Justin Herbert finished off the Los Angeles Chargers' season-opening victory in style, sliding for a first down that effectively ended the game.

The quarterback earned style points for his scramble and sideline slide that capped a 318-yard, three-touchdown performance in a 27-21 victory over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-3a25cf16573bfe80e014b469a30c46ee">Patrick Mahomes</a>&nbsp;and the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night in Sao Paulo. Herbert had 32 yards rushing, too.

Los Angeles' first win over the Chiefs since Sept. 26, 2021, snapped a seven-game skid against the team that has dominated the AFC for nearly a decade.

“It’s monumental,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “September 5th will go down in some Charger lore, in my opinion. It was a big win.”

The NFL's second game South America was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-youtube-daa740fb5a4f05722193297b17201b6a">streamed on YouTube</a>, with Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar in attendance. Newly engaged pop superstar&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brazil-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-17cba7924ac7a744bd0f484252fbaa55">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;wasn't there to watch fiancé Travis Kelce and see Colombian singer Karol G perform at halftime.

Herbert became just the third quarterback in Chargers history with 300 yards and three TDs in a season opener. His 19-yard run on third-and-14 dashed any comeback hopes the Chiefs had with 2:21 to play. He finished 25 of 34 and was sacked three times.

“We knew it was going to be a dogfight, so we showed up today with our best effort,” Herbert said. “It was fun to see.”

Mahomes was 24 of 39 for 258 yards, one touchdown and two sacks.

“This will be a big lesson for us,” Mahomes said. “They definitely came out with more energy than we did. We got to get better from the start.”

Herbert's 23-yard TD pass to Quentin Johnston extended the lead to 26-18 with 5:02 remaining in the fourth. They hooked up for a 5-yard TD on the Chargers' opening drive of the game.

Chased by Khalil Mack, Mahomes threw incomplete to Marquise Brown on first-and-goal at the LA 9. Two more incomplete passes brought on Harrison Butker, whose 27-yard field goal cut the deficit to 27-21 with 2:34 remaining.

The Chiefs closed to 20-18 on Mahomes' 37-yard TD pass to Kelce early in the fourth. The 2-point conversion failed as Mahomes' pass was incomplete to Noah Gray.

“Multiple times we shot ourselves in the foot,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said.

The Chiefs were already down two receivers to start the game, with Rashee Rice suspended to start the season and rookie Jalen Royals out with a knee injury.

They lost another one three snaps into the game.

Xavier Worthy and teammate Kelce collided on a third-down pass. Worthy had to be helped off the field and was later ruled out with a right shoulder injury.

Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman didn't return after leaving with an ankle injury in the third.

Chargers running back Omarion Hampton made a rookie mistake late in the first half.

The first-round draft pick got a handoff on 3rd-and-16 in the final minute when the Chiefs had no timeouts left. Instead of staying in bounds and letting the clock run, Hampton ran out of bounds. That stopped the clock and the Chargers got a 36-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker for a 13-3 lead.

Mahomes then moved the Chiefs within field goal range and their kicking unit rushed on the field. Butker hit a 59-yarder with the 40 seconds to go, leaving the Chiefs trailing 13-6.

Kelce shoved Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart, who responded with a blow to Kelce’s helmet in the third quarter. Tart was penalized for unnecessary roughness, but wasn't thrown out because he used an open hand.

Chiefs: Host Philadelphia on Sept. 14 in a Super Bowl rematch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757126487364.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>By BETH HARRIS &nbsp;AP Sports WriterJustin Herbert finished off the Los Angeles Chargers' season-opening victory in style, sliding for a first down that effectively ended the game.The quarterback earned style points for his scramble and sideline slide that capped a 318-yard, three-touchdown performance in a 27-21 victory over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-3a25cf16573bfe80e014b469a30c46ee">Patrick Mahomes</a>&nbsp;and the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night in Sao Paulo. Herbert had 32 yards rushing, too.Los Angeles' first win over the Chiefs since Sept. 26, 2021, snapped a seven-game skid against the team that has dominated the AFC for nearly a decade.“It’s monumental,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “September 5th will go down in some Charger lore, in my opinion. It was a big win.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757126447532.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>The NFL's second game South America was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-youtube-daa740fb5a4f05722193297b17201b6a">streamed on YouTube</a>, with Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar in attendance. Newly engaged pop superstar&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brazil-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-17cba7924ac7a744bd0f484252fbaa55">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;wasn't there to watch fiancé Travis Kelce and see Colombian singer Karol G perform at halftime.Herbert became just the third quarterback in Chargers history with 300 yards and three TDs in a season opener. His 19-yard run on third-and-14 dashed any comeback hopes the Chiefs had with 2:21 to play. He finished 25 of 34 and was sacked three times.“We knew it was going to be a dogfight, so we showed up today with our best effort,” Herbert said. “It was fun to see.”Mahomes was 24 of 39 for 258 yards, one touchdown and two sacks.“This will be a big lesson for us,” Mahomes said. “They definitely came out with more energy than we did. We got to get better from the start.”Herbert's 23-yard TD pass to Quentin Johnston extended the lead to 26-18 with 5:02 remaining in the fourth. They hooked up for a 5-yard TD on the Chargers' opening drive of the game.Chased by Khalil Mack, Mahomes threw incomplete to Marquise Brown on first-and-goal at the LA 9. Two more incomplete passes brought on Harrison Butker, whose 27-yard field goal cut the deficit to 27-21 with 2:34 remaining.The Chiefs closed to 20-18 on Mahomes' 37-yard TD pass to Kelce early in the fourth. The 2-point conversion failed as Mahomes' pass was incomplete to Noah Gray.“Multiple times we shot ourselves in the foot,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said.<h2>Injuries</h2>The Chiefs were already down two receivers to start the game, with Rashee Rice suspended to start the season and rookie Jalen Royals out with a knee injury.They lost another one three snaps into the game.Xavier Worthy and teammate Kelce collided on a third-down pass. Worthy had to be helped off the field and was later ruled out with a right shoulder injury.Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman didn't return after leaving with an ankle injury in the third.<h2>Rookie miscue</h2>Chargers running back Omarion Hampton made a rookie mistake late in the first half.The first-round draft pick got a handoff on 3rd-and-16 in the final minute when the Chiefs had no timeouts left. Instead of staying in bounds and letting the clock run, Hampton ran out of bounds. That stopped the clock and the Chargers got a 36-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker for a 13-3 lead.Mahomes then moved the Chiefs within field goal range and their kicking unit rushed on the field. Butker hit a 59-yarder with the 40 seconds to go, leaving the Chiefs trailing 13-6.<h2>Take that</h2>Kelce shoved Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart, who responded with a blow to Kelce’s helmet in the third quarter. Tart was penalized for unnecessary roughness, but wasn't thrown out because he used an open hand.<h2>Up next</h2>Chiefs: Host Philadelphia on Sept. 14 in a Super Bowl rematch.Chargers: At Las Vegas on Sept. 15.

🏈 Herbert outduels Mahomes as the Chargers beat the Chiefs in Brazil

By Dustin Armbruster Hays Post Sports

Derby - The Hays High Indians kicked off their 2025 season with a state ranked showdown in Derby on Friday night. Hays entered ranked #4 in class 5A while the Panthers started the year ranked #1 in 6A. The Indians became just the third 5A team since 2012 to beat the Panthers on their home field, taking a 22-21 victory.

Hays held on to the first drive of the game for five and a half minutes to score. Holden Lind capped the 13 play 77 yard drive with a 27 yard touchdown run.

The Indians held the lead through the first quarter by allowing Derby to run just seven plays of offense. The Panthers scored on a 57 yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter to tie the game up at seven. Derby took the lead after a failed fourth down and one attempt by the Indians gave the Panthers the football just 16 yards from pay dirt.&nbsp;

Derby fumbled the ball at the goal line four plays later but it was recovered in the end zone for six points. The point after boosted Derby to a 14-7 lead with 3:26 remaining in the second quarter.

Hays punted on their next possession. The ball hit a Panther and was recovered by Alex Loving. Hays traversed 25 yards to the ten but threw an interception on fourth down to end the threat.&nbsp;

Each team scored on their first drive of the second half. Derby faced 1st and 30 when they rushed for 29 yards. The very next play the Panthers made the score 21-7 with a 38 yard pass and PAT. It was the last points Derby scored.

Hays answered right back with a 7 play 65 yard drive. Lind once again crossed into the end zone on a 26 yard run for a 21-14 scored following a Carson Moore PAT.

The Indian defense held the Panthers silent, allowing Hays to start in Derby territory on four straight possessions. The Indians though couldn't take advantage and still trailed 21-14. The Hays defense again kept Derby under control forcing a punt. The Indians took over at their own four yard line with 3:30 left on the clock.

Hays embarked on their game winning drive that ate up 2:25 of what was left in the game. Zane Viegra found Braxton Basgall for a four yard touchdown to pull the Indians with a point. The Indians left the offense on the field and Veigra hit Parker McGuire for a two point conversion in the back right corner of the end zone for a 22-21 score.&nbsp;

The Hays defense ended the game in style with a sack to secure the victory.

Hays opens up their brand new stadium next week against Choctaw, OK (1-0.)&nbsp;

By Dustin Armbruster Hays Post SportsDerby - The Hays High Indians kicked off their 2025 season with a state ranked showdown in Derby on Friday night. Hays entered ranked #4 in class 5A while the Panthers started the year ranked #1 in 6A. The Indians became just the third 5A team since 2012 to beat the Panthers on their home field, taking a 22-21 victory.Hays held on to the first drive of the game for five and a half minutes to score. Holden Lind capped the 13 play 77 yard drive with a 27 yard touchdown run.The Indians held the lead through the first quarter by allowing Derby to run just seven plays of offense. The Panthers scored on a 57 yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter to tie the game up at seven. Derby took the lead after a failed fourth down and one attempt by the Indians gave the Panthers the football just 16 yards from pay dirt.&nbsp;Derby fumbled the ball at the goal line four plays later but it was recovered in the end zone for six points. The point after boosted Derby to a 14-7 lead with 3:26 remaining in the second quarter.Hays punted on their next possession. The ball hit a Panther and was recovered by Alex Loving. Hays traversed 25 yards to the ten but threw an interception on fourth down to end the threat.&nbsp;Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2165791347&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-fb-game-highlights-sept-9" title="hhs fb game highlights sept 9, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">hhs fb game highlights sept 9, 2025</a></div></div>Each team scored on their first drive of the second half. Derby faced 1st and 30 when they rushed for 29 yards. The very next play the Panthers made the score 21-7 with a 38 yard pass and PAT. It was the last points Derby scored.Hays answered right back with a 7 play 65 yard drive. Lind once again crossed into the end zone on a 26 yard run for a 21-14 scored following a Carson Moore PAT.The Indian defense held the Panthers silent, allowing Hays to start in Derby territory on four straight possessions. The Indians though couldn't take advantage and still trailed 21-14. The Hays defense again kept Derby under control forcing a punt. The Indians took over at their own four yard line with 3:30 left on the clock.Hays embarked on their game winning drive that ate up 2:25 of what was left in the game. Zane Viegra found Braxton Basgall for a four yard touchdown to pull the Indians with a point. The Indians left the offense on the field and Veigra hit Parker McGuire for a two point conversion in the back right corner of the end zone for a 22-21 score.&nbsp;The Hays defense ended the game in style with a sack to secure the victory.Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2165791191&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-fb-coach-interview-sept-9" title="hhs fb coach interview Sept 9, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">hhs fb coach interview Sept 9, 2025</a></div></div>Hays opens up their brand new stadium next week against Choctaw, OK (1-0.)&nbsp;

🏈 Hays High knocks off top-ranked Derby

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a two-run homer and Michael Wacha pitched 5 2/3 strong innings as the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Friday night.

Garcia hit Pablo López’s first pitch high above the left-field bullpen after Vinnie Pasquantino singled with two out in the third inning for a 2-0 lead. Pasquantino and Garcia each had a pair of hits.

Brooks Lee and Jhonny Pereda hit consecutive doubles in the fifth inning for the Twins' run. Pereda made his Twins debut behind the plate.

The Twins have lost five straight and have baseball’s worst record since the July 31 trade deadline at 11-22.

Wacha (9-11) allowed a run on four hits and two walks, striking out five. He has allowed fewer than three runs in nine of his 10 career starts against the Twins.

Carlos Estévez earned his major league-best 38th save with help from a sliding catch by center fielder Kyle Isbel.

Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-6bcd36293c22fe0e667321eb4c22bdec">left the game</a>&nbsp;after six innings due to low back spasms.

López (5-4) returned from injury for his first start in three months, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings, striking out four. López was placed on the 15-day Injured List on June 4 with a right shoulder strain.

Initially called out on a force at second, Garcia was ruled safe when the Royals challenged that shortstop Lee had dropped the ball before touching second.

Through the first seven games of their current homestand, the Royals are 2 for 26 with runners in scoring position while scoring 10 of 14 runs via home runs.

Twins RHP Joe Ryan (13-7, 3.08 ERA) opposes Royals RHP Stephen Kolek (4-5, 3.99) on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757124612793.png" alt="Photo from Kansas Royals video" />
 <figcaption>Photo from Kansas Royals video</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a two-run homer and Michael Wacha pitched 5 2/3 strong innings as the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Friday night.Garcia hit Pablo López’s first pitch high above the left-field bullpen after Vinnie Pasquantino singled with two out in the third inning for a 2-0 lead. Pasquantino and Garcia each had a pair of hits.Brooks Lee and Jhonny Pereda hit consecutive doubles in the fifth inning for the Twins' run. Pereda made his Twins debut behind the plate.The Twins have lost five straight and have baseball’s worst record since the July 31 trade deadline at 11-22.Wacha (9-11) allowed a run on four hits and two walks, striking out five. He has allowed fewer than three runs in nine of his 10 career starts against the Twins.Carlos Estévez earned his major league-best 38th save with help from a sliding catch by center fielder Kyle Isbel.Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-bobby-witt-6bcd36293c22fe0e667321eb4c22bdec">left the game</a>&nbsp;after six innings due to low back spasms.López (5-4) returned from injury for his first start in three months, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings, striking out four. López was placed on the 15-day Injured List on June 4 with a right shoulder strain.<h2>Key Moment</h2>Initially called out on a force at second, Garcia was ruled safe when the Royals challenged that shortstop Lee had dropped the ball before touching second.<h2>Key Stat</h2>Through the first seven games of their current homestand, the Royals are 2 for 26 with runners in scoring position while scoring 10 of 14 runs via home runs.<h2>Up Next</h2>Twins RHP Joe Ryan (13-7, 3.08 ERA) opposes Royals RHP Stephen Kolek (4-5, 3.99) on Saturday.

⚾ Garcia's two-run homer lifts the Royals over the Twins

Fort Hays State plays their second-straight ranked opponent when they take on #5 CSU Pueblo on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Thunderbowl in Pueblo, Colo.

Fort Hays State plays their second-straight ranked opponent when they take on #5 CSU Pueblo on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Thunderbowl in Pueblo, Colo.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-FB at #5 CSU Pueblo (September 4, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=my39y-19571c6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-FB at #5 CSU Pueblo

Hays High (0-0, 0-0 WAC) at Derby (0-0, 0-0 AVCTL-1) Friday, Sept. 5 - 7 p.m. Derby, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2548349">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians are set to open the season tonight on
the road against the Derby Panthers. 

Hays High is coming off its first state
championship game appearance in school history. 

The Panthers reached the
semifinals before falling to Manhattan last fall. 

Kickoff from Derby is at 7
p.m. with the Hertz Renta Car Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. on MIX 103.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High (0-0, 0-0 WAC) at Derby (0-0, 0-0 AVCTL-1) Friday, Sept. 5 - 7 p.m. Derby, Kan.Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2548349">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians are set to open the season tonight on
the road against the Derby Panthers. Hays High is coming off its first state
championship game appearance in school history. The Panthers reached the
semifinals before falling to Manhattan last fall. Kickoff from Derby is at 7
p.m. with the Hertz Renta Car Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. on MIX 103.

🏈🎥 Hays opens the season at Derby

HESSTON – The TMP-Marian girls golf team and sophomore Brynn
Schoepf brought home the top spots at the Hesston golf tournament Thursday.

Schoepf turned in a 14-over 83, securing the first-place
finish by one shot over second place.

TMP’s Jenna Brull finished in a tie for 6th with
an 89.

Emma Wasinger was tied for 16th (96) and Ava
Schumacher (105).

As a team, the Monarchs combined for a 373, eight shots
better than second-place Hesston.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757080092975.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsHESSTON – The TMP-Marian girls golf team and sophomore Brynn
Schoepf brought home the top spots at the Hesston golf tournament Thursday.Schoepf turned in a 14-over 83, securing the first-place
finish by one shot over second place.TMP’s Jenna Brull finished in a tie for 6th with
an 89.Emma Wasinger was tied for 16th (96) and Ava
Schumacher (105).As a team, the Monarchs combined for a 373, eight shots
better than second-place Hesston.

⛳Schoepf and TMP-M earn gold at Hesston

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday, September 5
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB at Los Angeles Chargers, 6:00pm
 KKQY: Trego FB at Hill City, 6:15pm
 KJLS: Hays High FB at Derby, 6:30pm

Saturday, September 6
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Missouri, 1:00pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 5:30pm

Sunday, September 7 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp;&nbsp;Friday, September 5
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB at Los Angeles Chargers, 6:00pm
 KKQY: Trego FB at Hill City, 6:15pm
 KJLS: Hays High FB at Derby, 6:30pmSaturday, September 6
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Missouri, 1:00pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 5:30pmSunday, September 7 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

ABILENE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs volleyball team went 0-3
at the Abilene quadrangular Thursday.

The Monarchs lost in three sets to the host Cowgirls (25-23,
14-25, 20-25) and two sets against Smokey Valley (21-25, 22-25) and Rock Creek
(10-25, 27-29)

Monarch head coach Megan Gottschalk said, “What our scores
don’t show is how much fight the girls had tonight!”

TMP is 3-7 to open the season. They will travel to
Plainville on Tuesday as they open Mid-Continent League play.

Hays Post SportsABILENE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs volleyball team went 0-3
at the Abilene quadrangular Thursday.The Monarchs lost in three sets to the host Cowgirls (25-23,
14-25, 20-25) and two sets against Smokey Valley (21-25, 22-25) and Rock Creek
(10-25, 27-29)Monarch head coach Megan Gottschalk said, “What our scores
don’t show is how much fight the girls had tonight!”TMP is 3-7 to open the season. They will travel to
Plainville on Tuesday as they open Mid-Continent League play.

🏐Monarchs go 0-3 against tough opponents at Abilene

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs committed four turnovers and
dropped their first game of the season Thursday night to the Russell Broncos
29-22.

TMP jumped out to an early lead, scoring on its first
possession of the game. Quarterback Carson Liles found running back Jackson
Gillespie for a 49-yard catch and run to put the Monarchs up 7-0, with five and
a half minutes left in the first quarter. 

After their first possession stalled in TMP territory, Russell
was able to get their ground game going on their second possession of the game
and answered with a two-yard touchdown pass for a 7-7 game with just under 90
seconds left in the first quarter.

On the Monarchs’ second offensive possession of the game,
they took advantage of a short field thanks to a good kickoff return from Grant
Nehls. 

TMP started the drive at the Russell 45-yard line and on
fourth and short, Gillespie broke free for 26 yards, setting up a goal-to-go
situation that resulted in a two-yard Liles touchdown, putting TMP up 14-7.

The Broncos had a bad snap and TMP recovered the fumble deep
in Russell territory, but two plays later, they gave it right back on one of
four turnovers, an interception.

The Broncos took advantage of the second chance and capped
off their next offensive possession with a 49-yard touchdown pass, tying the
game at 14.

The Monarchs quarterback, Carson Liles, threw his second
straight interception on the very next play, and Russell’s Trey Zorn returned
it 31 yards for the score. He also scored the two-point conversion, putting
Russell up 22-14.

They went into the halftime break with the score still in
Russell’s favor.

TMP used the passing game to get back into the game in the
second half.

Liles found Jacob Seib through the air six times in the
second half, including on a 14-yard pitch and catch for the touchdown, tying
the game at 22 in the final minutes of the third quarter.

In the final frame, both teams had their chances to break
the tie, but it was Russell who broke through, scoring on a 12-yard touchdown
pass on their way to a 29-22 victory.

Russell outgained TMP 343 to 297 yards of total offense.

Carson Liles finished 9-of-19 passing for 159 yards with two
touchdowns and three interceptions. He also lost a fumble.

TMP will travel to Norton next Friday while Russell takes on
Oakley.

Hays Post SportsHAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs committed four turnovers and
dropped their first game of the season Thursday night to the Russell Broncos
29-22.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2165204766&color=%23234c78&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/09-04-25-tmp-coach-grant" title="09-04-25 TMP Coach Grant Stephenson Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">09-04-25 TMP Coach Grant Stephenson Interview</a></div></div>TMP jumped out to an early lead, scoring on its first
possession of the game. Quarterback Carson Liles found running back Jackson
Gillespie for a 49-yard catch and run to put the Monarchs up 7-0, with five and
a half minutes left in the first quarter. After their first possession stalled in TMP territory, Russell
was able to get their ground game going on their second possession of the game
and answered with a two-yard touchdown pass for a 7-7 game with just under 90
seconds left in the first quarter.On the Monarchs’ second offensive possession of the game,
they took advantage of a short field thanks to a good kickoff return from Grant
Nehls. TMP started the drive at the Russell 45-yard line and on
fourth and short, Gillespie broke free for 26 yards, setting up a goal-to-go
situation that resulted in a two-yard Liles touchdown, putting TMP up 14-7.The Broncos had a bad snap and TMP recovered the fumble deep
in Russell territory, but two plays later, they gave it right back on one of
four turnovers, an interception.The Broncos took advantage of the second chance and capped
off their next offensive possession with a 49-yard touchdown pass, tying the
game at 14.The Monarchs quarterback, Carson Liles, threw his second
straight interception on the very next play, and Russell’s Trey Zorn returned
it 31 yards for the score. He also scored the two-point conversion, putting
Russell up 22-14.They went into the halftime break with the score still in
Russell’s favor.TMP used the passing game to get back into the game in the
second half.Liles found Jacob Seib through the air six times in the
second half, including on a 14-yard pitch and catch for the touchdown, tying
the game at 22 in the final minutes of the third quarter.In the final frame, both teams had their chances to break
the tie, but it was Russell who broke through, scoring on a 12-yard touchdown
pass on their way to a 29-22 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2165204073&color=%23234c78&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/09-04-25-tmp-vs-russell" title="09-04-25 TMP vs Russell Football Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">09-04-25 TMP vs Russell Football Highlights</a></div></div>Russell outgained TMP 343 to 297 yards of total offense.Carson Liles finished 9-of-19 passing for 159 yards with two
touchdowns and three interceptions. He also lost a fumble.TMP will travel to Norton next Friday while Russell takes on
Oakley.

🏈Monarchs cannot overcome mistakes in loss to Russell

PUEBLO, Colo. — In a wild and thrilling contest decided by a dramatic finish, Fort Hays State knocked off No. 5/6 ranked CSU Pueblo 36-35 on Thursday night at the CSU Pueblo ThunderBowl. Down 15 early, the Tigers put together a furious rally just before halftime to get within one, then battled their way past the Thunderwolves at the 1:47 mark of the fourth quarter. A blocked extra point by Taderian Partee with 27 seconds remaining preserved the FHSU lead by one point. A recovered onside kick secured the win.

CSU Pueblo is the highest ranked AFCA Top 25 team the Tigers have ever defeated in their NCAA Division II history. The previous high marks were wins over No. 8 Pittsburg State in 2014 and No. 8 Northwest Missouri State in 2017.

After falling to Angelo State the week prior, the Tigers picked up a split of their non-conference games against nationally ranked teams before entering the always grueling MIAA schedule that lies ahead. It could also prove to be a big win for the Tigers within Super Region 4 once the dust settles at the end of the season, but there is still plenty of football to play.

The win gave Chris Brown his 90th win leading the Tigers. He is already the all-time wins leader at FHSU and this season makes him the longest-tenured coach in the history of football at FHSU.

CSU Pueblo held a 12-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. FHSU struggled to slow down the CSU Pueblo aerial attack early as quarterback Roman Fuller went 9-for-9 with 101 passing yards in the frame. FHSU's score of the quarter occurred when Caleb Heavner connected with Ethan Hilliman for a nine-yard touchdown, completing a nine-play, 75-yard drive. The Thunderwolves were responsible for 35 of those yards with penalties, which aided a sputtering Tiger offense early.

The Thunderwolves extended their lead to 15 eventually in the second quarter with a field goal and then Fuller's second touchdown pass of the game. But, the Tiger offense came alive in the final three minutes before the break to close the gap to 22-21. Heavner led the charge with two touchdown passes, including a thrilling 43-yard strike to Cale Cormaney with 1:39 left in the half. Moments later a key strip sack by Gaven Haselhorst and fumble recovery by Jaden Barker set up another scoring opportunity. The Tigers lined up for a field goal inside the CSU Pueblo 10-yard line, but Wyatt Spexarth had to take off with the ball after a troubled snap and found Noah McDoulett for another touchdown on what looked like a fake field goal with no time remaining, stunning the Thunderwolves with an unexpected play.

The defenses tightened up in the third quarter and both teams went scoreless, setting up a dramatic fourth quarter. CSU Pueblo broke the second half stalemate with a touchdown just seconds into the quarter and pushed its lead to 29-21. But a pivotal moment was when Heavner pivotal found Tariq Logan for a 59-yard pass, which eventually set the stage for a Travis Dixon two-yard touchdown run with 12:03 remaining. Heavner found Cormaney for a well designed 2-point conversion play, knotting the game at 29-29.

CSU Pueblo's next drive reached the FHSU 36-yard line, but a pass breakup by Darell Jones created a turnover on downs in a 4th-and-3 situation. The Tigers got the ball back with 8:53 and Heavner went to work, willing the Tigers toward the endzone with his legs. He scampered for four first downs, helping the Tigers trim the clock all the way inside two minutes. Dixon then pushed the Tigers into the lead with a 10-yard touchdown run with 1:47 remaining. David Arriaga knocked through the crucial extra point. Rain was coming down steady during the Tiger drive and unfortunately lightning showed up in the area, delaying the game for about 40 minutes.

Out of the break, CSU Pueblo marched down the field and reached the endzone with 27 seconds remaining as Fuller notched his third touchdown pass of the game, this time from just two yards out. But, after missing their first two PAT tries of the game (one kick, one 2-point try), Taderian Partee created the third failure of the night by the Thunderwolves blocking Evan Lyons' extra point attempt to preserve the one-point lead and Tiger win after an onside kick recovery moments later.

Heavner finished with 296 yards of total offense, going 19-of-27 passing for 226 yards, while leading the team in rushing with 70 yards. Logan led the Tigers in receiving yards with 90, while Ethan Hilliman had a team-high four catches. Dixon pounded out crucial yards on the ground for the Tigers when they needed it, finishing with 57 yards. John Johnson was a rock for the Tigers on defense all night, finishing with 13 tackles, while Gavin Meyers picked up eight and Jaxon Kolzow had seven.

Fuller led the Thunderwolves with 34 completions on 45 attempts, amassing 351 passing yards, while also rushing for a touchdown. Andrew Cook had 90 receiving yards on six catches. On defense Gary Seidenberger led with nine tackles and one sack.

Both FHSU and CSU Pueblo are now 1-1 overall on the season. The Thunderwolves go play their other non-conference game next week at Central Missouri after picking up a blowout win within conference play in their season opener.

Looking ahead, Fort Hays State opens up MIAA play by hosting Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, September 13 in Hays at Lewis Field Stadium. The game kicks off at 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757050881154.png" alt="Fort Hays State tight end Noah McDoulett scores a touchdown on a fbotched field goal attempt on the final play of the second quarter against #5 CSU Pueblo on Thursday, September 4, 2025 in Pueblo, Colo. (Antonio Clark photo)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State tight end Noah McDoulett scores a touchdown on a fbotched field goal attempt on the final play of the second quarter against #5 CSU Pueblo on Thursday, September 4, 2025 in Pueblo, Colo. (Antonio Clark photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsPUEBLO, Colo. — In a wild and thrilling contest decided by a dramatic finish, Fort Hays State knocked off No. 5/6 ranked CSU Pueblo 36-35 on Thursday night at the CSU Pueblo ThunderBowl. Down 15 early, the Tigers put together a furious rally just before halftime to get within one, then battled their way past the Thunderwolves at the 1:47 mark of the fourth quarter. A blocked extra point by Taderian Partee with 27 seconds remaining preserved the FHSU lead by one point. A recovered onside kick secured the win.CSU Pueblo is the highest ranked AFCA Top 25 team the Tigers have ever defeated in their NCAA Division II history. The previous high marks were wins over No. 8 Pittsburg State in 2014 and No. 8 Northwest Missouri State in 2017.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2165217954&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/9-4-25-fhsu-fb-coach-interview" title="Chris Brown Postgame at #5 CSU Pueblo (September 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown Postgame at #5 CSU Pueblo (September 4, 2025)</a></div></div>After falling to Angelo State the week prior, the Tigers picked up a split of their non-conference games against nationally ranked teams before entering the always grueling MIAA schedule that lies ahead. It could also prove to be a big win for the Tigers within Super Region 4 once the dust settles at the end of the season, but there is still plenty of football to play.The win gave Chris Brown his 90th win leading the Tigers. He is already the all-time wins leader at FHSU and this season makes him the longest-tenured coach in the history of football at FHSU.CSU Pueblo held a 12-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. FHSU struggled to slow down the CSU Pueblo aerial attack early as quarterback Roman Fuller went 9-for-9 with 101 passing yards in the frame. FHSU's score of the quarter occurred when Caleb Heavner connected with Ethan Hilliman for a nine-yard touchdown, completing a nine-play, 75-yard drive. The Thunderwolves were responsible for 35 of those yards with penalties, which aided a sputtering Tiger offense early.The Thunderwolves extended their lead to 15 eventually in the second quarter with a field goal and then Fuller's second touchdown pass of the game. But, the Tiger offense came alive in the final three minutes before the break to close the gap to 22-21. Heavner led the charge with two touchdown passes, including a thrilling 43-yard strike to Cale Cormaney with 1:39 left in the half. Moments later a key strip sack by Gaven Haselhorst and fumble recovery by Jaden Barker set up another scoring opportunity. The Tigers lined up for a field goal inside the CSU Pueblo 10-yard line, but Wyatt Spexarth had to take off with the ball after a troubled snap and found Noah McDoulett for another touchdown on what looked like a fake field goal with no time remaining, stunning the Thunderwolves with an unexpected play.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2165218203&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/9-4-25-fhsu-fb-player" title="Caleb Heavner Postgame at #5 CSU Pueblo (September 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Caleb Heavner Postgame at #5 CSU Pueblo (September 4, 2025)</a></div></div>The defenses tightened up in the third quarter and both teams went scoreless, setting up a dramatic fourth quarter. CSU Pueblo broke the second half stalemate with a touchdown just seconds into the quarter and pushed its lead to 29-21. But a pivotal moment was when Heavner pivotal found Tariq Logan for a 59-yard pass, which eventually set the stage for a Travis Dixon two-yard touchdown run with 12:03 remaining. Heavner found Cormaney for a well designed 2-point conversion play, knotting the game at 29-29.CSU Pueblo's next drive reached the FHSU 36-yard line, but a pass breakup by Darell Jones created a turnover on downs in a 4th-and-3 situation. The Tigers got the ball back with 8:53 and Heavner went to work, willing the Tigers toward the endzone with his legs. He scampered for four first downs, helping the Tigers trim the clock all the way inside two minutes. Dixon then pushed the Tigers into the lead with a 10-yard touchdown run with 1:47 remaining. David Arriaga knocked through the crucial extra point. Rain was coming down steady during the Tiger drive and unfortunately lightning showed up in the area, delaying the game for about 40 minutes.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2165218374&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/9-4-25-fhsu-fb-player-1" title="John Johnson Postgame at #5 CSU Pueblo (September 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">John Johnson Postgame at #5 CSU Pueblo (September 4, 2025)</a></div></div>Out of the break, CSU Pueblo marched down the field and reached the endzone with 27 seconds remaining as Fuller notched his third touchdown pass of the game, this time from just two yards out. But, after missing their first two PAT tries of the game (one kick, one 2-point try), Taderian Partee created the third failure of the night by the Thunderwolves blocking Evan Lyons' extra point attempt to preserve the one-point lead and Tiger win after an onside kick recovery moments later.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2165217801&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/9-4-25-fhsu-fb-highlights-v" title="Fort Hays State FB Highlights at #5 CSU Pueblo (September 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State FB Highlights at #5 CSU Pueblo (September 4, 2025)</a></div></div>Heavner finished with 296 yards of total offense, going 19-of-27 passing for 226 yards, while leading the team in rushing with 70 yards. Logan led the Tigers in receiving yards with 90, while Ethan Hilliman had a team-high four catches. Dixon pounded out crucial yards on the ground for the Tigers when they needed it, finishing with 57 yards. John Johnson was a rock for the Tigers on defense all night, finishing with 13 tackles, while Gavin Meyers picked up eight and Jaxon Kolzow had seven.Fuller led the Thunderwolves with 34 completions on 45 attempts, amassing 351 passing yards, while also rushing for a touchdown. Andrew Cook had 90 receiving yards on six catches. On defense Gary Seidenberger led with nine tackles and one sack.Both FHSU and CSU Pueblo are now 1-1 overall on the season. The Thunderwolves go play their other non-conference game next week at Central Missouri after picking up a blowout win within conference play in their season opener.Looking ahead, Fort Hays State opens up MIAA play by hosting Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, September 13 in Hays at Lewis Field Stadium. The game kicks off at 7 p.m.

🏈 Blocked PAT gives FHSU road win at #5 CSU Pueblo

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-out solo home run in the eighth inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 on Thursday night to avoid a sweep in a three-game series.

The Royals hit four solo homers in a game where all seven runs came on home runs.

Lucas Erceg (7-4) struck out two in one inning and Carlos Estévez picked up his major league-best 37th save.

Angels starter Kyle Hendricks allowed two runs on three hits in six innings, while Kansas City starter Noah Cameron allowed three runs on five hits in five innings.

The Angels got on the board in the first on a three-run homer by Luis Rengifo. With two outs, Taylor Ward singled, Jo Adell walked and Rengifo hit a slider 384 feet down the left-field line.

The Royals answered in the second on Adam Frazier's home run, the 1,000th hit of his MLB career. Vinnie Pasquantino connected on his 29th home run of the season leading off the fourth inning to trim the deficit to 3-2.

The Royals tied it when Salvador Perez hit his 24th home run of the season, leading off the seventh inning.

After the Royals tied the score in the bottom of the seventh, Erceg retired the Angels in order in the eighth.

With his home run, Perez reached 495 career RBIs at Kauffman Stadium, breaking a tie with Frank White for the third most RBIs in the history of the ballpark. He trails George Brett (839) and Hal McRae (534).

The Angels return to start a three-game series with the Athletics. The Angels will send RHP José Soriano (10-9, 3.68 ERA) to the mound to face RHP Mason Barnett (0-1, 11.25).

The Royals continue their nine-game homestand against the Twins. RHP Michael Wacha (8-11, 3.52) will start for Kansas City. Minnesota has not named its starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757038330352.png" alt="Image Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Image Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-out solo home run in the eighth inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 on Thursday night to avoid a sweep in a three-game series.The Royals hit four solo homers in a game where all seven runs came on home runs.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRoyals%2Fvideos%2F2313421895755658%2F&show_text=true&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Lucas Erceg (7-4) struck out two in one inning and Carlos Estévez picked up his major league-best 37th save.Angels starter Kyle Hendricks allowed two runs on three hits in six innings, while Kansas City starter Noah Cameron allowed three runs on five hits in five innings.The Angels got on the board in the first on a three-run homer by Luis Rengifo. With two outs, Taylor Ward singled, Jo Adell walked and Rengifo hit a slider 384 feet down the left-field line.The Royals answered in the second on Adam Frazier's home run, the 1,000th hit of his MLB career. Vinnie Pasquantino connected on his 29th home run of the season leading off the fourth inning to trim the deficit to 3-2.The Royals tied it when Salvador Perez hit his 24th home run of the season, leading off the seventh inning.Ryan Zeferjahn (6-5) took the loss.<h2>Key Moment</h2>After the Royals tied the score in the bottom of the seventh, Erceg retired the Angels in order in the eighth.<h2>Key Stat</h2>With his home run, Perez reached 495 career RBIs at Kauffman Stadium, breaking a tie with Frank White for the third most RBIs in the history of the ballpark. He trails George Brett (839) and Hal McRae (534).<h2>Up Next</h2>The Angels return to start a three-game series with the Athletics. The Angels will send RHP José Soriano (10-9, 3.68 ERA) to the mound to face RHP Mason Barnett (0-1, 11.25).The Royals continue their nine-game homestand against the Twins. RHP Michael Wacha (8-11, 3.52) will start for Kansas City. Minnesota has not named its starter.

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr.'s eighth inning homer helps KC avoid sweep

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In the first regular season match of the 2025 season, Fort Hays State Men's Soccer earned a 1-0 victory over Rockhurst University on Thursday in Kansas City. The No. 23 ranked Tigers picked up their second-straight win over the Hawks after winning 2-1 last year in the season opener in Hays.

An XML box score of the game is currently unavailable due to technical difficulties. It will be posted once the issue has been resolved.

Fort Hays State took control early in the match with constant offensive pressure, but could not find the net in the opening half. Both teams had really good offensive looks inside the box as both keepers made saves from point blank distance on dangerous opportunities.

The Tigers broke through early in the second half with a goal in the 49th minute by Juan Linares. In the box, he collected a shot that was blocked and fired it past the keeper for the only goal of the match. The Tigers had to play about the last four minutes down a man, but held off the late equalizer hopes of the Hawks.

Bastian Carlman led the Tigers with seven shots, including three on target. The Tigers outshot the Hawks 17-8 in the match. In his collegiate debut, Payton Roehrich recorded a shutout in goal making five saves. Rockhurst keeper Stefano Camerlengo had six saves in the loss.

The Tigers (1-0) set their sights on MSU Denver on Sunday in Denver. Start time is set for 3:30 p.m. CT / 2:30 p.m. MT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757049364538.png" alt="Photo courtesy Rockhurst Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Rockhurst Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - In the first regular season match of the 2025 season, Fort Hays State Men's Soccer earned a 1-0 victory over Rockhurst University on Thursday in Kansas City. The No. 23 ranked Tigers picked up their second-straight win over the Hawks after winning 2-1 last year in the season opener in Hays.An XML box score of the game is currently unavailable due to technical difficulties. It will be posted once the issue has been resolved.Fort Hays State took control early in the match with constant offensive pressure, but could not find the net in the opening half. Both teams had really good offensive looks inside the box as both keepers made saves from point blank distance on dangerous opportunities.The Tigers broke through early in the second half with a goal in the 49th minute by Juan Linares. In the box, he collected a shot that was blocked and fired it past the keeper for the only goal of the match. The Tigers had to play about the last four minutes down a man, but held off the late equalizer hopes of the Hawks.Bastian Carlman led the Tigers with seven shots, including three on target. The Tigers outshot the Hawks 17-8 in the match. In his collegiate debut, Payton Roehrich recorded a shutout in goal making five saves. Rockhurst keeper Stefano Camerlengo had six saves in the loss.The Tigers (1-0) set their sights on MSU Denver on Sunday in Denver. Start time is set for 3:30 p.m. CT / 2:30 p.m. MT.

⚽ No. 23 Tiger men open season with win at Rockhurst

Fort Hays State (0-1, 0-0 MIAA) at #5/6 CSU Pueblo (1-0, 1-0 RMAC) Thursday, September 4 ⦁ 7 p.m. (6 p.m. MT) Pueblo, Colo. ⦁ CSU Pueblo Thunderbowl

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;RMAC Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://rmacnetwork.com/gothunderwolves/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

Fort Hays State Football will play its first road game of the 2025 season on Thursday at nationally ranked CSU Pueblo. It will be the second-straight game for the Tigers against a ranked opponent. The Thunderwolves, ranked No. 5 in the AFCA and No. 6 in the D2Football.com Top 25 Polls, enter this game at 1-0, while the Tigers enter at 0-1. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (6 p.m. MT) in Pueblo, Colo. 

CSU Pueblo moved up one spot this week in the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll, while FHSU dropped out after holding the No. 20 ranking in the preseason. CSU Pueblo won its season opener over South Dakota Mines 43-0 in a conference matchup, while Fort Hays State fell 28-7 at home to then No. 13/12 ranked Angelo State. The Rams moved up to No. 10 in both top 25 polls this week after their win over the Tigers.

Fort Hays State and CSU Pueblo are meeting in football for the first time since 1978, so this will be their first-ever meeting as members of NCAA Division II. CSU Pueblo, then known as Southern Colorado, discontinued its football program following the 1984 season. The sport did not come back until 2008, after FHSU had left the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in 2006. CSU Pueblo has enjoyed a successful run in football since reinstating the program in its NCAA Division II era. The Thunderwolves won the NCAA Division II national title in 2014.

The Thunderwolves hold a 9-7 advantage in their all-time series with Fort Hays State. The last meeting occurred in 1978. The CSU Pueblo Thunderwolves were then known as the Southern Colorado Indians. The school changed its mascot in the 1990s to the Thunderwolves and then its school name in 2003. CSU Pueblo won that 1978 contest 29-6 in Hays, which extended their current win streak in the series to four games. The last three games have been non-conference games between the school, but seven-straight meetings from 1969-1975 were conference contests, the first three in the RMAC and then the next five in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). FHSU moved to the Central States Intercollegiate Conference in 1976.

This will be the first meeting between the teams in Pueblo since 1977. CSU Pueblo won the last two meetings between the schools in Pueblo. FHSU's last win in Pueblo was its last win in the series overall in 1974 by a score of 28-13. This will be the first time CSU Pueblo meets an MIAA opponent in its NCAA Division II history. The Thunderwolves will be meeting MIAA schools in back-to-back weeks since they head to Central Missouri the following week.

Fort Hays State looks to get its offensive attack going after just 268 yards of total offense in the season opener against Angelo State. Ethan Hilliman had the only Tiger touchdown of the game, a highlight reel 22-yard leaping reception on a pass from Caleb Heavner. Hilliman led the Tigers with 49 receiving yards, while Heavner finished with 175 passing yards. Joshua Clark led the ground game with 55 yards on 15 carries. Defensively, Gavin Meyers had 10 tackles in his debut as a Tiger, while fellow Hays native Gaven Haselhorst had six tackles and two sacks. Michael Chavez recorded an interception for the Tigers as well.

Quick Hits ⦁ FHSU is tied for 9th nationally in sacks per game (4.0) and tied for 1st in the MIAA. CSU Pueblo is one of two national leaders in the category after generating seven sacks in their season opener. ⦁ Head coach Chris Brown seeks his 90th career win at FHSU, now in his 14th season at FHSU. ⦁ CSU Pueblo head coach Phil Vigil was an assistant coach at FHSU from 2015-2018. This is his 3rd year leading the Thunderwolves. ⦁ This will be CSU Pueblo's first-ever meeting with an MIAA school in its NCAA Division II football history, which began back in 2008 when it reinstated its football program. ⦁ FHSU punter Logan Russell ranks 7th in NCAA Division II for punting average after one week (45.9).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756926654132.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (0-1, 0-0 MIAA) at #5/6 CSU Pueblo (1-0, 1-0 RMAC) Thursday, September 4 ⦁ 7 p.m. (6 p.m. MT) Pueblo, Colo. ⦁ CSU Pueblo ThunderbowlRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;RMAC Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://rmacnetwork.com/gothunderwolves/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Fort Hays State Football will play its first road game of the 2025 season on Thursday at nationally ranked CSU Pueblo. It will be the second-straight game for the Tigers against a ranked opponent. The Thunderwolves, ranked No. 5 in the AFCA and No. 6 in the D2Football.com Top 25 Polls, enter this game at 1-0, while the Tigers enter at 0-1. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (6 p.m. MT) in Pueblo, Colo. CSU Pueblo moved up one spot this week in the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll, while FHSU dropped out after holding the No. 20 ranking in the preseason. CSU Pueblo won its season opener over South Dakota Mines 43-0 in a conference matchup, while Fort Hays State fell 28-7 at home to then No. 13/12 ranked Angelo State. The Rams moved up to No. 10 in both top 25 polls this week after their win over the Tigers.Fort Hays State and CSU Pueblo are meeting in football for the first time since 1978, so this will be their first-ever meeting as members of NCAA Division II. CSU Pueblo, then known as Southern Colorado, discontinued its football program following the 1984 season. The sport did not come back until 2008, after FHSU had left the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in 2006. CSU Pueblo has enjoyed a successful run in football since reinstating the program in its NCAA Division II era. The Thunderwolves won the NCAA Division II national title in 2014.The Thunderwolves hold a 9-7 advantage in their all-time series with Fort Hays State. The last meeting occurred in 1978. The CSU Pueblo Thunderwolves were then known as the Southern Colorado Indians. The school changed its mascot in the 1990s to the Thunderwolves and then its school name in 2003. CSU Pueblo won that 1978 contest 29-6 in Hays, which extended their current win streak in the series to four games. The last three games have been non-conference games between the school, but seven-straight meetings from 1969-1975 were conference contests, the first three in the RMAC and then the next five in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). FHSU moved to the Central States Intercollegiate Conference in 1976.This will be the first meeting between the teams in Pueblo since 1977. CSU Pueblo won the last two meetings between the schools in Pueblo. FHSU's last win in Pueblo was its last win in the series overall in 1974 by a score of 28-13. This will be the first time CSU Pueblo meets an MIAA opponent in its NCAA Division II history. The Thunderwolves will be meeting MIAA schools in back-to-back weeks since they head to Central Missouri the following week.Fort Hays State looks to get its offensive attack going after just 268 yards of total offense in the season opener against Angelo State. Ethan Hilliman had the only Tiger touchdown of the game, a highlight reel 22-yard leaping reception on a pass from Caleb Heavner. Hilliman led the Tigers with 49 receiving yards, while Heavner finished with 175 passing yards. Joshua Clark led the ground game with 55 yards on 15 carries. Defensively, Gavin Meyers had 10 tackles in his debut as a Tiger, while fellow Hays native Gaven Haselhorst had six tackles and two sacks. Michael Chavez recorded an interception for the Tigers as well.Quick Hits ⦁ FHSU is tied for 9th nationally in sacks per game (4.0) and tied for 1st in the MIAA. CSU Pueblo is one of two national leaders in the category after generating seven sacks in their season opener. ⦁ Head coach Chris Brown seeks his 90th career win at FHSU, now in his 14th season at FHSU. ⦁ CSU Pueblo head coach Phil Vigil was an assistant coach at FHSU from 2015-2018. This is his 3rd year leading the Thunderwolves. ⦁ This will be CSU Pueblo's first-ever meeting with an MIAA school in its NCAA Division II football history, which began back in 2008 when it reinstated its football program. ⦁ FHSU punter Logan Russell ranks 7th in NCAA Division II for punting average after one week (45.9).

🏈🎧 LISTEN: FHSU faces #5/6 CSU Pueblo Thursday

Thursday, September 4
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB at CSU-Pueblo, 6:00pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Russell, 6:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp;&nbsp;Thursday, September 4
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Los Angeles Angels, 6:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB at CSU-Pueblo, 6:00pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Russell, 6:30pmFriday, September 5
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB at Los Angeles Chargers, 6:00pm
 KKQY: Trego FB at Hill City, 6:15pm
 KJLS: Hays High FB at Derby, 6:30pmSaturday, September 6
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Missouri, 1:00pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 5:30pmSunday, September 7 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

🎥 Hays High football season preview with head coach Tony Crough

Catch all of the live action of Hays High and TMP Marian sports this school year on <a href="https://team1sports.com/eagleradio/">HaysPost.com</a>.

To purchase your season-long or single game pass, go to <a href="https://team1sports.com/eagleradio/">HaysPost.com</a> today.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755620673007.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle MediaCatch all of the live action of Hays High and TMP Marian sports this school year on <a href="https://team1sports.com/eagleradio/">HaysPost.com</a>. To purchase your season-long or single game pass, go to <a href="https://team1sports.com/eagleradio/">HaysPost.com</a> today.

Purchase your pass for live action Hays High, TMP sports on Hays Post this season 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jo Adell homered and drove in every run for the Los Angeles Angels in their 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.

Adell hit a go-ahead homer in the sixth inning for the second consecutive game. His three-run shot to center field on the first pitch he saw from reliever John Schreiber gave the Angels a 3-2 lead in this one.

Yoán Moncada, aboard on a single when Adell went deep, doubled off Lucas Erceg (6-4) in the eighth before scoring on Adell’s two-out single for a 4-3 advantage. Adell’s 33 homers and 90 RBIs are career highs.

Reid Detmers struck out two in the ninth for his third save.

Angels star Mike Trout sat out again after getting scratched from the lineup Tuesday night&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-trout-scratched-skin-infection-angels-5965805b874df0fcdd5a304a91799cd6">because of a skin infection</a>&nbsp;on his left arm.

Salvador Perez had a one-out double in the seventh for the Royals off winning pitcher Robert Stephenson (1-0). It was his 33rd double this season and the 625th extra-base hit of his career, tying Frank White for third on the franchise list. Adam Frazier doubled to tie it at 3.

Mike Yastrzemski had a sacrifice fly in the first inning to help the Royals take a 2-0 lead against Caden Dana, making his first start this season and the fourth of his career. Dana allowed two hits and one earned run over five innings.

Royals rookie Ryan Bergert gave up one hit and left with a 2-0 lead after issuing a leadoff walk to Zach Neto in the sixth. Bergert struck out six and walked three.

Kansas City (70-69) has lost three in a row and seven of 11.

Kyle Isbel was on second base in the eighth when Angels reliever Andrew Chafin struck out Bobby Witt Jr. for the second out. Chafin then fanned Vinnie Pasquantino in a 12-pitch duel to keep it 4-3.

The Angels have won the first two games of the series, improving to 162-144 at Kaufmann Stadium.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jo Adell homered and drove in every run for the Los Angeles Angels in their 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.Adell hit a go-ahead homer in the sixth inning for the second consecutive game. His three-run shot to center field on the first pitch he saw from reliever John Schreiber gave the Angels a 3-2 lead in this one.Yoán Moncada, aboard on a single when Adell went deep, doubled off Lucas Erceg (6-4) in the eighth before scoring on Adell’s two-out single for a 4-3 advantage. Adell’s 33 homers and 90 RBIs are career highs.Reid Detmers struck out two in the ninth for his third save.Angels star Mike Trout sat out again after getting scratched from the lineup Tuesday night&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-trout-scratched-skin-infection-angels-5965805b874df0fcdd5a304a91799cd6">because of a skin infection</a>&nbsp;on his left arm.Salvador Perez had a one-out double in the seventh for the Royals off winning pitcher Robert Stephenson (1-0). It was his 33rd double this season and the 625th extra-base hit of his career, tying Frank White for third on the franchise list. Adam Frazier doubled to tie it at 3.Mike Yastrzemski had a sacrifice fly in the first inning to help the Royals take a 2-0 lead against Caden Dana, making his first start this season and the fourth of his career. Dana allowed two hits and one earned run over five innings.Royals rookie Ryan Bergert gave up one hit and left with a 2-0 lead after issuing a leadoff walk to Zach Neto in the sixth. Bergert struck out six and walked three.Kansas City (70-69) has lost three in a row and seven of 11.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kyle Isbel was on second base in the eighth when Angels reliever Andrew Chafin struck out Bobby Witt Jr. for the second out. Chafin then fanned Vinnie Pasquantino in a 12-pitch duel to keep it 4-3.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Angels have won the first two games of the series, improving to 162-144 at Kaufmann Stadium.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Jo Adell a one-man show for Angels in win over Royals

NEW ORLEANS - The Fort Hays State women's cross country team will open the 2025 season this weekend ranked 26th in the country, announced Wednesday (Sept. 3) by the USTFCCCA with the release of the NCAA Division II Preseason Coaches Poll.

This is the first time in program history that the team has been ranked in the preseason polls. The Tigers were ranked for nearly all of last season, cracking the top 30 after week one before climbing as high as No. 20 by the middle of October.

The Tigers are slotted sixth in the preseason regional rankings behind only two conference opponents. Those rankings correspond with FHSU's finishes at conference and regionals last season when the Tigers placed third at the MIAA Championships and sixth at the Central Region Championships.

Adams State tops the national poll after receiving all eight first-place votes, while two MIAA schools are also listed in No. 12 Pittsburg State and No. 18 Rogers State.

Fort Hays State returns a veteran lineup, including five of the seven runners to finish in the scoring lineup at least once last season. Emily Diercks enters her senior season after winning the MIAA individual Championship last season. She went on to earn All-Region status and earn a spot in the field at the 2024 NCAA Championships where she placed 71st.

Other returners include Emma Weiner and Taylor Hoskinson, who both ranked in FHSU's scoring five in all but one race last season. Ashlyn Harbaugh was in the top five of three races in 2024, while Makenzie Premer finished in FHSU's top five twice.

The Tigers will kick off the season Saturday morning (Sept. 6) when they travel to Wichita, Kan. to compete at the JK Gold Classic. The women's five-kilometer race is slated to begin at 8:30 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756933791689.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsNEW ORLEANS - The Fort Hays State women's cross country team will open the 2025 season this weekend ranked 26th in the country, announced Wednesday (Sept. 3) by the USTFCCCA with the release of the NCAA Division II Preseason Coaches Poll.This is the first time in program history that the team has been ranked in the preseason polls. The Tigers were ranked for nearly all of last season, cracking the top 30 after week one before climbing as high as No. 20 by the middle of October.The Tigers are slotted sixth in the preseason regional rankings behind only two conference opponents. Those rankings correspond with FHSU's finishes at conference and regionals last season when the Tigers placed third at the MIAA Championships and sixth at the Central Region Championships.Adams State tops the national poll after receiving all eight first-place votes, while two MIAA schools are also listed in No. 12 Pittsburg State and No. 18 Rogers State.Fort Hays State returns a veteran lineup, including five of the seven runners to finish in the scoring lineup at least once last season. Emily Diercks enters her senior season after winning the MIAA individual Championship last season. She went on to earn All-Region status and earn a spot in the field at the 2024 NCAA Championships where she placed 71st.Other returners include Emma Weiner and Taylor Hoskinson, who both ranked in FHSU's scoring five in all but one race last season. Ashlyn Harbaugh was in the top five of three races in 2024, while Makenzie Premer finished in FHSU's top five twice.The Tigers will kick off the season Saturday morning (Sept. 6) when they travel to Wichita, Kan. to compete at the JK Gold Classic. The women's five-kilometer race is slated to begin at 8:30 a.m.

👟 FHSU women's cross county opens season ranked 26th nationally

TMP-Marian (0-0, 0-0 MCL) vs Russell (0-0, 0-0 MCL) Thursday, Sept. 4- 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Stadium Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2551745">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs will host their home opener Thursday night at Lewis Field in Hays.

The Monarchs will welcome to town MCL rival Russell in a special Thursday night game.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Live
coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (0-0, 0-0 MCL) vs Russell (0-0, 0-0 MCL) Thursday, Sept. 4- 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Stadium Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2551745">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs will host their home opener Thursday night at Lewis Field in Hays.The Monarchs will welcome to town MCL rival Russell in a special Thursday night game.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Live
coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

🏈🎥 TMP opens the season at home against MCL Russell

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — In some respects, wide receiver Marquise Brown has been waiting for the Kansas City Chiefs to open the season against the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday night in Brazil for more than 13 months.

That's how long ago he hurt his shoulder on the first play of his first preseason game with the Chiefs last year.

Sure, the fleet-footed pass catcher nicknamed “Hollywood” made it back for a couple of games late last season, and he was on the field for a playoff run that culminated in a lopsided Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia. But Brown is the first to admit that the recovery from shoulder surgery and lack of practice reps had a lot to do with his relatively minimal impact.

Nine catches for 91 yards in two regular-season games. Five for 50 yards in the postseason.

“Even before I got here, I didn't finish the season in Arizona,” said Brown, whose 2023 season was cut short by heel injuries. “So I feel like this is one of the first seasons in a while that I'm able to start the season healthy."

The Chiefs certainly need him on the field. They headed for Brazil on Wednesday without Rashee Rice, who will be serving the first game of a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, and fourth-round draft pick Jalen Royals, who has been dealing with a knee injury. That leaves them with second-year pro Xavier Worthy, veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster and unheralded Nikko Remigio, Tyquan Thornton and Jason Brownlee on their wide receiver depth chart.

Brown may be the biggest X-factor in the group. At his best, he caught 91 passes for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns while on the field for 16 games in 2021 with Baltimore. At his worst, he's spent so much time dealing with injuries that he has been rendered an afterthought; only twice in his six-year career has he played at least 16 games.

“Listen, he's done everything. He looked good out there running around,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said this week. “He just needs to get in the game and play. As far as practice goes, he's done everything.”

Brown didn't play at all in the preseason, though. He missed a chunk of training camp with an ankle injury, and he only made it back in time for the exhibition finale against the Bears. But rather than risk another setback, Reid continued to hold him out of game action, which means he will step on the field for real Friday night for the first time since February.

“I think he'll be OK. He's a veteran guy,” Reid said. “If he's younger, I'd be a little bit more worried about it. But he's a veteran guy that kind of knows how to go about it, and I think he should be fine."

Patrick Mahomes is comfortable with his wide receiver situation, too.

“I think we prepared a little bit in the offseason just for other guys to have to step up in certain roles,” he said. “(General manager Brett) Veach and them have brought in a lot of receiver depth, so that guys can kind of step up and take over in different spots. It won't be just one guy. It'll be multiple guys that will kind of step up and make plays.”

That depth is a luxury the way last season went. Kansas City not only lost Brown in the preseason but Rice to a knee injury early in the season. And while they are still without Rice — albeit for a different reason — they at least have Hollywood on the field.

Now, the Chiefs just have to keep him there.

Brown was sidelined in his rookie season in 2019 by an ankle injury. He sprained his knee the following season in practice. The next year, it was hamstring and thigh injuries that slowed him down. Then came the heel injury in Arizona. And ultimately, the SC joint separation to his shoulder last season in Jacksonville, which kept him out until January.

No wonder he feels as if Friday night's season opener against the Chargers has been a long time coming.

“Really excited, you know, just to take the field with all the guys,” Brown said. “Just ready to showcase what we can do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756934273674.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (5) runs after a catch as cornerback Miles Battle (45) defends during NFL football training camp on July 27, 2024, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (5) runs after a catch as cornerback Miles Battle (45) defends during NFL football training camp on July 27, 2024, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — In some respects, wide receiver Marquise Brown has been waiting for the Kansas City Chiefs to open the season against the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday night in Brazil for more than 13 months.That's how long ago he hurt his shoulder on the first play of his first preseason game with the Chiefs last year.Sure, the fleet-footed pass catcher nicknamed “Hollywood” made it back for a couple of games late last season, and he was on the field for a playoff run that culminated in a lopsided Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia. But Brown is the first to admit that the recovery from shoulder surgery and lack of practice reps had a lot to do with his relatively minimal impact.Nine catches for 91 yards in two regular-season games. Five for 50 yards in the postseason.“Even before I got here, I didn't finish the season in Arizona,” said Brown, whose 2023 season was cut short by heel injuries. “So I feel like this is one of the first seasons in a while that I'm able to start the season healthy."The Chiefs certainly need him on the field. They headed for Brazil on Wednesday without Rashee Rice, who will be serving the first game of a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, and fourth-round draft pick Jalen Royals, who has been dealing with a knee injury. That leaves them with second-year pro Xavier Worthy, veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster and unheralded Nikko Remigio, Tyquan Thornton and Jason Brownlee on their wide receiver depth chart.Brown may be the biggest X-factor in the group. At his best, he caught 91 passes for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns while on the field for 16 games in 2021 with Baltimore. At his worst, he's spent so much time dealing with injuries that he has been rendered an afterthought; only twice in his six-year career has he played at least 16 games.“Listen, he's done everything. He looked good out there running around,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said this week. “He just needs to get in the game and play. As far as practice goes, he's done everything.”Brown didn't play at all in the preseason, though. He missed a chunk of training camp with an ankle injury, and he only made it back in time for the exhibition finale against the Bears. But rather than risk another setback, Reid continued to hold him out of game action, which means he will step on the field for real Friday night for the first time since February.“I think he'll be OK. He's a veteran guy,” Reid said. “If he's younger, I'd be a little bit more worried about it. But he's a veteran guy that kind of knows how to go about it, and I think he should be fine."Patrick Mahomes is comfortable with his wide receiver situation, too.“I think we prepared a little bit in the offseason just for other guys to have to step up in certain roles,” he said. “(General manager Brett) Veach and them have brought in a lot of receiver depth, so that guys can kind of step up and take over in different spots. It won't be just one guy. It'll be multiple guys that will kind of step up and make plays.”That depth is a luxury the way last season went. Kansas City not only lost Brown in the preseason but Rice to a knee injury early in the season. And while they are still without Rice — albeit for a different reason — they at least have Hollywood on the field.Now, the Chiefs just have to keep him there.Brown was sidelined in his rookie season in 2019 by an ankle injury. He sprained his knee the following season in practice. The next year, it was hamstring and thigh injuries that slowed him down. Then came the heel injury in Arizona. And ultimately, the SC joint separation to his shoulder last season in Jacksonville, which kept him out until January.No wonder he feels as if Friday night's season opener against the Chargers has been a long time coming.“Really excited, you know, just to take the field with all the guys,” Brown said. “Just ready to showcase what we can do.”