By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-chiefs-891e7df84295f5b35cfa97a5ec427721">an appearance by Taylor Swift at the Kansas City Chiefs' victory over the Chicago Bears</a>&nbsp;last weekend pretty bold, but the All-Pro tight end insisted Wednesday that he wants to keep future details about their relationship private.

Kelce discussed the pop superstar's well-publicized appearance in a suite at Arrowhead Stadium on his podcast, “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce.” The younger of the Kelce brothers said it was “awesome” how everyone treated Swift during her time in his suite, and he was in awe of the way the 12-time Grammy Award-winner connected with his mom, Donna.

“She looked amazing,” said Kelce, who had invited Swift to the game after trying — and failing — to give her a friendship bracelet when her Eras Tour made its stop in Kansas City. “Everybody was talking about her and in a great light. And on top of that, you know, the day went perfect for Chiefs fans. Of course, we script it all, ladies and gentlemen.”

Kelce had a game-high seven catches for 69 yards and a touchdown in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bears-chiefs-chicago-kansas-city-nfl-04c551ec661b70059ae80899fc864706">41-10 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Bears.

After his touchdown catch, when Kelce was supposed to break outside on the route but ducked inside to catch the perfectly thrown pass from Patrick Mahomes, cameras showed Swift pounding on the glass in celebration.

At one point, Swift even chest-bumped Kameron Saunders, one of her backup dancers and the brother of former Chiefs and current New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders.

Kelce and Swift were seen leaving the stadium afterward, with the two-time Super Bowl winner joking they “slid off into the getaway car.” The convertible wound up heading to Prime Social Rooftop, a place to be seen in the upscale Country Club Plaza neighborhood of Kansas City, which Kelce had rented out for a postgame soiree with the rest of the team.

“I met her. She was really good. Good people,” Mahomes said before practice Wednesday, the first in the Chiefs' prep for Sunday night's game at the New York Jets. "Like Travis said, I'm going to let them have their privacy and keep it moving.”

Kelce acknowledged on his podcast Wednesday the widespread interest in him with Swift, adding that he has seen paparazzi suddenly staking out his Kansas City-area home. When his brother, Jason, asked how he knew they were paparazzi, Kelce replied: “They have a camera in their hands and they're screaming my name.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-jersey-nfl-d6fc6756069e0c2dc12c0af747941414">Jersey sales for Kelce spiked</a>&nbsp;before and after last Sunday's game, a spokesperson for apparel and merchandise company Fanatics told The Associated Press, making his No. 87 one of the five top-selling jerseys over the weekend.

“Sounds like the Swifties are also part of Chiefs Kingdom,” Kelce said.

Kelce, who was not available to reporters Wednesday, is known for his public persona. He frequently attends major sports and entertainment events — Kelce and Mahomes upset the Warriors' Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in a made-for-TV golf match over the summer — and even starred in a reality dating show in 2016 called “Catching Kelce.”

Yet with Swift known for keeping her personal life private, Kelce apparently has decided to begin doing the same.

“What’s real is that it is my personal life. I want to respect both of our lives," Kelce said on his podcast. "She’s not in the media as much as I am doing this show every single week and having fun during the NFL season doing other guys’ shows like the (Pat) McAfee show and any other show I go on from here on out.

“I’m enjoying life and I sure as hell enjoyed this weekend,” he added. “So everything moving forward, I think talking about sports and saying ‘alright now’ will have to be kind of where I keep it.”

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-chiefs-891e7df84295f5b35cfa97a5ec427721">an appearance by Taylor Swift at the Kansas City Chiefs' victory over the Chicago Bears</a>&nbsp;last weekend pretty bold, but the All-Pro tight end insisted Wednesday that he wants to keep future details about their relationship private.Kelce discussed the pop superstar's well-publicized appearance in a suite at Arrowhead Stadium on his podcast, “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce.” The younger of the Kelce brothers said it was “awesome” how everyone treated Swift during her time in his suite, and he was in awe of the way the 12-time Grammy Award-winner connected with his mom, Donna.“She looked amazing,” said Kelce, who had invited Swift to the game after trying — and failing — to give her a friendship bracelet when her Eras Tour made its stop in Kansas City. “Everybody was talking about her and in a great light. And on top of that, you know, the day went perfect for Chiefs fans. Of course, we script it all, ladies and gentlemen.”Kelce had a game-high seven catches for 69 yards and a touchdown in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bears-chiefs-chicago-kansas-city-nfl-04c551ec661b70059ae80899fc864706">41-10 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Bears.After his touchdown catch, when Kelce was supposed to break outside on the route but ducked inside to catch the perfectly thrown pass from Patrick Mahomes, cameras showed Swift pounding on the glass in celebration.At one point, Swift even chest-bumped Kameron Saunders, one of her backup dancers and the brother of former Chiefs and current New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders.Kelce and Swift were seen leaving the stadium afterward, with the two-time Super Bowl winner joking they “slid off into the getaway car.” The convertible wound up heading to Prime Social Rooftop, a place to be seen in the upscale Country Club Plaza neighborhood of Kansas City, which Kelce had rented out for a postgame soiree with the rest of the team.“I met her. She was really good. Good people,” Mahomes said before practice Wednesday, the first in the Chiefs' prep for Sunday night's game at the New York Jets. "Like Travis said, I'm going to let them have their privacy and keep it moving.”Kelce acknowledged on his podcast Wednesday the widespread interest in him with Swift, adding that he has seen paparazzi suddenly staking out his Kansas City-area home. When his brother, Jason, asked how he knew they were paparazzi, Kelce replied: “They have a camera in their hands and they're screaming my name.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-jersey-nfl-d6fc6756069e0c2dc12c0af747941414">Jersey sales for Kelce spiked</a>&nbsp;before and after last Sunday's game, a spokesperson for apparel and merchandise company Fanatics told The Associated Press, making his No. 87 one of the five top-selling jerseys over the weekend.“Sounds like the Swifties are also part of Chiefs Kingdom,” Kelce said.Kelce, who was not available to reporters Wednesday, is known for his public persona. He frequently attends major sports and entertainment events — Kelce and Mahomes upset the Warriors' Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in a made-for-TV golf match over the summer — and even starred in a reality dating show in 2016 called “Catching Kelce.”Yet with Swift known for keeping her personal life private, Kelce apparently has decided to begin doing the same.“What’s real is that it is my personal life. I want to respect both of our lives," Kelce said on his podcast. "She’s not in the media as much as I am doing this show every single week and having fun during the NFL season doing other guys’ shows like the (Pat) McAfee show and any other show I go on from here on out.“I’m enjoying life and I sure as hell enjoyed this weekend,” he added. “So everything moving forward, I think talking about sports and saying ‘alright now’ will have to be kind of where I keep it.”

🏈 Kelce notes Swift's appearance, mum on any relationship

We're joined by Fort Hays State cross country coach Jason McCullough, women's soccer coach Tyson John, volleyball coach Jessica Wood-Atkins and football coach Chris Brown.

Tiger Talk airs on KAYS (1400/94.3) at at 12:10 p.m. live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.

We're joined by Fort Hays State cross country coach Jason McCullough, women's soccer coach Tyson John, volleyball coach Jessica Wood-Atkins and football coach Chris Brown.Tiger Talk airs on KAYS (1400/94.3) at at 12:10 p.m. live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Sept. 27, 2023)" 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=s5a5q-14b7617-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (Sept. 27, 2023)

By DAVE HOGG Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Akil Baddoo and Parker Meadows hit consecutive homers to lead off a four-run eighth inning and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Tuesday night.

Kansas City's Zack Greinke pitched five shutout innings, and saw his winless streak grow to 22 games (19 starts) since a 6-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles on May 3. He has gone more than two years without a win on the road, losing 18 of 31 appearances.

The Royals took a 1-0 lead in the second when Nelson Velázquez reached on Olson's throwing error, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on Nick Pratto's two-out base hit.

Both teams ran themselves out of early opportunities. Makiel Garcia and Parker Meadows led off the first with singles before being thrown out stealing, and Carson Kelly threw out Bobby Witt Jr. in the third.

Witt led off the fifth with a triple and scored on Salvador Perez's single through the drawn-in infield.

Greinke retired 14 of the 15 batters he faced after Meadows' lead-off single.

“We had a really tough time getting anything going against Zack — he’s so creative in everything he does,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I think (Spencer Torkelson) has faced him seven times this season and gotten seven different first pitches."

The Royals bullpen couldn't hold the lead in the sixth. Anthony Veneziano, making his major league debut, walked Kelly with one out and second baseman Michael Massey misplayed Meadows' ground ball.

“We wanted to give him a chance to win, and when we added the second run in the top of the sixth, we felt pretty good,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But two runs isn’t insurmountable.”

Veneziano retired Matt Vierling, before Spencer Torkelson tied the game with a double down the left-field line.

Baddoo and Meadows gave the Tigers the lead against Taylor Clarke (3-6), and Vierling followed with a line drive to deep right center. Kyle Isbel made the catch as he hit the wall, but Andy Ibañez and Zach McKinstry added RBI singles later in the inning.

“I wanted to be aggressive and put a good swing on a pitch,” said Baddoo, who pinch hit for Kelly. “I was looking for a fastball, and if he threw one, I didn't want to miss it.”

Jason Foley (3-3) worked an inning of relief and earned the win.

Miguel Cabrera said he plans to play in five of the six games on his last homestand, only taking Thursday afternoon off.

“It's Miggy Weekend — he should play,” Hinch said. “I told our team, ‘If you want to honor him, win as many games as you can. That’s what makes him happy.'” NEW BRAIN TRUST

Tigers president Scott Harris introduced his new general manager, Jeff Greenberg, before the game. Harris and Greenberg worked together in the Cubs front office and plan to model the Detroit front office after the one run by Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer.

"I think it’s awesome to have an additional voice and a new, fresh perspective,” Hinch said. “I’ve never worked in this type of structure, but it will be seamless for me. In one year, Scott has changed a lot of the faces of the organization and we’re going to be better for it.”

Greinke retired Cabrera in the second and fifth innings — the 47th and 48th times the duo had faced each other. Cabrera finished with a .289 batting average, one homer and six RBIs.

“You look out there and see Zack pitching to Miggy with Sal (Perez) catching,” Quatraro said. “That’s probably three Hall of Famers in close proximity.”

LHP Tarik Skubal (7-3, 2.95) will pitch for the Tigers on Wednesday. Kansas City has not named a starter.

By DAVE HOGG Associated PressDETROIT (AP) — Akil Baddoo and Parker Meadows hit consecutive homers to lead off a four-run eighth inning and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Tuesday night.Kansas City's Zack Greinke pitched five shutout innings, and saw his winless streak grow to 22 games (19 starts) since a 6-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles on May 3. He has gone more than two years without a win on the road, losing 18 of 31 appearances.The Royals took a 1-0 lead in the second when Nelson Velázquez reached on Olson's throwing error, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on Nick Pratto's two-out base hit.Both teams ran themselves out of early opportunities. Makiel Garcia and Parker Meadows led off the first with singles before being thrown out stealing, and Carson Kelly threw out Bobby Witt Jr. in the third.Witt led off the fifth with a triple and scored on Salvador Perez's single through the drawn-in infield.Greinke retired 14 of the 15 batters he faced after Meadows' lead-off single.“We had a really tough time getting anything going against Zack — he’s so creative in everything he does,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I think (Spencer Torkelson) has faced him seven times this season and gotten seven different first pitches."The Royals bullpen couldn't hold the lead in the sixth. Anthony Veneziano, making his major league debut, walked Kelly with one out and second baseman Michael Massey misplayed Meadows' ground ball.“We wanted to give him a chance to win, and when we added the second run in the top of the sixth, we felt pretty good,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But two runs isn’t insurmountable.”Veneziano retired Matt Vierling, before Spencer Torkelson tied the game with a double down the left-field line.Baddoo and Meadows gave the Tigers the lead against Taylor Clarke (3-6), and Vierling followed with a line drive to deep right center. Kyle Isbel made the catch as he hit the wall, but Andy Ibañez and Zach McKinstry added RBI singles later in the inning.“I wanted to be aggressive and put a good swing on a pitch,” said Baddoo, who pinch hit for Kelly. “I was looking for a fastball, and if he threw one, I didn't want to miss it.”Jason Foley (3-3) worked an inning of relief and earned the win.ONE DAY OFFMiguel Cabrera said he plans to play in five of the six games on his last homestand, only taking Thursday afternoon off.“It's Miggy Weekend — he should play,” Hinch said. “I told our team, ‘If you want to honor him, win as many games as you can. That’s what makes him happy.'” NEW BRAIN TRUSTTigers president Scott Harris introduced his new general manager, Jeff Greenberg, before the game. Harris and Greenberg worked together in the Cubs front office and plan to model the Detroit front office after the one run by Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer."I think it’s awesome to have an additional voice and a new, fresh perspective,” Hinch said. “I’ve never worked in this type of structure, but it will be seamless for me. In one year, Scott has changed a lot of the faces of the organization and we’re going to be better for it.”WATCHING HISTORYGreinke retired Cabrera in the second and fifth innings — the 47th and 48th times the duo had faced each other. Cabrera finished with a .289 batting average, one homer and six RBIs.“You look out there and see Zack pitching to Miggy with Sal (Perez) catching,” Quatraro said. “That’s probably three Hall of Famers in close proximity.”UP NEXTLHP Tarik Skubal (7-3, 2.95) will pitch for the Tigers on Wednesday. Kansas City has not named a starter.

⚾ Baddoo, Meadows homer to help Detroit beat the Royals

MANHATTAN - Hays High volleyball went 1-1 at a triangular hosted by Manhattan High School. The Indians lost their first match to the host Indians in three (25-20, 14-25,
22-25) then beat Junction City in three (25-21, 24-26, 25-22). 

HHS is now 11-13 on the season. They host a quadrangular at Hays High School Thursday.

Hays PostMANHATTAN - Hays High volleyball went 1-1 at a triangular hosted by Manhattan High School. The Indians lost their first match to the host Indians in three (25-20, 14-25,
22-25) then beat Junction City in three (25-21, 24-26, 25-22). HHS is now 11-13 on the season. They host a quadrangular at Hays High School Thursday.

🏐 HHS splits two matches in Manhattan

RUSSELL - The TMP-Marian volleyball team went 1-1 at a triangular hosted by Russell Tuesday. The Monarchs defeated the host Broncos in their first match by two (25-23, 25-17) then lost to Smith Center in two (13-25, 13-25). 

TMP-Marian is now 10-13 on the season. They are at the Scott
City Invitational Saturday.

Hays PostRUSSELL - The TMP-Marian volleyball team went 1-1 at a triangular hosted by Russell Tuesday. The Monarchs defeated the host Broncos in their first match by two (25-23, 25-17) then lost to Smith Center in two (13-25, 13-25). TMP-Marian is now 10-13 on the season. They are at the Scott
City Invitational Saturday.

🏐 Monarchs split in Russell

KEARNEY, Neb. – Fort Hays State fell to No. 9 ranked Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday evening in straight sets. The Lopers won sets by scores of 25-18, 25-15, and 25-14, improving to 14-1 overall and 4-1 in the MIAA. The Tigers moved to 6-8 overall and 0-5 in the MIAA.

FHSU held a couple leads of three points early in the first set, but saw the Lopers race past with a 7-0 run in the middle of the set taking a 16-9 advantage. The Lopers led by as many as nine on their way to the seven-point first set win. The Lopers held a 15-12 advantage in kills for the frame.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7500">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with four kills in the set.

The Tigers held with the Lopers in the second set until a 4-0 burst gave the Lopers a 16-12 lead. The Lopers inched their way further ahead and closed the set on a 5-0 run to win by 10. The Tigers held an 11-10 advantage in kills for the set, but saw the Lopers hold a .233 to .051 advantage in hitting percentage. The Lopers never trailed in the third set and hit .522, upping their overall hitting percentage to .312 for the match.

Rains finished with a team-high 10 kills and .350 hitting percentage for the match for FHSU.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/emily-ellis/7495">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;finished with eight kills, followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/claire-olson/7499">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;with six.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/kirsten-evans/7496">Kirsten Evans</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with 16 assists, followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7503">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;with 14.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/brooke-hyland/7498">Brooke Hyland</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/andressa-ribeiro-soares/7537">Andressa Ribeiro Soares</a>&nbsp;each had 11 digs.

Mia Berg led a balanced Loper attack with 10 kills, followed by Jaden Ferguson and Emersen Cyza each with nine. Peyton Neff had 35 assists and a team-high six blocks. Lauren Taubenheim led the Lopers with nine digs.

The Tigers continue a week of road matches with their first meeting of the season with Newman University on Friday evening in Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695778411354.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKEARNEY, Neb. – Fort Hays State fell to No. 9 ranked Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday evening in straight sets. The Lopers won sets by scores of 25-18, 25-15, and 25-14, improving to 14-1 overall and 4-1 in the MIAA. The Tigers moved to 6-8 overall and 0-5 in the MIAA.FHSU held a couple leads of three points early in the first set, but saw the Lopers race past with a 7-0 run in the middle of the set taking a 16-9 advantage. The Lopers led by as many as nine on their way to the seven-point first set win. The Lopers held a 15-12 advantage in kills for the frame.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7500">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with four kills in the set.The Tigers held with the Lopers in the second set until a 4-0 burst gave the Lopers a 16-12 lead. The Lopers inched their way further ahead and closed the set on a 5-0 run to win by 10. The Tigers held an 11-10 advantage in kills for the set, but saw the Lopers hold a .233 to .051 advantage in hitting percentage. The Lopers never trailed in the third set and hit .522, upping their overall hitting percentage to .312 for the match.Rains finished with a team-high 10 kills and .350 hitting percentage for the match for FHSU.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/emily-ellis/7495">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;finished with eight kills, followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/claire-olson/7499">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;with six.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/kirsten-evans/7496">Kirsten Evans</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with 16 assists, followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7503">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;with 14.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/brooke-hyland/7498">Brooke Hyland</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/andressa-ribeiro-soares/7537">Andressa Ribeiro Soares</a>&nbsp;each had 11 digs.Mia Berg led a balanced Loper attack with 10 kills, followed by Jaden Ferguson and Emersen Cyza each with nine. Peyton Neff had 35 assists and a team-high six blocks. Lauren Taubenheim led the Lopers with nine digs.The Tigers continue a week of road matches with their first meeting of the season with Newman University on Friday evening in Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 Ninth-ranked Lopers turn back Tigers

HAYS -&nbsp;Hays High boys soccer got back on a winning track Tuesday with a 5-2 home win over Life Prep out of Wichita. 

Kyzer Fox scored two goals, Cooper Johnson, Brantlee Staab and Edwin Muller also added goals as the Indians improved to 5-4. 

HHS will host Liberal Thursday at Hays High School.

Hays PostHAYS -&nbsp;Hays High boys soccer got back on a winning track Tuesday with a 5-2 home win over Life Prep out of Wichita. Kyzer Fox scored two goals, Cooper Johnson, Brantlee Staab and Edwin Muller also added goals as the Indians improved to 5-4. HHS will host Liberal Thursday at Hays High School.

⚽ HHS boys pick up home win over Life Prep

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - Three Fort Hays State women's golf athletes traveled to Bartlesville, Okla. to compete in the competitive Central Regional Preview. A field of 100 athletes converged on the challenging par-72, 5,928-yard Hillcrest Country Club for the tournament.

Leading the charge for Fort Hays State was Morgan Brasser, whose performance saw her finish at a commendable 4-over par, securing a tie for 11th in the individual standings. Brasser showcased her prowess with five birdies over the weekend, delivering strong rounds of 76 (+4), and an even-par 72. She had 12 pars, three birdies, and three bogeys in the final round.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/hayden-york/7688">Hayden York</a>&nbsp;tallied three birdies and 12 pars throughout the tournament, finishing with a total of 173. Ella Neuhauser&nbsp;carded scores of 92 on both days to finish with 184.In the team standings, Central Missouri emerged as the triumphant squad, posting an impressive 3-over par performance. Henderson State led the charge after the first round, but Central Missouri recorded a collective +1 in the second round to clinch victory. The individual title went to Mia Rallo of Central Missouri and Allie Bianchi from Henderson State, both concluding at 2-under par.

The Tigers' journey continues when they return to play in two weeks, setting their sights on the Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa, where they will participate in the Sioux Falls Invitational on October 9th and 10th.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695775326379.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Morgan Brasser hits a shot at the Central Regional Preview in on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. (FHSU Athletics photo/Dee Welsch)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Morgan Brasser hits a shot at the Central Regional Preview in on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. (FHSU Athletics photo/Dee Welsch)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsBARTLESVILLE, Okla. - Three Fort Hays State women's golf athletes traveled to Bartlesville, Okla. to compete in the competitive Central Regional Preview. A field of 100 athletes converged on the challenging par-72, 5,928-yard Hillcrest Country Club for the tournament.Leading the charge for Fort Hays State was Morgan Brasser, whose performance saw her finish at a commendable 4-over par, securing a tie for 11th in the individual standings. Brasser showcased her prowess with five birdies over the weekend, delivering strong rounds of 76 (+4), and an even-par 72. She had 12 pars, three birdies, and three bogeys in the final round.Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/hayden-york/7688">Hayden York</a>&nbsp;tallied three birdies and 12 pars throughout the tournament, finishing with a total of 173. Ella Neuhauser&nbsp;carded scores of 92 on both days to finish with 184.In the team standings, Central Missouri emerged as the triumphant squad, posting an impressive 3-over par performance. Henderson State led the charge after the first round, but Central Missouri recorded a collective +1 in the second round to clinch victory. The individual title went to Mia Rallo of Central Missouri and Allie Bianchi from Henderson State, both concluding at 2-under par.The Tigers' journey continues when they return to play in two weeks, setting their sights on the Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa, where they will participate in the Sioux Falls Invitational on October 9th and 10th.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ FHSU's Brasser 11th at Central Regional Preview

MONKEY ISLAND, Okla. – The Fort Hays State men's golf team finished in 12th&nbsp;place as a team at the Missouri Southern State Fall Invitational on Tuesday (Sept. 26). The 20-team tournament was held at the Shangri-La Country Club on Grand Lake. The course was a par-72 course, totaling 6,840 yards. The Tigers recorded their best team scores since 2010 in the first and second rounds with scores of 288 and 287.

Jackson Rader led the team after finishing in a tie for 23rd&nbsp;place. After shooting over par on his first two holes of the tournament Rader dialed in and carded seven birdies over the next 16 holes to finish round one at 1-under par. He would then notch five birdies and one eagle in the second round to rank in the top ten after two rounds. Rader fell 14 spots on the leaderboard in the final round despite shooting a 75. Rader shot a 69, 3-under in both of the first two rounds, serving to be his career low round scores.

Cooper Scheck tied for 46th&nbsp;place out of the 108 competitors. Scheck totaled 10 birdies over the first two rounds, including a 4-under par round in the second round of competition. Scheck finished his final round with a 76 after shooting 74 and 68 in the first two rounds. Tanner Copeland&nbsp;finished in a tie for 52nd&nbsp;place. Copeland shot a 75 in his first two rounds, but then recorded his career low round as a Tiger golfer with a 70 over the final 18 holes. Copeland carded seven birdies in the third round.

Cole Streck tied for 69th&nbsp;place after shooting rounds of 70, 80, and 73 for a total of 223. Streck was consistent in the first round with five birdies and just two bogeys. Parker Krob&nbsp;finished in a tie for 92nd&nbsp;place after shooting 14-over par over the three rounds of competition. Krob had his best round in the second round with a 75.The Tigers as a team shot 59 birdies and three eagles over their three rounds.

Oklahoma Christian took home the team title with a 36-under par as a team and placed three players in the top five. Nick Canales of Central Oklahoma won the individual title with an 18-under par. The score was five shots better than the closest competition.

The men's golf team will play again on October 9-10 in St. Joseph, Mo. at the Holiday Inn MWSU Fall Invitational.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695768429694.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Jackson Rader (FHSU Atheltics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Jackson Rader (FHSU Atheltics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMONKEY ISLAND, Okla. – The Fort Hays State men's golf team finished in 12th&nbsp;place as a team at the Missouri Southern State Fall Invitational on Tuesday (Sept. 26). The 20-team tournament was held at the Shangri-La Country Club on Grand Lake. The course was a par-72 course, totaling 6,840 yards. The Tigers recorded their best team scores since 2010 in the first and second rounds with scores of 288 and 287.Jackson Rader led the team after finishing in a tie for 23rd&nbsp;place. After shooting over par on his first two holes of the tournament Rader dialed in and carded seven birdies over the next 16 holes to finish round one at 1-under par. He would then notch five birdies and one eagle in the second round to rank in the top ten after two rounds. Rader fell 14 spots on the leaderboard in the final round despite shooting a 75. Rader shot a 69, 3-under in both of the first two rounds, serving to be his career low round scores.Cooper Scheck tied for 46th&nbsp;place out of the 108 competitors. Scheck totaled 10 birdies over the first two rounds, including a 4-under par round in the second round of competition. Scheck finished his final round with a 76 after shooting 74 and 68 in the first two rounds. Tanner Copeland&nbsp;finished in a tie for 52nd&nbsp;place. Copeland shot a 75 in his first two rounds, but then recorded his career low round as a Tiger golfer with a 70 over the final 18 holes. Copeland carded seven birdies in the third round.Cole Streck tied for 69th&nbsp;place after shooting rounds of 70, 80, and 73 for a total of 223. Streck was consistent in the first round with five birdies and just two bogeys. Parker Krob&nbsp;finished in a tie for 92nd&nbsp;place after shooting 14-over par over the three rounds of competition. Krob had his best round in the second round with a 75.The Tigers as a team shot 59 birdies and three eagles over their three rounds.Oklahoma Christian took home the team title with a 36-under par as a team and placed three players in the top five. Nick Canales of Central Oklahoma won the individual title with an 18-under par. The score was five shots better than the closest competition.The men's golf team will play again on October 9-10 in St. Joseph, Mo. at the Holiday Inn MWSU Fall Invitational.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ FHSU men 12th at MSSU Fall Invite

Fort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, offensive lineman Dawson Reynolds and defensive back Sam Brandt&nbsp;spoke to the media Monday ahead of Saturday's game against Lincoln.

Hays PostFort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, offensive lineman Dawson Reynolds and defensive back Sam Brandt&nbsp;spoke to the media Monday ahead of Saturday's game against Lincoln.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hz7XPkHRmhU?si=kTn3oMYRQnrcjX66" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XsYHhT4T6MQ?si=rxubElZ1WWgVlIB9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bw-2Y5r8HZ4?si=KJothQ0vBr7MB4Yt" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈📹 FHSU weekly press conference

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– After a record-setting first season, head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;has agreed to new 7-year contract through the 2029-30 season to continue his leadership of the Kansas State men’s basketball program, Director of Athletics&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;announced on Monday afternoon (September 25).

The new contract replaces his original 6-year deal that Tang agreed to become the 25th&nbsp;men’s basketball coach in school history on March 21, 2022. Tang now has 7 years left on his agreement that runs until April 30, 2030. The second-year head coach will be paid $3 million in 2023-24 and receive a $100,000 increase to his salary in each remaining contract year culminating in a $3.6 million base for the 2029-30 season. There are also four retention bonuses of $200,000 following the 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.

The new contract was unanimously approved by University leadership.

“What Coach Tang and his staff did in their first year here was phenomenal. The run to the Elite Eight was remarkable, but what separates Coach Tang is his pure love of his players and the relationships that he builds with everyone that he encounters. His ability to connect with players, staff, recruits, students and fans is special, and he is the perfect fit for Kansas State. The culture that he and his staff have built is extraordinary. We are delighted to have him, Rey, Seven and Aylyn as a vital part of the Wildcat family and for him to continue to lead our basketball team for a very long time.”

“My family and I could not be more excited about the future with this commitment from President (Richard) Linton and (athletics director) Gene (Taylor), as the staff and I continue to elevate this program to even greater heights. I say it all the time and I truly mean it, we’re fortunate every day to be at such a special place.

I’m a blessed individual with a wonderful family, and I’m in this position today due to the love, support and sacrifices of many people. I want to first thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all the blessings in my life. I would not be where I’m right now if it wasn't for His faithfulness in my life and guidance.

“I have the best coaching staff in America, who work tirelessly to make our players the best they can be on-and-off the court. I’m blessed and honored that I get to live life with these incredible men and women every day. I want to thank our players – both past and present – for their hard work and commitment to this program as well as their families for their support and trust with their most important asset.

“I said before I didn’t come here to rebuild but to elevate and the work has already begun. Last year’s success was just the start. The staff and I are excited about what’s ahead for this team as we start practice. EMAW!”

With his relentless passion, energy and positivity, Tang reenergized a K-State program which had endured three consecutive losing seasons and was picked last in the preseason Big 12 poll by guiding the school to its third-highest win total (26) and a thrilling run to the Elite Eight in 2022-23. He became the 11th first-year head coach to direct his team to the Elite Eight since 1996-97, while joining North Carolina’s&nbsp;Bill Guthridge&nbsp;(K-State alum) in 1997-98 and&nbsp;Hubert Davis&nbsp;in 2021-22 and Kent State’s&nbsp;Stan Heath&nbsp;in 2001-02 as one of four first-time head coaches to accomplish the feat. Tang's win total was the second-most by a first-year Division I head coach in 2022-23, trailing Duke's&nbsp;Jon Scheyer&nbsp;(27-9).&nbsp;

Armed with just two returning players, the Wildcats posted a 26-10 overall record in Tang’s inaugural season, which included a tie for third place in the nation’s most difficult conference – the Big 12 – with an 11-7 mark and the school’s 13th appearance in the Elite Eight and the first since 2017-18. The 26 wins are the third-most in school history, trailing the school-record 29 in 2009-10 and the 27 in 2012-13, and just the eighth 25-win campaign. His 26 wins are the second-most by a first-year head coach in school history.

For these efforts, Tang was named a finalist for several National Coach of the Year honors, winning the 2023 Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year from the Atlanta Tipoff Club. He was the runner-up for The Associated Press’ National Coach of the Year, finishing behind Marquette’s&nbsp;Shaka Smart. He was also selected as the consensus Big 12 Coach of the Year by the league coaches and AP.

During the team’s historic season, Tang coached a pair of All-Americans in 2023 Bob Cousy Award winner&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;and small forward&nbsp;Keyontae Johnson, who were the only teammates nationally to earn All-America honors in 2022-23. Nowell was also selected as the winner of Cousy Award as the nation's top point guard by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, while he was chosen as the East Regional Most Outstanding Player during the Wildcats’ run to the Elite Eight. Johnson, who was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, became the first Wildcat under Tang and the first since 2017 to be selected in the NBA Draft.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tang helped reestablish the “Octagon of Doom” as one of the toughest places to play in college basketball, as the Wildcats played before eight sellouts while posting a 15-1 record at home with 5 wins over Top 25 opponents, including No. 2/2 Kansas, No. 9/10 Baylor, No. 17/19 TCU, No. 19/18 Iowa State and No. 24/24 West Virginia. The 15 wins were the most in nearly a decade (2014-15) and tied for the second-most in the arena’s 35-year history. The eight sellouts were the most since 2014-15, while the team ranked 23rd&nbsp;nationally in percentage capacity at 87.57 percent in the newly configured 11,000-seat arena.

The contract continues the momentum the program has generated since their Elite Eight run, as Tang and his coaching staff officially opened practice earlier today (September 25). The Wildcats bring back six players, including returning starters&nbsp;Nae’Qwan Tomlin,&nbsp;Cam Carter&nbsp;and&nbsp;David N’Guessan, along with one of the top transfer classes in the nation (graduate transfers&nbsp;Ques Glover&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tylor Perry&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;Arthur Kaluma) and a consensus top-30 freshmen class (Dai Dai Ames,&nbsp;R.J. Jones&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695677723048.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– After a record-setting first season, head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;has agreed to new 7-year contract through the 2029-30 season to continue his leadership of the Kansas State men’s basketball program, Director of Athletics&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;announced on Monday afternoon (September 25).The new contract replaces his original 6-year deal that Tang agreed to become the 25th&nbsp;men’s basketball coach in school history on March 21, 2022. Tang now has 7 years left on his agreement that runs until April 30, 2030. The second-year head coach will be paid $3 million in 2023-24 and receive a $100,000 increase to his salary in each remaining contract year culminating in a $3.6 million base for the 2029-30 season. There are also four retention bonuses of $200,000 following the 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.The new contract was unanimously approved by University leadership.Director of Athletics Gene Taylor“What Coach Tang and his staff did in their first year here was phenomenal. The run to the Elite Eight was remarkable, but what separates Coach Tang is his pure love of his players and the relationships that he builds with everyone that he encounters. His ability to connect with players, staff, recruits, students and fans is special, and he is the perfect fit for Kansas State. The culture that he and his staff have built is extraordinary. We are delighted to have him, Rey, Seven and Aylyn as a vital part of the Wildcat family and for him to continue to lead our basketball team for a very long time.”Head coach Jerome Tang“My family and I could not be more excited about the future with this commitment from President (Richard) Linton and (athletics director) Gene (Taylor), as the staff and I continue to elevate this program to even greater heights. I say it all the time and I truly mean it, we’re fortunate every day to be at such a special place.I’m a blessed individual with a wonderful family, and I’m in this position today due to the love, support and sacrifices of many people. I want to first thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all the blessings in my life. I would not be where I’m right now if it wasn't for His faithfulness in my life and guidance.“I have the best coaching staff in America, who work tirelessly to make our players the best they can be on-and-off the court. I’m blessed and honored that I get to live life with these incredible men and women every day. I want to thank our players – both past and present – for their hard work and commitment to this program as well as their families for their support and trust with their most important asset.“I said before I didn’t come here to rebuild but to elevate and the work has already begun. Last year’s success was just the start. The staff and I are excited about what’s ahead for this team as we start practice. EMAW!”With his relentless passion, energy and positivity, Tang reenergized a K-State program which had endured three consecutive losing seasons and was picked last in the preseason Big 12 poll by guiding the school to its third-highest win total (26) and a thrilling run to the Elite Eight in 2022-23. He became the 11th first-year head coach to direct his team to the Elite Eight since 1996-97, while joining North Carolina’s&nbsp;Bill Guthridge&nbsp;(K-State alum) in 1997-98 and&nbsp;Hubert Davis&nbsp;in 2021-22 and Kent State’s&nbsp;Stan Heath&nbsp;in 2001-02 as one of four first-time head coaches to accomplish the feat. Tang's win total was the second-most by a first-year Division I head coach in 2022-23, trailing Duke's&nbsp;Jon Scheyer&nbsp;(27-9).&nbsp;Armed with just two returning players, the Wildcats posted a 26-10 overall record in Tang’s inaugural season, which included a tie for third place in the nation’s most difficult conference – the Big 12 – with an 11-7 mark and the school’s 13th appearance in the Elite Eight and the first since 2017-18. The 26 wins are the third-most in school history, trailing the school-record 29 in 2009-10 and the 27 in 2012-13, and just the eighth 25-win campaign. His 26 wins are the second-most by a first-year head coach in school history.For these efforts, Tang was named a finalist for several National Coach of the Year honors, winning the 2023 Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year from the Atlanta Tipoff Club. He was the runner-up for The Associated Press’ National Coach of the Year, finishing behind Marquette’s&nbsp;Shaka Smart. He was also selected as the consensus Big 12 Coach of the Year by the league coaches and AP.During the team’s historic season, Tang coached a pair of All-Americans in 2023 Bob Cousy Award winner&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;and small forward&nbsp;Keyontae Johnson, who were the only teammates nationally to earn All-America honors in 2022-23. Nowell was also selected as the winner of Cousy Award as the nation's top point guard by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, while he was chosen as the East Regional Most Outstanding Player during the Wildcats’ run to the Elite Eight. Johnson, who was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, became the first Wildcat under Tang and the first since 2017 to be selected in the NBA Draft.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tang helped reestablish the “Octagon of Doom” as one of the toughest places to play in college basketball, as the Wildcats played before eight sellouts while posting a 15-1 record at home with 5 wins over Top 25 opponents, including No. 2/2 Kansas, No. 9/10 Baylor, No. 17/19 TCU, No. 19/18 Iowa State and No. 24/24 West Virginia. The 15 wins were the most in nearly a decade (2014-15) and tied for the second-most in the arena’s 35-year history. The eight sellouts were the most since 2014-15, while the team ranked 23rd&nbsp;nationally in percentage capacity at 87.57 percent in the newly configured 11,000-seat arena.The contract continues the momentum the program has generated since their Elite Eight run, as Tang and his coaching staff officially opened practice earlier today (September 25). The Wildcats bring back six players, including returning starters&nbsp;Nae’Qwan Tomlin,&nbsp;Cam Carter&nbsp;and&nbsp;David N’Guessan, along with one of the top transfer classes in the nation (graduate transfers&nbsp;Ques Glover&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tylor Perry&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;Arthur Kaluma) and a consensus top-30 freshmen class (Dai Dai Ames,&nbsp;R.J. Jones&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich).

🏀 K-State's Tang agrees to extension through 2029-30 season

TOPEKA – The Kansas State High School Activities Association
released classifications Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

TMP-Marian will move from Class 2A to Class 1A in football only beginning next season.

SCHOOLS CHANGING CLASSES (Last year's classification is shown in parenthesis)

4A - Concordia (3A), Scott Community (3A)

3A - Iola (4A), Leon-Bluestem (2A), St. Marys (2), Topeka Hayden (4A)

2A - Atchison-Maur Hill-Mt. Academy&nbsp; (3A), Eureka (3A), Lincoln (1), Oxford (1A), Wichita-Classical School (1)

1A - Allen-Northern Heights (2A), Atwood-Rawlins County (2A), Elkhart (2A), Weskan (NEW)

<a href="http://chrome-extension//efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/PDF/Classifications23.pdf">Full Release</a>

SCHOOLS CHANGING CLASSES (FOOTBALL ONLY 2024-2025) (Current classification is shown in parenthesis)

5A - Basehor-Linwood (4A), Lenexa-St. James Academy (4A), OP-Blue Valley (6A), OP-St. Thomas Aquinas (4A)

4A - Kansas City-Sumner Academy (5A), Lansing (5A), Wichita-Kapaun Mt. Carmel (5A)

3A - Anthony-Harper-Chaparral (2A), Neodesha (2A)

2A - Belle Plaine (1A), Galena (3A), Hoyt-Royal Valley (3A), Leon-Bluestem (1A), Oskaloosa (1A), Richmond-Central Heights (1A), St. Marys (1A)

1A - Atchison-Maur Hill-Mt. Academy (2A), Bennington (8-Player), Easton-Pleasant Ridge (2A), Hays-Thomas More Prep Marian (2A), Herington (8-Player), Highland-Doniphan West (8-Player), Horton (2A), Shawnee-Marantha Academy (8-Player), Rossville (2A), Moundridge (8-Player), South Sumner (Caldwell/South Haven)(8-Player), Topeka-Cair Paravel (8-Player)

8-Player Div. I - Allen-Northern Heights (1A)      Arma-Northeast (1A)      Canton-Galva (DII)      Claflin-Central Plains (DII)      Coldwater-South Central (DII)      Downs-Lakeside (DII)      Ellis (1A)      Kinsley (DII)      St. Francis (DII)      Sylvan-Lucas Unified (DII)

8-Player Div. II -&nbsp;Ashland (6-Player)      Attica/Argonia (DI)      Burlingame (DI)      Deerfield (6-Player)      Lost Springs-Centre (6-Player)      Macksville (DI)      Osborne (DI)      Pretty Prairie (DI)      Tribune-Greeley County (6-Player)      Waverly (6-Player)

6-Player -&nbsp;Kiowa-South Barber (8-Player)      Melvern-Marais Des Cygnes Valley            (8-Player)      Otis-Bison (8-Player)      Weskan (NEW) 

<a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Football/PDF/FootballClassifications-2023.pdf">Full Release</a>

Hays PostTOPEKA – The Kansas State High School Activities Association
released classifications Monday afternoon.&nbsp;TMP-Marian will move from Class 2A to Class 1A in football only beginning next season.SCHOOLS CHANGING CLASSES (Last year's classification is shown in parenthesis)6A -&nbsp;Maize (5A)5A - Kansas City-JC Harmon (6A)&nbsp;4A - Concordia (3A), Scott Community (3A)3A - Iola (4A), Leon-Bluestem (2A), St. Marys (2), Topeka Hayden (4A)2A - Atchison-Maur Hill-Mt. Academy&nbsp; (3A), Eureka (3A), Lincoln (1), Oxford (1A), Wichita-Classical School (1)1A - Allen-Northern Heights (2A), Atwood-Rawlins County (2A), Elkhart (2A), Weskan (NEW)<a href="http://chrome-extension//efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/PDF/Classifications23.pdf">Full Release</a>SCHOOLS CHANGING CLASSES (FOOTBALL ONLY 2024-2025) (Current classification is shown in parenthesis)6A - Maize (5A), Wichita-West (5A)5A - Basehor-Linwood (4A), Lenexa-St. James Academy (4A), OP-Blue Valley (6A), OP-St. Thomas Aquinas (4A)4A - Kansas City-Sumner Academy (5A), Lansing (5A), Wichita-Kapaun Mt. Carmel (5A)3A - Anthony-Harper-Chaparral (2A), Neodesha (2A)2A - Belle Plaine (1A), Galena (3A), Hoyt-Royal Valley (3A), Leon-Bluestem (1A), Oskaloosa (1A), Richmond-Central Heights (1A), St. Marys (1A)1A - Atchison-Maur Hill-Mt. Academy (2A), Bennington (8-Player), Easton-Pleasant Ridge (2A), Hays-Thomas More Prep Marian (2A), Herington (8-Player), Highland-Doniphan West (8-Player), Horton (2A), Shawnee-Marantha Academy (8-Player), Rossville (2A), Moundridge (8-Player), South Sumner (Caldwell/South Haven)(8-Player), Topeka-Cair Paravel (8-Player)8-Player Div. I - Allen-Northern Heights (1A) Arma-Northeast (1A) Canton-Galva (DII) Claflin-Central Plains (DII) Coldwater-South Central (DII) Downs-Lakeside (DII) Ellis (1A) Kinsley (DII) St. Francis (DII) Sylvan-Lucas Unified (DII)8-Player Div. II -&nbsp;Ashland (6-Player) Attica/Argonia (DI) Burlingame (DI) Deerfield (6-Player) Lost Springs-Centre (6-Player) Macksville (DI) Osborne (DI) Pretty Prairie (DI) Tribune-Greeley County (6-Player) Waverly (6-Player)6-Player -&nbsp;Kiowa-South Barber (8-Player) Melvern-Marais Des Cygnes Valley (8-Player) Otis-Bison (8-Player) Weskan (NEW) <a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Football/PDF/FootballClassifications-2023.pdf">Full Release</a>

KSHSAA releases new classifications, TMP-Marian to 1A in football in 2024

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;For the second time in his career, Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday.

Bryant set the tone for the Kansas defense against BYU, forcing a fumble on the Cougars’ second offensive play of the game and then recovering and returning it 22 yards for a touchdown. It was the fourth career touchdown for Bryant, who has also returned two interceptions for a touchdown (at Texas, 2021; at West Virginia, 2022) and returned a blocked field goal for a score in 2021 versus Tennessee Tech.

Later in the game, Bryant hauled in his second interception of the season as he picked off BYU’s Kedon Slovis to end a Cougar drive in the third quarter. For the game, Bryant finished with three solo tackles, including one for a loss,&nbsp;and became the first Jayhawk since 2010 to record a fumble recovery for a touchdown and an interception in the same game.

Prior to last season, Kansas had not had a Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week since 2018. Lonnie Phelps Jr., and Bryant won the award in consecutive weeks to open the 2022 season. Bryant becomes the first Jayhawk since Joe Dineen (2014-15, 2017-18) with multiple Defensive Player of the Week honors for his career. He was previously named the Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 12, 2022, following his game-clinching interception returned for a touchdown at West Virginia.

No. 24 Kansas (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 30, as the Jayhawks head to Austin, Texas to face No. 3 Texas. Kickoff from DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695668821642.png" alt="(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;For the second time in his career, Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday.Bryant set the tone for the Kansas defense against BYU, forcing a fumble on the Cougars’ second offensive play of the game and then recovering and returning it 22 yards for a touchdown. It was the fourth career touchdown for Bryant, who has also returned two interceptions for a touchdown (at Texas, 2021; at West Virginia, 2022) and returned a blocked field goal for a score in 2021 versus Tennessee Tech.Later in the game, Bryant hauled in his second interception of the season as he picked off BYU’s Kedon Slovis to end a Cougar drive in the third quarter. For the game, Bryant finished with three solo tackles, including one for a loss,&nbsp;and became the first Jayhawk since 2010 to record a fumble recovery for a touchdown and an interception in the same game.Prior to last season, Kansas had not had a Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week since 2018. Lonnie Phelps Jr., and Bryant won the award in consecutive weeks to open the 2022 season. Bryant becomes the first Jayhawk since Joe Dineen (2014-15, 2017-18) with multiple Defensive Player of the Week honors for his career. He was previously named the Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 12, 2022, following his game-clinching interception returned for a touchdown at West Virginia.No. 24 Kansas (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 30, as the Jayhawks head to Austin, Texas to face No. 3 Texas. Kickoff from DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.

🏈 KU's Bryant named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Following a historic performance on Saturday in Kansas State’s 44-31 victory over UCF, sophomore running back&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;has been named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is the first weekly conference honors in Giddens’ career and the first by a Wildcat this season.

A product of Junction City, Kansas, Giddens rushed for 207 yards and four touchdowns, the first time in school history a player had at least 200 rushing yards and four rushing scores in a game. The 22nd instance in Big 12 history and just the second since 2015, it was also the 16th 200-yard rushing game in school history and the first since Alex Barnes went for 250 yards at Baylor in 2018. His four rushing touchdowns tied for third in school history and were the most by a K-State running back since Barnes had four against Oklahoma State in 2018. Giddens did his damage on 30 carries, the most by a Wildcat since Barnes rushed 32 times against Texas Tech in 2017.

In addition to his 207 rushing yards, he hauled in eight passes for 86 yards as his 293 total yards from scrimmage were the third most in school history behind a pair of performances by Darren Sproles, who put up 323 yards in the 2003 Big 12 Championship Game victory over No. 1 Oklahoma and 298 yards against Louisiana the next season.

Giddens enters K-State’s bye week ranking 11th nationally and second in the Big 12 in rushing yards per game (105.8), while he is fourth in the conference in rushing touchdowns (4).

Kansas State is off this week prior to playing at Oklahoma State next Friday, October 6. The game, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m., will be televised by ESPN.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695668903073.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Following a historic performance on Saturday in Kansas State’s 44-31 victory over UCF, sophomore running back&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;has been named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is the first weekly conference honors in Giddens’ career and the first by a Wildcat this season.A product of Junction City, Kansas, Giddens rushed for 207 yards and four touchdowns, the first time in school history a player had at least 200 rushing yards and four rushing scores in a game. The 22nd instance in Big 12 history and just the second since 2015, it was also the 16th 200-yard rushing game in school history and the first since Alex Barnes went for 250 yards at Baylor in 2018. His four rushing touchdowns tied for third in school history and were the most by a K-State running back since Barnes had four against Oklahoma State in 2018. Giddens did his damage on 30 carries, the most by a Wildcat since Barnes rushed 32 times against Texas Tech in 2017.In addition to his 207 rushing yards, he hauled in eight passes for 86 yards as his 293 total yards from scrimmage were the third most in school history behind a pair of performances by Darren Sproles, who put up 323 yards in the 2003 Big 12 Championship Game victory over No. 1 Oklahoma and 298 yards against Louisiana the next season.Giddens enters K-State’s bye week ranking 11th nationally and second in the Big 12 in rushing yards per game (105.8), while he is fourth in the conference in rushing touchdowns (4).Kansas State is off this week prior to playing at Oklahoma State next Friday, October 6. The game, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m., will be televised by ESPN.

🏈 K-State’s Giddens named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week

Kpreps.com released its week 5 high school football rankings on Monday morning. There were a total of ten ranked teams from last week that fell in Week 4.

CLASS 6A 1) Gardner-Edgerton (4-0) 2) Olathe North (4-0) 3) Washburn Rural (4-0) 4) Wichita NW (3-1) 5) Manhattan (3-1)

CLASS 5A 1) Kapaun Mt. Carmel (3-1) 2) Mill Valley (3-1)&nbsp; 3) Blue Valley SW (3-1) 4) Goddard Eisenhower (4-0) 5) De Soto (3-1)

CLASS 4A 1) Bishop Miege (3-1) 2) St. Thomas Aquinas (4-0) 3) Louisburg (4-0) 4) Tonganoxie (3-1) 5) Wamego (3-1)

CLASS 3A 1) Andale (4-0) 2) Cheney (4-0) 3) Topeka Hayden (4-0) 4) Wichita Collegiate (4-0) 5) Clay Center (4-0)

CLASS 2A 1) Nemaha Central (4-0) 2) Sabetha (4-0) 3) Hoisington (4-0) 4) Southeast of Saline (4-0) 5) Ellsworth (4-0)

CLASS 1A 1) St. Mary's Colgan (4-0) 2) Centralia (4-0) 3) Jefferson County North (4-0) 4) Marion (4-0) 5) Smith Center (3-1)

8-MAN DIVISION I 1) Leoti-Wichita County (4-0) 2) Lyndon (4-0) 3) Meade (4-0) 4) Moundridge (4-0) 5) Central Burden (4-0)

8-MAN DIVISION II 1) Axtell (4-0) 2) Kinsley (4-0) 3) Victoria (3-1) 4) Canton-Galva (3-1) 5) Minneola (4-0)

6-MAN 1) Cheylin (4-0) 2) Ashland (3-1) 3) Cunningham (3-1) 4) Waverly (4-0) 5) Northern Valley (3-1)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693413418452.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kpreps.com released its week 5 high school football rankings on Monday morning. There were a total of ten ranked teams from last week that fell in Week 4.CLASS 6A 1) Gardner-Edgerton (4-0) 2) Olathe North (4-0) 3) Washburn Rural (4-0) 4) Wichita NW (3-1) 5) Manhattan (3-1)CLASS 5A 1) Kapaun Mt. Carmel (3-1) 2) Mill Valley (3-1)&nbsp; 3) Blue Valley SW (3-1) 4) Goddard Eisenhower (4-0) 5) De Soto (3-1)CLASS 4A 1) Bishop Miege (3-1) 2) St. Thomas Aquinas (4-0) 3) Louisburg (4-0) 4) Tonganoxie (3-1) 5) Wamego (3-1)CLASS 3A 1) Andale (4-0) 2) Cheney (4-0) 3) Topeka Hayden (4-0) 4) Wichita Collegiate (4-0) 5) Clay Center (4-0)CLASS 2A 1) Nemaha Central (4-0) 2) Sabetha (4-0) 3) Hoisington (4-0) 4) Southeast of Saline (4-0) 5) Ellsworth (4-0)CLASS 1A 1) St. Mary's Colgan (4-0) 2) Centralia (4-0) 3) Jefferson County North (4-0) 4) Marion (4-0) 5) Smith Center (3-1)8-MAN DIVISION I 1) Leoti-Wichita County (4-0) 2) Lyndon (4-0) 3) Meade (4-0) 4) Moundridge (4-0) 5) Central Burden (4-0)8-MAN DIVISION II 1) Axtell (4-0) 2) Kinsley (4-0) 3) Victoria (3-1) 4) Canton-Galva (3-1) 5) Minneola (4-0)6-MAN 1) Cheylin (4-0) 2) Ashland (3-1) 3) Cunningham (3-1) 4) Waverly (4-0) 5) Northern Valley (3-1)

🏈 Week 5 Kpreps high school rankings

Fort Hays State plays at Missouri Western State on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Spratt Memorial Stadium.

Fort Hays State plays at Missouri Western State on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Spratt Memorial Stadium.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind: FB at Missouri Western (Sept. 23, 2023)" 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=dar6c-14b3cef-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FB at Missouri Western (Sept. 23, 2023)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns, Travis Kelce hauled in one of them to the delight of Taylor Swift, and the Kansas City Chiefs blew out the inept Chicago Bears 41-10 on Sunday.

Jerick McKinnon had a pair of touchdown catches and Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire added touchdown runs, helping the Super Bowl champion Chiefs (2-1) deal the Bears (0-3) their 13th consecutive loss dating to last season.

Kelce finished with seven catches for 69 yards and the 3-yard score, which made it 41-0 early in the second half. The All-Pro tight end celebrated by revving the engine of an imaginary motorcycle while Swift, whom Kelce had invited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-chiefs-891e7df84295f5b35cfa97a5ec427721">amid rumors of their budding relationship</a>, joyfully pounded the glass of her Arrowhead Stadium suite and his mother, Donna Kelce, cheered alongside.

The game was so lopsided by the third quarter that Mahomes and most of the Chiefs' starters got the rest of the day off.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justin-fields-chicago-bears-nfl-b28d8307fff74f48c81346719f322cba">Embattled Bears quarterback Justin Fields</a>&nbsp;was 11 of 22 for 99 yards with an interception and a meaningless touchdown in the final minutes. He also led the Bears with 47 yards rushing, a good chunk of that coming on a 17-yard scramble, as the league's 27th-ranked offense finished with just 203 yards against one of the NFL's fast-improving defenses.

It was a brutal end to a dismal week of distractions for Chicago.

In the span of a few hours Wednesday, defensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alan-williams-bears-defensive-coordinator-d3f16da381b8d1fe38f3935f5b86803a">Alan Williams abruptly resigned</a>, citing the need “to take care of my health and family,” and Fields had to walk back some comments he made blaming his “robotic” play through the first two weeks on the way he had been coached.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus was left to call defensive plays Sunday, just as he did in last weekend's loss to Tampa Bay, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid proceeded to make the former Indianapolis Colts coordinator look utterly lost.

The Chiefs began their assault with the first of Mahomes' two TD passes to McKinnon, then Edwards-Helaire scored from a yard out to make it 14-0 early in the second quarter. When the Bears punted a third consecutive time, Mahomes hit McKinnon again to extend the lead, and Kansas City proceeded to score on its next four possessions.

As for Fields, well, the QB was not just robotic but inaccurate. When one of the league's most porous offensive lines wasn't allowing the Chiefs to pressure him, Fields was consistently missing open targets down field.

He was picked off by Mike Edwards late in the first half, leading to Pacheco's touchdown run. And when Harrison Butker added the second of his two field goals, the Chiefs were able to take a 34-0 lead into the break.

The Bears have not won in Kansas City since Week 5 of the 2015 season. ... Reid won his 271st game, moving him past Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry into fourth place on the career list. ... Mahomes went over 25,000 yards passing for his career. He did it in 83 games, the fastest in NFL history. ... Mahomes had his 22nd game with three TD passes and no interceptions, tying Aaron Rodgers for the most by a QB before turning 30. Mahomes turned 28 last Sunday. ... Kelce needs three more TD catches to pass Tony Gonzalez (76) for second in Chiefs history.

Bears: Starting safety Eddie Jackson was inactive with a foot injury and cornerback Josh Blackwell was dealing with a hamstring injury, all before cornerback Tyrique Stevenson had to be evaluated for a concussion; he later was deemed to have an illness and did not return. Defensive backs Jaquan Brisker and Jaylon Johnson also were hobbled during the game.

Bears: Host the Denver Broncos next Sunday.

Chiefs: Visit the New York Jets next Sunday night.

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns, Travis Kelce hauled in one of them to the delight of Taylor Swift, and the Kansas City Chiefs blew out the inept Chicago Bears 41-10 on Sunday.Jerick McKinnon had a pair of touchdown catches and Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire added touchdown runs, helping the Super Bowl champion Chiefs (2-1) deal the Bears (0-3) their 13th consecutive loss dating to last season.Kelce finished with seven catches for 69 yards and the 3-yard score, which made it 41-0 early in the second half. The All-Pro tight end celebrated by revving the engine of an imaginary motorcycle while Swift, whom Kelce had invited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-chiefs-891e7df84295f5b35cfa97a5ec427721">amid rumors of their budding relationship</a>, joyfully pounded the glass of her Arrowhead Stadium suite and his mother, Donna Kelce, cheered alongside.The game was so lopsided by the third quarter that Mahomes and most of the Chiefs' starters got the rest of the day off.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justin-fields-chicago-bears-nfl-b28d8307fff74f48c81346719f322cba">Embattled Bears quarterback Justin Fields</a>&nbsp;was 11 of 22 for 99 yards with an interception and a meaningless touchdown in the final minutes. He also led the Bears with 47 yards rushing, a good chunk of that coming on a 17-yard scramble, as the league's 27th-ranked offense finished with just 203 yards against one of the NFL's fast-improving defenses.It was a brutal end to a dismal week of distractions for Chicago.In the span of a few hours Wednesday, defensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alan-williams-bears-defensive-coordinator-d3f16da381b8d1fe38f3935f5b86803a">Alan Williams abruptly resigned</a>, citing the need “to take care of my health and family,” and Fields had to walk back some comments he made blaming his “robotic” play through the first two weeks on the way he had been coached.Bears coach Matt Eberflus was left to call defensive plays Sunday, just as he did in last weekend's loss to Tampa Bay, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid proceeded to make the former Indianapolis Colts coordinator look utterly lost.The Chiefs began their assault with the first of Mahomes' two TD passes to McKinnon, then Edwards-Helaire scored from a yard out to make it 14-0 early in the second quarter. When the Bears punted a third consecutive time, Mahomes hit McKinnon again to extend the lead, and Kansas City proceeded to score on its next four possessions.As for Fields, well, the QB was not just robotic but inaccurate. When one of the league's most porous offensive lines wasn't allowing the Chiefs to pressure him, Fields was consistently missing open targets down field.He was picked off by Mike Edwards late in the first half, leading to Pacheco's touchdown run. And when Harrison Butker added the second of his two field goals, the Chiefs were able to take a 34-0 lead into the break.STATS AND STREAKSThe Bears have not won in Kansas City since Week 5 of the 2015 season. ... Reid won his 271st game, moving him past Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry into fourth place on the career list. ... Mahomes went over 25,000 yards passing for his career. He did it in 83 games, the fastest in NFL history. ... Mahomes had his 22nd game with three TD passes and no interceptions, tying Aaron Rodgers for the most by a QB before turning 30. Mahomes turned 28 last Sunday. ... Kelce needs three more TD catches to pass Tony Gonzalez (76) for second in Chiefs history.INJURIESBears: Starting safety Eddie Jackson was inactive with a foot injury and cornerback Josh Blackwell was dealing with a hamstring injury, all before cornerback Tyrique Stevenson had to be evaluated for a concussion; he later was deemed to have an illness and did not return. Defensive backs Jaquan Brisker and Jaylon Johnson also were hobbled during the game.UP NEXTBears: Host the Denver Broncos next Sunday.Chiefs: Visit the New York Jets next Sunday night.

🏈 Patrick Mahomes throws 3 TD passes, Chiefs rout Bears

&nbsp; EMPORIA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State women's soccer team defeated the Emporia State Hornets on Sunday (Sept. 24) by a score of 3-1, avenging their 1-1 tie against the Hornets last week. The win brings the Tiger's record to 5-1-2, 1-0 in MIAA, while the Hornets fall to 1-4-3, 0-1 in MIAA. Fort Hays State had three different goal scorers in the conference opening victory.

The Tigers got off to a great start with a goal by Montserrat Diaz&nbsp;just over three minutes into the match. The goal was assisted by Reilly Madden. The first period scoring continued in the 26 minute after Sullivan Kelly&nbsp;took it herself for her second goal of the season, putting the Tigers in front with a commanding 2-0 lead.

Allison Worley&nbsp;added the third goal of the match for the Tigers just two minutes into the second period. The 3-0 deficit would serve to be too much for Emporia State to overcome.

The Hornets did not score until the 65th minute when Hannah Worley netted a goal off an assist from Angela Palmer. 

Fort Hays State outshot Emporia State 12-10 throughout the match with two more shots on goal than the Hornets. Both goalies recorded four saves.

The Tigers will return home Friday for their first home conference match against the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats with first kick at 7 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695591055129.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Montserrat Diaz (FHSU Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Montserrat Diaz (FHSU Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics&nbsp; EMPORIA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State women's soccer team defeated the Emporia State Hornets on Sunday (Sept. 24) by a score of 3-1, avenging their 1-1 tie against the Hornets last week. The win brings the Tiger's record to 5-1-2, 1-0 in MIAA, while the Hornets fall to 1-4-3, 0-1 in MIAA. Fort Hays State had three different goal scorers in the conference opening victory.The Tigers got off to a great start with a goal by Montserrat Diaz&nbsp;just over three minutes into the match. The goal was assisted by Reilly Madden. The first period scoring continued in the 26 minute after Sullivan Kelly&nbsp;took it herself for her second goal of the season, putting the Tigers in front with a commanding 2-0 lead.Allison Worley&nbsp;added the third goal of the match for the Tigers just two minutes into the second period. The 3-0 deficit would serve to be too much for Emporia State to overcome.The Hornets did not score until the 65th minute when Hannah Worley netted a goal off an assist from Angela Palmer. Fort Hays State outshot Emporia State 12-10 throughout the match with two more shots on goal than the Hornets. Both goalies recorded four saves.The Tigers will return home Friday for their first home conference match against the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats with first kick at 7 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Tiger women open MIAA play with win at Emporia State

By KRISTIE RIEKEN AP Sports Writer

HOUSTON (AP) — Nelson Velázquez hit two home runs and Salvador Perez and Matt Duffy also homered as the Kansas City Royals built a big lead early and held on for a 6-5 win over the slumping Houston Astros Sunday.

The victory completed a three-game sweep and left Houston two games behind the Texas Rangers and tied with the Seattle Mariners in the AL West. Texas and Seattle were playing each other Sunday afternoon.

Houston finished 39-42 at Minute Maid Park, its first losing record at home since 2014.

Kansas City (54-102) has won six straight games and 10 of 11. The Royals raced to a 6-2 lead after tagging rookie Hunter Brown (11-13) for all four homers in just three innings.

Yordan Alvarez hit a solo homer to cut the lead to one run in the fifth. But the defending World Series champions couldn’t do anything after that on a day they went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position and lost for the fifth time in six games.

Chas McCormick doubled with one out in the eighth inning, but Carlos Hernandez retired the next two batters to leave him stranded.

James McArthur gave up a single to Jose Altuve with one out in the ninth, but he retired Alex Bregman and Alvarez to end it and get his third save.

Steven Cruz opened the game for the Royals and allowed three hits and run in an inning before Alec Marsh (3-8) took over. He allowed three hits and four runs — three earned — with six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings for the win.

It’s the fifth win in a row for the 102-loss Royals, who took five of six from the Astros this season.

Altuve hit a leadoff single and moved to third on a one-out single by Alvarez. The Astros took a 1-0 lead when Altuve scored on a single by Jose Abreu with two outs.

The Royals tied it on a homer to right field by Velazquez to start the second. Nick Loftin singled before Duffy put Kansas City up 3-1 with his shot to the seats in left field with one out in the inning.

Yainer Diaz and Mauricio Dubón hit back-to-back singles with no outs in the second. Jeremy Peña moved them both over one with a sacrifice bunt. Houston cut the lead to 3-2 when Diaz scored on a groundout by Altuve.

Bobby Witt Jr. walked to open the third inning before Perez homered on a soaring shot that bounced off the wall in left field to make it 5-2. Five pitches later, Velazquez connected on his second home run of the game to push the lead to 6-2.

Marsh plunked Alvarez with not outs in the third before Kyle Tucker reached on catcher’s interference. Abreu walked to load the bases before Alvarez scored when McCormick grounded into a force out that left Abreu out at second.

The Astros cut the lead to two runs when Tucker scored on a groundout by Diaz before Dubón grounded out to end the inning.

Royals: Perez was activated from the injured list after sitting out since sustaining a mild concussion Sept. 16. … C Tyler Cropley was optioned to Triple-A Omaha to make room for him on the roster.

Astros: OF Michael Brantley missed a sixth straight game Sunday with right shoulder soreness. But he took batting practice on the field before the game and could return as soon as Monday.

Royals: Kansas City is off Monday before opening a three-game series at Detroit Tuesday night when RHP Zack Greinke (1-15, 5.37 ERA) opposes RHP Reese Olson (5-7, 4.13).

Astros: RHP Justin Verlander (11-8, 3.44) opposes Seattle RHP Luis Castillo (14-7, 3.06) in the opener of a three-game series against the Mariners Monday night.

By KRISTIE RIEKEN AP Sports WriterHOUSTON (AP) — Nelson Velázquez hit two home runs and Salvador Perez and Matt Duffy also homered as the Kansas City Royals built a big lead early and held on for a 6-5 win over the slumping Houston Astros Sunday.The victory completed a three-game sweep and left Houston two games behind the Texas Rangers and tied with the Seattle Mariners in the AL West. Texas and Seattle were playing each other Sunday afternoon.Houston finished 39-42 at Minute Maid Park, its first losing record at home since 2014.Kansas City (54-102) has won six straight games and 10 of 11. The Royals raced to a 6-2 lead after tagging rookie Hunter Brown (11-13) for all four homers in just three innings.Yordan Alvarez hit a solo homer to cut the lead to one run in the fifth. But the defending World Series champions couldn’t do anything after that on a day they went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position and lost for the fifth time in six games.Chas McCormick doubled with one out in the eighth inning, but Carlos Hernandez retired the next two batters to leave him stranded.James McArthur gave up a single to Jose Altuve with one out in the ninth, but he retired Alex Bregman and Alvarez to end it and get his third save.Steven Cruz opened the game for the Royals and allowed three hits and run in an inning before Alec Marsh (3-8) took over. He allowed three hits and four runs — three earned — with six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings for the win.It’s the fifth win in a row for the 102-loss Royals, who took five of six from the Astros this season.Altuve hit a leadoff single and moved to third on a one-out single by Alvarez. The Astros took a 1-0 lead when Altuve scored on a single by Jose Abreu with two outs.The Royals tied it on a homer to right field by Velazquez to start the second. Nick Loftin singled before Duffy put Kansas City up 3-1 with his shot to the seats in left field with one out in the inning.Yainer Diaz and Mauricio Dubón hit back-to-back singles with no outs in the second. Jeremy Peña moved them both over one with a sacrifice bunt. Houston cut the lead to 3-2 when Diaz scored on a groundout by Altuve.Bobby Witt Jr. walked to open the third inning before Perez homered on a soaring shot that bounced off the wall in left field to make it 5-2. Five pitches later, Velazquez connected on his second home run of the game to push the lead to 6-2.Marsh plunked Alvarez with not outs in the third before Kyle Tucker reached on catcher’s interference. Abreu walked to load the bases before Alvarez scored when McCormick grounded into a force out that left Abreu out at second.The Astros cut the lead to two runs when Tucker scored on a groundout by Diaz before Dubón grounded out to end the inning.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Perez was activated from the injured list after sitting out since sustaining a mild concussion Sept. 16. … C Tyler Cropley was optioned to Triple-A Omaha to make room for him on the roster.Astros: OF Michael Brantley missed a sixth straight game Sunday with right shoulder soreness. But he took batting practice on the field before the game and could return as soon as Monday.UP NEXTRoyals: Kansas City is off Monday before opening a three-game series at Detroit Tuesday night when RHP Zack Greinke (1-15, 5.37 ERA) opposes RHP Reese Olson (5-7, 4.13).Astros: RHP Justin Verlander (11-8, 3.44) opposes Seattle RHP Luis Castillo (14-7, 3.06) in the opener of a three-game series against the Mariners Monday night.

⚾ Royals hit 4 homers, beat slumping Astros for sweep

By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins scored the most points in a game by an NFL team since 1966, overwhelming the Denver Broncos 70-20 on Sunday behind rookie speedster De’Von Achane's 203 yards rushing and Tua Tagovailoa's&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1706002674574102813?s=20">no-look shovel-pass</a>&nbsp;TD.

The Dolphins set a franchise record for scoring and finished two points shy of the NFL’s regular-season record — set in 1966 when Washington scored 72 points against the Giants. They are the fourth team in NFL history to score at least 70 points in a regular-season or playoff game.

Many of their starters, including Tagovailoa and star receiver Tyreek Hill, were pulled from the game early in the fourth quarter.

Achane caught a 10-yard TD pass from Tagovailoa — the quarterback's fourth TD — in the fourth, and Jason Sanders converted the extra point that made it 56-13 and broke Miami's franchise scoring record of 55 set against St. Louis on Nov. 24, 1977.

By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports WriterMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins scored the most points in a game by an NFL team since 1966, overwhelming the Denver Broncos 70-20 on Sunday behind rookie speedster De’Von Achane's 203 yards rushing and Tua Tagovailoa's&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1706002674574102813?s=20">no-look shovel-pass</a>&nbsp;TD.The Dolphins set a franchise record for scoring and finished two points shy of the NFL’s regular-season record — set in 1966 when Washington scored 72 points against the Giants. They are the fourth team in NFL history to score at least 70 points in a regular-season or playoff game.Many of their starters, including Tagovailoa and star receiver Tyreek Hill, were pulled from the game early in the fourth quarter.Achane caught a 10-yard TD pass from Tagovailoa — the quarterback's fourth TD — in the fourth, and Jason Sanders converted the extra point that made it 56-13 and broke Miami's franchise scoring record of 55 set against St. Louis on Nov. 24, 1977.Hill caught a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1705992180291215537?s=20">54-yard touchdown pass</a>&nbsp;on Miami’s opening drive en route to 157 yards receiving on nine catches.Miami scored touchdowns on eight of nine drives before Mike White replaced Tagovailoa in the fourth. Raheem Mostert had his second straight multiple-touchdown game with three rushing TDs and a TD catch.Tagovailoa found a wide-open Hill on the Dolphins’ third play of the game for the duo’s fourth touchdown connection of the season. Hill had 9.7 yards of separation from the nearest Broncos defender when the pass arrived, according to NFL NextGen stats.Tagovailoa, the NFL’s leading passer, looked to his left then flipped a 4-yard pass to Achane, which gave Miami a 21-7 lead in the second. Tagovailoa completed each of his first 17 pass attempts.His first incompletion came with 9:44 left in the third when he slightly underthrew Hill. He finished one completion shy of Miami’s franchise record, which was set by Ryan Tannehill in 2015 when he completed 18 consecutive passes over a two-game span.Achane averaged 11.3 yards per carry and had an electric 67-yard touchdown run in the fourth that capped Miami’s scoring at 70. He also had a physical 8-yard rushing TD in the first that made it 14-0.Denver’s defense, down starting safety Justin Simmons (hip) and linebacker Frank Clark (hip), got a rare stop with 4:52 left in the first half when the Dolphins could not convert on fourth-and-1 at their 34, but the Broncos punted on the ensuing drive.Russell Wilson started a season 0-3 for the first time in his career as Denver simply could not keep pace with Miami’s scoring.Wilson was 23 of 38 with 306 yards and an interception. He had a 12-yard TD pass to Courtland Sutton on Denver’s second possession. It was the second TD catch of the season for Sutton, who led Denver with 91 yards on eight catches Sunday.Sutton had two fumbles, both of which were knocked out by Dolphins safety Jevon Holland. The first led to a 3-yard run by Mostert that made it 35-10 just before halftime. The second resulted in Mostert’s 19-yard TD catch in the third.Only one coach in Broncos history started out worse than first-year coach Sean Payton has at 0-3, and that’s Miami’s defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who lost his first four games as Denver’s head coach in 2019.Will Lutz had kicks of 31 and 25 yards for Denver, and rookie Marvin Mims Jr. returned a kickoff 99 yards for a score in the fourth.Robbie Chosen, who was activated from the practice squad, caught a 68-yard TD pass from White.NO WADDLE, NO PROBLEMReceiver Jaylen Waddle missed the first game of his career while in the concussion protocol after a helmet-to-helmet hit last week. Waddle has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, but without him, Miami’s offense recorded 726 total yards of offense.INJURIESBroncos: LB Jesey Jewell, Denver’s leading tackler, left in the first half with a groin injury and did not return.Dolphins: WR River Cracraft injured his shoulder in the second quarter and was ruled out. ... Jaelan Philips left just before halftime with an oblique injury. ... Williams left in the third quarter with a groin injury.UP NEXTBroncos: At Chicago on Oct. 1.