The TMP-Marian volleyball team ran their record to 6-2 with
a pair of wins over Norton and Hoxie in their Mid-Continent League opener Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

The Monarchs defeated Norton 25-15 and 25-22. 

They also dispatched of Hoxie in two sets, winning 25-17 and
25-19.

TMP travels to Abilene for a quadrangular with Smokey
Valley, Concordia and the host Cowgirls.

The TMP-Marian volleyball team ran their record to 6-2 with
a pair of wins over Norton and Hoxie in their Mid-Continent League opener Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.The Monarchs defeated Norton 25-15 and 25-22. They also dispatched of Hoxie in two sets, winning 25-17 and
25-19.TMP travels to Abilene for a quadrangular with Smokey
Valley, Concordia and the host Cowgirls.

🏐Monarchs pick up first MCL wins of the season

After the two teams played through a scoreless first half Garden City scored a pair of second half goals as they knock off the Hays High Indians boys soccer team 2-0 in the Indians season opener.

The Indians begin play at the Wichita South Invitational on Monday.

After the two teams played through a scoreless first half Garden City scored a pair of second half goals as they knock off the Hays High Indians boys soccer team 2-0 in the Indians season opener.The Indians begin play at the Wichita South Invitational on Monday.

⚽Indians drop season opener at Garden City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs traded offensive lineman Yasir Durant to the Patriots for a seventh-round pick in the 2022 draft as they trimmed their roster to the 53-man limit by Tuesday’s deadline. 

Durant made the Chiefs last season as an undrafted free agent out of Missouri, and he started Week 17 at right guard as the Chiefs rested their starters. 

But he was lost in a numbers game in Kansas City, which completely revamped its offensive line after a bunch of backups and fill-ins were dominated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs traded offensive lineman Yasir Durant to the Patriots for a seventh-round pick in the 2022 draft as they trimmed their roster to the 53-man limit by Tuesday’s deadline. Durant made the Chiefs last season as an undrafted free agent out of Missouri, and he started Week 17 at right guard as the Chiefs rested their starters. But he was lost in a numbers game in Kansas City, which completely revamped its offensive line after a bunch of backups and fill-ins were dominated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl.

🏈Chiefs trade OL Durant to Patriots for 7th-round 2022 pick

Overhauls are usually reserved for bad teams that miss the playoffs, not ones that play in consecutive Super Bowls.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, however, was impelled to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-football-kansas-city-chiefs-219f37f2b1842cb62cd64aa3f590cdde">dismantle his offensive line</a>&nbsp;after watching Patrick Mahomes run for his life in Kansas City's 31-9 shellacking at the hands of the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl.

The Chiefs were 3-point betting favorites to defend their title but injuries and opt-outs forced them to use a makeshift group, which was promptly steamrolled. By one calculation, Mahomes ran around for nearly 500 yards while trying to escape the Bucs' relentless pass rush and find an open receiver.

So, Veach brought in five new starters to help protect the team's half-billion dollar investment at quarterback.

He traded for Ravens left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and signed former Patriots left guard Joe Thuney, the first player in NFL history to start in the Super Bowl in each of his first three seasons.

The rest of the line hasn't ever played in the NFL. Center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith are rookies and right tackle Lucas Niang opted out as a rookie in 2020 because of COVID-19 concerns.

“We’ve come together fast,” Niang said. “We’ve got a ways to go, but we’re doing a good job. Everybody’s communicating, getting on the same page.”

Mahomes figures this work-in-progress line will coalesce quickly.

“I mean obviously they’re all really talented,” Mahomes said. “ ... When everybody is on the same exact page is when you have those truly great offensive lines and great offenses.

“I think you see us as games are going on, we’re communicating better and better and I think we’ll continue to improve throughout the season.”

All the other familiar names are back — Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Clyde Edwards-Helaire — along with an improved defense, making K.C. the favorite for a sixth straight AFC West title and maybe a third consecutive trip to the Super Bowl.

No team has ever won six straight AFC West titles, and the division is tougher than it's been in a half decade. Both the Chargers and Raiders split with the Chiefs last season and the Broncos sport their deepest roster since winning it all in 2015.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-los-angeles-rams-denver-broncos-von-miller-4d029fbfe08d33b69cb4dc9f4554fcca">Von Miller</a>&nbsp;says Denver finally has the roster like the one he led to a championship parade five years ago.

“We have some of the same players we had last year, but our team looks totally different,” Miller said. “The energy is totally different. I know I get carried away with some of the comments about my teammates, and I have high expectations for my teammates. This year is going to be a great year for our guys.”

That will require big bounce-backs by Miller (ankle), WR Courtland Sutton (knee) and new QB Teddy Bridgewater, who went 4-11 in Carolina last year and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-denver-broncos-teddy-bridgewater-c01cef5df8cd6c06b87a0f1f1ec1a5cd">beat out Drew Lock&nbsp;</a>this summer.

By all indications, Brandon Staley had a successful first training camp as Los Angeles Chargers coach. The Bolts didn’t sustain any major injuries during training camp — something they could not say the past two seasons. Staley also stole a page from former boss Sean McVay and didn’t play most of his starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert, during the preseason.

Herbert, the reigning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, quickly became one of the top young quarterbacks in the league last season, setting a rookie record with 36 TDs.

New offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s system, which is more up tempo, should take advantage of Herbert’s strengths behind an O-line featuring four new starters, including left tackle and first-round pick Rashawn Slater.

On defense, all-purpose safety Derwin James’ return after missing last season (knee) gives the unit a big lift. James will call the plays and line up all over the field.

The Raiders are hoping offseason changes can boost a defense that allowed the most points per game and second-most yards per play in three seasons since coach Jon Gruden returned.

Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther was fired late last season and Gus Bradley was brought over from the Chargers with a simpler system that should allow the Raiders to be more aggressive.

The defensive line should be better with Yannick Ngakoue teaming with Maxx Crosby on the edge but questions still remain in the secondary.

Last year, the Raiders flaunted the NFL's COVID-19 protocols more than any team, getting fined $575,000 over the first month of the season for breaking the rules, from Gruden wearing his face mask like a chin strap to players appearing at a function where face coverings weren’t used nor social distancing observed.

This year, the Raiders became the first NFL team to require fans to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend home games without a mask at their gleaming new Allegiant Stadium, where fans weren't allowed last year.

“Health and safety has always been our No. 1 priority,” Raiders owner Mark Davis said in a statement.

Players are not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but the NFL has reported that more than 90% of them are. The league has said outbreaks among unvaccinated players could lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-health-coronavirus-pandemic-999868909dc85e46a5a4d3cb608e262c">forfeits&nbsp;</a>in 2021.

Overhauls are usually reserved for bad teams that miss the playoffs, not ones that play in consecutive Super Bowls.Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, however, was impelled to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-football-kansas-city-chiefs-219f37f2b1842cb62cd64aa3f590cdde">dismantle his offensive line</a>&nbsp;after watching Patrick Mahomes run for his life in Kansas City's 31-9 shellacking at the hands of the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl.The Chiefs were 3-point betting favorites to defend their title but injuries and opt-outs forced them to use a makeshift group, which was promptly steamrolled. By one calculation, Mahomes ran around for nearly 500 yards while trying to escape the Bucs' relentless pass rush and find an open receiver.So, Veach brought in five new starters to help protect the team's half-billion dollar investment at quarterback.He traded for Ravens left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and signed former Patriots left guard Joe Thuney, the first player in NFL history to start in the Super Bowl in each of his first three seasons.The rest of the line hasn't ever played in the NFL. Center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith are rookies and right tackle Lucas Niang opted out as a rookie in 2020 because of COVID-19 concerns.“We’ve come together fast,” Niang said. “We’ve got a ways to go, but we’re doing a good job. Everybody’s communicating, getting on the same page.”Mahomes figures this work-in-progress line will coalesce quickly.“I mean obviously they’re all really talented,” Mahomes said. “ ... When everybody is on the same exact page is when you have those truly great offensive lines and great offenses.“I think you see us as games are going on, we’re communicating better and better and I think we’ll continue to improve throughout the season.”All the other familiar names are back — Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Clyde Edwards-Helaire — along with an improved defense, making K.C. the favorite for a sixth straight AFC West title and maybe a third consecutive trip to the Super Bowl.No team has ever won six straight AFC West titles, and the division is tougher than it's been in a half decade. Both the Chargers and Raiders split with the Chiefs last season and the Broncos sport their deepest roster since winning it all in 2015.BRONCOS BOUNCEBACK<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-los-angeles-rams-denver-broncos-von-miller-4d029fbfe08d33b69cb4dc9f4554fcca">Von Miller</a>&nbsp;says Denver finally has the roster like the one he led to a championship parade five years ago.“We have some of the same players we had last year, but our team looks totally different,” Miller said. “The energy is totally different. I know I get carried away with some of the comments about my teammates, and I have high expectations for my teammates. This year is going to be a great year for our guys.”That will require big bounce-backs by Miller (ankle), WR Courtland Sutton (knee) and new QB Teddy Bridgewater, who went 4-11 in Carolina last year and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-denver-broncos-teddy-bridgewater-c01cef5df8cd6c06b87a0f1f1ec1a5cd">beat out Drew Lock&nbsp;</a>this summer.NEW LOOK, NEW LUCKBy all indications, Brandon Staley had a successful first training camp as Los Angeles Chargers coach. The Bolts didn’t sustain any major injuries during training camp — something they could not say the past two seasons. Staley also stole a page from former boss Sean McVay and didn’t play most of his starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert, during the preseason.Herbert, the reigning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, quickly became one of the top young quarterbacks in the league last season, setting a rookie record with 36 TDs.New offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s system, which is more up tempo, should take advantage of Herbert’s strengths behind an O-line featuring four new starters, including left tackle and first-round pick Rashawn Slater.On defense, all-purpose safety Derwin James’ return after missing last season (knee) gives the unit a big lift. James will call the plays and line up all over the field.BLACK EYEThe Raiders are hoping offseason changes can boost a defense that allowed the most points per game and second-most yards per play in three seasons since coach Jon Gruden returned.Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther was fired late last season and Gus Bradley was brought over from the Chargers with a simpler system that should allow the Raiders to be more aggressive.The defensive line should be better with Yannick Ngakoue teaming with Maxx Crosby on the edge but questions still remain in the secondary.TURNABOUTLast year, the Raiders flaunted the NFL's COVID-19 protocols more than any team, getting fined $575,000 over the first month of the season for breaking the rules, from Gruden wearing his face mask like a chin strap to players appearing at a function where face coverings weren’t used nor social distancing observed.This year, the Raiders became the first NFL team to require fans to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend home games without a mask at their gleaming new Allegiant Stadium, where fans weren't allowed last year.“Health and safety has always been our No. 1 priority,” Raiders owner Mark Davis said in a statement.Players are not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but the NFL has reported that more than 90% of them are. The league has said outbreaks among unvaccinated players could lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-health-coronavirus-pandemic-999868909dc85e46a5a4d3cb608e262c">forfeits&nbsp;</a>in 2021.PREDICTED ORDER OF FINSHChiefs, Broncos, Chargers, Raiders.

🏈Chiefs rebuild O-line to protect Mahomes, fend off rivals

🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

HAYS - The Hays High girls' golf team won their season-opening tournament. The Indians shot a 328 and won their own invitational Monday at Smoky Hill Country Club. They finished 35 shots ahead of second place Dodge City. Garden City placed third and TMP-Marian fourth.

Hays High senior Taleia McCrae shot a 78 and place third to lead the Indians. Katie Dinkel finished fifth with a 79, Abbie Norris seventh after an 85 and Claire Humphrey eighth with an 86.

Gracie Wente shot an 89 and would have placed 10th but since she was on the JV squad wasn't figured into the top-10.

TMP-Marian was led by Madelyn Rozean who placed 10th with a 90.

Salina South's Zoe Norton was individual champ with a 76. Garden City's Ryan Warren was second with a 78

TEAM RESULTS 1. Hays High 328 2. Dodge City 363 3 Garden City 370 4. TMP-Marian 389 5. Hays B 396 6. Salina South 401 7. Great Bend 414 8. Hays C 418 9. Liberal 428

Top 10 MEDALISTS 1. Zoe Norton Salina South 76 2. Ryan Warren Garden City 78 3. Taleia McCrae Hays High 78 4. Corbyn Marquess Plainville 78 5. Katie Dinkel Hays High 79 6. Tiley Fry Dodge City 82 7. Abbie Norris Hays High 85 8. Claire Humphrey Hays High 86 9. Ashlyn Armstrong Dodge City 87 10. Madelyn Rozean TMP-Marian 90

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630411516380.jpeg" alt="HHS girls golf team" />
 <figcaption>HHS girls golf team</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS - The Hays High girls' golf team won their season-opening tournament. The Indians shot a 328 and won their own invitational Monday at Smoky Hill Country Club. They finished 35 shots ahead of second place Dodge City. Garden City placed third and TMP-Marian fourth.Hays High senior Taleia McCrae shot a 78 and place third to lead the Indians. Katie Dinkel finished fifth with a 79, Abbie Norris seventh after an 85 and Claire Humphrey eighth with an 86.Gracie Wente shot an 89 and would have placed 10th but since she was on the JV squad wasn't figured into the top-10.TMP-Marian was led by Madelyn Rozean who placed 10th with a 90.Salina South's Zoe Norton was individual champ with a 76. Garden City's Ryan Warren was second with a 78TEAM RESULTS 1. Hays High 328 2. Dodge City 363 3 Garden City 370 4. TMP-Marian 389 5. Hays B 396 6. Salina South 401 7. Great Bend 414 8. Hays C 418 9. Liberal 428Top 10 MEDALISTS 1. Zoe Norton Salina South 76 2. Ryan Warren Garden City 78 3. Taleia McCrae Hays High 78 4. Corbyn Marquess Plainville 78 5. Katie Dinkel Hays High 79 6. Tiley Fry Dodge City 82 7. Abbie Norris Hays High 85 8. Claire Humphrey Hays High 86 9. Ashlyn Armstrong Dodge City 87 10. Madelyn Rozean TMP-Marian 90

⛳ HHS wins own tournament

CLASS 6A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DERBY (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLATHE NORTH
(0-0)&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLUE VALLEY
NORTH (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLUE VALLEY
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLUE VALLEY
NORTHWEST (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 5A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA
NORTHWEST (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. THOMAS
AQUINAS (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MILL VALLEY
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP
CARROLL (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MAIZE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 4A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP MIEGE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. JAMES
ACADEMY (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANDOVER
CENTRAL (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ARKANSAS
CITY (0-0)&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MCPHERSON
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 3A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANDALE (0-0)&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA
COLLEGIATE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FRONTENAC
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CHENEY (0-0)&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOLTON (0-0)

CLASS 2A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ROSSVILLE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SILVER LAKE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NEMAHA
CENTRAL (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BELOIT (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOISINGTON
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 1A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLPE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SMITH CENTER
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; INMAN (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SEDGWICK
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CENTRALIA
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 8M-I RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LITTLE RIVER
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MADISON
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CANTON-GALVA
(0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOXIE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HILL CITY
(0-0)

CLASS 8M-II RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HANOVER
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; VICTORIA
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OSBORNE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; THUNDER
RIDGE (0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WHEATLAND-GRINNELL
(0-0)

CLASS 6A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DERBY (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLATHE NORTH
(0-0)&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLUE VALLEY
NORTH (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLUE VALLEY
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLUE VALLEY
NORTHWEST (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CLASS 5A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA
NORTHWEST (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. THOMAS
AQUINAS (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MILL VALLEY
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP
CARROLL (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MAIZE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CLASS 4A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP MIEGE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. JAMES
ACADEMY (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANDOVER
CENTRAL (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ARKANSAS
CITY (0-0)&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MCPHERSON
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CLASS 3A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANDALE (0-0)&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA
COLLEGIATE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FRONTENAC
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CHENEY (0-0)&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOLTON (0-0) CLASS 2A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ROSSVILLE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SILVER LAKE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NEMAHA
CENTRAL (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BELOIT (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOISINGTON
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CLASS 1A RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLPE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SMITH CENTER
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; INMAN (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SEDGWICK
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CENTRALIA
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CLASS 8M-I RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LITTLE RIVER
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MADISON
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CANTON-GALVA
(0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOXIE (0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HILL CITY
(0-0) CLASS 8M-II RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HANOVER
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; VICTORIA
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OSBORNE
(0-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; THUNDER
RIDGE (0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WHEATLAND-GRINNELL
(0-0)

🏈Kpreps week 1 rankings

If you missed the first Tiger Talk of the football season you can listen here.

Tiger Talk airs Mondays at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS (1400-AM, 94.3-FM) live from the Golden Q in Hays.

If you missed the first Tiger Talk of the football season you can listen here.Tiger Talk airs Mondays at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS (1400-AM, 94.3-FM) live from the Golden Q in Hays.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Aug 30)" 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=fakq5-10c9f05-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Major League Baseball announced Monday that Salvador Perez&nbsp;&nbsp;has been named American League Player of the Week
for the period of August 23-29, a stretch in which he hit .357 (10-for-28)
across seven games and led the Major Leagues in both home runs (6) and RBI
(14).

Perez is the
first Royals player to earn the award since Adalberto Mondesi from
September 21-27, 2020.

Perez homered
in six of seven games last week, including each of the last five, matching a
Royals record for consecutive games with a home run, previously set by Mike
Sweeney from June 25-29, 2002. The five-game homer streak, which Perez will
carry into tomorrow night’s game vs. Cleveland, is tied for the second-longest
run in the Majors this season, trailing only Joey Votto, who homered in
seven straight games from July 24-30.

A week ago
today in Houston, Perez reached safely four times, including a solo home run
off&nbsp;Zack Greinke, en route to a 7-1 win. On Wednesday in Houston, Perez
hit a game-tying home run off Lance McCullers Jr. in the fourth inning
in a game the Royals lost in 10 innings.

Salvy homered
in all four games vs. Seattle last weekend, including a grand slam in
back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday, becoming just the 25th
player in AL/NL history, according to Elias, to record a grand slam in
back-to-back team games. Thursday’s slam turned a 4-1 deficit into a 5-4 lead
in an eventual 6-4 win, and Friday’s slam was one of his three hits that night
and tied the game at 5-5 in an eventual 8-7 win in 12 innings.

On Saturday,
Perez hit a two-run home run that proved to be the difference in a 4-2 win, and
on Sunday, he hit a game-tying solo home run and an RBI single in the eighth.
The homer on Sunday was the 190th of his career, matching Alex
Gordon for the fourth most in the 53-year history of the franchise. It was
also his 38th home run of the season, which are the second most in
the Majors, and matches Mike Moustakas for the second-highest single-season
total in Royals history. 

Perez reached
in 15 of his 33 plate appearances last week for a .455 on-base percentage.
Among players with at least 30 plate appearances last week, his 1.455 OPS led
the Majors. He led the Royals to a 7-3 road trip that began on August 20, a
stretch in which he hit eight home runs and 16 RBI, becoming the first player
in Royals history with eight homers on a single road trip, and the first on any
team to do it, according to Elias, since Washington’s Ryan Zimmerman
from Sept. 2-12, 2013.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Major League Baseball announced Monday that Salvador Perez&nbsp;&nbsp;has been named American League Player of the Week
for the period of August 23-29, a stretch in which he hit .357 (10-for-28)
across seven games and led the Major Leagues in both home runs (6) and RBI
(14).Perez is the
first Royals player to earn the award since Adalberto Mondesi from
September 21-27, 2020.Perez homered
in six of seven games last week, including each of the last five, matching a
Royals record for consecutive games with a home run, previously set by Mike
Sweeney from June 25-29, 2002. The five-game homer streak, which Perez will
carry into tomorrow night’s game vs. Cleveland, is tied for the second-longest
run in the Majors this season, trailing only Joey Votto, who homered in
seven straight games from July 24-30.A week ago
today in Houston, Perez reached safely four times, including a solo home run
off&nbsp;Zack Greinke, en route to a 7-1 win. On Wednesday in Houston, Perez
hit a game-tying home run off Lance McCullers Jr. in the fourth inning
in a game the Royals lost in 10 innings. Salvy homered
in all four games vs. Seattle last weekend, including a grand slam in
back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday, becoming just the 25th
player in AL/NL history, according to Elias, to record a grand slam in
back-to-back team games. Thursday’s slam turned a 4-1 deficit into a 5-4 lead
in an eventual 6-4 win, and Friday’s slam was one of his three hits that night
and tied the game at 5-5 in an eventual 8-7 win in 12 innings.On Saturday,
Perez hit a two-run home run that proved to be the difference in a 4-2 win, and
on Sunday, he hit a game-tying solo home run and an RBI single in the eighth.
The homer on Sunday was the 190th of his career, matching Alex
Gordon for the fourth most in the 53-year history of the franchise. It was
also his 38th home run of the season, which are the second most in
the Majors, and matches Mike Moustakas for the second-highest single-season
total in Royals history. Perez reached
in 15 of his 33 plate appearances last week for a .455 on-base percentage.
Among players with at least 30 plate appearances last week, his 1.455 OPS led
the Majors. He led the Royals to a 7-3 road trip that began on August 20, a
stretch in which he hit eight home runs and 16 RBI, becoming the first player
in Royals history with eight homers on a single road trip, and the first on any
team to do it, according to Elias, since Washington’s Ryan Zimmerman
from Sept. 2-12, 2013.

⚾ Royals Perez named AL Player of the Week

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez homered for the fifth consecutive game, but Kyle Seager connected for a two-run drive to help the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Sunday.

Seager hit his career-high 31st homer in the seventh inning, lifting the Mariners to a 4-2 lead and helping them avoid a four-game series sweep at home.

“Getting his career high with 31 homers, it's something special,” teammate Marco Gonzales said. “I hope he plays for 10 more years.”

Perez nearly recorded another homer, lasering an RBI single off the top of the wall in right-center in the eighth. Nicky Lopez scored from first to cut Seattle's lead to 4-3, but Drew Steckenrider worked a perfect ninth for his seventh save.

Asked if he thought it was a home run off the bat, Perez smiled and said: “100 percent."

Perez’s solo shot off Gonzales (6-5) in the sixth was his fifth in five games. He started the series with grand slams in consecutive games, provided the deciding margin with a two-run homer Saturday, and then tied the game at 1 on Sunday.

The catcher matched Mike Sweeney’s team record of five consecutive games with a homer, set in 2002. The major league record for consecutive games with a homer is eight.

Perez also moved into a tie for fourth with Alex Gordon on the franchise list with 190 career homers, a former teammate who Perez said taught him a lot about being a professional.

“So I appreciate everything he did for us when he was here,” he said. “It's amazing, though.”

He has 38 homers this year, tied with Mike Moustakas (2017) for second on Kansas City’s single-season list. Jorge Soler holds the record with 48 in 2019.

His 12 homers in August tied Chili Davis and John Mayberry for Kansas City’s most homers in a month.

Perez has 17 homers since the All-Star break, tied for the major league lead. Seager has 15 since the break, playing in every game.

“Kyle's been huge,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “And certainly after the All-Star break he's found that home-run swing, and we've needed it.”

Michael A. Taylor of Kansas City and Seattle’s Jarred Kelenic also went deep.

Gonzales pitched seven innings of five-hit ball to improve to 5-0 in his last 10 starts dating to July 9.

“He can really execute pitches when he gets on a roll,” Servais said. “The fastball truly was awesome, the way he located it.”

Royals starter Brady Singer permitted two runs, one earned, and three hits in six innings. Tyler Zuber (0-1) took the loss after giving up Seager’s home run.

Perez is the first player to hit eight home runs on a road trip since Ryan Zimmerman in September 2013.

Servais took the unusual measure to make a mound visit in the eighth inning before Perez's at-bat so reliever Paul Sewald would be clear on his instructions.

“I will never forget that mound visit for as long as I manage the game,” Servais said. “Certainly he is the hottest hitter on the planet the last four days. ... I wanted to make sure we execute pitches. Paul assured me that he was not going to throw him anything he could hit. Unfortunately, we did not execute. And we were actually very fortunate that ball did hit the wall.”

Royals: LHP Richard Lovelady was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained ligament in his left elbow. Manager Mike Matheny said Lovelady is scheduled for tests on Monday morning.

Mariners: CF Kyle Lewis (right meniscus surgery) could make a rehab appearance at Triple-A Tacoma on Monday or Tuesday after completing a workout in the outfield, Servais said. Servais met with Lewis recently to discuss the possibilities for the rest of the season, including a return to the lineup if his rehab assignment goes well. He’ll start out in a designated hitter role in Tacoma.

Royals: After an off day, Kansas City hosts Cleveland on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series. The Royals did not announced a starter. RHP Zach Plesac (8-4, 4.78 ERA) pitches for the Indians.

Mariners: RHP Chris Flexen (11-5, 3.54 ERA) starts Monday night in the opener of a three-game set against AL West-leading Houston. Seattle is 17-7 when Flexen starts.

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez homered for the fifth consecutive game, but Kyle Seager connected for a two-run drive to help the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Sunday.Seager hit his career-high 31st homer in the seventh inning, lifting the Mariners to a 4-2 lead and helping them avoid a four-game series sweep at home.“Getting his career high with 31 homers, it's something special,” teammate Marco Gonzales said. “I hope he plays for 10 more years.”Perez nearly recorded another homer, lasering an RBI single off the top of the wall in right-center in the eighth. Nicky Lopez scored from first to cut Seattle's lead to 4-3, but Drew Steckenrider worked a perfect ninth for his seventh save.Asked if he thought it was a home run off the bat, Perez smiled and said: “100 percent."Perez’s solo shot off Gonzales (6-5) in the sixth was his fifth in five games. He started the series with grand slams in consecutive games, provided the deciding margin with a two-run homer Saturday, and then tied the game at 1 on Sunday.The catcher matched Mike Sweeney’s team record of five consecutive games with a homer, set in 2002. The major league record for consecutive games with a homer is eight.Perez also moved into a tie for fourth with Alex Gordon on the franchise list with 190 career homers, a former teammate who Perez said taught him a lot about being a professional.“So I appreciate everything he did for us when he was here,” he said. “It's amazing, though.”He has 38 homers this year, tied with Mike Moustakas (2017) for second on Kansas City’s single-season list. Jorge Soler holds the record with 48 in 2019.His 12 homers in August tied Chili Davis and John Mayberry for Kansas City’s most homers in a month.Perez has 17 homers since the All-Star break, tied for the major league lead. Seager has 15 since the break, playing in every game.“Kyle's been huge,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “And certainly after the All-Star break he's found that home-run swing, and we've needed it.”Michael A. Taylor of Kansas City and Seattle’s Jarred Kelenic also went deep.Gonzales pitched seven innings of five-hit ball to improve to 5-0 in his last 10 starts dating to July 9.“He can really execute pitches when he gets on a roll,” Servais said. “The fastball truly was awesome, the way he located it.”Royals starter Brady Singer permitted two runs, one earned, and three hits in six innings. Tyler Zuber (0-1) took the loss after giving up Seager’s home run.MOUND VISITPerez is the first player to hit eight home runs on a road trip since Ryan Zimmerman in September 2013.Servais took the unusual measure to make a mound visit in the eighth inning before Perez's at-bat so reliever Paul Sewald would be clear on his instructions.“I will never forget that mound visit for as long as I manage the game,” Servais said. “Certainly he is the hottest hitter on the planet the last four days. ... I wanted to make sure we execute pitches. Paul assured me that he was not going to throw him anything he could hit. Unfortunately, we did not execute. And we were actually very fortunate that ball did hit the wall.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: LHP Richard Lovelady was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained ligament in his left elbow. Manager Mike Matheny said Lovelady is scheduled for tests on Monday morning.Mariners: CF Kyle Lewis (right meniscus surgery) could make a rehab appearance at Triple-A Tacoma on Monday or Tuesday after completing a workout in the outfield, Servais said. Servais met with Lewis recently to discuss the possibilities for the rest of the season, including a return to the lineup if his rehab assignment goes well. He’ll start out in a designated hitter role in Tacoma.UP NEXTRoyals: After an off day, Kansas City hosts Cleveland on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series. The Royals did not announced a starter. RHP Zach Plesac (8-4, 4.78 ERA) pitches for the Indians.Mariners: RHP Chris Flexen (11-5, 3.54 ERA) starts Monday night in the opener of a three-game set against AL West-leading Houston. Seattle is 17-7 when Flexen starts.

⚾ Royals drop series finale to Mariners

TOPEKA - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the 2021 pre-season volleyball rankings. Current classifications for the rankings are based on enrollments from the 2020-21 school year, and the rankings will be adjusted when the updated classifications are released at the end of September.

Class 6A 1. Blue Valley West 2. Olathe Northwest 3. Washburn Rural 4. Blue Valley North 5. Lawrence-Free State 6. Blue Valley Northwest 7. Blue Valley 8. Shawnee Mission Northwest 9. Wichita Northwest 10. Wichita East

Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. St. James Academy 3. Lansing 4. Spring Hill 5. Maize South 6. Mill Valley 7. Bishop Carroll 8. Newton 9. Great Bend 10. Topeka-Seaman

Class 4A 1. Bishop Miege 2. Andale 3. McPherson 4. Ottawa 5. Circle 6. Louisburg 7. Clearwater 8. Clay Center 9. Nickerson 10. Wamego

Class 3A 1. Smoky Valley 2. Cheney 3. Thomas More Prep-Marian 4. Sabetha 5. Nemaha Central 6. Phillipsburg 7. West Franklin 8. Riverton 9. Goodland 10. Silver Lake

Class 2A 1. Heritage Christian 2. Smith Center 3. Garden Plain 4. Wabaunsee 5. Jefferson County North 6. Sedgwick 7. Meade/Fowler 8. Hillsboro 9. St. Mary’s-Colgan 10. Spearville

Class 1A – Division 1 1. Central Plains 2. Lebo 3. Pretty Prairie 4. St. John-Hudson 5. Little River 6. Jackson Heights 7. Victoria 8. Burlingame 9. Kiowa County 10. Thunder Ridge

Class 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 2. Attica 3. Central Christian 4. Golden Plains 5. St. Francis 6. Wheatland-Grinnell 7. Linn 8. Dighton 9. South Central 10. Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton

TOPEKA - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the 2021 pre-season volleyball rankings. Current classifications for the rankings are based on enrollments from the 2020-21 school year, and the rankings will be adjusted when the updated classifications are released at the end of September.Class 6A 1. Blue Valley West 2. Olathe Northwest 3. Washburn Rural 4. Blue Valley North 5. Lawrence-Free State 6. Blue Valley Northwest 7. Blue Valley 8. Shawnee Mission Northwest 9. Wichita Northwest 10. Wichita EastClass 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. St. James Academy 3. Lansing 4. Spring Hill 5. Maize South 6. Mill Valley 7. Bishop Carroll 8. Newton 9. Great Bend 10. Topeka-SeamanClass 4A 1. Bishop Miege 2. Andale 3. McPherson 4. Ottawa 5. Circle 6. Louisburg 7. Clearwater 8. Clay Center 9. Nickerson 10. WamegoClass 3A 1. Smoky Valley 2. Cheney 3. Thomas More Prep-Marian 4. Sabetha 5. Nemaha Central 6. Phillipsburg 7. West Franklin 8. Riverton 9. Goodland 10. Silver LakeClass 2A 1. Heritage Christian 2. Smith Center 3. Garden Plain 4. Wabaunsee 5. Jefferson County North 6. Sedgwick 7. Meade/Fowler 8. Hillsboro 9. St. Mary’s-Colgan 10. SpearvilleClass 1A – Division 1 1. Central Plains 2. Lebo 3. Pretty Prairie 4. St. John-Hudson 5. Little River 6. Jackson Heights 7. Victoria 8. Burlingame 9. Kiowa County 10. Thunder RidgeClass 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 2. Attica 3. Central Christian 4. Golden Plains 5. St. Francis 6. Wheatland-Grinnell 7. Linn 8. Dighton 9. South Central 10. Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton

🏐 KVA preseason volleyball rankings

HAYS - The TMP-Marian volleyball team went 4-1 and finished third at Hays High's Maroon and Gold Invitational Saturday at the Hays High gym. After going 3-0 in pool play, the Monarchs lost to Scott City in the semifinals before beating Salina South in the third place match.

In pool play, the Monarchs (4-2) beat Wheatland-Grinnell 25-16, 25-13; Olathe West 25-20. 14-25, 25-19 and Colby 25-19, 25-12.

Hays High went 1-2. They beat Oakley 25-11, 25-20 then lost 25-19, 25-21 to Scott City and 25-20, 26-24 to Salina South.

Olathe West won the tournament with a 4-1 record. The Owls went 2-1 in pool play then knocked off Salina South and Scott City in bracket play.

The Monarchs Emilee Lane and Kassidi Yost were named to the all-tournament team along with Hays High's Lauryn Miller. Lane was named the most outstanding defensive player. The rest of the all-tournament team included Ava Testrake of Olathe West who was named most outstanding player, Riley Ourth of Olathe West, Baylee Brin from Salina South, Ella Rumford from Scott City, Livia Schultz from Wheatland-Grinnell, Liberty Booker of Oakley and Colby's Brooklyn Jones.

HAYS - The TMP-Marian volleyball team went 4-1 and finished third at Hays High's Maroon and Gold Invitational Saturday at the Hays High gym. After going 3-0 in pool play, the Monarchs lost to Scott City in the semifinals before beating Salina South in the third place match.In pool play, the Monarchs (4-2) beat Wheatland-Grinnell 25-16, 25-13; Olathe West 25-20. 14-25, 25-19 and Colby 25-19, 25-12.Hays High went 1-2. They beat Oakley 25-11, 25-20 then lost 25-19, 25-21 to Scott City and 25-20, 26-24 to Salina South.Olathe West won the tournament with a 4-1 record. The Owls went 2-1 in pool play then knocked off Salina South and Scott City in bracket play.The Monarchs Emilee Lane and Kassidi Yost were named to the all-tournament team along with Hays High's Lauryn Miller. Lane was named the most outstanding defensive player. The rest of the all-tournament team included Ava Testrake of Olathe West who was named most outstanding player, Riley Ourth of Olathe West, Baylee Brin from Salina South, Ella Rumford from Scott City, Livia Schultz from Wheatland-Grinnell, Liberty Booker of Oakley and Colby's Brooklyn Jones.

🏐 Monarchs finish third at Maroon and Gold Invitational

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez is grinding down the Seattle Mariners' postseason hopes, one big swing at a time.

Perez homered for the fourth straight game, lining a two-run shot off the top of the fence for his 37th of the season to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Mariners 4-2 on Saturday.

Perez's four-game home run streak is tied for the longest of his career, the last coming in 2017. He has 16 homers since the All-Star break, including seven on the Royals' current 10-game trip.

"The way I do it is I prepare myself every day to play and compete and try to win the game," Perez said.

Whit Merrifield also homered for Kansas City, which won its third straight over Seattle to damage the Mariners' postseason aspirations.

Merrifield hit the 11th leadoff home run of his career on the second pitch of the game from starter Tyler Anderson (6-9). Perez, who hit grand slams in each of the first two games of the series, homered with two outs in the fifth, a drive that barely eluded the leap of Dylan Moore at the wall in left field.

Perez popped out in the third inning with the bases loaded but got the better of Anderson two innings later.

"I'm surprised he didn't hit another grand slam," Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. "I mean that's just the kind of player he is right now. It's unbelievable."

Cam Gallagher added a two-out RBI single in the ninth after Emmanuel Rivera doubled on a popup that fell in the outfield between Jarred Kelenic and Mitch Haniger.

Seattle picked an inopportune time for a three-game skid, especially after a successful 6-2 road trip that kept the Mariners in contention in the AL wild-card race. They fell 5.5 games behind Boston for the final spot.

"It's been a rough series against the Royals. The games have been very close, very competitive. They have gotten the big hits, and we haven't," Seattle manager Scott Servais said.

The Mariners' first run came on Cal Raleigh's bases-loaded walk in the fifth inning, the only run charged to starter Daniel Lynch. Lynch missed out on getting the win by lasting just 4.2 innings, but the Royals' bullpen was solid.

Domingo Tapia, Joel Payamps (1-3) and Scott Barlow combined for 4.1 innings, allowing four hits and a run. Barlow ran into trouble in the ninth on consecutive two-out doubles by Haniger and Luis Torrens but got Kyle Seager to ground out to finish and secure his 10th save.

Royals relievers have allowed three earned runs in 16.2 innings in the first three games of the series.

Other than the two homers, Anderson was terrific. The lefty pitched into the eighth for the second time this season but was pulled after Nicky Lopez led off the inning with a single. Anderson allowed eight hits and had six strikeouts.

Anderson has gone 26 straight starts of at least five innings pitched, 24 of them this season.

"A couple pitches that I obviously would like back that probably weren't that bad of pitches, but they were too good of pitches to those guys right now, who are really swinging the bat hot," Anderson said.

Seattle made a flurry of roster moves prior to Saturday's game, including outfielder Jake Fraley going on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder injury. Fraley appeared to be hurt crashing into the wall trying to rob a home run in the 12th inning of Friday's loss.

Left-handed reliever Anthony Misiewicz also went on the 10-day injured list with a left forearm strain.

Seattle recalled RHP Wyatt Mills and selected RHP Jimmy Yacabonis from Triple-A Tacoma. IF Shed Long Jr. was transferred to the 60-day injured list to clear a 40-man roster spot. RHP Keynan Middleton was also outrighted to Tacoma after being designated for assignment earlier this week.

Royals: 1B Carlos Santana was a late scratch due to hip soreness.

Mariners: Seager was out of the starting lineup due to a sore back that developed during Friday's loss but came on as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning and has appeared in 128 of 130 games this season.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (3-9, 5.07) will make his first ever start against the Mariners. Singer took the loss in his last outing allowing four runs in five innings against Houston.

Mariners: LHP Marco Gonzales (5-5, 4.13) is 4-0 with a 2.19 ERA in his last nine starts dating to July 9. Gonzales had a no decision in his last start against Oakland.

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez is grinding down the Seattle Mariners' postseason hopes, one big swing at a time.Perez homered for the fourth straight game, lining a two-run shot off the top of the fence for his 37th of the season to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Mariners 4-2 on Saturday.Perez's four-game home run streak is tied for the longest of his career, the last coming in 2017. He has 16 homers since the All-Star break, including seven on the Royals' current 10-game trip."The way I do it is I prepare myself every day to play and compete and try to win the game," Perez said.Whit Merrifield also homered for Kansas City, which won its third straight over Seattle to damage the Mariners' postseason aspirations.Merrifield hit the 11th leadoff home run of his career on the second pitch of the game from starter Tyler Anderson (6-9). Perez, who hit grand slams in each of the first two games of the series, homered with two outs in the fifth, a drive that barely eluded the leap of Dylan Moore at the wall in left field.Perez popped out in the third inning with the bases loaded but got the better of Anderson two innings later."I'm surprised he didn't hit another grand slam," Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. "I mean that's just the kind of player he is right now. It's unbelievable."Cam Gallagher added a two-out RBI single in the ninth after Emmanuel Rivera doubled on a popup that fell in the outfield between Jarred Kelenic and Mitch Haniger.Seattle picked an inopportune time for a three-game skid, especially after a successful 6-2 road trip that kept the Mariners in contention in the AL wild-card race. They fell 5.5 games behind Boston for the final spot."It's been a rough series against the Royals. The games have been very close, very competitive. They have gotten the big hits, and we haven't," Seattle manager Scott Servais said.The Mariners' first run came on Cal Raleigh's bases-loaded walk in the fifth inning, the only run charged to starter Daniel Lynch. Lynch missed out on getting the win by lasting just 4.2 innings, but the Royals' bullpen was solid.Domingo Tapia, Joel Payamps (1-3) and Scott Barlow combined for 4.1 innings, allowing four hits and a run. Barlow ran into trouble in the ninth on consecutive two-out doubles by Haniger and Luis Torrens but got Kyle Seager to ground out to finish and secure his 10th save.Royals relievers have allowed three earned runs in 16.2 innings in the first three games of the series.Other than the two homers, Anderson was terrific. The lefty pitched into the eighth for the second time this season but was pulled after Nicky Lopez led off the inning with a single. Anderson allowed eight hits and had six strikeouts.Anderson has gone 26 straight starts of at least five innings pitched, 24 of them this season."A couple pitches that I obviously would like back that probably weren't that bad of pitches, but they were too good of pitches to those guys right now, who are really swinging the bat hot," Anderson said.ROSTER SHUFFLESeattle made a flurry of roster moves prior to Saturday's game, including outfielder Jake Fraley going on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder injury. Fraley appeared to be hurt crashing into the wall trying to rob a home run in the 12th inning of Friday's loss.Left-handed reliever Anthony Misiewicz also went on the 10-day injured list with a left forearm strain.Seattle recalled RHP Wyatt Mills and selected RHP Jimmy Yacabonis from Triple-A Tacoma. IF Shed Long Jr. was transferred to the 60-day injured list to clear a 40-man roster spot. RHP Keynan Middleton was also outrighted to Tacoma after being designated for assignment earlier this week.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: 1B Carlos Santana was a late scratch due to hip soreness.Mariners: Seager was out of the starting lineup due to a sore back that developed during Friday's loss but came on as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning and has appeared in 128 of 130 games this season.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (3-9, 5.07) will make his first ever start against the Mariners. Singer took the loss in his last outing allowing four runs in five innings against Houston.Mariners: LHP Marco Gonzales (5-5, 4.13) is 4-0 with a 2.19 ERA in his last nine starts dating to July 9. Gonzales had a no decision in his last start against Oakland.

⚾ Merrifield, Perez power Royals to victory over Mariners

Fort Hays State coach Chris Brown, offensive lineman Amari Angram-Boldin and linebacker Layke Heimerman talked with the media Friday ahead a week one matchup with Northwest Missouri State.

Fort Hays State coach Chris Brown, offensive lineman Amari Angram-Boldin and linebacker Layke Heimerman talked with the media Friday ahead a week one matchup with Northwest Missouri State.Chris Brown<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N5v-Aen2xEk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Amari Angram-Boldin<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r_vhWKISJlY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Layke Heimerman<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r-eKm4XgIgA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈📹FHSU weekly press conference

SEATTLE (AP) — Edward Olivares hit a two-run home run in the 12th inning, Salvador Perez hit a grand slam in a second straight game and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 8-7 on Friday night.

Olivares gave the Royals a chance to win twice after being called up, driving in the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th with a sacrifice fly before Luis Torrens drove in the tying run in the bottom of the inning.

“You just never know who's going to be the hero,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He didn't even start the game.”

Perez became the 25th player in major league history to hit grand slams in back-to-back games when he launched one in the fourth inning, tying the game at 5-all.

It was the third straight game with a grand slam for the Royals, who are one shy of tying the major league record set by the San Diego Padres in 2020. Four other teams have hit slams in three straight games since 1895.

Perez has hit six home runs in the eight games on the team’s current road trip, bringing his season total to 36. The Royals have won six of those games. His 15 home runs since the All-Star break lead the AL.

“He's in a unique space doing what he's able to do on both sides of the ball,” Matheny said of the catcher.

Carlos Hernandez, Saturday’s scheduled starter, took over for starter Kris Bubic with an out in the fifth inning. He held the Mariners hitless, retiring 14 straight batters in regulation to keep the game tied.

“They really flipped the script on us,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said, adding of Hernandez, “He just absolutely slammed the door on us.”

Hernandez pitched the 10th, giving up his first hit to Abraham Toro. The infield single moved designated runner Kyle Seager to third, and he scored on Torrens’ deep sacrifice fly to the warning track in left, making it 6-all.

Hernandez finished with six strikeouts and no walks in 5 2/3 innngs.

“They gave me the heads up that I was going to be the emergency guy, and I was ready,” Hernandez said.

Josh Staumont (3-2) gave up a run in the 12th, but earned the win with 1 1/3 innings pitched and two strikeouts after being activated from the injured list earlier in the day.

Yohan Ramirez (0-2) picked up the loss after allowing Olivares' fifth homer of the season.

Kansas City has 34 come-from-behind wins this season.

The Mariners loaded the bases to start the first and second innings on the way to a 5-1 lead. Toro drew a bases-loaded walk – the Mariners’ 19th of the season — off starter Kris Bubic to begin the scoring for Seattle. Torrens had a two-run double in the first and drove in another run in the second. He finished with four RBIs.

The Royals used three hits in the fourth inning to load the bases against starter Logan Gilbert, setting up Perez’s fifth career slam – tied for second-most in Royals history behind Frank White’s six.

Royals: CF Jarrod Dyson has been claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays, ending his second stint with the team. Dyson spent the first seven years of his career, including the 2015 World Series season, with the Royals and returned this offseason.

“He was a fantastic teammate here, and every day he brought light into this clubhouse,” manager Mike Matheny said.

Mariners: Recently acquired LHP Sean Doolittle was added to the roster and made his debut, giving up three hits with a strikeout in one inning. He was claimed off waivers from Cincinnati on Thursday.

Royals: RHP Brad Keller has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right lat strain. Keller sustained the injury early in Kansas City’s win over the Mariners on Thursday night, but continued to pitch through mounting pain. Manager Mike Matheny said the injury started behind Keller’s shoulder and crept into his lat overnight.

“So there’s still tests to be run, but I’m not excited about this being a shoulder issue,” Matheny said.

SEATTLE (AP) — Edward Olivares hit a two-run home run in the 12th inning, Salvador Perez hit a grand slam in a second straight game and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 8-7 on Friday night.Olivares gave the Royals a chance to win twice after being called up, driving in the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th with a sacrifice fly before Luis Torrens drove in the tying run in the bottom of the inning.“You just never know who's going to be the hero,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He didn't even start the game.”Perez became the 25th player in major league history to hit grand slams in back-to-back games when he launched one in the fourth inning, tying the game at 5-all.It was the third straight game with a grand slam for the Royals, who are one shy of tying the major league record set by the San Diego Padres in 2020. Four other teams have hit slams in three straight games since 1895.Perez has hit six home runs in the eight games on the team’s current road trip, bringing his season total to 36. The Royals have won six of those games. His 15 home runs since the All-Star break lead the AL.“He's in a unique space doing what he's able to do on both sides of the ball,” Matheny said of the catcher.Carlos Hernandez, Saturday’s scheduled starter, took over for starter Kris Bubic with an out in the fifth inning. He held the Mariners hitless, retiring 14 straight batters in regulation to keep the game tied.“They really flipped the script on us,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said, adding of Hernandez, “He just absolutely slammed the door on us.”Hernandez pitched the 10th, giving up his first hit to Abraham Toro. The infield single moved designated runner Kyle Seager to third, and he scored on Torrens’ deep sacrifice fly to the warning track in left, making it 6-all.Hernandez finished with six strikeouts and no walks in 5 2/3 innngs.“They gave me the heads up that I was going to be the emergency guy, and I was ready,” Hernandez said.Josh Staumont (3-2) gave up a run in the 12th, but earned the win with 1 1/3 innings pitched and two strikeouts after being activated from the injured list earlier in the day.Yohan Ramirez (0-2) picked up the loss after allowing Olivares' fifth homer of the season.Kansas City has 34 come-from-behind wins this season.The Mariners loaded the bases to start the first and second innings on the way to a 5-1 lead. Toro drew a bases-loaded walk – the Mariners’ 19th of the season — off starter Kris Bubic to begin the scoring for Seattle. Torrens had a two-run double in the first and drove in another run in the second. He finished with four RBIs.The Royals used three hits in the fourth inning to load the bases against starter Logan Gilbert, setting up Perez’s fifth career slam – tied for second-most in Royals history behind Frank White’s six.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: CF Jarrod Dyson has been claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays, ending his second stint with the team. Dyson spent the first seven years of his career, including the 2015 World Series season, with the Royals and returned this offseason.“He was a fantastic teammate here, and every day he brought light into this clubhouse,” manager Mike Matheny said.Mariners: Recently acquired LHP Sean Doolittle was added to the roster and made his debut, giving up three hits with a strikeout in one inning. He was claimed off waivers from Cincinnati on Thursday.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Brad Keller has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right lat strain. Keller sustained the injury early in Kansas City’s win over the Mariners on Thursday night, but continued to pitch through mounting pain. Manager Mike Matheny said the injury started behind Keller’s shoulder and crept into his lat overnight.“So there’s still tests to be run, but I’m not excited about this being a shoulder issue,” Matheny said.

⚾ Perez hits grand slam in second straight game, Royals defeat Mariners

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill have talked openly about the Kansas City Chiefs chasing a perfect season.

Well, the two were nearly perfect Friday night.

Mahomes was 8 of 9 for 117 yards and two touchdowns in his only two chances with the ball, including a 35-yard TD strike to the fleet-footed Hill, and the Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings 28-25 to finish 3-0 in the preseason.

Now come 17 regular-season games and, the Chiefs hope, three more in the postseason.

“We didn’t change the script,” Mahomes said, “but we went through that pregame mock week. You had a couple preseason games they had played, and we went through that routine I’ve built. And having that and going against the defense playing a scout-team defense, we came out a little faster and crisper and were able to move the ball.”

Indeed, Mahomes was sharper than he'd been his first two exhibitions, his only miss a throw-away with nobody open. After his touchdown toss to Hill, Mahomes finished his night with a short touchdown pass to tight end Blake Bell.

“I knew going in that we had enough reps — what I thought were enough reps — so it was strictly the comfort the offense had working together, and the defense had,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “We had some long drives, some good work.”

Mahomes' counterpart, Kirk Cousins, wasn't nearly as effective for Minnesota. He led the Vikings to a field goal on his first offensive series but went three-and-out on each of the next two, finishing 5 of 7 for 57 yards. Cousins looked out of sync with his receivers and took a big loss on a sack by Anthony Hitchens.

Third-round pick Kellen Mond, who appears to have the edge on Jake Browning for the Vikings' backup job, was 16 of 23 for 196 yards with an interception. Browning was just 2 of 8 for 41 yards.

“We moved the ball well the first drive. We got stopped when we got to the red zone,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. “Then we didn't do much the next two drives. And defensively we had a few of our horses that didn't play tonight and you could see that some of these backups need to improve quickly.”

Chiefs backup Chad Henne didn't play Friday night, so Shane Buechele got plenty of work. The rookie was sharp driving KC for a TD and a 21-3 halftime lead, but Buechele also threw a pick-six to Parry Nickerson in the fourth quarter.

“Chad’s had enough reps,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I wanted to get the young kid some good, extended play time.”

The Vikings' defense scored two touchdowns during their three preseason losses. Their offense had scored only one until the final minutes Friday night, a 32-yard scamper by backup running back A.J. Rose Jr. in the third quarter.

Derrick Gore answered with a 56-yard catch-and-run to help Kansas City finish its perfect preseason.

“They know they've got a good football team coming in here in Cleveland, so you don't have to say a whole lot," said Reid, who now must trim his roster to the 53-man limit by Tuesday. “They know what’s ahead of them.”

Defensive ends Chris Jones (sinus infection) and Frank Clark (hamstring), running backs Clyde Edward-Helaire (ankle) and Darrel Williams (concussion) and defensive back Rashad Fenton (hamstring) did not play for Kansas City.

Defensive end Everson Griffen, who signed with Minnesota for the veteran minimum this week, joined the team for its final dress rehearsal. He even got some pressure on the quarterback on one of his first chances on the field.

“The times he was in there,” Zimmer said, “he had some good rushes. He hit the quarterback on one. He did good in there."

It was 91 degrees at kickoff with a heat index of 96, though at least most of the field was shaded. Those fans sitting behind the Minnesota bench on the north side of Arrowhead Stadium also spent the first half baking in the setting sun.

The Chiefs donated $10,000 to a scholarship fund at Howard University in honor of Terez Paylor, the longtime NFL writer for the Kansas City Star and Yahoo! Sports who died earlier this year. Mayor Quinton Lucas signed a proclamation making it Terez A. Paylor Day in Kansas City, and the Chiefs retired his seat in the Arrowhead Stadium press box.

“His legacy of excellent reporting with a human touch, deep knowledge of football and being someone who always had time to help out a friend or offer mentorship will now impact future generations, too," his fiancée Ebony Reed said.

Minnesota visits Cincinnati on Sept. 12 for the first of back-to-back road games to start the season.

Kansas City awaits Cleveland on Sept. 12 in a rematch of last year's divisional-round playoff game.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill have talked openly about the Kansas City Chiefs chasing a perfect season.Well, the two were nearly perfect Friday night.Mahomes was 8 of 9 for 117 yards and two touchdowns in his only two chances with the ball, including a 35-yard TD strike to the fleet-footed Hill, and the Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings 28-25 to finish 3-0 in the preseason.Now come 17 regular-season games and, the Chiefs hope, three more in the postseason.“We didn’t change the script,” Mahomes said, “but we went through that pregame mock week. You had a couple preseason games they had played, and we went through that routine I’ve built. And having that and going against the defense playing a scout-team defense, we came out a little faster and crisper and were able to move the ball.”Indeed, Mahomes was sharper than he'd been his first two exhibitions, his only miss a throw-away with nobody open. After his touchdown toss to Hill, Mahomes finished his night with a short touchdown pass to tight end Blake Bell.“I knew going in that we had enough reps — what I thought were enough reps — so it was strictly the comfort the offense had working together, and the defense had,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “We had some long drives, some good work.”Mahomes' counterpart, Kirk Cousins, wasn't nearly as effective for Minnesota. He led the Vikings to a field goal on his first offensive series but went three-and-out on each of the next two, finishing 5 of 7 for 57 yards. Cousins looked out of sync with his receivers and took a big loss on a sack by Anthony Hitchens.Third-round pick Kellen Mond, who appears to have the edge on Jake Browning for the Vikings' backup job, was 16 of 23 for 196 yards with an interception. Browning was just 2 of 8 for 41 yards.“We moved the ball well the first drive. We got stopped when we got to the red zone,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. “Then we didn't do much the next two drives. And defensively we had a few of our horses that didn't play tonight and you could see that some of these backups need to improve quickly.”Chiefs backup Chad Henne didn't play Friday night, so Shane Buechele got plenty of work. The rookie was sharp driving KC for a TD and a 21-3 halftime lead, but Buechele also threw a pick-six to Parry Nickerson in the fourth quarter.“Chad’s had enough reps,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I wanted to get the young kid some good, extended play time.”The Vikings' defense scored two touchdowns during their three preseason losses. Their offense had scored only one until the final minutes Friday night, a 32-yard scamper by backup running back A.J. Rose Jr. in the third quarter.Derrick Gore answered with a 56-yard catch-and-run to help Kansas City finish its perfect preseason.“They know they've got a good football team coming in here in Cleveland, so you don't have to say a whole lot," said Reid, who now must trim his roster to the 53-man limit by Tuesday. “They know what’s ahead of them.”MISSING CHIEFSDefensive ends Chris Jones (sinus infection) and Frank Clark (hamstring), running backs Clyde Edward-Helaire (ankle) and Darrel Williams (concussion) and defensive back Rashad Fenton (hamstring) did not play for Kansas City.VIKINGS FOUNDDefensive end Everson Griffen, who signed with Minnesota for the veteran minimum this week, joined the team for its final dress rehearsal. He even got some pressure on the quarterback on one of his first chances on the field.“The times he was in there,” Zimmer said, “he had some good rushes. He hit the quarterback on one. He did good in there."HEAT ADVISORYIt was 91 degrees at kickoff with a heat index of 96, though at least most of the field was shaded. Those fans sitting behind the Minnesota bench on the north side of Arrowhead Stadium also spent the first half baking in the setting sun.TIME FOR TEREZThe Chiefs donated $10,000 to a scholarship fund at Howard University in honor of Terez Paylor, the longtime NFL writer for the Kansas City Star and Yahoo! Sports who died earlier this year. Mayor Quinton Lucas signed a proclamation making it Terez A. Paylor Day in Kansas City, and the Chiefs retired his seat in the Arrowhead Stadium press box.“His legacy of excellent reporting with a human touch, deep knowledge of football and being someone who always had time to help out a friend or offer mentorship will now impact future generations, too," his fiancée Ebony Reed said.UP NEXTMinnesota visits Cincinnati on Sept. 12 for the first of back-to-back road games to start the season.Kansas City awaits Cleveland on Sept. 12 in a rematch of last year's divisional-round playoff game.

🏈 Chiefs finish preseason undefeated, down Vikings

Listen to daily updates from Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph, Mo. with "Voice of the Chiefs" Mitch Holthus. 

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