KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The MIAA launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/sports/2020/10/27/GEN_1027203848.aspx">Fan Information Page</a>&nbsp;on its website to share the campus action plan of each member institution for fans. Action plans allow fans to see what guidelines, restrictions, and accommodations are in place for fans before attending an event on an MIAA campus this winter. MIAA fans can find individual information sheets including instructions for campus visitors as it relates to temperature checks, social distancing policies, fans, visiting fans, specific venue capacity limits, seating areas, masks, parking, concession drink/food changes, and public restrooms. All plans are subject to change. Also included on the fan page is an up-to-date composite schedule of every basketball game in the Association. The schedule will have the new dates of games that have been postponed or rescheduled. As of November 6, 2020, the MIAA has instituted that attendance will be capped at 25 percent of all venue's maximum capacities. Each member may decide to have a lower capacity than that and fans are encouraged to visit the fan page or check with the host institution before traveling to any venue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596047302939.jpeg" alt="Courtesy MIAA" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy MIAA</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The MIAA launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/sports/2020/10/27/GEN_1027203848.aspx">Fan Information Page</a>&nbsp;on its website to share the campus action plan of each member institution for fans. Action plans allow fans to see what guidelines, restrictions, and accommodations are in place for fans before attending an event on an MIAA campus this winter. MIAA fans can find individual information sheets including instructions for campus visitors as it relates to temperature checks, social distancing policies, fans, visiting fans, specific venue capacity limits, seating areas, masks, parking, concession drink/food changes, and public restrooms. All plans are subject to change. Also included on the fan page is an up-to-date composite schedule of every basketball game in the Association. The schedule will have the new dates of games that have been postponed or rescheduled. As of November 6, 2020, the MIAA has instituted that attendance will be capped at 25 percent of all venue's maximum capacities. Each member may decide to have a lower capacity than that and fans are encouraged to visit the fan page or check with the host institution before traveling to any venue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MIAA launches Fan Information Page for venues

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head women's golf coach Jerol DeBoer&nbsp;announced the signing of Andover Central standout Shauna Lee on Friday. Lee was recently selected as the&nbsp;Wichita Eagle&nbsp;All-Metro Player of the Year after her impressive senior season. "I'm really excited that Shauna will be joining our team," said DeBoer. "She has consistently been one of the top high school golfers in the state and has the skills to be in the same spot at the next level. Adding her to the squad will give our team a great chance to compete in the years to come." Lee won seven of her 10 starts and turned in a scoring average of 76.3 as a senior, including her third-career regional championship. A four-time state qualifier, she placed in the top seven at the Kansas Class 5A State Championships each of the last three years. Lee placed 23rd as a freshman, seventh as a sophomore, third as a junior and sixth as a senior. The Andover, Kan. native has been a first team All-State selection each of the last three years after earning second team honors as a freshman. She was on the&nbsp;Wichita Eagle&nbsp;All-Metro team three times in addition to this year's Player of the Year honor. Lee captured one AVCTL II league championship and was a four-time first team all-league selection. She has been named a&nbsp;Best of Kansas Preps&nbsp;Elite All-Star three times. In addition to golf, Lee has earned two letters in track and field. She also excels in the classroom, earning a spot on the principal honor roll all four years and receiving a pair of student of the month accolades.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605287144492.jpeg" alt="Shaune Lee signs letter of intent with FHSU golf. (Courtesy FHSU Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Shaune Lee signs letter of intent with FHSU golf. (Courtesy FHSU Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head women's golf coach Jerol DeBoer&nbsp;announced the signing of Andover Central standout Shauna Lee on Friday. Lee was recently selected as the&nbsp;Wichita Eagle&nbsp;All-Metro Player of the Year after her impressive senior season. "I'm really excited that Shauna will be joining our team," said DeBoer. "She has consistently been one of the top high school golfers in the state and has the skills to be in the same spot at the next level. Adding her to the squad will give our team a great chance to compete in the years to come." Lee won seven of her 10 starts and turned in a scoring average of 76.3 as a senior, including her third-career regional championship. A four-time state qualifier, she placed in the top seven at the Kansas Class 5A State Championships each of the last three years. Lee placed 23rd as a freshman, seventh as a sophomore, third as a junior and sixth as a senior. The Andover, Kan. native has been a first team All-State selection each of the last three years after earning second team honors as a freshman. She was on the&nbsp;Wichita Eagle&nbsp;All-Metro team three times in addition to this year's Player of the Year honor. Lee captured one AVCTL II league championship and was a four-time first team all-league selection. She has been named a&nbsp;Best of Kansas Preps&nbsp;Elite All-Star three times. In addition to golf, Lee has earned two letters in track and field. She also excels in the classroom, earning a spot on the principal honor roll all four years and receiving a pair of student of the month accolades.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏌️‍♀️ Shauna Lee signs with FHSU

It was a clean sweep for Hays High in
the Western Athletic Conference football Players and Coach of the Year Awards.
Junior quarterback Jordan Dale is the Offensive Player of the Year, senior
defensive end Gavin Haselhorst grabbed the defensive honor and Indian coach Tony
Crough is the Coach of the Year after guiding Hays to the WAC title.

Dale passed for 472 yards and rushed for 482 and was tied for the WAC lead with seven rushing touchdowns.

Haselhorst led the WAC with 32 tackles for loss, 19 more than teammate Gavin Meyers and had a conference high six quarterback sacks. The Kansas State signee also caused a conference leading four fumbles.

*Jordan Dale - QB - JR - Hays Dylan Dreiling - RB - JR - Hays Easton Zapien - RB - JR - Liberal Joshua Janas - RB - SR - Garden City Alex Esparza - FBH - SR - Liberal Trey Nuzum - OL - SR - Garden City Elias Moreno - OL - SR - Great Bend Aldo Avalos - OL - JR - Liberal Gavin Nutting - OL - JR - Hays Gavin Jones - TE - SR - Dodge City Matt Friess - WR - SR - Dodge City Jaren Kanak - WR/RB - JR - Hays

*Gaven Haselhorst - DL - SR - Hays Trey Adams - DL - SR - Hays Christian Erives - DL - JR - Dodge City Hunter Huskey - DL - JR - Liberal Alden Knedler - LB - SR - Dodge City Joel Bellows - LB - JR - Garden City Gavin Meyers - LB - JR - Hays Christian Reyes - DB - SR - Garden City Caleb Wiese - DB - SO - Garden City Tucker Veach - DB - SR - Hays Malcolm Wiltshire - DB&nbsp; - SR - Liberal Josh Taylor - DB - SR - Dodge City

Chance Kerr - RB - JR - Dodge City Jaylin Slaten - SB - JR - Liberal Carlos Teran - OL - JR - Dodge City Deshawn Miller - OL - SR - Liberal Christian Flores - OL - SR - Liberal Broc Reed - OL - SR - Great Bend Ronaldo Ramos - OL - SR - Garden City Kaden Whitehurst - OL - JR - Garden City Jason Scott - OL - JR - Great Bend Bryce Salmans - TE - SO - Hays Carson Kieffer - WR - SR - Hays

Carson Spray - DL - SO - Hays Matt Nieman - DL - JR - Great Bend Xavier Soriano - DL - JR - Garden City Terrell Elliott - DL - SR - Garden City Santonio Turner - DL - SR - Dodge City Dalton Dale - LB - JR - Hays Tony Rivero - LB - SR - Liberal Trystian Juarez - LB - JR - Liberal Daniel Sanchez - LB - JR - Dodge City Ty Villaysing - DB - SR - Dodge City Cooper Ramsey - DB - SR - Garden City Kwami Williams - DB - SR - Liberal Brett Orth - DB - SR - Hays

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605269669292.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It was a clean sweep for Hays High in
the Western Athletic Conference football Players and Coach of the Year Awards.
Junior quarterback Jordan Dale is the Offensive Player of the Year, senior
defensive end Gavin Haselhorst grabbed the defensive honor and Indian coach Tony
Crough is the Coach of the Year after guiding Hays to the WAC title.Dale passed for 472 yards and rushed for 482 and was tied for the WAC lead with seven rushing touchdowns.Haselhorst led the WAC with 32 tackles for loss, 19 more than teammate Gavin Meyers and had a conference high six quarterback sacks. The Kansas State signee also caused a conference leading four fumbles.<h2>2020 All-WAC Selections</h2><h2>First-Team Offense</h2>*Jordan Dale - QB - JR - Hays Dylan Dreiling - RB - JR - Hays Easton Zapien - RB - JR - Liberal Joshua Janas - RB - SR - Garden City Alex Esparza - FBH - SR - Liberal Trey Nuzum - OL - SR - Garden City Elias Moreno - OL - SR - Great Bend Aldo Avalos - OL - JR - Liberal Gavin Nutting - OL - JR - Hays Gavin Jones - TE - SR - Dodge City Matt Friess - WR - SR - Dodge City Jaren Kanak - WR/RB - JR - Hays<h2>First-Team Defense</h2>*Gaven Haselhorst - DL - SR - Hays Trey Adams - DL - SR - Hays Christian Erives - DL - JR - Dodge City Hunter Huskey - DL - JR - Liberal Alden Knedler - LB - SR - Dodge City Joel Bellows - LB - JR - Garden City Gavin Meyers - LB - JR - Hays Christian Reyes - DB - SR - Garden City Caleb Wiese - DB - SO - Garden City Tucker Veach - DB - SR - Hays Malcolm Wiltshire - DB&nbsp; - SR - Liberal Josh Taylor - DB - SR - Dodge City<h2>Second-Team Offense</h2>Chance Kerr - RB - JR - Dodge City Jaylin Slaten - SB - JR - Liberal Carlos Teran - OL - JR - Dodge City Deshawn Miller - OL - SR - Liberal Christian Flores - OL - SR - Liberal Broc Reed - OL - SR - Great Bend Ronaldo Ramos - OL - SR - Garden City Kaden Whitehurst - OL - JR - Garden City Jason Scott - OL - JR - Great Bend Bryce Salmans - TE - SO - Hays Carson Kieffer - WR - SR - Hays<h2>Second-Team Defense</h2>Carson Spray - DL - SO - Hays Matt Nieman - DL - JR - Great Bend Xavier Soriano - DL - JR - Garden City Terrell Elliott - DL - SR - Garden City Santonio Turner - DL - SR - Dodge City Dalton Dale - LB - JR - Hays Tony Rivero - LB - SR - Liberal Trystian Juarez - LB - JR - Liberal Daniel Sanchez - LB - JR - Dodge City Ty Villaysing - DB - SR - Dodge City Cooper Ramsey - DB - SR - Garden City Kwami Williams - DB - SR - Liberal Brett Orth - DB - SR - Hays

🏈 HHS dominates All-WAC team

Former FHSU play-by-play voice and current "Voice of the Kansas State Wildcats" visits about his time in Hays calling Tiger games.

Former FHSU play-by-play voice and current "Voice of the Kansas State Wildcats" visits about his time in Hays calling Tiger games.<div><iframe title="Wyatt Thompson" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/hg8pw-f21b36?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=102"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Wyatt Thompson

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head wrestling coach Erik Wince&nbsp;announced the signing of a pair of incoming Tigers on Thursday. Blayze Standley and Devon Weber will join the Tiger wrestling team as freshmen in the fall of 2021. "We are extremely excited to have these two hammers locked in during the early signing period," said Wince. "These guys will come in and have an immediate impact on our program. They believe in the Tiger Wrestling philosophy and share the same goals as our current team members of building this program into a national title contender year in and year out."

Blayze Standley Projected Weight: 174 High School: Columbus High School Hometown: Columbus, Neb. Intended Major: Athletic Training&nbsp; Blayze Standley will join the Tiger roster after an impressive run at Columbus High School in Columbus, Neb. Standley is a three-time state qualifier, finishing as the runner-up at 170 pounds in the Nebraska Class A State Championships as a junior after a fourth-place finish at 170 pounds as a sophomore. He is a two-time district champion in addition to winning a conference championship as a junior. Blayze helped the Discoverers to a runner-up team finish in 2019. Standley enters his senior year with a career record of 112-31, including 64 wins via pin. He posted a record of 22-12 as a freshman, 42-15 as a sophomore and 48-4 as a junior. He was selected to wrestle on the Folkstyle national dual team in 2019. Standley won the Freestyle state championship in 2018 and was runner-up in 2019 in addition to a pair of runner-up finishes in the Greco state championships. He was the Southern Plains Freestyle and Greco champion in 2019 and has been a Fargo Freestyle and Greco Qualifier in both 2018 and 2019. In addition to four wrestling letters, Standley also earned two letters with the football team at Columbus. He was an Academic All-State selection in 2020.

Devon Weber Projected Weight: 125/133 High School: Pratt High School Hometown: Pratt, Kan. Intended Major: General Education with a minor in Business&nbsp; Devon Weber has signed with the Tigers as one of the top wrestlers in the state of Kansas. Weber is a back-to-back State Champion, turning in a record of 79-1 over the last two seasons. He's qualified for the state championships each of the last three years, qualifying at 106 pounds as a freshman before taking home the title at 106 pounds as a sophomore and 113 pounds as a junior. A two-time regional champion, Weber enters his senior season with an overall record of 110-17, including marks of 31-16 as a freshman, 41-0 as a sophomore and 38-1 as a junior. He has been named a&nbsp;Best of Kansas Preps&nbsp;Elite All-Star each of the last two years. His 41-0 record as a sophomore in 2018-19 is the best record in Pratt High School history. In addition to four years of wrestling, he has earned two letters on the Pratt baseball team and three letters playing football.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605209683400.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head wrestling coach Erik Wince&nbsp;announced the signing of a pair of incoming Tigers on Thursday. Blayze Standley and Devon Weber will join the Tiger wrestling team as freshmen in the fall of 2021. "We are extremely excited to have these two hammers locked in during the early signing period," said Wince. "These guys will come in and have an immediate impact on our program. They believe in the Tiger Wrestling philosophy and share the same goals as our current team members of building this program into a national title contender year in and year out." <figure>
 <img src="https://fhsuathletics.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=0&amp;image_path=/images/2020/11/12/Blayze_Standley_Signee.jpg" alt="Blayze Standley" />
 <figcaption>Blayze Standley</figcaption>
 </figure>Blayze Standley Projected Weight: 174 High School: Columbus High School Hometown: Columbus, Neb. Intended Major: Athletic Training&nbsp; Blayze Standley will join the Tiger roster after an impressive run at Columbus High School in Columbus, Neb. Standley is a three-time state qualifier, finishing as the runner-up at 170 pounds in the Nebraska Class A State Championships as a junior after a fourth-place finish at 170 pounds as a sophomore. He is a two-time district champion in addition to winning a conference championship as a junior. Blayze helped the Discoverers to a runner-up team finish in 2019. Standley enters his senior year with a career record of 112-31, including 64 wins via pin. He posted a record of 22-12 as a freshman, 42-15 as a sophomore and 48-4 as a junior. He was selected to wrestle on the Folkstyle national dual team in 2019. Standley won the Freestyle state championship in 2018 and was runner-up in 2019 in addition to a pair of runner-up finishes in the Greco state championships. He was the Southern Plains Freestyle and Greco champion in 2019 and has been a Fargo Freestyle and Greco Qualifier in both 2018 and 2019. In addition to four wrestling letters, Standley also earned two letters with the football team at Columbus. He was an Academic All-State selection in 2020. <figure>
 <img src="https://fhsuathletics.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=0&amp;image_path=/images/2020/11/12/Devon_Weber_Signee.jpg" alt="Devon Weber" />
 <figcaption>Devon Weber</figcaption>
 </figure>Devon Weber Projected Weight: 125/133 High School: Pratt High School Hometown: Pratt, Kan. Intended Major: General Education with a minor in Business&nbsp; Devon Weber has signed with the Tigers as one of the top wrestlers in the state of Kansas. Weber is a back-to-back State Champion, turning in a record of 79-1 over the last two seasons. He's qualified for the state championships each of the last three years, qualifying at 106 pounds as a freshman before taking home the title at 106 pounds as a sophomore and 113 pounds as a junior. A two-time regional champion, Weber enters his senior season with an overall record of 110-17, including marks of 31-16 as a freshman, 41-0 as a sophomore and 38-1 as a junior. He has been named a&nbsp;Best of Kansas Preps&nbsp;Elite All-Star each of the last two years. His 41-0 record as a sophomore in 2018-19 is the best record in Pratt High School history. In addition to four years of wrestling, he has earned two letters on the Pratt baseball team and three letters playing football.

FHSU Athletics

🤼 Tigers add two on Signing Day

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball signed forward KJ Adams to National Letters of Intent KU head coach Bill Self announced Thursday. Adams will be a freshman at KU for the 2021-22 season.

"KJ is a jack of all trades." said Kansas head coach Bill Self. "I think KJ is a big guard that can play inside. He’s definitely strong enough. He’s a physically gifted youngster that can defend the five too. KJ is a guy that can play with the ball in his hands. He can play without the ball. He can be an tremendous physical presence in the game and certainly he is well beyond his years in that regard. I look forward to coaching is versatility" said Self.

As a junior, Adams averaged 22.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists and shot 61.3 percent from the field for the Chaparrals. Under head coach Robert Lucero, Westlake went 33-2 in 2019-20, including 16-0 in district play.

A four-star recruit from Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, Adams (6-foot-7, 200 pounds) is ranked No. 54 by ESPN 100, No. 74 by 247sports.com, and No. 85 by Rivals.com.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball signed forward KJ Adams to National Letters of Intent KU head coach Bill Self announced Thursday. Adams will be a freshman at KU for the 2021-22 season."KJ is a jack of all trades." said Kansas head coach Bill Self. "I think KJ is a big guard that can play inside. He’s definitely strong enough. He’s a physically gifted youngster that can defend the five too. KJ is a guy that can play with the ball in his hands. He can play without the ball. He can be an tremendous physical presence in the game and certainly he is well beyond his years in that regard. I look forward to coaching is versatility" said Self.As a junior, Adams averaged 22.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists and shot 61.3 percent from the field for the Chaparrals. Under head coach Robert Lucero, Westlake went 33-2 in 2019-20, including 16-0 in district play.A four-star recruit from Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, Adams (6-foot-7, 200 pounds) is ranked No. 54 by ESPN 100, No. 74 by 247sports.com, and No. 85 by Rivals.com.Kansas Athletics

🏀 KJ Adams signs with Kansas

&nbsp;HAYS, Kan. - Head Coach Blake Reynolds&nbsp;unveiled his 2021 recruiting class on Thursday with the signing of three high school seniors, all from the state of Kansas. Alexis Hutton from&nbsp;Buhler High School and Olathe West High School teammates Gracen Chaney and&nbsp;Maddie Meehan make up the 2021 class. "Alexis, Gracen and Maddie are all terrific athletes, outstanding students and overall just great people," said Reynolds.&nbsp;"I think all three will be competing for playing time immediately." "To date this is a small class.&nbsp;We only have two&nbsp;seniors this year, and with the COVID waiver&nbsp;allowing redshirt seasons to everyone, we didn't need to bring a lot in. We will have a terrific roster returning next year, and these three will be great additions to an already solid squad. Adding in a few more additions we will announce at a later date, 2021 will be a special year."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alexis Hutton Height: 5-10 Position: Forward High School: Buhler High School Hometown: Hutchinson, Kan. Club Team: Mid-Kansas United&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp; Our first signee is Alexis Hutton from Buhler High School. Alex is a four-sport athlete at BHS, also lettering in&nbsp;track and field, tennis and basketball.&nbsp;She has qualified for state in all four sports, including a third-place finish in soccer her sophomore year, and two top-3 finishes in tennis, including a fourth-place individual place the past two years. In just two years of high school soccer (lost her junior year to COVID), Hutton has scored 39 goals and dished out 21 assists. Hutton has garnered numerous accolades in her four years at Buhler, including first&nbsp;team All-State in 2019, second&nbsp;team All-State in 2018, Buhler High School Female Athlete of the Year (2018-19), All-Star Preps Best of Kansas (2018/2019) and numerous academic accolades as well. Alex will be majoring in nursing at FHSU. She loves her dog, friends, naps and a good show to binge watch!&nbsp;Her high school coach Randall Rank had this to say about her, "I think Alex is a hidden gem. With all of the hard work and dedication she has given to all of her sports, once that is focused towards soccer only she will shine even more. She has the IQ, athletic ability, and skill set.&nbsp;I'm excited to see what her future holds at FHSU."

Why did you choose&nbsp;FHSU? "I chose FHSU because it felt like the perfect fit for me, with a great nursing program and a soccer team that already felt like a family, I knew it was it is where I was meant to be." Coach Reynolds on Hutton: "Alex is from a small high school and a small club, but don't let that fool you. She is big and athletic and has great feet. She's scored a ton of goals in high school, and while this will be a big jump up in competition level for her, I have no doubt she is ready for the challenge and will thrive in our environment here. Her high school coach, Randall Rank, says we got a hidden gem, and that her best days are ahead of her. That's exactly what you want to hear as her next coach."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gracen Chaney Height: 5-7 Position: Defender High School: Olathe West High School Hometown: Olathe, Kan. Club Team: KC Athletics&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our first of two from Olathe West HS is defender Gracen Chaney.&nbsp;Gracen plays for the KC Athletics Premier ECNL-RL team and was a two-time honorable mention all-Sunflower League selection as a freshman and sophomore at Olathe West. Chaney's high school coach Matt Trumpp says, "Gracen is a team leader and four-year starter at OW. Great left-footed player that will make FHSU a better program the second she gets there!" Gracen will major in physical therapy and is a lover of dogs, the lake, carbs and chocolate milk! Why did you choose&nbsp;FHSU? "I choose FHSU because I loved the team and the community." Coach Reynolds on Chaney: "I've known Gracen since her freshman year and had my eye on her for a long time. She has prototypical MIAA defender written all over her.&nbsp;Good size and athleticism, a great left foot and she's absolutely fearless. She has the ability to play as an outside back or as a center-back, and I love that versatility.&nbsp;I think she is a fantastic addition for us and should challenge for a spot very quickly."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Maddison Meehan Height: 5-10 Position: Goalkeeper High School: Olathe West High School Hometown: Lenexa, Kan. Club Team: Blue Valley Showcase '02&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our final signee for the early signing period is goalkeeper Maddison Meehan.&nbsp;Maddie transferred to Olathe West from DeSoto&nbsp;High School in her junior year.&nbsp;Maddie played as a freshman at DeSoto and then sat out her sophomore year while playing for the Development Academy.&nbsp;Her first high school season at OWHS&nbsp;will be this spring. She has twice been a state runner-up with her club team. Maddie is active outside of the field as well, being a NHS Officer, a member of OW Link Crew and an ambassador for Zero Reasons Why campaign in Johnson County. Her high school coach Matt Trumpp had this to say about her, "Maddie is a goalie with great length and instincts. Very good in the air and a competitor that knows how to win at a very high level.&nbsp;Also great with her feet out of the back, a great all-around player." At FHSU, Maddie will major in biology/pre-med.&nbsp;She also coached her little brothers Special Olympics Basketball Team, loves iced coffee and her favorite show on Netflix is Grey's Anatomy. Why did you choose&nbsp;FHSU? "I chose Fort Hays because I loved the team environment and how inviting and approachable the coaches and girls were.&nbsp;Also, I liked the science department a lot when I came to visit." Coach Reynolds on&nbsp;Maddie: "Maddie has all of the tools to be a top-level keeper in the MIAA by the time she graduates.&nbsp;She has great feet, a very solid understanding of the game, and she's obviously very tall, but she also moves really well too. Confidence is key with goalkeepers, and being a freshman keeper is always a lot to ask.&nbsp;She has the tools to compete for the number one&nbsp;spot right away, and it's going to be fun to add her into our group of keepers and see if she's ready."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605195167258.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;HAYS, Kan. - Head Coach Blake Reynolds&nbsp;unveiled his 2021 recruiting class on Thursday with the signing of three high school seniors, all from the state of Kansas. Alexis Hutton from&nbsp;Buhler High School and Olathe West High School teammates Gracen Chaney and&nbsp;Maddie Meehan make up the 2021 class. "Alexis, Gracen and Maddie are all terrific athletes, outstanding students and overall just great people," said Reynolds.&nbsp;"I think all three will be competing for playing time immediately." "To date this is a small class.&nbsp;We only have two&nbsp;seniors this year, and with the COVID waiver&nbsp;allowing redshirt seasons to everyone, we didn't need to bring a lot in. We will have a terrific roster returning next year, and these three will be great additions to an already solid squad. Adding in a few more additions we will announce at a later date, 2021 will be a special year."&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605195549362.jpeg" alt="Alexis Hutton" />
 <figcaption>Alexis Hutton</figcaption>
 </figure>Alexis Hutton Height: 5-10 Position: Forward High School: Buhler High School Hometown: Hutchinson, Kan. Club Team: Mid-Kansas United&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Our first signee is Alexis Hutton from Buhler High School. Alex is a four-sport athlete at BHS, also lettering in&nbsp;track and field, tennis and basketball.&nbsp;She has qualified for state in all four sports, including a third-place finish in soccer her sophomore year, and two top-3 finishes in tennis, including a fourth-place individual place the past two years. In just two years of high school soccer (lost her junior year to COVID), Hutton has scored 39 goals and dished out 21 assists. Hutton has garnered numerous accolades in her four years at Buhler, including first&nbsp;team All-State in 2019, second&nbsp;team All-State in 2018, Buhler High School Female Athlete of the Year (2018-19), All-Star Preps Best of Kansas (2018/2019) and numerous academic accolades as well. Alex will be majoring in nursing at FHSU. She loves her dog, friends, naps and a good show to binge watch!&nbsp;Her high school coach Randall Rank had this to say about her, "I think Alex is a hidden gem. With all of the hard work and dedication she has given to all of her sports, once that is focused towards soccer only she will shine even more. She has the IQ, athletic ability, and skill set.&nbsp;I'm excited to see what her future holds at FHSU."Why did you choose&nbsp;FHSU? "I chose FHSU because it felt like the perfect fit for me, with a great nursing program and a soccer team that already felt like a family, I knew it was it is where I was meant to be." Coach Reynolds on Hutton: "Alex is from a small high school and a small club, but don't let that fool you. She is big and athletic and has great feet. She's scored a ton of goals in high school, and while this will be a big jump up in competition level for her, I have no doubt she is ready for the challenge and will thrive in our environment here. Her high school coach, Randall Rank, says we got a hidden gem, and that her best days are ahead of her. That's exactly what you want to hear as her next coach."&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605195498946.jpeg" alt="Gracen Chaney" />
 <figcaption>Gracen Chaney</figcaption>
 </figure>Gracen Chaney Height: 5-7 Position: Defender High School: Olathe West High School Hometown: Olathe, Kan. Club Team: KC Athletics&nbsp;&nbsp;Our first of two from Olathe West HS is defender Gracen Chaney.&nbsp;Gracen plays for the KC Athletics Premier ECNL-RL team and was a two-time honorable mention all-Sunflower League selection as a freshman and sophomore at Olathe West. Chaney's high school coach Matt Trumpp says, "Gracen is a team leader and four-year starter at OW. Great left-footed player that will make FHSU a better program the second she gets there!" Gracen will major in physical therapy and is a lover of dogs, the lake, carbs and chocolate milk! Why did you choose&nbsp;FHSU? "I choose FHSU because I loved the team and the community." Coach Reynolds on Chaney: "I've known Gracen since her freshman year and had my eye on her for a long time. She has prototypical MIAA defender written all over her.&nbsp;Good size and athleticism, a great left foot and she's absolutely fearless. She has the ability to play as an outside back or as a center-back, and I love that versatility.&nbsp;I think she is a fantastic addition for us and should challenge for a spot very quickly."&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605195443993.jpeg" alt="Madison Meehan" />
 <figcaption>Madison Meehan</figcaption>
 </figure>Maddison Meehan Height: 5-10 Position: Goalkeeper High School: Olathe West High School Hometown: Lenexa, Kan. Club Team: Blue Valley Showcase '02&nbsp;&nbsp;Our final signee for the early signing period is goalkeeper Maddison Meehan.&nbsp;Maddie transferred to Olathe West from DeSoto&nbsp;High School in her junior year.&nbsp;Maddie played as a freshman at DeSoto and then sat out her sophomore year while playing for the Development Academy.&nbsp;Her first high school season at OWHS&nbsp;will be this spring. She has twice been a state runner-up with her club team. Maddie is active outside of the field as well, being a NHS Officer, a member of OW Link Crew and an ambassador for Zero Reasons Why campaign in Johnson County. Her high school coach Matt Trumpp had this to say about her, "Maddie is a goalie with great length and instincts. Very good in the air and a competitor that knows how to win at a very high level.&nbsp;Also great with her feet out of the back, a great all-around player." At FHSU, Maddie will major in biology/pre-med.&nbsp;She also coached her little brothers Special Olympics Basketball Team, loves iced coffee and her favorite show on Netflix is Grey's Anatomy. Why did you choose&nbsp;FHSU? "I chose Fort Hays because I loved the team environment and how inviting and approachable the coaches and girls were.&nbsp;Also, I liked the science department a lot when I came to visit." Coach Reynolds on&nbsp;Maddie: "Maddie has all of the tools to be a top-level keeper in the MIAA by the time she graduates.&nbsp;She has great feet, a very solid understanding of the game, and she's obviously very tall, but she also moves really well too. Confidence is key with goalkeepers, and being a freshman keeper is always a lot to ask.&nbsp;She has the tools to compete for the number one&nbsp;spot right away, and it's going to be fun to add her into our group of keepers and see if she's ready."&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

⚽ FHSU women inks trio on early signing day

CLASS 6A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LAWRENCE
(9-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLATHE
NORTH (7-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DERBY
(6-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; JUNCTION
CITY (8-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SHAWNEE
MISSION NORTHWEST (6-1)

CLASS 5A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA NORTHWEST (8-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MILL VALLEY (6-2) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP CARROLL (7-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MAIZE (9-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KAPAUN MT. CARMEL (8-1)

CLASS 4A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TONGANOXIE (9-1) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP MIEGE (4-4) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MCPHERSON (9-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. JAMES ACADEMY (5-4) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PAOLA (9-1)

CLASS 3A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANDALE (9-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PERRY-LECOMPTON (9-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TOPEKA HAYDEN (7-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SOUTHEAST OF SALINE (9-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA COLLEGIATE (9-1)

CLASS 2A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ROSSVILLE (10-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOISINGTON (10-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NEMAHA CENTRAL (7-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; GARDEN PLAIN (9-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SILVER LAKE (6-2)

CLASS 1A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLPE (9-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CENTRALIA (8-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SMITH CENTER (8-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CONWAY SPRINGS (8-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; INMAN (8-2)

CLASS 8M-I 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CANTON-GALVA (10-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA CO. (10-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MADISON (10-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LITTLE RIVER (8-2) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOXIE (8-1)

CLASS 8M-II 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. FRANCIS (9-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HANOVER (8-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; VICTORIA (10-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LEBO (10-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FRANKFORT (6-1)

CLASS 6A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LAWRENCE
(9-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLATHE
NORTH (7-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DERBY
(6-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; JUNCTION
CITY (8-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SHAWNEE
MISSION NORTHWEST (6-1)CLASS 5A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA NORTHWEST (8-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MILL VALLEY (6-2) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP CARROLL (7-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MAIZE (9-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KAPAUN MT. CARMEL (8-1)CLASS 4A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TONGANOXIE (9-1) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP MIEGE (4-4) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MCPHERSON (9-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. JAMES ACADEMY (5-4) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PAOLA (9-1)CLASS 3A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANDALE (9-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PERRY-LECOMPTON (9-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TOPEKA HAYDEN (7-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SOUTHEAST OF SALINE (9-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA COLLEGIATE (9-1)CLASS 2A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ROSSVILLE (10-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOISINGTON (10-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NEMAHA CENTRAL (7-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; GARDEN PLAIN (9-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SILVER LAKE (6-2)CLASS 1A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLPE (9-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CENTRALIA (8-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SMITH CENTER (8-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CONWAY SPRINGS (8-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; INMAN (8-2)CLASS 8M-I 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CANTON-GALVA (10-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA CO. (10-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MADISON (10-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LITTLE RIVER (8-2) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOXIE (8-1)CLASS 8M-II 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. FRANCIS (9-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HANOVER (8-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; VICTORIA (10-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LEBO (10-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FRANKFORT (6-1)

🏈Kpreps Week 11 rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The MIAA women's basketball head coaches selected Fort Hays State to finish fifth according to the 2020-21 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Tuesday (Nov. 10) by the league office during MIAA Basketball Virtual Media Day Presented By Seigfreid Bingham. It is the ninth-consecutive year the Tigers have been listed in the top five of the preseason ranks, dating back to the 2012-13 edition of the poll.

Fort Hays State was ranked at the top of one coaches ballot, helping the Tigers to 125 points in the voting process. The Tigers were one of four teams to receive a first-place vote. Emporia State topped the poll with 153 points and four first-place votes, with Nebraska-Kearney (146 points, six first-place votes), Central Missouri (143 points, three first-place votes) and Pittsburg State (140 points) rounding out the top four. The Tigers turned in a 23-7 overall record last year and qualified for a third-straight trip to the NCAA Division II Central Region Championship before the cancellation of the event. Fort Hays State finished in a tie for fourth in the MIAA standings, going 13-6 in league play and reaching the MIAA Championship semifinals for the third year in a row. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=884">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;returns eight letterwinners from a year ago, including two starters and one all-conference performer.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5442">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;was named to the All-MIAA third team last year after leading the team with 12.6 points and 4.7 assists per game. Six talented true freshmen round out this year's roster and provide depth at each position on the floor. Hobson, the winningest coach in program history, enters his 13th year at the helm with a record of 260-101, good for a winning percentage of .720. Now in his 29th year as a collegiate head coach, Hobson is 673-207 overall (.765). The Tigers will play conference opponents exclusively throughout the 22-game regular season, including home-and-home matchups against nine schools and a single contest against the remaining four MIAA institutions. Fort Hays State is scheduled to open the season at home against in-state rivals Washburn and Emporia State on November 19 and 21, respectively. The Tigers will then host Kansas State in an exhibition contest on November 25 at 1 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum before returning to league play on the road in December. Fans will be allowed inside the Coliseum in a limited capacity throughout the season. More information on tickets, policies and procedures can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/news/2020/11/3/mens-basketball-basketball-ticket-information-and-protocols-for-2020-21-season-at-gross-coliseum.aspx">HERE</a>. 2020-2021 MIAA Women's Basketball Coaches Preseason Poll 1. Emporia State (4) - 153 points 2. Nebraska-Kearney (6) - 146 points 3. Central Missouri (3) - 143 points 4. Pittsburg State - 140 points 5. Fort Hays State (1) - 125 points 6. Missouri Western - 109 points 7. Central Oklahoma - 104 points 8. Washburn - 79 points 9. Northwest Missouri State - 76 points 10. Missouri Southern - 65 points 11. Newman - 55 points 12. Northeastern State - 37 points 13. Rogers State - 28 points 14. Lincoln - 14 points (First-place votes in parentheses) *Coaches cannot vote for their own team&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605024879537.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The MIAA women's basketball head coaches selected Fort Hays State to finish fifth according to the 2020-21 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Tuesday (Nov. 10) by the league office during MIAA Basketball Virtual Media Day Presented By Seigfreid Bingham. It is the ninth-consecutive year the Tigers have been listed in the top five of the preseason ranks, dating back to the 2012-13 edition of the poll.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/926742154&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-miaa-bkb-media-day" title="FHSU - MIAA BKB Media Day" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU - MIAA BKB Media Day</a></div></div> Fort Hays State was ranked at the top of one coaches ballot, helping the Tigers to 125 points in the voting process. The Tigers were one of four teams to receive a first-place vote. Emporia State topped the poll with 153 points and four first-place votes, with Nebraska-Kearney (146 points, six first-place votes), Central Missouri (143 points, three first-place votes) and Pittsburg State (140 points) rounding out the top four. The Tigers turned in a 23-7 overall record last year and qualified for a third-straight trip to the NCAA Division II Central Region Championship before the cancellation of the event. Fort Hays State finished in a tie for fourth in the MIAA standings, going 13-6 in league play and reaching the MIAA Championship semifinals for the third year in a row. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=884">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;returns eight letterwinners from a year ago, including two starters and one all-conference performer.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5442">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;was named to the All-MIAA third team last year after leading the team with 12.6 points and 4.7 assists per game. Six talented true freshmen round out this year's roster and provide depth at each position on the floor. Hobson, the winningest coach in program history, enters his 13th year at the helm with a record of 260-101, good for a winning percentage of .720. Now in his 29th year as a collegiate head coach, Hobson is 673-207 overall (.765). The Tigers will play conference opponents exclusively throughout the 22-game regular season, including home-and-home matchups against nine schools and a single contest against the remaining four MIAA institutions. Fort Hays State is scheduled to open the season at home against in-state rivals Washburn and Emporia State on November 19 and 21, respectively. The Tigers will then host Kansas State in an exhibition contest on November 25 at 1 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum before returning to league play on the road in December. Fans will be allowed inside the Coliseum in a limited capacity throughout the season. More information on tickets, policies and procedures can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/news/2020/11/3/mens-basketball-basketball-ticket-information-and-protocols-for-2020-21-season-at-gross-coliseum.aspx">HERE</a>. 2020-2021 MIAA Women's Basketball Coaches Preseason Poll 1. Emporia State (4) - 153 points 2. Nebraska-Kearney (6) - 146 points 3. Central Missouri (3) - 143 points 4. Pittsburg State - 140 points 5. Fort Hays State (1) - 125 points 6. Missouri Western - 109 points 7. Central Oklahoma - 104 points 8. Washburn - 79 points 9. Northwest Missouri State - 76 points 10. Missouri Southern - 65 points 11. Newman - 55 points 12. Northeastern State - 37 points 13. Rogers State - 28 points 14. Lincoln - 14 points (First-place votes in parentheses) *Coaches cannot vote for their own team&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 FHSU women's slotted fifth in MIAA Preseason Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released its 2020-21 Preseason Coaches Poll for men's basketball on Tuesday (Nov. 10), as part of MIAA Virtual Media Day presented by Seigfried Bingham. Fort Hays State tied for seventh in the poll with Pittsburg State, both receiving 75 points.

Northwest Missouri State, the defending MIAA regular season and tournament champion from a year ago, tops the poll unanimously with 169 points receiving all 13 first-place votes it can possibly receive. Missouri Southern received the other first place vote, ranked second at 147 points. Coaches cannot vote for their own team. Washburn, Rogers State, Missouri Western, and Central Oklahoma bridge the gap between Fort Hays State and the top two teams in the poll. Rogers State is fourth, but finished second last year, which was their first year of membership with the MIAA. Fort Hays State is coming off a tie for ninth place in the MIAA standings last year. FHSU was 14-14 overall and 7-12 in the MIAA. Unfortunately, the short end of a three-way tiebreak for ninth last year kept FHSU out of the MIAA Tournament. Two of Fort Hays State's starters from last year return, which includes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5315">Jared Vitztum</a>, an All-MIAA selection last year, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5316">Nyjee Wright</a>. They led the Tigers in scoring last year, Vitztum at 14.6 points per game and Wright following with 10 per game. FHSU also has four players that saw time as reserves last year returning to the floor. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=858">Mark Johnson</a>&nbsp;enters his 20th&nbsp;year guiding the Tigers. He is the longest tenured coach in the program's history and the program's all-time wins leader with a career record of 373-186. The Tigers have won three conference titles and made seven NCAA Tournament appearances on his watch. The season opener for FHSU will be on Thursday, November 19 in a home contest against in-state rival Washburn. Both the FHSU men and women have a 22-game MIAA schedule in 2020-21 without any non-conference opponents on the slate. FHSU will allow fans at Gross Memorial Coliseum in a limited capacity this season. More information on tickets, policies, and procedures can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/news/2020/11/3/mens-basketball-basketball-ticket-information-and-protocols-for-2020-21-season-at-gross-coliseum.aspx">HERE</a>. 2020-2021 MIAA Men's Basketball Coaches Preseason Poll 1. Northwest Missouri (13) - 169 points 2. Missouri Southern (1) - 147 points 3. Washburn - 140 points 4. Rogers State - 123 points 5. Missouri Western - 122 points 6. Central Oklahoma - 106 points T7. Fort Hays State - 75 points T7. Pittsburg State - 75 points 9. Lincoln - 67 points 10. Nebraska Kearney - 64 points 11. Central Missouri - 60 points 12. Emporia State - 56 points 13. Northeastern State - 55 points 14. Newman - 17 points *Coaches Cannot Vote For Their Own Team&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605024686010.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released its 2020-21 Preseason Coaches Poll for men's basketball on Tuesday (Nov. 10), as part of MIAA Virtual Media Day presented by Seigfried Bingham. Fort Hays State tied for seventh in the poll with Pittsburg State, both receiving 75 points.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/926742154&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-miaa-bkb-media-day" title="FHSU - MIAA BKB Media Day" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU - MIAA BKB Media Day</a></div></div> Northwest Missouri State, the defending MIAA regular season and tournament champion from a year ago, tops the poll unanimously with 169 points receiving all 13 first-place votes it can possibly receive. Missouri Southern received the other first place vote, ranked second at 147 points. Coaches cannot vote for their own team. Washburn, Rogers State, Missouri Western, and Central Oklahoma bridge the gap between Fort Hays State and the top two teams in the poll. Rogers State is fourth, but finished second last year, which was their first year of membership with the MIAA. Fort Hays State is coming off a tie for ninth place in the MIAA standings last year. FHSU was 14-14 overall and 7-12 in the MIAA. Unfortunately, the short end of a three-way tiebreak for ninth last year kept FHSU out of the MIAA Tournament. Two of Fort Hays State's starters from last year return, which includes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5315">Jared Vitztum</a>, an All-MIAA selection last year, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5316">Nyjee Wright</a>. They led the Tigers in scoring last year, Vitztum at 14.6 points per game and Wright following with 10 per game. FHSU also has four players that saw time as reserves last year returning to the floor. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=858">Mark Johnson</a>&nbsp;enters his 20th&nbsp;year guiding the Tigers. He is the longest tenured coach in the program's history and the program's all-time wins leader with a career record of 373-186. The Tigers have won three conference titles and made seven NCAA Tournament appearances on his watch. The season opener for FHSU will be on Thursday, November 19 in a home contest against in-state rival Washburn. Both the FHSU men and women have a 22-game MIAA schedule in 2020-21 without any non-conference opponents on the slate. FHSU will allow fans at Gross Memorial Coliseum in a limited capacity this season. More information on tickets, policies, and procedures can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/news/2020/11/3/mens-basketball-basketball-ticket-information-and-protocols-for-2020-21-season-at-gross-coliseum.aspx">HERE</a>. 2020-2021 MIAA Men's Basketball Coaches Preseason Poll 1. Northwest Missouri (13) - 169 points 2. Missouri Southern (1) - 147 points 3. Washburn - 140 points 4. Rogers State - 123 points 5. Missouri Western - 122 points 6. Central Oklahoma - 106 points T7. Fort Hays State - 75 points T7. Pittsburg State - 75 points 9. Lincoln - 67 points 10. Nebraska Kearney - 64 points 11. Central Missouri - 60 points 12. Emporia State - 56 points 13. Northeastern State - 55 points 14. Newman - 17 points *Coaches Cannot Vote For Their Own Team&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 FHSU men tabbed 7th in MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;For the eighth-consecutive year Kansas men’s basketball enters the 2020-21 season ranked seventh or higher as KU is No. 6 in the 2020-21 preseason Associated Press poll released Monday. Kansas has been ranked in the Associated Press top 25 for 221 consecutive weeks, which is the longest active streak in the nation. Kansas’s first opponent, Gonzaga, is No. 1 followed by Big 12 foe Baylor at No. 2. Villanova is No. 3, Virginia No. 4 and Iowa No. 5 before KU. &nbsp; Last season, Kansas entered the preseason ranked No. 3 nationally in the Associated Press poll and ended at No. 1 for the fourth time in school history (2020, 2016, 2010, 1997). The Jayhawks were ranked in the AP top 10 for every poll in 2019-20. It is also the 11th time in the last 12 seasons that the Jayhawks have entered the season No. 7 or higher by the AP. Under 18th-year and Hall of Fame head coach Bill Self, this is the 15th time that Kansas enters the season ranked seventh or higher in the Associated Press preseason poll. Historically, the No. 6 ranking marks the 23rd time since the 1992-93 season that Kansas will enter the season seventh or higher. Kansas will play 12&nbsp;regular-season games against teams ranked in the AP top 25, including three in the top five: No. 1 Gonzaga, No. 2 Baylor (twice), No. 10 Kentucky, No. 11 Creighton, No. 12 Tennessee, No. 14 Texas Tech (twice), No. 15 West Virginia (twice) and No. 19 Texas (twice). Kansas returns three starters and nine letter winners from last season’s 28-3 team which won the Big 12 regular-season title going 17-1 in conference play. KU ended the year ranked No. 1 in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches’ polls as the 2019-20 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2020-21 Associated Press Preseason Poll (Nov. 9, 2020) Rank. School (first place votes) – points 1. Gonzaga (28) - 1541 
2. Baylor (24) - 1540 
3. Villanova (11) - 1501 
4. Virginia (1) - 1364 
5. Iowa - 1273 
6. KANSAS - 1221 
7. Wisconsin - 1150 
8. Illinois - 1105 
9. Duke - 1073 0 
10. Kentucky - 1038 
11. Creighton - 922 
12. Tennessee - 919 
13. Michigan State - 820 
14. Texas Tech - 790 
15. West Virginia - 651 
16. North Carolina - 465 
17. Houston - 438 
18. Arizona State - 402 
19. Texas - 380 
20. Oregon - 375 
21. Florida State - 351 
22. UCLA - 336 
23. Ohio State - 270 
24. Rutgers - 190 
25. Michigan - 160

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;For the eighth-consecutive year Kansas men’s basketball enters the 2020-21 season ranked seventh or higher as KU is No. 6 in the 2020-21 preseason Associated Press poll released Monday. Kansas has been ranked in the Associated Press top 25 for 221 consecutive weeks, which is the longest active streak in the nation. Kansas’s first opponent, Gonzaga, is No. 1 followed by Big 12 foe Baylor at No. 2. Villanova is No. 3, Virginia No. 4 and Iowa No. 5 before KU. &nbsp; Last season, Kansas entered the preseason ranked No. 3 nationally in the Associated Press poll and ended at No. 1 for the fourth time in school history (2020, 2016, 2010, 1997). The Jayhawks were ranked in the AP top 10 for every poll in 2019-20. It is also the 11th time in the last 12 seasons that the Jayhawks have entered the season No. 7 or higher by the AP. Under 18th-year and Hall of Fame head coach Bill Self, this is the 15th time that Kansas enters the season ranked seventh or higher in the Associated Press preseason poll. Historically, the No. 6 ranking marks the 23rd time since the 1992-93 season that Kansas will enter the season seventh or higher. Kansas will play 12&nbsp;regular-season games against teams ranked in the AP top 25, including three in the top five: No. 1 Gonzaga, No. 2 Baylor (twice), No. 10 Kentucky, No. 11 Creighton, No. 12 Tennessee, No. 14 Texas Tech (twice), No. 15 West Virginia (twice) and No. 19 Texas (twice). Kansas returns three starters and nine letter winners from last season’s 28-3 team which won the Big 12 regular-season title going 17-1 in conference play. KU ended the year ranked No. 1 in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches’ polls as the 2019-20 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;2020-21 Associated Press Preseason Poll (Nov. 9, 2020) Rank. School (first place votes) – points 1. Gonzaga (28) - 1541 
2. Baylor (24) - 1540 
3. Villanova (11) - 1501 
4. Virginia (1) - 1364 
5. Iowa - 1273 
6. KANSAS - 1221 
7. Wisconsin - 1150 
8. Illinois - 1105 
9. Duke - 1073 0 
10. Kentucky - 1038 
11. Creighton - 922 
12. Tennessee - 919 
13. Michigan State - 820 
14. Texas Tech - 790 
15. West Virginia - 651 
16. North Carolina - 465 
17. Houston - 438 
18. Arizona State - 402 
19. Texas - 380 
20. Oregon - 375 
21. Florida State - 351 
22. UCLA - 336 
23. Ohio State - 270 
24. Rutgers - 190 
25. Michigan - 160 Kansas Athletics

🏀 Kansas No. 6 in Associated Press Preseason Poll

If you missed Saturday's Fort Hays State football replay, we have it here. It's the Tigers 7-6 win at No. 8 Pittsburg State from late September of 2014

If you missed Saturday's Fort Hays State football replay, we have it here. It's the Tigers 7-6 win at No. 8 Pittsburg State from late September of 2014<div><iframe title="FHSU Football Replay: at #8 Pittsburg State (Sep. 27, 2014)" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/v2ijq-f1be65?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=102"></iframe></div>

 🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU FB Replay

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 372 yards and four touchdowns, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill each went over 100 yards receiving, and the Kansas City Chiefs held on to beat Carolina 33-31 on Sunday when Panthers kicker Joey Slye missed a 67-yard field-goal attempt wide right on the final play.

The Chiefs (8-1) were left clinging to the lead when Christian McCaffrey, just back from his ankle injury, scored from a yard out with 1:26 to go. The Panthers’ onside kick was recovered by Kansas City, but they used their three timeouts to get the ball back, and Teddy Bridgewater’s 23-yard pass to Curtis Samuel with 9 seconds remaining gave them hope.

Carolina (3-6) tried to get a bit closer with a pass to McCaffrey, but the incompletion brought on Slye, who had plenty of leg with the wind behind him. His kick dropped just outside the uprights, though, allowing the Chiefs to escape.

Slye also missed a 65-yard attempt late in a 27-24 loss to New Orleans in Week 7.

McCaffrey finished with 18 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown while catching 10 passes for 82 yards and another score. Bridgewater threw for 310 yards and two TDs with Samuel catching nine balls for 105 yards and the other score.

Kelce had 10 catches for 159 yards and Hill had nine for 113 and a pair of scores, helping the pass-happy Chiefs climb out of an early 14-3 hole and head into their bye with a bunch of new milestones and a big surge of momentum.

The win was the 230th for Andy Reid, breaking a tie with Hall of Fame coach Curly Lambeau for fifth most in NFL history. It was the 23rd straight game the Chiefs have scored at least 23 points, breaking their own NFL record, and Mahomes beat Hall of Famer Dan Marino’s mark for fewest games to 100 career touchdown passes. Mahomes did it in 40 games, Marino needed 44.

Panthers coach Matt Rhule said all week that McCaffrey would get a full load if he was able to take the field.

It was clear from the game’s first series that Rhule meant it.

Starting alongside Mike Jones, the Panthers’ workhorse during his six-game absence, McCaffrey carried four times and caught two passes in helping Carolina mount a 75-yard scoring drive. It took nine plays and consumed nearly nine minutes before McCaffrey reached the end zone, keeping the potent Kansas City offense on the sideline.

The Panthers drilled deep into the playbook, too. There was a hook-and-ladder play that set up a field goal late in the first half, and a fake punt that gave Carolina a first down and ultimately led to a touchdown and a 14-3 lead.

The Chiefs probably should have been ready for that one. Not only did the Panthers pull off a fake against the Falcons last week —that was Jeremy Chinn taking a direct snap rather than punter Joseph Charlton throwing to wide receiver Brandon Zylstra on Sunday — but Kansas City also executed a faked punt of their own against the New York Jets in Week 8.

The Panthers still led 17-13 after the teams traded missed field goals to start the second half, but the Chiefs finally hit their offensive stride. Mahomes hit Kelce for a big gain to set up Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s TD catch late in the third quarter, then Hill baffled the Carolina secondary to get wide open for a 28-yard touchdown catch to start the fourth.

Bridgewater answered for Carolina by running for 15 yards on fourth-and-14, a scramble that ended with his cart-wheeling dive for a first down, then taking a quarterback draw 4 yards for a touchdown to get within 26-24 with 10:22 to go.

Rather than kick it deep, though, the Panthers tried an onside kick and recovered it too early. That gave the Chiefs a short field, and a couple of third-down conversions to set up another TD pass to Hill that stretched the lead again.

Panthers: LT Russell Okung (calf) and SS Jeremy Chinn (knee) were inactive. ... McCaffrey appeared to get dinged on the ribs late in the game, though he was still on the field for the plays that mattered.

Chiefs: RT Michell Schwartz (back) and WR Sammy Watkins (hamstring) were inactive. ... DT Taco Charlton left in the first half with an ankle injury. RT Mike Remmers left early in the second with a rib injury.

Panthers: Return home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday.

Chiefs: Off next week before visiting the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 22.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 372 yards and four touchdowns, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill each went over 100 yards receiving, and the Kansas City Chiefs held on to beat Carolina 33-31 on Sunday when Panthers kicker Joey Slye missed a 67-yard field-goal attempt wide right on the final play.The Chiefs (8-1) were left clinging to the lead when Christian McCaffrey, just back from his ankle injury, scored from a yard out with 1:26 to go. The Panthers’ onside kick was recovered by Kansas City, but they used their three timeouts to get the ball back, and Teddy Bridgewater’s 23-yard pass to Curtis Samuel with 9 seconds remaining gave them hope.Carolina (3-6) tried to get a bit closer with a pass to McCaffrey, but the incompletion brought on Slye, who had plenty of leg with the wind behind him. His kick dropped just outside the uprights, though, allowing the Chiefs to escape.Slye also missed a 65-yard attempt late in a 27-24 loss to New Orleans in Week 7.McCaffrey finished with 18 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown while catching 10 passes for 82 yards and another score. Bridgewater threw for 310 yards and two TDs with Samuel catching nine balls for 105 yards and the other score.Kelce had 10 catches for 159 yards and Hill had nine for 113 and a pair of scores, helping the pass-happy Chiefs climb out of an early 14-3 hole and head into their bye with a bunch of new milestones and a big surge of momentum.The win was the 230th for Andy Reid, breaking a tie with Hall of Fame coach Curly Lambeau for fifth most in NFL history. It was the 23rd straight game the Chiefs have scored at least 23 points, breaking their own NFL record, and Mahomes beat Hall of Famer Dan Marino’s mark for fewest games to 100 career touchdown passes. Mahomes did it in 40 games, Marino needed 44.Panthers coach Matt Rhule said all week that McCaffrey would get a full load if he was able to take the field.It was clear from the game’s first series that Rhule meant it.Starting alongside Mike Jones, the Panthers’ workhorse during his six-game absence, McCaffrey carried four times and caught two passes in helping Carolina mount a 75-yard scoring drive. It took nine plays and consumed nearly nine minutes before McCaffrey reached the end zone, keeping the potent Kansas City offense on the sideline.The Panthers drilled deep into the playbook, too. There was a hook-and-ladder play that set up a field goal late in the first half, and a fake punt that gave Carolina a first down and ultimately led to a touchdown and a 14-3 lead.The Chiefs probably should have been ready for that one. Not only did the Panthers pull off a fake against the Falcons last week —that was Jeremy Chinn taking a direct snap rather than punter Joseph Charlton throwing to wide receiver Brandon Zylstra on Sunday — but Kansas City also executed a faked punt of their own against the New York Jets in Week 8.The Panthers still led 17-13 after the teams traded missed field goals to start the second half, but the Chiefs finally hit their offensive stride. Mahomes hit Kelce for a big gain to set up Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s TD catch late in the third quarter, then Hill baffled the Carolina secondary to get wide open for a 28-yard touchdown catch to start the fourth.Bridgewater answered for Carolina by running for 15 yards on fourth-and-14, a scramble that ended with his cart-wheeling dive for a first down, then taking a quarterback draw 4 yards for a touchdown to get within 26-24 with 10:22 to go.Rather than kick it deep, though, the Panthers tried an onside kick and recovered it too early. That gave the Chiefs a short field, and a couple of third-down conversions to set up another TD pass to Hill that stretched the lead again.INJURIESPanthers: LT Russell Okung (calf) and SS Jeremy Chinn (knee) were inactive. ... McCaffrey appeared to get dinged on the ribs late in the game, though he was still on the field for the plays that mattered.Chiefs: RT Michell Schwartz (back) and WR Sammy Watkins (hamstring) were inactive. ... DT Taco Charlton left in the first half with an ankle injury. RT Mike Remmers left early in the second with a rib injury.UP NEXTPanthers: Return home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday.Chiefs: Off next week before visiting the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 22.

🏈 Chiefs escape with win when Panthers FG is wide right

ATLANTA (AP) — Matt Ryan took advantage of Denver’s thin secondary to throw three touchdown passes and the Atlanta Falcons turned back Denver’s bid for a second consecutive comeback to beat the Broncos 34-27 on Sunday.

Ryan completed 25 of 35 passes for 284 yards with one interception. Atlanta (3-6) improved to 3-1 under interim coach Raheem Morris.

Atlanta led Denver (3-5) 20-3 at halftime. Drew Lock, trying to lead another fourth-quarter comeback, threw two touchdown passes and ran for a 10-yard score in the final quarter that made it 34-27. With Atlanta leading by seven points, the Broncos took the ball at their 20 with 44 seconds remaining and no timeouts. Following three incompletions by Lock, a fumbled snap ended the possession.

One week after throwing three fourth-quarter touchdown passes to lead Denver to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-denver-broncos-los-angeles-chargers-football-denver-88d076edfa1f52b157ae50435079bddc">31-30 comeback win</a>&nbsp;over the Chargers, Lock tried to spark another rally. With Atlanta leading 27-6, Lock threw a 20-yard scoring pass to Jerry Jeudy early in the fourth quarter, On Denver’s next possession, Lock was under pressure when he overthrew Jeudy and was intercepted by Ricardo Allen, who returned the ball 20 yards to the Denver 12.

Two plays later, Todd Gurley’s 4-yard scoring run extended Atlanta’s lead to 34-13. Lock answered with a 9-yard scoring pass to Tim Patrick with less than four minutes remaining.

Lock completed 25 of 48 passes for 313 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Denver lacked an effective running game to help Lock. Phillip Lindsay had eight carries for 23 yards.

The Falcons scored on their first four possessions, thriving on Ryan’s ability to find holes in the Broncos’ depleted secondary. Denver’s starting cornerbacks, A.J. Bouye and Bryce Callahan, were held out with a concussion and ankle injury, respectively.

Atlanta converted six of seven third downs in the first half. The offense had no difficulty overcoming the absence of starting receiver Calvin Ridley, who was held out with a mid-foot sprain. The Falcons’ backups moved up to complement Julio Jones.

Olamide Zaccheaus beat Davontae Harris for a 51-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. Zaccheaus made the catch for his first touchdown of the season even though Harris was called for pass interference on the play.

Zaccheaus added a 42-yard catch in the second quarter to set up Ryan’s 9-yard scoring pass to Brandon Powell. It was the first career touchdown for Powell, Atlanta’s top return specialist.

Broncos: TE Albert Okwuegbunam left with a knee injury late in the third quarter and did not return ... TE Noah Fant limped off the field with an ankle injury following a 32-yard catch on Denver’s first possession. After being listed as questionable, Fant returned in the second quarter. OT Demar Dotson also returned in the first half after leaving with a hip injury.

Falcons: Defensive ends Dante Fowler (hamstring) and Takk McKinley (groin) did not play. Ridley missed practice all week with the left foot injury he suffered in the team’s win at Carolina on Oct. 29.

Broncos: Denver will make its first visit to Las Vegas next Sunday.

Falcons: Following their bye, the Falcons play at New Orleans on Nov. 22.

ATLANTA (AP) — Matt Ryan took advantage of Denver’s thin secondary to throw three touchdown passes and the Atlanta Falcons turned back Denver’s bid for a second consecutive comeback to beat the Broncos 34-27 on Sunday.Ryan completed 25 of 35 passes for 284 yards with one interception. Atlanta (3-6) improved to 3-1 under interim coach Raheem Morris.Atlanta led Denver (3-5) 20-3 at halftime. Drew Lock, trying to lead another fourth-quarter comeback, threw two touchdown passes and ran for a 10-yard score in the final quarter that made it 34-27. With Atlanta leading by seven points, the Broncos took the ball at their 20 with 44 seconds remaining and no timeouts. Following three incompletions by Lock, a fumbled snap ended the possession.One week after throwing three fourth-quarter touchdown passes to lead Denver to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-denver-broncos-los-angeles-chargers-football-denver-88d076edfa1f52b157ae50435079bddc">31-30 comeback win</a>&nbsp;over the Chargers, Lock tried to spark another rally. With Atlanta leading 27-6, Lock threw a 20-yard scoring pass to Jerry Jeudy early in the fourth quarter, On Denver’s next possession, Lock was under pressure when he overthrew Jeudy and was intercepted by Ricardo Allen, who returned the ball 20 yards to the Denver 12.Two plays later, Todd Gurley’s 4-yard scoring run extended Atlanta’s lead to 34-13. Lock answered with a 9-yard scoring pass to Tim Patrick with less than four minutes remaining.Lock completed 25 of 48 passes for 313 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Denver lacked an effective running game to help Lock. Phillip Lindsay had eight carries for 23 yards.The Falcons scored on their first four possessions, thriving on Ryan’s ability to find holes in the Broncos’ depleted secondary. Denver’s starting cornerbacks, A.J. Bouye and Bryce Callahan, were held out with a concussion and ankle injury, respectively.Atlanta converted six of seven third downs in the first half. The offense had no difficulty overcoming the absence of starting receiver Calvin Ridley, who was held out with a mid-foot sprain. The Falcons’ backups moved up to complement Julio Jones.Olamide Zaccheaus beat Davontae Harris for a 51-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. Zaccheaus made the catch for his first touchdown of the season even though Harris was called for pass interference on the play.Zaccheaus added a 42-yard catch in the second quarter to set up Ryan’s 9-yard scoring pass to Brandon Powell. It was the first career touchdown for Powell, Atlanta’s top return specialist.INJURIESBroncos: TE Albert Okwuegbunam left with a knee injury late in the third quarter and did not return ... TE Noah Fant limped off the field with an ankle injury following a 32-yard catch on Denver’s first possession. After being listed as questionable, Fant returned in the second quarter. OT Demar Dotson also returned in the first half after leaving with a hip injury.Falcons: Defensive ends Dante Fowler (hamstring) and Takk McKinley (groin) did not play. Ridley missed practice all week with the left foot injury he suffered in the team’s win at Carolina on Oct. 29.UP NEXTBroncos: Denver will make its first visit to Las Vegas next Sunday.Falcons: Following their bye, the Falcons play at New Orleans on Nov. 22.

🏈 Ryan throws 3 TDs as Falcons stop comeback, beat Broncos

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma looks ready to make its usual late-season push.

Rhamondre Stevenson ran for 104 yards and two touchdowns and the 19th-ranked Sooners routed winless Kansas 62-9 on Saturday.

Stevenson, in his second game back from a suspension, also caught four passes for 60 yards.

Spencer Rattler passed for 212 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score to help the Sooners (5-2, 4-2 Big 12) win their fourth straight game. It was Oklahoma’s 22nd consecutive November win dating to 2014.

“We’ve got to continue our climb,” Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said. “We keep getting a little bit better, and that’s what we’ve got to keep doing is just keep getting better a week at a time. I know it sounds boring, but it’s the right recipe.”

The Sooners got a scare when Rattler left briefly in the second quarter with what appeared to be an injury to his left hip. He ran for a touchdown and took a hard shot right after he crossed the goal line.

Rattler returned and played much of the third quarter, but he wasn’t fully himself.

“It was just a little sore,” Riley said. “I think just trying to get through and finish on his throws -- you could tell it was affecting him just a little bit. He was able at the end of his game to kind of get it loosened up and start throwing the ball fine again. He was fine. Had the game not been out of hand, we certainly would have left him in.”

Oklahoma tied a school record with nine sacks. Linebacker Nik Bonitto led the way with three.

“I feel like I played a good game,” Bonitto said. “Got in the backfield a lot, made a couple plays. It was really good to help my defense. I’m just happy we got the win with that.”

Jalon Daniels completed 11 of 31 passes for 115 yards for the Jayhawks (0-7, 0-6), who were held to 246 total yards. Kansas scored its lone touchdown on the final play of the game.

“I felt like we could run the football with them and throw efficiently,” Kansas coach Les Miles said. “Not necessarily deep balls down the field, but efficient throws.”

Miles said his team was hit hard by COVID-19 this week, especially on defense.

The Jayhawks kicked a field goal in the closing seconds of the first half to make it 31-3.

Stevenson’s 29-yard touchdown run in the third quarter increased Oklahoma’s lead to 41-3, and the Sooners cruised from there.

“I still don’t feel like they’re — that we can’t play with them,” Miles said. “I didn’t say we’d beat ’em, but certainly I thought that we would play with them today and give ourselves a chance to beat them late in the game. Nah. It didn’t happen that way.”

Kansas: The Jayhawks had hoped to post a better showing, but it was the third straight game they allowed at least 50 points while losing by at least 30 points.

Oklahoma: The Sooners have their running game in order heading into the critical final stretch of the season. Oklahoma ran for 200 yards after rushing for 213 last Saturday against Texas Tech. Oklahoma scored at least 60 points in two consecutive games for the first time since 2015.

In addition to Bonitto with three sacks, Ronnie Perkins, Marcus Stripling and Isaiah Thomas all had 1 1/2. They hit Daniels for 73 yards in losses.

Daniels limped off the field in the fourth quarter.

“The update is when I walked by him and he says it feels a lot better,” Miles said. “I don’t know to what extent that means. He got hit a lot of times in that game, and we can’t treat our quarterback like that or we won’t have one. That’s a fact.”

Oklahoma intercepted Daniels’ passes twice in the first quarter and harassed him for most of the game.

The Sooners had struggled to force turnovers in their first 1 1/2 seasons under defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. But they forced two against Kansas after forcing three against Texas Tech the previous week.

“We’re just really playing ball right now,” Bonitto said. “Like coach Grinch says, when you do the right technique, when you run to the ball, when you follow that, bottom line -- good things are going to happen. You’re seeing these turnovers start to come in bunches now.”

Oklahoma’s Marvin Mims had his seventh receiving touchdown of the season, tying Mark Andrews and CeeDee Lamb for the school freshman season record. Mims has the most touchdown grabs by a Sooner through the first seven games of a career.

Oklahoma: Hosts Oklahoma State on Nov. 21.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma looks ready to make its usual late-season push.Rhamondre Stevenson ran for 104 yards and two touchdowns and the 19th-ranked Sooners routed winless Kansas 62-9 on Saturday.Stevenson, in his second game back from a suspension, also caught four passes for 60 yards.Spencer Rattler passed for 212 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score to help the Sooners (5-2, 4-2 Big 12) win their fourth straight game. It was Oklahoma’s 22nd consecutive November win dating to 2014.“We’ve got to continue our climb,” Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said. “We keep getting a little bit better, and that’s what we’ve got to keep doing is just keep getting better a week at a time. I know it sounds boring, but it’s the right recipe.”The Sooners got a scare when Rattler left briefly in the second quarter with what appeared to be an injury to his left hip. He ran for a touchdown and took a hard shot right after he crossed the goal line.Rattler returned and played much of the third quarter, but he wasn’t fully himself.“It was just a little sore,” Riley said. “I think just trying to get through and finish on his throws -- you could tell it was affecting him just a little bit. He was able at the end of his game to kind of get it loosened up and start throwing the ball fine again. He was fine. Had the game not been out of hand, we certainly would have left him in.”Oklahoma tied a school record with nine sacks. Linebacker Nik Bonitto led the way with three.“I feel like I played a good game,” Bonitto said. “Got in the backfield a lot, made a couple plays. It was really good to help my defense. I’m just happy we got the win with that.”Jalon Daniels completed 11 of 31 passes for 115 yards for the Jayhawks (0-7, 0-6), who were held to 246 total yards. Kansas scored its lone touchdown on the final play of the game.“I felt like we could run the football with them and throw efficiently,” Kansas coach Les Miles said. “Not necessarily deep balls down the field, but efficient throws.”Miles said his team was hit hard by COVID-19 this week, especially on defense.The Jayhawks kicked a field goal in the closing seconds of the first half to make it 31-3.Stevenson’s 29-yard touchdown run in the third quarter increased Oklahoma’s lead to 41-3, and the Sooners cruised from there.“I still don’t feel like they’re — that we can’t play with them,” Miles said. “I didn’t say we’d beat ’em, but certainly I thought that we would play with them today and give ourselves a chance to beat them late in the game. Nah. It didn’t happen that way.”THE TAKEAWAYKansas: The Jayhawks had hoped to post a better showing, but it was the third straight game they allowed at least 50 points while losing by at least 30 points.Oklahoma: The Sooners have their running game in order heading into the critical final stretch of the season. Oklahoma ran for 200 yards after rushing for 213 last Saturday against Texas Tech. Oklahoma scored at least 60 points in two consecutive games for the first time since 2015.SOONER SACKERSIn addition to Bonitto with three sacks, Ronnie Perkins, Marcus Stripling and Isaiah Thomas all had 1 1/2. They hit Daniels for 73 yards in losses.Daniels limped off the field in the fourth quarter.“The update is when I walked by him and he says it feels a lot better,” Miles said. “I don’t know to what extent that means. He got hit a lot of times in that game, and we can’t treat our quarterback like that or we won’t have one. That’s a fact.”TURNOVERSOklahoma intercepted Daniels’ passes twice in the first quarter and harassed him for most of the game.The Sooners had struggled to force turnovers in their first 1 1/2 seasons under defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. But they forced two against Kansas after forcing three against Texas Tech the previous week.“We’re just really playing ball right now,” Bonitto said. “Like coach Grinch says, when you do the right technique, when you run to the ball, when you follow that, bottom line -- good things are going to happen. You’re seeing these turnovers start to come in bunches now.”RECORD PACEOklahoma’s Marvin Mims had his seventh receiving touchdown of the season, tying Mark Andrews and CeeDee Lamb for the school freshman season record. Mims has the most touchdown grabs by a Sooner through the first seven games of a career.UP NEXTKansas: Hosts Texas on Nov. 21.Oklahoma: Hosts Oklahoma State on Nov. 21.

🏈 Rhamondre Stevenson helps No. 19 Oklahoma rout Kansas

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Oklahoma State was missing so many offensive players to injuries this week that coach Mike Gundy joked he took most of the reps at running back, even though he’s a 53-year-old ex-quarterback who was hardly known for his wheels.

Good thing the Cowboys’ defense showed up against Kansas State.

Jason Taylor II returned a fumble 85 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, and Oklahoma State stopped the Wildcats’ 2-point try that would have tied the game with 2:08 to go, allowing the No. 14 Cowboys to escape with a 20-18 victory Saturday night that kept their Big 12 title hopes alive.

“We don’t ever talk about it,” Gundy said, “but they need the credit this week for fighting through where they were and finding aw ay to win on the road and play this game. It’s extremely difficult when you don’t have your guys practicing, even though they’re some veteran guys. You need to practice.”

Spencer Sanders was held to just 108 yards passing without dynamic wide receiver Tylan Wallace and with running back Chuba Hubbard slowed by an injury. LD Brown helped to pick up the load, running for 110 yards, as Oklahoma State (5-1, 4-1) leaned on a defense that was trampled by Texas a week ago.

“With all the adversity we faced, all the guys out, we just found a way,” Oklahoma State linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga said. “We have a great bond and it’s games like this that define who we are.”

The Wildcats (4-3, 4-2) were forced to try for the tying 2-point conversion after Will Howard’s short TD run because of their odd decision to attempt a 2-point try to stretch a 12-0 lead in the first half. Howard was incomplete on that one, and he never got a pass off on the second — he fumbled the ball as the pocket collapsed around him.

Oklahoma State guided the ensuing onside kick out of bounds and ran some time off the clock before punting back to the Wildcats, but Howard immediately threw an interception with 1:47 to go to seal their fate.

Howard finished with 143 yards passing and a touchdown and 125 yards rushing and another score, but most of the yards both through the air and on the ground came on a couple of big plays. He was just 10 of 21 through the air.

“You’re a true freshman,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said, “and some of those things are going to happen, but you know what? That kid is competing his tail off. He’s a competitor, and he’s continued to improve.”

Heading into the game, everything appeared to portend a big night for Oklahoma State’s offense: Hubbard ran for 296 yards against the Wildcats last season, Sanders threw for a career high 400 yards and four touchdowns last week against the Longhorns, and Kansas State was coming off a 37-10 shellacking at the hands of West Virginia.

The Wildcats dominated the line of scrimmage in the first half, forcing Sanders to continually throw away the ball when they weren’t putting him on his back, and the hobbled Hubbard had a mere three carries for 11 yards at the break.

Kansas State wasn’t exactly lighting it up, either. Blake Lynch kicked a pair of field goals, and it took Howard’s 69-yard run late in the first half to set up a touchdown with 37 seconds left — the score followed by their ill-fated 2-point conversion.

After six first-half punts, Oklahoma State finally got on the board with a field goal. Then the Cowboys forced a three-and-out, and Brown ripped off a 50-yard run to set up Brennan Presley’s easy touchdown jaunt on a jet sweep. And when Alex Hale added another field goal, the Cowboys had a 13-12 lead, their first of the game.

Kansas State was marching for the go-ahead score when Howard had the ball punched out by Israel Antwine and right into Taylor’s waiting hands. The safety, who entered the game because of yet another injury injury to safety Tre Sterling, took off up the Kansas State sideline and was never touched on his decisive TD return.

“We were pretty beat up. We had a number of guys not practice this week on offense and it showed,” Gundy said. “I just told the team I was proud of them. They had their backs against the wall and got a win on the road.”

Oklahoma State won despite gaining just 261 yards on offense and committing six penalties for 65 yards. The biggest reason? The Cowboys didn’t commit a turnover after coughing it up four times against the Longhorns.

Kansas State could have used the steady hand of senior quarterback Skylar Thompson, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury, and tight end Briley Moore, who got hurt last week against the Mountaineers. The offense was never able to get into a rhythm while playing a slew of underclassmen.

Oklahoma State remained in the locker room during the Big 12′s pregame celebration of unity, leaving Kansas State to line up alone along its sideline. In fact, the Cowboys were so late exiting the locker room they barely got 11 players on the field to take the opening kickoff. They promptly went three-and-out on offense.

The Cowboys have a week off before heading to Norman for the Bedlam game against No. 19 Oklahoma on Nov. 21. Kansas State gets the week off before trying to snap its two-game skid at No. 17 Iowa State.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Oklahoma State was missing so many offensive players to injuries this week that coach Mike Gundy joked he took most of the reps at running back, even though he’s a 53-year-old ex-quarterback who was hardly known for his wheels.Good thing the Cowboys’ defense showed up against Kansas State.Jason Taylor II returned a fumble 85 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, and Oklahoma State stopped the Wildcats’ 2-point try that would have tied the game with 2:08 to go, allowing the No. 14 Cowboys to escape with a 20-18 victory Saturday night that kept their Big 12 title hopes alive.“We don’t ever talk about it,” Gundy said, “but they need the credit this week for fighting through where they were and finding aw ay to win on the road and play this game. It’s extremely difficult when you don’t have your guys practicing, even though they’re some veteran guys. You need to practice.”Spencer Sanders was held to just 108 yards passing without dynamic wide receiver Tylan Wallace and with running back Chuba Hubbard slowed by an injury. LD Brown helped to pick up the load, running for 110 yards, as Oklahoma State (5-1, 4-1) leaned on a defense that was trampled by Texas a week ago.“With all the adversity we faced, all the guys out, we just found a way,” Oklahoma State linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga said. “We have a great bond and it’s games like this that define who we are.”The Wildcats (4-3, 4-2) were forced to try for the tying 2-point conversion after Will Howard’s short TD run because of their odd decision to attempt a 2-point try to stretch a 12-0 lead in the first half. Howard was incomplete on that one, and he never got a pass off on the second — he fumbled the ball as the pocket collapsed around him.Oklahoma State guided the ensuing onside kick out of bounds and ran some time off the clock before punting back to the Wildcats, but Howard immediately threw an interception with 1:47 to go to seal their fate.Howard finished with 143 yards passing and a touchdown and 125 yards rushing and another score, but most of the yards both through the air and on the ground came on a couple of big plays. He was just 10 of 21 through the air.“You’re a true freshman,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said, “and some of those things are going to happen, but you know what? That kid is competing his tail off. He’s a competitor, and he’s continued to improve.”Heading into the game, everything appeared to portend a big night for Oklahoma State’s offense: Hubbard ran for 296 yards against the Wildcats last season, Sanders threw for a career high 400 yards and four touchdowns last week against the Longhorns, and Kansas State was coming off a 37-10 shellacking at the hands of West Virginia.So much for that.The Wildcats dominated the line of scrimmage in the first half, forcing Sanders to continually throw away the ball when they weren’t putting him on his back, and the hobbled Hubbard had a mere three carries for 11 yards at the break.Kansas State wasn’t exactly lighting it up, either. Blake Lynch kicked a pair of field goals, and it took Howard’s 69-yard run late in the first half to set up a touchdown with 37 seconds left — the score followed by their ill-fated 2-point conversion.That wound up being a big point.After six first-half punts, Oklahoma State finally got on the board with a field goal. Then the Cowboys forced a three-and-out, and Brown ripped off a 50-yard run to set up Brennan Presley’s easy touchdown jaunt on a jet sweep. And when Alex Hale added another field goal, the Cowboys had a 13-12 lead, their first of the game.Kansas State was marching for the go-ahead score when Howard had the ball punched out by Israel Antwine and right into Taylor’s waiting hands. The safety, who entered the game because of yet another injury injury to safety Tre Sterling, took off up the Kansas State sideline and was never touched on his decisive TD return.“We were pretty beat up. We had a number of guys not practice this week on offense and it showed,” Gundy said. “I just told the team I was proud of them. They had their backs against the wall and got a win on the road.”THE TAKEAWAYOklahoma State won despite gaining just 261 yards on offense and committing six penalties for 65 yards. The biggest reason? The Cowboys didn’t commit a turnover after coughing it up four times against the Longhorns.Kansas State could have used the steady hand of senior quarterback Skylar Thompson, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury, and tight end Briley Moore, who got hurt last week against the Mountaineers. The offense was never able to get into a rhythm while playing a slew of underclassmen.NOT SO UNIFIEDOklahoma State remained in the locker room during the Big 12′s pregame celebration of unity, leaving Kansas State to line up alone along its sideline. In fact, the Cowboys were so late exiting the locker room they barely got 11 players on the field to take the opening kickoff. They promptly went three-and-out on offense.UP NEXTThe Cowboys have a week off before heading to Norman for the Bedlam game against No. 19 Oklahoma on Nov. 21. Kansas State gets the week off before trying to snap its two-game skid at No. 17 Iowa State.

🏈 No. 14 Oklahoma State holds off Kansas State

Click <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS">here</a> to listen to listen to our rebroadcast of the Tigers game at No. 8 Pittsburg State from September 27, 2014.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599147189164.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS">here</a> to listen to listen to our rebroadcast of the Tigers game at No. 8 Pittsburg State from September 27, 2014.The rebroadcast begins at 2 p.m.

📻Listen to FHSU Football Replay

Listen as "Voice of the Chiefs" Mitch Holthus recaps the Chiefs lopsided win over the Jets and previews Sunday's home game with the Carolina Panthers.

The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday's at 8 a.m. on your for Chiefs football, 96.9, KFIX.

Listen as "Voice of the Chiefs" Mitch Holthus recaps the Chiefs lopsided win over the Jets and previews Sunday's home game with the Carolina Panthers.The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday's at 8 a.m. on your for Chiefs football, 96.9, KFIX.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/924457132%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-TbHlxx7n7EM&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/holthus-hotline-110720/s-TbHlxx7n7EM" title="Holthus Hotline 110720" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Holthus Hotline 110720</a></div></div>

🎧 Holthus Hotline with ‘Voice of the Chiefs’ Mitch Holthus

VICTORIA - Jayvon Pruitt rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns and had a touchdown catch to lead the Victoria Knights to a 50-0 win over Sylvan-Lucas Friday in the second-round of the 8-Man Division II Playoffs.

Pruitt scored on runs of two, 21 and 65 yards and caught a 13-yard TD pass from Grant Schoenrock as the Knights advance to next Friday's Sectional round.

As impressive as the Knights offense was, their defense was equally good, holding the Mustangs (7-3) to 72 yards and not allowing them past mid-field until late in the game. 

Victoria (10-0) forced three 3-and-outs and had three fourth down stops. The Mustangs were 1-for-9 on third down and 1-for-5 on fourth down.

The Mustangs first possession into Victoria territory ended with a Lucas Klein interception. Pruitt then scampered 65 yards for a touchdown on Victoria's next play to make the score 50-0.

Seth Schwien ended the Mustangs best scoring threat with an interception in the back of the endzone on what proved to be the final play of the game, preserving the Knights third shutout in the last four games.

Knights quarterback Grant Schoenrock went 2-for-7 through the air for 33 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He rushed for 52 yards and two scores. One of them from 36 yards out to cap the Knights first possession of the game. He also scored on a one-yard run with just under five minutes to play.

Following the 13-yard touchdown pass to Pruitt to put the Victoria up 20-0, Schoenrock ripped the ball away from Geriun Boor on the ensuing kickoff and returned it 40-yards for a touchdown.

The Knights will play at Wheatland-Grinnell next Friday after the Thunderhawks (8-2) defeated South Central 36-26 in Coldwater.

You can hear that game on KJLS (103.3-FM)

VICTORIA - Jayvon Pruitt rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns and had a touchdown catch to lead the Victoria Knights to a 50-0 win over Sylvan-Lucas Friday in the second-round of the 8-Man Division II Playoffs.Pruitt scored on runs of two, 21 and 65 yards and caught a 13-yard TD pass from Grant Schoenrock as the Knights advance to next Friday's Sectional round.As impressive as the Knights offense was, their defense was equally good, holding the Mustangs (7-3) to 72 yards and not allowing them past mid-field until late in the game. Victoria (10-0) forced three 3-and-outs and had three fourth down stops. The Mustangs were 1-for-9 on third down and 1-for-5 on fourth down.The Mustangs first possession into Victoria territory ended with a Lucas Klein interception. Pruitt then scampered 65 yards for a touchdown on Victoria's next play to make the score 50-0.Seth Schwien ended the Mustangs best scoring threat with an interception in the back of the endzone on what proved to be the final play of the game, preserving the Knights third shutout in the last four games.Knights quarterback Grant Schoenrock went 2-for-7 through the air for 33 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He rushed for 52 yards and two scores. One of them from 36 yards out to cap the Knights first possession of the game. He also scored on a one-yard run with just under five minutes to play.Following the 13-yard touchdown pass to Pruitt to put the Victoria up 20-0, Schoenrock ripped the ball away from Geriun Boor on the ensuing kickoff and returned it 40-yards for a touchdown.The Knights will play at Wheatland-Grinnell next Friday after the Thunderhawks (8-2) defeated South Central 36-26 in Coldwater.You can hear that game on KJLS (103.3-FM)

🏈 Victoria cruises past Sylvan-Lucas in 8-Man II Playoffs

Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. announced tonight that Royals left fielder Alex Gordon has been named the American League Rawlings Platinum Glove winner for 2020. This is the second time he’s been named the league’s top defender, also earning the honor in 2014. The Rawlings Platinum Glove Award was established in 2011 to provide fans to opportunity to vote for the best defensive player at any position in each league. In 2013, a new sabermetric component from the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award's new presenting sponsor, the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) and its new SABR Defensive Index™ (SDI™) joined the international fan vote to determine the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award winners from each league. The SDI's ability to accurately compare players from different positions helped establish the "science" behind the evolving Award platform. In the 10 years that a Rawlings Platinum Glove had been awarded, Gordon is the only outfielder to earn the honor twice. Infielders Nolan Arenado (2017-19), Matt Chapman (2018-19), Adrian Beltre (2011-12) and catcher Yadier Molina (2011-12, 2014-15) have also earned multiple Rawlings Platinum Gloves. Gordon, who announced his retirement in September following a 14-year Major League career—all with Kansas City—was named a Rawlings Gold Glove winner earlier this week for the eighth time, matching Frank White (1977-82, 1986-87) for the most in Royals history. Kansas City Royals

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604714370718.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. announced tonight that Royals left fielder Alex Gordon has been named the American League Rawlings Platinum Glove winner for 2020. This is the second time he’s been named the league’s top defender, also earning the honor in 2014. The Rawlings Platinum Glove Award was established in 2011 to provide fans to opportunity to vote for the best defensive player at any position in each league. In 2013, a new sabermetric component from the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award's new presenting sponsor, the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) and its new SABR Defensive Index™ (SDI™) joined the international fan vote to determine the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award winners from each league. The SDI's ability to accurately compare players from different positions helped establish the "science" behind the evolving Award platform. In the 10 years that a Rawlings Platinum Glove had been awarded, Gordon is the only outfielder to earn the honor twice. Infielders Nolan Arenado (2017-19), Matt Chapman (2018-19), Adrian Beltre (2011-12) and catcher Yadier Molina (2011-12, 2014-15) have also earned multiple Rawlings Platinum Gloves. Gordon, who announced his retirement in September following a 14-year Major League career—all with Kansas City—was named a Rawlings Gold Glove winner earlier this week for the eighth time, matching Frank White (1977-82, 1986-87) for the most in Royals history. Kansas City Royals<figure>
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⚾ Alex Gordon named Rawlings Platinum Glove winner

The Fort Hays State wrestling team is ranked eighth in the preseason FloWrestling&nbsp;NCAA Division II rankings, released Tuesday (Nov. 3). The Tigers totaled 39 points in the polling process, with four individuals nationally ranked. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5398">Mason Turner</a>&nbsp;was ranked second at 125 pounds. The Kansas City, Kan. native was selected as an NWCA All-American last year after qualifying for the National Championships. Turner finished last season 16-5 overall and placed second at the Super Region IV Championships. Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;was listed sixth at 165 pounds, however Verhaeghe is projected to wrestle at 174 pounds again this season for the Tigers. The Bucyrus, Kan. native qualified for the National Championships a year ago at 174 pounds after finishing as the runner-up at the Super Region IV Championships. He turned in an overall record of 28-12 as a junior, including a 20-8 mark against DII opponents. Verhaeghe was named the MIAA Dual Meet Champion at 174 pounds as a junior after going 2-1 in league duals. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;opens the year as the ninth-ranked wrestler at 184 pounds. The junior is the third returning Tiger who qualified for the National Championships a year ago after coming out on top in the third-place match at the Super Region IV Championships. He finished his sophomore campaign with a record of 28-9, including wins at the Swede Open, the Bob Smith Open and the RWC-Jet Invite. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;enters his senior year as the eighth-ranked wrestler at 285 pounds. Cooper led the Tigers in wins a year ago, turning in an overall record of 36-11. He won 30 of his 38 matches against DII opponents, including wins at the Swede Open and the RWC-Jet Invite. He finished the year 10-2 in dual action and was the MIAA Dual Runner-Up after going 3-1 in league duals. In addition to the four ranked wrestlers, this year's squad returns 15 other wrestlers from last season's team that placed fourth at the Super Region IV Championships. The Tigers also added six true freshman to the lineup for the 2020-21 season. A schedule for the 2020-21 season is yet to be finalized and will be announced and posted on fhsuathletics.com at a later date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604725260672.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Fort Hays State wrestling team is ranked eighth in the preseason FloWrestling&nbsp;NCAA Division II rankings, released Tuesday (Nov. 3). The Tigers totaled 39 points in the polling process, with four individuals nationally ranked. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5398">Mason Turner</a>&nbsp;was ranked second at 125 pounds. The Kansas City, Kan. native was selected as an NWCA All-American last year after qualifying for the National Championships. Turner finished last season 16-5 overall and placed second at the Super Region IV Championships. Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;was listed sixth at 165 pounds, however Verhaeghe is projected to wrestle at 174 pounds again this season for the Tigers. The Bucyrus, Kan. native qualified for the National Championships a year ago at 174 pounds after finishing as the runner-up at the Super Region IV Championships. He turned in an overall record of 28-12 as a junior, including a 20-8 mark against DII opponents. Verhaeghe was named the MIAA Dual Meet Champion at 174 pounds as a junior after going 2-1 in league duals. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;opens the year as the ninth-ranked wrestler at 184 pounds. The junior is the third returning Tiger who qualified for the National Championships a year ago after coming out on top in the third-place match at the Super Region IV Championships. He finished his sophomore campaign with a record of 28-9, including wins at the Swede Open, the Bob Smith Open and the RWC-Jet Invite. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;enters his senior year as the eighth-ranked wrestler at 285 pounds. Cooper led the Tigers in wins a year ago, turning in an overall record of 36-11. He won 30 of his 38 matches against DII opponents, including wins at the Swede Open and the RWC-Jet Invite. He finished the year 10-2 in dual action and was the MIAA Dual Runner-Up after going 3-1 in league duals. In addition to the four ranked wrestlers, this year's squad returns 15 other wrestlers from last season's team that placed fourth at the Super Region IV Championships. The Tigers also added six true freshman to the lineup for the 2020-21 season. A schedule for the 2020-21 season is yet to be finalized and will be announced and posted on fhsuathletics.com at a later date.FHSU Athletics

🤼 FHSU ranked eighth in FloWrestling preseason poll, four individuals ranked

TOPEKA - TMP-Marian
junior Kassidi Yost and Victoria junior Kassi Weber have been named to their respective state all-tournament team by the Kansas Volleyball Association. 

Yost was named to the Class 3A team and Weber the Class 1A Division team.

The Monarchs lost in the state quarterfinals to Goodland while the Knights lost to eventual state champ Central Plains.

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Eagle/Downloads/2020%20KVA%20State%20All%20Tournament%20Teams.pdf">2020 KVA State All-Tournament Teams</a>

CLASS 3A 2020 STATE ALL
TOURNAMENT TEAM Alex Coopman 6’1” MB
SR West Franklin Ainsley Corwine 5’7” S SR West Franklin Bri Franklin 5’10”
MB SR Smoky Valley Emily Krebs 5’5” S JR Sabetha Olivia Lehman 5’10” S/OPP
SO Goodland Leah Renyer 5’9” OH SR Sabetha Melinna Schumann 5’8” OH SR Sabetha
 Abby Rose 6’0” MB JR Smoky Valley Kylee Scheer * 5’8” RS SR Cheney Talexa Weeter 5’9” OH SO Goodland Camryn Wessel 5’9” MB SR Sabetha Kassidi Yost 5’8” S JR TMP-Marian FIRST Sabetha SECOND Smoky Valley THIRD West
Franklin FOURTH Goodland * indicates selected in previous year(s)

CLASS 1A Division 1 2020
STATE ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM&nbsp; Ryenne Cunningham *
5’9” MB SR Central Plains/Wilson Avery Deters * 5’7” OH JR Centralia Presli
Harts 5’11” MB SO Pratt-Skyline Brooklyn Jones 5’8” OH/MB SO Lebo Payton
Meyer 5’5” S JR St. John-Hudson Kassidy Nixon * 5’8” MB/S JR Central
Plains/Wilson Lexi Oeser 5’7” OH SR Central Plains/Wilson Abby Peek 5’4”
S/OH JR Lebo Demi Schrader 5’10” OH/RH SR Lebo Darby Smith 5’10” MB JR St.
John-Hudson Riley Thompson 5’6” S/OPP JR Central Plains/Wilson Kassi
Weber 5’8” OH JR Victoria FIRST Central Plains/Wilson SECOND Lebo THIRD St.
John-Hudson FOURTH Pratt-Skyline * indicates selected in previous year(s)

CLASS 1A Division 2 2020
STATE ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM&nbsp; Ceegan Atkins 5’9” OH
SO Hanover Avery Behrends 5’4” S JR Hanover Maddie Boman 5’6” RS SR Central
Christian Madison Bruna 5’9” MB JR Hanover Sam Dark 5’5” S/OH SR Attica Allison Jueneman 5’6” OH JR Hanover Tamara Lozoya 5’5” S/OH/MB JR Attica Mia Morrow 5’4” OH JR Saint Francis Kyrah Peters 5’7” OH JR Linn Kayleigh
Rausch 5’6” MB SR Attica Livia Schultz 5’10” OH JR Wheatland-Grinnell Sami Ransey 5’11” OH JR Central Christian FIRST Hanover SECOND Attica THIRD
Central Christian FOURTH Wheatland-Grinnell * indicates selected in previous
year(s)

TOPEKA - TMP-Marian
junior Kassidi Yost and Victoria junior Kassi Weber have been named to their respective state all-tournament team by the Kansas Volleyball Association. Yost was named to the Class 3A team and Weber the Class 1A Division team.The Monarchs lost in the state quarterfinals to Goodland while the Knights lost to eventual state champ Central Plains.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Eagle/Downloads/2020%20KVA%20State%20All%20Tournament%20Teams.pdf">2020 KVA State All-Tournament Teams</a>CLASS 3A 2020 STATE ALL
TOURNAMENT TEAM Alex Coopman 6’1” MB
SR West Franklin Ainsley Corwine 5’7” S SR West Franklin Bri Franklin 5’10”
MB SR Smoky Valley Emily Krebs 5’5” S JR Sabetha Olivia Lehman 5’10” S/OPP
SO Goodland Leah Renyer 5’9” OH SR Sabetha Melinna Schumann 5’8” OH SR Sabetha
 Abby Rose 6’0” MB JR Smoky Valley Kylee Scheer * 5’8” RS SR Cheney Talexa Weeter 5’9” OH SO Goodland Camryn Wessel 5’9” MB SR Sabetha Kassidi Yost 5’8” S JR TMP-Marian FIRST Sabetha SECOND Smoky Valley THIRD West
Franklin FOURTH Goodland * indicates selected in previous year(s)CLASS 1A Division 1 2020
STATE ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM&nbsp; Ryenne Cunningham *
5’9” MB SR Central Plains/Wilson Avery Deters * 5’7” OH JR Centralia Presli
Harts 5’11” MB SO Pratt-Skyline Brooklyn Jones 5’8” OH/MB SO Lebo Payton
Meyer 5’5” S JR St. John-Hudson Kassidy Nixon * 5’8” MB/S JR Central
Plains/Wilson Lexi Oeser 5’7” OH SR Central Plains/Wilson Abby Peek 5’4”
S/OH JR Lebo Demi Schrader 5’10” OH/RH SR Lebo Darby Smith 5’10” MB JR St.
John-Hudson Riley Thompson 5’6” S/OPP JR Central Plains/Wilson Kassi
Weber 5’8” OH JR Victoria FIRST Central Plains/Wilson SECOND Lebo THIRD St.
John-Hudson FOURTH Pratt-Skyline * indicates selected in previous year(s)CLASS 1A Division 2 2020
STATE ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM&nbsp; Ceegan Atkins 5’9” OH
SO Hanover Avery Behrends 5’4” S JR Hanover Maddie Boman 5’6” RS SR Central
Christian Madison Bruna 5’9” MB JR Hanover Sam Dark 5’5” S/OH SR Attica Allison Jueneman 5’6” OH JR Hanover Tamara Lozoya 5’5” S/OH/MB JR Attica Mia Morrow 5’4” OH JR Saint Francis Kyrah Peters 5’7” OH JR Linn Kayleigh
Rausch 5’6” MB SR Attica Livia Schultz 5’10” OH JR Wheatland-Grinnell Sami Ransey 5’11” OH JR Central Christian FIRST Hanover SECOND Attica THIRD
Central Christian FOURTH Wheatland-Grinnell * indicates selected in previous
year(s)

🏐 TMP's Yost, Victoria's Weber named to state all-tourney teams

Louisville Slugger and MLB Network announced tonight that Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez has been named an American League Silver Slugger™ Award winner for 2020. This marks Perez’s third such honor (also 2016, 2018), joining Hall of Famer George Brett as the only other Royal to garner three Silver Slugger Awards (which were established in 1980). He also becomes the 12th Major League catcher to earn the award three times or more and first since Joe Mauer (2006, 2008-10, 2013). Perez, who is also a six-time All-Star and a five-time Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner, set career highs in batting average (.333) and slugging percentage (.633) in 2020, and despite playing in just 37 of 60 games, led the Royals in homers (11) and go-ahead RBI (8), while ranking second in RBI (32) and extra-base hits (23). His 11 home runs were tied for third most in Major League history by a player who appeared in 37 games or fewer, trailing only Frank Thomas (12 HR in 34 games) in 2005 (when he battled multiple injuries) and Ted Williams (13 HR in 37 games) in 1953 (when he missed most of the season after serving in the Korean War). All 11 of his home runs came as a catcher, matching JT Realmuto for the most in the Majors as a catcher this season, while Perez’s batting average (.348), slugging percentage (.681) and OPS (1.048) as a catcher were all tops in the Majors (min. 100 AB). Perez returned to the Royals after missing the entire 2019 season due to “Tommy John surgery” on March 6, 2019. He was on the Injured List this season from Aug. 21-Sept. 11 due to swelling in his left eye. From the time of his return to the end of the season, he ranked tied for second in the Majors in RBI (20), extra-base hits (13) and total bases (50), was third in slugging (.806) and tied for third in homers (7). He led the Majors in batting average (.451, 23-for-51) from Sept. 11-24.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604621547087.jpeg" alt="Royals Perez wins 3rd Silver Slugger Award" />
 <figcaption>Royals Perez wins 3rd Silver Slugger Award</figcaption>
 </figure>Louisville Slugger and MLB Network announced tonight that Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez has been named an American League Silver Slugger™ Award winner for 2020. This marks Perez’s third such honor (also 2016, 2018), joining Hall of Famer George Brett as the only other Royal to garner three Silver Slugger Awards (which were established in 1980). He also becomes the 12th Major League catcher to earn the award three times or more and first since Joe Mauer (2006, 2008-10, 2013). Perez, who is also a six-time All-Star and a five-time Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner, set career highs in batting average (.333) and slugging percentage (.633) in 2020, and despite playing in just 37 of 60 games, led the Royals in homers (11) and go-ahead RBI (8), while ranking second in RBI (32) and extra-base hits (23). His 11 home runs were tied for third most in Major League history by a player who appeared in 37 games or fewer, trailing only Frank Thomas (12 HR in 34 games) in 2005 (when he battled multiple injuries) and Ted Williams (13 HR in 37 games) in 1953 (when he missed most of the season after serving in the Korean War). All 11 of his home runs came as a catcher, matching JT Realmuto for the most in the Majors as a catcher this season, while Perez’s batting average (.348), slugging percentage (.681) and OPS (1.048) as a catcher were all tops in the Majors (min. 100 AB). Perez returned to the Royals after missing the entire 2019 season due to “Tommy John surgery” on March 6, 2019. He was on the Injured List this season from Aug. 21-Sept. 11 due to swelling in his left eye. From the time of his return to the end of the season, he ranked tied for second in the Majors in RBI (20), extra-base hits (13) and total bases (50), was third in slugging (.806) and tied for third in homers (7). He led the Majors in batting average (.451, 23-for-51) from Sept. 11-24.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas City Royals

⚾ Royals Perez selected a Louisville Silver Slugger

HAYS, Kan. - Gross Memorial Coliseum will be the site of a rare occurrence in college basketball during Thanksgiving week when the Kansas State women's team travels to Hays for an exhibition game with Fort Hays State. The contest will be played on Wednesday, November 25 at 1 p.m. Ticket information for the exhibition will be announced in the near future. FHSU will continue to follow the reduced capacity threshold it put in place for home games this season&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/news/2020/11/3/mens-basketball-basketball-ticket-information-and-protocols-for-2020-21-season-at-gross-coliseum.aspx">(more info here)</a>. The exhibition will take place after the first two games of the regular season for FHSU. It marks the first game in Hays between FHSU and K-State since February 16, 1976, when both schools were members of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW). Eventually the programs became members of the NCAA and NAIA in 1981-82, with K-State going to NCAA Division I and Fort Hays State moving to the NAIA. Fort Hays State made the transition to membership with NCAA Division II in 1991-92. This will mark the seventh exhibition between the programs going back to 2009. All of the previous exhibitions have been at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan. The programs have met the last three seasons with K-State taking all of those contests, though the last two meetings were interesting late. Two seasons ago, Fort Hays State had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final seconds, but a blocked shot secured a 48-46 win for K-State. Last season, Fort Hays State trimmed a K-State lead down to three points early in the fourth quarter before K-State ended the game on a 24-9 run. The Mittie family provides an intriguing connection in this recent exhibition history with the Wildcats. Fort Hays State senior guard Madison Mittie is the daughter of K-State head coach Jeff Mittie. This year, K-State will get the opportunity to play on Madison's home court, something not often seen in today's NCAA structure with a Division I program traveling to a Division II site. However, Gross Memorial Coliseum is a great basketball venue,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/news/2018/1/23/mens-basketball-gross-memorial-coliseum-named-one-of-best-basketball-arenas-in-division-ii-by-ncaa-com.aspx">voted one of the best in NCAA Division II</a>, which will present a great atmosphere for this unique event. Keep an eye on fhsuathletics.com in the coming days for further information on this contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604617613107.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. - Gross Memorial Coliseum will be the site of a rare occurrence in college basketball during Thanksgiving week when the Kansas State women's team travels to Hays for an exhibition game with Fort Hays State. The contest will be played on Wednesday, November 25 at 1 p.m. Ticket information for the exhibition will be announced in the near future. FHSU will continue to follow the reduced capacity threshold it put in place for home games this season&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/news/2020/11/3/mens-basketball-basketball-ticket-information-and-protocols-for-2020-21-season-at-gross-coliseum.aspx">(more info here)</a>. The exhibition will take place after the first two games of the regular season for FHSU. It marks the first game in Hays between FHSU and K-State since February 16, 1976, when both schools were members of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW). Eventually the programs became members of the NCAA and NAIA in 1981-82, with K-State going to NCAA Division I and Fort Hays State moving to the NAIA. Fort Hays State made the transition to membership with NCAA Division II in 1991-92. This will mark the seventh exhibition between the programs going back to 2009. All of the previous exhibitions have been at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan. The programs have met the last three seasons with K-State taking all of those contests, though the last two meetings were interesting late. Two seasons ago, Fort Hays State had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final seconds, but a blocked shot secured a 48-46 win for K-State. Last season, Fort Hays State trimmed a K-State lead down to three points early in the fourth quarter before K-State ended the game on a 24-9 run. The Mittie family provides an intriguing connection in this recent exhibition history with the Wildcats. Fort Hays State senior guard Madison Mittie is the daughter of K-State head coach Jeff Mittie. This year, K-State will get the opportunity to play on Madison's home court, something not often seen in today's NCAA structure with a Division I program traveling to a Division II site. However, Gross Memorial Coliseum is a great basketball venue,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/news/2018/1/23/mens-basketball-gross-memorial-coliseum-named-one-of-best-basketball-arenas-in-division-ii-by-ncaa-com.aspx">voted one of the best in NCAA Division II</a>, which will present a great atmosphere for this unique event. Keep an eye on fhsuathletics.com in the coming days for further information on this contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏀 FHSU women to host K-State in exhibition November 25

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tershawn Wharton doesn’t want to minimize the work the coaching staff at Missouri S&amp;T did with him the past four years, but the massive defensive lineman with the slightly shy chuckle also knew it wouldn’t be enough.

If he wanted to reach the NFL, he would need to find some extra help.

So, while most players at the Division II level are taking a break and basking in the summer sun, Wharton sought out a group of trainers that he hoped would take him to the next level. His goal growing up in the St. Louis suburbs was also to play professional football, and he wasn’t going to allow a lack of big-time college scholarship offers or the fact that he was playing at Missouri S&amp;T — rather than just Missouri — keep him from achieving that dream.

“It’s not the way to go,” Wharton acknowledged this week. “I knew I would have to work harder.”

After wowing the Kansas City Chiefs in pre-draft workouts, the Super Bowl champs signed Wharton as an undrafted free agent. And despite an offseason scuttled by COVID-19, robbing Wharton of a chance to showcase his abilities in voluntary workouts and minicamp, he still managed to impress the Chiefs enough in training camp to make the team.

Not surprisingly, he hasn’t stopped working. The 22-year-old Wharton moved from the practice squad onto the active roster, then from a backup spot to a crucial role in the middle of the defensive line. The past two weeks, he’s caused and recovered his first fumble against the Denver Broncos and picked up his first sack against the New York Jets.

“It seems like he does everything right,” said fellow Chiefs rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire. “He’s probably one of the hardest-working guys that came in here. He’s very respectful. He does everything he’s asked to do. Once you do that and you’re a person all the way bought in, you see the results coming, and right now he’s enjoying it.”

So are the Chiefs, who never could have imagined such big returns on such a modest investment.

It’s hard to overstate the rarity of what Wharton has done.

Every season, each NFL team signs between 10 and 20 undrafted free agents, and most are roster fodder to help get through training camp. One or two might make a practice squad and once in a while, someone might crack the game-day roster. But more often than not, those undrafted rookies are cast into the wind — their careers over just that quick.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tershawn Wharton doesn’t want to minimize the work the coaching staff at Missouri S&amp;T did with him the past four years, but the massive defensive lineman with the slightly shy chuckle also knew it wouldn’t be enough.If he wanted to reach the NFL, he would need to find some extra help.So, while most players at the Division II level are taking a break and basking in the summer sun, Wharton sought out a group of trainers that he hoped would take him to the next level. His goal growing up in the St. Louis suburbs was also to play professional football, and he wasn’t going to allow a lack of big-time college scholarship offers or the fact that he was playing at Missouri S&amp;T — rather than just Missouri — keep him from achieving that dream.“It’s not the way to go,” Wharton acknowledged this week. “I knew I would have to work harder.”It paid off.After wowing the Kansas City Chiefs in pre-draft workouts, the Super Bowl champs signed Wharton as an undrafted free agent. And despite an offseason scuttled by COVID-19, robbing Wharton of a chance to showcase his abilities in voluntary workouts and minicamp, he still managed to impress the Chiefs enough in training camp to make the team.Not surprisingly, he hasn’t stopped working. The 22-year-old Wharton moved from the practice squad onto the active roster, then from a backup spot to a crucial role in the middle of the defensive line. The past two weeks, he’s caused and recovered his first fumble against the Denver Broncos and picked up his first sack against the New York Jets.“It seems like he does everything right,” said fellow Chiefs rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire. “He’s probably one of the hardest-working guys that came in here. He’s very respectful. He does everything he’s asked to do. Once you do that and you’re a person all the way bought in, you see the results coming, and right now he’s enjoying it.”So are the Chiefs, who never could have imagined such big returns on such a modest investment.It’s hard to overstate the rarity of what Wharton has done.Every season, each NFL team signs between 10 and 20 undrafted free agents, and most are roster fodder to help get through training camp. One or two might make a practice squad and once in a while, someone might crack the game-day roster. But more often than not, those undrafted rookies are cast into the wind — their careers over just that quick.“If you’re to get one,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid quipped this week, “get one from Missouri Science and Tech. I mean, come on. I think it’s awesome for the area, the school and the kid.”&nbsp;to the NFL was made infinitely more difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wharton had to rely on Zoom meetings throughout the summer to learn the Chiefs defense and build some kind of bond with the coaching staff.“Finally everything is starting to slow down for me. Some things I still need to work on but it’s starting to slow down,” said Wharton, who still hears from parents, teammates and Missouri S&amp;T teachers on a daily basis.“I have a lot of supporters from S&amp;T,” he said. “They’re just telling me to keep going, never get complacent. Keep fighting. And they just want to see me do this for a long time.”

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