By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

HOXIE — After watching a 20-point lead nearly evaporate, Hoxie steadied itself in the fourth quarter and pulled away for a 46-32 win over Ellis on homecoming night Friday, earning its first victory of the season.

The defending 8-Man Division I state champions, rebuilding with just two returning starters, improved to 1-2. Ellis, which celebrated its first winning season in nearly a decade last fall, dropped to 0-3.

Hoxie quarterback Chase Meyer opened the game with a 6-yard touchdown run, then later connected with Griffin Zerr on a 47-yard strike to help the Indians build a 20-0 lead. Meyer finished 5 of 5 passing for 128 yards and two scores while also rushing for 126 yards and two more touchdowns.

Ellis struggled early, turning it over on downs three straight times in the first quarter. Quarterback Trent Schartz eventually found a rhythm, completing 6 of 6 passes on a second-quarter drive capped by a 5-yard touchdown to Baylor Born. Schartz later added scoring tosses to Ben Byers and Aiden Aschenbrenner while rushing for another, accounting for four total touchdowns and 346 yards.

Momentum swung after halftime when Ellis’ Carson Schartz returned the kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 28-20. The Railroaders pulled within two points twice in the third quarter, the last on Schartz’s 8-yard strike to Aschenbrenner that made it 34-32.

But Hoxie’s defense delivered in the final quarter. Freshman defensive back Gage Epp picked off a pass in the red zone, Caden Beckman intercepted a tipped screen with under two minutes left, and senior leader Mat Bretz sealed the win with a one-handed interception on Ellis’ final drive. Bretz also ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

Zerr finished with three catches for 120 yards and two scores for Hoxie, while sophomore back Noah Nickelson added 65 yards and a touchdown.

Ellis had three possessions in the fourth quarter to tie or take the lead, but two interceptions and a turnover on downs ended those chances.

Hoxie outscored Ellis 12-0 in the fourth to secure the win.

Next week, the Indians travel to Stockton while the Railroaders return home to face LaCrosse.

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsHOXIE — After watching a 20-point lead nearly evaporate, Hoxie steadied itself in the fourth quarter and pulled away for a 46-32 win over Ellis on homecoming night Friday, earning its first victory of the season.The defending 8-Man Division I state champions, rebuilding with just two returning starters, improved to 1-2. Ellis, which celebrated its first winning season in nearly a decade last fall, dropped to 0-3.Hoxie quarterback Chase Meyer opened the game with a 6-yard touchdown run, then later connected with Griffin Zerr on a 47-yard strike to help the Indians build a 20-0 lead. Meyer finished 5 of 5 passing for 128 yards and two scores while also rushing for 126 yards and two more touchdowns.Ellis struggled early, turning it over on downs three straight times in the first quarter. Quarterback Trent Schartz eventually found a rhythm, completing 6 of 6 passes on a second-quarter drive capped by a 5-yard touchdown to Baylor Born. Schartz later added scoring tosses to Ben Byers and Aiden Aschenbrenner while rushing for another, accounting for four total touchdowns and 346 yards.Momentum swung after halftime when Ellis’ Carson Schartz returned the kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 28-20. The Railroaders pulled within two points twice in the third quarter, the last on Schartz’s 8-yard strike to Aschenbrenner that made it 34-32.But Hoxie’s defense delivered in the final quarter. Freshman defensive back Gage Epp picked off a pass in the red zone, Caden Beckman intercepted a tipped screen with under two minutes left, and senior leader Mat Bretz sealed the win with a one-handed interception on Ellis’ final drive. Bretz also ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns.Zerr finished with three catches for 120 yards and two scores for Hoxie, while sophomore back Noah Nickelson added 65 yards and a touchdown.Ellis had three possessions in the fourth quarter to tie or take the lead, but two interceptions and a turnover on downs ended those chances.Hoxie outscored Ellis 12-0 in the fourth to secure the win.Next week, the Indians travel to Stockton while the Railroaders return home to face LaCrosse.

🏈Hoxie pulls away late, tops Ellis for first win

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs loss to the Eagles and previews their Sunday night game with the Giants.

The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday's at 8:00 a.m. on 96.9, KFIX.

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs loss to the Eagles and previews their Sunday night game with the Giants.The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday's at 8:00 a.m. on 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/soundcloud%3Atracks%3A2172696954%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-b8NmVgWAVR8&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-september-20-2025/s-b8NmVgWAVR8" title="Holthus Hotline (September 20, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Holthus Hotline (September 20, 2025)</a></div></div>

🎧 Holthus Hotline with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus

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

Saturday, September 20
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Pittsburg State, 3:00pm
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs. West Virginia, 3:30pm

Sunday, September 21
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 12:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB at New York Giants, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Saturday, September 20
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Pittsburg State, 3:00pm
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs. West Virginia, 3:30pmSunday, September 21
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 12:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB at New York Giants, 6:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs waited out a more than two-hour
rain delay and then outlasted the Phillipsburg Panthers 20-19 for the second
straight win on the season.

The Monarchs (2-1, 2-1 MCL) wasted no time jumping on the board. They put together
a nine-play, 78-yard drive that was capped off with a Jackson Gillespie 44-yard
touchdown run, putting TMP up 7-0.

Gillespie also had a run of 18 on the drive, and Grant Nehls
hauled in a 14-yard reception on the drive.

Phillipsburg answered with a nine-play, 80-yard drive, tying
the game at seven with just over four minutes left in the first quarter.

The two teams played to a scoreless draw for much of the remainder
of the first half, with the TMP defense forcing a pair of Panther punts and the
Monachs getting a field goal blocked and punting late in the first half.

With just over four minutes left in the first half, the
Monarchs put together a perfect four-minute drive that resulted in a 39-yard field
goal by Carson Liles, giving TMP the 10-7 halftime lead.

The Monarchs were able to cover 61 yards on 10 plays,
setting up Liles for the go-ahead field goal and a 10-7 TMP lead at halftime.

Phillipsburg fumbled deep inside their own territory to open
the second half, setting up a second Liles field goal, this one from 30 yards
out, putting TMP up 13-7.

Neither team was able to break onto the scoreboard in the
third quarter. Then, with just over six minutes remaining in the fourth
quarter, Phillipsburg tied the game at 13, but TMP blocked the extra point,
keeping the game tied. 

With just over six and a half minutes left, the Monarchs put
together another lengthy drive, covering 78 yards, 38 of those on a pass play
to Nash Dreiling that set up a three-yard touchdown run by Isaac Purinton, with
the extra point giving TMP a 20-13 lead with just under two and a half minutes
left in the game.

Phillipsburg would not go away, though. It took just four plays
to answer with a touchdown of their own, scoring on a 69-yard touchdown run. 

Down 20-19 with one minute and 37 seconds, the Panthers rolled
the dice, going for two. But the Monarchs kept the runner out of the end zone,
securing the one-point lead.

TMP got the ball back and secured the victory
following an unsuccessful onside kick attempt by the Panthers. 

TMP's Jackson Gillespie finished with 102 yards and one touchdown.&nbsp;

Carson Liles finished 12-of-18 passing for 153 yards. His favorite target on the night was Jacob Seib, who hauled in five passes for 39 yards.&nbsp;

Seven Monarchs recievers had at least one catch.

TMP will be on next Friday night before traveling to Smith Center Oct. 3rd to open district play.

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs waited out a more than two-hour
rain delay and then outlasted the Phillipsburg Panthers 20-19 for the second
straight win on the season.<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%253A2173650465&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-coach-interview-sept-19" title="TMP FB Coach Interview Sept 19, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Coach Interview Sept 19, 2025</a></div></div>The Monarchs (2-1, 2-1 MCL) wasted no time jumping on the board. They put together
a nine-play, 78-yard drive that was capped off with a Jackson Gillespie 44-yard
touchdown run, putting TMP up 7-0.Gillespie also had a run of 18 on the drive, and Grant Nehls
hauled in a 14-yard reception on the drive.Phillipsburg answered with a nine-play, 80-yard drive, tying
the game at seven with just over four minutes left in the first quarter.The two teams played to a scoreless draw for much of the remainder
of the first half, with the TMP defense forcing a pair of Panther punts and the
Monachs getting a field goal blocked and punting late in the first half.With just over four minutes left in the first half, the
Monarchs put together a perfect four-minute drive that resulted in a 39-yard field
goal by Carson Liles, giving TMP the 10-7 halftime lead.The Monarchs were able to cover 61 yards on 10 plays,
setting up Liles for the go-ahead field goal and a 10-7 TMP lead at halftime.Phillipsburg fumbled deep inside their own territory to open
the second half, setting up a second Liles field goal, this one from 30 yards
out, putting TMP up 13-7.Neither team was able to break onto the scoreboard in the
third quarter. Then, with just over six minutes remaining in the fourth
quarter, Phillipsburg tied the game at 13, but TMP blocked the extra point,
keeping the game tied. With just over six and a half minutes left, the Monarchs put
together another lengthy drive, covering 78 yards, 38 of those on a pass play
to Nash Dreiling that set up a three-yard touchdown run by Isaac Purinton, with
the extra point giving TMP a 20-13 lead with just under two and a half minutes
left in the game.Phillipsburg would not go away, though. It took just four plays
to answer with a touchdown of their own, scoring on a 69-yard touchdown run. Down 20-19 with one minute and 37 seconds, the Panthers rolled
the dice, going for two. But the Monarchs kept the runner out of the end zone,
securing the one-point lead.TMP got the ball back and secured the victory
following an unsuccessful onside kick attempt by the Panthers. <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%253A2173650543&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-v-phillipsburg-sept-19" title="TMP FB v Phillipsburg Sept 19, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB v Phillipsburg Sept 19, 2025</a></div></div>TMP's Jackson Gillespie finished with 102 yards and one touchdown.&nbsp;Carson Liles finished 12-of-18 passing for 153 yards. His favorite target on the night was Jacob Seib, who hauled in five passes for 39 yards.&nbsp;Seven Monarchs recievers had at least one catch.TMP will be on next Friday night before traveling to Smith Center Oct. 3rd to open district play.

🏈 Monarchs wait out rain delay; edge Phillipsburg Panthers on homecoming

By Dustin Armbruster Hays Post Sports

Manhattan - Hays High and Manhattan squared off in a state-ranked showdown in week three of the season. Hays entered ranked #2 in 5A and Manhattan at the top of 6A. It was the closest game in the series, but Manhattan still took the win 10-8.

Neither team managed to put points onto the board in the first half. Manhattan marched inside the 20 yard line in the first quarter. Johnny Rigler knocked a the ball free of a scrambling quarterback to force a turnover on downs.&nbsp;

Hays (2-1) didn't get across mid-field until the second half. They traveled down to the 13 yard line but went backwards on two of their next three plays and also turned the ball over on downs. Manhattan (3-0) began a drive late in the second quarter that was halted when Caleb Thompson intercepted a tipped pass and returned it to Manhattan's 33 yard line.

A Holden Lind run put Hays at the 16 before Manhattan blocked a 37 yard field goal attempt to end the first half.

Manhattan struck first with an 86 yard punt return for a touchdown by Kansas football commit JJ Dunnigan with 9:12 left in the third quarter. The ensuing drive by Hays used 15 plays but ended with a turnover on downs. The drive reached the six yard line but lost 28 yards on the next four plays.

A field goal by Manhattan to start the fourth quarter pushed the lead to 10-0 with 11:48 left. Hays punted on their next series, but the defense got the ball back after forcing a punt after three plays.

Hays marched 13 plays and 73 yards to bring the Hays fans to their feet. Holden Lind scored for the fifth time on the season with a 32 yard run. Holder Johnny Rigler took a low, bobbled snap to the end zone for a two-point conversion and a 10-8 score with 4:15 remaining.

Hays got the football back one more time. They got to midfield before losing the ball on downs. One kneel down by Manhattan ended the game at 10-8.

The Hays defense held a Manhattan offense that averages 440 yards to 191. Hays returns home to play Garden City for homecoming.

By Dustin Armbruster Hays Post SportsManhattan - Hays High and Manhattan squared off in a state-ranked showdown in week three of the season. Hays entered ranked #2 in 5A and Manhattan at the top of 6A. It was the closest game in the series, but Manhattan still took the win 10-8.Neither team managed to put points onto the board in the first half. Manhattan marched inside the 20 yard line in the first quarter. Johnny Rigler knocked a the ball free of a scrambling quarterback to force a turnover on downs.&nbsp;Hays (2-1) didn't get across mid-field until the second half. They traveled down to the 13 yard line but went backwards on two of their next three plays and also turned the ball over on downs. Manhattan (3-0) began a drive late in the second quarter that was halted when Caleb Thompson intercepted a tipped pass and returned it to Manhattan's 33 yard line.A Holden Lind run put Hays at the 16 before Manhattan blocked a 37 yard field goal attempt to end the first half.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2173629234&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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/hhs-fb-highlights-v-manhattan" title="HHS FB Highlights v Manhattan Sept 19, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS FB Highlights v Manhattan Sept 19, 2025</a></div></div>Manhattan struck first with an 86 yard punt return for a touchdown by Kansas football commit JJ Dunnigan with 9:12 left in the third quarter. The ensuing drive by Hays used 15 plays but ended with a turnover on downs. The drive reached the six yard line but lost 28 yards on the next four plays.A field goal by Manhattan to start the fourth quarter pushed the lead to 10-0 with 11:48 left. Hays punted on their next series, but the defense got the ball back after forcing a punt after three plays.Hays marched 13 plays and 73 yards to bring the Hays fans to their feet. Holden Lind scored for the fifth time on the season with a 32 yard run. Holder Johnny Rigler took a low, bobbled snap to the end zone for a two-point conversion and a 10-8 score with 4:15 remaining.Hays got the football back one more time. They got to midfield before losing the ball on downs. One kneel down by Manhattan ended the game at 10-8.Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2173629177&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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/hhs-fb-coach-interview-v" title="HHS FB Coach Interview v Manhattan Sept 19, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS FB Coach Interview v Manhattan Sept 19, 2025</a></div></div>The Hays defense held a Manhattan offense that averages 440 yards to 191. Hays returns home to play Garden City for homecoming.

🏈 Hays' comeback falls short in Manhattan

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer in Kansas City's seven-run first inning and the Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 20-1 on Friday night.

The Royals sent 10 batters to the plate against Max Scherzer (5-4), who exited after recording just two outs and allowing seven hits in the shortest non-injury start of his career. It was Scherzer’s shortest outing since facing just one batter while pitching for Washington on June 11, 2021, before leaving with an injury.

Following a homer by George Springer in the top of the first inning, the Royals quickly tied it in the bottom of the inning on Carter Jensen’s leadoff double and Bobby Witt Jr.’s RBI single. Witt scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double into the left field corner to give Kansas City the lead for good.

After a walk to Maikel Garcia – and Toronto pitching coach Pete Walker’s ejection – Perez connected for his 30th home run. Michael Massey’s two-run homer gave Kansas City a 7-1 lead.

Batting leadoff for the first time, Jensen hit three doubles – two against Scherzer in the first and a two-run double in the third. Jensen became the first Royals player with multiple doubles in the same inning.

Jac Caglianone hit a three-run homer in the seventh as the Royals had 10 runs and 13 hits in 1 1/3 innings against catcher Tyler Heineman. Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa got the last two outs in the eighth inning.

Pasquantino had four of Kansas City’s franchise-record 27 hits, doubling twice as the Royals had with eight extra-base hits in the first three innings.

Royals starter Michael Lorenzen (6-11) gave up a run and three hits with three walks while striking out four in 7 2/3 innings for his first win since July 6.

Perez’s 30th home run matched Pasquantino for the club lead as the pair became the second Royals teammates to reach the mark, following Steve Balboni and George Brett in 1985.

Springer, celebrating his 36th birthday, hit his 63rd leadoff home run — second-most in major league history — and reached 30 homers for the first time since 2019.

Blue Jays RHP Shane Bieber (3-1, 3.72 ERA) goes against Royals LHP Noah Cameron (8-7, 2.98) on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758337684881.png" alt="Photo KC Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer in Kansas City's seven-run first inning and the Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 20-1 on Friday night.The Royals sent 10 batters to the plate against Max Scherzer (5-4), who exited after recording just two outs and allowing seven hits in the shortest non-injury start of his career. It was Scherzer’s shortest outing since facing just one batter while pitching for Washington on June 11, 2021, before leaving with an injury.Following a homer by George Springer in the top of the first inning, the Royals quickly tied it in the bottom of the inning on Carter Jensen’s leadoff double and Bobby Witt Jr.’s RBI single. Witt scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double into the left field corner to give Kansas City the lead for good.After a walk to Maikel Garcia – and Toronto pitching coach Pete Walker’s ejection – Perez connected for his 30th home run. Michael Massey’s two-run homer gave Kansas City a 7-1 lead.Batting leadoff for the first time, Jensen hit three doubles – two against Scherzer in the first and a two-run double in the third. Jensen became the first Royals player with multiple doubles in the same inning.Jac Caglianone hit a three-run homer in the seventh as the Royals had 10 runs and 13 hits in 1 1/3 innings against catcher Tyler Heineman. Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa got the last two outs in the eighth inning.Pasquantino had four of Kansas City’s franchise-record 27 hits, doubling twice as the Royals had with eight extra-base hits in the first three innings.Royals starter Michael Lorenzen (6-11) gave up a run and three hits with three walks while striking out four in 7 2/3 innings for his first win since July 6.<h2>Key moment</h2>Perez’s 30th home run matched Pasquantino for the club lead as the pair became the second Royals teammates to reach the mark, following Steve Balboni and George Brett in 1985.<h2>Key stat</h2>Springer, celebrating his 36th birthday, hit his 63rd leadoff home run — second-most in major league history — and reached 30 homers for the first time since 2019.<h2>Up next</h2>Blue Jays RHP Shane Bieber (3-1, 3.72 ERA) goes against Royals LHP Noah Cameron (8-7, 2.98) on Saturday.___

⚾️ Royals score 7 in the 1st inning to beat the Blue Jays

#2-5A Hays High (2-0, 0-0 WAC) at #1-6A Manhattan (2-0) Friday, Sept. 19 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2551472">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians are on the road for a state-ranked showdown with the Manhattan Indians

Kickoff is at 7
p.m. with the Hertz Rent-A-Car Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>#2-5A Hays High (2-0, 0-0 WAC) at #1-6A Manhattan (2-0) Friday, Sept. 19 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan.Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2551472">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians are on the road for a state-ranked showdown with the Manhattan IndiansKickoff is at 7
p.m. with the Hertz Rent-A-Car Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX.

🏈🎥 #2-5A Hays High at #1-6A Manhattan

EDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team improved to 9-1 with a pair of victories Friday (Sept. 19) at the MIAA/GAC Crossover, with the Tigers holding on to defeat Southwestern Oklahoma State in five sets before cruising to straight-set victory over East Central.

Fort Hays State dropped in 18 service aces on the day, including eight from libero Kirsten Evans. Ashlyn Reeves led the team with 20 kills and eight blocks across the two matches, while Ella Goodwin added 19 kills.

The SWOSU Bulldogs dip to 2-9 on the year with the loss, while the orange and black Tigers are now 2-11 overall.

Fort Hays State 3, Southwestern Oklahoma State 2 The Tigers edged out Southwestern Oklahoma in a tight five-set match to begin the day, winning 25-17, 28-26, 17-25, 19-25, 15-11.

The first set opened with a back-and-forth exchange, but Fort Hays State gained momentum with a critical 7-0 run, highlighted by a pair of combo blocks from Reeves and Caiya Stucky Reyes, bringing the score to 11-5 at the midpoint. Gracie Rains and Reeves were instrumental in extending the lead, with each securing pivotal kills to thwart the Bulldogs' efforts. The set concluded with Fort Hays State securing a confident 25-17 victory thanks to 15 kills compared to only one error, good for an eye-popping swing rate of .500.

The second set began with Fort Hays State and the Bulldogs again trading points before SWOSU slowly took control. The Bulldogs later scored five in a row to lead 22-17, but a 4-0 Tiger run including kills from Reeves and Goodwin and an Evans ace helped FHSU close within one. The Bulldogs then reached set point at 24-21 before the Tigers again scored four in a row to retake the lead, 25-24. SWOSU answered back with back-to-back points to again reach set point, but the Tigers made the final push with three in a row to take the set, 28-26, on a Carsyn Cormaney kill.

The teams traded the lead six times early in the third set before SWOSU closed the frame on a 14-5 run to extend the match, 25-17.

Two service aces from Peyton Bergschneider helped the Tigers take an early 3-0 lead in the fourth set before the Bulldogs rallied to take the lead at 10-9. FHSU kept things close until SWOSU broke open a 16-16 tie with a 9-3 run, taking the set 25-19 to send the match to a fifth set.

Southwestern Oklahoma State led by as many as three early in the final set before the Tigers used a 3-0 run to go on top for the first time at 7-6. Back-to-back kills from Cormaney and two from Grace Schmedding helped the Tigers go up 11-8 before three kills from Rains helped the Tigers reach match point. Reeves finished things off with her team-high 14th kill, giving FHSU the match with a 15-11 win.

Reeves added a team-high five blocks, while Evans recording five aces and added 15 digs to her defensive efforts. Reyes coordinated the offense with 28 assists and added eight kills, nine digs and four blocks for a well-rounded performance. Rains chipped in 12 kills and one block, while Goodwin and Cormaney each had nine kills and three blocks. Hailey Smith and Paris Patterson both racked up 15 kills, with Smith adding six blocks to lead the Bulldogs.

The Tigers narrowly edged SWOSU in attack percentage, .165-.163. The Bulldogs racked up 16 blocks, compared to eight for the Tigers, while both teams totaled nine service aces. The Tigers held a 75-69 edge in blocks and a 54-46 advantage in assists.

Fort Hays State 3, East Central 0 After battling SWOSU for nearly 2.5 hours to start the day, Fort Hays State returned to the court 90 minutes later to sweep East Central, 25-22, 25-19, 25-17. FHSU recorded nine service aces for the second-straight match, overpowering ECU throughout the match. The victory was highlighted by a dominant attack percentage of .219 compared to East Central's .110.

Fort Hays State came into the first set with momentum, racing in front by as many as seven before ECU used a 9-2 run to tie the score at 22. Back-to-back kills from Bergschneider thwarted the run before an ECU error brought the frame to an end at 25-22.

East Central took control early in the second set, leading by as many as five at 13-8 before an FHSU timeout. The Black and Gold responded with a 6-1 run to level the score at 14 including two kills from Goodwin and one each from Schmedding, Cormaney, Reeves and Bergschneider. The teams then traded sets before a Cormaney kill gave FHSU its first lead of the set at 18-17. That kick-started a 6-0 FHSU run before Schmedding delivered the final blow for a 25-19 win.

In the third set, Fort Hays State secured a decisive 25-17 win highlighted by two Evans service aces and five kills from Goodwin. A 5-0 run in the heart of the frame gave FHSU control for good, including two kills from Goodwin, one from Bergschneider and a Cormaney ace.

Goodwin led the FHSU offense with 10 kills on 15 attempts, posting a hitting percentage of .533. Annie Eaton orchestrated the attack with 24 assists while adding two service aces. Reeves tallied six kills and three blocks, while Abrey Galt paced the team with eight digs alongside 14 assists and one ace. Jayla Buford led ECU with 12 kills alongside two blocks.

The Tigers will wrap up competition in the MIAA/GAC Crossover on Saturday (Sept. 20) in Shawnee, Okla. when FHSU battles Northwestern Oklahoma State at 9 a.m. and Oklahoma Baptist at 12:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758325543240.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Parker Nisbeth" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Parker Nisbeth</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team improved to 9-1 with a pair of victories Friday (Sept. 19) at the MIAA/GAC Crossover, with the Tigers holding on to defeat Southwestern Oklahoma State in five sets before cruising to straight-set victory over East Central.Fort Hays State dropped in 18 service aces on the day, including eight from libero Kirsten Evans. Ashlyn Reeves led the team with 20 kills and eight blocks across the two matches, while Ella Goodwin added 19 kills.The SWOSU Bulldogs dip to 2-9 on the year with the loss, while the orange and black Tigers are now 2-11 overall.Fort Hays State 3, Southwestern Oklahoma State 2 The Tigers edged out Southwestern Oklahoma in a tight five-set match to begin the day, winning 25-17, 28-26, 17-25, 19-25, 15-11.The first set opened with a back-and-forth exchange, but Fort Hays State gained momentum with a critical 7-0 run, highlighted by a pair of combo blocks from Reeves and Caiya Stucky Reyes, bringing the score to 11-5 at the midpoint. Gracie Rains and Reeves were instrumental in extending the lead, with each securing pivotal kills to thwart the Bulldogs' efforts. The set concluded with Fort Hays State securing a confident 25-17 victory thanks to 15 kills compared to only one error, good for an eye-popping swing rate of .500.The second set began with Fort Hays State and the Bulldogs again trading points before SWOSU slowly took control. The Bulldogs later scored five in a row to lead 22-17, but a 4-0 Tiger run including kills from Reeves and Goodwin and an Evans ace helped FHSU close within one. The Bulldogs then reached set point at 24-21 before the Tigers again scored four in a row to retake the lead, 25-24. SWOSU answered back with back-to-back points to again reach set point, but the Tigers made the final push with three in a row to take the set, 28-26, on a Carsyn Cormaney kill.The teams traded the lead six times early in the third set before SWOSU closed the frame on a 14-5 run to extend the match, 25-17.Two service aces from Peyton Bergschneider helped the Tigers take an early 3-0 lead in the fourth set before the Bulldogs rallied to take the lead at 10-9. FHSU kept things close until SWOSU broke open a 16-16 tie with a 9-3 run, taking the set 25-19 to send the match to a fifth set.Southwestern Oklahoma State led by as many as three early in the final set before the Tigers used a 3-0 run to go on top for the first time at 7-6. Back-to-back kills from Cormaney and two from Grace Schmedding helped the Tigers go up 11-8 before three kills from Rains helped the Tigers reach match point. Reeves finished things off with her team-high 14th kill, giving FHSU the match with a 15-11 win.Reeves added a team-high five blocks, while Evans recording five aces and added 15 digs to her defensive efforts. Reyes coordinated the offense with 28 assists and added eight kills, nine digs and four blocks for a well-rounded performance. Rains chipped in 12 kills and one block, while Goodwin and Cormaney each had nine kills and three blocks. Hailey Smith and Paris Patterson both racked up 15 kills, with Smith adding six blocks to lead the Bulldogs.The Tigers narrowly edged SWOSU in attack percentage, .165-.163. The Bulldogs racked up 16 blocks, compared to eight for the Tigers, while both teams totaled nine service aces. The Tigers held a 75-69 edge in blocks and a 54-46 advantage in assists.Fort Hays State 3, East Central 0 After battling SWOSU for nearly 2.5 hours to start the day, Fort Hays State returned to the court 90 minutes later to sweep East Central, 25-22, 25-19, 25-17. FHSU recorded nine service aces for the second-straight match, overpowering ECU throughout the match. The victory was highlighted by a dominant attack percentage of .219 compared to East Central's .110.Fort Hays State came into the first set with momentum, racing in front by as many as seven before ECU used a 9-2 run to tie the score at 22. Back-to-back kills from Bergschneider thwarted the run before an ECU error brought the frame to an end at 25-22.East Central took control early in the second set, leading by as many as five at 13-8 before an FHSU timeout. The Black and Gold responded with a 6-1 run to level the score at 14 including two kills from Goodwin and one each from Schmedding, Cormaney, Reeves and Bergschneider. The teams then traded sets before a Cormaney kill gave FHSU its first lead of the set at 18-17. That kick-started a 6-0 FHSU run before Schmedding delivered the final blow for a 25-19 win.In the third set, Fort Hays State secured a decisive 25-17 win highlighted by two Evans service aces and five kills from Goodwin. A 5-0 run in the heart of the frame gave FHSU control for good, including two kills from Goodwin, one from Bergschneider and a Cormaney ace.Goodwin led the FHSU offense with 10 kills on 15 attempts, posting a hitting percentage of .533. Annie Eaton orchestrated the attack with 24 assists while adding two service aces. Reeves tallied six kills and three blocks, while Abrey Galt paced the team with eight digs alongside 14 assists and one ace. Jayla Buford led ECU with 12 kills alongside two blocks.UP NEXTThe Tigers will wrap up competition in the MIAA/GAC Crossover on Saturday (Sept. 20) in Shawnee, Okla. when FHSU battles Northwestern Oklahoma State at 9 a.m. and Oklahoma Baptist at 12:30 p.m.

🏐 FHSU runs win streak to six after two wins Friday

Friday, September 19
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 6:00pm
 KKQY: Ellis FB at Hoxie, 6:00pm
 KFIX: Hays High FB at Manhattan, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Phillipsburg, 6:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Friday, September 19
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 6:00pm
 KKQY: Ellis FB at Hoxie, 6:00pm
 KFIX: Hays High FB at Manhattan, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Phillipsburg, 6:30pmSaturday, September 20
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Pittsburg State, 3:00pm
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs. West Virginia, 3:30pmSunday, September 21
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 12:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB at New York Giants, 6:00pm

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

Tom Brady was finished. Bill Belichick couldn’t coach anymore. The New England Patriots’ run of dominance had ended.

Those were the premature headlines and hot takes after the “We’re on to Cincinnati” game 11 years ago.

Now, it’s the Chiefs hearing similar questions.

The Patriots were destroyed by Kansas City 41-14 in front of a national television audience on Monday night, Sept. 29, 2014 to fall to 2-2.

Brady threw two interceptions and Jimmy Garoppolo played well in garbage time, prompting folks with ill-advised opinions to call for a quarterback change.

Belichick didn’t care to rehash the lopsided loss when he spoke to reporters two days later, and he wasn’t interested in questions about benching his 37-year-old quarterback.

Five times, Belichick responded: “We’re on to Cincinnati.”

He made sure the team was focused on looking ahead and not dwelling on the past.

The Patriots routed the Bengals 43-17 to spark a seven-game winning streak, finished 12-4 and went on to win their fourth Super Bowl with Brady and Belichick.

They won a fifth and sixth Super Bowl title over the next four years.

That talk about the end of the dynasty in 2014 was nonsense.

Brady went on to win his seventh Lombardi trophy with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at age 43.

Good thing Belichick never listened to the “experts” who wanted him to replace Brady with Garoppolo.

The Chiefs are in an unfamiliar position at 0-2 for the first time since that 2014 season, the last time they didn’t win a division title. The offense is struggling and their decade-long reign over the AFC West is in a precarious position.

Like Belichick and Brady when they faced criticism in 2014, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are 3-2 in Super Bowls together.

Anything less than a Lombardi won’t be considered a success in Kansas City. But making the playoffs is going to be a challenge at this point.

Only five of the 43 teams (11.6%) that started 0-2 have made the postseason since the field was expanded in 2020. Only the 1993 Cowboys, 2001 Patriots and 2007 Giants have won a Super Bowl following an 0-2 start.

“Listen, we haven’t won (a) game so I understand, I get it,” Reid said about the criticism. “We keep pushing, and we’ll keep pushing and working forward and seeing what we can do going down the road here.”

The Chiefs haven’t been blown out in their first two games. They lost 27-21 to the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil in Week 1. The defense couldn’t get a stop late in the game to give Mahomes a final drive to try to win it.

They lost 20-17 at home last week in a Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, who dominated the Chiefs in February. The outcome probably would have been different if Travis Kelce didn’t drop a pass at the goal line that turned into an interception in the fourth quarter.

Mahomes, who turned 30 earlier this week, is a long way from finished. He leads the team in rushing, which needs to change. He also doesn’t have all of his playmakers. Xavier Worthy was injured in the opener and Rashee Rice is suspended through the first six games.

“Even though we have never been 0-2, we’ve had stretches where we’ve lost big games kind of consecutively and guys have responded,” Mahomes said. “It’s about the character of the guys in the locker room more than it is the play on the football field and I think that we have the guys that are going to continue to work. They’re not going to let this push them down, they’re going to use it, if anything, as motivation to be even better.

“I think that gives me the most faith and then the coaches that we have they’ll continue to push to be even better. We’ll have a great week of practice this week and know we’re going to have to play our best football to win a game against a good football team in the Giants.”

The schedule is daunting after New York (0-2). Five of the next six games will be against playoff teams. The Chiefs host the Ravens in Week 4, the Lions in Week 6, the Commanders in Week 8 and visit the Bills in Week 9.

“You take it one week at a time, but I think you just continue to even amplify the little details,” Mahomes said. “Sometimes when you’re winning a lot, those little details get lost and that’s how you lose, but when you lose early like this, you have to really just focus on those little details and maximize those and then you try and set the example on the practice field and stay after and do extra stuff and do a little bit here and there and push other guys to do the same. We’re really good at that.”

What Brady, Belichick and the Patriots accomplished in New England — six Super Bowl titles in 20 years — may never be duplicated. The second half of that run — three championships in five seasons after Brady turned 37 and the “on to Cincinnati” game — is even more impressive the first.

The Chiefs have a long way to go to even enter that conversation but it’s way too early to count them out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758284734397.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterTom Brady was finished. Bill Belichick couldn’t coach anymore. The New England Patriots’ run of dominance had ended.Those were the premature headlines and hot takes after the “We’re on to Cincinnati” game 11 years ago.Now, it’s the Chiefs hearing similar questions.The Patriots were destroyed by Kansas City 41-14 in front of a national television audience on Monday night, Sept. 29, 2014 to fall to 2-2.Brady threw two interceptions and Jimmy Garoppolo played well in garbage time, prompting folks with ill-advised opinions to call for a quarterback change.Belichick didn’t care to rehash the lopsided loss when he spoke to reporters two days later, and he wasn’t interested in questions about benching his 37-year-old quarterback.Five times, Belichick responded: “We’re on to Cincinnati.”He made sure the team was focused on looking ahead and not dwelling on the past.The Patriots routed the Bengals 43-17 to spark a seven-game winning streak, finished 12-4 and went on to win their fourth Super Bowl with Brady and Belichick.They won a fifth and sixth Super Bowl title over the next four years.That talk about the end of the dynasty in 2014 was nonsense.Brady went on to win his seventh Lombardi trophy with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at age 43.Good thing Belichick never listened to the “experts” who wanted him to replace Brady with Garoppolo.The Chiefs are in an unfamiliar position at 0-2 for the first time since that 2014 season, the last time they didn’t win a division title. The offense is struggling and their decade-long reign over the AFC West is in a precarious position.Like Belichick and Brady when they faced criticism in 2014, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are 3-2 in Super Bowls together.Anything less than a Lombardi won’t be considered a success in Kansas City. But making the playoffs is going to be a challenge at this point.Only five of the 43 teams (11.6%) that started 0-2 have made the postseason since the field was expanded in 2020. Only the 1993 Cowboys, 2001 Patriots and 2007 Giants have won a Super Bowl following an 0-2 start.“Listen, we haven’t won (a) game so I understand, I get it,” Reid said about the criticism. “We keep pushing, and we’ll keep pushing and working forward and seeing what we can do going down the road here.”The Chiefs haven’t been blown out in their first two games. They lost 27-21 to the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil in Week 1. The defense couldn’t get a stop late in the game to give Mahomes a final drive to try to win it.They lost 20-17 at home last week in a Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, who dominated the Chiefs in February. The outcome probably would have been different if Travis Kelce didn’t drop a pass at the goal line that turned into an interception in the fourth quarter.Mahomes, who turned 30 earlier this week, is a long way from finished. He leads the team in rushing, which needs to change. He also doesn’t have all of his playmakers. Xavier Worthy was injured in the opener and Rashee Rice is suspended through the first six games.“Even though we have never been 0-2, we’ve had stretches where we’ve lost big games kind of consecutively and guys have responded,” Mahomes said. “It’s about the character of the guys in the locker room more than it is the play on the football field and I think that we have the guys that are going to continue to work. They’re not going to let this push them down, they’re going to use it, if anything, as motivation to be even better.“I think that gives me the most faith and then the coaches that we have they’ll continue to push to be even better. We’ll have a great week of practice this week and know we’re going to have to play our best football to win a game against a good football team in the Giants.”The schedule is daunting after New York (0-2). Five of the next six games will be against playoff teams. The Chiefs host the Ravens in Week 4, the Lions in Week 6, the Commanders in Week 8 and visit the Bills in Week 9.“You take it one week at a time, but I think you just continue to even amplify the little details,” Mahomes said. “Sometimes when you’re winning a lot, those little details get lost and that’s how you lose, but when you lose early like this, you have to really just focus on those little details and maximize those and then you try and set the example on the practice field and stay after and do extra stuff and do a little bit here and there and push other guys to do the same. We’re really good at that.”What Brady, Belichick and the Patriots accomplished in New England — six Super Bowl titles in 20 years — may never be duplicated. The second half of that run — three championships in five seasons after Brady turned 37 and the “on to Cincinnati” game — is even more impressive the first.The Chiefs have a long way to go to even enter that conversation but it’s way too early to count them out.

🏈 It's premature to count out Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs

HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State (3-0-2) secured a 1-0 victory over Lubbock Christian (1-4) on Thursday night at FHSU Soccer Stadium, with the lone goal coming in the second half. The No. 20 Tigers produced their fourth shutout in five matches this season.

Fort Hays State and Lubbock Christian ended the first half scoreless, despite FHSU producing 11 shots. Lubbock Christian managed four shots, with two saved by Payton Roehrich.

In a tense second half, Fort Hays State broke through in the 82nd minute to secure a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal by Juan Linares, assisted by Mamadou Oumar Ndiaye. The pair executed a give and go off a corner kick on the left side of the box as Linares rifled his shot up into the corner of the net. FHSU outshot LCU 9-3 in the second half, while Roehrich made one more save to pick up his fourth clean sheet of the season.

Cards really started to mount during the final 15 minutes of the game in a physical contest. FHSU received eight cautions, compared to five cards for LCU. One of the five for LCU was a red with 1:55 to play.

Connor Pettigrew took the loss in net for LCU, despite making four saves, as his squad was outshot 20-7 by FHSU. Elias Ovelar Semeniuk led the offensive attack for FHSU with six shots.

Fort Hays State will host Jamestown (N.D.) on Saturday, September 20 at 7 p.m. in the final non-conference match before the 12-match GAC schedule for the remainder of the regular season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758277129826.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Juan Linares (7) celebrates after scoring the Tigers lone goal against Lubbock Christian on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Parker Nisbeth)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Juan Linares (7) celebrates after scoring the Tigers lone goal against Lubbock Christian on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Parker Nisbeth)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State (3-0-2) secured a 1-0 victory over Lubbock Christian (1-4) on Thursday night at FHSU Soccer Stadium, with the lone goal coming in the second half. The No. 20 Tigers produced their fourth shutout in five matches this season.Fort Hays State and Lubbock Christian ended the first half scoreless, despite FHSU producing 11 shots. Lubbock Christian managed four shots, with two saved by Payton Roehrich.In a tense second half, Fort Hays State broke through in the 82nd minute to secure a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal by Juan Linares, assisted by Mamadou Oumar Ndiaye. The pair executed a give and go off a corner kick on the left side of the box as Linares rifled his shot up into the corner of the net. FHSU outshot LCU 9-3 in the second half, while Roehrich made one more save to pick up his fourth clean sheet of the season.Cards really started to mount during the final 15 minutes of the game in a physical contest. FHSU received eight cautions, compared to five cards for LCU. One of the five for LCU was a red with 1:55 to play.Connor Pettigrew took the loss in net for LCU, despite making four saves, as his squad was outshot 20-7 by FHSU. Elias Ovelar Semeniuk led the offensive attack for FHSU with six shots.Fort Hays State will host Jamestown (N.D.) on Saturday, September 20 at 7 p.m. in the final non-conference match before the 12-match GAC schedule for the remainder of the regular season.

⚽ Linares strikes with under 10 minutes remaining, Tiger men defeat Chaparrals

HAYS - After having their six-match win streak snapped Tuesday with a pair of losses at their own triangular, the Hays High volleyball team got back on track with a pair of wins at a quad they hosted Thursday at the new Hays High gym.

The Indians swept Ulysses then defeated Garden City in three before losing to to Pratt in two.

Hays def. Ulysses (25-21, 25-15) Hays def. Garden City (25-21, 21-25, 25-11) Pratt def. Hays (22-25, 23-25)

The Indians are 10-5 on the season. They will host another triangular on Tuesday, September 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758280199019.jpeg" alt="The Hays High School volleyball team celebrates after scoring a point at a quadrangular on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High School volleyball team celebrates after scoring a point at a quadrangular on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsHAYS - After having their six-match win streak snapped Tuesday with a pair of losses at their own triangular, the Hays High volleyball team got back on track with a pair of wins at a quad they hosted Thursday at the new Hays High gym.The Indians swept Ulysses then defeated Garden City in three before losing to to Pratt in two.Hays def. Ulysses (25-21, 25-15) Hays def. Garden City (25-21, 21-25, 25-11) Pratt def. Hays (22-25, 23-25)The Indians are 10-5 on the season. They will host another triangular on Tuesday, September 25.

🏐 HHS goes 2-1 at own quad

HAYS - Saul Hernandez built a state soccer powerhouse at his alma mater, and Dodge City is till reaping the benefits even in his absence.

After guiding the Red Demons to 185 victories and top-four state finishes eight times in his 10-year tenure at Dodge City, Hernandez left this year for a teaching and coaching job across the state at Olathe West.

Nonetheless, Dodge City is showing it’s still a force in the always-tough Western Athletic Conference.

The Red Demons spoiled the Hays High boys’ soccer debut on the Indians’ new field Thursday with a 6-0 shutout in WAC action.

The Indians were able to keep it close for the first half, trailing just 1-0 at intermission, before Dodge City exploded for five second-half goals.

Dodge City raised its record to 5-1 with the win.

Hays High (3-2 overall, 1-1 WAC) will try for its first home win on Tuesday, when it plays host to WAC opponent Great Bend, which the Indians beat 3-0 earlier this week on the Panthers’ home field.

SubmittedHAYS - Saul Hernandez built a state soccer powerhouse at his alma mater, and Dodge City is till reaping the benefits even in his absence.After guiding the Red Demons to 185 victories and top-four state finishes eight times in his 10-year tenure at Dodge City, Hernandez left this year for a teaching and coaching job across the state at Olathe West.Nonetheless, Dodge City is showing it’s still a force in the always-tough Western Athletic Conference.The Red Demons spoiled the Hays High boys’ soccer debut on the Indians’ new field Thursday with a 6-0 shutout in WAC action.The Indians were able to keep it close for the first half, trailing just 1-0 at intermission, before Dodge City exploded for five second-half goals.Dodge City raised its record to 5-1 with the win.Hays High (3-2 overall, 1-1 WAC) will try for its first home win on Tuesday, when it plays host to WAC opponent Great Bend, which the Indians beat 3-0 earlier this week on the Panthers’ home field.

⚽ Perennial power Dodge City shuts out Indians

LARNED -The TMP-Marian girls’ had four golfers place in the top-10 on their way to claiming that team title at Thursday's Larned Invitational at the at the Edwards Park Golf Course.

Brynn Schoepf and Jenna Brull both tied for third with rounds of 93. Emma Wasinger tied for eighth (106) and Ava Schumacher was 10th (113).

The Monarchs edged Hesston by three shots 405 to 408.

Hays Post SportsLARNED -The TMP-Marian girls’ had four golfers place in the top-10 on their way to claiming that team title at Thursday's Larned Invitational at the at the Edwards Park Golf Course.Brynn Schoepf and Jenna Brull both tied for third with rounds of 93. Emma Wasinger tied for eighth (106) and Ava Schumacher was 10th (113).The Monarchs edged Hesston by three shots 405 to 408.

⛳ Monarch girls win Larned tournament

Fort Hays State University defeated New Mexico Highlands with a dominant 7-0 victory at FHSU Soccer Stadium on Thursday afternoon. The Tigers scored their second most goals in a single match in program history. 

Fort Hays State dominated the first half, taking a 5-0 lead by halftime. Chaley French opened the scoring in the sixth minute with an assist off the crossbar from Sydney Cotter. French scored another goal five minutes later, assisted by Taylor Hill and Makenzie Hood. Cotter then found the net twice herself, in the 25th and 31st minutes, with Payton Porter and Megan Wiman contributing to the first of her goals. The second was a free kick just outside the 18. Berit Shores finished the first-half scoring in the 38th minute.

The Tigers extended their lead in the second half with goals from Saylor Richard Sydney Cotter, finishing with a 7-0 victory. Fort Hays managed a total of six shots in the second half, with Saylor Richard's goal coming in the 69th minute and Sydney Cotter scoring less than a minute later. Despite the Cowgirls' efforts, which included six shots in the second half, goalkeeper Hadley Ostrander maintained a clean sheet with one save.

Cotter tied two Fort Hays State single-match records with her performance. She matched the school record for goals in a match, becoming the fourth player in program history with a hat trick courtesy of her three goals. She is the first with a hat trick since Hannah Mares accomplished the feat against Southwestern College on September 2, 2023. She also tied the school record for points in a match with seven, joining Thalya Dwyer who had three goals and an assist in a win over Northwestern Oklahoma State on September 11, 2016, which was the game FHSU set it's single-game goal record, a 9-0 win. Chaley French had five shots in the match, nearly reaching a hat trick as well with some early opportunities.

At one point in the match, FHSU led the shot count 18-1, but the Cowgirls recorded six more shots late in the match.

Looking ahead, Fort Hays State begins MIAA play hosting Missouri Southern on Friday, September 26. The match is set for 7 p.m. at FHSU Soccer Stadium. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758276535062.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State University defeated New Mexico Highlands with a dominant 7-0 victory at FHSU Soccer Stadium on Thursday afternoon. The Tigers scored their second most goals in a single match in program history. Fort Hays State dominated the first half, taking a 5-0 lead by halftime. Chaley French opened the scoring in the sixth minute with an assist off the crossbar from Sydney Cotter. French scored another goal five minutes later, assisted by Taylor Hill and Makenzie Hood. Cotter then found the net twice herself, in the 25th and 31st minutes, with Payton Porter and Megan Wiman contributing to the first of her goals. The second was a free kick just outside the 18. Berit Shores finished the first-half scoring in the 38th minute.The Tigers extended their lead in the second half with goals from Saylor Richard Sydney Cotter, finishing with a 7-0 victory. Fort Hays managed a total of six shots in the second half, with Saylor Richard's goal coming in the 69th minute and Sydney Cotter scoring less than a minute later. Despite the Cowgirls' efforts, which included six shots in the second half, goalkeeper Hadley Ostrander maintained a clean sheet with one save.Cotter tied two Fort Hays State single-match records with her performance. She matched the school record for goals in a match, becoming the fourth player in program history with a hat trick courtesy of her three goals. She is the first with a hat trick since Hannah Mares accomplished the feat against Southwestern College on September 2, 2023. She also tied the school record for points in a match with seven, joining Thalya Dwyer who had three goals and an assist in a win over Northwestern Oklahoma State on September 11, 2016, which was the game FHSU set it's single-game goal record, a 9-0 win. Chaley French had five shots in the match, nearly reaching a hat trick as well with some early opportunities.At one point in the match, FHSU led the shot count 18-1, but the Cowgirls recorded six more shots late in the match.Looking ahead, Fort Hays State begins MIAA play hosting Missouri Southern on Friday, September 26. The match is set for 7 p.m. at FHSU Soccer Stadium.

⚽ Cotter’s hat trick highlights FHSU women's blowout win over Cowgirls

WAKEENEY - Ellis' Avery Boydston finished first and Taryn Boydston second in the 5000 meter race at the Trego Cross Country Invitational Thursday. Avery had a time of&nbsp;19:00.47 and Taryn&nbsp;19:09.59.

Plainville's Brilynn Trumpp finished third with a time of&nbsp;20:32.06.

Grace Schmeidler was the top TMP-Marian runner finishing in 30th place (25:32.55).

Ness City's Broxton Gall won the boys race (16:39.47). Quinter had the next three finishers.&nbsp;Carter Pennington was second (17:10.98),&nbsp;Elliot Churchwell third (17:19.67) and Kendrik Selensky fourth (17:21.53)

Mattias Marintzer led the TMP-Marian boys with a time of 18:35.53 and placed 16th.

Hoxie won the girls race, edging Ness City by one point.

Quinter won the boys race with 31 points, 11 better than Ness City.

Hays Post SportsWAKEENEY - Ellis' Avery Boydston finished first and Taryn Boydston second in the 5000 meter race at the Trego Cross Country Invitational Thursday. Avery had a time of&nbsp;19:00.47 and Taryn&nbsp;19:09.59.Plainville's Brilynn Trumpp finished third with a time of&nbsp;20:32.06.Grace Schmeidler was the top TMP-Marian runner finishing in 30th place (25:32.55).Ness City's Broxton Gall won the boys race (16:39.47). Quinter had the next three finishers.&nbsp;Carter Pennington was second (17:10.98),&nbsp;Elliot Churchwell third (17:19.67) and Kendrik Selensky fourth (17:21.53)Mattias Marintzer led the TMP-Marian boys with a time of 18:35.53 and placed 16th.Hoxie won the girls race, edging Ness City by one point.Quinter won the boys race with 31 points, 11 better than Ness City.

👟 Ellis' Boydston's lead the way at Trego Inviatational

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luis Castillo pitched six innings of three-hit ball, Jorge Polanco and J.P. Crawford drove in runs, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Thursday to climb back into a first-place tie with the Houston Astros in the AL West.

The Mariners are headed to Houston for a three-game series beginning Friday night.

Eduard Bazardo and Gabe Speier tossed an inning apiece for Seattle. Andres Muñoz stranded two in the ninth by striking out Adam Frazier on three pitches for his 36th save.

Castillo (10-8) dueled with Kansas City counterpart Stephen Kolek, who allowed two runs — one earned — while pitching into the eighth inning. One run came on Polanco's double and the other after an astute move by manager Dan Wilson in the eighth.

Kolek appeared to have retired the first two batters of the inning when Wilson challenged that second baseman Michael Massey set up on the grass ahead of Polanco’s groundout. The challenge was successful and Polanco was awarded first base, and reliever Daniel Lynch IV eventually gave up Crawford's run-scoring double to make it 2-0.

Castillo and Kolek (5-6) were so stingy that each allowed just a pair of runners over the first four innings, and both times they were on back-to-back hits. The difference was the Royals paired together singles and stranded both runners while the Mariners got Josh Naylor's single and an RBI double by Polanco for a 1-0 lead.

Castillo only allowed one other runner, a single by Royals rookie Carter Jensen in the fifth. Kolek similarly breezed through the Seattle lineup until a two-out walk to Naylor in the seventh; he promptly struck out Polanco to end the inning.

Key moment The Mariners were leading 1-0 when Wilson made a rare but successful challenge. They wound up doubling their lead.

Key stats Castillo has allowed two earned runs total over his last three starts.

Up next The Mariners begin their pivotal series in Houston with RHP Bryan Woo (14-7, 3.02 ERA) on the mound Friday night. Kansas City has RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-11, 4.91) up against Toronto on Friday night in their final home series of the regular season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758232830765.jpeg" alt="Seattle Mariners' Jorge Polanco, left, is caught off base at second by Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey to get the second out of a double play hit into by Dominic Canzone during the second inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Seattle Mariners' Jorge Polanco, left, is caught off base at second by Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey to get the second out of a double play hit into by Dominic Canzone during the second inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luis Castillo pitched six innings of three-hit ball, Jorge Polanco and J.P. Crawford drove in runs, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Thursday to climb back into a first-place tie with the Houston Astros in the AL West.The Mariners are headed to Houston for a three-game series beginning Friday night.Eduard Bazardo and Gabe Speier tossed an inning apiece for Seattle. Andres Muñoz stranded two in the ninth by striking out Adam Frazier on three pitches for his 36th save.Castillo (10-8) dueled with Kansas City counterpart Stephen Kolek, who allowed two runs — one earned — while pitching into the eighth inning. One run came on Polanco's double and the other after an astute move by manager Dan Wilson in the eighth.Kolek appeared to have retired the first two batters of the inning when Wilson challenged that second baseman Michael Massey set up on the grass ahead of Polanco’s groundout. The challenge was successful and Polanco was awarded first base, and reliever Daniel Lynch IV eventually gave up Crawford's run-scoring double to make it 2-0.Castillo and Kolek (5-6) were so stingy that each allowed just a pair of runners over the first four innings, and both times they were on back-to-back hits. The difference was the Royals paired together singles and stranded both runners while the Mariners got Josh Naylor's single and an RBI double by Polanco for a 1-0 lead.Castillo only allowed one other runner, a single by Royals rookie Carter Jensen in the fifth. Kolek similarly breezed through the Seattle lineup until a two-out walk to Naylor in the seventh; he promptly struck out Polanco to end the inning.Key moment The Mariners were leading 1-0 when Wilson made a rare but successful challenge. They wound up doubling their lead.Key stats Castillo has allowed two earned runs total over his last three starts.Up next The Mariners begin their pivotal series in Houston with RHP Bryan Woo (14-7, 3.02 ERA) on the mound Friday night. Kansas City has RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-11, 4.91) up against Toronto on Friday night in their final home series of the regular season.

⚾ Mariners' rare challenge helps secure win over Royals, tie Astros for first place in AL West

HAYS - The Hays High boys and girls cross country teams both had two medalists at their own Hays High Invitational Thursday morning.

Avrie Branaman led the girls with a fifth place finish after a career best time of 21:10.&nbsp;Alexa Cooley also ran a career best 21:55 and placed ninth. 

The Indian girls also had season best performances from&nbsp;Aralen Maupin (22:46),&nbsp;Ava Biggs (22:55), Kiana Sun (22:32),&nbsp;Madelyn Wilkins (23:25),&nbsp;Kynli Koenigsman (24:39.0),&nbsp;Karlee Crispin (25:16.0) and&nbsp;Serena Wilson (23:37.0).

The boys were paced by&nbsp;Malachi Chance who finished 12th with a career best time of 18:07. Bladyn Werth posted a season-best time of 18:15 and placed 14th.

Jackson Huwa had a career best time of 18:39.&nbsp;Logan Leiker a season-best 19:00.&nbsp;Emmitt Dreiling ran a career best 19:14,&nbsp;Aiden Hardman a season best 19:40 and&nbsp;Brayden Staley ran a season best 21:24.

Garden City won the boys race with 21 points, easily outdistancing second place Dodge City. 

Dodge City was the girls champ with 43 points, three ahead of Norton.

Hays Post SportsHAYS - The Hays High boys and girls cross country teams both had two medalists at their own Hays High Invitational Thursday morning.Avrie Branaman led the girls with a fifth place finish after a career best time of 21:10.&nbsp;Alexa Cooley also ran a career best 21:55 and placed ninth. The Indian girls also had season best performances from&nbsp;Aralen Maupin (22:46),&nbsp;Ava Biggs (22:55), Kiana Sun (22:32),&nbsp;Madelyn Wilkins (23:25),&nbsp;Kynli Koenigsman (24:39.0),&nbsp;Karlee Crispin (25:16.0) and&nbsp;Serena Wilson (23:37.0).The boys were paced by&nbsp;Malachi Chance who finished 12th with a career best time of 18:07. Bladyn Werth posted a season-best time of 18:15 and placed 14th.Jackson Huwa had a career best time of 18:39.&nbsp;Logan Leiker a season-best 19:00.&nbsp;Emmitt Dreiling ran a career best 19:14,&nbsp;Aiden Hardman a season best 19:40 and&nbsp;Brayden Staley ran a season best 21:24.Garden City won the boys race with 21 points, easily outdistancing second place Dodge City. Dodge City was the girls champ with 43 points, three ahead of Norton.

👟 Good day for HHS at own cross country meet

Thursday, September 18
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Seattle Mariners, 12:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Thursday, September 18
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Seattle Mariners, 12:30pmFriday, September 19
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 6:00pm
 KKQY: Ellis FB at Hoxie, 6:00pm
 KFIX: Hays High FB at Manhattan, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Phillipsburg, 6:30pmSaturday, September 20
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Pittsburg State, 3:00pm
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs. West Virginia, 3:30pmSunday, September 21
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 12:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB at New York Giants, 6:00pm

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Adam Frazier hit a go-ahead, two-run home run in the eighth inning and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat Seattle 7-5 on Wednesday night and snap the Mariners' 10-game winning streak.

Eugenio Suárez snapped an 0-for-32 skid with four hits, two RBIs and two runs for Seattle, which, with Houston's win, dropped a half-game back of the Astros in the AL West.

Lucas Erceg (8-4) earned the win despite giving up the lead on J.P. Crawford's homer in eighth. Carlos Estévez allowed a ninth-inning run, but picked up his MLB-best 40th save.

Seattle's Matt Brash (1-3) gave up four runs and four hits in two-thirds of an inning.

Cole Ragans, making his first start for Kansas City since June 5, allowed two runs on one hit through 3 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two. He had been on the IL with a strained left rotator cuff. He threw his first six pitches for strikes and struck out the side on 10 pitches in the first inning.

Seattle's Bryce Miller allowed three runs on eight hits in five innings.

Salvador Perez opened the scoring in the first with a 435-foot, three-run home run to center field.

Suárez answered with a 416-foot, two-run home run in the second inning to cut the deficit to 3-2. Suárez led off the seventh with a double and scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly by Mitch Garver.

Frazier’s home run put the Royals back in front after surrendering the lead in the top of the eighth.

The Royals were 5 of 13 with runners in scoring position. The Mariners were 0 for 4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758189408956.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Adam Frazier hit a go-ahead, two-run home run in the eighth inning and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat Seattle 7-5 on Wednesday night and snap the Mariners' 10-game winning streak.Eugenio Suárez snapped an 0-for-32 skid with four hits, two RBIs and two runs for Seattle, which, with Houston's win, dropped a half-game back of the Astros in the AL West.Lucas Erceg (8-4) earned the win despite giving up the lead on J.P. Crawford's homer in eighth. Carlos Estévez allowed a ninth-inning run, but picked up his MLB-best 40th save.Seattle's Matt Brash (1-3) gave up four runs and four hits in two-thirds of an inning.Cole Ragans, making his first start for Kansas City since June 5, allowed two runs on one hit through 3 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two. He had been on the IL with a strained left rotator cuff. He threw his first six pitches for strikes and struck out the side on 10 pitches in the first inning.Seattle's Bryce Miller allowed three runs on eight hits in five innings.Salvador Perez opened the scoring in the first with a 435-foot, three-run home run to center field.Suárez answered with a 416-foot, two-run home run in the second inning to cut the deficit to 3-2. Suárez led off the seventh with a double and scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly by Mitch Garver.<h2>Key Moment</h2>Frazier’s home run put the Royals back in front after surrendering the lead in the top of the eighth.<h2>Key Stat</h2>The Royals were 5 of 13 with runners in scoring position. The Mariners were 0 for 4.<h2>Up Next</h2>The teams compete their three-game series on Thursday. Seattle will start RHP Luis Castillo (9-8, 3.76 ERA) while Kansas City will send RHP Stephen Kolek (5-5, 3.71 ERA) to the mound.___