By TIM BOOTH AP Sports Writer

SEATTLE (AP) — The first two plays of Mike Macdonald's career as a head coach started by watching his quarterback get sacked and throw an interception while being hit as he threw.

“Started just like we wanted to start. Drew it up that way. Just wanted some adversity there,” the new Seattle Seahawks coach wryly said.

Fortunately for Macdonald and the Seahawks, that ugly start and an unsightly first half set the stage for a big second half and a 26-20 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, giving the youngest head coach in the league his first victory.

Kenneth Walker III rushed for 84 of his 103 yards and a touchdown in the second half and sparked a rally following a mistake-filled first half littered with sloppy mistakes.

The Broncos led 13-9 at the half thanks in part to two safeties, but Walker changed the momentum in the third quarter as Seattle recommitted to the ground game. He gained 53 yards on five carries on Seattle’s first drive of the second half, capped by a 23-yard touchdown run. Walker had another TD called back on a penalty, but he still produced the seventh 100-yard rushing game of his career.

Walker appeared to injure himself on a 7-yard run early in the fourth quarter and didn't play the rest of the game because of a muscle issue in his abdomen. Walker said he would be OK.

“When we went in and made adjustments everybody was locked in. We were poised. Everything (didn't) go as planned as you saw in the first half, but after those adjustments just felt we played as a team better,” Walker said.

Seattle quarterback Geno Smith was part of the early struggles for the Seahawks offense but found a rhythm in the second half. Smith ran for a 34-yard touchdown in the second quarter — the longest run of his career — and hit Zach Charbonnet on a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Seahawks/status/1832912407225909297">30-yard touchdown pass</a>&nbsp;on the first play of the fourth quarter that gave Seattle a 26-13 lead.

“Once the run game opened up it allowed us to then get into some of our tempo stuff and then start to pass the ball, and then you started to see our offense really come alive,” Smith said.

Macdonald won his debut after being hired as the youngest head coach in the NFL tasked with moving Seattle forward following Pete Carroll's 14 seasons in charge of the franchise. And he'll be thrilled with the defensive performance for 3 1/2 quarters.

Denver rookie QB Bo Nix was 26 of 42 for 138 yards and was twice intercepted on careless throws — once by Julian Love at the Seattle 1 and the other time&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1832917259578413079">by Riq Woolen in the fourth quarter</a>. The Broncos finished with 231 total yards and committed three turnovers.

“I thought he seemed calm, poised,” Denver coach Sean Payton said of his rookie QB. “I felt like he was very comfortable and ready.”

Nix did put together a late drive and pulled the Broncos within 26-20 with 2:09 left after scoring on a 4-yard run. But Seattle was able to run out the clock after&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Seahawks/status/1832929219833454668">Tyler Lockett's one-handed catch</a>&nbsp;to convert a third down, the last of his six receptions.

“Overall, I think as poorly as we did, we gave ourselves a chance to win there at the end,” Nix said.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/broncos-seahawks-safeties-7f0318a52e1f38d4a6c7e17a74eb274f">Denver scored twice on safeties</a>, becoming just the second team since at least 1960 to score on two safeties in a season opener. Both safeties came in the second quarter — one when Anthony Bradford was penalized for holding in the end zone and later when Charbonnet was unable to escape the end zone on a run play. The only other team since 1960 with two safeties in an opener was the New Orleans Saints against Cleveland in Week 1 in 1987.

Seattle lost starting right tackle George Fant to a knee injury in the first quarter. Fant grabbed at his right knee while blocking on a pass play and needed help to get to the sideline. He was replaced by Stone Forsythe and Macdonald said they're unsure the severity.

Denver left tackle Garrett Boles suffered an ankle injury in the second half and didn’t return, but Payton said he thinks Boles will be fine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725876316254.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM BOOTH AP Sports WriterSEATTLE (AP) — The first two plays of Mike Macdonald's career as a head coach started by watching his quarterback get sacked and throw an interception while being hit as he threw.“Started just like we wanted to start. Drew it up that way. Just wanted some adversity there,” the new Seattle Seahawks coach wryly said.Fortunately for Macdonald and the Seahawks, that ugly start and an unsightly first half set the stage for a big second half and a 26-20 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, giving the youngest head coach in the league his first victory.Kenneth Walker III rushed for 84 of his 103 yards and a touchdown in the second half and sparked a rally following a mistake-filled first half littered with sloppy mistakes.The Broncos led 13-9 at the half thanks in part to two safeties, but Walker changed the momentum in the third quarter as Seattle recommitted to the ground game. He gained 53 yards on five carries on Seattle’s first drive of the second half, capped by a 23-yard touchdown run. Walker had another TD called back on a penalty, but he still produced the seventh 100-yard rushing game of his career.Walker appeared to injure himself on a 7-yard run early in the fourth quarter and didn't play the rest of the game because of a muscle issue in his abdomen. Walker said he would be OK.“When we went in and made adjustments everybody was locked in. We were poised. Everything (didn't) go as planned as you saw in the first half, but after those adjustments just felt we played as a team better,” Walker said.Seattle quarterback Geno Smith was part of the early struggles for the Seahawks offense but found a rhythm in the second half. Smith ran for a 34-yard touchdown in the second quarter — the longest run of his career — and hit Zach Charbonnet on a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Seahawks/status/1832912407225909297">30-yard touchdown pass</a>&nbsp;on the first play of the fourth quarter that gave Seattle a 26-13 lead.Smith finished 18 of 25 for 171 yards.“Once the run game opened up it allowed us to then get into some of our tempo stuff and then start to pass the ball, and then you started to see our offense really come alive,” Smith said.Macdonald won his debut after being hired as the youngest head coach in the NFL tasked with moving Seattle forward following Pete Carroll's 14 seasons in charge of the franchise. And he'll be thrilled with the defensive performance for 3 1/2 quarters.Denver rookie QB Bo Nix was 26 of 42 for 138 yards and was twice intercepted on careless throws — once by Julian Love at the Seattle 1 and the other time&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1832917259578413079">by Riq Woolen in the fourth quarter</a>. The Broncos finished with 231 total yards and committed three turnovers.“I thought he seemed calm, poised,” Denver coach Sean Payton said of his rookie QB. “I felt like he was very comfortable and ready.”Nix did put together a late drive and pulled the Broncos within 26-20 with 2:09 left after scoring on a 4-yard run. But Seattle was able to run out the clock after&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Seahawks/status/1832929219833454668">Tyler Lockett's one-handed catch</a>&nbsp;to convert a third down, the last of his six receptions.“Overall, I think as poorly as we did, we gave ourselves a chance to win there at the end,” Nix said.<h2>Safety dance</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/broncos-seahawks-safeties-7f0318a52e1f38d4a6c7e17a74eb274f">Denver scored twice on safeties</a>, becoming just the second team since at least 1960 to score on two safeties in a season opener. Both safeties came in the second quarter — one when Anthony Bradford was penalized for holding in the end zone and later when Charbonnet was unable to escape the end zone on a run play. The only other team since 1960 with two safeties in an opener was the New Orleans Saints against Cleveland in Week 1 in 1987.<h2>Injuries</h2>Seattle lost starting right tackle George Fant to a knee injury in the first quarter. Fant grabbed at his right knee while blocking on a pass play and needed help to get to the sideline. He was replaced by Stone Forsythe and Macdonald said they're unsure the severity.Denver left tackle Garrett Boles suffered an ankle injury in the second half and didn’t return, but Payton said he thinks Boles will be fine.<h2>Up next</h2>Broncos: host Pittsburgh next Sunday.Seahawks: at New England next Sunday.

🏈 Kenneth Walker III sparks Seahawks rally as Seattle tops Denver

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, Garrett Hampson and Salvador Perez drove in runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 2-0 on Sunday to complete a series sweep of their closest pursuers in the AL wild-card race.

Wacha (12-7) struck out seven while allowing just one walk is 100th career win. He got plenty of help from his defense, which turned two double plays and threw out a runner trying to score from first base in the first inning.

Kris Bubic handled the eighth for Kansas City before Lucas Erceg worked around a leadoff single in the ninth for his 11th save.

“It’s definitely a cool number for sure, something that was on my goal list coming into the season,” Wacha said of his milestone win. “It was definitely one of those days when (Bubic and Erceg) came in and slammed the door there.”

Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4) allowed two runs on three hits and two walks before he was pulled with one out in the fifth inning. Minnesota's bullpen did not allow a run the rest of the way, though it didn't matter with the offense getting shut out.

The Twins held a lengthy closed-door meeting after the game, and manager Rocco Baldelli issued a statement without taking questions, saying: “It’s an unprofessional series of baseball that we just played and that’s my only comment for the day. I’m not commenting on anything else. I don’t think anything else really has to be said.”

The Royals moved 2 1/2 games ahead of AL Central-rival Minnesota for the second wild-card spot.

“Just keep your head up. It's a long season. We all know it,” Woods Richardson said. "Just take one pitch at a time. Lean on each other. Rely on each other. This is where a team becomes a team. Rely on each other and go to work.”

The Twins had a chance to strike in the first inning, and finally build some momentum after dropping four of the first six games on their seven-game trip. But Jose Miranda, who had singled, was thrown out by about a foot trying to score on Trevor Larnach's double, and Royce Lewis eventually struck out to end the inning.

“Kind of get into some trouble there in the first. Big play at the plate,” Wacha said. “That was almost a little wake-up call, a little momentum-shifter, like, ‘OK, let’s not give them any more opportunities.'”

The Twins' only other hits off Wacha came from Christian Vázquez leading off the third and sixth innings, and both times the veteran right-hander was able to get a double play to prevent a runner from even reaching second base again.

When the Royals got their chance, they took advantage of it.

MJ Melendez drew a walk leading off the fifth, and Freddy Fermin and Maikel Garcia followed with singles to load the bases for Hampson, who hit a sacrifice fly to the warning track in left field. And when Tommy Pham walked to load the bases again, Perez followed with an RBI dribbler that traveled all of 80 feet down the third-base line for the only other run of the game.

“Those are the things where they happen for you, you feel good. When they happen against you, it's devastating,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said, “because you can't plan for that. And that's fortunate for us that it happened.”

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (left hamstring strain) is scheduled for a rehab appearance for Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Tuesday. He's been out since Aug. 27. ... LHP Will Smith (back spasms) threw a bullpen session Saturday and is “progressing fine,” Quatraro said. He went on the injured list Aug. 26.

Twins: 1B Carlos Santana was out of the lineup after leaving Saturday's game with an illness. Miranda started in his place.

Minnesota: RHP David Festa (2-5, 4.75) takes the hill to start three-game series against the Angels on Monday night.

Kansas City: RHP Brady Singer (9-10, 3.35) opens a three-game set against the Yankees on Monday night in New York.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725828266033.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, Garrett Hampson and Salvador Perez drove in runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 2-0 on Sunday to complete a series sweep of their closest pursuers in the AL wild-card race.Wacha (12-7) struck out seven while allowing just one walk is 100th career win. He got plenty of help from his defense, which turned two double plays and threw out a runner trying to score from first base in the first inning.Kris Bubic handled the eighth for Kansas City before Lucas Erceg worked around a leadoff single in the ninth for his 11th save.“It’s definitely a cool number for sure, something that was on my goal list coming into the season,” Wacha said of his milestone win. “It was definitely one of those days when (Bubic and Erceg) came in and slammed the door there.”Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4) allowed two runs on three hits and two walks before he was pulled with one out in the fifth inning. Minnesota's bullpen did not allow a run the rest of the way, though it didn't matter with the offense getting shut out.The Twins held a lengthy closed-door meeting after the game, and manager Rocco Baldelli issued a statement without taking questions, saying: “It’s an unprofessional series of baseball that we just played and that’s my only comment for the day. I’m not commenting on anything else. I don’t think anything else really has to be said.”The Royals moved 2 1/2 games ahead of AL Central-rival Minnesota for the second wild-card spot.“Just keep your head up. It's a long season. We all know it,” Woods Richardson said. "Just take one pitch at a time. Lean on each other. Rely on each other. This is where a team becomes a team. Rely on each other and go to work.”The Twins had a chance to strike in the first inning, and finally build some momentum after dropping four of the first six games on their seven-game trip. But Jose Miranda, who had singled, was thrown out by about a foot trying to score on Trevor Larnach's double, and Royce Lewis eventually struck out to end the inning.“Kind of get into some trouble there in the first. Big play at the plate,” Wacha said. “That was almost a little wake-up call, a little momentum-shifter, like, ‘OK, let’s not give them any more opportunities.'”The Twins' only other hits off Wacha came from Christian Vázquez leading off the third and sixth innings, and both times the veteran right-hander was able to get a double play to prevent a runner from even reaching second base again.When the Royals got their chance, they took advantage of it.MJ Melendez drew a walk leading off the fifth, and Freddy Fermin and Maikel Garcia followed with singles to load the bases for Hampson, who hit a sacrifice fly to the warning track in left field. And when Tommy Pham walked to load the bases again, Perez followed with an RBI dribbler that traveled all of 80 feet down the third-base line for the only other run of the game.“Those are the things where they happen for you, you feel good. When they happen against you, it's devastating,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said, “because you can't plan for that. And that's fortunate for us that it happened.”<h2>Trainer's room</h2>Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (left hamstring strain) is scheduled for a rehab appearance for Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Tuesday. He's been out since Aug. 27. ... LHP Will Smith (back spasms) threw a bullpen session Saturday and is “progressing fine,” Quatraro said. He went on the injured list Aug. 26.Twins: 1B Carlos Santana was out of the lineup after leaving Saturday's game with an illness. Miranda started in his place.<h2>Next up</h2>Minnesota: RHP David Festa (2-5, 4.75) takes the hill to start three-game series against the Angels on Monday night.Kansas City: RHP Brady Singer (9-10, 3.35) opens a three-game set against the Yankees on Monday night in New York.

⚾ Wacha tosses 7 innings of 4-hit ball, Royals sweep the Twins 

Sunday, September 8 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

Sunday, September 8 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 to start MIAA play with a 30-16 win over Missouri Western on Saturday night in front of 6.572 at Lewis Field. The Tigers outscored the Griffons 20-3 in the second half after trailing by three at halftime. FHSU, ranked No. 24 in the latest D2Football.com Top 25 Poll, is off to a 2-0 start for the first time since the 2017 season.

The Tigers quickly took the lead on the first possession of the game. The Tigers needed only 1:38 to go 63 yards in four plays for a touchdown, capped on a 16-yard pass from Jack Dawson to Jabari Lewis. The Tigers had a long look at a field goal on their next drive, but could not connect and then the Griffons responded with a 5-play, 69-yard touchdown drive to tie the game at 7-7. The Tigers drove the ball deep in Griffon territory toward the end of the first quarter, but had to settle for a 19-yard field goal from Carson Arndt&nbsp;to lead 10-7 after the first frame.

The Tigers squandered a chance for more points in the second quarter after gaining a turnover deep in Griffon territory, but they gave the ball right back. Later in the second quarter, the Griffons took their only lead of the game on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Branden Berwald to Michael Haggerty.

Good fortune broke the Tigers' way right at the start of the second half when the Griffons fumbled the kick return and the Tigers fell on the ball at the MWSU 20. That led to a 30-yard field goal by Carson Arndt&nbsp;to tie the game at 13-13. The Tigers would pick up another field goal to take the lead back on their next drive, this time Arndt connecting from 35 yards to put the Tigers up 16-13. Then on their final drive of the third quarter, Shane Watts&nbsp;broke free for a 42-yard touchdown run as time expired. FHSU led 23-13 going to the fourth quarter.

A Cody Watson 48-yard field goal into a decent breeze brought the Griffons back within seven points on the first Griffon drive of the fourth quarter, but the Tiger defense would not surrender any more points the rest of the way, stopping three more Missouri Western drives. FHSU cashed in more points on its third drive of the fourth quarter, marching 54 yards on seven plays and capped on a one-yard touchdown run by Caleb Heavner.

Shane Watts had a big game for the Tigers with 195 all-purpose yards. He rushed the ball a career-high 24 times and came up just a yard short of his career best in rushing yardage, finishing the game at 161 yards on the ground. He added 34 receiving yards, with a 29-yard dash setting up the Heavner score in the fourth quarter. Dawson&nbsp;threw for 158 yards on 13-of-26 passing, while Cale Cormaney&nbsp;led the Tigers in receiving yards with 47. Jabari Lewis&nbsp;finished with 125 all-purpose yards, 96 on kick returns and 29 on receptions. Arndt finished 3-of-4 on field goal attempts in the game.

On defense, Mason Perez&nbsp;led the Tigers with eight tackles, followed by John Johnson&nbsp;with seven. Myles Menges&nbsp;recorded the only sack of the night for the Tigers, which was a strip sack to give the Tigers a turnover. It helped set up the scoring drive with Arndt's field goal that put the Tigers up 16-13 in the third quarter.

Both teams did the majority of their offensive damage on the ground, 208 rushing yards for the Griffons compared to 179 for the Tigers. The Griffons finished with 382 total yards, while the Tigers finished with 337.Quarterback Branden Berwald led the Griffons in passing with 120 yards and rushing with 88. Jake Berrey led the Griffons in receiving yards with 53. Kienen Gaskin led MWSU in tackles with 10, while Jaden Brown recorded two of five sacks for MWSU.

Saturday's win marked the first time the Tigers have come back from a halftime deficit and won since rallying from 21-down to beat #12 Nebraska-Kearney on 42-35 on October 2, 2021.

The Tigers play their first road game of the season next Saturday evening at Northwest Missouri State. The Bearcats started the season ranked No. 22 in the AFCA Top 25 Poll, but now sit at 0-2 overall and 0-1 in the MIAA after a loss at Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725772302717.png" alt="Fort Hays State recovers a fumble in the third quarter of their game vs. Missouri Western State on Saturday, September 7, 2024. (FHSU Athletics photo/Corbyn Hahn)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State recovers a fumble in the third quarter of their game vs. Missouri Western State on Saturday, September 7, 2024. (FHSU Athletics photo/Corbyn Hahn)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 to start MIAA play with a 30-16 win over Missouri Western on Saturday night in front of 6.572 at Lewis Field. The Tigers outscored the Griffons 20-3 in the second half after trailing by three at halftime. FHSU, ranked No. 24 in the latest D2Football.com Top 25 Poll, is off to a 2-0 start for the first time since the 2017 season.The Tigers quickly took the lead on the first possession of the game. The Tigers needed only 1:38 to go 63 yards in four plays for a touchdown, capped on a 16-yard pass from Jack Dawson to Jabari Lewis. The Tigers had a long look at a field goal on their next drive, but could not connect and then the Griffons responded with a 5-play, 69-yard touchdown drive to tie the game at 7-7. The Tigers drove the ball deep in Griffon territory toward the end of the first quarter, but had to settle for a 19-yard field goal from Carson Arndt&nbsp;to lead 10-7 after the first frame.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725772492410.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Jabari Lewis (8) makes a touchdown catch in the first quarter against Missouri Western State on Saturday, September 7, 2024. (Hays Post photo/Jeff Leiker)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Jabari Lewis (8) makes a touchdown catch in the first quarter against Missouri Western State on Saturday, September 7, 2024. (Hays Post photo/Jeff Leiker)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Tigers squandered a chance for more points in the second quarter after gaining a turnover deep in Griffon territory, but they gave the ball right back. Later in the second quarter, the Griffons took their only lead of the game on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Branden Berwald to Michael Haggerty.<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/1912443539&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-chris-brown-postgame-v-missouri-western" title="Chris Brown Postgame vs. Missouri Western (September 7, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown Postgame vs. Missouri Western (September 7, 2024)</a></div></div>Good fortune broke the Tigers' way right at the start of the second half when the Griffons fumbled the kick return and the Tigers fell on the ball at the MWSU 20. That led to a 30-yard field goal by Carson Arndt&nbsp;to tie the game at 13-13. The Tigers would pick up another field goal to take the lead back on their next drive, this time Arndt connecting from 35 yards to put the Tigers up 16-13. Then on their final drive of the third quarter, Shane Watts&nbsp;broke free for a 42-yard touchdown run as time expired. FHSU led 23-13 going to the fourth quarter.A Cody Watson 48-yard field goal into a decent breeze brought the Griffons back within seven points on the first Griffon drive of the fourth quarter, but the Tiger defense would not surrender any more points the rest of the way, stopping three more Missouri Western drives. FHSU cashed in more points on its third drive of the fourth quarter, marching 54 yards on seven plays and capped on a one-yard touchdown run by Caleb Heavner.<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/1912443884&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-shane-watts-postgame-v-missouri-western" title="Shane Watts Postgame vs. Missouri Western (September 7, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Shane Watts Postgame vs. Missouri Western (September 7, 2024)</a></div></div>Shane Watts had a big game for the Tigers with 195 all-purpose yards. He rushed the ball a career-high 24 times and came up just a yard short of his career best in rushing yardage, finishing the game at 161 yards on the ground. He added 34 receiving yards, with a 29-yard dash setting up the Heavner score in the fourth quarter. Dawson&nbsp;threw for 158 yards on 13-of-26 passing, while Cale Cormaney&nbsp;led the Tigers in receiving yards with 47. Jabari Lewis&nbsp;finished with 125 all-purpose yards, 96 on kick returns and 29 on receptions. Arndt finished 3-of-4 on field goal attempts in the game.<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/1912443722&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mason-perez-postgame-v-missouri-western" title="Mason Perez Postgame vs. Missouri Western (September 7, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mason Perez Postgame vs. Missouri Western (September 7, 2024)</a></div></div>On defense, Mason Perez&nbsp;led the Tigers with eight tackles, followed by John Johnson&nbsp;with seven. Myles Menges&nbsp;recorded the only sack of the night for the Tigers, which was a strip sack to give the Tigers a turnover. It helped set up the scoring drive with Arndt's field goal that put the Tigers up 16-13 in the third quarter.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1912443980&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-fb-highlights-v-missouri-western-sept-7-2024" title="FHSU FB Highlights vs. Missouri Western (September 7, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU FB Highlights vs. Missouri Western (September 7, 2024)</a></div></div>Both teams did the majority of their offensive damage on the ground, 208 rushing yards for the Griffons compared to 179 for the Tigers. The Griffons finished with 382 total yards, while the Tigers finished with 337.Quarterback Branden Berwald led the Griffons in passing with 120 yards and rushing with 88. Jake Berrey led the Griffons in receiving yards with 53. Kienen Gaskin led MWSU in tackles with 10, while Jaden Brown recorded two of five sacks for MWSU.SECOND HALF COMEBACKSaturday's win marked the first time the Tigers have come back from a halftime deficit and won since rallying from 21-down to beat #12 Nebraska-Kearney on 42-35 on October 2, 2021.UP NEXTThe Tigers play their first road game of the season next Saturday evening at Northwest Missouri State. The Bearcats started the season ranked No. 22 in the AFCA Top 25 Poll, but now sit at 0-2 overall and 0-1 in the MIAA after a loss at Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Tigers get past Griffons to move to 2-0

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking single in a four-run eighth inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat Minnesota 4-2 Saturday night to open a 1 1/2-game lead over the Twins for the second AL wild card.

Held to one hit over seven innings by Bailey Ober, the Royals rallied against Jhoan Durán (6-9) and Griffin Jax, winning their third straight following a season-high, seven-game losing streak.

Kansas City (78-65) is second behind Cleveland in the AL Central and Minnesota (76-66) is third after losing four of five.

Duran, who topped 100 mph with five of 17 pitches, entered with a 2-0 lead and gave up a one-out single to Freddy Fermin, then hit Robbie Grossman with a pitch. Kyle Isbel hit an RBI single and Jax relieved, trying for a five-out save.

Tommy Pham hit a slow four-hopper to Brooks Lee and reached on an infield hit as the shortstop barehanded the ball and bounced his throw past first. Pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who had been on second, scored on the error.

Witt, who leads the major leagues with a .336 average, looped a single into short center as Isbel scored for a 3-2 lead. ML Melendez drove in Pham with a two-out single off Jax, who blew a save for the fifth time in 13 chances.

Daniel Lynch (1-0) allowed one hit in three scoreless innings and Lucas Erceg pitched a perfect ninth for his 10th save, his seventh since the Royals acquired him from Oakland in July.

Ober did not allow a runner to reach second, retired his final 15 batters, struck out seven and walked nine.

José Miranda hit a two-out RBI triple in the third and scored on Matt Wallner’s double off Alec Marsh, who gave up four hits in five innings.

Royals right-hander Dan Altavilla cleared waivers and was assigned outright to Triple-A Omaha.

Twins: 1B Carlos Santana left in the bottom of the sixth inning with an unspecified illness and was replaced by Kyle Farmer.

Minnesota RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (5-3, 3.95 ERA) starts Sunday against Kansas City RHP Michael Wacha (11-7, 3.50 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725761132757.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking single in a four-run eighth inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat Minnesota 4-2 Saturday night to open a 1 1/2-game lead over the Twins for the second AL wild card.Held to one hit over seven innings by Bailey Ober, the Royals rallied against Jhoan Durán (6-9) and Griffin Jax, winning their third straight following a season-high, seven-game losing streak.Kansas City (78-65) is second behind Cleveland in the AL Central and Minnesota (76-66) is third after losing four of five.Duran, who topped 100 mph with five of 17 pitches, entered with a 2-0 lead and gave up a one-out single to Freddy Fermin, then hit Robbie Grossman with a pitch. Kyle Isbel hit an RBI single and Jax relieved, trying for a five-out save.Tommy Pham hit a slow four-hopper to Brooks Lee and reached on an infield hit as the shortstop barehanded the ball and bounced his throw past first. Pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who had been on second, scored on the error.Witt, who leads the major leagues with a .336 average, looped a single into short center as Isbel scored for a 3-2 lead. ML Melendez drove in Pham with a two-out single off Jax, who blew a save for the fifth time in 13 chances.Daniel Lynch (1-0) allowed one hit in three scoreless innings and Lucas Erceg pitched a perfect ninth for his 10th save, his seventh since the Royals acquired him from Oakland in July.Ober did not allow a runner to reach second, retired his final 15 batters, struck out seven and walked nine.José Miranda hit a two-out RBI triple in the third and scored on Matt Wallner’s double off Alec Marsh, who gave up four hits in five innings.Royals right-hander Dan Altavilla cleared waivers and was assigned outright to Triple-A Omaha.TRAINER'S ROOMTwins: 1B Carlos Santana left in the bottom of the sixth inning with an unspecified illness and was replaced by Kyle Farmer.UP NEXTMinnesota RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (5-3, 3.95 ERA) starts Sunday against Kansas City RHP Michael Wacha (11-7, 3.50 ERA).___

⚾ Witt's go-ahead single lifts Royals over Twins

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Kaden Feagin scored on a 1-yard run with 9:34 to go, David Alano added a 43-yard field goal with 58 seconds left and Illinois rallied to beat No. 19 Kansas 23-17 on Saturday night.

Illinois (2-0) beat a ranked nonconference opponent for the first time since topping then-No. 22 Arizona State on Sept. 17, 2011. The Illini also avenged a 34-23 loss last year at Kansas (1-1).

Feagin scored after Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant for 37- and 28-yard completions on the eight-play, 80-yard drive.

Altmyer completed 16 of 25 passes for 192 yards. Zakhari Franklin had nine catches for 99 yards, and Bryant had three receptions for 70 yards.

Kansas' Jalon Daniels was 18 of 32 for 141 yards with two touchdown passes and three interceptions.

Daniels scrambled and found a wide-open Lawrence Arnold in the end zone for 13-yard TD pass that give the Jayhawks a 17-13 lead with 4:57 to go in the third quarter.

Luke Grimm caught nine passes for 40 yards and a touchdown for the Jayhawks. Devin Neal ran for 101 yards on 14 carries.

The teams combined for 17 points in the final 3:05 of the second quarter.

Illinois led 13-10 at halftime thanks to Xavier Scott’s 28-yard return of an interception with 36 seconds left in the quarter. Scott read a screen pass attempt by Daniels and raced untouched into the end zone. It was Scott’s second interception of the game.

A 50-yard field goal by Alano with 2:27 to go in the quarter was set up by a spectacular one-handed, 42-yard catch by Franklin along the sideline with Kansas’ Damarius McGhee holding his other arm.

The Jayhawks went ahead 10-3 on a 3-yard TD pass from Daniels to Grimm in the back of the end zone with 3:05 remaining in the half.

Illinois: The Illini proved they could go toe-to-toe and beat a ranked opponent, a good sign with games against No. 8 Penn State, No. 10 Michigan and No. 7 Oregon coming up in the next six weeks.

Kansas: Despite the loss, the Jayhawks showed they have a potent running attack led by Neal and and a sturdy defense. Illinois’ offense scored only one touchdown — albeit the winning TD — gained just 79 yards on the ground, and had only 14 first downs.

Kansas made some major errors including a penalty that wiped out a touchdown, and the interceptions by Daniels that ruined drives and allowed Illinois to pull ahead late in the first half. The Jayhawks will most likely drop out of the Top 25.

Illinois: Hosts Central Michigan on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725763065851.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Kaden Feagin scored on a 1-yard run with 9:34 to go, David Alano added a 43-yard field goal with 58 seconds left and Illinois rallied to beat No. 19 Kansas 23-17 on Saturday night.Illinois (2-0) beat a ranked nonconference opponent for the first time since topping then-No. 22 Arizona State on Sept. 17, 2011. The Illini also avenged a 34-23 loss last year at Kansas (1-1).Feagin scored after Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant for 37- and 28-yard completions on the eight-play, 80-yard drive.Altmyer completed 16 of 25 passes for 192 yards. Zakhari Franklin had nine catches for 99 yards, and Bryant had three receptions for 70 yards.Kansas' Jalon Daniels was 18 of 32 for 141 yards with two touchdown passes and three interceptions.Daniels scrambled and found a wide-open Lawrence Arnold in the end zone for 13-yard TD pass that give the Jayhawks a 17-13 lead with 4:57 to go in the third quarter.Luke Grimm caught nine passes for 40 yards and a touchdown for the Jayhawks. Devin Neal ran for 101 yards on 14 carries.The teams combined for 17 points in the final 3:05 of the second quarter.Illinois led 13-10 at halftime thanks to Xavier Scott’s 28-yard return of an interception with 36 seconds left in the quarter. Scott read a screen pass attempt by Daniels and raced untouched into the end zone. It was Scott’s second interception of the game.A 50-yard field goal by Alano with 2:27 to go in the quarter was set up by a spectacular one-handed, 42-yard catch by Franklin along the sideline with Kansas’ Damarius McGhee holding his other arm.The Jayhawks went ahead 10-3 on a 3-yard TD pass from Daniels to Grimm in the back of the end zone with 3:05 remaining in the half.THE TAKEAWAYIllinois: The Illini proved they could go toe-to-toe and beat a ranked opponent, a good sign with games against No. 8 Penn State, No. 10 Michigan and No. 7 Oregon coming up in the next six weeks.Kansas: Despite the loss, the Jayhawks showed they have a potent running attack led by Neal and and a sturdy defense. Illinois’ offense scored only one touchdown — albeit the winning TD — gained just 79 yards on the ground, and had only 14 first downs.POLL IMPLICATIONSKansas made some major errors including a penalty that wiped out a touchdown, and the interceptions by Daniels that ruined drives and allowed Illinois to pull ahead late in the first half. The Jayhawks will most likely drop out of the Top 25.UP NEXTIllinois: Hosts Central Michigan on Saturday.

🏈 Illinois rallies in the 4th quarter to beat No. 19 Kansas 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Fort Hays State volleyball team wrapped up its trip to the 2024 Mountain Lion Classic with a four-set victory over Cameron University on Saturday, 25-19, 25-11, 20-25, 25-14. The Tigers move to 2-1 on the season, while the Aggies wrap up the opening weekend 0-4.

Fort Hays State took control early, never trailing in the first set. The Tigers turned a 7-7 tie into a 15-8 lead thanks to an 8-1 run.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;fueled the run with three kills and an assisted block. The Tigers led by at least four the rest of the way, eventually taking the frame 25-19.The Tigers only trailed once in the second set at 2-1. Another big run midway through the frame gave the Tigers a nine-point advantage when FHSU scored seven-straight points to go up 16-7. A kill from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/grace-schmedding/8180">Grace Schmedding</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers reach set point before an Aggie miscue gave FHSU a 2-0 lead in the match.

After posting an attack percentage of .046 over the first two sets, Cameron bounced back with a swing rate of .447 in the third set. The score was tied 10 times in the frame before the Aggies pulled away to win, 25-20.The teams traded punches early in the fourth set before a 9-2 Tiger run turned an 11-10 score into a 20-12 FHSU advantage. Schmedding finished things off with her eighth kill of the contest to seal the victory.Rains led the team with 10 kills. Eleven different Tigers recorded at least one kill, including nine with multiple kills and five with five or more.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;distributed 23 assists, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/abrey-galt/7955">Abrey Galt</a>&nbsp;added 19 assists and eight digs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/tallon-rentschler/7951">Tallon Rentschler</a>&nbsp;led the team with 14 digs, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/kirsten-evans/7943">Kirsten Evans</a>&nbsp;adding 13 digs and two service aces.

Rains was picked to the all-tournament team after totaling 38 kills across the three matches, averaging 2.92 kills per set. She added five blocks, one service ace and posted an attack percentage of .242.

Fort Hays State will return home to host the 2024 Tiger Classic next weekend (Sept. 13-14). The Tigers will take on UC-Colorado Springs in a rematch of yesterday's contest on Friday at 6 p.m. before FHSU battles Truman State (noon) and Northwestern Oklahoma State (6 p.m.) on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725771611736.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsCOLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Fort Hays State volleyball team wrapped up its trip to the 2024 Mountain Lion Classic with a four-set victory over Cameron University on Saturday, 25-19, 25-11, 20-25, 25-14. The Tigers move to 2-1 on the season, while the Aggies wrap up the opening weekend 0-4.Fort Hays State took control early, never trailing in the first set. The Tigers turned a 7-7 tie into a 15-8 lead thanks to an 8-1 run.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;fueled the run with three kills and an assisted block. The Tigers led by at least four the rest of the way, eventually taking the frame 25-19.The Tigers only trailed once in the second set at 2-1. Another big run midway through the frame gave the Tigers a nine-point advantage when FHSU scored seven-straight points to go up 16-7. A kill from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/grace-schmedding/8180">Grace Schmedding</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers reach set point before an Aggie miscue gave FHSU a 2-0 lead in the match.After posting an attack percentage of .046 over the first two sets, Cameron bounced back with a swing rate of .447 in the third set. The score was tied 10 times in the frame before the Aggies pulled away to win, 25-20.The teams traded punches early in the fourth set before a 9-2 Tiger run turned an 11-10 score into a 20-12 FHSU advantage. Schmedding finished things off with her eighth kill of the contest to seal the victory.Rains led the team with 10 kills. Eleven different Tigers recorded at least one kill, including nine with multiple kills and five with five or more.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;distributed 23 assists, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/abrey-galt/7955">Abrey Galt</a>&nbsp;added 19 assists and eight digs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/tallon-rentschler/7951">Tallon Rentschler</a>&nbsp;led the team with 14 digs, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/kirsten-evans/7943">Kirsten Evans</a>&nbsp;adding 13 digs and two service aces.Rains was picked to the all-tournament team after totaling 38 kills across the three matches, averaging 2.92 kills per set. She added five blocks, one service ace and posted an attack percentage of .242.UP NEXTFort Hays State will return home to host the 2024 Tiger Classic next weekend (Sept. 13-14). The Tigers will take on UC-Colorado Springs in a rematch of yesterday's contest on Friday at 6 p.m. before FHSU battles Truman State (noon) and Northwestern Oklahoma State (6 p.m.) on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 Tigers knock off Aggies in Mountain Lion Classic finale

WICHITA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State men's and women's cross country teams both opened the 2024 season with a fourth place finish at the JK Gold Classic, hosted by Wichita State University Saturday at the Clapp Golf Course.

The Tiger women combined for 76 team points, with six FHSU competitors placing inside the top 23. All but one of the other finishers inside the top 23 were NCAA Division I runners.

Fort Hays State was the top NCAA Division II team, beating four other DII programs. FHSU's nearest DII competitor was Washburn nearly 100 points behind with 172.Transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/emily-diercks/8438">Emily Diercks</a>&nbsp;was the top Tiger placer in the 112-finisher field, completing the five-kilometer trek in 17:53.1. Returning All-Region finisher&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/jaycee-vath/8137">Jaycee Vath</a>&nbsp;joined Diercks in the top 10, placing 10th with a time of 18:00.8. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/emma-weiner/8147">Emma Weiner</a>&nbsp;made her collegiate debut with a 17th-place finish, crossing the line in 18:21.2. Transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/taylor-hoskinson/8143">Taylor Hoskinson</a>&nbsp;finished in 20th place with a time of 18:42. Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/darian-hudgeons/8133">Darian Hudgeons</a>&nbsp;rounded out the scoring lineup after traversing the course in 18:46.5, good for 22nd place.

In the men's race, 13 schools posted a team score in the six-kilometer race, with the Tigers finishing second out of five NCAA Division II programs. Three newcomers were in the scoring top five for FHSU that combined for 116 points.

Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/jaret-pfizenmaier/8157">Jaret Pfizenmaier</a>&nbsp;was the top Tiger finisher in the 130-man field, placing seventh with a time of 18:23.8. Transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/christian-darrah/8164">Christian Darrah</a>&nbsp;was 26th after crossing the line in 18:57.2, followed closely by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/brady-stegman/8159">Brady Stegman</a>&nbsp;who finished in 18:59.7 to place 29th. A pair of freshman rounded out the Tiger top five, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/cole-krug/8165">Cole Krug</a>&nbsp;finishing 38th with a time of 19:25.6 and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/elijah-mccullough/8168">Elijah McCullough</a>&nbsp;slotting in 40th after traversing the course in 19:27.6.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Full FHSU Women's Results 4th – Team – 76 points 7th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/emily-diercks/8438">Emily Diercks</a>&nbsp;– 17:53.1 10th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/jaycee-vath/8137">Jaycee Vath</a>&nbsp;– 18:00.8 17th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/emma-weiner/8147">Emma Weiner</a>&nbsp;– 18:21.2 20th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/taylor-hoskinson/8143">Taylor Hoskinson</a>&nbsp;– 18:42.8 22nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/darian-hudgeons/8133">Darian Hudgeons</a>&nbsp;– 18:46.5 23rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/makenzie-premer/8146">Makenzie Premer</a>&nbsp;– 18:47.0 30th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/abbye-hudson/8134">Abbye Hudson</a>&nbsp;– 19:09.9 33rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/ashlyn-harbaugh/8132">Ashlyn Harbaugh</a>&nbsp;– 19:14.3 37th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/arely-maldonado/8144">Arely Maldonado</a>&nbsp;– 19:25.1 41st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/brenna-murphy/8135">Brenna Murphy</a>&nbsp;– 19:28.8 52nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/keziah-bachman/8138">Keziah Bachman</a>&nbsp;– 20:04.1 59th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/alayna-cossaart/8131">Alayna Cossaart</a>&nbsp;– 20:28.8 62nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/margaret-browning/8141">Margaret Browning</a>&nbsp;– 20:31.8 72nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/madison-sutterfield/8136">Madison Sutterfield</a>&nbsp;– 20:45.9

Full FHSU Men's Results 4th – Team – 116 points 7th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/jaret-pfizenmaier/8157">Jaret Pfizenmaier</a>&nbsp;– 18:23.8 26th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/christian-darrah/8164">Christian Darrah</a>&nbsp;– 18:57.2 29th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/brady-stegman/8159">Brady Stegman</a>&nbsp;– 18:59.7 38th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/cole-krug/8165">Cole Krug</a>&nbsp;– 19:25.6 40th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/elijah-mccullough/8168">Elijah McCullough</a>&nbsp;– 19:27.6 46th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/kaiden-esfeld/8153">Kaiden Esfeld</a>&nbsp;– 19:37.9 47th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/cori-deboest/8151">Cori DeBoest</a>&nbsp;– 19:38.0 50th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/daniel-bechle/8148">Daniel Bechle</a>&nbsp;– 19:39.2 55th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/brady-conway/8163">Brady Conway</a>&nbsp;– 19:52.5 58th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/ethan-fisher/8154">Ethan Fisher</a>&nbsp;– 19:56.0 59th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/chayse-mccullough/8385">Chayse McCullough</a>&nbsp;– 19:57.2 68th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/ian-weich/8173">Ian Weich</a>&nbsp;– 20:12.1 76th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/ethan-emmons/8152">Ethan Emmons</a>&nbsp;– 20:26.2 89th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/andrew-waller/8161">Andrew Waller</a>&nbsp;– 20:52.3&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Tigers will next compete this Friday (Sept. 13) when they host the FHSU Tiger Open at Rolling Ridge Cross Country Course. The women's five-kilometer race is scheduled to begin at 9:20 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725738113257.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Jaxson Webb" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Jaxson Webb</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State men's and women's cross country teams both opened the 2024 season with a fourth place finish at the JK Gold Classic, hosted by Wichita State University Saturday at the Clapp Golf Course.The Tiger women combined for 76 team points, with six FHSU competitors placing inside the top 23. All but one of the other finishers inside the top 23 were NCAA Division I runners.Fort Hays State was the top NCAA Division II team, beating four other DII programs. FHSU's nearest DII competitor was Washburn nearly 100 points behind with 172.Transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/emily-diercks/8438">Emily Diercks</a>&nbsp;was the top Tiger placer in the 112-finisher field, completing the five-kilometer trek in 17:53.1. Returning All-Region finisher&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/jaycee-vath/8137">Jaycee Vath</a>&nbsp;joined Diercks in the top 10, placing 10th with a time of 18:00.8. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/emma-weiner/8147">Emma Weiner</a>&nbsp;made her collegiate debut with a 17th-place finish, crossing the line in 18:21.2. Transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/taylor-hoskinson/8143">Taylor Hoskinson</a>&nbsp;finished in 20th place with a time of 18:42. Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/darian-hudgeons/8133">Darian Hudgeons</a>&nbsp;rounded out the scoring lineup after traversing the course in 18:46.5, good for 22nd place.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725738161879.png" alt="FHSU Athletrics photo (Clay Billman, OSU Athletics))" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletrics photo (Clay Billman, OSU Athletics))</figcaption>
 </figure>In the men's race, 13 schools posted a team score in the six-kilometer race, with the Tigers finishing second out of five NCAA Division II programs. Three newcomers were in the scoring top five for FHSU that combined for 116 points.Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/jaret-pfizenmaier/8157">Jaret Pfizenmaier</a>&nbsp;was the top Tiger finisher in the 130-man field, placing seventh with a time of 18:23.8. Transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/christian-darrah/8164">Christian Darrah</a>&nbsp;was 26th after crossing the line in 18:57.2, followed closely by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/brady-stegman/8159">Brady Stegman</a>&nbsp;who finished in 18:59.7 to place 29th. A pair of freshman rounded out the Tiger top five, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/cole-krug/8165">Cole Krug</a>&nbsp;finishing 38th with a time of 19:25.6 and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/elijah-mccullough/8168">Elijah McCullough</a>&nbsp;slotting in 40th after traversing the course in 19:27.6.&nbsp;&nbsp;Full FHSU Women's Results 4th – Team – 76 points 7th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/emily-diercks/8438">Emily Diercks</a>&nbsp;– 17:53.1 10th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/jaycee-vath/8137">Jaycee Vath</a>&nbsp;– 18:00.8 17th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/emma-weiner/8147">Emma Weiner</a>&nbsp;– 18:21.2 20th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/taylor-hoskinson/8143">Taylor Hoskinson</a>&nbsp;– 18:42.8 22nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/darian-hudgeons/8133">Darian Hudgeons</a>&nbsp;– 18:46.5 23rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/makenzie-premer/8146">Makenzie Premer</a>&nbsp;– 18:47.0 30th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/abbye-hudson/8134">Abbye Hudson</a>&nbsp;– 19:09.9 33rd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/ashlyn-harbaugh/8132">Ashlyn Harbaugh</a>&nbsp;– 19:14.3 37th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/arely-maldonado/8144">Arely Maldonado</a>&nbsp;– 19:25.1 41st –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/brenna-murphy/8135">Brenna Murphy</a>&nbsp;– 19:28.8 52nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/keziah-bachman/8138">Keziah Bachman</a>&nbsp;– 20:04.1 59th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/alayna-cossaart/8131">Alayna Cossaart</a>&nbsp;– 20:28.8 62nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/margaret-browning/8141">Margaret Browning</a>&nbsp;– 20:31.8 72nd –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/madison-sutterfield/8136">Madison Sutterfield</a>&nbsp;– 20:45.9Full FHSU Men's Results 4th – Team – 116 points 7th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/jaret-pfizenmaier/8157">Jaret Pfizenmaier</a>&nbsp;– 18:23.8 26th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/christian-darrah/8164">Christian Darrah</a>&nbsp;– 18:57.2 29th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/brady-stegman/8159">Brady Stegman</a>&nbsp;– 18:59.7 38th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/cole-krug/8165">Cole Krug</a>&nbsp;– 19:25.6 40th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/elijah-mccullough/8168">Elijah McCullough</a>&nbsp;– 19:27.6 46th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/kaiden-esfeld/8153">Kaiden Esfeld</a>&nbsp;– 19:37.9 47th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/cori-deboest/8151">Cori DeBoest</a>&nbsp;– 19:38.0 50th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/daniel-bechle/8148">Daniel Bechle</a>&nbsp;– 19:39.2 55th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/brady-conway/8163">Brady Conway</a>&nbsp;– 19:52.5 58th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/ethan-fisher/8154">Ethan Fisher</a>&nbsp;– 19:56.0 59th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/chayse-mccullough/8385">Chayse McCullough</a>&nbsp;– 19:57.2 68th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/ian-weich/8173">Ian Weich</a>&nbsp;– 20:12.1 76th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/ethan-emmons/8152">Ethan Emmons</a>&nbsp;– 20:26.2 89th –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-cross-country/roster/andrew-waller/8161">Andrew Waller</a>&nbsp;– 20:52.3&nbsp;&nbsp;UP NEXTThe Tigers will next compete this Friday (Sept. 13) when they host the FHSU Tiger Open at Rolling Ridge Cross Country Course. The women's five-kilometer race is scheduled to begin at 9:20 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏃‍♂️ Tiger men's and women's cross country place fourth in Wichita

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Kansas State safety Jack Fabris returned Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah's fumble 60 yards for a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, and VJ Payne's interception in the end zone helped the 17th-ranked Wildcats hold on for a 34-27 victory over Tulane on Saturday.

Tulane appeared to have scored a potential tying touchdown with 17 seconds left when Mensah hit Yulkeith Brown near the left pylon, but receiver Dontae Fleming was flagged for offensive pass interference.

Payne's interception came two plays later.

Avery Johnson passed for two touchdowns for Kansas State (2-0). DJ Giddens rushed for 114 yards, his sixth straight game hitting the 100-yard mark, and had 63 yards receiving, including a 45-yard touchdown catch on fourth down in the third quarter.

Tulane (1-1) led much of the game and was threating to break a 27-all tie when Mensah was sacked and stripped by linebacker Austin Romaine. Fabris scooped and scored to put K-State in front for good with 8:13 left.

Mensah, a first-time starter this season, finished 19 of 29 for 342 yards and two touchdowns to tight end Alex Bauman, only to be done in by his crucial turnovers.

Southern California transfer Mario Williams caught six passes for 128 yards for Tulane and Makhi Hughes rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown.

Williams's catches included a 47-yard gain down the middle of the field on third and 21, setting up Mensah's fade to Bauman to put Tulane up 27-20.

Dylan Edwards tied it with a 13-yard TD run, caping a 75-yard drive on which Johnson completed passes of 33 and 11 yards.

Tulane,&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.la.betmgm.com/en/sports/football-11/betting/usa-9/college-football-211">an 8 1/2-point underdog</a>, led 7-3 lead on Hughes' 3-yard run, which was set up by Mensah's 53-yard pass to Fleming.

Mensah's 36-yard connection with Bauman put the Wave up 14-3 lead in the second quarter before Kansas State put together its first touchdown drive, highlighted by Giddens' 51-yard run.

Johnson capped it, rolling left to buy time before finding Will Swanson for a diving catch in the back of the end zone on third down.

Tulane drove inside the K-State 20 twice more in the second quarter, only to lose yards both times and settle for Jacob Barnes field goals of 40 and 41 yards to make it 20-10 at halftime.

Kansas State: A strong second half on both sides of the ball helped the Wildcats beat Tulane for the first time in three tries and avenge a 17-10 loss to the Wave in Manhattan, Kansas, two seasons ago.

Tulane: Considering the Green Wave is in transition, just two games into a season with new coach Jon Sumrall and a new starting QB, this was a strong showing that bodes well for Tulane's prospects in the American Athletic Conference. But it also was a lost opportunity to strengthen its College Football Playoff credentials.

Kansas State hosts new Big 12 member Arizona on Friday night in what is technically a non-conference game because it was scheduled about two years ago.

Tulane has an arguably tougher game when it visits No. 15 Oklahoma on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725741746030.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Kansas State safety Jack Fabris returned Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah's fumble 60 yards for a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, and VJ Payne's interception in the end zone helped the 17th-ranked Wildcats hold on for a 34-27 victory over Tulane on Saturday.Tulane appeared to have scored a potential tying touchdown with 17 seconds left when Mensah hit Yulkeith Brown near the left pylon, but receiver Dontae Fleming was flagged for offensive pass interference.Payne's interception came two plays later.Avery Johnson passed for two touchdowns for Kansas State (2-0). DJ Giddens rushed for 114 yards, his sixth straight game hitting the 100-yard mark, and had 63 yards receiving, including a 45-yard touchdown catch on fourth down in the third quarter.Tulane (1-1) led much of the game and was threating to break a 27-all tie when Mensah was sacked and stripped by linebacker Austin Romaine. Fabris scooped and scored to put K-State in front for good with 8:13 left.Mensah, a first-time starter this season, finished 19 of 29 for 342 yards and two touchdowns to tight end Alex Bauman, only to be done in by his crucial turnovers.Southern California transfer Mario Williams caught six passes for 128 yards for Tulane and Makhi Hughes rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown.Williams's catches included a 47-yard gain down the middle of the field on third and 21, setting up Mensah's fade to Bauman to put Tulane up 27-20.Dylan Edwards tied it with a 13-yard TD run, caping a 75-yard drive on which Johnson completed passes of 33 and 11 yards.Tulane,&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.la.betmgm.com/en/sports/football-11/betting/usa-9/college-football-211">an 8 1/2-point underdog</a>, led 7-3 lead on Hughes' 3-yard run, which was set up by Mensah's 53-yard pass to Fleming.Mensah's 36-yard connection with Bauman put the Wave up 14-3 lead in the second quarter before Kansas State put together its first touchdown drive, highlighted by Giddens' 51-yard run.Johnson capped it, rolling left to buy time before finding Will Swanson for a diving catch in the back of the end zone on third down.Tulane drove inside the K-State 20 twice more in the second quarter, only to lose yards both times and settle for Jacob Barnes field goals of 40 and 41 yards to make it 20-10 at halftime.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>Kansas State: A strong second half on both sides of the ball helped the Wildcats beat Tulane for the first time in three tries and avenge a 17-10 loss to the Wave in Manhattan, Kansas, two seasons ago.Tulane: Considering the Green Wave is in transition, just two games into a season with new coach Jon Sumrall and a new starting QB, this was a strong showing that bodes well for Tulane's prospects in the American Athletic Conference. But it also was a lost opportunity to strengthen its College Football Playoff credentials.<h2>Up Next</h2>Kansas State hosts new Big 12 member Arizona on Friday night in what is technically a non-conference game because it was scheduled about two years ago.Tulane has an arguably tougher game when it visits No. 15 Oklahoma on Saturday.___

🏈 Defense comes up big to help K-State escape Tulane with a win

Missouri Western (1-0, 0-0 MIAA) at RV/#24 Fort Hays State (1-0, 0-0 MIAA) Saturday, September 7 – 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field

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

Game Sponsor:&nbsp;American Family Insurance, Brian Ruder Agency Game Promotions:&nbsp;Friends and Family Day at FHSU / TGOF T-Shirt Giveaway near East Entrance (while supplies last)

Fort Hays State opens MIAA play on Saturday night against Missouri Western at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. Both teams enter the game at 1-0 on the season. FHSU is coming off a 21-7 win over Angelo State last week, while Missouri Western defeated Northeastern State 33-31.

The win for FHSU last week snapped a four-year string of dropping home openers. Five of the last seven home openers were against AFCA Top 25 ranked teams, with FHSU going 3-2 against those ranked opponents (wins in 2017, 2018, and 2024). The Tigers now have back-to-back wins at home over AFCA nationally ranked teams after defeating a No. 15 ranked Northwest Missouri State team during September of the 2023 season. Since the 2014 season, Fort Hays State has a record of 8-7 against AFCA Top 25 opponents at Lewis Field Stadium.

The Griffons are coming off an 8-4 season in 2023 and tied Emporia State for third place in the MIAA standings. They are in their second year under head coach Tyler Fenwick, who has taken each of the three NCAA Division II schools he has coached to bowl games. In 2018 he guided Missouri S&amp;T to a Mineral Water Bowl win over MSU Moorhead. He guided Southeastern Oklahoma State to the Live United Bowl back-to-back years, defeating Emporia State in 2021 and then falling to Emporia State in 2022. Last year, Missouri Western played in the Live United Bowl, but lost to Southern Arkansas.

Fort Hays State played solid defense to knock off No. 24 ranked Angelo State in the season opener last week in Hays. The Tigers allowed just 203 total yards to the Rams, creating four sacks and two forced fumbles.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/benyon-williams/8072">Benyon Williams</a>&nbsp;was named the MIAA Co-Defensive Athlete of the Week after recording 11 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/makel-williams/8073">Makel Williams</a>&nbsp;(12) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/sam-brandt/7968">Sam Brandt</a>&nbsp;(10) also had double figure tackles in the game. Offensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/shane-watts/8066">Shane Watts</a>&nbsp;had 122 all-purpose yards,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/trevor-watts/8067">Trevor Watts</a>&nbsp;had 95 all-purpose yards, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jack-dawson/7981">Jack Dawson</a>&nbsp;threw for 271 yards.

Missouri Western had to rally in the second half to defeat Northeastern State last week in Tahlequah. NSU led 31-14 at the half, but Missouri Western rallied for 19 unanswered points in the second half to win 33-31. A 67-yard touchdown run by Brandon Hall in the fourth quarter pushed the Griffons into the lead. Hall finished the game with 185 rushing yards.

Fort Hays State is looking to snap a string of five-straight losses to Missouri Western. FHSU's last win over MWSU was in 2017, the season when the Tigers went a perfect 11-0 in MIAA play to win the conference title. The Griffons won last year's meeting 28-7 in St. Joseph.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725658251164.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMissouri Western (1-0, 0-0 MIAA) at RV/#24 Fort Hays State (1-0, 0-0 MIAA) Saturday, September 7 – 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis FieldRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Game Sponsor:&nbsp;American Family Insurance, Brian Ruder Agency Game Promotions:&nbsp;Friends and Family Day at FHSU / TGOF T-Shirt Giveaway near East Entrance (while supplies last)Fort Hays State opens MIAA play on Saturday night against Missouri Western at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. Both teams enter the game at 1-0 on the season. FHSU is coming off a 21-7 win over Angelo State last week, while Missouri Western defeated Northeastern State 33-31.The win for FHSU last week snapped a four-year string of dropping home openers. Five of the last seven home openers were against AFCA Top 25 ranked teams, with FHSU going 3-2 against those ranked opponents (wins in 2017, 2018, and 2024). The Tigers now have back-to-back wins at home over AFCA nationally ranked teams after defeating a No. 15 ranked Northwest Missouri State team during September of the 2023 season. Since the 2014 season, Fort Hays State has a record of 8-7 against AFCA Top 25 opponents at Lewis Field Stadium.The Griffons are coming off an 8-4 season in 2023 and tied Emporia State for third place in the MIAA standings. They are in their second year under head coach Tyler Fenwick, who has taken each of the three NCAA Division II schools he has coached to bowl games. In 2018 he guided Missouri S&amp;T to a Mineral Water Bowl win over MSU Moorhead. He guided Southeastern Oklahoma State to the Live United Bowl back-to-back years, defeating Emporia State in 2021 and then falling to Emporia State in 2022. Last year, Missouri Western played in the Live United Bowl, but lost to Southern Arkansas.Fort Hays State played solid defense to knock off No. 24 ranked Angelo State in the season opener last week in Hays. The Tigers allowed just 203 total yards to the Rams, creating four sacks and two forced fumbles.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/benyon-williams/8072">Benyon Williams</a>&nbsp;was named the MIAA Co-Defensive Athlete of the Week after recording 11 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/makel-williams/8073">Makel Williams</a>&nbsp;(12) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/sam-brandt/7968">Sam Brandt</a>&nbsp;(10) also had double figure tackles in the game. Offensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/shane-watts/8066">Shane Watts</a>&nbsp;had 122 all-purpose yards,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/trevor-watts/8067">Trevor Watts</a>&nbsp;had 95 all-purpose yards, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jack-dawson/7981">Jack Dawson</a>&nbsp;threw for 271 yards.Missouri Western had to rally in the second half to defeat Northeastern State last week in Tahlequah. NSU led 31-14 at the half, but Missouri Western rallied for 19 unanswered points in the second half to win 33-31. A 67-yard touchdown run by Brandon Hall in the fourth quarter pushed the Griffons into the lead. Hall finished the game with 185 rushing yards.Fort Hays State is looking to snap a string of five-straight losses to Missouri Western. FHSU's last win over MWSU was in 2017, the season when the Tigers went a perfect 11-0 in MIAA play to win the conference title. The Griffons won last year's meeting 28-7 in St. Joseph.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈🎧 LISTEN: Tigers open MIAA slate Saturday against Missouri Western

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs season opening win over the Baltimore Ravens.

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

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs season opening win over the Baltimore Ravens.The Holthus Hotline airs 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/1911602765%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-MbDQaCYgJlP&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-7-2024/s-MbDQaCYgJlP" title="Holthus Hotline (September 7, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Holthus Hotline (September 7, 2024)</a></div></div>

🎧 Holthus Hotline with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus

Saturday, September 7 KAYS: Kansas FB at Illinois, 4:30pm KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Missouri Western State, 6:00pm

Saturday, September 7 KAYS: Kansas FB at Illinois, 4:30pm KJLS: Fort Hays State FB vs. Missouri Western State, 6:00pmSunday, September 8 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

RUSSELL – The TMP-Marian Monarchs entered Friday night’s season
opener in Russell losers of three straight against the Broncos and they hadn’t
scored on offensive touchdown in the last two games against the Broncos.

After all was said and done Friday, the Monarchs offense was still without a touchdown&nbsp; against Russell, no three straight games, but they ended the more important streak, the three-game
losing streak with a 7-6 victory.

&nbsp;After the Monarchs
forced the Broncos into a punt on their first possession and a short punt, TMP
took over at the Russell 22-yard line. They would drive inside the three-yard
line only to turn it over on downs. 

The Monarchs would force Russell offense into back-to-back
turnover on downs and both times get the ball inside the redzone only to fumble
the ball in the endzone resulting in a touchback both times.

The third quarter saw neither team able to get their offense
going in the third until Walker Middleton broke free for an 85-yard touchdown with
just over one minute and 35 second to play but Russell missed an extra point for a
6-0 lead.

TMP’s Logan Baalmann answered right back, returning the ensuing
kickoff 73 yards for the touchdown and Carson Liles added the extra point
putting TMP up 7-6 with one minute and 23 second left in the third quarter.

TMP forced Russell into a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns
and held on for the 7-6 victory.

Carson Liles finished 11-of-14 passing for 139 yards. Isaac Purinton
hauled in 4catches for 39 yards.

Baalmann recorded his first career sack and interception on
defense to go along with the special teams touchdown.

TMP ends their three-game losing streak against Russell and
opens the year 1-0 and 1-0 in the MCL.

The Monarchs will host Norton in their home opener in week two.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostRUSSELL – The TMP-Marian Monarchs entered Friday night’s season
opener in Russell losers of three straight against the Broncos and they hadn’t
scored on offensive touchdown in the last two games against the Broncos.After all was said and done Friday, the Monarchs offense was still without a touchdown&nbsp; against Russell, no three straight games, but they ended the more important streak, the three-game
losing streak with a 7-6 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1911946022&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-inv-vs-russell-september-6th-24" title="TMP FB Coach Inv Vs Russell September 6th 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Coach Inv Vs Russell September 6th 24</a></div></div>&nbsp;After the Monarchs
forced the Broncos into a punt on their first possession and a short punt, TMP
took over at the Russell 22-yard line. They would drive inside the three-yard
line only to turn it over on downs. The Monarchs would force Russell offense into back-to-back
turnover on downs and both times get the ball inside the redzone only to fumble
the ball in the endzone resulting in a touchback both times.The first half ended in a 0-0 tie.The third quarter saw neither team able to get their offense
going in the third until Walker Middleton broke free for an 85-yard touchdown with
just over one minute and 35 second to play but Russell missed an extra point for a
6-0 lead.TMP’s Logan Baalmann answered right back, returning the ensuing
kickoff 73 yards for the touchdown and Carson Liles added the extra point
putting TMP up 7-6 with one minute and 23 second left in the third quarter.TMP forced Russell into a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns
and held on for the 7-6 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1911945458&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-vs-russell-highlights-september-6th-24" title="TMP FB Vs Russell Highlights September 6th 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Vs Russell Highlights September 6th 24</a></div></div>Carson Liles finished 11-of-14 passing for 139 yards. Isaac Purinton
hauled in 4catches for 39 yards.Baalmann recorded his first career sack and interception on
defense to go along with the special teams touchdown.TMP ends their three-game losing streak against Russell and
opens the year 1-0 and 1-0 in the MCL.The Monarchs will host Norton in their home opener in week two.

🏈 Monarchs hold off Russell for win in season opener

Blue Valley Randolph 42, Washington County 14

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725640069100.jpeg" alt="Basgall Tank Service.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Basgall Tank Service.jpg</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725679536375.jpeg" alt="Football Scoreboard Week 1.png" />
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 </figure>Andale 68, El Dorado 7Blue Valley 34, BV Southwest 0Blue Valley Randolph 42, Washington County 14Burlingame 62, Northern Heights 0Chapman 10, Smith Center 8Cheney 38, Holcomb 7Cherryvale 20, Neodesha 7Clearwater 35, Rose Hill 12Derby 40, Hays 7Douglass 41, Remington 24Eureka 28, Erie 6Fort Scott 42, Paola 27Fredonia 38, Southeast 8Goddard 7, Maize 3Great Bend 28, McPherson 6Hanover 34, Ell-Saline 16Highland Park 52, KC Wyandotte 0Inman 15, Hutchinson Trinity 0Iola 23, Baldwin 20Junction City 55, Wichita Campus 0Kapaun Mount Carmel 28, Andover 21Kingman 27, Chaparral 13Larned 36, Smoky Valley 24Lawrence Free State 12, SM East 3Liberal 70, Wichita North 6Little River 42, Chase County 22Maize South 56, Newton 20Manhattan 57, Garden City 21Marmaton Valley 34, Oswego 28Marysville 16, Nemaha Central 8Olathe West 54, SM West 6Onaga 40, Doniphan West 0Osage City 41, Olpe 0Ottawa 24, Atchison 14Oxford 46, Sedan 0Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 21, Girard 14Riverton 32, Baxter Springs 10Royal Valley 18, Hiawatha 13Santa Fe Trail 25, Burlington 14Scott City 35, Cimarron 0Silver Lake 33, Rossville 26South Sumner 49, Pleasanton 7Southeast of Saline 64, Minneapolis 14St Paul 52, Arma-Northeast 10Victoria 48, Ness City 0Wellsville 49, Anderson County 0

🏈 Friday night high school scoreboard (September 6)

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

HAYS - Derby took advantage of three possessions of great field position to score 20 unanswered points in the second quarter on the Panthers' way to a 40-7 win over Hays High Friday night at Lewis Field.

Derby scored the first 13 points of the game on a pair of touchdown passes to Tennessee commit Da'Saahn Brame. The first was on 3rd and goal from the 18 and the second on 4th and goal from the two.

Hays responded with a five play 65 yard drive that was capped off when Carter Graham found Holden Lind on a 32 yard screen play. The extra point by Carson Moore cut the lead down to 13-7 with 1:19 remaining in the first quarter.

The Indians had the ball down by six with seven minutes to go in the second quarter before turning the ball over on downs. Derby scored on the ensuing possession and each of the two after forcing Hays puts. The Panthers headed to the locker room with a 33-7 advantage.

Neither team scored in the third quarter and there were only seven total points scored in the second half. The Indians drove down to the Derby 10 yard line in the third quarter but failed to convert on fourth down after initially lining up for a field goal.&nbsp;

Derby scored on the next driving as they covered 90 yards and put the only second half points on the board for the final difference of 40-7.

Hays total 143 yards while Derby had 336. There were 21 accepted penalties. Derby was hit with 14 and Hays with 7.

Hays starts the year 0-1. Derby moves to 1-0.

The Indians head to Arvada, Colorado next week to take on Wheat Ridge High School.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostHAYS - Derby took advantage of three possessions of great field position to score 20 unanswered points in the second quarter on the Panthers' way to a 40-7 win over Hays High Friday night at Lewis Field.Derby scored the first 13 points of the game on a pair of touchdown passes to Tennessee commit Da'Saahn Brame. The first was on 3rd and goal from the 18 and the second on 4th and goal from the two.Hays responded with a five play 65 yard drive that was capped off when Carter Graham found Holden Lind on a 32 yard screen play. The extra point by Carson Moore cut the lead down to 13-7 with 1:19 remaining in the first quarter.The Indians had the ball down by six with seven minutes to go in the second quarter before turning the ball over on downs. Derby scored on the ensuing possession and each of the two after forcing Hays puts. The Panthers headed to the locker room with a 33-7 advantage.<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/1911949928&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-game-highlights-v-derby-sept-6-2024" title="Hays High FB Game Highlights v Derby (Sept 6 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High FB Game Highlights v Derby (Sept 6 2024)</a></div></div>Neither team scored in the third quarter and there were only seven total points scored in the second half. The Indians drove down to the Derby 10 yard line in the third quarter but failed to convert on fourth down after initially lining up for a field goal.&nbsp;Derby scored on the next driving as they covered 90 yards and put the only second half points on the board for the final difference of 40-7.<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/1911950069&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-postgame-v-derby-sept-6-2024" title="Hays High Postgame v Derby (Sept 6 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High Postgame v Derby (Sept 6 2024)</a></div></div>Hays total 143 yards while Derby had 336. There were 21 accepted penalties. Derby was hit with 14 and Hays with 7.Hays starts the year 0-1. Derby moves to 1-0.The Indians head to Arvada, Colorado next week to take on Wheat Ridge High School.

🏈 Hays falls to #1 Derby to open the season

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Fort Hays State volleyball team opened the 2024 season with a split on day one of the Mountain Lion Classic, knocking off UMary in five sets before falling to tournament host Colorado-Colorado Springs in four sets on Friday.

Four separate Tigers racked up at least 20 points across the two matches, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;leading the pack with 28 kills.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/grace-schmedding/8180">Grace Schmedding</a>&nbsp;added 22 kills and three service aces in nine sets, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ashlyn-reeves/7949">Ashlyn Reeves</a>&nbsp;tallied 19 kills and eight blocks and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/taytum-lovesee/7946">Taytum Lovesee</a>&nbsp;contributed 15 kills and 10 blocks.

The Tigers will wrap up the weekend in Colorado on Saturday (Sept. 7) when they take on Cameron at 2:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. MT) before returning to Hays to host the 2024 Tiger Classic September 13-14.

Fort Hays State 3, UMary 2 (25-23, 25-12, 17-25, 20-25, 15-13) The season opened up with a five-set battle against the Marauders of UMary, with the Tigers taking the first two frames before holding on to clinch the match in a tight fifth set.

The teams jostled back-and-forth in the opening set, leading to nine ties and five lead changes. The final lead change came when the Tigers stormed back from a 20-18 deficit to score six points in a row to reach set point. Reeves opened the run with a kill before back-to-back Marauder errors gave the Tigers the lead. Schmedding made it 22-20 with a kill followed by another UMary miscue. Reeves then added another kill to reach set point before Schmedding eventually finished things off with a team-leading third kill of the set.

The Tigers rode that momentum into the second set, scoring the first four points to never fall behind in a 25-12 win. Fort Hays State took a 2-0 lead in the match after scoring the final seven points of the set, capped off by a kill from Reeves.

The Marauders clawed back with a 25-17 victory in the third set before taking the fourth set 25-20 thanks to an attack percentage of .414 in the frame. UMary then took an early 3-2 lead in the final set before the Tigers scored five-straight points to take the lead for good. Schmedding tied the fifth set at three with a kill before Rains and Lovesee each added two kills to push the lead to four. The Tigers led by as many as six later in the frame, but UMary managed to close within 14-13 before Schmedding secured the victory with her 12th kill of the contest.

Rains led the team with 15 kills and added two block assists. Schmedding totaled 12 kills, 12 digs and three service aces in her first collegiate contest, while Reeves tallied 11 kills and three blocks (one solo).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;dished out 47 assists in the win, adding three service aces, two blocks and six kills. Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/kirsten-evans/7943">Kirsten Evans</a>&nbsp;led the match with 17 digs.

UC-Colorado Springs 3, Fort Hays State 1 (18-25, 26-24, 20-25, 19-25) The Tigers capped off the day with a four-set defeat against UC-Colorado Springs. FHSU dropped the opening set 25-18 before grinding out a 26-24 win in set two to even things up. The Mountain Lions regained control the rest of the way, taking the third set 25-20 and the fourth set 25-19 to seal the win.

Fort Hays State led midway through the first set, 10-9, before a big UCCS run gave the home team the lead for good in that set. The Tigers then went up 10-5 early in the second set, but the Mountain Lions scored six of the next seven points to level the score at 11. The teams traded blows the rest of the way, with neither side leading by more than three the rest of the way. UCCS reached set point first, leading 24-23, but the Tigers scored the final three points to take the frame.

The Mountain Lions bounced back in the third set, taking the lead for good after a tie at 5-5. Fort Hays State then led 13-12 midway through the fourth frame, but the home team scored nine of the next 11 points to take a 21-15 lead. The Tigers were able to close within four, 23-19, before UCCS put things away.

Rains totaled a team-high 13 kills and again added two blocks. Schmedding recorded 10 kills, five digs and two blocks. Stucky dished out 38 assists and added nine digs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725728090897.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsCOLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Fort Hays State volleyball team opened the 2024 season with a split on day one of the Mountain Lion Classic, knocking off UMary in five sets before falling to tournament host Colorado-Colorado Springs in four sets on Friday.Four separate Tigers racked up at least 20 points across the two matches, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;leading the pack with 28 kills.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/grace-schmedding/8180">Grace Schmedding</a>&nbsp;added 22 kills and three service aces in nine sets, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ashlyn-reeves/7949">Ashlyn Reeves</a>&nbsp;tallied 19 kills and eight blocks and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/taytum-lovesee/7946">Taytum Lovesee</a>&nbsp;contributed 15 kills and 10 blocks.The Tigers will wrap up the weekend in Colorado on Saturday (Sept. 7) when they take on Cameron at 2:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. MT) before returning to Hays to host the 2024 Tiger Classic September 13-14.Fort Hays State 3, UMary 2 (25-23, 25-12, 17-25, 20-25, 15-13) The season opened up with a five-set battle against the Marauders of UMary, with the Tigers taking the first two frames before holding on to clinch the match in a tight fifth set.The teams jostled back-and-forth in the opening set, leading to nine ties and five lead changes. The final lead change came when the Tigers stormed back from a 20-18 deficit to score six points in a row to reach set point. Reeves opened the run with a kill before back-to-back Marauder errors gave the Tigers the lead. Schmedding made it 22-20 with a kill followed by another UMary miscue. Reeves then added another kill to reach set point before Schmedding eventually finished things off with a team-leading third kill of the set.The Tigers rode that momentum into the second set, scoring the first four points to never fall behind in a 25-12 win. Fort Hays State took a 2-0 lead in the match after scoring the final seven points of the set, capped off by a kill from Reeves.The Marauders clawed back with a 25-17 victory in the third set before taking the fourth set 25-20 thanks to an attack percentage of .414 in the frame. UMary then took an early 3-2 lead in the final set before the Tigers scored five-straight points to take the lead for good. Schmedding tied the fifth set at three with a kill before Rains and Lovesee each added two kills to push the lead to four. The Tigers led by as many as six later in the frame, but UMary managed to close within 14-13 before Schmedding secured the victory with her 12th kill of the contest.Rains led the team with 15 kills and added two block assists. Schmedding totaled 12 kills, 12 digs and three service aces in her first collegiate contest, while Reeves tallied 11 kills and three blocks (one solo).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;dished out 47 assists in the win, adding three service aces, two blocks and six kills. Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/kirsten-evans/7943">Kirsten Evans</a>&nbsp;led the match with 17 digs.UC-Colorado Springs 3, Fort Hays State 1 (18-25, 26-24, 20-25, 19-25) The Tigers capped off the day with a four-set defeat against UC-Colorado Springs. FHSU dropped the opening set 25-18 before grinding out a 26-24 win in set two to even things up. The Mountain Lions regained control the rest of the way, taking the third set 25-20 and the fourth set 25-19 to seal the win.Fort Hays State led midway through the first set, 10-9, before a big UCCS run gave the home team the lead for good in that set. The Tigers then went up 10-5 early in the second set, but the Mountain Lions scored six of the next seven points to level the score at 11. The teams traded blows the rest of the way, with neither side leading by more than three the rest of the way. UCCS reached set point first, leading 24-23, but the Tigers scored the final three points to take the frame.The Mountain Lions bounced back in the third set, taking the lead for good after a tie at 5-5. Fort Hays State then led 13-12 midway through the fourth frame, but the home team scored nine of the next 11 points to take a 21-15 lead. The Tigers were able to close within four, 23-19, before UCCS put things away.Rains totaled a team-high 13 kills and again added two blocks. Schmedding recorded 10 kills, five digs and two blocks. Stucky dished out 38 assists and added nine digs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 FHSU splits on opening day of 2024 season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans scattered four hits in six scoreless innings as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Minnesota Twins 5-0 on Friday night and traded places with the Twins in the AL Central and wild card standings.

The Royals now hold a half-game lead for second place in the division and the second wild card spot.

Michael Massey had three hits,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1832225056514080933">including a home run</a>, for the Royals.

Ragans (11-9) won for the first time since a 4-1 victory in Minneapolis on August 14, the Royals' lone win in Minnesota this season.

Zebby Matthews (1-3) took the loss. He allowed four runs on nine hits in five innings.

Ragans picked up his third strikeout of the game — and 200th of the season — to end the third inning, making him the fifth pitcher in Royals history to post 200 strikeouts in a season. He is the first Royals pitcher since Zack Greinke in 2009 to accomplish the feat.

The Royals plated a run in the third. Kyle Isbel drew a one-out walk and scored from first when Tommy Pham yanked the ball into the left field corner. The Twins answered with an almost identical play in the top of the fourth. Austin Martin ripped a two-out double to the wall in left, but Pham threw a relay to Bobby Witt Jr., who fired a strike to Salvador Perez to retire Kyle Farmer at the plate.

Massey then extended the lead in the bottom of the fourth on a 408-foot solo home run into the bullpen in right.

The Royals used their speed to add on in the fifth. Witt avoided a double play on a comebacker to Matthews and went to third on a single by MJ Melendez. Melendez stole second and both runners scored on a single by Hunter Renfroe.

Yuli Gurriel's sacrifice fly in the eighth scored the final run.

Royals: Renfroe was returned from the 10-day Injured List on Thursday's off day. In corresponding moves, RHP Steven Cruz was optioned to Triple-A Omaha and RHP Dan Altavilla was returned from the IL and designated for assignment.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans scattered four hits in six scoreless innings as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Minnesota Twins 5-0 on Friday night and traded places with the Twins in the AL Central and wild card standings.The Royals now hold a half-game lead for second place in the division and the second wild card spot.Michael Massey had three hits,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1832225056514080933">including a home run</a>, for the Royals.Ragans (11-9) won for the first time since a 4-1 victory in Minneapolis on August 14, the Royals' lone win in Minnesota this season.Zebby Matthews (1-3) took the loss. He allowed four runs on nine hits in five innings.Ragans picked up his third strikeout of the game — and 200th of the season — to end the third inning, making him the fifth pitcher in Royals history to post 200 strikeouts in a season. He is the first Royals pitcher since Zack Greinke in 2009 to accomplish the feat.The Royals plated a run in the third. Kyle Isbel drew a one-out walk and scored from first when Tommy Pham yanked the ball into the left field corner. The Twins answered with an almost identical play in the top of the fourth. Austin Martin ripped a two-out double to the wall in left, but Pham threw a relay to Bobby Witt Jr., who fired a strike to Salvador Perez to retire Kyle Farmer at the plate.Massey then extended the lead in the bottom of the fourth on a 408-foot solo home run into the bullpen in right.The Royals used their speed to add on in the fifth. Witt avoided a double play on a comebacker to Matthews and went to third on a single by MJ Melendez. Melendez stole second and both runners scored on a single by Hunter Renfroe.Yuli Gurriel's sacrifice fly in the eighth scored the final run.TRANSACTIONSRoyals: Renfroe was returned from the 10-day Injured List on Thursday's off day. In corresponding moves, RHP Steven Cruz was optioned to Triple-A Omaha and RHP Dan Altavilla was returned from the IL and designated for assignment.UP NEXT

⚾ Ragans throws 6 scoreless inning as Royals top Twins

Hays High (0-0, 0-0 WAC) vs (6A) No. 1 Dery (0-0, 0-0 AVCT-1) Friday, September 6- 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field 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/ppv/1267749">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians open the season at home Friday night against the Derby Panthers.

Derby is ranked No. 1 in class 6A to open the season and is coming off a runner-up finish in 2023.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field in Hays.
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 (0-0, 0-0 WAC) vs (6A) No. 1 Dery (0-0, 0-0 AVCT-1) Friday, September 6- 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field 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/ppv/1267749">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians open the season at home Friday night against the Derby Panthers.Derby is ranked No. 1 in class 6A to open the season and is coming off a runner-up finish in 2023.Hays is coming off a 7-3 campaign.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field in Hays.
Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and radio.