By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones decided to deactivate his social media accounts this week after the effort by the Kansas City Chiefs' star pass rusher was called into question in the final seconds of last week's loss in Jacksonville.

The Chiefs had just driven 86 yards to take the lead when Trevor Lawrence led the Jaguars back downfield. They got help from a pass interference call in the end zone that set up first-and-goal with 23 seconds left — but with no timeouts left. Lawrence took a snap from center and got his foot stepped on by his right guard, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Jones appeared to be playing the pass and stood up on the play. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville quarterback scrambled to his feet and into the end zone, all while Jones stood watching, giving the Jaguars a 31-28 victory Monday night.

“You can't think that the guy is down. You can't think that,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday. “You have to play the play. He knows. He's been around this a long time. That's really what it came down to.”

Jones said after the game that “I thought multiple times we had him.”

“We’ve just got to finish,” he continued. “We’ve got to finish. Multiple guys there that we’ve just got to finish that play. It was a fluke play for him to be able to break that many tackles. Yeah, I put it on us as a defense. We’ve got to finish.”

That play was not the first time that Jones, who has been to six consecutive Pro Bowls, has been criticized this season.

In the Chiefs' season opener against the Chargers in Brazil, Patrick Mahomes &amp; Co. had got them to within 27-21 with 2 1/2 minutes remaining, leaving it up to their defense to get the ball back. They sacked Justin Herbert for a big loss on second down, setting up third-and-14 at the Los Angeles 34 — and potentially good field position with a stop.

But on the ensuing pass play, Jones ducked inside the offensive tackle and lost containment, allowing Herbert to scoot around the right side. His 19-yard gain gave the Chargers a first down, and they were able to run out the clock from there.

“A lot of guys are harping on the play,” Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton said of the Jaguars' go-ahead score on Monday night, “but you have to keep your eyes where they're supposed to be. Guys are just trying to play fast and make a play. I'm not harping too much on what the outside people are saying. Everybody is doing their job to the best of their ability.”

Jones has struggled to make much of an impact this season, though, thanks in part to countless double and triple teams. He has just seven tackles and one sack through the first five games, and six sacks total in his last 20 regular-season contests.

That's not exactly the kind of production the Chiefs envisioned when they signed him to a five-year, $158.75 million contract in March 2024, a deal that included $95 million guaranteed and made him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs are preparing to face the streaking Lions on Sunday night as they try to avoid a 2-4 start to the season.

“We're going to continue to bounce back,” Jones said Monday night. “We’ve got a quick week, quick turnover for the week coming up. I think this group will bounce back. I think we’re going to fix the errors that we can control, the penalties. Once we eliminate the penalties and play disciplined football, I think we’ll put ourselves in good position to win.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760013395520.jpeg" alt="Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) gets past Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) as he runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)" />
 <figcaption>Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) gets past Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) as he runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones decided to deactivate his social media accounts this week after the effort by the Kansas City Chiefs' star pass rusher was called into question in the final seconds of last week's loss in Jacksonville.The Chiefs had just driven 86 yards to take the lead when Trevor Lawrence led the Jaguars back downfield. They got help from a pass interference call in the end zone that set up first-and-goal with 23 seconds left — but with no timeouts left. Lawrence took a snap from center and got his foot stepped on by his right guard, sending him sprawling to the ground.Jones appeared to be playing the pass and stood up on the play. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville quarterback scrambled to his feet and into the end zone, all while Jones stood watching, giving the Jaguars a 31-28 victory Monday night.“You can't think that the guy is down. You can't think that,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday. “You have to play the play. He knows. He's been around this a long time. That's really what it came down to.”Jones said after the game that “I thought multiple times we had him.”“We’ve just got to finish,” he continued. “We’ve got to finish. Multiple guys there that we’ve just got to finish that play. It was a fluke play for him to be able to break that many tackles. Yeah, I put it on us as a defense. We’ve got to finish.”That play was not the first time that Jones, who has been to six consecutive Pro Bowls, has been criticized this season.In the Chiefs' season opener against the Chargers in Brazil, Patrick Mahomes &amp; Co. had got them to within 27-21 with 2 1/2 minutes remaining, leaving it up to their defense to get the ball back. They sacked Justin Herbert for a big loss on second down, setting up third-and-14 at the Los Angeles 34 — and potentially good field position with a stop.But on the ensuing pass play, Jones ducked inside the offensive tackle and lost containment, allowing Herbert to scoot around the right side. His 19-yard gain gave the Chargers a first down, and they were able to run out the clock from there.“A lot of guys are harping on the play,” Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton said of the Jaguars' go-ahead score on Monday night, “but you have to keep your eyes where they're supposed to be. Guys are just trying to play fast and make a play. I'm not harping too much on what the outside people are saying. Everybody is doing their job to the best of their ability.”Jones has struggled to make much of an impact this season, though, thanks in part to countless double and triple teams. He has just seven tackles and one sack through the first five games, and six sacks total in his last 20 regular-season contests.That's not exactly the kind of production the Chiefs envisioned when they signed him to a five-year, $158.75 million contract in March 2024, a deal that included $95 million guaranteed and made him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.Meanwhile, the Chiefs are preparing to face the streaking Lions on Sunday night as they try to avoid a 2-4 start to the season.“We're going to continue to bounce back,” Jones said Monday night. “We’ve got a quick week, quick turnover for the week coming up. I think this group will bounce back. I think we’re going to fix the errors that we can control, the penalties. Once we eliminate the penalties and play disciplined football, I think we’ll put ourselves in good position to win.”

🏈 Chiefs' Chris Jones deactivates social media after costly mistake in loss to Jaguars

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

Wednesday, October 8
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pm

Thursday, October 9
 none

Friday, October 10
 KKQY: Trego FB at
Ness City, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Hays High FB at Dodge City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Oakley, 6:30pm

Saturday, October 11
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Texas Tech, 5:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Oklahoma, 6:00pm

Sunday, October 12
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Detroit Lions, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Wednesday, October 8
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, October 9
 noneFriday, October 10
 KKQY: Trego FB at
Ness City, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Hays High FB at Dodge City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Oakley, 6:30pmSaturday, October 11
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Texas Tech, 5:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Oklahoma, 6:00pmSunday, October 12
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Detroit Lions, 6:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

Fort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, line backer Jack Hileman and running back Josh Clark spoke to the media Tuesday before the Tigers host Central Oklahoma on Saturday.

Hays Post SportsFort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, line backer Jack Hileman and running back Josh Clark spoke to the media Tuesday before the Tigers host Central Oklahoma on Saturday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J1Y-ELoLl0k?si=pZTrJxMoQ5Q396DO" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈📹 Chris Brown: "We just haven’t played really, really good football, yet." | Tiger Press Conference 10-07-25

HAYS - The Hays High volleyball team sent their seniors out on a winning note. The Indians picked up a pair of sweeps in their final regular season matches at their new gym Tuesday with wins over&nbsp;Garden City and Phillipsburg.

HHS def. Garden City 29-27, 25-23 HHS def. Phillipsburg 25-21, 25-22

Hays improved to 20-9 overall. They travel to Junction City for a triangular on Thursday, October 16 then will be in Great Bend for the Western Athletic Conference Tournament on Saturday, October 18.

Hays Post SportsHAYS - The Hays High volleyball team sent their seniors out on a winning note. The Indians picked up a pair of sweeps in their final regular season matches at their new gym Tuesday with wins over&nbsp;Garden City and Phillipsburg.HHS def. Garden City 29-27, 25-23 HHS def. Phillipsburg 25-21, 25-22Hays improved to 20-9 overall. They travel to Junction City for a triangular on Thursday, October 16 then will be in Great Bend for the Western Athletic Conference Tournament on Saturday, October 18.

🏐 HHS picks up a pair of wins on Senior Night

HAYS - The High High girls' golf team finished second at Tuesday's Great Bend Invitational held at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.

The Indians shot a 409, 69 strokes back of first place Garden City.

HHS was led by Ave Erbert who shot a 97 and finished in fifth place. Kinley Pfannenstiel placed sixth with a 99 and Brooklyn Koerner was seventh with a 102.

Garden City's Ailynn Anderson was the top medalist with a 78.

The Indians close out the regular season at Garden City on Thursday.

Hays High Results 5. Ava Erbert - 97 6. Kinley Pfannenstiel -99 7. Brooklynn Koerner - 102 14. Giana Schumacher - 111 16.&nbsp;Elsa Brungardt - 117

Team Results Place:		School:		Score: 1.			Garden City		340 2.			Hays High		409 3.			Dodge City		444 4.			Great Bend		476 5.			Liberal		491

Top 10 Medalists Place:		Name:				School:		Score: 1.			Ailynn Anderson			Garden City		78 2.			Brooke Savolt			Garden City		83 3.			Breckyn Lucas			Garden City		84 4.			Megan Burr				Garden City		95 5.			Ava Erbert				Hays 97 6.			Kinley Pfannenstiel		Hays 99 7.			Brooklynn Koerner		Hays 102 8.			Kylee Miessler			Great Bend		102 9.			Breckyn Putnam			Dodge City		102 10.			Adimaris Lopez			Liberal		107

Hays Post SportsHAYS - The High High girls' golf team finished second at Tuesday's Great Bend Invitational held at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.The Indians shot a 409, 69 strokes back of first place Garden City.HHS was led by Ave Erbert who shot a 97 and finished in fifth place. Kinley Pfannenstiel placed sixth with a 99 and Brooklyn Koerner was seventh with a 102.Garden City's Ailynn Anderson was the top medalist with a 78.Up nextThe Indians close out the regular season at Garden City on Thursday.Hays High Results 5. Ava Erbert - 97 6. Kinley Pfannenstiel -99 7. Brooklynn Koerner - 102 14. Giana Schumacher - 111 16.&nbsp;Elsa Brungardt - 117Team Results Place:		School:		Score: 1.			Garden City		340 2.			Hays High		409 3.			Dodge City		444 4.			Great Bend		476 5.			Liberal		491		Top 10 Medalists Place:		Name:				School:		Score: 1.			Ailynn Anderson			Garden City		78 2.			Brooke Savolt			Garden City		83 3.			Breckyn Lucas			Garden City		84 4.			Megan Burr				Garden City		95 5.			Ava Erbert				Hays 97 6.			Kinley Pfannenstiel		Hays 99 7.			Brooklynn Koerner		Hays 102 8.			Kylee Miessler			Great Bend		102 9.			Breckyn Putnam			Dodge City		102 10.			Adimaris Lopez			Liberal		107

⛳ HHS girls runner-up at Great Bend Invite

EDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed 12th at the Skip Wagnon Invitational, hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma October 6-7. Cooper Scheck led the Tigers tying for 11th place individually at 3-under par overall.

Three Tigers produced under par rounds during the tournament. Scheck's 4-under par 66 in the opening round was the best for the tournament by a Tiger, while Chutithep Rungpajchim and Jordan McCaslin each had 1-under par rounds of 69 as their best rounds.

Scheck posted rounds of 66, 71, and 70 to finish at 3-under overall. He had 10 birdies throughout the tournament, including five in the first round. Rungpajchim shot 69 to open the tournament and then back-to-back rounds of 74. He posted eight birdies throughout the tournament and finished at 7-over par overall and a tie for 50th individually.

Jordan McCaslin tied for 64th individually after rounds of 72, 69, and 78, carding seven birdies throughout the tournament. He had five during his 1-under par second round and finished at 9-over par for the tournament. Colby Hays tied for 79th with rounds of 74, 71, and 77. He had five birdies and an eagle on a par four, shooting 12-over par overall. Grant McAtee shot rounds of 76, 73, and 75 and had four birdies in the tournament, finishing at 14-over par and a tie for 87th.

The Tigers shot 21-over par as a team overall. The Tigers opened with a 1-over par 281, followed by 284 and then 296.

St. Mary's (Texas) and Central Oklahoma ran away from the field. The Rattlers finished at 34-under par as a team to win the tournament, shooting -11, -16, and -7, while UCO finished at 30-under par with rounds of -10, -12, and -8. St. Mary's had the top two finishers, both in double digits under par. Kongpop Kaikaew won the tournament at 13-under par overall, while Guillaume Paquette shot 11-under par. Both shot 7-under par in the second round.

Fort Hays State heads to the MSSU Invitational at Shangri-La Golf Club and Resort in Monkey Island, Okla. for its next tournament, October 20-21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759918918553.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed 12th at the Skip Wagnon Invitational, hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma October 6-7. Cooper Scheck led the Tigers tying for 11th place individually at 3-under par overall.Three Tigers produced under par rounds during the tournament. Scheck's 4-under par 66 in the opening round was the best for the tournament by a Tiger, while Chutithep Rungpajchim and Jordan McCaslin each had 1-under par rounds of 69 as their best rounds.Scheck posted rounds of 66, 71, and 70 to finish at 3-under overall. He had 10 birdies throughout the tournament, including five in the first round. Rungpajchim shot 69 to open the tournament and then back-to-back rounds of 74. He posted eight birdies throughout the tournament and finished at 7-over par overall and a tie for 50th individually.Jordan McCaslin tied for 64th individually after rounds of 72, 69, and 78, carding seven birdies throughout the tournament. He had five during his 1-under par second round and finished at 9-over par for the tournament. Colby Hays tied for 79th with rounds of 74, 71, and 77. He had five birdies and an eagle on a par four, shooting 12-over par overall. Grant McAtee shot rounds of 76, 73, and 75 and had four birdies in the tournament, finishing at 14-over par and a tie for 87th.The Tigers shot 21-over par as a team overall. The Tigers opened with a 1-over par 281, followed by 284 and then 296.St. Mary's (Texas) and Central Oklahoma ran away from the field. The Rattlers finished at 34-under par as a team to win the tournament, shooting -11, -16, and -7, while UCO finished at 30-under par with rounds of -10, -12, and -8. St. Mary's had the top two finishers, both in double digits under par. Kongpop Kaikaew won the tournament at 13-under par overall, while Guillaume Paquette shot 11-under par. Both shot 7-under par in the second round.Fort Hays State heads to the MSSU Invitational at Shangri-La Golf Club and Resort in Monkey Island, Okla. for its next tournament, October 20-21.

⛳ Tiger men finish 12th at Skip Wagnon Invitational

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State moved up six spots in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll on Tuesday. The Tigers are ranked No. 7 in the nation, their highest ranking in the national poll since 2022 when they held the same ranking in the preseason poll. It is the sixth season in the program's highly successful 15-year history the Tigers have been in the top 10 of the national poll. The Tigers are 7-0-2 overall for the season and 3-0 in GAC play so far.

The top eight teams in the latest national poll are still unbeaten for the season. In fact, 14 of the teams listed in the top 25 have yet to take a loss this season.

Fort Hays State is now the highest ranked team from the Great American Conference after wins over Rogers State and Southern Nazarene last week. Rogers State (7-1-2) held the No. 8 ranking last week, but slipped to No. 15 after FHSU handed the Hillcats their first loss of the season last week. Newman and Southern Nazarene continue to receive votes in the poll.

Fort Hays State plays host to Harding and Ouachita Baptist this week in Hays on Thursday and Saturday (Oct. 9 &amp; 11).

United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll (October 7, 2025) Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1	Lynn University	1	7-0-1 2	Southern New Hampshire University	3	7-0-2 3	California State University Stanislaus	2	7-0-1 4	University of Charleston	5	7-0-3 5	Young Harris College	9	8-0-1 6	Anderson University (S.C.)	4	5-0-3 7	Fort Hays State University	13	7-0-2 8	Palm Beach Atlantic University	19	7-0-1 9	Fort Lewis College	15	4-1-3 10	Cedarville University	10	6-0-3 11	Colorado State University-Pueblo	7	4-0-6 12	Seattle Pacific University	17	6-1-2 13	Post University	14	4-0-4 14	Florida Tech	22	4-0-4 15	Rogers State University	8	7-1-2 16	Cal Poly Pomona	11	5-1-3 17	Saginaw Valley State University	20	5-0-3 18	University of Tampa	6	5-1-3 19	Bloomsburg University	RV	4-0-3 20	Lincoln University (Mo.)	12	6-0-2 21	University of West Florida	NR	6-1-2 22	Midwestern State University	18	5-2-3 22	University of North Georgia	RV	4-3-4 23	Wilmington University	NR	5-1-3 24	California State University-San Bernardino	NR	5-1-3 25	Nova Southeastern University	16	4-1-1

Receiving Votes: University of North Georgia, Concord University, University of Indianapolis, Lander University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Newman University, California State University-Los Angeles, Metropolitan State University of Denver, California State University-Dominguez Hills, Southern Nazarene University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759918527256.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State moved up six spots in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll on Tuesday. The Tigers are ranked No. 7 in the nation, their highest ranking in the national poll since 2022 when they held the same ranking in the preseason poll. It is the sixth season in the program's highly successful 15-year history the Tigers have been in the top 10 of the national poll. The Tigers are 7-0-2 overall for the season and 3-0 in GAC play so far.The top eight teams in the latest national poll are still unbeaten for the season. In fact, 14 of the teams listed in the top 25 have yet to take a loss this season.Fort Hays State is now the highest ranked team from the Great American Conference after wins over Rogers State and Southern Nazarene last week. Rogers State (7-1-2) held the No. 8 ranking last week, but slipped to No. 15 after FHSU handed the Hillcats their first loss of the season last week. Newman and Southern Nazarene continue to receive votes in the poll.Fort Hays State plays host to Harding and Ouachita Baptist this week in Hays on Thursday and Saturday (Oct. 9 &amp; 11).United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll (October 7, 2025) Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1	Lynn University	1	7-0-1 2	Southern New Hampshire University	3	7-0-2 3	California State University Stanislaus	2	7-0-1 4	University of Charleston	5	7-0-3 5	Young Harris College	9	8-0-1 6	Anderson University (S.C.)	4	5-0-3 7	Fort Hays State University	13	7-0-2 8	Palm Beach Atlantic University	19	7-0-1 9	Fort Lewis College	15	4-1-3 10	Cedarville University	10	6-0-3 11	Colorado State University-Pueblo	7	4-0-6 12	Seattle Pacific University	17	6-1-2 13	Post University	14	4-0-4 14	Florida Tech	22	4-0-4 15	Rogers State University	8	7-1-2 16	Cal Poly Pomona	11	5-1-3 17	Saginaw Valley State University	20	5-0-3 18	University of Tampa	6	5-1-3 19	Bloomsburg University	RV	4-0-3 20	Lincoln University (Mo.)	12	6-0-2 21	University of West Florida	NR	6-1-2 22	Midwestern State University	18	5-2-3 22	University of North Georgia	RV	4-3-4 23	Wilmington University	NR	5-1-3 24	California State University-San Bernardino	NR	5-1-3 25	Nova Southeastern University	16	4-1-1Receiving Votes: University of North Georgia, Concord University, University of Indianapolis, Lander University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Newman University, California State University-Los Angeles, Metropolitan State University of Denver, California State University-Dominguez Hills, Southern Nazarene University.

⚽ FHSU men jumps to No. 7 in United Soccer Coaches top 25 poll

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Elias Ovelar Semeniuk and Dimitry Tchantcheu were honored as two of the three GAC Players of the Week, released by the conference office on Tuesday. Ovelar Semeniuk was named Offensive Player of the Week, while Tchantcheu earned Defender of the Week for a second time this year.

Ovelar Semeniuk produced a seven-point week with three goals and an assist, helping No. 13 ranked Fort Hays State to wins over No. 8 Rogers State and (RV) Southern Nazarene on the road. He had the game-winning goals in both matches. In the 4-0 shutout of Rogers State, he headed in a corner kick to put the Tigers up 1-0 in the 34th minute, then made it 2-0 Tigers in the 52nd minute by beating the keeper in a 1-on-1 situation. In the contest with Southern Nazarene, he provided an assist on the equalizing goal for FHSU in the 33rd minute and then buried a penalty kick opportunity in the 43rd minute, which turned out to be the game winner in a 2-1 contest.

Tchantcheu played 174 of a possible 180 minutes for the week, helping Fort Hays State limit the opposition to just nine shots per match. The Tigers limited No. 8 ranked Rogers State to 10 shots and Southern Nazarene to just eight shots. The only goal surrendered by the Tigers for the week was a penalty kick goal. The shutout of Rogers State was Fort Hays State's sixth shutout of the season in nine total matches.

Ovelar Semeniuk and Tchantcheu joined Cameron McCulloch of Northeastern State (Goalkeeper of the Week) as the weekly honorees from the GAC office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759852971493.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsRUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Elias Ovelar Semeniuk and Dimitry Tchantcheu were honored as two of the three GAC Players of the Week, released by the conference office on Tuesday. Ovelar Semeniuk was named Offensive Player of the Week, while Tchantcheu earned Defender of the Week for a second time this year.Ovelar Semeniuk produced a seven-point week with three goals and an assist, helping No. 13 ranked Fort Hays State to wins over No. 8 Rogers State and (RV) Southern Nazarene on the road. He had the game-winning goals in both matches. In the 4-0 shutout of Rogers State, he headed in a corner kick to put the Tigers up 1-0 in the 34th minute, then made it 2-0 Tigers in the 52nd minute by beating the keeper in a 1-on-1 situation. In the contest with Southern Nazarene, he provided an assist on the equalizing goal for FHSU in the 33rd minute and then buried a penalty kick opportunity in the 43rd minute, which turned out to be the game winner in a 2-1 contest.Tchantcheu played 174 of a possible 180 minutes for the week, helping Fort Hays State limit the opposition to just nine shots per match. The Tigers limited No. 8 ranked Rogers State to 10 shots and Southern Nazarene to just eight shots. The only goal surrendered by the Tigers for the week was a penalty kick goal. The shutout of Rogers State was Fort Hays State's sixth shutout of the season in nine total matches.Ovelar Semeniuk and Tchantcheu joined Cameron McCulloch of Northeastern State (Goalkeeper of the Week) as the weekly honorees from the GAC office.

⚽ Ovelar Semeniuk and Tchantcheu earn GAC Player of the Week honors

Tuesday, October 7
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Tuesday, October 7
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6:00pmWednesday, October 8
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, October 9
 noneFriday, October 10
 KKQY: Trego FB at
Ness City, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Hays High FB at Dodge City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Oakley, 6:30pmSaturday, October 11
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Texas Tech, 5:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Oklahoma, 6:00pmSunday, October 12
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Detroit Lions, 6:00pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence tripped and fell to the ground, stumbled trying to get up, finally got back on his feet and then&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1975398203173577216">scrambled for a 1-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;with 23 seconds remaining — turning a comical miscue into an improbable score — and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat Kansas City 31-28 on Monday night.

“What a crazy, crazy finish,” said Lawrence, who was serenaded by teammates in the locker room to celebrate his 26th birthday.

The chaos ended with the Jaguars (4-1) snapping an eight-game losing streak to the Chiefs (2-3) and matching their win total from last season.

Patrick Mahomes, who drove the Chiefs into position to take a 28-24 lead with 1:45 to play, had a final chance with 16 seconds remaining. But he failed to muster much of a threat, and his final throw was incomplete, setting off a raucous celebration for the home team.

“We like to make things very interesting,” Jaguars coach Liam Coen said. “But the resiliency is really what I think this team has."

Lawrence ran for two touchdowns on the night and also threw for a score, helping balance a performance that included two turnovers.

He was perfect when it mattered most for the Jaguars. Lawrence dropped a precision pass to Brian Thomas Jr. for a 33-yard gain on the go-ahead drive and then hit Dyami Brown for another big gain. Chamarri Conner was flagged for pass interference against Thomas on the next play, setting up Lawrence's trip and score.

Right guard Patrick Mekari stepped on Lawrence's right foot as he took the snap, and the quarterback fell several yards into the backfield. His first thought was “throw it away.” But when he got to his feet, he saw a lane and took it. He broke a tackle and somehow found the end zone.

“It's a goofy finish, but what a tough moment for him,” Coen said. “He wasn't going to lose.”

It helped that several defenders, including Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, stopped on the play.

“We’ve got to finish that play," Jones said. "It was a fluke play for him to be able to break that many tackles. I put it on us as a defense. We’ve got to finish. We’ve got to bring him down right there.”

Lawrence completed 18 of 25 passes for 221 yards. He also ran for a team-high 54 yards.

Mahomes accounted for two touchdowns, and Kareem Hunt ran for two more scores for Kansas City, which had won 23 straight when leading by at least 14 points. The Chiefs took an early 14-0 lead, thanks in part to a fumble by Lawrence at the goal line.

Jacksonville's comeback got a huge boost from linebacker Devin Lloyd, the AFC defensive player of the month for September. Lloyd&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1975383731272548625">returned an interception 99 yards</a>&nbsp;for a touchdown in the third quarter. It was the longest interception return in the regular season by a linebacker in NFL history.

Lloyd stepped in front of Mahomes' pass intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster at the goal line and took off the other way for his league-leading fifth takeaway.

He juked Mahomes and Hunt, then got up to full speed along the Jaguars’ sideline. He picked up a block from Josh Hines-Allen and then held the ball tight as Tyquan Thornton tried to knock it loose at the 5-yard line.

“It's a big win," Lawrence said. "Obviously it's a good team. They've been a good team for a long time. They're hard to beat, they really are. ... At the end of the game, they're always in it and they always seem to make the plays.

“So it was cool for us to go take it and have to win it at the end, put together a good drive. And showing up a big stage does say something.”

Jaguars two-way standout Travis Hunter made two big-time plays, including the fourth-longest reception by a rookie this season. Hunter&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1975379665461387389">hauled in a 44-yarder</a>&nbsp;in the third quarter — and it was no easy catch.

The Heisman Trophy winner jumped and reached over Conner to snare the ball and then held on despite getting his legs wiped out by Bryan Cook. The Jaguars scored four plays later to tie the game at 14-all.

His catch-and-run in the second quarter was nearly as good. He took a short pass in the left flat and juked two defenders en route to a 12-yard gain.

Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy hobbled off the field in the third quarter after appearing to tweak an ankle but returned a few plays later. Worthy had been listed as questionable because he got off the team flight with a swollen ankle. Chiefs rookie LT Josh Simmons played despite being added to the injury report shortly before kickoff with an illness.

Jaguars TE Brenton Strange left the game in the first half with left hip injury and did not return. Jacksonville played without DE Travon Walker, who had surgery last Monday to repair an injured left wrist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759831677702.jpeg" alt="Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)" />
 <figcaption>Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence tripped and fell to the ground, stumbled trying to get up, finally got back on his feet and then&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1975398203173577216">scrambled for a 1-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;with 23 seconds remaining — turning a comical miscue into an improbable score — and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat Kansas City 31-28 on Monday night.“What a crazy, crazy finish,” said Lawrence, who was serenaded by teammates in the locker room to celebrate his 26th birthday.The chaos ended with the Jaguars (4-1) snapping an eight-game losing streak to the Chiefs (2-3) and matching their win total from last season.Patrick Mahomes, who drove the Chiefs into position to take a 28-24 lead with 1:45 to play, had a final chance with 16 seconds remaining. But he failed to muster much of a threat, and his final throw was incomplete, setting off a raucous celebration for the home team.“We like to make things very interesting,” Jaguars coach Liam Coen said. “But the resiliency is really what I think this team has."Lawrence ran for two touchdowns on the night and also threw for a score, helping balance a performance that included two turnovers.He was perfect when it mattered most for the Jaguars. Lawrence dropped a precision pass to Brian Thomas Jr. for a 33-yard gain on the go-ahead drive and then hit Dyami Brown for another big gain. Chamarri Conner was flagged for pass interference against Thomas on the next play, setting up Lawrence's trip and score.Right guard Patrick Mekari stepped on Lawrence's right foot as he took the snap, and the quarterback fell several yards into the backfield. His first thought was “throw it away.” But when he got to his feet, he saw a lane and took it. He broke a tackle and somehow found the end zone.“It's a goofy finish, but what a tough moment for him,” Coen said. “He wasn't going to lose.”It helped that several defenders, including Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, stopped on the play.“We’ve got to finish that play," Jones said. "It was a fluke play for him to be able to break that many tackles. I put it on us as a defense. We’ve got to finish. We’ve got to bring him down right there.”Lawrence completed 18 of 25 passes for 221 yards. He also ran for a team-high 54 yards.Mahomes accounted for two touchdowns, and Kareem Hunt ran for two more scores for Kansas City, which had won 23 straight when leading by at least 14 points. The Chiefs took an early 14-0 lead, thanks in part to a fumble by Lawrence at the goal line.Jacksonville's comeback got a huge boost from linebacker Devin Lloyd, the AFC defensive player of the month for September. Lloyd&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1975383731272548625">returned an interception 99 yards</a>&nbsp;for a touchdown in the third quarter. It was the longest interception return in the regular season by a linebacker in NFL history.Lloyd stepped in front of Mahomes' pass intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster at the goal line and took off the other way for his league-leading fifth takeaway.He juked Mahomes and Hunt, then got up to full speed along the Jaguars’ sideline. He picked up a block from Josh Hines-Allen and then held the ball tight as Tyquan Thornton tried to knock it loose at the 5-yard line.“It's a big win," Lawrence said. "Obviously it's a good team. They've been a good team for a long time. They're hard to beat, they really are. ... At the end of the game, they're always in it and they always seem to make the plays.“So it was cool for us to go take it and have to win it at the end, put together a good drive. And showing up a big stage does say something.”<h2>Travis Hunter makes a rookie splash</h2>Jaguars two-way standout Travis Hunter made two big-time plays, including the fourth-longest reception by a rookie this season. Hunter&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1975379665461387389">hauled in a 44-yarder</a>&nbsp;in the third quarter — and it was no easy catch.The Heisman Trophy winner jumped and reached over Conner to snare the ball and then held on despite getting his legs wiped out by Bryan Cook. The Jaguars scored four plays later to tie the game at 14-all.His catch-and-run in the second quarter was nearly as good. He took a short pass in the left flat and juked two defenders en route to a 12-yard gain.<h2>Key injuries</h2>Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy hobbled off the field in the third quarter after appearing to tweak an ankle but returned a few plays later. Worthy had been listed as questionable because he got off the team flight with a swollen ankle. Chiefs rookie LT Josh Simmons played despite being added to the injury report shortly before kickoff with an illness.Jaguars TE Brenton Strange left the game in the first half with left hip injury and did not return. Jacksonville played without DE Travon Walker, who had surgery last Monday to repair an injured left wrist.<h2>Up next</h2>The Chiefs host Detroit on Sunday night.The Jaguars host Seattle on Sunday.

 🏈 Trevor Lawrence's wild run lifts the Jaguars over the Chiefs

🎥🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

LIBERAL - The Hays High girls tennis team was the Western Athletic Conference Tournament Monday.

The No. 1 Doubles team of Mya Ploutz and Emersyn Sander were the lone medalists with a third place finish. Dakota Maier finished fourth in No. 2 Singles, Delia Dixon placed fifth at No. 1 Singles and the No. 2 Doubles team of Jadyn Younger and Brynn Sweifel finished fifth.

#1 Singles: Delia Dixon- 5th #2 Singles: Dakota Maier- 4th #1 Doubles: Mya Ploutz/ Emersyn Sander- 3rd (medal) #2 Doubles: Jadyn Younger/ Brynn Zweifel- 5th

Hays Post SportsLIBERAL - The Hays High girls tennis team was the Western Athletic Conference Tournament Monday.The No. 1 Doubles team of Mya Ploutz and Emersyn Sander were the lone medalists with a third place finish. Dakota Maier finished fourth in No. 2 Singles, Delia Dixon placed fifth at No. 1 Singles and the No. 2 Doubles team of Jadyn Younger and Brynn Sweifel finished fifth.#1 Singles: Delia Dixon- 5th #2 Singles: Dakota Maier- 4th #1 Doubles: Mya Ploutz/ Emersyn Sander- 3rd (medal) #2 Doubles: Jadyn Younger/ Brynn Zweifel- 5th

🎾 Ploutz/Sander lead HHS girls at WAC Tournament

Fort Hays State Football moved up one spot in the latest D2Football.com Top 25 Poll released on Monday, October 6. The Tigers are back at No. 20 in the poll, a ranking they have held twice before this season.

Fort Hays State is now 4-2 overall and 3-1 in the MIAA after a 28-21 win over Missouri Southern last week. The Tigers join Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri State in this week's D2Football.com Top 25. Pittsburg State moved up to No. 7 in the poll, while Northwest Missouri State moved up to No. 18. Pittsburg State, like FHSU, is 4-2 overall on the season, while NWMSU is 4-1 overall.

Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri State are among the Top 25 of the latest AFCA Poll. PSU is ranked No. 15 this week, while NWMSU is No. 22. Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney are among the receiving votes section of the poll. Fort Hays State is the third-highest receiving votes team, receiving 14 voting points.

Fort Hays State plays host to Central Oklahoma (2-3, 2-2 MIAA) this Saturday (Oct. 11). Central Oklahoma started the year ranked No. 5 in the AFCA poll and No. 3 in the D2Football.com Poll, but has since fell out of both. However, UCO lost to a UT Permian Basin team that is now in the top-10 of both polls, lost to a Northwest Missouri State team that is now in the top-25 of both polls, and lost by one point to 3-2 Central Missouri last week. The Bronchos did hand top-25 Pittsburg State a loss earlier this year.

Below are the Division II Top 25 Polls for Monday, October 6, 2025.

D2Football.com Top 25 Poll - October 6, 2025 Rank	Team	Record	Prev 1	Ferris State	5-0	1 2	Harding	5-0	2 3	Kutztown	5-0	3 4	UT Permian Basin	5-0	7 5	West Florida	5-0	4 6	Western Colorado	5-0	5 7	Pittsburg State	4-2	8 8	Minnesota Duluth	6-0	9 9	Minnesota State	5-1	10 10	Angelo State	4-1	6 11	CSU Pueblo	5-1	12 12	Augustana	6-0	13 13	Grand Valley State	3-1	14 14	West Alabama	6-0	15 15	Central Washington	4-1	17 16	Indianapolis	4-1	18 17	Virginia Union	4-1	19 18	Northwest Missouri State	4-1	20 19	California	4-1	11 20	Fort Hays State	4-2	21 21	Findlay	5-0	23 22	UNC Pembroke	5-1	24 23	Ashland	4-1	25 24	Emory &amp; Henry	5-1	NR 25	Delta State	5-1	NR

AFCA Top 25 Poll - October 6, 2025 Rank	Team	Record	Pts	Prev 1	Ferris St. (31)	5-0	775	1 2	Harding	5-0	744	2 3	West Florida	5-0	702	3 4	Kutztown	5-0	684	4 5	Western Colorado	5-0	615	7 6	UT Permian Basin	5-0	608	9 7	Augustana (S.D.)	6-0	580	8 8	Grand Valley St.	3-1	527	10 9	West Alabama	5-0	505	11 10	Minnesota-Duluth	6-0	492	13 11	Colorado St.-Pueblo	5-1	454	12 12	Angelo St.	4-1	424	5 13	Central Washington	4-1	391	16 14	Minnesota St.	5-1	363	15 15	Pittsburg St.	4-2	338	17 16	California (Pa.)	4-1	283	6 17	Virginia Union	4-1	270	18 18	UIndy	5-1	258	19 19	Findlay	5-0	226	21 20	Delta St.	5-1	218	20 21	Frostburg St.	5-0	162	23 22	Northwest Missouri St.	4-1	127	24 23	UNC Pembroke	5-1	110	25 24t.	Ashland	4-1	37	NR 24t.	Johnson C. Smith	5-1	37	NR| 24t.	Slippery Rock	3-2	37	14

Receiving Votes: Benedict, 23; Indiana (Pa.), 15; Fort Hays St., 14; Southern Arkansas, 14; Charleston, 9; Catawba, 8; Emory &amp; Henry, 8; Nebraska-Kearney, 4; Chadron&nbsp;St., 3; Henderson St., 3; Upper Iowa, 3; Albany St., 2; Carson-Newman, 1; Edward

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759786861343.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State Football moved up one spot in the latest D2Football.com Top 25 Poll released on Monday, October 6. The Tigers are back at No. 20 in the poll, a ranking they have held twice before this season.Fort Hays State is now 4-2 overall and 3-1 in the MIAA after a 28-21 win over Missouri Southern last week. The Tigers join Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri State in this week's D2Football.com Top 25. Pittsburg State moved up to No. 7 in the poll, while Northwest Missouri State moved up to No. 18. Pittsburg State, like FHSU, is 4-2 overall on the season, while NWMSU is 4-1 overall.Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri State are among the Top 25 of the latest AFCA Poll. PSU is ranked No. 15 this week, while NWMSU is No. 22. Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney are among the receiving votes section of the poll. Fort Hays State is the third-highest receiving votes team, receiving 14 voting points.Fort Hays State plays host to Central Oklahoma (2-3, 2-2 MIAA) this Saturday (Oct. 11). Central Oklahoma started the year ranked No. 5 in the AFCA poll and No. 3 in the D2Football.com Poll, but has since fell out of both. However, UCO lost to a UT Permian Basin team that is now in the top-10 of both polls, lost to a Northwest Missouri State team that is now in the top-25 of both polls, and lost by one point to 3-2 Central Missouri last week. The Bronchos did hand top-25 Pittsburg State a loss earlier this year.Below are the Division II Top 25 Polls for Monday, October 6, 2025.D2Football.com Top 25 Poll - October 6, 2025 Rank	Team	Record	Prev 1	Ferris State	5-0	1 2	Harding	5-0	2 3	Kutztown	5-0	3 4	UT Permian Basin	5-0	7 5	West Florida	5-0	4 6	Western Colorado	5-0	5 7	Pittsburg State	4-2	8 8	Minnesota Duluth	6-0	9 9	Minnesota State	5-1	10 10	Angelo State	4-1	6 11	CSU Pueblo	5-1	12 12	Augustana	6-0	13 13	Grand Valley State	3-1	14 14	West Alabama	6-0	15 15	Central Washington	4-1	17 16	Indianapolis	4-1	18 17	Virginia Union	4-1	19 18	Northwest Missouri State	4-1	20 19	California	4-1	11 20	Fort Hays State	4-2	21 21	Findlay	5-0	23 22	UNC Pembroke	5-1	24 23	Ashland	4-1	25 24	Emory &amp; Henry	5-1	NR 25	Delta State	5-1	NRAFCA Top 25 Poll - October 6, 2025 Rank	Team	Record	Pts	Prev 1	Ferris St. (31)	5-0	775	1 2	Harding	5-0	744	2 3	West Florida	5-0	702	3 4	Kutztown	5-0	684	4 5	Western Colorado	5-0	615	7 6	UT Permian Basin	5-0	608	9 7	Augustana (S.D.)	6-0	580	8 8	Grand Valley St.	3-1	527	10 9	West Alabama	5-0	505	11 10	Minnesota-Duluth	6-0	492	13 11	Colorado St.-Pueblo	5-1	454	12 12	Angelo St.	4-1	424	5 13	Central Washington	4-1	391	16 14	Minnesota St.	5-1	363	15 15	Pittsburg St.	4-2	338	17 16	California (Pa.)	4-1	283	6 17	Virginia Union	4-1	270	18 18	UIndy	5-1	258	19 19	Findlay	5-0	226	21 20	Delta St.	5-1	218	20 21	Frostburg St.	5-0	162	23 22	Northwest Missouri St.	4-1	127	24 23	UNC Pembroke	5-1	110	25 24t.	Ashland	4-1	37	NR 24t.	Johnson C. Smith	5-1	37	NR| 24t.	Slippery Rock	3-2	37	14Receiving Votes: Benedict, 23; Indiana (Pa.), 15; Fort Hays St., 14; Southern Arkansas, 14; Charleston, 9; Catawba, 8; Emory &amp; Henry, 8; Nebraska-Kearney, 4; Chadron&nbsp;St., 3; Henderson St., 3; Upper Iowa, 3; Albany St., 2; Carson-Newman, 1; Edward

🏈 Tigers No. 20 in latest D2Football.com poll, receiving votes in AFCA rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team enters the 2025-26 season as the favorite in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll. The Tigers were tabbed second in the Media Poll. Fort Hays State finished second in the MIAA regular season standings last year and was the MIAA Tournament runner-up. The Tigers went on to make their 10th appearance overall in the NCAA Tournament and ninth in the last 11 years.

The Tigers received enough voting points (152) overall in the Coaches Poll to top the list, even though they collected just two first-place votes. Coaches gave Washburn the most first-place votes with six and the Ichabods had 148 points to place second in the poll, while Pittsburg State received five first-place votes and 144 points for third. Central Missouri also received a first-place vote and placed fourth.

In the Media Poll, 2024-25 MIAA regular season and tournament champion Pittsburg State was selected first with 13 first-place votes and 326 points overall. Fort Hays State was second with five first-place votes and 299 points. Washburn placed third with three first-place votes and 276 points, while Central Missouri grabbed four first-place votes with 271 points to place fourth.

This is the fourth time the Tigers have been picked first in at least one of the preseason polls. FHSU topped both bolls in both 2019-20 and in 2021-22. Last year the Tigers topped the preseason media poll and were second in the coaches poll, while this year it flipped the other way around. FHSU has been in the top five of the preseason coaches poll each of the last 14 years. This is the seventh time the Tigers have been picked in the top two of the preseason coaches poll during that span.

Fort Hays State finished the 2024-25 season 28-5 overall and 16-3 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State reached the NCAA Tournament Central Regional Semifinals for the second-straight year, defeating Southern Nazarene before falling to Southwest Minnesota State. After winning the MIAA regular season and tournament, Pittsburg State went on to win the Central Regional and made the national semifinals.

Fort Hays State extended its streak of 20-win seasons to 14 last year, the longest active streak in Division II and tied for the fifth-longest such streak across all divisions of NCAA women's basketball. UCONN, Baylor, Florida Gulf Coast, and Louisville are four Division I programs with longer streaks.

The Tigers have been the most consistent team in the conference over the last decade, winning 283 games over the last 11 seasons, 30 more than the next closest team (Pittsburg State, 253).

Talia Kahrs enters her third year as head coach at Fort Hays State, now with a record of 53-13 leading the Tigers. FHSU has seven returning players, but return just one of their four regular starters from last year. However, they have two All-MIAA selections returning. Brooke Loewe was an All-MIAA Honorable Mention pick last year and broke the FHSU single-season record for assists with 233, which led NCAA Division II in total assists. Her 7.3 per game average was second-best in NCAA Division II (Gracie Stugart of Maryville led the nation at 7.4 per game). Talexa Weeter also earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention honors last year as the third-leading scorer on the team, averaging 14.6 points per contest, while pulling down 6.0 rebounds per game to rank second on the team. She is the top returning scorer and rebounder on the team this year.

Along with Loewe and Weeter, Ellie Stearns returns with plenty of starting experience in the past. She averaged 4.7 points per game last year and led the team in 3-point field goals made (35). Avery Lowe, Maddy Powell, Sarah Lawless, and Callie Ott also return. The seven returners combined for an average of 31.9 points per game last year. The Tigers have seven newcomers all looking to make an immediate impact as well.

The Tigers look to adjust to the exit of All-MIAA First Team performers Katie Wagner DeGarmo and Olivia Hollenbeck, who averaged 33.3 points per game as a pair. DeGarmo was the MIAA Player of the Year for a second-straight season in 2024-25 and Hollenbeck was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. Kate Dilsaver, an All-MIAA Honorable Mention pick and MIAA All-Defensive Team selection, also exhausted her eligibility after providing 9.1 points per game last year.

The Tigers will play one preseason exhibition game on Wednesday, October 29, at the University of Kansas. The regular season begins November 14-15 in St. Joseph, Mo. against a pair of regional opponents in Concordia-St. Paul and Sioux Falls. Concordia-St. Paul was also in the NCAA Central Regional last year with the Tigers. FHSU plays its first eight regular season games away from home before hosting Pittsburg State on December 13 in a non-conference contest.

2025-26 MIAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACHES POLL 1. Fort Hays State [2] – 152 points 2. Washburn [6] – 148 points 3. Pittsburg State [5] – 144 points 4. Central Missouri [1] – 138 points 5. Nebraska Kearney – 135 points 6. Missouri Western – 99 points 7. Missouri Southern – 95 points 8. Northwest Missouri – 78 points 9. Northeastern State – 76 points 10. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 73 points 11. Emporia State – 48 points 12. Central Oklahoma – 44 points 13. Rogers State – 28 points 14. Newman – 16 points [#] - First Place Votes

2025-26 MIAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL MEDIA POLL 1. Pittsburg State [13] – 326 points 2. Fort Hays State [5] – 299 points 3. Washburn [3] – 276 points 4. Central Missouri [4] – 271 points 5. Nebraska Kearney – 268 points 6. Missouri Western – 227 points 7. Northwest Missouri – 187 points 8. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 185 points 9. Missouri Southern – 176 points 10. Emporia State – 127 points 11. Northeastern State – 111 points 12. Central Oklahoma – 92 points 13. Rogers State – 49 points 14. Newman – 31 points [#] - First Place Votes

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759833829114.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team enters the 2025-26 season as the favorite in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll. The Tigers were tabbed second in the Media Poll. Fort Hays State finished second in the MIAA regular season standings last year and was the MIAA Tournament runner-up. The Tigers went on to make their 10th appearance overall in the NCAA Tournament and ninth in the last 11 years.The Tigers received enough voting points (152) overall in the Coaches Poll to top the list, even though they collected just two first-place votes. Coaches gave Washburn the most first-place votes with six and the Ichabods had 148 points to place second in the poll, while Pittsburg State received five first-place votes and 144 points for third. Central Missouri also received a first-place vote and placed fourth.In the Media Poll, 2024-25 MIAA regular season and tournament champion Pittsburg State was selected first with 13 first-place votes and 326 points overall. Fort Hays State was second with five first-place votes and 299 points. Washburn placed third with three first-place votes and 276 points, while Central Missouri grabbed four first-place votes with 271 points to place fourth.This is the fourth time the Tigers have been picked first in at least one of the preseason polls. FHSU topped both bolls in both 2019-20 and in 2021-22. Last year the Tigers topped the preseason media poll and were second in the coaches poll, while this year it flipped the other way around. FHSU has been in the top five of the preseason coaches poll each of the last 14 years. This is the seventh time the Tigers have been picked in the top two of the preseason coaches poll during that span.Fort Hays State finished the 2024-25 season 28-5 overall and 16-3 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State reached the NCAA Tournament Central Regional Semifinals for the second-straight year, defeating Southern Nazarene before falling to Southwest Minnesota State. After winning the MIAA regular season and tournament, Pittsburg State went on to win the Central Regional and made the national semifinals.Fort Hays State extended its streak of 20-win seasons to 14 last year, the longest active streak in Division II and tied for the fifth-longest such streak across all divisions of NCAA women's basketball. UCONN, Baylor, Florida Gulf Coast, and Louisville are four Division I programs with longer streaks.The Tigers have been the most consistent team in the conference over the last decade, winning 283 games over the last 11 seasons, 30 more than the next closest team (Pittsburg State, 253).Talia Kahrs enters her third year as head coach at Fort Hays State, now with a record of 53-13 leading the Tigers. FHSU has seven returning players, but return just one of their four regular starters from last year. However, they have two All-MIAA selections returning. Brooke Loewe was an All-MIAA Honorable Mention pick last year and broke the FHSU single-season record for assists with 233, which led NCAA Division II in total assists. Her 7.3 per game average was second-best in NCAA Division II (Gracie Stugart of Maryville led the nation at 7.4 per game). Talexa Weeter also earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention honors last year as the third-leading scorer on the team, averaging 14.6 points per contest, while pulling down 6.0 rebounds per game to rank second on the team. She is the top returning scorer and rebounder on the team this year.Along with Loewe and Weeter, Ellie Stearns returns with plenty of starting experience in the past. She averaged 4.7 points per game last year and led the team in 3-point field goals made (35). Avery Lowe, Maddy Powell, Sarah Lawless, and Callie Ott also return. The seven returners combined for an average of 31.9 points per game last year. The Tigers have seven newcomers all looking to make an immediate impact as well.The Tigers look to adjust to the exit of All-MIAA First Team performers Katie Wagner DeGarmo and Olivia Hollenbeck, who averaged 33.3 points per game as a pair. DeGarmo was the MIAA Player of the Year for a second-straight season in 2024-25 and Hollenbeck was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. Kate Dilsaver, an All-MIAA Honorable Mention pick and MIAA All-Defensive Team selection, also exhausted her eligibility after providing 9.1 points per game last year.The Tigers will play one preseason exhibition game on Wednesday, October 29, at the University of Kansas. The regular season begins November 14-15 in St. Joseph, Mo. against a pair of regional opponents in Concordia-St. Paul and Sioux Falls. Concordia-St. Paul was also in the NCAA Central Regional last year with the Tigers. FHSU plays its first eight regular season games away from home before hosting Pittsburg State on December 13 in a non-conference contest.2025-26 MIAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACHES POLL 1. Fort Hays State [2] – 152 points 2. Washburn [6] – 148 points 3. Pittsburg State [5] – 144 points 4. Central Missouri [1] – 138 points 5. Nebraska Kearney – 135 points 6. Missouri Western – 99 points 7. Missouri Southern – 95 points 8. Northwest Missouri – 78 points 9. Northeastern State – 76 points 10. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 73 points 11. Emporia State – 48 points 12. Central Oklahoma – 44 points 13. Rogers State – 28 points 14. Newman – 16 points [#] - First Place Votes2025-26 MIAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL MEDIA POLL 1. Pittsburg State [13] – 326 points 2. Fort Hays State [5] – 299 points 3. Washburn [3] – 276 points 4. Central Missouri [4] – 271 points 5. Nebraska Kearney – 268 points 6. Missouri Western – 227 points 7. Northwest Missouri – 187 points 8. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 185 points 9. Missouri Southern – 176 points 10. Emporia State – 127 points 11. Northeastern State – 111 points 12. Central Oklahoma – 92 points 13. Rogers State – 49 points 14. Newman – 31 points [#] - First Place Votes

🏀 FHSU women top MIAA preseason coaches poll, second in media rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MIAA released its 2025-26 Preseason Basketball Polls on Monday (Oct. 6) at the annual MIAA Basketball Media Day. The Fort Hays State men have been tabbed second in the media poll and fourth in the coaches poll. The Tigers were the MIAA Tournament champions in 2024-25, punching their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for a second-straight year. It was FHSU's 15th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and ninth under head coach Mark Johnson.

Washburn, the 2024-25 MIAA regular season champion and national semifinalist in the NCAA Tournament, was picked first in both polls. The Ichabods were a unanimous pick at No. 1 in the coaches poll, taking 13 of the possible 14 first-place votes. Coaches are not able to vote for their own team, so the other first-place vote went to Rogers State. Ahead of the Tigers in the coaches poll were Rogers State and Central Oklahoma. In the media poll, Washburn received 23 of 25 first-place votes, while Fort Hays State and Rogers State each received one.

In 2024-25, the Tigers went 22-10 overall and finished fourth in the MIAA standings with a conference record of 12-7. However, since the MIAA used KPI ratings to seed the conference tournament, FHSU received the No. 2 seed for the MIAA Tournament. The Tigers went on to win the tournament title for a second time in their MIAA history, joining the 2010-11 team. FHSU was the No. 2 seed that year as well.

Kyle Grill is the only returning starter for the Tigers from last year's squad. He earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention honors for the season and also earned an MIAA All-Tournament Team selection helping the Tigers to their national tournament berth. Grill averaged 11.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last year. The Tigers have several of their reserves from the 2024-25 season returning, including Dan Mukuna, Lucas Hammeke, Muhamed Kante, and Eli Lawson. Jahvari Martino, Tory Homan, and Alec Carlson also return after redshirting their first year at FHSU. The Tigers welcome six newcomers to the team in 2025-26.

The Tigers lost an average of 37.8 points per game in the four starters who exhausted their eligibility last year, which included five-time All-MIAA selection Kaleb Hammeke and MIAA All-Defensive Team selection Shaun Riley. The FHSU starting five in 2024-25 produced 75 percent of the team's scoring.

FHSU averaged 66.3 points per game offensively last year, but the Tigers were the nation's top defensive team for the second-straight year, allowing just 59.9 points per game to opponents. It was the second-straight year the Tigers allowed less than 60 points per game on average.

Fort Hays State will be in its 25th season under the leadership of Mark Johnson, who enters the year with a 473-230 record overall. He is the all-time wins leader at FHSU. The Tigers open their year with an exhibition contest at the University of Kansas on Tuesday, October 28. Their regular season begins at home November 15-16 with a pair of contests against Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul. The Tigers will be at home five times in the month of November.

Below are the MIAA Preseason Men's Basketball Polls for 2025-26.

2025-26 MIAA MEN'S BASKETBALL COACHES POLL 1. Washburn [13] – 169 points 2. Rogers State [1] – 141 points 3. Central Oklahoma – 137 points 4. Fort Hays State – 134 points 5. Pittsburg State – 127 points 6. Nebraska Kearney – 106 points 7. Central Missouri – 102 points 8. Missouri Western – 79 points 9. Northeastern State – 62 points 10. Emporia State – 59 points 11. Newman – 52 points 12. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 41 points 13. Missouri Southern – 35 points 14. Northwest Missouri – 30 points [#] - First Place Votes

2025-26 MIAA MEN'S BASKETBALL MEDIA POLL 1. Washburn [23] – 346 points 2. Fort Hays State [1] – 297 points 3. Rogers State [1] – 286 points 4. Pittsburg State – 280 points 5. Central Oklahoma – 229 points 6. Nebraska Kearney – 211 points 7. Central Missouri – 186 points 8. Missouri Western – 169 points 9. Emporia State – 159 points 10. Northeastern State – 132 points 11. Northwest Missouri – 108 points 12. Newman – 93 points 13. Missouri Southern – 69 points 14. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 59 points [#] - First Place Votes

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759833515955.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MIAA released its 2025-26 Preseason Basketball Polls on Monday (Oct. 6) at the annual MIAA Basketball Media Day. The Fort Hays State men have been tabbed second in the media poll and fourth in the coaches poll. The Tigers were the MIAA Tournament champions in 2024-25, punching their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for a second-straight year. It was FHSU's 15th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and ninth under head coach Mark Johnson.Washburn, the 2024-25 MIAA regular season champion and national semifinalist in the NCAA Tournament, was picked first in both polls. The Ichabods were a unanimous pick at No. 1 in the coaches poll, taking 13 of the possible 14 first-place votes. Coaches are not able to vote for their own team, so the other first-place vote went to Rogers State. Ahead of the Tigers in the coaches poll were Rogers State and Central Oklahoma. In the media poll, Washburn received 23 of 25 first-place votes, while Fort Hays State and Rogers State each received one.In 2024-25, the Tigers went 22-10 overall and finished fourth in the MIAA standings with a conference record of 12-7. However, since the MIAA used KPI ratings to seed the conference tournament, FHSU received the No. 2 seed for the MIAA Tournament. The Tigers went on to win the tournament title for a second time in their MIAA history, joining the 2010-11 team. FHSU was the No. 2 seed that year as well.Kyle Grill is the only returning starter for the Tigers from last year's squad. He earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention honors for the season and also earned an MIAA All-Tournament Team selection helping the Tigers to their national tournament berth. Grill averaged 11.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last year. The Tigers have several of their reserves from the 2024-25 season returning, including Dan Mukuna, Lucas Hammeke, Muhamed Kante, and Eli Lawson. Jahvari Martino, Tory Homan, and Alec Carlson also return after redshirting their first year at FHSU. The Tigers welcome six newcomers to the team in 2025-26.The Tigers lost an average of 37.8 points per game in the four starters who exhausted their eligibility last year, which included five-time All-MIAA selection Kaleb Hammeke and MIAA All-Defensive Team selection Shaun Riley. The FHSU starting five in 2024-25 produced 75 percent of the team's scoring.FHSU averaged 66.3 points per game offensively last year, but the Tigers were the nation's top defensive team for the second-straight year, allowing just 59.9 points per game to opponents. It was the second-straight year the Tigers allowed less than 60 points per game on average.Fort Hays State will be in its 25th season under the leadership of Mark Johnson, who enters the year with a 473-230 record overall. He is the all-time wins leader at FHSU. The Tigers open their year with an exhibition contest at the University of Kansas on Tuesday, October 28. Their regular season begins at home November 15-16 with a pair of contests against Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul. The Tigers will be at home five times in the month of November.Below are the MIAA Preseason Men's Basketball Polls for 2025-26.2025-26 MIAA MEN'S BASKETBALL COACHES POLL 1. Washburn [13] – 169 points 2. Rogers State [1] – 141 points 3. Central Oklahoma – 137 points 4. Fort Hays State – 134 points 5. Pittsburg State – 127 points 6. Nebraska Kearney – 106 points 7. Central Missouri – 102 points 8. Missouri Western – 79 points 9. Northeastern State – 62 points 10. Emporia State – 59 points 11. Newman – 52 points 12. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 41 points 13. Missouri Southern – 35 points 14. Northwest Missouri – 30 points [#] - First Place Votes2025-26 MIAA MEN'S BASKETBALL MEDIA POLL 1. Washburn [23] – 346 points 2. Fort Hays State [1] – 297 points 3. Rogers State [1] – 286 points 4. Pittsburg State – 280 points 5. Central Oklahoma – 229 points 6. Nebraska Kearney – 211 points 7. Central Missouri – 186 points 8. Missouri Western – 169 points 9. Emporia State – 159 points 10. Northeastern State – 132 points 11. Northwest Missouri – 108 points 12. Newman – 93 points 13. Missouri Southern – 69 points 14. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 59 points [#] - First Place Votes

🏀 Tiger men second and fourth in MIAA preseason polls

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State defensive back Michael Chavez was named the MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week, presented by FieldTurf, on Monday, October 6 for his performance in a win at Missouri Southern this past Saturday. This is the third time a Tiger has been the Defensive Athlete of the Week this season after John Johnson collected the honor twice.

Chavez had a big all-around performance for the Tigers in the 28-21 win at Missouri Southern. He finished the game with eight tackles, one interception, one strip sack that resulted in a turnover, and one fumble recovery. In the second quarter, Chavez forced a fumble on his sack, recovered by the Tigers at the MSSU 37. It led to a touchdown, pushing the FHSU lead to 17-7. Early in the third quarter, he recovered a fumble forced by John Johnson in MSSU territory that led to a field goal to push the Tiger lead to 20-14. In the fourth quarter with the Tigers up 28-14, Chavez intercepted an MSSU pass in FHSU territory, which allowed FHSU to chew more time off the clock before eventually winning by seven.

Chavez joined Donovyn Omolo of Central Missouri (Offensive Athlete of the Week) and Divante Herrig-Brittian of Emporia State (Special Teams Athlete of the Week) as the weekly honorees from the conference office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759782879788.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State defensive back Michael Chavez was named the MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week, presented by FieldTurf, on Monday, October 6 for his performance in a win at Missouri Southern this past Saturday. This is the third time a Tiger has been the Defensive Athlete of the Week this season after John Johnson collected the honor twice.Chavez had a big all-around performance for the Tigers in the 28-21 win at Missouri Southern. He finished the game with eight tackles, one interception, one strip sack that resulted in a turnover, and one fumble recovery. In the second quarter, Chavez forced a fumble on his sack, recovered by the Tigers at the MSSU 37. It led to a touchdown, pushing the FHSU lead to 17-7. Early in the third quarter, he recovered a fumble forced by John Johnson in MSSU territory that led to a field goal to push the Tiger lead to 20-14. In the fourth quarter with the Tigers up 28-14, Chavez intercepted an MSSU pass in FHSU territory, which allowed FHSU to chew more time off the clock before eventually winning by seven.Chavez joined Donovyn Omolo of Central Missouri (Offensive Athlete of the Week) and Divante Herrig-Brittian of Emporia State (Special Teams Athlete of the Week) as the weekly honorees from the conference office.

🏈 FHSU's Chavez named MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week

🎥🏈 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week HHS vs Junction City

🎥🏈 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week TMP vs Smith Center

Class 6A Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Maize (5-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Wichita Northwest (4-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Junction City (3-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Manhattan (4-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lawrence Free State (4-1)

Class 5A Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
St. Thomas Aquinas (5-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Great Bend (5-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hays (4-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Mill Valley (4-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
St. James Academy (4-1)

Class 4A Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Kapaun Mt. Carmel (5-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Bishop Miege (2-3) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Eudora (4-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
McPherson (4-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Wellington (4-1)

Class 3A Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Andale (5-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Topeka Hayden (5-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Holcomb (5-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Rock Creek (5-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hugoton (5-0)

Class 2A Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Southeast of Saline (5-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Nemaha Central (5-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Osage City (5-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hoisington (4-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Garden Plain (4-1)

Class 1A Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Jackson Heights (5-0) 2.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sterling (5-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Rossville (4-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
St. Marys Colgan (5-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Smith Center (5-0)

Class 8M-I Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
South Central (4-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Little River (5-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Trego (5-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Central Plains (4-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lyndon (4-0)

Class 8M-II Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Axtell (5-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Victoria (4-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hanover (5-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hodgeman County (5-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hutchinson Central Christian (5-0)

Class 6M Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Weskan (4-1) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Cunningham (4-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ingalls (5-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Tescott (4-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
South Barber (4-1)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693413418452.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Class 6A Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Maize (5-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Wichita Northwest (4-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Junction City (3-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Manhattan (4-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lawrence Free State (4-1)Class 5A Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
St. Thomas Aquinas (5-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Great Bend (5-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hays (4-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Mill Valley (4-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
St. James Academy (4-1)Class 4A Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Kapaun Mt. Carmel (5-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Bishop Miege (2-3) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Eudora (4-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
McPherson (4-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Wellington (4-1)Class 3A Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Andale (5-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Topeka Hayden (5-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Holcomb (5-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Rock Creek (5-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hugoton (5-0)Class 2A Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Southeast of Saline (5-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Nemaha Central (5-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Osage City (5-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hoisington (4-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Garden Plain (4-1)Class 1A Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Jackson Heights (5-0) 2.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sterling (5-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Rossville (4-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
St. Marys Colgan (5-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Smith Center (5-0)Class 8M-I Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
South Central (4-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Little River (5-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Trego (5-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Central Plains (4-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lyndon (4-0)Class 8M-II Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Axtell (5-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Victoria (4-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hanover (5-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hodgeman County (5-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hutchinson Central Christian (5-0)Class 6M Rankings 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Weskan (4-1) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Cunningham (4-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ingalls (5-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Tescott (4-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
South Barber (4-1)

🏈 Kpreps rankings ahead of Week 6

Tiger Talk with football coach Chris Brown airs Monday at 9:00 a.m. on Tiger Radio Mix-103.3.

Tiger Talk with football coach Chris Brown airs Monday at 9:00 a.m. on Tiger Radio Mix-103.3.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (October 6, 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=hg8vg-198616c-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: Tiger Talk (October 6, 2025)

The MIAA KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced its preseason rankings for the 2025-26 men's basketball season. Washburn was picked as the favorite to take home this season's hardware by MIAA head coaches and media representatives.

The MIAA tips off the 2025-26 NCAA Division II basketball season today in downtown Kansas City for its annual Basketball Media Day, presented by Seigfreid Bingham. All 28 MIAA head coaches will gather at the College Basketball Experience to speak on the upcoming season and take questions from media members in attendance. Fans can watch the 2026 MIAA Basketball Media Day live, for free, on The MIAA Network.

Washburn, the league's defending regular season champion, finished at the top of both the coaches and media preseason polls. The Ichabods were the unanimous favorite among MIAA head coaches, totaling 169 points and 13 first-place votes. They totaled 346 points and 23 first-place selections from media members who cover MIAA basketball.  

The Ichabods went 30-4 overall and 17-2 against league competition last season to clinch the program's first outright MIAA regular season title since the 2003-04 season. After being upset in the MIAA tournament quarterfinals, the Bods received a bid into the NCAA postseason, where they were crowned champions of the Central Region and advanced to compete for a national title. Washburn ended its 2024-25 season in the Division II Final Four, falling to the eventual national champion, Nova Southeastern.

Rogers State received its best preseason rankings since joining the MIAA in 2019. The Hillcats finished second in the coaches poll with 141 points and one first-place selection, and third in the media poll with 286 points and another first-place nod. They ended last season 13-6 in the MIAA and 23-10 overall.

Fort Hays State, the defending MIAA tournament champion, finished third in the MIAA coaches poll and second in the media poll. The Tigers ended their 2024-25 campaign 12-7 in the MIAA and 22-10 overall. They were the only MIAA team to join the Ichabods in the NCAA postseason, where they suffered a first-round loss in the Central Region Championship.

Both MIAA coaches and media members also included Central Oklahoma and Pittsburg State in their top five. The full rankings for the 2025-26 MIAA men's basketball preseason coaches and media polls are listed below.

The 2025-26 NCAA Division II basketball season will officially tip off on Friday, October 31, with MIAA teams competing in D2CCA Tip-Off Classics. This season will feature one new head coach on the men's side with Brooks McKowen taking over the Griffon basketball program.

The 2026 MIAA Basketball Championships will return to the historic Municipal March 4-8 in downtown Kansas City. To view the complete 2025-26 schedules for all 14 MIAA men's basketball programs, visit theMIAA.com/mensbasketball.  

2025-26 MIAA MEN'S BASKETBALL COACHES POLL

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759759464769.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The MIAA KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced its preseason rankings for the 2025-26 men's basketball season. Washburn was picked as the favorite to take home this season's hardware by MIAA head coaches and media representatives.The MIAA tips off the 2025-26 NCAA Division II basketball season today in downtown Kansas City for its annual Basketball Media Day, presented by Seigfreid Bingham. All 28 MIAA head coaches will gather at the College Basketball Experience to speak on the upcoming season and take questions from media members in attendance. Fans can watch the 2026 MIAA Basketball Media Day live, for free, on The MIAA Network.Washburn, the league's defending regular season champion, finished at the top of both the coaches and media preseason polls. The Ichabods were the unanimous favorite among MIAA head coaches, totaling 169 points and 13 first-place votes. They totaled 346 points and 23 first-place selections from media members who cover MIAA basketball. The Ichabods went 30-4 overall and 17-2 against league competition last season to clinch the program's first outright MIAA regular season title since the 2003-04 season. After being upset in the MIAA tournament quarterfinals, the Bods received a bid into the NCAA postseason, where they were crowned champions of the Central Region and advanced to compete for a national title. Washburn ended its 2024-25 season in the Division II Final Four, falling to the eventual national champion, Nova Southeastern.Rogers State received its best preseason rankings since joining the MIAA in 2019. The Hillcats finished second in the coaches poll with 141 points and one first-place selection, and third in the media poll with 286 points and another first-place nod. They ended last season 13-6 in the MIAA and 23-10 overall.Fort Hays State, the defending MIAA tournament champion, finished third in the MIAA coaches poll and second in the media poll. The Tigers ended their 2024-25 campaign 12-7 in the MIAA and 22-10 overall. They were the only MIAA team to join the Ichabods in the NCAA postseason, where they suffered a first-round loss in the Central Region Championship.Both MIAA coaches and media members also included Central Oklahoma and Pittsburg State in their top five. The full rankings for the 2025-26 MIAA men's basketball preseason coaches and media polls are listed below.The 2025-26 NCAA Division II basketball season will officially tip off on Friday, October 31, with MIAA teams competing in D2CCA Tip-Off Classics. This season will feature one new head coach on the men's side with Brooks McKowen taking over the Griffon basketball program.The 2026 MIAA Basketball Championships will return to the historic Municipal March 4-8 in downtown Kansas City. To view the complete 2025-26 schedules for all 14 MIAA men's basketball programs, visit theMIAA.com/mensbasketball. 2025-26 MIAA MEN'S BASKETBALL COACHES POLL1. Washburn [13] – 169 points2. Rogers State [1] – 141 points3. Central Oklahoma – 137 points4. Fort Hays State – 134 points5. Pittsburg State – 127 points6. Nebraska Kearney – 106 points7. Central Missouri – 102 points8. Missouri Western – 79 points9. Northeastern State – 62 points10. Emporia State – 59 points11. Newman – 52 points12. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 41 points13. Missouri Southern – 35 points14. Northwest Missouri – 30 points[#] - First Place Votes2025-26 MIAA MEN'S BASKETBALL MEDIA POLL1. Washburn [23] – 346 points2. Fort Hays State [1] – 297 points3. Rogers State [1] – 286 points4. Pittsburg State – 280 points5. Central Oklahoma – 229 points6. Nebraska Kearney – 211 points7. Central Missouri – 186 points8. Missouri Western – 169 points9. Emporia State – 159 points10. Northeastern State – 132 points11. Northwest Missouri – 108 points12. Newman – 93 points13. Missouri Southern – 69 points14. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 59 points[#] - First Place Votes

🏀 2025-26 MIAA men's basketball preseason polls announced

Fort Hays State football travels to Joplin to face Missouri Southern State at Fred G. Hughes Stadium on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Fort Hays State football travels to Joplin to face Missouri Southern State at Fred G. Hughes Stadium on Saturday, October 4, 2025.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-FB at Missouri Southern State (Oct. 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=7sr9w-1985d24-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 Missouri Southern

The MIAA KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced its preseason rankings for the 2025-26 women’s basketball season. The Tigers of Fort Hays State led the coaches poll while the Pittsburg State Gorillas finished as the top team in the media poll.

The MIAA tips off the 2025-26 basketball season today, Monday, October 6, at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City as the Association hosts its annual Basketball Media Day presented by Seigfreid Bingham. Fans can watch the 2026 MIAA Basketball Media Day live, for free, on The MIAA Network.

It was a close battle for the No. 1 spot in the 2025-26 coaches preseason poll with the top three teams finishing just four points from one another, while both the MIAA coaches and media members who cover MIAA teams selected the same five teams to house in their top five.

Fort Hays State topped the MIAA coaches poll with 152 points and two first-place votes. The Tigers finished the 2024-25 season 28-5 overall and 16-3 in the MIAA to finish second in the regular season standings. Fort Hays was also the runner-up of the 2025 MIAA Basketball Championship and earned an at-large bid into the NCAA postseason, where their season ended in the regional semifinals. The Tigers were picked second in the media poll with 299 points and five first-place selections.

Washburn finished second in the coaches’ poll with 148 points and six first-place votes. The Ichabods went 18-13 overall and finished 11-8 in MIAA action last season. They return last season’s Co-Newcomer of the Year Payton Sterk, and All-Defensive Team and Second Team All-MIAA selection Yiibari Nwidadah. Washburn was picked third in the media’s preseason poll with 276 points and three first-place votes.

The Gorillas concluded the coaches’ top three teams with 114 points and five first-place selections, but led the media poll with a 27-point lead and 13 first-place nods. Pitt State is the league’s reigning regular season champion and has won the last two MIAA tournament titles. The Gorillas took their 2024-25 season all the way to the NCAA Division II National Semifinals, where they lost to the eventual national champion, Grand Valley State. Pitt ended their historic run season 33-4 overall and 18-1 in the MIAA.

Central Missouri and Nebraska Kearney finished fourth and fifth in both the coaches and media polls. The Jennies went 17-15 overall and 8-11 in the MIAA last season while the Lopers finished 20-9 overall, 13-6 in the MIAA.

The complete rankings for both the MIAA coaches and media preseason women’s basketball polls are listed below. 

The 2025-26 MIAA women’s basketball season will feature three new head coaches – MJ Baker is entering her first season at Emporia State, Hannah Moeller is entering her first season at Central Oklahoma, and Luke Scheidecker is entering his first season at Missouri Western.

The NCAA Division II women’s basketball season officially tips off Friday, October 31, with MIAA teams competing in Division II Tip Off Classic events. The 2026 MIAA Basketball Championships are scheduled for March 4-8 at the historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. To view the complete 2025-26 schedules for all 14 MIAA women’s basketball programs, visit theMIAA.com/womensbasketball.

2025-26 MIAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHES POLL

2025-26 MIAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL MEDIA POLL

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759758710674.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The MIAA KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced its preseason rankings for the 2025-26 women’s basketball season. The Tigers of Fort Hays State led the coaches poll while the Pittsburg State Gorillas finished as the top team in the media poll.The MIAA tips off the 2025-26 basketball season today, Monday, October 6, at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City as the Association hosts its annual Basketball Media Day presented by Seigfreid Bingham. Fans can watch the 2026 MIAA Basketball Media Day live, for free, on The MIAA Network.It was a close battle for the No. 1 spot in the 2025-26 coaches preseason poll with the top three teams finishing just four points from one another, while both the MIAA coaches and media members who cover MIAA teams selected the same five teams to house in their top five.Fort Hays State topped the MIAA coaches poll with 152 points and two first-place votes. The Tigers finished the 2024-25 season 28-5 overall and 16-3 in the MIAA to finish second in the regular season standings. Fort Hays was also the runner-up of the 2025 MIAA Basketball Championship and earned an at-large bid into the NCAA postseason, where their season ended in the regional semifinals. The Tigers were picked second in the media poll with 299 points and five first-place selections.Washburn finished second in the coaches’ poll with 148 points and six first-place votes. The Ichabods went 18-13 overall and finished 11-8 in MIAA action last season. They return last season’s Co-Newcomer of the Year Payton Sterk, and All-Defensive Team and Second Team All-MIAA selection Yiibari Nwidadah. Washburn was picked third in the media’s preseason poll with 276 points and three first-place votes.The Gorillas concluded the coaches’ top three teams with 114 points and five first-place selections, but led the media poll with a 27-point lead and 13 first-place nods. Pitt State is the league’s reigning regular season champion and has won the last two MIAA tournament titles. The Gorillas took their 2024-25 season all the way to the NCAA Division II National Semifinals, where they lost to the eventual national champion, Grand Valley State. Pitt ended their historic run season 33-4 overall and 18-1 in the MIAA.Central Missouri and Nebraska Kearney finished fourth and fifth in both the coaches and media polls. The Jennies went 17-15 overall and 8-11 in the MIAA last season while the Lopers finished 20-9 overall, 13-6 in the MIAA.The complete rankings for both the MIAA coaches and media preseason women’s basketball polls are listed below. The 2025-26 MIAA women’s basketball season will feature three new head coaches – MJ Baker is entering her first season at Emporia State, Hannah Moeller is entering her first season at Central Oklahoma, and Luke Scheidecker is entering his first season at Missouri Western.The NCAA Division II women’s basketball season officially tips off Friday, October 31, with MIAA teams competing in Division II Tip Off Classic events. The 2026 MIAA Basketball Championships are scheduled for March 4-8 at the historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. To view the complete 2025-26 schedules for all 14 MIAA women’s basketball programs, visit theMIAA.com/womensbasketball.2025-26 MIAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHES POLL1. Fort Hays State [2] – 152 points2. Washburn [6] – 148 points3. Pittsburg State [5] – 144 points4. Central Missouri [1] – 138 points5. Nebraska Kearney – 135 points6. Missouri Western – 99 points7. Missouri Southern – 95 points8. Northwest Missouri – 78 points9. Northeastern State – 76 points10. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 73 points11. Emporia State – 48 points12. Central Oklahoma – 44 points13. Rogers State – 28 points14. Newman – 16 points[#] - First Place Votes2025-26 MIAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL MEDIA POLL1. Pittsburg State [13] – 326 points2. Fort Hays State [5] – 299 points3. Washburn [3] – 276 points4. Central Missouri [4] – 271 points5. Nebraska Kearney – 268 points6. Missouri Western – 227 points7. Northwest Missouri – 187 points8. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 185 points9. Missouri Southern – 176 points10. Emporia State – 127 points11. Northeastern State – 111 points12. Central Oklahoma – 92 points13. Rogers State – 49 points14. Newman – 31 points[#] - First Place Votes

🏀 2025-26 MIAA women's basketball preseason polls announced

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - MIAA Basketball Media Day for the upcoming 2025-26 season takes place on Monday (Oct. 6) at The College Basketball Experience in downtown Kansas City, presented by Seigfreid Bingham. The event will stream live on <a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">The MIAA Network</a> for FREE. The event starts at 9:00 a.m. and lasts until about 2:00 p.m.

<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">Click here to watch FREE</a>

The invite-only event features press conferences with head coaches from all 14 conference schools along with MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy's press conference beginning the day at 9:00 a.m., which will include the announcement of the Preseason Coaches and Media Polls. Following the Commissioner's remarks, media emcee host Brenda VanLengen will welcome the first men's and women's head coaches to the stage.

Fort Hays State takes the podium at 12:15 p.m. At that time, head coaches Mark Johnson and Talia Kahrs will take questions from the media.

The MIAA Network can be viewed on desktop, mobile devices, and Internet-connected television devices anywhere in the world. Individuals can use The MIAA Network website or The MIAA Network apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku to view media day.

Fans can participate in media day can tweet a question for their favorite coach using the hashtag #AskMIAA.

Below is the complete schedule for the 2025-26 MIAA Basketball Media Day press conferences.

PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: 9:00 AM - Commissioner Racy

SESSION I 9:15 AM – Northwest Missouri, Austin Meyer and Matt Keeley 9:30 AM – Central Missouri, David Slifer and Adam Bohac 9:45 AM – Missouri Western, Luke Scheidecker and Brooks McKowen 10:00 AM – Break 10:15 AM – Rogers State, Heather Davis and Justin Barkley 10:30 AM – Northeastern State, Keith Ferguson and Ja Havens 10:45 AM – Central Oklahoma, Hannah Moeller and Bob Hoffman 11:00 AM – Arkansas-Fort Smith, Ryan McAdams and Zane Gibson 11:15 AM – Break

SESSION II 11:45 AM – Newman, Amy Briggs and RJ Allen 12:00 PM – Nebraska Kearney, Drew Johnson and Marty Levinson 12:15 PM – Fort Hays State, Talia Kahrs and Mark Johnson 12:30 PM – Pittsburg State, Amanda Davied and Jeff Boschee 12:45 PM – Break 1:00 PM – Missouri Southern, Ronnie Ressel and Sam McMahon 1:15 PM – Washburn, Lora Westling and Brett Ballard 1:30 PM – Emporia State, MJ Baker and Tom Billeter

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759745656139.png" alt="FHJSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHJSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - MIAA Basketball Media Day for the upcoming 2025-26 season takes place on Monday (Oct. 6) at The College Basketball Experience in downtown Kansas City, presented by Seigfreid Bingham. The event will stream live on <a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">The MIAA Network</a> for FREE. The event starts at 9:00 a.m. and lasts until about 2:00 p.m.<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">Click here to watch FREE</a>The invite-only event features press conferences with head coaches from all 14 conference schools along with MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy's press conference beginning the day at 9:00 a.m., which will include the announcement of the Preseason Coaches and Media Polls. Following the Commissioner's remarks, media emcee host Brenda VanLengen will welcome the first men's and women's head coaches to the stage.Fort Hays State takes the podium at 12:15 p.m. At that time, head coaches Mark Johnson and Talia Kahrs will take questions from the media.The MIAA Network can be viewed on desktop, mobile devices, and Internet-connected television devices anywhere in the world. Individuals can use The MIAA Network website or The MIAA Network apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku to view media day.Fans can participate in media day can tweet a question for their favorite coach using the hashtag #AskMIAA.Below is the complete schedule for the 2025-26 MIAA Basketball Media Day press conferences.PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: 9:00 AM - Commissioner Racy SESSION I 9:15 AM – Northwest Missouri, Austin Meyer and Matt Keeley 9:30 AM – Central Missouri, David Slifer and Adam Bohac 9:45 AM – Missouri Western, Luke Scheidecker and Brooks McKowen 10:00 AM – Break 10:15 AM – Rogers State, Heather Davis and Justin Barkley 10:30 AM – Northeastern State, Keith Ferguson and Ja Havens 10:45 AM – Central Oklahoma, Hannah Moeller and Bob Hoffman 11:00 AM – Arkansas-Fort Smith, Ryan McAdams and Zane Gibson 11:15 AM – BreakSESSION II 11:45 AM – Newman, Amy Briggs and RJ Allen 12:00 PM – Nebraska Kearney, Drew Johnson and Marty Levinson 12:15 PM – Fort Hays State, Talia Kahrs and Mark Johnson 12:30 PM – Pittsburg State, Amanda Davied and Jeff Boschee 12:45 PM – Break 1:00 PM – Missouri Southern, Ronnie Ressel and Sam McMahon 1:15 PM – Washburn, Lora Westling and Brett Ballard 1:30 PM – Emporia State, MJ Baker and Tom Billeter