KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brett Veach found himself in the same vexing position as every other NFL general manager during the draft, trying to remain true to his scouting board — and all the work put in this past year — while also understanding there were glaring holes on the roster that need to be filled.

Turns out the Chiefs GM need not worry: In round after round, the AFC West champs found that the top players left on their board serendipitously addressed some of their biggest weaknesses heading into next season.

One of their top cornerback targets, Trent McDuffie, was there to trade up for at No. 21 overall without sacrificing No. 30, where the Chiefs nabbed one of their favorite pass rushers, George Karlaftis. And when their first of two second-round picks rolled around, the Chiefs got one of their favorite wide receivers in Skyy Moore, a multifaceted talent who many gave a first-round grade and who should help the Chiefs overcome the loss of three-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill.

It kept going like that all weekend: With their other second-round pick, the Chiefs plugged a hole at safety with big-hitting Bryan Cook. Third-round pick Leo Chenal fits perfectly among Kansas City linebackers, fourth-rounder Joshua Williams will provide cornerback depth and offensive lineman Darrian Kinnard in the fifth offered exceptional value.

All areas of need, all addressed without too much stress.

“We joked about that, too,” Veach said. “It was one of those weird setups where we were able to stick to the board, stick to the value, players’ talent and upside, and yet at the same time, address key needs for our team.”

The biggest needs were clearly on defense, where the Chiefs struggled mightily in the playoffs, then lost All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu in free agency. The Chiefs signed Justin Reid as his replacement and made a few other moves, but it was clear that the Chiefs intended to get younger and faster on that side of the ball through the draft.

Five of their first six selections came on that side of the ball.

McDuffie should help replace Charvarius Ward, who left for San Francisco in free agency, while Karlaftis and Chenal should help a pass rush that was among the worst in the NFL last season. Cook should be a lot to handle in the defensive backfield, while Williams offers major upside after playing Division II college ball.

In fact, things went so well for Kansas City that Veach even managed to trade back four spots and still get his guy — Moore in the second round. It was the first time Veach, known for aggressively trading up, had ever traded down.

“Yeah, it was exciting. I told (Chiefs chairman) Clark Hunt that I think I have everything checked off of my to‐do list and the only thing I have left is a trade‐down,” Veach said with a laugh. “We took a little time to celebrate that.”

As first-round picks, McDuffie and Karlaftis should play meaningful downs right away. But watch out for Chenal, whose ability to play the SAM linebacker spot allows Willie Gay Jr. to slide to his more natural weak-side spot with Nick Bolton, a second-round revelation last season, calling the shots from the middle linebacker spot.

The Chiefs signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster to remake their wide receiver room, but Moore gives the offense an element that Hill also brought: speed and creativity. His ability to get open when plays break down is ideal for Patrick Mahomes, whose pocket passing is good but whose throwing ability on the move is elite.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid freely admits to liking players with mean streaks and he got a couple this weekend.

Chenal, the linebacker from Wisconsin, described himself this way: “People who watch my game know I’m going to be one of the most violent guys on the field at all times.”

And Kinnard, the offensive lineman from Kentucky, wasn’t happy that he had to wait until Day Three to hear his name called, saying: “Yeah, I’m going to play pissed.”

Williams, who played at Fayetteville State in North Carolina, was the first player drafted from a historically black college or university this year; none were selected last year.

Some of the best players in Chiefs history came from HBCUs, among them: linebacker Willie Lanier (Morgan State), defensive lineman Buck Buchanan (Grambling State), defensive back Emmitt Thomas (Bishop College) and wide receiver Otis Taylor (Prairie View A&amp;M).

The Chiefs used a trio of seventh-round picks Saturday to land Washington State cornerback Jaylen Watson, Rutgers running back Isaih Pacheco and Marshall safety Nazeeh Johnson.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brett Veach found himself in the same vexing position as every other NFL general manager during the draft, trying to remain true to his scouting board — and all the work put in this past year — while also understanding there were glaring holes on the roster that need to be filled.Turns out the Chiefs GM need not worry: In round after round, the AFC West champs found that the top players left on their board serendipitously addressed some of their biggest weaknesses heading into next season.One of their top cornerback targets, Trent McDuffie, was there to trade up for at No. 21 overall without sacrificing No. 30, where the Chiefs nabbed one of their favorite pass rushers, George Karlaftis. And when their first of two second-round picks rolled around, the Chiefs got one of their favorite wide receivers in Skyy Moore, a multifaceted talent who many gave a first-round grade and who should help the Chiefs overcome the loss of three-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill.It kept going like that all weekend: With their other second-round pick, the Chiefs plugged a hole at safety with big-hitting Bryan Cook. Third-round pick Leo Chenal fits perfectly among Kansas City linebackers, fourth-rounder Joshua Williams will provide cornerback depth and offensive lineman Darrian Kinnard in the fifth offered exceptional value.All areas of need, all addressed without too much stress.“We joked about that, too,” Veach said. “It was one of those weird setups where we were able to stick to the board, stick to the value, players’ talent and upside, and yet at the same time, address key needs for our team.”The biggest needs were clearly on defense, where the Chiefs struggled mightily in the playoffs, then lost All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu in free agency. The Chiefs signed Justin Reid as his replacement and made a few other moves, but it was clear that the Chiefs intended to get younger and faster on that side of the ball through the draft.Five of their first six selections came on that side of the ball.McDuffie should help replace Charvarius Ward, who left for San Francisco in free agency, while Karlaftis and Chenal should help a pass rush that was among the worst in the NFL last season. Cook should be a lot to handle in the defensive backfield, while Williams offers major upside after playing Division II college ball.In fact, things went so well for Kansas City that Veach even managed to trade back four spots and still get his guy — Moore in the second round. It was the first time Veach, known for aggressively trading up, had ever traded down.“Yeah, it was exciting. I told (Chiefs chairman) Clark Hunt that I think I have everything checked off of my to‐do list and the only thing I have left is a trade‐down,” Veach said with a laugh. “We took a little time to celebrate that.”INSTANT IMPACTAs first-round picks, McDuffie and Karlaftis should play meaningful downs right away. But watch out for Chenal, whose ability to play the SAM linebacker spot allows Willie Gay Jr. to slide to his more natural weak-side spot with Nick Bolton, a second-round revelation last season, calling the shots from the middle linebacker spot.TIME TO FLYThe Chiefs signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster to remake their wide receiver room, but Moore gives the offense an element that Hill also brought: speed and creativity. His ability to get open when plays break down is ideal for Patrick Mahomes, whose pocket passing is good but whose throwing ability on the move is elite.NASTY BOYSChiefs coach Andy Reid freely admits to liking players with mean streaks and he got a couple this weekend.Chenal, the linebacker from Wisconsin, described himself this way: “People who watch my game know I’m going to be one of the most violent guys on the field at all times.”And Kinnard, the offensive lineman from Kentucky, wasn’t happy that he had to wait until Day Three to hear his name called, saying: “Yeah, I’m going to play pissed.”HBCU PRIDEWilliams, who played at Fayetteville State in North Carolina, was the first player drafted from a historically black college or university this year; none were selected last year.Some of the best players in Chiefs history came from HBCUs, among them: linebacker Willie Lanier (Morgan State), defensive lineman Buck Buchanan (Grambling State), defensive back Emmitt Thomas (Bishop College) and wide receiver Otis Taylor (Prairie View A&amp;M).SEVENTH HEAVENThe Chiefs used a trio of seventh-round picks Saturday to land Washington State cornerback Jaylen Watson, Rutgers running back Isaih Pacheco and Marshall safety Nazeeh Johnson.

Chiefs shore up defensive shortcomings during NFL draft

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Turns out the New York Yankees can win ballgames even when they don’t put one out of the park.

It helps having Gerrit Cole on the mound.

The Cy Young runner-up a year ago tossed six sharp innings, the Yankees resorted to manufacturing runs against sloppy Kansas City pitching, and New York beat the Royals 3-0 Saturday night for its eighth straight win.

“No question, when you want to be a complete team and a really good one, you have to find ways at times to win in different ways,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I thought the pitching staff led by Gerrit made really good pitches.”

Cole (2-0) allowed five hits and two walks while striking out six in another dominant start at Kauffman Stadium. The hard-throwing right-hander has allowed only two earned runs in 21 1/3 innings in the pitcher-friendly ballpark.

Aroldis Chapman worked a perfect ninth for his fifth save, helping the Yankees improve to 15-6 — just the fifth time since 1959 that the 27-time World Series champions have won at least 15 of their first 21 games.

Normally a power-hitting team, one that had hit 18 homers in its previous seven games, the Yankees saw Gleyber Torres and Isiah Kiner-Falefa manage sacrifice flies off inconsistent Royals starter Carlos Hernandez (0-1) but little else.

“We’re winning now,” Cole said. “That’s all we’re focused on.”

Hernandez walked five of the first 15 batters he faced and, at one point, had thrown more balls (37) than strikes (36). But the young right-hander limited the damage against a Yankees lineup that loves to inflict it.

Hernandez worked around a walk in the first, then loaded the bases with nobody out in the second but allowed just one run thanks to a double play and a groundout. Hernandez loaded them again with one out in the third, gave up a sacrifice fly, then watched Salvador Perez throw out Anthony Rizzo at third base to end the inning.

The Yankees also drew a leadoff walk in the fourth and scored on another sacrifice fly, giving them a 3-0 lead.

With Cole on the mound, that’s usually enough.

He would’ve set down the first eight batters he faced if not for Kiner-Falefa’s miscue at shortstop, ending the Yankees’ 13-game errorless streak. Cole’s command escaped him briefly in the third, but he got Nicky Lopez to fly out to leave the bases loaded. And in the fourth, Cole froze Bobby Witt Jr. and Kyle Isbel to strand runners on second and third.

Miguel Castro and Clay Holmes each pitched a scoreless inning before Chapman finished things off.

“You give up five walks to a potent offense, it’s going to eventually catch up to you,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “We had a couple of chances with runners on second and third and they made pitches when he needed to.”

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge got his scheduled day off Saturday, even though he’s hit three homers in his last four games and five in his last seven. Judge also has hit safely in nine of his last 10 with 12 RBIs over that span.

“It’s always hard to have him out,” Boone said, “but I was going to be pretty disciplined about it with another day game (Sunday) after a night game and then going to the turf in Toronto.”

The Royals debuted their “City Connect Series” jerseys featuring art deco-inspired graphics, a nod to the crown of Kauffman Stadium and the fountains of Kansas City, and the deep blue color that the team wore in the 1970s and ’80s.

Yankees: LF Joey Gallo left the game with tightness in his left groin. “I’m not concerned,” he said. “It just tightened up on me a little bit.” ... C Ben Rortvedt (right oblique) had a recent exam that showed no trace of the strain he sustained in February, though his return date is still unclear. “He’s doing well and over the injury now,” Boone said.

Royals: Witt was hit on his wrist in the eighth inning but remained in the game. “He’s going to be a little bit sore,” Matheny said, “but everything we’ve seen so far, he’s going to be OK.” ... LHP Jake Brentz went on the injured list Saturday with a left flexor strain and RHP Matt Peacock was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to replace him.

RHP Luis Severino (2-0, 3.32) is up for the Yankees and LHP Daniel Lynch (2-1, 3.38) for the Royals in Sunday’s finale.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Turns out the New York Yankees can win ballgames even when they don’t put one out of the park.It helps having Gerrit Cole on the mound.The Cy Young runner-up a year ago tossed six sharp innings, the Yankees resorted to manufacturing runs against sloppy Kansas City pitching, and New York beat the Royals 3-0 Saturday night for its eighth straight win.“No question, when you want to be a complete team and a really good one, you have to find ways at times to win in different ways,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I thought the pitching staff led by Gerrit made really good pitches.”Cole (2-0) allowed five hits and two walks while striking out six in another dominant start at Kauffman Stadium. The hard-throwing right-hander has allowed only two earned runs in 21 1/3 innings in the pitcher-friendly ballpark.Aroldis Chapman worked a perfect ninth for his fifth save, helping the Yankees improve to 15-6 — just the fifth time since 1959 that the 27-time World Series champions have won at least 15 of their first 21 games.Normally a power-hitting team, one that had hit 18 homers in its previous seven games, the Yankees saw Gleyber Torres and Isiah Kiner-Falefa manage sacrifice flies off inconsistent Royals starter Carlos Hernandez (0-1) but little else.“We’re winning now,” Cole said. “That’s all we’re focused on.”Hernandez walked five of the first 15 batters he faced and, at one point, had thrown more balls (37) than strikes (36). But the young right-hander limited the damage against a Yankees lineup that loves to inflict it.Hernandez worked around a walk in the first, then loaded the bases with nobody out in the second but allowed just one run thanks to a double play and a groundout. Hernandez loaded them again with one out in the third, gave up a sacrifice fly, then watched Salvador Perez throw out Anthony Rizzo at third base to end the inning.The Yankees also drew a leadoff walk in the fourth and scored on another sacrifice fly, giving them a 3-0 lead.With Cole on the mound, that’s usually enough.He would’ve set down the first eight batters he faced if not for Kiner-Falefa’s miscue at shortstop, ending the Yankees’ 13-game errorless streak. Cole’s command escaped him briefly in the third, but he got Nicky Lopez to fly out to leave the bases loaded. And in the fourth, Cole froze Bobby Witt Jr. and Kyle Isbel to strand runners on second and third.Miguel Castro and Clay Holmes each pitched a scoreless inning before Chapman finished things off.“You give up five walks to a potent offense, it’s going to eventually catch up to you,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “We had a couple of chances with runners on second and third and they made pitches when he needed to.”JUDGE ME NOTYankees slugger Aaron Judge got his scheduled day off Saturday, even though he’s hit three homers in his last four games and five in his last seven. Judge also has hit safely in nine of his last 10 with 12 RBIs over that span.“It’s always hard to have him out,” Boone said, “but I was going to be pretty disciplined about it with another day game (Sunday) after a night game and then going to the turf in Toronto.”NICE DUDSThe Royals debuted their “City Connect Series” jerseys featuring art deco-inspired graphics, a nod to the crown of Kauffman Stadium and the fountains of Kansas City, and the deep blue color that the team wore in the 1970s and ’80s.TRAINER’S ROOMYankees: LF Joey Gallo left the game with tightness in his left groin. “I’m not concerned,” he said. “It just tightened up on me a little bit.” ... C Ben Rortvedt (right oblique) had a recent exam that showed no trace of the strain he sustained in February, though his return date is still unclear. “He’s doing well and over the injury now,” Boone said.Royals: Witt was hit on his wrist in the eighth inning but remained in the game. “He’s going to be a little bit sore,” Matheny said, “but everything we’ve seen so far, he’s going to be OK.” ... LHP Jake Brentz went on the injured list Saturday with a left flexor strain and RHP Matt Peacock was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to replace him.UP NEXTRHP Luis Severino (2-0, 3.32) is up for the Yankees and LHP Daniel Lynch (2-1, 3.38) for the Royals in Sunday’s finale.

Cole pitches Yankees to 8th straight win, 3-0 over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up the NFL draft having filled all of their biggest holes particularly on the defensive side of the ball. They addressed that area with cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis in the first round, safety Bryan Cook in the second and linebacker Leo Chenal in the third. They also landed help for Patrick Mahomes in the form of Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore in the second round and Kentucky offensive lineman Darrian Kinnard, who many viewed as a Day Two talent but who fell to Kansas City in the fifth round.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gerrit Cole pitched six shutout innings and the New York Yankees manufactured just enough runs to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 for their eighth straight win. Cole scattered five hits and two walks while striking out six. Aroldis Chapman worked the ninth for his fifth save, helping the Yankees improve to 15-6 on the season. It's just the fifth time since 1959 that they've won at least 15 of their first 21 games. Carlos Hernandez took the loss for the Royals, allowing two earned runs and three in all on four hits and five walks in four innings.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Merrill Kelly threw seven shutout innings and Ketel Marte and Nick Ahmed each homered in the eighth inning, lifting the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-0 over the St. Louis Cardinals. Kelly pitched seven scoreless innings for the win and held the Cardinals to two hits with four strikeouts. Ian Kennedy gave up a leadoff walk before retiring the side in the ninth to pick up his first save and preserve the shutout. St. Louis starter Miles Mikolas pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing four hits with seven strikeouts and no walks.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Javier Báez and Austin Meadows each drove in two runs and the Detroit Tigers snapped a six-game losing streak with a 5-1 victory over Los Angeles. For Dodgers' fans, it spoiled a night when Clayton Kershaw became the franchise's career strikeout leader. The 33-year-old lefty received a standing ovation and tipped his cap after getting the record, finishing the night with seven punchouts and becoming the 26th pitcher to reach 2,700 strikeouts.

NEW YORK (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit the go-ahead, two-run homer as the Philadelphia Phillies bounced back from being no-hit by beating the New York Mets 4-1. Schwarber entered the game hitting .164 but drove his in the seventh inning shot to right-center field for a 2-1 lead that held up.

MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins have now won seven in a row. Jesús Luzardo allowed one run and two hits in six innings as the Marlins beat the visiting Seattle Mariners 3-1. Miami's last seven-game win streak ran was in 2016.

CHICAGO (AP) — The White Sox ended the Angels’ six-game winning streak with a 4-0 victory in Chicago. Tim Anderson and Luis Robert homered for the White Sox. Vince Velasquez got the win, holding the Angels to four hits and striking out six in 5 2/3 innings.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore was held without a hit until the sixth inning and trailed 1-0 in the eighth but still rallied to end a five-game skid with a 2-1 victory over Boston. Jorge Mateo scored the Orioles' winning run in the 10th inning on a throwing error by Red Sox pitcher Hirokazu Sawamura.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650620046232.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up the NFL draft having filled all of their biggest holes particularly on the defensive side of the ball. They addressed that area with cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis in the first round, safety Bryan Cook in the second and linebacker Leo Chenal in the third. They also landed help for Patrick Mahomes in the form of Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore in the second round and Kentucky offensive lineman Darrian Kinnard, who many viewed as a Day Two talent but who fell to Kansas City in the fifth round.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gerrit Cole pitched six shutout innings and the New York Yankees manufactured just enough runs to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 for their eighth straight win. Cole scattered five hits and two walks while striking out six. Aroldis Chapman worked the ninth for his fifth save, helping the Yankees improve to 15-6 on the season. It's just the fifth time since 1959 that they've won at least 15 of their first 21 games. Carlos Hernandez took the loss for the Royals, allowing two earned runs and three in all on four hits and five walks in four innings.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Merrill Kelly threw seven shutout innings and Ketel Marte and Nick Ahmed each homered in the eighth inning, lifting the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-0 over the St. Louis Cardinals. Kelly pitched seven scoreless innings for the win and held the Cardinals to two hits with four strikeouts. Ian Kennedy gave up a leadoff walk before retiring the side in the ninth to pick up his first save and preserve the shutout. St. Louis starter Miles Mikolas pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing four hits with seven strikeouts and no walks.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Javier Báez and Austin Meadows each drove in two runs and the Detroit Tigers snapped a six-game losing streak with a 5-1 victory over Los Angeles. For Dodgers' fans, it spoiled a night when Clayton Kershaw became the franchise's career strikeout leader. The 33-year-old lefty received a standing ovation and tipped his cap after getting the record, finishing the night with seven punchouts and becoming the 26th pitcher to reach 2,700 strikeouts.NEW YORK (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit the go-ahead, two-run homer as the Philadelphia Phillies bounced back from being no-hit by beating the New York Mets 4-1. Schwarber entered the game hitting .164 but drove his in the seventh inning shot to right-center field for a 2-1 lead that held up.MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins have now won seven in a row. Jesús Luzardo allowed one run and two hits in six innings as the Marlins beat the visiting Seattle Mariners 3-1. Miami's last seven-game win streak ran was in 2016.CHICAGO (AP) — The White Sox ended the Angels’ six-game winning streak with a 4-0 victory in Chicago. Tim Anderson and Luis Robert homered for the White Sox. Vince Velasquez got the win, holding the Angels to four hits and striking out six in 5 2/3 innings.BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore was held without a hit until the sixth inning and trailed 1-0 in the eighth but still rallied to end a five-game skid with a 2-1 victory over Boston. Jorge Mateo scored the Orioles' winning run in the 10th inning on a throwing error by Red Sox pitcher Hirokazu Sawamura.SATURDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal	Miami	3	Seattle	1	Final	Texas	3	Atlanta	1	Final	Detroit	5	L.A. Dodgers	1	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Toronto	2	Houston	1	Final	Cleveland	3	Oakland	1	Final	Chicago White Sox	4	L.A. Angels	0	Final	Minnesota	9	Tampa Bay	1	Final	Baltimore	2	Boston	1	Final	N.Y. Yankees	3	Kansas City	0	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Arizona	2	St. Louis	0	Final	San Francisco	9	Washington	3	Final	Pittsburgh	7	San Diego	6	Final	Milwaukee	9	Chicago Cubs	1	Final	Colorado	4	Cincinnati	3	Final	Philadelphia	4	N.Y. Mets	1

Sunday Sports Headlines and scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are actively considering the future of Arrowhead Stadium, pushing ahead with planning far earlier than expected following the Kansas City Royals’ decision to investigate a new downtown ballpark.

Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said Friday that the Chiefs, who have shared the Truman Sports Complex with the Royals since the early 1970s, would help the Major League Baseball team evaluate what is best for them. But the Chiefs also have to plan for the future of their own stadium, which will celebrate its opening 50 years ago during the upcoming season.

“I know there’s been a lot of discussion about it over the last several months, and maybe even going back almost a year, to when the Royals announced they were thinking about different opportunities,” Hunt said. “For us, the schedule is probably a little bit ahead of where it would naturally be because of the Royals wanting to be proactive.”

The Chiefs and Royals are tied to their stadium leases through the 2030-31 seasons after Jackson County voters approved a three-eighths cent tax to pay for upgrades more than a decade ago. But given the lead time required for planning, financing and building, both teams realistically must decide on their futures in the next two or three years.

There are also political considerations at play.

Legislators in Kansas are close to approving a measure to authorize sports betting that would dedicate most of the state’s revenues from the effort to lure the Chiefs across the state line. The idea would be to present a financial package that makes the move attractive to an area by Kansas Speedway, which is also close to the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City.

Hunt said that the Chiefs support the gambling legislation in Kansas, as well as similar legislation in Missouri, though efforts to authorize sports betting there have continually hit roadblocks and eventual approval remains in question.

“We know legal sports betting has been going on for a long time,” Hunt said, “and so we think it’s really best that it comes out into the light, you know, where it can be regulated in an appropriate way.”

Much like Kauffman Stadium, which is still considered one of baseball’s jewels, Arrowhead Stadium carries with it a certain mystique in the NFL. It opened in 1972 with none of the accoutrements of modern stadiums, yet its unique architecture and the rabid Chiefs fanbase have made it one of the most intimidating venues in the league.

In September 2014, the Chiefs set the Guinness Book of World Records for the loudest outdoor sports facility when 142.2 decibels of sound were recorded when Kansas City was on defense in a game against the New England Patriots.

The sprawling parking lots around the facility, which reflected the trend of urban flight during the 1960s and ’70s, may no longer be in vogue. But in the case of Arrowhead Stadium, the lots create the perfect setting for perhaps the best tailgating experience in the NFL, and a mouth-watering walk through a sea of fans just to reach the stadium.

“From a personal standpoint, it’s something that would be very challenging for me and my family (to move) because we have so many great memories,” said Hunt, whose father Lamar founded the Chiefs and helped lead the stadium construction.

“Obviously it was a special place for my dad,” Clark Hunt said. “He mentioned that if he could pick one vacation spot in the world, it would be here. So it’s not a decision we’re going to take lightly.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are actively considering the future of Arrowhead Stadium, pushing ahead with planning far earlier than expected following the Kansas City Royals’ decision to investigate a new downtown ballpark.Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said Friday that the Chiefs, who have shared the Truman Sports Complex with the Royals since the early 1970s, would help the Major League Baseball team evaluate what is best for them. But the Chiefs also have to plan for the future of their own stadium, which will celebrate its opening 50 years ago during the upcoming season.“I know there’s been a lot of discussion about it over the last several months, and maybe even going back almost a year, to when the Royals announced they were thinking about different opportunities,” Hunt said. “For us, the schedule is probably a little bit ahead of where it would naturally be because of the Royals wanting to be proactive.”The Chiefs and Royals are tied to their stadium leases through the 2030-31 seasons after Jackson County voters approved a three-eighths cent tax to pay for upgrades more than a decade ago. But given the lead time required for planning, financing and building, both teams realistically must decide on their futures in the next two or three years.There are also political considerations at play.Legislators in Kansas are close to approving a measure to authorize sports betting that would dedicate most of the state’s revenues from the effort to lure the Chiefs across the state line. The idea would be to present a financial package that makes the move attractive to an area by Kansas Speedway, which is also close to the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City.Hunt said that the Chiefs support the gambling legislation in Kansas, as well as similar legislation in Missouri, though efforts to authorize sports betting there have continually hit roadblocks and eventual approval remains in question.“We know legal sports betting has been going on for a long time,” Hunt said, “and so we think it’s really best that it comes out into the light, you know, where it can be regulated in an appropriate way.”Much like Kauffman Stadium, which is still considered one of baseball’s jewels, Arrowhead Stadium carries with it a certain mystique in the NFL. It opened in 1972 with none of the accoutrements of modern stadiums, yet its unique architecture and the rabid Chiefs fanbase have made it one of the most intimidating venues in the league.In September 2014, the Chiefs set the Guinness Book of World Records for the loudest outdoor sports facility when 142.2 decibels of sound were recorded when Kansas City was on defense in a game against the New England Patriots.The sprawling parking lots around the facility, which reflected the trend of urban flight during the 1960s and ’70s, may no longer be in vogue. But in the case of Arrowhead Stadium, the lots create the perfect setting for perhaps the best tailgating experience in the NFL, and a mouth-watering walk through a sea of fans just to reach the stadium.“From a personal standpoint, it’s something that would be very challenging for me and my family (to move) because we have so many great memories,” said Hunt, whose father Lamar founded the Chiefs and helped lead the stadium construction.“Obviously it was a special place for my dad,” Clark Hunt said. “He mentioned that if he could pick one vacation spot in the world, it would be here. So it’s not a decision we’re going to take lightly.”

Chiefs actively considering future of Arrowhead Stadium

Freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2021-22/bios/murrell-ross_kelsie_1k95">Kelsie Murrell-Ross</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2021-22/bios/lloyd_brandon_6sm5" target="_blank">Brandon Lloyd</a>&nbsp;of the Barton Community College track and field team have been named the week six outdoor Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) Field Athletes of the Week following their performances last weekend at the John Jacobs Invitational in Norman, Oklahoma.

Already the nation leader in the shot put, Murrell-Ross unleashed a 16.00m (52-06.00) mark to better her program standing to 3rd best all-time and the 9th furthest mark in NJCAA history. A two-event national qualifier, Ross also currently ranks 6th in the discus with a 44.45m (145-10) mark.

Not to be outdone on the men's side at the field events, Lloyd's third attempt at Saturday's discus not only surpassed his personal best by nearly six feet but broke the school record in the process. Marking a 58.61m (192-03) distance, Lloyd climbed into the 7th best NJCAA all-time throw while breaking Ricky Nelson's 2017 Barton record of (58.15m) by eighteen inches. Lloyd is also 3rd ranked in the shot put and 7th all-time Barton history with a 17.27m (56-08.00) mark while teammate Giovanni Gutierrez has the nation's 2nd best mark at 18.05m (59-02.75) to rank 4th all-time in Barton history.

The Cougars' next meet begins post-season May 5-7 in Garden City, Kansas for the KJCCC/Region VI Championships.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651330284259.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2021-22/bios/murrell-ross_kelsie_1k95">Kelsie Murrell-Ross</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2021-22/bios/lloyd_brandon_6sm5" target="_blank">Brandon Lloyd</a>&nbsp;of the Barton Community College track and field team have been named the week six outdoor Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) Field Athletes of the Week following their performances last weekend at the John Jacobs Invitational in Norman, Oklahoma.Already the nation leader in the shot put, Murrell-Ross unleashed a 16.00m (52-06.00) mark to better her program standing to 3rd best all-time and the 9th furthest mark in NJCAA history. A two-event national qualifier, Ross also currently ranks 6th in the discus with a 44.45m (145-10) mark.Not to be outdone on the men's side at the field events, Lloyd's third attempt at Saturday's discus not only surpassed his personal best by nearly six feet but broke the school record in the process. Marking a 58.61m (192-03) distance, Lloyd climbed into the 7th best NJCAA all-time throw while breaking Ricky Nelson's 2017 Barton record of (58.15m) by eighteen inches. Lloyd is also 3rd ranked in the shot put and 7th all-time Barton history with a 17.27m (56-08.00) mark while teammate Giovanni Gutierrez has the nation's 2nd best mark at 18.05m (59-02.75) to rank 4th all-time in Barton history.The Cougars' next meet begins post-season May 5-7 in Garden City, Kansas for the KJCCC/Region VI Championships.

Lloyd's school record highlights Barton track and field's pair of KJCCC weekly awards

Great Bend, Ks – Great Bend will be hosting the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) softball and baseball tournament for from May 4th through May 7th

“We are proud to host the KCAC tournament! Collegiate level baseball and softball is both competitive and entertaining to watch. Working with the KCAC Conference teams has been a source of pride and accomplishment for our community!” Diann Henderson, Executive Director, Great Bend Recreation Commission.

To showcase the KCAC Championships and the Sports Complex, citizens will have the opportunity to get a FREE ticket to experience any of the Wednesday kickoff games for free! Tickets are required for the free entry and can be picked up at the Great Bend City Office at 1209 Williams or at The Great Bend Recreation Commission office at 1214 Stone and the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th.

“Free T-shirts will be given to the first 100 individuals attending KCAC Community Night Softball and Baseball games scheduled for 6 pm and 7 pm.” noted Henderson.

The KCAC schools includes: Avila University, Bethany College, Bethel College, Friends University, Kansas Wesleyan University, McPherson College, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Ottawa University, Southwestern College, Sterling College, Tabor College, University of Saint Mary and York College.

The KCAC is an intercollegiate athletic conference affiliated with the NAIA. The KCAC ranks among the oldest conferences in the United States, tracing its history to 1890. The KCAC was formed to attempt to organize Kansas colleges for the purposes of promoting and regulating amateur intercollegiate athletics, in addition to the private universities and colleges.

Currently the KCAC sponsors athletic competition in men’s baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s football, men's and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s softball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track and field, and women’s volleyball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651329480477.jpeg" alt="KCAC Press Release" />
 <figcaption>KCAC Press Release</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend, Ks – Great Bend will be hosting the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) softball and baseball tournament for from May 4th through May 7th“We are proud to host the KCAC tournament! Collegiate level baseball and softball is both competitive and entertaining to watch. Working with the KCAC Conference teams has been a source of pride and accomplishment for our community!” Diann Henderson, Executive Director, Great Bend Recreation Commission.To showcase the KCAC Championships and the Sports Complex, citizens will have the opportunity to get a FREE ticket to experience any of the Wednesday kickoff games for free! Tickets are required for the free entry and can be picked up at the Great Bend City Office at 1209 Williams or at The Great Bend Recreation Commission office at 1214 Stone and the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th.“Free T-shirts will be given to the first 100 individuals attending KCAC Community Night Softball and Baseball games scheduled for 6 pm and 7 pm.” noted Henderson.The KCAC schools includes: Avila University, Bethany College, Bethel College, Friends University, Kansas Wesleyan University, McPherson College, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Ottawa University, Southwestern College, Sterling College, Tabor College, University of Saint Mary and York College.The KCAC is an intercollegiate athletic conference affiliated with the NAIA. The KCAC ranks among the oldest conferences in the United States, tracing its history to 1890. The KCAC was formed to attempt to organize Kansas colleges for the purposes of promoting and regulating amateur intercollegiate athletics, in addition to the private universities and colleges.Currently the KCAC sponsors athletic competition in men’s baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s football, men's and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s softball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track and field, and women’s volleyball.

KCAC Tournament kicks off with Community Night


You could see this coming. Despite showing marked improvement since
the beginning of the season, the Great Bend Lady Panthers had yet to
post a victory in the 2022 season. That changed Friday when Great
Bend traveled to Liberal and beat the Redskins twice for their first
two wins of the year.

The Lady Panthers
won both games by the score of 8-7, overcoming their inability to win
close contests in previous games.

Great Bend improves
to 2-14 overall and 2-10 in Western Athletic Conference action.
Liberal falls to 8-7 and 1-6.

Great
Bend is back at home Tuesday when they host Hutchinson at the Sports
Complex.

You could see this coming. Despite showing marked improvement since
the beginning of the season, the Great Bend Lady Panthers had yet to
post a victory in the 2022 season. That changed Friday when Great
Bend traveled to Liberal and beat the Redskins twice for their first
two wins of the year.The Lady Panthers
won both games by the score of 8-7, overcoming their inability to win
close contests in previous games.Great Bend improves
to 2-14 overall and 2-10 in Western Athletic Conference action.
Liberal falls to 8-7 and 1-6.Great
Bend is back at home Tuesday when they host Hutchinson at the Sports
Complex.

Lady Panthers break through at Liberal

Softball -Game 1- Hoisington 15 Larned 0 -Game 2- Hoisington 11 Larned 0

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600485516602.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Softball -Game 1- Hoisington 15 Larned 0 -Game 2- Hoisington 11 Larned 0<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/rqktdfdw/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs traded away Tyreek Hill and watched Tyrann Mathieu depart in free agency, bidding adieu to two of the cornerstones that helped the franchise rise from mediocrity to AFC juggernaut.

They spent the second night of the NFL draft finding some replacements.

The Chiefs traded back four spots with New England to take Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore on Friday night, then used their other second-round pick on Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook, adding them to a first-round haul of Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie and Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis.

The Chiefs used their late third-round pick to add big, rangy Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal, and they have one pick apiece in the fourth and fifth rounds and four more in the seventh before the draft concludes Saturday.

“We’re always looking at the value of the board and marrying up the need,” said Mike Borgonzi, the Chiefs’ director of football operations. “It fell to us again this year. We were able to fill some needs as well as where they sat on the board. We weren’t reaching for these players. We got value for where we were at on the board but filled need as well.”

Each of the Chiefs’ first four picks have filled areas of need: three to shore up coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense after it struggled mightily down the stretch last season, and an electrifying playmaker for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The Patriots used the No. 50 pick from Kansas City to select Baylor wide receiver Tyquan Thornton. Two more teams ahead of the Chiefs also grabbed receivers with Pittsburgh taking George Pickens and Indianapolis picking Alec Pierce.

But the target for the the Chiefs was Moore, whose 5-foot-10 frame, 4.41 time in the 40 and burst off the line will remind some of Hill, the three-time All-Pro that Kansas City shipped to Miami for a package of draft picks.

“Tyreek was just a super versatile, super fast game. He was able to bring the speed to that offense,” Moore said. “I really honestly feel like I can come in and bring that same thing and bring my own twist to it.”

The Chiefs have also signed former Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and former Packers deep threat Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency. But the shifty, slippery Moore offers a different dynamic in the wide receiver room, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes another target who has the ability to make things happen after the catch.

“It’s impressive to see what he’s done the past three seasons. He had a monster year last year,” Borgonzi said. “The one thing you see with him is he’s just dependable, a really smooth route-runner.”

Moore actually played quarterback in high school before moving to wide receiver at Western Michigan, where he became an immediate star. Despite never having played the position, he started 12 of 13 games as a freshman and had 53 catches for 802 yards with three touchdowns, and then improved those numbers each of the next two seasons.

He wound up catching 95 passes for 1,292 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Broncos last season.

“I’m a very versatile, tough, smart and savvy wide receiver. A lot of the traits the fanbase has and the organization has are already instilled in me,” said Moore, the seventh wide receiver taken in the first 22 picks of the second round and the 13th taken in the draft overall. “The Chiefs are the best organization, the best offense to compliment my playing style.”

The Chiefs used their other second-round pick on Cook, a hard-hitting safety who rarely misses a tackle and excels against the run, and their third-rounder on Chenal, whose size makes him an intriguing prospect at linebacker.

The Chiefs were among the league’s worst last season at pressuring the quarterback, and they weren’t particularly good against the run, either. So it made sense that Kansas City would address the defense on the first two days of the draft, first with McDuffie and Karlaftis on Day 1 and then with Cook and Chenal on Day 2.

The Chiefs already have signed former Texans safety Justin Reid in free agency, giving them a replacement for Mathieu in the defensive backfield. And they have Juan Thornhill under contract one more year. That means Cook is likely to help with three-safety sets right away with the chance to supplant Thornhill as the regular starter down the road.

“They’re going to have a phenomenal scheme as well as staff,” Cook said. “I’m just ready to help the Chiefs get those Ws.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs traded away Tyreek Hill and watched Tyrann Mathieu depart in free agency, bidding adieu to two of the cornerstones that helped the franchise rise from mediocrity to AFC juggernaut.They spent the second night of the NFL draft finding some replacements.The Chiefs traded back four spots with New England to take Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore on Friday night, then used their other second-round pick on Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook, adding them to a first-round haul of Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie and Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis.The Chiefs used their late third-round pick to add big, rangy Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal, and they have one pick apiece in the fourth and fifth rounds and four more in the seventh before the draft concludes Saturday.“We’re always looking at the value of the board and marrying up the need,” said Mike Borgonzi, the Chiefs’ director of football operations. “It fell to us again this year. We were able to fill some needs as well as where they sat on the board. We weren’t reaching for these players. We got value for where we were at on the board but filled need as well.”Each of the Chiefs’ first four picks have filled areas of need: three to shore up coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense after it struggled mightily down the stretch last season, and an electrifying playmaker for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.The Patriots used the No. 50 pick from Kansas City to select Baylor wide receiver Tyquan Thornton. Two more teams ahead of the Chiefs also grabbed receivers with Pittsburgh taking George Pickens and Indianapolis picking Alec Pierce.But the target for the the Chiefs was Moore, whose 5-foot-10 frame, 4.41 time in the 40 and burst off the line will remind some of Hill, the three-time All-Pro that Kansas City shipped to Miami for a package of draft picks.“Tyreek was just a super versatile, super fast game. He was able to bring the speed to that offense,” Moore said. “I really honestly feel like I can come in and bring that same thing and bring my own twist to it.”The Chiefs have also signed former Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and former Packers deep threat Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency. But the shifty, slippery Moore offers a different dynamic in the wide receiver room, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes another target who has the ability to make things happen after the catch.“It’s impressive to see what he’s done the past three seasons. He had a monster year last year,” Borgonzi said. “The one thing you see with him is he’s just dependable, a really smooth route-runner.”Moore actually played quarterback in high school before moving to wide receiver at Western Michigan, where he became an immediate star. Despite never having played the position, he started 12 of 13 games as a freshman and had 53 catches for 802 yards with three touchdowns, and then improved those numbers each of the next two seasons.He wound up catching 95 passes for 1,292 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Broncos last season.“I’m a very versatile, tough, smart and savvy wide receiver. A lot of the traits the fanbase has and the organization has are already instilled in me,” said Moore, the seventh wide receiver taken in the first 22 picks of the second round and the 13th taken in the draft overall. “The Chiefs are the best organization, the best offense to compliment my playing style.”The Chiefs used their other second-round pick on Cook, a hard-hitting safety who rarely misses a tackle and excels against the run, and their third-rounder on Chenal, whose size makes him an intriguing prospect at linebacker.The Chiefs were among the league’s worst last season at pressuring the quarterback, and they weren’t particularly good against the run, either. So it made sense that Kansas City would address the defense on the first two days of the draft, first with McDuffie and Karlaftis on Day 1 and then with Cook and Chenal on Day 2.The Chiefs already have signed former Texans safety Justin Reid in free agency, giving them a replacement for Mathieu in the defensive backfield. And they have Juan Thornhill under contract one more year. That means Cook is likely to help with three-safety sets right away with the chance to supplant Thornhill as the regular starter down the road.“They’re going to have a phenomenal scheme as well as staff,” Cook said. “I’m just ready to help the Chiefs get those Ws.”

Chiefs pick WR Moore, S Bryan Cook on Day 2 of NFL draft

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Great Bend High School baseball team earned a share of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship Friday night as they knocked off Dodge City on the road 7-2.

The Panthers (11-3) trailed 1-0 after three innings, but were able to tie the game in the 4th inning with an RBI from Jade Poe.

Great Bend gained their first lead of the game by scoring two in the 5th inning and then opened it up by plating four in the 6th. With the bases loaded in the sixth, Chayse Gruber brought in a run by earning a walk. Gavin Haberman eventually followed that with a three-RBI triple to give the Panthers a 7-1 lead.

Great Bend outhit the Red Demons 10 to 4 and won their fifth straight game. The Panthers conclude WAC play 6-2 and won a share of the conference championship along with Hays.

Chayse Gruber pitched all seven innings to get the win. Gruber (5-1) gave up four hits while striking out a season-high eight batters.

Tyler Stuhlsatz, Sage Koelsch, Paco Hernandez and Gruber all had multiple hits for the Panthers, led by Stuhlsatz's 3-for-4 performance.

Great Bend is off until Thursday, May 5 when they begin the Diamond Classic tournament in Hays. The Panthers open against the Hays Indians at 6 p.m. Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651290987558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend High School baseball team earned a share of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship Friday night as they knocked off Dodge City on the road 7-2.The Panthers (11-3) trailed 1-0 after three innings, but were able to tie the game in the 4th inning with an RBI from Jade Poe.Great Bend gained their first lead of the game by scoring two in the 5th inning and then opened it up by plating four in the 6th. With the bases loaded in the sixth, Chayse Gruber brought in a run by earning a walk. Gavin Haberman eventually followed that with a three-RBI triple to give the Panthers a 7-1 lead.Great Bend outhit the Red Demons 10 to 4 and won their fifth straight game. The Panthers conclude WAC play 6-2 and won a share of the conference championship along with Hays.Chayse Gruber pitched all seven innings to get the win. Gruber (5-1) gave up four hits while striking out a season-high eight batters.Tyler Stuhlsatz, Sage Koelsch, Paco Hernandez and Gruber all had multiple hits for the Panthers, led by Stuhlsatz's 3-for-4 performance.Great Bend is off until Thursday, May 5 when they begin the Diamond Classic tournament in Hays. The Panthers open against the Hays Indians at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Great Bend baseball wins a share of WAC Championship

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres all homered and the New York Yankees won their seventh in a row, beating the Kansas City Royals 12-2 Friday night in a rain-shortened game.

New York took a 3-2 lead into the seventh before scoring four runs, three on Judge’s homer. Torres connected for a two-run drive during a five-run eighth.

“It was a close game,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “We get out of the gates with three runs, but it was 3-2 going into the seventh. There were some really good at-bats that set that up.”

Nestor Cortes (1-0) allowed one earned run and eight hits in five innings.

“For the first two innings they were on my stuff,” Cortes said. Obviously you have to make adjustments. I started attacking the outside part of the plate more, and it gave me better results.”

The Yankees wasted little time in putting pressure on Kris Bubic (0-2). D.J. LeMahieu hit a leadoff double to the wall in right field and Judge lined out to center before Rizzo homered to center.

“You want to come out and start strong,” Rizzo said. “Obviously the first inning to get three runs for Nestor, who obviously grinded today, whenever you can get our staff runs early, so they can go out and pitch is nice. Judgy breaking it open in the seventh, and us scoring nine late, was another energizing thing for this team.”

“Even when we go through innings where we don’t score runs, we know there’s big numbers on the way,” he said.

Stanton with a 429-foot home run over the bullpen in left and the Royals got a reliever up in the bullpen. But that was all the Yankees got off Bubic, who retired the next 10 batters and 14 of the final 15 he faced.

“I thought we had really good at-bats against him in that first inning,” Boone said. “But to his credit — I know it’s been a tough start to the season for him— he kind of settled in and made some pitches. We didn’t mount that much of an attack. Good job by him.”

Salvador Perez snapped an 0-for-16 skid with an RBI double in the Royals first.

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled with one out in the second, extending his hitting streak to eight games. He then broke early and outraced Torres to third, but overslid the bag — Royals manager Mike Matheny was ejected when he argued that Torres pushed Witt off the base.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled with one out in the Yankees seventh, Kyle Higashioka walked and LeMahieu lined an RBI single off the glove of shortstop Nicky Lopez.

Yankees OF Aaron Hicks was reinstated from the paternity list. He missed three games. He took the roster spot of HRP Ron Marinaccio, who was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

RHP Gerrit Cole (1-0, 4.00 ERA) starts for the Yankees on Saturday against RHP Carlos Hernandez (0-0, 6.43 ERA).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres all homered and the New York Yankees won their seventh in a row, beating the Kansas City Royals 12-2 Friday night in a rain-shortened game.The game was called after eight innings.New York took a 3-2 lead into the seventh before scoring four runs, three on Judge’s homer. Torres connected for a two-run drive during a five-run eighth.“It was a close game,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “We get out of the gates with three runs, but it was 3-2 going into the seventh. There were some really good at-bats that set that up.”Nestor Cortes (1-0) allowed one earned run and eight hits in five innings.“For the first two innings they were on my stuff,” Cortes said. Obviously you have to make adjustments. I started attacking the outside part of the plate more, and it gave me better results.”The Yankees wasted little time in putting pressure on Kris Bubic (0-2). D.J. LeMahieu hit a leadoff double to the wall in right field and Judge lined out to center before Rizzo homered to center.“You want to come out and start strong,” Rizzo said. “Obviously the first inning to get three runs for Nestor, who obviously grinded today, whenever you can get our staff runs early, so they can go out and pitch is nice. Judgy breaking it open in the seventh, and us scoring nine late, was another energizing thing for this team.”“Even when we go through innings where we don’t score runs, we know there’s big numbers on the way,” he said.Stanton with a 429-foot home run over the bullpen in left and the Royals got a reliever up in the bullpen. But that was all the Yankees got off Bubic, who retired the next 10 batters and 14 of the final 15 he faced.“I thought we had really good at-bats against him in that first inning,” Boone said. “But to his credit — I know it’s been a tough start to the season for him— he kind of settled in and made some pitches. We didn’t mount that much of an attack. Good job by him.”Salvador Perez snapped an 0-for-16 skid with an RBI double in the Royals first.Bobby Witt Jr. doubled with one out in the second, extending his hitting streak to eight games. He then broke early and outraced Torres to third, but overslid the bag — Royals manager Mike Matheny was ejected when he argued that Torres pushed Witt off the base.Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled with one out in the Yankees seventh, Kyle Higashioka walked and LeMahieu lined an RBI single off the glove of shortstop Nicky Lopez.TRANSACTIONSYankees OF Aaron Hicks was reinstated from the paternity list. He missed three games. He took the roster spot of HRP Ron Marinaccio, who was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.UP NEXTRHP Gerrit Cole (1-0, 4.00 ERA) starts for the Yankees on Saturday against RHP Carlos Hernandez (0-0, 6.43 ERA).

Yankees hit 4 HRs, beat Royals 12-2 for 7th straight win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore on Friday night, then used their other second-round pick on Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook, adding them to a first-round haul of Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie and Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis. The Chiefs used their late third-round pick Friday night to add big, rangy Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal. They have one pick apiece in the fourth and fifth rounds and four more in the seventh before the draft concludes Saturday.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos drafted a pass rusher and a tight end after trading away former first-rounders Von Miller and Noah Fant in the last six months. Denver drafted Oklahoma outside linebacker Nik Bonitto in the second round and UCLA tight end Greg Dulcich in the third round. General manager George Paton traded his second selection in the third round to Indianapolis in exchange for a fifth-rounder Saturday and the Colts' third-round selection in 2023. That gives Denver eight picks in Rounds 4-7 on Saturday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres all homered and the New York Yankees won their seventh in a row, beat the Kansas City Royals 12-2 in a rain-shortened game. The game was called after eight innings. New York took a 3-2 lead into the seventh before scoring four runs, three on Judge’s homer. Torres connected for a two-run drive during a five-run eighth. Winning pitcher Nestor Cortes.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Madison Bumgarner pitched five strong innings, Daulton Varsho had two hits and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-2. Bumgarner outdueled Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright in a game featuring two starters who have combined for 314 career wins. Bumgarner threw a season-high 89 pitches in five innings, giving up one run on three hits. Luis Frias, Noé Ramirez, Joe Mantiply and Ian Kennedy combined for four innings of relief. Wainwright gave up a season-high five walks. Paul Goldschmidt’s solo home run in the first snapped an eight-game homerless drought for the Cardinals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are actively considering the future of Arrowhead Stadium, pushing ahead with plans far earlier than expected following the Kansas City Royals’ decision to investigate a new downtown ballpark. Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said Friday that the Chiefs, who have shared the Truman Sports Complex with the Royals since the early 1970s, would help the Major League Baseball team evaluate what is best for them. But the Chiefs also have to plan for the future of their own stadium, which will celebrate its opening 50 years ago during the upcoming season.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators have given final approval to a bill that authorizes betting on sporting events. Most of the state’s revenues from the new legal gambling would go to efforts to lure the Missouri-based Kansas City Chiefs to the Kansas side of the metropolitan area. The Republican-controlled Senate voted 21-13 early Friday to approve the gambling bill. The Republican-controlled House passed the measure, 73-49, so it goes next to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. She is expected to sign it. The bill says that 80% of the state's revenues would go into a fund to provide incentives for professional sports teams to come to Kansas. Supporters were thinking specifically of the Chiefs.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies rallied yet again to eliminate the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 114-106 in Game 6. Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks each scored 23 points to lead the Grizzlies, who withstood another quiet night by star Ja Morant and another double-digit deficit entering the fourth quarter.

MIAMI (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers say Joel Embiid is out for the foreseeable future. The MVP finalist sustained an orbital fracture and a mild concussion late in Philadelphia’s victory at Toronto Thursday night. The win sent the Sixers into the East semifinals against Miami, a matchup that begins Monday night. But Embiid’s status is now very much in doubt.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650534147834.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore on Friday night, then used their other second-round pick on Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook, adding them to a first-round haul of Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie and Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis. The Chiefs used their late third-round pick Friday night to add big, rangy Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal. They have one pick apiece in the fourth and fifth rounds and four more in the seventh before the draft concludes Saturday.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos drafted a pass rusher and a tight end after trading away former first-rounders Von Miller and Noah Fant in the last six months. Denver drafted Oklahoma outside linebacker Nik Bonitto in the second round and UCLA tight end Greg Dulcich in the third round. General manager George Paton traded his second selection in the third round to Indianapolis in exchange for a fifth-rounder Saturday and the Colts' third-round selection in 2023. That gives Denver eight picks in Rounds 4-7 on Saturday.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres all homered and the New York Yankees won their seventh in a row, beat the Kansas City Royals 12-2 in a rain-shortened game. The game was called after eight innings. New York took a 3-2 lead into the seventh before scoring four runs, three on Judge’s homer. Torres connected for a two-run drive during a five-run eighth. Winning pitcher Nestor Cortes.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Madison Bumgarner pitched five strong innings, Daulton Varsho had two hits and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-2. Bumgarner outdueled Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright in a game featuring two starters who have combined for 314 career wins. Bumgarner threw a season-high 89 pitches in five innings, giving up one run on three hits. Luis Frias, Noé Ramirez, Joe Mantiply and Ian Kennedy combined for four innings of relief. Wainwright gave up a season-high five walks. Paul Goldschmidt’s solo home run in the first snapped an eight-game homerless drought for the Cardinals.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are actively considering the future of Arrowhead Stadium, pushing ahead with plans far earlier than expected following the Kansas City Royals’ decision to investigate a new downtown ballpark. Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said Friday that the Chiefs, who have shared the Truman Sports Complex with the Royals since the early 1970s, would help the Major League Baseball team evaluate what is best for them. But the Chiefs also have to plan for the future of their own stadium, which will celebrate its opening 50 years ago during the upcoming season.TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators have given final approval to a bill that authorizes betting on sporting events. Most of the state’s revenues from the new legal gambling would go to efforts to lure the Missouri-based Kansas City Chiefs to the Kansas side of the metropolitan area. The Republican-controlled Senate voted 21-13 early Friday to approve the gambling bill. The Republican-controlled House passed the measure, 73-49, so it goes next to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. She is expected to sign it. The bill says that 80% of the state's revenues would go into a fund to provide incentives for professional sports teams to come to Kansas. Supporters were thinking specifically of the Chiefs.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies rallied yet again to eliminate the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 114-106 in Game 6. Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks each scored 23 points to lead the Grizzlies, who withstood another quiet night by star Ja Morant and another double-digit deficit entering the fourth quarter.MIAMI (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers say Joel Embiid is out for the foreseeable future. The MVP finalist sustained an orbital fracture and a mild concussion late in Philadelphia’s victory at Toronto Thursday night. The win sent the Sixers into the East semifinals against Miami, a matchup that begins Monday night. But Embiid’s status is now very much in doubt.FRIDAY'S SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal	Miami	8	Seattle	6	Final	Atlanta	6	Texas	3	Final	L.A. Dodgers	5	Detroit	1	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Tampa Bay	6	Minnesota	1	Final	Boston	3	Baltimore	1	Final	L.A. Angels	5	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	Houston	11	Toronto	7	Final	N.Y. Yankees	12	Kansas City	2	Final	Cleveland	9	Oakland	8	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	San Diego	7	Pittsburgh	3	Final	N.Y. Mets	3	Philadelphia	0	Final	Milwaukee	11	Chicago Cubs	1	Final	Arizona	6	St. Louis	2	Final	Colorado	10	Cincinnati	4	Final	Washington	14	San Francisco	4	NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Memphis	114	Minnesota	106	NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	5	New Jersey	3 Final OT	Buffalo	3	Chicago	2	Final	N-Y Rangers	3	Washington	2	Final	Toronto	5	Boston	2	Final	Pittsburgh	5	Columbus	3	Final	Ottawa	4	Philadelphia	2	Final	Montreal	10	Florida	2	Final	Tampa Bay	6	N-Y Islanders	4	Final	Winnipeg	3	Calgary	1	Final	Vegas	7	St. Louis	4	Final	Minnesota	4	Colorado	1	Final	Dallas	4	Anaheim	2	Final SO	Edmonton	3	Vancouver	2	Final	Seattle	3	San Jose	0	Final	Arizona	5	Nashville	4

Saturday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College


The Great Bend Lady Panthers
had no answer for Dodge City freshman Jasmine Ruiz Thursday in a
Western Athletic Conference soccer match at Dodge. Ruiz scored five
goals to lead the Red Demons to an 8-0 victory.


It as the ninth straight loss
for Great Bend who drops to 2-9 overall and 0-8 in WAC play. Dodge
City is now 8-2 and 4-2.


The Panthers are on the road
again Monday in Hays against the TMP Monarchs. 


The Great Bend Lady Panthers
had no answer for Dodge City freshman Jasmine Ruiz Thursday in a
Western Athletic Conference soccer match at Dodge. Ruiz scored five
goals to lead the Red Demons to an 8-0 victory.
It as the ninth straight loss
for Great Bend who drops to 2-9 overall and 0-8 in WAC play. Dodge
City is now 8-2 and 4-2.
The Panthers are on the road
again Monday in Hays against the TMP Monarchs.

Dodge City blows by Lady Panthers 8-0

CHICAGO (AP) — Kansas City Royals shortstop Adalberto Mondesi’s season is in jeopardy after tests Thursday revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee.

Mondesi, 26, who played in only 35 games in 2021 because of left hamstring and left oblique injuries, had started 14 of 15 games.

“It’s heartbreaking,” infielder Nicky Lopez said.

An MRI Thursday revealed the tear. Mondesi, who was batting .140 (7-for-50) with five stolen bases in five attempts, suffered the injury on an attempted pickoff play Tuesday night against the Chicago White Sox.

Lopez, who started 141 games at shortstop in 2021, likely will move from second base. Bobby Witt Jr. also is a possibility, but manager Mike Matheny intimated his prized rookie is getting acclimated to third base.

“I’m expecting to be there (at shortstop) probably every single day,” Lopez said. “Until I hear otherwise.”

Versatile Whit Merrifield is expected to move from right field to second base.

“We also know that Nicky Lopez played a Gold Glove caliber shortstop last year as well as what Whit Merrifield did at second base,” Matheny said. “There are options.”

Matheny initially believed Mondesi, who stole 24 bases in the 60-game 2020 season, avoided a major injury after Tuesday’s game. But the Royals’ clubhouse was shaken Thursday when more tests disclosed the severity of the injury.

“You could tell our locker room took a hit,” Lopez said. ”(Mondesi) keeps things to himself, but he’s one of the nicer guys on the team. He’s so genuine, a great teammate. You never hear any thing come out of his mouth. He’s very positive.

“And I can speak for a lot of people on the team that our heart breaks for him because it’s so unfortunate.”

Outfielder Kyle Isbel was promoted from Triple-A Omaha, where he was 5-for-20 with one home run and four RBIs.

CHICAGO (AP) — Kansas City Royals shortstop Adalberto Mondesi’s season is in jeopardy after tests Thursday revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee.Mondesi, 26, who played in only 35 games in 2021 because of left hamstring and left oblique injuries, had started 14 of 15 games.“It’s heartbreaking,” infielder Nicky Lopez said.An MRI Thursday revealed the tear. Mondesi, who was batting .140 (7-for-50) with five stolen bases in five attempts, suffered the injury on an attempted pickoff play Tuesday night against the Chicago White Sox.Lopez, who started 141 games at shortstop in 2021, likely will move from second base. Bobby Witt Jr. also is a possibility, but manager Mike Matheny intimated his prized rookie is getting acclimated to third base.“I’m expecting to be there (at shortstop) probably every single day,” Lopez said. “Until I hear otherwise.”Versatile Whit Merrifield is expected to move from right field to second base.“We also know that Nicky Lopez played a Gold Glove caliber shortstop last year as well as what Whit Merrifield did at second base,” Matheny said. “There are options.”Matheny initially believed Mondesi, who stole 24 bases in the 60-game 2020 season, avoided a major injury after Tuesday’s game. But the Royals’ clubhouse was shaken Thursday when more tests disclosed the severity of the injury.“You could tell our locker room took a hit,” Lopez said. ”(Mondesi) keeps things to himself, but he’s one of the nicer guys on the team. He’s so genuine, a great teammate. You never hear any thing come out of his mouth. He’s very positive.“And I can speak for a lot of people on the team that our heart breaks for him because it’s so unfortunate.”Outfielder Kyle Isbel was promoted from Triple-A Omaha, where he was 5-for-20 with one home run and four RBIs.

Royals shortstop Adalberto Mondesi has torn knee ligament


The Barton Baseball Cougars
opened their huge Jayhawk Conference series with Cloud County by
sweeping a double header from the Thunderbirds at Lawson-Biggs Field Thursday.
The victories give the Cougars a two game lead over Cloud as the
series shifts to Concordia on Saturday.


In game one, Henry Hayam
homered and had 3-rbi's to back to strong pitching of Zach Thorton to
beat the T-Birds 6-0. Thorton went the distance, allowing only 4-hits
while striking out 10 with just 3 walks.


In game two, Barton scored
5-runs in the bottom of the the sixth to break a 4-4 tie, then added
2-runs in each of the seventh and eighth innings to win the game 11-6.


Barton now has a two game lead
in the Jayhawk West over both Cloud and Colby. The Cougars are 35-14
overall and 20-6 in league play. Cloud dropped to 37-14 and 20-10.

The Barton Baseball Cougars
opened their huge Jayhawk Conference series with Cloud County by
sweeping a double header from the Thunderbirds at Lawson-Biggs Field Thursday.
The victories give the Cougars a two game lead over Cloud as the
series shifts to Concordia on Saturday.
In game one, Henry Hayam
homered and had 3-rbi's to back to strong pitching of Zach Thorton to
beat the T-Birds 6-0. Thorton went the distance, allowing only 4-hits
while striking out 10 with just 3 walks.
In game two, Barton scored
5-runs in the bottom of the the sixth to break a 4-4 tie, then added
2-runs in each of the seventh and eighth innings to win the game 11-6.
Barton now has a two game lead
in the Jayhawk West over both Cloud and Colby. The Cougars are 35-14
overall and 20-6 in league play. Cloud dropped to 37-14 and 20-10.

Cougars sweep Cloud to move into first place in Jayhawk West


The Great Bend Lady Panthers
were so close once again to picking up their first wins of the
season, but after a long day ended at the Great Bend Sports Complex,
the record stands at 0-14 overall and 0-10 in the Western Athletic
Conference.


First place Garden City took
two games, winning game one 4-0, before outlasting the Lady Panthers
in game two 3-2 in 14-innings.


With the sweep, the Buffs
remained unbeaten in WAC play at 9-0 while improving to 11-2 overall.


Great Bend is back at home
Tuesday when they host Hutchinson at the Sports Complex.

The Great Bend Lady Panthers
were so close once again to picking up their first wins of the
season, but after a long day ended at the Great Bend Sports Complex,
the record stands at 0-14 overall and 0-10 in the Western Athletic
Conference.
First place Garden City took
two games, winning game one 4-0, before outlasting the Lady Panthers
in game two 3-2 in 14-innings.
With the sweep, the Buffs
remained unbeaten in WAC play at 9-0 while improving to 11-2 overall.
Great Bend is back at home
Tuesday when they host Hutchinson at the Sports Complex.

Lady Panthers battle again but come up short against Garden

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brett Veach kept eyeing the draft board as the first round ticked away, knowing full well that two picks Thursday night and 10 more over the next couple of days gave him plenty of options on both sides of the ball.

The Chiefs’ general manager decided to address the defensive side first.

In a serendipitous first round in which the best players left on their board also fulfilled the Chiefs’ biggest needs, Veach traded up to select Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie with the 21st pick and then added Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis at No. 30, all while holding onto both of his second-round choices Friday night.

“We wanted to add some depth on defensive line, add depth in the secondary — it worked out. It’s usually not the case,” Veach said. “We have a lot of picks and we wanted to make sure we used them selectively.”

They wound up sending the 29th pick along with selections in the third and fourth round to New England to jump ahead of the Bills, who also were targeting a cornerback, and land one of the most versatile players at the position.

McDuffie, a track standout in the 100 and 200 meters, has the speed and athleticism to play in the slot or on the outside, making him a good fit for Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme. He allowed just one reception of at least 20 yards last season for Washington, and he did not allow a touchdown catch in his past two seasons.

“I look at myself like Tyrann Mathieu, somebody that is going to be able to go in and play a bunch of different positions and help the team as much as I can,” McDuffie said. “That’s the biggest thing for me: However I can get on the field, however I can help this team, I’m going to do whatever I can to do it.”

The Chiefs had a pressing need at cornerback after Charvarius Ward left for the 49ers in free agency. But they were expected to address the position with one of their original first-round picks or in the second or third round, rather than making an aggressive jump up the board for one of the top players the position.

McDuffie was the third cornerback taken after the Texans selected LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. at No. 3 and the Jets grabbed Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner No. 4. The Bills took Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam two picks after Kansas City.

“Very seldom do you have the highest player on the board at that time for us, and it’s a position of need,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “and that’s when you try to go up and get a guy.”

It was the first time the Chiefs chose a cornerback in the first or second round since 2015, when they took Marcus Peters out of Washington at No. 18 overall. But unlike Peters, whose character questions in college followed him to Kansas City, the 21-year-old McDuffie has earned rave reviews for his leadership and maturity.

McDuffie’s job in the new-look Kansas City secondary, where safety Justin Reid was signed in free agency to replace All-Pro safety Mathieu, should be made a little easier with Karlaftis getting after the quarterback.

The native of Greece, who moved to the U.S. when he was 13 and picked up football relatively late, had 39 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks for the Boilermakers last season. Karlaftis wound up with 14 sacks and 29 tackles-for-loss during his three seasons in West Lafayette, and is a natural fit for the 4-3 scheme run in Kansas City.

“I’ve only played football for six or seven years now,” he said. “I feel like my best football is ahead of me.”

The Chiefs had just 31 sacks last season, better only than three other teams in the NFL.

“I get after the quarterback. I stop the run. I feel like I’m a three-down player that can do anything and everything asked of them,” Karlaftis said. “I had some meetings with the Chiefs and just couldn’t have asked to be in a better situation.”

Most expected Veach and Co. to chase one of the top wide receivers in the first round after dealing three-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins for a package of draft picks earlier this offseason. But they’ve already plugged the hole in part by signing JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and they still have plenty of picks at their disposal.

Their trade with the Patriots, sending them No. 94 and No. 121, allowed the Chiefs to keep their two second-round picks at No. 50 and No. 62. The Chiefs also have a third-round pick at No. 103 on Friday night, along with a fourth-rounder and four picks in the seventh round when the draft concludes on Saturday.

“As much as I love Thursday, our staff loves Friday and Saturday even more,” Veach said. “This is when we have a lot of fun the next few days and I’m looking forward to it.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brett Veach kept eyeing the draft board as the first round ticked away, knowing full well that two picks Thursday night and 10 more over the next couple of days gave him plenty of options on both sides of the ball.The Chiefs’ general manager decided to address the defensive side first.In a serendipitous first round in which the best players left on their board also fulfilled the Chiefs’ biggest needs, Veach traded up to select Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie with the 21st pick and then added Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis at No. 30, all while holding onto both of his second-round choices Friday night.“We wanted to add some depth on defensive line, add depth in the secondary — it worked out. It’s usually not the case,” Veach said. “We have a lot of picks and we wanted to make sure we used them selectively.”They wound up sending the 29th pick along with selections in the third and fourth round to New England to jump ahead of the Bills, who also were targeting a cornerback, and land one of the most versatile players at the position.McDuffie, a track standout in the 100 and 200 meters, has the speed and athleticism to play in the slot or on the outside, making him a good fit for Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme. He allowed just one reception of at least 20 yards last season for Washington, and he did not allow a touchdown catch in his past two seasons.“I look at myself like Tyrann Mathieu, somebody that is going to be able to go in and play a bunch of different positions and help the team as much as I can,” McDuffie said. “That’s the biggest thing for me: However I can get on the field, however I can help this team, I’m going to do whatever I can to do it.”The Chiefs had a pressing need at cornerback after Charvarius Ward left for the 49ers in free agency. But they were expected to address the position with one of their original first-round picks or in the second or third round, rather than making an aggressive jump up the board for one of the top players the position.McDuffie was the third cornerback taken after the Texans selected LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. at No. 3 and the Jets grabbed Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner No. 4. The Bills took Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam two picks after Kansas City.“Very seldom do you have the highest player on the board at that time for us, and it’s a position of need,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “and that’s when you try to go up and get a guy.”It was the first time the Chiefs chose a cornerback in the first or second round since 2015, when they took Marcus Peters out of Washington at No. 18 overall. But unlike Peters, whose character questions in college followed him to Kansas City, the 21-year-old McDuffie has earned rave reviews for his leadership and maturity.McDuffie’s job in the new-look Kansas City secondary, where safety Justin Reid was signed in free agency to replace All-Pro safety Mathieu, should be made a little easier with Karlaftis getting after the quarterback.The native of Greece, who moved to the U.S. when he was 13 and picked up football relatively late, had 39 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks for the Boilermakers last season. Karlaftis wound up with 14 sacks and 29 tackles-for-loss during his three seasons in West Lafayette, and is a natural fit for the 4-3 scheme run in Kansas City.“I’ve only played football for six or seven years now,” he said. “I feel like my best football is ahead of me.”The Chiefs had just 31 sacks last season, better only than three other teams in the NFL.“I get after the quarterback. I stop the run. I feel like I’m a three-down player that can do anything and everything asked of them,” Karlaftis said. “I had some meetings with the Chiefs and just couldn’t have asked to be in a better situation.”Most expected Veach and Co. to chase one of the top wide receivers in the first round after dealing three-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins for a package of draft picks earlier this offseason. But they’ve already plugged the hole in part by signing JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and they still have plenty of picks at their disposal.Their trade with the Patriots, sending them No. 94 and No. 121, allowed the Chiefs to keep their two second-round picks at No. 50 and No. 62. The Chiefs also have a third-round pick at No. 103 on Friday night, along with a fourth-rounder and four picks in the seventh round when the draft concludes on Saturday.“As much as I love Thursday, our staff loves Friday and Saturday even more,” Veach said. “This is when we have a lot of fun the next few days and I’m looking forward to it.”