Fort Hays State football travels to Joplin to face Missouri Southern State at Fred G. Hughes Stadium on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Fort Hays State football travels to Joplin to face Missouri Southern State at Fred G. Hughes Stadium on Saturday, October 4, 2025.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-FB at Missouri Southern State (Oct. 4, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7sr9w-1985d24-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-FB at Missouri Southern

The MIAA KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced its preseason rankings for the 2025-26 women’s basketball season. The Tigers of Fort Hays State led the coaches poll while the Pittsburg State Gorillas finished as the top team in the media poll.

The MIAA tips off the 2025-26 basketball season today, Monday, October 6, at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City as the Association hosts its annual Basketball Media Day presented by Seigfreid Bingham. Fans can watch the 2026 MIAA Basketball Media Day live, for free, on The MIAA Network.

It was a close battle for the No. 1 spot in the 2025-26 coaches preseason poll with the top three teams finishing just four points from one another, while both the MIAA coaches and media members who cover MIAA teams selected the same five teams to house in their top five.

Fort Hays State topped the MIAA coaches poll with 152 points and two first-place votes. The Tigers finished the 2024-25 season 28-5 overall and 16-3 in the MIAA to finish second in the regular season standings. Fort Hays was also the runner-up of the 2025 MIAA Basketball Championship and earned an at-large bid into the NCAA postseason, where their season ended in the regional semifinals. The Tigers were picked second in the media poll with 299 points and five first-place selections.

Washburn finished second in the coaches’ poll with 148 points and six first-place votes. The Ichabods went 18-13 overall and finished 11-8 in MIAA action last season. They return last season’s Co-Newcomer of the Year Payton Sterk, and All-Defensive Team and Second Team All-MIAA selection Yiibari Nwidadah. Washburn was picked third in the media’s preseason poll with 276 points and three first-place votes.

The Gorillas concluded the coaches’ top three teams with 114 points and five first-place selections, but led the media poll with a 27-point lead and 13 first-place nods. Pitt State is the league’s reigning regular season champion and has won the last two MIAA tournament titles. The Gorillas took their 2024-25 season all the way to the NCAA Division II National Semifinals, where they lost to the eventual national champion, Grand Valley State. Pitt ended their historic run season 33-4 overall and 18-1 in the MIAA.

Central Missouri and Nebraska Kearney finished fourth and fifth in both the coaches and media polls. The Jennies went 17-15 overall and 8-11 in the MIAA last season while the Lopers finished 20-9 overall, 13-6 in the MIAA.

The complete rankings for both the MIAA coaches and media preseason women’s basketball polls are listed below. 

The 2025-26 MIAA women’s basketball season will feature three new head coaches – MJ Baker is entering her first season at Emporia State, Hannah Moeller is entering her first season at Central Oklahoma, and Luke Scheidecker is entering his first season at Missouri Western.

The NCAA Division II women’s basketball season officially tips off Friday, October 31, with MIAA teams competing in Division II Tip Off Classic events. The 2026 MIAA Basketball Championships are scheduled for March 4-8 at the historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. To view the complete 2025-26 schedules for all 14 MIAA women’s basketball programs, visit theMIAA.com/womensbasketball.

2025-26 MIAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHES POLL

2025-26 MIAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL MEDIA POLL

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759758710674.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The MIAA KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced its preseason rankings for the 2025-26 women’s basketball season. The Tigers of Fort Hays State led the coaches poll while the Pittsburg State Gorillas finished as the top team in the media poll.The MIAA tips off the 2025-26 basketball season today, Monday, October 6, at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City as the Association hosts its annual Basketball Media Day presented by Seigfreid Bingham. Fans can watch the 2026 MIAA Basketball Media Day live, for free, on The MIAA Network.It was a close battle for the No. 1 spot in the 2025-26 coaches preseason poll with the top three teams finishing just four points from one another, while both the MIAA coaches and media members who cover MIAA teams selected the same five teams to house in their top five.Fort Hays State topped the MIAA coaches poll with 152 points and two first-place votes. The Tigers finished the 2024-25 season 28-5 overall and 16-3 in the MIAA to finish second in the regular season standings. Fort Hays was also the runner-up of the 2025 MIAA Basketball Championship and earned an at-large bid into the NCAA postseason, where their season ended in the regional semifinals. The Tigers were picked second in the media poll with 299 points and five first-place selections.Washburn finished second in the coaches’ poll with 148 points and six first-place votes. The Ichabods went 18-13 overall and finished 11-8 in MIAA action last season. They return last season’s Co-Newcomer of the Year Payton Sterk, and All-Defensive Team and Second Team All-MIAA selection Yiibari Nwidadah. Washburn was picked third in the media’s preseason poll with 276 points and three first-place votes.The Gorillas concluded the coaches’ top three teams with 114 points and five first-place selections, but led the media poll with a 27-point lead and 13 first-place nods. Pitt State is the league’s reigning regular season champion and has won the last two MIAA tournament titles. The Gorillas took their 2024-25 season all the way to the NCAA Division II National Semifinals, where they lost to the eventual national champion, Grand Valley State. Pitt ended their historic run season 33-4 overall and 18-1 in the MIAA.Central Missouri and Nebraska Kearney finished fourth and fifth in both the coaches and media polls. The Jennies went 17-15 overall and 8-11 in the MIAA last season while the Lopers finished 20-9 overall, 13-6 in the MIAA.The complete rankings for both the MIAA coaches and media preseason women’s basketball polls are listed below. The 2025-26 MIAA women’s basketball season will feature three new head coaches – MJ Baker is entering her first season at Emporia State, Hannah Moeller is entering her first season at Central Oklahoma, and Luke Scheidecker is entering his first season at Missouri Western.The NCAA Division II women’s basketball season officially tips off Friday, October 31, with MIAA teams competing in Division II Tip Off Classic events. The 2026 MIAA Basketball Championships are scheduled for March 4-8 at the historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. To view the complete 2025-26 schedules for all 14 MIAA women’s basketball programs, visit theMIAA.com/womensbasketball.2025-26 MIAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHES POLL1. Fort Hays State [2] – 152 points2. Washburn [6] – 148 points3. Pittsburg State [5] – 144 points4. Central Missouri [1] – 138 points5. Nebraska Kearney – 135 points6. Missouri Western – 99 points7. Missouri Southern – 95 points8. Northwest Missouri – 78 points9. Northeastern State – 76 points10. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 73 points11. Emporia State – 48 points12. Central Oklahoma – 44 points13. Rogers State – 28 points14. Newman – 16 points[#] - First Place Votes2025-26 MIAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL MEDIA POLL1. Pittsburg State [13] – 326 points2. Fort Hays State [5] – 299 points3. Washburn [3] – 276 points4. Central Missouri [4] – 271 points5. Nebraska Kearney – 268 points6. Missouri Western – 227 points7. Northwest Missouri – 187 points8. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 185 points9. Missouri Southern – 176 points10. Emporia State – 127 points11. Northeastern State – 111 points12. Central Oklahoma – 92 points13. Rogers State – 49 points14. Newman – 31 points[#] - First Place Votes

🏀 2025-26 MIAA women's basketball preseason polls announced

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - MIAA Basketball Media Day for the upcoming 2025-26 season takes place on Monday (Oct. 6) at The College Basketball Experience in downtown Kansas City, presented by Seigfreid Bingham. The event will stream live on <a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">The MIAA Network</a> for FREE. The event starts at 9:00 a.m. and lasts until about 2:00 p.m.

<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">Click here to watch FREE</a>

The invite-only event features press conferences with head coaches from all 14 conference schools along with MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy's press conference beginning the day at 9:00 a.m., which will include the announcement of the Preseason Coaches and Media Polls. Following the Commissioner's remarks, media emcee host Brenda VanLengen will welcome the first men's and women's head coaches to the stage.

Fort Hays State takes the podium at 12:15 p.m. At that time, head coaches Mark Johnson and Talia Kahrs will take questions from the media.

The MIAA Network can be viewed on desktop, mobile devices, and Internet-connected television devices anywhere in the world. Individuals can use The MIAA Network website or The MIAA Network apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku to view media day.

Fans can participate in media day can tweet a question for their favorite coach using the hashtag #AskMIAA.

Below is the complete schedule for the 2025-26 MIAA Basketball Media Day press conferences.

PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: 9:00 AM - Commissioner Racy

SESSION I 9:15 AM – Northwest Missouri, Austin Meyer and Matt Keeley 9:30 AM – Central Missouri, David Slifer and Adam Bohac 9:45 AM – Missouri Western, Luke Scheidecker and Brooks McKowen 10:00 AM – Break 10:15 AM – Rogers State, Heather Davis and Justin Barkley 10:30 AM – Northeastern State, Keith Ferguson and Ja Havens 10:45 AM – Central Oklahoma, Hannah Moeller and Bob Hoffman 11:00 AM – Arkansas-Fort Smith, Ryan McAdams and Zane Gibson 11:15 AM – Break

SESSION II 11:45 AM – Newman, Amy Briggs and RJ Allen 12:00 PM – Nebraska Kearney, Drew Johnson and Marty Levinson 12:15 PM – Fort Hays State, Talia Kahrs and Mark Johnson 12:30 PM – Pittsburg State, Amanda Davied and Jeff Boschee 12:45 PM – Break 1:00 PM – Missouri Southern, Ronnie Ressel and Sam McMahon 1:15 PM – Washburn, Lora Westling and Brett Ballard 1:30 PM – Emporia State, MJ Baker and Tom Billeter

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759745656139.png" alt="FHJSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHJSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - MIAA Basketball Media Day for the upcoming 2025-26 season takes place on Monday (Oct. 6) at The College Basketball Experience in downtown Kansas City, presented by Seigfreid Bingham. The event will stream live on <a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">The MIAA Network</a> for FREE. The event starts at 9:00 a.m. and lasts until about 2:00 p.m.<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/">Click here to watch FREE</a>The invite-only event features press conferences with head coaches from all 14 conference schools along with MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy's press conference beginning the day at 9:00 a.m., which will include the announcement of the Preseason Coaches and Media Polls. Following the Commissioner's remarks, media emcee host Brenda VanLengen will welcome the first men's and women's head coaches to the stage.Fort Hays State takes the podium at 12:15 p.m. At that time, head coaches Mark Johnson and Talia Kahrs will take questions from the media.The MIAA Network can be viewed on desktop, mobile devices, and Internet-connected television devices anywhere in the world. Individuals can use The MIAA Network website or The MIAA Network apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku to view media day.Fans can participate in media day can tweet a question for their favorite coach using the hashtag #AskMIAA.Below is the complete schedule for the 2025-26 MIAA Basketball Media Day press conferences.PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: 9:00 AM - Commissioner Racy SESSION I 9:15 AM – Northwest Missouri, Austin Meyer and Matt Keeley 9:30 AM – Central Missouri, David Slifer and Adam Bohac 9:45 AM – Missouri Western, Luke Scheidecker and Brooks McKowen 10:00 AM – Break 10:15 AM – Rogers State, Heather Davis and Justin Barkley 10:30 AM – Northeastern State, Keith Ferguson and Ja Havens 10:45 AM – Central Oklahoma, Hannah Moeller and Bob Hoffman 11:00 AM – Arkansas-Fort Smith, Ryan McAdams and Zane Gibson 11:15 AM – BreakSESSION II 11:45 AM – Newman, Amy Briggs and RJ Allen 12:00 PM – Nebraska Kearney, Drew Johnson and Marty Levinson 12:15 PM – Fort Hays State, Talia Kahrs and Mark Johnson 12:30 PM – Pittsburg State, Amanda Davied and Jeff Boschee 12:45 PM – Break 1:00 PM – Missouri Southern, Ronnie Ressel and Sam McMahon 1:15 PM – Washburn, Lora Westling and Brett Ballard 1:30 PM – Emporia State, MJ Baker and Tom Billeter

📹🏀 Watch MIAA Basketball Media Day FREE on MIAA Network Monday

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Monday, October 6
 KJLS: Tiger Talk,
9:00am &nbsp;KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB at Jacksonville Jaguars, 6:00pm

Tuesday, October 7
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6:00pm

Wednesday, October 8
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pm

Thursday, October 9
 none

Friday, October 10
 KKQY: Trego FB at
Ness City, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Hays High FB at Dodge City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Oakley, 6:30pm

Saturday, October 11
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Texas Tech, 5:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Oklahoma, 6:00pm

Sunday, October 12
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Detroit Lions, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Monday, October 6
 KJLS: Tiger Talk,
9:00am &nbsp;KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB at Jacksonville Jaguars, 6:00pmTuesday, October 7
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6:00pmWednesday, October 8
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, October 9
 noneFriday, October 10
 KKQY: Trego FB at
Ness City, 6:00pm &nbsp;KFIX: Hays High FB at Dodge City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Oakley, 6:30pmSaturday, October 11
 KAYS: Kansas FB at
Texas Tech, 5:00pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Oklahoma, 6:00pmSunday, October 12
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs FB vs. Detroit Lions, 6:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Sean Payton had a game ball in hand and stories to tell after he passed his mentor and friend Bill Parcells on the NFL career wins list. The pair of Super Bowl champion coaches caught up recently and shot the breeze, talking about playing tough road games against NFC East teams.

The Denver Broncos provided Payton quite a new tale Sunday.

Bo Nix led the Broncos on three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, J.K. Dobbins rushed for a 2-yard score in the period and the Broncos wiped out a 14-point deficit to hand the Philadelphia Eagles their first loss of the season, 21-17.

“You're not going to forget,” Payton said, “just these moments. Ultimately, that's what you do it for. Making memories.”

The Broncos batted down Jalen Hurts' last-gasp pass on the final play of the game to send the Super Bowl champions to just their second loss in their last 22 games.

“We just kind of had this sense that we just needed one drive. Let’s go down the field, one play at a time, let’s put a drive together,” Nix said.

Nix had a few of them in his fourth-quarter rally that helped Payton earn his 173rd win to pass Parcells. Nix completed 9 of 10 passes for 126 yards and threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Evan Engram in the fourth to stun an Eagles team that totally collapsed over the final 15 minutes.

“This is a team that just won the Super Bowl,” Payton said. “So that’s a good win.”

Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner gave Payton the game ball for the coaching milestone.

The Broncos (3-2) caught a huge break in their rally when the Eagles had a late fourth-down conversion called back on an illegal shift penalty whistled against running back Saquon Barkley. The Eagles (4-1) were instead forced to punt.

Hurts' final heave on second-and-10 from the 29 was knocked down as time expired to send the jubilant Broncos into the locker room with an improbable win. Nix waved his arms in celebration toward dozens of Broncos fans in orange that stood near the visitors tunnel.

Nix threw for 242 yards — a week after he threw for a career-high 326 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Bengals — and Denver’s formula of run-first offense and a dominant defense came to life in the fourth quarter.

The Broncos totaled just 199 yards and trailed 17-3 at the end of the third before Nix got the offense rolling. Dobbins, who followed his 101 yards rushing against Cincinnati with 79 yards on Sunday, punched in a 2-yard TD run in the fourth to make it 17-10.

The Broncos got the ball back and Nix hit Courtland Sutton for 34 yards on the decisive drive. Nix connected over the middle with Engram for the 11-yard TD.

Payton gambled for the 2-point conversion and the Broncos got it when Nix hit Troy Franklin for an 18-17 lead with 7:36 left in the game.

The play stunned and silenced the Philly crowd — a familiar gut punch to the fan base after the Phillies wasted a three-run lead a night earlier in a playoff loss to the Dodgers.

Yet, these are the Eagles and they weren't going to just easily surrender their 10-game winning streak.

At fourth-and-4 from the Eagles 49, Hurts hit DeVonta Smith on a long reception for what should have been a first down, only for the flag on Barkley to wipe it off the board. Smith had eight catches and 114 yards receiving.

“We've got to get on the same page, and continue to be on the same page,” Smith said.

Hurts threw for 280 yards. He had a 2-yard touchdown pass to Dallas Goedert and a 47-yard TD pass to Barkley in the third quarter for the 17-10 lead.

That was it for the Eagles. Wil Lutz tacked on a 36-yard field goal with 1:11 left for a 21-17 lead.

“You don’t get a chance to play these games that have a ton of upside,” Payton said. “Now don’t get me wrong, there’s downside, but there’s a ton of upside relative to defining what you become. And this is one of them. I think they were confident coming in. I asked them afterwards, ‘Who are you afraid of?'”

Broncos: RB Tyler Badie left with a shoulder injury late in the fourth.

Eagles: G Landon Dickerson suffered an ankle injury and TE Grant Calcaterra suffered an oblique injury.

Broncos: Are on the road Sunday in London against the Jets.

Eagles: Have a short trip on a short week Thursday night at the Giants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759746642186.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAN GELSTON AP Sports WriterPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Sean Payton had a game ball in hand and stories to tell after he passed his mentor and friend Bill Parcells on the NFL career wins list. The pair of Super Bowl champion coaches caught up recently and shot the breeze, talking about playing tough road games against NFC East teams.The Denver Broncos provided Payton quite a new tale Sunday.Bo Nix led the Broncos on three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, J.K. Dobbins rushed for a 2-yard score in the period and the Broncos wiped out a 14-point deficit to hand the Philadelphia Eagles their first loss of the season, 21-17.“You're not going to forget,” Payton said, “just these moments. Ultimately, that's what you do it for. Making memories.”The Broncos batted down Jalen Hurts' last-gasp pass on the final play of the game to send the Super Bowl champions to just their second loss in their last 22 games.“We just kind of had this sense that we just needed one drive. Let’s go down the field, one play at a time, let’s put a drive together,” Nix said.Nix had a few of them in his fourth-quarter rally that helped Payton earn his 173rd win to pass Parcells. Nix completed 9 of 10 passes for 126 yards and threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Evan Engram in the fourth to stun an Eagles team that totally collapsed over the final 15 minutes.“This is a team that just won the Super Bowl,” Payton said. “So that’s a good win.”Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner gave Payton the game ball for the coaching milestone.The Broncos (3-2) caught a huge break in their rally when the Eagles had a late fourth-down conversion called back on an illegal shift penalty whistled against running back Saquon Barkley. The Eagles (4-1) were instead forced to punt.Hurts' final heave on second-and-10 from the 29 was knocked down as time expired to send the jubilant Broncos into the locker room with an improbable win. Nix waved his arms in celebration toward dozens of Broncos fans in orange that stood near the visitors tunnel.Nix threw for 242 yards — a week after he threw for a career-high 326 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Bengals — and Denver’s formula of run-first offense and a dominant defense came to life in the fourth quarter.The Broncos totaled just 199 yards and trailed 17-3 at the end of the third before Nix got the offense rolling. Dobbins, who followed his 101 yards rushing against Cincinnati with 79 yards on Sunday, punched in a 2-yard TD run in the fourth to make it 17-10.The Broncos got the ball back and Nix hit Courtland Sutton for 34 yards on the decisive drive. Nix connected over the middle with Engram for the 11-yard TD.Payton gambled for the 2-point conversion and the Broncos got it when Nix hit Troy Franklin for an 18-17 lead with 7:36 left in the game.The play stunned and silenced the Philly crowd — a familiar gut punch to the fan base after the Phillies wasted a three-run lead a night earlier in a playoff loss to the Dodgers.Yet, these are the Eagles and they weren't going to just easily surrender their 10-game winning streak.At fourth-and-4 from the Eagles 49, Hurts hit DeVonta Smith on a long reception for what should have been a first down, only for the flag on Barkley to wipe it off the board. Smith had eight catches and 114 yards receiving.“We've got to get on the same page, and continue to be on the same page,” Smith said.Hurts threw for 280 yards. He had a 2-yard touchdown pass to Dallas Goedert and a 47-yard TD pass to Barkley in the third quarter for the 17-10 lead.That was it for the Eagles. Wil Lutz tacked on a 36-yard field goal with 1:11 left for a 21-17 lead.“You don’t get a chance to play these games that have a ton of upside,” Payton said. “Now don’t get me wrong, there’s downside, but there’s a ton of upside relative to defining what you become. And this is one of them. I think they were confident coming in. I asked them afterwards, ‘Who are you afraid of?'”It sure wasn't the Eagles.InjuriesBroncos: RB Tyler Badie left with a shoulder injury late in the fourth.Eagles: G Landon Dickerson suffered an ankle injury and TE Grant Calcaterra suffered an oblique injury.Up nextBroncos: Are on the road Sunday in London against the Jets.Eagles: Have a short trip on a short week Thursday night at the Giants.

🏈 Broncos rally from 14-point deficit to hand Eagles their first loss of the season

EMPORIA, Kan. - Fort Hays State fell to Emporia State by a score of 5-2 on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers (2-6-1, 0-3-1 MIAA) leveled the match twice in the first half on a pair of goals by Sydney Cotter, but it was not enough as the Hornets (6-3-0, 3-0-0 MIAA) added three more in the second half.

After Emporia State took an early 1-0 lead, FHSU and ESU traded a flurry of goals in the waning minutes before halftime. The Hornets scored in the 5th minute, but FHSU equalized in the 40th minute on a header by Cotter off a corner kick from Megan Wiman. Emporia State regained the lead with just under a minute remaining in the first half, but Cotter quickly responded, scoring just 12 seconds later to level the match once again. Cotter now has six goals on the season to lead the Tigers. FHSU outshot ESU 8-6 in the opening half.

It did not take long for ESU to regain its lead for the third time in the match as Avery Zimmerman provided what turned out to be the game winner in the 48th minute. The Hornets eventually added on goals in the 79th and 83rd minutes to run away with the victory. ESU outshot FHSU 8-1 in the second half and 14-9 for the match.

Jamie Kerkvliet got her first start in goal for FHSU and made six saves. Mackenzi Goen of ESU made four stops between the pipes.

Cotter provided the majority of the offensive attack for FHSU with six of the team's nine shots. Five of her shots were on target. Ella Favot led ESU with four shots and she had one of the team's five goals, all spread among different players.

Fort Hays State will host Central Oklahoma in Hays on Friday, October 10 at 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759745993978.png" alt="FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEMPORIA, Kan. - Fort Hays State fell to Emporia State by a score of 5-2 on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers (2-6-1, 0-3-1 MIAA) leveled the match twice in the first half on a pair of goals by Sydney Cotter, but it was not enough as the Hornets (6-3-0, 3-0-0 MIAA) added three more in the second half.After Emporia State took an early 1-0 lead, FHSU and ESU traded a flurry of goals in the waning minutes before halftime. The Hornets scored in the 5th minute, but FHSU equalized in the 40th minute on a header by Cotter off a corner kick from Megan Wiman. Emporia State regained the lead with just under a minute remaining in the first half, but Cotter quickly responded, scoring just 12 seconds later to level the match once again. Cotter now has six goals on the season to lead the Tigers. FHSU outshot ESU 8-6 in the opening half.It did not take long for ESU to regain its lead for the third time in the match as Avery Zimmerman provided what turned out to be the game winner in the 48th minute. The Hornets eventually added on goals in the 79th and 83rd minutes to run away with the victory. ESU outshot FHSU 8-1 in the second half and 14-9 for the match.Jamie Kerkvliet got her first start in goal for FHSU and made six saves. Mackenzi Goen of ESU made four stops between the pipes.Cotter provided the majority of the offensive attack for FHSU with six of the team's nine shots. Five of her shots were on target. Ella Favot led ESU with four shots and she had one of the team's five goals, all spread among different players.Fort Hays State will host Central Oklahoma in Hays on Friday, October 10 at 7 p.m.

⚽ Cotter scores twice, Tiger women fall to Hornets in Emporia

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Sunday, October 5
 none

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Kansas' defense came up with two decisive plays near the goal line, setting up the Jayhawks' go-ahead touchdown with a strip sack and fumble recovery to stop UCF on three consecutive plays from the 1 with less than two minutes remaining to help Kansas beat the Knights 27-20 on Saturday night.

Kansas' Trey Lathan recovered a fumble at the 2 late in the third quarter off a strip sack from Jalen Dye, setting up the go-ahead 2-yard touchdown run from Leshon Williams. Lathan then tackled Cam Fancher on fourth-and-goal from the 1 with 1:47 to secure the victory.

“You are expecting to lose in that situation,” Lathan said. “But when you come out with a W, it’s a great feeling.”

Kansas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) lost last week’s game to Cincinnati after a goal line battle, ending with a Bearcats' 2-yard touchdown run with 30 seconds remaining.

UCF drove to the Kansas 22 after getting the ball back, but four straight incompletions that included a pass breakup in the end zone by Austin Alexander, ended the Knights' final threat.

Kansas erased an early 14-0 lead from UCF (3-2, 0-2) after Myles Montgomery and the Knights ran all over the Jayhawks in the first half.

Jalon Daniels led the charge for Kansas, throwing for 235 yards on 18-for-26 passing. Williams rushed for 58 yards and three touchdowns for the Jayhawks.

“These guys are growing,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “I think this can be a big one for them to gain some confidence.”

Montgomery rushed for 99 of his 110 yards in the first half, scoring two touchdowns to stake the Knights to an early lead.

UCF’s Tayven Jackson finished with 97 yards on 14-for-23 passing. He left the game after his turnover and came out of the locker room with his left arm in a sling. Coach Scott Frost said X-rays on his shoulder were negative.

Fancher, who started UCF’s opening game against Jacksonville State before leaving with an injury, completed 8 of 14 passes for 79 yards.

The Knights could not find answers in the second half and lost for the second straight game.

“I think we're one of the most talented teams in the Big 12, we've just got to finish,” UCF receiver Duane Thomas Jr. said. “We have to play a complete football game. We can't go out the first two quarters and lay down the next two.”

Part of the shift in the game came from Kansas linebacker Bangally Kamara, who was coming off suspension in the first half after a second-half targeting penalty last week against Cincinnati. Kamara finished with four tackles and provided a boost for the Jayhawks' defense.

Both teams stayed on the field after pregame warmups for a moment of silence to recognize UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark. Clark passed away Sept. 21. He joined UCF's staff after five years as the head coach at Appalachian State.

Several players for Kansas were fighting through injury, including Williams. The biggest was to kicker Laith Marjan, who made two field goals. His 41-yarder in the third quarter just made it over the crossbar, clipping it before going through.

Leipold admitted Marjan was probably a bit fatigued after he kicked the ensuing kickoff out of bounds following the short field goal.

Kansas: The Jayhawks have been known for their offense throughout the season, but their defense stepped up in a big way to stymie the Knights.

UCF: The Knights will again face quarterback questions after Jackson left the game with an injury. Jackson left last week's game with a shoulder injury. Backup quarterback Jacurri Brown also missed the game with a shoulder injury.

Kansas travels to face No. 11 Texas Tech on Saturday.

UCF hits the road to face Cincinnati on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759633370385.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Kansas' defense came up with two decisive plays near the goal line, setting up the Jayhawks' go-ahead touchdown with a strip sack and fumble recovery to stop UCF on three consecutive plays from the 1 with less than two minutes remaining to help Kansas beat the Knights 27-20 on Saturday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">KANSAS HOLDS. <a href="https://t.co/VMCa14Tca4">pic.twitter.com/VMCa14Tca4</a>&mdash; Kansas Football (@KU_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/KU_Football/status/1974668305681301514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas' Trey Lathan recovered a fumble at the 2 late in the third quarter off a strip sack from Jalen Dye, setting up the go-ahead 2-yard touchdown run from Leshon Williams. Lathan then tackled Cam Fancher on fourth-and-goal from the 1 with 1:47 to secure the victory.“You are expecting to lose in that situation,” Lathan said. “But when you come out with a W, it’s a great feeling.”Kansas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) lost last week’s game to Cincinnati after a goal line battle, ending with a Bearcats' 2-yard touchdown run with 30 seconds remaining.UCF drove to the Kansas 22 after getting the ball back, but four straight incompletions that included a pass breakup in the end zone by Austin Alexander, ended the Knights' final threat.Kansas erased an early 14-0 lead from UCF (3-2, 0-2) after Myles Montgomery and the Knights ran all over the Jayhawks in the first half.Jalon Daniels led the charge for Kansas, throwing for 235 yards on 18-for-26 passing. Williams rushed for 58 yards and three touchdowns for the Jayhawks.“These guys are growing,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “I think this can be a big one for them to gain some confidence.”Montgomery rushed for 99 of his 110 yards in the first half, scoring two touchdowns to stake the Knights to an early lead.UCF’s Tayven Jackson finished with 97 yards on 14-for-23 passing. He left the game after his turnover and came out of the locker room with his left arm in a sling. Coach Scott Frost said X-rays on his shoulder were negative.Fancher, who started UCF’s opening game against Jacksonville State before leaving with an injury, completed 8 of 14 passes for 79 yards.The Knights could not find answers in the second half and lost for the second straight game.“I think we're one of the most talented teams in the Big 12, we've just got to finish,” UCF receiver Duane Thomas Jr. said. “We have to play a complete football game. We can't go out the first two quarters and lay down the next two.”<h2>Off Suspension</h2>Part of the shift in the game came from Kansas linebacker Bangally Kamara, who was coming off suspension in the first half after a second-half targeting penalty last week against Cincinnati. Kamara finished with four tackles and provided a boost for the Jayhawks' defense.<h2>Memorializing Coach Clark</h2>Both teams stayed on the field after pregame warmups for a moment of silence to recognize UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark. Clark passed away Sept. 21. He joined UCF's staff after five years as the head coach at Appalachian State.<h2>Fighting through injury</h2>Several players for Kansas were fighting through injury, including Williams. The biggest was to kicker Laith Marjan, who made two field goals. His 41-yarder in the third quarter just made it over the crossbar, clipping it before going through.Leipold admitted Marjan was probably a bit fatigued after he kicked the ensuing kickoff out of bounds following the short field goal.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>Kansas: The Jayhawks have been known for their offense throughout the season, but their defense stepped up in a big way to stymie the Knights.UCF: The Knights will again face quarterback questions after Jackson left the game with an injury. Jackson left last week's game with a shoulder injury. Backup quarterback Jacurri Brown also missed the game with a shoulder injury.<h2>Up Next</h2>Kansas travels to face No. 11 Texas Tech on Saturday.UCF hits the road to face Cincinnati on Saturday.

🏈 KU holds UCF scoreless in the 2nd half to escape with a win

JOPLIN, Mo. – Josh Clark had his first career 100-yard rushing game, Caleb Heavner accounted for three touchdowns and Fort Hays State extended its winning streak in Joplin to seven games with a 28-21 win over Missouri Southern State Saturday afternoon at Fred G. Hughes Stadium. The Tigers have now won 11 of their last 12 against the Lions.

Fort Hays State (4-2, 3-1 MIAA) rushed for a season-high 254 yards led by Clark's career-best 116. Quarterback Caleb Heavner added 94 on the ground and rushed for two touchdowns.

Heavner's 12-yard touchdown run on the Tigers first possession gave them the early lead. The Lions (2-3, 0-3 MIAA) answered with a 70-yard touchdown pass on their second possession to tie the game 7-7. The Tigers took the lead back for good early in the second quarter when Zane Hall connected on a 32-yard field goal. Later in the quarter, Heavner found Cale Cormaney for a 16-yard touchdown pass to put the Tigers up 17-7. For a second-straight game, the Tigers allowed a touchdown pass on the final play of the first half, this time a 34-yard pass from freshman quarterback TIllman Martin to Isaiah Padello to pull MSSU within 17-14 at halftime.

John Johnson forced a fumble on the first play of the third quarter which set up a 39-yard field goal by Hall, pushing the Tiger lead to 20-14. The Tiger defense forced punts on the next two Lions possessions and eventually extended their lead to 28-14 early in the fourth quarter on a goal line plunge by Heavner. The scoring play was set up by a 58-yard rush by Clark down to the two yard line.

An interception by Michael Chavez on MSSU's first drive of the fourth quarter helped the Tigers chew up more time. The Lions eventually scored a touchdown with a 4th-down, goal line plunge by Martin with 1:11 remaining in the game. The Tigers secured a pooch kick, but had to punt with 19 seconds remaining in the game. The Lions were called for a penalty on the punt which gave the Tigers a first down which allowed them to run out the clock.

In addition to his big game running the ball, Heavner threw for 125 yards and a touchdown. Keyshawn Dooley led the Tigers with 31 receiving yards..

Johnson led the Tiger defense with 10 tackles, the forced fumble which gave him a sack, and a pass breakup. Gavin Meyers added nine tackles, while Chavez also had eight tackles and a sack that created a fumble that set up the Cormaney touchdown in the second quarter.

Freshman Tillman Martin threw for 322 yards for MSSU but the Lions produced just 65 rushing yards.&nbsp;

The Tigers return home to play host to 2024 MIAA champion Central Oklahoma on Saturday (Oct. 11) at 7 p.m. The Bronchos entered Saturday 2-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759640821965.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostJOPLIN, Mo. – Josh Clark had his first career 100-yard rushing game, Caleb Heavner accounted for three touchdowns and Fort Hays State extended its winning streak in Joplin to seven games with a 28-21 win over Missouri Southern State Saturday afternoon at Fred G. Hughes Stadium. The Tigers have now won 11 of their last 12 against the Lions.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182527471&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/chris-brown-postgame-v-1" title="Chris Brown Postgame at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown Postgame at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State (4-2, 3-1 MIAA) rushed for a season-high 254 yards led by Clark's career-best 116. Quarterback Caleb Heavner added 94 on the ground and rushed for two touchdowns.Heavner's 12-yard touchdown run on the Tigers first possession gave them the early lead. The Lions (2-3, 0-3 MIAA) answered with a 70-yard touchdown pass on their second possession to tie the game 7-7. The Tigers took the lead back for good early in the second quarter when Zane Hall connected on a 32-yard field goal. Later in the quarter, Heavner found Cale Cormaney for a 16-yard touchdown pass to put the Tigers up 17-7. For a second-straight game, the Tigers allowed a touchdown pass on the final play of the first half, this time a 34-yard pass from freshman quarterback TIllman Martin to Isaiah Padello to pull MSSU within 17-14 at halftime.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182527639&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/caleb-heavner-interview-10-3" title="Caleb Heavner Postgame at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Caleb Heavner Postgame at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)</a></div></div>John Johnson forced a fumble on the first play of the third quarter which set up a 39-yard field goal by Hall, pushing the Tiger lead to 20-14. The Tiger defense forced punts on the next two Lions possessions and eventually extended their lead to 28-14 early in the fourth quarter on a goal line plunge by Heavner. The scoring play was set up by a 58-yard rush by Clark down to the two yard line.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182527927&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/michael-chavez-interview-10-4" title="Michael Chavez Postgame at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Michael Chavez Postgame at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)</a></div></div>An interception by Michael Chavez on MSSU's first drive of the fourth quarter helped the Tigers chew up more time. The Lions eventually scored a touchdown with a 4th-down, goal line plunge by Martin with 1:11 remaining in the game. The Tigers secured a pooch kick, but had to punt with 19 seconds remaining in the game. The Lions were called for a penalty on the punt which gave the Tigers a first down which allowed them to run out the clock.In addition to his big game running the ball, Heavner threw for 125 yards and a touchdown. Keyshawn Dooley led the Tigers with 31 receiving yards..Johnson led the Tiger defense with 10 tackles, the forced fumble which gave him a sack, and a pass breakup. Gavin Meyers added nine tackles, while Chavez also had eight tackles and a sack that created a fumble that set up the Cormaney touchdown in the second quarter.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182527271&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-football-vs-mo-southern" title="Fort Hays State FB Highlights at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State FB Highlights at Missouri Southern (Oct. 4, 2025)</a></div></div>Freshman Tillman Martin threw for 322 yards for MSSU but the Lions produced just 65 rushing yards.&nbsp;Up nextThe Tigers return home to play host to 2024 MIAA champion Central Oklahoma on Saturday (Oct. 11) at 7 p.m. The Bronchos entered Saturday 2-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA.

🏈 Tigers continue winning ways in Joplin, down Lions

BETHANY, Okla. — Fort Hays State secured a 2-1 come-from-behind victory at Southern Nazarene on Saturday. The No. 13 ranked Tigers improved to 7-0-2 overall and 3-0 in the GAC with the win. The Crimson Storm went to 4-3-2 overall and 2-1-1 in GAC play.

Southern Nazarene's only goal came in the 29th minute on a penalty kick. However, the Tigers were able to erase the misfortune about four minutes later when Tadhg Walsh leveled the match off assists from Elias Ovelar Semeniuk and Joseph Street. The Tigers were awarded a penalty kick in the 43rd minute, which Ovelar Semeniuk converted to put the Tigers on top. It was his eighth goal of the season. The Tigers dominated the shot count in the first half 10-3.

Fort Hays State went on to win the overall shot battle for the game 17-8. Payton Roehrich had to make two second-half saves to keep the Tigers on top. The Tigers had eight corner kick opportunities compared to none for the Crimson Storm. The match saw 11 cards issued, which included a red on the SNU bench, but FHSU had seven yellows throughout the match.

Fort Hays State returns home for its next three matches. Next up is Harding University on Thursday, October 9 at FHSU Soccer Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759639786805.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsBETHANY, Okla. — Fort Hays State secured a 2-1 come-from-behind victory at Southern Nazarene on Saturday. The No. 13 ranked Tigers improved to 7-0-2 overall and 3-0 in the GAC with the win. The Crimson Storm went to 4-3-2 overall and 2-1-1 in GAC play.Southern Nazarene's only goal came in the 29th minute on a penalty kick. However, the Tigers were able to erase the misfortune about four minutes later when Tadhg Walsh leveled the match off assists from Elias Ovelar Semeniuk and Joseph Street. The Tigers were awarded a penalty kick in the 43rd minute, which Ovelar Semeniuk converted to put the Tigers on top. It was his eighth goal of the season. The Tigers dominated the shot count in the first half 10-3.Fort Hays State went on to win the overall shot battle for the game 17-8. Payton Roehrich had to make two second-half saves to keep the Tigers on top. The Tigers had eight corner kick opportunities compared to none for the Crimson Storm. The match saw 11 cards issued, which included a red on the SNU bench, but FHSU had seven yellows throughout the match.Fort Hays State returns home for its next three matches. Next up is Harding University on Thursday, October 9 at FHSU Soccer Stadium.

⚽ No. 13 Tigers men get past Crimson Storm in Oklahoma

WACO, Texas (AP) — Connor Hawkins kicked a 53-yard field goal with 31 seconds left after Jacob Redding's go-ahead 66-yard interception return for a touchdown as Baylor rallied twice in the fourth quarter for a 35-34 victory over Kansas State on Saturday.

Hawkins matched the longest kick of his career after Luis Rodriguez had put the Wildcats in front with a 22-yard field goal with 1:48 remaining. Kansas State (2-4, 1-2 Big 12) had to settle for the kick after having a first down at the Baylor 2-yard line.

Rodriguez had a chance for a game-winner from 56 yards, but 6-foot-4 defensive end Cooper Lanz blocked it with 2 seconds to go. The Bears (4-2, 2-1) held on two weeks after losing to Arizona State on a game-ending field goal in their previous home game.

“It’s a roller coaster for sure, an emotional roller coaster,” Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson said. “I remember sitting in here a couple of weeks ago and saying that I know one thing for sure, we’re going to fight to the very end. Because of that, we put ourselves in a position to win.”

Michael Trigg had career highs with eight catches for 155 yards and sparked Baylor's rally from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter with a 42-yard grab a play before making a spectacular one-handed catch while getting one foot down on the sideline, gaining another 29 yards.

Robertson's 11-yard scoring pass to Bryson Washington came on the next play, and Robertson’s 2-point conversion run cut Baylor's deficit to 31-25.

Avery Johnson, who threw for 339 yards and two TDs and ran for a score, had kept a potential clock-killing drive alive with two third-down conversions but he threw into traffic on first down in Baylor territory with the six-point lead.

Redding picked off the pass, ran left up the sideline and cut back inside with the speedy Johnson pursuing to finish off the score untouched. Hawkins' PAT kick put Baylor ahead 32-31 with less than five minutes to go.

“I’d be lying if I said a couple of years ago that I’d be in this position,” Redding said. “I was running, I was like, ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’ And then I scored and I was like, ‘No flags?’ This is a dream come true.”

Johnson's 12-yard scoring pass to Jayce Brown broke a 17-17 halftime tie, and the Wildcats went up two touchdowns on Dylan Edwards' 5-yard run late in the third quarter.

“We did things well enough to win, but we didn’t earn the win,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “That’s why we’re walking out of here with a one-point loss and a lot of woulda, shoulda, couldas.”

Kansas State: It's the third time this season the Wildcats have led or been tied in the fourth quarter of a loss. They've had a one-score margin a nation-leading five times in six games. Three of the losses are by three points or fewer.

Baylor: Robertson had two TD tosses, ending his streak of consecutive games with at least three scoring passes at five. It was the longest since Kyler Murray had eight in a row with Oklahoma in 2018. His 345 yards passing were almost right on his nation-leading average.

The temperature approach 90 degrees late in the game on the first Saturday in October in Texas. It was on Klieman's mind. “We played a lot of guys because we had guys injured. Plus, it was hot,” the coach said.

Besides the one-handed grab, Trigg had a leaping catch over the middle in the first half on a drive that appeared to end with him making another athletic catch in the back of the end zone. It was overturned on review, apparently because he didn't have full control. “We knew we had a mismatch nightmare on the kid,” Klieman said.

Baylor: Off next week, then at TCU on Oct. 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759614275873.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WACO, Texas (AP) — Connor Hawkins kicked a 53-yard field goal with 31 seconds left after Jacob Redding's go-ahead 66-yard interception return for a touchdown as Baylor rallied twice in the fourth quarter for a 35-34 victory over Kansas State on Saturday.Hawkins matched the longest kick of his career after Luis Rodriguez had put the Wildcats in front with a 22-yard field goal with 1:48 remaining. Kansas State (2-4, 1-2 Big 12) had to settle for the kick after having a first down at the Baylor 2-yard line.Rodriguez had a chance for a game-winner from 56 yards, but 6-foot-4 defensive end Cooper Lanz blocked it with 2 seconds to go. The Bears (4-2, 2-1) held on two weeks after losing to Arizona State on a game-ending field goal in their previous home game.“It’s a roller coaster for sure, an emotional roller coaster,” Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson said. “I remember sitting in here a couple of weeks ago and saying that I know one thing for sure, we’re going to fight to the very end. Because of that, we put ourselves in a position to win.”Michael Trigg had career highs with eight catches for 155 yards and sparked Baylor's rally from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter with a 42-yard grab a play before making a spectacular one-handed catch while getting one foot down on the sideline, gaining another 29 yards.Robertson's 11-yard scoring pass to Bryson Washington came on the next play, and Robertson’s 2-point conversion run cut Baylor's deficit to 31-25.Avery Johnson, who threw for 339 yards and two TDs and ran for a score, had kept a potential clock-killing drive alive with two third-down conversions but he threw into traffic on first down in Baylor territory with the six-point lead.Redding picked off the pass, ran left up the sideline and cut back inside with the speedy Johnson pursuing to finish off the score untouched. Hawkins' PAT kick put Baylor ahead 32-31 with less than five minutes to go.“I’d be lying if I said a couple of years ago that I’d be in this position,” Redding said. “I was running, I was like, ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’ And then I scored and I was like, ‘No flags?’ This is a dream come true.”Johnson's 12-yard scoring pass to Jayce Brown broke a 17-17 halftime tie, and the Wildcats went up two touchdowns on Dylan Edwards' 5-yard run late in the third quarter.“We did things well enough to win, but we didn’t earn the win,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “That’s why we’re walking out of here with a one-point loss and a lot of woulda, shoulda, couldas.”<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas State: It's the third time this season the Wildcats have led or been tied in the fourth quarter of a loss. They've had a one-score margin a nation-leading five times in six games. Three of the losses are by three points or fewer.Baylor: Robertson had two TD tosses, ending his streak of consecutive games with at least three scoring passes at five. It was the longest since Kyler Murray had eight in a row with Oklahoma in 2018. His 345 yards passing were almost right on his nation-leading average.<h2>Toasty fall Saturday</h2>The temperature approach 90 degrees late in the game on the first Saturday in October in Texas. It was on Klieman's mind. “We played a lot of guys because we had guys injured. Plus, it was hot,” the coach said.<h2>Coulda been more</h2>Besides the one-handed grab, Trigg had a leaping catch over the middle in the first half on a drive that appeared to end with him making another athletic catch in the back of the end zone. It was overturned on review, apparently because he didn't have full control. “We knew we had a mismatch nightmare on the kid,” Klieman said.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State: TCU at home next Saturday.Baylor: Off next week, then at TCU on Oct. 18.

🏈 Baylor rallied twice in the 4th quarter for victory over K-State 

By DIANE O'BRIEN Special to Hays Post Sports

HAYS - Following three straight one-goal losses in defensive battles, the Hays High boys’ soccer team enjoyed a huge offensive show on its home field Saturday.

The Indians scored four goals in each half en route to an 8-1 non-conference win over Hesston.

Junior Ivan Maldonado exploded for four goals in the first half to give the Indians a 4-1 halftime lead.

HHS then got two goals from senior Kal Lonsdale in the second half, as well as one each from junior Cyler Luck and freshman Jack Schumacher, to account for the final margin.

The win helped even the Indians’ overall record at 5-5. They will be on the road Tuesday at Dodge City before entertaining Junction City in a home contest Thursday.

By DIANE O'BRIEN Special to Hays Post SportsHAYS - Following three straight one-goal losses in defensive battles, the Hays High boys’ soccer team enjoyed a huge offensive show on its home field Saturday.The Indians scored four goals in each half en route to an 8-1 non-conference win over Hesston.Junior Ivan Maldonado exploded for four goals in the first half to give the Indians a 4-1 halftime lead.HHS then got two goals from senior Kal Lonsdale in the second half, as well as one each from junior Cyler Luck and freshman Jack Schumacher, to account for the final margin.The win helped even the Indians’ overall record at 5-5. They will be on the road Tuesday at Dodge City before entertaining Junction City in a home contest Thursday.

⚽ Indian soccer dominates at home

SAINT JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team fell in straight sets against Missouri Western State on Saturday, losing 25-13, 25-23, 25-13. The Tigers are now 13-3 overall and 2-2 in MIAA play, while the Griffons improve to 10-5 on the year and 2-2 in league action.

A pair of 5-0 runs for the Griffons helped the home team take control in the opening set, winning 25-13. The Tigers kept things close in a second set that included seven ties and five lead changes. Fort Hays State led by as many as five at 11-6 thanks to kills from Ashlyn Reeves and Ella Goodwin, but MWSU rallied to tie the score at 13. The Tigers then led as late as 16-15 before the Griffons regained control with a 5-1 run that eventually led to a 25-23 win.

Fort Hays State scored the first three points in the third set and held that three-point advantage as late as 12-9 before the Griffons brought things to a close with a 16-1 run.

Abrey Galt posted 15 assists and added two service aces while contributing 10 digs. Reeves recorded six kills on 12 attempts and added a block assist. Kirsten Evans led the defense with 13 digs and also delivered a service ace. Noelle Sutcliffe paced MWSU with 11 kills. The Tigers hit .049 as a team, while the Griffons recorded a swing rate of .282.

The Tigers will next travel to Kearney, Neb. to take on third-ranked Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday (Oct. 7) beginning at 6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759639626023.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Zach Woolf" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Zach Woolf</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsSAINT JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team fell in straight sets against Missouri Western State on Saturday, losing 25-13, 25-23, 25-13. The Tigers are now 13-3 overall and 2-2 in MIAA play, while the Griffons improve to 10-5 on the year and 2-2 in league action.A pair of 5-0 runs for the Griffons helped the home team take control in the opening set, winning 25-13. The Tigers kept things close in a second set that included seven ties and five lead changes. Fort Hays State led by as many as five at 11-6 thanks to kills from Ashlyn Reeves and Ella Goodwin, but MWSU rallied to tie the score at 13. The Tigers then led as late as 16-15 before the Griffons regained control with a 5-1 run that eventually led to a 25-23 win.Fort Hays State scored the first three points in the third set and held that three-point advantage as late as 12-9 before the Griffons brought things to a close with a 16-1 run.Abrey Galt posted 15 assists and added two service aces while contributing 10 digs. Reeves recorded six kills on 12 attempts and added a block assist. Kirsten Evans led the defense with 13 digs and also delivered a service ace. Noelle Sutcliffe paced MWSU with 11 kills. The Tigers hit .049 as a team, while the Griffons recorded a swing rate of .282.The Tigers will next travel to Kearney, Neb. to take on third-ranked Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday (Oct. 7) beginning at 6 p.m.

🏐 Tigers tripped up at Missouri Western

MILFORD LAKE, Kan. - The Hays High boys and girls cross country teams travelled to Milford Lake Saturday to compete in the Junction City Invitational. Both teams placed seventh.

The lone medalists was freshman Alexa Cooley who finished 17th (22:28.0). Bladyn Werth led the boys with a 22nd place finish (19:00.0).

Hays Post SportsMILFORD LAKE, Kan. - The Hays High boys and girls cross country teams travelled to Milford Lake Saturday to compete in the Junction City Invitational. Both teams placed seventh.The lone medalists was freshman Alexa Cooley who finished 17th (22:28.0). Bladyn Werth led the boys with a 22nd place finish (19:00.0).

👟 Cooley leads HHS at Junction City Invitational

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

QUINTER — La Crosse leaned on big plays, opportunistic defense, and the all-around efforts of Christian Rush and Lee Holopirek to outlast Quinter 58-44 in a wild back-and-forth district matchup Friday night.

The Leopards (3-2, 1-1 District 7) opened with three straight touchdown drives, all capped by Holopirek runs, to build a 22-8 lead early in the second quarter. But Quinter (2-3, 1-1) clawed back behind freshman quarterback Easton Blackwill, who accounted for all six Bulldog touchdowns on the night. A 21-yard strike to Cooper Havlas gave Quinter a 24-22 advantage midway through the second quarter, their first lead of the night.

Momentum swung wildly before halftime. After La Crosse regained the lead on a Connor Spreier score, Quinter answered with a Blackwill sneak to go up 32-30. La Crosse immediately responded with a Rush-to-Trenton Skillett touchdown to regain a 36-32 edge at the break.

The second half belonged to the Leopard defense. Rush opened the third quarter with a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown, one of three second-half interceptions thrown by Blackwill. Holopirek and Tyson Steinert also added picks to keep Quinter’s explosive passing game in check.

Even so, the Bulldogs kept coming. Blackwill connected with Jax Ruf for his second touchdown grab and later found Havlas again to cut the deficit to 52-44 with 5:41 left. But La Crosse responded with a clock-draining drive, capped by a fourth-down conversion run from Holopirek and a game-sealing 42-yard touchdown by Hooper Castaneda in the final minute. Steinert’s interception ended Quinter’s last possession.

Rush finished with 222 total yards and three touchdowns, including the defensive score. Holopirek added 75 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Skillett led receivers with 52 yards and a score.

Blackwill threw for 240 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for two more, but his three interceptions proved costly. Ruf hauled in 107 receiving yards and two touchdowns to lead Quinter.

La Crosse rolled up 380 yards of offense, including 286 on the ground, while converting three fourth downs and going 4-for-4 in the red zone. Quinter was limited to just 14 rushing yards but found success through the air.

The Leopards, who beat Quinter 42-24 a year ago, have now topped 30 points in back-to-back weeks.

LaCrosse will host Wichita County, while Quinter will travel to Ellis in week 6.&nbsp;

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsQUINTER — La Crosse leaned on big plays, opportunistic defense, and the all-around efforts of Christian Rush and Lee Holopirek to outlast Quinter 58-44 in a wild back-and-forth district matchup Friday night.The Leopards (3-2, 1-1 District 7) opened with three straight touchdown drives, all capped by Holopirek runs, to build a 22-8 lead early in the second quarter. But Quinter (2-3, 1-1) clawed back behind freshman quarterback Easton Blackwill, who accounted for all six Bulldog touchdowns on the night. A 21-yard strike to Cooper Havlas gave Quinter a 24-22 advantage midway through the second quarter, their first lead of the night.Momentum swung wildly before halftime. After La Crosse regained the lead on a Connor Spreier score, Quinter answered with a Blackwill sneak to go up 32-30. La Crosse immediately responded with a Rush-to-Trenton Skillett touchdown to regain a 36-32 edge at the break.The second half belonged to the Leopard defense. Rush opened the third quarter with a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown, one of three second-half interceptions thrown by Blackwill. Holopirek and Tyson Steinert also added picks to keep Quinter’s explosive passing game in check.Even so, the Bulldogs kept coming. Blackwill connected with Jax Ruf for his second touchdown grab and later found Havlas again to cut the deficit to 52-44 with 5:41 left. But La Crosse responded with a clock-draining drive, capped by a fourth-down conversion run from Holopirek and a game-sealing 42-yard touchdown by Hooper Castaneda in the final minute. Steinert’s interception ended Quinter’s last possession.Rush finished with 222 total yards and three touchdowns, including the defensive score. Holopirek added 75 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Skillett led receivers with 52 yards and a score.Blackwill threw for 240 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for two more, but his three interceptions proved costly. Ruf hauled in 107 receiving yards and two touchdowns to lead Quinter.La Crosse rolled up 380 yards of offense, including 286 on the ground, while converting three fourth downs and going 4-for-4 in the red zone. Quinter was limited to just 14 rushing yards but found success through the air.The Leopards, who beat Quinter 42-24 a year ago, have now topped 30 points in back-to-back weeks.LaCrosse will host Wichita County, while Quinter will travel to Ellis in week 6.&nbsp;

🏈 La Crosse pulls away late to top Quinter in district shootout

RV/#21 Fort Hays State (3-2, 2-1 MIAA) at Missouri Southern (2-2, 0-2 MIAA) Saturday, October 4 ⦁ 1 p.m. Joplin, Mo. ⦁ Fred G. Hughes Stadium

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

Fort Hays State Football hits the road this week for a contest at Missouri Southern. The RV/No. 21 ranked Tigers enter the contest at 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA, while the Lions are 2-2 overall and 0-2 in the MIAA. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.

Fort Hays State holds a 20-14-1 advantage in the all-time series with Missouri Southern. The Tigers have won 10 of the last 11 meetings and hold a 12-4 advantage against the Lions since joining the MIAA back in 2006. Head coach Chris Brown is 10-1 against the Lions while leading the Tigers.

Fort Hays State won last year's meeting by a score of 53-9 in Hays. The 44-point win margin was the largest in the all-time series with Missouri Southern. The Tigers have had success generating points against the Lions in the last 13 meetings, averaging 40.2 points per game in that span. The Tigers have won their last six meetings with the Lions in Joplin going back to 2009.

The Tigers are currently among a four-way cluster for third place in the MIAA standings at 2-1. Northwest Missouri State (3-0) and Central Missouri (2-0) are the only two teams remaining without a loss in MIAA play. Missouri Southern is among four teams in the MIAA looking for their first conference win of the season.

Fort Hays State scored at least 26 points in all three of its wins this season, but less than 20 in its two losses. The Tigers are still searching for their first game of 400 or more yards of total offense this season, with 396 as their season high at Pittsburg State.

The Fort Hays State defense is led by linebacker John Johnson, who leads the team and ranks third in the MIAA in tackles with 49. He has been the MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week twice this season, the latest occurring this week after a career-high 16 tackles against Missouri Western last week. He has led the team in tackles in four of the five games and reached double figures in a game three times this season.

Gaven Haselhorst leads the Tigers in sacks with 3.0 and ranks second in the MIAA, only 0.5 sacks behind the lead. Jakolbi Wilson leads the Tigers in tackles for loss (4.5), while Michael Polley has two of the team's four interceptions this season.

Quarterback Caleb Heavner has 921 passing yards and a team-best 180 yards rushing. He is averaging 220.2 yards of total offense per game. Ryan Allen is his top receiving target with 19 catches for 202 yards so far this year. Outside of Heavner's 180 rushing yards, the Tigers have three running backs with over 100 yards rushing this season, which includes Travis Dixon, Joshua Clark, and Donavan Hunt. Curtis Douglas had a big game last week with 73 yards on just four carries.

Missouri Southern owns the best pass efficiency rating in the MIAA at 154.8. The Lions are averaging 16.3 yards per reception so far.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759489041062.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsRV/#21 Fort Hays State (3-2, 2-1 MIAA) at Missouri Southern (2-2, 0-2 MIAA) Saturday, October 4 ⦁ 1 p.m. Joplin, Mo. ⦁ Fred G. Hughes StadiumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Fort Hays State Football hits the road this week for a contest at Missouri Southern. The RV/No. 21 ranked Tigers enter the contest at 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA, while the Lions are 2-2 overall and 0-2 in the MIAA. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.Fort Hays State holds a 20-14-1 advantage in the all-time series with Missouri Southern. The Tigers have won 10 of the last 11 meetings and hold a 12-4 advantage against the Lions since joining the MIAA back in 2006. Head coach Chris Brown is 10-1 against the Lions while leading the Tigers.Fort Hays State won last year's meeting by a score of 53-9 in Hays. The 44-point win margin was the largest in the all-time series with Missouri Southern. The Tigers have had success generating points against the Lions in the last 13 meetings, averaging 40.2 points per game in that span. The Tigers have won their last six meetings with the Lions in Joplin going back to 2009.The Tigers are currently among a four-way cluster for third place in the MIAA standings at 2-1. Northwest Missouri State (3-0) and Central Missouri (2-0) are the only two teams remaining without a loss in MIAA play. Missouri Southern is among four teams in the MIAA looking for their first conference win of the season.Fort Hays State scored at least 26 points in all three of its wins this season, but less than 20 in its two losses. The Tigers are still searching for their first game of 400 or more yards of total offense this season, with 396 as their season high at Pittsburg State.The Fort Hays State defense is led by linebacker John Johnson, who leads the team and ranks third in the MIAA in tackles with 49. He has been the MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week twice this season, the latest occurring this week after a career-high 16 tackles against Missouri Western last week. He has led the team in tackles in four of the five games and reached double figures in a game three times this season.Gaven Haselhorst leads the Tigers in sacks with 3.0 and ranks second in the MIAA, only 0.5 sacks behind the lead. Jakolbi Wilson leads the Tigers in tackles for loss (4.5), while Michael Polley has two of the team's four interceptions this season.Quarterback Caleb Heavner has 921 passing yards and a team-best 180 yards rushing. He is averaging 220.2 yards of total offense per game. Ryan Allen is his top receiving target with 19 catches for 202 yards so far this year. Outside of Heavner's 180 rushing yards, the Tigers have three running backs with over 100 yards rushing this season, which includes Travis Dixon, Joshua Clark, and Donavan Hunt. Curtis Douglas had a big game last week with 73 yards on just four carries.Missouri Southern owns the best pass efficiency rating in the MIAA at 154.8. The Lions are averaging 16.3 yards per reception so far.

🏈🎧 LISTEN: Tigers face Lions Saturday in Joplin

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses Kansas City's win over the Ravens and previews their Monday Night Football showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses Kansas City's win over the Ravens and previews their Monday Night Football showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars.<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/soundcloud%3Atracks%3A2181621499%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-ngz0SMxgQ0N&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-october-4-2025/s-ngz0SMxgQ0N" title="Holthus Hotline (October 4, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Holthus Hotline (October 4, 2025)</a></div></div>

🎧 Holthus Hotline with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus

Saturday, October 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Missouri Southern State, 12:00pm KAYS: Kansas FB at UCF, 5:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Saturday, October 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Missouri Southern State, 12:00pm KAYS: Kansas FB at UCF, 5:00pmSunday, October 5
 none

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post Sports

SMITH CENTER – The Smith Center pulled away from a banged-up TMP-Marian
team Friday night as they earned a 42-21 district victory in Smith Center.

Neither team was able to get their offense going in the
first minutes of the game Friday night with both teams punting on their first
two possession.

Finally, the Monarchs (2-2, 2-2 MCL, 0-1) broke onto the
scoreboard first, scoring on a two-yard touchdown run by Carson Liles with just
over two and a half minutes left in the first quarter.

Isaac Purinton set up the touchdown with a 77-yard run.

After yet another punt by Smith Center (5-0, 4-0 MCL, 2-0), TMP’s
Carson Liles throws an interception, on third down, that was returned for a
Smith Center touchdown. Making it 7-6 with the unsuccessful two-point try.

The Monarchs turned the ball over on downs in Smith Center
territory, setting up a short Smith Center score and a 12-7 lead with 8:21 left
in the first quarter. 

Less than six minutes later Smith Center capped off a 20-0
scoring run with a touchdown run for a 20-7 Redmen lead with two and a half minutes
left in the first half.

TMP’s quarterback Carson Liles suffered a lower leg injury
with just over two minutes left in the first half and did not return until after
halftime.

Grant Nehls filled in as a quarterback and found Nash
Dreiling for a 52-yard catch setting up Nehls on a two-yard run making it 20-13
with just under one minute to play.

Unfortunately for TMP, Smith Center was able to get on the
board yet again, scoring on a 14-yard touchdown run, taking a 28-16 lead into
halftime.

In the second half, it was much the same; TMP cut the
deficit to seven on a Jackson Gillespie eight-yard catch and run for a 28-21
with just over two minutes left in the third quarter.

Smith Center scored a pair of late touchdowns in the fourth
quarter as they clinched the 42-21 victory.

TMP will host on Friday night while Smith Central travels to
Ulysses.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post SportsSMITH CENTER – The Smith Center pulled away from a banged-up TMP-Marian
team Friday night as they earned a 42-21 district victory in Smith Center.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182062923&color=%23234c78&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/tmp-fb-highlights-v-smith" title="TMP FB Highlights v Smith Center Oct 3, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Highlights v Smith Center Oct 3, 2025</a></div></div>Neither team was able to get their offense going in the
first minutes of the game Friday night with both teams punting on their first
two possession.Finally, the Monarchs (2-2, 2-2 MCL, 0-1) broke onto the
scoreboard first, scoring on a two-yard touchdown run by Carson Liles with just
over two and a half minutes left in the first quarter.Isaac Purinton set up the touchdown with a 77-yard run.After yet another punt by Smith Center (5-0, 4-0 MCL, 2-0), TMP’s
Carson Liles throws an interception, on third down, that was returned for a
Smith Center touchdown. Making it 7-6 with the unsuccessful two-point try.The Monarchs turned the ball over on downs in Smith Center
territory, setting up a short Smith Center score and a 12-7 lead with 8:21 left
in the first quarter. Less than six minutes later Smith Center capped off a 20-0
scoring run with a touchdown run for a 20-7 Redmen lead with two and a half minutes
left in the first half.TMP’s quarterback Carson Liles suffered a lower leg injury
with just over two minutes left in the first half and did not return until after
halftime.Grant Nehls filled in as a quarterback and found Nash
Dreiling for a 52-yard catch setting up Nehls on a two-yard run making it 20-13
with just under one minute to play.Unfortunately for TMP, Smith Center was able to get on the
board yet again, scoring on a 14-yard touchdown run, taking a 28-16 lead into
halftime.In the second half, it was much the same; TMP cut the
deficit to seven on a Jackson Gillespie eight-yard catch and run for a 28-21
with just over two minutes left in the third quarter.Smith Center scored a pair of late touchdowns in the fourth
quarter as they clinched the 42-21 victory.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2182062923&color=%23234c78&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/tmp-fb-highlights-v-smith" title="TMP FB Highlights v Smith Center Oct 3, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Highlights v Smith Center Oct 3, 2025</a></div></div>TMP will host on Friday night while Smith Central travels to
Ulysses.