Bergert earned his first win since beating the New York Yankees 4-3 on May 5 with San Diego.

The White Sox need to win 15 of their final 29 games to avoid reaching 100 losses for a third straight season.

The Royals host the Detroit Tigers for three games beginning Friday. Neither team had announced a starting pitcher.

White Sox RHP Davis Martin (5-9, 3.93 ERA) starts Thursday at home in the opener of a four-game series against RHP Will Warren (7-6, 4.47) and the Yankees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756385747507.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez, right, celebrates after hitting a solo home run as Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel looks down during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez, right, celebrates after hitting a solo home run as Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel looks down during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a leadoff homer and a two-run double in Kansas City's eight-run fifth inning as the Royals pummeled the Chicago White Sox 12-1 on Wednesday night.Perez’s double gave him 993 RBIs — one more than Amos Otis for third place in Royals history. Next on the list is Hal McRae with 1,012. George Brett leads with 1,596.Ryan Bergert (2-1) pitched a season-high six innings, allowing one run and six hits for his first win in five starts with Kansas City. Jonathan Bowlan, Angel Zerpa and Daniel Lynch IV finished with a scoreless inning apiece.Perez tied it at 1 with his 23rd homer when he connected off Aaron Civale (3-9). Bobby Witt Jr. chased Civale with a two-out, two-run single and Vinnie Pasquantino greeted Tyler Gilbert with a two-run single for a 5-1 lead. Adam Frazier doubled in Perez for an 8-1 advantage.Mike Yastrzemski hit his 14th homer — a three-run shot off Gilbert in the sixth to make it 11-1. Yastrzemski doubled and scored on Maikel Garcia's single in the eighth. Witt went 2 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to 16 games.Andrew Benintendi hit his 15th home run in the Chicago fourth. The drive came on a pitch 1.02 feet above the ground, the lowest pitch he's homered on in his career, according to MLB Statcast.Civale gave up five runs in 4 2/3 innings. Gilbert retired one batter and allowed six runs.<h2>Key moment</h2>Bergert earned his first win since beating the New York Yankees 4-3 on May 5 with San Diego.<h2>Key stat</h2>The White Sox need to win 15 of their final 29 games to avoid reaching 100 losses for a third straight season.<h2>Up next</h2>The Royals host the Detroit Tigers for three games beginning Friday. Neither team had announced a starting pitcher.White Sox RHP Davis Martin (5-9, 3.93 ERA) starts Thursday at home in the opener of a four-game series against RHP Will Warren (7-6, 4.47) and the Yankees.

Perez leads Royals to 12-1 rout of White Sox and moves into 3rd place on franchise RBI list

NEW YORK (AP) — Two days before the U.S. Open’s singles competition began, Billie Jean King sat around a table in the Arthur Ashe building with a small group of up-and-coming players on the women’s tour. Steps away from the tournament’s biggest stage, the group shared stories, raised questions and listened to King’s advice. It’s a meeting called the Billie Jean King Power Hour, and it’s been a behind-the-scenes staple in New York for 28 years. She was joined last week by WTA veterans Ilana Kloss, Leslie Allen and Shelby Rogers.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Open opponents Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko got into a face-to-face argument on the Court 11 sideline right after their second-round match ended. Townsend said Wednesday that Ostapenko told her she has no class and no education. Townsend, who is from Chicago, was a 7-5, 6-1 winner against 2017 French Open champion Ostapenko, who is from Latvia. After the two players met at the net for a postmatch handshake, they stayed near each other instead of going their separate ways, as players usually do. Ostapenko wagged a finger at Townsend as they spoke.

Week 1 of the 2025 college football season is packed with marquee matchups, quarterback debuts and revenge games. Key games include Texas at Ohio State, LSU at Clemson and Notre Dame at Miami. Other notable matchups feature Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina, Syracuse vs. Tennessee and Alabama at Florida State. Here's what you need to know about each matchup, and how the playoff picture could begin to take shape as early as Week 1.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani’s reliance on his fastball caught up with him recently, making the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar intent on changing his pitch mix. He had given up a combined nine runs and 14 hits in his two previous outings, a pair of Dodgers losses to the Los Angeles Angels, his former team, and the Colorado Rockies. Making his 11th start as he returns from elbow surgery two years ago, Ohtani struck out a season-high nine over five innings in a 5-1 victory against the Cincinnati Reds for his first win on the mound with the Dodgers. His previous pitching win came on Aug. 9, 2023, with the Angels against San Francisco.

NEW YORK (AP) — Three games into his major league career, Nolan McLean has already accomplished something Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden, Jacob deGrom or anyone else wearing a New York Mets uniform could not. McLean became the first Mets pitcher to win his first three MLB starts, tossing eight marvelous innings in a 6-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies that completed a three-game sweep. Facing the Phillies, who entered Wednesday with the second-best batting average in the majors, the 24-year-old right-hander allowed four hits and walked none with six strikeouts. He threw 95 pitches — just 55 through the first six innings.

GRIMSBY, England (AP) — Manchester United sank to a new low under Ruben Amorim by getting eliminated by fourth-tier Grimsby Town after a marathon penalty shootout in the second round of the English League Cup on Wednesday. Grimsby won a dramatic shootout 12-11 at the 9,000-capacity Blundell Park, with Bryan Mbeumo missing the decisive penalty. United needed late goals by Mbeumo and Harry Maguire just to salvage a 2-2 draw in regulation, having trailed 2-0 at halftime. It will go down as one of the most embarrassing results in United’s history and leaves the team winless in three games so far this campaign, after a woeful 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Adolis García, Joc Pederson and Kyle Higashioka each hit a three-run homer, Corey Seager went deep a team-leading 21st time and the Texas Rangers blew out the Los Angeles Angels 20-3. García’s 17th home run highlighted a four-run first inning. Pederson made it 7-1 in the second with his seventh of the season and Seager added a two-run shot in the fourth. Higashioka’s 10th homer for a 20-3 lead came on the last of 21 very slow pitches by first baseman Oswald Peraza. His pitches were all clocked between 30 and 40 mph. Peraza allowed eight runs while getting one out.

Dawn Staley said she would have felt compelled to leave South Carolina for the New York Knicks head coaching job if she'd been offered the position. Staley is a three-time national champion with the Gamecocks. She was interviewed by the Knicks, who ultimately hired Mike Brown. She spoke about her interest in the job on the “Post Moves” podcast. Staley said she wanted to break barriers for women. And she questioned whether her inquiries about the impact of hiring the NBA's first female head coach affected her chances.

MONACO (AP) — European soccer’s heavyweights and unheralded newcomers will find out their Champions League opponents when the draw is made on Thursday in Monaco. All are gathering at a beach-side concert hall for the draw ceremony starting at 6 p.m. local time (1600 GMT). They include titleholder Paris Saint-Germain and newcomer Pafos of Cyprus. The record 15-time champion Real Madrid and first-timer Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan. English champion Liverpool and Norway’s Bodo/Glimt from inside the Arctic Circle. It's the second season of the league phase format with 36 teams playing eight different opponents and ranked in a single-standings table.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi scored twice in his return and Inter Miami beat Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday night to advance to the Leagues Cup Final. Inter Miami will be on the road to face the Seattle winner in the final Sunday. The Sounders beat the LA Galaxy 2-0 on the road later Wednesday. Messi was back for the second time in two weeks after a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Marco Pašalić opened the scoring for Orlando just before halftime. Messi tied it in the 77th, converting from the penalty spot after Tadeo Allende was pulled down in the box. It was more Messi magic in the 88th when he combined with Jordi Alba to put Miami ahead.

INTERLEAGUE Final N.Y. Yankees 11 Washington 2 Final Seattle 4 San Diego 3 Final Houston 4 Colorado 0

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Cleveland 4 Tampa Bay 3 Final Boston 3 Baltimore 2 Final Toronto 9 Minnesota 8 Final Kansas City 12 Chicago White Sox 1 Final Texas 20 L.A. Angels 3 Final Athletics 7 Detroit 0&nbsp;

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Atlanta 12 Miami 1 Final N.Y. Mets 6 Philadelphia 0 Final Pittsburgh 2 St. Louis 1 Final Arizona 3 Milwaukee 2 Final L.A. Dodgers 5 Cincinnati 1 Final San Francisco 12 Chicago Cubs 3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Two days before the U.S. Open’s singles competition began, Billie Jean King sat around a table in the Arthur Ashe building with a small group of up-and-coming players on the women’s tour. Steps away from the tournament’s biggest stage, the group shared stories, raised questions and listened to King’s advice. It’s a meeting called the Billie Jean King Power Hour, and it’s been a behind-the-scenes staple in New York for 28 years. She was joined last week by WTA veterans Ilana Kloss, Leslie Allen and Shelby Rogers.NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Open opponents Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko got into a face-to-face argument on the Court 11 sideline right after their second-round match ended. Townsend said Wednesday that Ostapenko told her she has no class and no education. Townsend, who is from Chicago, was a 7-5, 6-1 winner against 2017 French Open champion Ostapenko, who is from Latvia. After the two players met at the net for a postmatch handshake, they stayed near each other instead of going their separate ways, as players usually do. Ostapenko wagged a finger at Townsend as they spoke.Week 1 of the 2025 college football season is packed with marquee matchups, quarterback debuts and revenge games. Key games include Texas at Ohio State, LSU at Clemson and Notre Dame at Miami. Other notable matchups feature Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina, Syracuse vs. Tennessee and Alabama at Florida State. Here's what you need to know about each matchup, and how the playoff picture could begin to take shape as early as Week 1.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani’s reliance on his fastball caught up with him recently, making the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar intent on changing his pitch mix. He had given up a combined nine runs and 14 hits in his two previous outings, a pair of Dodgers losses to the Los Angeles Angels, his former team, and the Colorado Rockies. Making his 11th start as he returns from elbow surgery two years ago, Ohtani struck out a season-high nine over five innings in a 5-1 victory against the Cincinnati Reds for his first win on the mound with the Dodgers. His previous pitching win came on Aug. 9, 2023, with the Angels against San Francisco.NEW YORK (AP) — Three games into his major league career, Nolan McLean has already accomplished something Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden, Jacob deGrom or anyone else wearing a New York Mets uniform could not. McLean became the first Mets pitcher to win his first three MLB starts, tossing eight marvelous innings in a 6-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies that completed a three-game sweep. Facing the Phillies, who entered Wednesday with the second-best batting average in the majors, the 24-year-old right-hander allowed four hits and walked none with six strikeouts. He threw 95 pitches — just 55 through the first six innings.GRIMSBY, England (AP) — Manchester United sank to a new low under Ruben Amorim by getting eliminated by fourth-tier Grimsby Town after a marathon penalty shootout in the second round of the English League Cup on Wednesday. Grimsby won a dramatic shootout 12-11 at the 9,000-capacity Blundell Park, with Bryan Mbeumo missing the decisive penalty. United needed late goals by Mbeumo and Harry Maguire just to salvage a 2-2 draw in regulation, having trailed 2-0 at halftime. It will go down as one of the most embarrassing results in United’s history and leaves the team winless in three games so far this campaign, after a woeful 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season.ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Adolis García, Joc Pederson and Kyle Higashioka each hit a three-run homer, Corey Seager went deep a team-leading 21st time and the Texas Rangers blew out the Los Angeles Angels 20-3. García’s 17th home run highlighted a four-run first inning. Pederson made it 7-1 in the second with his seventh of the season and Seager added a two-run shot in the fourth. Higashioka’s 10th homer for a 20-3 lead came on the last of 21 very slow pitches by first baseman Oswald Peraza. His pitches were all clocked between 30 and 40 mph. Peraza allowed eight runs while getting one out.Dawn Staley said she would have felt compelled to leave South Carolina for the New York Knicks head coaching job if she'd been offered the position. Staley is a three-time national champion with the Gamecocks. She was interviewed by the Knicks, who ultimately hired Mike Brown. She spoke about her interest in the job on the “Post Moves” podcast. Staley said she wanted to break barriers for women. And she questioned whether her inquiries about the impact of hiring the NBA's first female head coach affected her chances.MONACO (AP) — European soccer’s heavyweights and unheralded newcomers will find out their Champions League opponents when the draw is made on Thursday in Monaco. All are gathering at a beach-side concert hall for the draw ceremony starting at 6 p.m. local time (1600 GMT). They include titleholder Paris Saint-Germain and newcomer Pafos of Cyprus. The record 15-time champion Real Madrid and first-timer Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan. English champion Liverpool and Norway’s Bodo/Glimt from inside the Arctic Circle. It's the second season of the league phase format with 36 teams playing eight different opponents and ranked in a single-standings table.FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi scored twice in his return and Inter Miami beat Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday night to advance to the Leagues Cup Final. Inter Miami will be on the road to face the Seattle winner in the final Sunday. The Sounders beat the LA Galaxy 2-0 on the road later Wednesday. Messi was back for the second time in two weeks after a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Marco Pašalić opened the scoring for Orlando just before halftime. Messi tied it in the 77th, converting from the penalty spot after Tadeo Allende was pulled down in the box. It was more Messi magic in the 88th when he combined with Jordi Alba to put Miami ahead.FinalsINTERLEAGUE Final N.Y. Yankees 11 Washington 2 Final Seattle 4 San Diego 3 Final Houston 4 Colorado 0AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Cleveland 4 Tampa Bay 3 Final Boston 3 Baltimore 2 Final Toronto 9 Minnesota 8 Final Kansas City 12 Chicago White Sox 1 Final Texas 20 L.A. Angels 3 Final Athletics 7 Detroit 0&nbsp;NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Atlanta 12 Miami 1 Final N.Y. Mets 6 Philadelphia 0 Final Pittsburgh 2 St. Louis 1 Final Arizona 3 Milwaukee 2 Final L.A. Dodgers 5 Cincinnati 1 Final San Francisco 12 Chicago Cubs 3

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

- Cole Reif from Kansas Sports Chatter joins the show

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756047315700.jpeg" alt="Wednesday Lineup with host Brant Daughtry" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Lineup with host Brant Daughtry</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZCt36AP7xQ0?si=9PwMcGWBOfGqkk22" 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>- Sounds of the Past 24 Hours- Audio from area coaches- Cole Reif from Kansas Sports Chatter joins the show- High School Football Jamboree Preview- Kansas High School football preview

Wednesday on Sports Day (Watch)

The&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp;have won three of the last six Super Bowls, played in seven straight AFC championship games and won the AFC West nine consecutive seasons.

Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are two titles shy of the record 11 straight AFC East crowns Tom Brady and Bill Belichick hoarded when they were together in New England.

Yet, the Chiefs' grip on the division has never seemed more tenuous, and not just because&nbsp;they were humbled&nbsp;40-22 by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl that denied Kansas City an unprecedented third consecutive tickertape parade.

The Denver Broncos fortified an already elite defense spearheaded by the league's reigning Defensive Player of the Year in cornerback&nbsp;Patrick Surtain II&nbsp;and added several key targets for second-year&nbsp;QB Bo Nix, who came within a blocked field goal with no time remaining of sweeping the Chiefs his rookie year. (Although Denver's 38-0 win in Denver in Week 18 came against backups).

Broncos coach Sean Payton can't stop raving about his roster, and for good reason.

The Los Angeles Chargers enjoyed a bounce-back in 2024 under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, with&nbsp;Justin Herbert&nbsp;winning more games (11) and throwing fewer interceptions (three) than ever.

The Chargers lost twice to the Chiefs, by seven and two points as Kansas City went a whopping 10-0 in one-score games on their way to the Super Bowl.

Whether the Chiefs can come up so clutch in close games again will go a long way toward determining if they'll be dethroned.

And the&nbsp;Las Vegas Raiders&nbsp;hired former Super Bowl-winning coach Pete Carroll, who brought in his former QB in Seattle with the acquisition of Geno Smith, who had three winning seasons as the Seahawks' starter following Russell Wilson's departure.

The addition of Carroll gives the AFC West a concentration of coaching pedigree never seen before. Led by Reid, the league's active leader in victories, the foursome of AFC West coaches own a whopping 721 collective wins in the NFL.

Can the Chiefs rebound from the Super Bowl debacle?

The Chiefs were throttled 31-9 by Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 and the following season they lost at home in the AFC championship to Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Then they reached three consecutive Super Bowls, winning twice.

Their comeback in 2025 could rest on Travis Kelce's bounce-back.

The four-time All-Pro tight end trimmed down considerably since the end of last season, when he was last seen walking dejectedly off the turf at the Superdome in New Orleans after the Chiefs were dismantled by the Eagles.

“He’s svelte right now. He looks like he’s 20,” Reid said.

Some had speculated the lopsided loss to the Eagles in February might drive Kelce to retire, but the&nbsp;newly engaged&nbsp;star is back and ready to serve as Mahomes' top target once again.

Payton hasn't been shy about predicting great things for the Broncos this year, telling people he has one of his better teams all-time and declaring Nix among the top handful of quarterbacks in the NFL.

Much of that optimism stems from the fortification of an already stout defense.

The Broncos lured safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the San Francisco 49ers in free agency and used their first-round draft pick on former University of Texas star Jahdae Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back and was a consensus All-American.

Linebacker Alex Singleton, returning from a torn ACL that sidelined him most of last season, said Greenlaw has brought a new attitude to Denver's defense.

“I love every single day coming to work with him,” Singleton said. “It's been a ton of fun. He plays fast, he plays violent, physical — everything you want out of a linebacker."

Justin Herbert ready for next step with Harbaugh

The Chargers are aiming to win the division for the first time since 2009 following Harbaugh's first season in which LA returned to the playoffs and Justin Herbert threw just three interceptions all year.

Herbert shouldn't have any opening-day jitters when the Chargers host the Chiefs in Week 1 in São Paulo, Brazil, not after playing in the preseason for the first time in his career.

The 27-year-old quarterback entering his sixth season went 2 of 5 for 46 yards while playing the opening series against the Rams.

Herbert had never played in an exhibition game before over his first five NFL seasons, but the Chargers’ $262.5 million quarterback asked for some limited action in this outing to get some work with the Bolts’ revamped offense, which is now missing starting left tackle Rashawn Slater.

“I wanted to go out there and see the pass rush,” said Herbert, who was sacked once by the Rams. “In practice as a quarterback you don’t always get the true feeling of a pass rush so I thought it would be helpful."

When Herbert was a rookie in 2020, the preseason was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2021, Herbert was coming off a stellar rookie year and then-Chargers coach Brandon Staley didn’t want to risk an injury during exhibition play. Staley maintained that approach in 2023. Last year, Herbert was in a walking boot with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot that caused him to miss nearly three weeks of training camp.

Carroll, Smith aim to repeat Seattle success in Las Vegas

Tom Brady's fingerprints are all over the revamped Las Vegas Raiders, who have made significant changes to their team structure. Owner Mark Davis has given minority owner Brady more control, and Brady influenced the hiring of Carroll as coach and John Spytek as general manager, and the pair acquired Smith and drafted running back Ashton Jeanty to revamp the offense.

Carroll spent 14 seasons in Seattle, going 137-89-1 and putting together double-digit victories eight times over a nine-year stretch, reaching two Super Bowls and winning one.

Smith revitalized his career with the Seahawks, signing in 2019 as the backup and then becoming the starter in 2022. He was selected AP Comeback Player of the Year when he led the league with a 69.8% completion percentage and threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756302063486.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes cheers from the sidelines during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes cheers from the sidelines during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp;have won three of the last six Super Bowls, played in seven straight AFC championship games and won the AFC West nine consecutive seasons.Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are two titles shy of the record 11 straight AFC East crowns Tom Brady and Bill Belichick hoarded when they were together in New England.Yet, the Chiefs' grip on the division has never seemed more tenuous, and not just because&nbsp;they were humbled&nbsp;40-22 by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl that denied Kansas City an unprecedented third consecutive tickertape parade.The Denver Broncos fortified an already elite defense spearheaded by the league's reigning Defensive Player of the Year in cornerback&nbsp;Patrick Surtain II&nbsp;and added several key targets for second-year&nbsp;QB Bo Nix, who came within a blocked field goal with no time remaining of sweeping the Chiefs his rookie year. (Although Denver's 38-0 win in Denver in Week 18 came against backups).Broncos coach Sean Payton can't stop raving about his roster, and for good reason.The Los Angeles Chargers enjoyed a bounce-back in 2024 under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, with&nbsp;Justin Herbert&nbsp;winning more games (11) and throwing fewer interceptions (three) than ever.The Chargers lost twice to the Chiefs, by seven and two points as Kansas City went a whopping 10-0 in one-score games on their way to the Super Bowl.Whether the Chiefs can come up so clutch in close games again will go a long way toward determining if they'll be dethroned.And the&nbsp;Las Vegas Raiders&nbsp;hired former Super Bowl-winning coach Pete Carroll, who brought in his former QB in Seattle with the acquisition of Geno Smith, who had three winning seasons as the Seahawks' starter following Russell Wilson's departure.The addition of Carroll gives the AFC West a concentration of coaching pedigree never seen before. Led by Reid, the league's active leader in victories, the foursome of AFC West coaches own a whopping 721 collective wins in the NFL.<h2>Can the Chiefs rebound from the Super Bowl debacle?</h2>The Chiefs were throttled 31-9 by Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 and the following season they lost at home in the AFC championship to Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.Then they reached three consecutive Super Bowls, winning twice.Their comeback in 2025 could rest on Travis Kelce's bounce-back.The four-time All-Pro tight end trimmed down considerably since the end of last season, when he was last seen walking dejectedly off the turf at the Superdome in New Orleans after the Chiefs were dismantled by the Eagles.“He’s svelte right now. He looks like he’s 20,” Reid said.Some had speculated the lopsided loss to the Eagles in February might drive Kelce to retire, but the&nbsp;newly engaged&nbsp;star is back and ready to serve as Mahomes' top target once again.<h2>Denver's defense could go world-class</h2>Payton hasn't been shy about predicting great things for the Broncos this year, telling people he has one of his better teams all-time and declaring Nix among the top handful of quarterbacks in the NFL.Much of that optimism stems from the fortification of an already stout defense.The Broncos lured safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the San Francisco 49ers in free agency and used their first-round draft pick on former University of Texas star Jahdae Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back and was a consensus All-American.Linebacker Alex Singleton, returning from a torn ACL that sidelined him most of last season, said Greenlaw has brought a new attitude to Denver's defense.“I love every single day coming to work with him,” Singleton said. “It's been a ton of fun. He plays fast, he plays violent, physical — everything you want out of a linebacker."<h2>Chargers'</h2><h2>Justin Herbert ready for next step with Harbaugh</h2>The Chargers are aiming to win the division for the first time since 2009 following Harbaugh's first season in which LA returned to the playoffs and Justin Herbert threw just three interceptions all year.Herbert shouldn't have any opening-day jitters when the Chargers host the Chiefs in Week 1 in São Paulo, Brazil, not after playing in the preseason for the first time in his career.The 27-year-old quarterback entering his sixth season went 2 of 5 for 46 yards while playing the opening series against the Rams.Herbert had never played in an exhibition game before over his first five NFL seasons, but the Chargers’ $262.5 million quarterback asked for some limited action in this outing to get some work with the Bolts’ revamped offense, which is now missing starting left tackle Rashawn Slater.“I wanted to go out there and see the pass rush,” said Herbert, who was sacked once by the Rams. “In practice as a quarterback you don’t always get the true feeling of a pass rush so I thought it would be helpful."When Herbert was a rookie in 2020, the preseason was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2021, Herbert was coming off a stellar rookie year and then-Chargers coach Brandon Staley didn’t want to risk an injury during exhibition play. Staley maintained that approach in 2023. Last year, Herbert was in a walking boot with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot that caused him to miss nearly three weeks of training camp.<h2>Carroll, Smith aim to repeat Seattle success in Las Vegas</h2>Tom Brady's fingerprints are all over the revamped Las Vegas Raiders, who have made significant changes to their team structure. Owner Mark Davis has given minority owner Brady more control, and Brady influenced the hiring of Carroll as coach and John Spytek as general manager, and the pair acquired Smith and drafted running back Ashton Jeanty to revamp the offense.Carroll spent 14 seasons in Seattle, going 137-89-1 and putting together double-digit victories eight times over a nine-year stretch, reaching two Super Bowls and winning one.Smith revitalized his career with the Seahawks, signing in 2019 as the backup and then becoming the starter in 2022. He was selected AP Comeback Player of the Year when he led the league with a 69.8% completion percentage and threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns.<h2>Predicted order of finish</h2>Chiefs, Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Chiefs' dominance in AFC West faces challenges from Broncos, Chargers and Raiders

The No. 9 Barton Community College volleyball team opened conference play Tuesday night with a sweep at Butler, 25-20, 25-15, 25-16.

The win kept the Cougars perfect at 5-0 on the season, while the Grizzlies dropped to 2-2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756300122097.jpeg" alt="Ed Bailey Photography" />
 <figcaption>Ed Bailey Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>The No. 9 Barton Community College volleyball team opened conference play Tuesday night with a sweep at Butler, 25-20, 25-15, 25-16.The win kept the Cougars perfect at 5-0 on the season, while the Grizzlies dropped to 2-2.Barton now turns its attention to a grueling three-day stretch in Dodge City against four ranked opponents. The Cougars face No. 8 Missouri State-West Plains at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, then begin play in the Victory Electric Classic on Friday against No. 14 Eastern Arizona College at 10 a.m. and Lee College at 4 p.m. Barton closes the weekend Saturday with a 10:30 a.m. matchup against No. 2 Miami Dade and a 1:30 p.m. finale versus No. 11 New Mexico Military Institute.Caroliny Cristiny&nbsp;led the attack with a match-high 13 kills on .353 hitting, while&nbsp;Stasa Stamenkovic&nbsp;added eight kills and three block assists.&nbsp;Aubrey Olander&nbsp;was efficient in the middle, posting four kills on .444 hitting to go with a match-best five blocks.&nbsp;Brylynn Wicker&nbsp;chipped in six kills and&nbsp;Paola Batista&nbsp;followed with five.Mina Kaneko&nbsp;anchored the defense with 22 digs and added an ace, while Stamenkovic contributed 14 digs for a double-double effort in holding Butler to just 24 total kills.Janka Tolnai&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ori Briger&nbsp;paced the offense with 19 and 16 assists respectively helping Barton's offense to a .337 efficiency night.Set 1: Barton grabbed the early edge before a 5-0 Butler run forced a timeout with the Grizzlies leading 13-10. The Cougars regrouped to take six of the next eight points, including four straight, knotting the score at 15. Still tied at 20, Barton slammed the door by scoring the final five points. Cristiny and Olander combined for four kills in the closing stretch, with a Kaneko ace sandwiched in between.Set 2: Stamenkovic provided the spark with three early kills during a seven-point Cougar surge that built a 16-8 lead. Barton never trailed, though Butler trimmed the margin to 19-14. The Cougars answered with six of the final seven points, including four straight to finish off the set and take a commanding 2-0 lead.Set 3: Barton came out firing in the third, ripping off the first nine points to seize control. The lead ballooned to 13 before Butler mounted a 5-0 rally to close within 13-7. The Grizzlies later pulled within five at 18-13, but the Cougars countered with a three-point burst that all but sealed it. Barton tacked on another three-point run late to cap the sweep.