HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State Football game this Saturday vs. Northeastern State has been moved up to an 11 a.m. kickoff due to forecasted weather for the Hays area that evening. 

As a result, the postgame fireworks show has been postponed and is now planned to follow the Homecoming game on Saturday, October 5.

Fort Hays State enters Saturday's game at 2-1 overall on the season. Northeastern State enters the contest at 0-2 overall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726697244734.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State Football game this Saturday vs. Northeastern State has been moved up to an 11 a.m. kickoff due to forecasted weather for the Hays area that evening. As a result, the postgame fireworks show has been postponed and is now planned to follow the Homecoming game on Saturday, October 5.Fort Hays State enters Saturday's game at 2-1 overall on the season. Northeastern State enters the contest at 0-2 overall.

🏈 FHSU game vs. Northeastern State moved up to 11am kickoff, fireworks postponed

We're joined by Fort Hays State men's soccer coach Alex Nichols, volleyball coach&nbsp; Jessica Wood-Atkins and football coach Chris Brown.

Tiger Talk airs live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus on KAYS (94.3 FM, 1400 AM) at 12:15 p.m.

We're joined by Fort Hays State men's soccer coach Alex Nichols, volleyball coach&nbsp; Jessica Wood-Atkins and football coach Chris Brown.Tiger Talk airs live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus on KAYS (94.3 FM, 1400 AM) at 12:15 p.m.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (September 18, 2024)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7cvrf-16d903b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (September 18, 2024)

HAYS, Kan. - Tiger fans will be able to enjoy a fireworks show following the Fort Hays State vs. Northeastern State football game Saturday night. at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. The fireworks show will take place about 10 minutes following the completion of the football game.

The game is sponsored by High Plains Farm Credit and the fireworks show is sponsored by J.Day Fireworks, Hays CVB, Horizon Appliance and Electronics, and Astra Bank.

Fort Hays State enters the game at 2-1 on the season. The Tigers were in the Top 25 of the national rankings last week before taking their first loss of the season at Northwest Missouri State this past weekend. They are still receiving votes this week in the national poll.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726582667876.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Allie Schweizer" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Allie Schweizer</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - Tiger fans will be able to enjoy a fireworks show following the Fort Hays State vs. Northeastern State football game Saturday night. at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. The fireworks show will take place about 10 minutes following the completion of the football game.The game is sponsored by High Plains Farm Credit and the fireworks show is sponsored by J.Day Fireworks, Hays CVB, Horizon Appliance and Electronics, and Astra Bank.Fort Hays State enters the game at 2-1 on the season. The Tigers were in the Top 25 of the national rankings last week before taking their first loss of the season at Northwest Missouri State this past weekend. They are still receiving votes this week in the national poll.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Fireworks to follow FHSU vs. Northeastern State game Saturday night

Wednesday, September 18 KAYS: Tiger Talk, 12:15pm KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers, 6:00pm

Friday, September 20 KKQY: Hill City FB at Thunder Ridge, 6:15pm * KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants, 6:30pm KFIX: Hays High FB vs. Manhattan, 6:30pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB at Phillipsburg, 6:30pm

Saturday, September 21 KAYS: Kansas FB at West Virginia, 9:30am KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants, 5:30pm KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Northeastern State, 6:00pm

Sunday, September 22 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants, 12:30pm KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons, 6:00pm

Wednesday, September 18 KAYS: Tiger Talk, 12:15pm KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers, 6:00pmThursday, September 19Friday, September 20 KKQY: Hill City FB at Thunder Ridge, 6:15pm * KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants, 6:30pm KFIX: Hays High FB vs. Manhattan, 6:30pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB at Phillipsburg, 6:30pmSaturday, September 21 KAYS: Kansas FB at West Virginia, 9:30am KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants, 5:30pm KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Northeastern State, 6:00pmSunday, September 22 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants, 12:30pm KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons, 6:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Parker Meadows hit a broken-bat single in the 10th inning to give Detroit the lead, moments after Trey Sweeney had been given third base because of a balk, and the Tigers went on to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Tyler Holton (7-1) retired all six Royals he faced, striking out a pair in the ninth to force extra innings. Jason Foley took care of the Royals in the 10th, earning the save for the second straight night and 25th time this season.

“Pitching and defense, it goes together, and we hung in there in some really difficult situations,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, whose club has won 24 of its last 34 games, its best stretch of that length in more than a decade.

“It was kind of all hands on deck,” Hinch said, “and they responded.”

Riley Greene added an RBI single off Lucas Erceg (2-6) later in the 10th for the Tigers, helping them to remain 1 1/2 games back of the Twins for the final AL wild-card spot. Minnesota beat the Guardians earlier Tuesday night.

The Royals stayed 2 1/2 games behind Baltimore for the first wild-card spot. They are 1 1/2 ahead of Minnesota.

“There were some good pitchers on the other side that are trying to keep us from doing things offensively," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That was a classic pitching duel the whole night.”

Cole Ragans allowed one run on four hits and four walks with six strikeouts over seven innings for Kansas City, and Casey Mize allowed one run on six hits and four walks while pitching into the fifth for Detroit.

“We found a way,” Mize said, “and that's obviously the most important thing right now.”

Ragans struggled with his control from the onset, hitting Andy Ibáñez to start the game — Matt Vierling followed with an RBI double — and walking a pair in the fourth inning. But with a combination of groundballs and strikeouts, the hard-throwing left-hander was able to keep the Tigers from capitalizing on his mistakes.

Freddy Fermín also threw out a pair of runners trying to steal second.

Mize allowed plenty of traffic on the bases, too. But it was his defense that kept Kansas City from a big inning. The Tigers turned double plays in the third, fourth and fifth, the last after Mize had walked the bases loaded and Shelby Miller got Michael Massey to ground into the double play on the first pitch he threw.

Miller loaded the bases again in the sixth but got Tommy Pham to pop out and end the inning.

“Shelby bailed me out of a huge spot,” Mize said. “Our team is just resilient and that's what is important.”

The Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. became the first shortstop in major league history with multiple seasons of at least 30 homers and 30 steals when the All-Star swiped second base in the first inning. Witt has 31 home runs this season, including a grand slam in the series opener Monday night, to go with 30 steals. The 24-year-old superstar had 49 steals and 30 homers last season.

Royals RHP James McArthur went on the injured list with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, though Quatraro believes he could be back for the playoffs. “The hope is it's not a season-ending injury,” Quatraro said. RHP Steven Cruz was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to take his place in the bullpen.

Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (left hamstring strain) and LHP Will Smith (lower back spasms) could make the next step in their rehab this weekend when they pitch against each other in live batting practice. There still is no date for their return.

Tigers: LHP Tarik Skubal (16-4, 2.50) tries to match the Braves' Chris Sale with his major league-best 17th win in the series finale against Kansas City on Wednesday night. Skubal has won his last four decisions.

Royals: RHP Alec Marsh (8-8, 4.42) is on the mound against Detroit after striking out a career-best 11 in 5 1/3 innings last Friday night against Pittsburgh. Marsh pitched six innings of three-hit ball against Detroit on May 21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726632759994.png" alt="Detroit Tigers' Andy Ibanez beats the tag by Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin (34) to score on a double by Matt Vierling during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Detroit Tigers' Andy Ibanez beats the tag by Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin (34) to score on a double by Matt Vierling during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Parker Meadows hit a broken-bat single in the 10th inning to give Detroit the lead, moments after Trey Sweeney had been given third base because of a balk, and the Tigers went on to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Tuesday night.Tyler Holton (7-1) retired all six Royals he faced, striking out a pair in the ninth to force extra innings. Jason Foley took care of the Royals in the 10th, earning the save for the second straight night and 25th time this season.“Pitching and defense, it goes together, and we hung in there in some really difficult situations,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, whose club has won 24 of its last 34 games, its best stretch of that length in more than a decade.“It was kind of all hands on deck,” Hinch said, “and they responded.”Riley Greene added an RBI single off Lucas Erceg (2-6) later in the 10th for the Tigers, helping them to remain 1 1/2 games back of the Twins for the final AL wild-card spot. Minnesota beat the Guardians earlier Tuesday night.The Royals stayed 2 1/2 games behind Baltimore for the first wild-card spot. They are 1 1/2 ahead of Minnesota.“There were some good pitchers on the other side that are trying to keep us from doing things offensively," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That was a classic pitching duel the whole night.”Cole Ragans allowed one run on four hits and four walks with six strikeouts over seven innings for Kansas City, and Casey Mize allowed one run on six hits and four walks while pitching into the fifth for Detroit.“We found a way,” Mize said, “and that's obviously the most important thing right now.”Ragans struggled with his control from the onset, hitting Andy Ibáñez to start the game — Matt Vierling followed with an RBI double — and walking a pair in the fourth inning. But with a combination of groundballs and strikeouts, the hard-throwing left-hander was able to keep the Tigers from capitalizing on his mistakes.Freddy Fermín also threw out a pair of runners trying to steal second.Mize allowed plenty of traffic on the bases, too. But it was his defense that kept Kansas City from a big inning. The Tigers turned double plays in the third, fourth and fifth, the last after Mize had walked the bases loaded and Shelby Miller got Michael Massey to ground into the double play on the first pitch he threw.Miller loaded the bases again in the sixth but got Tommy Pham to pop out and end the inning.“Shelby bailed me out of a huge spot,” Mize said. “Our team is just resilient and that's what is important.”WONDERFUL WITTThe Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. became the first shortstop in major league history with multiple seasons of at least 30 homers and 30 steals when the All-Star swiped second base in the first inning. Witt has 31 home runs this season, including a grand slam in the series opener Monday night, to go with 30 steals. The 24-year-old superstar had 49 steals and 30 homers last season.ROSTER MOVESRoyals RHP James McArthur went on the injured list with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, though Quatraro believes he could be back for the playoffs. “The hope is it's not a season-ending injury,” Quatraro said. RHP Steven Cruz was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to take his place in the bullpen.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals RHP Michael Lorenzen (left hamstring strain) and LHP Will Smith (lower back spasms) could make the next step in their rehab this weekend when they pitch against each other in live batting practice. There still is no date for their return.UP NEXTTigers: LHP Tarik Skubal (16-4, 2.50) tries to match the Braves' Chris Sale with his major league-best 17th win in the series finale against Kansas City on Wednesday night. Skubal has won his last four decisions.Royals: RHP Alec Marsh (8-8, 4.42) is on the mound against Detroit after striking out a career-best 11 in 5 1/3 innings last Friday night against Pittsburgh. Marsh pitched six innings of three-hit ball against Detroit on May 21.

⚾ Meadows broken-bat single in the 10th gives Tigers win over Royals

HAYS - The TMP-Marian volleyball team ran their winning streak to eight matches Tuesday. The Monarchs defeated MCL foes Hoxie and Russell in two at their home triangular Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

TMP def. Hoxie: 25-12, 25-21 TMP def. Russell: 25-21, 25-16

The Monarchs improved to 11-7 on the season. They are back in action on Tuesday (Sept. 24) at Oakley.

Hays PostHAYS - The TMP-Marian volleyball team ran their winning streak to eight matches Tuesday. The Monarchs defeated MCL foes Hoxie and Russell in two at their home triangular Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.TMP def. Hoxie: 25-12, 25-21 TMP def. Russell: 25-21, 25-16The Monarchs improved to 11-7 on the season. They are back in action on Tuesday (Sept. 24) at Oakley.

🏐 TMP-Marian wins twice at home triangular

MANHATTAN - The Hays High volleyball team dropped both of their matches at a triangular in Manhattan Tuesday. The Indians were swept by the host Indians then lost in three to Great Bend.

Manhattan def. Hays: 15-25, 21-25 Great Bend def. Hays: 22-25, 17-25, 22-25

HHS is now 7-5 on the season. They travel to Ulysses Thursday.

Hays PostMANHATTAN - The Hays High volleyball team dropped both of their matches at a triangular in Manhattan Tuesday. The Indians were swept by the host Indians then lost in three to Great Bend.Manhattan def. Hays: 15-25, 21-25 Great Bend def. Hays: 22-25, 17-25, 22-25HHS is now 7-5 on the season. They travel to Ulysses Thursday.

🏐 HHS swept in Manhattan

MUSKOGEE, Okla. – The Fort Hays State Men's Golf team secured a strong fifth-place finish at the 26th Annual NSU Men's Golf Classic, which concluded on Tuesday. The tournament, hosted by Northeastern State, took place at Muskogee Golf Club, a par-71 course spanning 6,726 yards.

Leading the Tigers was&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-scheck/8548">Cooper Scheck</a>, who finished tied for 10th overall at 3-under par. Scheck opened the tournament with a 2-under 69 in the first round, tying for the seventh-best score of the day. He consistently performed throughout, shooting another 69 in round two and finishing with a 72 in the final round. Scheck tallied 12 birdies over the tournament, with five coming in both the first and second rounds.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/8547">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;also had a solid showing, tying for 19th place at 2-over par. Rader carded rounds of 73, 70, and 72, moving up seven spots on the leaderboard after a steady 1-over par finish in round three. Rader recorded nine birdies, including three during the front nine of his final round.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cole-streck/8549">Cole Streck</a>&nbsp;started his tournament with a 74, but rebounded with a 70 in round two, placing him among the top 20. Streck finished round three with a 73, matching Rader's nine birdies over the three rounds. Streck tied for 33rd place overall at 4-over par.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jacob-george/8545">Jacob George</a>&nbsp;was the fourth scorer for the Tigers, carding rounds of 76, 71, and 74. His second round saw an even-par finish, and he totaled seven birdies throughout the event, earning a tie for 52nd place. Rounding out the Tigers were&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/parker-krob/8546">Parker Krob</a>, who posted scores of 75, 77, and 75 with two birdies, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/ashton-dowell/8544">Ashton Dowell</a>, who shot 76, 79, and 75 while notching three birdies.

Fort Hays State finished with a total score of 863 as a team, shooting under 300 in all three rounds. The Tigers opened with a 292 in the first round, followed by an impressive 280 in the second, and closed out with a 291 in the final round. The Tigers topped 12 teams in the competitive field to secure their fifth-place finish.

Henderson State pulled out the tournament win with a team total of 18-under par. The Reddies shot 13-under par as a team in the first two rounds, rounding out the tournament with a 5-under par in round three. Harding was just one stroke back, while Southern Arkansas finished in third, 16 strokes back from second.

Will Livermore of Northeastern State and Jeremy Tandoy of Arkansas-Fort Smith tied for medalist honors at 9-under par. Livermore carded rounds of 68, 66 and 70 while Tandoy carded rounds of 69, 68 and 67 to round out the tournament. 17 golfers in the field finished under par overall.

The Tigers hit the road once again next week to the MSSU Fall Invitational at Monkey Island, Okla., held at Shangri-La Golf Club &amp; Resort.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726654845182.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMUSKOGEE, Okla. – The Fort Hays State Men's Golf team secured a strong fifth-place finish at the 26th Annual NSU Men's Golf Classic, which concluded on Tuesday. The tournament, hosted by Northeastern State, took place at Muskogee Golf Club, a par-71 course spanning 6,726 yards.Leading the Tigers was&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-scheck/8548">Cooper Scheck</a>, who finished tied for 10th overall at 3-under par. Scheck opened the tournament with a 2-under 69 in the first round, tying for the seventh-best score of the day. He consistently performed throughout, shooting another 69 in round two and finishing with a 72 in the final round. Scheck tallied 12 birdies over the tournament, with five coming in both the first and second rounds.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/8547">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;also had a solid showing, tying for 19th place at 2-over par. Rader carded rounds of 73, 70, and 72, moving up seven spots on the leaderboard after a steady 1-over par finish in round three. Rader recorded nine birdies, including three during the front nine of his final round.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cole-streck/8549">Cole Streck</a>&nbsp;started his tournament with a 74, but rebounded with a 70 in round two, placing him among the top 20. Streck finished round three with a 73, matching Rader's nine birdies over the three rounds. Streck tied for 33rd place overall at 4-over par.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jacob-george/8545">Jacob George</a>&nbsp;was the fourth scorer for the Tigers, carding rounds of 76, 71, and 74. His second round saw an even-par finish, and he totaled seven birdies throughout the event, earning a tie for 52nd place. Rounding out the Tigers were&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/parker-krob/8546">Parker Krob</a>, who posted scores of 75, 77, and 75 with two birdies, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/ashton-dowell/8544">Ashton Dowell</a>, who shot 76, 79, and 75 while notching three birdies.Fort Hays State finished with a total score of 863 as a team, shooting under 300 in all three rounds. The Tigers opened with a 292 in the first round, followed by an impressive 280 in the second, and closed out with a 291 in the final round. The Tigers topped 12 teams in the competitive field to secure their fifth-place finish.Henderson State pulled out the tournament win with a team total of 18-under par. The Reddies shot 13-under par as a team in the first two rounds, rounding out the tournament with a 5-under par in round three. Harding was just one stroke back, while Southern Arkansas finished in third, 16 strokes back from second.Will Livermore of Northeastern State and Jeremy Tandoy of Arkansas-Fort Smith tied for medalist honors at 9-under par. Livermore carded rounds of 68, 66 and 70 while Tandoy carded rounds of 69, 68 and 67 to round out the tournament. 17 golfers in the field finished under par overall.UP NEXTThe Tigers hit the road once again next week to the MSSU Fall Invitational at Monkey Island, Okla., held at Shangri-La Golf Club &amp; Resort.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ Tiger men fifth at NSU Men's Golf Classic

Fort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, wide receiver Ryan Allen and safety Mason Perez spoke to the media Tuesday before the Tigers host Northeastern State on Saturday.

Hays PostFort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, wide receiver Ryan Allen and safety Mason Perez spoke to the media Tuesday before the Tigers host Northeastern State on Saturday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f4yWAqEMYGY?si=C79ccsZrIM6i3a1K" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WOIm0VFS27Q?si=xMqU5X64_I8fYWfa" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E8yPHlKEsTQ?si=lGrZOMKfDxGCFyYD" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈📹 FHSU weekly press conference 

HAYS, Kan. – On a hot, windswept Tuesday afternoon in Hays, Fort Hays State defeated Hastings College in its 2024-25 home opener at the FHSU Tennis Courts. The Tigers won all matches contested that factored into team scoring. FHSU is now 2-2 overall on the season.

The No. 1 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/8115">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/suzana-faucz/8130">Suzana Faucz</a>, and the No. 2 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/grace-unruh/8121">Grace Unruh</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/yone-pereiro/8119">Yone Pereiro</a>&nbsp;each blanked their doubles opponents 6-0. The No. 3 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/janae-montoya/8123">Janae Montoya</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/ines-latorre/8117">Ines Latorre</a>&nbsp;had to fight off their opponent with a 6-4 win.

The Tigers won all singles matches in straight sets, but the closest contested match was at the No. 2 position where Faucz defeated her opponent 7-5, 7-6 (7-4). Alfonso (No. 1) and Gill (No. 5) shutout their opponents 6-0, 6-0, while Unruh (No. 4) yielded just one point with a 6-0, 6-1 win.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/ines-steeman/8120">Ines Steeman</a>&nbsp;(No. 6) won 6-1, 6-1, while Latorre (No. 3) posted a 6-0, 6-3 win.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/hope-lubbers/8118">Hope Lubbers</a>&nbsp;and Steeman played an exhibition doubles match and won 6-3. Montoya picked up an 8-0 singles exhibition win, while Lubbers dropped an exhibition singles contest 8-3.

The Tigers now prepare for the ITA Fall Regional in Edmond, Okla. this weekend (Sept. 20-22). They have one more head-to-head team match on the schedule this fall, set for next Tuesday (Sept. 24) at Sterling College.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726654583935.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – On a hot, windswept Tuesday afternoon in Hays, Fort Hays State defeated Hastings College in its 2024-25 home opener at the FHSU Tennis Courts. The Tigers won all matches contested that factored into team scoring. FHSU is now 2-2 overall on the season.The No. 1 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/8115">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/suzana-faucz/8130">Suzana Faucz</a>, and the No. 2 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/grace-unruh/8121">Grace Unruh</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/yone-pereiro/8119">Yone Pereiro</a>&nbsp;each blanked their doubles opponents 6-0. The No. 3 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/janae-montoya/8123">Janae Montoya</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/ines-latorre/8117">Ines Latorre</a>&nbsp;had to fight off their opponent with a 6-4 win.The Tigers won all singles matches in straight sets, but the closest contested match was at the No. 2 position where Faucz defeated her opponent 7-5, 7-6 (7-4). Alfonso (No. 1) and Gill (No. 5) shutout their opponents 6-0, 6-0, while Unruh (No. 4) yielded just one point with a 6-0, 6-1 win.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/ines-steeman/8120">Ines Steeman</a>&nbsp;(No. 6) won 6-1, 6-1, while Latorre (No. 3) posted a 6-0, 6-3 win.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/hope-lubbers/8118">Hope Lubbers</a>&nbsp;and Steeman played an exhibition doubles match and won 6-3. Montoya picked up an 8-0 singles exhibition win, while Lubbers dropped an exhibition singles contest 8-3.UP NEXTThe Tigers now prepare for the ITA Fall Regional in Edmond, Okla. this weekend (Sept. 20-22). They have one more head-to-head team match on the schedule this fall, set for next Tuesday (Sept. 24) at Sterling College.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 Tigers breeze past Hastings in home opener

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs are signing Kareem Hunt to their practice squad, reuniting with a running back who first achieved stardom with them before video of him assaulting a woman led to his release, a person familiar with their decision told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team had not yet announced the move.

The Chiefs brought Hunt in for a workout after Isiah Pacheco, their top running back, sustained a right ankle injury in Sunday's win over Cincinnati that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-pacheco-injury-5a299988d5e757e798571eaffe8fc1fe">could keep him out the majority of the season</a>. They also have Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-injured-reserve-pup-list-07369696d0a0c5a91f89ec9eea255a5d">non-football illness list</a>&nbsp;for at least two more games, leaving them short-handed at the position heading to Atlanta this weekend.

Undrafted rookie Carson Steele and journeyman Samaje Perine are expected to get the majority of snaps, though the Chiefs also have Keaontay Ingram and Emani Bailey that they could promote from the practice squad to provide some depth.

That is where Hunt is likely to reside for at least a couple of weeks, until he learns enough of the playbook to contribute.

The Chiefs drafted him in the third round in 2017 out of Toledo, and he immediately made an impact, running for a league-high 1,327 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie. He came back the following season, the first with Patrick Mahomes as the starter at quarterback, and ran for 824 yards and seven touchdowns through the first 11 games.

In late November, video surfaced that showed Hunt shoving a woman to the ground and kicking her in the hallway of a Cleveland hotel. The Chiefs released him, though no charges were filed when the woman stopped cooperating with authorities.

The Browns signed him in February, and Hunt served an eight-game suspension at the start of the 2018 season for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy. He went on to run for for 179 yards and two touchdowns and caught 37 passes for 285 yards and another score, earning a two-year, $13.25 million contract extension to remain a part of the Cleveland backfield.

Hunt missed part of the 2021 season with a calf injury and fell behind Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford in the rotation, and he did not re-sign with Cleveland after last season. He wound up spending five years there, running for 2,285 yards and five TDs.

The Chiefs are chasing a record third consecutive Super Bowl title this season. They opened with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ravens-chiefs-score-e11de910772704671858be9565d1aa10">27-20 win over Baltimore</a>&nbsp;that came down to an incompletion by the Ravens in the end zone on the final play of the game. Then on Sunday, they rallied to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bengals-chiefs-score-cincinnati-kansas-city-0e5430b9f6d4298661da31ed964bce5f">beat the Bengals 26-25</a>&nbsp;when Harrison Butker kicked a 51-yard field goal with no time left.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726605270510.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) scores a touchdown ahead of Los Angeles Rams free safety Lamarcus Joyner (20) as Chiefs offensive guard Cameron Erving (75) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) scores a touchdown ahead of Los Angeles Rams free safety Lamarcus Joyner (20) as Chiefs offensive guard Cameron Erving (75) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs are signing Kareem Hunt to their practice squad, reuniting with a running back who first achieved stardom with them before video of him assaulting a woman led to his release, a person familiar with their decision told The Associated Press.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team had not yet announced the move.The Chiefs brought Hunt in for a workout after Isiah Pacheco, their top running back, sustained a right ankle injury in Sunday's win over Cincinnati that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-pacheco-injury-5a299988d5e757e798571eaffe8fc1fe">could keep him out the majority of the season</a>. They also have Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-injured-reserve-pup-list-07369696d0a0c5a91f89ec9eea255a5d">non-football illness list</a>&nbsp;for at least two more games, leaving them short-handed at the position heading to Atlanta this weekend.Undrafted rookie Carson Steele and journeyman Samaje Perine are expected to get the majority of snaps, though the Chiefs also have Keaontay Ingram and Emani Bailey that they could promote from the practice squad to provide some depth.That is where Hunt is likely to reside for at least a couple of weeks, until he learns enough of the playbook to contribute.The Chiefs drafted him in the third round in 2017 out of Toledo, and he immediately made an impact, running for a league-high 1,327 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie. He came back the following season, the first with Patrick Mahomes as the starter at quarterback, and ran for 824 yards and seven touchdowns through the first 11 games.In late November, video surfaced that showed Hunt shoving a woman to the ground and kicking her in the hallway of a Cleveland hotel. The Chiefs released him, though no charges were filed when the woman stopped cooperating with authorities.The Browns signed him in February, and Hunt served an eight-game suspension at the start of the 2018 season for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy. He went on to run for for 179 yards and two touchdowns and caught 37 passes for 285 yards and another score, earning a two-year, $13.25 million contract extension to remain a part of the Cleveland backfield.Hunt missed part of the 2021 season with a calf injury and fell behind Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford in the rotation, and he did not re-sign with Cleveland after last season. He wound up spending five years there, running for 2,285 yards and five TDs.The Chiefs are chasing a record third consecutive Super Bowl title this season. They opened with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ravens-chiefs-score-e11de910772704671858be9565d1aa10">27-20 win over Baltimore</a>&nbsp;that came down to an incompletion by the Ravens in the end zone on the final play of the game. Then on Sunday, they rallied to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bengals-chiefs-score-cincinnati-kansas-city-0e5430b9f6d4298661da31ed964bce5f">beat the Bengals 26-25</a>&nbsp;when Harrison Butker kicked a 51-yard field goal with no time left.

🏈 The Chiefs are signing former star Kareem Hunt to their practice squad

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer moved up eight spots in the latest United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. The Tigers jumped from No. 22 last week to No. 14 this week after a 5-0 win over a previously ranked Maryville team. The Tigers are off to a 3-0 start to the season.

A nationally ranked matchup is right in front of the Tigers on Thursday when they travel to play at No. 19 ranked Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Texas. The Mustangs were No. 8 in the poll last week, but slid down 11 spots in the latest poll. FHSU will also take on Eastern New Mexico two days later in Wichita Falls.

Fort Hays State (No. 14) and Southern Nazarene (No. 17) represent the Great American Conference in the Top 25. Newman is among the receiving votes section. The No. 14 ranking is the highest for FHSU since September 6, 2022 when they were tabbed No. 12 in the nation.

United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll (September 17, 2024) Rank - School - Prev - W-L-T 1 - Franklin Pierce - 1 - (3-0-1) 2 - Lynn - 4 - (3-0-0) 3 - California State-Los Angeles - 3 - (2-0-1) 4 - Wingate - 5 - (3-0-1) 5 - Auburn Montgomery - 6 - (2-0-1) 6 - University of Charleston - 19 - (3-0-1) 7 - McKendree - 17 - (4-0-0) 8 - UC-Colorado Springs - 24 - (3-0-1) 9 - Fort Lewis College - 15 - (3-0-1) 10 - Cal Poly Pomona - 21 - (3-1-0) 11 - Limestone - RV - (2-0-1) 12 - Saginaw Valley State - RV - (3-0-0) 13 - Gannon - RV - (3-1-0) 14 - Fort Hays State - 22 - (3-0-0) 15 - CSU-Pueblo - 2 - (3-1-0) 16 - Felician - NR - (2-0-0) 17 - Southern Nazarene - 14 - (2-1-1) 18 - Lincoln Memorial - 20 - (3-0-1) 19 - Midwestern State - 7 - (1-0-2) 20 - Davis &amp; Elkins College - NR -&nbsp; (3-0-1) 21 - Hawai'i-Hilo - RV - (3-1-0) 22 - Wisconsin-Parkside - NR - (2-0-1) 23 - West Alabama - RV - (2-1-1) 24 - Mercy -RV - (2-0-1) 25 - Florida Tech - 18 - (1-1-1)

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Dominican University of California, Coker University, West Chester University, Young Harris College, Drury University, Mississippi College, Newman University, Westminster College, Northern Michigan University, Jefferson University&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726600507908.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer moved up eight spots in the latest United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. The Tigers jumped from No. 22 last week to No. 14 this week after a 5-0 win over a previously ranked Maryville team. The Tigers are off to a 3-0 start to the season.A nationally ranked matchup is right in front of the Tigers on Thursday when they travel to play at No. 19 ranked Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Texas. The Mustangs were No. 8 in the poll last week, but slid down 11 spots in the latest poll. FHSU will also take on Eastern New Mexico two days later in Wichita Falls.Fort Hays State (No. 14) and Southern Nazarene (No. 17) represent the Great American Conference in the Top 25. Newman is among the receiving votes section. The No. 14 ranking is the highest for FHSU since September 6, 2022 when they were tabbed No. 12 in the nation.United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll (September 17, 2024) Rank - School - Prev - W-L-T 1 - Franklin Pierce - 1 - (3-0-1) 2 - Lynn - 4 - (3-0-0) 3 - California State-Los Angeles - 3 - (2-0-1) 4 - Wingate - 5 - (3-0-1) 5 - Auburn Montgomery - 6 - (2-0-1) 6 - University of Charleston - 19 - (3-0-1) 7 - McKendree - 17 - (4-0-0) 8 - UC-Colorado Springs - 24 - (3-0-1) 9 - Fort Lewis College - 15 - (3-0-1) 10 - Cal Poly Pomona - 21 - (3-1-0) 11 - Limestone - RV - (2-0-1) 12 - Saginaw Valley State - RV - (3-0-0) 13 - Gannon - RV - (3-1-0) 14 - Fort Hays State - 22 - (3-0-0) 15 - CSU-Pueblo - 2 - (3-1-0) 16 - Felician - NR - (2-0-0) 17 - Southern Nazarene - 14 - (2-1-1) 18 - Lincoln Memorial - 20 - (3-0-1) 19 - Midwestern State - 7 - (1-0-2) 20 - Davis &amp; Elkins College - NR -&nbsp; (3-0-1) 21 - Hawai'i-Hilo - RV - (3-1-0) 22 - Wisconsin-Parkside - NR - (2-0-1) 23 - West Alabama - RV - (2-1-1) 24 - Mercy -RV - (2-0-1) 25 - Florida Tech - 18 - (1-1-1)Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Dominican University of California, Coker University, West Chester University, Young Harris College, Drury University, Mississippi College, Newman University, Westminster College, Northern Michigan University, Jefferson University&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ FHSU men move up to No. 14 in national rankings

&nbsp; RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Fort Hays State student-athletes earned all three Great American Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Week awards on Tuesday following a 5-0 win over Maryville University last week. Bastian Carlman&nbsp;was the Offensive Player of the Week, Bryce Dickerson&nbsp;was the Defensive Player of the Week, and Jorge Valentin&nbsp;was a repeat honoree for Goalkeeper of the Week. The nationally ranked Tigers are off to a 3-0 start to the season.

Carlman became the ninth player in FHSU men's soccer history to record a hat trick, scoring the first three goals in the 5-0 win for No. 22 ranked FHSU over a previously nationally ranked Maryville squad. He netted his first two goals off of assists in the first half, then scored an unassisted goal in the 78th minute to complete the hat trick.

Dickerson was part of a strong team defensive effort, limiting Maryville to just nine total shots and only one on goal. So far this year, the Tigers have allowed on average just 8.0 shots per match and only four total shots on goal. FHSU now has two Defensive Player of the Week honors after Ibrahim Madad&nbsp;received the award the previous week.

Valentin picked up his second-straight shutout win with the result against Maryville. He had to record just one save to move to 2-0 in goal for the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726598778436.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics&nbsp; RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Fort Hays State student-athletes earned all three Great American Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Week awards on Tuesday following a 5-0 win over Maryville University last week. Bastian Carlman&nbsp;was the Offensive Player of the Week, Bryce Dickerson&nbsp;was the Defensive Player of the Week, and Jorge Valentin&nbsp;was a repeat honoree for Goalkeeper of the Week. The nationally ranked Tigers are off to a 3-0 start to the season.Carlman became the ninth player in FHSU men's soccer history to record a hat trick, scoring the first three goals in the 5-0 win for No. 22 ranked FHSU over a previously nationally ranked Maryville squad. He netted his first two goals off of assists in the first half, then scored an unassisted goal in the 78th minute to complete the hat trick.Dickerson was part of a strong team defensive effort, limiting Maryville to just nine total shots and only one on goal. So far this year, the Tigers have allowed on average just 8.0 shots per match and only four total shots on goal. FHSU now has two Defensive Player of the Week honors after Ibrahim Madad&nbsp;received the award the previous week.Valentin picked up his second-straight shutout win with the result against Maryville. He had to record just one save to move to 2-0 in goal for the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Tigers sweep weekly GAC men’s Player of the Week honors

WACO, Texas – After taking its first loss of the season last week at Northwest Missouri State, Fort Hays State Football slid back among the teams receiving votes in the latest AFCA Top 25 Poll. The Tigers were in the receiving votes section of the preseason poll and moved up to No. 25 last week after a 2-0 start to the season. They have been referenced in all three polls released by the AFCA this year.

This past Saturday saw a considerable shake up among ranked teams in the MIAA. Northwest Missouri State defeated No. 25 Fort Hays State, Central Oklahoma defeated No. 2 Central Missouri, and No. 21 Emporia State defeated No. 4 Pittsburg State. With the results, Pittsburg State slid to No. 10 and Central Missouri is now No. 11 in the latest poll, while Emporia State elevated to No. 13. The MIAA now has three teams receiving votes, which includes FHSU, Central Oklahoma, and Nebraska-Kearney.

Fort Hays State also moved out of the D2Football.com Top 25 this week. The Tigers were in the media poll for two straight weeks, holding the No. 24 and then No. 21 rankings before moving back out this week.

Fort Hays State is back at home this week on Saturday night to take on Northeastern State in a non-conference contest. The RiverHawks are playing independent in football this year. NSU is 0-2 this season, but scored over 20 points against both Missouri Western and Central Missouri.

AFCA Top 25 Poll for September 16, 2024 Rank - School (1st votes) - Rec. - Pts. - Prev. 1 - Harding (Ark.) (27) - 2-0 - 723 - 1 2 - Grand Valley St. (Mich.) (1) - 2-0 - 694 - 3 3 - Valdosta St. (Ga.) - 3-0 - 638 - 6 4 - Colorado School of Mines - 2-0 - 634 - 5 5 - Ferris St. (Mich.) - 2-1 - 586 - 7 6 - Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) - 2-0 - 550 - 8 7 - Kutztown (Pa.) - 2-0 - 477 - 9 8 - Minnesota St. - 3-0 - 474 - 11 9 - Slippery Rock (Pa.) (1) - 2-0 - 465 - 10 10 - Pittsburg St. (Kan.) - 2-1 - 462 - 4 11 - Central Missouri - 1-1 - 412 - 2 12 - West Florida - 1-0 - 393 - 12 13 - Emporia St. (Kan.) - 3-0 - 359 - 21 14 - Central Washington - 1-1 - 345 - 13 15 - Western Colorado - 2-0 - 333 - 15 16 - Indianapolis (Ind.) - 2-0 - 297 - 16 17 - Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) - 2-0 - 278 - 18 18 - Augustana (S.D.) - 1-1 - 217 - 14 19 - Charleston (W.Va.) - 2-0 - 205 - 20 20 - Henderson St. (Ark.) - 2-0 - 136 - 24 21 - Virginia Union - 1-1123 - 23 22 - Colorado St.-Pueblo - 2-1 - 96 - 22 23 - West Alabama - 3-0 - 89 - NR 24t. - Delta St. (Miss.) - 2-1 - 71 - 17 24t. - Wingate (N.C.) - 2-0 - 71 - NR

Receiving Votes: Davenport (Mich.), 68; Central Oklahoma, 51; Indiana (Pa.), 32; Minnesota-Duluth, 29;&nbsp;Findlay&nbsp;(Ohio), 25; Texas-Permian Basin, 16; East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 15; Southern Arkansas, 14; Bemidji St. (Minn.), 13; Sioux Falls (S.D.), 13; Nebraska-Kearney, 7; Johnson C. Smith (N.C.), 4; Frostburg St. (Md.), 2; Minot St. (N.D.), 2; New Haven (Conn.), 2; Angelo St. (Tex.), 1; Colorado Mesa, 1;&nbsp;Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 1; Wayne St. (Neb.), 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726582178773.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWACO, Texas – After taking its first loss of the season last week at Northwest Missouri State, Fort Hays State Football slid back among the teams receiving votes in the latest AFCA Top 25 Poll. The Tigers were in the receiving votes section of the preseason poll and moved up to No. 25 last week after a 2-0 start to the season. They have been referenced in all three polls released by the AFCA this year.This past Saturday saw a considerable shake up among ranked teams in the MIAA. Northwest Missouri State defeated No. 25 Fort Hays State, Central Oklahoma defeated No. 2 Central Missouri, and No. 21 Emporia State defeated No. 4 Pittsburg State. With the results, Pittsburg State slid to No. 10 and Central Missouri is now No. 11 in the latest poll, while Emporia State elevated to No. 13. The MIAA now has three teams receiving votes, which includes FHSU, Central Oklahoma, and Nebraska-Kearney.Fort Hays State also moved out of the D2Football.com Top 25 this week. The Tigers were in the media poll for two straight weeks, holding the No. 24 and then No. 21 rankings before moving back out this week.Fort Hays State is back at home this week on Saturday night to take on Northeastern State in a non-conference contest. The RiverHawks are playing independent in football this year. NSU is 0-2 this season, but scored over 20 points against both Missouri Western and Central Missouri.AFCA Top 25 Poll for September 16, 2024 Rank - School (1st votes) - Rec. - Pts. - Prev. 1 - Harding (Ark.) (27) - 2-0 - 723 - 1 2 - Grand Valley St. (Mich.) (1) - 2-0 - 694 - 3 3 - Valdosta St. (Ga.) - 3-0 - 638 - 6 4 - Colorado School of Mines - 2-0 - 634 - 5 5 - Ferris St. (Mich.) - 2-1 - 586 - 7 6 - Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) - 2-0 - 550 - 8 7 - Kutztown (Pa.) - 2-0 - 477 - 9 8 - Minnesota St. - 3-0 - 474 - 11 9 - Slippery Rock (Pa.) (1) - 2-0 - 465 - 10 10 - Pittsburg St. (Kan.) - 2-1 - 462 - 4 11 - Central Missouri - 1-1 - 412 - 2 12 - West Florida - 1-0 - 393 - 12 13 - Emporia St. (Kan.) - 3-0 - 359 - 21 14 - Central Washington - 1-1 - 345 - 13 15 - Western Colorado - 2-0 - 333 - 15 16 - Indianapolis (Ind.) - 2-0 - 297 - 16 17 - Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) - 2-0 - 278 - 18 18 - Augustana (S.D.) - 1-1 - 217 - 14 19 - Charleston (W.Va.) - 2-0 - 205 - 20 20 - Henderson St. (Ark.) - 2-0 - 136 - 24 21 - Virginia Union - 1-1123 - 23 22 - Colorado St.-Pueblo - 2-1 - 96 - 22 23 - West Alabama - 3-0 - 89 - NR 24t. - Delta St. (Miss.) - 2-1 - 71 - 17 24t. - Wingate (N.C.) - 2-0 - 71 - NRReceiving Votes: Davenport (Mich.), 68; Central Oklahoma, 51; Indiana (Pa.), 32; Minnesota-Duluth, 29;&nbsp;Findlay&nbsp;(Ohio), 25; Texas-Permian Basin, 16; East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 15; Southern Arkansas, 14; Bemidji St. (Minn.), 13; Sioux Falls (S.D.), 13; Nebraska-Kearney, 7; Johnson C. Smith (N.C.), 4; Frostburg St. (Md.), 2; Minot St. (N.D.), 2; New Haven (Conn.), 2; Angelo St. (Tex.), 1; Colorado Mesa, 1;&nbsp;Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 1; Wayne St. (Neb.), 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Tigers drop out of AFCA Top 25 poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are an inch and a flag away from being winless two games into their Super Bowl title defense.

Instead, they are 2-0 with the tiebreaker over two teams thought to be among their biggest rivals.

The Chiefs certainly seem to be living a charmed life after Baltimore tight end Isaiah Likely landed with a toe out of bounds on a would-be tying touchdown catch on the final play of their game two weeks ago, and a pass interference call on fourth-and-16 on Sunday kept them alive to kick a winning field goal with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-pacheco-injury-5a299988d5e757e798571eaffe8fc1fe">no time left for a 26-25 win over Cincinnati.</a>

Yet the reality is this: Kansas City has been in so many down-to-the-wire situations over the years, especially with Andy Reid on the sideline and Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, that victory almost always seems to be inevitable.

Even when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-pacheco-injury-5a299988d5e757e798571eaffe8fc1fe">they lose running back Isiah Pacheco to an injury</a>&nbsp;in the final minute of a close game.

“Until the time hits zero, I feel like there's a chance that you can win the football game,” Mahomes said. “Obviously we've done that in so many different ways, and so we're prepared. We come in with that mentality that if we get the football with a chance to win the game, we're going to do it, and we were able to do that.”

It's difficult to argue that such last-second antics are unsustainable because, well, the Chiefs keep doing it. But what might be unsustainable is poor play from some of their most important players that have put them in such dire situations.

Mahomes has already thrown three interceptions for a percentage double the highest of his career. He's been sacked four times, putting him on pace for more than any previous season. His quarterback success rate, passer rating and several other advanced metrics are the worst in his career, albeit with a sample size of just two games.

His longtime safety valve, Travis Kelce, has been conspicuously absent from the offense. The four-time All-Pro tight end has a mere four catches for 39 yards through two games, though he did have a long reception wiped out by a penalty on Sunday.

“Obviously, we’ve played two opponents that we’ve played a lot, so they have a plan on how they’re going to account for Travis,” Mahomes said. “As the season goes on, he’s going to get his catches, he’s going to get his yards.”

The Chiefs are 2-0 after playing two perennial playoff contenders, even though they have not played particularly well.

Imagine what they could look like if they finally put everything together.

The Chiefs were excellent against the pass and middling against the run last season. But their defensive front has been improved against the run through two games, limiting the Bengals to 74 yards and successfully making them one-dimensional Sunday.

Kansas City has been overly conservative early in the season to the extent that it is costing points. In the first quarter Sunday, Reid went for it on fourth-and-1 at the Cincinnati 3 and picked up a first down. But three plays later, after only managing to get to the 1-yard line, he sent the field-goal team on rather than go for it on fourth down and the same distance.

WR Rashee Rice had five catches for 75 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown reception. That gives him 12 catches for 178 yards through two games. He'll need to continue to produce like that with Marquise Brown undergoing surgery on the dislocated joint in his shoulder this week, potentially sidelining him for the entire season.

LT Kingsley Suamataia was benched after a late holding penalty against Cincinnati, and after getting beaten repeatedly by Trey Hendrickson. The rookie tackle has faced two premier defenses to start his NFL career, and the learning curve has been sharp.

Pacheco is likely headed to injured reserve, a person familiar with his ankle injury told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because they were not authorized to discuss the situation. That means undrafted rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine are in line to get the majority of snaps for the foreseeable future.

4 — Harrison Butker's 51-yarder as time expired to beat the Bengals on his Sunday was his fourth career game-winner. It also was his 29th career field goal of at least 50 yards.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are an inch and a flag away from being winless two games into their Super Bowl title defense.Instead, they are 2-0 with the tiebreaker over two teams thought to be among their biggest rivals.The Chiefs certainly seem to be living a charmed life after Baltimore tight end Isaiah Likely landed with a toe out of bounds on a would-be tying touchdown catch on the final play of their game two weeks ago, and a pass interference call on fourth-and-16 on Sunday kept them alive to kick a winning field goal with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-pacheco-injury-5a299988d5e757e798571eaffe8fc1fe">no time left for a 26-25 win over Cincinnati.</a>Yet the reality is this: Kansas City has been in so many down-to-the-wire situations over the years, especially with Andy Reid on the sideline and Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, that victory almost always seems to be inevitable.Even when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-pacheco-injury-5a299988d5e757e798571eaffe8fc1fe">they lose running back Isiah Pacheco to an injury</a>&nbsp;in the final minute of a close game.“Until the time hits zero, I feel like there's a chance that you can win the football game,” Mahomes said. “Obviously we've done that in so many different ways, and so we're prepared. We come in with that mentality that if we get the football with a chance to win the game, we're going to do it, and we were able to do that.”It's difficult to argue that such last-second antics are unsustainable because, well, the Chiefs keep doing it. But what might be unsustainable is poor play from some of their most important players that have put them in such dire situations.Mahomes has already thrown three interceptions for a percentage double the highest of his career. He's been sacked four times, putting him on pace for more than any previous season. His quarterback success rate, passer rating and several other advanced metrics are the worst in his career, albeit with a sample size of just two games.His longtime safety valve, Travis Kelce, has been conspicuously absent from the offense. The four-time All-Pro tight end has a mere four catches for 39 yards through two games, though he did have a long reception wiped out by a penalty on Sunday.“Obviously, we’ve played two opponents that we’ve played a lot, so they have a plan on how they’re going to account for Travis,” Mahomes said. “As the season goes on, he’s going to get his catches, he’s going to get his yards.”The Chiefs are 2-0 after playing two perennial playoff contenders, even though they have not played particularly well.Imagine what they could look like if they finally put everything together.<h2>What’s working</h2>The Chiefs were excellent against the pass and middling against the run last season. But their defensive front has been improved against the run through two games, limiting the Bengals to 74 yards and successfully making them one-dimensional Sunday.<h2>What needs help</h2>Kansas City has been overly conservative early in the season to the extent that it is costing points. In the first quarter Sunday, Reid went for it on fourth-and-1 at the Cincinnati 3 and picked up a first down. But three plays later, after only managing to get to the 1-yard line, he sent the field-goal team on rather than go for it on fourth down and the same distance.<h2>Stock up</h2>WR Rashee Rice had five catches for 75 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown reception. That gives him 12 catches for 178 yards through two games. He'll need to continue to produce like that with Marquise Brown undergoing surgery on the dislocated joint in his shoulder this week, potentially sidelining him for the entire season.<h2>Stock down</h2>LT Kingsley Suamataia was benched after a late holding penalty against Cincinnati, and after getting beaten repeatedly by Trey Hendrickson. The rookie tackle has faced two premier defenses to start his NFL career, and the learning curve has been sharp.<h2>Injuries</h2>Pacheco is likely headed to injured reserve, a person familiar with his ankle injury told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because they were not authorized to discuss the situation. That means undrafted rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine are in line to get the majority of snaps for the foreseeable future.<h2>Key number</h2>4 — Harrison Butker's 51-yarder as time expired to beat the Bengals on his Sunday was his fourth career game-winner. It also was his 29th career field goal of at least 50 yards.<h2>Next steps</h2>

🏈 The Chiefs are 2-0 despite plenty of problems, and that could be a problem for the rest of the AFC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Colt Keith hit a two-run homer, Matt Vierling had three hits while driving in the go-ahead run, and the Detroit Tigers rallied from an early four-run deficit to beat the Kansas City Royals 7-6 on Monday night in a crucial game for their playoff hopes.

Pinch-hitter Wenceel Pérez had the tying two-run double for Detroit, which began its final trip of the regular season by moving within 1 1/2 games of Minnesota for the final AL wild-card spot. The Twins lost to Cleveland earlier in the night.

“It was an incredible win because of how we were able to do it,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We didn't do much early, although our at-bats were pretty good. Started to chip away a little bit, a couple of really big swings, and then we held on."

Brenan Hanifee (1-1) earned the win in relief for Detroit, allowing one run and three hits over 2 1/3 innings. Jason Foley finished off a solid bullpen performance, working a perfect ninth to earn his 24th save and second in two days.

“The bullpen has been doing it all year for us,” Keith said, “and they did it again tonight.”

Bobby Witt Jr. hit a grand slam to stake Kansas City to a 4-0 lead, and he added a bunt single for a five-RBI game. But the Royals otherwise kept squandering chances to score, just as they did in their loss to the Pirates on Sunday.

Sam Long (3-2) took the loss for Kansas City, allowing three runs while retiring just two batters in relief of Seth Lugo.

“A lot of stuff happened in that game, clearly. It was an intense back-and-forth, both teams putting everything on the line,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You get out to a lead, you feel pretty good. You know they're not going to go away.”

Indeed, the Royals started their final homestand by taking advantage of what Detroit could not: the bases loaded.

The Tigers packed them in the third before Keith grounded out to second to end the threat. But when Kansas City loaded the bases in the bottom half — a leadoff walk from Adam Frazier, a single by Yuli Gurriel and a bunt single from Kyle Isbel — Witt hit a 1-1 pitch what seemed like a mile high and over the left-field wall for his second grand slam of the season.

Reese Olson, making his first start since straining his right shoulder July 20 in Toronto, was lifted one batter later, after Salvador Perez blooped a single to right. He allowed four runs, four hits and a walk while throwing 50 pitches.

The Tigers still trailed 5-1 in the fifth when they began their comeback, scoring once on Witt's throwing error and twice more when Keith homered to right. And after Witt delivered an RBI single in the bottom half for his 200th hit of the season, Detroit pushed across three more runs in the sixth off Long and John Schreiber to take a 7-6 lead.

“We had trouble putting them away from the very beginning. There weren’t a lot of easy outs,” Quatraro said. "You have got to give them credit the way they battled their at-bats and drove (Seth) Lugo’s pitch count up. Then they continued to put good at-bats up. I thought ours were pretty good, too. We just didn’t get the big hits like they did.”

The Royals had two aboard with one out in the seventh, and the first two on base in the eighth, but failed to score both times.

“That was one of the best games we've played as a team,” Keith said. “I don't think anybody thought that we were out of it."

Tigers: RHP Ricky Vanasco was optioned to Triple-A Toledo to make space for Olson on the roster. Vanasco pitched two scoreless innings in two appearances with the club, earning his first big league win on Sept. 5 in Oakland.

Royals: RHP Chris Stratton, who went on the injured list Saturday, was diagnosed with a Grade-1 flexor strain and will be shut down for at least a week. ... RHP James McArthur left Monday's game after retiring two batters with right elbow tightness.

Detroit: RHP Casey Mize (2-6, 4.47) is on the mound against Kansas City for the second game of the series Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726570671501.jpeg" alt="Bobby Witt Jr. celebrates in the dugout after hitting a grand slam in the Royals game with Detroit. (Kansas City Royals photo)" />
 <figcaption>Bobby Witt Jr. celebrates in the dugout after hitting a grand slam in the Royals game with Detroit. (Kansas City Royals photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Colt Keith hit a two-run homer, Matt Vierling had three hits while driving in the go-ahead run, and the Detroit Tigers rallied from an early four-run deficit to beat the Kansas City Royals 7-6 on Monday night in a crucial game for their playoff hopes.Pinch-hitter Wenceel Pérez had the tying two-run double for Detroit, which began its final trip of the regular season by moving within 1 1/2 games of Minnesota for the final AL wild-card spot. The Twins lost to Cleveland earlier in the night.“It was an incredible win because of how we were able to do it,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We didn't do much early, although our at-bats were pretty good. Started to chip away a little bit, a couple of really big swings, and then we held on."Brenan Hanifee (1-1) earned the win in relief for Detroit, allowing one run and three hits over 2 1/3 innings. Jason Foley finished off a solid bullpen performance, working a perfect ninth to earn his 24th save and second in two days.“The bullpen has been doing it all year for us,” Keith said, “and they did it again tonight.”Bobby Witt Jr. hit a grand slam to stake Kansas City to a 4-0 lead, and he added a bunt single for a five-RBI game. But the Royals otherwise kept squandering chances to score, just as they did in their loss to the Pirates on Sunday.Sam Long (3-2) took the loss for Kansas City, allowing three runs while retiring just two batters in relief of Seth Lugo.“A lot of stuff happened in that game, clearly. It was an intense back-and-forth, both teams putting everything on the line,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You get out to a lead, you feel pretty good. You know they're not going to go away.”Indeed, the Royals started their final homestand by taking advantage of what Detroit could not: the bases loaded.The Tigers packed them in the third before Keith grounded out to second to end the threat. But when Kansas City loaded the bases in the bottom half — a leadoff walk from Adam Frazier, a single by Yuli Gurriel and a bunt single from Kyle Isbel — Witt hit a 1-1 pitch what seemed like a mile high and over the left-field wall for his second grand slam of the season.Reese Olson, making his first start since straining his right shoulder July 20 in Toronto, was lifted one batter later, after Salvador Perez blooped a single to right. He allowed four runs, four hits and a walk while throwing 50 pitches.The Tigers still trailed 5-1 in the fifth when they began their comeback, scoring once on Witt's throwing error and twice more when Keith homered to right. And after Witt delivered an RBI single in the bottom half for his 200th hit of the season, Detroit pushed across three more runs in the sixth off Long and John Schreiber to take a 7-6 lead.“We had trouble putting them away from the very beginning. There weren’t a lot of easy outs,” Quatraro said. "You have got to give them credit the way they battled their at-bats and drove (Seth) Lugo’s pitch count up. Then they continued to put good at-bats up. I thought ours were pretty good, too. We just didn’t get the big hits like they did.”The Royals had two aboard with one out in the seventh, and the first two on base in the eighth, but failed to score both times.“That was one of the best games we've played as a team,” Keith said. “I don't think anybody thought that we were out of it."<h2>Roster Moves</h2>Tigers: RHP Ricky Vanasco was optioned to Triple-A Toledo to make space for Olson on the roster. Vanasco pitched two scoreless innings in two appearances with the club, earning his first big league win on Sept. 5 in Oakland.<h2>Trainer's Room</h2>Royals: RHP Chris Stratton, who went on the injured list Saturday, was diagnosed with a Grade-1 flexor strain and will be shut down for at least a week. ... RHP James McArthur left Monday's game after retiring two batters with right elbow tightness.<h2>Up Next</h2>Detroit: RHP Casey Mize (2-6, 4.47) is on the mound against Kansas City for the second game of the series Tuesday night.

⚾ Keith hits 2-run homer as Tigers rally for win over Royals

LIBERAL -&nbsp;
















The Hays High girls’ golf team finished second at the four-team Liberal Redskin Invitational Monday at the Willow Tree Golf Course.
The Indians shot a 396, 51 strokes behind first place Garden City.


Jaycee Oakley led the Indians with an 83 and placed second, four behind Garden City's Brooke Savolt. Ava Erbert finished sixth for Hays with a102, Liz Dreiling placed ninth with a 105 and Kinley Pfannenstiel came in 10th
with a 106.





Hays PostLIBERAL -&nbsp;
















The Hays High girls’ golf team finished second at the four-team Liberal Redskin Invitational Monday at the Willow Tree Golf Course.
The Indians shot a 396, 51 strokes behind first place Garden City.
Jaycee Oakley led the Indians with an 83 and placed second, four behind Garden City's Brooke Savolt. Ava Erbert finished sixth for Hays with a102, Liz Dreiling placed ninth with a 105 and Kinley Pfannenstiel came in 10th
with a 106.

⛳ HHS girls' runner-up in Liberal

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is likely headed to injured reserve after hurting his right ankle in the final minutes of Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals, a person with knowledge of the injury told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because Pacheco was undergoing additional testing, and the team was not prepared to announce the results. Pacheco had X-rays on Sunday night and was still due to have an MRI exam on the ankle.

“I don't have a timeframe on Pacheco,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said on a conference call with reporters later Monday, "but I know it won't be this week, and he'll probably be more than that. So obviously, it's going to take a little bit of time there."

Pacheco was seen leaving Arrowhead Stadium in a walking boot and using crutches, shortly after Harrison Butker kicked a 51-yard field goal with no time remaining to lift the Super Bowl champions to a 26-25 victory over the Bengals. Pacheco was hurt on the first play of that final possession, when he plunged forward into the offensive line and appeared to roll his ankle.

Pacheco, who has been part of the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl championship teams, ran for 45 yards and a touchdown in their season-opening win over Baltimore, and he had 90 yards rushing and a score before leaving Sunday’s game.

“I haven't seen him today but I talked to him twice last night, so I think he's in a better place than he was,” Reid said. “Here's a guy that loves to play the game. He had tears. He was emotional. But you don't ever want to lose it. It's an emotional sport, and that kid — nobody likes to play more than he likes to play.”

The Chiefs, who put wide receiver Marquise Brown on injured reserve last week because of impending shoulder surgery, were already short-handed at running back even before Pacheco hurt his ankle. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on the non-football illness list and must miss two more regular-season games before he can return to the active roster.

Reid said his potential return in Week 5 was among the many factors the team was weighing Monday. Undrafted rookie Carson Steele, who had seven carries for 24 yards but also lost a fumble on Sunday, and Samaje Perine, who signed with Kansas City on Aug. 30 and played just nine snaps against the Bengals, are the only other active running backs.

Keaontay Ingram and Emani Bailey are available on Chiefs' practice squad, or the Chiefs could look at practice squads of other teams for players to sign to their active roster. Deneric Prince, who was with them in camp, is on the Miami practice squad.

“We will go with the guys that we have here now,” Reid said. (General manager Brett) Veach is going through his lists and looking at people, and we'll just see where that goes. But we're blessed to have some good people here."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726523174320.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, right, runs with the ball as Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) defends during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, right, runs with the ball as Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) defends during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer</a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is likely headed to injured reserve after hurting his right ankle in the final minutes of Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals, a person with knowledge of the injury told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because Pacheco was undergoing additional testing, and the team was not prepared to announce the results. Pacheco had X-rays on Sunday night and was still due to have an MRI exam on the ankle.“I don't have a timeframe on Pacheco,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said on a conference call with reporters later Monday, "but I know it won't be this week, and he'll probably be more than that. So obviously, it's going to take a little bit of time there."Pacheco was seen leaving Arrowhead Stadium in a walking boot and using crutches, shortly after Harrison Butker kicked a 51-yard field goal with no time remaining to lift the Super Bowl champions to a 26-25 victory over the Bengals. Pacheco was hurt on the first play of that final possession, when he plunged forward into the offensive line and appeared to roll his ankle.Pacheco, who has been part of the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl championship teams, ran for 45 yards and a touchdown in their season-opening win over Baltimore, and he had 90 yards rushing and a score before leaving Sunday’s game.“I haven't seen him today but I talked to him twice last night, so I think he's in a better place than he was,” Reid said. “Here's a guy that loves to play the game. He had tears. He was emotional. But you don't ever want to lose it. It's an emotional sport, and that kid — nobody likes to play more than he likes to play.”The Chiefs, who put wide receiver Marquise Brown on injured reserve last week because of impending shoulder surgery, were already short-handed at running back even before Pacheco hurt his ankle. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on the non-football illness list and must miss two more regular-season games before he can return to the active roster.Reid said his potential return in Week 5 was among the many factors the team was weighing Monday. Undrafted rookie Carson Steele, who had seven carries for 24 yards but also lost a fumble on Sunday, and Samaje Perine, who signed with Kansas City on Aug. 30 and played just nine snaps against the Bengals, are the only other active running backs.Keaontay Ingram and Emani Bailey are available on Chiefs' practice squad, or the Chiefs could look at practice squads of other teams for players to sign to their active roster. Deneric Prince, who was with them in camp, is on the Miami practice squad.“We will go with the guys that we have here now,” Reid said. (General manager Brett) Veach is going through his lists and looking at people, and we'll just see where that goes. But we're blessed to have some good people here."

🏈Chiefs' Isiah Pacheco likely headed for IR after hurting ankle, AP source says

MANHATTAN, Kan. -&nbsp;Thanks to his 71-yard punt return touchdown to help fuel Kansas State’s 31-7 victory over Arizona, sophomore running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;has been named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

It is the second weekly conference honor in Edwards’ career as he was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Week after his first-career game last season while playing for Colorado. Edwards’ honor this year is the Wildcats’ 64th&nbsp;special teams weekly accolade since 1997 and the third-straight year a Wildcat has been honored for their work on special teams.

With the game tied, 7-7, just six seconds into the second quarter, Edwards fielded a punt on one hop, went left toward the K-State sideline and out-ran the Arizona coverage unit for the score. He became the first K-State running back to record a punt-return touchdown since Darren Sproles took one back 63 yards against Kansas in 2003, while it was the longest by a K-State running back since David Allen had a 74-yarder at Texas in 1999. It was also K-State’s first non-blocked punt-return touchdown since the second game of the 2022 season.

A product of Derby, Kansas, Edwards has recorded four touchdowns on just 22 touches this year with two on the ground, one via a reception and one on a punt return. He is the first Wildcat with a rushing, receiving and return touchdown over the first three games of a season since Deon Murphy did so in 2007. He leads the Big 12 with a 27.0-yard return average this season.

Kansas State, which checks in at No. 13 in this week’s Associated Press Top 25, opens its Big 12 schedule on Saturday night in a 9:30 p.m. (CT) contest at BYU. The game will be shown on ESPN.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726512639248.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. -&nbsp;Thanks to his 71-yard punt return touchdown to help fuel Kansas State’s 31-7 victory over Arizona, sophomore running back&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;has been named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.It is the second weekly conference honor in Edwards’ career as he was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Week after his first-career game last season while playing for Colorado. Edwards’ honor this year is the Wildcats’ 64th&nbsp;special teams weekly accolade since 1997 and the third-straight year a Wildcat has been honored for their work on special teams.With the game tied, 7-7, just six seconds into the second quarter, Edwards fielded a punt on one hop, went left toward the K-State sideline and out-ran the Arizona coverage unit for the score. He became the first K-State running back to record a punt-return touchdown since Darren Sproles took one back 63 yards against Kansas in 2003, while it was the longest by a K-State running back since David Allen had a 74-yarder at Texas in 1999. It was also K-State’s first non-blocked punt-return touchdown since the second game of the 2022 season.A product of Derby, Kansas, Edwards has recorded four touchdowns on just 22 touches this year with two on the ground, one via a reception and one on a punt return. He is the first Wildcat with a rushing, receiving and return touchdown over the first three games of a season since Deon Murphy did so in 2007. He leads the Big 12 with a 27.0-yard return average this season.Kansas State, which checks in at No. 13 in this week’s Associated Press Top 25, opens its Big 12 schedule on Saturday night in a 9:30 p.m. (CT) contest at BYU. The game will be shown on ESPN.

🏈 K-State’s Edwards named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week

🎥🏈 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week TMP vs Norton

🎥🏈 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week HHS vs Wheat Ridge

Monday, September 16 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers, 6:00pm KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom, 6pm

Tuesday, September 17 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers, 6:00pm

Monday, September 16 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers, 6:00pm KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom, 6pmTuesday, September 17 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers, 6:00pmWednesday, September 18 KAYS: Tiger Talk, 12:15pm KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers, 6:00pmThursday, September 19Friday, September 20 KKQY: Hill City FB at Thunder Ridge, 6:15pm * KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants, 6:30pm KFIX: Hays High FB vs. Manhattan, 6:30pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB at Phillipsburg, 6:30pmSaturday, September 21 KAYS: Kansas FB at West Virginia, 9:30am KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants, 5:30pm KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Northeastern State, 6:00pmSunday, September 22 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants, 12:30pm KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons, 6:00pm

Fort Hays State tries for their first 3-0 start since 2017 when they travel to Maryville to take on 0-2 Northwest Missouri State.

Fort Hays State tries for their first 3-0 start since 2017 when they travel to Maryville to take on 0-2 Northwest Missouri State.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind: FB at NW Missouri State (September 14, 2024)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ux8gf-16d504e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-FB at NW Missouri State (Sep. 14, 2024)

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer

DENVER (AP) — Justin Fields and the Pittsburgh Steelers squeaked past the sputtering Denver Broncos 13-6 on Sunday with Russell Wilson reprising his bitter role as sideline spectator in the Mile High City.

Wilson’s much-anticipated return to Denver to face the team that replaced him first with journeyman Jarrett Stidham, then with rookie Bo Nix, fizzled into a footnote when he was relegated to emergency QB status as a strained calf sidelined him for the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JomboyMedia/status/1832869554734645504">second straight week</a>.

That didn't stop Steelers coach Mike Tomlin from giving Wilson a game ball in the victorious visitors locker room.

“It was nice to get him a win,” Fields said of Wilson in his return to Denver.

Fields threw a touchdown pass and finished 13 for 20 for 117 yards with no interceptions to help Pittsburgh (2-0) beat the Broncos (0-2) for the third consecutive time.

“It’s always hard to win in this league, so being able to start out 2-0, with two away games has been great,” said Fields, who won his first start 18-10 at Atlanta in another solid-if-not-spectacular performance. "But we’ve got to be better. We’ve got to stop the penalties, stuff like that. We ought to be better, including me.

“We get that and the way our defense is playing, we get rolling on offense, scoring 28 points-plus, we’ll be in good shape.”

Although Nix threw for 246 yards on 20-of-35 passing, he never found the end zone and was intercepted twice. And like Fields, he was sacked twice.

Broncos icon Peyton Manning often cracks wise about hoping someone comes along and breaks his NFL record of 28 interceptions as a rookie. And with four passes picked off so far, Nix is on pace to do just that.

Nix, who had a pair of turnovers deep in Seattle’s territory in his NFL debut, was intercepted by Cory Trice Jr. in the back of the end zone in the third quarter, squelching Denver's best drive, which featured completions of 26 yards to Courtland Sutton and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1835443140750438834">50 yards</a>&nbsp;to Josh Reynolds that put the Broncos on the Steelers 6.

“That was just a bad decision. Can't do that,” said Nix, who had this to add when asked again to describe what exacly happened: “Yeah, dropped back. Threw it to the other team.”

On Pittsburgh's ensuing drive, Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain II's third penalty of the game — a 37-yard pass interference — set up Chris Bowell for his second field goal, this one from 53 yards, to make it 13-0 late in the third quarter.

The Broncos faced fourth-and-6 from the Pittsburgh 16 when coach Sean Payton decided to send out kicker Wil Lutz for a 35-yard field goal with 10:42 remaining, making it 13-3 and keeping a two-score deficit alive.

Another drive stalled at the Steelers 11 and Lutz was good from 29 yards with 1:54 left. With one timeout remaining, Payton chose to kick it deep rather than declare an onside kick.

The Broncos held but only had 9 seconds left when they got the ball back at their 19 and Damontae Kazee intercepted Nix's final heave as time expired.

Wilson’s tumultuous two-year stint in Denver featured an 11-19 record, a head coach who didn’t make it through his first season in Nathaniel Hackett and a year with Payton, for whom Wilson pined to play earlier in his career but whose pairing imploded during their one season together.

Wilson ended his stint in Denver on the bench and the Broncos released him in March even though their split triggered a record $85 million in dead cap charges over two years. Wilson signed for the veteran’s minimum ($1.21 million) in Pittsburgh, meaning the Broncos are on the hook for $37.79 million of his 2024 salary.

So, the Broncos are paying the price in more ways than one for their split with Wilson. They're trying to move on, but it has been hard.

“We can't let this train continue to roll the way that it's rolling,” said Sutton, who had just one catch. “We have to find a way to put it back on track as quickly as we possibly can.”

Payton is 1-3 since going 7-8 when Wilson was his quarterback. The Broncos' scoring average has dipped from 21.7 points per game with Wilston to 14.0 without him and their offensive output has fallen from 329.7 yards on average to 281.5.

In 20 drives (excluding end of half) under Nix so far, the Broncos have just two field goals and two touchdowns to go with 11 punts, three interceptions and two turnovers on downs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726481326009.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football WriterDENVER (AP) — Justin Fields and the Pittsburgh Steelers squeaked past the sputtering Denver Broncos 13-6 on Sunday with Russell Wilson reprising his bitter role as sideline spectator in the Mile High City.Wilson’s much-anticipated return to Denver to face the team that replaced him first with journeyman Jarrett Stidham, then with rookie Bo Nix, fizzled into a footnote when he was relegated to emergency QB status as a strained calf sidelined him for the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JomboyMedia/status/1832869554734645504">second straight week</a>.That didn't stop Steelers coach Mike Tomlin from giving Wilson a game ball in the victorious visitors locker room.“It was nice to get him a win,” Fields said of Wilson in his return to Denver.Fields threw a touchdown pass and finished 13 for 20 for 117 yards with no interceptions to help Pittsburgh (2-0) beat the Broncos (0-2) for the third consecutive time.“It’s always hard to win in this league, so being able to start out 2-0, with two away games has been great,” said Fields, who won his first start 18-10 at Atlanta in another solid-if-not-spectacular performance. "But we’ve got to be better. We’ve got to stop the penalties, stuff like that. We ought to be better, including me.“We get that and the way our defense is playing, we get rolling on offense, scoring 28 points-plus, we’ll be in good shape.”Although Nix threw for 246 yards on 20-of-35 passing, he never found the end zone and was intercepted twice. And like Fields, he was sacked twice.Broncos icon Peyton Manning often cracks wise about hoping someone comes along and breaks his NFL record of 28 interceptions as a rookie. And with four passes picked off so far, Nix is on pace to do just that.Nix, who had a pair of turnovers deep in Seattle’s territory in his NFL debut, was intercepted by Cory Trice Jr. in the back of the end zone in the third quarter, squelching Denver's best drive, which featured completions of 26 yards to Courtland Sutton and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1835443140750438834">50 yards</a>&nbsp;to Josh Reynolds that put the Broncos on the Steelers 6.“That was just a bad decision. Can't do that,” said Nix, who had this to add when asked again to describe what exacly happened: “Yeah, dropped back. Threw it to the other team.”'Nuff said.On Pittsburgh's ensuing drive, Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain II's third penalty of the game — a 37-yard pass interference — set up Chris Bowell for his second field goal, this one from 53 yards, to make it 13-0 late in the third quarter.The Broncos faced fourth-and-6 from the Pittsburgh 16 when coach Sean Payton decided to send out kicker Wil Lutz for a 35-yard field goal with 10:42 remaining, making it 13-3 and keeping a two-score deficit alive.Another drive stalled at the Steelers 11 and Lutz was good from 29 yards with 1:54 left. With one timeout remaining, Payton chose to kick it deep rather than declare an onside kick.The Broncos held but only had 9 seconds left when they got the ball back at their 19 and Damontae Kazee intercepted Nix's final heave as time expired.Wilson’s tumultuous two-year stint in Denver featured an 11-19 record, a head coach who didn’t make it through his first season in Nathaniel Hackett and a year with Payton, for whom Wilson pined to play earlier in his career but whose pairing imploded during their one season together.Wilson ended his stint in Denver on the bench and the Broncos released him in March even though their split triggered a record $85 million in dead cap charges over two years. Wilson signed for the veteran’s minimum ($1.21 million) in Pittsburgh, meaning the Broncos are on the hook for $37.79 million of his 2024 salary.So, the Broncos are paying the price in more ways than one for their split with Wilson. They're trying to move on, but it has been hard.“We can't let this train continue to roll the way that it's rolling,” said Sutton, who had just one catch. “We have to find a way to put it back on track as quickly as we possibly can.”<h2>Was Russell the problem?</h2>Payton is 1-3 since going 7-8 when Wilson was his quarterback. The Broncos' scoring average has dipped from 21.7 points per game with Wilston to 14.0 without him and their offensive output has fallen from 329.7 yards on average to 281.5.In 20 drives (excluding end of half) under Nix so far, the Broncos have just two field goals and two touchdowns to go with 11 punts, three interceptions and two turnovers on downs.<h2>Injuries</h2>Broncos: DE John Franklin-Myers (concussion), OLB Baron Browning (foot) and special teams ace J.L. Skinner (ankle) all left. ... RT Mike McGlinchey walked to the medical tent after colliding with LT Garett Bolles at the 2-minute warning.Steelers: Their only injury came in the fourth quarter when LB Tyler Matakevich pulled a hamstring.<h2>Up next</h2>Steelers: Host the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.Broncos: Visit Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday.