HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team struggled to get things going Friday evening at Gross Memorial Coliseum, falling to Northwest Missouri State in three sets, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20. The Tigers move to 9-3 overall and 1-2 in conference action after dropping consecutive matches for the first time all season, while the Bearcats improve to 8-5 on the year and 2-1 in MIAA play.

The Bearcats led wire-to-wire in the first set, eventually sealing the set with four-straight points. The Tigers took their first lead early in the second frame, leading 4-1 before Northwest scored five in a row to regain the lead. FHSU bounced back to regain the lead at 9-8 before another big Bearcat run put the visitors in front for good.

Northwest jumped in front 6-1 early in the third set before a kill from&nbsp; Ashlyn Reeves&nbsp;helped the Tigers close within two, 9-7. The Bearcats bounced back by scoring six of the next seven points, going in front 15-8 before scoring the final three points to secure the sweep.

Reeves led the Tigers with 10.5 points, totaling six kills, two service aces and three blocks, including two solo swats. Haylee Wolf and Kirsten Evans&nbsp;each recorded 10 digs, with Caiya Stucky&nbsp;contributing 18 assists, four digs, three kills and one block.

The Tigers will look to bounce back Saturday (Oct. 5) when they host Missouri Western beginning at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728093281091.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Grace Schmedding digs a serve against Northwest Missouri State on Friday, October 4, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Katie Kuhlman)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Grace Schmedding digs a serve against Northwest Missouri State on Friday, October 4, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Katie Kuhlman)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team struggled to get things going Friday evening at Gross Memorial Coliseum, falling to Northwest Missouri State in three sets, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20. The Tigers move to 9-3 overall and 1-2 in conference action after dropping consecutive matches for the first time all season, while the Bearcats improve to 8-5 on the year and 2-1 in MIAA play.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1929145139&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/10-4-24-fhsu-vb-coach-postgame-interview" title="Jessica Wood-Atkins Postgame vs. NW Missouri State (Oct. 4, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jessica Wood-Atkins Postgame vs. NW Missouri State (Oct. 4, 2024)</a></div></div>The Bearcats led wire-to-wire in the first set, eventually sealing the set with four-straight points. The Tigers took their first lead early in the second frame, leading 4-1 before Northwest scored five in a row to regain the lead. FHSU bounced back to regain the lead at 9-8 before another big Bearcat run put the visitors in front for good.Northwest jumped in front 6-1 early in the third set before a kill from&nbsp; Ashlyn Reeves&nbsp;helped the Tigers close within two, 9-7. The Bearcats bounced back by scoring six of the next seven points, going in front 15-8 before scoring the final three points to secure the sweep.Reeves led the Tigers with 10.5 points, totaling six kills, two service aces and three blocks, including two solo swats. Haylee Wolf and Kirsten Evans&nbsp;each recorded 10 digs, with Caiya Stucky&nbsp;contributing 18 assists, four digs, three kills and one block.UP NEXTThe Tigers will look to bounce back Saturday (Oct. 5) when they host Missouri Western beginning at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐Tigers fall at home to NW Missouri State

TMP-Marian (3-1, 2-1 MCL) vs Smith Center (0-4, 0-3 MCL) Friday, Oct. 4- 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Stadium Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1267951">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs are at home for a second week in-a-row for a huge district game against the Smith Center Redmen.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (3-1, 2-1 MCL) vs Smith Center (0-4, 0-3 MCL) Friday, Oct. 4- 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Stadium Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1267951">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs are at home for a second week in-a-row for a huge district game against the Smith Center Redmen.&nbsp;Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Live
coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

🏈🎥 TMP hosts MCL rival Smith Center

Hays High (2-2, 2-0 WAC) at Junction City (1-3, 0-1 CL) Friday, Oct. 4 - 7 p.m. Junction City, Kan. – Blue Jay Stadium

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1267898">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians are on the road once again Friday night as they travel to take on the Junction City Blue Jays.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Central Time. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High (2-2, 2-0 WAC) at Junction City (1-3, 0-1 CL) Friday, Oct. 4 - 7 p.m. Junction City, Kan. – Blue Jay StadiumRadio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1267898">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians are on the road once again Friday night as they travel to take on the Junction City Blue Jays.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Central Time. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and radio.

🏈🎥 Hays travels to Junction City

Friday, October 4 KAYS: Fort Hays State VB vs. NW Missouri State, 5:45pm KKQY: Quinter FB at LaCrosse, 6:15pm KFIX: Hays High FB at Junction City, 6:30pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Smith Center, 6:30pm

Saturday, October 5 KAYS: Kansas City Royals BSB at New York Yankees, 5:00pm KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Missouri, 6pm

Friday, October 4 KAYS: Fort Hays State VB vs. NW Missouri State, 5:45pm KKQY: Quinter FB at LaCrosse, 6:15pm KFIX: Hays High FB at Junction City, 6:30pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Smith Center, 6:30pmSaturday, October 5 KAYS: Kansas City Royals BSB at New York Yankees, 5:00pm KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Missouri, 6pmSunday, October 6 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

HAYS, Kan. – Rogers State edged Fort Hays State 1-0 in a hard-fought match Thursday night at FHSU Soccer Stadium. In a game defined by defensive efforts and physical play, the Hillcats capitalized on an offensive opportunity in the second half to pick up a road win. The Hillcats moved to 3-4-2 overall and maintained a perfect 3-0 record in GAC play. The No. 21 ranked Tigers moved to 3-3-1 overall and 0-2 in conference action.

Each team mustered just one shot on goal in the first half, and both goalkeepers were up to the challenge making saves. The Hillcats had a slight 4-3 advantage in the overall shot count. The Tigers earned five corner kicks during the opening period, but could not convert any opportunities. The best chance for the Tigers occurred within the first 10 minutes of the match when a rebound opportunity off the saved shot went wide of the target.

Fort Hays State was aggressive in the second half, firing off nine shots compared to two for the Hillcats. However, Rogers State made one of those two opportunities count on the scoreboard in the 61st minute. Erik Hjertsson capitalized on a misplayed clearance by the Tigers' defense, slotting the ball into the back of the net inside the box to give the Hillcats a 1-0 advantage.

Fort Hays State responded with heavy offensive pressure, especially in the final 10 minutes of the match looking for the equalizer, but never found the back of the net. The Tigers doubled up the Hillcats in shot count by the end of the match (12-6), but both teams only had two shots on target all night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728036743652.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Rogers State edged Fort Hays State 1-0 in a hard-fought match Thursday night at FHSU Soccer Stadium. In a game defined by defensive efforts and physical play, the Hillcats capitalized on an offensive opportunity in the second half to pick up a road win. The Hillcats moved to 3-4-2 overall and maintained a perfect 3-0 record in GAC play. The No. 21 ranked Tigers moved to 3-3-1 overall and 0-2 in conference action.Each team mustered just one shot on goal in the first half, and both goalkeepers were up to the challenge making saves. The Hillcats had a slight 4-3 advantage in the overall shot count. The Tigers earned five corner kicks during the opening period, but could not convert any opportunities. The best chance for the Tigers occurred within the first 10 minutes of the match when a rebound opportunity off the saved shot went wide of the target.Fort Hays State was aggressive in the second half, firing off nine shots compared to two for the Hillcats. However, Rogers State made one of those two opportunities count on the scoreboard in the 61st minute. Erik Hjertsson capitalized on a misplayed clearance by the Tigers' defense, slotting the ball into the back of the net inside the box to give the Hillcats a 1-0 advantage.Fort Hays State responded with heavy offensive pressure, especially in the final 10 minutes of the match looking for the equalizer, but never found the back of the net. The Tigers doubled up the Hillcats in shot count by the end of the match (12-6), but both teams only had two shots on target all night.

⚽ FHSU men come up short to Rogers State

HAYS - The Hays High volleyball team got back into the win column Thursday, sweeping all three of the matches at their home quadrangular.

The Indians swept Liberal and Abilene then knocked off Salina South in three.

HHS def. Liberal 25-8, 25-11 HHS def. Abilene 25-21, 25-16 HHS def. Salina South 25-19, 23-25, 25-21

HHS has won nine of their last 11 matches and sits at 16-6 on the season

Hays PostHAYS - The Hays High volleyball team got back into the win column Thursday, sweeping all three of the matches at their home quadrangular.The Indians swept Liberal and Abilene then knocked off Salina South in three.HHS def. Liberal 25-8, 25-11 HHS def. Abilene 25-21, 25-16 HHS def. Salina South 25-19, 23-25, 25-21HHS has won nine of their last 11 matches and sits at 16-6 on the season

🏐 HHS volleyball wins all three matches at home quad

CLAY CENTER -&nbsp;TMP-Marian
freshman Brynn Schoepf shot a 45 and tied for ninth at the nine-hole Clay
Center Girls’ Invitational Golf Tournament at the Clay Center Country Club.
Jenna Brull was 12th with a 47.


The Monarchs finished in third place in the team standings with a 197.

Ava Schumacher fired a 52 and placed 26th, Emma Wasinger finished in a tie for 29th with a 53 and Blakely Seib tied for 46 with a 63.

Wamego's Addison Douglass won the individual title with a 34. Wamego won the team title with a 160, 10 shots better than Manhattan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728038842477.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostCLAY CENTER -&nbsp;TMP-Marian
freshman Brynn Schoepf shot a 45 and tied for ninth at the nine-hole Clay
Center Girls’ Invitational Golf Tournament at the Clay Center Country Club.
Jenna Brull was 12th with a 47.
The Monarchs finished in third place in the team standings with a 197.Ava Schumacher fired a 52 and placed 26th, Emma Wasinger finished in a tie for 29th with a 53 and Blakely Seib tied for 46 with a 63.Wamego's Addison Douglass won the individual title with a 34. Wamego won the team title with a 160, 10 shots better than Manhattan.

⛳ Schoepf leads TMP-Marian girls' at Clay Center

HUTCHINSON -&nbsp;
















Hays High’s Jaycee Oakley shot a 9-over par 80 and finished in 12th place at the highly competitive Hutchinson Invitational Golf Tournament held at the Carey Park Golf Course.


Oakley was the lone top-20 finisher for Hays who placed 11th in the 19-team tournament.

Kinslea Jones of Maize won the individual title with a 5-under par 66. Two other golfers were tied at even par.

Manhattan won the team title with a 297.&nbsp;Maize was second at 331. Hays High had a 397 team score.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728037963308.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostHUTCHINSON -&nbsp;
















Hays High’s Jaycee Oakley shot a 9-over par 80 and finished in 12th place at the highly competitive Hutchinson Invitational Golf Tournament held at the Carey Park Golf Course.
Oakley was the lone top-20 finisher for Hays who placed 11th in the 19-team tournament.Kinslea Jones of Maize won the individual title with a 5-under par 66. Two other golfers were tied at even par.Manhattan won the team title with a 297.&nbsp;Maize was second at 331. Hays High had a 397 team score.

⛳ HHS's Oakley has top-20 finish in Hutchinson

LIBERAL -&nbsp;Hays High boys soccer lost 1-0 in Liberal Thursday.

It's their second-straight 1-0 loss this week as they drop their third straight to fall to 4-6 on the season.

Hays PostLIBERAL -&nbsp;Hays High boys soccer lost 1-0 in Liberal Thursday.It's their second-straight 1-0 loss this week as they drop their third straight to fall to 4-6 on the season.

⚽ HHS falls to Liberal

By STEPHEN SHYNO AP Sports Writer

BALTIMORE (AP) — After another September loss gave the Kansas City Royals a second seven-game slide in the final month of the season, Will Smith saw the upcoming off day as a chance to make his teammates laugh.

“You guys are looking at this the wrong way,” Smith said. “The bright side is we can’t lose tomorrow.”

The Royals won four of their final six games to make the playoffs a year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-orioles-al-wild-card-b1a51520c564ba2d18ce0c95d6761758">tying a franchise record with 106 losses</a>, and after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-mlb-playoffs-royals-orioles-score-537540033ada068a67c81aadd207ae96">a two-game sweep</a>&nbsp;of Baltimore, they are going to the AL Division Series to face the New York Yankees. It's the culmination of a remarkable turnaround from one season to the next and one game to the next.

“All we’re focused on is right now,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/761512f69eb8ff03791181acf7ffe240">first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino</a>, who had his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-injuries-3d58f8b6810ed0d06ffd2cce41107a70">surgically repaired right thumb</a>&nbsp;covered as a precaution amid spraying sparkling wine during a boozy visiting clubhouse celebration. “We’re just focused on winning that pitch, and that’s what this team does. Losing streaks, winning streaks — it doesn’t matter. We just focus on that next pitch. We’ve done a really good job at it, and we’re going to keep trying to do it.”

AL batting champion Bobby Witt Jr., who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-royals-orioles-088619707dc5aed035f49ee0fbbce578">drove in the go-ahead run</a>&nbsp;in Games 1 and 2, said the goal is “one out at a time 27 times.”

Manager Matt Quatraro, also a playoff rookie, said his players take that mentality to heart.

“They believe it,” Quatraro said. “You can’t just talk about it. You can’t just put it on a T-shirt and say let’s go or hang it on the wall on a poster. You have to live it. These guys do.”

General manager J.J. Picollo endeavored last offseason and at the trade deadline to surround his young core with veterans chock full of playoff experience. In came Smith,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-c09a995484fdef26c6351cab22c25646">a three-time World Series-winning reliever</a>, along with Game 2 starter and All-Star Seth Lugo, Yuli Gurriel, Tommy Pham and Michael Wacha, who might get the ball for the ALDS opener at Yankee Stadium.

Leadoff hitter Michael Massey on Wednesday recalled Smith's snide comment from last month as a particularly strong example of older players loosening the mood around the team when there were plenty of slumped shoulders and reasons to worry.

“It was kind of eye-opening,” Massey said. "We’ve lost seven in a row. Everyone thinks we’re not going to make the playoffs. We’re going to blow it. Then you’ve got a guy like that who’s making a joke about it.

"It goes to show you their experience and their confidence. They’ve been there before. They’ve done it."

Now all the Royals have a winning playoff experience — emerging from a taut matchup by allowing one run over 18 innings while scoring three times. It's the first time Kansas City has won a playoff series of any kind since finishing on top of baseball as World Series champions in 2015.

“I think it’s the start of something special,” Witt said. “We didn’t come this far just to come this far, so we’re going to keep getting after it, keep trying to create our own legacy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727950331851.jpeg" alt="ansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., center, reacts with a staff member after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)" />
 <figcaption>ansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., center, reacts with a staff member after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHEN SHYNO AP Sports WriterBALTIMORE (AP) — After another September loss gave the Kansas City Royals a second seven-game slide in the final month of the season, Will Smith saw the upcoming off day as a chance to make his teammates laugh.“You guys are looking at this the wrong way,” Smith said. “The bright side is we can’t lose tomorrow.”The Royals won four of their final six games to make the playoffs a year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-orioles-al-wild-card-b1a51520c564ba2d18ce0c95d6761758">tying a franchise record with 106 losses</a>, and after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-mlb-playoffs-royals-orioles-score-537540033ada068a67c81aadd207ae96">a two-game sweep</a>&nbsp;of Baltimore, they are going to the AL Division Series to face the New York Yankees. It's the culmination of a remarkable turnaround from one season to the next and one game to the next.“All we’re focused on is right now,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/761512f69eb8ff03791181acf7ffe240">first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino</a>, who had his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-injuries-3d58f8b6810ed0d06ffd2cce41107a70">surgically repaired right thumb</a>&nbsp;covered as a precaution amid spraying sparkling wine during a boozy visiting clubhouse celebration. “We’re just focused on winning that pitch, and that’s what this team does. Losing streaks, winning streaks — it doesn’t matter. We just focus on that next pitch. We’ve done a really good job at it, and we’re going to keep trying to do it.”AL batting champion Bobby Witt Jr., who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-royals-orioles-088619707dc5aed035f49ee0fbbce578">drove in the go-ahead run</a>&nbsp;in Games 1 and 2, said the goal is “one out at a time 27 times.”Manager Matt Quatraro, also a playoff rookie, said his players take that mentality to heart.“They believe it,” Quatraro said. “You can’t just talk about it. You can’t just put it on a T-shirt and say let’s go or hang it on the wall on a poster. You have to live it. These guys do.”General manager J.J. Picollo endeavored last offseason and at the trade deadline to surround his young core with veterans chock full of playoff experience. In came Smith,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-c09a995484fdef26c6351cab22c25646">a three-time World Series-winning reliever</a>, along with Game 2 starter and All-Star Seth Lugo, Yuli Gurriel, Tommy Pham and Michael Wacha, who might get the ball for the ALDS opener at Yankee Stadium.Leadoff hitter Michael Massey on Wednesday recalled Smith's snide comment from last month as a particularly strong example of older players loosening the mood around the team when there were plenty of slumped shoulders and reasons to worry.“It was kind of eye-opening,” Massey said. "We’ve lost seven in a row. Everyone thinks we’re not going to make the playoffs. We’re going to blow it. Then you’ve got a guy like that who’s making a joke about it."It goes to show you their experience and their confidence. They’ve been there before. They’ve done it."Now all the Royals have a winning playoff experience — emerging from a taut matchup by allowing one run over 18 innings while scoring three times. It's the first time Kansas City has won a playoff series of any kind since finishing on top of baseball as World Series champions in 2015.“I think it’s the start of something special,” Witt said. “We didn’t come this far just to come this far, so we’re going to keep getting after it, keep trying to create our own legacy.”

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr. and the Royals go from 2 late 7-game losing streaks to the AL Division Series

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes has been through self-described slumps before, including last year, when the Chiefs struggled so mightily late in the season that some were calling them a long shot to win another Super Bowl title.

Then the two-time league MVP played his best football in the postseason and they won a second straight championship.

So even though Mahomes has not played well during a 4-0 start heading into Monday night's game against New Orleans — by his own lofty standards, anyway — he knows things can change in a hurry. The important thing is to continue working on the details, all those small but often overlooked things, and keep the confidence that he has been through this before.

“That's what I learned last year,” Mahomes told a small group of reporters Wednesday. “I obviously went through a slump where I didn't play as good at the end of last year, and I just continued to work on it in practice. And in the playoffs, I thought I played a very high level. And so that's what I've been focusing on right now.”

Indeed, Mahomes threw for his fewest yards in a full season in six years as a starter last regular season, along with his fewest touchdown passes and most interceptions.

Yet when the playoffs rolled around, Mahomes completed nearly 70% of his passes, threw six TD passes against one interception, and led Kansas City to wins over Miami, Buffalo and Baltimore.

In the Super Bowl against San Francisco, he threw for 333 yards with two TDs and was MVP of the Chiefs' overtime victory.

That all provides optimism for the rest of this season.

Mahomes has so far played perhaps his worst four-game stretch as an NFL starter, throwing for 909 yards with six TD passes and five interceptions. And he knows it, too, insisting after each win that he needs to perform at a higher level.

He believes there are several reasons for the slow start, though none have to do with a busy offseason away from the field.

For one thing, opposing defenses have developed shell coverages that have taken away the deep shot that Mahomes made so famous when Tyreek Hill was running routes for him. They are basically daring Kansas City to beat them with the run game, or at worse, forcing Mahomes into throwing short passes, pick up first downs and grind the ball down the field.

“It's not as fun,” he admitted with a smile. “You're not going to see a lot of one-play touchdowns unless you hit, like, a crazy shot. So we have to keep working so that we can execute at a high level. And I think that has been something I've worked on with how teams are playing us. I have to continue do to that, and show that we can drive the ball all game long.”

The other big reason Mahomes believes he's gotten off to a slow start? Paralysis by analysis.

Just like baseball players often look at video of themselves when they're trying to end a slump, Mahomes will occasionally look at film of his younger days, when he was breaking records seemingly every time he stepped on the field. And what he saw was a quarterback who relied on his instincts to make plays, just like he did as a kid playing sandlot football growing up.

“There's some points now where you almost know too much,” he said. "When I was younger, I would just cut it loose. Like, I'd just go through the reads the way they sat on paper, and I'd throw the deep shot if it was there. I gave it chances. And now there are times where I'm like, ‘Well, they’re supposed to be in this coverage and that's not supposed to be there,' and it is.

“So you've got to have the balance of, I don't want to say being naive, but in reading the play the way it's supposed to be read, even if the coverage says it's not going to be that guy, and then when it's there, you take your chances.”

Mahomes still did not play his best last week in Los Angeles, when the Chiefs rallied for a 17-10 win over the Chargers. But as he looked back over the game film, he saw moments that gave him confidence he was turning the corner again.

One of them was hitting rookie Xavier Worthy with a 54-yard touchdown pass that got Kansas City on the scoreboard.

The Chiefs went on to win their fourth game by a touchdown or less. Two of them, against Baltimore and Cincinnati, have been decided on the final play. And their win over the Falcons was wrapped up with a fourth down stand in the final minute.

All while their star quarterback continues to work through a slump.

“That's why I think it's special what we've been doing early in the season, not playing our best football but finding ways to win,” Mahomes said, “because a lot of these games could be losses, and we could be looking at a way different rest of the year.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727951550435.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, left, talks with head coach Andy Reid during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, left, talks with head coach Andy Reid during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes has been through self-described slumps before, including last year, when the Chiefs struggled so mightily late in the season that some were calling them a long shot to win another Super Bowl title.Then the two-time league MVP played his best football in the postseason and they won a second straight championship.So even though Mahomes has not played well during a 4-0 start heading into Monday night's game against New Orleans — by his own lofty standards, anyway — he knows things can change in a hurry. The important thing is to continue working on the details, all those small but often overlooked things, and keep the confidence that he has been through this before.“That's what I learned last year,” Mahomes told a small group of reporters Wednesday. “I obviously went through a slump where I didn't play as good at the end of last year, and I just continued to work on it in practice. And in the playoffs, I thought I played a very high level. And so that's what I've been focusing on right now.”Indeed, Mahomes threw for his fewest yards in a full season in six years as a starter last regular season, along with his fewest touchdown passes and most interceptions.Yet when the playoffs rolled around, Mahomes completed nearly 70% of his passes, threw six TD passes against one interception, and led Kansas City to wins over Miami, Buffalo and Baltimore.In the Super Bowl against San Francisco, he threw for 333 yards with two TDs and was MVP of the Chiefs' overtime victory.That all provides optimism for the rest of this season.Mahomes has so far played perhaps his worst four-game stretch as an NFL starter, throwing for 909 yards with six TD passes and five interceptions. And he knows it, too, insisting after each win that he needs to perform at a higher level.He believes there are several reasons for the slow start, though none have to do with a busy offseason away from the field.For one thing, opposing defenses have developed shell coverages that have taken away the deep shot that Mahomes made so famous when Tyreek Hill was running routes for him. They are basically daring Kansas City to beat them with the run game, or at worse, forcing Mahomes into throwing short passes, pick up first downs and grind the ball down the field.“It's not as fun,” he admitted with a smile. “You're not going to see a lot of one-play touchdowns unless you hit, like, a crazy shot. So we have to keep working so that we can execute at a high level. And I think that has been something I've worked on with how teams are playing us. I have to continue do to that, and show that we can drive the ball all game long.”The other big reason Mahomes believes he's gotten off to a slow start? Paralysis by analysis.Just like baseball players often look at video of themselves when they're trying to end a slump, Mahomes will occasionally look at film of his younger days, when he was breaking records seemingly every time he stepped on the field. And what he saw was a quarterback who relied on his instincts to make plays, just like he did as a kid playing sandlot football growing up.“There's some points now where you almost know too much,” he said. "When I was younger, I would just cut it loose. Like, I'd just go through the reads the way they sat on paper, and I'd throw the deep shot if it was there. I gave it chances. And now there are times where I'm like, ‘Well, they’re supposed to be in this coverage and that's not supposed to be there,' and it is.“So you've got to have the balance of, I don't want to say being naive, but in reading the play the way it's supposed to be read, even if the coverage says it's not going to be that guy, and then when it's there, you take your chances.”Mahomes still did not play his best last week in Los Angeles, when the Chiefs rallied for a 17-10 win over the Chargers. But as he looked back over the game film, he saw moments that gave him confidence he was turning the corner again.One of them was hitting rookie Xavier Worthy with a 54-yard touchdown pass that got Kansas City on the scoreboard.The Chiefs went on to win their fourth game by a touchdown or less. Two of them, against Baltimore and Cincinnati, have been decided on the final play. And their win over the Falcons was wrapped up with a fourth down stand in the final minute.All while their star quarterback continues to work through a slump.“That's why I think it's special what we've been doing early in the season, not playing our best football but finding ways to win,” Mahomes said, “because a lot of these games could be losses, and we could be looking at a way different rest of the year.”

🏈 Mahomes sees himself turning the corner amid a slow start

BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. beat out an infield single to drive in the go-ahead run and send the Kansas City Royals into an AL Division Series with a 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday for a two-game sweep of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-orioles-al-wild-card-b1a51520c564ba2d18ce0c95d6761758">their Wild Card Series</a>.

With two outs and runners at the corners in sixth inning, Witt hit a grounder to the edge of the dirt behind second base, where Jordan Westburg made a diving stop and throw to first. Witt was already there after zooming 90 feet in 4.14 seconds, allowing Kyle Isbel to score from third.

It was the second consecutive game in which the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bobby-witt-jr">AL batting champion</a>&nbsp;provided the decisive hit. Witt's RBI single in Tuesday's series opener plated the only run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-royals-orioles-088619707dc5aed035f49ee0fbbce578">in a 1-0 victory</a>.

“You never know when this opportunity ever is going to happen again, so got to make the most of it while you have it,” Witt said. “That’s the fun part of this game. This is why we do it, these situations here.”

Kansas City, which endured two seven-game losing streaks over the final month of the season, advanced to face the AL East champion New York Yankees. Game 1 is Saturday in the Bronx.

Cedric Mullins homered for the Orioles, who fell to 0-5 during two quick playoff exits the past two years. Baltimore has dropped its last 10 postseason games.

The new-look Royals lost 106 games last season but used a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97e7e58c4c2257c95fa0bebe10cc7144">30-win improvement</a>&nbsp;to get back to October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.

Second baseman Michael Massey, who led off the game with a double and scored on a single by Vinnie Pasquantino, said the front office bringing in experienced veterans with playoff experience like Tommy Pham, Yuli Gurriel, Michael Wacha and Will Smith made this possible.

“They’ve been there before, they’ve done it, so I think it’s helped a lot of guys,” Massey said. “It’s helped us, for sure me, to be around those guys and just watch them, more than anything, and see how they go about their business, has been — I think that’s helped us stay even keel.”

The Royals left 12 runners on base and got through another close game with a razor-thin margin for error thanks to some masterful managing by Matt Quatraro, himself a postseason rookie like Witt, Game 1 winner Cole Ragans and so many others.

Quatraro let starter Seth Lugo get an out after loading the bases with nobody out in the fifth before spinning up bullpen roulette, starting with winning pitcher Angel Zerpa, who got KC out of that jam and then got the first out of the sixth. John Schreiber got three more outs, Sam Long two, Kris Bubic three and Lucas Erceg the final three to earn his second save of the series.

“It’s so impressive that they believe in themselves and they trust their stuff and they just come after some of the best hitters in the world,” Quatraro said.

The Orioles were swept in their only playoff series for a second consecutive year, going 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position this time and 5 for 32 combined. They face numerous offseason questions, from the future of manager Brandon Hyde to the possibility of losing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2c5a9a7c148b2c2d84994ab3fcc705fd">pending free-agent starter Corbin Burnes</a>.

“Especially when you lose like this, there’s frustration, there’s anger, there’s disappointment because you felt like there was opportunities there in those couple games to change the score, and it didn’t happen,” Hyde said.

Orioles: LF Colton Cowser broke his left hand when it was hit by the ball as he struck out swinging in the fifth. He exited after six innings.

The Royals face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carlos-rodon-yankees-alds-ed2934c198986eff681314996cc63641">Yankees ace Gerrit Cole</a>&nbsp;in the opener of their ALDS, with any starter but Ragans or Lugo rested and ready to go. Wacha had been in line to start Game 3 against Baltimore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727914133285.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) hits a single as home plate umpire Ben May, left, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman look on during the third inning in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) hits a single as home plate umpire Ben May, left, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman look on during the third inning in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. beat out an infield single to drive in the go-ahead run and send the Kansas City Royals into an AL Division Series with a 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday for a two-game sweep of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-orioles-al-wild-card-b1a51520c564ba2d18ce0c95d6761758">their Wild Card Series</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🗣️ This never gets old! <a href="https://t.co/SiSDUcYYBA">pic.twitter.com/SiSDUcYYBA</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1841646441241968641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With two outs and runners at the corners in sixth inning, Witt hit a grounder to the edge of the dirt behind second base, where Jordan Westburg made a diving stop and throw to first. Witt was already there after zooming 90 feet in 4.14 seconds, allowing Kyle Isbel to score from third."I just had to try to run," Witt said.It was the second consecutive game in which the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bobby-witt-jr">AL batting champion</a>&nbsp;provided the decisive hit. Witt's RBI single in Tuesday's series opener plated the only run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-royals-orioles-088619707dc5aed035f49ee0fbbce578">in a 1-0 victory</a>.“You never know when this opportunity ever is going to happen again, so got to make the most of it while you have it,” Witt said. “That’s the fun part of this game. This is why we do it, these situations here.”Kansas City, which endured two seven-game losing streaks over the final month of the season, advanced to face the AL East champion New York Yankees. Game 1 is Saturday in the Bronx.Cedric Mullins homered for the Orioles, who fell to 0-5 during two quick playoff exits the past two years. Baltimore has dropped its last 10 postseason games.The new-look Royals lost 106 games last season but used a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97e7e58c4c2257c95fa0bebe10cc7144">30-win improvement</a>&nbsp;to get back to October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.Second baseman Michael Massey, who led off the game with a double and scored on a single by Vinnie Pasquantino, said the front office bringing in experienced veterans with playoff experience like Tommy Pham, Yuli Gurriel, Michael Wacha and Will Smith made this possible.“They’ve been there before, they’ve done it, so I think it’s helped a lot of guys,” Massey said. “It’s helped us, for sure me, to be around those guys and just watch them, more than anything, and see how they go about their business, has been — I think that’s helped us stay even keel.”The Royals left 12 runners on base and got through another close game with a razor-thin margin for error thanks to some masterful managing by Matt Quatraro, himself a postseason rookie like Witt, Game 1 winner Cole Ragans and so many others.Quatraro let starter Seth Lugo get an out after loading the bases with nobody out in the fifth before spinning up bullpen roulette, starting with winning pitcher Angel Zerpa, who got KC out of that jam and then got the first out of the sixth. John Schreiber got three more outs, Sam Long two, Kris Bubic three and Lucas Erceg the final three to earn his second save of the series.“It’s so impressive that they believe in themselves and they trust their stuff and they just come after some of the best hitters in the world,” Quatraro said.Cionel Pérez took the loss.The Orioles were swept in their only playoff series for a second consecutive year, going 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position this time and 5 for 32 combined. They face numerous offseason questions, from the future of manager Brandon Hyde to the possibility of losing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2c5a9a7c148b2c2d84994ab3fcc705fd">pending free-agent starter Corbin Burnes</a>.“Especially when you lose like this, there’s frustration, there’s anger, there’s disappointment because you felt like there was opportunities there in those couple games to change the score, and it didn’t happen,” Hyde said.TRAINER’S ROOMOrioles: LF Colton Cowser broke his left hand when it was hit by the ball as he struck out swinging in the fifth. He exited after six innings.UP NEXTThe Royals face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carlos-rodon-yankees-alds-ed2934c198986eff681314996cc63641">Yankees ace Gerrit Cole</a>&nbsp;in the opener of their ALDS, with any starter but Ragans or Lugo rested and ready to go. Wacha had been in line to start Game 3 against Baltimore.___

⚾ Royals advance to the ALDS with sweep of the Orioles

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

Tiger Talk airs Wednesday's at 12:15 p.m. live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State campus as part of Tiger Club.

We're joined by Fort Hays State cross country coach Jason McCullough, volleyball coach Jessica Wood-Atkins and football coach Chris Brown.Tiger Talk airs Wednesday's at 12:15 p.m. live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State campus as part of Tiger Club.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (October 2, 2024)" 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=3dccu-16f1026-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (Oct. 2, 2024)

WAKEENEY
– The TMP-Marian volleyball team went 2-1 at a quadrangular hosted by Trego
Community High School Tuesday. The Monarchs swept Hill City to run their
winning streak to 11 matches but that was snapped in a three-set loss to Phillipsburg.
TMP bounced back to sweep Trego in two.

TMP-Marian
def. Hill City 25-10, 25-6
TMP-Marian lost to Phillipsburg 25-15, 19-25, 19-25
TMP-Marian def. Trego 25-16, 25-10

Trego
def. Hill City 30-28, 25-14
Phillipsburg def. Hill City 25-18, 25-15
Phillipsburg def. Trego 25-17, 22-25, 25-8

Hays PostWAKEENEY
– The TMP-Marian volleyball team went 2-1 at a quadrangular hosted by Trego
Community High School Tuesday. The Monarchs swept Hill City to run their
winning streak to 11 matches but that was snapped in a three-set loss to Phillipsburg.
TMP bounced back to sweep Trego in two.The
Monarchs are now 16-8 on the season.TMP-Marian
def. Hill City 25-10, 25-6
TMP-Marian lost to Phillipsburg 25-15, 19-25, 19-25
TMP-Marian def. Trego 25-16, 25-10Trego
def. Hill City 30-28, 25-14
Phillipsburg def. Hill City 25-18, 25-15
Phillipsburg def. Trego 25-17, 22-25, 25-8

🏐 TMP-Marian goes 2-1 in WaKeeney

HAYS
– The Hays High volleyball went 1-1 at their own triangular Tuesday at the Hays
High gym. The Indians lost to Manhattan in three then beat Junction City in two.

Manhattan
def. Hays High 26-28, 17-25, 21-25
Hays def. Junction City 25-18, 25-20

Hays PostHAYS
– The Hays High volleyball went 1-1 at their own triangular Tuesday at the Hays
High gym. The Indians lost to Manhattan in three then beat Junction City in two.Manhattan
def. Hays High 26-28, 17-25, 21-25
Hays def. Junction City 25-18, 25-20HHS
is now 13-6 on the season.

🏐 HHS 1-1 at own triangular

LYONS
- TMP-Marian’s Zecharia Dickman finished in ninth place to lead the TMP-Marian
boys cross country team at the Lyons Invitational Tuesday. The junior finished
with a time of 18:48.2 in the 5k race. Sophomore Mattias Marintezer placed 11th
(18:56.3) and senior Caleb Marintzer 15th (19:20.5)

Haven’s
Isaiah Doherty was the boys champ with a time of 17:22.5.

Haven
won the team title while the Monarchs placed fourth.

Claire
Schippers finished ninth to lead the TMP-Marian girls. The junior finished the
5k race with a time of 24:16.8. Senior Gracyn Schippers finished 13th (24:37.6)
and Grace Schmeidler 14th ()24:38.7).

Molly
Ehrlich of Ellsworth was the girls’ individual champ (20:37.4). The Bearcats
won the girls’ team title.

Hays PostLYONS
- TMP-Marian’s Zecharia Dickman finished in ninth place to lead the TMP-Marian
boys cross country team at the Lyons Invitational Tuesday. The junior finished
with a time of 18:48.2 in the 5k race. Sophomore Mattias Marintezer placed 11th
(18:56.3) and senior Caleb Marintzer 15th (19:20.5)Haven’s
Isaiah Doherty was the boys champ with a time of 17:22.5.Haven
won the team title while the Monarchs placed fourth.Claire
Schippers finished ninth to lead the TMP-Marian girls. The junior finished the
5k race with a time of 24:16.8. Senior Gracyn Schippers finished 13th (24:37.6)
and Grace Schmeidler 14th ()24:38.7).Molly
Ehrlich of Ellsworth was the girls’ individual champ (20:37.4). The Bearcats
won the girls’ team title.

🏃‍♂️ Monarchs cross country runs at Lyons

BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. made the most of his much-anticipated playoff debut, driving in the only run Tuesday to back Cole Ragans' six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series.

Witt, the 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season, singled to left field off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth. Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second — Burnes allowed runners to swipe a major league-high 41 bases this season — and moving to third on a groundout.

Just after Witt delivered, Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1841227979432870173">posted on social media</a>: “Let’s go!! Keep it going!!! @Royals”

They couldn't keep adding to their lead, but that didn't matter, thanks to Ragans, who was every bit as good, if not better, than Burnes before leaving after 80 pitches because of cramping in his left calf, plus a bullpen that was KC's weakness during the regular season but was more than fine Tuesday.

Sam Long, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg, who earned the save, shut down the Orioles the rest of the way.

The Royals lost 106 games last season but a 30-win improvement has them back in October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.

Now they can end this best-of-three series and advance to an AL Division Series against the New York Yankees by winning Game 2 in Baltimore on Wednesday, when KC will send All-Star Seth Lugo to the mound. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he wouldn’t announce his starter until after Tuesday’s game, although it was expected to be Zach Elfin.

Baltimore has lost its last nine postseason games, a skid that dates to 2014.

Ragans, a lefty All-Star picked up in a trade with the Texas Rangers last season, was terrific, mixing a 98 mph fastball with a variety of off-speed offerings while allowing just four hits and striking out eight.

Burnes looked every bit the ace Baltimore hoped it was getting when it acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers in February. The AL's All-Star starter this season exited to a standing ovation from the orange-clad fans at Camden Yards after giving up a leadoff single in the ninth. He allowed one run, five hits and that one key walk.

The right-hander became the first starter to throw a pitch in the ninth inning of a postseason game since Washington ace Stephen Strasburg in Game 6 of the 2019 World Series against Houston.

But Baltimore's sluggers — the team's 232 homers trailed only the Yankees in 2024 — could not come through in the clutch.

The Orioles got a runner to third in the third, but Jordan Westburg flied out to the warning track in left. The hosts then put men at the corners with one out in the fifth, but Ragans struck out James McCann and 2023 AL Rookie of the Year Gunnar Henderson to end that threat.

And in the eighth, with a pair on and two out, Erceg replaced Bubic and got Anthony Santander to ground into a fielder's choice.

Royals: 1B&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-injuries-3d58f8b6810ed0d06ffd2cce41107a70">Vinnie Pasquantino</a>&nbsp;came off the injured list for this series after being out since Aug. 29 with a broken right thumb, and he was in his usual No. 3 spot in the starting lineup as the DH. He wouldn't be able to play the field for another two to three weeks — if KC remains in the postseason. Pasquantino went 0 for 3 on Tuesday.

Lugo (16-9, 3.00 ERA) will be making the first postseason start of his career. "Something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time," he said.

Eflin went 10-9 with a 3.59 ERA combined for Tampa Bay and Baltimore in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727822807888.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. made the most of his much-anticipated playoff debut, driving in the only run Tuesday to back Cole Ragans' six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series.Witt, the 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season, singled to left field off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth. Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second — Burnes allowed runners to swipe a major league-high 41 bases this season — and moving to third on a groundout.Just after Witt delivered, Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1841227979432870173">posted on social media</a>: “Let’s go!! Keep it going!!! @Royals”They couldn't keep adding to their lead, but that didn't matter, thanks to Ragans, who was every bit as good, if not better, than Burnes before leaving after 80 pitches because of cramping in his left calf, plus a bullpen that was KC's weakness during the regular season but was more than fine Tuesday.Sam Long, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg, who earned the save, shut down the Orioles the rest of the way.The Royals lost 106 games last season but a 30-win improvement has them back in October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.Now they can end this best-of-three series and advance to an AL Division Series against the New York Yankees by winning Game 2 in Baltimore on Wednesday, when KC will send All-Star Seth Lugo to the mound. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he wouldn’t announce his starter until after Tuesday’s game, although it was expected to be Zach Elfin.Baltimore has lost its last nine postseason games, a skid that dates to 2014.Ragans, a lefty All-Star picked up in a trade with the Texas Rangers last season, was terrific, mixing a 98 mph fastball with a variety of off-speed offerings while allowing just four hits and striking out eight.Burnes looked every bit the ace Baltimore hoped it was getting when it acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers in February. The AL's All-Star starter this season exited to a standing ovation from the orange-clad fans at Camden Yards after giving up a leadoff single in the ninth. He allowed one run, five hits and that one key walk.The right-hander became the first starter to throw a pitch in the ninth inning of a postseason game since Washington ace Stephen Strasburg in Game 6 of the 2019 World Series against Houston.But Baltimore's sluggers — the team's 232 homers trailed only the Yankees in 2024 — could not come through in the clutch.The Orioles got a runner to third in the third, but Jordan Westburg flied out to the warning track in left. The hosts then put men at the corners with one out in the fifth, but Ragans struck out James McCann and 2023 AL Rookie of the Year Gunnar Henderson to end that threat.And in the eighth, with a pair on and two out, Erceg replaced Bubic and got Anthony Santander to ground into a fielder's choice.<h2>Trainer's Room</h2>Royals: 1B&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-injuries-3d58f8b6810ed0d06ffd2cce41107a70">Vinnie Pasquantino</a>&nbsp;came off the injured list for this series after being out since Aug. 29 with a broken right thumb, and he was in his usual No. 3 spot in the starting lineup as the DH. He wouldn't be able to play the field for another two to three weeks — if KC remains in the postseason. Pasquantino went 0 for 3 on Tuesday.<h2>Up Next</h2>Lugo (16-9, 3.00 ERA) will be making the first postseason start of his career. "Something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time," he said.Eflin went 10-9 with a 3.59 ERA combined for Tampa Bay and Baltimore in 2024.

⚾ Witt Jr. and Ragans lead the Royals over the Orioles to open AL Wild Card Series

Fort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, defensive end Myles Menges and wide receiver Jabari Lewis spoke to the media Tuesday before the Tigers host Central Missouri on Saturday.

Hays PostFort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, defensive end Myles Menges and wide receiver Jabari Lewis spoke to the media Tuesday before the Tigers host Central Missouri on Saturday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wxkScXX-EjY?si=a6PLBAnk7pqyP09S" 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><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TPf81WLMQgA?si=EpWtQAPomHQ_65xM" 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><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4tCNaxopBo4?si=WiL-JX76-i1PyLY1" 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>

🏈📹 FHSU weekly press conference 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer is ranked No. 21 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday (Oct. 1). The Tigers moved down four spots from the No. 17 ranking they held last week.

The Tigers (3-2-1) are coming off a loss against a then No. 22 ranked Southern Nazarene team in their MIAA opener last week in Oklahoma. Southern Nazarene (4-3-1) moved up to No. 19 this week. SNU and FHSU represent the Great American Conference in the Top 25, while Newman continues to receive votes.

The Tigers continue MIAA play this week hosting Rogers State and Northeastern State in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727815004106.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer is ranked No. 21 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday (Oct. 1). The Tigers moved down four spots from the No. 17 ranking they held last week.The Tigers (3-2-1) are coming off a loss against a then No. 22 ranked Southern Nazarene team in their MIAA opener last week in Oklahoma. Southern Nazarene (4-3-1) moved up to No. 19 this week. SNU and FHSU represent the Great American Conference in the Top 25, while Newman continues to receive votes.The Tigers continue MIAA play this week hosting Rogers State and Northeastern State in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ FHSU men No. 21 in latest United Soccer Coaches top 25

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State goalkeeper Mackenzie Caldwell&nbsp;was named MIAA Co-Goalkeeper of the Week on Tuesday for her efforts in a pair of shutout wins over Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State to open conference play. Caldwell shares the honor this week with Hailey Beck of Washburn.

Caldwell has earned Goalkeeper of the Week honors from the conference office two weeks in a row now, which spans her four-match shutout streak. She had seven saves for the week while playing all 180 minutes, recording five saves in a 2-0 shutout of Missouri Southern and two in a 2-0 shutout of Pittsburg State. She is tied for the MIAA lead in shutouts with five for the season and leads the conference in goals against average (0.50) and save percentage (.915) for the season.

Beck kept two clean sheets in goal for the Ichabods, giving her five solo clean sheets on the season. She has been part of a defense that has broken a Washburn school record for consecutive scoreless minutes played, going over 568 minutes played without allowing a goal. Beck made a total of six saves in the two matches.

Caldwell and Beck join Corinne Stewart of Missouri Western (Offensive Athlete of the Week) and Lauren Nylund of Missouri Western (Defensive Athlete of the Week) as the weekly honorees from the conference office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727814130691.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State goalkeeper Mackenzie Caldwell&nbsp;was named MIAA Co-Goalkeeper of the Week on Tuesday for her efforts in a pair of shutout wins over Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State to open conference play. Caldwell shares the honor this week with Hailey Beck of Washburn.Caldwell has earned Goalkeeper of the Week honors from the conference office two weeks in a row now, which spans her four-match shutout streak. She had seven saves for the week while playing all 180 minutes, recording five saves in a 2-0 shutout of Missouri Southern and two in a 2-0 shutout of Pittsburg State. She is tied for the MIAA lead in shutouts with five for the season and leads the conference in goals against average (0.50) and save percentage (.915) for the season.Beck kept two clean sheets in goal for the Ichabods, giving her five solo clean sheets on the season. She has been part of a defense that has broken a Washburn school record for consecutive scoreless minutes played, going over 568 minutes played without allowing a goal. Beck made a total of six saves in the two matches.Caldwell and Beck join Corinne Stewart of Missouri Western (Offensive Athlete of the Week) and Lauren Nylund of Missouri Western (Defensive Athlete of the Week) as the weekly honorees from the conference office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ FHSU's Caldwell repeats as MIAA Goalkeeper of the Week

HOISINGTON – The TMP-Marian Monarchs girls golf team brought
home a pair of top-10 finishes at the Hoisington golf tournament Monday at Lake Barton
Golf Club in Great Bend.

TMP’s Jenna Brull tied for the best score of the day with a
44 and finished second after a tiebreaker.

Larned’s Erin Tims took home the individual title.

TMP’s Brynn Schoepf finished five shots behind her teammate
with a 49.

Emma Wasinger was 15th with a 56 and Ava
Schumacher finished in a tie for 16th with a 59.

Pratt won the team title with a 194. Larned was second (196)
and TMP third (208).

Hays PostHOISINGTON – The TMP-Marian Monarchs girls golf team brought
home a pair of top-10 finishes at the Hoisington golf tournament Monday at Lake Barton
Golf Club in Great Bend.TMP’s Jenna Brull tied for the best score of the day with a
44 and finished second after a tiebreaker.Larned’s Erin Tims took home the individual title.TMP’s Brynn Schoepf finished five shots behind her teammate
with a 49.Emma Wasinger was 15th with a 56 and Ava
Schumacher finished in a tie for 16th with a 59.Pratt won the team title with a 194. Larned was second (196)
and TMP third (208).

⛳TMP’s Brull finished 2nd at Hoisington

Join Fort Hays State University in a groundbreaking celebration for the new Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex during Homecoming. The event will take place Friday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. in Lewis Field Stadium’s south end zone.

With the growth of athletic programs, FHSU has outgrown its current training facilities. The new two-story athletic complex will span nearly 20,000 square feet and set Fort Hays State apart as a leader in sports medicine. 

Attendees will hear from student-athletes, Director of Athletics Curtis Hammeke, football Head Coach Chris Brown, and Director of Sports Medicine Nate Hepner, among others. 

Bring a friend, enjoy refreshments, and join us in celebrating the groundbreaking of this incredible new facility.

For a full list of Homecoming events, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqsqfUb1C-2BgprFSbUx0xCgQmmOr4-2Fk-2Fkw9tUht9DePGvXKz5E_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfODDmzGmdMNkzlMJGoMLTRKDQWhiP3xsiDc2NHSK7mORJ4I9vRaU-2FMNZtwBROVTuQOh4wqnj92qIkbwB6Lj1sjjqnM3chHZnMk4cLu4N6u5fgnm-2FxpZ6bzPdLg-2B5V8BMfeLE6oIS-2B9aBGgZ3R24WHH-2BN9Xa-2FinY3ctmeHyLMDzCOvJmplymWdBkbV88fwj-2Fettfwu8Op5H-2F4p52Q-2FkIG0kEyWrgIEfkbANZKM4Ahv3wi-2BsQVpe6-2B7pGfU9P3Posm-2BJ">www.FHSUhomecoming.com</a>.

For questions, contact the Fort Hays State University Foundation by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 785-628-5620.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727467994405.jpeg" alt="Planned Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex at Fort Hays State University. Image courtesy HTK architects" />
 <figcaption>Planned Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex at Fort Hays State University. Image courtesy HTK architects</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU FoundationJoin Fort Hays State University in a groundbreaking celebration for the new Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex during Homecoming. The event will take place Friday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. in Lewis Field Stadium’s south end zone.With the growth of athletic programs, FHSU has outgrown its current training facilities. The new two-story athletic complex will span nearly 20,000 square feet and set Fort Hays State apart as a leader in sports medicine. Attendees will hear from student-athletes, Director of Athletics Curtis Hammeke, football Head Coach Chris Brown, and Director of Sports Medicine Nate Hepner, among others. Bring a friend, enjoy refreshments, and join us in celebrating the groundbreaking of this incredible new facility.For a full list of Homecoming events, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqsqfUb1C-2BgprFSbUx0xCgQmmOr4-2Fk-2Fkw9tUht9DePGvXKz5E_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfODDmzGmdMNkzlMJGoMLTRKDQWhiP3xsiDc2NHSK7mORJ4I9vRaU-2FMNZtwBROVTuQOh4wqnj92qIkbwB6Lj1sjjqnM3chHZnMk4cLu4N6u5fgnm-2FxpZ6bzPdLg-2B5V8BMfeLE6oIS-2B9aBGgZ3R24WHH-2BN9Xa-2FinY3ctmeHyLMDzCOvJmplymWdBkbV88fwj-2Fettfwu8Op5H-2F4p52Q-2FkIG0kEyWrgIEfkbANZKM4Ahv3wi-2BsQVpe6-2B7pGfU9P3Posm-2BJ">www.FHSUhomecoming.com</a>.For questions, contact the Fort Hays State University Foundation by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 785-628-5620.

FHSU breaking ground on new athletic complex

HAYS -&nbsp;
















Hays High boys soccer lost 1-0 to Wichita Trinity Academy at Hays High School Monday.


It's the Indians second straight loss which has them at 4-5 on the season. 

The Indians resume WAC play Thursday in Liberal.





Hays PostHAYS -&nbsp;
















Hays High boys soccer lost 1-0 to Wichita Trinity Academy at Hays High School Monday.
It's the Indians second straight loss which has them at 4-5 on the season. The Indians resume WAC play Thursday in Liberal.

⚽ HHS boys come up short against Trinity Academy

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Kansas State sophomore quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;was honored for his play in the Wildcats’ 42-20 victory over No. 20 Oklahoma State by being named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

It is Johnson’s first weekly conference honor this season and second of his career as he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year last year after the Texas Tech game. He is the first K-State player to earn the weekly Big 12 offensive honor since&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;last year against UCF and the first Wildcat signal caller since Will Howard following the 2022 Oklahoma State game.

Against the Cowboys, Johnson threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-31 aim – setting career highs across the board – while he rushed for 60 yards and another two scores on five carries.

Johnson, a native of Wichita, Kansas, became the first Wildcat to have at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns against a conference opponent since Collin Klein at West Virginia in 2012, while it was just the ninth time in Big 12 history that a player hit those marks against a ranked opponent.

In addition to the Big 12 weekly honor, Johnson was also named a Manning Award Star of the Week and to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 List earlier on Monday.

No. 20 Kansas State is off this week before returning to action on Saturday, October 12, when the Wildcats travel to face Colorado. Kickoff for the game against the Buffaloes is set for 9:15 p.m. (CT) and will be shown on ESPN.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727721139874.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. - Kansas State sophomore quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;was honored for his play in the Wildcats’ 42-20 victory over No. 20 Oklahoma State by being named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.It is Johnson’s first weekly conference honor this season and second of his career as he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year last year after the Texas Tech game. He is the first K-State player to earn the weekly Big 12 offensive honor since&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;last year against UCF and the first Wildcat signal caller since Will Howard following the 2022 Oklahoma State game.Against the Cowboys, Johnson threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-31 aim – setting career highs across the board – while he rushed for 60 yards and another two scores on five carries.Johnson, a native of Wichita, Kansas, became the first Wildcat to have at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns against a conference opponent since Collin Klein at West Virginia in 2012, while it was just the ninth time in Big 12 history that a player hit those marks against a ranked opponent.In addition to the Big 12 weekly honor, Johnson was also named a Manning Award Star of the Week and to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 List earlier on Monday.No. 20 Kansas State is off this week before returning to action on Saturday, October 12, when the Wildcats travel to face Colorado. Kickoff for the game against the Buffaloes is set for 9:15 p.m. (CT) and will be shown on ESPN.