KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — In a showdown between the Chiefs and Chargers, two of the league's best teams led by two of the game's bright young quarterbacks, an unheralded seventh-round draft pick who a few years ago was working alongside his mother in a Wendy's restaurant stole the show.

The Chiefs' Jaylen Watson picked off Justin Herbert at the goal line early in the fourth quarter Thursday night, headed the other way and was never touched on a 99-yard go-ahead touchdown that propelled Kansas City to a 27-24 victory.

“I don't even remember what happened at that moment,” Watson said later. “It's all so surreal.”

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 235 yards with TD passes to Jerick McKinnon and Justin Watson, and fill-in kicker Matt Ammendola was perfect in place of injured Harrison Butker. But it was the Chiefs' defense, and Watson's highlight-reel interception, that allowed Kansas City (2-0) to overcome its early problems in an early divisional test.

“The thing that I'm most proud of,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “is that we stuck together. Nobody pointed any fingers.”

Two series after Watson's go-ahead touchdown, things got even worse for the Chargers (1-1) when Herbert was drilled by defensive end Mike Danna while delivering a throw. He left the field clutching his side, returned one play later, then threw an incompletion that forced the Chargers to punt while trailing 24-17.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire promptly split the defense on a 52-yard run to set up a field goal for Kansas City.

Herbert, who finished with 334 yards and three touchdown passes, gamely tried to keep the Chargers alive. He threw a 36-yard dart on fourth down to extend their ensuing possession, then hit Joshua Palmer in the back of the end zone on fourth-and-goal to pull Los Angeles within 27-24 with just over a minute to go.

Kansas City recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to end the game.

“You’re not going to see a quarterback in any level of football play tougher and do more for his team and will his team and give them a chance than him,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said of Herbert, who was getting X-rays and wasn't available after the game. “There’s nobody who can do what he can do. Nobody. He showed a lot of guts. He showed what he shows us every day, that we’re never out of the fight. He brought us back and gave us a chance.”

The highly anticipated showdown between two of the league's most prolific quarterbacks, each surrounded by premier playmakers, turned out early on to be a defensive slugfest.

The Chargers held the Chiefs to 13 yards in the first quarter, thanks to relentless pressure from Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and the fact that Derwin James Jr. was just about everywhere, and kept a team that scored 44 points last week in Arizona off the scoreboard until Mahomes slung a sidearm pass to McKinnon early in the second quarter.

The Chargers fared better offensively, even though Staley opted to play conservatively, twice punting on fourth-and-2 near midfield. Dustin Hopkins kicked an early field goal before Mike Williams, dominating smaller Chiefs defensive backs, put the Chargers in position for Zander Horvath to catch a short TD pass.

Staley finally went for it on fourth down on the opening drive of the second half. And one play after Austin Ekeler picked it up, Williams made a one-handed grab around Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed to give the Chargers a 17-7 lead.

The game appeared to be getting away from the Chiefs when Mahomes was intercepted by Asante Samuel Jr. on their next possession. But replays showed Samuel didn't control the ball and the call was overturned, and Mahomes capitalized on his second chance by throwing a 41-yard strike to Justin Watson for a touchdown.

The Chiefs tied it 17-all on the first play of the fourth quarter when Ammendola, who was signed earlier this week, knocked through a chip shot on fourth down at the goal line.

That set up Jaylen Watson's pick-6 and the first lead Kansas City had all night.

“This is what it's going to be. We know we're playing in the toughest division,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “We know we're going to get everyone's best shot. We have to come out and we have to perform.”

The game was the first in the $13 billion, 11-year deal between the NFL and Amazon Prime to exclusively stream Thursday night games. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos joined NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the sideline before kickoff.

Chargers C Corey Linsley (knee) and RT Trey Pipkins III (ankle) left in the third quarter. ... Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman hurt his ankle in the third quarter but returned to the game. ... Danna left in the fourth quarter with a calf injury.

The Chargers return home to face Jacksonville on Sept.&nbsp;25. The Chiefs visit Indianapolis the same day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663299411530.jpeg" alt="Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson runs an interception back for a touchdown against the Chargers&nbsp; Sep. 15, 2022 (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson runs an interception back for a touchdown against the Chargers&nbsp; Sep. 15, 2022 (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — In a showdown between the Chiefs and Chargers, two of the league's best teams led by two of the game's bright young quarterbacks, an unheralded seventh-round draft pick who a few years ago was working alongside his mother in a Wendy's restaurant stole the show.The Chiefs' Jaylen Watson picked off Justin Herbert at the goal line early in the fourth quarter Thursday night, headed the other way and was never touched on a 99-yard go-ahead touchdown that propelled Kansas City to a 27-24 victory.“I don't even remember what happened at that moment,” Watson said later. “It's all so surreal.”Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 235 yards with TD passes to Jerick McKinnon and Justin Watson, and fill-in kicker Matt Ammendola was perfect in place of injured Harrison Butker. But it was the Chiefs' defense, and Watson's highlight-reel interception, that allowed Kansas City (2-0) to overcome its early problems in an early divisional test.“The thing that I'm most proud of,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “is that we stuck together. Nobody pointed any fingers.”Two series after Watson's go-ahead touchdown, things got even worse for the Chargers (1-1) when Herbert was drilled by defensive end Mike Danna while delivering a throw. He left the field clutching his side, returned one play later, then threw an incompletion that forced the Chargers to punt while trailing 24-17.Clyde Edwards-Helaire promptly split the defense on a 52-yard run to set up a field goal for Kansas City.Herbert, who finished with 334 yards and three touchdown passes, gamely tried to keep the Chargers alive. He threw a 36-yard dart on fourth down to extend their ensuing possession, then hit Joshua Palmer in the back of the end zone on fourth-and-goal to pull Los Angeles within 27-24 with just over a minute to go.Kansas City recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to end the game.“You’re not going to see a quarterback in any level of football play tougher and do more for his team and will his team and give them a chance than him,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said of Herbert, who was getting X-rays and wasn't available after the game. “There’s nobody who can do what he can do. Nobody. He showed a lot of guts. He showed what he shows us every day, that we’re never out of the fight. He brought us back and gave us a chance.”The highly anticipated showdown between two of the league's most prolific quarterbacks, each surrounded by premier playmakers, turned out early on to be a defensive slugfest.The Chargers held the Chiefs to 13 yards in the first quarter, thanks to relentless pressure from Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and the fact that Derwin James Jr. was just about everywhere, and kept a team that scored 44 points last week in Arizona off the scoreboard until Mahomes slung a sidearm pass to McKinnon early in the second quarter.The Chargers fared better offensively, even though Staley opted to play conservatively, twice punting on fourth-and-2 near midfield. Dustin Hopkins kicked an early field goal before Mike Williams, dominating smaller Chiefs defensive backs, put the Chargers in position for Zander Horvath to catch a short TD pass.Staley finally went for it on fourth down on the opening drive of the second half. And one play after Austin Ekeler picked it up, Williams made a one-handed grab around Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed to give the Chargers a 17-7 lead.The game appeared to be getting away from the Chiefs when Mahomes was intercepted by Asante Samuel Jr. on their next possession. But replays showed Samuel didn't control the ball and the call was overturned, and Mahomes capitalized on his second chance by throwing a 41-yard strike to Justin Watson for a touchdown.The Chiefs tied it 17-all on the first play of the fourth quarter when Ammendola, who was signed earlier this week, knocked through a chip shot on fourth down at the goal line.That set up Jaylen Watson's pick-6 and the first lead Kansas City had all night.“This is what it's going to be. We know we're playing in the toughest division,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “We know we're going to get everyone's best shot. We have to come out and we have to perform.”PRIME TIMEThe game was the first in the $13 billion, 11-year deal between the NFL and Amazon Prime to exclusively stream Thursday night games. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos joined NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the sideline before kickoff.INJURIESChargers C Corey Linsley (knee) and RT Trey Pipkins III (ankle) left in the third quarter. ... Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman hurt his ankle in the third quarter but returned to the game. ... Danna left in the fourth quarter with a calf injury.UP NEXTThe Chargers return home to face Jacksonville on Sept.&nbsp;25. The Chiefs visit Indianapolis the same day.

🏈 Chiefs rally past Chargers in early AFC West showdown

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins salvaged some badly needed momentum, entering a last-ditch five-game series at first-place Cleveland this weekend.

Their pitching lately looks up to the task.

Carlos Correa's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/carlos-correa-homers-21-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field">solo home run</a>&nbsp;in the first inning and Nick Gordon's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/nick-gordon-homers-7-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-center-field-gilberto-celesti">two-run shot</a>&nbsp;in the second gave the Twins enough to hang on for a 3-2 victory to finish a three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night and gain ground in the AL Central race.

“Our guys know what's at stake, and our guys know what time of the year it is,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “This is what we do all this work for.”

The Twins (72-70) pulled within four games of the Guardians (76-66), who had their six-game winning streak stopped with an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-chicago-white-sox-minnesota-twins-baseball-c47fb315e14e6a7fe96bea80e420f9cc">8-2 loss</a>&nbsp;to Chicago in the afternoon. The White Sox (74-70) are in second place, three games out.

“I’m excited because I know it’s important for us," reliever Jhoan Duran said through a translator. “That’s the season right there."

Trevor Megill (4-3), who threw the first of five scoreless innings by five Twins relievers, picked up the victory with a perfect fifth. Duran got his seventh save in as many attempts with a tense ninth, retiring his last three batters on a sacrifice bunt and two strikeouts after the first two men reached.

“Anybody can step up in any given moment. Nobody quite has a role, but we’re always ready whenever Rocco calls upon us,” said Michael Fulmer, who pitched a perfect eighth.

After losing nine of 11, including a three-game sweep here last weekend by division-leading Cleveland, the Twins snapped to life against the ready-for-next-year Royals. This was their second sweep of Kansas City in four weeks. Minnesota has a 12-4 advantage in the season series, with three games remaining on the road against the Royals next week.

After Michael Taylor's RBI single in the second inning and Salvador Perez's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/salvador-perez-homers-21-on-a-fly-ball-to-center-field">leadoff home run</a>&nbsp;in the fourth off Twins starter Dylan Bundy, the Royals put only two runners on until the consecutive singles against Duran to start the ninth.

The Twins outscored the Royals 13-5 in the series and allowed a total of only 13 hits.

Correa is batting .339 in his last 31 games (39 for 115) with eight home runs, 21 RBIs and 18 walks. Gordon's 11th career home run was his first against a left-hander, Royals starter Daniel Lynch (4-11).

“I thought he got better as he went,” manager Mike Matheny said. “Those last couple innings, we saw some stuff that we really hadn't seen here in awhile.”

In honor of the baseball-wide celebration of the late Hall of Fame player, humanitarian and Puerto Rico native Roberto Clemente, two Royals and six Twins chose to wear his old No. 21. That included Correa, a Puerto Rican, and Perez, who was his team’s 2021 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award for character and community service.

Correa and Perez, as fate would have it, both hit their 21st homers.

“You grow up in Puerto Rico learning the history of Roberto Clemente and how great he was. All the people he touched off the field is what inspired me the most and that’s the reason why I have a foundation to help others because my idol, Roberto Clemente, did it,” Correa said before the game.

Twins 1B/2B/DH Luis Arraez, who departed the game Wednesday with tightness in his hamstring, was held out of the lineup as a precaution after an MRI test revealed no damage. The AL batting leader entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning for Kyle Garlick, who had wrist pain.

The lineup remained well below full strength, with 2B Jorge Polanco (knee inflammation), CF Byron Buxton (hip strain), LF Alex Kirilloff (wrist inflammation) and RF Max Kepler (bruised leg, sore wrist) leading the list of sidelined regulars. Kepler is the only one not on the injured list.

“We need to bring guys back who can play. Bringing guys back who can play and then maybe need a day or two once they play a game, that’s not going to help us as much as we think," Baldelli said before the game.

Royals: RHP Jonathan Heasley (3-8, 5.51 ERA) takes the mound on Friday night in Boston to begin a three-game series. RHP Michael Wacha (11-1, 2.69 ERA) pitches for the Red Sox.

Twins: RHP Bailey Ober (0-2, 4.11 ERA) will come off the injured list for the series opener in Cleveland. He has made only seven starts this season because of a groin strain, with his last outing on June 1. RHP Triston McKenzie (10-11, 3.05) pitches for the Guardians. He beat the Twins last week with seven shutout innings.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins salvaged some badly needed momentum, entering a last-ditch five-game series at first-place Cleveland this weekend.Their pitching lately looks up to the task.Carlos Correa's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/carlos-correa-homers-21-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field">solo home run</a>&nbsp;in the first inning and Nick Gordon's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/nick-gordon-homers-7-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-center-field-gilberto-celesti">two-run shot</a>&nbsp;in the second gave the Twins enough to hang on for a 3-2 victory to finish a three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night and gain ground in the AL Central race.“Our guys know what's at stake, and our guys know what time of the year it is,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “This is what we do all this work for.”The Twins (72-70) pulled within four games of the Guardians (76-66), who had their six-game winning streak stopped with an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-chicago-white-sox-minnesota-twins-baseball-c47fb315e14e6a7fe96bea80e420f9cc">8-2 loss</a>&nbsp;to Chicago in the afternoon. The White Sox (74-70) are in second place, three games out.“I’m excited because I know it’s important for us," reliever Jhoan Duran said through a translator. “That’s the season right there."Trevor Megill (4-3), who threw the first of five scoreless innings by five Twins relievers, picked up the victory with a perfect fifth. Duran got his seventh save in as many attempts with a tense ninth, retiring his last three batters on a sacrifice bunt and two strikeouts after the first two men reached.“Anybody can step up in any given moment. Nobody quite has a role, but we’re always ready whenever Rocco calls upon us,” said Michael Fulmer, who pitched a perfect eighth.After losing nine of 11, including a three-game sweep here last weekend by division-leading Cleveland, the Twins snapped to life against the ready-for-next-year Royals. This was their second sweep of Kansas City in four weeks. Minnesota has a 12-4 advantage in the season series, with three games remaining on the road against the Royals next week.After Michael Taylor's RBI single in the second inning and Salvador Perez's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/salvador-perez-homers-21-on-a-fly-ball-to-center-field">leadoff home run</a>&nbsp;in the fourth off Twins starter Dylan Bundy, the Royals put only two runners on until the consecutive singles against Duran to start the ninth.The Twins outscored the Royals 13-5 in the series and allowed a total of only 13 hits.Correa is batting .339 in his last 31 games (39 for 115) with eight home runs, 21 RBIs and 18 walks. Gordon's 11th career home run was his first against a left-hander, Royals starter Daniel Lynch (4-11).“I thought he got better as he went,” manager Mike Matheny said. “Those last couple innings, we saw some stuff that we really hadn't seen here in awhile.”LUCKY NUMBER?In honor of the baseball-wide celebration of the late Hall of Fame player, humanitarian and Puerto Rico native Roberto Clemente, two Royals and six Twins chose to wear his old No. 21. That included Correa, a Puerto Rican, and Perez, who was his team’s 2021 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award for character and community service.Correa and Perez, as fate would have it, both hit their 21st homers.“You grow up in Puerto Rico learning the history of Roberto Clemente and how great he was. All the people he touched off the field is what inspired me the most and that’s the reason why I have a foundation to help others because my idol, Roberto Clemente, did it,” Correa said before the game.BANGED-UP TWINSTwins 1B/2B/DH Luis Arraez, who departed the game Wednesday with tightness in his hamstring, was held out of the lineup as a precaution after an MRI test revealed no damage. The AL batting leader entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning for Kyle Garlick, who had wrist pain.The lineup remained well below full strength, with 2B Jorge Polanco (knee inflammation), CF Byron Buxton (hip strain), LF Alex Kirilloff (wrist inflammation) and RF Max Kepler (bruised leg, sore wrist) leading the list of sidelined regulars. Kepler is the only one not on the injured list.“We need to bring guys back who can play. Bringing guys back who can play and then maybe need a day or two once they play a game, that’s not going to help us as much as we think," Baldelli said before the game.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Jonathan Heasley (3-8, 5.51 ERA) takes the mound on Friday night in Boston to begin a three-game series. RHP Michael Wacha (11-1, 2.69 ERA) pitches for the Red Sox.Twins: RHP Bailey Ober (0-2, 4.11 ERA) will come off the injured list for the series opener in Cleveland. He has made only seven starts this season because of a groin strain, with his last outing on June 1. RHP Triston McKenzie (10-11, 3.05) pitches for the Guardians. He beat the Twins last week with seven shutout innings.

⚾ Correa, Gordon power Twins past Royals for series sweep

CLAREMORE, Okla. - Fort Hays State Men's Soccer played to a 2-2 draw with Rogers State in Claremore, Okla. on Thursday in the GAC/MIAA opener for both teams. All four goals were scored within an 18-minute span in the second half. Both teams move to 2-2-3 overall on the year and 0-0-1 in the GAC.

The Hillcat offense was very active in the first half taking 11 shots and placing six on target. FHSU keeper&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6644">Kieran Brown</a>&nbsp;was solid between the posts as he saved all six shots on goal. Rogers State struck first early in the second half as a chain of passes found Erik Hjertsson who shot the ball into the net in the 50th&nbsp;minute. The Hillcats padded their lead shortly after as a quick pass in the box put Ruben Carrasco in position to increase the lead to 2-0 in the 53rd&nbsp;minute.

The Tigers found their first goal of the night when a free kick by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7069">Inigo Jimenez</a>&nbsp;landed in the box and bounced around between the teams until&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6932">Callum Frogson</a>&nbsp;chipped a shot into the upper right corner of the goal in the 59th&nbsp;minute. It was his team-leading third goal of the season. Almost 10 minutes later,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6640">Blake Arndt</a>&nbsp;netted the equalizer for the Tigers when he faked out the keeper on a penalty kick and drove the ball into the net for his second goal of the season. Rogers State gave the Tigers the penalty opportunity when they took down Arndt in the box on a corner kick situation.

The Tigers won the shot battle, 21-20, putting up 16 shots in the second half. Brown didn't have to make a save in the second half and finished with six, while Declan Viljoen made eight saves for the Hillcats.

The Tigers will be back at home on Saturday (Sep. 17) when they take on Newman with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.

FHSU AthleticsCLAREMORE, Okla. - Fort Hays State Men's Soccer played to a 2-2 draw with Rogers State in Claremore, Okla. on Thursday in the GAC/MIAA opener for both teams. All four goals were scored within an 18-minute span in the second half. Both teams move to 2-2-3 overall on the year and 0-0-1 in the GAC.The Hillcat offense was very active in the first half taking 11 shots and placing six on target. FHSU keeper&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6644">Kieran Brown</a>&nbsp;was solid between the posts as he saved all six shots on goal. Rogers State struck first early in the second half as a chain of passes found Erik Hjertsson who shot the ball into the net in the 50th&nbsp;minute. The Hillcats padded their lead shortly after as a quick pass in the box put Ruben Carrasco in position to increase the lead to 2-0 in the 53rd&nbsp;minute.The Tigers found their first goal of the night when a free kick by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7069">Inigo Jimenez</a>&nbsp;landed in the box and bounced around between the teams until&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6932">Callum Frogson</a>&nbsp;chipped a shot into the upper right corner of the goal in the 59th&nbsp;minute. It was his team-leading third goal of the season. Almost 10 minutes later,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6640">Blake Arndt</a>&nbsp;netted the equalizer for the Tigers when he faked out the keeper on a penalty kick and drove the ball into the net for his second goal of the season. Rogers State gave the Tigers the penalty opportunity when they took down Arndt in the box on a corner kick situation.The Tigers won the shot battle, 21-20, putting up 16 shots in the second half. Brown didn't have to make a save in the second half and finished with six, while Declan Viljoen made eight saves for the Hillcats.The Tigers will be back at home on Saturday (Sep. 17) when they take on Newman with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.

⚽ Second half frenzy leads to draw in Claremore for FHSU men

GARDEN CITY - The Hays High volleyball team went 1-2 at a quadrangular hosted by Garden City Thursday. The Indians were swept by the host Buffs, lost to Pratt in two but knocked off Ulysses in three. The Tigers are ranked 10th in Class 4A.

Garden City def. Hays 25-17, 25-21 Pratt def. Hays 25-18, 22-25, 25-21 Hays def. Ulysses 26-24, 18-25, 25-18

The Indians are 7-8 on the season. They host a triangular Thursday, September 22.

Hays PostGARDEN CITY - The Hays High volleyball team went 1-2 at a quadrangular hosted by Garden City Thursday. The Indians were swept by the host Buffs, lost to Pratt in two but knocked off Ulysses in three. The Tigers are ranked 10th in Class 4A.Garden City def. Hays 25-17, 25-21 Pratt def. Hays 25-18, 22-25, 25-21 Hays def. Ulysses 26-24, 18-25, 25-18The Indians are 7-8 on the season. They host a triangular Thursday, September 22.

🏐 HHS goes 1-2 in Garden City

HAYS - After moving the match to a new location then pushing the start time back due to a late afternoon thunderstorm, the Hays High boys soccer team lost 6-0 to No. 2 Dodge City Thursday at the FHSU Soccer Stadium.

The Red Demons led 3-0 at the half and are now 6-0.

The Indians are now 4-2. They play at Great Bend Tuesday.

Hays PostHAYS - After moving the match to a new location then pushing the start time back due to a late afternoon thunderstorm, the Hays High boys soccer team lost 6-0 to No. 2 Dodge City Thursday at the FHSU Soccer Stadium.The Red Demons led 3-0 at the half and are now 6-0.The Indians are now 4-2. They play at Great Bend Tuesday.

⚽ HHS boys fall to No. 2 Red Demons

LARNED - The TMP-Marian girls' golf team finished third at Thursday's Larned Invitational at the Larned Country Club.

Hoisington won the team title with a 392, Cimarron finished second with a 425. The Monarchs had a 437 team score.

The Monarchs placed two in the top ten led by Madelyn Rozean who tied for eighth with a 104. Ashley Hipp finished 10th with a 108.

Hoisington's Tricia Schremmer won the individual title with a 92, two shots ahead of Plainville's Emily Stamper.

Team Results 1. Hoisington-392 2. Cimarron-425 3. TMP-Marian-437 4. Larned-458

Top-10 Individual Results 1. Tricia Schremmer-Hoisington, 92 2. Emily Stamper-Plainville, 94 3. Ava Henry-Hoisington, 98 T4. Kennedy Jarnigin-Cimarron, 99 T4. Addy Guthrie-Hoisington, 99 6. Jocelyn Clawson-Larned, 102 7. Lexus Petersilie-Hoisington, 103 T8. Alex Toothaker-Cimarron, 104 T8. Madelyn Rozean-TMP-Marian, 104 10. Ashley Hipp-TMP-Marian, 108

TMP-Marian Results Madelyn Rozean-104 Ashley Hipp-108 MyKayla Romme-109 Jenna Brull-116

Hays PostLARNED - The TMP-Marian girls' golf team finished third at Thursday's Larned Invitational at the Larned Country Club.Hoisington won the team title with a 392, Cimarron finished second with a 425. The Monarchs had a 437 team score.The Monarchs placed two in the top ten led by Madelyn Rozean who tied for eighth with a 104. Ashley Hipp finished 10th with a 108.Hoisington's Tricia Schremmer won the individual title with a 92, two shots ahead of Plainville's Emily Stamper.Team Results 1. Hoisington-392 2. Cimarron-425 3. TMP-Marian-437 4. Larned-458Top-10 Individual Results 1. Tricia Schremmer-Hoisington, 92 2. Emily Stamper-Plainville, 94 3. Ava Henry-Hoisington, 98 T4. Kennedy Jarnigin-Cimarron, 99 T4. Addy Guthrie-Hoisington, 99 6. Jocelyn Clawson-Larned, 102 7. Lexus Petersilie-Hoisington, 103 T8. Alex Toothaker-Cimarron, 104 T8. Madelyn Rozean-TMP-Marian, 104 10. Ashley Hipp-TMP-Marian, 108TMP-Marian Results Madelyn Rozean-104 Ashley Hipp-108 MyKayla Romme-109 Jenna Brull-116

⛳ Monarch girls' third at Larned Invite

DODGE CITY - The Hays High girls cross country team took second at the Boot Hill Invitational on Thursday in Dodge City. The Indians placed between Western Athletic Conference teams Garden City and Dodge City.

Garden City claimed the top three individual spots. Arely Maldonado was the top Hays finisher in fourth at 22:27. Brynn Kinderknecht and Mika Zimmerman were 7th and 8th. Avery Winter, Jaycine Watson and Aralen Maupin crossed 11th, 12th and 13th. Julia Zadina and Cara Cunningham&nbsp; landed in the top twenty at 18th and 19th.

The Garden City boys took the top spot and claimed the first six spots individually. Taevian Maupin-Dabney was the top Hays finisher in 14th. Elijah McCullough was 18th.

The Indians next compete in Lawrence at the Rim Rock Classic on Saturday, September 24th.

Hays PostDODGE CITY - The Hays High girls cross country team took second at the Boot Hill Invitational on Thursday in Dodge City. The Indians placed between Western Athletic Conference teams Garden City and Dodge City.Garden City claimed the top three individual spots. Arely Maldonado was the top Hays finisher in fourth at 22:27. Brynn Kinderknecht and Mika Zimmerman were 7th and 8th. Avery Winter, Jaycine Watson and Aralen Maupin crossed 11th, 12th and 13th. Julia Zadina and Cara Cunningham&nbsp; landed in the top twenty at 18th and 19th.The Garden City boys took the top spot and claimed the first six spots individually. Taevian Maupin-Dabney was the top Hays finisher in 14th. Elijah McCullough was 18th.The Indians next compete in Lawrence at the Rim Rock Classic on Saturday, September 24th.

👟 Hays girls 2nd, boys 4th at Boot Hill Invite

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YOU HAVE TO PLAY TO WIN! CERVs Football Matchup

Hays High School's varsity soccer game will be at 7 p.m. at the Fort Hays State University field.&nbsp;

The junior varsity will play at 4:30 p.m. at the Hays High field.

Hays High School's varsity soccer game will be at 7 p.m. at the Fort Hays State University field.&nbsp;The junior varsity will play at 4:30 p.m. at the Hays High field.

⚽️ Venue-time changes for Hays High soccer games Thursday

TOPEKA - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the 2022 Week 2 Volleyball Rankings. Records listed reflect information that was submitted by Monday, September 12. 

Current classifications for the rankings are based on enrollments from 2021-22 and the rankings will be adjusted when the updated classifications are released at the end of September.

Class 6A 1. Washburn Rural 5-1 (2) 2. Blue Valley West 4-1 (3) 3. Blue Valley 6-0 (5) 4. Olathe Northwest 3-2 (4) 5. Olathe West 14-2 (8) 6. Blue Valley Northwest 8-3 (6) 7. Olathe South 6-3 (NR) 8. Blue Valley North 10-3 (1) 9. Hutchinson 8-1 (9) 10. Shawnee Mission Northwest 5-3 (7)

Class 5A 1. St. James Academy 11-0 (1) 2. St. Thomas Aquinas 6-1 (2) 3. Mill Valley 5-1 (7) 4. Andover Central 11-0 (8) 5. Maize South 6-2 (6) 6. Goddard-Eisenhower 7-1 (9) 7. Lansing 6-2 (10) 8. Spring Hill 8-4 (4) 9. Topeka-Seaman 6-3 (5) 10. Bishop Carroll 5-1 (3)

Class 4A 1. Andale 14-0 (1) 2. Bishop Miege 2-3 (2) 3. Circle 8-1 (3) 4. Baldwin 12-1 (4) 5. Rock Creek 7-2 (7) 6. Clay Center 7-2 (10) 7. Paola 7-3 (9) 8. Clearwater 5-3 (8) 9. Tonganoxie 3-1 (NR) 10. Ulysses 6-2 (NR)

Class 3A 1. Heritage Christian 9-3 (2) 2. Nemaha Central 15-1 (1) 3. Royal Valley 14-1 (6) 4. Cheney 9-2 (3) 5. Riverton 10-0 (5) 6. Trinity Academy 7-0 (8) 7. Beloit 12-3 (4) 8. Smoky Valley 13-3 (10) 9. Goodland 5-0 (7) 10. Eureka 12-0 (NR)

Class 2A 1. Hillsboro 12-1 (1) 2. Sedgwick 15-0 (2) 3. Smith Center 6-0 (3) 4. Inman 12-2 (6) 5. Ellinwood 10-1 (4) 6. Garden Plain 7-2 (5) 7. Valley Heights 11-4 (7) 8. Maranatha Christian 7-2 (9) 9. St. Marys 7-2 (NR) 10. Jackson Heights 8-1 (NR)

Class 1A – Division 1 1. Spearville 5-0 (1) 2. Little River 9-1 (2) 3. Pretty Prairie 9-1 (3) 4. Doniphan West 7-0 (5) 5. Macksville 8-1 (6) 6. Kiowa County 9-2 (10) 7. South Gray 8-3 (NR) 8. Centralia 6-2 (9) 9. South Central 9-2 (NR) 10. Sylvan-Lucas 2-0 (7)

Class 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 8-0 (1) 2. Attica 9-0 (2) 3. Lebo 8-1 (3) 4. St. John’s/Tipton 10-1 (5) 5. St. Francis 7-3 (8) 6. Greeley County 8-3 (10) 7. Golden Plains 11-4 (4) 8. Elyria Christian 8-3 (NR) 9. Wheatland-Grinnell 8-5 (NR) 10. Rural Vista 4-2 (NR)

KVA ReleaseTOPEKA - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the 2022 Week 2 Volleyball Rankings. Records listed reflect information that was submitted by Monday, September 12. Current classifications for the rankings are based on enrollments from 2021-22 and the rankings will be adjusted when the updated classifications are released at the end of September.Class 6A 1. Washburn Rural 5-1 (2) 2. Blue Valley West 4-1 (3) 3. Blue Valley 6-0 (5) 4. Olathe Northwest 3-2 (4) 5. Olathe West 14-2 (8) 6. Blue Valley Northwest 8-3 (6) 7. Olathe South 6-3 (NR) 8. Blue Valley North 10-3 (1) 9. Hutchinson 8-1 (9) 10. Shawnee Mission Northwest 5-3 (7)Class 5A 1. St. James Academy 11-0 (1) 2. St. Thomas Aquinas 6-1 (2) 3. Mill Valley 5-1 (7) 4. Andover Central 11-0 (8) 5. Maize South 6-2 (6) 6. Goddard-Eisenhower 7-1 (9) 7. Lansing 6-2 (10) 8. Spring Hill 8-4 (4) 9. Topeka-Seaman 6-3 (5) 10. Bishop Carroll 5-1 (3)Class 4A 1. Andale 14-0 (1) 2. Bishop Miege 2-3 (2) 3. Circle 8-1 (3) 4. Baldwin 12-1 (4) 5. Rock Creek 7-2 (7) 6. Clay Center 7-2 (10) 7. Paola 7-3 (9) 8. Clearwater 5-3 (8) 9. Tonganoxie 3-1 (NR) 10. Ulysses 6-2 (NR)Class 3A 1. Heritage Christian 9-3 (2) 2. Nemaha Central 15-1 (1) 3. Royal Valley 14-1 (6) 4. Cheney 9-2 (3) 5. Riverton 10-0 (5) 6. Trinity Academy 7-0 (8) 7. Beloit 12-3 (4) 8. Smoky Valley 13-3 (10) 9. Goodland 5-0 (7) 10. Eureka 12-0 (NR)Class 2A 1. Hillsboro 12-1 (1) 2. Sedgwick 15-0 (2) 3. Smith Center 6-0 (3) 4. Inman 12-2 (6) 5. Ellinwood 10-1 (4) 6. Garden Plain 7-2 (5) 7. Valley Heights 11-4 (7) 8. Maranatha Christian 7-2 (9) 9. St. Marys 7-2 (NR) 10. Jackson Heights 8-1 (NR)Class 1A – Division 1 1. Spearville 5-0 (1) 2. Little River 9-1 (2) 3. Pretty Prairie 9-1 (3) 4. Doniphan West 7-0 (5) 5. Macksville 8-1 (6) 6. Kiowa County 9-2 (10) 7. South Gray 8-3 (NR) 8. Centralia 6-2 (9) 9. South Central 9-2 (NR) 10. Sylvan-Lucas 2-0 (7)Class 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 8-0 (1) 2. Attica 9-0 (2) 3. Lebo 8-1 (3) 4. St. John’s/Tipton 10-1 (5) 5. St. Francis 7-3 (8) 6. Greeley County 8-3 (10) 7. Golden Plains 11-4 (4) 8. Elyria Christian 8-3 (NR) 9. Wheatland-Grinnell 8-5 (NR) 10. Rural Vista 4-2 (NR)

🏐 KVA releases week two rankings

Former Hays High football standout and now Oklahoma Sooner Jaren Kanak is featured Thursday in an article on Sports Illustrated's All Sooners channel.

Click <a href="https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/for-oklahoma-lb-jaren-kanak-brent-venables-is-the-guy-i-wanted-to-play-for">HERE</a> to read the story and watch the video interview.

Former Hays High football standout and now Oklahoma Sooner Jaren Kanak is featured Thursday in an article on Sports Illustrated's All Sooners channel.Click <a href="https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/for-oklahoma-lb-jaren-kanak-brent-venables-is-the-guy-i-wanted-to-play-for">HERE</a> to read the story and watch the video interview.

🎥🏈 Kanak featured in Sports Illustrated profile

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (1-0) at KANSAS CITY (1-0)

OPENING LINE: Chiefs by 3 1/2,&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl">according to FanDuel SportsBook</a>.

LAST MEETING: Chiefs beat Chargers 34-28 in OT on Dec. 16, 2021, in Los Angeles.

LAST WEEK: Chargers beat Raiders 24-19; Chiefs beat Cardinals 44-21.

CHARGERS OFFENSE: OVERALL (T15), RUSH (23), PASS (7), SCORING (T9).

CHARGERS DEFENSE: OVERALL (11), RUSH (4), PASS (20), SCORING (T7).

CHIEFS OFFENSE: OVERALL (2), RUSH (11), PASS (1), SCORING (1).

CHIEFS DEFENSE: OVERALL (8), RUSH (15), PASS (6), SCORING (T15).

TURNOVER DIFFERENTIAL: Chargers plus-3; Chiefs minus-1.

CHARGERS PLAYER TO WATCH: WRs Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer will take on added importance after Keenan Allen hurt his hamstring in a season-opening win over the Raiders. Williams and Palmer combined for just five catches for 15 yards last weekend.

CHIEFS PLAYER TO WATCH: TE Travis Kelce had 121 yards receiving during last weekend's romp in Arizona, the 30th time he has eclipsed the century mark. He needs three more games of 100 yards to pass the retired Rob Gronkowski (32) and Tony Gonzalez (31) for the most among NFL tight ends.

KEY MATCHUP: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes against the Chargers pass defense, which picked off the Raiders' Derek Carr three times. Mahomes opened the season by throwing for 360 yards and five touchdowns without an interception against the Cardinals.

KEY INJURIES: Chargers TE Donald Parham Jr. (hamstring) and Allen are expected to miss the game. There is a chance that CB J.C. Jackson (ankle) plays after missing Week 1. ... Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie (hamstring) went on injured reserve Tuesday and K Harrison Butker (ankle) is also expected to miss the game. OG Trey Smith (ankle) was limited in practice this week.

SERIES NOTES: The Chiefs have won 13 of the past 16 games against the Chargers, though Los Angeles has won two of the past three. One of those was a January game in which Kansas City rested its key players ahead of the playoffs. ... The Chargers and Chiefs were original members of the American Football League, both established in 1960. They have been in the same division ever since, first in the AFL's Western Conference and since the 1970 merger with the NFL in the AFC West. ... Kansas City coach Andy Reid is 15-6 against the Chargers. Los Angeles coach Brandon Staley is 1-1 against KC.

STATS AND STUFF: The game is the first of the NFL's exclusive deal with Amazon Prime for Thursday night contests. ... Los Angeles is trying to start 2-0 for the first time since 2012 while Kansas City is aiming for its fifth 2-0 start in the past six years. ... The Chiefs have won the AFC West six straight years. ... Chargers QB Justin Herbert is coming off his ninth game of at least three TD passes with no interceptions, tied with Mahomes for the most by a player in his first three seasons. ... Herbert finished last season with at least 300 yards passing in five straight road games. ... Williams will be going for his third straight game against Kansas City with at least 100 yards receiving and a score. ... Chargers RB Austin Ekeler has scored in three straight games against the Chiefs. ... LB Khalil Mack had three of the Chargers' five sacks last week. He also forced a fumble against Las Vegas. ... This is the first of five primetime games for Kansas City this season. ... Mahomes is coming off his sixth career game with at least five TD passes, tied with Dan Marino and Ben Roethlisberger for fourth-most in NFL history. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are next with nine. ... Mahomes is 13-2 as a starter in September. He has at least three TDs passing in 12 of them. .. Kelce has caught a pass in 128 straight games, three behind Gonzalez for the franchise record. ... The Chiefs allowed 28 sacks last season, tied for third-best in the NFL. They did not allow one in Week 1 against Arizona. ... Chiefs DT Chris Jones forced a fumble last week against the Cardinals. He has four sacks in his past two Thursday night games.

FANTASY TIP: Mahomes apologized to fantasy football owners before Week 1 that he would be spreading the ball around, making any Kansas City wide receiver a gamble. But not only did JuJu Smith-Schuster get eight targets against the Cardinals, one behind Kelce for the team lead, he hauled in six of them for 79 yards. And as good as the Chargers defense was last week, it allowed the Raiders' Davante Adams to catch 10 balls for 141 yards and a score.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (1-0) at KANSAS CITY (1-0)Thursday, 8:15 p.m. EDT, Prime VideoOPENING LINE: Chiefs by 3 1/2,&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl">according to FanDuel SportsBook</a>.SERIES RECORD: Chiefs lead 65-58-1.LAST MEETING: Chiefs beat Chargers 34-28 in OT on Dec. 16, 2021, in Los Angeles.LAST WEEK: Chargers beat Raiders 24-19; Chiefs beat Cardinals 44-21.CHARGERS OFFENSE: OVERALL (T15), RUSH (23), PASS (7), SCORING (T9).CHARGERS DEFENSE: OVERALL (11), RUSH (4), PASS (20), SCORING (T7).CHIEFS OFFENSE: OVERALL (2), RUSH (11), PASS (1), SCORING (1).CHIEFS DEFENSE: OVERALL (8), RUSH (15), PASS (6), SCORING (T15).TURNOVER DIFFERENTIAL: Chargers plus-3; Chiefs minus-1.CHARGERS PLAYER TO WATCH: WRs Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer will take on added importance after Keenan Allen hurt his hamstring in a season-opening win over the Raiders. Williams and Palmer combined for just five catches for 15 yards last weekend.CHIEFS PLAYER TO WATCH: TE Travis Kelce had 121 yards receiving during last weekend's romp in Arizona, the 30th time he has eclipsed the century mark. He needs three more games of 100 yards to pass the retired Rob Gronkowski (32) and Tony Gonzalez (31) for the most among NFL tight ends.KEY MATCHUP: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes against the Chargers pass defense, which picked off the Raiders' Derek Carr three times. Mahomes opened the season by throwing for 360 yards and five touchdowns without an interception against the Cardinals.KEY INJURIES: Chargers TE Donald Parham Jr. (hamstring) and Allen are expected to miss the game. There is a chance that CB J.C. Jackson (ankle) plays after missing Week 1. ... Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie (hamstring) went on injured reserve Tuesday and K Harrison Butker (ankle) is also expected to miss the game. OG Trey Smith (ankle) was limited in practice this week.SERIES NOTES: The Chiefs have won 13 of the past 16 games against the Chargers, though Los Angeles has won two of the past three. One of those was a January game in which Kansas City rested its key players ahead of the playoffs. ... The Chargers and Chiefs were original members of the American Football League, both established in 1960. They have been in the same division ever since, first in the AFL's Western Conference and since the 1970 merger with the NFL in the AFC West. ... Kansas City coach Andy Reid is 15-6 against the Chargers. Los Angeles coach Brandon Staley is 1-1 against KC.STATS AND STUFF: The game is the first of the NFL's exclusive deal with Amazon Prime for Thursday night contests. ... Los Angeles is trying to start 2-0 for the first time since 2012 while Kansas City is aiming for its fifth 2-0 start in the past six years. ... The Chiefs have won the AFC West six straight years. ... Chargers QB Justin Herbert is coming off his ninth game of at least three TD passes with no interceptions, tied with Mahomes for the most by a player in his first three seasons. ... Herbert finished last season with at least 300 yards passing in five straight road games. ... Williams will be going for his third straight game against Kansas City with at least 100 yards receiving and a score. ... Chargers RB Austin Ekeler has scored in three straight games against the Chiefs. ... LB Khalil Mack had three of the Chargers' five sacks last week. He also forced a fumble against Las Vegas. ... This is the first of five primetime games for Kansas City this season. ... Mahomes is coming off his sixth career game with at least five TD passes, tied with Dan Marino and Ben Roethlisberger for fourth-most in NFL history. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are next with nine. ... Mahomes is 13-2 as a starter in September. He has at least three TDs passing in 12 of them. .. Kelce has caught a pass in 128 straight games, three behind Gonzalez for the franchise record. ... The Chiefs allowed 28 sacks last season, tied for third-best in the NFL. They did not allow one in Week 1 against Arizona. ... Chiefs DT Chris Jones forced a fumble last week against the Cardinals. He has four sacks in his past two Thursday night games.FANTASY TIP: Mahomes apologized to fantasy football owners before Week 1 that he would be spreading the ball around, making any Kansas City wide receiver a gamble. But not only did JuJu Smith-Schuster get eight targets against the Cardinals, one behind Kelce for the team lead, he hauled in six of them for 79 yards. And as good as the Chargers defense was last week, it allowed the Raiders' Davante Adams to catch 10 balls for 141 yards and a score.

🏈 Chargers-Chiefs open NFL's exclusive Amazon Prime deal

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sonny Gray cruised through seven sharp innings and the Minnesota Twins, despite losing AL batting leader Luis Arraez to an early injury, beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 Wednesday night.

Gary Sánchez had a two-run double and Carlos Correa a couple hits for Minnesota, five games behind AL Central-leading Cleveland with 21 games remaining.

Arraez got an infield hit, raising his average to .320, and scored in the first, then left after the inning with left hamstring tightness. An MRI did not show “anything substantial,” according to manager Rocco Baldelli.

“My guess is we are going to, with the lefty tomorrow that we’re facing, probably let him come in, get some treatment and see how he responds, see what he’s going to be available for. I wouldn’t see him being out or anything like that,” Baldelli said.

The Twins already have a pair of regulars on 10-day injured lists: center fielder Byron Buxton out since Aug. 23 with a right hip strain and second baseman Jorge Polanco (left knee inflammation) has been out since Sept. 3.

Baldelli previously said Polanco might return this week, but Buxton is further away.

Acquired from Cincinnati in March, Gray (8-4) has been a top-of-the-rotation guy for Minnesota all season. He breezed through the Kansas City lineup much of the night, allowing three hits and striking out eight — seven looking.

“When you have a guy who has a really good breaking ball, as a hitter with two strikes, you have that in mind, like he might spin that breaking ball,” catcher Sandy León said. “Then he throws that backdoor two-seam to righties and from those lefties. … It’s not easy to execute it, but he does it.”

The right-hander has been especially strong for the Twins since the All-Star break, going 4-1 with a 1.98 ERA and allowing two or fewer earned runs in nine of those 10 starts.

“My curveball feels good, it’s always been something that’s been there for me. And my fastball command is getting better. And then starting to add a pitch here, add a pitch there, just along the way. … Whatever my strengths are, making sure my strengths, I’m really great at those and then just adding a little bit along the way,” Gray said.

Michael Massey had two of the five hits for Kansas City, which did not send more than four men to the plate in an inning against Gray. Through five innings, just one Royals runner advanced to second base and that came on a passed ball.

“He’s just tough because he can pretty much throw anything in any count,” Massey said.

Making his second start after missing 17 games with right forearm tightness, Zack Greinke (4-9) allowed three runs and struck out one in four innings.

Kansas City has lost six straight at Target Field and failed to score in 43 of its past 44 innings there. It scored three times in the ninth inning Tuesday after being no-hit for eight innings.

Greinke was done in by a 40-pitch first inning. Sánchez hit a two-out, two-run double and the Twins left the bases loaded when León grounded back sharply to Greinke.

“He didn’t execute the secondary pitches for strikes,” manager Mike Matheny said. “He’s usually getting more chase when he can throw strike to ball with the breaking stuff, with the changeup, but they weren’t biting.”

Greinke is 0-7 with a 6.36 ERA in a dozen starts away from Kauffman Stadium this season; he’s 4-2 with a 1.93 ERA in 11 games at home. His last road win was 16 road starts ago, on Aug. 13, 2021, he pitched for Houston.

A sacrifice fly by Gio Urshela scored pinch-runner Billy Hamilton in the Twins seventh.

Kansas City SS Bobby Witt Jr. doubled for the fourth straight game. Eight of his past 13 hits have gone for extra bases. He leads all rookies with 53 extra-base hits.

Twins: OF Max Kepler, who left Sunday’s game with a right leg contusion, missed his second straight game.

The three-game wraps up series Thursday with LHP Daniel Lynch (4-10, 5.14) the scheduled starter for Kansas City. Minnesota plans to start RHP Dylan Bundy (8-7. 4.68).

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sonny Gray cruised through seven sharp innings and the Minnesota Twins, despite losing AL batting leader Luis Arraez to an early injury, beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 Wednesday night.Gary Sánchez had a two-run double and Carlos Correa a couple hits for Minnesota, five games behind AL Central-leading Cleveland with 21 games remaining.Arraez got an infield hit, raising his average to .320, and scored in the first, then left after the inning with left hamstring tightness. An MRI did not show “anything substantial,” according to manager Rocco Baldelli.“My guess is we are going to, with the lefty tomorrow that we’re facing, probably let him come in, get some treatment and see how he responds, see what he’s going to be available for. I wouldn’t see him being out or anything like that,” Baldelli said.The Twins already have a pair of regulars on 10-day injured lists: center fielder Byron Buxton out since Aug. 23 with a right hip strain and second baseman Jorge Polanco (left knee inflammation) has been out since Sept. 3.Baldelli previously said Polanco might return this week, but Buxton is further away.Acquired from Cincinnati in March, Gray (8-4) has been a top-of-the-rotation guy for Minnesota all season. He breezed through the Kansas City lineup much of the night, allowing three hits and striking out eight — seven looking.“When you have a guy who has a really good breaking ball, as a hitter with two strikes, you have that in mind, like he might spin that breaking ball,” catcher Sandy León said. “Then he throws that backdoor two-seam to righties and from those lefties. … It’s not easy to execute it, but he does it.”The right-hander has been especially strong for the Twins since the All-Star break, going 4-1 with a 1.98 ERA and allowing two or fewer earned runs in nine of those 10 starts.“My curveball feels good, it’s always been something that’s been there for me. And my fastball command is getting better. And then starting to add a pitch here, add a pitch there, just along the way. … Whatever my strengths are, making sure my strengths, I’m really great at those and then just adding a little bit along the way,” Gray said.Michael Massey had two of the five hits for Kansas City, which did not send more than four men to the plate in an inning against Gray. Through five innings, just one Royals runner advanced to second base and that came on a passed ball.“He’s just tough because he can pretty much throw anything in any count,” Massey said.Making his second start after missing 17 games with right forearm tightness, Zack Greinke (4-9) allowed three runs and struck out one in four innings.Kansas City has lost six straight at Target Field and failed to score in 43 of its past 44 innings there. It scored three times in the ninth inning Tuesday after being no-hit for eight innings.Greinke was done in by a 40-pitch first inning. Sánchez hit a two-out, two-run double and the Twins left the bases loaded when León grounded back sharply to Greinke.“He didn’t execute the secondary pitches for strikes,” manager Mike Matheny said. “He’s usually getting more chase when he can throw strike to ball with the breaking stuff, with the changeup, but they weren’t biting.”Greinke is 0-7 with a 6.36 ERA in a dozen starts away from Kauffman Stadium this season; he’s 4-2 with a 1.93 ERA in 11 games at home. His last road win was 16 road starts ago, on Aug. 13, 2021, he pitched for Houston.A sacrifice fly by Gio Urshela scored pinch-runner Billy Hamilton in the Twins seventh.DOUBLES DELIGHTKansas City SS Bobby Witt Jr. doubled for the fourth straight game. Eight of his past 13 hits have gone for extra bases. He leads all rookies with 53 extra-base hits.TRAINER’S ROOMTwins: OF Max Kepler, who left Sunday’s game with a right leg contusion, missed his second straight game.UP NEXTThe three-game wraps up series Thursday with LHP Daniel Lynch (4-10, 5.14) the scheduled starter for Kansas City. Minnesota plans to start RHP Dylan Bundy (8-7. 4.68).

⚾ Gray sharp as Twins blank Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It's sometimes difficult to believe that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, for all that he's accomplished during his young but brilliant NFL career, would carry such a considerable chip on his shoulder.

He thrives on the doubters. The naysayers. The critics who try to diminish everything he's done.

It was that way when he was coming out of high school, and Texas Tech was among the only schools that gave the baseball player a football scholarship. And coming out of Texas Tech, when so many NFL teams pegged him as a system quarterback who would flounder like so many other “Air Raid” products as a professional.

It was that way this past offseason, too, when detractors tried to argue that Mahomes would take a step back without the game-breaking ability of Tyreek Hill, who was shipped to the Dolphins for a package of draft picks.

Mahomes merely responded by throwing for 360 yards and five touchdowns without an interception on Sunday in Arizona, a performance that was so nearly flawless that the Chiefs built a big enough lead that he could ride the bench at the end.

“That's just Pat. That's just who he is,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said this week, after they had turned their attention from the 44-21 blitz of the Cardinals to a Thursday night showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.

There was one point during the game when Mahomes, after throwing his fourth touchdown pass, put up four fingers at a woebegone defender, as if to say: “How ‘bout that?" It was done in the heat of the moment, and Mahomes said Tuesday that he didn’t even remember doing it. But it spoke volumes about his competitive fire.

“There's always that behind-the-scenes moment he's going to create that keeps him fired up and energized,” Bieniemy said. “The kid is a tremendous football player. I love the energy and excitement he brings. And he's the ultimate competitor.”

It's something that Chiefs coach Andy Reid identified a half-decade ago, when they traded up in the first round to make Mahomes their quarterback of the future. They were traits similar to those Reid saw while coaching Brett Favre in Green Bay, Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick in Philadelphia, and Alex Smith in Kansas City.

“The way he approaches football is important," Reid said. "If you ask him, family and football are right at the top of the things he does. Whether he does a commercial or whatever, he's going to put football at the front. It's not going to disrupt what he's doing. And as you know, he's extremely smart. His recall is exceptional. His attention goes with that.

“You tell him something once,” Reid said, “and he's got it.”

The same goes if you slight him once. He's going to remember it.

“I mean, you always feel like you have more to prove,” Mahomes said. “I promise, Tom Brady's feeling like he has more to prove, and I think that just comes with any sport, any competitor. If you're not getting better, you're getting worse. And they build you up to tear you down, and you got to kind of know that. For me, it's all about, ‘How can I make myself better?’ Not what other people say. ‘How can I make myself better so we can go out there and win football games?’”

That's rapidly becoming a difficult question to answer.

Mahomes is coming off his sixth career game with at least five TD passes, joining a club that includes Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Dan Marino and Ben Roethlisberger. Each of them played at least 240 games; Mahomes has played 64.

He's also closing on 20,000 yards for his career — he needs 649 more — a number that Mahomes could reasonably achieve in two games. That would mean reaching the threshold in 66 games, five fewer than the NFL record.

“I'm glad that he's on our side,” Bieniemy said, “and just looking forward to watching him do work from here on out.”

NOTES: CB Trent McDuffie was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, meaning he will be out at least four weeks. ... K Harrison Butker (ankle sprain) did not practice Tuesday and appear unlikely to play Thursday night. The Chiefs signed former Jets K Matt Ammendola to their practice squad to provide insurance. “We've got the Plan B. We're working on it,” Reid said. “We'll see if that's where we go with it.” ... OL Trey Smith (ankle) and WR Justin Watson (chest) are expected to play. ... The Chiefs activated practice squad LBs Jack Cochrane and Elijah Lee. They also signed CB Dicaprio Bootle and WR Corey Coleman to the practice squad and released FS James Wiggins.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It's sometimes difficult to believe that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, for all that he's accomplished during his young but brilliant NFL career, would carry such a considerable chip on his shoulder.He thrives on the doubters. The naysayers. The critics who try to diminish everything he's done.It was that way when he was coming out of high school, and Texas Tech was among the only schools that gave the baseball player a football scholarship. And coming out of Texas Tech, when so many NFL teams pegged him as a system quarterback who would flounder like so many other “Air Raid” products as a professional.It was that way this past offseason, too, when detractors tried to argue that Mahomes would take a step back without the game-breaking ability of Tyreek Hill, who was shipped to the Dolphins for a package of draft picks.So much for that.Mahomes merely responded by throwing for 360 yards and five touchdowns without an interception on Sunday in Arizona, a performance that was so nearly flawless that the Chiefs built a big enough lead that he could ride the bench at the end.“That's just Pat. That's just who he is,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said this week, after they had turned their attention from the 44-21 blitz of the Cardinals to a Thursday night showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.There was one point during the game when Mahomes, after throwing his fourth touchdown pass, put up four fingers at a woebegone defender, as if to say: “How ‘bout that?" It was done in the heat of the moment, and Mahomes said Tuesday that he didn’t even remember doing it. But it spoke volumes about his competitive fire.“There's always that behind-the-scenes moment he's going to create that keeps him fired up and energized,” Bieniemy said. “The kid is a tremendous football player. I love the energy and excitement he brings. And he's the ultimate competitor.”It's something that Chiefs coach Andy Reid identified a half-decade ago, when they traded up in the first round to make Mahomes their quarterback of the future. They were traits similar to those Reid saw while coaching Brett Favre in Green Bay, Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick in Philadelphia, and Alex Smith in Kansas City.“The way he approaches football is important," Reid said. "If you ask him, family and football are right at the top of the things he does. Whether he does a commercial or whatever, he's going to put football at the front. It's not going to disrupt what he's doing. And as you know, he's extremely smart. His recall is exceptional. His attention goes with that.“You tell him something once,” Reid said, “and he's got it.”The same goes if you slight him once. He's going to remember it.“I mean, you always feel like you have more to prove,” Mahomes said. “I promise, Tom Brady's feeling like he has more to prove, and I think that just comes with any sport, any competitor. If you're not getting better, you're getting worse. And they build you up to tear you down, and you got to kind of know that. For me, it's all about, ‘How can I make myself better?’ Not what other people say. ‘How can I make myself better so we can go out there and win football games?’”That's rapidly becoming a difficult question to answer.Mahomes is coming off his sixth career game with at least five TD passes, joining a club that includes Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Dan Marino and Ben Roethlisberger. Each of them played at least 240 games; Mahomes has played 64.He's also closing on 20,000 yards for his career — he needs 649 more — a number that Mahomes could reasonably achieve in two games. That would mean reaching the threshold in 66 games, five fewer than the NFL record.“I'm glad that he's on our side,” Bieniemy said, “and just looking forward to watching him do work from here on out.”NOTES: CB Trent McDuffie was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, meaning he will be out at least four weeks. ... K Harrison Butker (ankle sprain) did not practice Tuesday and appear unlikely to play Thursday night. The Chiefs signed former Jets K Matt Ammendola to their practice squad to provide insurance. “We've got the Plan B. We're working on it,” Reid said. “We'll see if that's where we go with it.” ... OL Trey Smith (ankle) and WR Justin Watson (chest) are expected to play. ... The Chiefs activated practice squad LBs Jack Cochrane and Elijah Lee. They also signed CB Dicaprio Bootle and WR Corey Coleman to the practice squad and released FS James Wiggins.

🏈 Chiefs' Mahomes still thrives on proving naysayers wrong

TOPEKA —&nbsp;The state championship dominance of schools like Bishop Miege is now an issue for the Kansas Legislature.

The Kansas State Board of Education passed the multiplier proposal on to legislators by a 6-4 vote Wednesday morning. Board members Porter, Waugh, Mah, Jones, Haas and Clifford voted for the proposal. Members Arnold, Dombrosky, Horst and McNiece voted against it.

The classifications from 4A and down voted in favor of a proposed change that would introduce a multiplier for successful private schools that would inflate their enrollment number for classification purposes, 5A and 6A did not vote in favor.

Kansas High Schools voted 216 to 139 to make the change.

The identifying statutes need to be approved by the Legislature prior to implementation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582745822554.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —&nbsp;The state championship dominance of schools like Bishop Miege is now an issue for the Kansas Legislature. The Kansas State Board of Education passed the multiplier proposal on to legislators by a 6-4 vote Wednesday morning. Board members Porter, Waugh, Mah, Jones, Haas and Clifford voted for the proposal. Members Arnold, Dombrosky, Horst and McNiece voted against it.The classifications from 4A and down voted in favor of a proposed change that would introduce a multiplier for successful private schools that would inflate their enrollment number for classification purposes, 5A and 6A did not vote in favor.Kansas High Schools voted 216 to 139 to make the change.The identifying statutes need to be approved by the Legislature prior to implementation.

KSHSAA multiplier headed to statehouse

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota rookie Joe Ryan and reliever Jovani Moran combined to pitch no-hit ball until Bobby Witt Jr. doubled with one out in the ninth inning as the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Tuesday night.

Ryan was pulled after seven innings and 106 pitches, four shy of his big league high. There has never been a no-hitter at Target Field and the Royals hadn't come close to getting one against him.

The crowd of 19,005 booed when Twins manager Rocco Baldelli sent Moran to the mound to start the eighth.

“I’m not worried about that,” Baldelli said . “I want what’s best for this team and I want to go to the playoffs and I want to win games in the playoffs, and that’s the priority for me right now.”

“He said, ‘Listen, I’ve thrown like 156 pitches in a game,’ which is fantastical, but I think true,” Baldelli said. “But all that said, it doesn’t really affect what goes on here and the fact that we need him to go pitch against the Guardians later on this week.”

In fact, when he was a senior at Cal State Stanislaus, Ryan did throw 142 pitches in a game against Cal Poly Pomona in 2018.

Ryan said he understood Baldelli's rationale.

“The pitch count obviously comes into play. We’re trying to win some games and I’m throwing in five days again, too,' Ryan said.

Moran worked a perfect eighth. He struck out Drew Waters to begin the ninth before walking pinch-hitter Hunter Dozier and MJ Melendez.

The Royals hadn't come close to a hit until Witt lined a 1-2 fastball for a clean drive to deep left for an RBI double, setting off more boos from the fans.

“I wanted to help and be part of that no-hitter, but that’s part of the game,” Moran said. “And of course I’m going to get mad because I wanted to do my best and get that out, but it happens.”

Sebastian Rivero followed with an infield hit that drove in another run and Vinnie Pasquantino had a sacrifice fly.

The Twins’ last no-hitter was by Francisco Liriano against the White Sox on May 3, 2011 in Chicago.

Carlos Correa, Jose Miranda and Gio Urshela hit home runs as the Twins snapped a three-game skid. They remained five games behind Cleveland in the AL Central.

Ryan (11-8) struck out nine, walked two and set down his last 12 batters. He has never gone past seven innings in his career and had lost three of his previous four decisions.

The 26-year-old righty had never gone past seven innings in his career. He has a big league high of 110 pitches, done Aug. 9 at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ryan was a member of last year’s U.S. Olympic team and was traded to Twins by Rays while he was in Japan.

The Royals avoided being no-hit for the first time since 2008 when Jon Lester shut them down in Boston.

“What’s going on in the dugout is frustration,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Guys realizing that it’s embarrassing when you get no-hit. Going up there fighting through their at-bats, but it’s not something you want to have them finish off."

"So it was good to put a couple runs on, get some positive things going, and hopefully it’ll translate into more offense tomorrow.”

Kris Bubic (2-12) allowed 10 hits and five runs with six strikeouts in five innings.

Twins: RF Max Kepler (right leg) was not in Tuesday’s lineup but Baldelli was hopeful he’d be available off the bench. Meanwhile, Baldelli said OF-INF Jorge Polanco and RHP Bailey Ober could potentially return this week. The manager also said OF Byron Buxton is slightly behind Polanco.

Royals: RHP Zack Greinke (4-8) makes his 23rd start of the season on Wednesday night. He is 0-3 against Minnesota this season with a 4.20 ERA in those outings. He’s 0-6 on the road this season.

Twins: RHP Sonny Gray (7-4) will look to go 3-0 against the Royals this season when he takes the mound on Wednesday night.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota rookie Joe Ryan and reliever Jovani Moran combined to pitch no-hit ball until Bobby Witt Jr. doubled with one out in the ninth inning as the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Tuesday night.Ryan was pulled after seven innings and 106 pitches, four shy of his big league high. There has never been a no-hitter at Target Field and the Royals hadn't come close to getting one against him.The crowd of 19,005 booed when Twins manager Rocco Baldelli sent Moran to the mound to start the eighth.“I’m not worried about that,” Baldelli said . “I want what’s best for this team and I want to go to the playoffs and I want to win games in the playoffs, and that’s the priority for me right now.”Ryan tried to plead his case.“He said, ‘Listen, I’ve thrown like 156 pitches in a game,’ which is fantastical, but I think true,” Baldelli said. “But all that said, it doesn’t really affect what goes on here and the fact that we need him to go pitch against the Guardians later on this week.”In fact, when he was a senior at Cal State Stanislaus, Ryan did throw 142 pitches in a game against Cal Poly Pomona in 2018.Ryan said he understood Baldelli's rationale.“The pitch count obviously comes into play. We’re trying to win some games and I’m throwing in five days again, too,' Ryan said.Moran worked a perfect eighth. He struck out Drew Waters to begin the ninth before walking pinch-hitter Hunter Dozier and MJ Melendez.The Royals hadn't come close to a hit until Witt lined a 1-2 fastball for a clean drive to deep left for an RBI double, setting off more boos from the fans.“I wanted to help and be part of that no-hitter, but that’s part of the game,” Moran said. “And of course I’m going to get mad because I wanted to do my best and get that out, but it happens.”Sebastian Rivero followed with an infield hit that drove in another run and Vinnie Pasquantino had a sacrifice fly.The Twins’ last no-hitter was by Francisco Liriano against the White Sox on May 3, 2011 in Chicago.Carlos Correa, Jose Miranda and Gio Urshela hit home runs as the Twins snapped a three-game skid. They remained five games behind Cleveland in the AL Central.Ryan (11-8) struck out nine, walked two and set down his last 12 batters. He has never gone past seven innings in his career and had lost three of his previous four decisions.The 26-year-old righty had never gone past seven innings in his career. He has a big league high of 110 pitches, done Aug. 9 at the Los Angeles Dodgers.Ryan was a member of last year’s U.S. Olympic team and was traded to Twins by Rays while he was in Japan.The Royals avoided being no-hit for the first time since 2008 when Jon Lester shut them down in Boston.“What’s going on in the dugout is frustration,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Guys realizing that it’s embarrassing when you get no-hit. Going up there fighting through their at-bats, but it’s not something you want to have them finish off.""So it was good to put a couple runs on, get some positive things going, and hopefully it’ll translate into more offense tomorrow.”Kris Bubic (2-12) allowed 10 hits and five runs with six strikeouts in five innings.TRAINER’S ROOMTwins: RF Max Kepler (right leg) was not in Tuesday’s lineup but Baldelli was hopeful he’d be available off the bench. Meanwhile, Baldelli said OF-INF Jorge Polanco and RHP Bailey Ober could potentially return this week. The manager also said OF Byron Buxton is slightly behind Polanco.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Zack Greinke (4-8) makes his 23rd start of the season on Wednesday night. He is 0-3 against Minnesota this season with a 4.20 ERA in those outings. He’s 0-6 on the road this season.Twins: RHP Sonny Gray (7-4) will look to go 3-0 against the Royals this season when he takes the mound on Wednesday night.

⚾ Royals no-hit into the ninth, lose to Twins

DODGE CITY – The Hays High girls’ tennis team finished in tie
for sixth at the Dodge City Invitational Tuesday. The Indians scored 23 points
and tied with Liberal. Garden City won the team title with 72 points, 32 ahead
of second place Dodge City.

The Indians No. 2 Doubles team of Danica Scheve and Kayler
Wellbrock went 3-1 and placed fifth. After winning their first match 6-1 they
lost 6-5 (5) to Q. Nanninga and C. Kneeland of Garden City. They bounced back
to win their final two consolation round matches.

Brittnee Leiker went 1-3 and placed 12th in No. 1 Singles.
Katrina Delimont went 2-2 and placed 13th in No. 2 Singles. The No. 2 Doubles
team of Morgen Berry and Ava Neil also finished 2-2 and placed 13th.

Hays PostDODGE CITY – The Hays High girls’ tennis team finished in tie
for sixth at the Dodge City Invitational Tuesday. The Indians scored 23 points
and tied with Liberal. Garden City won the team title with 72 points, 32 ahead
of second place Dodge City.The Indians No. 2 Doubles team of Danica Scheve and Kayler
Wellbrock went 3-1 and placed fifth. After winning their first match 6-1 they
lost 6-5 (5) to Q. Nanninga and C. Kneeland of Garden City. They bounced back
to win their final two consolation round matches.Brittnee Leiker went 1-3 and placed 12th in No. 1 Singles.
Katrina Delimont went 2-2 and placed 13th in No. 2 Singles. The No. 2 Doubles
team of Morgen Berry and Ava Neil also finished 2-2 and placed 13th.

🎾 HHS girls' tennis finishes sixth in Dodge City

HAYS - The Hays High volleyball team went 0-2 at their own triangular Tuesday. The Indians lost&nbsp;16-25,
18-25 to Manhattan and&nbsp;25-17, 11-25, 21-25 to Great Bend.

The Panthers defeated Manhattan in their match&nbsp;25-17, 25-23.

The Indians are now 6-7 on the season. The play at Garden City Thursday.

Hays PostHAYS - The Hays High volleyball team went 0-2 at their own triangular Tuesday. The Indians lost&nbsp;16-25,
18-25 to Manhattan and&nbsp;25-17, 11-25, 21-25 to Great Bend.The Panthers defeated Manhattan in their match&nbsp;25-17, 25-23.The Indians are now 6-7 on the season. The play at Garden City Thursday.