MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Bobby Witt Jr. homered on a pitch outside the strike zone for the
fourth time this season and Paul DeJong finished a triple short of
the cycle, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins
4-1 to avoid a series sweep. Witt homered into the left-center
bullpen on a shoulder-high, full-count fastball from Louie Varland in
the third inning, putting the Royals ahead 2-0 with his 24th home run
this season. The pitch was 4.07 feet above the ground, the highest
hit by a Kansas City player for a home run since pitch tracking
started in 2008, according to MLB Statcast.

CINCINNATI (AP) —
TJ Friedl homered twice on his 29th birthday, Jonathan India also hit
two home runs and drove in four runs and the Cincinnati Reds
completed a three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals with a 9-2
victory Wednesday night. Friedl and Barry Larkin — on April 28,
1994 — are the only Reds since at least 1901 with multihomer games
on their birthday. Tyler Stephenson also homered to help the Reds
sweep a three-game series for the first time since July 2-4 at the
Yankees. The Reds have won their fourth straight — the first time
that’s happened since they strung together seven in a row in early
June — and moved into a tie with St. Louis for second place in the
NL Central.

CHICAGO (AP) — New
York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hit his 300th homer, reaching that
milestone faster than any other player when he connected against the
Chicago White Sox during a 10-2 victory. Judge hit that mark in his
955th game and 3,431st at-bat with a three-run drive in the eighth
inning.. The six-time All-Star and 2022 American League MVP drove a
3-0 up-and-in sinker Chad Kuhl into the White Sox bullpen in left for
his major league-leading 43rd homer. Ralph Kiner reached 300 homers
in his 1,087th game, and Babe Ruth did in his 3,831st at-bat.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.
(AP) — Star receiver Brandon Aiyuk was back out at San Francisco
49ers practice as a spectator as his contract hold in enters a fourth
week still in search of a resolution. Aiyuk had mostly stayed off the
field the past two weeks after making waves with his boisterous
handshakes with general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan
two weeks ago. Aiyuk skipped the entire offseason program and hasn’t
practiced yet in training camp as he seeks either a long-term
contract with San Francisco or a trade to a team that can agree with
the receiver on a new deal and give the 49ers enough compensation to
part with him.

UNDATED (AP) —  A
person with knowledge of the deal tells the AP that the New England
Patriots have traded four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matthew Judon to
the Atlanta Falcons for a third-round draft pick. The person spoke on
condition of anonymity Wednesday because the teams haven’t
announced the trade. Judon had 28 sacks in his first two seasons with
the Patriots before having four in four games last year when he was
limited by injuries. Judon became available because of a contract
dispute. He has a base salary of $6.5 million this season and is
seeking a new deal. The Falcons needed a pass rusher to bolster a
defense that hasn’t had a player with double-digit sacks since Vic
Beasley had 15 1/2 in 2016.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) —
Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the
season after undergoing surgery on his right knee. McCarthy had an
operation on Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus suffered at some
point during his preseason debut last weekend against Las Vegas. The
former Michigan standout had a solid training camp and had been
expected to back up starter Sam Darnold. Vikings coach Kevin
O’Connell delivered the news on McCarthy shortly after the team
arrived for two days of joint practices with the Browns. McCarthy was
the 10th overall pick in the NFL draft after helping the Wolverines
to a national title.

UNDATED (AP) — At
least one true freshman has made the Associated Press All-America
team seven of the last eight seasons. The trend continued last year
with Alabama safety Caleb Downs making the second team while Purdue
safety Dillon Thieneman made the third team. Downs has since
transferred to Ohio State. The freshmen who figure to make the
biggest impact this season will be catching passes rather than
defending them. Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith heads a list of talented
freshman wideouts.

CORAL GABLES, Fla.
(AP) — New Miami quarterback Cam Ward is a legitimate Heisman
Trophy candidate who transferred in from Washington State after
flirting with the NFL this past spring. He's already the ACC's
preseason player of the year. And he hasn't thrown a pass yet for
Miami, but it’s already his team. He threw for 311 yards per game
last season and in his four college seasons he’s piled up 13,876
yards and 119 touchdowns. The only quarterback in college football
entering this season, at any level, with more career yards is Oregon
transfer Dillon Gabriel, who has 14,865.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)
— Scottie Scheffler starts the final leg of his remarkable year in
the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs. But it's really not about three
postseason tournaments for someone like Scheffler. For the No. 1
player in the world, it's all about the Tour Championship. Scheffler
says the FedEx Cup and the $25 million bonus is not a season-long
race because it really comes down to the last week. But he
understands those are the rules. The postseason starts with the FedEx
St. Jude Championship for the top 70 players. The key is to be among
the top 50 who advance to next week's second playoff event.

NASCAR has ruled
that Austin Dillon’s win at Richmond Raceway will not count toward
eligibility for the Cup Series playoffs. Dillon will keep credit for
his first victory of the season but his playoff eligibility was
revoked Wednesday because of “actions detrimental to stock car auto
racing or NASCAR as determined in the sole discretion of NASCAR.”
Desperate to win for the first time in nearly two years, Dillon sent
NASCAR champions Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano into the wall in rapid
succession on the final lap to clear a path toward victory.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)
— The PGA Tour has released its 2025 schedule and it looks a lot
like this year's schedule. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan says its
fair to assume there won't be any involvement with Saudi-funded LIV
Golf until at least 2026 or beyond. He says negotiations are ongoing
for an investment deal with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi
Arabia. The only change to next year's schedule is putting the
Memorial and Canadian Open back to their original spots. The Memorial
this year was a week before the U.S. Open. Now the Canadian Open will
precede the U.S. Open.

Final	N.Y.
Yankees	10	Chicago White Sox	2	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Bobby Witt Jr. homered on a pitch outside the strike zone for the
fourth time this season and Paul DeJong finished a triple short of
the cycle, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins
4-1 to avoid a series sweep. Witt homered into the left-center
bullpen on a shoulder-high, full-count fastball from Louie Varland in
the third inning, putting the Royals ahead 2-0 with his 24th home run
this season. The pitch was 4.07 feet above the ground, the highest
hit by a Kansas City player for a home run since pitch tracking
started in 2008, according to MLB Statcast.CINCINNATI (AP) —
TJ Friedl homered twice on his 29th birthday, Jonathan India also hit
two home runs and drove in four runs and the Cincinnati Reds
completed a three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals with a 9-2
victory Wednesday night. Friedl and Barry Larkin — on April 28,
1994 — are the only Reds since at least 1901 with multihomer games
on their birthday. Tyler Stephenson also homered to help the Reds
sweep a three-game series for the first time since July 2-4 at the
Yankees. The Reds have won their fourth straight — the first time
that’s happened since they strung together seven in a row in early
June — and moved into a tie with St. Louis for second place in the
NL Central.CHICAGO (AP) — New
York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hit his 300th homer, reaching that
milestone faster than any other player when he connected against the
Chicago White Sox during a 10-2 victory. Judge hit that mark in his
955th game and 3,431st at-bat with a three-run drive in the eighth
inning.. The six-time All-Star and 2022 American League MVP drove a
3-0 up-and-in sinker Chad Kuhl into the White Sox bullpen in left for
his major league-leading 43rd homer. Ralph Kiner reached 300 homers
in his 1,087th game, and Babe Ruth did in his 3,831st at-bat.SANTA CLARA, Calif.
(AP) — Star receiver Brandon Aiyuk was back out at San Francisco
49ers practice as a spectator as his contract hold in enters a fourth
week still in search of a resolution. Aiyuk had mostly stayed off the
field the past two weeks after making waves with his boisterous
handshakes with general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan
two weeks ago. Aiyuk skipped the entire offseason program and hasn’t
practiced yet in training camp as he seeks either a long-term
contract with San Francisco or a trade to a team that can agree with
the receiver on a new deal and give the 49ers enough compensation to
part with him.UNDATED (AP) — A
person with knowledge of the deal tells the AP that the New England
Patriots have traded four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matthew Judon to
the Atlanta Falcons for a third-round draft pick. The person spoke on
condition of anonymity Wednesday because the teams haven’t
announced the trade. Judon had 28 sacks in his first two seasons with
the Patriots before having four in four games last year when he was
limited by injuries. Judon became available because of a contract
dispute. He has a base salary of $6.5 million this season and is
seeking a new deal. The Falcons needed a pass rusher to bolster a
defense that hasn’t had a player with double-digit sacks since Vic
Beasley had 15 1/2 in 2016.BEREA, Ohio (AP) —
Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the
season after undergoing surgery on his right knee. McCarthy had an
operation on Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus suffered at some
point during his preseason debut last weekend against Las Vegas. The
former Michigan standout had a solid training camp and had been
expected to back up starter Sam Darnold. Vikings coach Kevin
O’Connell delivered the news on McCarthy shortly after the team
arrived for two days of joint practices with the Browns. McCarthy was
the 10th overall pick in the NFL draft after helping the Wolverines
to a national title.UNDATED (AP) — At
least one true freshman has made the Associated Press All-America
team seven of the last eight seasons. The trend continued last year
with Alabama safety Caleb Downs making the second team while Purdue
safety Dillon Thieneman made the third team. Downs has since
transferred to Ohio State. The freshmen who figure to make the
biggest impact this season will be catching passes rather than
defending them. Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith heads a list of talented
freshman wideouts.CORAL GABLES, Fla.
(AP) — New Miami quarterback Cam Ward is a legitimate Heisman
Trophy candidate who transferred in from Washington State after
flirting with the NFL this past spring. He's already the ACC's
preseason player of the year. And he hasn't thrown a pass yet for
Miami, but it’s already his team. He threw for 311 yards per game
last season and in his four college seasons he’s piled up 13,876
yards and 119 touchdowns. The only quarterback in college football
entering this season, at any level, with more career yards is Oregon
transfer Dillon Gabriel, who has 14,865.MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)
— Scottie Scheffler starts the final leg of his remarkable year in
the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs. But it's really not about three
postseason tournaments for someone like Scheffler. For the No. 1
player in the world, it's all about the Tour Championship. Scheffler
says the FedEx Cup and the $25 million bonus is not a season-long
race because it really comes down to the last week. But he
understands those are the rules. The postseason starts with the FedEx
St. Jude Championship for the top 70 players. The key is to be among
the top 50 who advance to next week's second playoff event.NASCAR has ruled
that Austin Dillon’s win at Richmond Raceway will not count toward
eligibility for the Cup Series playoffs. Dillon will keep credit for
his first victory of the season but his playoff eligibility was
revoked Wednesday because of “actions detrimental to stock car auto
racing or NASCAR as determined in the sole discretion of NASCAR.”
Desperate to win for the first time in nearly two years, Dillon sent
NASCAR champions Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano into the wall in rapid
succession on the final lap to clear a path toward victory.MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)
— The PGA Tour has released its 2025 schedule and it looks a lot
like this year's schedule. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan says its
fair to assume there won't be any involvement with Saudi-funded LIV
Golf until at least 2026 or beyond. He says negotiations are ongoing
for an investment deal with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi
Arabia. The only change to next year's schedule is putting the
Memorial and Canadian Open back to their original spots. The Memorial
this year was a week before the U.S. Open. Now the Canadian Open will
precede the U.S. Open.WEDNESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	4	Washington	1	Final	Cleveland	6	Chicago
Cubs	1	Final	N.Y.
Mets	9	Oakland	1	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Kansas
City	4	Minnesota	1	Final	Texas	9	Boston	7	Final	Detroit	3	Seattle	2	Final	Houston	2	Tampa
Bay	1	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	10	Chicago White Sox	2	Final	Toronto	9	L.A.
Angels	2	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	San
Diego	8	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Arizona	11	Colorado	4	Final	Cincinnati	9	St.
Louis	2	Final	Philadelphia	9	Miami	5	Final	Milwaukee	5	L.A.
Dodgers	4

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered on a pitch outside the strike zone for the fourth time this season and Paul DeJong finished a triple short of the cycle, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1 Wednesday to avoid a series sweep.

Witt homered into the left-center bullpen on a shoulder-high, full-count fastball from Louie Varland (0-5) in the third inning, putting the Royals ahead 2-0 with his 24th home run this season. The pitch was 4.07 feet above the ground, the highest hit by a Kansas City player for a home run since pitch tracking started in 2008, according to MLB Statcast.

“When you're on time, you can do a lot of good things," Witt said when asked how he hit Varland’s 96.8 mph offering. "So just trying to be on time with the pitch and just let things happen.”

Witt leads the major leagues with a .349 average.

“I did not think he would get a piece of that well enough to get it over the fence, but it is what it is,” Varland said.

DeJong doubled in the second inning and scored on Kyle Isbel's groundout, singled in the fourth and homered in the sixth. DeJong reached 20 homers for the first time since hitting a career-high 30 for St. Louis in 2019, when he was an All-Star.

Several of DeJong's family members, including his grandparents and a great uncle, made the three-hour drive from northern Wisconsin for the first two games of the series. When DeJong learned he'd be starting Wednesday's game after sitting out Monday and Tuesday, they decided to stay an extra day.

“I was aware I needed a triple, but with my speed at this stage in the season, it was going to have to be a miracle,” said DeJong, who walked in his final plate appearance. “I just realize that I’m thankful and blessed to be here on this team, and with every opportunity I get, I’m ready to make the most of it.”

Cole Ragans (10-7) struck out eight and walked none in seven innings, allowing one run and five hits. He has won three straight starts for the first time as a major leaguer.

Mixing 20 changeups, 12 knuckle-curves, 11 sliders and nine cutters with 54 fastballs that averaged 95.3 mph, the All-Star retired 13 of his first 15 batters and his final six. He gave up Carlos Santana's fourth-inning homer on a changeup, then stranded the bases loaded in the fifth when Royce Lewis grounded out.

“Got some quick outs there." Ragans said.

Lucas Erceg induced two groundouts and a popup in a 13-pitch outing for his fifth save in eight chances.

Kansas City (66-55) is in position for the third AL wild card berth while the Twins (67-53) are on track for the second wild card spot.

“We have a special group,” Witt said, “ and we’re still just getting better and better each and every day, I believe. I feel like the best is yet to come.”

The Royals are 3-7 against the Twins this season and 14-28 against Minnesota since 2022.

“We clearly came in here to try to win a series. We didn’t do that," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "But you take the next-best alternative and move on."

Varland gave up three runs and eight hits in six innings, remaining winless since Sept. 12, 2023. He was recalled from St. Paul by the Twins, who optioned right-hander Josh Winder to the Triple-A club.

“It felt great," Varland said. "Aside from the two home runs, one walk, I thought I kept the team in the game.

Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI double in the seventh on a 100.3 mph pitch from Jhoan Duran.

Royals: INF Michael Massey (back tightness) didn't play.

Twins: Manager Rocco Baldelli said OF Byron Buxton will likely remain out of the lineup “not a long while, but a little while.” Buxton exited Monday's game with right hip discomfort, but an MRI test did not show a significant issue.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-6, 3.79 ERA) is set to open Kansas City's three-game series in Cincinnati against Reds RHP Nick Martinez (6-5, 3.16) on Friday.

Twins: RHP Bailey Ober (12-5, 3.52 ERA) is to be on the mound on Thursday night at Texas, which starts LHP Cody Bradford (4-0, 3.60).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723714171876.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr., right, celebrates his solo home run with Vinnie Pasquantino, left, during the third inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr., right, celebrates his solo home run with Vinnie Pasquantino, left, during the third inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered on a pitch outside the strike zone for the fourth time this season and Paul DeJong finished a triple short of the cycle, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1 Wednesday to avoid a series sweep.Witt homered into the left-center bullpen on a shoulder-high, full-count fastball from Louie Varland (0-5) in the third inning, putting the Royals ahead 2-0 with his 24th home run this season. The pitch was 4.07 feet above the ground, the highest hit by a Kansas City player for a home run since pitch tracking started in 2008, according to MLB Statcast.“When you're on time, you can do a lot of good things," Witt said when asked how he hit Varland’s 96.8 mph offering. "So just trying to be on time with the pitch and just let things happen.”Witt leads the major leagues with a .349 average.“I did not think he would get a piece of that well enough to get it over the fence, but it is what it is,” Varland said.DeJong doubled in the second inning and scored on Kyle Isbel's groundout, singled in the fourth and homered in the sixth. DeJong reached 20 homers for the first time since hitting a career-high 30 for St. Louis in 2019, when he was an All-Star.Several of DeJong's family members, including his grandparents and a great uncle, made the three-hour drive from northern Wisconsin for the first two games of the series. When DeJong learned he'd be starting Wednesday's game after sitting out Monday and Tuesday, they decided to stay an extra day.“I was aware I needed a triple, but with my speed at this stage in the season, it was going to have to be a miracle,” said DeJong, who walked in his final plate appearance. “I just realize that I’m thankful and blessed to be here on this team, and with every opportunity I get, I’m ready to make the most of it.”Cole Ragans (10-7) struck out eight and walked none in seven innings, allowing one run and five hits. He has won three straight starts for the first time as a major leaguer.Mixing 20 changeups, 12 knuckle-curves, 11 sliders and nine cutters with 54 fastballs that averaged 95.3 mph, the All-Star retired 13 of his first 15 batters and his final six. He gave up Carlos Santana's fourth-inning homer on a changeup, then stranded the bases loaded in the fifth when Royce Lewis grounded out.“Got some quick outs there." Ragans said.Lucas Erceg induced two groundouts and a popup in a 13-pitch outing for his fifth save in eight chances.Kansas City (66-55) is in position for the third AL wild card berth while the Twins (67-53) are on track for the second wild card spot.“We have a special group,” Witt said, “ and we’re still just getting better and better each and every day, I believe. I feel like the best is yet to come.”The Royals are 3-7 against the Twins this season and 14-28 against Minnesota since 2022.“We clearly came in here to try to win a series. We didn’t do that," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "But you take the next-best alternative and move on."Varland gave up three runs and eight hits in six innings, remaining winless since Sept. 12, 2023. He was recalled from St. Paul by the Twins, who optioned right-hander Josh Winder to the Triple-A club.“It felt great," Varland said. "Aside from the two home runs, one walk, I thought I kept the team in the game.Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI double in the seventh on a 100.3 mph pitch from Jhoan Duran.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: INF Michael Massey (back tightness) didn't play.Twins: Manager Rocco Baldelli said OF Byron Buxton will likely remain out of the lineup “not a long while, but a little while.” Buxton exited Monday's game with right hip discomfort, but an MRI test did not show a significant issue.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-6, 3.79 ERA) is set to open Kansas City's three-game series in Cincinnati against Reds RHP Nick Martinez (6-5, 3.16) on Friday.Twins: RHP Bailey Ober (12-5, 3.52 ERA) is to be on the mound on Thursday night at Texas, which starts LHP Cody Bradford (4-0, 3.60).

Witt homers on shoulder-high pitch, Royals beat Twins 4-1 to avoid sweep

&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;met with members of the media for the first time during fall camp on Tuesday at the Vanier Family Football Complex. Here is the transcript of select Klanderman quotes courtesy of K-State Sports Information.

On if the guys are hitting the wall or going forward through fall camp..."Coach Klieman is pretty good at, 'We're not going to blitz them, blitz them, blitz them and then taper.' We've got a plan, we've got progression that him and Coach Tru (<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/trumain-carroll/2512">Trumain Carroll</a>) worked on throughout the summer. Rarely do we have consecutive really rugged practices. So, we might go with a really rough and tumble practice followed by maybe an easier day on their legs. We try to keep it that way and build them up that direction. We did that last fall too, and we felt they were fresh early in the year. We were able to keep them fresh throughout. So, I think the grind is more mental, and I think we're starting to get over that hurdle right now because of the installation. Day one, two, three are usually pretty easy, but then you get into four, five and six, and you start losing a few mentally; seven, eight, nine it really piles on guys and only the strong survive. We're over that hurdle now, and we're starting to get on the backside of that, and guys are starting to catch back up to the install a little bit and concepts starting to click. So, we're starting to look a little faster out there.

"On if this is the deepest defense since he's been here…"I would say so. That's hard to say because I haven't seen some of those guys that we're counting on in games yet, but ability-wise, there's no question about."On what has impressed him most about the defense…"I think we're playing with more speed now. We were playing fast, I thought, the first few days. When I sat back and looked, especially when you looked at the secondary, those guys are playing fast, and I think it's gotten even better. There hasn't been anybody taking their foot off the gas. I think these guys are really driven. I kind of felt that throughout the spring and the summer, but you don't really know until they show it to you with their actions. I think that's one action that shows me that we have a really mature group. We come every day. We practice our butts off.

"On going against the K-State offense in practice…"Yeah, talent-wise, they're good, but the other thing that I always appreciate about our offense is the variety of things we see. We're going to see RPO game, we're going to see quarterback run game, we're going to see downhill run game, we're going to see I-backs, we're going to see 13 personnel, we're going to see spread pass game. We've got everything going on, and our guys are managing it. So, not only do we have to handle our installation, but then we have to manage it against all the different complexities. It would be one thing if we got 11 personnel and threw it all over the place. I think guys can handle that pretty easily. But, when you're in unbalanced and you're in all the different things that we do, it tests your rules and principles and makes sure that you know. I think that's really helping our players defensively.

"On who would be considered the quarterback of the defense…"Boy, I'd say we're a, what do they call that? A dual quarterback system? I really would. The easy answer is&nbsp;Austin Moore, and I think if you asked, he's kind of an unquestioned leader. He has everybody's ear and everybody's respect because of all the things he's been through, because of how steady he is every day, because of how humble he is in the things that he does with all of what he's done. So, he's certainly a leader, but as far as who's out there talking, we've seen an emergence of, in the corner room,&nbsp;Jacob Parrish,&nbsp;Keenan Garber. You haven't heard those guys in the past, and they're there. They're loud.&nbsp;Marques Sigle.&nbsp;Jordan Riley&nbsp;is good communicator. VJ (Payne) is an excellent communicator. We actually did a walkthrough yesterday because I wanted to impress on the young guys. It was kind of a weird (thing). We took five minutes and did this. I wanted to impress on the young guys just how much those guys communicate. So, we had the young guys stand around, and I put out some offensive formations and gave our starters some calls, and just a presnap communication that was going on with those guys was electric. It was awesome, and it was a great lesson for some of those younger guys, the guys that are going to come up and be really good players, for those guys that hear what's really going on up there. It's more than just lining up and knowing what your keys are. It's helping everybody else out with what you might see through your presnap process. So, it's the quarterback by committee.

"On how K-State recruits good safeties out of the portal…"Well, maybe it's my good looks, I don't know. I really vibe well with guys that love football. I don't vibe that well with guys that are just all about the flash of being in the portal. So, what we've done is we've found kids that maybe aren't the highest-profile names out there. They jump in the portal and maybe there's not 70 schools that are recruiting (them), but we're finding kids that really love the game, and we're finding guys that want to get better, finding guys that want to get developed, that, for whatever reason, have hit a wall where they're at. Jordan (Riley) is that. Jordan loves football. He loves practice, he loves meetings, he loves learning, and Marques (Sigle) is the same way. We've just hit home runs with those guys. Josh Hayes, you're right, we've had a good strength – Drake Cheatham, you can go on down the line, Cincere (Mason). You don't even have to stop me. I think it's just that, with my experience and with Coach Klieman's experience, we can find out who those guys really are, and then we walk away from the guys that aren't like that like poison. We've done that too, and we've seen those guys too, and fortunately, we've landed on the right guys."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723659371877.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Defensive Coordinator Joe Klanderman" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Defensive Coordinator Joe Klanderman</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;met with members of the media for the first time during fall camp on Tuesday at the Vanier Family Football Complex. Here is the transcript of select Klanderman quotes courtesy of K-State Sports Information.On if the guys are hitting the wall or going forward through fall camp..."Coach Klieman is pretty good at, 'We're not going to blitz them, blitz them, blitz them and then taper.' We've got a plan, we've got progression that him and Coach Tru (<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/trumain-carroll/2512">Trumain Carroll</a>) worked on throughout the summer. Rarely do we have consecutive really rugged practices. So, we might go with a really rough and tumble practice followed by maybe an easier day on their legs. We try to keep it that way and build them up that direction. We did that last fall too, and we felt they were fresh early in the year. We were able to keep them fresh throughout. So, I think the grind is more mental, and I think we're starting to get over that hurdle right now because of the installation. Day one, two, three are usually pretty easy, but then you get into four, five and six, and you start losing a few mentally; seven, eight, nine it really piles on guys and only the strong survive. We're over that hurdle now, and we're starting to get on the backside of that, and guys are starting to catch back up to the install a little bit and concepts starting to click. So, we're starting to look a little faster out there."On if this is the deepest defense since he's been here…"I would say so. That's hard to say because I haven't seen some of those guys that we're counting on in games yet, but ability-wise, there's no question about."On what has impressed him most about the defense…"I think we're playing with more speed now. We were playing fast, I thought, the first few days. When I sat back and looked, especially when you looked at the secondary, those guys are playing fast, and I think it's gotten even better. There hasn't been anybody taking their foot off the gas. I think these guys are really driven. I kind of felt that throughout the spring and the summer, but you don't really know until they show it to you with their actions. I think that's one action that shows me that we have a really mature group. We come every day. We practice our butts off."On going against the K-State offense in practice…"Yeah, talent-wise, they're good, but the other thing that I always appreciate about our offense is the variety of things we see. We're going to see RPO game, we're going to see quarterback run game, we're going to see downhill run game, we're going to see I-backs, we're going to see 13 personnel, we're going to see spread pass game. We've got everything going on, and our guys are managing it. So, not only do we have to handle our installation, but then we have to manage it against all the different complexities. It would be one thing if we got 11 personnel and threw it all over the place. I think guys can handle that pretty easily. But, when you're in unbalanced and you're in all the different things that we do, it tests your rules and principles and makes sure that you know. I think that's really helping our players defensively."On who would be considered the quarterback of the defense…"Boy, I'd say we're a, what do they call that? A dual quarterback system? I really would. The easy answer is&nbsp;Austin Moore, and I think if you asked, he's kind of an unquestioned leader. He has everybody's ear and everybody's respect because of all the things he's been through, because of how steady he is every day, because of how humble he is in the things that he does with all of what he's done. So, he's certainly a leader, but as far as who's out there talking, we've seen an emergence of, in the corner room,&nbsp;Jacob Parrish,&nbsp;Keenan Garber. You haven't heard those guys in the past, and they're there. They're loud.&nbsp;Marques Sigle.&nbsp;Jordan Riley&nbsp;is good communicator. VJ (Payne) is an excellent communicator. We actually did a walkthrough yesterday because I wanted to impress on the young guys. It was kind of a weird (thing). We took five minutes and did this. I wanted to impress on the young guys just how much those guys communicate. So, we had the young guys stand around, and I put out some offensive formations and gave our starters some calls, and just a presnap communication that was going on with those guys was electric. It was awesome, and it was a great lesson for some of those younger guys, the guys that are going to come up and be really good players, for those guys that hear what's really going on up there. It's more than just lining up and knowing what your keys are. It's helping everybody else out with what you might see through your presnap process. So, it's the quarterback by committee."On how K-State recruits good safeties out of the portal…"Well, maybe it's my good looks, I don't know. I really vibe well with guys that love football. I don't vibe that well with guys that are just all about the flash of being in the portal. So, what we've done is we've found kids that maybe aren't the highest-profile names out there. They jump in the portal and maybe there's not 70 schools that are recruiting (them), but we're finding kids that really love the game, and we're finding guys that want to get better, finding guys that want to get developed, that, for whatever reason, have hit a wall where they're at. Jordan (Riley) is that. Jordan loves football. He loves practice, he loves meetings, he loves learning, and Marques (Sigle) is the same way. We've just hit home runs with those guys. Josh Hayes, you're right, we've had a good strength – Drake Cheatham, you can go on down the line, Cincere (Mason). You don't even have to stop me. I think it's just that, with my experience and with Coach Klieman's experience, we can find out who those guys really are, and then we walk away from the guys that aren't like that like poison. We've done that too, and we've seen those guys too, and fortunately, we've landed on the right guys."&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State’s Defense Meets the Media on Tuesday

24 Schedule - All games at 7:00 p.m. unless noted. Home game in bold and caps Aug. 30 6:00&nbsp; Football Jamboree at Memorial Stadium

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723658653851.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Head Coach: Erin Beck Assistant Coaches: Jeff Lutt, Matt Barton, Jayce Brack, Kyle Kriegh, Bill Maddy, Brandon Wells, Bryce Wells, Brock Blessing, Alex Birney Athletic Trainer: Cole Gormley" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Head Coach: Erin Beck Assistant Coaches: Jeff Lutt, Matt Barton, Jayce Brack, Kyle Kriegh, Bill Maddy, Brandon Wells, Bryce Wells, Brock Blessing, Alex Birney Athletic Trainer: Cole Gormley</figcaption>
 </figure>24 Schedule - All games at 7:00 p.m. unless noted. Home game in bold and caps Aug. 30 6:00&nbsp; Football Jamboree at Memorial StadiumSept. 6&nbsp; @ McPhersonSept. 13&nbsp; OLATHE SOUTHSept. 20&nbsp; BUHLERSept. 27&nbsp; WICHITA NORTHOct. 4&nbsp; @ Dodge CityOct. 11&nbsp; @ LiberalOct. 18&nbsp; HAYSOct. 25&nbsp; @ Garden CityNov. 1&nbsp; 1st Round 5A Playoffs - TBA

2024 Great Bend Panther Football Schedule

WACO, Texas – Fort Hays State received votes in the preseason release of the AFCA Division II Top 25 Poll, released on Monday. The MIAA has three teams ranked among the Top 25, including two in the Top 10, and FHSU joins Emporia State among the receiving votes list to give the MIAA five teams referenced in the first release of the poll.

The Tigers will take on a nationally ranked opponent in their season opener on August 29 in Hays, facing No. 24 ranked Angelo State. The Rams finished last year at 7-3 overall and were in the NCAA Division II playoffs in both 2021 and 2022. The Thursday night kickoff is set to begin at 7 p.m.

Representing the MIAA in the Top 10 are 2023 conference co-champions Central Missouri and Pittsburg State. Central Missouri will begin the 2024 season ranked No. 2 in the nation, led by 2023 D2CCA Offensive Player of the Year and Harlon Hill Trophy Award winner Zach Zebrowski. Pittsburg State is tabbed No. 6 in the preseason poll. Both teams finished at 11-2 overall after going 10-1 in the regular season. Northwest Missouri State gives the MIAA three teams inside the Top 25, ranked No. 22 in the poll coming off a 7-4 season in 2023.

Emporia State and Fort Hays State are among the receiving votes section. The Hornets received 18 votes and the Tigers received six. ESU finished 9-3 overall in 2023, winner of the Corsicana Bowl in Texas. FHSU finished at 7-4 overall in 2023.Fort Hays State has been in the receiving votes section of the AFCA Top 25 Poll three out of the last four seasons, going back to 2019 (no season in 2020). The last time the Tigers were ranked in the Top 25 of the AFCA poll was during the 2019 season on September 9, when they were tabbed No. 25. They started at No. 8 in the poll that season.

The Tigers play in Super Region 3, which opens the year with five of the top six teams in the country including defending national champion Harding. Colorado School of Mines at No. 5 is the only school that breaks the group up. The Orediggers fell to Harding in the 2023 Division II national title game.

Below is the 2024 AFCA Preseason Top 25 Poll.

Rank - School - Record - Pts. - Rank*

3. Ferris St. (Mich.) (1)  - 8-3 - 590 - 9

4. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) (1)  - 11-2 - 566 - 3

5. Colorado School of Mines  - 14-1 - 564 - 2

11. Slippery Rock (Pa.) - 12-2 - 384 - 10

19. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) - 9-2 - 209 - NR

22. Northwest Missouri St. - 7-4 - 167 - NR

Others Receiving Votes: Benedict (S.C.), 64; Henderson St. (Ark.), 56; Virginia St., 54; Tiffin (Ohio), 34; Southern Arkansas, 24; Ashland (Ohio), 21; Davenport (Mich.), 21; Wingate (N.C.), 20; Emporia St. (Kan.), 18; Colorado St.-Pueblo, 17; Albany St. (Ga.), 15; Findlay (Ohio), 14; Texas A&amp;M-Kingsville, 12; California (Pa.), 11; Oklahoma Baptist, 11; Shepherd (W.Va.), 8; New Haven (Conn.), 7; Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 6; Wayne St. (Neb.), 3; East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 2; Truman St. (Mo.), 2; Fort Valley St. (Ga.), 1; Indiana (Pa.), 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723658168172.png" alt="&nbsp;FHSU Athletics photo/Jaxson Webb" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FHSU Athletics photo/Jaxson Webb</figcaption>
 </figure>WACO, Texas – Fort Hays State received votes in the preseason release of the AFCA Division II Top 25 Poll, released on Monday. The MIAA has three teams ranked among the Top 25, including two in the Top 10, and FHSU joins Emporia State among the receiving votes list to give the MIAA five teams referenced in the first release of the poll.The Tigers will take on a nationally ranked opponent in their season opener on August 29 in Hays, facing No. 24 ranked Angelo State. The Rams finished last year at 7-3 overall and were in the NCAA Division II playoffs in both 2021 and 2022. The Thursday night kickoff is set to begin at 7 p.m.Representing the MIAA in the Top 10 are 2023 conference co-champions Central Missouri and Pittsburg State. Central Missouri will begin the 2024 season ranked No. 2 in the nation, led by 2023 D2CCA Offensive Player of the Year and Harlon Hill Trophy Award winner Zach Zebrowski. Pittsburg State is tabbed No. 6 in the preseason poll. Both teams finished at 11-2 overall after going 10-1 in the regular season. Northwest Missouri State gives the MIAA three teams inside the Top 25, ranked No. 22 in the poll coming off a 7-4 season in 2023.Emporia State and Fort Hays State are among the receiving votes section. The Hornets received 18 votes and the Tigers received six. ESU finished 9-3 overall in 2023, winner of the Corsicana Bowl in Texas. FHSU finished at 7-4 overall in 2023.Fort Hays State has been in the receiving votes section of the AFCA Top 25 Poll three out of the last four seasons, going back to 2019 (no season in 2020). The last time the Tigers were ranked in the Top 25 of the AFCA poll was during the 2019 season on September 9, when they were tabbed No. 25. They started at No. 8 in the poll that season.The Tigers play in Super Region 3, which opens the year with five of the top six teams in the country including defending national champion Harding. Colorado School of Mines at No. 5 is the only school that breaks the group up. The Orediggers fell to Harding in the 2023 Division II national title game.Below is the 2024 AFCA Preseason Top 25 Poll.Rank - School - Record - Pts. - Rank*1. Harding (Ark.) (25) - 15-0 - 672 - 12. Central Missouri - 11-2 - 620 - 63. Ferris St. (Mich.) (1) - 8-3 - 590 - 94. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) (1) - 11-2 - 566 - 35. Colorado School of Mines - 14-1 - 564 - 26. Pittsburg St. (Kan.) - 11-2 - 540 - 57. Valdosta St. (Ga.) - 12-2 - 516 - 88. Central Washington - 9-4 - 418 - 179. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) - 13-2 - 416 - 410.Kutztown (Pa.) - 12-3 - 413 - 711. Slippery Rock (Pa.) - 12-2 - 384 - 1012. West Florida - 8-4 - 330 - 2313. Minnesota St. - 9-3 - 232 - 2114. Augustana (S.D.) - 11-2 - 231 - 1315. Western Colorado - 10-2 - 230 - 1516. Indianapolis (Ind.) - 9-2 - 216 - 2217. Minnesota Duluth - 9-2 - 214 - 2518. Delta St. (Miss.) - 10-2 - 212 - 1119. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) - 9-2 - 209 - NR20. Virginia Union - 10-2 - 183 - 2021.Texas-Permian Basin - 10-2 - 169 - 1822. Northwest Missouri St. - 7-4 - 167 - NR23. Charleston (W.Va.) - 10-2 - 102 - 1924. Angelo St. (Tex.) - 7-3 - 89 - NR25. Bemidji St. (Minn.) - 9-3 - 70 - 16Others Receiving Votes: Benedict (S.C.), 64; Henderson St. (Ark.), 56; Virginia St., 54; Tiffin (Ohio), 34; Southern Arkansas, 24; Ashland (Ohio), 21; Davenport (Mich.), 21; Wingate (N.C.), 20; Emporia St. (Kan.), 18; Colorado St.-Pueblo, 17; Albany St. (Ga.), 15; Findlay (Ohio), 14; Texas A&amp;M-Kingsville, 12; California (Pa.), 11; Oklahoma Baptist, 11; Shepherd (W.Va.), 8; New Haven (Conn.), 7; Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 6; Wayne St. (Neb.), 3; East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 2; Truman St. (Mo.), 2; Fort Valley St. (Ga.), 1; Indiana (Pa.), 1.

Tigers receive votes in AFCA Preseason Top 25 Poll

By JOHN ZENOR AP Sports Writer

Goodbye, Nick Saban. Hello, Oklahoma and Texas.

For the first time in 17 years, Alabama's iconic coach won't be prowling the sidelines in the Southeastern Conference. With one longtime juggernaut headed to an ESPN gig and semi-retirement, two others enter the fray.

The Sooners and Longhorns join the powerhouse league three years after annoucing their departure from the Big 12 and they will not have to face Saban, who won six of his major college record seven national championships with the Crimson Tide.

“I think it’s a partnership of elite with elite,” Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said. “And, again, two programs that in the history of college football take a back seat to nobody. The SEC doesn’t take a back seat to anybody.”

A league that had captured four straight national titles — including two straight from Georgia — before Michigan won it all last season is now beefed up to 16 teams.

For all that, some things haven't changed: Kirby Smart and top-ranked Georgia are loaded with talent and regarded as the team to beat. Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns bring another current force into the mix with quarterback Quinn Ewers back after leading them to the College Football Playoff.

Kalen DeBoer takes over in Tuscaloosa after leading Washington to the national championship game. Saban is gone, but the talent at 'Bama isn't.

Mississippi and Missouri are also coming off 11-win seasons where both finished in the top 10. They return veteran quarterbacks — Ole Miss's Jaxson Dart and Missouri's Brady Cook — and enviable playmakers at wide receiver.

Carson Beck, QB, Georgia: Widely regarded as the Heisman Trophy front-runner going into the season, Beck led the SEC and ranked third nationally with 3,941 passing yards while completing 72.4% of his passes. Some of his top targets are gone, but the Bulldogs are loaded.

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri: One of college football's top receivers. Burden was a second-team Associated Press All-American after ranking in the top 10 nationally with 1,212 receiving yards, along with nine touchdowns and 86 catches.

Will Campbell, OL, LSU: The Tigers' tackle has started 26 games in his first two seasons and allowed only three sacks in 1,687 snaps — all in his freshman year. The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder anchors a line that was among three finalists for the Joe Moore Award.

Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas: Ewers gives the league another experienced, talented passer and a potential Heisman candidate. He has 22 starts under his belt with 5,656 passing yards and 37 passing touchdowns.

Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama: A big-play threat running and passing, Milroe overcame a rocky start to emerge as one of the SEC's top QBs. He even wound up sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

James Pearce Jr., LB, Tennessee: Emerged as a pass rushing force last season despite starting only three games. The 6-foot-5, 243-pounder tied for the SEC lead with 10 sacks and his 14-1/2 tackles for loss ranked second.

Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU: The 2022 first-team All-SEC pick has 26 tackles for loss and 13 sacks in 27 career games.

Malaki Starks, DB, Georgia: A star on the Bulldogs' loaded defense, Starks was a first-team AP All-American last season. He was also a finalist for two national awards.

Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma: The two-year starter returns for his senior season with 267 career tackles, 28 of them going for a loss.

There's no more compelling new face in college football than DeBoer, who has a gaudy 104-12 record in nine seasons as a head coach at various levels.

Mike Elko takes over at Texas A&amp;M after a stint at Duke. Former Oklahoma and Mississippi offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby is the new head man at Mississippi State.

New coordinators abound across the league, but none more intriguing than Bobby Petrino. He takes over Sam Pittman's offense at Arkansas, where he once reigned as head coach before getting fired in 2012 amid an off-field scandal.

Pittman's precarious job situation makes Petrino's presence potentially both more vital. The Razorbacks managed only one league win and went 4-8 last season.

Florida coach Billy Napier also may need to make significant strides after going 11-14 in his first two seasons. He faces a closing stretch against Georgia, Texas, LSU, Ole Miss and Florida State but did sign five-star quarterback DJ Lagway.

Vanderbilt's Clark Lea is taking over as his own defensive coordinator after going 0-8 in SEC games last season.

Aug. 31, Georgia vs. Clemson (Atlanta) Sep. 7, Texas at Michigan Sep. 21, Tennessee at Oklahoma Sep. 28, Georgia at Alabama Oct. 12, Texas vs. Oklahoma (Dallas) Oct. 19, Georgia at Texas Oct. 28, Missouri at Alabama Nov. 9, Georgia at Ole Miss Nov. 23, Alabama at Oklahoma Nov. 30, Texas at Texas A&amp;M, Auburn at Alabama, Florida at Florida State.

By JOHN ZENOR AP Sports WriterGoodbye, Nick Saban. Hello, Oklahoma and Texas.For the first time in 17 years, Alabama's iconic coach won't be prowling the sidelines in the Southeastern Conference. With one longtime juggernaut headed to an ESPN gig and semi-retirement, two others enter the fray.The Sooners and Longhorns join the powerhouse league three years after annoucing their departure from the Big 12 and they will not have to face Saban, who won six of his major college record seven national championships with the Crimson Tide.“I think it’s a partnership of elite with elite,” Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said. “And, again, two programs that in the history of college football take a back seat to nobody. The SEC doesn’t take a back seat to anybody.”A league that had captured four straight national titles — including two straight from Georgia — before Michigan won it all last season is now beefed up to 16 teams.For all that, some things haven't changed: Kirby Smart and top-ranked Georgia are loaded with talent and regarded as the team to beat. Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns bring another current force into the mix with quarterback Quinn Ewers back after leading them to the College Football Playoff.Kalen DeBoer takes over in Tuscaloosa after leading Washington to the national championship game. Saban is gone, but the talent at 'Bama isn't.Mississippi and Missouri are also coming off 11-win seasons where both finished in the top 10. They return veteran quarterbacks — Ole Miss's Jaxson Dart and Missouri's Brady Cook — and enviable playmakers at wide receiver.Top players to watchCarson Beck, QB, Georgia: Widely regarded as the Heisman Trophy front-runner going into the season, Beck led the SEC and ranked third nationally with 3,941 passing yards while completing 72.4% of his passes. Some of his top targets are gone, but the Bulldogs are loaded.Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri: One of college football's top receivers. Burden was a second-team Associated Press All-American after ranking in the top 10 nationally with 1,212 receiving yards, along with nine touchdowns and 86 catches.Will Campbell, OL, LSU: The Tigers' tackle has started 26 games in his first two seasons and allowed only three sacks in 1,687 snaps — all in his freshman year. The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder anchors a line that was among three finalists for the Joe Moore Award.Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas: Ewers gives the league another experienced, talented passer and a potential Heisman candidate. He has 22 starts under his belt with 5,656 passing yards and 37 passing touchdowns.Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama: A big-play threat running and passing, Milroe overcame a rocky start to emerge as one of the SEC's top QBs. He even wound up sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting.James Pearce Jr., LB, Tennessee: Emerged as a pass rushing force last season despite starting only three games. The 6-foot-5, 243-pounder tied for the SEC lead with 10 sacks and his 14-1/2 tackles for loss ranked second.Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU: The 2022 first-team All-SEC pick has 26 tackles for loss and 13 sacks in 27 career games.Malaki Starks, DB, Georgia: A star on the Bulldogs' loaded defense, Starks was a first-team AP All-American last season. He was also a finalist for two national awards.Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma: The two-year starter returns for his senior season with 267 career tackles, 28 of them going for a loss.New facesThere's no more compelling new face in college football than DeBoer, who has a gaudy 104-12 record in nine seasons as a head coach at various levels.Mike Elko takes over at Texas A&amp;M after a stint at Duke. Former Oklahoma and Mississippi offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby is the new head man at Mississippi State.New coordinators abound across the league, but none more intriguing than Bobby Petrino. He takes over Sam Pittman's offense at Arkansas, where he once reigned as head coach before getting fired in 2012 amid an off-field scandal.On the hot seatPittman's precarious job situation makes Petrino's presence potentially both more vital. The Razorbacks managed only one league win and went 4-8 last season.Florida coach Billy Napier also may need to make significant strides after going 11-14 in his first two seasons. He faces a closing stretch against Georgia, Texas, LSU, Ole Miss and Florida State but did sign five-star quarterback DJ Lagway.Vanderbilt's Clark Lea is taking over as his own defensive coordinator after going 0-8 in SEC games last season.Games to watchAug. 31, Georgia vs. Clemson (Atlanta) Sep. 7, Texas at Michigan Sep. 21, Tennessee at Oklahoma Sep. 28, Georgia at Alabama Oct. 12, Texas vs. Oklahoma (Dallas) Oct. 19, Georgia at Texas Oct. 28, Missouri at Alabama Nov. 9, Georgia at Ole Miss Nov. 23, Alabama at Oklahoma Nov. 30, Texas at Texas A&amp;M, Auburn at Alabama, Florida at Florida State.

Having bid farewell to Saban, SEC welcomes Oklahoma and Texas

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Indo

The 5th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team has been picked to finish second in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division I men's soccer preseason order of finish as voted on by the seven league coaches.

Picked to finish runner-up a season ago, the Cougars proved the pollsters wrong clinching their second straight and program's 12th league crown while making their sixth national tournament appearance.

Barton finished league play 9-1-2 with a five-point cushion before ultimately having the season end 18-4-4 overall in a bizarre mini-golden goal pool tournament to 2nd ranked Salt Lake Community College.

Defending Region 6/Plains District Champion 6th ranked Cowley College was tabbed to win the conference with Dodge City and Kansas City Kansas concluding the top four predictions.

Entering his third year at the helm, two-time KJCCC Coach of the Year Rafael Simmons led 10 Barton players to post-season honors a year ago including a pair of NJCAA All-America players.

Simmons and the Cougars bring back four of those postseason selections for the 2024 season highlighted by Loic Kanku's first-team nod. Kanku a season ago was an all-around player producing six goals, seven assists with 19 points in 24 games played.

Also returning from last year's post-season honors include forward Maxence Voinier an NJCAA All-Tournament team selection and a pair of defenseman Lucas Dos Santos and Diego Sano who played vital roles a year ago in helping the Cougars pitch nine shutouts.

Simmons will rely heavily on a talented 2024 freshman class that features 25 newcomers with just 11 returning off last season's national tournament team.

Barton has a pair of scrimmages beginning Wednesday night at Friends University in a 6:30 p.m. kickoff before concluding the exhibition portion Sunday morning hosting Pratt at 10:30 a.m.

The Cougars have a trio of non-conference classics, opening the campaign August 23rd-24th in Enid, Oklahoma, followed by their conference opener the 28th on the road at Dodge City with the home opener August 30th against Jefferson College and a day later September 1st against Trinidad State to close out the first of two home classics held this season.

Hosting their first home conference match against Coffeyville on September 4th, the Cougars will then head on the road for a pair of KJCCC tilts against KCK and conference favorite 6th ranked Cowley with a busy close to September hosting three straight against Garden City, Seward County and Dodge City.

Opening the month of October holding a midweek classic against 16th ranked Otero and 7th ranked Indian Hills on the 3rd, the Cougars will close the season with four of their final six matches on the road which features a pair of matches against top-ranked teams in a road trip up north to face former head coach Mike Brown's 14th ranked Reivers of Iowa Western on October 7th and hosting 6th ranked Cowley on October 19th.

Postseason play begins on November 2nd, in a hopeful first round hosting followed by the final two rounds taking place November 6th and 10th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723629088778.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports IndoThe 5th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team has been picked to finish second in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division I men's soccer preseason order of finish as voted on by the seven league coaches.Picked to finish runner-up a season ago, the Cougars proved the pollsters wrong clinching their second straight and program's 12th league crown while making their sixth national tournament appearance.Barton finished league play 9-1-2 with a five-point cushion before ultimately having the season end 18-4-4 overall in a bizarre mini-golden goal pool tournament to 2nd ranked Salt Lake Community College.Defending Region 6/Plains District Champion 6th ranked Cowley College was tabbed to win the conference with Dodge City and Kansas City Kansas concluding the top four predictions.Entering his third year at the helm, two-time KJCCC Coach of the Year Rafael Simmons led 10 Barton players to post-season honors a year ago including a pair of NJCAA All-America players.Simmons and the Cougars bring back four of those postseason selections for the 2024 season highlighted by Loic Kanku's first-team nod. Kanku a season ago was an all-around player producing six goals, seven assists with 19 points in 24 games played.Also returning from last year's post-season honors include forward Maxence Voinier an NJCAA All-Tournament team selection and a pair of defenseman Lucas Dos Santos and Diego Sano who played vital roles a year ago in helping the Cougars pitch nine shutouts.Simmons will rely heavily on a talented 2024 freshman class that features 25 newcomers with just 11 returning off last season's national tournament team.Barton has a pair of scrimmages beginning Wednesday night at Friends University in a 6:30 p.m. kickoff before concluding the exhibition portion Sunday morning hosting Pratt at 10:30 a.m.The Cougars have a trio of non-conference classics, opening the campaign August 23rd-24th in Enid, Oklahoma, followed by their conference opener the 28th on the road at Dodge City with the home opener August 30th against Jefferson College and a day later September 1st against Trinidad State to close out the first of two home classics held this season.Hosting their first home conference match against Coffeyville on September 4th, the Cougars will then head on the road for a pair of KJCCC tilts against KCK and conference favorite 6th ranked Cowley with a busy close to September hosting three straight against Garden City, Seward County and Dodge City.Opening the month of October holding a midweek classic against 16th ranked Otero and 7th ranked Indian Hills on the 3rd, the Cougars will close the season with four of their final six matches on the road which features a pair of matches against top-ranked teams in a road trip up north to face former head coach Mike Brown's 14th ranked Reivers of Iowa Western on October 7th and hosting 6th ranked Cowley on October 19th.Postseason play begins on November 2nd, in a hopeful first round hosting followed by the final two rounds taking place November 6th and 10th.

5th ranked Barton Men’s Soccer picked second in KJCCC preseason coaches' poll

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Zebby Matthews threw five crisp innings to win his major league debut for the Minnesota Twins, who hit Seth Lugo hard to hand the All-Star right-hander his worst start of the season and beat the Kansas City Royals 13-3 on Tuesday night.

Matthews (1-0) allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts, the latest and most meaningful feat for the 24-year-old right-hander who started the season in Class A. His first strikeout? None other than All-Star Bobby Witt Jr.

“The first strikeout definitely helped calm the nerves,” Matthews said.

Matt Wallner (three runs, two hits) and Jose Miranda (three hits, two RBIs) led the barrage against Lugo (13-7), and Max Kepler (three-run) and Kyle Farmer (two-run) hit homers off the bullpen. Christian Vázquez also homered for the Twins, who had eight of their 15 hits for extra bases in a rousing show of support for the rookie.

“You can go out there and you can attack the zone, just throw your best stuff, try to get guys out,” Matthews said. "It definitely helps a lot.”

Minnesota kept pace with AL Central leader Cleveland, still trailing by 3½ games. Kansas City fell six games back. The Twins (67-52) and Royals (65-55) control the second and third wild-card spots.

The first four batters reached against Lugo, the major league wins leader who endured by far the shortest of his 25 starts this year. Already trailing 5-2, he gave up three hits and a walk to start the fifth before being pulled. Lugo had logged at least six innings in all but four of his turns until this.

Lugo was charged with nine hits, a career-high-tying eight runs, two walks with four strikeouts. One run was unearned due to a throwing error on third baseman Maikel Garcia that put Miranda on and gave the Twins a fourth consecutive batter to reach base to start their first inning.

“This is a great lineup we have. Everybody puts in a great at-bat,” Vázquez said.

Wallner started the game with a leaping catch against the left field wall to steal a home run from Michael Massey, and Matthews didn't need much help after that.

The eighth-round 2022 draft pick out of Western Carolina induced a steady stream of routine groundballs and showed off his stellar control, dodging a solo home run by M.J. Melendez in the second and an RBI double by Massey in the fifth. In 102 combined innings over four levels this season, Matthews has just seven walks and 119 strikeouts.

“He’s got pretty good stuff. I think he’s going to be a pretty good pitcher in the big leagues,” said Royals catcher Salvador Perez, who hit his 22nd homer in the sixth.

The Twins just might wind up keeping Matthews in their rookie-laden rotation, with Joe Ryan and Chris Paddack sidelined.

“It’s definitely special, but you don’t quit working just because you made it here,” Matthews said. "There’s a lot of stuff to keep doing, keep improving on, so get back to work.”

The Twins have won 18 of their last 20 games against the Royals at Target Field, a stretch of dominance during which they’ve outscored them 123-56. The Twins are 7-2 against the Royals overall this year.

“They’re good,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They have a deep team. They have guys who can do a lot of different things.”

Twins CF Byron Buxton was held out of the lineup with a discomfort in his right hip that prompted his early removal from the game on Monday, but an MRI test came back clean.

Royals: LHP Cole Ragans (9-7, 3.27 ERA) will pitch on Wednesday afternoon. The opening day starter is sixth in MLB in strikeouts.

Twins: RHP Louie Varland (0-4, 6.46 ERA) was on track to start the final game of the series. He pitched 4 2/3 innings on Friday in the second half of a doubleheader sweep of Cleveland as the 27th player.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723628633213.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews throws to the Kansas City Royals in the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews throws to the Kansas City Royals in the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Zebby Matthews threw five crisp innings to win his major league debut for the Minnesota Twins, who hit Seth Lugo hard to hand the All-Star right-hander his worst start of the season and beat the Kansas City Royals 13-3 on Tuesday night.Matthews (1-0) allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts, the latest and most meaningful feat for the 24-year-old right-hander who started the season in Class A. His first strikeout? None other than All-Star Bobby Witt Jr.“The first strikeout definitely helped calm the nerves,” Matthews said.Matt Wallner (three runs, two hits) and Jose Miranda (three hits, two RBIs) led the barrage against Lugo (13-7), and Max Kepler (three-run) and Kyle Farmer (two-run) hit homers off the bullpen. Christian Vázquez also homered for the Twins, who had eight of their 15 hits for extra bases in a rousing show of support for the rookie.“You can go out there and you can attack the zone, just throw your best stuff, try to get guys out,” Matthews said. "It definitely helps a lot.”Minnesota kept pace with AL Central leader Cleveland, still trailing by 3½ games. Kansas City fell six games back. The Twins (67-52) and Royals (65-55) control the second and third wild-card spots.The first four batters reached against Lugo, the major league wins leader who endured by far the shortest of his 25 starts this year. Already trailing 5-2, he gave up three hits and a walk to start the fifth before being pulled. Lugo had logged at least six innings in all but four of his turns until this.Lugo was charged with nine hits, a career-high-tying eight runs, two walks with four strikeouts. One run was unearned due to a throwing error on third baseman Maikel Garcia that put Miranda on and gave the Twins a fourth consecutive batter to reach base to start their first inning.“This is a great lineup we have. Everybody puts in a great at-bat,” Vázquez said.Wallner started the game with a leaping catch against the left field wall to steal a home run from Michael Massey, and Matthews didn't need much help after that.The eighth-round 2022 draft pick out of Western Carolina induced a steady stream of routine groundballs and showed off his stellar control, dodging a solo home run by M.J. Melendez in the second and an RBI double by Massey in the fifth. In 102 combined innings over four levels this season, Matthews has just seven walks and 119 strikeouts.“He’s got pretty good stuff. I think he’s going to be a pretty good pitcher in the big leagues,” said Royals catcher Salvador Perez, who hit his 22nd homer in the sixth.The Twins just might wind up keeping Matthews in their rookie-laden rotation, with Joe Ryan and Chris Paddack sidelined.“It’s definitely special, but you don’t quit working just because you made it here,” Matthews said. "There’s a lot of stuff to keep doing, keep improving on, so get back to work.”The Twins have won 18 of their last 20 games against the Royals at Target Field, a stretch of dominance during which they’ve outscored them 123-56. The Twins are 7-2 against the Royals overall this year.“They’re good,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They have a deep team. They have guys who can do a lot of different things.”TRAINER'S ROOMTwins CF Byron Buxton was held out of the lineup with a discomfort in his right hip that prompted his early removal from the game on Monday, but an MRI test came back clean.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Cole Ragans (9-7, 3.27 ERA) will pitch on Wednesday afternoon. The opening day starter is sixth in MLB in strikeouts.Twins: RHP Louie Varland (0-4, 6.46 ERA) was on track to start the final game of the series. He pitched 4 2/3 innings on Friday in the second half of a doubleheader sweep of Cleveland as the 27th player.

Twins clobber Royals 13-3

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Zebby Matthews threw five crisp innings to win his major league debut
for the Minnesota Twins, who hit Seth Lugo hard to hand the All-Star
right-hander his worst start this season and beat the Kansas City
Royals 13-3. Matthews allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and
five strikeouts in the latest and most meaningful feat for the
24-year-old righty who started the season in Class A. The Twins had
three homers and eight extra-base hits among 15 hits. Jose Miranda
had three hits and two RBIs and Matt Wallner had three runs plus two
hits and a walk.

CINCINNATI (AP) —
Hunter Greene allowed one run through seven innings, Jeimer
Candelario hit a two-run homer and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St.
Louis Cardinals 4-1 to secure a win of the series between the NL
Central rivals. The hard-throwing Greene (9-4) allowed four hits
while striking out eight and walking one in notching his third
straight win. Spencer Steer had a two-out, RBI single in the first
inning. Ty France led off the second with a homer off the roof of the
Cardinals bullpen in right, his 11th of the season. Candelario
smashed his 19th homer with two outs in the sixth.

CHICAGO (AP) —
Juan Soto has hit three home runs in a game for the first time in his
career, connecting in three consecutive at-bats for the New York
Yankees against the Chicago White Sox. The slugger started his
outburst with a two-run shot to left field off starter Jonathan
Cannon in the third inning. Soto tagged Cannon for a solo drive in
the fifth, going the other way again. The four-time All-Star added
his 33rd homer of the season in the seventh off left-handed reliever
Fraser Ellard, pulling a drive to right that made it 4-0. With a
chance to match the major league record of four home runs in a game,
Soto walked in the ninth.

CHICAGO (AP) — New
York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. appears headed to the
injured list with a left elbow injury, manager Aaron Boone said
Tuesday. The 26-year-old Chisholm has a probable ulnar collateral
ligament injury and Boone said he will “likely” end up on the IL.
He said more physicians are evaluating the elbow and that the club
should have enough information to make a decision by Wednesday.
Chisholm was hurt on a headfirst dive scoring in the fifth. He left
during the seventh inning of Monday’s 12-2 loss to the White Sox
but downplayed the injury after the game.

CLEVELAND (AP) —
Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. has been
arrested and charged with domestic violence after a fight with his
fiancee. Police in Avon, Ohio, say Hall was booked and arraigned at
Avon Lake Municipal Court and was released after posting bond. The
Browns say they are aware of the incident involving the second-round
pick from Ohio State. According to an incident report, the woman told
police that Hall struck her with a baby bottle, dragged her along a
porch and driveway and held a gun to her temple. Police say they
seized two handguns.

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES,
France (AP) — Golf has been part of the Olympics for the last three
Summer Games and continues to deliver big stars to the podium and
memorable outcomes. Some of that is because of the small fields of 60
players, about half of whom don't get a regular diet on the big
stage. The latest was Scottie Scheffler's remarkable comeback at Le
Golf National to add Olympic gold to an already great year. And there
was Lydia Ko, with an even greater storybook finish. The New
Zealander now has medaled in all three Olympics and her gold got her
into the LPGA Hall of Fame.

UNDATED (AP) —
Tennessee has announced a long-term deal with travel-center giant
Pilot that preserves the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins
Field while giving the Knoxville-based company prominent signage
throughout the stadium, including on the playing surface. Financial
terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but it will initially be
for up to 20 years. Tennessee athletic director Danny White says the
agreement could be described as a naming rights deal without a name
change for the 101,915-seat stadium. The deal comes as big-time
college sports schools search for new revenue to address rising
costs, including more money going directly to athletes.

UNDATED (AP) — No.
10 Florida State got a taste of being back among the country's best
programs in winning the ACC title last season. The Seminoles want
even more this season. The undefeated program that won its first
league crown since 2014 missed out on the College Football Playoff.
Coach Mike Norvell and his players know a similar season would put
them in the field for the expanded, 12-team playoff. Clemson was the
league favorite last season before a 4-4 start ruined their
championship dreams. But the Tigers were picked second behind Florida
State this season.

ANN ARBOR, Mich.
(AP) — Michigan coach Sherrone Moore says he looks forward to the
release of his text messages with Connor Stalions, the former
low-level recruiting staffer who resigned amid a sign-stealing
scandal. Moore spoke with reporters on Tuesday for the first time
since the NCAA alleged he violated rules. The allegations were
included in a confidential notice that the governing body sent to the
school. Two people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of
anonymity said Moore has been accused of deleting text message
exchanges with Stalions. Moore has said he will continue to cooperate
with the NCAA in its investigation.

Final	N.Y.
Yankees	4	Chicago White Sox	1	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Zebby Matthews threw five crisp innings to win his major league debut
for the Minnesota Twins, who hit Seth Lugo hard to hand the All-Star
right-hander his worst start this season and beat the Kansas City
Royals 13-3. Matthews allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and
five strikeouts in the latest and most meaningful feat for the
24-year-old righty who started the season in Class A. The Twins had
three homers and eight extra-base hits among 15 hits. Jose Miranda
had three hits and two RBIs and Matt Wallner had three runs plus two
hits and a walk.CINCINNATI (AP) —
Hunter Greene allowed one run through seven innings, Jeimer
Candelario hit a two-run homer and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St.
Louis Cardinals 4-1 to secure a win of the series between the NL
Central rivals. The hard-throwing Greene (9-4) allowed four hits
while striking out eight and walking one in notching his third
straight win. Spencer Steer had a two-out, RBI single in the first
inning. Ty France led off the second with a homer off the roof of the
Cardinals bullpen in right, his 11th of the season. Candelario
smashed his 19th homer with two outs in the sixth.CHICAGO (AP) —
Juan Soto has hit three home runs in a game for the first time in his
career, connecting in three consecutive at-bats for the New York
Yankees against the Chicago White Sox. The slugger started his
outburst with a two-run shot to left field off starter Jonathan
Cannon in the third inning. Soto tagged Cannon for a solo drive in
the fifth, going the other way again. The four-time All-Star added
his 33rd homer of the season in the seventh off left-handed reliever
Fraser Ellard, pulling a drive to right that made it 4-0. With a
chance to match the major league record of four home runs in a game,
Soto walked in the ninth.CHICAGO (AP) — New
York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. appears headed to the
injured list with a left elbow injury, manager Aaron Boone said
Tuesday. The 26-year-old Chisholm has a probable ulnar collateral
ligament injury and Boone said he will “likely” end up on the IL.
He said more physicians are evaluating the elbow and that the club
should have enough information to make a decision by Wednesday.
Chisholm was hurt on a headfirst dive scoring in the fifth. He left
during the seventh inning of Monday’s 12-2 loss to the White Sox
but downplayed the injury after the game.CLEVELAND (AP) —
Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. has been
arrested and charged with domestic violence after a fight with his
fiancee. Police in Avon, Ohio, say Hall was booked and arraigned at
Avon Lake Municipal Court and was released after posting bond. The
Browns say they are aware of the incident involving the second-round
pick from Ohio State. According to an incident report, the woman told
police that Hall struck her with a baby bottle, dragged her along a
porch and driveway and held a gun to her temple. Police say they
seized two handguns.SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES,
France (AP) — Golf has been part of the Olympics for the last three
Summer Games and continues to deliver big stars to the podium and
memorable outcomes. Some of that is because of the small fields of 60
players, about half of whom don't get a regular diet on the big
stage. The latest was Scottie Scheffler's remarkable comeback at Le
Golf National to add Olympic gold to an already great year. And there
was Lydia Ko, with an even greater storybook finish. The New
Zealander now has medaled in all three Olympics and her gold got her
into the LPGA Hall of Fame.UNDATED (AP) —
Tennessee has announced a long-term deal with travel-center giant
Pilot that preserves the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins
Field while giving the Knoxville-based company prominent signage
throughout the stadium, including on the playing surface. Financial
terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but it will initially be
for up to 20 years. Tennessee athletic director Danny White says the
agreement could be described as a naming rights deal without a name
change for the 101,915-seat stadium. The deal comes as big-time
college sports schools search for new revenue to address rising
costs, including more money going directly to athletes.UNDATED (AP) — No.
10 Florida State got a taste of being back among the country's best
programs in winning the ACC title last season. The Seminoles want
even more this season. The undefeated program that won its first
league crown since 2014 missed out on the College Football Playoff.
Coach Mike Norvell and his players know a similar season would put
them in the field for the expanded, 12-team playoff. Clemson was the
league favorite last season before a 4-4 start ruined their
championship dreams. But the Tigers were picked second behind Florida
State this season.ANN ARBOR, Mich.
(AP) — Michigan coach Sherrone Moore says he looks forward to the
release of his text messages with Connor Stalions, the former
low-level recruiting staffer who resigned amid a sign-stealing
scandal. Moore spoke with reporters on Tuesday for the first time
since the NCAA alleged he violated rules. The allegations were
included in a confidential notice that the governing body sent to the
school. Two people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of
anonymity said Moore has been accused of deleting text message
exchanges with Stalions. Moore has said he will continue to cooperate
with the NCAA in its investigation.TUESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	2	Chicago
Cubs	1	Final	Washington	9	Baltimore	3	Final	Oakland	9	N.Y.
Mets	4	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	15	Seattle	1	Final	Houston	3	Tampa
Bay	2	Final	Boston	9	Texas	4	Final	Minnesota	13	Kansas
City	3	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	4	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	Toronto	6	L.A.
Angels	1	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Cincinnati	4	St.
Louis	1	Final	Miami	5	Philadelphia	0	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	7	Milwaukee	2	Final	San
Diego	3	Pittsburgh	0	Final	Arizona	4	Colorado	3

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The 12th Annual Cougar Open took place Friday with thirty-four teams coming together in support of Barton Athletics at Lake Barton Golf Course.

Cougar Booster Club Golf Tournament Chairman Eric GotscheThe annual event organized and sponsored by the Cougar Booster Club chaired by Eric Gotsche, in addition to, the generosity of donors, provides a fundraising activity for Barton Athletics through participation, sponsors, and raffle opportunities.

The four-man scramble team of Ryan Hoffman, Cade Canady, Alex Lomas, and Troy Walker took home tournament bragging honors with a 57 score to edge out three other teams shooting a 58.

First flight honors were decided between two teams tying at a 61 total with the tandem of Nick Stoss, Brian McMullen, Kourtney Cairney, and Martin Cairney taking the tiebreak over LT Fleske, Randy Moyers, Chuck Richardson, and Alex Moyers.

In the final 2nd Flight of competitors, tiebreaking procedures were also used amongst three teams carding a 66 with honors going to Jason Wondra, Andy Pivonka, Travis Bartley, and Travis Evans. Finishing second were Brent Zimmerman, Sawyer Zimmerman, Nick Schwager, and Beau Cavander as the foursome of Rob Bowman, Jace Bowman, DG Keenan, and Austin Jacobs placed third in the flight.

Small sample of raffle items at the 2024 Barton Cougar Booster Club Golf TournamentThrough the generous donations of sponsors, over $6,000 of valued prizes were also raffled, as well as, offering a multitude of hole prizes.

Individual hole prize winners were:

Mike Settler (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 3)

Jason Wondra (Closest to the pin on hole 5)

Jeferson Davis (Closest to the pin on hole 7)

Jefferson Davis (Closest to the pin on hole 9)

Joel Hamlin (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 10)

Owen Ochs (Longest drive on hole 11 – 65 years old and older)

Walt Bouse (Closest to the pin on hole 12)

Alan Crowther (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 14)

Bryce Wells (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 18)

1st (57): Ryan Hoffman, Cade Canady, Alex Lomas, and Troy Walker

2nd (58): Mike Shettler, Jerry Ney, Craig Smith, and Mark Connell

3rd (58): Rick Tutak, Randy Wetzel, Kris Thexton, and Randy Hageman

4th (58): Kory Walters, Chance Haney, Evan Lytle, and Dylan Nevola

1st (61): Nick Stoss, Brian McMullen, Kourtney Cairney, and Martin Cairney

2nd (61): LT Fleske, Randy Moyers, Chuck Richardson, and Alex Moyers

3rd (62): Chris Spray, Maddox Spray, Kip Spray, and Stef Spray

4th (63): Aaron Andrews, Walt Bouse, Jarrod Bouse, and Mitchell Jones

1st (66): Jason Wondra, Andy Pivonka, Travis Bartley, and Travis Evans

2nd (66): Brent Zimmerman, Sawyer Zimmerman, Nick Schwager, and Beau Cavander

3rd (66): Rob Bowman, Jace Bowman, DG Keenan, and Austin Jacobs

4th (67): Chris Smith, Dave Foss, Doug Kaiser, and Alan Crowther

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723570691466.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe 12th Annual Cougar Open took place Friday with thirty-four teams coming together in support of Barton Athletics at Lake Barton Golf Course.Cougar Booster Club Golf Tournament Chairman Eric GotscheThe annual event organized and sponsored by the Cougar Booster Club chaired by Eric Gotsche, in addition to, the generosity of donors, provides a fundraising activity for Barton Athletics through participation, sponsors, and raffle opportunities.The four-man scramble team of Ryan Hoffman, Cade Canady, Alex Lomas, and Troy Walker took home tournament bragging honors with a 57 score to edge out three other teams shooting a 58.First flight honors were decided between two teams tying at a 61 total with the tandem of Nick Stoss, Brian McMullen, Kourtney Cairney, and Martin Cairney taking the tiebreak over LT Fleske, Randy Moyers, Chuck Richardson, and Alex Moyers.In the final 2nd Flight of competitors, tiebreaking procedures were also used amongst three teams carding a 66 with honors going to Jason Wondra, Andy Pivonka, Travis Bartley, and Travis Evans. Finishing second were Brent Zimmerman, Sawyer Zimmerman, Nick Schwager, and Beau Cavander as the foursome of Rob Bowman, Jace Bowman, DG Keenan, and Austin Jacobs placed third in the flight.Small sample of raffle items at the 2024 Barton Cougar Booster Club Golf TournamentThrough the generous donations of sponsors, over $6,000 of valued prizes were also raffled, as well as, offering a multitude of hole prizes.Individual hole prize winners were:Cade Canaday (Longest drive on hole 2)Mike Settler (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 3)Jason Wondra (Closest to the pin on hole 5)Jeferson Davis (Closest to the pin on hole 7)Denny Rolfs (Longest putt on hole 8)Jefferson Davis (Closest to the pin on hole 9)Joel Hamlin (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 10)Owen Ochs (Longest drive on hole 11 – 65 years old and older)Walt Bouse (Closest to the pin on hole 12)Alan Crowther (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 14)Randy Wetzel (Longest putt on hole 17)Bryce Wells (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 18)Flight WinnersChampionship Flight:1st (57): Ryan Hoffman, Cade Canady, Alex Lomas, and Troy Walker2nd (58): Mike Shettler, Jerry Ney, Craig Smith, and Mark Connell3rd (58): Rick Tutak, Randy Wetzel, Kris Thexton, and Randy Hageman4th (58): Kory Walters, Chance Haney, Evan Lytle, and Dylan NevolaFirst Flight:1st (61): Nick Stoss, Brian McMullen, Kourtney Cairney, and Martin Cairney2nd (61): LT Fleske, Randy Moyers, Chuck Richardson, and Alex Moyers3rd (62): Chris Spray, Maddox Spray, Kip Spray, and Stef Spray4th (63): Aaron Andrews, Walt Bouse, Jarrod Bouse, and Mitchell JonesSecond Flight:1st (66): Jason Wondra, Andy Pivonka, Travis Bartley, and Travis Evans2nd (66): Brent Zimmerman, Sawyer Zimmerman, Nick Schwager, and Beau Cavander3rd (66): Rob Bowman, Jace Bowman, DG Keenan, and Austin Jacobs4th (67): Chris Smith, Dave Foss, Doug Kaiser, and Alan Crowther

Thirty-four teams pack annual Booster Club "Cougar Open" Golf Tournament

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post

Saturday's preseason game gave Chiefs rookies their first taste of game action after several weeks of training camp in St. Joseph.

One rookie that stood out among the rest was undrafted running back Carson Steele, who has been a hidden gem of sorts through camp.

Steele has run this camp as both a running back and a fullback, and says his goal coming into camp was to be a Swiss army knife

"Try to do it all type of deal and wherever they need to put me in is where I can get in," Steele tells reporters following practice. "So, like implementing the fullback in there as well, being able to block, especially being able to catch out of the backfield too, not only run."

Steele scored the lone Chiefs touchdown in the game against Jacksonville, rushing four times for 29 yards.

Steele has been that do it all back and has the potential to give the Chiefs an actual fullback, their first fullback since the retirement of Anthony Sherman.

Head Coach Andy Reid says Steele has been working out at the fullback position as needed.

"We used Noah (Gray) there last year who can still do that, but he's (Steele) got to be a good special teams player, if he's going to make the team, he's got to be a good special teams player, he's to to be able to carry the football and stay aggressive like he's doing right now," Reid explains. "But he had a productive day."

A handful of injured Chiefs returned to practice on Monday, but there was also a handful that sat out with injuries.

Absent from practice today were Hollywood Brown (shoulder), Bryan Cook (personal), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (sickness), McKade Mettauer, BJ Thompson. Also sitting out practice, but still at the fields were Jaaron Hayek, Chris Jones (shoulder), Wanya Morris (knee), Charles Omenihu (PUP list)

A positive sign for Chiefs fans was the return of safety Justin Reid from the non-injured list, Reid spent most of training camp just out at the fields in a jersey and shorts. Nick Bolton also returned, though he wore the yellow non-contact jersey and also had his left elbow heavily taped. Kadarius Toney was also back at practice on Monday.

Chiefs first round pick Xavier Worthy also got his first bit of actual game action in Saturday's preseason loss to the Jaguars.

And after an early injury to receiver Hollywood Brown, Worthy's role in the offense could expand even more, at least for the first few weeks.

Worthy though says even with the injury to Brown, his mindset does not change, and his mindset is to just be the best

"Hollywood's definitely one of the leaders, he shows me a lot, teaches me a lot, but I feel like him just being there regardless is going to help me a lot," Worthy says. "But my mindset is to just be the best regardless."

Worthy was held without a catch or a target in the first preseason game but could be used more this Saturday against Detroit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723570455723.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Running back Carson Steele, who scored a touchdown in the Chiefs first preseason game, catches a pass during Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Running back Carson Steele, who scored a touchdown in the Chiefs first preseason game, catches a pass during Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph PostSaturday's preseason game gave Chiefs rookies their first taste of game action after several weeks of training camp in St. Joseph.One rookie that stood out among the rest was undrafted running back Carson Steele, who has been a hidden gem of sorts through camp.Steele has run this camp as both a running back and a fullback, and says his goal coming into camp was to be a Swiss army knife"Try to do it all type of deal and wherever they need to put me in is where I can get in," Steele tells reporters following practice. "So, like implementing the fullback in there as well, being able to block, especially being able to catch out of the backfield too, not only run."Steele scored the lone Chiefs touchdown in the game against Jacksonville, rushing four times for 29 yards.Steele has been that do it all back and has the potential to give the Chiefs an actual fullback, their first fullback since the retirement of Anthony Sherman.Head Coach Andy Reid says Steele has been working out at the fullback position as needed."We used Noah (Gray) there last year who can still do that, but he's (Steele) got to be a good special teams player, if he's going to make the team, he's got to be a good special teams player, he's to to be able to carry the football and stay aggressive like he's doing right now," Reid explains. "But he had a productive day."Injury ReportA handful of injured Chiefs returned to practice on Monday, but there was also a handful that sat out with injuries.Absent from practice today were Hollywood Brown (shoulder), Bryan Cook (personal), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (sickness), McKade Mettauer, BJ Thompson. Also sitting out practice, but still at the fields were Jaaron Hayek, Chris Jones (shoulder), Wanya Morris (knee), Charles Omenihu (PUP list)A positive sign for Chiefs fans was the return of safety Justin Reid from the non-injured list, Reid spent most of training camp just out at the fields in a jersey and shorts. Nick Bolton also returned, though he wore the yellow non-contact jersey and also had his left elbow heavily taped. Kadarius Toney was also back at practice on Monday.Chiefs first round pick Xavier Worthy also got his first bit of actual game action in Saturday's preseason loss to the Jaguars.And after an early injury to receiver Hollywood Brown, Worthy's role in the offense could expand even more, at least for the first few weeks.Worthy though says even with the injury to Brown, his mindset does not change, and his mindset is to just be the best"Hollywood's definitely one of the leaders, he shows me a lot, teaches me a lot, but I feel like him just being there regardless is going to help me a lot," Worthy says. "But my mindset is to just be the best regardless."Worthy was held without a catch or a target in the first preseason game but could be used more this Saturday against Detroit.

Hidden gem: Undrafted rookie making name known during Chiefs Training Camp

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant has earned a spot on the watch list for the 30th Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.

This is the second consecutive year that Bryant has been honored by the Bednarik Award in the preseason and it becomes the third watch list for him this season. He has previously received watch list selections from the Bronko Nagurski Award and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.

The Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994 and is named in honor of Chuck "Concrete Charlie" Bednarik who was an All-American player at the University of Pennsylvania and later a multiple year All Pro linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and was the last NFL player to be a full-time player on both offense and defense.

From Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant is a Preseason All-Big 12 selection this season after earning All-Big 12 First Team honors in each of the past two years. He has become the first Kansas defensive back to earn first team all-conference honors in consecutive seasons since Aqib Talib in 2006-07.

Bryant is tied for the school record with two career interceptions returned for a touchdown and he is eighth in school history with nine career interceptions. He has scored four touchdowns in his career, adding a fumble return and blocked field goal return to his two interception returns. Bryant finished the 2023 season with 32 tackles, four interceptions and 9 pass breakups.

The Maxwell Football Club has once again partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications as selection committee partners. PFF provides detailed metrics and performance-based assessments to selection committee staff, with several senior PFF analysts are members of our selection committee. Phil Steele's College Football Preview is generally recognized as the most complete preseason magazine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723570292869.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant has earned a spot on the watch list for the 30th Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.This is the second consecutive year that Bryant has been honored by the Bednarik Award in the preseason and it becomes the third watch list for him this season. He has previously received watch list selections from the Bronko Nagurski Award and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.The Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994 and is named in honor of Chuck "Concrete Charlie" Bednarik who was an All-American player at the University of Pennsylvania and later a multiple year All Pro linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and was the last NFL player to be a full-time player on both offense and defense.From Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant is a Preseason All-Big 12 selection this season after earning All-Big 12 First Team honors in each of the past two years. He has become the first Kansas defensive back to earn first team all-conference honors in consecutive seasons since Aqib Talib in 2006-07.Bryant is tied for the school record with two career interceptions returned for a touchdown and he is eighth in school history with nine career interceptions. He has scored four touchdowns in his career, adding a fumble return and blocked field goal return to his two interception returns. Bryant finished the 2023 season with 32 tackles, four interceptions and 9 pass breakups.The Maxwell Football Club has once again partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications as selection committee partners. PFF provides detailed metrics and performance-based assessments to selection committee staff, with several senior PFF analysts are members of our selection committee. Phil Steele's College Football Preview is generally recognized as the most complete preseason magazine.

KU's Bryant on Bednarik watch list

By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723543173763.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) returns a kickoff during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) returns a kickoff during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football WriterThe first full weekend of exhibition games featuring the new dynamic kickoff included two long returns, a significant drop in touchbacks and mass confusion on an odd play that ended up as a rare safety.The NFL's goals of increasing the rate of returns and bringing back the threat of big plays were mostly accomplished last weekend. The NFL reported 81% of kicks have been returned so far this preseason, even if teams have been a bit guarded in what wrinkles they were willing to show before the start of the regular season.“You've seen everybody pretty much be vanilla in the preseason with the kickoff and how they’re attacking on kickoff return,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. "I think the key part for us is seeing our guys run down and cover and who can make the space tackles.”It also was important for everyone to understand the new rules, as evidenced by what happened to the Kansas City Chiefs when they tried to down a ball for a touchback only to have it be ruled as a safety.The play in question came late in the first half of Kansas City's game at Jacksonville on Saturday when Cam Little's kick for Jacksonville landed in the front of the end zone before bouncing back into the field of play.Mecole Hardman raced back and kneeled in the end zone before picking up the ball around the 1 and bringing it back over the goal line. Under the old rules, a kickoff that landed in the end zone led to a automatic touchback.The officials on the field initially ruled the play a touchback but because it was in the final 2 minutes of the first half, it was automatically reviewed. The call was then changed to a safety because Hardman brought the ball from the field of play into his end zone.“I think it’s a good coaching point for all teams, to really coach our returners in that situation,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said. “It’s definitely going to be on the coach’s video that’s going to come out this week. It’s really a good teaching moment for everybody, us included, for our returners. It’s just a great way to learn that rule and to learn the game of football.”The last time there was a safety on a kick return without a lateral came in the 2012 season opener when Darius Reynaud fielded the opening kick for Tennessee against Pittsburgh while standing in the end zone. He brought the ball from the field of play into the end zone and kneeled down, hoping for a touchback. But the play was ruled a safety.The misplay by the Chiefs was the only score on a kickoff but there were two long returns with Jacksonville's Parker Washington returning a kick 73 yards against Kansas City and Tennessee's Kearis Jackson having a 63-yarder against San Francisco.“I’m not going to lie; it looked crazy at first," Washington said. “I thought I was supposed to be tackled a long time ago in mine, but it was exciting to be able to make a play like that. It was cool. It gave us confidence to be like, ‘OK, these kick returns are real and it’s going to be an exciting year.’”There were only 10 kickoff returns of at least 60 yards in the entire 2023 regular season, down from an average of more than 34 per season from 2001-10 before rule changes to increase player safety started making the kickoff obsolete.That led to the dramatic change this offseason, with the NFL hoping for a significant increase in the rate of returns from the record-low level of 21.8% last season.For a standard kickoff, the ball is kicked from the 35-yard line with the 10 kick coverage players lined up at the opposing 40. The return team will have at least nine blockers lined up in the “set up zone” between the 30- and 35-yard line, cutting down on high-speed collisions.Only the kicker and two returners are allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20.There have been only 24 touchbacks so far this preseason and an average starting field position at the 29 yard line — compared to the 23.8 at this point last preseason, when 65% of kicks had been returned. The rate of returns typically falls once the season starts and teams aren't testing out players and schemes in live action, but the 81% rate so far this preseason bodes well for the NFL's hope that at least half of all kicks will be returned.There was even some confusion about where to line up with the Raiders and Vikings initially setting up 5 yards too far from the end zone on the opening kickoff of their game before the officials corrected them.San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan was even caught off guard on the long return by the Titans. Used to there being little action on kicks, Shanahan was looking at video on a tablet during the return and got in the way of an official, leading to a 15-yard penalty.