Purdue remained atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll for a third straight week. The week also included preseason No. 1 North Carolina returning to the rankings at No. 25 and New Mexico cracking the poll for the first time in eight years. The Boilermakers earned 40 of 60 first-place votes in Monday’s new poll, while fellow unbeaten Connecticut earned the other 20 to sit at No. 2 in an unchanged top. Houston, Kansas and Arizona rounded out the top five. Miami made the week's biggest jump by climbing eight spots to No. 14.

Others receiving votes: Coll of Charleston 102, Maryland 87, Memphis 74, Illinois 65, Ohio St. 59, Missouri 57, Virginia Tech 57, San Diego St. 39, Iowa St. 19, Marquette 12, Texas Tech 10, Michigan St. 7, Providence 6, Kansas St 5, Southern Cal 4, San Francisco 1.

Purdue remained atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll for a third straight week. The week also included preseason No. 1 North Carolina returning to the rankings at No. 25 and New Mexico cracking the poll for the first time in eight years. The Boilermakers earned 40 of 60 first-place votes in Monday’s new poll, while fellow unbeaten Connecticut earned the other 20 to sit at No. 2 in an unchanged top. Houston, Kansas and Arizona rounded out the top five. Miami made the week's biggest jump by climbing eight spots to No. 14.	Record	Pts	Prv1. Purdue (40)	12-0	1478	12. UConn (20)	13-0	1459	23. Houston	12-1	1351	34. Kansas	11-1	1299	45. Arizona	12-1	1274	56. Texas	10-1	1144	77. Tennessee	10-2	1068	88. Alabama	10-2	1067	99. Arkansas	11-1	1017	1010. Gonzaga	10-3	940	1111. UCLA	11-2	906	1312. Baylor	9-2	888	1213. Virginia	8-2	861	614. Miami	12-1	658	2215. Wisconsin	9-2	570	1716. Indiana	10-3	513	1817. Duke	10-3	500	1418. TCU	10-1	480	2019. Kentucky	8-3	439	1920. Auburn	10-2	237	2321. Mississippi St.	11-1	215	1522. New Mexico	12-0	147	-22. Xavier	10-3	147	-24. West Virginia	10-2	126	-25. North Carolina	9-4	112	-Others receiving votes: Coll of Charleston 102, Maryland 87, Memphis 74, Illinois 65, Ohio St. 59, Missouri 57, Virginia Tech 57, San Diego St. 39, Iowa St. 19, Marquette 12, Texas Tech 10, Michigan St. 7, Providence 6, Kansas St 5, Southern Cal 4, San Francisco 1.

Kansas remains at No. 4 in AP Poll

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- The Denver Broncos fired first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett on Monday.

The move comes after a 4-11 start and Sunday's 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Owner and CEO Greg Penner said he'll lead the search for a new coach with assistance from GM George Paton, in whom he expressed confidence while announcing Hackett's dismissal.

Firing Hackett with two games left in a lost season allows Penner to begin his search for a replacement immediately.

The Broncos scheduled a news conference for Tuesday, when they're expected to name their interim head coach for games at Kansas City next weekend and at home against the Chargers in Week 18.

The Walton-Penner group purchased the Broncos for $4.65 billion last summer, a global record for a professional sports franchise, and Rob Walton said after the league’s approval that he aimed to make the Broncos perennial championship contenders again.

On Sunday, the Broncos (4-11) were blown out by the equally downtrodden Los Angeles Rams 51-14 when Russell Wilson threw three interceptions and was sacked six times. The game featured a sideline spat between backup QB Brett Rypien and guard Dalton Risner, and pass rusher Randy Gregory threw a punch at a Rams player after the game.

In a statement Monday, Penner thanked Hackett for his dedication but said that “following extensive conversations with George and our ownership group, we determined a new direction would ultimately be in the best interest of the Broncos. This change was made now out of respect for everyone involved and allows us to immediately begin the search for a new head coach.”

Penner said that “moving forward, we will carefully evaluate every aspect of our football operations and make whatever changes are necessary to restore this franchise’s winning tradition.”

Hackett replaced Vic Fangio last January but hasn’t been able to build an offense suitable to Wilson, who recently turned 34.

Hackett is the third NFL head coach fired during the 2022 season. The Carolina Panthers replaced Matt Rhule with interim head coach Steve Wilks and the Indianapolis Colts fired Frank Reich and replaced him with coaching novice Jeff Saturday.

Many fans thought the Broncos hired Hackett away from the Green Bay Packers, where he was offensive coordinator, to help them land quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But Rodgers decided to re-up with the Packers and the Broncos instead traded for Wilson, who was seen as still in his prime.

Wilson, however, has had an awful first season in Denver after the Broncos sent four premium draft picks and three players to Seattle for the nine-time Pro Bowler. Wilson has 12 touchdown passes with nine interceptions and 49 sacks in 13 starts and has been unable to snap out of a season-long funk.

He is 3-10 as Denver's starter and has missed games with a pulled hamstring and a concussion.

He routinely has ignored open receivers underneath to try for deep throws and he has shown a noticeable dip in his ability to escape from pass rushers this season.

The Broncos have missed the playoffs seven straight seasons and extended their string of losing records to six.

They will try to snap a 14-game losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and beat Patrick Mahomes for the first time in 11 tries.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- The Denver Broncos fired first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett on Monday.The move comes after a 4-11 start and Sunday's 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.Owner and CEO Greg Penner said he'll lead the search for a new coach with assistance from GM George Paton, in whom he expressed confidence while announcing Hackett's dismissal.Firing Hackett with two games left in a lost season allows Penner to begin his search for a replacement immediately.The Broncos scheduled a news conference for Tuesday, when they're expected to name their interim head coach for games at Kansas City next weekend and at home against the Chargers in Week 18.The Walton-Penner group purchased the Broncos for $4.65 billion last summer, a global record for a professional sports franchise, and Rob Walton said after the league’s approval that he aimed to make the Broncos perennial championship contenders again.On Sunday, the Broncos (4-11) were blown out by the equally downtrodden Los Angeles Rams 51-14 when Russell Wilson threw three interceptions and was sacked six times. The game featured a sideline spat between backup QB Brett Rypien and guard Dalton Risner, and pass rusher Randy Gregory threw a punch at a Rams player after the game.In a statement Monday, Penner thanked Hackett for his dedication but said that “following extensive conversations with George and our ownership group, we determined a new direction would ultimately be in the best interest of the Broncos. This change was made now out of respect for everyone involved and allows us to immediately begin the search for a new head coach.”Penner said that “moving forward, we will carefully evaluate every aspect of our football operations and make whatever changes are necessary to restore this franchise’s winning tradition.”Hackett replaced Vic Fangio last January but hasn’t been able to build an offense suitable to Wilson, who recently turned 34.Hackett is the third NFL head coach fired during the 2022 season. The Carolina Panthers replaced Matt Rhule with interim head coach Steve Wilks and the Indianapolis Colts fired Frank Reich and replaced him with coaching novice Jeff Saturday.Many fans thought the Broncos hired Hackett away from the Green Bay Packers, where he was offensive coordinator, to help them land quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But Rodgers decided to re-up with the Packers and the Broncos instead traded for Wilson, who was seen as still in his prime.Wilson, however, has had an awful first season in Denver after the Broncos sent four premium draft picks and three players to Seattle for the nine-time Pro Bowler. Wilson has 12 touchdown passes with nine interceptions and 49 sacks in 13 starts and has been unable to snap out of a season-long funk.He is 3-10 as Denver's starter and has missed games with a pulled hamstring and a concussion.He routinely has ignored open receivers underneath to try for deep throws and he has shown a noticeable dip in his ability to escape from pass rushers this season.The Broncos have missed the playoffs seven straight seasons and extended their string of losing records to six.They will try to snap a 14-game losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and beat Patrick Mahomes for the first time in 11 tries.

Broncos fire Hackett after 51-14 blowout loss

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Even as the Kansas City Chiefs squeaked out wins the past few weeks, coach Andy Reid lamented both the state of their inexperienced defense and their inability to put away struggling teams.

They showed massive improvement in both areas against Seattle on Saturday.

That youthful defense shut down Geno Smith and the slumping Seahawks offense, Patrick Mahomes threw two TD passes before running for a clinching score in the fourth quarter, and the Chiefs rolled to a 24-10 win that allowed them to keep pace with Buffalo for the best record in the AFC.

“I mentioned it the other way the last couple of weeks, that they need to get better,” Reid said of his defense, which often has five or more rookies on the field at a time. “They’re making progress and I thought they did a nice job today.”

Indeed, the Chiefs stopped the Seahawks (7-8) twice on fourth down, picked off their Pro Bowl quarterback in the end zone and dealt coach Pete Carroll’s team their fifth loss in six games along with a near-knockout blow to their playoff hopes.

Travis Kelce had six catches for 113 yards, and Kadarius Toney and Jerick McKinnon had touchdown catches, as the AFC West champion Chiefs (12-3) remain tied with the Bills — who hold the tiebreaker — with two games to go.

“We’re on a mission here in Kansas City,” Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark said, “and the goal is to finish the season strong. The last few weeks we haven’t been getting the job done as far as finishing strong. A lot of tight games.”

Kansas City has won 16 consecutive regular-season games against NFC opponents.

Kenneth Walker III was the biggest bright spot for Seattle, running for 107 yards but failing to reach the end zone. But the Chiefs mostly kept DK Metcalf in check, and Seattle didn’t reach the end zone until the closing minutes of the game.

“We just couldn’t get going and couldn’t make first downs,” Carroll said. “We got nothing going at all.”

Much like the rest of the country, the cold weather that flooded the Midwest produced some frigid temperatures — the wind chill was minus-2 at kickoff, and that was an improvement over the previous two days. In fact, it had been so cold the tarp was frozen to the field when workers tried to remove it three hours before kickoff.

That didn’t bother a half-dozen Seahawks, including DK Metcalf and his fellow wide receivers, who walked out of the tunnel bare-chested shortly afterward for their pregame warmups on the ice-covered field.

Maybe they weren’t cold, but Seattle’s offense was downright frigid.

Playing without wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who had surgery on his broken hand this week, Smith and Co. gained just 18 yards on their first 15 plays, and they were forced to punt on their first five possessions.

The Chiefs took advantage of the slow start, too. Mahomes threw a pop pass to Toney to cap a 63-yard TD drive, then a pass to McKinnon out of the backfield a few minutes later for another score. And by the time Harrison Butker drilled a 47-yard field goal late in the half, the Chiefs had jumped out to a 17-0 lead.

Even when Seattle got a field goal before halftime, much of the drive was aided by defensive penalties.

While the Chiefs struggled to extend their lead in the second half, the Seahawks proved incapable of trimming it.

They failed on fourth down at the Kansas City 34 when tight end Colby Parkinson was stood up after a catch; failed on fourth down again when Laquon Treadwell failed to run his route to the first-down marker and came up short; and failed to score at the Kansas City 22 when Smith overthrew Treadwell and was picked off by Juan Thornhill in the end zone.

The Chiefs, who have been maligned for failing to put struggling teams away, finally did it on the ensuing possession, when Mahomes hit Kelce with two long throws before sprinting to the pylon for the clinching touchdown.

“We just have to keep going. We’re on a roll,” Toney said. “We have a goal right now and we’re just trying to get to it.”

The Seahawks still have not won at Arrowhead Stadium since Nov. 21, 1999. ... The Seahawks were one of three teams Mahomes had yet to beat, along with Indianapolis and Minnesota. ... Mahomes extended his consecutive completions streak to 21 at the start of the game before missing his next throw. ... McKinnon has six TDs in his past four games.

Seahawks: NT Al Woods (Achilles) and SS Ryan Neal (knee) were inactive. ... FS Joey Blount (knee) and RB Travis Homer (ankle) left in the first quarter, and RT Abraham Lucas (thigh) in the third. ... WR Marquise Goodwin also left with a wrist injury, though he was able to return to the game.

Seahawks: host the New York Jets next Sunday.

Chiefs: host the Denver Broncos next Sunday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Even as the Kansas City Chiefs squeaked out wins the past few weeks, coach Andy Reid lamented both the state of their inexperienced defense and their inability to put away struggling teams.They showed massive improvement in both areas against Seattle on Saturday.That youthful defense shut down Geno Smith and the slumping Seahawks offense, Patrick Mahomes threw two TD passes before running for a clinching score in the fourth quarter, and the Chiefs rolled to a 24-10 win that allowed them to keep pace with Buffalo for the best record in the AFC.“I mentioned it the other way the last couple of weeks, that they need to get better,” Reid said of his defense, which often has five or more rookies on the field at a time. “They’re making progress and I thought they did a nice job today.”Indeed, the Chiefs stopped the Seahawks (7-8) twice on fourth down, picked off their Pro Bowl quarterback in the end zone and dealt coach Pete Carroll’s team their fifth loss in six games along with a near-knockout blow to their playoff hopes.Travis Kelce had six catches for 113 yards, and Kadarius Toney and Jerick McKinnon had touchdown catches, as the AFC West champion Chiefs (12-3) remain tied with the Bills — who hold the tiebreaker — with two games to go.“We’re on a mission here in Kansas City,” Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark said, “and the goal is to finish the season strong. The last few weeks we haven’t been getting the job done as far as finishing strong. A lot of tight games.”Kansas City has won 16 consecutive regular-season games against NFC opponents.Kenneth Walker III was the biggest bright spot for Seattle, running for 107 yards but failing to reach the end zone. But the Chiefs mostly kept DK Metcalf in check, and Seattle didn’t reach the end zone until the closing minutes of the game.“We just couldn’t get going and couldn’t make first downs,” Carroll said. “We got nothing going at all.”Much like the rest of the country, the cold weather that flooded the Midwest produced some frigid temperatures — the wind chill was minus-2 at kickoff, and that was an improvement over the previous two days. In fact, it had been so cold the tarp was frozen to the field when workers tried to remove it three hours before kickoff.That didn’t bother a half-dozen Seahawks, including DK Metcalf and his fellow wide receivers, who walked out of the tunnel bare-chested shortly afterward for their pregame warmups on the ice-covered field.Maybe they weren’t cold, but Seattle’s offense was downright frigid.Playing without wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who had surgery on his broken hand this week, Smith and Co. gained just 18 yards on their first 15 plays, and they were forced to punt on their first five possessions.The Chiefs took advantage of the slow start, too. Mahomes threw a pop pass to Toney to cap a 63-yard TD drive, then a pass to McKinnon out of the backfield a few minutes later for another score. And by the time Harrison Butker drilled a 47-yard field goal late in the half, the Chiefs had jumped out to a 17-0 lead.Even when Seattle got a field goal before halftime, much of the drive was aided by defensive penalties.While the Chiefs struggled to extend their lead in the second half, the Seahawks proved incapable of trimming it.They failed on fourth down at the Kansas City 34 when tight end Colby Parkinson was stood up after a catch; failed on fourth down again when Laquon Treadwell failed to run his route to the first-down marker and came up short; and failed to score at the Kansas City 22 when Smith overthrew Treadwell and was picked off by Juan Thornhill in the end zone.The Chiefs, who have been maligned for failing to put struggling teams away, finally did it on the ensuing possession, when Mahomes hit Kelce with two long throws before sprinting to the pylon for the clinching touchdown.“We just have to keep going. We’re on a roll,” Toney said. “We have a goal right now and we’re just trying to get to it.”STATS AND STREAKSThe Seahawks still have not won at Arrowhead Stadium since Nov. 21, 1999. ... The Seahawks were one of three teams Mahomes had yet to beat, along with Indianapolis and Minnesota. ... Mahomes extended his consecutive completions streak to 21 at the start of the game before missing his next throw. ... McKinnon has six TDs in his past four games.INJURY REPORTSeahawks: NT Al Woods (Achilles) and SS Ryan Neal (knee) were inactive. ... FS Joey Blount (knee) and RB Travis Homer (ankle) left in the first quarter, and RT Abraham Lucas (thigh) in the third. ... WR Marquise Goodwin also left with a wrist injury, though he was able to return to the game.UP NEXTSeahawks: host the New York Jets next Sunday.Chiefs: host the Denver Broncos next Sunday.

Chiefs dump Seahawks 24-10, stay tied for AFC’s best record

LAWRENCE, Kan. – For the first time since the 2008 season, the Kansas Jayhawks will play postseason football when they travel to Memphis, Tennessee to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 64th AutoZone Liberty Bowl on December 28.

Kickoff is slated for 4:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN with Dave O’Brien (Play-by-Play), Dan Mullen (Analyst) and Taylor McGregor (Sideline) on the call.

Both teams are battling for a winning season and the rights to the Bell Trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The meeting between Kansas and Arkansas will be the third in their series history, which dates back to 1905. Kansas has won both meetings between the two teams, with the first coming in 1905 (6-0) and last meeting in 1906 (37-5).

Kansas enters its 13th bowl game in program history, where the Jayhawks hold a 6-6 record all-time. Kansas last played in a bowl game in 2008, when they defeated Minnesota in the Insight Bowl, 42-21. The Jayhawks are 5-1 in their last six bowl games, including three straight bowl wins. This will be Kansas’ second appearance in the Liberty Bowl, with its first coming on Dec. 17, 1973, in a 31-18 loss to North Carolina State.

The 2022 season has been nothing short of a breakout season for the Jayhawks, who have earned six wins for the first time since 2008. Kansas ranks 28th in the country in scoring offense at 34.2 points per game, which are the most since the 2007 season. Over the last 10 seasons, Kansas’ highest scoring average was 23.5 in 2019.

Kansas’ success earned nine Jayhawks a spot on the All-Big 12 teams, led by sophomore cornerback Cobee Bryant being named All-Big 12 First Team. The Jayhawks also placed three individuals on the Second Team, including quarterback Jalon Daniels, tight end Mason Fairchild and center Mike Novitsky.

Arkansas finished 3-5 in the SEC, dropping its final game of the season at Missouri, 29-27. Head coach Sam Pittman’s team is led by quarterback KJ Jefferson, who completed 185-of-271 passes this season for 2,361 yards, 22 touchdowns and just four interceptions.

Sophomore running back Raheim Sanders was also a standout on offense, rushing for 1,426 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry. Overall, the Arkansas offense is ranked No. 26 in the country in total offense and the defense is ranked No. 123.

Arkansas was well-represented on the All-SEC teams with six individuals named, including center Ricky Stromberg, linebacker Drew Sanders, kickoff specialist Jake Bates, running back Raheim Sanders, linebacker Bumper Pool and defensive back Dwight McGlothern.

For more information on the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, including fan information, tickets, bowl apparel and more, visit the Kansas Jayhawks Bowl Hub here.

The AutoZone Liberty Bowl Football Classic is the seventh oldest college bowl game and is one of the most tradition-rich and patriotic bowl games in America. The AutoZone Liberty Bowl was founded in Philadelphia in 1959 and the inaugural game featured a match-up between Penn State and Alabama. That game began a tradition of great stars, exciting football, and was the first of 63 thrilling chapters in the history of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Football Classic. The AutoZone Liberty Bowl has enjoyed many highlights through the years. The Bowl has hosted all-time great coaches such as Paul “Bear” Bryant, Lou Holtz, Tom Osborne, Steve Spurrier and Bill Snyder. The Bowl’s history also includes four Heisman Trophy winners (Ernie Davis, Terry Baker, Doug Flutie and Bo Jackson) and other stars such as Archie Manning and Donovan McNabb.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671896234996.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – For the first time since the 2008 season, the Kansas Jayhawks will play postseason football when they travel to Memphis, Tennessee to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 64th AutoZone Liberty Bowl on December 28.Kickoff is slated for 4:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN with Dave O’Brien (Play-by-Play), Dan Mullen (Analyst) and Taylor McGregor (Sideline) on the call.Both teams are battling for a winning season and the rights to the Bell Trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The meeting between Kansas and Arkansas will be the third in their series history, which dates back to 1905. Kansas has won both meetings between the two teams, with the first coming in 1905 (6-0) and last meeting in 1906 (37-5).Kansas enters its 13th bowl game in program history, where the Jayhawks hold a 6-6 record all-time. Kansas last played in a bowl game in 2008, when they defeated Minnesota in the Insight Bowl, 42-21. The Jayhawks are 5-1 in their last six bowl games, including three straight bowl wins. This will be Kansas’ second appearance in the Liberty Bowl, with its first coming on Dec. 17, 1973, in a 31-18 loss to North Carolina State.The 2022 season has been nothing short of a breakout season for the Jayhawks, who have earned six wins for the first time since 2008. Kansas ranks 28th in the country in scoring offense at 34.2 points per game, which are the most since the 2007 season. Over the last 10 seasons, Kansas’ highest scoring average was 23.5 in 2019.Kansas’ success earned nine Jayhawks a spot on the All-Big 12 teams, led by sophomore cornerback Cobee Bryant being named All-Big 12 First Team. The Jayhawks also placed three individuals on the Second Team, including quarterback Jalon Daniels, tight end Mason Fairchild and center Mike Novitsky.Arkansas finished 3-5 in the SEC, dropping its final game of the season at Missouri, 29-27. Head coach Sam Pittman’s team is led by quarterback KJ Jefferson, who completed 185-of-271 passes this season for 2,361 yards, 22 touchdowns and just four interceptions.Sophomore running back Raheim Sanders was also a standout on offense, rushing for 1,426 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry. Overall, the Arkansas offense is ranked No. 26 in the country in total offense and the defense is ranked No. 123.Arkansas was well-represented on the All-SEC teams with six individuals named, including center Ricky Stromberg, linebacker Drew Sanders, kickoff specialist Jake Bates, running back Raheim Sanders, linebacker Bumper Pool and defensive back Dwight McGlothern.For more information on the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, including fan information, tickets, bowl apparel and more, visit the Kansas Jayhawks Bowl Hub here.About the AutoZone Liberty BowlThe AutoZone Liberty Bowl Football Classic is the seventh oldest college bowl game and is one of the most tradition-rich and patriotic bowl games in America. The AutoZone Liberty Bowl was founded in Philadelphia in 1959 and the inaugural game featured a match-up between Penn State and Alabama. That game began a tradition of great stars, exciting football, and was the first of 63 thrilling chapters in the history of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Football Classic. The AutoZone Liberty Bowl has enjoyed many highlights through the years. The Bowl has hosted all-time great coaches such as Paul “Bear” Bryant, Lou Holtz, Tom Osborne, Steve Spurrier and Bill Snyder. The Bowl’s history also includes four Heisman Trophy winners (Ernie Davis, Terry Baker, Doug Flutie and Bo Jackson) and other stars such as Archie Manning and Donovan McNabb.

Kansas Set to Take on Arkansas in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Dec. 28

Sports Day  (Listen)  12-23

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Jaron Pierre Jr. scored 18 points off of the bench to lead Wichita State past Texas Southern 65-56 on Thursday night.

Pierre was 8-of-13 shooting (1 for 4 from distance) for the Shockers (7-5). James Rojas scored 14 points and added seven rebounds. Jaykwon Walton shot 3 for 10 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free throw line to finish with 10 points.

Davon Barnes finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals for the Tigers (3-9). Joirdon Karl Nicholas added 12 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks for Texas Southern. In addition, PJ Henry had nine points.

Wichita State led Texas Southern at the half, 32-22, with Kenny Pohto (seven points) their high scorer before the break. Wichita State was outscored by Texas Southern in the second half by one point, with Pierre scoring a team-high 13 points after halftime.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Jaron Pierre Jr. scored 18 points off of the bench to lead Wichita State past Texas Southern 65-56 on Thursday night.Pierre was 8-of-13 shooting (1 for 4 from distance) for the Shockers (7-5). James Rojas scored 14 points and added seven rebounds. Jaykwon Walton shot 3 for 10 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free throw line to finish with 10 points.Davon Barnes finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals for the Tigers (3-9). Joirdon Karl Nicholas added 12 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks for Texas Southern. In addition, PJ Henry had nine points.Wichita State led Texas Southern at the half, 32-22, with Kenny Pohto (seven points) their high scorer before the break. Wichita State was outscored by Texas Southern in the second half by one point, with Pierre scoring a team-high 13 points after halftime.

Pierre scores 18, Wichita St. beats Texas Southern 65-56

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalen Wilson scored 21 points and No. 4 Kansas overcame a frigid performance from 3-point range to beat Harvard 68-54 on Thursday night.

The Jayhawks (11-1) went 4 for 20 from behind the arc, with no player besides Gradey Dick hitting one until Wilson made one with just over a minute remaining. Wilson scored 11 points in the final 6:24.

“I was not pleased with Jalen tonight,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “He didn't guard his man and he didn't move the ball. He kind of stood. But he's a stud. He closed the game out the way winners close games out. There's 35 minutes of game that's really important, but the last five matter more than anything else. He played like an All-American in the last five minutes.”

Kevin McCullar added 14 points and Dick had 11, going 3 for 7 behind the arc. KJ Adams had 10.

Wilson reached the 1,000-point plateau with his 16th point. He knew he needed to take charge late in the game.

“Down the stretch I was trying to be aggressive and attack the paint,” he said. “As a leader, I was not in a very good mood. They got way too comfortable shooting the ball. A lot of that was because of my defense. I felt like I owed it to my team to be as aggressive as I could to win the game.”

Chris Ledlum had 17 points for Harvard (8-5). Evan Nelson scored 10.

“I thought (Ledlum) was the best player in the game until the end,” Self said.

Kansas stretched the lead to 11 points early in the second half, but Harvard would not go away. The Crimson trailed by four points when Dajuan Harris stole an inbounds pass and fed it to Dick, who drained a 3-pointer.

The Crimson were 4 of 11 from behind the arc in the second half.

Wilson finally gave the Jayhawks a comfortable lead with a pair of buckets to extend the lead to 55-46. Then he blocked a dunk attempt by Ledlum.

“I thought (Harvard) played well,” Self said. "We had a couple of chances to stretch it out and deliver at least a standing-8 count, maybe not a knockout blow. But they responded every time.

"The key to having great seasons isn't winning when you play great. It's winning when you don't play great. This team did exactly what it's supposed to do on a night when they didn't make shots.”

Harvard hung with Kansas through most of the first half. The score was tied at 20-all at the final media timeout of the first half. The Jayhawks did not hit a 3-point field goal until 2:20 remained in the first half, missing their first nine tries.

Dick, the Jayhawks' second-leading scorer coming in with 15.8 points per game, didn't score until hitting a pair of free throws at the 5:07 mark.

Neither team shot particularly well in the first half. Kansas raised their shooting percentage late to 44.8%. Harvard finished at 34.6%. At one stretch late in the half, each team missed eight out of nine shots.

Kansas concluded the half on a 16-3 run to take a 32-23 lead into the locker room. Harvard scored just six points in the final 10:13.

Harvard: The Crimson were not intimidated by the raucous crowd at Allen Fieldhouse. Every time Kansas stretched the lead, Harvard responded.

Kansas: Kansas will go as far as Jalen Wilson goes. A starter but not the star on last season's national championship team, he is the leader in every way.

Harvard: The Crimson will conclude the non-conference portion of their schedule with a road contest at Maine on Wednesday before opening up Ivy League play on the road at Princeton on New Year's Eve.

Kansas: The Jayhawks have nine days off before opening Big 12 action on New Year's Eve with an afternoon game against Oklahoma State.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalen Wilson scored 21 points and No. 4 Kansas overcame a frigid performance from 3-point range to beat Harvard 68-54 on Thursday night.The Jayhawks (11-1) went 4 for 20 from behind the arc, with no player besides Gradey Dick hitting one until Wilson made one with just over a minute remaining. Wilson scored 11 points in the final 6:24.“I was not pleased with Jalen tonight,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “He didn't guard his man and he didn't move the ball. He kind of stood. But he's a stud. He closed the game out the way winners close games out. There's 35 minutes of game that's really important, but the last five matter more than anything else. He played like an All-American in the last five minutes.”Kevin McCullar added 14 points and Dick had 11, going 3 for 7 behind the arc. KJ Adams had 10.Wilson reached the 1,000-point plateau with his 16th point. He knew he needed to take charge late in the game.“Down the stretch I was trying to be aggressive and attack the paint,” he said. “As a leader, I was not in a very good mood. They got way too comfortable shooting the ball. A lot of that was because of my defense. I felt like I owed it to my team to be as aggressive as I could to win the game.”Chris Ledlum had 17 points for Harvard (8-5). Evan Nelson scored 10.“I thought (Ledlum) was the best player in the game until the end,” Self said.Kansas stretched the lead to 11 points early in the second half, but Harvard would not go away. The Crimson trailed by four points when Dajuan Harris stole an inbounds pass and fed it to Dick, who drained a 3-pointer.The Crimson were 4 of 11 from behind the arc in the second half.Wilson finally gave the Jayhawks a comfortable lead with a pair of buckets to extend the lead to 55-46. Then he blocked a dunk attempt by Ledlum.“I thought (Harvard) played well,” Self said. "We had a couple of chances to stretch it out and deliver at least a standing-8 count, maybe not a knockout blow. But they responded every time."The key to having great seasons isn't winning when you play great. It's winning when you don't play great. This team did exactly what it's supposed to do on a night when they didn't make shots.”Harvard hung with Kansas through most of the first half. The score was tied at 20-all at the final media timeout of the first half. The Jayhawks did not hit a 3-point field goal until 2:20 remained in the first half, missing their first nine tries.Dick, the Jayhawks' second-leading scorer coming in with 15.8 points per game, didn't score until hitting a pair of free throws at the 5:07 mark.Neither team shot particularly well in the first half. Kansas raised their shooting percentage late to 44.8%. Harvard finished at 34.6%. At one stretch late in the half, each team missed eight out of nine shots.Kansas concluded the half on a 16-3 run to take a 32-23 lead into the locker room. Harvard scored just six points in the final 10:13.THE TAKEAWAYHarvard: The Crimson were not intimidated by the raucous crowd at Allen Fieldhouse. Every time Kansas stretched the lead, Harvard responded.Kansas: Kansas will go as far as Jalen Wilson goes. A starter but not the star on last season's national championship team, he is the leader in every way.UP NEXTHarvard: The Crimson will conclude the non-conference portion of their schedule with a road contest at Maine on Wednesday before opening up Ivy League play on the road at Princeton on New Year's Eve.Kansas: The Jayhawks have nine days off before opening Big 12 action on New Year's Eve with an afternoon game against Oklahoma State.

Wilson hits 1,000 points as No 4 Kansas beats Harvard 68-54

The Chiefs will try to keep pace with Buffalo for the best record in the AFC when they face the slumping Seahawks on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City already has clinched its seventh consecutive West Division title. Seattle is slipping out of playoff contention after losing four of its past five games. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is riding a streak of 20 consecutive completions, just five off the NFL record, and is putting together a strong case for his second league MVP award. The Seahawks expect to be without injured wide receiver Tyler Lockett on Saturday.

SEATTLE (7-7) at KANSAS CITY (11-3)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NFL LINE: Chiefs by 9 1/2

AGAINST THE SPREAD: Seahawks 6-8; Chiefs 4-9-1

LAST MEETING: Seahawks beat Chiefs 38-31 on Dec. 23, 2018, in Seattle

LAST WEEK: Seahawks lost to 49ers 21-13; Chiefs beat Texans 30-24 in OT

SEAHAWKS OFFENSE: OVERALL (14), RUSH (22), PASS (9), SCORING (7)

SEAHAWKS DEFENSE: OVERALL (29), RUSH (31), PASS (17), SCORING (29)

CHIEFS OFFENSE: OVERALL (1), RUSH (16), PASS (1), SCORING (1)

CHIEFS DEFENSE: OVERALL (14), RUSH (5), PASS (21), SCORING (18)

TURNOVER DIFFERENTIAL: Seahawks plus-1; Chiefs minus-5.

SEAHAWKS PLAYER TO WATCH: WR DK Metcalf should get more attention than usual with Tyler Lockett sidelined by surgery for a broken bone in his hand. Metcalf has 79 catches for 924 yards and six touchdowns this season, numbers that are almost identical to what Lockett had put up.

CHIEFS PLAYER TO WATCH: You could pick QB Patrick Mahomes every week, but especially this one, because the MVP candidate has completed 20 straight passes coming into the game. Nick Foles, Philip Rivers and Ryan Tannehill share the NFL record with 25 in a row. Mahomes also has thrown for 4,496 yards, putting him on pace to break Peyton Manning's single-season record of 5,477 yards during his 2013 MVP season with the Broncos.

KEY MATCHUP: Chiefs RBs Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon could feast against the Seattle run defense, which is better than only one other team in the league. Pacheco has at least 66 yards rushing in six straight games, and McKinnon has five touchdowns on the ground or through the air over the past three.

KEY INJURIES: Seahawks RBs Kenneth Walker III (ankle) and DeeJay Dallas (ankle), TE Noah Fant (knee), FS Ryan Neal (knee), NT Al Woods (Achilles) and LB Darrell Taylor (illness) missed practice time this week. ... Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman (abdominal injury) could play for the first time since Week 9. DTs Chris Jones and Khalen Saunders, DE Mike Danna and SS Deon Bush missed practice time with an illness.

SERIES NOTES: The Seahawks snapped a three-game skid against Kansas City when the teams last met in Seattle in 2018, but they haven't won a game at Arrowhead Stadium since a 31-19 victory on Nov. 21, 1999. The teams played together in the AFC West from 1977-2001.

STATS AND STUFF: The Seahawks have lost four of their last five games. ... Seattle has turned the ball over 20 times this season, tied for the fourth most in franchise history. ... Seahawks K Jason Myers has made 21 consecutive field goals. He is 6 for 6 from at least 50 yards this season, tying Steven Hauschka for the most such field goals in a season in team history. ... The Chiefs clinched their record seventh consecutive AFC West title with last weekend's overtime win in Houston. ... The Chiefs need one more win for their fifth straight 12-win season, the third-longest streak in NFL history. ... The Chiefs had 502 yards total offense against the Texans, the third time they've eclipsed 500 yards this season. They also broke a franchise record with their 19th consecutive game of at least 300 yards. ... Mahomes had 35 TD passes, joining Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees as the only QBs with four or more such seasons. ... Mahomes has 11 TD runs this season, breaking Alex Smith's franchise record for a QB. ... The Seahawks and the Vikings are the only teams Mahomes has not defeated during his first five years as the starting QB. ... Chiefs TE Travis Kelce needs five catches to reach 800 for his career. ... Mahomes and Kelce have connected 46 times for TDs, tied with Len Dawson and Otis Taylor for the most of any tandem in Chiefs history. ... Chiefs LB Nick Bolton needs one more game with 10 or more tackles to break the season record of seven set by Donnie Edwards.

FANTASY TIP: McKinnon has become invaluable to the Kansas City offense over the past three weeks, and the fantasy owners that picked him up ahead of the playoffs are reaping the rewards. But both of the Kansas City running backs have a favorable matchup with Seattle, which has struggled against the pass but especially the run this season.

By The Associated PressThe Chiefs will try to keep pace with Buffalo for the best record in the AFC when they face the slumping Seahawks on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City already has clinched its seventh consecutive West Division title. Seattle is slipping out of playoff contention after losing four of its past five games. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is riding a streak of 20 consecutive completions, just five off the NFL record, and is putting together a strong case for his second league MVP award. The Seahawks expect to be without injured wide receiver Tyler Lockett on Saturday.SEATTLE (7-7) at KANSAS CITY (11-3)Saturday, 1 p.m. EST, FOXFANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NFL LINE: Chiefs by 9 1/2AGAINST THE SPREAD: Seahawks 6-8; Chiefs 4-9-1SERIES RECORD: Chiefs lead 33-19LAST MEETING: Seahawks beat Chiefs 38-31 on Dec. 23, 2018, in SeattleLAST WEEK: Seahawks lost to 49ers 21-13; Chiefs beat Texans 30-24 in OTSEAHAWKS OFFENSE: OVERALL (14), RUSH (22), PASS (9), SCORING (7)SEAHAWKS DEFENSE: OVERALL (29), RUSH (31), PASS (17), SCORING (29)CHIEFS OFFENSE: OVERALL (1), RUSH (16), PASS (1), SCORING (1)CHIEFS DEFENSE: OVERALL (14), RUSH (5), PASS (21), SCORING (18)TURNOVER DIFFERENTIAL: Seahawks plus-1; Chiefs minus-5.SEAHAWKS PLAYER TO WATCH: WR DK Metcalf should get more attention than usual with Tyler Lockett sidelined by surgery for a broken bone in his hand. Metcalf has 79 catches for 924 yards and six touchdowns this season, numbers that are almost identical to what Lockett had put up.CHIEFS PLAYER TO WATCH: You could pick QB Patrick Mahomes every week, but especially this one, because the MVP candidate has completed 20 straight passes coming into the game. Nick Foles, Philip Rivers and Ryan Tannehill share the NFL record with 25 in a row. Mahomes also has thrown for 4,496 yards, putting him on pace to break Peyton Manning's single-season record of 5,477 yards during his 2013 MVP season with the Broncos.KEY MATCHUP: Chiefs RBs Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon could feast against the Seattle run defense, which is better than only one other team in the league. Pacheco has at least 66 yards rushing in six straight games, and McKinnon has five touchdowns on the ground or through the air over the past three.KEY INJURIES: Seahawks RBs Kenneth Walker III (ankle) and DeeJay Dallas (ankle), TE Noah Fant (knee), FS Ryan Neal (knee), NT Al Woods (Achilles) and LB Darrell Taylor (illness) missed practice time this week. ... Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman (abdominal injury) could play for the first time since Week 9. DTs Chris Jones and Khalen Saunders, DE Mike Danna and SS Deon Bush missed practice time with an illness.SERIES NOTES: The Seahawks snapped a three-game skid against Kansas City when the teams last met in Seattle in 2018, but they haven't won a game at Arrowhead Stadium since a 31-19 victory on Nov. 21, 1999. The teams played together in the AFC West from 1977-2001.STATS AND STUFF: The Seahawks have lost four of their last five games. ... Seattle has turned the ball over 20 times this season, tied for the fourth most in franchise history. ... Seahawks K Jason Myers has made 21 consecutive field goals. He is 6 for 6 from at least 50 yards this season, tying Steven Hauschka for the most such field goals in a season in team history. ... The Chiefs clinched their record seventh consecutive AFC West title with last weekend's overtime win in Houston. ... The Chiefs need one more win for their fifth straight 12-win season, the third-longest streak in NFL history. ... The Chiefs had 502 yards total offense against the Texans, the third time they've eclipsed 500 yards this season. They also broke a franchise record with their 19th consecutive game of at least 300 yards. ... Mahomes had 35 TD passes, joining Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees as the only QBs with four or more such seasons. ... Mahomes has 11 TD runs this season, breaking Alex Smith's franchise record for a QB. ... The Seahawks and the Vikings are the only teams Mahomes has not defeated during his first five years as the starting QB. ... Chiefs TE Travis Kelce needs five catches to reach 800 for his career. ... Mahomes and Kelce have connected 46 times for TDs, tied with Len Dawson and Otis Taylor for the most of any tandem in Chiefs history. ... Chiefs LB Nick Bolton needs one more game with 10 or more tackles to break the season record of seven set by Donnie Edwards.FANTASY TIP: McKinnon has become invaluable to the Kansas City offense over the past three weeks, and the fantasy owners that picked him up ahead of the playoffs are reaping the rewards. But both of the Kansas City running backs have a favorable matchup with Seattle, which has struggled against the pass but especially the run this season.

Chiefs try to keep pace in AFC as Seattle visits Saturday


- Great Bend Panther Basketball coach Kyle Kreigh who will be joined
by Senior guard Cayden Scheurman

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660823675526.jpeg" alt="Thursday Show Lineup" />
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 </figure><div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/lt3jlpbv/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
- Great Bend Panther Basketball coach Kyle Kreigh who will be joined
by Senior guard Cayden Scheurman
- Barton Basketball coach Jeremy Coombs
- “On the Prowl” with Mike Courson
- Thursday Sports Headlines
- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Thursday Sports Day Show (Listen)

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman announced the signing of 26 prospects during the early 2023 signing period on Wednesday.

Thus far, K-State's Class of 2023 is comprised of 23 high school student-athletes and three community-college transfers. The class includes 15 players on defense and 11 on offense. There are six defensive backs, five linebackers, four wide receivers, three defensive ends, three offensive linemen and two tight ends, while there is one defensive tackle, one quarterback and one running back.

The 26 prospects signed are the most by the Wildcats during the early signing period since it was established for the Class of 2018. The previous high was 23 during the 2020 period.

Kansas State cast a wide net in the 2023 early signing period as 13 states are represented. It is the most states from one signing class since at least 1997. The state of Kansas leads in terms of most from one state with six, while there are three apiece from Florida and Missouri, two from the states of Arizona, Texas, Alabama and Iowa. Additionally, there is one prospect apiece from the states of Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota and Oklahoma.

One of the Sunflower State products is quarterback Avery Johnson, who is the consensus top player in the state of Kansas by every major recruiting service.

With the signing of Jack Fabris, the Wildcats have signed a player from the state of Georgia each of the last 10 years and have inked a total of 23 signees from the Peach State.

Of the 26 signees on Wednesday, 13 are expected to enroll at K-State for the 2023 spring semester. The list includes: Jayce Brown, Andre Davis, Collin Dunn, Wesley Fair, Avery Johnson, Terry Kirksey Jr., Will Lee III, Chiddi Obiazor, Austin Romaine, Kameron Sallis, Trey Spivey, Rex Van Wyhe, and Wesley Watson.

Kansas State will look to add more prospects to the Class of 2023 during the regular signing period, which opens on Wednesday, February 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671730797570.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman announced the signing of 26 prospects during the early 2023 signing period on Wednesday.Thus far, K-State's Class of 2023 is comprised of 23 high school student-athletes and three community-college transfers. The class includes 15 players on defense and 11 on offense. There are six defensive backs, five linebackers, four wide receivers, three defensive ends, three offensive linemen and two tight ends, while there is one defensive tackle, one quarterback and one running back.The 26 prospects signed are the most by the Wildcats during the early signing period since it was established for the Class of 2018. The previous high was 23 during the 2020 period.Kansas State cast a wide net in the 2023 early signing period as 13 states are represented. It is the most states from one signing class since at least 1997. The state of Kansas leads in terms of most from one state with six, while there are three apiece from Florida and Missouri, two from the states of Arizona, Texas, Alabama and Iowa. Additionally, there is one prospect apiece from the states of Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota and Oklahoma.One of the Sunflower State products is quarterback Avery Johnson, who is the consensus top player in the state of Kansas by every major recruiting service.With the signing of Jack Fabris, the Wildcats have signed a player from the state of Georgia each of the last 10 years and have inked a total of 23 signees from the Peach State.Of the 26 signees on Wednesday, 13 are expected to enroll at K-State for the 2023 spring semester. The list includes: Jayce Brown, Andre Davis, Collin Dunn, Wesley Fair, Avery Johnson, Terry Kirksey Jr., Will Lee III, Chiddi Obiazor, Austin Romaine, Kameron Sallis, Trey Spivey, Rex Van Wyhe, and Wesley Watson.Kansas State will look to add more prospects to the Class of 2023 during the regular signing period, which opens on Wednesday, February 1.

K-State Casts Wide Net to Nab Stellar Class

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Kansas Jayhawks introduced their 2023 early signing class on Wednesday, welcoming 12 new members of the Kansas Jayhawk family.

Head coach Lance Leipold broke down the 12 players that make up his second recruiting class in a press conference on Wednesday.

“Like always, you are looking to fill needs and build for the future of your team,” head coach Lance Leipold said. “In general, we will always recruit for competition and to keep building … We tell people, you are going to be able to be special here, and you are going to be able to do something that hasn’t been done for a very long time. It’s going to take a special guy that’s going to want to do it.”

Kansas’ 12 signees represent eight different states, including Kansas (2), Texas (3), California (2), Colorado (1), Florida (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1) and Iowa (1). Of the signees, six are on the offensive side of the ball and six are on the defensive side.

NAME	POSITION	HEIGHT	WEIGHT	HIGH SCHOOL	HOMETOWN

Marcus Calvin	DT	6'2"	308 lbs.	Gibbs HS	St. Petersburg, Fla.

Jameel Croft	CB	6'0"	177 lbs.	Martin Luther King HS	Detroit, Mich.

Taylor Davis	S	6'0"	180 lbs.	Ridge Point HS	Missouri City, Texas

Calvin Clements	OL	6'7"	290 lbs.	Lawrence Free State HS	Lawrence, Kan.

Tony Terry Jr.	DE	6'3"	240 lbs.	Jackson Senior HS	Burfordville, Mo.

Blake Herold	DT	6'3"	255 lbs.	Shenandoah HS	Shenandoah, Iowa

Jarred Sample	WR	5'10"	175 lbs.	Cypress Ranch HS	Cypress, Texas

Keaton Kubecka	WR	6'2"	198 lbs.	Westlake HS	Austin, Texas

Jaden Hamm	TE	6'5"	225 lbs.	Eudora HS	Eudora, Kan.

Johnny Thompson Jr.	RB	5'11"	186 lbs.	Oaks Christian School	Canoga Park, Calif.

Sarahz Buncom	WR	6'3"	170 lbs.	Mater Dei Catholic	San Diego, Calif.

Logan Brantley	LB	6'2"	211 lbs.	Cherry Creek HS	Denver, Colo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671730612843.png" alt="kuathletics.com" />
 <figcaption>kuathletics.com</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Kansas Jayhawks introduced their 2023 early signing class on Wednesday, welcoming 12 new members of the Kansas Jayhawk family.Head coach Lance Leipold broke down the 12 players that make up his second recruiting class in a press conference on Wednesday.“Like always, you are looking to fill needs and build for the future of your team,” head coach Lance Leipold said. “In general, we will always recruit for competition and to keep building … We tell people, you are going to be able to be special here, and you are going to be able to do something that hasn’t been done for a very long time. It’s going to take a special guy that’s going to want to do it.”Kansas’ 12 signees represent eight different states, including Kansas (2), Texas (3), California (2), Colorado (1), Florida (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1) and Iowa (1). Of the signees, six are on the offensive side of the ball and six are on the defensive side.NAME	POSITION	HEIGHT	WEIGHT	HIGH SCHOOL	HOMETOWNMarcus Calvin	DT	6'2"	308 lbs.	Gibbs HS	St. Petersburg, Fla.Jameel Croft	CB	6'0"	177 lbs.	Martin Luther King HS	Detroit, Mich.Taylor Davis	S	6'0"	180 lbs.	Ridge Point HS	Missouri City, TexasCalvin Clements	OL	6'7"	290 lbs.	Lawrence Free State HS	Lawrence, Kan.Tony Terry Jr.	DE	6'3"	240 lbs.	Jackson Senior HS	Burfordville, Mo.Blake Herold	DT	6'3"	255 lbs.	Shenandoah HS	Shenandoah, IowaJarred Sample	WR	5'10"	175 lbs.	Cypress Ranch HS	Cypress, TexasKeaton Kubecka	WR	6'2"	198 lbs.	Westlake HS	Austin, TexasJaden Hamm	TE	6'5"	225 lbs.	Eudora HS	Eudora, Kan.Johnny Thompson Jr.	RB	5'11"	186 lbs.	Oaks Christian School	Canoga Park, Calif.Sarahz Buncom	WR	6'3"	170 lbs.	Mater Dei Catholic	San Diego, Calif.Logan Brantley	LB	6'2"	211 lbs.	Cherry Creek HS	Denver, Colo.

Kansas Football Introduces 2023 Early Signing Class

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663183818995.jpeg" alt="Presented By" />
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(WATCH) Sports Day Interview - GBHS Basketball Cindy Beck and Emilee Hall

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

For the second straight week, Jenny Nkem Womsi of the 22nd ranked Barton Community College women's basketball team has been named the KJCCC Division I Player of the Week.

The Week 7 honor is the third of the season for Womsi in having earned the Week 2 KJCCC and NJCAA distinction prior to her Week 6 conference distinction, bringing the sophomore's sixth weekly award in her Barton career.

In Barton's lone game of the week before heading into the Christmas break, Womsi notched her second straight and ninth double-double of the season behind 18 points on 9-of-13 shooting and a 16 rebound effort leading the Cougars to a 62-54 win at 24th ranked Butler Community College. 

Womsi now leads Region VI averaging 13.3 rebounds per game, finishing in double-figure rebounds in 12 of Barton's 14 games including a current stretch of 11 straight games.

Barton stands in 3rd place of the conference standings heading to the holiday break at 6-2 and 12-2 on the season. Having played five of its first eight conference games on the road, the Cougars begin the spring semester also away from the Barton Gym with a January 4th trip to Seward County Community before hosting Northwest Kansas Technical College on Saturday, January 7, in a 2:00 p.m. afternoon tip.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671714010727.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoFor the second straight week, Jenny Nkem Womsi of the 22nd ranked Barton Community College women's basketball team has been named the KJCCC Division I Player of the Week.The Week 7 honor is the third of the season for Womsi in having earned the Week 2 KJCCC and NJCAA distinction prior to her Week 6 conference distinction, bringing the sophomore's sixth weekly award in her Barton career.In Barton's lone game of the week before heading into the Christmas break, Womsi notched her second straight and ninth double-double of the season behind 18 points on 9-of-13 shooting and a 16 rebound effort leading the Cougars to a 62-54 win at 24th ranked Butler Community College. Womsi now leads Region VI averaging 13.3 rebounds per game, finishing in double-figure rebounds in 12 of Barton's 14 games including a current stretch of 11 straight games.Barton stands in 3rd place of the conference standings heading to the holiday break at 6-2 and 12-2 on the season. Having played five of its first eight conference games on the road, the Cougars begin the spring semester also away from the Barton Gym with a January 4th trip to Seward County Community before hosting Northwest Kansas Technical College on Saturday, January 7, in a 2:00 p.m. afternoon tip.

Barton's Womsi earns second straight KJCCC Player of the Week honor

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Nae’Qwan Tomlin scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Keyontae Johnson added 16 points and seven rebounds and Kansas State held off Radford 73-65 on Wednesday for its fifth straight win.

Tomlin scored six points during an 11-0 run as Kansas State took the first double-digit lead of the game at 45-35 with 14:22 remaining. Johnson's highlight was an alley-oop dunk, off Markquis Nowell's lob from midcourt, to made it 69-52.

Kansas State was ahead by 17 points with 4:04 left before Radford scored 13 of the next 15 to get within 71-65. Johnson sealed it with two free throws at 20.4.

Nowell finished with 10 points and 11 assists and Desi Sills also scored 10 for Kansas State (11-1), which has won 11 non-conference games for the first time since 2017-18. K-State is off its best start since opening the 2016-17 season with a 12-1 record.

Tomlin, who entered averaging 10.4 points per game, was 11 of 18 from the field and Johnson, a Florida transfer, reached 1,000 career points.

Kenyon Giles scored 20 points and DaQuan Smith added 12 for Radford (6-7).

Kansas State opens Big 12 play against West Virginia on Dec. 31.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Nae’Qwan Tomlin scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Keyontae Johnson added 16 points and seven rebounds and Kansas State held off Radford 73-65 on Wednesday for its fifth straight win.Tomlin scored six points during an 11-0 run as Kansas State took the first double-digit lead of the game at 45-35 with 14:22 remaining. Johnson's highlight was an alley-oop dunk, off Markquis Nowell's lob from midcourt, to made it 69-52.Kansas State was ahead by 17 points with 4:04 left before Radford scored 13 of the next 15 to get within 71-65. Johnson sealed it with two free throws at 20.4.Nowell finished with 10 points and 11 assists and Desi Sills also scored 10 for Kansas State (11-1), which has won 11 non-conference games for the first time since 2017-18. K-State is off its best start since opening the 2016-17 season with a 12-1 record.Tomlin, who entered averaging 10.4 points per game, was 11 of 18 from the field and Johnson, a Florida transfer, reached 1,000 career points.Kenyon Giles scored 20 points and DaQuan Smith added 12 for Radford (6-7).Kansas State opens Big 12 play against West Virginia on Dec. 31.

Tomlin scores 26, K-State holds off Radford 73-65

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP)
— Nae’Qwan Tomlin scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds,
Keyontae Johnson added 16 points and seven rebounds and Kansas State
held off Radford 73-65 for its fifth straight win. Tomlin scored six
points during an 11-0 run as Kansas State took the first double-digit
lead of the game at 45-35 with 14:22 remaining. Johnson’s highlight
was an alley-oop dunk, off Markquis Nowell’s lob from midcourt, to
made it 69-52. Kansas State was ahead by 17 points with 4:04 left
before Radford scored 13 of the next 15 to get within 71-65. Johnson
sealed it with two free throws at 20.4. Nowell finished with 10
points and 11 assists and Desi Sills also scored 10 for Kansas State.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)
— Emanuel Miller had 21 points and seven rebounds and No. 20 TCU
beat Utah 75-71 on Wednesday night at the Utah Jazz’s Vivint Arena.
Mike Miles added 18 points for the Horned Frogs (10-1), and center
Eddie Lampkin had 10 rebounds in his return from a back injury. Gabe
Madsen made seven 3-pointers and scored 26 points — both career
highs — for Utah (9-4). Marco Anthony added 15 points and 10
rebounds, and Branden Carlson had 14 points and eight rebounds. The
Utes have lost two in a row.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
Freshman Arterio Morris scored a season-best 25 points in just 18
minutes and No. 7 Texas beat Louisiana-Lafayette 100-72 on Wednesday
night for its third straight win without suspended coach Chris Beard.
The Longhorns improved to 10-1. Morris, a reserve whose previous best
was 11 points, connected with 9 of 11 shots and made five 3-point
baskets against Louisiana-Lafayette. Texas converted 12 of 22
3-pointers. Jordan Brown, a 6-foot-11 forward, led
Louisiana-Lafayette with 20 points. The Ragin’ Cajuns fell to 10-2.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) —
Jaz Shelley scored 24 points, hitting two of Nebraska’s three
3-pointers in the third overtime, and the Cornhuskers handed No. 20
Kansas its first loss of the season 85-79. Shelley’s first 3 opened
the scoring in the third overtime for a 73-70 lead and after Ioanna
Chatzileonti scored the first five Kansas points, Shelley hit again
to make it 78-75. Alexis Markowski had 18 points and 10 rebounds for
the Cornhuskers (10-3) and Sam Haiby scored 12 points. Nebraska lost
starter Allison Weidner to a leg injury when she crashed into a
court-side television camera early in the fourth quarter. Zakiyah
Franklin finished with a career-high 27 points in 54 minutes for
Kansas (10-1). Taiyanna Jackson had 18 points and a career-high 21
rebounds.

FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — Baylor coach Dave Aranda will call the defensive plays in a
frigid Armed Forces Bowl against Air Force. Aranda hasn't been in
charge of the defense since helping LSU win the national championship
three years ago. He fired defensive coordinator Ron Roberts at the
end of this year's 6-6 season. Air Force runs the triple-option
offense that features running back Brad Roberts. He set a school
record with 1,612 yards rushing in the regular season. It's the first
meeting between the Bears and Falcons since 1977.

PITTSBURGH (AP) —
Friends, teammates and rivals are paying their respects to Pittsburgh
Steelers Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris. The Pro Football
Hall of Famer died this week at age 72. Harris leaves behind a legacy
beyond the field of play. Former Pennsylvania governor and longtime
friend Ed Rendell friend called Harris a model for all Pennsylvanians
to follow. President Joe Biden praised Harris for his compassion
after visiting him shortly after the death of his wife nearly 50
years ago. Former Oakland Raider linebacker Phil Villapiano, who
chased Harris to the end zone during the Immaculate Reception, became
a close companion.

UNDATED (AP) — The
NFL-leading Philadelphia Eagles had a league-best eight players,
including quarterback Jalen Hurts, selected for the first Pro Bowl
Games. The league announced rosters for the NFC and AFC on Wednesday.
Players from both conferences will compete in weeklong skills
competitions culminated with a flag football game on Sunday, February
5, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The NFL eliminated its
full-contact all-star game in September. Kansas City and Dallas each
had seven players chosen for the Games. San Francisco and Baltimore
are next with six. Only two teams — Jacksonville and Chicago —
aren’t represented on the initial rosters.

UNDATED (AP) —
Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars face Zach Wilson and the
New York Jets in Week 16 for the second straight season. Both teams
have come a long way since the previous meeting. This year, the
Jaguars and Jets are in the middle of a playoff race in a jumbled AFC
so there’s plenty at stake Thursday night. The resurgent Jaguars
are one game behind the Titans in the AFC South. The Jets are one
game behind the Dolphins and Chargers for a wild-card spot. Lawrence
and Wilson were the 1-2 picks in the 2021 draft. While Lawrence has
been outstanding over the past month, Wilson is only starting because
Mike White is injured. He outdueled Lawrence in a 26-21 win at home
on Dec. 26, 2021.

Final	(7)Texas	100	Louisiana-Lafayette	72	

Final	(19)Kentucky	88	Florida
A&amp;M	68	

Final	Boston
College	70	(21)Virginia Tech	65	

Final	San
Francisco	97	(25)Arizona St.	60

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670843384526.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP)
— Nae’Qwan Tomlin scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds,
Keyontae Johnson added 16 points and seven rebounds and Kansas State
held off Radford 73-65 for its fifth straight win. Tomlin scored six
points during an 11-0 run as Kansas State took the first double-digit
lead of the game at 45-35 with 14:22 remaining. Johnson’s highlight
was an alley-oop dunk, off Markquis Nowell’s lob from midcourt, to
made it 69-52. Kansas State was ahead by 17 points with 4:04 left
before Radford scored 13 of the next 15 to get within 71-65. Johnson
sealed it with two free throws at 20.4. Nowell finished with 10
points and 11 assists and Desi Sills also scored 10 for Kansas State.SALT LAKE CITY (AP)
— Emanuel Miller had 21 points and seven rebounds and No. 20 TCU
beat Utah 75-71 on Wednesday night at the Utah Jazz’s Vivint Arena.
Mike Miles added 18 points for the Horned Frogs (10-1), and center
Eddie Lampkin had 10 rebounds in his return from a back injury. Gabe
Madsen made seven 3-pointers and scored 26 points — both career
highs — for Utah (9-4). Marco Anthony added 15 points and 10
rebounds, and Branden Carlson had 14 points and eight rebounds. The
Utes have lost two in a row.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
Freshman Arterio Morris scored a season-best 25 points in just 18
minutes and No. 7 Texas beat Louisiana-Lafayette 100-72 on Wednesday
night for its third straight win without suspended coach Chris Beard.
The Longhorns improved to 10-1. Morris, a reserve whose previous best
was 11 points, connected with 9 of 11 shots and made five 3-point
baskets against Louisiana-Lafayette. Texas converted 12 of 22
3-pointers. Jordan Brown, a 6-foot-11 forward, led
Louisiana-Lafayette with 20 points. The Ragin’ Cajuns fell to 10-2.LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) —
Jaz Shelley scored 24 points, hitting two of Nebraska’s three
3-pointers in the third overtime, and the Cornhuskers handed No. 20
Kansas its first loss of the season 85-79. Shelley’s first 3 opened
the scoring in the third overtime for a 73-70 lead and after Ioanna
Chatzileonti scored the first five Kansas points, Shelley hit again
to make it 78-75. Alexis Markowski had 18 points and 10 rebounds for
the Cornhuskers (10-3) and Sam Haiby scored 12 points. Nebraska lost
starter Allison Weidner to a leg injury when she crashed into a
court-side television camera early in the fourth quarter. Zakiyah
Franklin finished with a career-high 27 points in 54 minutes for
Kansas (10-1). Taiyanna Jackson had 18 points and a career-high 21
rebounds.FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — Baylor coach Dave Aranda will call the defensive plays in a
frigid Armed Forces Bowl against Air Force. Aranda hasn't been in
charge of the defense since helping LSU win the national championship
three years ago. He fired defensive coordinator Ron Roberts at the
end of this year's 6-6 season. Air Force runs the triple-option
offense that features running back Brad Roberts. He set a school
record with 1,612 yards rushing in the regular season. It's the first
meeting between the Bears and Falcons since 1977.PITTSBURGH (AP) —
Friends, teammates and rivals are paying their respects to Pittsburgh
Steelers Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris. The Pro Football
Hall of Famer died this week at age 72. Harris leaves behind a legacy
beyond the field of play. Former Pennsylvania governor and longtime
friend Ed Rendell friend called Harris a model for all Pennsylvanians
to follow. President Joe Biden praised Harris for his compassion
after visiting him shortly after the death of his wife nearly 50
years ago. Former Oakland Raider linebacker Phil Villapiano, who
chased Harris to the end zone during the Immaculate Reception, became
a close companion.UNDATED (AP) — The
NFL-leading Philadelphia Eagles had a league-best eight players,
including quarterback Jalen Hurts, selected for the first Pro Bowl
Games. The league announced rosters for the NFC and AFC on Wednesday.
Players from both conferences will compete in weeklong skills
competitions culminated with a flag football game on Sunday, February
5, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The NFL eliminated its
full-contact all-star game in September. Kansas City and Dallas each
had seven players chosen for the Games. San Francisco and Baltimore
are next with six. Only two teams — Jacksonville and Chicago —
aren’t represented on the initial rosters.UNDATED (AP) —
Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars face Zach Wilson and the
New York Jets in Week 16 for the second straight season. Both teams
have come a long way since the previous meeting. This year, the
Jaguars and Jets are in the middle of a playoff race in a jumbled AFC
so there’s plenty at stake Thursday night. The resurgent Jaguars
are one game behind the Titans in the AFC South. The Jets are one
game behind the Dolphins and Chargers for a wild-card spot. Lawrence
and Wilson were the 1-2 picks in the 2021 draft. While Lawrence has
been outstanding over the past month, Wilson is only starting because
Mike White is injured. He outdueled Lawrence in a 26-21 win at home
on Dec. 26, 2021.WEDNESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(1)Purdue	74	New
Orleans	53	Final	(3)Houston	83	McNeese
St.	44	Final	(7)Texas	100	Louisiana-Lafayette	72	Final	(8)Tennessee	86	Austin
Peay	44	Final	(10)Arkansas	85	UNC-Asheville	51	Final	(13)UCLA	81	UC
Davis	54	Final	(19)Kentucky	88	Florida
A&amp;M	68	Final	(20)TCU	75	Utah	71	Final	Boston
College	70	(21)Virginia Tech	65	Final	(23)Auburn	84	Washington	61	Final	San
Francisco	97	(25)Arizona St.	60NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Philadelphia	113	Detroit	93	Final	Cleveland	114	Milwaukee	106	Final	Brooklyn	143	Golden
State	113	Final	Indiana	117	Boston	112	Final	Chicago	110	Atlanta	108	Final	Toronto	113	New
York	106	Final	Dallas	104	Minnesota	99	Final	Orlando	116	Houston	110	Final	Oklahoma
City	101	Portland	98	Final	Sacramento	134	L.A.
Lakers	120	Final	L.A.
Clippers	126	Charlotte	105	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	New
Jersey	4	Florida	2	Final	Detroit	7	Tampa
Bay	4	Final
OT	Colorado	2	Montreal	1	Final	Nashville	4	Chicago	2	Final	Edmonton	6	Dallas	3	Final	Vegas	5	Arizona	2	Final	Minnesota	4	Anaheim	1

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

AUSTIN, Texas – Fort Hays State sophomore Alex Schremmer was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Team on Tuesday (Dec. 20). Schremmer was a second-team selection as a special teams player after serving as a kick and punt returner in 2022. Sports Information and Athletic Communication professionals nationwide vote on the Academic All-America Team, which reflects both academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected.

Schremmer owns a 3.87 cumulative grade point average as a Biology major at FHSU. He had earned the MIAA Academic Excellence Award (cumulative 4.0 GPA) twice prior to this year.

On the field, Schremmer finished 2022 with 253 total kick return yards (197 kickoff and 56 punt). He averaged 21.9 yards on kickoff returns and 14.0 on punt returns. In the previous season, Schremmer had 162 yards as a wide receiver to go along with 217 total return yards.

Schremmer is the 15th individual in FHSU Football history to earn Academic All-America honors from College Sports Communicators (formerly known as CoSIDA). Connor Shedeed was the last Tiger football student-athlete to earn the honor, receiving first-team honors as a defensive back in 2018. FHSU had eight individuals considered for Academic All-America selection this year at their respective positions after receiving All-District honors. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671637337864.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas – Fort Hays State sophomore Alex Schremmer was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Team on Tuesday (Dec. 20). Schremmer was a second-team selection as a special teams player after serving as a kick and punt returner in 2022. Sports Information and Athletic Communication professionals nationwide vote on the Academic All-America Team, which reflects both academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected.Schremmer owns a 3.87 cumulative grade point average as a Biology major at FHSU. He had earned the MIAA Academic Excellence Award (cumulative 4.0 GPA) twice prior to this year.On the field, Schremmer finished 2022 with 253 total kick return yards (197 kickoff and 56 punt). He averaged 21.9 yards on kickoff returns and 14.0 on punt returns. In the previous season, Schremmer had 162 yards as a wide receiver to go along with 217 total return yards.Schremmer is the 15th individual in FHSU Football history to earn Academic All-America honors from College Sports Communicators (formerly known as CoSIDA). Connor Shedeed was the last Tiger football student-athlete to earn the honor, receiving first-team honors as a defensive back in 2018. FHSU had eight individuals considered for Academic All-America selection this year at their respective positions after receiving All-District honors.

Schremmer Named to CSC Academic All-America Team

The soccer champions keep coming. Sunday, Argentina defeated France in the World Cup. Over the weekend, Great Bend Rec's youth indoor teams celebrated championships. And Tuesday night, another champion was crowed as the GB Strikers won the Women's Adult Indoor Soccer League.

Marisela managed and played for the Strikers. Teammates include:&nbsp;Alicia Segura, Roxana Rodriguez, Brissa Leyva, Lucero Chavez, Jasmin Calzada, Perla Hernandez, Aracely Pablano, Yarlene Granados, Melissa Gutierrez, and Laura Pablano.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671637075323.jpeg" alt="2022 Champions - GB Strikers" />
 <figcaption>2022 Champions - GB Strikers</figcaption>
 </figure>The soccer champions keep coming. Sunday, Argentina defeated France in the World Cup. Over the weekend, Great Bend Rec's youth indoor teams celebrated championships. And Tuesday night, another champion was crowed as the GB Strikers won the Women's Adult Indoor Soccer League.Marisela managed and played for the Strikers. Teammates include:&nbsp;Alicia Segura, Roxana Rodriguez, Brissa Leyva, Lucero Chavez, Jasmin Calzada, Perla Hernandez, Aracely Pablano, Yarlene Granados, Melissa Gutierrez, and Laura Pablano.&nbsp;

GB Strikers win Rec's Indoor Soccer League championship

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Franco Harris, the Hall of Fame running back whose heads-up thinking authored “The Immaculate Reception,” considered the most iconic play in NFL history, has died. He was 72.

Harris' son Dok told The Associated Press his father passed away overnight. No cause of death was given.

His death comes two days before the 50th anniversary of the play that provided the jolt that helped transform the Steelers from also-rans into the NFL's elite and three days before Pittsburgh is scheduled to retire his No. 32 during a ceremony at halftime of its game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Harris ran for 12,120 yards and won four Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s, a dynasty that began in earnest when Harris decided to keep running during a last-second heave by Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw in a playoff game against Oakland in 1972.

With Pittsburgh trailing 7-6 and facing fourth-and-10 from their own 40 yard line and 22 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Bradshaw drifted back and threw deep to running back French Fuqua. Fuqua and Oakland defensive back Jack Tatum collided, sending the ball careening back toward midfield in the direction of Harris.

While nearly everyone else on the field stopped, Harris kept his legs churning, snatching the ball just inches above the Three Rivers Stadium turf near the Oakland 45 then outracing several stunned Raider defenders to give the Steelers their first playoff victory in the franchise's four-decade history.

“That play really represents our teams of the ’70s,” Harris said after the ”Immaculate Reception" was voted the greatest play in NFL history during the league's 100th anniversary season in 2020.

While the Steelers fell the next week to Miami in the AFC Championship, Pittsburgh was on its way to becoming the dominant team of the 1970s, twice winning back-to-back Super Bowls, first after the 1974 and 1975 seasons and again after the 1978 and 1979 seasons.

Harris, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound workhorse from Penn State, found himself in the center of it all. He churned for a then-record 158 yards rushing and a touchdown in Pittsburgh's 16-6 victory over Minnesota in Super Bowl IX on his way to winning the game's Most Valuable Player award. He scored at least once in three of the four Super Bowls he played in, and his 354 career yards rushing on the NFL's biggest stage remains a record nearly four decades after his retirement.

Born in Fort Dix, New Jersey, on March 7, 1950, Harris played collegiately at Penn State, where his primary job was to open holes for backfield mate Lydell Mitchell. The Steelers, in the final stages of a rebuild led by Hall of Fame coach Chuck Noll, saw enough in Harris to make him the 13th overall pick in the 1972 draft.

“When (Noll) drafted Franco Harris, he gave the offense heart, he gave it discipline, he gave it desire, he gave it the ability to win a championship in Pittsburgh,” Steelers Hall of Fame wide receiver Lynn Swann said of his frequent roommate on team road trips.

Harris' impact was immediate. He won the NFL's Rookie to the Year award in 1972 after rushing for a then-team-rookie record 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns as the Steelers reached the postseason for just the second time in franchise history.

The city's large Italian-American population embraced Harris immediately, led by two local businessmen who founded what became known as “Franco's Italian Army,” a nod to Harris' roots as the son of an African-American father and an Italian mother.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671623958912.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PITTSBURGH (AP) — Franco Harris, the Hall of Fame running back whose heads-up thinking authored “The Immaculate Reception,” considered the most iconic play in NFL history, has died. He was 72.Harris' son Dok told The Associated Press his father passed away overnight. No cause of death was given.His death comes two days before the 50th anniversary of the play that provided the jolt that helped transform the Steelers from also-rans into the NFL's elite and three days before Pittsburgh is scheduled to retire his No. 32 during a ceremony at halftime of its game against the Las Vegas Raiders.Harris ran for 12,120 yards and won four Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s, a dynasty that began in earnest when Harris decided to keep running during a last-second heave by Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw in a playoff game against Oakland in 1972.With Pittsburgh trailing 7-6 and facing fourth-and-10 from their own 40 yard line and 22 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Bradshaw drifted back and threw deep to running back French Fuqua. Fuqua and Oakland defensive back Jack Tatum collided, sending the ball careening back toward midfield in the direction of Harris.While nearly everyone else on the field stopped, Harris kept his legs churning, snatching the ball just inches above the Three Rivers Stadium turf near the Oakland 45 then outracing several stunned Raider defenders to give the Steelers their first playoff victory in the franchise's four-decade history.“That play really represents our teams of the ’70s,” Harris said after the ”Immaculate Reception" was voted the greatest play in NFL history during the league's 100th anniversary season in 2020.While the Steelers fell the next week to Miami in the AFC Championship, Pittsburgh was on its way to becoming the dominant team of the 1970s, twice winning back-to-back Super Bowls, first after the 1974 and 1975 seasons and again after the 1978 and 1979 seasons.Harris, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound workhorse from Penn State, found himself in the center of it all. He churned for a then-record 158 yards rushing and a touchdown in Pittsburgh's 16-6 victory over Minnesota in Super Bowl IX on his way to winning the game's Most Valuable Player award. He scored at least once in three of the four Super Bowls he played in, and his 354 career yards rushing on the NFL's biggest stage remains a record nearly four decades after his retirement.Born in Fort Dix, New Jersey, on March 7, 1950, Harris played collegiately at Penn State, where his primary job was to open holes for backfield mate Lydell Mitchell. The Steelers, in the final stages of a rebuild led by Hall of Fame coach Chuck Noll, saw enough in Harris to make him the 13th overall pick in the 1972 draft.“When (Noll) drafted Franco Harris, he gave the offense heart, he gave it discipline, he gave it desire, he gave it the ability to win a championship in Pittsburgh,” Steelers Hall of Fame wide receiver Lynn Swann said of his frequent roommate on team road trips.Harris' impact was immediate. He won the NFL's Rookie to the Year award in 1972 after rushing for a then-team-rookie record 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns as the Steelers reached the postseason for just the second time in franchise history.The city's large Italian-American population embraced Harris immediately, led by two local businessmen who founded what became known as “Franco's Italian Army,” a nod to Harris' roots as the son of an African-American father and an Italian mother.The “Immaculate Reception” made Harris a star, though he typically preferred to let his play and not his mouth do the talking. On a team that featured big personalities in Bradshaw, defensive tackle Joe Greene, linebacker Jack Lambert among others, the intensely quiet Harris spent 12 seasons as the engine that helped Pittsburgh's offense go.Eight times he topped 1,000 yards rushing in a season, including five times while playing a 14-game schedule. He piled up another 1,556 yards rushing and 16 rushing touchdowns in the playoffs, both second all-time behind Smith.Despite his gaudy numbers, Harris stressed he was just one cog in an extraordinary machine that redefined greatness.“You see, during that era, each player brought their own little piece with them to make that wonderful decade happen,” Harris said during his Hall of Fame speech in 1990. “Each player had their strengths and weaknesses, each their own thinking, each their own method, just each, each had their own. But then it was amazing, it all came together, and it stayed together to forge the greatest team of all times.”Harris also made it a habit to stick up for his teammates. When Bradshaw took what Harris felt was an illegal late hit from Dallas linebacker Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson in the second half of their meeting in the 1978 Super Bowl, Harris basically demanded Bradshaw give him the ball on the next play. All Harris did was sprint up the middle 22 yards — right by Henderson — for a touchdown that gave the Steelers an 11-point lead they would not relinquish on their way to their third championship in six years.Despite all of his success, his time in Pittsburgh ended acrimoniously when the Steelers cut him after he held out during training camp before the 1984 season. Noll, who leaned on Harris so heavily for so long, famously answered “Franco who?” when asked about Harris' absence from the team's camp at Saint Vincent College.Harris signed with Seattle, running for just 170 yards in eight games before being released in midseason. He retired as the NFL's third all-time leading rusher behind Walter Payton and Jim Brown."I don’t even think about that (anymore),” Harris said in 2006. “I’m still black and gold.”Harris remained in Pittsburgh following his retirement, opening a bakery and becoming heavily involved in several charities, including serving as the chairman of “Pittsburgh Promise," which provides college scholarship opportunities for Pittsburgh Public School students.Harris is survived by his wife Dana Dokmanovich and his son, Dok.