KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid quickly left Arrowhead Stadium with an illness after a 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, leaving assistant coach Dave Toub to handle questions following a second straight fourth-quarter letdown.

Reid was feeling ill but coached the duration of the game, a team spokesman said, before NFL Network reported the 63-year-old coach went to the hospital in an ambulance as a precaution. The Chiefs did not provide additional comment.

"Coach just wasn't feeling well," Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub said afterward. "He did talk to the team."

In fact, quarterback Patrick Mahomes said his coach "seemed fine on the sideline as well" as the Chiefs (1-2) threw away an opportunity to beat the Chargers with four turnovers, several costly penalties and numerous missed assignments.

"He came in and talked to us and he seemed fine," Mahomes said of the postgame locker room. "That's all I really know."

The Chiefs began the game by turning over the ball on three straight possessions, including a pair of fumbles and a pass from Mahomes that bounced off his intended wide receiver and into the hands of the Chargers' Asante Samuel Jr.

It basically ended with Mahomes throwing another interception with 1:42 left in the fourth quarter.

The game was still tied at that point, but their suspect defense — which had allowed 12 straight red-zone trips to turn into touchdowns to start the season — seemed to make it a foregone conclusion that Los Angeles was headed for the end zone.

The Chiefs allowed a 15-yard pass to Keenan Allen on third down, then DeAndre Baker was called for pass interference on fourth a few minutes later to give Los Angeles a fresh set of down. Justin Herbert then hit Mike Williams with back-to-back passes, and the second with 32 seconds left in the game gave the Chargers the lead for good.

Asked what Reid said afterward, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire replied: "Pretty much it's not going to be over-the-top as far as him getting on us. We know what we did wrong. We know what we need to get corrected."

"He came and told us — it's not necessarily going to be all right, but it's things that we can get fixed that can make it all right. That's what we need to go in and handle tomorrow. That's what it is," Edwards-Helaire added. "Watch the film tonight, see what we can get corrected, come in tomorrow and handle our business."

Edwards-Helaire had one of the Chiefs' two fumbles Sunday, offsetting what was an otherwise solid day with 100 yards rushing and a touchdown reception. Edwards-Helaire also fumbled in the closing minute last week in Baltimore, preventing the Chiefs from having an opportunity to kick a winning field goal in a 36-35 defeat.

"Anybody can watch the film and you'll see that we beat ourselves," Edwards-Helaire said. "It's those small, minute details that hurt us. Like we say, 'It's a game of inches.' It's going to be those small things we see on film: a step here, a step there that we feel like will make a difference. We had four turnovers and it still came down to the wire."

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid quickly left Arrowhead Stadium with an illness after their 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving assistant coach Dave Toub to handle questions following a second straight fourth-quarter letdown. 

Reid was feeling ill during the game, a team spokesman said, and NFL Network reported the 63-year-old coach was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. The Chiefs did not provide additional comment on the report. The Chiefs have lost back-to-back games to the Ravens and Chargers and are in last place in the AFC West.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid quickly left Arrowhead Stadium with an illness after a 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, leaving assistant coach Dave Toub to handle questions following a second straight fourth-quarter letdown.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m praying for my Head Coach &amp; I’m hoping you can send up prayers with me!! One of the best men &amp; teachers I’ve been around!!! GOD please show us your mercy!&mdash; Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mathieu_Era/status/1442238966489440257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Reid was feeling ill but coached the duration of the game, a team spokesman said, before NFL Network reported the 63-year-old coach went to the hospital in an ambulance as a precaution. The Chiefs did not provide additional comment."Coach just wasn't feeling well," Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub said afterward. "He did talk to the team."In fact, quarterback Patrick Mahomes said his coach "seemed fine on the sideline as well" as the Chiefs (1-2) threw away an opportunity to beat the Chargers with four turnovers, several costly penalties and numerous missed assignments."He came in and talked to us and he seemed fine," Mahomes said of the postgame locker room. "That's all I really know."The Chiefs began the game by turning over the ball on three straight possessions, including a pair of fumbles and a pass from Mahomes that bounced off his intended wide receiver and into the hands of the Chargers' Asante Samuel Jr.It basically ended with Mahomes throwing another interception with 1:42 left in the fourth quarter.The game was still tied at that point, but their suspect defense — which had allowed 12 straight red-zone trips to turn into touchdowns to start the season — seemed to make it a foregone conclusion that Los Angeles was headed for the end zone.The Chiefs allowed a 15-yard pass to Keenan Allen on third down, then DeAndre Baker was called for pass interference on fourth a few minutes later to give Los Angeles a fresh set of down. Justin Herbert then hit Mike Williams with back-to-back passes, and the second with 32 seconds left in the game gave the Chargers the lead for good.Asked what Reid said afterward, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire replied: "Pretty much it's not going to be over-the-top as far as him getting on us. We know what we did wrong. We know what we need to get corrected.""He came and told us — it's not necessarily going to be all right, but it's things that we can get fixed that can make it all right. That's what we need to go in and handle tomorrow. That's what it is," Edwards-Helaire added. "Watch the film tonight, see what we can get corrected, come in tomorrow and handle our business."Edwards-Helaire had one of the Chiefs' two fumbles Sunday, offsetting what was an otherwise solid day with 100 yards rushing and a touchdown reception. Edwards-Helaire also fumbled in the closing minute last week in Baltimore, preventing the Chiefs from having an opportunity to kick a winning field goal in a 36-35 defeat."Anybody can watch the film and you'll see that we beat ourselves," Edwards-Helaire said. "It's those small, minute details that hurt us. Like we say, 'It's a game of inches.' It's going to be those small things we see on film: a step here, a step there that we feel like will make a difference. We had four turnovers and it still came down to the wire."-----------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid quickly left Arrowhead Stadium with an illness after their 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving assistant coach Dave Toub to handle questions following a second straight fourth-quarter letdown. Reid was feeling ill during the game, a team spokesman said, and NFL Network reported the 63-year-old coach was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. The Chiefs did not provide additional comment on the report. The Chiefs have lost back-to-back games to the Ravens and Chargers and are in last place in the AFC West.

Chiefs coach leaves Arrowhead Stadium in ambulance

TOPEKA - Sophomore quarterback Anthony Vespo set a single-game Missouri Western record with 443 passing yards.

He threw for four touchdowns on 31-of-43 passing, and the Griffons racked up 579 yards of offense, but Washburn scored 20 unanswered points in the second half and racked up over 500 yards themselves to beat Missouri Western 47-41 at Yager Stadium Saturday.

Missouri Western was hindered by 10 penalties for 85 yards - seven of those penalties were called on special teams plays. The Griffons also averaged just 16 yards on six kickoff returns.

Washburn also moved the ball at will, scoring touchdowns on seven out of nine possessions and averaging over nine yards per play.

"Very disappointed," Missouri Western coach Matt Williamson said on defense and special teams. "Special teams was a disaster. And defensively, we couldn't stop them. They scored at will. I've never seen anything like it since I've been here. I know those players are upset. I'm upset. Just a bad performance all around."

Offensively, the Griffons (2-2) scored touchdowns on six of their first seven possessions, and were overall clicking on offense through the first two-and-a-half quarters.

Washburn scored on its opening drive to go up 7-0, but the Griffons punched right back on their first possession when Vespo found freshman tight end Tycen Gray for a seven-yard touchdown to knot the game at 7-7 with 7:34 left in the first quarter.

Gray finished the game with a career-high six catches for 61 yards and his first career collegiate score.

After the Ichabods scored again late in the first to go up 14-7, the Griffons went back to work and Vespo found sophomore receiver Cooper Burton on a wide-open 37-yard strike to again knot the game at 14 with 12:51 left until halftime.

After forcing the first Washburn punt of the day on the following drive, Missouri Western got the ball back and moved the ball down the field on a methodical 16-play, 70-yard drive which ended with a one-yard touchdown run from freshman Shen Butler-Lawson, Jr.

After a drive that lasted nearly seven minutes, the Griffons led 20-14 with 4:54 to go in the second quarter.

"I think our offense took a huge, huge step," Williamson said. "They played phenomenally. One of the best offensive games I've seen since I've been here. Anthony (Vespo) stepped up and made some great throws. We had some great receiving."

Washburn answered&nbsp; back in just six plays, and scored with just 2:11 left until halftime. Both teams had one more possession inside the final two minutes, but did nothing with it and the score was tied 20-20 at the break. Each team missed a point-after in the first half.

The Griffons got the ball to start the second half, and took advantage. On a first down play, Burton flipped the ball to Burton on a flea flicker. A former all-district quarterback at Benton, Burton fired a 36-yard pass down the sideline to a wide open Hezekiah Trotter, who took it in for a touchdown, giving the Griffons a 27-20 lead with 12:51 left in the third.

Burton finished with three all-purpose touchdowns and 96 all-purpose yards. He ended up with four catches for 60 yards and two receiving scores.

Trotter had five catches for a career-high 122 yards and the touchdown.

After fielding a short kickoff, Washburn tied the game back up in just two plays when quarterback Mitch Schurig fired a pass 44 yards into the end zone, where it was caught in tight coverage by Peter Afful to tie the game at 27.

Schurig was 24-of-30 for 388 yards and five touchdowns.

Missouri Western, again, returned the favor, marching 89 yards on just seven plays. Burton caught his second touchdown pass of the day - a six-yard grab in the back of the end zone - to put the Griffons ahead 34-27 with still 9:10 left in the third quarter.

It was the last time Missouri Western would take the lead.

Washburn continued its offensive conquest, going 71 yards on eight plays. The Ichabods had a 4th-and-1 at the Griffons' 13, but Zach Willis converted and bounced off tacklers for a 13-yard touchdown run to yet again tie the game - this time at 34.

After just a nine-yard kick return by Trey Vaval, and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, Missouri Western was pinned inside its own 10, and Jack Rasmussen had to punt it away inside of his own end zone.

Starting at the Griffons' 33, Washburn went right back to the air and found the end zone on a 33-yard pass to Jace Williams. The Ichabods led 41-34 entering the fourth.

"That team came out and freaking whipped our defense's ass," Williamson said, after Washburn piled up 532 yards of offense. "They did. It's honest and it's the truth and we're going to have to get it fixed."

Washburn's Marquise Manning picked off Vespo on a deep pass intended for Traveon James with 23 seconds left in the third quarter. The Ichabods eventually turned that into points, scoring on a five-yard touchdown run from Will Evans to go up 47-34 with 11:26 remaining.

Missouri Western put together a long drive after that, getting all the way down to the Washburn 12. However, Vespo threw a pass that was intercepted in the end zone, giving Washburn the ball back up 13 with 6:22 to play.

The Griffon defense got a stop, and again, Vespo and the offense strung together a long drive that ended with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Traveon James, pulling Missouri Western to within 47-41 with just over a minute left.

James had a stellar day, catching 11 passes for 188 yards - both career-highs.

Cody Watson had a decent onside kick attempt, getting a late bounce on the ball, but the kick went out-of-bounds. Washburn punted the ball back to MWSU with just three seconds left. Pinned at their own 10, the Griffons didn't have enough time left to get down the field and score.

Overall, an outstanding day by the Griffon offense, but just not enough from defense or special teams, says Williamson.

"I told our kids in the locker room that you definitely have to win two out of the three phases, and we only won one today," he said. "That's why we got a loss."

Missouri Western comes back home Saturday to face No. 2 Northwest Missouri State (3-0), who shut out Central Oklahoma 38-0 in Maryville on Saturday.

Kickoff in that game is set for 6 p.m. The game will be carried live on the Griffon Sports Network (680 AM, 95.3 FM) with coverage starting at 5 p.m.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632628075985.jpeg" alt="Yager Stadium, the site of Saturday's game between Missouri Western and Washburn." />
 <figcaption>Yager Stadium, the site of Saturday's game between Missouri Western and Washburn.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostTOPEKA - Sophomore quarterback Anthony Vespo set a single-game Missouri Western record with 443 passing yards.He threw for four touchdowns on 31-of-43 passing, and the Griffons racked up 579 yards of offense, but Washburn scored 20 unanswered points in the second half and racked up over 500 yards themselves to beat Missouri Western 47-41 at Yager Stadium Saturday.Missouri Western was hindered by 10 penalties for 85 yards - seven of those penalties were called on special teams plays. The Griffons also averaged just 16 yards on six kickoff returns.Washburn also moved the ball at will, scoring touchdowns on seven out of nine possessions and averaging over nine yards per play."Very disappointed," Missouri Western coach Matt Williamson said on defense and special teams. "Special teams was a disaster. And defensively, we couldn't stop them. They scored at will. I've never seen anything like it since I've been here. I know those players are upset. I'm upset. Just a bad performance all around."Offensively, the Griffons (2-2) scored touchdowns on six of their first seven possessions, and were overall clicking on offense through the first two-and-a-half quarters.Washburn scored on its opening drive to go up 7-0, but the Griffons punched right back on their first possession when Vespo found freshman tight end Tycen Gray for a seven-yard touchdown to knot the game at 7-7 with 7:34 left in the first quarter.Gray finished the game with a career-high six catches for 61 yards and his first career collegiate score.After the Ichabods scored again late in the first to go up 14-7, the Griffons went back to work and Vespo found sophomore receiver Cooper Burton on a wide-open 37-yard strike to again knot the game at 14 with 12:51 left until halftime.After forcing the first Washburn punt of the day on the following drive, Missouri Western got the ball back and moved the ball down the field on a methodical 16-play, 70-yard drive which ended with a one-yard touchdown run from freshman Shen Butler-Lawson, Jr.After a drive that lasted nearly seven minutes, the Griffons led 20-14 with 4:54 to go in the second quarter."I think our offense took a huge, huge step," Williamson said. "They played phenomenally. One of the best offensive games I've seen since I've been here. Anthony (Vespo) stepped up and made some great throws. We had some great receiving."Washburn answered&nbsp; back in just six plays, and scored with just 2:11 left until halftime. Both teams had one more possession inside the final two minutes, but did nothing with it and the score was tied 20-20 at the break. Each team missed a point-after in the first half.The Griffons got the ball to start the second half, and took advantage. On a first down play, Burton flipped the ball to Burton on a flea flicker. A former all-district quarterback at Benton, Burton fired a 36-yard pass down the sideline to a wide open Hezekiah Trotter, who took it in for a touchdown, giving the Griffons a 27-20 lead with 12:51 left in the third.Burton finished with three all-purpose touchdowns and 96 all-purpose yards. He ended up with four catches for 60 yards and two receiving scores.Trotter had five catches for a career-high 122 yards and the touchdown.After fielding a short kickoff, Washburn tied the game back up in just two plays when quarterback Mitch Schurig fired a pass 44 yards into the end zone, where it was caught in tight coverage by Peter Afful to tie the game at 27.Schurig was 24-of-30 for 388 yards and five touchdowns.Missouri Western, again, returned the favor, marching 89 yards on just seven plays. Burton caught his second touchdown pass of the day - a six-yard grab in the back of the end zone - to put the Griffons ahead 34-27 with still 9:10 left in the third quarter.It was the last time Missouri Western would take the lead.Washburn continued its offensive conquest, going 71 yards on eight plays. The Ichabods had a 4th-and-1 at the Griffons' 13, but Zach Willis converted and bounced off tacklers for a 13-yard touchdown run to yet again tie the game - this time at 34.After just a nine-yard kick return by Trey Vaval, and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, Missouri Western was pinned inside its own 10, and Jack Rasmussen had to punt it away inside of his own end zone.Starting at the Griffons' 33, Washburn went right back to the air and found the end zone on a 33-yard pass to Jace Williams. The Ichabods led 41-34 entering the fourth."That team came out and freaking whipped our defense's ass," Williamson said, after Washburn piled up 532 yards of offense. "They did. It's honest and it's the truth and we're going to have to get it fixed."Washburn's Marquise Manning picked off Vespo on a deep pass intended for Traveon James with 23 seconds left in the third quarter. The Ichabods eventually turned that into points, scoring on a five-yard touchdown run from Will Evans to go up 47-34 with 11:26 remaining.Missouri Western put together a long drive after that, getting all the way down to the Washburn 12. However, Vespo threw a pass that was intercepted in the end zone, giving Washburn the ball back up 13 with 6:22 to play.The Griffon defense got a stop, and again, Vespo and the offense strung together a long drive that ended with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Traveon James, pulling Missouri Western to within 47-41 with just over a minute left.James had a stellar day, catching 11 passes for 188 yards - both career-highs.Cody Watson had a decent onside kick attempt, getting a late bounce on the ball, but the kick went out-of-bounds. Washburn punted the ball back to MWSU with just three seconds left. Pinned at their own 10, the Griffons didn't have enough time left to get down the field and score.Overall, an outstanding day by the Griffon offense, but just not enough from defense or special teams, says Williamson."I told our kids in the locker room that you definitely have to win two out of the three phases, and we only won one today," he said. "That's why we got a loss."Missouri Western comes back home Saturday to face No. 2 Northwest Missouri State (3-0), who shut out Central Oklahoma 38-0 in Maryville on Saturday.Kickoff in that game is set for 6 p.m. The game will be carried live on the Griffon Sports Network (680 AM, 95.3 FM) with coverage starting at 5 p.m.<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/MWSU-football-coach-Matt-Williamson-e17t6n9" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSI</a>: Tony Vespo set an MWSU record with 448 passing yards. Cooper Burton caught 2 TD&#39;s and threw for another. Tra James hauled in 11 catches for 188 yards. But <a href="https://twitter.com/MWSU_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MWSU_Football</a> falls in a Washburn shootout. <a href="https://t.co/BteQ51NVot">pic.twitter.com/BteQ51NVot</a>&mdash; Missouri Western Athletics (@MWSUGriffons) <a href="https://twitter.com/MWSUGriffons/status/1441972579825160193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Anthony Vespo sets MWSU passing record, Griffons fall in shootout at Washburn

It's week 5 in Missouri and week 4 in Kansas. There's a few top 10, eight-man battles in northwest Missouri, as well as a rivalry renewed in the city of St. Joseph.

MEC &nbsp; St. Joseph Central 63 (1-4)&nbsp;Lafayette 56 (4-1) - FINAL OT

- It was the first match-up between the two teams since 2017. Central scored 28 unanswered points to end it, and started with the ball in overtime. Lafayette missed what would have been a game-winning field goal at the end of regulation. The Irish were stuffed with a 4th-and-goal at the 1-yard line to end the game. - Week 6: Lafayette @ Chillicothe - Week 6: Central @ Oak Park&nbsp;&nbsp;

Savannah 27 (2-3)&nbsp;Benton 0 (1-4) - FINAL - Week 6: Benton home to Maryville - Week 6: Savannah @ Cameron

#8 Archie 28 (5-0)&nbsp;#9 Bishop LeBlond 24 (4-1) - FINAL - Week 6: LeBlond home to Kansas City East Christian (KS)

#4 St. Pius X 40 (5-0) Chillicothe 0 (3-2) - FINAL - Week 6: Chillicothe home to Lafayette - Week 6: St. Pius X home to St. James Academy (Lenexa, KS)

Maryville 52 (2-3)&nbsp;Cameron 0 (1-4) - FINAL - Week 6: Cameron home to Savannah - Week 6: Maryville @ Benton

KCI #9 Hamilton 33 (4-1) Lathrop 7 (0-5) - FINAL - Week 6: Hamilton home to Mid-Buchanan - Week 6: Lathrop @ West Platte

#6 East Buchanan 21 (5-0) West Platte 20 (4-1) - FINAL - Week 6: East Buchanan home to Plattsburg - Week 6: West Platte home to Lathrop

#3 Mid-Buchanan 62 (5-0)&nbsp;North Platte 6 (0-5) - FINAL - Week 6: North Platte home to Lawson &nbsp;- Week 6: Mid-Buchanan @ Hamilton

Lawson 36 (1-4)&nbsp; Plattsburg 26 (1-4) - FINAL - Week 6: Plattsburg @ East Buchanan - Week 6: Lawson @ North Platte

Grand River Conference #1 Stanberry 75 (5-0) Pattonsburg 14 (0-5) - FINAL - Week 6: Stanberry home to North Andrew

#5 Worth County 44 (5-0) #3 King City 34 (3-2) - FINAL - Week 6: King City home to Rock Port - Week 6: Worth County home to Orrick

North Andrew 74 (3-2) St. Joseph Christian 6 (0-5) - FINAL - Week 6: North Andrew @ Stanberry - Week 6: St. Joseph Christian @ Knox County

Platte Valley 56 (3-2)&nbsp;Albany 38 (2-3) - FINAL - Week 6: Albany home to Schuyler County - Week 6: Platte Valley home to&nbsp;Southwest Livingston

Gallatin 26 (3-2) Maysville 20 (1-4) - FINAL - Week 6: Gallatin home to Milan - Week 6: Maysville @ Princeton

South Harrison 32 (2-3) Polo 22 (4-1) - FINAL - Week 6: South Harrison home to Putnam County - Week 6: Polo @ Trenton

Trenton 18 (3-2) Milan 14 (2-3) - FINAL - Week 6: Trenton home to Polo

275 Conference South Holt 64 (3-2)&nbsp;DeKalb (0-5) 6 - FINAL - Week 6: South Holt @ Stewartsville-Osborn - Week 6: DeKalb home to Nodaway Valley

#4 East Atchison 48 (5-0) #10 Rock Port 0 (4-1) - FINAL - East Atchison has outscored their opposition 298-12 through the first four games. - Week 6: Rock Port @ King City - Week 6: East Atchison home to Mound City

Southwest Livingston 22 (2-3)&nbsp;Stewartsville-Osborn 12 (1-3) - FINAL - Week 6: Stewartsville-Osborn home to South Holt

Mound City 58 (3-2) Nodaway Valley 14 (1-4) - FINAL - Week 6: Nodaway Valley @ DeKalb - Week 6: Mound City @ East Atchison

Greater KC Suburban Conference

#1 Smithville 20 (5-0) #7 Platte County 10 (3-2) - FINAL - Week 6: Platte County @ Ruskin

Kansas games Atchison 70 (3-1) Harmon 0 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 5: Atchison @ Turner

Rock Creek 48 (2-2)&nbsp;Hiawatha 0 (2-2) - FINAL - Week 5: Hiawatha home to Jefferson West

Troy 56 (3-1)&nbsp;Pleasanton 6 (0-4) - FINAL - Week 5: Troy @ Jackson Heights

St. Mary's 54 (1-4) Riverside 7 (0-4) - FINAL - Week 5: Riverside @ Republic County

Republic County 44 (2-1) Maur Hill Prep-Mount Academy 16 (2-2) - FINAL&nbsp; - Week 5:&nbsp;Maur Hill Prep-Mount Academy @ Atchison County

Washington County 44 (1-3)&nbsp;Doniphan West 36 (1-3) - FINAL - Week 5: Doniphan West home to Maranatha Christian Academy

Tune into KFEQ Radio (680 AM, 95.3 FM) every Friday night from 8-10 this fall for 'Friday Night Lights!' We'll have live scoring updates throughout the show, plus interviews with local coaches and media!

You can also listen at 680kfeq.com or on the KFEQ mobile app!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632519667845.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt's week 5 in Missouri and week 4 in Kansas. There's a few top 10, eight-man battles in northwest Missouri, as well as a rivalry renewed in the city of St. Joseph.MEC &nbsp; St. Joseph Central 63 (1-4)&nbsp;Lafayette 56 (4-1) - FINAL OT- It was the first match-up between the two teams since 2017. Central scored 28 unanswered points to end it, and started with the ball in overtime. Lafayette missed what would have been a game-winning field goal at the end of regulation. The Irish were stuffed with a 4th-and-goal at the 1-yard line to end the game. - Week 6: Lafayette @ Chillicothe - Week 6: Central @ Oak Park&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Central-football-coach-Regi-Trotter-e17s4ud" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Savannah 27 (2-3)&nbsp;Benton 0 (1-4) - FINAL - Week 6: Benton home to Maryville - Week 6: Savannah @ Cameron<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Savannah-head-football-coach-Kevin-Kopecky-e17s3te" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>#8 Archie 28 (5-0)&nbsp;#9 Bishop LeBlond 24 (4-1) - FINAL - Week 6: LeBlond home to Kansas City East Christian (KS)<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/LeBlond-head-football-coach-Chuck-Davis-e17s3n7" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>#4 St. Pius X 40 (5-0) Chillicothe 0 (3-2) - FINAL - Week 6: Chillicothe home to Lafayette - Week 6: St. Pius X home to St. James Academy (Lenexa, KS)Maryville 52 (2-3)&nbsp;Cameron 0 (1-4) - FINAL - Week 6: Cameron home to Savannah - Week 6: Maryville @ BentonKCI #9 Hamilton 33 (4-1) Lathrop 7 (0-5) - FINAL - Week 6: Hamilton home to Mid-Buchanan - Week 6: Lathrop @ West Platte<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/HamiltonPenney-coach-Alexander-Lloyd-e17s3ll" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>#6 East Buchanan 21 (5-0) West Platte 20 (4-1) - FINAL - Week 6: East Buchanan home to Plattsburg - Week 6: West Platte home to Lathrop<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/East-Buchanan-football-coach-Daniel-Ritter-e17s3rl" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>#3 Mid-Buchanan 62 (5-0)&nbsp;North Platte 6 (0-5) - FINAL - Week 6: North Platte home to Lawson &nbsp;- Week 6: Mid-Buchanan @ Hamilton<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Mid-Buchanan-football-coach-Aaron-Fritz-e17s3oh" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Lawson 36 (1-4)&nbsp; Plattsburg 26 (1-4) - FINAL - Week 6: Plattsburg @ East Buchanan - Week 6: Lawson @ North Platte<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Plattsburg-assistant-coach-Hunter-Adkins-e17s3uc" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Grand River Conference #1 Stanberry 75 (5-0) Pattonsburg 14 (0-5) - FINAL - Week 6: Stanberry home to North Andrew<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Stanberry-head-football-coach-Shane-Hilton-e17s3q4" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>#5 Worth County 44 (5-0) #3 King City 34 (3-2) - FINAL - Week 6: King City home to Rock Port - Week 6: Worth County home to OrrickNorth Andrew 74 (3-2) St. Joseph Christian 6 (0-5) - FINAL - Week 6: North Andrew @ Stanberry - Week 6: St. Joseph Christian @ Knox CountyPlatte Valley 56 (3-2)&nbsp;Albany 38 (2-3) - FINAL - Week 6: Albany home to Schuyler County - Week 6: Platte Valley home to&nbsp;Southwest LivingstonGallatin 26 (3-2) Maysville 20 (1-4) - FINAL - Week 6: Gallatin home to Milan - Week 6: Maysville @ PrincetonSouth Harrison 32 (2-3) Polo 22 (4-1) - FINAL - Week 6: South Harrison home to Putnam County - Week 6: Polo @ TrentonTrenton 18 (3-2) Milan 14 (2-3) - FINAL - Week 6: Trenton home to Polo275 Conference South Holt 64 (3-2)&nbsp;DeKalb (0-5) 6 - FINAL - Week 6: South Holt @ Stewartsville-Osborn - Week 6: DeKalb home to Nodaway Valley<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/South-Holt-head-football-coach-Josh-Peterson-e17s3jv" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>#4 East Atchison 48 (5-0) #10 Rock Port 0 (4-1) - FINAL - East Atchison has outscored their opposition 298-12 through the first four games. - Week 6: Rock Port @ King City - Week 6: East Atchison home to Mound CitySouthwest Livingston 22 (2-3)&nbsp;Stewartsville-Osborn 12 (1-3) - FINAL - Week 6: Stewartsville-Osborn home to South HoltMound City 58 (3-2) Nodaway Valley 14 (1-4) - FINAL - Week 6: Nodaway Valley @ DeKalb - Week 6: Mound City @ East AtchisonGreater KC Suburban Conference #1 Smithville 20 (5-0) #7 Platte County 10 (3-2) - FINAL - Week 6: Platte County @ RuskinKansas games Atchison 70 (3-1) Harmon 0 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 5: Atchison @ TurnerRock Creek 48 (2-2)&nbsp;Hiawatha 0 (2-2) - FINAL - Week 5: Hiawatha home to Jefferson WestTroy 56 (3-1)&nbsp;Pleasanton 6 (0-4) - FINAL - Week 5: Troy @ Jackson HeightsSt. Mary's 54 (1-4) Riverside 7 (0-4) - FINAL - Week 5: Riverside @ Republic CountyRepublic County 44 (2-1) Maur Hill Prep-Mount Academy 16 (2-2) - FINAL&nbsp; - Week 5:&nbsp;Maur Hill Prep-Mount Academy @ Atchison CountyWashington County 44 (1-3)&nbsp;Doniphan West 36 (1-3) - FINAL - Week 5: Doniphan West home to Maranatha Christian AcademyTune into KFEQ Radio (680 AM, 95.3 FM) every Friday night from 8-10 this fall for 'Friday Night Lights!' We'll have live scoring updates throughout the show, plus interviews with local coaches and media!You can also listen at 680kfeq.com or on the KFEQ mobile app!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630711670029.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area football matchups and scoreboard - September 24, 2021

Atchison, Kansas native and Benton High School graduate Cooper Burton has been the most sure-handed receiver for Missouri Western, and one of the most sure-handed in the MIAA, so far this season.

A sophomore, Burton leads the Griffons with 15 catches for 294 yards and a touchdown, averaging over 98 receiving yards per game.

His 15 catches are tied for second in the MIAA, while his 294 yards are more than any other receiver in the league. But ask Burton about this lightning start, and he'll tell you it's way more than just individual effort.

"I'm pretty confident, because we put a lot of work into this summer," Burton said. "As in, the whole group, you know what I mean? So, like, I have confidence in everybody and not just myself."

Burton is part of an offensive unit that's averaging more than 444 yards per game, including 270 through the air.

A 2018 Benton graduate, Burton has been a big part of Missouri Western's offensive success so far. He turned in seven catches for 90 yards against Central Oklahoma - both career-highs.

He followed that up with an 86-yard touchdown grab in the third quarter against Fort Hays State - a score that put the Griffons ahead 38-24 entering the fourth.

The following week, Burton had five more catches for 72 yards, including a 48-yard grab that set up a late third quarter touchdown in Western's 38-37 come-from-behind win against Emporia State.

He also ran in a successful two-point conversion in the fourth to put the Griffons up 38-31 with less than eight minutes to play.

"I didn't feel like there was any point in time where we were going to lose the game," Burton said of the comeback against Emporia. "I just knew we had to get going, but once we really started getting back to doing us, I felt good. I can't really explain the feeling, but...it felt good."

Burton used to be very quiet about his feelings in his first two years in the program. A talented player, but one who didn't vocalize much. That has completely changed in 2021, according to head coach Matt Williamson.

"Man, I love him to death," Williamson said of Burton. "When he came here, great kid, but was real immature. Trying to find his way, just like a lot of kids coming in. Over 2019, with him playing and having a little bit of success, having a year off with COVID and then coming out...it's a totally different person. It's absolutely awesome to see."

For Burton, it's a really a matter of trying to share positive energy and momentum with those around him.

"I've always kind of been, like, to myself," he admitted. "But, like, I'm bringing the energy on the field. So, like, now I want to be able to uplift others without just keeping all of that energy within myself."

Burton and the rest of the Missouri Western offense are trying to find a way to get that energy going right from the start - instead of falling behind and having to come back.

The Griffons have trailed at halftime in all three games so far this season. Missouri Western has scored 72 points after halftime this season compared to just 21 points in the first in the first halves.

Missouri Western fell behind 28-7 to Emporia State at halftime last week before outscoring the Hornets 31-9 over the final two quarters.

"It's not like we can't get things going," Burton said. "We showed it in the second half. We just have to come out the game like that. Because, if we come out the first half like that, there's not going to be a lot of people who will be able to run with us really."

Missouri Western faces a Washburn team (2-1) in Topeka this Saturday that could potentially run with the Griffons. The Ichabods are averaging 464 yards and 43 points per contest. They've scored more points than any team in the MIAA so far this season.

Their quarterback, multi-year starter and all-MIAA performer Mitch Schurig, has thrown for 732 yards (2nd MIAA) and six touchdowns so far in 2021. Their running back, Taylon Peters, is third in the league with 251 rushing yards. He's scored three touchdowns and averages more than six yards per carry.

Washburn is coming off of its first loss of the season last week - a 28-24 decision at No. 23 Nebraska-Kearney. It's another big challenge for the Griffons, who go for their third straight win this season and their third straight win against the Ichabods.

Washburn also ranks second in the MIAA in total defense and sacks, as well as third in pass defense.

But Burton knows that as long as he and his teammates play up to their potential for all four quarters, Missouri Western will give themselves a reasonable chance against any team they play.

"I just know they're going to play hard," Burton said, "but, we're going to play hard, too. So, hopefully it's a good game and we'll see where it takes us. We'll focus on what we have right now, each game, and at the end of the season, we'll see how we did."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632437257085.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAtchison, Kansas native and Benton High School graduate Cooper Burton has been the most sure-handed receiver for Missouri Western, and one of the most sure-handed in the MIAA, so far this season.A sophomore, Burton leads the Griffons with 15 catches for 294 yards and a touchdown, averaging over 98 receiving yards per game.His 15 catches are tied for second in the MIAA, while his 294 yards are more than any other receiver in the league. But ask Burton about this lightning start, and he'll tell you it's way more than just individual effort."I'm pretty confident, because we put a lot of work into this summer," Burton said. "As in, the whole group, you know what I mean? So, like, I have confidence in everybody and not just myself."Burton is part of an offensive unit that's averaging more than 444 yards per game, including 270 through the air.A 2018 Benton graduate, Burton has been a big part of Missouri Western's offensive success so far. He turned in seven catches for 90 yards against Central Oklahoma - both career-highs.He followed that up with an 86-yard touchdown grab in the third quarter against Fort Hays State - a score that put the Griffons ahead 38-24 entering the fourth.The following week, Burton had five more catches for 72 yards, including a 48-yard grab that set up a late third quarter touchdown in Western's 38-37 come-from-behind win against Emporia State.He also ran in a successful two-point conversion in the fourth to put the Griffons up 38-31 with less than eight minutes to play."I didn't feel like there was any point in time where we were going to lose the game," Burton said of the comeback against Emporia. "I just knew we had to get going, but once we really started getting back to doing us, I felt good. I can't really explain the feeling, but...it felt good."Burton used to be very quiet about his feelings in his first two years in the program. A talented player, but one who didn't vocalize much. That has completely changed in 2021, according to head coach Matt Williamson."Man, I love him to death," Williamson said of Burton. "When he came here, great kid, but was real immature. Trying to find his way, just like a lot of kids coming in. Over 2019, with him playing and having a little bit of success, having a year off with COVID and then coming out...it's a totally different person. It's absolutely awesome to see."For Burton, it's a really a matter of trying to share positive energy and momentum with those around him."I've always kind of been, like, to myself," he admitted. "But, like, I'm bringing the energy on the field. So, like, now I want to be able to uplift others without just keeping all of that energy within myself."Burton and the rest of the Missouri Western offense are trying to find a way to get that energy going right from the start - instead of falling behind and having to come back.The Griffons have trailed at halftime in all three games so far this season. Missouri Western has scored 72 points after halftime this season compared to just 21 points in the first in the first halves.Missouri Western fell behind 28-7 to Emporia State at halftime last week before outscoring the Hornets 31-9 over the final two quarters."It's not like we can't get things going," Burton said. "We showed it in the second half. We just have to come out the game like that. Because, if we come out the first half like that, there's not going to be a lot of people who will be able to run with us really."Missouri Western faces a Washburn team (2-1) in Topeka this Saturday that could potentially run with the Griffons. The Ichabods are averaging 464 yards and 43 points per contest. They've scored more points than any team in the MIAA so far this season.Their quarterback, multi-year starter and all-MIAA performer Mitch Schurig, has thrown for 732 yards (2nd MIAA) and six touchdowns so far in 2021. Their running back, Taylon Peters, is third in the league with 251 rushing yards. He's scored three touchdowns and averages more than six yards per carry.Washburn is coming off of its first loss of the season last week - a 28-24 decision at No. 23 Nebraska-Kearney. It's another big challenge for the Griffons, who go for their third straight win this season and their third straight win against the Ichabods.Washburn also ranks second in the MIAA in total defense and sacks, as well as third in pass defense.But Burton knows that as long as he and his teammates play up to their potential for all four quarters, Missouri Western will give themselves a reasonable chance against any team they play."I just know they're going to play hard," Burton said, "but, we're going to play hard, too. So, hopefully it's a good game and we'll see where it takes us. We'll focus on what we have right now, each game, and at the end of the season, we'll see how we did."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632439522820.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632439543921.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton alum, MWSU receiver Cooper Burton credits his teammates for fast 2021 start

GOWER - The East Buchanan volleyball team came from behind in the first set, survived a tight second set and pulled away in the third for a 3-0 sweep over Mid-Buchanan in Gower Thursday.

The Bulldogs (12-5-1) won their fifth straight match, taking the first set 25-21, the second 25-23 and the third 25-16.

The sweep comes after Mid-Buchanan (8-8-1) swept the Bulldogs 2-0 to open the season in the KCI tournament on August 28. The Dragons then tied a match with East Buchanan 1-1&nbsp; during the Lathrop Invitational last weekend.

East Buchanan coach Ryan Horn says his team played very tense in the first two sets Thursday, but were able to relax in the third set, ultimately ending the final frame on a 9-0 run.

"I felt like we were tense all night," Horn said. "Mid-Buch is a huge rival for us. We want to beat them as bad as anybody. We kind of came out tense, we looked tense and I tried to get them to relax a little bit."

Junior hitter Maya Watkins, who's logged over 100 kills this season and more than 500 in her career, can feel things starting to come together for a team that has now won five straight matches and 15 straight sets.

"It's all just kind of starting to flow now," Watkins said. "With injuries and everything, we've just been working really hard together on and off the court and just having a lot of fun. Emma (Klein) is doing an amazing job setting. It's all kind of flowing."

Sophomore Holly Caylor, who usually plays in the middle, was moved to the outside in Thursday's match in an effort to keep Mid-Buchanan's tough defense off balance.

"We also moved Rilyn Sherwood to the middle," coach Horn said. "We also moved Maya (Watkins) to the middle and tried to keep them guessing as much as we could as to where our better hitters were."

Caylor, who led her team entering Thursday's match with 126 kills this season, noticed an uptick in energy with the team as the match against the Dragons went on.

"I think we kind of, sort of started to pick up our energy and started to play more as a team toward the end," Caylor said.

East Buchanan will stay home on Monday to face Bishop LeBlond (11-2) - a team looking for its second district title in three seasons and its eighth district crown over the last 10 years.

The Eagles were swept at St. Pius X Thursday, but Horn knows any match against Kim Huss as the opposing head coach will be a challenge.

"Over the last 7-8 years since I've been coaching at least and probably longer, they've been the best program in northwest Missouri," Horn said of LeBlond. "In order to beat them, you have to play hard and you can't play tense. You can't do what we did tonight."

Mid-Buchanan was led in Thursday's match by senior Khania Clark, who had 12 kills and seven blocks. The Dragons are home to Orrick on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632454725905.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan's Holly Caylor (11) tries to block Mid-Buchanan's Mallie Lieffring. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan's Holly Caylor (11) tries to block Mid-Buchanan's Mallie Lieffring. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostGOWER - The East Buchanan volleyball team came from behind in the first set, survived a tight second set and pulled away in the third for a 3-0 sweep over Mid-Buchanan in Gower Thursday.The Bulldogs (12-5-1) won their fifth straight match, taking the first set 25-21, the second 25-23 and the third 25-16.The sweep comes after Mid-Buchanan (8-8-1) swept the Bulldogs 2-0 to open the season in the KCI tournament on August 28. The Dragons then tied a match with East Buchanan 1-1&nbsp; during the Lathrop Invitational last weekend.East Buchanan coach Ryan Horn says his team played very tense in the first two sets Thursday, but were able to relax in the third set, ultimately ending the final frame on a 9-0 run."I felt like we were tense all night," Horn said. "Mid-Buch is a huge rival for us. We want to beat them as bad as anybody. We kind of came out tense, we looked tense and I tried to get them to relax a little bit."Junior hitter Maya Watkins, who's logged over 100 kills this season and more than 500 in her career, can feel things starting to come together for a team that has now won five straight matches and 15 straight sets."It's all just kind of starting to flow now," Watkins said. "With injuries and everything, we've just been working really hard together on and off the court and just having a lot of fun. Emma (Klein) is doing an amazing job setting. It's all kind of flowing."Sophomore Holly Caylor, who usually plays in the middle, was moved to the outside in Thursday's match in an effort to keep Mid-Buchanan's tough defense off balance."We also moved Rilyn Sherwood to the middle," coach Horn said. "We also moved Maya (Watkins) to the middle and tried to keep them guessing as much as we could as to where our better hitters were."Caylor, who led her team entering Thursday's match with 126 kills this season, noticed an uptick in energy with the team as the match against the Dragons went on."I think we kind of, sort of started to pick up our energy and started to play more as a team toward the end," Caylor said.East Buchanan will stay home on Monday to face Bishop LeBlond (11-2) - a team looking for its second district title in three seasons and its eighth district crown over the last 10 years.The Eagles were swept at St. Pius X Thursday, but Horn knows any match against Kim Huss as the opposing head coach will be a challenge."Over the last 7-8 years since I've been coaching at least and probably longer, they've been the best program in northwest Missouri," Horn said of LeBlond. "In order to beat them, you have to play hard and you can't play tense. You can't do what we did tonight."Mid-Buchanan was led in Thursday's match by senior Khania Clark, who had 12 kills and seven blocks. The Dragons are home to Orrick on Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632454756281.jpeg" alt="Holly Caylor." />
 <figcaption>Holly Caylor.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632454798581.jpeg" alt="Gracie Kelsey (left) tries to hit past Mid-Buchanan's Hallie Lieffring (15) in the middle." />
 <figcaption>Gracie Kelsey (left) tries to hit past Mid-Buchanan's Hallie Lieffring (15) in the middle.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632454822504.jpeg" alt="Emma Klein." />
 <figcaption>Emma Klein.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

East Buchanan pulls away in third set for sweep of Mid-Buchanan Thursday

DEARBORN - North Platte scored four runs off of four walks and a two-run RBI double by sophomore pitcher Courtney Dehn - all in the first inning.

Those four runs, along with seven complete innings in the circle by Dehn, was enough for the Panthers (9-2) to beat North Andrew 4-1 in Dearborn Tuesday.

Dehn had a strong night, striking out five and walking only one. She set the Cardinals down 1-2-3 in the first, third, fourth and seventh innings.

"I just told myself that I have to continue to throw strikes and be consistent so they couldn't hit the ball and score," Dehn said.

Offensively, North Platte managed just two hits on the night, but they drew six walks from starting pitcher Madison Curran - four of them in the bottom of the first inning.

With two outs and nobody on in the first, the Panthers drew four consecutive walks. After a couple of passed balls scored the first two runs, Dehn hit a two-run RBI double to left to give North Platte an early 4-0 lead.

"Our game plan is to always come out early and attack when we can offensively," North Platte coach Farrah Seckel said, "and just do the best we can there to score as many runs as we can there up front, and everyone did really well there to get out on top."

North Andrew (13-3) managed three hits in the second and three more in the sixth. The Cardinals finally got on the board in the top of the sixth. An RBI double by freshman Piper Cook scored sophomore Katryna Warren.

The Cardinals had two runners in scoring position in the sixth with two outs, but a flyout ended the inning. North Platte went 1-2-3 in the sixth, but so did North Andrew in the top of the seventh, bringing the game to a quick end.

Dehn, who threw 84 pitches in the complete game victory, credits her defense for being largely mistake free throughout the night. It's also a defense that threw two North Andrew runners out at third base.

"It helped a lot," Dehn said of her defense, who committed just one error the whole night. "I rely on the defense a lot to back me up, because I'm very consistent, so it's easy for teams to get on me. So, I rely on them a lot."

North Andrew relief pitcher Katryna Warren, who went in for Curran in the second, threw four scoreless innings of relief for the Cardinals. She struck out seven and walked none. She struck out the side in the fourth inning.

To beat a North Andrew team in the midst of one of its best softball seasons in program history is not a feat that Seckel and her team take lightly.

"I'm just proud of these girls," said Seckel. "They're working really hard this year, and to come up against a team...we know they're no slouch. We knew coming into it that they'd be ready for us, so we were looking to come out and win this game."

North Platte heads to Savannah for a 4:30 game on Wednesday -a make-up game due to a rainout Monday.

North Andrew heads home to open the 32nd annual North Andrew softball tournament. The Cardinals, the No. 1 seed in that tournament, play the night cap against South Holt at 8:45 p.m. Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632277518315.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostDEARBORN - North Platte scored four runs off of four walks and a two-run RBI double by sophomore pitcher Courtney Dehn - all in the first inning.Those four runs, along with seven complete innings in the circle by Dehn, was enough for the Panthers (9-2) to beat North Andrew 4-1 in Dearborn Tuesday.Dehn had a strong night, striking out five and walking only one. She set the Cardinals down 1-2-3 in the first, third, fourth and seventh innings."I just told myself that I have to continue to throw strikes and be consistent so they couldn't hit the ball and score," Dehn said.Offensively, North Platte managed just two hits on the night, but they drew six walks from starting pitcher Madison Curran - four of them in the bottom of the first inning.With two outs and nobody on in the first, the Panthers drew four consecutive walks. After a couple of passed balls scored the first two runs, Dehn hit a two-run RBI double to left to give North Platte an early 4-0 lead."Our game plan is to always come out early and attack when we can offensively," North Platte coach Farrah Seckel said, "and just do the best we can there to score as many runs as we can there up front, and everyone did really well there to get out on top."North Andrew (13-3) managed three hits in the second and three more in the sixth. The Cardinals finally got on the board in the top of the sixth. An RBI double by freshman Piper Cook scored sophomore Katryna Warren.The Cardinals had two runners in scoring position in the sixth with two outs, but a flyout ended the inning. North Platte went 1-2-3 in the sixth, but so did North Andrew in the top of the seventh, bringing the game to a quick end.Dehn, who threw 84 pitches in the complete game victory, credits her defense for being largely mistake free throughout the night. It's also a defense that threw two North Andrew runners out at third base."It helped a lot," Dehn said of her defense, who committed just one error the whole night. "I rely on the defense a lot to back me up, because I'm very consistent, so it's easy for teams to get on me. So, I rely on them a lot."North Andrew relief pitcher Katryna Warren, who went in for Curran in the second, threw four scoreless innings of relief for the Cardinals. She struck out seven and walked none. She struck out the side in the fourth inning.To beat a North Andrew team in the midst of one of its best softball seasons in program history is not a feat that Seckel and her team take lightly."I'm just proud of these girls," said Seckel. "They're working really hard this year, and to come up against a team...we know they're no slouch. We knew coming into it that they'd be ready for us, so we were looking to come out and win this game."North Platte heads to Savannah for a 4:30 game on Wednesday -a make-up game due to a rainout Monday.North Andrew heads home to open the 32nd annual North Andrew softball tournament. The Cardinals, the No. 1 seed in that tournament, play the night cap against South Holt at 8:45 p.m. Wednesday.<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/North-Platte-softball-coach-Farrah-Seckel-and-pitcher-Courtney-Dehn-e17n003" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Courtney Dehn pitches full game, North Platte outlasts North Andrew Tuesday

East Buchanan (11-5) started fast against St. Joseph Christian, and rode that momentum throughout in a 3-0 sweep over the Lions (25-15, 25-17, 25-23) at St. Joseph Christian High School Monday night.

The Bulldogs got off to a 5-0 start in the first set before going up 21-10 and taking the first set with relative ease at 25-15.

In the second, East Buchanan got behind 13-12, only to reel off a 12-2 run and win that one 25-17.

The Bulldogs built a 12-8 lead in set three, but the Lions refused to go away, leading 14-12 and 21-20 in the third before East Buchanan closed the door and scored the final two points in a 25-23 set three victory.

"They kind of fought back there at the end of the third," East Buchanan volleyball coach Ryan Horn said, "and they pushed back at us and we had a couple of situations we were trying to figure out, and I thought we just continued to fight. We didn't settle for letting them take that set, because we didn't want them to take the momentum."

Junior hitter Maya Watkins, who eclipsed 500 career kills just last week, led her team with 15 kills and three blocks. Sophomore Holly Caylor logged six kills, while freshman Rilyn Sherwood had five.

East Buchanan also had a solid night serving, managing eight ace serves compared to just two by St. Joseph Christian.

"We're not the greatest serving team in the world, but we're not that bad either," Horn said. "I just tell them to hit the ball in and they picked their spots and did a nice job with it."

St. Joseph Christian (13-2), who saw a seven-match winning streak end, was led by junior outside hitter Ella Bowman, who knocked down 11 kills, including six in the third set.

Sophomore Ella DuBois had a solid night, knocking down seven kills for the Lions.

St. Joseph Christian stays home Tuesday to host Nodaway Valley. East Buchanan returns to Gower to host Mid-Buchanan Thursday.

The Bulldogs split a pair of sets against the Dragons at the Lathrop tournament on Saturday. Mid-Buchanan beat East Buchanan in two sets in the KCI tournament on August 28.

"We just have to make sure we're out-hustling them," Horn said. "We struggled with that a little bit on Saturday, but we did a little bit better job of it tonight, so hopefully that carries over to Thursday."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632196314650.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Christian's Ella DuBois (8) tries to hit a ball past East Buchanan's Sidnee Carr (4) during Monday's match. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Christian's Ella DuBois (8) tries to hit a ball past East Buchanan's Sidnee Carr (4) during Monday's match. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostEast Buchanan (11-5) started fast against St. Joseph Christian, and rode that momentum throughout in a 3-0 sweep over the Lions (25-15, 25-17, 25-23) at St. Joseph Christian High School Monday night.The Bulldogs got off to a 5-0 start in the first set before going up 21-10 and taking the first set with relative ease at 25-15.In the second, East Buchanan got behind 13-12, only to reel off a 12-2 run and win that one 25-17.The Bulldogs built a 12-8 lead in set three, but the Lions refused to go away, leading 14-12 and 21-20 in the third before East Buchanan closed the door and scored the final two points in a 25-23 set three victory."They kind of fought back there at the end of the third," East Buchanan volleyball coach Ryan Horn said, "and they pushed back at us and we had a couple of situations we were trying to figure out, and I thought we just continued to fight. We didn't settle for letting them take that set, because we didn't want them to take the momentum."Junior hitter Maya Watkins, who eclipsed 500 career kills just last week, led her team with 15 kills and three blocks. Sophomore Holly Caylor logged six kills, while freshman Rilyn Sherwood had five.East Buchanan also had a solid night serving, managing eight ace serves compared to just two by St. Joseph Christian."We're not the greatest serving team in the world, but we're not that bad either," Horn said. "I just tell them to hit the ball in and they picked their spots and did a nice job with it."St. Joseph Christian (13-2), who saw a seven-match winning streak end, was led by junior outside hitter Ella Bowman, who knocked down 11 kills, including six in the third set.Sophomore Ella DuBois had a solid night, knocking down seven kills for the Lions.St. Joseph Christian stays home Tuesday to host Nodaway Valley. East Buchanan returns to Gower to host Mid-Buchanan Thursday.The Bulldogs split a pair of sets against the Dragons at the Lathrop tournament on Saturday. Mid-Buchanan beat East Buchanan in two sets in the KCI tournament on August 28."We just have to make sure we're out-hustling them," Horn said. "We struggled with that a little bit on Saturday, but we did a little bit better job of it tonight, so hopefully that carries over to Thursday."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632197841330.jpeg" alt="Maya Watkins." />
 <figcaption>Maya Watkins.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632197881347.jpeg" alt="Holly Caylor (11) tries to hit a ball past St. Joseph Christian's Ella DuBois (8)." />
 <figcaption>Holly Caylor (11) tries to hit a ball past St. Joseph Christian's Ella DuBois (8).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632197934806.jpeg" alt="Rilyn Sherwood tries to hit a ball over the block over St. Joseph Christian's Chloe Burnham." />
 <figcaption>Rilyn Sherwood tries to hit a ball over the block over St. Joseph Christian's Chloe Burnham.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

East Buchanan starts fast, fends off late rally from St. Joseph Christian in sweep

(AP) - Lamar Jackson finally beat Patrick Mahomes, using his legs to rush for 107 yards and scoring twice, including flipping into the end zone for the winning score, as the Baltimore Ravens beat the Kansas City Chiefs 36-35 at M&amp;T Bank Stadium.

Jackson was 0-3 against the Chiefs, and he needed all of his multiple skills to break through to hand Mahomes his first loss in September after 11 victories. It's the Chiefs' first loss in September since Sept. 18, 2016.

The matchup of NFL MVPs — Mahomes in 2018 and Jackson in '19 — was a wild affair from the start. The Ravens needed a fumble by Clyde Edwards-Helaire, as Kansas City was marching into field goal range to clinch it.

"We were executing and they made a play," Mahomes said. "You lose games when teams make plays like that at the end of games."

After the fumble, the Chiefs still had all three timeouts and forced Baltimore into a 4th-and-1 on their own 43 with 1:11 to go. With Kansas City out of timeouts, Baltimore elected to go for it. Jackson took a shotgun snap, followed his blockers and got more than enough yardage to get the first down and run the clock out.

"We have to do better," coach Andy Reid said. "We've learned from that. We have to tackle better. We'll work on that and get better at that."

Baltimore outgained Kansas City 481-404 in total offense.&nbsp;Mahomes was 24 for 31 for 343 yards, three touchdowns and an interception - an INT that eventually set up a Ravens touchdown early in the 4th that made it a 35-30 ballgame.

The Chiefs are back home to face the L.A. Chargers on Sunday at noon. The game will be carried on Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph. KFEQ Radio (680 AM, 95.3 FM) will be carrying the Royals game against the Detroit Tigers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632140656821.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph Post(AP) - Lamar Jackson finally beat Patrick Mahomes, using his legs to rush for 107 yards and scoring twice, including flipping into the end zone for the winning score, as the Baltimore Ravens beat the Kansas City Chiefs 36-35 at M&amp;T Bank Stadium.Jackson was 0-3 against the Chiefs, and he needed all of his multiple skills to break through to hand Mahomes his first loss in September after 11 victories. It's the Chiefs' first loss in September since Sept. 18, 2016.The matchup of NFL MVPs — Mahomes in 2018 and Jackson in '19 — was a wild affair from the start. The Ravens needed a fumble by Clyde Edwards-Helaire, as Kansas City was marching into field goal range to clinch it."We were executing and they made a play," Mahomes said. "You lose games when teams make plays like that at the end of games."After the fumble, the Chiefs still had all three timeouts and forced Baltimore into a 4th-and-1 on their own 43 with 1:11 to go. With Kansas City out of timeouts, Baltimore elected to go for it. Jackson took a shotgun snap, followed his blockers and got more than enough yardage to get the first down and run the clock out."We have to do better," coach Andy Reid said. "We've learned from that. We have to tackle better. We'll work on that and get better at that."Baltimore outgained Kansas City 481-404 in total offense.&nbsp;Mahomes was 24 for 31 for 343 yards, three touchdowns and an interception - an INT that eventually set up a Ravens touchdown early in the 4th that made it a 35-30 ballgame.The Chiefs are back home to face the L.A. Chargers on Sunday at noon. The game will be carried on Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph. KFEQ Radio (680 AM, 95.3 FM) will be carrying the Royals game against the Detroit Tigers.

Edwards-Helaire fumble costs Chiefs in closing minutes against the Ravens

The first ever St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class was officially inducted at an enshrinement ceremony at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center Sunday.

The class is comprised of 10 individuals, one team and a Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.

Officially created last November, the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame recognizes individuals, families and teams that have made a significant impact on sports history in Buchanan County.

The inductees were carefully selected from a large pool of candidates by the St. Joseph Sports Commission, led by chairman Brett Esely.

To be eligible for selection, the individual must have been born in Buchanan County, must have made their sports career or accomplished their feat in Buchanan County or must be contributing to sports in Buchanan County at the present time.

The class includes Lafayette High School graduate and legendary Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder, Benton graduate, Nebraska football legend and former Carolina Panther Mike Rucker, MLB veteran and Central alum Byron Browne, along with two-time Olympic team weightlifter and Benton alum Wes Barnett.

"I want to thank my friends, my family and my teammates," Barnett said. "Really the city of St. Joseph who has always been behind me and supporting me along the way."

Snyder, who retired from coaching at Kansas State in the 2018 season, is also a College Football Hall of Fame inductee. Of all of the accolades and honors Snyder has accumulated over his historic and illustrious career, he says being honored by his hometown this way is the best award he's ever received.

He especially thanks his mother, Marionetta, who raised him in a one-room St. Joseph apartment.

"St. Joe has been so prominent in my life," Snyder said. "I was born here and raised here. And I think about, as you do, people who are truly special in your life. I think it's so neat that you're having this (Hall of Fame). I look at this wonderful group of people here and congratulate each and every one of you."

Also included is Charlie Burri, Missouri Western’s First Athletic Director, Newt Hillyard, the Founder of the Hillyard Companies, Julius Hochman, Father of Boys' Baseball in St. Joseph, two-time Olympic gymnastics medalist Terin Humphrey, Naismith National Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Henry Iba and softball pioneer Cheri Kempf.

"There's a lot of value in celebrating folks from St. Joseph who have made an incredible impact in sports," said Kempf, who was a 1980 state softball champion at Mid-Buchanan and three-sport athlete at Missouri Western. "Brett (Esely), thanks for hanging in there with me and getting all of the details locked up. And the (selection) committee, I celebrate you. You have a great future in front of you."

The team chosen for the 2021 Hall of Fame Class was the&nbsp;Meierhoffer/St. Jo Frontier Casino Fast Pitch Softball Team from 1997-2003 - a team that won four national titles during that time.

The Special Olympics Athlete of the Year included in the class is Mike Grossman, who medaled in track and field during the 1999 special Olympics.

The Sports Commission had 25 total nominees for its inaugural class. The inductees were selected by an anonymous selection committee.

Every class will include a maximum of 10 individual inductees, and those who aren't inducted are automatically put into a pool of consideration for the next five years.

Anyone can nominate an athlete or team for the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame by getting in contact with the St. Joseph Sports Commission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632101347640.jpeg" alt="Benton graduate, Nebraska football legend and NFL Pro Bowler&nbsp; Mike Rucker speaks during the first ever St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center on Sunday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Benton graduate, Nebraska football legend and NFL Pro Bowler&nbsp; Mike Rucker speaks during the first ever St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center on Sunday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe first ever St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class was officially inducted at an enshrinement ceremony at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center Sunday.The class is comprised of 10 individuals, one team and a Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.Officially created last November, the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame recognizes individuals, families and teams that have made a significant impact on sports history in Buchanan County.The inductees were carefully selected from a large pool of candidates by the St. Joseph Sports Commission, led by chairman Brett Esely.To be eligible for selection, the individual must have been born in Buchanan County, must have made their sports career or accomplished their feat in Buchanan County or must be contributing to sports in Buchanan County at the present time.The class includes Lafayette High School graduate and legendary Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder, Benton graduate, Nebraska football legend and former Carolina Panther Mike Rucker, MLB veteran and Central alum Byron Browne, along with two-time Olympic team weightlifter and Benton alum Wes Barnett."I want to thank my friends, my family and my teammates," Barnett said. "Really the city of St. Joseph who has always been behind me and supporting me along the way."Snyder, who retired from coaching at Kansas State in the 2018 season, is also a College Football Hall of Fame inductee. Of all of the accolades and honors Snyder has accumulated over his historic and illustrious career, he says being honored by his hometown this way is the best award he's ever received.He especially thanks his mother, Marionetta, who raised him in a one-room St. Joseph apartment."St. Joe has been so prominent in my life," Snyder said. "I was born here and raised here. And I think about, as you do, people who are truly special in your life. I think it's so neat that you're having this (Hall of Fame). I look at this wonderful group of people here and congratulate each and every one of you."Also included is Charlie Burri, Missouri Western’s First Athletic Director, Newt Hillyard, the Founder of the Hillyard Companies, Julius Hochman, Father of Boys' Baseball in St. Joseph, two-time Olympic gymnastics medalist Terin Humphrey, Naismith National Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Henry Iba and softball pioneer Cheri Kempf."There's a lot of value in celebrating folks from St. Joseph who have made an incredible impact in sports," said Kempf, who was a 1980 state softball champion at Mid-Buchanan and three-sport athlete at Missouri Western. "Brett (Esely), thanks for hanging in there with me and getting all of the details locked up. And the (selection) committee, I celebrate you. You have a great future in front of you."The team chosen for the 2021 Hall of Fame Class was the&nbsp;Meierhoffer/St. Jo Frontier Casino Fast Pitch Softball Team from 1997-2003 - a team that won four national titles during that time.The Special Olympics Athlete of the Year included in the class is Mike Grossman, who medaled in track and field during the 1999 special Olympics.The Sports Commission had 25 total nominees for its inaugural class. The inductees were selected by an anonymous selection committee.Every class will include a maximum of 10 individual inductees, and those who aren't inducted are automatically put into a pool of consideration for the next five years.Anyone can nominate an athlete or team for the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame by getting in contact with the St. Joseph Sports Commission.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105035485.jpeg" alt="Mike Grossman." />
 <figcaption>Mike Grossman.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105052336.jpeg" alt="Cheri Kempf." />
 <figcaption>Cheri Kempf.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632101160751.jpeg" alt="Bill Snyder with St. Joseph Sports Commission chairman Brett Esely." />
 <figcaption>Bill Snyder with St. Joseph Sports Commission chairman Brett Esely.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105130408.jpeg" alt="Terin Humphrey." />
 <figcaption>Terin Humphrey.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105154784.jpeg" alt="Wes Barnett." />
 <figcaption>Wes Barnett.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105168852.jpeg" alt="Bryron Browne." />
 <figcaption>Bryron Browne.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105192851.jpeg" alt="Charlie Burri." />
 <figcaption>Charlie Burri.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105230821.jpeg" alt="Meierhoffer/St. Joseph Casino Fastpitch Softball Team being recognized." />
 <figcaption>Meierhoffer/St. Joseph Casino Fastpitch Softball Team being recognized.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Inaugural St. Joseph Area Sports of Hall of Fame Class inducted Sunday

It looked oh so similar to the first half of the Central Oklahoma game.

Missouri Western's defense unable to get off the field. A stop-and-start offense, and a three-possession deficit at halftime.

That's pretty much how the first half went for the Griffons against Emporia State at Spratt Stadium on Saturday.

The Hornets (2-1) got ahead 28-7 at the break, but just like the UCO game, and the Fort Hays State game for that matter, Missouri Western found its stride in the second half.

The Griffons (2-1) scored 31 second half points, including 24 unanswered, to grab a fourth quarter lead. The defense held firm in the closing minutes, giving MWSU a 38-37 win on Saturday night.

It was game that showed, once again, Missouri Western is a talented team, but a team still trying to find ways to start as well as they finish.

"If we get this team to play like that in the second half for at least another quarter," Missouri Western head coach Matt Williamson said, "we're going to be unbelievable. We have a ton of great players and we have a lot of talent."

The Griffons dug themselves an early hole after their first offensive drive, which started at the one-yard line, stalled. Emporia State sophomore Billy Ross Jr. returned a punt from Jack Rasmussen 52 yards to the house to put the Hornets ahead 7-0 with 8:12 to go in the first.

Missouri Western had the answer on the very next play from scrimmage. Sophomore quarterback Anthony Vespo found freshman running back Brandon Hall on a wide open deep route that resulted in a 42-yard touchdown. Cody Watson's point after tied the game at 7-7 with 8:08 left in the first.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630647519527.jpeg" alt="Brandon Hall (right) had nearly 200 all-purpose yards and two all-purpose touchdowns in Missouri Western's 38-37 win over Emporia State on Saturday night. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Brandon Hall (right) had nearly 200 all-purpose yards and two all-purpose touchdowns in Missouri Western's 38-37 win over Emporia State on Saturday night. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt looked oh so similar to the first half of the Central Oklahoma game.Missouri Western's defense unable to get off the field. A stop-and-start offense, and a three-possession deficit at halftime.That's pretty much how the first half went for the Griffons against Emporia State at Spratt Stadium on Saturday.The Hornets (2-1) got ahead 28-7 at the break, but just like the UCO game, and the Fort Hays State game for that matter, Missouri Western found its stride in the second half.The Griffons (2-1) scored 31 second half points, including 24 unanswered, to grab a fourth quarter lead. The defense held firm in the closing minutes, giving MWSU a 38-37 win on Saturday night.It was game that showed, once again, Missouri Western is a talented team, but a team still trying to find ways to start as well as they finish."If we get this team to play like that in the second half for at least another quarter," Missouri Western head coach Matt Williamson said, "we're going to be unbelievable. We have a ton of great players and we have a lot of talent."The Griffons dug themselves an early hole after their first offensive drive, which started at the one-yard line, stalled. Emporia State sophomore Billy Ross Jr. returned a punt from Jack Rasmussen 52 yards to the house to put the Hornets ahead 7-0 with 8:12 to go in the first.Missouri Western had the answer on the very next play from scrimmage. Sophomore quarterback Anthony Vespo found freshman running back Brandon Hall on a wide open deep route that resulted in a 42-yard touchdown. Cody Watson's point after tied the game at 7-7 with 8:08 left in the first.A bit later in the first, Emporia State quarterback Braden Gleason got the Hornets' offense kickstarted with a 72-yard pass to freshman receiver Jaylen Varner.Gleason then found freshman slotback Tommy Zimmerman on a six-yard touchdown to put the Hornets ahead 14-7 at the end of the first.The second quarter was all Emporia State. The Griffons' first drive of the second ended with a turnover on downs after a failed 4th-and-1 conversion attempt.The Hornets took immediate advantage, starting the ensuing drive at the 50. Eight plays later, Gleason found Zimmerman for a second touchdown pass - this one from 17 yards out - to put Emporia State ahead 21-7 with 11:32 left until halftime.Missouri Western's next three offensive possessions all ended in punt. After the Griffons got pinned deep by a bad kickoff return, the Hornets took advantage of another short field, starting at their own 45, and getting on the board again with a one-yard touchdown run from sophomore Calvin Boyce.Just like that, the Hornets were up 28-7 with 8:03 left in the first half. The Griffons' final possession of the first half started with just 37 seconds on the clock.Vespo found freshman receiver Traveon James for a 45-yard completion to put Missouri Western in field goal range, but a 35-yard attempt by Watson sailed just wide right, ending a disappointing first half for MWSU."It's just...so frustrating," Williamson said. "I even said at halftime it was embarrassing what we did in that first half. I didn't rant and rave at halftime. We made adjustments, we knew the corrections that we had to do. I just walked in there and said, 'It's time for our leaders to step up and make something happen.'"Missouri Western started the second half with the football, and immediately found a needed spark on offense.After several hard runs by Brandon Hall, Vespo made a house call to Traveon James down the left sideline, and connected with him from 45 yards out for a touchdown - the first of James' collegiate career - to pull the Griffons to within two scores at 28-14.After a couple of stalled drives by both teams, Emporia State snagged momentum back late in the third quarter after an interception by senior free safety Gee Stanley. Stanley caught a ball that was tipped by linebacker Jace McDown.The Griffons' defense stood firm, as Emporia State had the ball first-and-goal at the 10. A false start and an offensive holding penalty pushed the Hornets back to the 17, and Emporia State settled for a field goal to extend their lead at 31-14 with 4:20 left in the third.It wasn't ideal to get behind by three scores again, but Williamson says that defensive stand was likely the turning point for his team."That, in my opinion, is what changed the game," coach Williamson said. "That (interception) could have put us away right there."On the ensuing drive, Vespo again went deep, this time to Cooper Burton, who caught a 48-yard pass to set the Griffons up inside the Hornets' 30.Three plays later, Vespo found Traveon James on a 16-yard touchdown throw. James hauled it in near the boundary, and Watson missed the ensuing point-after. Still, Missouri Western was within 31-20 at the end of the third.James had a career night with six catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Vespo was also stellar, completing 18-of-28 passes for 308 yards and a season-high three touchdowns.After Emporia State's fourth punt of the second half, Missouri Western took over at its own 20. Six plays later, Brandon Hall broke free for a 42-yard touchdown run down the sideline. Hall then caught a pass in the end zone for a successful two-point conversion, making it a 31-28 ballgame with 10:32 to play.Hall, too, had a career night with 131 yards rushing on 16 carries and a touchdown. He also had two catches for 56 yards and a score - the first receiving touchdown of his career.Emporia State started its next drive at its own 11 after a short kick return. A false start backed the Hornets up to their own six, and a fumbled snap by Gleason rolled into the end zone. Billy Ross, Jr. tried to run it out, but the ball rolled out the back of the end zone, resulting in a Missouri Western safety.The gap was now 31-30 with 10:17 left."Anytime you can score two," Williamson said, "and get the ball back and get ready to score again, it's a good feeling, and I think that kind of energized the team."The Griffons were indeed energized, starting the next drive at the Emporia State 49 after the free kick. A 35-yard run by Hall put the Griffons in the red zone, and Travon Harris had an 11-yard carry to give the Griffons first-and-goal at the 3.Two plays later, freshman back Shen Butler-Lawson, Jr. punched it in for his fourth touchdown of the season. Cooper Burton then ran the ball in for two more points, giving the Griffons their first lead, 38-31, with 7:57 to go.The Hornets got the ball back with over three minutes left, and a chance to tie. Gleason led his team down the field with five completions and was aided by a defensive holding penalty.Eventually, Gleason found Billy Ross, Jr. on a six-yard out route for a touchdown, bringing the Hornets back to within 38-37 with 1:29 left.Emporia State elected to go for two and try for the win. Gleason again passed to Ross, Jr. in the flat, but junior safety Kobe Cummings stopped Ross, Jr. inches shy of the pylon, preserving a one-point lead for the Griffs.Missouri Western recovered the ensuing onside kick attempt. Emporia State got the ball back deep on their own end with 22 seconds left, but achieved only one first down before time expired.The Hornets piled up over 400 yards offense themselves. Gleason was 28-of-43 for 289 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Ross, Jr. toted the ball 22 times for 69 yards. He also had seven grabs for 49 yards and a score.It was another heart attack-type victory for Missouri Western, but Williamson was nothing but happy for his team by the end."They've got heart, they've got passion," he said. "They're just so committed. They know we can beat anybody that we line up against...the stadium was awesome. Thank you, St. Joe and thank you Missouri Western football fans. When you have a crowd like that behind you, you feel like you can just beat anybody."Missouri Western is back on the road Saturday. They'll head to Topeka to face Washburn (2-1). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Coverage starts at noon on KFEQ Radio (680 AM, 95.3 FM). The Ichabods fell to Nebraska-Kearney Saturday 28-24."Our kids will be prepared," Williamson said. "We just have to heal up and get into treatment and heal bodies, have a good practice this week and get ready to go for next."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSI</a>: Quick highlights from a crazy night. <a href="https://t.co/HkJJkzbKMY">pic.twitter.com/HkJJkzbKMY</a>&mdash; Missouri Western Athletics (@MWSUGriffons) <a href="https://twitter.com/MWSUGriffons/status/1439440363459022851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.