Since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback for the Chiefs, Kansas City has made a habit of winning in the AFC Divisional game.&nbsp; On Saturday, the Chiefs advanced to their seventh straight AFC Championship game beating the Houston Texans 23-14 at Arrowhead Stadium.&nbsp;

In seven years as a starter, Mahomes has never gone to less than the AFC Championship game.&nbsp; Six of those seven were also hosted in the comforts of Arrowhead Stadium, the lone exception being last season when Kansas City won their second straight Super Bowl.&nbsp;

After three weeks of rest, things started out slow for the Chiefs offense. Their first drive started with a bang, a 63 yard kickoff return from Nikko Remigio, but went three and out, a total of negative one yard, ending with a 32 yard field goal by Harrison Butker.&nbsp;

Houston answered on the next drive with a field goal of their own, 30 yards by Ka'imi Fairbairn, but Kansas City took the lead back after a nine play drive, benefitting from a controversial roughing the passer call on the Texan's Will Anderson, before stalling in the redzone and again sending Butker out to nail a 36 yard field kick.&nbsp;

Both teams were forced to punt on their next drives before the Texans attempted to tie the game, but Fairbairn's kick sailed wide right, giving Kansas City the opportunity to extend their lead late in the second quarter, getting a one yard rushing touchdown from Kareem Hunt.

Houston closed out the scoring in the first half with another field goal, 48 yards by Fairbairn, bringing the game to within one touchdown at the halftime break, with Kansas City leading 13-6.&nbsp;

The Texans won the toss to open the game, and deferred to the second half, opening the half with a long drive that consumed most of the third quarter, going 15 plays and 82 yards, scoring a touchdown on an 11 yard run by Joe Mixon.&nbsp; The game looked like it would end up tied, but Fairbairn's kicking woes continued, missing the game tying extra point and leaving the Chiefs up by one.&nbsp;

Kansas City answered with a long drive of their own, taking over with 4:36 remaining in the third quarter, and finally ended up scoring early in the fourth on a play that involved that patented Mahomes magic.&nbsp; Feeling pressured, Mahomes begin to scramble up the middle, before Houston's Mario Edwards broke off his block, turning around to grab Mahomes by the ankles and start to drag him down.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But as he fell to the ground, in an almost Superman like pose, Mahomes launched the ball towards the endzone and straight into the hands of his top target on the day, tight end Travis Kelce, for an 11 yard touchdown, extending the Chiefs lead following the Butker extra point to eight.&nbsp;

Going for it all, Houston turned the ball over on downs on their next drive.&nbsp; After back to back punts, the Chiefs got another field goal by Butker, this time from 27 yards away.&nbsp; Houston looked to answer with a field goal of their own on the next drive, but for the second time this season, Leo Chenal came up with a big block to keep the Texans from scoring.&nbsp;

The final points of the game came in a bit of an unconventional way.&nbsp; Following the blocked field goal, Kansas City went three and out on kneel downs from Mahomes, sending Matt Araiza out to punt.&nbsp; The punt never happened though as Araiza took the snap and ran backwards into the endzone, rushing around and killing clock until going out of bounds for a safety.&nbsp;

With the game settled, in something that many people have not seen before, following the kickoff Texans quarterback CJ Stroud came out to kneel out the final seven seconds of the game, to send the Chiefs to the AFC Championship game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mahomes, who threw for 177 yards and a score, improved 16-3 in the postseason, tying Joe Montana for the second-most wins by a starting QB in NFL history behind Tom Brady. That includes his peerless 7-0 mark in divisional playoff games.&nbsp; Also in the game, head coach Andy Reid became the fourth coach in NFL history to reach 300 career postseason wins.&nbsp;

Hunt led the rushers with eight carries for 44 yards and his touchdown, Isiah Pacheco added five runs for 18 yards.&nbsp; Kelce caught seven catches for 117 yards and a score, breaking a tie with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most postseason 100+ yard outings.&nbsp; The Chiefs defense also impressed along with the blocked field goal recording eight sacks, three by defensive end George Karlaftis.

The Chiefs are the fourth team in NFL history to follow back-to-back Lombardi Trophies by advancing to the conference title game, and the three previous lost. They will try to change that at Arrowhead Stadium next weekend against the Bills or Ravens, who play on Sunday in Buffalo for a shot at dethroning the defending champs.

The AFC Championship matchup against either the Bills or Ravens will kickoff at 5:30pm at Arrowhead Stadium.&nbsp; Pregame will be at 4pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country 92.7.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737261794000.jpeg" alt="Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and wide receiver Deandre Hopkins (8) celebrate after Kelce's touchdown catch in the fourth quarter/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and wide receiver Deandre Hopkins (8) celebrate after Kelce's touchdown catch in the fourth quarter/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSince Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback for the Chiefs, Kansas City has made a habit of winning in the AFC Divisional game.&nbsp; On Saturday, the Chiefs advanced to their seventh straight AFC Championship game beating the Houston Texans 23-14 at Arrowhead Stadium.&nbsp;In seven years as a starter, Mahomes has never gone to less than the AFC Championship game.&nbsp; Six of those seven were also hosted in the comforts of Arrowhead Stadium, the lone exception being last season when Kansas City won their second straight Super Bowl.&nbsp;After three weeks of rest, things started out slow for the Chiefs offense. Their first drive started with a bang, a 63 yard kickoff return from Nikko Remigio, but went three and out, a total of negative one yard, ending with a 32 yard field goal by Harrison Butker.&nbsp;Houston answered on the next drive with a field goal of their own, 30 yards by Ka'imi Fairbairn, but Kansas City took the lead back after a nine play drive, benefitting from a controversial roughing the passer call on the Texan's Will Anderson, before stalling in the redzone and again sending Butker out to nail a 36 yard field kick.&nbsp;Both teams were forced to punt on their next drives before the Texans attempted to tie the game, but Fairbairn's kick sailed wide right, giving Kansas City the opportunity to extend their lead late in the second quarter, getting a one yard rushing touchdown from Kareem Hunt.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ON THE HUNT FOR A TUD‼️ <a href="https://t.co/xNfjzaC7yY">pic.twitter.com/xNfjzaC7yY</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1880745303017484489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Houston closed out the scoring in the first half with another field goal, 48 yards by Fairbairn, bringing the game to within one touchdown at the halftime break, with Kansas City leading 13-6.&nbsp;The Texans won the toss to open the game, and deferred to the second half, opening the half with a long drive that consumed most of the third quarter, going 15 plays and 82 yards, scoring a touchdown on an 11 yard run by Joe Mixon.&nbsp; The game looked like it would end up tied, but Fairbairn's kicking woes continued, missing the game tying extra point and leaving the Chiefs up by one.&nbsp;Kansas City answered with a long drive of their own, taking over with 4:36 remaining in the third quarter, and finally ended up scoring early in the fourth on a play that involved that patented Mahomes magic.&nbsp; Feeling pressured, Mahomes begin to scramble up the middle, before Houston's Mario Edwards broke off his block, turning around to grab Mahomes by the ankles and start to drag him down.&nbsp;&nbsp;But as he fell to the ground, in an almost Superman like pose, Mahomes launched the ball towards the endzone and straight into the hands of his top target on the day, tight end Travis Kelce, for an 11 yard touchdown, extending the Chiefs lead following the Butker extra point to eight.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WHAT. A. TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!! <a href="https://t.co/6Ch2lUfLp7">pic.twitter.com/6Ch2lUfLp7</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1880761887358669066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Going for it all, Houston turned the ball over on downs on their next drive.&nbsp; After back to back punts, the Chiefs got another field goal by Butker, this time from 27 yards away.&nbsp; Houston looked to answer with a field goal of their own on the next drive, but for the second time this season, Leo Chenal came up with a big block to keep the Texans from scoring.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NOT IN OUR HOUSE ❌ <a href="https://t.co/30gF7HthVI">pic.twitter.com/30gF7HthVI</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1880772624436896085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The final points of the game came in a bit of an unconventional way.&nbsp; Following the blocked field goal, Kansas City went three and out on kneel downs from Mahomes, sending Matt Araiza out to punt.&nbsp; The punt never happened though as Araiza took the snap and ran backwards into the endzone, rushing around and killing clock until going out of bounds for a safety.&nbsp;With the game settled, in something that many people have not seen before, following the kickoff Texans quarterback CJ Stroud came out to kneel out the final seven seconds of the game, to send the Chiefs to the AFC Championship game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mahomes, who threw for 177 yards and a score, improved 16-3 in the postseason, tying Joe Montana for the second-most wins by a starting QB in NFL history behind Tom Brady. That includes his peerless 7-0 mark in divisional playoff games.&nbsp; Also in the game, head coach Andy Reid became the fourth coach in NFL history to reach 300 career postseason wins.&nbsp;Hunt led the rushers with eight carries for 44 yards and his touchdown, Isiah Pacheco added five runs for 18 yards.&nbsp; Kelce caught seven catches for 117 yards and a score, breaking a tie with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most postseason 100+ yard outings.&nbsp; The Chiefs defense also impressed along with the blocked field goal recording eight sacks, three by defensive end George Karlaftis.The Chiefs are the fourth team in NFL history to follow back-to-back Lombardi Trophies by advancing to the conference title game, and the three previous lost. They will try to change that at Arrowhead Stadium next weekend against the Bills or Ravens, who play on Sunday in Buffalo for a shot at dethroning the defending champs.The AFC Championship matchup against either the Bills or Ravens will kickoff at 5:30pm at Arrowhead Stadium.&nbsp; Pregame will be at 4pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country 92.7.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Chiefs advance to 7th straight AFC Championship game with win over Texans

The Kansas City Royals officially reunited with pitcher Michael Lorenzen on a one year deal Wednesday.&nbsp;

According to a source the deal is worth a guaranteed $7 million with a mutual contract option for 2026. Lorenzen will make $5.5 million this season as part of the Royals’ pitching staff, and the mutual option is worth $12 million with a $1.5 million buyout if the club declines. There are also performance incentives in the deal.

After being aggressive early in the offseason, checking off two major priorities in resigning starting pitcher Michael Wacha and trading for leadoff hitter Jonathan India, the Royals went quiet waiting to see how the free agent market developed.&nbsp;

But all along, a reunion with Lorenzen, whose 33 years old, made the most sense for Kansas City.&nbsp; General Manager JJ Piccollo along with manager Matt Quatraro had voiced the need of a veteran pitcher who could fill a variety of roles, ranging from starting in the rotation, to the bullpen, as well as acting as a multi inning reliever.&nbsp;

There was no better player left in the market than Lorenzen, something the Royals should know, after dealing for him at last years trade deadline to fill that very same role.&nbsp;

After being acquired from the Rangers for reliever Walter Pennington, Lorenzen posted a 1.57 ERA in 28 2/3 innings. He missed time with a left hamstring strain but otherwise impressed in a small sample size. In total with the Rangers and Royals in ’24, Lorenzen threw 130 1/3 innings with a 3.31 ERA.

Those innings should help the Royals cover some of the 179 2/3 innings lost in the rotation when they traded Brady Singer to the Reds for India. The Royals think highly of their young pitching contingent to help in the rotation, but adding a veteran arm like Lorenzen will help with depth and innings.

Kris Bubic returned to the mound as a reliever last year after Tommy John surgery, likely limiting his innings in his first year back as a starter. The same, to a greater extent, goes for Kyle Wright, who did not pitch at all in 2024 after shoulder surgery.&nbsp; Kansas City also has Alec Marsh and Daniel Lynch IV returning as competition for a rotation spot.

Lorenzen also brings value in the bullpen. Since debuting as a two-way player in 2015 with the Reds, Lorenzen performed mostly as a swingman until 2022, when he signed with the Angels as a full-time starter. Since ’22, Lorenzen has a 3.90 ERA, with a 1.24 WHIP in 381 innings, mostly as a starter.

With just over a month to go until Spring Training begins, adding Lorenzen helps the Royals shore up their pitching staff. They’re also still looking to add a middle-of-the-order bat that can inject some power into their lineup as they seek ways to improve the roster heading into 2025.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724293976833.jpeg" alt="Michael Lorenzen" />
 <figcaption>Michael Lorenzen</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals officially reunited with pitcher Michael Lorenzen on a one year deal Wednesday.&nbsp;According to a source the deal is worth a guaranteed $7 million with a mutual contract option for 2026. Lorenzen will make $5.5 million this season as part of the Royals’ pitching staff, and the mutual option is worth $12 million with a $1.5 million buyout if the club declines. There are also performance incentives in the deal.After being aggressive early in the offseason, checking off two major priorities in resigning starting pitcher Michael Wacha and trading for leadoff hitter Jonathan India, the Royals went quiet waiting to see how the free agent market developed.&nbsp;But all along, a reunion with Lorenzen, whose 33 years old, made the most sense for Kansas City.&nbsp; General Manager JJ Piccollo along with manager Matt Quatraro had voiced the need of a veteran pitcher who could fill a variety of roles, ranging from starting in the rotation, to the bullpen, as well as acting as a multi inning reliever.&nbsp;There was no better player left in the market than Lorenzen, something the Royals should know, after dealing for him at last years trade deadline to fill that very same role.&nbsp;After being acquired from the Rangers for reliever Walter Pennington, Lorenzen posted a 1.57 ERA in 28 2/3 innings. He missed time with a left hamstring strain but otherwise impressed in a small sample size. In total with the Rangers and Royals in ’24, Lorenzen threw 130 1/3 innings with a 3.31 ERA.Those innings should help the Royals cover some of the 179 2/3 innings lost in the rotation when they traded Brady Singer to the Reds for India. The Royals think highly of their young pitching contingent to help in the rotation, but adding a veteran arm like Lorenzen will help with depth and innings.Kris Bubic returned to the mound as a reliever last year after Tommy John surgery, likely limiting his innings in his first year back as a starter. The same, to a greater extent, goes for Kyle Wright, who did not pitch at all in 2024 after shoulder surgery.&nbsp; Kansas City also has Alec Marsh and Daniel Lynch IV returning as competition for a rotation spot.Lorenzen also brings value in the bullpen. Since debuting as a two-way player in 2015 with the Reds, Lorenzen performed mostly as a swingman until 2022, when he signed with the Angels as a full-time starter. Since ’22, Lorenzen has a 3.90 ERA, with a 1.24 WHIP in 381 innings, mostly as a starter.With just over a month to go until Spring Training begins, adding Lorenzen helps the Royals shore up their pitching staff. They’re also still looking to add a middle-of-the-order bat that can inject some power into their lineup as they seek ways to improve the roster heading into 2025.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">We have signed RHP Michael Lorenzen to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2026. Welcome back, Michael! <a href="https://t.co/0gQ0YCWzhd">pic.twitter.com/0gQ0YCWzhd</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1877008693583045013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals bring back pitcher Michael Lorenzen on one year deal

 Rookie Bo Nix set a franchise record by completing his first 18 passes and the Denver Broncos ended an eight-year playoff drought Sunday with a 38-0 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs' bevy of backups.

The Broncos snapped a two-game skid and buried nearly a decade’s worth of futility and frustrations by returing to the postseason party for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.

They'll visit Buffalo in the wild-card round next weekend after handing the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs their first shutout since Dec. 16, 2012, at Oakland.

Having already secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed and sole first-round bye in their quest for an unprecedented three-peat, Chiefs coach Andy Reid sat Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and a host of other starters.

Carson Wentz got the start at quarterback and fizzled in his first extended action since Week 18 with the Rams last season. He was 10 of 17 for 98 yards and was sacked four times by the league's best pass rush (62 sacks).

Nix threw for four touchdowns, giving him 29 for the season, second-most by a rookie in NFL history, behind only Justin Herbert's 31 in 2020.

He finished 26 of 29 for 321 yards, and his 18 consecutive completions also were the most ever by a Broncos QB. Nix hit Marvin Mims twice, Courtland Sutton (five times for 98 yards) and Devaughn Vele for scores.

Vele's TD was intended for Adam Trautman but ricocheted off cornerbacks Nazeeh Johnson (twice) and Keith Taylor before Vele cradled the catch just before tumbling out of the back of the end zone, giving Nix 17 consecutive completions at that point and extending Denver's lead to 21-0.

That wild conclusion capped an 18-play, 89-yard drive that lasted more than 11 minutes, keeping Wentz cooling his cleats on the sideline next to Mahomes, who was decked out in a white hoodie.

After Harrison Butker was wide left on a 51-yard field goal — his first miss in 18 tries at Empower Field at Mile High — Wil Lutz gave Denver a 24-0 halftime lead by nailing a 33-yarder with 3 seconds left.

The Broncos made it 31-0 on Mims' second TD catch late in the third quarter and Audric Estime punched it in from the 1 in the fourth quarter.

The Chiefs won't play again until Jan. 18 or 19, meaning Mahomes, who last played on Christmas Day, and other stars who sat this one out will have at least 24 days between games.

The Broncos are back in the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 after the 2015 season. That’s the longest playoff drought for a team after raising the Lombardi Trophy.

The Broncos' clincher came 3,255 days after Von Miller led them to a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers on Feb. 7, 2016, and their reward as the AFC's seventh and final seed is a trip to Buffalo next weekend to face Miller in the first round of the playoffs.

The Bills were the only other team to beat Kansas City this season, 30-21 in Week 11.

The Chiefs' loss ended their six-game win streak but eliminated the prospect of them having to possibly face Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow at some point in the playoffs. The Bengals, who won their fifth consecutive game Saturday night at Pittsburgh, needed Denver to lose to have a chance to sneak into the playoffs at 9-8.

The Chiefs, who had won 17 of their previous 18 games against the Broncos, were planning on staying in Denver for the night because of a winter storm that also delayed their flight into Colorado for several hours Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736123661748.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele (17) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele (17) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)</figcaption>
 </figure> Rookie Bo Nix set a franchise record by completing his first 18 passes and the Denver Broncos ended an eight-year playoff drought Sunday with a 38-0 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs' bevy of backups.The Broncos snapped a two-game skid and buried nearly a decade’s worth of futility and frustrations by returing to the postseason party for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.They'll visit Buffalo in the wild-card round next weekend after handing the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs their first shutout since Dec. 16, 2012, at Oakland.Having already secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed and sole first-round bye in their quest for an unprecedented three-peat, Chiefs coach Andy Reid sat Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and a host of other starters.Carson Wentz got the start at quarterback and fizzled in his first extended action since Week 18 with the Rams last season. He was 10 of 17 for 98 yards and was sacked four times by the league's best pass rush (62 sacks).Nix threw for four touchdowns, giving him 29 for the season, second-most by a rookie in NFL history, behind only Justin Herbert's 31 in 2020.He finished 26 of 29 for 321 yards, and his 18 consecutive completions also were the most ever by a Broncos QB. Nix hit Marvin Mims twice, Courtland Sutton (five times for 98 yards) and Devaughn Vele for scores.Vele's TD was intended for Adam Trautman but ricocheted off cornerbacks Nazeeh Johnson (twice) and Keith Taylor before Vele cradled the catch just before tumbling out of the back of the end zone, giving Nix 17 consecutive completions at that point and extending Denver's lead to 21-0.That wild conclusion capped an 18-play, 89-yard drive that lasted more than 11 minutes, keeping Wentz cooling his cleats on the sideline next to Mahomes, who was decked out in a white hoodie.After Harrison Butker was wide left on a 51-yard field goal — his first miss in 18 tries at Empower Field at Mile High — Wil Lutz gave Denver a 24-0 halftime lead by nailing a 33-yarder with 3 seconds left.The Broncos made it 31-0 on Mims' second TD catch late in the third quarter and Audric Estime punched it in from the 1 in the fourth quarter.The Chiefs won't play again until Jan. 18 or 19, meaning Mahomes, who last played on Christmas Day, and other stars who sat this one out will have at least 24 days between games.The Broncos are back in the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 after the 2015 season. That’s the longest playoff drought for a team after raising the Lombardi Trophy.The Broncos' clincher came 3,255 days after Von Miller led them to a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers on Feb. 7, 2016, and their reward as the AFC's seventh and final seed is a trip to Buffalo next weekend to face Miller in the first round of the playoffs.The Bills were the only other team to beat Kansas City this season, 30-21 in Week 11.The Chiefs' loss ended their six-game win streak but eliminated the prospect of them having to possibly face Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow at some point in the playoffs. The Bengals, who won their fifth consecutive game Saturday night at Pittsburgh, needed Denver to lose to have a chance to sneak into the playoffs at 9-8.The Chiefs, who had won 17 of their previous 18 games against the Broncos, were planning on staying in Denver for the night because of a winter storm that also delayed their flight into Colorado for several hours Saturday.

Broncos back in playoffs for first time since 2015 with 38-0 win over Chiefs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- — Blake Craig kicked two field goals in the fourth quarter, his second a 56-yarder with 4:36 left as No. 23 Missouri rallied to beat Iowa 27-24 on Monday in the Music City Bowl.

Missouri trailed 24-14 when the Tigers started the comeback, scoring the final 13 points for the win. Brady Cook threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns. Joshua Manning also ran for a TD to key the comeback. Marquis Johnson added 122 yards receiving and a TD catch.

Missouri (10-3) posted the program's eighth 10-win season. Coach Eli Drinkwitz said the win total is only a piece, with the Tigers starting and finishing the season ranked a great accomplishment for his seniors.

“It’s something that they should take a lot of pride in back-to-back seasons," Drinkwitz said. "Finishing ranked is an unbelievable accomplishment for our program and really, really proud of them.”

Cook, who also ran for 54 more yards, said there was never a decision for himself or fellow senior defensive end Johnny Walker not to play one last game for Missouri.

“We knew we were going to and getting that 10th win and leaving our legacy and going out with a win, going out winning a championship — no matter what the championship is, we won a championship today,” Cook said. "And that’s what we want to do every single year.”

Iowa (8-5) lost its second straight bowl, denying coach Kirk Ferentz a chance to move up the Big Ten ranks. He remains one behind Woody Hayes’ 205 wins at Ohio State for the most overall wins in league history and his 10 bowl wins keeps him tied with Joe Paterno for the most.

The Hawkeyes had two final chances, the last near midfield with 1:54 left.

Walker got his second sack of the game. Missouri made a stop just short of the first on third down, then stopped quarterback Brendan Sullivan for no gain on fourth-and-1 to start the celebration and chants of “S-E-C” from fans.

“It’s disappointing ...,” Ferentz said. “We just didn’t have what it took to get it done.”

The Hawkeyes jumped out to a 14-7 lead with Terrell Washington Jr. catching a 6-yard pass from Sullivan and Kaden Wetjen's 100-yard kickoff return. Kamari Moulton’s 1-yard run gave Iowa a 21-14 halftime lead. Drew Stevens added a 38-yard field goal in the third.

Then Missouri started the comeback. After Manning's TD late in the third quarter. Toriano Pride Jr. picked off a pass by Sullivan. The Tigers tied it up with a 51-yard field goal by Craig with 10:10 left before he kicked the game-winner.

For Missouri, Theo Wease missed the second half with an upper body injury after having five catches for 75 yards and a TD by halftime. It didn’t help that Luther Burden, who had a team-high 61 catches during the season, was on the sideline in his No. 3 jersey watching, having opted out of this game to prepare for the NFL draft.

Cook had help from Daniel Blood and Johnson, who set up Manning's TD run with a 44-yard catch.

Iowa played without Big Ten rushing leader Kaleb Johnson, who opted out of this bowl to start preparing for the NFL draft. Moulton finished with 96 yards rushing on just 14 carries, and Jaziun Patterson added 74.

Missouri opens the season Aug. 30 hosting Central Arkansas. Drinkwitz will have Beau Pribula from Penn State to replace Cook through the transfer portal for 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735607186301.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of MIssouri Football on X" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of MIssouri Football on X</figcaption>
 </figure>\NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- — Blake Craig kicked two field goals in the fourth quarter, his second a 56-yarder with 4:36 left as No. 23 Missouri rallied to beat Iowa 27-24 on Monday in the Music City Bowl.Missouri trailed 24-14 when the Tigers started the comeback, scoring the final 13 points for the win. Brady Cook threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns. Joshua Manning also ran for a TD to key the comeback. Marquis Johnson added 122 yards receiving and a TD catch.Missouri (10-3) posted the program's eighth 10-win season. Coach Eli Drinkwitz said the win total is only a piece, with the Tigers starting and finishing the season ranked a great accomplishment for his seniors.“It’s something that they should take a lot of pride in back-to-back seasons," Drinkwitz said. "Finishing ranked is an unbelievable accomplishment for our program and really, really proud of them.”Cook, who also ran for 54 more yards, said there was never a decision for himself or fellow senior defensive end Johnny Walker not to play one last game for Missouri.“We knew we were going to and getting that 10th win and leaving our legacy and going out with a win, going out winning a championship — no matter what the championship is, we won a championship today,” Cook said. "And that’s what we want to do every single year.”Iowa (8-5) lost its second straight bowl, denying coach Kirk Ferentz a chance to move up the Big Ten ranks. He remains one behind Woody Hayes’ 205 wins at Ohio State for the most overall wins in league history and his 10 bowl wins keeps him tied with Joe Paterno for the most.The Hawkeyes had two final chances, the last near midfield with 1:54 left.Walker got his second sack of the game. Missouri made a stop just short of the first on third down, then stopped quarterback Brendan Sullivan for no gain on fourth-and-1 to start the celebration and chants of “S-E-C” from fans.“It’s disappointing ...,” Ferentz said. “We just didn’t have what it took to get it done.”The Hawkeyes jumped out to a 14-7 lead with Terrell Washington Jr. catching a 6-yard pass from Sullivan and Kaden Wetjen's 100-yard kickoff return. Kamari Moulton’s 1-yard run gave Iowa a 21-14 halftime lead. Drew Stevens added a 38-yard field goal in the third.Then Missouri started the comeback. After Manning's TD late in the third quarter. Toriano Pride Jr. picked off a pass by Sullivan. The Tigers tied it up with a 51-yard field goal by Craig with 10:10 left before he kicked the game-winner.The TakeawaysFor Missouri, Theo Wease missed the second half with an upper body injury after having five catches for 75 yards and a TD by halftime. It didn’t help that Luther Burden, who had a team-high 61 catches during the season, was on the sideline in his No. 3 jersey watching, having opted out of this game to prepare for the NFL draft.Cook had help from Daniel Blood and Johnson, who set up Manning's TD run with a 44-yard catch.Iowa played without Big Ten rushing leader Kaleb Johnson, who opted out of this bowl to start preparing for the NFL draft. Moulton finished with 96 yards rushing on just 14 carries, and Jaziun Patterson added 74.Up nextMissouri opens the season Aug. 30 hosting Central Arkansas. Drinkwitz will have Beau Pribula from Penn State to replace Cook through the transfer portal for 2025.

#23 Missouri rallies from 10 point deficit for Music City Bowl victory over Iowa

PHOENIX -- — Dylan Edwards ran for 196 yards and scored his third touchdown on a 36-yard run in the fourth quarter, helping Kansas State rally past Rutgers 44-41 in the Rate Bowl on Thursday night.

The Scarlet Knights (7-6) led by 10 at halftime and went up 34-17 on Ja'shon Benjamin's 7-yard touchdown catch on the opening drive of the second half. But Edwards and the Wildcats (9-4) stormed back.

Edwards scored on 65-yard touchdown run and, after an interception thrown by Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis, Garrett Oakley caught a 13-yard touchdown pass to pull Kansas State within five. The Wildcats failed 2-point conversions after both touchdowns.

Rutgers briefly regained momentum, going up 41-29 early in the fourth quarter on Antwan Raymond's 1-yard TD run on a fake tush push.

Kansas State answered with Avery Johnson's 9-yard touchdown pass to Jadon Jackson. Edwards followed with his 36-yard score, capping an impressive night in place of DJ Giddens, who opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft.

Kansas State closed it out by stopping Rutgers on fourth down near midfield with just under two minutes left

Johnson threw for three touchdowns, including a 26-yarder to Edwards in the second quarter, finishing with 195 yards on 15-of-30 passing.&nbsp; With his 196 yards rushing, Edwards also became the K State running back with the most yards in a bowl game

Raymond ran for 113 yards and three touchdowns in place of leading rusher Kyle Monangai, who also opted out to prepare for the NFL draft.

Kaliakmanis threw for 237 yards and a touchdown with an interception on 14-of-32 passing.

&nbsp;The Wildcats struggled defensively until they needed it most, shutting down Rutgers most of the second half. Edwards took it from there, racking up 223 total yards — none bigger than his final TD run.

For Kansas State, Johnson, Edwards and RB Joe Jackson are underclassmen, as is leading tackler Austin Romaine. DE Brendan Mott and LB Austin Moore, anchors to K-State's defense, played their final college games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735263327099.png" alt="Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards rushed for two touchdowns during a massive second half comeback for the Wildcats in a 44-41 win over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl/ Photo courtesy of K State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards rushed for two touchdowns during a massive second half comeback for the Wildcats in a 44-41 win over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl/ Photo courtesy of K State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX -- — Dylan Edwards ran for 196 yards and scored his third touchdown on a 36-yard run in the fourth quarter, helping Kansas State rally past Rutgers 44-41 in the Rate Bowl on Thursday night.The Scarlet Knights (7-6) led by 10 at halftime and went up 34-17 on Ja'shon Benjamin's 7-yard touchdown catch on the opening drive of the second half. But Edwards and the Wildcats (9-4) stormed back.Edwards scored on 65-yard touchdown run and, after an interception thrown by Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis, Garrett Oakley caught a 13-yard touchdown pass to pull Kansas State within five. The Wildcats failed 2-point conversions after both touchdowns.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">GOING, GOING, GONE! Dylan Edwards strikes again for <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KStateFB</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Big12FB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Big12FB</a> | 📺 ESPN <a href="https://t.co/1DbYIK8RLo">pic.twitter.com/1DbYIK8RLo</a>&mdash; Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) <a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1872449359792717930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Rutgers briefly regained momentum, going up 41-29 early in the fourth quarter on Antwan Raymond's 1-yard TD run on a fake tush push.Kansas State answered with Avery Johnson's 9-yard touchdown pass to Jadon Jackson. Edwards followed with his 36-yard score, capping an impressive night in place of DJ Giddens, who opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MAKE THAT THREE FOR NO. 3 Dylan Edwards helps take the lead for <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KStateFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Big12FB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Big12FB</a> | 📺 ESPN <a href="https://t.co/frvEnS61Su">pic.twitter.com/frvEnS61Su</a>&mdash; Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) <a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1872463425487687964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas State closed it out by stopping Rutgers on fourth down near midfield with just under two minutes leftJohnson threw for three touchdowns, including a 26-yarder to Edwards in the second quarter, finishing with 195 yards on 15-of-30 passing.&nbsp; With his 196 yards rushing, Edwards also became the K State running back with the most yards in a bowl game<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tell a friend to tell a friend... Dylan Edwards now holds the title of most rushing yards in a game in <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KStateFB</a> bowl history 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Big12FB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Big12FB</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KStateFB</a> <a href="https://t.co/lqwAuLcbCI">pic.twitter.com/lqwAuLcbCI</a>&mdash; Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) <a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1872479734053179793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Raymond ran for 113 yards and three touchdowns in place of leading rusher Kyle Monangai, who also opted out to prepare for the NFL draft.Kaliakmanis threw for 237 yards and a touchdown with an interception on 14-of-32 passing.Takeaways&nbsp;The Wildcats struggled defensively until they needed it most, shutting down Rutgers most of the second half. Edwards took it from there, racking up 223 total yards — none bigger than his final TD run.Up nextFor Kansas State, Johnson, Edwards and RB Joe Jackson are underclassmen, as is leading tackler Austin Romaine. DE Brendan Mott and LB Austin Moore, anchors to K-State's defense, played their final college games.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">THE OFFICIAL <a href="https://twitter.com/RateBowl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RateBowl</a> TROPHY PRESENTATION <a href="https://t.co/r6XKecC1iJ">pic.twitter.com/r6XKecC1iJ</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1872469410994331799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kansas State rallies in second half to bring home Rate Bowl trophy

The Kansas City Chiefs delivered a present to all of Chiefs Kingdom on Christmas day, bringing a first round bye and home field advantage through the playoffs home after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.

The Chiefs jumped out to a 13-0 lead through the first quarter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes connecting with rookie Xavier Worthy for a seven yard touchdown pass on Kansas City's first offensive drive, then one drive later finding Justin Watson with an 11 yard strike to extend the lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Going into halftime however, the Chiefs lead was just one score, the Steelers scoring the lone touchdown of the second quarter driving down the field in 11 plays before quarterback Russell Wilson rushed for a one yard score, both teams going to the locker rooms with Kanas City leading 13-7.&nbsp;

The Chiefs and Steelers exchanged field goals in the third quarter, a 32 yard field goal by Harrison Butker and a 36 yard field goal from Chris Boswell, before Kansas City began to run away with the game in the fourth quarter, first getting a two yard rushing touchdown by Kareem Hunt.&nbsp;

Following the touchdown by Hunt, the Chiefs defense forced a fumble by Steelers tight end Pat Friermuth, setting up a drive that made Chiefs history, Mahomes delivering what would ultimately be the touchdown to put the game away, finding tight end Travis Kelce for a 12 yard touchdown pass, the score making Kelce the player with the most receiving touchdowns in history for Kansas City, passing legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez

Kelce did receive an unsportsmanlike penalty following the touchdown, doing his best impression of Gonzalez and dunking the ball over the goalpost, forcing Butker into his second 48 yard extra point of the day, the first coming following the Worthy touchdown, but after missing the first, Butker knocked through the second for the 29-10 lead.&nbsp;

Kelce said following the game it was showing Gonzalez some love and called it a tribute to who he was for the Chiefs and who he's been for football overall.&nbsp;

"We know how iconic it was that he would dunk the ball over the goalpost all the time, I gave it my best effort, I don't know if I did it quite like him but i gave it a run," Kelce told reporters during the postgame press conference.&nbsp;

The Chiefs offense seems to be turning it on at the right time ahead of the playoffs, putting together one of their best performances of the season.&nbsp; Mahomes was 29 of 38 passing for 320 yards with three touchdowns.&nbsp; Hunt rushed nine times for 20 yards and one touchdown, while Isiah Pacheco rushed six times for 18 yards.&nbsp;

Kelce (eight catches, 84 yards, one touchdown) and Worthy (eight catches, 79 yards, one touchdown) were the leading receivers.&nbsp; The Chiefs defense recorded three takeaways, with fumbles being recovered by Deon Bush and Nick Bolton, and an interception in the endzone by Justin Reid.&nbsp;

Kansas City is now 14-1 on the season, and is still one of only four teams in the NFL to not score 30 or more points.&nbsp; They will wrap up the season next week on Sunday against the Denver Broncos on the road, kickoff time has yet to be determined.&nbsp;

With the playoffs on the horizon, and a first round bye clinched, there is a likely chance head coach Andy Reid will rest his starters in the AFC West clash, getting them rested for the playoffs following a rough stretch of three games in 11 days.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735175096524.jpeg" alt="Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, as Santa Clause, celebrates Kansas City clinching a first round bye after a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, as Santa Clause, celebrates Kansas City clinching a first round bye after a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs delivered a present to all of Chiefs Kingdom on Christmas day, bringing a first round bye and home field advantage through the playoffs home after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.The Chiefs jumped out to a 13-0 lead through the first quarter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes connecting with rookie Xavier Worthy for a seven yard touchdown pass on Kansas City's first offensive drive, then one drive later finding Justin Watson with an 11 yard strike to extend the lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;Going into halftime however, the Chiefs lead was just one score, the Steelers scoring the lone touchdown of the second quarter driving down the field in 11 plays before quarterback Russell Wilson rushed for a one yard score, both teams going to the locker rooms with Kanas City leading 13-7.&nbsp;The Chiefs and Steelers exchanged field goals in the third quarter, a 32 yard field goal by Harrison Butker and a 36 yard field goal from Chris Boswell, before Kansas City began to run away with the game in the fourth quarter, first getting a two yard rushing touchdown by Kareem Hunt.&nbsp;Following the touchdown by Hunt, the Chiefs defense forced a fumble by Steelers tight end Pat Friermuth, setting up a drive that made Chiefs history, Mahomes delivering what would ultimately be the touchdown to put the game away, finding tight end Travis Kelce for a 12 yard touchdown pass, the score making Kelce the player with the most receiving touchdowns in history for Kansas City, passing legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HOLIDAY TOUCHDOWN FOR TRAVIS‼️ <a href="https://t.co/sqgtsd0r1K">pic.twitter.com/sqgtsd0r1K</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1872016012171755779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kelce did receive an unsportsmanlike penalty following the touchdown, doing his best impression of Gonzalez and dunking the ball over the goalpost, forcing Butker into his second 48 yard extra point of the day, the first coming following the Worthy touchdown, but after missing the first, Butker knocked through the second for the 29-10 lead.&nbsp;Kelce said following the game it was showing Gonzalez some love and called it a tribute to who he was for the Chiefs and who he's been for football overall.&nbsp;"We know how iconic it was that he would dunk the ball over the goalpost all the time, I gave it my best effort, I don't know if I did it quite like him but i gave it a run," Kelce told reporters during the postgame press conference.&nbsp;The Chiefs offense seems to be turning it on at the right time ahead of the playoffs, putting together one of their best performances of the season.&nbsp; Mahomes was 29 of 38 passing for 320 yards with three touchdowns.&nbsp; Hunt rushed nine times for 20 yards and one touchdown, while Isiah Pacheco rushed six times for 18 yards.&nbsp;Kelce (eight catches, 84 yards, one touchdown) and Worthy (eight catches, 79 yards, one touchdown) were the leading receivers.&nbsp; The Chiefs defense recorded three takeaways, with fumbles being recovered by Deon Bush and Nick Bolton, and an interception in the endzone by Justin Reid.&nbsp;Kansas City is now 14-1 on the season, and is still one of only four teams in the NFL to not score 30 or more points.&nbsp; They will wrap up the season next week on Sunday against the Denver Broncos on the road, kickoff time has yet to be determined.&nbsp;With the playoffs on the horizon, and a first round bye clinched, there is a likely chance head coach Andy Reid will rest his starters in the AFC West clash, getting them rested for the playoffs following a rough stretch of three games in 11 days.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Merry Christmas Kingdom: Chiefs clinch first round bye with win over Steelers

The Kansas City Chiefs are one step closer to securing a first round bye in the NFL playoffs after beating the Houston Texans on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium 27-19.&nbsp;

There were questions early in the week about whether Patrick Mahomes, who has a history of ankle injuries, would play at all after he sustained a high ankle sprain late in last week's win over Cleveland. But he was off the injury report by Friday, and he was on the field and leading the Chiefs to a touchdown on their opening possession, following an interception from rookie Jaden Hicks on the Texans opening drive.&nbsp;

Mahomes knew he could run on the ankle he sprained last week. The bigger concern for the Chiefs quarterback was how he would stop, when all the weight and pressure and momentum would land squarely upon it.&nbsp; The solution against Houston was simple: Mahomes didn't stop.

The two-time MVP kept chugging forward until he plowed into the end zone on a 15-yard scramble to cap the Chiefs' 11 play opening drive to take the early lead.&nbsp;

That however, started a back and forth affair.&nbsp; After Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn hit a 33 yard field goal near the end of the first quarter, the Chiefs were forced to punt, leading to a 13 play drive that ended with Houston taking the lead on a 10 yard pass from CJ Stroud to tight end Dalton Schultz

Kansas City took the lead back though heading into the halftime break, first getting a three yard touchdown run from Kareem Hunt.&nbsp; Then, after Trent McDuffie got his second career interception, the Chiefs worked into field goal position, where Harrison Butker hit a 44 yard field goal with 19 seconds remaining, sending Kansas City to the halftime break with a 17-10 lead.&nbsp;

After deferring to the second half, the Chiefs opened up with the first possession but were forced to punt.&nbsp; Houston took advantage and scored, a 30 yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Tank Dell, but on the play disaster struck, and Dell,&nbsp;who had six catches for 98 yards, sustained a devastating knee injury on the play and was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he would remain overnight.

Fairbairn missed the extra point, leaving the Chiefs up by one point, and after a turnover on downs by Kansas City and a punt from the Texans, Mahomes scored again, this time on a passing touchdown finding Xavier Worthy for an eight yard score, extending the lead to 24-16 with 2:42 remaining in the third quarter.&nbsp;

A 14 play drive from the Texans carried through the remainder of the third and into the fourth quarter, where early in the final frame of regulation Fairbairn was sent out and hit a 38 yard field goal, but Kansas City answered with a 14 play drive of their own, that also ended with a field goal, 27 yards from Butker.&nbsp;

Houston was forced into a three and out on the next drive, and the Chiefs got the ball back on a punt with 3:41 remaining, and would go on to run out the remaining time to leave victorious.&nbsp;

Mahomes was 28 of 41 passing for 160 yards with one touchdown, rushing five times for 33 yards and a score as well.&nbsp; Hunt ran 11 times for 55 yards and a touchdown, while Isiah Pacheco ran nine times for 26 yards.&nbsp; Worthy was the leading receiver with seven catches for 66 yards and a score.&nbsp; Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, in his first game since suffering a shoulder injury in week one of the preseason, caught five passes for 45 yards.

The Chiefs (14-1) can clinch the postseason bye and home-field advantage if Buffalo loses to or ties New England on Sunday. If the Bills win, Kansas City can wrap it up by beating Pittsburgh on Christmas Day — its third game in an 11-day span.

Kickoff between the Chiefs and Steelers will be at noon on Christmas Day.&nbsp; Pregame will be at 11am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and on Q Country 92.7.&nbsp; The game will also be one of two on the day streamed live on Netflix.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734832567123.jpeg" alt="Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrate after Mahomes' 15 yard touchdown run in the first quarter of Saturday's win over Houston/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs " />
 <figcaption>Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrate after Mahomes' 15 yard touchdown run in the first quarter of Saturday's win over Houston/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs </figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs are one step closer to securing a first round bye in the NFL playoffs after beating the Houston Texans on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium 27-19.&nbsp;There were questions early in the week about whether Patrick Mahomes, who has a history of ankle injuries, would play at all after he sustained a high ankle sprain late in last week's win over Cleveland. But he was off the injury report by Friday, and he was on the field and leading the Chiefs to a touchdown on their opening possession, following an interception from rookie Jaden Hicks on the Texans opening drive.&nbsp;Mahomes knew he could run on the ankle he sprained last week. The bigger concern for the Chiefs quarterback was how he would stop, when all the weight and pressure and momentum would land squarely upon it.&nbsp; The solution against Houston was simple: Mahomes didn't stop.The two-time MVP kept chugging forward until he plowed into the end zone on a 15-yard scramble to cap the Chiefs' 11 play opening drive to take the early lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PATRICK DOES IT HIMSELF.<a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatrickMahomes</a> + <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProBowlVote?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProBowlVote</a> <a href="https://t.co/XmaWNwfCgL">pic.twitter.com/XmaWNwfCgL</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1870534319229321388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>That however, started a back and forth affair.&nbsp; After Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn hit a 33 yard field goal near the end of the first quarter, the Chiefs were forced to punt, leading to a 13 play drive that ended with Houston taking the lead on a 10 yard pass from CJ Stroud to tight end Dalton SchultzKansas City took the lead back though heading into the halftime break, first getting a three yard touchdown run from Kareem Hunt.&nbsp; Then, after Trent McDuffie got his second career interception, the Chiefs worked into field goal position, where Harrison Butker hit a 44 yard field goal with 19 seconds remaining, sending Kansas City to the halftime break with a 17-10 lead.&nbsp;After deferring to the second half, the Chiefs opened up with the first possession but were forced to punt.&nbsp; Houston took advantage and scored, a 30 yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Tank Dell, but on the play disaster struck, and Dell,&nbsp;who had six catches for 98 yards, sustained a devastating knee injury on the play and was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he would remain overnight.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Texans</a> WR Tank Dell suffered a dislocated knee cap, sources say, as doctors are working to determine the damage. Surgery is possible, but has not yet happened. Dell’s injury is significant, as coach DeMeco Ryans said. Not clear how significant. <a href="https://t.co/lSdNF7A4Dx">pic.twitter.com/lSdNF7A4Dx</a>&mdash; Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1870607796544418281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Fairbairn missed the extra point, leaving the Chiefs up by one point, and after a turnover on downs by Kansas City and a punt from the Texans, Mahomes scored again, this time on a passing touchdown finding Xavier Worthy for an eight yard score, extending the lead to 24-16 with 2:42 remaining in the third quarter.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">X GON&#39; GIVE IT TO YA<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProBowlVote?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProBowlVote</a> + <a href="https://twitter.com/XavierWorthy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@XavierWorthy</a> <a href="https://t.co/RsXdDZ8OgJ">pic.twitter.com/RsXdDZ8OgJ</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1870565096012869827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A 14 play drive from the Texans carried through the remainder of the third and into the fourth quarter, where early in the final frame of regulation Fairbairn was sent out and hit a 38 yard field goal, but Kansas City answered with a 14 play drive of their own, that also ended with a field goal, 27 yards from Butker.&nbsp;Houston was forced into a three and out on the next drive, and the Chiefs got the ball back on a punt with 3:41 remaining, and would go on to run out the remaining time to leave victorious.&nbsp;Mahomes was 28 of 41 passing for 160 yards with one touchdown, rushing five times for 33 yards and a score as well.&nbsp; Hunt ran 11 times for 55 yards and a touchdown, while Isiah Pacheco ran nine times for 26 yards.&nbsp; Worthy was the leading receiver with seven catches for 66 yards and a score.&nbsp; Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, in his first game since suffering a shoulder injury in week one of the preseason, caught five passes for 45 yards.The Chiefs (14-1) can clinch the postseason bye and home-field advantage if Buffalo loses to or ties New England on Sunday. If the Bills win, Kansas City can wrap it up by beating Pittsburgh on Christmas Day — its third game in an 11-day span.Kickoff between the Chiefs and Steelers will be at noon on Christmas Day.&nbsp; Pregame will be at 11am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and on Q Country 92.7.&nbsp; The game will also be one of two on the day streamed live on Netflix.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Same teams. Different matchups. 🎄 See you on Christmas Day for a <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netflix</a> doubleheader! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLonNetflix?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLonNetflix</a> <a href="https://t.co/TLshUTPZeY">pic.twitter.com/TLshUTPZeY</a>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1870630146518274205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Chiefs move closer to first round bye with 27-19 win over Texans

Fresh off the heels of the Bill Snyder Women's basketball classic, Civic Arena will turn around and host high school basketball starting tomorrow. 

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says the third annual Holiday Hoops Classic begins tomorrow and runs through this weekend.  

"16 games over three days, it tips off Thursday, December 19th, so the thing that was really important us, was we wanted to make sure our county high schools, every single one of them, got to play and that's the case for seven of the eight this year," Esely tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "And you might say well what happened to the eighth, well didn't work out for East Buchanan this year, because of scheduling, and opponents, and trying to find dates." 

Esely says the action in the Holiday Hoops Classic begin tomorrow with the Lafayette girls taking on Columbia Battle 

"We're trying to bring teams in from outside the area that maybe our teams don't play that often or haven't been here, so Battle High School from Columbia will come up and play Lafayette to tip off the event at 6pm," Eseley says.  "And then the Lafayette boys will play Oak Park from Kansas City, that matchup is intriguing because the Lafayette boys, predominantly strong program, they were in the state final four in 2023, well the Oak Park boys were in the final four last year." 

Holiday Hoops will also see matchups featuring Bishop LeBlond, Savannah, Benton, St. Joseph Christian, North Platte, Mid-Buchanan, and Central. 

Esely says his team prides itself on providing an experience, saying it's a big deal for these high schools to come play at Civic Arena 

"We dress it up for them just how we would dress it up for a national championship or a division one game, or our college showcases, we treat all of these events the same, like an experience," Esely explains.  "I think our coaches and student athletes appreciate that, because what are we trying to prepare them to do? We're trying to prepare them postseason play and what they might see in March, and I think it's a big deal for them to come downtown and play in St. Joe." 

Tickets can be purchased online at the St. Joseph Sports Commission website, or on the day of at Civic Arena. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734540029337.jpeg" alt="The third annual Holiday Hoops classic, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission tips off tomorrow at Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission" />
 <figcaption>The third annual Holiday Hoops classic, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission tips off tomorrow at Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Fresh off the heels of the Bill Snyder Women's basketball classic, Civic Arena will turn around and host high school basketball starting tomorrow. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says the third annual Holiday Hoops Classic begins tomorrow and runs through this weekend. "16 games over three days, it tips off Thursday, December 19th, so the thing that was really important us, was we wanted to make sure our county high schools, every single one of them, got to play and that's the case for seven of the eight this year," Esely tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And you might say well what happened to the eighth, well didn't work out for East Buchanan this year, because of scheduling, and opponents, and trying to find dates." Esely says the action in the Holiday Hoops Classic begin tomorrow with the Lafayette girls taking on Columbia Battle "We're trying to bring teams in from outside the area that maybe our teams don't play that often or haven't been here, so Battle High School from Columbia will come up and play Lafayette to tip off the event at 6pm," Eseley says. "And then the Lafayette boys will play Oak Park from Kansas City, that matchup is intriguing because the Lafayette boys, predominantly strong program, they were in the state final four in 2023, well the Oak Park boys were in the final four last year." Holiday Hoops will also see matchups featuring Bishop LeBlond, Savannah, Benton, St. Joseph Christian, North Platte, Mid-Buchanan, and Central. Esely says his team prides itself on providing an experience, saying it's a big deal for these high schools to come play at Civic Arena "We dress it up for them just how we would dress it up for a national championship or a division one game, or our college showcases, we treat all of these events the same, like an experience," Esely explains. "I think our coaches and student athletes appreciate that, because what are we trying to prepare them to do? We're trying to prepare them postseason play and what they might see in March, and I think it's a big deal for them to come downtown and play in St. Joe." Tickets can be purchased online at the St. Joseph Sports Commission website, or on the day of at Civic Arena. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjomosportscommission%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0yiETXVEsjPPoGKAzFWUUhMwgq1ZgVs3g4GCBCsS7dUJPQTWyyM2dS5zUZ4HBXLS4l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="792" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Third annual Holiday Hoops tips off tomorrow at Civic Arena

New Northwest Missouri State football coach John McMenamin has announced the addition of two new assistant coaches, and the retention of four others for his staff in the upcoming football season. 

McMenamin has named Collin Prosser as his offensive coordinator as well as the offensive line coach, and Jake Willrich as the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach. 

Prosser joins the Bearcats after serving three seasons as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Wayne State College. Prosser also worked five seasons at Minnesota State where he served as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for two seasons and offensive line coach for three years. 

Prosser spent two seasons at the University of South Dakota where he coached special teams, offensive line and defensive line. Prosser coached four seasons at Morningside College following work as a graduate assistant coach at South Dakota. Prosser played at Wayne State from 2005 to 2008 where he helped the Wildcats to a berth into the NCAA Div. II playoffs in 2008 as a team captain.

"Coach Prosser is a masterful technician who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to developing student-athletes," McMenamin says in a news release. "His extensive experience in leading some of the nation's top offenses will be an invaluable asset to the Bearcats."

Willrich served as an assistant coach at Wayne State College in 2024. The Wildcats ranked No. 3 in the country in net punting (41.94 yards/punt) and No. 6 in the nation in kick return coverage (14.53 yards/kick return). 

Willrich is no stranger to Northwest or the MIAA having been a graduate assistant coach at Northwest in 2003 and 2004 and was an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska-Kearney from 2014-2022. 

Willrich spent five seasons at Austin College (NCAA Div. III) as defensive coordinator, secondary coach and strength &amp; conditioning coach. He also gained coaching experience at Hastings College where he was a part of a turnaround of a program that culminated with a berth into the 2009 NAIA playoffs. Willrich played college football at Truman State University.

"Coach Willrich brings extensive experience coaching special teams and the secondary in the MIAA, consistently producing some of the nation's top-performing units," McMenamin said. "With 18 years of experience coaching defensive backs, his ability to connect with student-athletes sets him apart as one of the best in the field."

McMenamin also announced that Chad Bostwick, Ryan Gent, Roberto Davis, and JMychal Grau were all retained from last years coaching staff. Bostwick will serve as McMenamin's defensive coordinator while continuing as the linebackers coach.

Gent will also continue to serve as the wide receivers coach while also serving as the recruiting coordinator.  Davis will move up to coach the defensive line, after coaching running backs since 2021.  Grau will continue in his role as Director of Equipment Operations and Tight Ends Coach. 

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostNew Northwest Missouri State football coach John McMenamin has announced the addition of two new assistant coaches, and the retention of four others for his staff in the upcoming football season. McMenamin has named Collin Prosser as his offensive coordinator as well as the offensive line coach, and Jake Willrich as the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach. Prosser joins the Bearcats after serving three seasons as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Wayne State College. Prosser also worked five seasons at Minnesota State where he served as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for two seasons and offensive line coach for three years. Prosser spent two seasons at the University of South Dakota where he coached special teams, offensive line and defensive line. Prosser coached four seasons at Morningside College following work as a graduate assistant coach at South Dakota. Prosser played at Wayne State from 2005 to 2008 where he helped the Wildcats to a berth into the NCAA Div. II playoffs in 2008 as a team captain."Coach Prosser is a masterful technician who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to developing student-athletes," McMenamin says in a news release. "His extensive experience in leading some of the nation's top offenses will be an invaluable asset to the Bearcats."Willrich served as an assistant coach at Wayne State College in 2024. The Wildcats ranked No. 3 in the country in net punting (41.94 yards/punt) and No. 6 in the nation in kick return coverage (14.53 yards/kick return). Willrich is no stranger to Northwest or the MIAA having been a graduate assistant coach at Northwest in 2003 and 2004 and was an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska-Kearney from 2014-2022. Willrich spent five seasons at Austin College (NCAA Div. III) as defensive coordinator, secondary coach and strength &amp; conditioning coach. He also gained coaching experience at Hastings College where he was a part of a turnaround of a program that culminated with a berth into the 2009 NAIA playoffs. Willrich played college football at Truman State University."Coach Willrich brings extensive experience coaching special teams and the secondary in the MIAA, consistently producing some of the nation's top-performing units," McMenamin said. "With 18 years of experience coaching defensive backs, his ability to connect with student-athletes sets him apart as one of the best in the field."McMenamin also announced that Chad Bostwick, Ryan Gent, Roberto Davis, and JMychal Grau were all retained from last years coaching staff. Bostwick will serve as McMenamin's defensive coordinator while continuing as the linebackers coach.Gent will also continue to serve as the wide receivers coach while also serving as the recruiting coordinator. Davis will move up to coach the defensive line, after coaching running backs since 2021. Grau will continue in his role as Director of Equipment Operations and Tight Ends Coach.

Northwest coach John McMenamin announces coaching staff additions

Missouri Western State University is holding an inaugural "Education Day" basketball game tomorrow as the men's basketball team takes on Kansas Christian College 

Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says the idea for the event, coined "Field Trip with the Griffs", came after discussions of doing something with the St. Joseph School District.  

Menley says the University has done events like this in the past, but previously they had always been during night games, but this year Menley had a new idea. 

"Let's schedule a game for 11am, where it is a true field trip," Menley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And with the St. Joseph School District really focusing on their attendance incentives and everything else, it really was a natural fit with the school district, and then with the other surrounding schools in the area that we could pull from to really make this a special event." 

2,000 students from the St. Joseph School District and other area schools will take a field trip to campus for the Griffons men's basketball game. 

Menley says the field trip was a surprise for the top two attending grades at each school 

"You do the right things during the regular season, or during the school year, and you get rewarded with an experience that's something you hope to remember," Menley says. 

Menely says it also is twofold and helps benefit the University as it looks to interest students in to attending Missouri Western in the future 

"We want to get the next generation of Griffons out here, and I would question how many of these 2,000 have maybe ever been to a college basketball game," Menley explains.  "And so, I think it's a win-win situation." 

The top two attending grades from the 13 elementary schools in the district as well as St. Joseph Christian, Cathedral, Mid-Buchanan, and St. Francis – Xavier will be participating. 

Menley says this isn't the only effort the University has made to collaborate with the district, pointing out the men's basketball team has essentially adopted the third grade at Hyde Elementary 

"They go and visit the third graders and talk about the importance of attendance, and that's not just a one-time thing, that's a yearlong thing that our basketball team works with," Menley points out.  "And does that payoff? Yes, it does, because of course one of the grades that had the highest attendance that's attending the game, is the third graders at Hyde Elementary." 

Students and faculty will get free attendance into tomorrow's game against Kansas Christian.   

Students attending will also get a yellow Griffons t shirt that says "admit one" on it, which Menley says is their season ticket to any game in the future at Missouri Western. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734455414844.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western State University men's basketball will host the first ever Education Day game, welcoming several area students to take a "Field Trip with the Griffs"/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western State University men's basketball will host the first ever Education Day game, welcoming several area students to take a "Field Trip with the Griffs"/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University is holding an inaugural "Education Day" basketball game tomorrow as the men's basketball team takes on Kansas Christian College Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says the idea for the event, coined "Field Trip with the Griffs", came after discussions of doing something with the St. Joseph School District. Menley says the University has done events like this in the past, but previously they had always been during night games, but this year Menley had a new idea. "Let's schedule a game for 11am, where it is a true field trip," Menley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And with the St. Joseph School District really focusing on their attendance incentives and everything else, it really was a natural fit with the school district, and then with the other surrounding schools in the area that we could pull from to really make this a special event." 2,000 students from the St. Joseph School District and other area schools will take a field trip to campus for the Griffons men's basketball game. Menley says the field trip was a surprise for the top two attending grades at each school "You do the right things during the regular season, or during the school year, and you get rewarded with an experience that's something you hope to remember," Menley says. Menely says it also is twofold and helps benefit the University as it looks to interest students in to attending Missouri Western in the future "We want to get the next generation of Griffons out here, and I would question how many of these 2,000 have maybe ever been to a college basketball game," Menley explains. "And so, I think it's a win-win situation." The top two attending grades from the 13 elementary schools in the district as well as St. Joseph Christian, Cathedral, Mid-Buchanan, and St. Francis – Xavier will be participating. Menley says this isn't the only effort the University has made to collaborate with the district, pointing out the men's basketball team has essentially adopted the third grade at Hyde Elementary "They go and visit the third graders and talk about the importance of attendance, and that's not just a one-time thing, that's a yearlong thing that our basketball team works with," Menley points out. "And does that payoff? Yes, it does, because of course one of the grades that had the highest attendance that's attending the game, is the third graders at Hyde Elementary." Students and faculty will get free attendance into tomorrow's game against Kansas Christian. Students attending will also get a yellow Griffons t shirt that says "admit one" on it, which Menley says is their season ticket to any game in the future at Missouri Western. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Griffons host area students in first Education Day game

The only thing the Chiefs had to worry about in the final minutes Sunday was Patrick Mahomes' ankle.

Mahomes threw two touchdown passes before limping off with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter, Xavier Worthy ran for a score and Kansas City finally had a relatively easy win, 21-7 over the mistake-prone Cleveland Browns.

Mahomes connected for TDs in the first half with Juju Smith-Schuster and Noah Gray as the Chiefs (13-1) built a 21-0 lead and then slogged their way through an ugly second half.

The defending Super Bowl champions have 10 wins by seven points or less, with six coming on the game's final play.

Mahomes didn't finish the game, leaving when he got his ankle rolled up on while being tackled by Dalvin Tomlinson on a fourth-down incompletion. Carson Wentz replaced him for the final 5:23. Mahomes finished 19 of 38 for 159 yards.

After the game, Mahomes said X-rays were negative. He said he would have lobbied harder to stay in if the Browns had gotten within one score.

“We'll get into the rehab part, the treatment part and try to get back on a short week,” said Mahomes, noting the Chiefs will play again Saturday — the second of three games in 11 days. “With all the adrenaline from the game, it's hard to tell now (if he can play). Usually, it's the day after when you get a good sense of it."

Before Wentz went in, Mahomes had his left ankle re-taped while on the bench. He walked gingerly off the field but didn't favor it while in the locker room or going to his postgame news conference. He was driven to the Chiefs' buses on a cart.

Coach Andy Reid was relieved Mahomes was not more seriously hurt.

“It's not broken, that's all I can tell you,” Reid said. “We'll have to see how it goes down the road.”

The Browns (3-11) tried to put up a fight, but had six turnovers. Other than a 62-yard TD run from Jerome Ford, Cleveland had few offensive highlights and too many self-inflicted miscues.

Jameis Winston threw more three interceptions — two in the end zone to give him eight in his last three games — and the Browns had two fumbles. The five turnovers made things much easier on Mahomes and the Chiefs, not that they needed a lot of help.

Cleveland running back Nick Chubb suffered a broken foot. It's another setback for the star, who had a devastating knee injury last season.

Winston was pulled after his third pick and replaced by second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who also was intercepted. Coach Kevin Stefanski would not commit to a starter for next week.

“You can not turn the ball over six times and expect to win,” Stefanski said. “At any level.”

Cleveland's Jerry Jeudy had 11 catches for 108 yards and went over 1,000 for the season.

The Chiefs' second TD — Mahomes' 6-yard pass to Gray with 4:46 left in the first half — came on the same play Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett left the field in extreme pain with an apparent eye injury.

Garrett was rushing Mahomes and being blocked by Chiefs left tackle Joe Thuney when he suddenly stopped. The league's reigning Defensive Player of the Year immediately grabbed his face mask and pulled off his helmet, flinging it away before dropping to the turf.

He was face down for several minutes before being helped off. As Garrett walked toward the locker room holding a towel to his face, Thuney came over and patted him on the back. Garrett was only gone for a short period before he ran back on to the field and finished the game.

“Thank God, he's OK,” Stefanski said.

The Chiefs took a 21-0 lead early in the third, capitalizing on a pick by Winston that went off Chubb's hands. Four plays later, Worthy took a deep pitch from Mahomes, turned the corner and scored.

Kansas City's first score was set up by Cleveland's first turnover.

After the Browns forced a three-and-out on Kansas City's first possession, Cleveland's James Proche II fumbled during a punt return and the Chiefs recovered at the 21.

Mahomes then connected with Schuster for a 7-yard TD with 12:12 left in the first quarter.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe only thing the Chiefs had to worry about in the final minutes Sunday was Patrick Mahomes' ankle.Mahomes threw two touchdown passes before limping off with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter, Xavier Worthy ran for a score and Kansas City finally had a relatively easy win, 21-7 over the mistake-prone Cleveland Browns.Mahomes connected for TDs in the first half with Juju Smith-Schuster and Noah Gray as the Chiefs (13-1) built a 21-0 lead and then slogged their way through an ugly second half.The defending Super Bowl champions have 10 wins by seven points or less, with six coming on the game's final play.Mahomes didn't finish the game, leaving when he got his ankle rolled up on while being tackled by Dalvin Tomlinson on a fourth-down incompletion. Carson Wentz replaced him for the final 5:23. Mahomes finished 19 of 38 for 159 yards.After the game, Mahomes said X-rays were negative. He said he would have lobbied harder to stay in if the Browns had gotten within one score.“We'll get into the rehab part, the treatment part and try to get back on a short week,” said Mahomes, noting the Chiefs will play again Saturday — the second of three games in 11 days. “With all the adrenaline from the game, it's hard to tell now (if he can play). Usually, it's the day after when you get a good sense of it."Before Wentz went in, Mahomes had his left ankle re-taped while on the bench. He walked gingerly off the field but didn't favor it while in the locker room or going to his postgame news conference. He was driven to the Chiefs' buses on a cart.Coach Andy Reid was relieved Mahomes was not more seriously hurt.“It's not broken, that's all I can tell you,” Reid said. “We'll have to see how it goes down the road.”The Browns (3-11) tried to put up a fight, but had six turnovers. Other than a 62-yard TD run from Jerome Ford, Cleveland had few offensive highlights and too many self-inflicted miscues.Jameis Winston threw more three interceptions — two in the end zone to give him eight in his last three games — and the Browns had two fumbles. The five turnovers made things much easier on Mahomes and the Chiefs, not that they needed a lot of help.Cleveland running back Nick Chubb suffered a broken foot. It's another setback for the star, who had a devastating knee injury last season.Winston was pulled after his third pick and replaced by second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who also was intercepted. Coach Kevin Stefanski would not commit to a starter for next week.“You can not turn the ball over six times and expect to win,” Stefanski said. “At any level.”Cleveland's Jerry Jeudy had 11 catches for 108 yards and went over 1,000 for the season.The Chiefs' second TD — Mahomes' 6-yard pass to Gray with 4:46 left in the first half — came on the same play Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett left the field in extreme pain with an apparent eye injury.Garrett was rushing Mahomes and being blocked by Chiefs left tackle Joe Thuney when he suddenly stopped. The league's reigning Defensive Player of the Year immediately grabbed his face mask and pulled off his helmet, flinging it away before dropping to the turf.He was face down for several minutes before being helped off. As Garrett walked toward the locker room holding a towel to his face, Thuney came over and patted him on the back. Garrett was only gone for a short period before he ran back on to the field and finished the game.“Thank God, he's OK,” Stefanski said.The Chiefs took a 21-0 lead early in the third, capitalizing on a pick by Winston that went off Chubb's hands. Four plays later, Worthy took a deep pitch from Mahomes, turned the corner and scored.Kansas City's first score was set up by Cleveland's first turnover.After the Browns forced a three-and-out on Kansas City's first possession, Cleveland's James Proche II fumbled during a punt return and the Chiefs recovered at the 21.Mahomes then connected with Schuster for a 7-yard TD with 12:12 left in the first quarter.

Chiefs move closer to clinching first round bye with 21-7 win over Browns

For the second year in a row, the Kansas State women's basketball team overcame a slow first half, to take a win back to Manhattan in the Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission, winning 74-48. 

After being outscored 26-25 in the first half, Kansas State ran away with the game in the second half, outscoring the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 49-22.  

Center Ayoka Lee says in the second half the team played better together 

"Like I think we got it inside a little earlier, so that helped, I think we had a little bit more movement so it was harder for them to get help inside, we were knocking it down so that also makes it hard, you kind of have to pick what you want to guard," Lee tells reporters during the postgame press conference. "So yeah, I thought we just played more cohesively and that helped a lot."

Lee led the Wildcats with 16 points in the win as Kansas State improved to 2-0 in the Bill Snyder Classic.  Forward Temira Poindexter and guard Jaelynn Glynn each scored 15 points.  

Maryville's Serena Sundell said after the game she wishes this event would have happened all four years she's been in Manhattan, but to come back the last two is special 

"I've played so much basketball here, so just to see so many familiar faces in the crowd and being swarmed after the game, you feel like a little celebrity, so it's really cool," Sundell says.  "This is a great event, hopefully next year I can come back and be in the stands cheering on my teammates, but yeah it's a really special moment for someone who's from around this area." 

Sundell scored just five points in the win but tallied 11 assists with no turnovers.

Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie, a former coach at Missouri Western, applauded St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely for his work putting on this event 

"Brett and his staff do a great job representing St. Joe," Mittie points out.  "And for me, went to school here, played here, started my coaching career here, Shannon and I started our family here, this is always going to be a special place, so we do like coming back, I don't get back enough, but this is a good event and we certainly like it."

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233150922.jpeg" alt="The Kansas State Wildcats and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders played in the second annual Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic at Civic Arena on Saturday/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas State Wildcats and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders played in the second annual Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic at Civic Arena on Saturday/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post For the second year in a row, the Kansas State women's basketball team overcame a slow first half, to take a win back to Manhattan in the Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission, winning 74-48. After being outscored 26-25 in the first half, Kansas State ran away with the game in the second half, outscoring the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 49-22. Center Ayoka Lee says in the second half the team played better together "Like I think we got it inside a little earlier, so that helped, I think we had a little bit more movement so it was harder for them to get help inside, we were knocking it down so that also makes it hard, you kind of have to pick what you want to guard," Lee tells reporters during the postgame press conference. "So yeah, I thought we just played more cohesively and that helped a lot."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233196974.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Ayoka Lee goes up for a shot that would be called off due to an offensive foul/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Ayoka Lee goes up for a shot that would be called off due to an offensive foul/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Lee led the Wildcats with 16 points in the win as Kansas State improved to 2-0 in the Bill Snyder Classic. Forward Temira Poindexter and guard Jaelynn Glynn each scored 15 points. Maryville's Serena Sundell said after the game she wishes this event would have happened all four years she's been in Manhattan, but to come back the last two is special "I've played so much basketball here, so just to see so many familiar faces in the crowd and being swarmed after the game, you feel like a little celebrity, so it's really cool," Sundell says. "This is a great event, hopefully next year I can come back and be in the stands cheering on my teammates, but yeah it's a really special moment for someone who's from around this area." Sundell scored just five points in the win but tallied 11 assists with no turnovers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233266080.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Serena Sundell, from Maryville, works around Middle Tennesee guard Jalynn Gregory/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Serena Sundell, from Maryville, works around Middle Tennesee guard Jalynn Gregory/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie, a former coach at Missouri Western, applauded St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely for his work putting on this event "Brett and his staff do a great job representing St. Joe," Mittie points out. "And for me, went to school here, played here, started my coaching career here, Shannon and I started our family here, this is always going to be a special place, so we do like coming back, I don't get back enough, but this is a good event and we certainly like it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233302257.jpeg" alt="Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie, an alum and former coach of Missouri Western, coaches up his team during the Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie, an alum and former coach of Missouri Western, coaches up his team during the Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State is now 11-1 on the season.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;More photos from the matchup<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02JbHDjTmZHyC2PyEJDSBBJgtR51ED8ViGobqPCqX8wqqFmxpiGQssNbhXdX8ETJdCl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="773" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Kansas State takes home win in second annual Bill Snyder Women's Classic

That's a saying that rings true as former quarterback John McMenamin has officially been named the 21st head coach of the Northwest Missouri State University football program. 

Not many coaches get the chance to come back and coach at their alma mater, and McMenamin says the opportunity still hasn't fully sunk in. 

"I talk to Andy (Peterson) and I'm like can you believe this, or my buddies they'll text and say holy moly congrats, can't wait to get going, and can you believe this, and that's neat but then it's also what drives you," McMenamin tells reporters following his introductory press conference.  "You're never going to let someone down for taking a chance on you and jumping in, so I'm over the moon excited." 

McMenamin played quarterback in Maryville from 1998 to 2002, helping the Bearcats to two national championships and four MIAA championships.  

McMenamin also played under legendary Northwest coach Mel Tjeerdsma.  He says still to this day he looks to Tjeerdsma for advice 

"Called him every year and talked, if i needed a coaching question, because my father wasn't around, I would call him, and he would give you advice one way or another," McMenamin says.  "And so, when we got this job, he was the first person to call and he was over the moon excited for me, and that just means the world, and so I'll still be calling him." 

"He said he might have to start charging me for some of this advice, that's why I tried to get the budget increased, so they could pay Coach Tjeerdsma for his advice."

McMenamin has had several coaching stops along the way, including Nebraska-Omaha, Central Missouri, Wayne State College, and most notably division one Tulane.  

McMenamin says the kind of football team that Northwest fans will get to see from him is a team that's fast, physical, and relentless 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734051594834.jpeg" alt="John McMenamin was introduced today during a press conference as the 21st head football coach in Northwest Missouri State history/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Athletics" />
 <figcaption>John McMenamin was introduced today during a press conference as the 21st head football coach in Northwest Missouri State history/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat. That's a saying that rings true as former quarterback John McMenamin has officially been named the 21st head coach of the Northwest Missouri State University football program. Not many coaches get the chance to come back and coach at their alma mater, and McMenamin says the opportunity still hasn't fully sunk in. "I talk to Andy (Peterson) and I'm like can you believe this, or my buddies they'll text and say holy moly congrats, can't wait to get going, and can you believe this, and that's neat but then it's also what drives you," McMenamin tells reporters following his introductory press conference. "You're never going to let someone down for taking a chance on you and jumping in, so I'm over the moon excited." McMenamin played quarterback in Maryville from 1998 to 2002, helping the Bearcats to two national championships and four MIAA championships. McMenamin also played under legendary Northwest coach Mel Tjeerdsma. He says still to this day he looks to Tjeerdsma for advice "Called him every year and talked, if i needed a coaching question, because my father wasn't around, I would call him, and he would give you advice one way or another," McMenamin says. "And so, when we got this job, he was the first person to call and he was over the moon excited for me, and that just means the world, and so I'll still be calling him." "He said he might have to start charging me for some of this advice, that's why I tried to get the budget increased, so they could pay Coach Tjeerdsma for his advice."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734051714275.jpeg" alt="John McMenamin/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>John McMenamin/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>McMenamin has had several coaching stops along the way, including Nebraska-Omaha, Central Missouri, Wayne State College, and most notably division one Tulane. McMenamin says the kind of football team that Northwest fans will get to see from him is a team that's fast, physical, and relentless "We'll play fast, we will be very, very physical, and we won't quit, we might not be very good at some point, but we will not quit" McMenamin explains. "And so that is the way that team will play from start to finish, that's the way we'll practice, that's the way we'll lift in the weight room, we've got to start practicing how we do it, but that's what they'll be and they'll have the biggest cheerleader behind them in me." McMenamin's last head coaching job was at Wayne State College in 2021, where he led the team to its first seven-win season in 11 years, going 7-4. During his time at Tulane as co-offensive coordinator, he helped orchestrate the biggest single season turnaround, the Green Wave going from 2-10 to 10-2 with a Cotton Bowl victory over USC. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734051771331.jpeg" alt="John McMenamin hugs Northwest athletic director Andy Peterson before taking the podium as Northwest President Lance Tatum looks on/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>John McMenamin hugs Northwest athletic director Andy Peterson before taking the podium as Northwest President Lance Tatum looks on/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;