HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs (3-2, 2-2 MCL) could not overcome
four second-half turnovers as they suffered their first district loss of the
season Friday night 20-14 in overtime at Lewis Field in Hays.

The Monarchs took the opening kickoff and wasted no time
driving down the field in less than three minutes and scoring on a touchdown pass
from Carson Liles to Grant Nehls from 14 yards out for a 6-0 lead.

Smith Center (1-4, 1-3 MCL) answered right back, stacking
together a 14-play drive that covered 80 yards in more than seven minutes as
they took an 8-6 lead after the two-point conversion.

The Monarchs' quick strike offense was able to retake the
lead on a 52-yard touchdown run from Jackson Gillespie putting TMP back on top
14-8 with the two-point conversion. 

Despite both teams threatening to score in the second
quarter the game remained a 14-8 margin in favor of TMP.

After a scoreless third quarter, Smith Center scored on a
fourth down run with just over two and a half minutes to play tying the game at
14.

The second half proved to be the undoing for the Monarchs though
as they would turn the ball over on four straight possessions. They had a pair
of fumbles and quarterback Carson Liles through two interceptions, the final one
at the Smith Center five-yard line with under one minute to play.

In the overtime, Smith Center scored on a two-yard run, held
TMP on downs, and secured the 20-14 victory, their ninth straight over the Monarchs.

Carson Liles finished 10-of-16 passing for 116 yards with
one touchdown and two interceptions. 

Smith Center had two running backs go over 100 yards on the
ground.

The Monarchs will travel to Oakley next week. The Plainsmen
defeated Plainville Friday night 14-13 and currently sit atop the district.
TMP, Smith Center, Plainville and Stanton County are all 1-1.

Hays PostHAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs (3-2, 2-2 MCL) could not overcome
four second-half turnovers as they suffered their first district loss of the
season Friday night 20-14 in overtime at Lewis Field in Hays.<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/1929189860&color=%23294b71&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-postgame-interview-vs-smith-center-oct-4th-24" title="TMP FB Coach Postgame Interview Vs Smith Center Oct 4th 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Coach Postgame Interview Vs Smith Center Oct 4th 24</a></div></div>The Monarchs took the opening kickoff and wasted no time
driving down the field in less than three minutes and scoring on a touchdown pass
from Carson Liles to Grant Nehls from 14 yards out for a 6-0 lead.Smith Center (1-4, 1-3 MCL) answered right back, stacking
together a 14-play drive that covered 80 yards in more than seven minutes as
they took an 8-6 lead after the two-point conversion.The Monarchs' quick strike offense was able to retake the
lead on a 52-yard touchdown run from Jackson Gillespie putting TMP back on top
14-8 with the two-point conversion. Despite both teams threatening to score in the second
quarter the game remained a 14-8 margin in favor of TMP.After a scoreless third quarter, Smith Center scored on a
fourth down run with just over two and a half minutes to play tying the game at
14.The second half proved to be the undoing for the Monarchs though
as they would turn the ball over on four straight possessions. They had a pair
of fumbles and quarterback Carson Liles through two interceptions, the final one
at the Smith Center five-yard line with under one minute to play.In the overtime, Smith Center scored on a two-yard run, held
TMP on downs, and secured the 20-14 victory, their ninth straight over the Monarchs.<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/1929188114&color=%23294b71&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-vs-smith-center-10-04-24-mixdown" title="TMP FB Highlights Vs Smith Center Oct 4th 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Highlights Vs Smith Center Oct 4th 24</a></div></div>Carson Liles finished 10-of-16 passing for 116 yards with
one touchdown and two interceptions. Smith Center had two running backs go over 100 yards on the
ground.The Monarchs will travel to Oakley next week. The Plainsmen
defeated Plainville Friday night 14-13 and currently sit atop the district.
TMP, Smith Center, Plainville and Stanton County are all 1-1.

🏈Turnovers prove costly in Monarchs loss to Smith Center

Hays High overcame a slow start on offense for a 27-17 win
over Junction City Friday night to move to 3-2 on the season. 

The Blue Jays struck first on a 67 yard pass play to take a
7-0 lead in the first quarter. Hays took over on a short field when the
Junction City punter’s knee hit the ground on a low snap. Two plays later Holden
Lind scored the Indians’ first touchdown.

Neither team found much in the way of offense for the
remainder of the first half. Hays went 0/8 on third down conversions in the first
which led to stalled drives. Junction City drove for a field goal with less
than a minute left in the first half for a 10-7 locker room lead.

The Indians got the offense rolling in the third quarter on
the heels of the defense keeping Junction City off the scoreboard. Hays used a
11 play 80 yard drive that was capped off by a Lind 15 yard scoring rush on third
down and a 14-10 lead. The defense again forced a punt and the offense took
advantage. Lind ripped off a 41 yard run to the four yard line. Carter Graham
hit Parker McGuire for his first career touchdown reception and 21-10 lead.

Hays had a chance to put the game away in the fourth quarter
but punted and turned the ball over on the Blue Jays side of the field. Junction
City drove for a 26 yard touchdown pass with just over two minutes remaining
and closed the gap down to 21-17.

Lind once again shook free on a third down run. This time he
raced for 61 yards to set up Hays at the four. Two plays later Ian McGuire plunged
into the end zone for the final of 27-17.

Unofficially Lind rushed for 247 yards on 28 carries. Hays
had 310 yards rushing on the night. Jace Myers had a interception, forced
fumble and fumble recovery. Jarek Purdy intercepted a pass.&nbsp;Dalton Meyers forced
a fumble and it was recovered by Tanner Geist. 

Hays improves to 3-2 and will host Dodge City for Homecoming
next Friday. Junction City falls to 1-4. Hays has beat the Blue Jays three
straight years.

Hays High overcame a slow start on offense for a 27-17 win
over Junction City Friday night to move to 3-2 on the season. The Blue Jays struck first on a 67 yard pass play to take a
7-0 lead in the first quarter. Hays took over on a short field when the
Junction City punter’s knee hit the ground on a low snap. Two plays later Holden
Lind scored the Indians’ first touchdown.Neither team found much in the way of offense for the
remainder of the first half. Hays went 0/8 on third down conversions in the first
which led to stalled drives. Junction City drove for a field goal with less
than a minute left in the first half for a 10-7 locker room lead.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/1929200336&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/hays-high-fb-highlights-v" title="Hays High FB Highlights v Junction City Oct 4 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High FB Highlights v Junction City Oct 4 2024</a></div></div>The Indians got the offense rolling in the third quarter on
the heels of the defense keeping Junction City off the scoreboard. Hays used a
11 play 80 yard drive that was capped off by a Lind 15 yard scoring rush on third
down and a 14-10 lead. The defense again forced a punt and the offense took
advantage. Lind ripped off a 41 yard run to the four yard line. Carter Graham
hit Parker McGuire for his first career touchdown reception and 21-10 lead.Hays had a chance to put the game away in the fourth quarter
but punted and turned the ball over on the Blue Jays side of the field. Junction
City drove for a 26 yard touchdown pass with just over two minutes remaining
and closed the gap down to 21-17.Lind once again shook free on a third down run. This time he
raced for 61 yards to set up Hays at the four. Two plays later Ian McGuire plunged
into the end zone for the final of 27-17.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/1929200435&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/hays-high-fb-post-v-junction" title="Hays High FB Post v Junction City Oct 04 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High FB Post v Junction City Oct 04 2024</a></div></div>Unofficially Lind rushed for 247 yards on 28 carries. Hays
had 310 yards rushing on the night. Jace Myers had a interception, forced
fumble and fumble recovery. Jarek Purdy intercepted a pass.&nbsp;Dalton Meyers forced
a fumble and it was recovered by Tanner Geist. Hays improves to 3-2 and will host Dodge City for Homecoming
next Friday. Junction City falls to 1-4. Hays has beat the Blue Jays three
straight years.

🏈 Hays wins final non-conference game at Junction City

Centralia 52, Maur Hill - Mount Academy 0

Hutchinson Central Christian 52, St Paul 6

Peabody-Burns 46, Marais des Cygnes Valley 24

Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 56, Uniontown 0

St. Pius X (Kansas City), Mo. 27, St. James Academy 20

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726285481171.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728098785438.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PREP FOOTBALL=Axtell 50, Wakefield 0Blair Oaks, Mo. 59, BV Southwest 28Blue Valley 42, BV North 14Burlingame 50, Lebo 0Burlington 42, Anderson County 12Caney Valley 48, Cherryvale 0Central Heights 46, West Franklin 0Centralia 52, Maur Hill - Mount Academy 0Chanute 41, Independence 8Cheney 47, Hoisington 18Clifton-Clyde 48, Washington County 0Cunningham 50, Otis-Bison 0Derby 36, Hutchinson 3Dighton 44, Logan 14Ell-Saline 45, Solomon 0Eureka 30, Bluestem 14Frankfort 54, Thunder Ridge 6Frontenac 21, Parsons 0Gardner-Edgerton 27, SM East 14Girard 28, Iola 23Goddard-Eisenhower 21, Andover 17Golden Plains 59, Northern Valley 14Great Bend 28, Dodge City 14Hesston 48, Smoky Valley 6Hodgeman County 48, Stafford 0Holcomb 41, Colby 7Hutchinson Central Christian 52, St Paul 6Ingalls 59, Moscow 0Kingman 41, Douglass 12Kiowa County 62, Udall 12Labette County 16, Fort Scott 14Leavenworth 25, KC Piper 20Liberal 23, Garden City 6Little River 66, Canton-Galva 6Lyndon 58, Flinthills 8Madison 48, Northern Heights 2Maize 79, Wichita Campus 7Manhattan 59, Emporia 0Minneapolis 28, Halstead 21Minneola 1, Satanta 0Moundridge 41, Remington 8Mulvane 57, El Dorado 0Norton 14, Beloit 7Olpe 63, Maranatha 0Osborne 64, Pike Valley 18Oswego 49, Burden Central 0Ottawa 31, Spring Hill 24Oxford 54, Pratt Skyline 8Pawnee Heights 62, Rolla 12Peabody-Burns 46, Marais des Cygnes Valley 24Pittsburg 42, Paola 14Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 56, Uniontown 0Rossville 43, Mission Valley 0Royal Valley 12, Perry-Lecompton 8Rural Vista 68, Centre 0Scott City 50, Hugoton 0Sedgwick 39, Salina Sacred Heart 7Silver Lake 50, Baldwin 0South Barber 61, Chetopa 6South Central 80, Wichita Independent 0Southeast of Saline 66, Lyons 0St. Pius X (Kansas City), Mo. 27, St. James Academy 20Sublette 46, Elkhart 0Tonganoxie 45, Bonner Springs 0Valley Heights 43, Bennington 6Victoria 62, St John 6Wamego 29, Buhler 16Wellsville 43, Santa Fe Trail 13Weskan 46, Cheylin 0Wichita County 62, Ness City 6Wright City, Mo. 45, Veritas Christian 0

🏈 Friday night high school scoreboard (October 4)

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State women's soccer fought hard but ultimately came up short in a 2-0 loss to No. 7 Central Missouri at FHSU Soccer Stadium on Friday night. The loss snapped a five-match win streak for the Tigers as they moved to 5-2-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA. The Jennies remained unbeaten in MIAA play at 3-0 and moved to 6-2-1 overall.

Central Missouri put the pressure on early when Lexi Ruf scored in the 12th minute off an assist from Ashleigh Martin in a fast break situation. Fort Hays State struggled to generate offense in the first half, managing just two shots. However, goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/mackenzie-caldwell/8128">Mackenzie Caldwell</a>&nbsp;and the Tigers held firm, with Caldwell making a crucial save to keep the score 1-0 heading into halftime.

The Tigers showed resilience in the second half, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/britney-arneson/8077">Britney Arneson</a>&nbsp;testing UCM goalkeeper Kristen Wright in the 46th minute, but Jennies continued to create numerous chances offensively. Caldwell made a pair of massive saves in 1-on-1 situations in the second half to keep the Tigers within a goal, but the Jennies finally cashed in an opportunity in the 86th minute when Andree Orcutt scored on a free kick bent perfectly right outside of the box.

Caldwell finished with three saves, keeping the Tigers within striking distance until the late goal.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/sydney-cotter/8104">Sydney Cotter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/allison-worley/8102">Allison Worley</a>&nbsp;each had multiple shot attempts, but the Tigers struggled to break through a strong Central Missouri backline. UCM outshot FHSU 12-8 overall.

The Tigers look to bounce back in their next match on Sunday when they host Emporia State in MIAA play at 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728099623025.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State women's soccer fought hard but ultimately came up short in a 2-0 loss to No. 7 Central Missouri at FHSU Soccer Stadium on Friday night. The loss snapped a five-match win streak for the Tigers as they moved to 5-2-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA. The Jennies remained unbeaten in MIAA play at 3-0 and moved to 6-2-1 overall.Central Missouri put the pressure on early when Lexi Ruf scored in the 12th minute off an assist from Ashleigh Martin in a fast break situation. Fort Hays State struggled to generate offense in the first half, managing just two shots. However, goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/mackenzie-caldwell/8128">Mackenzie Caldwell</a>&nbsp;and the Tigers held firm, with Caldwell making a crucial save to keep the score 1-0 heading into halftime.The Tigers showed resilience in the second half, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/britney-arneson/8077">Britney Arneson</a>&nbsp;testing UCM goalkeeper Kristen Wright in the 46th minute, but Jennies continued to create numerous chances offensively. Caldwell made a pair of massive saves in 1-on-1 situations in the second half to keep the Tigers within a goal, but the Jennies finally cashed in an opportunity in the 86th minute when Andree Orcutt scored on a free kick bent perfectly right outside of the box.Caldwell finished with three saves, keeping the Tigers within striking distance until the late goal.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/sydney-cotter/8104">Sydney Cotter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/allison-worley/8102">Allison Worley</a>&nbsp;each had multiple shot attempts, but the Tigers struggled to break through a strong Central Missouri backline. UCM outshot FHSU 12-8 overall.UP NEXTThe Tigers look to bounce back in their next match on Sunday when they host Emporia State in MIAA play at 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Tiger women win streak snapped by No. 7 Jennies

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team struggled to get things going Friday evening at Gross Memorial Coliseum, falling to Northwest Missouri State in three sets, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20. The Tigers move to 9-3 overall and 1-2 in conference action after dropping consecutive matches for the first time all season, while the Bearcats improve to 8-5 on the year and 2-1 in MIAA play.

The Bearcats led wire-to-wire in the first set, eventually sealing the set with four-straight points. The Tigers took their first lead early in the second frame, leading 4-1 before Northwest scored five in a row to regain the lead. FHSU bounced back to regain the lead at 9-8 before another big Bearcat run put the visitors in front for good.

Northwest jumped in front 6-1 early in the third set before a kill from&nbsp; Ashlyn Reeves&nbsp;helped the Tigers close within two, 9-7. The Bearcats bounced back by scoring six of the next seven points, going in front 15-8 before scoring the final three points to secure the sweep.

Reeves led the Tigers with 10.5 points, totaling six kills, two service aces and three blocks, including two solo swats. Haylee Wolf and Kirsten Evans&nbsp;each recorded 10 digs, with Caiya Stucky&nbsp;contributing 18 assists, four digs, three kills and one block.

The Tigers will look to bounce back Saturday (Oct. 5) when they host Missouri Western beginning at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728093281091.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Grace Schmedding digs a serve against Northwest Missouri State on Friday, October 4, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Katie Kuhlman)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Grace Schmedding digs a serve against Northwest Missouri State on Friday, October 4, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Katie Kuhlman)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team struggled to get things going Friday evening at Gross Memorial Coliseum, falling to Northwest Missouri State in three sets, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20. The Tigers move to 9-3 overall and 1-2 in conference action after dropping consecutive matches for the first time all season, while the Bearcats improve to 8-5 on the year and 2-1 in MIAA play.<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/1929145139&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-814667509/10-4-24-fhsu-vb-coach-postgame-interview" title="Jessica Wood-Atkins Postgame vs. NW Missouri State (Oct. 4, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jessica Wood-Atkins Postgame vs. NW Missouri State (Oct. 4, 2024)</a></div></div>The Bearcats led wire-to-wire in the first set, eventually sealing the set with four-straight points. The Tigers took their first lead early in the second frame, leading 4-1 before Northwest scored five in a row to regain the lead. FHSU bounced back to regain the lead at 9-8 before another big Bearcat run put the visitors in front for good.Northwest jumped in front 6-1 early in the third set before a kill from&nbsp; Ashlyn Reeves&nbsp;helped the Tigers close within two, 9-7. The Bearcats bounced back by scoring six of the next seven points, going in front 15-8 before scoring the final three points to secure the sweep.Reeves led the Tigers with 10.5 points, totaling six kills, two service aces and three blocks, including two solo swats. Haylee Wolf and Kirsten Evans&nbsp;each recorded 10 digs, with Caiya Stucky&nbsp;contributing 18 assists, four digs, three kills and one block.UP NEXTThe Tigers will look to bounce back Saturday (Oct. 5) when they host Missouri Western beginning at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐Tigers fall at home to NW Missouri State

TMP-Marian (3-1, 2-1 MCL) vs Smith Center (0-4, 0-3 MCL) Friday, Oct. 4- 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Stadium Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1267951">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs are at home for a second week in-a-row for a huge district game against the Smith Center Redmen.&nbsp;

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Live
coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (3-1, 2-1 MCL) vs Smith Center (0-4, 0-3 MCL) Friday, Oct. 4- 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Stadium Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1267951">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs are at home for a second week in-a-row for a huge district game against the Smith Center Redmen.&nbsp;Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Live
coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

🏈🎥 TMP hosts MCL rival Smith Center

Hays High (2-2, 2-0 WAC) at Junction City (1-3, 0-1 CL) Friday, Oct. 4 - 7 p.m. Junction City, Kan. – Blue Jay Stadium

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/1267898">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians are on the road once again Friday night as they travel to take on the Junction City Blue Jays.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Central Time. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High (2-2, 2-0 WAC) at Junction City (1-3, 0-1 CL) Friday, Oct. 4 - 7 p.m. Junction City, Kan. – Blue Jay StadiumRadio:&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/1267898">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians are on the road once again Friday night as they travel to take on the Junction City Blue Jays.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Central Time. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and radio.

🏈🎥 Hays travels to Junction City

Friday, October 4 KAYS: Fort Hays State VB vs. NW Missouri State, 5:45pm KKQY: Quinter FB at LaCrosse, 6:15pm KFIX: Hays High FB at Junction City, 6:30pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Smith Center, 6:30pm

Saturday, October 5 KAYS: Kansas City Royals BSB at New York Yankees, 5:00pm KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Missouri, 6pm

Friday, October 4 KAYS: Fort Hays State VB vs. NW Missouri State, 5:45pm KKQY: Quinter FB at LaCrosse, 6:15pm KFIX: Hays High FB at Junction City, 6:30pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Smith Center, 6:30pmSaturday, October 5 KAYS: Kansas City Royals BSB at New York Yankees, 5:00pm KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Central Missouri, 6pmSunday, October 6 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

HAYS, Kan. – Rogers State edged Fort Hays State 1-0 in a hard-fought match Thursday night at FHSU Soccer Stadium. In a game defined by defensive efforts and physical play, the Hillcats capitalized on an offensive opportunity in the second half to pick up a road win. The Hillcats moved to 3-4-2 overall and maintained a perfect 3-0 record in GAC play. The No. 21 ranked Tigers moved to 3-3-1 overall and 0-2 in conference action.

Each team mustered just one shot on goal in the first half, and both goalkeepers were up to the challenge making saves. The Hillcats had a slight 4-3 advantage in the overall shot count. The Tigers earned five corner kicks during the opening period, but could not convert any opportunities. The best chance for the Tigers occurred within the first 10 minutes of the match when a rebound opportunity off the saved shot went wide of the target.

Fort Hays State was aggressive in the second half, firing off nine shots compared to two for the Hillcats. However, Rogers State made one of those two opportunities count on the scoreboard in the 61st minute. Erik Hjertsson capitalized on a misplayed clearance by the Tigers' defense, slotting the ball into the back of the net inside the box to give the Hillcats a 1-0 advantage.

Fort Hays State responded with heavy offensive pressure, especially in the final 10 minutes of the match looking for the equalizer, but never found the back of the net. The Tigers doubled up the Hillcats in shot count by the end of the match (12-6), but both teams only had two shots on target all night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728036743652.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Rogers State edged Fort Hays State 1-0 in a hard-fought match Thursday night at FHSU Soccer Stadium. In a game defined by defensive efforts and physical play, the Hillcats capitalized on an offensive opportunity in the second half to pick up a road win. The Hillcats moved to 3-4-2 overall and maintained a perfect 3-0 record in GAC play. The No. 21 ranked Tigers moved to 3-3-1 overall and 0-2 in conference action.Each team mustered just one shot on goal in the first half, and both goalkeepers were up to the challenge making saves. The Hillcats had a slight 4-3 advantage in the overall shot count. The Tigers earned five corner kicks during the opening period, but could not convert any opportunities. The best chance for the Tigers occurred within the first 10 minutes of the match when a rebound opportunity off the saved shot went wide of the target.Fort Hays State was aggressive in the second half, firing off nine shots compared to two for the Hillcats. However, Rogers State made one of those two opportunities count on the scoreboard in the 61st minute. Erik Hjertsson capitalized on a misplayed clearance by the Tigers' defense, slotting the ball into the back of the net inside the box to give the Hillcats a 1-0 advantage.Fort Hays State responded with heavy offensive pressure, especially in the final 10 minutes of the match looking for the equalizer, but never found the back of the net. The Tigers doubled up the Hillcats in shot count by the end of the match (12-6), but both teams only had two shots on target all night.

⚽ FHSU men come up short to Rogers State

HAYS - The Hays High volleyball team got back into the win column Thursday, sweeping all three of the matches at their home quadrangular.

The Indians swept Liberal and Abilene then knocked off Salina South in three.

HHS def. Liberal 25-8, 25-11 HHS def. Abilene 25-21, 25-16 HHS def. Salina South 25-19, 23-25, 25-21

HHS has won nine of their last 11 matches and sits at 16-6 on the season

Hays PostHAYS - The Hays High volleyball team got back into the win column Thursday, sweeping all three of the matches at their home quadrangular.The Indians swept Liberal and Abilene then knocked off Salina South in three.HHS def. Liberal 25-8, 25-11 HHS def. Abilene 25-21, 25-16 HHS def. Salina South 25-19, 23-25, 25-21HHS has won nine of their last 11 matches and sits at 16-6 on the season

🏐 HHS volleyball wins all three matches at home quad

CLAY CENTER -&nbsp;TMP-Marian
freshman Brynn Schoepf shot a 45 and tied for ninth at the nine-hole Clay
Center Girls’ Invitational Golf Tournament at the Clay Center Country Club.
Jenna Brull was 12th with a 47.


The Monarchs finished in third place in the team standings with a 197.

Ava Schumacher fired a 52 and placed 26th, Emma Wasinger finished in a tie for 29th with a 53 and Blakely Seib tied for 46 with a 63.

Wamego's Addison Douglass won the individual title with a 34. Wamego won the team title with a 160, 10 shots better than Manhattan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728038842477.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostCLAY CENTER -&nbsp;TMP-Marian
freshman Brynn Schoepf shot a 45 and tied for ninth at the nine-hole Clay
Center Girls’ Invitational Golf Tournament at the Clay Center Country Club.
Jenna Brull was 12th with a 47.
The Monarchs finished in third place in the team standings with a 197.Ava Schumacher fired a 52 and placed 26th, Emma Wasinger finished in a tie for 29th with a 53 and Blakely Seib tied for 46 with a 63.Wamego's Addison Douglass won the individual title with a 34. Wamego won the team title with a 160, 10 shots better than Manhattan.

⛳ Schoepf leads TMP-Marian girls' at Clay Center

HUTCHINSON -&nbsp;
















Hays High’s Jaycee Oakley shot a 9-over par 80 and finished in 12th place at the highly competitive Hutchinson Invitational Golf Tournament held at the Carey Park Golf Course.


Oakley was the lone top-20 finisher for Hays who placed 11th in the 19-team tournament.

Kinslea Jones of Maize won the individual title with a 5-under par 66. Two other golfers were tied at even par.

Manhattan won the team title with a 297.&nbsp;Maize was second at 331. Hays High had a 397 team score.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728037963308.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostHUTCHINSON -&nbsp;
















Hays High’s Jaycee Oakley shot a 9-over par 80 and finished in 12th place at the highly competitive Hutchinson Invitational Golf Tournament held at the Carey Park Golf Course.
Oakley was the lone top-20 finisher for Hays who placed 11th in the 19-team tournament.Kinslea Jones of Maize won the individual title with a 5-under par 66. Two other golfers were tied at even par.Manhattan won the team title with a 297.&nbsp;Maize was second at 331. Hays High had a 397 team score.

⛳ HHS's Oakley has top-20 finish in Hutchinson

LIBERAL -&nbsp;Hays High boys soccer lost 1-0 in Liberal Thursday.

It's their second-straight 1-0 loss this week as they drop their third straight to fall to 4-6 on the season.

Hays PostLIBERAL -&nbsp;Hays High boys soccer lost 1-0 in Liberal Thursday.It's their second-straight 1-0 loss this week as they drop their third straight to fall to 4-6 on the season.

⚽ HHS falls to Liberal

By STEPHEN SHYNO AP Sports Writer

BALTIMORE (AP) — After another September loss gave the Kansas City Royals a second seven-game slide in the final month of the season, Will Smith saw the upcoming off day as a chance to make his teammates laugh.

“You guys are looking at this the wrong way,” Smith said. “The bright side is we can’t lose tomorrow.”

The Royals won four of their final six games to make the playoffs a year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-orioles-al-wild-card-b1a51520c564ba2d18ce0c95d6761758">tying a franchise record with 106 losses</a>, and after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-mlb-playoffs-royals-orioles-score-537540033ada068a67c81aadd207ae96">a two-game sweep</a>&nbsp;of Baltimore, they are going to the AL Division Series to face the New York Yankees. It's the culmination of a remarkable turnaround from one season to the next and one game to the next.

“All we’re focused on is right now,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/761512f69eb8ff03791181acf7ffe240">first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino</a>, who had his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-injuries-3d58f8b6810ed0d06ffd2cce41107a70">surgically repaired right thumb</a>&nbsp;covered as a precaution amid spraying sparkling wine during a boozy visiting clubhouse celebration. “We’re just focused on winning that pitch, and that’s what this team does. Losing streaks, winning streaks — it doesn’t matter. We just focus on that next pitch. We’ve done a really good job at it, and we’re going to keep trying to do it.”

AL batting champion Bobby Witt Jr., who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-royals-orioles-088619707dc5aed035f49ee0fbbce578">drove in the go-ahead run</a>&nbsp;in Games 1 and 2, said the goal is “one out at a time 27 times.”

Manager Matt Quatraro, also a playoff rookie, said his players take that mentality to heart.

“They believe it,” Quatraro said. “You can’t just talk about it. You can’t just put it on a T-shirt and say let’s go or hang it on the wall on a poster. You have to live it. These guys do.”

General manager J.J. Picollo endeavored last offseason and at the trade deadline to surround his young core with veterans chock full of playoff experience. In came Smith,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-c09a995484fdef26c6351cab22c25646">a three-time World Series-winning reliever</a>, along with Game 2 starter and All-Star Seth Lugo, Yuli Gurriel, Tommy Pham and Michael Wacha, who might get the ball for the ALDS opener at Yankee Stadium.

Leadoff hitter Michael Massey on Wednesday recalled Smith's snide comment from last month as a particularly strong example of older players loosening the mood around the team when there were plenty of slumped shoulders and reasons to worry.

“It was kind of eye-opening,” Massey said. "We’ve lost seven in a row. Everyone thinks we’re not going to make the playoffs. We’re going to blow it. Then you’ve got a guy like that who’s making a joke about it.

"It goes to show you their experience and their confidence. They’ve been there before. They’ve done it."

Now all the Royals have a winning playoff experience — emerging from a taut matchup by allowing one run over 18 innings while scoring three times. It's the first time Kansas City has won a playoff series of any kind since finishing on top of baseball as World Series champions in 2015.

“I think it’s the start of something special,” Witt said. “We didn’t come this far just to come this far, so we’re going to keep getting after it, keep trying to create our own legacy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727950331851.jpeg" alt="ansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., center, reacts with a staff member after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)" />
 <figcaption>ansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., center, reacts with a staff member after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHEN SHYNO AP Sports WriterBALTIMORE (AP) — After another September loss gave the Kansas City Royals a second seven-game slide in the final month of the season, Will Smith saw the upcoming off day as a chance to make his teammates laugh.“You guys are looking at this the wrong way,” Smith said. “The bright side is we can’t lose tomorrow.”The Royals won four of their final six games to make the playoffs a year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-orioles-al-wild-card-b1a51520c564ba2d18ce0c95d6761758">tying a franchise record with 106 losses</a>, and after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-mlb-playoffs-royals-orioles-score-537540033ada068a67c81aadd207ae96">a two-game sweep</a>&nbsp;of Baltimore, they are going to the AL Division Series to face the New York Yankees. It's the culmination of a remarkable turnaround from one season to the next and one game to the next.“All we’re focused on is right now,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/761512f69eb8ff03791181acf7ffe240">first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino</a>, who had his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-injuries-3d58f8b6810ed0d06ffd2cce41107a70">surgically repaired right thumb</a>&nbsp;covered as a precaution amid spraying sparkling wine during a boozy visiting clubhouse celebration. “We’re just focused on winning that pitch, and that’s what this team does. Losing streaks, winning streaks — it doesn’t matter. We just focus on that next pitch. We’ve done a really good job at it, and we’re going to keep trying to do it.”AL batting champion Bobby Witt Jr., who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-royals-orioles-088619707dc5aed035f49ee0fbbce578">drove in the go-ahead run</a>&nbsp;in Games 1 and 2, said the goal is “one out at a time 27 times.”Manager Matt Quatraro, also a playoff rookie, said his players take that mentality to heart.“They believe it,” Quatraro said. “You can’t just talk about it. You can’t just put it on a T-shirt and say let’s go or hang it on the wall on a poster. You have to live it. These guys do.”General manager J.J. Picollo endeavored last offseason and at the trade deadline to surround his young core with veterans chock full of playoff experience. In came Smith,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-c09a995484fdef26c6351cab22c25646">a three-time World Series-winning reliever</a>, along with Game 2 starter and All-Star Seth Lugo, Yuli Gurriel, Tommy Pham and Michael Wacha, who might get the ball for the ALDS opener at Yankee Stadium.Leadoff hitter Michael Massey on Wednesday recalled Smith's snide comment from last month as a particularly strong example of older players loosening the mood around the team when there were plenty of slumped shoulders and reasons to worry.“It was kind of eye-opening,” Massey said. "We’ve lost seven in a row. Everyone thinks we’re not going to make the playoffs. We’re going to blow it. Then you’ve got a guy like that who’s making a joke about it."It goes to show you their experience and their confidence. They’ve been there before. They’ve done it."Now all the Royals have a winning playoff experience — emerging from a taut matchup by allowing one run over 18 innings while scoring three times. It's the first time Kansas City has won a playoff series of any kind since finishing on top of baseball as World Series champions in 2015.“I think it’s the start of something special,” Witt said. “We didn’t come this far just to come this far, so we’re going to keep getting after it, keep trying to create our own legacy.”

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr. and the Royals go from 2 late 7-game losing streaks to the AL Division Series

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes has been through self-described slumps before, including last year, when the Chiefs struggled so mightily late in the season that some were calling them a long shot to win another Super Bowl title.

Then the two-time league MVP played his best football in the postseason and they won a second straight championship.

So even though Mahomes has not played well during a 4-0 start heading into Monday night's game against New Orleans — by his own lofty standards, anyway — he knows things can change in a hurry. The important thing is to continue working on the details, all those small but often overlooked things, and keep the confidence that he has been through this before.

“That's what I learned last year,” Mahomes told a small group of reporters Wednesday. “I obviously went through a slump where I didn't play as good at the end of last year, and I just continued to work on it in practice. And in the playoffs, I thought I played a very high level. And so that's what I've been focusing on right now.”

Indeed, Mahomes threw for his fewest yards in a full season in six years as a starter last regular season, along with his fewest touchdown passes and most interceptions.

Yet when the playoffs rolled around, Mahomes completed nearly 70% of his passes, threw six TD passes against one interception, and led Kansas City to wins over Miami, Buffalo and Baltimore.

In the Super Bowl against San Francisco, he threw for 333 yards with two TDs and was MVP of the Chiefs' overtime victory.

That all provides optimism for the rest of this season.

Mahomes has so far played perhaps his worst four-game stretch as an NFL starter, throwing for 909 yards with six TD passes and five interceptions. And he knows it, too, insisting after each win that he needs to perform at a higher level.

He believes there are several reasons for the slow start, though none have to do with a busy offseason away from the field.

For one thing, opposing defenses have developed shell coverages that have taken away the deep shot that Mahomes made so famous when Tyreek Hill was running routes for him. They are basically daring Kansas City to beat them with the run game, or at worse, forcing Mahomes into throwing short passes, pick up first downs and grind the ball down the field.

“It's not as fun,” he admitted with a smile. “You're not going to see a lot of one-play touchdowns unless you hit, like, a crazy shot. So we have to keep working so that we can execute at a high level. And I think that has been something I've worked on with how teams are playing us. I have to continue do to that, and show that we can drive the ball all game long.”

The other big reason Mahomes believes he's gotten off to a slow start? Paralysis by analysis.

Just like baseball players often look at video of themselves when they're trying to end a slump, Mahomes will occasionally look at film of his younger days, when he was breaking records seemingly every time he stepped on the field. And what he saw was a quarterback who relied on his instincts to make plays, just like he did as a kid playing sandlot football growing up.

“There's some points now where you almost know too much,” he said. "When I was younger, I would just cut it loose. Like, I'd just go through the reads the way they sat on paper, and I'd throw the deep shot if it was there. I gave it chances. And now there are times where I'm like, ‘Well, they’re supposed to be in this coverage and that's not supposed to be there,' and it is.

“So you've got to have the balance of, I don't want to say being naive, but in reading the play the way it's supposed to be read, even if the coverage says it's not going to be that guy, and then when it's there, you take your chances.”

Mahomes still did not play his best last week in Los Angeles, when the Chiefs rallied for a 17-10 win over the Chargers. But as he looked back over the game film, he saw moments that gave him confidence he was turning the corner again.

One of them was hitting rookie Xavier Worthy with a 54-yard touchdown pass that got Kansas City on the scoreboard.

The Chiefs went on to win their fourth game by a touchdown or less. Two of them, against Baltimore and Cincinnati, have been decided on the final play. And their win over the Falcons was wrapped up with a fourth down stand in the final minute.

All while their star quarterback continues to work through a slump.

“That's why I think it's special what we've been doing early in the season, not playing our best football but finding ways to win,” Mahomes said, “because a lot of these games could be losses, and we could be looking at a way different rest of the year.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727951550435.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, left, talks with head coach Andy Reid during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, left, talks with head coach Andy Reid during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes has been through self-described slumps before, including last year, when the Chiefs struggled so mightily late in the season that some were calling them a long shot to win another Super Bowl title.Then the two-time league MVP played his best football in the postseason and they won a second straight championship.So even though Mahomes has not played well during a 4-0 start heading into Monday night's game against New Orleans — by his own lofty standards, anyway — he knows things can change in a hurry. The important thing is to continue working on the details, all those small but often overlooked things, and keep the confidence that he has been through this before.“That's what I learned last year,” Mahomes told a small group of reporters Wednesday. “I obviously went through a slump where I didn't play as good at the end of last year, and I just continued to work on it in practice. And in the playoffs, I thought I played a very high level. And so that's what I've been focusing on right now.”Indeed, Mahomes threw for his fewest yards in a full season in six years as a starter last regular season, along with his fewest touchdown passes and most interceptions.Yet when the playoffs rolled around, Mahomes completed nearly 70% of his passes, threw six TD passes against one interception, and led Kansas City to wins over Miami, Buffalo and Baltimore.In the Super Bowl against San Francisco, he threw for 333 yards with two TDs and was MVP of the Chiefs' overtime victory.That all provides optimism for the rest of this season.Mahomes has so far played perhaps his worst four-game stretch as an NFL starter, throwing for 909 yards with six TD passes and five interceptions. And he knows it, too, insisting after each win that he needs to perform at a higher level.He believes there are several reasons for the slow start, though none have to do with a busy offseason away from the field.For one thing, opposing defenses have developed shell coverages that have taken away the deep shot that Mahomes made so famous when Tyreek Hill was running routes for him. They are basically daring Kansas City to beat them with the run game, or at worse, forcing Mahomes into throwing short passes, pick up first downs and grind the ball down the field.“It's not as fun,” he admitted with a smile. “You're not going to see a lot of one-play touchdowns unless you hit, like, a crazy shot. So we have to keep working so that we can execute at a high level. And I think that has been something I've worked on with how teams are playing us. I have to continue do to that, and show that we can drive the ball all game long.”The other big reason Mahomes believes he's gotten off to a slow start? Paralysis by analysis.Just like baseball players often look at video of themselves when they're trying to end a slump, Mahomes will occasionally look at film of his younger days, when he was breaking records seemingly every time he stepped on the field. And what he saw was a quarterback who relied on his instincts to make plays, just like he did as a kid playing sandlot football growing up.“There's some points now where you almost know too much,” he said. "When I was younger, I would just cut it loose. Like, I'd just go through the reads the way they sat on paper, and I'd throw the deep shot if it was there. I gave it chances. And now there are times where I'm like, ‘Well, they’re supposed to be in this coverage and that's not supposed to be there,' and it is.“So you've got to have the balance of, I don't want to say being naive, but in reading the play the way it's supposed to be read, even if the coverage says it's not going to be that guy, and then when it's there, you take your chances.”Mahomes still did not play his best last week in Los Angeles, when the Chiefs rallied for a 17-10 win over the Chargers. But as he looked back over the game film, he saw moments that gave him confidence he was turning the corner again.One of them was hitting rookie Xavier Worthy with a 54-yard touchdown pass that got Kansas City on the scoreboard.The Chiefs went on to win their fourth game by a touchdown or less. Two of them, against Baltimore and Cincinnati, have been decided on the final play. And their win over the Falcons was wrapped up with a fourth down stand in the final minute.All while their star quarterback continues to work through a slump.“That's why I think it's special what we've been doing early in the season, not playing our best football but finding ways to win,” Mahomes said, “because a lot of these games could be losses, and we could be looking at a way different rest of the year.”

🏈 Mahomes sees himself turning the corner amid a slow start

BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. beat out an infield single to drive in the go-ahead run and send the Kansas City Royals into an AL Division Series with a 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday for a two-game sweep of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-orioles-al-wild-card-b1a51520c564ba2d18ce0c95d6761758">their Wild Card Series</a>.

With two outs and runners at the corners in sixth inning, Witt hit a grounder to the edge of the dirt behind second base, where Jordan Westburg made a diving stop and throw to first. Witt was already there after zooming 90 feet in 4.14 seconds, allowing Kyle Isbel to score from third.

It was the second consecutive game in which the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bobby-witt-jr">AL batting champion</a>&nbsp;provided the decisive hit. Witt's RBI single in Tuesday's series opener plated the only run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-royals-orioles-088619707dc5aed035f49ee0fbbce578">in a 1-0 victory</a>.

“You never know when this opportunity ever is going to happen again, so got to make the most of it while you have it,” Witt said. “That’s the fun part of this game. This is why we do it, these situations here.”

Kansas City, which endured two seven-game losing streaks over the final month of the season, advanced to face the AL East champion New York Yankees. Game 1 is Saturday in the Bronx.

Cedric Mullins homered for the Orioles, who fell to 0-5 during two quick playoff exits the past two years. Baltimore has dropped its last 10 postseason games.

The new-look Royals lost 106 games last season but used a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97e7e58c4c2257c95fa0bebe10cc7144">30-win improvement</a>&nbsp;to get back to October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.

Second baseman Michael Massey, who led off the game with a double and scored on a single by Vinnie Pasquantino, said the front office bringing in experienced veterans with playoff experience like Tommy Pham, Yuli Gurriel, Michael Wacha and Will Smith made this possible.

“They’ve been there before, they’ve done it, so I think it’s helped a lot of guys,” Massey said. “It’s helped us, for sure me, to be around those guys and just watch them, more than anything, and see how they go about their business, has been — I think that’s helped us stay even keel.”

The Royals left 12 runners on base and got through another close game with a razor-thin margin for error thanks to some masterful managing by Matt Quatraro, himself a postseason rookie like Witt, Game 1 winner Cole Ragans and so many others.

Quatraro let starter Seth Lugo get an out after loading the bases with nobody out in the fifth before spinning up bullpen roulette, starting with winning pitcher Angel Zerpa, who got KC out of that jam and then got the first out of the sixth. John Schreiber got three more outs, Sam Long two, Kris Bubic three and Lucas Erceg the final three to earn his second save of the series.

“It’s so impressive that they believe in themselves and they trust their stuff and they just come after some of the best hitters in the world,” Quatraro said.

The Orioles were swept in their only playoff series for a second consecutive year, going 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position this time and 5 for 32 combined. They face numerous offseason questions, from the future of manager Brandon Hyde to the possibility of losing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2c5a9a7c148b2c2d84994ab3fcc705fd">pending free-agent starter Corbin Burnes</a>.

“Especially when you lose like this, there’s frustration, there’s anger, there’s disappointment because you felt like there was opportunities there in those couple games to change the score, and it didn’t happen,” Hyde said.

Orioles: LF Colton Cowser broke his left hand when it was hit by the ball as he struck out swinging in the fifth. He exited after six innings.

The Royals face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carlos-rodon-yankees-alds-ed2934c198986eff681314996cc63641">Yankees ace Gerrit Cole</a>&nbsp;in the opener of their ALDS, with any starter but Ragans or Lugo rested and ready to go. Wacha had been in line to start Game 3 against Baltimore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727914133285.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) hits a single as home plate umpire Ben May, left, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman look on during the third inning in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) hits a single as home plate umpire Ben May, left, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman look on during the third inning in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. beat out an infield single to drive in the go-ahead run and send the Kansas City Royals into an AL Division Series with a 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday for a two-game sweep of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-orioles-al-wild-card-b1a51520c564ba2d18ce0c95d6761758">their Wild Card Series</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🗣️ This never gets old! <a href="https://t.co/SiSDUcYYBA">pic.twitter.com/SiSDUcYYBA</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1841646441241968641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With two outs and runners at the corners in sixth inning, Witt hit a grounder to the edge of the dirt behind second base, where Jordan Westburg made a diving stop and throw to first. Witt was already there after zooming 90 feet in 4.14 seconds, allowing Kyle Isbel to score from third."I just had to try to run," Witt said.It was the second consecutive game in which the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bobby-witt-jr">AL batting champion</a>&nbsp;provided the decisive hit. Witt's RBI single in Tuesday's series opener plated the only run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-royals-orioles-088619707dc5aed035f49ee0fbbce578">in a 1-0 victory</a>.“You never know when this opportunity ever is going to happen again, so got to make the most of it while you have it,” Witt said. “That’s the fun part of this game. This is why we do it, these situations here.”Kansas City, which endured two seven-game losing streaks over the final month of the season, advanced to face the AL East champion New York Yankees. Game 1 is Saturday in the Bronx.Cedric Mullins homered for the Orioles, who fell to 0-5 during two quick playoff exits the past two years. Baltimore has dropped its last 10 postseason games.The new-look Royals lost 106 games last season but used a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97e7e58c4c2257c95fa0bebe10cc7144">30-win improvement</a>&nbsp;to get back to October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.Second baseman Michael Massey, who led off the game with a double and scored on a single by Vinnie Pasquantino, said the front office bringing in experienced veterans with playoff experience like Tommy Pham, Yuli Gurriel, Michael Wacha and Will Smith made this possible.“They’ve been there before, they’ve done it, so I think it’s helped a lot of guys,” Massey said. “It’s helped us, for sure me, to be around those guys and just watch them, more than anything, and see how they go about their business, has been — I think that’s helped us stay even keel.”The Royals left 12 runners on base and got through another close game with a razor-thin margin for error thanks to some masterful managing by Matt Quatraro, himself a postseason rookie like Witt, Game 1 winner Cole Ragans and so many others.Quatraro let starter Seth Lugo get an out after loading the bases with nobody out in the fifth before spinning up bullpen roulette, starting with winning pitcher Angel Zerpa, who got KC out of that jam and then got the first out of the sixth. John Schreiber got three more outs, Sam Long two, Kris Bubic three and Lucas Erceg the final three to earn his second save of the series.“It’s so impressive that they believe in themselves and they trust their stuff and they just come after some of the best hitters in the world,” Quatraro said.Cionel Pérez took the loss.The Orioles were swept in their only playoff series for a second consecutive year, going 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position this time and 5 for 32 combined. They face numerous offseason questions, from the future of manager Brandon Hyde to the possibility of losing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2c5a9a7c148b2c2d84994ab3fcc705fd">pending free-agent starter Corbin Burnes</a>.“Especially when you lose like this, there’s frustration, there’s anger, there’s disappointment because you felt like there was opportunities there in those couple games to change the score, and it didn’t happen,” Hyde said.TRAINER’S ROOMOrioles: LF Colton Cowser broke his left hand when it was hit by the ball as he struck out swinging in the fifth. He exited after six innings.UP NEXTThe Royals face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carlos-rodon-yankees-alds-ed2934c198986eff681314996cc63641">Yankees ace Gerrit Cole</a>&nbsp;in the opener of their ALDS, with any starter but Ragans or Lugo rested and ready to go. Wacha had been in line to start Game 3 against Baltimore.___

⚾ Royals advance to the ALDS with sweep of the Orioles

We're joined by Fort Hays State cross country coach Jason McCullough, volleyball coach Jessica Wood-Atkins and football coach Chris Brown.

Tiger Talk airs Wednesday's at 12:15 p.m. live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State campus as part of Tiger Club.

We're joined by Fort Hays State cross country coach Jason McCullough, volleyball coach Jessica Wood-Atkins and football coach Chris Brown.Tiger Talk airs Wednesday's at 12:15 p.m. live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State campus as part of Tiger Club.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (October 2, 2024)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3dccu-16f1026-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (Oct. 2, 2024)

WAKEENEY
– The TMP-Marian volleyball team went 2-1 at a quadrangular hosted by Trego
Community High School Tuesday. The Monarchs swept Hill City to run their
winning streak to 11 matches but that was snapped in a three-set loss to Phillipsburg.
TMP bounced back to sweep Trego in two.

TMP-Marian
def. Hill City 25-10, 25-6
TMP-Marian lost to Phillipsburg 25-15, 19-25, 19-25
TMP-Marian def. Trego 25-16, 25-10

Trego
def. Hill City 30-28, 25-14
Phillipsburg def. Hill City 25-18, 25-15
Phillipsburg def. Trego 25-17, 22-25, 25-8

Hays PostWAKEENEY
– The TMP-Marian volleyball team went 2-1 at a quadrangular hosted by Trego
Community High School Tuesday. The Monarchs swept Hill City to run their
winning streak to 11 matches but that was snapped in a three-set loss to Phillipsburg.
TMP bounced back to sweep Trego in two.The
Monarchs are now 16-8 on the season.TMP-Marian
def. Hill City 25-10, 25-6
TMP-Marian lost to Phillipsburg 25-15, 19-25, 19-25
TMP-Marian def. Trego 25-16, 25-10Trego
def. Hill City 30-28, 25-14
Phillipsburg def. Hill City 25-18, 25-15
Phillipsburg def. Trego 25-17, 22-25, 25-8

🏐 TMP-Marian goes 2-1 in WaKeeney

HAYS
– The Hays High volleyball went 1-1 at their own triangular Tuesday at the Hays
High gym. The Indians lost to Manhattan in three then beat Junction City in two.

Manhattan
def. Hays High 26-28, 17-25, 21-25
Hays def. Junction City 25-18, 25-20

Hays PostHAYS
– The Hays High volleyball went 1-1 at their own triangular Tuesday at the Hays
High gym. The Indians lost to Manhattan in three then beat Junction City in two.Manhattan
def. Hays High 26-28, 17-25, 21-25
Hays def. Junction City 25-18, 25-20HHS
is now 13-6 on the season.

🏐 HHS 1-1 at own triangular

LYONS
- TMP-Marian’s Zecharia Dickman finished in ninth place to lead the TMP-Marian
boys cross country team at the Lyons Invitational Tuesday. The junior finished
with a time of 18:48.2 in the 5k race. Sophomore Mattias Marintezer placed 11th
(18:56.3) and senior Caleb Marintzer 15th (19:20.5)

Haven’s
Isaiah Doherty was the boys champ with a time of 17:22.5.

Haven
won the team title while the Monarchs placed fourth.

Claire
Schippers finished ninth to lead the TMP-Marian girls. The junior finished the
5k race with a time of 24:16.8. Senior Gracyn Schippers finished 13th (24:37.6)
and Grace Schmeidler 14th ()24:38.7).

Molly
Ehrlich of Ellsworth was the girls’ individual champ (20:37.4). The Bearcats
won the girls’ team title.

Hays PostLYONS
- TMP-Marian’s Zecharia Dickman finished in ninth place to lead the TMP-Marian
boys cross country team at the Lyons Invitational Tuesday. The junior finished
with a time of 18:48.2 in the 5k race. Sophomore Mattias Marintezer placed 11th
(18:56.3) and senior Caleb Marintzer 15th (19:20.5)Haven’s
Isaiah Doherty was the boys champ with a time of 17:22.5.Haven
won the team title while the Monarchs placed fourth.Claire
Schippers finished ninth to lead the TMP-Marian girls. The junior finished the
5k race with a time of 24:16.8. Senior Gracyn Schippers finished 13th (24:37.6)
and Grace Schmeidler 14th ()24:38.7).Molly
Ehrlich of Ellsworth was the girls’ individual champ (20:37.4). The Bearcats
won the girls’ team title.

🏃‍♂️ Monarchs cross country runs at Lyons

BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. made the most of his much-anticipated playoff debut, driving in the only run Tuesday to back Cole Ragans' six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series.

Witt, the 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season, singled to left field off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth. Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second — Burnes allowed runners to swipe a major league-high 41 bases this season — and moving to third on a groundout.

Just after Witt delivered, Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1841227979432870173">posted on social media</a>: “Let’s go!! Keep it going!!! @Royals”

They couldn't keep adding to their lead, but that didn't matter, thanks to Ragans, who was every bit as good, if not better, than Burnes before leaving after 80 pitches because of cramping in his left calf, plus a bullpen that was KC's weakness during the regular season but was more than fine Tuesday.

Sam Long, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg, who earned the save, shut down the Orioles the rest of the way.

The Royals lost 106 games last season but a 30-win improvement has them back in October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.

Now they can end this best-of-three series and advance to an AL Division Series against the New York Yankees by winning Game 2 in Baltimore on Wednesday, when KC will send All-Star Seth Lugo to the mound. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he wouldn’t announce his starter until after Tuesday’s game, although it was expected to be Zach Elfin.

Baltimore has lost its last nine postseason games, a skid that dates to 2014.

Ragans, a lefty All-Star picked up in a trade with the Texas Rangers last season, was terrific, mixing a 98 mph fastball with a variety of off-speed offerings while allowing just four hits and striking out eight.

Burnes looked every bit the ace Baltimore hoped it was getting when it acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers in February. The AL's All-Star starter this season exited to a standing ovation from the orange-clad fans at Camden Yards after giving up a leadoff single in the ninth. He allowed one run, five hits and that one key walk.

The right-hander became the first starter to throw a pitch in the ninth inning of a postseason game since Washington ace Stephen Strasburg in Game 6 of the 2019 World Series against Houston.

But Baltimore's sluggers — the team's 232 homers trailed only the Yankees in 2024 — could not come through in the clutch.

The Orioles got a runner to third in the third, but Jordan Westburg flied out to the warning track in left. The hosts then put men at the corners with one out in the fifth, but Ragans struck out James McCann and 2023 AL Rookie of the Year Gunnar Henderson to end that threat.

And in the eighth, with a pair on and two out, Erceg replaced Bubic and got Anthony Santander to ground into a fielder's choice.

Royals: 1B&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-injuries-3d58f8b6810ed0d06ffd2cce41107a70">Vinnie Pasquantino</a>&nbsp;came off the injured list for this series after being out since Aug. 29 with a broken right thumb, and he was in his usual No. 3 spot in the starting lineup as the DH. He wouldn't be able to play the field for another two to three weeks — if KC remains in the postseason. Pasquantino went 0 for 3 on Tuesday.

Lugo (16-9, 3.00 ERA) will be making the first postseason start of his career. "Something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time," he said.

Eflin went 10-9 with a 3.59 ERA combined for Tampa Bay and Baltimore in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727822807888.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. made the most of his much-anticipated playoff debut, driving in the only run Tuesday to back Cole Ragans' six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series.Witt, the 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season, singled to left field off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth. Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second — Burnes allowed runners to swipe a major league-high 41 bases this season — and moving to third on a groundout.Just after Witt delivered, Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1841227979432870173">posted on social media</a>: “Let’s go!! Keep it going!!! @Royals”They couldn't keep adding to their lead, but that didn't matter, thanks to Ragans, who was every bit as good, if not better, than Burnes before leaving after 80 pitches because of cramping in his left calf, plus a bullpen that was KC's weakness during the regular season but was more than fine Tuesday.Sam Long, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg, who earned the save, shut down the Orioles the rest of the way.The Royals lost 106 games last season but a 30-win improvement has them back in October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.Now they can end this best-of-three series and advance to an AL Division Series against the New York Yankees by winning Game 2 in Baltimore on Wednesday, when KC will send All-Star Seth Lugo to the mound. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he wouldn’t announce his starter until after Tuesday’s game, although it was expected to be Zach Elfin.Baltimore has lost its last nine postseason games, a skid that dates to 2014.Ragans, a lefty All-Star picked up in a trade with the Texas Rangers last season, was terrific, mixing a 98 mph fastball with a variety of off-speed offerings while allowing just four hits and striking out eight.Burnes looked every bit the ace Baltimore hoped it was getting when it acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers in February. The AL's All-Star starter this season exited to a standing ovation from the orange-clad fans at Camden Yards after giving up a leadoff single in the ninth. He allowed one run, five hits and that one key walk.The right-hander became the first starter to throw a pitch in the ninth inning of a postseason game since Washington ace Stephen Strasburg in Game 6 of the 2019 World Series against Houston.But Baltimore's sluggers — the team's 232 homers trailed only the Yankees in 2024 — could not come through in the clutch.The Orioles got a runner to third in the third, but Jordan Westburg flied out to the warning track in left. The hosts then put men at the corners with one out in the fifth, but Ragans struck out James McCann and 2023 AL Rookie of the Year Gunnar Henderson to end that threat.And in the eighth, with a pair on and two out, Erceg replaced Bubic and got Anthony Santander to ground into a fielder's choice.<h2>Trainer's Room</h2>Royals: 1B&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-injuries-3d58f8b6810ed0d06ffd2cce41107a70">Vinnie Pasquantino</a>&nbsp;came off the injured list for this series after being out since Aug. 29 with a broken right thumb, and he was in his usual No. 3 spot in the starting lineup as the DH. He wouldn't be able to play the field for another two to three weeks — if KC remains in the postseason. Pasquantino went 0 for 3 on Tuesday.<h2>Up Next</h2>Lugo (16-9, 3.00 ERA) will be making the first postseason start of his career. "Something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time," he said.Eflin went 10-9 with a 3.59 ERA combined for Tampa Bay and Baltimore in 2024.

⚾ Witt Jr. and Ragans lead the Royals over the Orioles to open AL Wild Card Series

Fort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, defensive end Myles Menges and wide receiver Jabari Lewis spoke to the media Tuesday before the Tigers host Central Missouri on Saturday.

Hays PostFort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, defensive end Myles Menges and wide receiver Jabari Lewis spoke to the media Tuesday before the Tigers host Central Missouri on Saturday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wxkScXX-EjY?si=a6PLBAnk7pqyP09S" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TPf81WLMQgA?si=EpWtQAPomHQ_65xM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4tCNaxopBo4?si=WiL-JX76-i1PyLY1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈📹 FHSU weekly press conference 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer is ranked No. 21 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday (Oct. 1). The Tigers moved down four spots from the No. 17 ranking they held last week.

The Tigers (3-2-1) are coming off a loss against a then No. 22 ranked Southern Nazarene team in their MIAA opener last week in Oklahoma. Southern Nazarene (4-3-1) moved up to No. 19 this week. SNU and FHSU represent the Great American Conference in the Top 25, while Newman continues to receive votes.

The Tigers continue MIAA play this week hosting Rogers State and Northeastern State in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727815004106.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer is ranked No. 21 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday (Oct. 1). The Tigers moved down four spots from the No. 17 ranking they held last week.The Tigers (3-2-1) are coming off a loss against a then No. 22 ranked Southern Nazarene team in their MIAA opener last week in Oklahoma. Southern Nazarene (4-3-1) moved up to No. 19 this week. SNU and FHSU represent the Great American Conference in the Top 25, while Newman continues to receive votes.The Tigers continue MIAA play this week hosting Rogers State and Northeastern State in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ FHSU men No. 21 in latest United Soccer Coaches top 25

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State goalkeeper Mackenzie Caldwell&nbsp;was named MIAA Co-Goalkeeper of the Week on Tuesday for her efforts in a pair of shutout wins over Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State to open conference play. Caldwell shares the honor this week with Hailey Beck of Washburn.

Caldwell has earned Goalkeeper of the Week honors from the conference office two weeks in a row now, which spans her four-match shutout streak. She had seven saves for the week while playing all 180 minutes, recording five saves in a 2-0 shutout of Missouri Southern and two in a 2-0 shutout of Pittsburg State. She is tied for the MIAA lead in shutouts with five for the season and leads the conference in goals against average (0.50) and save percentage (.915) for the season.

Beck kept two clean sheets in goal for the Ichabods, giving her five solo clean sheets on the season. She has been part of a defense that has broken a Washburn school record for consecutive scoreless minutes played, going over 568 minutes played without allowing a goal. Beck made a total of six saves in the two matches.

Caldwell and Beck join Corinne Stewart of Missouri Western (Offensive Athlete of the Week) and Lauren Nylund of Missouri Western (Defensive Athlete of the Week) as the weekly honorees from the conference office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727814130691.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State goalkeeper Mackenzie Caldwell&nbsp;was named MIAA Co-Goalkeeper of the Week on Tuesday for her efforts in a pair of shutout wins over Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State to open conference play. Caldwell shares the honor this week with Hailey Beck of Washburn.Caldwell has earned Goalkeeper of the Week honors from the conference office two weeks in a row now, which spans her four-match shutout streak. She had seven saves for the week while playing all 180 minutes, recording five saves in a 2-0 shutout of Missouri Southern and two in a 2-0 shutout of Pittsburg State. She is tied for the MIAA lead in shutouts with five for the season and leads the conference in goals against average (0.50) and save percentage (.915) for the season.Beck kept two clean sheets in goal for the Ichabods, giving her five solo clean sheets on the season. She has been part of a defense that has broken a Washburn school record for consecutive scoreless minutes played, going over 568 minutes played without allowing a goal. Beck made a total of six saves in the two matches.Caldwell and Beck join Corinne Stewart of Missouri Western (Offensive Athlete of the Week) and Lauren Nylund of Missouri Western (Defensive Athlete of the Week) as the weekly honorees from the conference office.&nbsp;&nbsp;