By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Behind a first-half surge and a hat trick performance from Katie Potter, the Barton Community College women's soccer team closed out the regular season in dominate fashion Sunday afternoon, cruising to a 5-0 victory over the Kansas Wesleyan University junior varsity squad at JRI Stadium in Salina.

The victory sends the Cougars into the postseason with an 11-7-2 overall record, while the Coyotes slip to 6-3-1 on the year. Barton will open the Plains District Tournament as the No. 4 seed, hosting No. 5 Garden City Community College next weekend, with the date and location to be determined due to ongoing construction at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

Potter opened the scoring in the 6th minute, netting her fifth goal of the season to hand the Cougars an early 1-0 advantage. Barton doubled their margin just four minutes later as a defensive miscue by the Coyotes resulted in an own goal.

The Cougars extended its advantage in the 13th minute, when Sara Aguirre sparked a counterattack, drawing the KWU JV keeper out of net before threading a pass across the box to Potter for an empty net finish for her second of the contest sending Barton into halftime in front 3-0.

The momentum carried into the second half as Aguirre tallied her team-leading 12 goal of the season in the 75th minute, toeing up Candice Burnier's through ball and drilling an upper-90 strike to the far post. Potter capped the scoring in the 88th minute, completing her second career hat trick with a near-post blast from ten yards out off a setup from Maki Kimura.

Barton's backline and goalkeeping unit held the Coyotes at bay as the Cougars secured their fifth shutout of the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761588849313.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Barton's&nbsp;Mia Duhau" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Barton's&nbsp;Mia Duhau</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoBehind a first-half surge and a hat trick performance from Katie Potter, the Barton Community College women's soccer team closed out the regular season in dominate fashion Sunday afternoon, cruising to a 5-0 victory over the Kansas Wesleyan University junior varsity squad at JRI Stadium in Salina.The victory sends the Cougars into the postseason with an 11-7-2 overall record, while the Coyotes slip to 6-3-1 on the year. Barton will open the Plains District Tournament as the No. 4 seed, hosting No. 5 Garden City Community College next weekend, with the date and location to be determined due to ongoing construction at the Cougar Soccer Complex.Potter opened the scoring in the 6th minute, netting her fifth goal of the season to hand the Cougars an early 1-0 advantage. Barton doubled their margin just four minutes later as a defensive miscue by the Coyotes resulted in an own goal.The Cougars extended its advantage in the 13th minute, when Sara Aguirre sparked a counterattack, drawing the KWU JV keeper out of net before threading a pass across the box to Potter for an empty net finish for her second of the contest sending Barton into halftime in front 3-0.The momentum carried into the second half as Aguirre tallied her team-leading 12 goal of the season in the 75th minute, toeing up Candice Burnier's through ball and drilling an upper-90 strike to the far post. Potter capped the scoring in the 88th minute, completing her second career hat trick with a near-post blast from ten yards out off a setup from Maki Kimura.Barton's backline and goalkeeping unit held the Coyotes at bay as the Cougars secured their fifth shutout of the season.

Potter's hat trick powers Barton to 5-0 win at Kansas Wesleyan JV

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

In a battle for first place in the KJCCC, the 6th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team outlasted No. 13 Colby Community College in a dramatic five-set clash Saturday evening, pulling out a 3-2 home victory (25-23, 25-19, 15-25, 23-25, 15-11).

The Cougars seized early momentum behind sharp first-set execution, taking the opening two frames before Colby responded with a pair of late rallies to force a decisive fifth. Barton, however, rediscovered its rhythm when it mattered most, hitting .333 in the final set to complete the key victory.

Avenging its lone league setback from earlier in the season at Colby, the victory also positions the Cougars firmly in control of the KJCCC championship race heading into the final week of regular-season play, beginning Monday at Seward County Community College, the lone other team to hand Colby a conference loss, in a 6:30 p.m. first serve at The Greenhouse.

Barton improved to 12-1 in league play and 25-5 overall, while the Trojans slipped to 13-2 in conference and 21-6 on the season.

Offensive numbers were held below each team's usual region-leading efficiency, with Barton coming out on top at .153 hitting while Colby finished at .136 overall.

Stasa Stamenkovic's 15th double-double of the season paced the Cougars on both ends, leading with 14 kills and 21 digs. Caroliny Cristiny followed closely with 13 kills and eight digs.

Barton's middle tandem combined for 13 kills on .312 efficiency with four total blocks, led by Aubrey Olander's eight kills at a .278 clip and four denials, while freshman Indigo Pruitt added five kills (.357) and two blocks.

Setter Ori Briger steered the offense with 24 assists and 11 digs for her 10th double-double of the season, while fellow setter Mileah Neal distributed 15 assists and contributed nine digs.

Joining the defensive effort on the back line, Mina Kaneko anchored the coverage with 15 digs, two service aces, and seven assists.

Battling point-for-point through much of the opener, Colby pulled ahead 17–14 and later 22–20 before Barton flipped momentum late. Stamenkovic's pair of kills bookended a 5–1 closing surge, with Pruitt providing the go-ahead attack to secure the opener.

Jumping out to a 4–0 start, Barton weathered a mid-set tie at 11–11 before breaking loose behind a Kaneko ace that sparked an 8–0 run. Colby's late five-point push trimmed the gap to 21–18, but the Cougars closed out the frame on kills from Olander and Stamenkovic to take a commanding two-set lead.

Colby seized control immediately with a 6–0 burst and never looked back, capitalizing on Barton miscues to send the match to a fourth set.

Barton nudged ahead 11–9, but back-to-back aces fueled a four-point Colby run to swing momentum at 14–12. After the set's 14th tie at 23–all, a Trojan kill followed by one of their 11 service aces of the night extended the match to a decisive fifth.

Following a brief delay due to a fire alarm with Barton leading 3–2, an Olander block and two Colby attack errors shifted all the momentum to the Cougars for a 6–2 cushion. The Trojans rallied to within 10–9, but Barton countered with a 3–0 push on kills from Paola Batista and Cristiny before closing out the night as the final two points came on a service error and an attack sailing long.

- 10th Single Season Digs (522) – 18 shy of Mylena Testoni's 540 (2021)

- 6th Career Digs (979) – 35 away from Mylena Testoni's 1,014 (2020-21)

- 20th Single Season Total Blocks (133) – 22 shy of top ten

- 6th Career Total Blocks (257) – 3 behind Christi Ensz's 260 (1988-89)

- 6th Single Season Assisted Blocks (115) – 3 from Rayanne de Oliveira's 118 (2018)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761589082910.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoIn a battle for first place in the KJCCC, the 6th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team outlasted No. 13 Colby Community College in a dramatic five-set clash Saturday evening, pulling out a 3-2 home victory (25-23, 25-19, 15-25, 23-25, 15-11).The Cougars seized early momentum behind sharp first-set execution, taking the opening two frames before Colby responded with a pair of late rallies to force a decisive fifth. Barton, however, rediscovered its rhythm when it mattered most, hitting .333 in the final set to complete the key victory.Avenging its lone league setback from earlier in the season at Colby, the victory also positions the Cougars firmly in control of the KJCCC championship race heading into the final week of regular-season play, beginning Monday at Seward County Community College, the lone other team to hand Colby a conference loss, in a 6:30 p.m. first serve at The Greenhouse.Barton improved to 12-1 in league play and 25-5 overall, while the Trojans slipped to 13-2 in conference and 21-6 on the season.Offensive numbers were held below each team's usual region-leading efficiency, with Barton coming out on top at .153 hitting while Colby finished at .136 overall.Stasa Stamenkovic's 15th double-double of the season paced the Cougars on both ends, leading with 14 kills and 21 digs. Caroliny Cristiny followed closely with 13 kills and eight digs.Barton's middle tandem combined for 13 kills on .312 efficiency with four total blocks, led by Aubrey Olander's eight kills at a .278 clip and four denials, while freshman Indigo Pruitt added five kills (.357) and two blocks.Setter Ori Briger steered the offense with 24 assists and 11 digs for her 10th double-double of the season, while fellow setter Mileah Neal distributed 15 assists and contributed nine digs.Joining the defensive effort on the back line, Mina Kaneko anchored the coverage with 15 digs, two service aces, and seven assists.Set 1Battling point-for-point through much of the opener, Colby pulled ahead 17–14 and later 22–20 before Barton flipped momentum late. Stamenkovic's pair of kills bookended a 5–1 closing surge, with Pruitt providing the go-ahead attack to secure the opener.Set 2Jumping out to a 4–0 start, Barton weathered a mid-set tie at 11–11 before breaking loose behind a Kaneko ace that sparked an 8–0 run. Colby's late five-point push trimmed the gap to 21–18, but the Cougars closed out the frame on kills from Olander and Stamenkovic to take a commanding two-set lead.Set 3Colby seized control immediately with a 6–0 burst and never looked back, capitalizing on Barton miscues to send the match to a fourth set.Set 4Barton nudged ahead 11–9, but back-to-back aces fueled a four-point Colby run to swing momentum at 14–12. After the set's 14th tie at 23–all, a Trojan kill followed by one of their 11 service aces of the night extended the match to a decisive fifth.Set 5Following a brief delay due to a fire alarm with Barton leading 3–2, an Olander block and two Colby attack errors shifted all the momentum to the Cougars for a 6–2 cushion. The Trojans rallied to within 10–9, but Barton countered with a 3–0 push on kills from Paola Batista and Cristiny before closing out the night as the final two points came on a service error and an attack sailing long.Record Book WatchMina Kaneko- 10th Single Season Digs (522) – 18 shy of Mylena Testoni's 540 (2021)- 6th Career Digs (979) – 35 away from Mylena Testoni's 1,014 (2020-21)Aubrey Olander- 20th Single Season Total Blocks (133) – 22 shy of top ten- 6th Career Total Blocks (257) – 3 behind Christi Ensz's 260 (1988-89)- 6th Single Season Assisted Blocks (115) – 3 from Rayanne de Oliveira's 118 (2018)

No. 6 Barton Volleyball outlasts No. 13 Colby in five-set thriller

The No. 4 Barton Community College men's soccer team put the finishing touches on its regular season Sunday evening, notching a 4-0 road victory over the Kansas Wesleyan University junior varsity squad at JRI Stadium in Salina.

Winners of eight straight, the Cougars close the regular season at 14-3-2, while the Coyotes fall to 5-6-0 on the year. Securing the No. 2 seed in the Plains District Tournament, Barton will host No. 5 seed Coffeyville Community College in next Sunday's opening round, with time and location still to be determined due to ongoing construction at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

The Cougars struck early and often in the first half, scoring three times in a 16-minute span to take full control. Rafael Calmon broke the scoreless affair in the 10th minute as his corner kick bent untouched inside the pipes for his seventh goal of the season. Just 12 minutes later, Calmon's initial shot was denied but trickled out front, allowing Etienne Grandjean to slot home the rebound for his first tally of the year for a 2-0 edge.

Barton added a third goal just four minutes later when Calmon cleaned up a loose ball just outside the box, lacing a far-post strike for his second goal of the afternoon to send the Cougars into the locker room up 3-0.

The scoring concluded with 14:10 remaining in the second half as Ikko Fujiwara and Angel Sainz combined on a quick one-touch sequence to spring Vitor Bertoldo on a breakaway converting on the 1v1 chance for his first collegiate twine finder.

Goalkeepers Keagan Lewis and Pedro Lisboa split duties, with Lewis patrolling the pipes in the opening 45 minutes and Lisboa preserving the shutout in the 77th minute by denying a Coyotes penalty kick to secure Barton's sixth clean sheet of the season.

22:00: Etienne Grandjean (1); Assist: Rafael Calmon (4)

65:53: Vitor Bertoldo (1); Assists: Angel Sainz (2), Ikko Fujiwara (1)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761588614196.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe No. 4 Barton Community College men's soccer team put the finishing touches on its regular season Sunday evening, notching a 4-0 road victory over the Kansas Wesleyan University junior varsity squad at JRI Stadium in Salina.Winners of eight straight, the Cougars close the regular season at 14-3-2, while the Coyotes fall to 5-6-0 on the year. Securing the No. 2 seed in the Plains District Tournament, Barton will host No. 5 seed Coffeyville Community College in next Sunday's opening round, with time and location still to be determined due to ongoing construction at the Cougar Soccer Complex.The Cougars struck early and often in the first half, scoring three times in a 16-minute span to take full control. Rafael Calmon broke the scoreless affair in the 10th minute as his corner kick bent untouched inside the pipes for his seventh goal of the season. Just 12 minutes later, Calmon's initial shot was denied but trickled out front, allowing Etienne Grandjean to slot home the rebound for his first tally of the year for a 2-0 edge.Barton added a third goal just four minutes later when Calmon cleaned up a loose ball just outside the box, lacing a far-post strike for his second goal of the afternoon to send the Cougars into the locker room up 3-0.The scoring concluded with 14:10 remaining in the second half as Ikko Fujiwara and Angel Sainz combined on a quick one-touch sequence to spring Vitor Bertoldo on a breakaway converting on the 1v1 chance for his first collegiate twine finder.Goalkeepers Keagan Lewis and Pedro Lisboa split duties, with Lewis patrolling the pipes in the opening 45 minutes and Lisboa preserving the shutout in the 77th minute by denying a Coyotes penalty kick to secure Barton's sixth clean sheet of the season.BARTON SCORING SUMMARY9:30: Rafael Calmon (7)22:00: Etienne Grandjean (1); Assist: Rafael Calmon (4)25:06: Rafael Calmon (8)65:53: Vitor Bertoldo (1); Assists: Angel Sainz (2), Ikko Fujiwara (1)

No. 4 Barton ends regular season with 4-0 victory at Kansas Wesleyan JV

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The Barton Community College cross country teams concluded their 2025 season Friday morning at the KJCCC/Region VI Championships held at Colby's Meadow Lakes Golf Course.

Sophomore Makiya Mosley represented the Cougars in the women's 5K race, finishing 62nd overall with a time of 33:37.30.

In the men's 8K competition, Barton placed 12th overall, led by freshman Sergi Gonzalez Garriga's 63rd-place effort of 29:40.08.

Simeon Adams recorded a personal best of 31:08.23 to finish 74th, while sophomore Corlando Chambers followed close behind in 78th at 31:33.68.

Rounding out the Barton lineup, freshman Shavan Jarrett crossed in 86th at 33:06.86, just ahead of sophomores Keandro Gordon (88th, 33:29.97) and Jack Cole (89th, 33:32.95), with the trio finishing within twenty-six seconds of each other.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761485957544.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College cross country teams concluded their 2025 season Friday morning at the KJCCC/Region VI Championships held at Colby's Meadow Lakes Golf Course.Sophomore Makiya Mosley represented the Cougars in the women's 5K race, finishing 62nd overall with a time of 33:37.30.In the men's 8K competition, Barton placed 12th overall, led by freshman Sergi Gonzalez Garriga's 63rd-place effort of 29:40.08.Simeon Adams recorded a personal best of 31:08.23 to finish 74th, while sophomore Corlando Chambers followed close behind in 78th at 31:33.68.Rounding out the Barton lineup, freshman Shavan Jarrett crossed in 86th at 33:06.86, just ahead of sophomores Keandro Gordon (88th, 33:29.97) and Jack Cole (89th, 33:32.95), with the trio finishing within twenty-six seconds of each other.

Barton Cross Country concludes season at KJCCC/Region 6 Championships

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Three Barton County high schools will be represented at the KSHSAA State Volleyball Championships on Thursday. After a Friday off, championship matches are scheduled for Saturday. The top two seeds from each pool on Thursday will advance to those Saturday matches.

Class 5A Salina - Tony's Pizza Events Center This year's Class 5A tournament begins Thursday morning at 10 a.m. Great Bend, with a 27-9 record, enters as the No. 6 seed seed. Bishop Carroll, at 37-1, enters as the No. 1 seed. Great Bend's Thursday schedule is:

10 a.m. - Great Bend vs No. 3 Blue Valley SW (33-4) 1 p.m.&nbsp; - Great Bend vs No. 2 Maize South (35-4) 2 p.m. - Great Bend vs. No. 7 Kapaun (27-10)

Class 3A&nbsp; Hutchinson Sports Arena After a third-place finish a year ago, Hoisington (36-4) returns to state as the No. 3 seed. Absent from this year's bracket is defending champion Halstead and runner-up Nemaha Central. Silver Lake (41-1) enters as the No. 1 seed. Hoisington's schedule is:

10 a.m. - Hoisington vs. No. 6 Holton (34-9) 12 p.m. - Hoisington vs. No. 7 Osage City (27-12) 3 p.m. Hoisington vs. No. 2 Riverton (36-4)

Class 2A Dodge City - United Wireless Arena Ellinwood takes a perfect 42-0 record into state as the No. 1 ranked team and the No. 1 seed. Maranatha Christian and Inman, the two teams that beat Ellinwood at state a year ago, have either changed classifications or did not qualify for this year's state tournament. Ellinwood's schedule is:

11 a.m. - Ellinwood vs No. 8 Rossville (28-13) 1 p.m.&nbsp; - Ellinwood vs. No. 5 Hillsboro (32-9) 3 p.m.&nbsp; - Ellinwood vs. No. 4 Humboldt (34-9)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThree Barton County high schools will be represented at the KSHSAA State Volleyball Championships on Thursday. After a Friday off, championship matches are scheduled for Saturday. The top two seeds from each pool on Thursday will advance to those Saturday matches.Class 5A Salina - Tony's Pizza Events Center This year's Class 5A tournament begins Thursday morning at 10 a.m. Great Bend, with a 27-9 record, enters as the No. 6 seed seed. Bishop Carroll, at 37-1, enters as the No. 1 seed. Great Bend's Thursday schedule is:10 a.m. - Great Bend vs No. 3 Blue Valley SW (33-4) 1 p.m.&nbsp; - Great Bend vs No. 2 Maize South (35-4) 2 p.m. - Great Bend vs. No. 7 Kapaun (27-10)Class 3A&nbsp; Hutchinson Sports Arena After a third-place finish a year ago, Hoisington (36-4) returns to state as the No. 3 seed. Absent from this year's bracket is defending champion Halstead and runner-up Nemaha Central. Silver Lake (41-1) enters as the No. 1 seed. Hoisington's schedule is:10 a.m. - Hoisington vs. No. 6 Holton (34-9) 12 p.m. - Hoisington vs. No. 7 Osage City (27-12) 3 p.m. Hoisington vs. No. 2 Riverton (36-4)Class 2A Dodge City - United Wireless Arena Ellinwood takes a perfect 42-0 record into state as the No. 1 ranked team and the No. 1 seed. Maranatha Christian and Inman, the two teams that beat Ellinwood at state a year ago, have either changed classifications or did not qualify for this year's state tournament. Ellinwood's schedule is:11 a.m. - Ellinwood vs No. 8 Rossville (28-13) 1 p.m.&nbsp; - Ellinwood vs. No. 5 Hillsboro (32-9) 3 p.m.&nbsp; - Ellinwood vs. No. 4 Humboldt (34-9)

KSHSAA releases state volleyball pairings

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Despite holding a lead twice on a rain-soaked afternoon at Cavanaugh Field, the Barton Community College women's soccer team saw its bid for upset slip away, settling for a 2-2 draw with No. 19 Hutchinson Community College in the conference finale.

The Cougars conclude the Jayhawk slate tied for fourth in the standings with 20 points at 6-6-2 and 10-7-2 overall, while the Blue Dragons wrap up a second-place finish with 28 points at 8-2-4 and 11-2-4 on the season. Barton will close out the regular season Sunday with a 3:00 p.m. road matchup against the junior varsity squad of Kansas Wesleyan University before opening postseason play next weekend as the No. 4 seed, hosting No. 5 Garden City Community College after holding the tiebreaker over the Broncbusters.

Maki Kimura provided the Cougars with a 1-0 halftime advantage in the 17th minute, toeing Candice Burnier's outside pass to the top of the box and lacing up a near-post strike for her seventh net shaker of the season.

Hutchinson opened an offensive flurry that produced three goals over a span of 1:07, pulling even in the 51st minute when Lucy Bacon cleaned up Olivia Tamaki's loose-ball corner kick placed into a congested box to level the match at one apiece.

The Cougars quickly regained the advantage just 54-seconds later, capitalizing on a deflected clearance off a Blue Dragon defender following Saki Takaki's free kick. Ayaka Nagano pounced on the loose ball in front of the 6' and slotted a near-post finish for her fourth goal of the season, pushing Barton back in front 2-1.

However, the Blue Dragons answered immediately on the ensuing restart, as Poppy Smith threaded a through ball that found Tamaki behind the Barton back line for a far-post strike to knot the contest and close the scoring.

Leonie Kerle after making a saveThe Cougars finished with eight shots, placing three on target, while Hutchinson totaled 12 attempts with nine on goal. Leonie Kerle turned aside seven saves between the posts for Barton.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761485673170.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Barton celebrates after a goal in the second half" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Barton celebrates after a goal in the second half</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoDespite holding a lead twice on a rain-soaked afternoon at Cavanaugh Field, the Barton Community College women's soccer team saw its bid for upset slip away, settling for a 2-2 draw with No. 19 Hutchinson Community College in the conference finale.The Cougars conclude the Jayhawk slate tied for fourth in the standings with 20 points at 6-6-2 and 10-7-2 overall, while the Blue Dragons wrap up a second-place finish with 28 points at 8-2-4 and 11-2-4 on the season. Barton will close out the regular season Sunday with a 3:00 p.m. road matchup against the junior varsity squad of Kansas Wesleyan University before opening postseason play next weekend as the No. 4 seed, hosting No. 5 Garden City Community College after holding the tiebreaker over the Broncbusters.Maki Kimura provided the Cougars with a 1-0 halftime advantage in the 17th minute, toeing Candice Burnier's outside pass to the top of the box and lacing up a near-post strike for her seventh net shaker of the season.Hutchinson opened an offensive flurry that produced three goals over a span of 1:07, pulling even in the 51st minute when Lucy Bacon cleaned up Olivia Tamaki's loose-ball corner kick placed into a congested box to level the match at one apiece.The Cougars quickly regained the advantage just 54-seconds later, capitalizing on a deflected clearance off a Blue Dragon defender following Saki Takaki's free kick. Ayaka Nagano pounced on the loose ball in front of the 6' and slotted a near-post finish for her fourth goal of the season, pushing Barton back in front 2-1.However, the Blue Dragons answered immediately on the ensuing restart, as Poppy Smith threaded a through ball that found Tamaki behind the Barton back line for a far-post strike to knot the contest and close the scoring.Leonie Kerle after making a saveThe Cougars finished with eight shots, placing three on target, while Hutchinson totaled 12 attempts with nine on goal. Leonie Kerle turned aside seven saves between the posts for Barton.

Rain-soaked battle ends in 2-2 draw as Barton pushes No. 19 Hutchinson 

TORONTO (AP) — Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched a World Series game from another era.

Sandy Koufax had October outings like this and so did Orel Hershiser, but those types of performances had vanished in modern baseball.

Until this 5-foot-10 starter from Japan delivered like the aces of old.

Yamamoto threw a four-hitter for his second consecutive complete game, the first in the World Series since 2015, and the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-1 on Saturday night to tie their best-of-seven matchup at one game apiece.

“It’s kind of the throwback,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “When he starts a game he expects to finish it.”

Coming off a three-hitter against Milwaukee in the National League Championship Series that was the first postseason complete game in eight years, Yamamoto struck out eight, walked none and retired his final 20 batters.

No pitcher had gone the distance in the Fall Classic since Kansas City’s Johnny Cueto fired a two-hitter against the New York Mets in Game 2 a decade ago.

No pitcher had thrown consecutive complete games in the postseason since Arizona ace Curt Schilling, who tossed three in a row in the 2001 NL Division Series and NLCS. Hershiser had been the last Dodgers pitcher with a solo Series effort, in Games 2 and 5 against Oakland in 1988. Koufax pitched two Series complete games each in 1963 and 1965.

Yamamoto smiled when asked about achieving a feat similar to those Dodgers greats.

“To be honest, I’m not sure about the history,” he said through a translator, “but I’m very happy about what I did today.”

Will Smith had three RBIs for Los Angeles, breaking a 1-all tie with a seventh-inning home run off Kevin Gausman, who had retired 17 batters in a row. Max Muncy added another solo homer later in the inning.

It was the first postseason game in which two pitchers both set down 17 or more consecutive batters, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

A 27-year-old right-hander in his second big league season, Yamamoto threw 105 pitches — 73 for strikes — after tossing 111 against the Brewers in Game 2 of the NLCS on Oct. 14.

“The baseball fan, right, they probably appreciate that,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “You have to appreciate a complete game.”

Yamamoto pointed in the air as Muncy settled under Daulton Varsho’s game-ending popup to third, then hugged Smith, his catcher, after a 2-hour, 36-minute game, the fastest in the Series since the 2017 opener.

“I truly believe he went back out there because of what he did in the last game,” Gausman said.

Yamamoto mixed six pitches: 34 splitters, 25 fastballs averaging 96.2 mph, 23 curveballs and 13 cutters along with six sliders and four sinkers. He induced 17 swings and misses.

He threw 12 splitters in a 23-pitch first inning.

“I was trying to be in the game relaxed, but it’s the World Series. So I kind of, early on, I was throwing with unnecessary tension,” Yamamoto said. “So I just adjusted that as the game went on.”

Yamamoto pitched 12 complete games in his last three seasons with the Orix Buffaloes of Japan’s Pacific League before signing a $325 million, 12-year contract with Los Angeles, a record for a pitcher. He improved to 5-1 over two postseasons with the Dodgers, who are 7-1 in his starts.

“He’s just not letting anything get to him,” Muncy said. “From what I’ve seen, there’s nothing that fazes him out there. He keeps his composure at all times and he just thinks about executing his next pitch.”

Yamamoto permitted his only run in the third after he hit George Springer near his wrist with a pitch and gave up Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s single off the left-field wall. That was the last runner allowed by Yamamoto, who started his streak by retiring Alejandro Kirk on a sacrifice fly.

After returning to the dugout, Yamamoto kept making notes in his journal.

“I use that every game,” he said. “It’s more like strategic notes, and I use that to check in between innings.”

Los Angeles went ahead for the second straight night, scoring in the first when Freddie Freeman doubled after fouling off three two-strike pitches and came around on Smith’s single.

Springer’s double and Nathan Lukes’ single put runners at the corners with no outs in the bottom half but Yamamoto struck out Guerrero, retired Kirk on a liner to first and froze Varsho with a called third strike.

“Keeping it zero there was huge,” Smith said.

Smith homered into the left-field second deck on a full-count fastball, and two batters later Muncy hit an opposite-field drive to left off a fastball on the outside corner. Jeff Hoffman threw a run-scoring wild pitch in the eighth and Smith followed by grounding into an RBI forceout.

A day after winning the opener 11-4 as Bo Bichette returned from a sprained knee that sidelined him for seven weeks, Toronto didn’t start the two-time All-Star but inserted him as a pinch hitter in the seventh. After grounding out, he stayed in the game at second base.

The way Yamamoto was pitching, it didn’t matter who was hitting.

“I’ve just got to enjoy it and just be happy he’s on our team,” Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts said.

Blue Jays RHP Max Scherzer faces Dodgers RHP Tyler Glasnow in Game 3. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, the 41-year-old Scherzer will become the first pitcher to make Series starts for four teams. He got his only decision for Washington when he beat Houston in the 2019 opener. Glasnow has a 0.68 ERA in 13 1/3 innings this postseason.

TORONTO (AP) — Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched a World Series game from another era.Sandy Koufax had October outings like this and so did Orel Hershiser, but those types of performances had vanished in modern baseball.Until this 5-foot-10 starter from Japan delivered like the aces of old.Yamamoto threw a four-hitter for his second consecutive complete game, the first in the World Series since 2015, and the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-1 on Saturday night to tie their best-of-seven matchup at one game apiece.“It’s kind of the throwback,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “When he starts a game he expects to finish it.”Coming off a three-hitter against Milwaukee in the National League Championship Series that was the first postseason complete game in eight years, Yamamoto struck out eight, walked none and retired his final 20 batters.No pitcher had gone the distance in the Fall Classic since Kansas City’s Johnny Cueto fired a two-hitter against the New York Mets in Game 2 a decade ago.No pitcher had thrown consecutive complete games in the postseason since Arizona ace Curt Schilling, who tossed three in a row in the 2001 NL Division Series and NLCS. Hershiser had been the last Dodgers pitcher with a solo Series effort, in Games 2 and 5 against Oakland in 1988. Koufax pitched two Series complete games each in 1963 and 1965.Yamamoto smiled when asked about achieving a feat similar to those Dodgers greats.“To be honest, I’m not sure about the history,” he said through a translator, “but I’m very happy about what I did today.”Will Smith had three RBIs for Los Angeles, breaking a 1-all tie with a seventh-inning home run off Kevin Gausman, who had retired 17 batters in a row. Max Muncy added another solo homer later in the inning.It was the first postseason game in which two pitchers both set down 17 or more consecutive batters, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.Game 3 is Monday at Dodger Stadium.A 27-year-old right-hander in his second big league season, Yamamoto threw 105 pitches — 73 for strikes — after tossing 111 against the Brewers in Game 2 of the NLCS on Oct. 14.“The baseball fan, right, they probably appreciate that,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “You have to appreciate a complete game.”Yamamoto pointed in the air as Muncy settled under Daulton Varsho’s game-ending popup to third, then hugged Smith, his catcher, after a 2-hour, 36-minute game, the fastest in the Series since the 2017 opener.“I truly believe he went back out there because of what he did in the last game,” Gausman said.Yamamoto mixed six pitches: 34 splitters, 25 fastballs averaging 96.2 mph, 23 curveballs and 13 cutters along with six sliders and four sinkers. He induced 17 swings and misses.He threw 12 splitters in a 23-pitch first inning.“I was trying to be in the game relaxed, but it’s the World Series. So I kind of, early on, I was throwing with unnecessary tension,” Yamamoto said. “So I just adjusted that as the game went on.”Yamamoto pitched 12 complete games in his last three seasons with the Orix Buffaloes of Japan’s Pacific League before signing a $325 million, 12-year contract with Los Angeles, a record for a pitcher. He improved to 5-1 over two postseasons with the Dodgers, who are 7-1 in his starts.“He’s just not letting anything get to him,” Muncy said. “From what I’ve seen, there’s nothing that fazes him out there. He keeps his composure at all times and he just thinks about executing his next pitch.”Yamamoto permitted his only run in the third after he hit George Springer near his wrist with a pitch and gave up Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s single off the left-field wall. That was the last runner allowed by Yamamoto, who started his streak by retiring Alejandro Kirk on a sacrifice fly.After returning to the dugout, Yamamoto kept making notes in his journal.“I use that every game,” he said. “It’s more like strategic notes, and I use that to check in between innings.”Los Angeles went ahead for the second straight night, scoring in the first when Freddie Freeman doubled after fouling off three two-strike pitches and came around on Smith’s single.Springer’s double and Nathan Lukes’ single put runners at the corners with no outs in the bottom half but Yamamoto struck out Guerrero, retired Kirk on a liner to first and froze Varsho with a called third strike.“Keeping it zero there was huge,” Smith said.Smith homered into the left-field second deck on a full-count fastball, and two batters later Muncy hit an opposite-field drive to left off a fastball on the outside corner. Jeff Hoffman threw a run-scoring wild pitch in the eighth and Smith followed by grounding into an RBI forceout.A day after winning the opener 11-4 as Bo Bichette returned from a sprained knee that sidelined him for seven weeks, Toronto didn’t start the two-time All-Star but inserted him as a pinch hitter in the seventh. After grounding out, he stayed in the game at second base.The way Yamamoto was pitching, it didn’t matter who was hitting.“I’ve just got to enjoy it and just be happy he’s on our team,” Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts said.Up nextBlue Jays RHP Max Scherzer faces Dodgers RHP Tyler Glasnow in Game 3. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, the 41-year-old Scherzer will become the first pitcher to make Series starts for four teams. He got his only decision for Washington when he beat Houston in the 2019 opener. Glasnow has a 0.68 ERA in 13 1/3 innings this postseason.

Dodgers beat Blue Jays to tie matchup 1-1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Commanders' trip to Kansas City was supposed to be a Monday night showdown between a perennial contender and one on the rise, a matchup of a three-time Super Bowl MVP and the latest dual-threat star quarterback to step under center.

Oh, the Chiefs are still Super Bowl contenders, as evidenced by the way they've rolled to three wins in the past four games, but Patrick Mahomes might still be the best QB in the league, too. The two-time NFL MVP already has thrown for 1,800 yards and 14 TDs with only two interceptions this season, and he just might be the hottest player in the game right now.

Then there's Washington, which has lost three of its last four, and watched Jayden Daniels limp off the field with a hamstring injury last week. His injury means Marcus Mariota will start Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Commanders — who went 12-5 last year and made the NFC championship game — are trying to avoid a 3-5 start.

“We'll find out a lot about our team in these weeks ahead. We need everyone to step up,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said. “Our focus needs to be sharper. That's the bare minimum. And we're going to dig in and find out how we improve upon that.”

Kansas City (4-3) seems to have ironed out its own problems. It started the season with a pair of losses but is coming off a rout of the Lions and a shutout of the Raiders, the first shutout by an Andy Reid-coached team in Kansas City.

Mahomes threw for 286 yards and three scores in that game while sitting out the entire fourth quarter.

“(They’re) about as good as you can get it, just looking at the numbers,” Quinn said. “That doesn’t bother me, either, knowing that if we play like we’re capable of, to the right standards and being more consistent, we’ll like the results.”

In the case of the Chiefs, the turnaround stemmed largely from getting players back. Xavier Worthy is at full speed after hurting his shoulder in the season opener, and fellow wide receiver Rashee Rice is back after serving a six-game NFL suspension.

“It seems like we're coming together as a team,” Mahomes said. “That's what you want to do is be a team as the season goes on, and keep getting better. We're still early and we have everything out in front of us. How can we be better this next week going up against a good football team?”

The Commanders’ defense is giving up an NFL-worst 7.8 yards per pass attempt and allowing 364.3 yards per game, 27th in the 32-team league. The big problem is the number of explosive plays Washington’s opponents are accumulating: There have been eight pass plays of at least 40 yards, for example, tied for the most in the NFL. Last week, the Cowboys put together a 70 yard-plus drive in 35 seconds, including a 44-yard pass and 33-yard run, for a touchdown that made it 27-15 at the break.

The Chiefs may be without left guard Trey Smith because of back spasms, pushing Mike Caliendo into the starting lineup. They also will be without left tackle Josh Simmons for the third consecutive game, though Jaylon Moore has played well in his place.

“We've always looked at Mike as a starter,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I think all the guys do.”

Washington has fallen into a double-digit first-half deficit in five of its first seven games. It has trailed 10-0 twice, 13-0, 14-0 and, last week, 20-8. The Commanders are 1-4 in those games and 2-0 when avoiding that sort of early problem. They are letting the opponent score 7.6 points per first quarter; only one club has giving up more in that period in 2025.

Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore has drawn plenty of attention for all of the wrong reasons, whether being beaten by opposing wide receivers or whistled for penalties. General manager Adam Peters sent third-, fourth- and sixth-round picks in the 2025 draft to New Orleans and got a fifth back along with Lattimore in November 2024. The four-time Pro Bowl selection missed a lot of time while injured last season and has struggled this season.

Mahomes again will be going against Kliff Kingsbury, his old coach at Texas Tech and now the offensive coordinator for the Commanders. It was Kingsbury who took a chance on Mahomes to play QB when other colleges wanted him to play safety.

“He's one of the first people I would say truly believed in me,” Mahomes said. “He helped me get to where I am today because he didn't put me in a box and tell me to play quarterback this way. That's something that is special about him as a coach.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Commanders' trip to Kansas City was supposed to be a Monday night showdown between a perennial contender and one on the rise, a matchup of a three-time Super Bowl MVP and the latest dual-threat star quarterback to step under center.The storylines have certainly changed.Oh, the Chiefs are still Super Bowl contenders, as evidenced by the way they've rolled to three wins in the past four games, but Patrick Mahomes might still be the best QB in the league, too. The two-time NFL MVP already has thrown for 1,800 yards and 14 TDs with only two interceptions this season, and he just might be the hottest player in the game right now.Then there's Washington, which has lost three of its last four, and watched Jayden Daniels limp off the field with a hamstring injury last week. His injury means Marcus Mariota will start Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Commanders — who went 12-5 last year and made the NFC championship game — are trying to avoid a 3-5 start.“We'll find out a lot about our team in these weeks ahead. We need everyone to step up,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said. “Our focus needs to be sharper. That's the bare minimum. And we're going to dig in and find out how we improve upon that.”Kansas City (4-3) seems to have ironed out its own problems. It started the season with a pair of losses but is coming off a rout of the Lions and a shutout of the Raiders, the first shutout by an Andy Reid-coached team in Kansas City.Mahomes threw for 286 yards and three scores in that game while sitting out the entire fourth quarter.“(They’re) about as good as you can get it, just looking at the numbers,” Quinn said. “That doesn’t bother me, either, knowing that if we play like we’re capable of, to the right standards and being more consistent, we’ll like the results.”In the case of the Chiefs, the turnaround stemmed largely from getting players back. Xavier Worthy is at full speed after hurting his shoulder in the season opener, and fellow wide receiver Rashee Rice is back after serving a six-game NFL suspension.“It seems like we're coming together as a team,” Mahomes said. “That's what you want to do is be a team as the season goes on, and keep getting better. We're still early and we have everything out in front of us. How can we be better this next week going up against a good football team?”<h2>Big plays, big problems</h2>The Commanders’ defense is giving up an NFL-worst 7.8 yards per pass attempt and allowing 364.3 yards per game, 27th in the 32-team league. The big problem is the number of explosive plays Washington’s opponents are accumulating: There have been eight pass plays of at least 40 yards, for example, tied for the most in the NFL. Last week, the Cowboys put together a 70 yard-plus drive in 35 seconds, including a 44-yard pass and 33-yard run, for a touchdown that made it 27-15 at the break.<h2>Injury update</h2>The Chiefs may be without left guard Trey Smith because of back spasms, pushing Mike Caliendo into the starting lineup. They also will be without left tackle Josh Simmons for the third consecutive game, though Jaylon Moore has played well in his place.“We've always looked at Mike as a starter,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I think all the guys do.”<h2>Slow starts</h2>Washington has fallen into a double-digit first-half deficit in five of its first seven games. It has trailed 10-0 twice, 13-0, 14-0 and, last week, 20-8. The Commanders are 1-4 in those games and 2-0 when avoiding that sort of early problem. They are letting the opponent score 7.6 points per first quarter; only one club has giving up more in that period in 2025.<h2>Paging Marshon</h2>Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore has drawn plenty of attention for all of the wrong reasons, whether being beaten by opposing wide receivers or whistled for penalties. General manager Adam Peters sent third-, fourth- and sixth-round picks in the 2025 draft to New Orleans and got a fifth back along with Lattimore in November 2024. The four-time Pro Bowl selection missed a lot of time while injured last season and has struggled this season.<h2>Coach Kliff</h2>Mahomes again will be going against Kliff Kingsbury, his old coach at Texas Tech and now the offensive coordinator for the Commanders. It was Kingsbury who took a chance on Mahomes to play QB when other colleges wanted him to play safety.“He's one of the first people I would say truly believed in me,” Mahomes said. “He helped me get to where I am today because he didn't put me in a box and tell me to play quarterback this way. That's something that is special about him as a coach.”

Chiefs and Commanders clash on Monday night

TORONTO (AP) — Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a four-hitter for his second consecutive complete game, the first in the World Series since 2015, and the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-1 to tie their best-of-seven matchup at one game apiece. Coming off a three-hitter against Milwaukee in the National League Championship Series that was the first postseason complete game in eight years, Yamamoto retired his final 20 batters. The previous pitcher to go the distance in the Fall Classic was Kansas City’s Johnny Cueto against the New York Mets in Game 2 a decade ago. Will Smith hit a tiebreaking homer in the seventh inning and had three RBIs for the Dodgers.

TORONTO (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts doesn’t think Shohei Ohtani heard fans in Toronto taunting him during Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night, and he doesn’t think the Japanese two-way sensation is bothered much by boos anyway. Upset that Ohtani spurned the Blue Jays to sign a $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, fans in Toronto chanted “We don’t need you!” when he came to the plate in the ninth inning with his team trailing by seven runs. Fans also booed Ohtani during pregame introductions. Ohtani appeared to smile at those jeers, but Roberts doesn’t think he caught the late barbs.

UNDATED (AP) —Week 9 of college football has mainly seen the expected outcomes. Georgia Tech, Alabama, Vanderbilt and Indiana secured victories, contrasting with Week 8, when four top 10 teams lost. Texas delivered its second-straight overtime win, and Memphis and Navy are making strong cases for the AP Top 25 after recent wins.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Lamar Jackson will miss a third consecutive game with a hamstring injury when the Baltimore Ravens host the Chicago Bears. The Ravens ruled Jackson out Saturday, while also saying he was not in fact a full participant in practice the previous day. Jackson was initially listed as a full participant Friday — and questionable for Sunday’s game. But now the team has downgraded him to out — and said he was actually limited Friday. The Ravens lost to Houston and the Los Angeles Rams without Jackson, and even an open date last weekend wasn’t enough for them to get the two-time MVP back.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson throws for 231 yards and accounts for four touchdowns as Kansas State defeats Kansas 42-17 on Saturday. The Wildcats secure their 17th consecutive victory in the Sunflower Showdown. Johnson runs for two touchdowns and throws for two more, including a 78-yard pass to Jayce Brown. Kansas State returns a fumble 20 yards for another score. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels struggles, throwing an interception but managing a touchdown run. The Jayhawks have not beaten their rival since 2008. Kansas State plays Texas Tech next Saturday, while Kansas faces Oklahoma State.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — BYU safety Faletau Satuala returned an interception for a touchdown to help 11th-ranked BYU pull away in the fourth quarter and the Cougars stayed unbeaten with a 41-27 win over Iowa State. Bear Bachmeier threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another, and Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston each had over 100 yards receiving for BYU. Iowa State’s Rocco Becht threw three interceptions, the last one coming with 1:14 left and allowing BYU to run out the clock.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Brendan Sorsby threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score to help No. 21 Cincinnati beat Baylor 41-20 on Saturday. The Bearcats (7-1, 5-0 Big 12) have won seven straight for the first time since 2021 when they reached the College Football Playoff. Baylor (4-4, 2-3) trailed 24-0 late in the first half, then cut it to 27-20 early in the fourth quarter behind two touchdown passes and a rushing TD by Sawyer Robertson. Sorsby’s 23-yard TD run capped a 12-play, 75-yard drive that took more than seven minutes to make it 34-20 with six minutes left. It was Sorsby’s fourth TD run of 20 or more yards this season.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Conner Weigman ran for two touchdowns and threw for another score, tight end Tanner Koziol had 100 yards receiving and Houston held on late to beat No. 24 Arizona State 24-16 on Saturday night. The Cougars won their third straight game and now have a good chance to move into the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2022. Houston built a 24-0 lead by early in the fourth quarter. Arizona State rallied to cut the deficit to 24-16 with 5:12 after backup quarterback Jeff Sims threw a 27-yard touchdown to Chamon Metayer. The Sun Devils got the ball back at their own 4 with a little more than two minutes remaining and a chance to tie, but couldn’t muster a first down.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Byrd Ficklin passed for two touchdowns and ran for another in his first career start to lead Utah to a 53-7 win over Colorado. Ficklin, a true freshman, filled in for injured starter Devon Dampier and hit the ground running – literally. He piled up 163 yards and a touchdown on the ground by halftime and finished with 291 yards on offense. Wayshawn Parker added 145 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries to help the Utes (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) become bowl eligible after winning just two conference games a year ago. Utah ran for a season-high 422 yards – eclipsing 400 rushing yards for the first time this season. Kaidon Salter tallied 37 yards and an interception on 9-of-22 passing for Colorado (3-5, 1-4).

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Kurt Hester, who was Houston football’s director of strength and performance, died on Saturday from cancer. He was 61. Hester died just hours before the Cougars’ 24-16 win over No. 24 Arizona State later Saturday, the team announced. Coach Willie Fritz said the team spent part of its pregame meal telling stories about a “rare individual.” Fritz said Hester came to Houston’s football facility for the final time on Thursday, where he gave a message to the team. Hester was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma in February. He is survived by his wife, Seana, and children Sydney, Rieleah and Remy.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — J’Koby Williams returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown and took a short pass 26 yards for a score on Texas Tech’s first play, jump-starting the No. 14 Red Raiders’ 42-0 victory over Oklahoma State. Jacob Rodriguez returned a fumble 69 yards for a TD as Texas Tech bounced back from its first loss last week at Arizona State. Will Hammond was injured in his second start replacing injured starting quarterback Behren Morton. Hammond's injury prompted Morton to change from street clothes to his uniform at halftime just in case. He didn't have to play. Third-stringer Mitch Griffis finished the game.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Josh Hoover threw a touchdown pass and TCU outlasted West Virginia 23-17. TCU barely outgained West Virginia 343-342 but made the most of its opportunities. TCU started its first three possessions past midfield and led 10-0 before West Virginia had mustered a first down. Hoover found Eric McAlister on a 4-yard scoring toss midway through the second quarter for a 17-7 lead. McAlister caught nine passes for 124 yards. Nate McCashland kicked three field goals for the Horned Frogs. West Virginia freshman Scotty Fox Jr. threw two touchdown passes for West Virginia, which has lost five straight.

Final	(19)Louisville	38	Boston College	24	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TORONTO (AP) — Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a four-hitter for his second consecutive complete game, the first in the World Series since 2015, and the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-1 to tie their best-of-seven matchup at one game apiece. Coming off a three-hitter against Milwaukee in the National League Championship Series that was the first postseason complete game in eight years, Yamamoto retired his final 20 batters. The previous pitcher to go the distance in the Fall Classic was Kansas City’s Johnny Cueto against the New York Mets in Game 2 a decade ago. Will Smith hit a tiebreaking homer in the seventh inning and had three RBIs for the Dodgers.TORONTO (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts doesn’t think Shohei Ohtani heard fans in Toronto taunting him during Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night, and he doesn’t think the Japanese two-way sensation is bothered much by boos anyway. Upset that Ohtani spurned the Blue Jays to sign a $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, fans in Toronto chanted “We don’t need you!” when he came to the plate in the ninth inning with his team trailing by seven runs. Fans also booed Ohtani during pregame introductions. Ohtani appeared to smile at those jeers, but Roberts doesn’t think he caught the late barbs.UNDATED (AP) —Week 9 of college football has mainly seen the expected outcomes. Georgia Tech, Alabama, Vanderbilt and Indiana secured victories, contrasting with Week 8, when four top 10 teams lost. Texas delivered its second-straight overtime win, and Memphis and Navy are making strong cases for the AP Top 25 after recent wins.OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Lamar Jackson will miss a third consecutive game with a hamstring injury when the Baltimore Ravens host the Chicago Bears. The Ravens ruled Jackson out Saturday, while also saying he was not in fact a full participant in practice the previous day. Jackson was initially listed as a full participant Friday — and questionable for Sunday’s game. But now the team has downgraded him to out — and said he was actually limited Friday. The Ravens lost to Houston and the Los Angeles Rams without Jackson, and even an open date last weekend wasn’t enough for them to get the two-time MVP back.LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson throws for 231 yards and accounts for four touchdowns as Kansas State defeats Kansas 42-17 on Saturday. The Wildcats secure their 17th consecutive victory in the Sunflower Showdown. Johnson runs for two touchdowns and throws for two more, including a 78-yard pass to Jayce Brown. Kansas State returns a fumble 20 yards for another score. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels struggles, throwing an interception but managing a touchdown run. The Jayhawks have not beaten their rival since 2008. Kansas State plays Texas Tech next Saturday, while Kansas faces Oklahoma State.AMES, Iowa (AP) — BYU safety Faletau Satuala returned an interception for a touchdown to help 11th-ranked BYU pull away in the fourth quarter and the Cougars stayed unbeaten with a 41-27 win over Iowa State. Bear Bachmeier threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another, and Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston each had over 100 yards receiving for BYU. Iowa State’s Rocco Becht threw three interceptions, the last one coming with 1:14 left and allowing BYU to run out the clock.CINCINNATI (AP) — Brendan Sorsby threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score to help No. 21 Cincinnati beat Baylor 41-20 on Saturday. The Bearcats (7-1, 5-0 Big 12) have won seven straight for the first time since 2021 when they reached the College Football Playoff. Baylor (4-4, 2-3) trailed 24-0 late in the first half, then cut it to 27-20 early in the fourth quarter behind two touchdown passes and a rushing TD by Sawyer Robertson. Sorsby’s 23-yard TD run capped a 12-play, 75-yard drive that took more than seven minutes to make it 34-20 with six minutes left. It was Sorsby’s fourth TD run of 20 or more yards this season.TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Conner Weigman ran for two touchdowns and threw for another score, tight end Tanner Koziol had 100 yards receiving and Houston held on late to beat No. 24 Arizona State 24-16 on Saturday night. The Cougars won their third straight game and now have a good chance to move into the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2022. Houston built a 24-0 lead by early in the fourth quarter. Arizona State rallied to cut the deficit to 24-16 with 5:12 after backup quarterback Jeff Sims threw a 27-yard touchdown to Chamon Metayer. The Sun Devils got the ball back at their own 4 with a little more than two minutes remaining and a chance to tie, but couldn’t muster a first down.SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Byrd Ficklin passed for two touchdowns and ran for another in his first career start to lead Utah to a 53-7 win over Colorado. Ficklin, a true freshman, filled in for injured starter Devon Dampier and hit the ground running – literally. He piled up 163 yards and a touchdown on the ground by halftime and finished with 291 yards on offense. Wayshawn Parker added 145 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries to help the Utes (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) become bowl eligible after winning just two conference games a year ago. Utah ran for a season-high 422 yards – eclipsing 400 rushing yards for the first time this season. Kaidon Salter tallied 37 yards and an interception on 9-of-22 passing for Colorado (3-5, 1-4).TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Kurt Hester, who was Houston football’s director of strength and performance, died on Saturday from cancer. He was 61. Hester died just hours before the Cougars’ 24-16 win over No. 24 Arizona State later Saturday, the team announced. Coach Willie Fritz said the team spent part of its pregame meal telling stories about a “rare individual.” Fritz said Hester came to Houston’s football facility for the final time on Thursday, where he gave a message to the team. Hester was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma in February. He is survived by his wife, Seana, and children Sydney, Rieleah and Remy.LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — J’Koby Williams returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown and took a short pass 26 yards for a score on Texas Tech’s first play, jump-starting the No. 14 Red Raiders’ 42-0 victory over Oklahoma State. Jacob Rodriguez returned a fumble 69 yards for a TD as Texas Tech bounced back from its first loss last week at Arizona State. Will Hammond was injured in his second start replacing injured starting quarterback Behren Morton. Hammond's injury prompted Morton to change from street clothes to his uniform at halftime just in case. He didn't have to play. Third-stringer Mitch Griffis finished the game.MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Josh Hoover threw a touchdown pass and TCU outlasted West Virginia 23-17. TCU barely outgained West Virginia 343-342 but made the most of its opportunities. TCU started its first three possessions past midfield and led 10-0 before West Virginia had mustered a first down. Hoover found Eric McAlister on a 4-yard scoring toss midway through the second quarter for a 17-7 lead. McAlister caught nine passes for 124 yards. Nate McCashland kicked three field goals for the Horned Frogs. West Virginia freshman Scotty Fox Jr. threw two touchdown passes for West Virginia, which has lost five straight.SATURDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFSFinal	L.A. Dodgers	5	Toronto	1	TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	(8)Mississippi	34	(13)Oklahoma	26	Final	(10)Vanderbilt	17	(15)Missouri	10	Final	(3)Texas A&amp;M	49	(20)LSU	25	Final	Memphis	34	(18)South Florida	31	Final	(2)Indiana	56	UCLA	6	Final	(7)Georgia Tech	41	Syracuse	16	Final	(16)Virginia	17	North Carolina	16	Final	(11)BYU	41	Iowa St.	27	Final	Washington	42	(23)Illinois	25	Final	(4)Alabama	29	South Carolina	22	Final	(14)Texas Tech	42	Oklahoma St.	0	Final	(21)Cincinnati	41	Baylor	20	Final	(22)Texas	45	Mississippi St.	38	Final	(9)Miami	42	Stanford	7	Final	(6)Oregon	21	Wisconsin	7	Final	(19)Louisville	38	Boston College	24	Final	(25)Michigan	31	Michigan St.	20	Final	(17)Tennessee	56	Kentucky	34	Final	Houston	24	(24)Arizona St.	16	NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Chicago	110	Orlando	98	Final	Oklahoma City	117	Atlanta	100	Final	Philadelphia	125	Charlotte	121	Final	Memphis	128	Indiana	103	Final	Denver	133	Phoenix	111	NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal SO	Philadelphia	4	N-Y Islanders	3	Final	Boston	3	Colorado	2	Final OT	Toronto	4	Buffalo	3	Final	Tampa Bay	4	Anaheim	3	Final	Florida	3	Vegas	0	Final	Utah	6	Minnesota	2	Final	Detroit	6	St. Louis	4	Final	Montreal	4	Vancouver	3	Final SO	Columbus	5	Pittsburgh	4	Final	Ottawa	7	Washington	1	Final	Dallas	3	Carolina	2	Final SO	Nashville	5	Los Angeles	4	Final	Seattle	3	Edmonton	2

Sunday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend Post

Saturday was a good day for volleyball teams in Barton
County and the surrounding area. Great Bend won its Class 5A sub-state to
advance to the state tournament on Thursday. Ellinwood won its home sub-state
to keep a perfect season intact, and Hoisington pulled off an upset on paper to
win the 3A Lakin sub-state to advance back to state. Ellsworth is also headed
to the 3A state championships.

Ellinwood entered its bracket as the No. 1 team in Class 2A
with a perfect 40-0 record. The Eagles handled Plainville 25-5, 25-10 in round
one to set up a rematch with postseason nemesis Smith Center. The Lady Red
needed three sets to get by Rawlins County in their opener. Ellinwood cruised
by Smith center 25-12, 25-15 to move to 42-0.

The Class 2A State Volleyball Championships are held at
United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.

Despite being ranked No. 4 by the Kansas Volleyball
Association, Hoisington had to make the trip west to play under No.1&nbsp; seed Lakin. The Cards battled Goodland to a
25-21, 25-21 in round one, then took down Lakin 25-18, 25-18 in the finals.

Ellsworth was part of a tough field in Holcomb. The Bearcats
knocked out perennial power Beloit 25-20, 25-19 in round one, then bumped off
No. 1 seed Holcomb 25-21, 25-19 in the championship. 

The Class 3A State Volleyball Championships are held at the
Hutchinson Sports Arena. 

Three-time defending Class 1A, Div. I champion Little River
entered sub-state with just two losses, both to Ellinwood, on the season. The
Lady Redskins are headed back to state after dominating Sedan 25-7, 25-7, and
beating Olpe 25-13, 25-15.

The Class 1A, Div. I State Volleyball Championships are held at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.

This year's state tournaments are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Nov. 1. Brackets should be released on Sunday.

By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend PostSaturday was a good day for volleyball teams in Barton
County and the surrounding area. Great Bend won its Class 5A sub-state to
advance to the state tournament on Thursday. Ellinwood won its home sub-state
to keep a perfect season intact, and Hoisington pulled off an upset on paper to
win the 3A Lakin sub-state to advance back to state. Ellsworth is also headed
to the 3A state championships.Ellinwood entered its bracket as the No. 1 team in Class 2A
with a perfect 40-0 record. The Eagles handled Plainville 25-5, 25-10 in round
one to set up a rematch with postseason nemesis Smith Center. The Lady Red
needed three sets to get by Rawlins County in their opener. Ellinwood cruised
by Smith center 25-12, 25-15 to move to 42-0.The Class 2A State Volleyball Championships are held at
United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.Despite being ranked No. 4 by the Kansas Volleyball
Association, Hoisington had to make the trip west to play under No.1&nbsp; seed Lakin. The Cards battled Goodland to a
25-21, 25-21 in round one, then took down Lakin 25-18, 25-18 in the finals.Ellsworth was part of a tough field in Holcomb. The Bearcats
knocked out perennial power Beloit 25-20, 25-19 in round one, then bumped off
No. 1 seed Holcomb 25-21, 25-19 in the championship. The Class 3A State Volleyball Championships are held at the
Hutchinson Sports Arena. Three-time defending Class 1A, Div. I champion Little River
entered sub-state with just two losses, both to Ellinwood, on the season. The
Lady Redskins are headed back to state after dominating Sedan 25-7, 25-7, and
beating Olpe 25-13, 25-15.The Class 1A, Div. I State Volleyball Championships are held at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.This year's state tournaments are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Nov. 1. Brackets should be released on Sunday.

Area: Ellinwood, Hoisington, Ellsworth volleyball teams headed to state

By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend Post

Coming off of back-to-back record-setting seasons, a 9-9
start to the 2025 season may not have been ideal for Great Bend High School’s
volleyball team. But the goal was not to pile up wins in the first half of the season.
The goal was to get better by playing good competition. 

The strategy seems to be working. The Panthers have not lost
a match since ending an 0-5 streak against tough competition on Sept. 27. With
a pair of 2-set wins during Saturday’s Class 5A sub-state tournament on its
home court, Great Bend bumped its win streak to 18 matches and secured a trip
to the state tournament for a second straight season.

“Halfway through the season, we saw some tougher competition,”
said Kimmy Hofflinger, one of four seniors on this year’s squad. “That gave us a
parameter for what we needed to see at the end and what we needed able to be.”

The Panthers rarely trailed in the two matches Saturday. After
a 25-20, 25-20 win against Valley Center in round one, Great Bend watched as
Andover Central needed three sets to get by Emporia. The Panthers downed
Central 25-19, 25-19 in the finals.

“It was all the energy,” Hofflinger said. “Having a home
crowd really helps, but we knew coming in that as long as we kept our energy up
and kept the score at a one or two-point differential, we were going to stay on
top.”

The Jaguars opened the first set with a 2-1 lead. Panther
sophomore Mikala Minton put down three kills and senior Ava Kaiser served up an
ace to turn the tide. Junior Kya Behr also put down a kill, and a block from
freshman Stevie Mayers put the Great Bend lead at 10-3. The gap remained at
14-7 on a tip from junior Alex Mayers. 

Central stormed back, tying the score at 16 before Behr
scored on a block and Minton produced another point at the net. Hofflinger had
a long service to open the set, and she capped another late service with an ace
for a 21-16 Panther lead.

“It’s really just knowing that my team is counting on me at
that point,” she said. “I have to stay aggressive but stay under control. That’s
what the team needed, and I was happy to do it for them.”

Behr took over on serve to open the second set. Four
straight aces helped Great Bend to an early 8-2 advantage. The Jags again hung around,
leveling the score at 10 before Great Bend got kills from Minton, Alex Mayers,
and sophomore Micah Ellegood to bump the lead back to 15-12. Central was still
in the set at 15-14 before an ace from Alex Mayers and a spike from Ellegood
put the Panthers on the path to the title in the 25-19 finale.

Great Bend took a 27-match win streak to state last year but
finished 0-3 in Salina to end the season at 35-5. This year’s team heads to state
with a 27-9 record and experience from last year.

“I think we’re a lot more prepared this year,” Hofflinger
said. “Last year, it was our first time being introduced to it. I think now we’re
ready to go get some wins.”

The Panthers faced some rare adversity in the first set
against Valley Center. A kill from Alex Mayers gave Great Bend a 9-6 lead, but
the Hornets battled back to lead 11-10 before the sides traded several points. A
Behr block was followed by a Minton kill and an ace from Hofflinger to regain a
16-13 edge. Junior Meredith Mazouch and Kaiser added late aces, and Minton had
a pair of late kills to secure the set 25-20.

Similar to the final set of the day, Behr opened the second
set against Valley Center with a long service that helped produce a 9-2 Great
Bend lead. The Hornets got as close as 12-10 before a pair of Minton kills and
a block from Behr bumped the Panther lead back to 16-10. Freshman Jaya Stroup
added a late kill before Behr ended the match at 25-20 with blind tip into the
corner.

State brackets should be released on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761437230927.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend PostComing off of back-to-back record-setting seasons, a 9-9
start to the 2025 season may not have been ideal for Great Bend High School’s
volleyball team. But the goal was not to pile up wins in the first half of the season.
The goal was to get better by playing good competition. The strategy seems to be working. The Panthers have not lost
a match since ending an 0-5 streak against tough competition on Sept. 27. With
a pair of 2-set wins during Saturday’s Class 5A sub-state tournament on its
home court, Great Bend bumped its win streak to 18 matches and secured a trip
to the state tournament for a second straight season.“Halfway through the season, we saw some tougher competition,”
said Kimmy Hofflinger, one of four seniors on this year’s squad. “That gave us a
parameter for what we needed to see at the end and what we needed able to be.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761437453483.jpeg" alt="Great Bend's Kya Behr (17) and Stevie Mayers (34) go up for a block against Andover Central's Madelyn Jacobs." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend's Kya Behr (17) and Stevie Mayers (34) go up for a block against Andover Central's Madelyn Jacobs.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Panthers rarely trailed in the two matches Saturday. After
a 25-20, 25-20 win against Valley Center in round one, Great Bend watched as
Andover Central needed three sets to get by Emporia. The Panthers downed
Central 25-19, 25-19 in the finals.“It was all the energy,” Hofflinger said. “Having a home
crowd really helps, but we knew coming in that as long as we kept our energy up
and kept the score at a one or two-point differential, we were going to stay on
top.”The Jaguars opened the first set with a 2-1 lead. Panther
sophomore Mikala Minton put down three kills and senior Ava Kaiser served up an
ace to turn the tide. Junior Kya Behr also put down a kill, and a block from
freshman Stevie Mayers put the Great Bend lead at 10-3. The gap remained at
14-7 on a tip from junior Alex Mayers. Central stormed back, tying the score at 16 before Behr
scored on a block and Minton produced another point at the net. Hofflinger had
a long service to open the set, and she capped another late service with an ace
for a 21-16 Panther lead.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761437619525.jpeg" alt="Panther sophomore Mikala Minton gets a hit by a Valley Center defender during the first match of Saturday's sub-state tournament at GBHS." />
 <figcaption>Panther sophomore Mikala Minton gets a hit by a Valley Center defender during the first match of Saturday's sub-state tournament at GBHS.</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s really just knowing that my team is counting on me at
that point,” she said. “I have to stay aggressive but stay under control. That’s
what the team needed, and I was happy to do it for them.”Behr took over on serve to open the second set. Four
straight aces helped Great Bend to an early 8-2 advantage. The Jags again hung around,
leveling the score at 10 before Great Bend got kills from Minton, Alex Mayers,
and sophomore Micah Ellegood to bump the lead back to 15-12. Central was still
in the set at 15-14 before an ace from Alex Mayers and a spike from Ellegood
put the Panthers on the path to the title in the 25-19 finale.Great Bend took a 27-match win streak to state last year but
finished 0-3 in Salina to end the season at 35-5. This year’s team heads to state
with a 27-9 record and experience from last year.“I think we’re a lot more prepared this year,” Hofflinger
said. “Last year, it was our first time being introduced to it. I think now we’re
ready to go get some wins.”The Panthers faced some rare adversity in the first set
against Valley Center. A kill from Alex Mayers gave Great Bend a 9-6 lead, but
the Hornets battled back to lead 11-10 before the sides traded several points. A
Behr block was followed by a Minton kill and an ace from Hofflinger to regain a
16-13 edge. Junior Meredith Mazouch and Kaiser added late aces, and Minton had
a pair of late kills to secure the set 25-20.Similar to the final set of the day, Behr opened the second
set against Valley Center with a long service that helped produce a 9-2 Great
Bend lead. The Hornets got as close as 12-10 before a pair of Minton kills and
a block from Behr bumped the Panther lead back to 16-10. Freshman Jaya Stroup
added a late kill before Behr ended the match at 25-20 with blind tip into the
corner.State brackets should be released on Sunday.

Great Bend volleyball headed back to state after pair of 2-set sub-state wins

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for 231 yards while accounting for four touchdowns, Kansas State returned a fumble 20 yards for another score, and the Wildcats routed Kansas 42-17 on Saturday for their 17th consecutive victory in the Sunflower Showdown.

Johnson ran for two TDs and threw for two more, including a 78-yard strike to Jayce Brown, who finished with four catches for 160 yards. Joe Jackson added 69 yards on the ground, helping the Wildcats (4-4, 3-2 Big 12) to run out the clock late.

“We dominated the football game from start to finish,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said, whose team has won three of its last four games after a difficult start, and seems to be hitting its stride at an important point in the season.

“Guys were coming out firing and ready to play,” Johnson said.

Meanwhile, the Jayhawks (4-4, 2-3) still have not beaten their rival since Nov. 1, 2008 — seven head coaches ago.

“I thought our guys had tremendous focus this week,” Klieman said. “They know all about the streak. They know all about everything. I know our guys could kind of feel — not necessarily disrespected, but (Kansas players saying), ‘This year, this is the year.' And it kind of (ticked) off some of the older Kansan kids.”

Kansas State made life especially miserable on a cold, wet day for Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels, who was 17 of 35 for 129 yards with an interception in his final Sunflower Showdown. The Wildcats piled up four sacks and seven tackles-for-loss.

Daniels did have a touchdown run for the Jayhawks, while Daniel Hishaw Jr. ran for 67 yards and a score.

“I'm embarrassed right now,” said Kansas coach Lance Leipold, whose teams had been 5-1 coming off a bye. “We need to play better than that. Frustration across the board is warranted and blame starts with the head coach.”

The opening half Saturday was an exercise in polar-opposite quarters.

The first quarter was downright crazy: Kansas State fumbled the opening kickoff, leading to a quick touchdown by Kansas. Then the Wildcats answered with a long touchdown drive, held the Jayhawks, then scooped up a poor snap on the punt and returned it for another score, giving Klieman's bunch a 21-7 advantage.

“That just flipped everything. All the momentum is on their side,” Klieman said. “Then this place is quiet.”

They took over midway through the second quarter and made it seem downright boring, grinding away on an 18-play, 85-yard drive in which they converted four third downs and soaked up more than 8 1/2 minutes. By the time Hishaw barreled into the end zone to make it 21-14, the Wildcats had enough time to run just one play before the break.

Yet as so often happens in this rivalry, the good feelings for Kansas didn't last.

The Jayhawks went three-and-out on their opening two series of the second half, and Kansas State capitalized on an interception of Daniels to extend the lead, with DeVon Rice's touchdown plunge making it 28-14 midway through the third quarter.

The decisive blow came moments later, after the Jayhawks had settled for a field goal. On the next play from scrimmage, Johnson found Brown in stride down the Kansas sideline, and he hauled in the heave for a 78-yard touchdown reception.

“That,” Klieman said, “was probably the dagger.”

Kansas turned the ball over on downs on its next two possessions, allowing the Wildcats to begin their celebration early.

“These guys were razor-sharp and focused,” Klieman said. “We knew if we played average, we'd lose the game. That's a talented football team over there. But if we played our best, we're a better football team.”

Kansas State showed remarkable poise after fumbling the game's opening kickoff. That hasn't always been the case this season, especially when games have been tight. Each of its four losses has been by six points or fewer.

Kansas had been averaging 418.3 yards and 32.4 points per game. It finished with 247 yards against the Wildcats, going 6 for 16 on third down and converting just one of five fourth-down attempts.

Kansas State plays No. 14 Texas Tech next Saturday.

Kansas plays Oklahoma State the same day.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for 231 yards while accounting for four touchdowns, Kansas State returned a fumble 20 yards for another score, and the Wildcats routed Kansas 42-17 on Saturday for their 17th consecutive victory in the Sunflower Showdown.Johnson ran for two TDs and threw for two more, including a 78-yard strike to Jayce Brown, who finished with four catches for 160 yards. Joe Jackson added 69 yards on the ground, helping the Wildcats (4-4, 3-2 Big 12) to run out the clock late.“We dominated the football game from start to finish,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said, whose team has won three of its last four games after a difficult start, and seems to be hitting its stride at an important point in the season.“Guys were coming out firing and ready to play,” Johnson said.Meanwhile, the Jayhawks (4-4, 2-3) still have not beaten their rival since Nov. 1, 2008 — seven head coaches ago.“I thought our guys had tremendous focus this week,” Klieman said. “They know all about the streak. They know all about everything. I know our guys could kind of feel — not necessarily disrespected, but (Kansas players saying), ‘This year, this is the year.' And it kind of (ticked) off some of the older Kansan kids.”Kansas State made life especially miserable on a cold, wet day for Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels, who was 17 of 35 for 129 yards with an interception in his final Sunflower Showdown. The Wildcats piled up four sacks and seven tackles-for-loss.Daniels did have a touchdown run for the Jayhawks, while Daniel Hishaw Jr. ran for 67 yards and a score.“I'm embarrassed right now,” said Kansas coach Lance Leipold, whose teams had been 5-1 coming off a bye. “We need to play better than that. Frustration across the board is warranted and blame starts with the head coach.”The opening half Saturday was an exercise in polar-opposite quarters.The first quarter was downright crazy: Kansas State fumbled the opening kickoff, leading to a quick touchdown by Kansas. Then the Wildcats answered with a long touchdown drive, held the Jayhawks, then scooped up a poor snap on the punt and returned it for another score, giving Klieman's bunch a 21-7 advantage.“That just flipped everything. All the momentum is on their side,” Klieman said. “Then this place is quiet.”The Jayhawks weren't done quite yet.They took over midway through the second quarter and made it seem downright boring, grinding away on an 18-play, 85-yard drive in which they converted four third downs and soaked up more than 8 1/2 minutes. By the time Hishaw barreled into the end zone to make it 21-14, the Wildcats had enough time to run just one play before the break.Yet as so often happens in this rivalry, the good feelings for Kansas didn't last.The Jayhawks went three-and-out on their opening two series of the second half, and Kansas State capitalized on an interception of Daniels to extend the lead, with DeVon Rice's touchdown plunge making it 28-14 midway through the third quarter.The decisive blow came moments later, after the Jayhawks had settled for a field goal. On the next play from scrimmage, Johnson found Brown in stride down the Kansas sideline, and he hauled in the heave for a 78-yard touchdown reception.“That,” Klieman said, “was probably the dagger.”Kansas turned the ball over on downs on its next two possessions, allowing the Wildcats to begin their celebration early.“These guys were razor-sharp and focused,” Klieman said. “We knew if we played average, we'd lose the game. That's a talented football team over there. But if we played our best, we're a better football team.”The takeawayKansas State showed remarkable poise after fumbling the game's opening kickoff. That hasn't always been the case this season, especially when games have been tight. Each of its four losses has been by six points or fewer.Kansas had been averaging 418.3 yards and 32.4 points per game. It finished with 247 yards against the Wildcats, going 6 for 16 on third down and converting just one of five fourth-down attempts.Up nextKansas State plays No. 14 Texas Tech next Saturday.Kansas plays Oklahoma State the same day.

Kansas State beats Kansas 42-17 for 17th straight Sunflower Showdown win

Great Bend is usually represented at the state cross country
meet, but it’s been five years since the Panther boys last qualified as a team.
Saturday, in the rain at Lake Barton, Great Bend was in the mix for a regional
title. Valley Center scored 62 points to take that honor, followed by Salina
Central with 63 points. The Panthers scored 66 points to qualify for state in
third. Eisenhower placed fourth with 85 points, and Hays finished a distant
fifth with 151 points.

The close team finishes mean seconds counted in the
individual races. Salina Central’s Liam Deniau-Young won the individual title
by 15 seconds in 16:43.79. Sophomore Brogan Lashley paced the Panthers in fifth
place with a time of 17:07.70, just more than a second behind the fourth-place
runner from Central.

Senior Tavon Stroup ran ninth in 17:54.03, costing Valley
Center a point by less than half a second. Sophomore Noah Kaiser ran a big race
to place 13th in 18:01.31, less than a second behind the 12th-place
runner. Sophomore Isaac Aldana finished comfortably between Hays and Valley
Center runners in 15th with a time of 18:15.19. Junior Parker
Coleman collected the final team points in 24th with a time of 18:45.35.

Sullivan Luttrell placed 30th in 18:55.44, and
Alexis Garcia ran 41st in 19:32.18.

Salina Central missed crucial team points in the race for 17th
and 18th by just over two seconds, but the team title was decided in
spots 27-28. Valley Center’s Magavin Redenbaugh edged Central’s Jeremiah
McWhorter by just 0.06 seconds for his team’s final points. 

The Panther boys head to Rim Rock Farm outside Lawrence next
Saturday for the Class 5A State Cross Country Championships. The 5A boys race
begins at 11:10 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761412119884.jpeg" alt="Panther sophomore Brogan Lashley finished fifth in Saturday's Class 5A regional at Lake Barton to help Great Bend qualify its first team to state since 2020." />
 <figcaption>Panther sophomore Brogan Lashley finished fifth in Saturday's Class 5A regional at Lake Barton to help Great Bend qualify its first team to state since 2020.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend PostGreat Bend is usually represented at the state cross country
meet, but it’s been five years since the Panther boys last qualified as a team.
Saturday, in the rain at Lake Barton, Great Bend was in the mix for a regional
title. Valley Center scored 62 points to take that honor, followed by Salina
Central with 63 points. The Panthers scored 66 points to qualify for state in
third. Eisenhower placed fourth with 85 points, and Hays finished a distant
fifth with 151 points.The close team finishes mean seconds counted in the
individual races. Salina Central’s Liam Deniau-Young won the individual title
by 15 seconds in 16:43.79. Sophomore Brogan Lashley paced the Panthers in fifth
place with a time of 17:07.70, just more than a second behind the fourth-place
runner from Central.Senior Tavon Stroup ran ninth in 17:54.03, costing Valley
Center a point by less than half a second. Sophomore Noah Kaiser ran a big race
to place 13th in 18:01.31, less than a second behind the 12th-place
runner. Sophomore Isaac Aldana finished comfortably between Hays and Valley
Center runners in 15th with a time of 18:15.19. Junior Parker
Coleman collected the final team points in 24th with a time of 18:45.35.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761412281296.jpeg" alt="Panther senior Tavon Stroup" />
 <figcaption>Panther senior Tavon Stroup</figcaption>
 </figure>Sullivan Luttrell placed 30th in 18:55.44, and
Alexis Garcia ran 41st in 19:32.18.Salina Central missed crucial team points in the race for 17th
and 18th by just over two seconds, but the team title was decided in
spots 27-28. Valley Center’s Magavin Redenbaugh edged Central’s Jeremiah
McWhorter by just 0.06 seconds for his team’s final points. The Panther boys head to Rim Rock Farm outside Lawrence next
Saturday for the Class 5A State Cross Country Championships. The 5A boys race
begins at 11:10 a.m.

Panther boys sending cross country team to state for first time in five years

Definitely very squishy. The Great Bend girls entered
Saturday’s Class 5A regional cross country race at Lake Barton as the four-time
defending regional champions. Despite a mostly new roster, and despite running
in the rain, the young Panther team scored 51 points to win a fifth-straight
title. Salina Central scored 56 points in second, and Valley Center also
qualified its team to state with 75 points. Newton also scored 75 points but
lost the tie-break to Valley Center.

Salina Central graduated its state champion from a year ago
but junior Kaylie Shultz, the reigning third-place finisher in last year’s
loaded 5A field, was back in action Saturday. She cruised to the win in 17:43.32.
Great Bend freshman Sydney Stein earned the silver in 18:57.98, still 42
seconds ahead of the third-place runner from Newton.

“Coming into it as a freshman and knowing that what (Shultz)
has been doing is amazing, I definitely just ran my own race behind her,” Stein
said. “If I beat her, that’d be great, but I don’t focus too much on that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761410956295.jpeg" alt="Freshman Sydney Stein finished second in her first regional race Saturday at Lake Barton. Great Bend won its fifth consecutive team title to qualify for state." />
 <figcaption>Freshman Sydney Stein finished second in her first regional race Saturday at Lake Barton. Great Bend won its fifth consecutive team title to qualify for state.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend PostDefinitely very squishy. The Great Bend girls entered
Saturday’s Class 5A regional cross country race at Lake Barton as the four-time
defending regional champions. Despite a mostly new roster, and despite running
in the rain, the young Panther team scored 51 points to win a fifth-straight
title. Salina Central scored 56 points in second, and Valley Center also
qualified its team to state with 75 points. Newton also scored 75 points but
lost the tie-break to Valley Center.Salina Central graduated its state champion from a year ago
but junior Kaylie Shultz, the reigning third-place finisher in last year’s
loaded 5A field, was back in action Saturday. She cruised to the win in 17:43.32.
Great Bend freshman Sydney Stein earned the silver in 18:57.98, still 42
seconds ahead of the third-place runner from Newton.“Coming into it as a freshman and knowing that what (Shultz)
has been doing is amazing, I definitely just ran my own race behind her,” Stein
said. “If I beat her, that’d be great, but I don’t focus too much on that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761411072066.jpeg" alt="Freshman Decorah Schroeter" />
 <figcaption>Freshman Decorah Schroeter</figcaption>
 </figure>Stein, in those “definitely very squishy” conditions, nearly
slipped into a tree at one point in the 5K race, but she and Shultz pulled away
from the pack early. A battle for the remaining top five spots ensued. Newton’s
Brooklyn Treaster won that race in 19:39.50. Panther freshman Decorah Schroeter
ran fourth in 19:47.66, and junior Bella Long ran just behind her in 19:50.54
for fifth.Sophomore Samantha Negaard placed 16th for Great
Bend in 21:40.01, nine seconds away from the next point. Makenzie Gwin earned
the final team points in 22:34.30, three seconds between the runners ahead of
and behind her. Alyssa Prendergrast placed 30th in 23:05.27, and
Sydney James ran 42nd in 24:46.99. Great Bend returns to Rim Rock Farm outside Lawrence next
Saturday for the Class 5A State Cross Country Championships. The 5A girls’ race
will be the final of the 2025 season with a 12:55 p.m. start. The 3A boys begin
at 10 a.m. that morning.