LAWRENCE, Kan. - John Hadl, a homegrown football legend at the University of Kansas who went on to become a professional football star, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 82 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hadl made a name for himself at Lawrence High School as an all-state halfback for the football team and as a centerfielder for the baseball team. To the delight of Lawrence residents, Hadl chose to play for KU.

His ability as an all-around athlete served him well as he transitioned into the college game. As a sophomore in 1959, in his first season of collegiate eligibility, Hadl led the NCAA in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set KU records for the longest punt (94 yards, which still stands) and the longest interception return (98 yards, which stood until 2007).&nbsp;

But it was his junior and senior campaigns that etched his name into the history books. Hadl’s versatility propelled him to excel both as a halfback and quarterback. With Hadl running the offense, the Jayhawks were ranked in the top-20 his junior and senior years and finished the two-season span 14-5-2. He wrapped up his Kansas career leading his team to the program’s first-ever bowl victory, a 33-7 decision over Rice in the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.

Statement from Director of Athletics Travis Goff

“John Hadl had a generational impact on Kansas Football, the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community. He was a once-in-a-lifetime Jayhawk student-athlete, a coach and mentor, a prolific fundraiser who developed profound relationships with countless, and the ultimate ambassador for KU. In short, our University and athletic program has been transformed by John and his legacy will forever be cemented. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Diana and the Hadl family. We will deeply miss John and his contagious smile but will proudly honor him and his unrivaled legacy as we move forward.”

Statement from Head Football Coach Lance Leipold

“Upon my arrival, I heard instantly from people across the state about John’s impact to this department, not just as a student-athlete and coach, but as someone who dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the University of Kansas. His desire to enhance KU and make it as special as possible truly resonated with me. To be the head coach of this program and see his statue every day outside Anderson Family Football Complex, is a firm reminder of the passion and love that John had for this program. Kelly and I send our condolences to the Hadl family and his loved ones.”

An inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame (1994), Hadl was the first Kansas player to be picked twice for All-America honors (1960 and 1961). He was also named the Most Valuable Player of both the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game after the 1961 season.

Hadl then enjoyed a successful 16-year career as a professional quarterback, most notably with the San Diego Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he played in three American Football League Championship games and was named National Football Conference Player of the Year in 1973.&nbsp; He was named the 1971 National Football League Man of the Year and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame. Hadl was selected with the 10th&nbsp;overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.

After retiring from professional football in 1977, Hadl returned to his hometown and to his true love, the University of Kansas, as an assistant football coach. As assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 1981 he helped lead the Jayhawks to the Hall of Fame Bowl. His players loved him, having come to understand his passion for and knowledge of the game. In the mid-1980’s he coached in the NFL and the USFL.

In 1988 Hadl returned to KU to join the Williams Education Fund.&nbsp; For 30 years he was at the forefront of fundraising for the construction and renovation of KU’s athletics facilities. Hadl retired from his position in the Kansas Athletics’ Williams Education Fund in October of 2018.&nbsp;

A Jayhawk at heart, John Hadl will forever be honored as a member of the Kansas football Ring of Honor and the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame. His No. 21 is one of three Kansas football numbers to be retired (Gale Sayers No. 48 and Ray Evans No. 42).

Hadl’s legacy was celebrated during the 2020 season with a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/watch-live-unveiling-of-john-hadl-and-gale-sayers-statues/">statue unveiling</a>&nbsp;outside of Anderson Family Football Complex. He is one of two Jayhawks to be commemorated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669837038597.png" alt="Kansas Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. - John Hadl, a homegrown football legend at the University of Kansas who went on to become a professional football star, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 82 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hadl made a name for himself at Lawrence High School as an all-state halfback for the football team and as a centerfielder for the baseball team. To the delight of Lawrence residents, Hadl chose to play for KU.His ability as an all-around athlete served him well as he transitioned into the college game. As a sophomore in 1959, in his first season of collegiate eligibility, Hadl led the NCAA in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set KU records for the longest punt (94 yards, which still stands) and the longest interception return (98 yards, which stood until 2007).&nbsp;But it was his junior and senior campaigns that etched his name into the history books. Hadl’s versatility propelled him to excel both as a halfback and quarterback. With Hadl running the offense, the Jayhawks were ranked in the top-20 his junior and senior years and finished the two-season span 14-5-2. He wrapped up his Kansas career leading his team to the program’s first-ever bowl victory, a 33-7 decision over Rice in the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.Statement from Director of Athletics Travis Goff“John Hadl had a generational impact on Kansas Football, the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community. He was a once-in-a-lifetime Jayhawk student-athlete, a coach and mentor, a prolific fundraiser who developed profound relationships with countless, and the ultimate ambassador for KU. In short, our University and athletic program has been transformed by John and his legacy will forever be cemented. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Diana and the Hadl family. We will deeply miss John and his contagious smile but will proudly honor him and his unrivaled legacy as we move forward.”Statement from Head Football Coach Lance Leipold“Upon my arrival, I heard instantly from people across the state about John’s impact to this department, not just as a student-athlete and coach, but as someone who dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the University of Kansas. His desire to enhance KU and make it as special as possible truly resonated with me. To be the head coach of this program and see his statue every day outside Anderson Family Football Complex, is a firm reminder of the passion and love that John had for this program. Kelly and I send our condolences to the Hadl family and his loved ones.”An inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame (1994), Hadl was the first Kansas player to be picked twice for All-America honors (1960 and 1961). He was also named the Most Valuable Player of both the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game after the 1961 season.Hadl then enjoyed a successful 16-year career as a professional quarterback, most notably with the San Diego Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he played in three American Football League Championship games and was named National Football Conference Player of the Year in 1973.&nbsp; He was named the 1971 National Football League Man of the Year and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame. Hadl was selected with the 10th&nbsp;overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.After retiring from professional football in 1977, Hadl returned to his hometown and to his true love, the University of Kansas, as an assistant football coach. As assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 1981 he helped lead the Jayhawks to the Hall of Fame Bowl. His players loved him, having come to understand his passion for and knowledge of the game. In the mid-1980’s he coached in the NFL and the USFL.In 1988 Hadl returned to KU to join the Williams Education Fund.&nbsp; For 30 years he was at the forefront of fundraising for the construction and renovation of KU’s athletics facilities. Hadl retired from his position in the Kansas Athletics’ Williams Education Fund in October of 2018.&nbsp;A Jayhawk at heart, John Hadl will forever be honored as a member of the Kansas football Ring of Honor and the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame. His No. 21 is one of three Kansas football numbers to be retired (Gale Sayers No. 48 and Ray Evans No. 42).Hadl’s legacy was celebrated during the 2020 season with a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/watch-live-unveiling-of-john-hadl-and-gale-sayers-statues/">statue unveiling</a>&nbsp;outside of Anderson Family Football Complex. He is one of two Jayhawks to be commemorated.

🏈 KU legend John Hadl passes away at 82

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

As the Thomas More Prep-Marian Monarchs girls basketball team prepares to
start the season, they find themselves in an unfamiliar position, with just one full-time
starter back and having to replace nearly 80 percent of their offense from last year.

After graduating five seniors, four who were multi-year
starters, Coach Rose McFarland knows her group will have to go through a bit
of a learning curve in her 15th year as head coach at TMP.

The Monarchs will lean on senior Jaci VonLintel as they only
returner who started every game she played in a season ago. VonLintel, who
garnered some all-state honors last season, was the Monarchs third leading scorer
last year, averaging 13.1 points per game.

“I feel like we got a really good core coming back,”
McFarland said. “Jaci’s played pretty much every position, she can play inside
outside. So, she gained a lot of experience that way, playing multiple
positions.”

Fellow senior Hannah Garcia and sophomore Brooke Koenigsman
started several games last season, and McFarland said that experience will help
them this year.

“I feel like we've got a good core there, and they've been working
hard on the court as well and trying to bring in those other kids and teach
them what to do,” McFarland said.

She believes the younger girls have been able
to learn from their limited experience at the varsity level and experience in
the off season. 

“We've got some girls that have a good basketball IQ,” McFarland
said. “They played this summer together and stepped up. I thought we saw a lot
of good things this summer.”

She also said the younger group of girls reminds her a lot
of last year’s senior class that went a combined 37-7 the last two years
combined.

“The younger kids are a group that played a lot when they
were younger and they've been showing up to the summer gyms and they've got a
good attitude,” McFarland said. “They showed up, they work together really well.”

The Monarchs will get a tough test right away against the
defending 6A champions Washburn Rural in the first round of the Hays City
Shootout Thursday. The Lady Blues open the season ranked atop the Kansas
Basketball Coaches Association 6A rankings.

“I think the key for us this year is to just continue
growing throughout the season. And I think we will,” McFarland said. “At the
Hays City Shootout, I don't ever feel like we are ready. Even when I have an
experienced team, I just don't feel like we're totally ready, but I don't know
what team is. But, you know, we just got to learn from it.

“We're not going to back down on anybody (and) we're going
to set our sights high and go for it,” she added.

TMP and Washburn Rural play the first game of the day at 3
p.m. Thursday in the opening round of the Hays City Shootout Thursday at Hays
High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669822739719.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostAs the Thomas More Prep-Marian Monarchs girls basketball team prepares to
start the season, they find themselves in an unfamiliar position, with just one full-time
starter back and having to replace nearly 80 percent of their offense from last year.After graduating five seniors, four who were multi-year
starters, Coach Rose McFarland knows her group will have to go through a bit
of a learning curve in her 15th year as head coach at TMP.The Monarchs will lean on senior Jaci VonLintel as they only
returner who started every game she played in a season ago. VonLintel, who
garnered some all-state honors last season, was the Monarchs third leading scorer
last year, averaging 13.1 points per game.“I feel like we got a really good core coming back,”
McFarland said. “Jaci’s played pretty much every position, she can play inside
outside. So, she gained a lot of experience that way, playing multiple
positions.”Fellow senior Hannah Garcia and sophomore Brooke Koenigsman
started several games last season, and McFarland said that experience will help
them this year.“I feel like we've got a good core there, and they've been working
hard on the court as well and trying to bring in those other kids and teach
them what to do,” McFarland said.She believes the younger girls have been able
to learn from their limited experience at the varsity level and experience in
the off season. “We've got some girls that have a good basketball IQ,” McFarland
said. “They played this summer together and stepped up. I thought we saw a lot
of good things this summer.”She also said the younger group of girls reminds her a lot
of last year’s senior class that went a combined 37-7 the last two years
combined.“The younger kids are a group that played a lot when they
were younger and they've been showing up to the summer gyms and they've got a
good attitude,” McFarland said. “They showed up, they work together really well.”The Monarchs will get a tough test right away against the
defending 6A champions Washburn Rural in the first round of the Hays City
Shootout Thursday. The Lady Blues open the season ranked atop the Kansas
Basketball Coaches Association 6A rankings.“I think the key for us this year is to just continue
growing throughout the season. And I think we will,” McFarland said. “At the
Hays City Shootout, I don't ever feel like we are ready. Even when I have an
experienced team, I just don't feel like we're totally ready, but I don't know
what team is. But, you know, we just got to learn from it.“We're not going to back down on anybody (and) we're going
to set our sights high and go for it,” she added.TMP and Washburn Rural play the first game of the day at 3
p.m. Thursday in the opening round of the Hays City Shootout Thursday at Hays
High School.

🏀 Development through season key to TMP-M girls's season

The Week 14 Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers game on&nbsp; Dec. 11 will be played at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and the&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs-Denver Broncos game&nbsp;will move to 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS, the NFL announced today.&nbsp;

The following is the final Week 14 NFL schedule (all times ET):

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills 1 p.m. on CBS

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals 1 p.m. on CBS

Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys 1 p.m. on FOX

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions 1 p.m. on FOX

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants 1 p.m. on FOX

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers 1 p.m. on CBS

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans 1 p.m. on CBS

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos 4:05 p.m. on CBS

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers 4:25 p.m. on FOX

Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks 4:25 p.m. on FOX

Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers 8:20 p.m. on NBC December 12, 2022

New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals 8:15 p.m. on ESPN

Week 14 Byes:&nbsp;Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders

NFLThe Week 14 Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers game on&nbsp; Dec. 11 will be played at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and the&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs-Denver Broncos game&nbsp;will move to 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS, the NFL announced today.&nbsp;The following is the final Week 14 NFL schedule (all times ET):Dec. 8, 2022Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video Dec. 11, 2022New York Jets at Buffalo Bills 1 p.m. on CBSCleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals 1 p.m. on CBSHouston Texans at Dallas Cowboys 1 p.m. on FOXMinnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions 1 p.m. on FOXPhiladelphia Eagles at New York Giants 1 p.m. on FOXBaltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers 1 p.m. on CBSJacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans 1 p.m. on CBSKansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos 4:05 p.m. on CBSTampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers 4:25 p.m. on FOXCarolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks 4:25 p.m. on FOXMiami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers 8:20 p.m. on NBC December 12, 2022New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals 8:15 p.m. on ESPNWeek 14 Byes:&nbsp;Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders

NFL: Chiefs-Broncos flexes out of Sunday night slot

With the 2022-23 high school basketball season set to begin
this week the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its preseason
rankings on Tuesday.

The TMP boys open the season ranked second in class 2A. They
are coming off back-to-back state tournament appearances in 3A. TMP dropped
down a classification this year to 2A.

The Pawnee Heights boys are ranked fifth and Dighton is
ranked sixth in 1A division 2.

Phillipsburg opens the season ranked third in class 3A. The defending
champion Goodland Cowgirls are ranked first and Colby is seventh.

Smith Center enters the season ranked second in class 2A
after a third place finish a year ago.

The Osborne girls are ranked third in 1A division one and
Hodgeman County is fifth.

Wheatland-Grinnell is ranked 10th in 1A division
2.

6A Girls 1 Washburn Rural 2 Blue Valley North 3 Shawnee Mission West 4 Blue Valley 5 Olathe North 6 Olathe West 7 Shawnee Mission Northwest 8 Topeka High 9 Wichita Heights 10 Derby

5A Girls 1 St. Thomas Aquinas 2 Andover 3 Lansing 4 St. James Academy 5 Emporia 6 Salina Central 7 Andover Central 8 Bishop Carroll 9 Topeka Seaman 10 Maize South

4A Girls 1 Bishop Miege 2 Wamego 3 McPherson 4 Hugoton 5 Andale 6 Eudora 7 Wellington 8 Rock Creek 9 Clay Center 10 Clearwater

3A Girls 1 Goodland 2 Silver Lake 3 Phillipsburg 4 Sabetha 5 Nemaha Central 6 Cheney 7 Colby 8 Halstead 9 Southeast of Saline 10 Eureka

2A Girls 1 Elbing- Berean Academy 2 Smith Center 3 Garden Plain 4 Jackson Heights 5 St. Mary's Colgan 6 Valley Heights 7 Sterling 8 Remington 9 Hillsboro 10 Bluestem

1A-Div 1-Girls 1 Little River 2 Centralia 3 Osborne 4 Pretty Prairie 5 Hodgeman County 6 Clifton - Clyde 7 Olpe 8 Central Plains 9 South Gray 10 Burlingame

1A-Div 2- Girls 1 Hanover 2 Lebo 3 Attica 4 Hutchinson-Central Christian 5 Ashland 6 Golden Plains 7 Coldwater-South Central 8 Ingalls 9 St. Paul 10 Wheatland/Grinnell

BOYS RANKINGS 6A Boys 1 Wichita Heights 2 Blue Valley Northwest 3 Olathe West 4 Lawrence 5 Blue Valley North 6 Derby 7 Lawrence Free State 8 Olathe Northwest 9 Shawnee Mission Northwest 10 Manhattan

5A Boys 1 Andover 2 Maize South 3 Highland Park 4 Kapaun Mt. Carmel 5 St. Thomas Aquinas 6 St. James Academy 7 De Soto 8 Andover Central 9 Topeka West 10 Basehor -Linwood

4A Boys 1 Eudora 2 Bishop Miege 3 Topeka Hayden 4 Abilene 5 McPherson 6 Buhler 7 Clay Center 8 Wamego 9 Hugoton 10 Andale

3A Boys 1 Hesston 2 Southeast of Saline 3 Cheney 4 Sabetha 5 Osage City 6 Wichita Collegiate 7 Galena 8 Nemaha Central 9 Wellsville 10 Haven

2A Boys 1 Hillsboro 2 Hays - Thomas More Prep 3 Moundridge 4 Inman 5 Ellinwood 6 Wabaunsee 7 Lyndon 8 Bennington 9 St. Mary's Colgan 10 Wichita Independent

1A-Div 1-Boys 1 Olpe 2 Macksville 3 South Gray 4 Centralia 5 Burlingame 6 Troy 7 Meade 8 Little River 9 Wichita Classical School 10 Clifton-Clyde

1A-Div 2-Boys 1 Greeley County 2 Northern Valley 3 Hanover 4 Bucklin 5 Pawnee Heights 6 Dighton 7 Waverly 8 Attica 9 Cunningham 10 Caldwell

With the 2022-23 high school basketball season set to begin
this week the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its preseason
rankings on Tuesday.The TMP boys open the season ranked second in class 2A. They
are coming off back-to-back state tournament appearances in 3A. TMP dropped
down a classification this year to 2A.The Pawnee Heights boys are ranked fifth and Dighton is
ranked sixth in 1A division 2.Phillipsburg opens the season ranked third in class 3A. The defending
champion Goodland Cowgirls are ranked first and Colby is seventh.Smith Center enters the season ranked second in class 2A
after a third place finish a year ago.The Osborne girls are ranked third in 1A division one and
Hodgeman County is fifth.Wheatland-Grinnell is ranked 10th in 1A division
2.6A Girls 1 Washburn Rural 2 Blue Valley North 3 Shawnee Mission West 4 Blue Valley 5 Olathe North 6 Olathe West 7 Shawnee Mission Northwest 8 Topeka High 9 Wichita Heights 10 Derby5A Girls 1 St. Thomas Aquinas 2 Andover 3 Lansing 4 St. James Academy 5 Emporia 6 Salina Central 7 Andover Central 8 Bishop Carroll 9 Topeka Seaman 10 Maize South4A Girls 1 Bishop Miege 2 Wamego 3 McPherson 4 Hugoton 5 Andale 6 Eudora 7 Wellington 8 Rock Creek 9 Clay Center 10 Clearwater3A Girls 1 Goodland 2 Silver Lake 3 Phillipsburg 4 Sabetha 5 Nemaha Central 6 Cheney 7 Colby 8 Halstead 9 Southeast of Saline 10 Eureka2A Girls 1 Elbing- Berean Academy 2 Smith Center 3 Garden Plain 4 Jackson Heights 5 St. Mary's Colgan 6 Valley Heights 7 Sterling 8 Remington 9 Hillsboro 10 Bluestem1A-Div 1-Girls 1 Little River 2 Centralia 3 Osborne 4 Pretty Prairie 5 Hodgeman County 6 Clifton - Clyde 7 Olpe 8 Central Plains 9 South Gray 10 Burlingame1A-Div 2- Girls 1 Hanover 2 Lebo 3 Attica 4 Hutchinson-Central Christian 5 Ashland 6 Golden Plains 7 Coldwater-South Central 8 Ingalls 9 St. Paul 10 Wheatland/GrinnellBOYS RANKINGS 6A Boys 1 Wichita Heights 2 Blue Valley Northwest 3 Olathe West 4 Lawrence 5 Blue Valley North 6 Derby 7 Lawrence Free State 8 Olathe Northwest 9 Shawnee Mission Northwest 10 Manhattan5A Boys 1 Andover 2 Maize South 3 Highland Park 4 Kapaun Mt. Carmel 5 St. Thomas Aquinas 6 St. James Academy 7 De Soto 8 Andover Central 9 Topeka West 10 Basehor -Linwood4A Boys 1 Eudora 2 Bishop Miege 3 Topeka Hayden 4 Abilene 5 McPherson 6 Buhler 7 Clay Center 8 Wamego 9 Hugoton 10 Andale3A Boys 1 Hesston 2 Southeast of Saline 3 Cheney 4 Sabetha 5 Osage City 6 Wichita Collegiate 7 Galena 8 Nemaha Central 9 Wellsville 10 Haven2A Boys 1 Hillsboro 2 Hays - Thomas More Prep 3 Moundridge 4 Inman 5 Ellinwood 6 Wabaunsee 7 Lyndon 8 Bennington 9 St. Mary's Colgan 10 Wichita Independent1A-Div 1-Boys 1 Olpe 2 Macksville 3 South Gray 4 Centralia 5 Burlingame 6 Troy 7 Meade 8 Little River 9 Wichita Classical School 10 Clifton-Clyde1A-Div 2-Boys 1 Greeley County 2 Northern Valley 3 Hanover 4 Bucklin 5 Pawnee Heights 6 Dighton 7 Waverly 8 Attica 9 Cunningham 10 Caldwell

🏀TMP boys second in preseason KBCA polls

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Director of Athletics Travis Goff announced Tuesday that National Coach of the Year candidate Lance Leipold has signed a new contract with the Jayhawks.

The new contract, which can be&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Fully-Executed-Leipold-Contract-Nov-2022_Redacted.pdf">viewed here</a>, keeps Leipold under contract through the 2029 season.

The six-time national champion and fastest coach in NCAA history to reach 100 wins, Leipold’s impact at Kansas has already been felt in meteoric fashion. In just 24 games as the leader of the Kansas Football program, Leipold has already:

“We are thrilled that Coach Leipold will be leading our football program for years to come. Since joining us in Lawrence, Coach Leipold has confirmed that he is among the nation’s best coaches, program builders and leaders, and he is clearly equipped to succeed in the new world of college athletics. Additionally, Coach Leipold has shown tremendous commitment to the university and the community beyond football, and he recognizes the special role his team can play in our academic mission, student recruitment and alumni engagement. For all these reasons, he is exactly the right fit for KU, and we look forward to seeing him in Crimson and Blue in the years ahead.”– Chancellor Douglas Girod

“When we hired Lance Leipold 19 months ago, we were confident we had found the ideal fit for KU and that has been reinforced every single day since his arrival. In short order, Lance and his family have engrained themselves in the Lawrence community and have made an impact that extends far beyond the football program, to the broader University and Lawrence communities. This new contract, along with the upcoming investment in our facilities, are a direct reflection of our profound commitment to building a first-class football program – one that will be a point of pride for all Jayhawks for years to come. We are thankful for our fan and alumni support this fall and, looking ahead, will challenge them to join us in our ambitious pursuits, starting by attending our bowl game and purchasing season tickets for the 2023 season.” – Director of Athletics Travis Goff

“I am very thankful for Chancellor Girod and Travis Goff and their commitment to this program and our entire staff. My wife Kelly and I couldn’t be more excited to know we are going to be staying in Lawrence for a very long time. We have said from the start how happy we are here, and that we plan on being here for a very long time. Since the moment we arrived, we have been welcomed and accepted by the Lawrence and KU communities, and we are very grateful. We are very proud of the progress the program has made over the last 18 months and even more excited about what the future holds as we continue to build a program that will make Jayhawk fans everywhere proud.” – Head Football Coach Lance Leipold

Fans can continue supporting Leipold and the Jayhawks by securing their 2023 season tickets now by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=FBDEPOSIT&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;elq_cid=135629&amp;ehash=3d92bf0f2b68521c792cd0f5db3bc5ac6ee04e57fec6c82612ee1e4ede80edcb">here</a>&nbsp;and placing a $100 deposit per account. Fans can also join the Jayhawks during bowl season by filling out a Kansas Football bowl ticket request by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=BOWL&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669748705296.png" alt="Kansas Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Director of Athletics Travis Goff announced Tuesday that National Coach of the Year candidate Lance Leipold has signed a new contract with the Jayhawks.The new contract, which can be&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Fully-Executed-Leipold-Contract-Nov-2022_Redacted.pdf">viewed here</a>, keeps Leipold under contract through the 2029 season.The six-time national champion and fastest coach in NCAA history to reach 100 wins, Leipold’s impact at Kansas has already been felt in meteoric fashion. In just 24 games as the leader of the Kansas Football program, Leipold has already:<ul>
 <li>Led Kansas to its first Big 12 road win in 13 seasons</li><li>Secured bowl eligibility for the Jayhawks for the first time since 2008</li><li>Engineered the first 5-0 start by Kansas since 2009</li><li>Put Kansas in the national spotlight by hosting ESPN’s College GameDay for the first time in program history</li><li>Guided the Jayhawks to their first national ranking in 675 weeks</li><li>Coached Kansas to its first ever wins at Texas and West Virginia</li><li>Ended a streak of 44 consecutive losses to ranked teams with a win over No. 19 Oklahoma State</li><li>Played in front of three sellout crowds in 2022 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium</li>
 </ul>“We are thrilled that Coach Leipold will be leading our football program for years to come. Since joining us in Lawrence, Coach Leipold has confirmed that he is among the nation’s best coaches, program builders and leaders, and he is clearly equipped to succeed in the new world of college athletics. Additionally, Coach Leipold has shown tremendous commitment to the university and the community beyond football, and he recognizes the special role his team can play in our academic mission, student recruitment and alumni engagement. For all these reasons, he is exactly the right fit for KU, and we look forward to seeing him in Crimson and Blue in the years ahead.”– Chancellor Douglas Girod“When we hired Lance Leipold 19 months ago, we were confident we had found the ideal fit for KU and that has been reinforced every single day since his arrival. In short order, Lance and his family have engrained themselves in the Lawrence community and have made an impact that extends far beyond the football program, to the broader University and Lawrence communities. This new contract, along with the upcoming investment in our facilities, are a direct reflection of our profound commitment to building a first-class football program – one that will be a point of pride for all Jayhawks for years to come. We are thankful for our fan and alumni support this fall and, looking ahead, will challenge them to join us in our ambitious pursuits, starting by attending our bowl game and purchasing season tickets for the 2023 season.” – Director of Athletics Travis Goff“I am very thankful for Chancellor Girod and Travis Goff and their commitment to this program and our entire staff. My wife Kelly and I couldn’t be more excited to know we are going to be staying in Lawrence for a very long time. We have said from the start how happy we are here, and that we plan on being here for a very long time. Since the moment we arrived, we have been welcomed and accepted by the Lawrence and KU communities, and we are very grateful. We are very proud of the progress the program has made over the last 18 months and even more excited about what the future holds as we continue to build a program that will make Jayhawk fans everywhere proud.” – Head Football Coach Lance LeipoldFans can continue supporting Leipold and the Jayhawks by securing their 2023 season tickets now by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=FBDEPOSIT&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;elq_cid=135629&amp;ehash=3d92bf0f2b68521c792cd0f5db3bc5ac6ee04e57fec6c82612ee1e4ede80edcb">here</a>&nbsp;and placing a $100 deposit per account. Fans can also join the Jayhawks during bowl season by filling out a Kansas Football bowl ticket request by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=BOWL&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">here</a>.

🏈 Leipold signs new contract with Kansas through 2029 season

It started as playing "just to do a sport." It ended up turning into a college opportunity. Hays High senior Maggi Lindenmeyer signed to play volleyball at Pratt Community College on Tuesday morning.

The outside hitter started receiving collegiate interest as a junior and chose Pratt after the fit was right for not only volleyball the social work program that Lindenmeyer wants to major in.

Coach Shannon Funk says Maggi's work ethic is one of the things that is allowing her to play volleyball in college.

It started as playing "just to do a sport." It ended up turning into a college opportunity. Hays High senior Maggi Lindenmeyer signed to play volleyball at Pratt Community College on Tuesday morning.The outside hitter started receiving collegiate interest as a junior and chose Pratt after the fit was right for not only volleyball the social work program that Lindenmeyer wants to major in.Maggi Lindenmeyer<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1392812068&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/maggi-lindenmeyer" title="Maggi Lindenmeyer" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Maggi Lindenmeyer</a></div></div>Coach Shannon Funk says Maggi's work ethic is one of the things that is allowing her to play volleyball in college.Coach Shannon Funk<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1392811636&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/coach-funk-about-maggi" title="Coach Funk About Maggi" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Funk About Maggi</a></div></div>

Lindenmeyer chooses Pratt CC Volleyball

The Hays High Indians will open up the 2022-2023 basketball season by hosting the Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout. The tournament begins on Thursday December 1st and runs through Saturday.

The Hays girls are coming off a 13-9 season that saw them end the year ranked #9 in 5A and finish sub-state runner up to Salina Central. Len Melvin is back for his third year and returns three regular starters in senior Carly Lang, junior Jillyan Sheldon and sophomore Molly Martin. Seniors Aspen Melvin and Claire Humphrey appeared in all 22 games and sophomore Katie Linenberger saw action in 20 games.&nbsp;

Sean Dreiling is the new head coach for the boys program. The Indians also finished as sub-state runner up last season after a 20-2 campaign that led to a #3 ranking in 5A.

Dreiling coached in WaKeeney at Trego Community High School prior to the new job in Hays. The Indians return just 9% of their scoring and none of the returners have started a game. Senior Devin Schmidtberger played in 19 games, fellow senior Remy Stull appeared in 16 while Sophomore Jack Weimer was in 19 games.

Hays High will open up with Newton on Thursday evening. The girls will tip at 6:30 with the boys to follow.

TMP and Washburn-Rural girls will open the day t the high school at 3:00 followed by the TMP and defending tournament champs Lawrence-Free State boys.

The games hosted at Hays Middle School will start with the Hugoton girls and defending tournament champions Northside High School from Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Those games will be followed by Manhattan and Olathe West at 6:30 and 8:15, the girls tipping off first.

The Hays High Indians will open up the 2022-2023 basketball season by hosting the Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout. The tournament begins on Thursday December 1st and runs through Saturday. The Hays girls are coming off a 13-9 season that saw them end the year ranked #9 in 5A and finish sub-state runner up to Salina Central. Len Melvin is back for his third year and returns three regular starters in senior Carly Lang, junior Jillyan Sheldon and sophomore Molly Martin. Seniors Aspen Melvin and Claire Humphrey appeared in all 22 games and sophomore Katie Linenberger saw action in 20 games.&nbsp;Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1392762946&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/len-melvin-preseason" title="Len Melvin Preseason" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Len Melvin Preseason</a></div></div>Sean Dreiling is the new head coach for the boys program. The Indians also finished as sub-state runner up last season after a 20-2 campaign that led to a #3 ranking in 5A.Dreiling coached in WaKeeney at Trego Community High School prior to the new job in Hays. The Indians return just 9% of their scoring and none of the returners have started a game. Senior Devin Schmidtberger played in 19 games, fellow senior Remy Stull appeared in 16 while Sophomore Jack Weimer was in 19 games.Coach Sean Dreiling<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1392762787&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/sean-dreiling-preseason" title="Sean Dreiling Preseason" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Sean Dreiling Preseason</a></div></div>Hays High will open up with Newton on Thursday evening. The girls will tip at 6:30 with the boys to follow.TMP and Washburn-Rural girls will open the day t the high school at 3:00 followed by the TMP and defending tournament champs Lawrence-Free State boys.The games hosted at Hays Middle School will start with the Hugoton girls and defending tournament champions Northside High School from Fort Smith, Arkansas.Those games will be followed by Manhattan and Olathe West at 6:30 and 8:15, the girls tipping off first.

🏀 Hays High basketball eyes new season

With three state tournament appearances in four years under
head coach Bill Meagher, the Thomas More Prep-Marian Monarchs boys basketball team has consistently
found a way to replace talented senior classes and reload for the future. And they
will have to do once again in 2022.

&nbsp;The Monarchs return just two starters
from last year's team that finished 20-6. It was the programs second fourth place finish under coach Meagher. They also finished tied for third in the 2020-21 season.

Meagher said it will be on the young guys to step up and fill
those roles vacated by five seniors who played significant minutes last season.

“We've got some new guys that have got to step up and fill
those spots,” Meagher said. “It's going to be really tough, especially early
with the offensive side. We just had some guys that just were great scores and
great rebounders.”

He added he has liked what he has seen from the younger
guys in practice so far and they have talked to them about continuing the tradition
of TMP-M basketball. 

“Our message to young guys is, hey, at some point, this is
going get handed over to you and there's a lot of responsibility on that you have
to get yourself ready,” Meagher said. “I think those guys have prepared
themselves well, the last year, two years to step into that role.”

All-state senior big man Dylan Werth led the Monarchs in scoring
(13.9ppg) and rebounding (6.9rpg) last year and will once again be a key to the
Monarchs success. Meagher said Werth has been a great example of for the
younger guys.

“He's gone out and played some AAU and done a lot of work on
the side (and) he's hit the weight room,” Meagher said. 

Meagher also said he continues to see the improve from guys commitment
to lifting weights and the recent success of the football team has also had an
impact on the team.

“We're just a lot stronger than we've been,” Meagher said. “Our
football guys have come to us with just great mentalities, and it's just fun to
see these guys. They've done a lot of work on the offseason to prepare to be
ready for now.”

Senior guard Kade Harris is the second leading returning
scorer for the Monarchs (6.6ppg) and also earned postseason honors in 3A last
season.

TMP-M will open the season Thursday in the first round of the
Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout, against Lawrence Free State, who finished
third in 6A last season. They defeated TMP-M in the shootout semifinals last
season 75-23.

Meagher says the guys know what a challenge it is to face Freestate
to start the season and he believes that has motivated them to work hard early
on in practice.

“We just try to get better every single day and be the best
team we can be and I think guys understand where that process can take them,”
Meagher said. “We love the shootout. We always tell our families and our kids
don't feel sorry for us because we're playing in a big tournament. Feel sorry
for the teams that don't get that opportunity.”

He added it allows to learn a lot about themselves early on.

“We want to play just with unbelievable energy. We want to
stay together no matter what happens, and we want to compete and grow,” Meagher
said.

TMP-M and Lawrence Free State is the second game
of the day on Thursday at Hays High School. They will follow the TMP girls and Washburn Rural with tipoff for the girls set for 3 p.m. and the boys at approximately 4:45 p.m. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669675127812.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostWith three state tournament appearances in four years under
head coach Bill Meagher, the Thomas More Prep-Marian Monarchs boys basketball team has consistently
found a way to replace talented senior classes and reload for the future. And they
will have to do once again in 2022.&nbsp;The Monarchs return just two starters
from last year's team that finished 20-6. It was the programs second fourth place finish under coach Meagher. They also finished tied for third in the 2020-21 season.Meagher said it will be on the young guys to step up and fill
those roles vacated by five seniors who played significant minutes last season.“We've got some new guys that have got to step up and fill
those spots,” Meagher said. “It's going to be really tough, especially early
with the offensive side. We just had some guys that just were great scores and
great rebounders.”He added he has liked what he has seen from the younger
guys in practice so far and they have talked to them about continuing the tradition
of TMP-M basketball. “Our message to young guys is, hey, at some point, this is
going get handed over to you and there's a lot of responsibility on that you have
to get yourself ready,” Meagher said. “I think those guys have prepared
themselves well, the last year, two years to step into that role.”All-state senior big man Dylan Werth led the Monarchs in scoring
(13.9ppg) and rebounding (6.9rpg) last year and will once again be a key to the
Monarchs success. Meagher said Werth has been a great example of for the
younger guys.“He's gone out and played some AAU and done a lot of work on
the side (and) he's hit the weight room,” Meagher said. Meagher also said he continues to see the improve from guys commitment
to lifting weights and the recent success of the football team has also had an
impact on the team.“We're just a lot stronger than we've been,” Meagher said. “Our
football guys have come to us with just great mentalities, and it's just fun to
see these guys. They've done a lot of work on the offseason to prepare to be
ready for now.”Senior guard Kade Harris is the second leading returning
scorer for the Monarchs (6.6ppg) and also earned postseason honors in 3A last
season.TMP-M will open the season Thursday in the first round of the
Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout, against Lawrence Free State, who finished
third in 6A last season. They defeated TMP-M in the shootout semifinals last
season 75-23.Meagher says the guys know what a challenge it is to face Freestate
to start the season and he believes that has motivated them to work hard early
on in practice.“We just try to get better every single day and be the best
team we can be and I think guys understand where that process can take them,”
Meagher said. “We love the shootout. We always tell our families and our kids
don't feel sorry for us because we're playing in a big tournament. Feel sorry
for the teams that don't get that opportunity.”He added it allows to learn a lot about themselves early on.“We want to play just with unbelievable energy. We want to
stay together no matter what happens, and we want to compete and grow,” Meagher
said.TMP-M and Lawrence Free State is the second game
of the day on Thursday at Hays High School. They will follow the TMP girls and Washburn Rural with tipoff for the girls set for 3 p.m. and the boys at approximately 4:45 p.m.

🏀 New-look Monarchs seek to continue winning ways

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas freshman MJ Rice has been through the ringer in his first couple of months of college basketball: the back injury during preseason practices, a bout with COVID-19 and then kidney stones last week that sent him to the ER.

The five-star recruit showed Monday night what he can do when he's healthy and available.

Rice came off the bench to score 19 points, Jalen Wilson hit five 3-pointers and scored 22, and the ninth-ranked Jayhawks bounced back from their first loss of the season with an 87-55 rout of Texas Southern.

“Just coming in and doing my job, really, whether that's bringing energy or playing defense,” Rice said afterward. “I know I missed some time but it's also kind of like a build-up. I have to get that rhythm back.”

Gradey Dick added 15 points, Josef Yesufu had 14 and KJ Adams 10 for the Jayhawks (7-1), who stumbled against No. 13 Tennessee in the championship game of the Battle 4 Atlantis. They are now 109-16 after a loss under coach Bill Self, who made his regular-season debut in Allen Fieldhouse after missing three home games to a school-imposed suspension.

“I thought it was probably pretty good overall,” Self said, “considering we were tired, and we hadn’t practiced since we played Tennessee. I thoguht that was about as good as we could do.”

Davon Barnes had 22 points and Zytarious Mortle scored 11 for the Tigers (1-7), whose brutal nonconference schedule has taken them to Texas Tech, Houston and Auburn with a trip to Wichita State still to come.

Texas Southern coach Johnny Jones was not available after the game.

It was a rematch of a first-round NCAA Tournament game last season won by the Jayhawks on their way to the national championship. And for a stretch in the first half, the Tigers gave the champs all they could handle.

Texas Southern was still within 14-10 midway through the first half when Kansas ripped off a 15-2 run to seize control. But even during the spurt, the Jayhawks at one point missed three straight shots, failed to capitalize on turnovers and couldn't salvage much of an advantage on the boards against a much smaller team.

Kansas even gave up a buzzer-beating 3 that got the preseason SWAC favorites within 40-25 at halftime.

“Defensively we were not very good early,” Self said, “and they missed a lot of layups.”

If there was any drama left, it evaporated in the opening minutes of the second half. Texas Southern turned it over four times in its first five possessions, Kansas ripped off a 14-2 run and Self eventually was able to examine his bench.

TV play-by-play man Dave Armstrong signed off for the last time after a 38-year career broadcasting the NBA, Major League Baseball, college football and college basketball. He's been a staple in the Big 12 since 1988, when it was known as the Big 8, and regularly called games in the Big East, the Big Ten and the ACC.

Kansas forward Kevin McCullar Jr., who is averaging 9.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, watched the game in street clothes with a minor groin injury. Backup guard Bobby Pettiford Jr. was out with a hamstring injury.

Texas Southern couldn't overcome 16 turnovers and a poor night from the 3-point arc, where the Tigers were 4 of 17. They also got just six points off the bench, and their lack of depth was evident as they wore down in the second half.

Kansas was 13 of 29 from the arc, and many of the shots came off open looks courtesy good ball movement. The Jayhawks had 23 assists on 30 made shots, including six assists from Wilson and nine from Dajuan Harris Jr.

Texas Southern returns home to face NAIA foe North American on Sunday.

Kansas plays Seton Hall on Thursday night in the Big East-Big 12 Battle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669715284384.png" alt="Kansas Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas freshman MJ Rice has been through the ringer in his first couple of months of college basketball: the back injury during preseason practices, a bout with COVID-19 and then kidney stones last week that sent him to the ER.The five-star recruit showed Monday night what he can do when he's healthy and available.Rice came off the bench to score 19 points, Jalen Wilson hit five 3-pointers and scored 22, and the ninth-ranked Jayhawks bounced back from their first loss of the season with an 87-55 rout of Texas Southern.“Just coming in and doing my job, really, whether that's bringing energy or playing defense,” Rice said afterward. “I know I missed some time but it's also kind of like a build-up. I have to get that rhythm back.”Gradey Dick added 15 points, Josef Yesufu had 14 and KJ Adams 10 for the Jayhawks (7-1), who stumbled against No. 13 Tennessee in the championship game of the Battle 4 Atlantis. They are now 109-16 after a loss under coach Bill Self, who made his regular-season debut in Allen Fieldhouse after missing three home games to a school-imposed suspension.“I thought it was probably pretty good overall,” Self said, “considering we were tired, and we hadn’t practiced since we played Tennessee. I thoguht that was about as good as we could do.”Davon Barnes had 22 points and Zytarious Mortle scored 11 for the Tigers (1-7), whose brutal nonconference schedule has taken them to Texas Tech, Houston and Auburn with a trip to Wichita State still to come.Texas Southern coach Johnny Jones was not available after the game.It was a rematch of a first-round NCAA Tournament game last season won by the Jayhawks on their way to the national championship. And for a stretch in the first half, the Tigers gave the champs all they could handle.Texas Southern was still within 14-10 midway through the first half when Kansas ripped off a 15-2 run to seize control. But even during the spurt, the Jayhawks at one point missed three straight shots, failed to capitalize on turnovers and couldn't salvage much of an advantage on the boards against a much smaller team.Kansas even gave up a buzzer-beating 3 that got the preseason SWAC favorites within 40-25 at halftime.“Defensively we were not very good early,” Self said, “and they missed a lot of layups.”If there was any drama left, it evaporated in the opening minutes of the second half. Texas Southern turned it over four times in its first five possessions, Kansas ripped off a 14-2 run and Self eventually was able to examine his bench.ONE LAST TIMETV play-by-play man Dave Armstrong signed off for the last time after a 38-year career broadcasting the NBA, Major League Baseball, college football and college basketball. He's been a staple in the Big 12 since 1988, when it was known as the Big 8, and regularly called games in the Big East, the Big Ten and the ACC.AILING JAYHAWKSKansas forward Kevin McCullar Jr., who is averaging 9.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, watched the game in street clothes with a minor groin injury. Backup guard Bobby Pettiford Jr. was out with a hamstring injury.BIG PICTURETexas Southern couldn't overcome 16 turnovers and a poor night from the 3-point arc, where the Tigers were 4 of 17. They also got just six points off the bench, and their lack of depth was evident as they wore down in the second half.Kansas was 13 of 29 from the arc, and many of the shots came off open looks courtesy good ball movement. The Jayhawks had 23 assists on 30 made shots, including six assists from Wilson and nine from Dajuan Harris Jr.UP NEXTTexas Southern returns home to face NAIA foe North American on Sunday.Kansas plays Seton Hall on Thursday night in the Big East-Big 12 Battle.

🏀 No. 9 Kansas routs Texas Southern for bounce-back win

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Whether or not there's a fissure in the Denver Broncos' locker room, there certainly is frustration.

Russell Wilson and Mike Purcell were quick to dismiss their sideline spat Sunday as an emotional exchange between competitive personalities.

“Frustration,’’ Purcell said, was the root of his brief blowup with Wilson during the Broncos’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-carolina-panthers-nfl-sports-brian-burns-346cfb79c461a1419c96cdcda8bb2985">23-10 loss</a>&nbsp;to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Purcell had just been flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty during a 26-yard field goal by Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro early in the fourth quarter.

As he retreated to the sideline, TV cameras captured him shouting at Wilson, who responded. Purcell spun around and starting shouting in Wilson's face before walking away in a huff.

“Mike and I are on the same page,’’ Wilson said. “He came off after they kicked a field goal, he was (ticked) off. He just said, ‘We’ve got, we’ve got to effin’ go,’ and I agree. We’re on the same page — there’s no animosity there at all.

“We’ve got to win," Wilson said. "... Those guys are out there battling every play, and offense, we’ve got to be able to capitalize. So, yeah, there’s nothing there at all, me and him — there’s nothing there.’’

Which also aptly describes the Broncos' beleaguered offense that's averaging a league-low 14.2 points per game, negating a stingy defense that's allowing 17.6 points per game.

Wilson arrived in Denver eight touchdown throws shy of 300 for his career, and it took him three months to reach the milestone, which he finally did Sunday with a 1-yard pass to rookie Brandon Johnson with 3:19 remaining.

The Wilson-led offense is a reliable&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_Sam/status/1597032202575155200?s=20&amp;t=xBydWPZMJndiERG5YH3swg">trending topic</a>&nbsp;on Sundays as the former perennial Pro Bowler sinks to new lows in Denver.

For instance, it was pointed out this weekend that Carson Wentz has two more TDs passing this season than Wilson does and he hasn't played since getting hurt Oct. 13.

With seven losses in eight games, the Broncos (3-8) now have to win all of their remaining games to avoid a sixth straight losing season.

A seventh consecutive season without a playoff berth is all but a certainty for a team that hasn't won a game on American soil since Week 3.

And now comes the meat of Denver's schedule, beginning with a trip to Baltimore this weekend, followed by the first of two games against the Kansas City Chiefs, who haven't lost to the Broncos since Sept. 17, 2015.

Despite the sideline spat and Wilson's doggedly stubborn slump, safety Justin Simmons said there's no division in the Broncos locker room.

“I think the chemistry with this group is still great,’’ Simmons insisted. “I think when you put as much into it as you do week in and week out and you don’t get the results, it can be frustrating. So as frustrated as everyone is watching, you can imagine how guys are when they’re the ones out there trying to put in the work and try to win football games.

Embattled coach Nathaniel Hackett said Monday that he spoke with Purcell and Wilson and “everybody's good. ... it's an emotional game.”

Hackett said appreciates the passion that Purcell showed Sunday.

“I mean, you want every one of your football players to want to do anything to win and you want them to hold each other accountable. You want them to try to fire each other up,” Hackett said. “I've always believed it's a little different coming from a coach and then coming from a player.

“I think whenever it comes from a player, those guys, that means a lot to them. So, I appreciate his passion and understand it. I just don't want him to get that personal foul in that situation. But besides that, I love when the guys are fired up.”

RB Latavius Murry rushed for 92 yards on 17 carries, including a 52-yard jaunt, in the Broncos' first game since waiving fumble-prone Melvin Gordon.

At this point, everything, including the defense, which is cracking under the weight of carrying the load all season.

WRs Jerry Jeudy (ankle) and KJ Hamler (hamstring), who are showing by their absences how much the Broncos need them to have a fighting chance.

GM George Paton. His 2023 first-round pick that he sent to Seattle in the Wilson trade is now a top-five selection.

FB Andrew Beck (hamstring) and LB Dakota Allen (hamstring) are day to day.

12 — Number of drives it took for Denver to find the end zone Sunday. They didn't score a touchdown on their final nine possessions the week before, against Las Vegas.

A trip to Baltimore to face the Ravens (7-4).

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Whether or not there's a fissure in the Denver Broncos' locker room, there certainly is frustration.Russell Wilson and Mike Purcell were quick to dismiss their sideline spat Sunday as an emotional exchange between competitive personalities.“Frustration,’’ Purcell said, was the root of his brief blowup with Wilson during the Broncos’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-carolina-panthers-nfl-sports-brian-burns-346cfb79c461a1419c96cdcda8bb2985">23-10 loss</a>&nbsp;to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.Purcell had just been flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty during a 26-yard field goal by Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro early in the fourth quarter.As he retreated to the sideline, TV cameras captured him shouting at Wilson, who responded. Purcell spun around and starting shouting in Wilson's face before walking away in a huff.“Mike and I are on the same page,’’ Wilson said. “He came off after they kicked a field goal, he was (ticked) off. He just said, ‘We’ve got, we’ve got to effin’ go,’ and I agree. We’re on the same page — there’s no animosity there at all.“We’ve got to win," Wilson said. "... Those guys are out there battling every play, and offense, we’ve got to be able to capitalize. So, yeah, there’s nothing there at all, me and him — there’s nothing there.’’Which also aptly describes the Broncos' beleaguered offense that's averaging a league-low 14.2 points per game, negating a stingy defense that's allowing 17.6 points per game.Wilson arrived in Denver eight touchdown throws shy of 300 for his career, and it took him three months to reach the milestone, which he finally did Sunday with a 1-yard pass to rookie Brandon Johnson with 3:19 remaining.The Wilson-led offense is a reliable&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_Sam/status/1597032202575155200?s=20&amp;t=xBydWPZMJndiERG5YH3swg">trending topic</a>&nbsp;on Sundays as the former perennial Pro Bowler sinks to new lows in Denver.For instance, it was pointed out this weekend that Carson Wentz has two more TDs passing this season than Wilson does and he hasn't played since getting hurt Oct. 13.With seven losses in eight games, the Broncos (3-8) now have to win all of their remaining games to avoid a sixth straight losing season.A seventh consecutive season without a playoff berth is all but a certainty for a team that hasn't won a game on American soil since Week 3.And now comes the meat of Denver's schedule, beginning with a trip to Baltimore this weekend, followed by the first of two games against the Kansas City Chiefs, who haven't lost to the Broncos since Sept. 17, 2015.Despite the sideline spat and Wilson's doggedly stubborn slump, safety Justin Simmons said there's no division in the Broncos locker room.“I think the chemistry with this group is still great,’’ Simmons insisted. “I think when you put as much into it as you do week in and week out and you don’t get the results, it can be frustrating. So as frustrated as everyone is watching, you can imagine how guys are when they’re the ones out there trying to put in the work and try to win football games.“And some of that spills over."Embattled coach Nathaniel Hackett said Monday that he spoke with Purcell and Wilson and “everybody's good. ... it's an emotional game.”Hackett said appreciates the passion that Purcell showed Sunday.“I mean, you want every one of your football players to want to do anything to win and you want them to hold each other accountable. You want them to try to fire each other up,” Hackett said. “I've always believed it's a little different coming from a coach and then coming from a player.“I think whenever it comes from a player, those guys, that means a lot to them. So, I appreciate his passion and understand it. I just don't want him to get that personal foul in that situation. But besides that, I love when the guys are fired up.”WHAT’S WORKINGRB Latavius Murry rushed for 92 yards on 17 carries, including a 52-yard jaunt, in the Broncos' first game since waiving fumble-prone Melvin Gordon.WHAT NEEDS WORKAt this point, everything, including the defense, which is cracking under the weight of carrying the load all season.STOCK UPWRs Jerry Jeudy (ankle) and KJ Hamler (hamstring), who are showing by their absences how much the Broncos need them to have a fighting chance.STOCK DOWNGM George Paton. His 2023 first-round pick that he sent to Seattle in the Wilson trade is now a top-five selection.INJURIESFB Andrew Beck (hamstring) and LB Dakota Allen (hamstring) are day to day.KEY NUMBERS12 — Number of drives it took for Denver to find the end zone Sunday. They didn't score a touchdown on their final nine possessions the week before, against Las Vegas.WHAT’S NEXTA trip to Baltimore to face the Ravens (7-4).

🏈 Add sideline spat to Russell Wilson's lost season in Denver

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are signing two-time Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon to their practice squad, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press, adding some much-needed depth with a player that was recently released from the AFC West rival Denver Broncos.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the signing was not yet official.

Gordon was cut by the Broncos last week amid fumble problems that plagued the 2015 first-round pick during his time in Denver. While he ran for 318 yards and caught 25 passes for 223 yards in 10 starts, averaging 3.5 yards per carry, Gordon also fumbled five times in 10 games, including a costly one in a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

The fumble issues are not new. Gordon has lost the ball 26 times in 108 games, or about once in every four games.

The Chiefs were the perfect landing spot for him for a couple of reasons.

First, they still have to play the Broncos twice in their final six games, when they are trying to maintain their grasp on the AFC's top seed and lone playoff bye.

Whatever information Gordon can provide on new coach Nathaniel Hackett's system, and the rest of the struggling Broncos, will only help them down the stretch.

Second, the Chiefs were in need of some depth at running back with Clyde Edwards-Helaire out with a high ankle sprain.

Seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco had already surpassed Edwards-Helaire on the depth chart before the 2020 first-round pick landed on injured reserve. The Chiefs also have Jerick McKinnon, who is more threatening as a receiver than on the ground, and Ronald Jones II, who was active for the first time this season in Sunday's 26-10 win over the Rams.

Pacheco carried 22 times for 69 yards and a touchdown against the Rams. Jones had four carries for 12 yards.

“I think he ran hard. I think he had a lot of energy going,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Jones on Monday. “Everything was fast to him, but he was productive. He had some good, strong runs. He caught the ball well when he had the opportunity to do that, and had a big game there. I thought for the first time coming in he did well.”

Now he'll be pushed for playing time by Gordon, who will start off on the practice squad while he learns enough of the offense to contribute on game day.

That's unlikely to happen in time to face the Bengals on Sunday in Cincinnati, but it could be in time for their next game against — you guessed it — the Broncos in primetime on Dec. 11 in Denver.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are signing two-time Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon to their practice squad, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press, adding some much-needed depth with a player that was recently released from the AFC West rival Denver Broncos.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the signing was not yet official.Gordon was cut by the Broncos last week amid fumble problems that plagued the 2015 first-round pick during his time in Denver. While he ran for 318 yards and caught 25 passes for 223 yards in 10 starts, averaging 3.5 yards per carry, Gordon also fumbled five times in 10 games, including a costly one in a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.The fumble issues are not new. Gordon has lost the ball 26 times in 108 games, or about once in every four games.The Chiefs were the perfect landing spot for him for a couple of reasons.First, they still have to play the Broncos twice in their final six games, when they are trying to maintain their grasp on the AFC's top seed and lone playoff bye.Whatever information Gordon can provide on new coach Nathaniel Hackett's system, and the rest of the struggling Broncos, will only help them down the stretch.Second, the Chiefs were in need of some depth at running back with Clyde Edwards-Helaire out with a high ankle sprain.Seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco had already surpassed Edwards-Helaire on the depth chart before the 2020 first-round pick landed on injured reserve. The Chiefs also have Jerick McKinnon, who is more threatening as a receiver than on the ground, and Ronald Jones II, who was active for the first time this season in Sunday's 26-10 win over the Rams.Pacheco carried 22 times for 69 yards and a touchdown against the Rams. Jones had four carries for 12 yards.“I think he ran hard. I think he had a lot of energy going,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Jones on Monday. “Everything was fast to him, but he was productive. He had some good, strong runs. He caught the ball well when he had the opportunity to do that, and had a big game there. I thought for the first time coming in he did well.”Now he'll be pushed for playing time by Gordon, who will start off on the practice squad while he learns enough of the offense to contribute on game day.That's unlikely to happen in time to face the Bengals on Sunday in Cincinnati, but it could be in time for their next game against — you guessed it — the Broncos in primetime on Dec. 11 in Denver.

🏈 Chiefs adding ex-Broncos RB Melvin Gordon

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Senior Markquis Nowell was
selected as the Phillips 66 Big 12 Player of the Week on Monday afternoon after his MVP performance in helping Kansas State claim the 2022
Cayman Islands Classic last week.

Nowell earned MVP honors after helping K-State (6-0) win its
first in-season tournament since the 2018 Paradise Jam, as the Wildcats
defeated Rhode Island (77-57), Nevada (96-87 OT) and LSU (61-59) in the 3-game
tournament. He averaged 18.7 points on 45.2 percent (19-of-42) from the field,
including 31.3 percent (5-of-16) from 3-point range, with 9.0 assists and 3.7
rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game. 

In the wins against Rhode Island and Nevada, Nowell became
the first Wildcat to record double-digit assists in consecutive games, while he
became just the second player in school history and the first since 1989 to
post a 25-point/10-assist game with his 29-point, 11-assist performance in the
96-87 overtime win over the Wolf Pack. His 12 assists vs. the Rams tied for the
fourth-most in single game in school history and the most since Steve Henson
collected 12 assists against Oklahoma State on Feb. 25, 1989.

Nowell was part of the first Wildcat duo since 2010 to each
collect at least 25 points in a game, as he and fellow senior Keyontae
Johnson combined for 57 points in the win over Nevada. It marked just the
15th time in school history that two players scored 25 or more
points in the same game and the first time since Jacob Pullen (28) and Denis
Clemente (25) did it against Xavier on March 25, 2010.

Nowell finished with 29 points on 10-of-20 field goals,
including 2-of-7 from 3-point range, and 7-of-9 free throws and 11 assists in
41 minutes to become just the fifth Wildcat with a 20-point/10-assist game in
school history and the first since Angel Rodriguez had 21 points and 10
assists vs. TCU on March 5, 2013.

Nowell capped the tournament with a game-high 18 points
in the championship game win over LSU, as he helped the Wildcats rally from an
11-point second-half deficit. He finished 6-of-14 from the field, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range, and 4-of-4 free throws, to go
with 4 assists and 4 rebounds in 33 minutes. 

Nowell is the second Wildcat to earn a weekly honor after
Johnson was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week on Nov. 14. He is the first
Wildcat to be selected as the Big 12 Player of the Week since Nijel Pack
won the accolade for the second time in 2021-22 on Feb. 7, 2022. Overall, it
marks the school’s 32nd Player of the Week honor since the inception of the Big
12 in 1997, including the first under head coach Jerome Tang. It is the
fourth career weekly honor for Nowell, who was named the Sun Belt Conference
Player of the Week on Nov. 19, 2019, Dec. 3, 2019, and Feb. 3, 2020, while
playing at Little Rock.

A 5-foot-8, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., Nowell
is currently averaging 15.3 points on 42.2 percent (27-of-64) from the field,
including 37 percent (10-of-27) from 3-point range, and 84.8 percent (28-of-33)
from the free throw line to go along with a Big 12-best 7.8 assists, 2.3
rebounds and 2.0 steals in 32.0 minutes per game. He recently became just the
second active Division I player to total more than 1,000 points, 500 assists
and 200 steals.

K-State (6-0) returns to action on Wednesday night when they
travel to Indianapolis to take on Butler (4-3) in the BIG EAST/Big 12 Challenge
at 5:30 p.m., CT on FS1. The Wildcats begin a 3-game homestand on Saturday
night when they host in-state rival Wichita State at 8 p.m., CT on ESPNU.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669673877169.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – Senior Markquis Nowell was
selected as the Phillips 66 Big 12 Player of the Week on Monday afternoon after his MVP performance in helping Kansas State claim the 2022
Cayman Islands Classic last week.Nowell earned MVP honors after helping K-State (6-0) win its
first in-season tournament since the 2018 Paradise Jam, as the Wildcats
defeated Rhode Island (77-57), Nevada (96-87 OT) and LSU (61-59) in the 3-game
tournament. He averaged 18.7 points on 45.2 percent (19-of-42) from the field,
including 31.3 percent (5-of-16) from 3-point range, with 9.0 assists and 3.7
rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game. In the wins against Rhode Island and Nevada, Nowell became
the first Wildcat to record double-digit assists in consecutive games, while he
became just the second player in school history and the first since 1989 to
post a 25-point/10-assist game with his 29-point, 11-assist performance in the
96-87 overtime win over the Wolf Pack. His 12 assists vs. the Rams tied for the
fourth-most in single game in school history and the most since Steve Henson
collected 12 assists against Oklahoma State on Feb. 25, 1989.Nowell was part of the first Wildcat duo since 2010 to each
collect at least 25 points in a game, as he and fellow senior Keyontae
Johnson combined for 57 points in the win over Nevada. It marked just the
15th time in school history that two players scored 25 or more
points in the same game and the first time since Jacob Pullen (28) and Denis
Clemente (25) did it against Xavier on March 25, 2010.Nowell finished with 29 points on 10-of-20 field goals,
including 2-of-7 from 3-point range, and 7-of-9 free throws and 11 assists in
41 minutes to become just the fifth Wildcat with a 20-point/10-assist game in
school history and the first since Angel Rodriguez had 21 points and 10
assists vs. TCU on March 5, 2013.Nowell capped the tournament with a game-high 18 points
in the championship game win over LSU, as he helped the Wildcats rally from an
11-point second-half deficit. He finished 6-of-14 from the field, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range, and 4-of-4 free throws, to go
with 4 assists and 4 rebounds in 33 minutes. Nowell is the second Wildcat to earn a weekly honor after
Johnson was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week on Nov. 14. He is the first
Wildcat to be selected as the Big 12 Player of the Week since Nijel Pack
won the accolade for the second time in 2021-22 on Feb. 7, 2022. Overall, it
marks the school’s 32nd Player of the Week honor since the inception of the Big
12 in 1997, including the first under head coach Jerome Tang. It is the
fourth career weekly honor for Nowell, who was named the Sun Belt Conference
Player of the Week on Nov. 19, 2019, Dec. 3, 2019, and Feb. 3, 2020, while
playing at Little Rock.A 5-foot-8, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., Nowell
is currently averaging 15.3 points on 42.2 percent (27-of-64) from the field,
including 37 percent (10-of-27) from 3-point range, and 84.8 percent (28-of-33)
from the free throw line to go along with a Big 12-best 7.8 assists, 2.3
rebounds and 2.0 steals in 32.0 minutes per game. He recently became just the
second active Division I player to total more than 1,000 points, 500 assists
and 200 steals.K-State (6-0) returns to action on Wednesday night when they
travel to Indianapolis to take on Butler (4-3) in the BIG EAST/Big 12 Challenge
at 5:30 p.m., CT on FS1. The Wildcats begin a 3-game homestand on Saturday
night when they host in-state rival Wichita State at 8 p.m., CT on ESPNU.&nbsp;

🏀 K-State's Nowell selected Big 12 Player of the Week

Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State women's basketball coach Tony Hobson and men's coach Mark Johnson.

Tiger Talk airs Monday at noon on KAYS (94.3/1400) live from Big Smoke Barbecue in Hays.

Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State women's basketball coach Tony Hobson and men's coach Mark Johnson.Tiger Talk airs Monday at noon on KAYS (94.3/1400) live from Big Smoke Barbecue in Hays.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Nov. 28, 2022)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3rhvq-13269a8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (Nov. 28, 2022)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 320 yards and a touchdown, Isiah Pacheco ran for a score, and the Kansas City Chiefs slogged their way to a 26-10 victory over the beat-up Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Mahomes eclipsed 300 yards passing for the sixth straight game, and he ran his streak with a TD pass to 16, but the Chiefs (9-2) also squandered plenty of scoring opportunities. Mahomes was intercepted in the end zone in the fourth quarter, and Harrison Butker was called upon to kick four chipshot field goals when drives stalled.

It didn't matter against the Rams, who have lost five straight for the first time under Sean McVay.

Playing without Matthew Stafford, who remained in the concussion protocol, the Rams (3-8) struggled to move the chains behind Bryce Perkins, a career backup making his first start. He made a couple of nice plays with his legs but threw for just 100 yards with a touchdown pass and two interceptions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669596823728.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce scores a touchdown vs. the Los Angeles Rams Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce scores a touchdown vs. the Los Angeles Rams Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 320 yards and a touchdown, Isiah Pacheco ran for a score, and the Kansas City Chiefs slogged their way to a 26-10 victory over the beat-up Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.Mahomes eclipsed 300 yards passing for the sixth straight game, and he ran his streak with a TD pass to 16, but the Chiefs (9-2) also squandered plenty of scoring opportunities. Mahomes was intercepted in the end zone in the fourth quarter, and Harrison Butker was called upon to kick four chipshot field goals when drives stalled.It didn't matter against the Rams, who have lost five straight for the first time under Sean McVay.Playing without Matthew Stafford, who remained in the concussion protocol, the Rams (3-8) struggled to move the chains behind Bryce Perkins, a career backup making his first start. He made a couple of nice plays with his legs but threw for just 100 yards with a touchdown pass and two interceptions.The Rams' losing streak and their record through 11 games matches the 1987 Giants for the worst among defending Super Bowl champs, though New York's dismal start came amid a strike resulting in the use of replacement players.Meanwhile, the Chiefs have won six the seven against Los Angeles, and they exacted some revenge for that lone defeat, when then-Rams quarterback Jared Goff threw a late TD pass to win a 54-51 thriller in November 2018.The Rams certainly looked like a team playing without its starting quarterback, top two wide receivers and two starting offensive linemen — all out with injuries Sunday. They scrapped just to get positive yardage on every snap, and that's only when they managed to get the play off in time or didn't have to waste a timeout.The Chiefs didn't penalize them early for their many miscues, though defensive tackle Chris Jones did pick up his 10th sack of the season, triggering a $1.25 million incentive. Kansas City instead marched methodically down field only to twice settle for field goals, leaving the woebegone Rams surprisingly within 13-3 lead at intermission.The Chiefs had 277 yards of offense at that point. Los Angeles had 75.Any hope the Rams had evaporated on the first two possessions of the second half, when they went three-and-out and Mahomes and Co. answered with a 71-yard scoring march. And this time, rather than the drive fizzling and Harrison Butker swinging his leg, Pacheco bulldozed into the end zone from 3 yards out to give Kansas City a 20-3 lead.The Rams finally reached the end zone in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs added two field goals to put the game away.INJURIESRams: OLs Brian Allen (thumb) and Ty Nsekhe (ankle) along with WR Allen Robinson II (ankle) were inactive. ... WR Lance McCutcheon (shoulder) left in the fourth quarter.Chiefs: RG Joe Thuney (ankle) was inactive, ending his streak of 107 consecutive starts. FS Juan Thornhill (calf) also was inactive. ... CB L'Jarius Sneed cleared the concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head in the second quarter.UP NEXTThe Rams play Seattle next Sunday to begin a two-game homestand.The Chiefs visit Cincinnati on Sunday for the first of three straight road games.

Sports