It's the second round of district playoffs in Missouri and Kansas. Below is a list of the games scores from around the area for Thursday and Friday and the matchups for the second round of districts next week. 

&nbsp;Maryville 55&nbsp; Pembroke Hill 33

Bishop LeBlond 64&nbsp; Stewartsville-Osborn 36

St. Joseph Christian 36&nbsp; South Holt 30

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761370095297.jpeg" alt="West Platte's Macklin Bolling (12) leaps and hauls in a contested catch against North Platte's Hudson Yarc (6), the Blue Jays and Panthers will meet again in the District Finals next Friday/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>West Platte's Macklin Bolling (12) leaps and hauls in a contested catch against North Platte's Hudson Yarc (6), the Blue Jays and Panthers will meet again in the District Finals next Friday/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEIt's the second round of district playoffs in Missouri and Kansas. Below is a list of the games scores from around the area for Thursday and Friday and the matchups for the second round of districts next week. 11-Man Football<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758941927440.jpeg" alt="Mid-Buchanan's Raife Smith (12) jukes through several Lawson defenders for a long run, the Dragons beat Lawson again in a rematch in the District semifinals, and now meet Cameron next week in the District finals/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Mid-Buchanan's Raife Smith (12) jukes through several Lawson defenders for a long run, the Dragons beat Lawson again in a rematch in the District semifinals, and now meet Cameron next week in the District finals/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 1 District 5&nbsp;Adrian 47&nbsp; Polo 0Windsor 53&nbsp; Sherwood 6Class 1 District 6&nbsp;West Platte 42&nbsp; Hamilton 0North Platte 30&nbsp; Gallatin 22<ol>
 <li>District Finals: West Platte vs Lawson- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Class 2 District 8Mid-Buchanan 63&nbsp; Lawson 37Cameron 46&nbsp; South Harrison 0<ol>
 <li>District Finals: Mid-Buchanan vs Cameron- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Class 3 District 8 Richmond 24&nbsp; Chillicothe 19&nbsp;Maryville 55&nbsp; Pembroke Hill 33<ol>
 <li>District Finals: Maryville vs Richmond- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Class 4 District 8Savannah 21&nbsp; Smithville 10Kearney 67&nbsp; Van Horn 20<ol>
 <li>District Finals: Savannah @ Kearney- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>8-Man Football<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760039076989.jpeg" alt="Pattonsburg's Wyatt Maize (3) rounds the corner against King City defender Josiah Schellhorn, King City defeated Pattonsburg in a rematch and will now face Worth County in the District Finals next Friday/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Pattonsburg's Wyatt Maize (3) rounds the corner against King City defender Josiah Schellhorn, King City defeated Pattonsburg in a rematch and will now face Worth County in the District Finals next Friday/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>District 5Bishop LeBlond 64&nbsp; Stewartsville-Osborn 36St. Joseph Christian 36&nbsp; South Holt 30<ol>
 <li>District Finals: Bishop LeBlond vs St. Joseph Christian- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>District 6 Rock Port 74&nbsp; East Atchison 12Nodaway Valley 66&nbsp; Mound City 20<ol>
 <li>District Final: Rock Port vs Nodaway Valley- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>District 7Worth County 74&nbsp; Albany 16&nbsp;King City 70&nbsp; Pattonsburg 60<ol>
 <li>District Final: Worth County vs King City- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Northeast Kansas<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760151078253.jpeg" alt="Riverside's Ty'zell Harrington (5) goes around the edge for a touchdown, the Cyclones defeated Centralia in Regionals making school history and are now set for a rematch with Jackson Heights in Sectionals next Friday/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Riverside's Ty'zell Harrington (5) goes around the edge for a touchdown, the Cyclones defeated Centralia in Regionals making school history and are now set for a rematch with Jackson Heights in Sectionals next Friday/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 1ARiverside 41&nbsp; Centralia 26<ol>
 <li>Sectionals: Riverside @ Jackson Heights- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>St. Mary's Colgan 56&nbsp; Troy 0You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

District semifinals and regional scoreboard for Nov. 7th

The East Buchanan girls volleyball team fought hard through another five set thriller on Thursday evening at Civic Arena, coming up just short against New Covenant Academy in the MSHSAA Class 2 Girls Volleyball tournament third place game.&nbsp;

In their second trip to the state tournament, the Bulldogs finished fourth place for a second time.&nbsp; Not the finish they hoped for, but still a lot to be proud of after taking two good teams to the limit in each match.&nbsp; Head Coach Ryan Horn says he thinks his team proved they belong here.&nbsp;

"You come out here and you play two five setters against two of the best teams in the state, what more could you ask for out of your girls effort?" Horn tells reporters.&nbsp; "We'd have liked to win and everything, but it would have been really easy to show up today and just fold, and we didn't do that, we fought and just didn't quite get what we wanted but we fought and I think that says a lot about our kids."

After the loss to Hermann, Horn had said his team would need to find the motivation to compete in the third place match, and in the first set that motivation showed, East Buchanan battling from behind to take a 19-16 lead before the first timeout was ever called.&nbsp; Out timeout two more points were scored by the Bulldogs, prompting another timeout, this time by the Lady Warriors, before East Buchanan went on to win set one 25-22.&nbsp;

New Covenant Academy breezed through the second set, only allowing East Buchanan to tie things up briefly at one for a moment before pulling away 8-3 and forcing a timeout.&nbsp; After the break, the Lady Warriors extended the lead to 19-9 before another timeout, going on to take the second set 25-16.&nbsp;

In the third set, the Bulldogs started out in control, going up 6-2 before a timeout by New Covenant Academy.&nbsp; The Lady Warriors used the break to their advantage&nbsp; and worked their way back into the set before another timeout, down by one 12-11.&nbsp; Both teams traded blows from there, but New Covenant Academy took the set 25-23, forcing the win or go home set four.&nbsp;

East Buchanan wasn't ready to go home quite yet though, going back and forth all the way with New Covenant Academy through the entire set, neither team ever leading by more than three points, until the Bulldogs sealed victory 25-23, taking things to set five for a second game in a row for them.

In the fifth set, East Buchanan fought back and forth early with the Lady Warriors, pulling ahead eventually by three, but soon after a timeout going back to a tie, where New Covenant Academy took advantage and pulled away to a 15-12 win.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Bulldogs started out the season not playing to their potential, in fact Horn says they weren't even close, but Horn also says he's never had a group make a total 180 and make volleyball a priority the way this team did.&nbsp;

"It's hard to do, it's hard to admit that you're always not working, in life, in volleyball, in anything, it's hard to admit you're wrong, and then it's even harder to fix it, and they did both those things," Horn explains.&nbsp;

East Buchanan graduates four seniors, but returns a group of&nbsp;10 players, at least five of which played significant time during the state tournament.&nbsp; Horn says much like the 2022 Final Four did for his seniors this year, he hopes this experience makes those underclassmen hungry.&nbsp;

"We had a pep assembly the other day on Tuesday, and three years ago I said to our eighth graders hey you've got to want one of these too, and here they were as juniors wanting it, right? And doing it," Horn says.&nbsp; "So I said the same thing to this years eighth grade, like this kind of success has to continue to build, and I think it makes kids they see it now they want it, so hopefully everyone is learning from that."

Brooklynn Johnson finished the match with a career high 23 kills.&nbsp; Kamryn Werle and Layla Watkins added 15 each.&nbsp; Kendyl Edwards had 61 assists and 23 digs, while Kaylynn Engnes led the team with 49 digs.

East Buchanan finishes the season 26-12-3.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762474193039.jpeg" alt="The East Buchanan volleyball team went to five sets for a second game in a row, but came up just short against New Covenant Academy on Thursday evening for a fourth place finish in the MSHSAA Class 2 Girls Volleyball tournament/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The East Buchanan volleyball team went to five sets for a second game in a row, but came up just short against New Covenant Academy on Thursday evening for a fourth place finish in the MSHSAA Class 2 Girls Volleyball tournament/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe East Buchanan girls volleyball team fought hard through another five set thriller on Thursday evening at Civic Arena, coming up just short against New Covenant Academy in the MSHSAA Class 2 Girls Volleyball tournament third place game.&nbsp;In their second trip to the state tournament, the Bulldogs finished fourth place for a second time.&nbsp; Not the finish they hoped for, but still a lot to be proud of after taking two good teams to the limit in each match.&nbsp; Head Coach Ryan Horn says he thinks his team proved they belong here.&nbsp;"You come out here and you play two five setters against two of the best teams in the state, what more could you ask for out of your girls effort?" Horn tells reporters.&nbsp; "We'd have liked to win and everything, but it would have been really easy to show up today and just fold, and we didn't do that, we fought and just didn't quite get what we wanted but we fought and I think that says a lot about our kids."After the loss to Hermann, Horn had said his team would need to find the motivation to compete in the third place match, and in the first set that motivation showed, East Buchanan battling from behind to take a 19-16 lead before the first timeout was ever called.&nbsp; Out timeout two more points were scored by the Bulldogs, prompting another timeout, this time by the Lady Warriors, before East Buchanan went on to win set one 25-22.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762476240886.jpeg" alt="Senior Libero Kaylnn Engnes (1) and Junior Piper Jacobs (2) go for the bump to set up a shot for East Buchanan/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Senior Libero Kaylnn Engnes (1) and Junior Piper Jacobs (2) go for the bump to set up a shot for East Buchanan/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>New Covenant Academy breezed through the second set, only allowing East Buchanan to tie things up briefly at one for a moment before pulling away 8-3 and forcing a timeout.&nbsp; After the break, the Lady Warriors extended the lead to 19-9 before another timeout, going on to take the second set 25-16.&nbsp;In the third set, the Bulldogs started out in control, going up 6-2 before a timeout by New Covenant Academy.&nbsp; The Lady Warriors used the break to their advantage&nbsp; and worked their way back into the set before another timeout, down by one 12-11.&nbsp; Both teams traded blows from there, but New Covenant Academy took the set 25-23, forcing the win or go home set four.&nbsp;East Buchanan wasn't ready to go home quite yet though, going back and forth all the way with New Covenant Academy through the entire set, neither team ever leading by more than three points, until the Bulldogs sealed victory 25-23, taking things to set five for a second game in a row for them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762478423548.jpeg" alt="Kendyl Edwards/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kendyl Edwards/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>In the fifth set, East Buchanan fought back and forth early with the Lady Warriors, pulling ahead eventually by three, but soon after a timeout going back to a tie, where New Covenant Academy took advantage and pulled away to a 15-12 win.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Bulldogs started out the season not playing to their potential, in fact Horn says they weren't even close, but Horn also says he's never had a group make a total 180 and make volleyball a priority the way this team did.&nbsp;"It's hard to do, it's hard to admit that you're always not working, in life, in volleyball, in anything, it's hard to admit you're wrong, and then it's even harder to fix it, and they did both those things," Horn explains.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762478384812.jpeg" alt="DSC00531.JPG" />
 <figcaption>DSC00531.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>East Buchanan graduates four seniors, but returns a group of&nbsp;10 players, at least five of which played significant time during the state tournament.&nbsp; Horn says much like the 2022 Final Four did for his seniors this year, he hopes this experience makes those underclassmen hungry.&nbsp;"We had a pep assembly the other day on Tuesday, and three years ago I said to our eighth graders hey you've got to want one of these too, and here they were as juniors wanting it, right? And doing it," Horn says.&nbsp; "So I said the same thing to this years eighth grade, like this kind of success has to continue to build, and I think it makes kids they see it now they want it, so hopefully everyone is learning from that."Brooklynn Johnson finished the match with a career high 23 kills.&nbsp; Kamryn Werle and Layla Watkins added 15 each.&nbsp; Kendyl Edwards had 61 assists and 23 digs, while Kaylynn Engnes led the team with 49 digs.East Buchanan finishes the season 26-12-3.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762477292109.jpeg" alt="Kourtney Keling (4)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kourtney Keling (4)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Bulldogs fight hard but fall just short in another heartbreaker for 4th place finish

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6HA67i0elFlKWjMMXLb8Bk?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7AED6thoaVduYHsLMGvfIY?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The East Buchanan volleyball team fell in heartbreaking fashion to the Hermann Bearcats in the Class 2 Semifinals of the MSHSAA Girls Volleyball Championships at Civic Arena.

The Bulldogs competed hard, taking a lead on Hermann after coming back in the first set after trailing 21-20 at one point, going on to win the opening set 27-25.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the second set, it was all East Buchanan as they never trailed, and never let the Bearcats within more than three points after pulling away, eventually winning that set 25-17.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Leading two sets to none, it seemed like it was East Buchanan's match.&nbsp; But at this level, you can never count anyone out, especially a team like Hermann whose made it to the Final Four 10 years in a row, bringing home three championships and three second place finishes in that span.

The momentum stayed with East Buchanan to start set three, the Bulldogs pulling ahead to a 12-6 lead before Hermann called a timeout.&nbsp; After the timeout, the Bearcats scored three straight points to get within three, before an East Buchanan timeout, then stayed within two points until the Bulldogs pulled ahead 17-11, forcing another Hermann timeout.&nbsp;

That timeout is where the momentum changed hands.&nbsp; The Bearcats scored four of the next five points to get within three, and then East Buchanan got to within four points of match point, and Hermann took over again scoring seven of the next eight, to pull ahead 22-21.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Bulldogs tied things up, and then took a lead to get to within two points of a trip to the championship, the Bearcats didn't go away, both teams going back and forth until Hermann won set three 29-27.&nbsp;

Set four mirrored the second set of the match, but this time in Hermann's favor.&nbsp; The Bulldogs did battle with the Bearcats through the first half of the set, but eventually Hermann pulled away, never letting East Buchanan within more than three points, winning 25-17 and forcing the decisive set five.&nbsp;

In that final set, the Bearcats took an early lead, but the Bulldogs battled back to tie it up, and after both teams went back and forth for awhile, including a brief lead by East Buchanan, Hermann eventually pulled away for a 15-9 victory.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Head Coach Ryan Horn says his biggest message to the girls was that they belong there, and he says they showed that

"We did that through the first two and a half sets and I just felt like we lit up a little bit, I don't know if that's true that's just the way I felt, and it's just like we couldn't ever get it back," Horn tells reporters after the match.

Horn says Hermann made adjusments to things they were doing defensively and admits he didn't make the right adjustments to put his girls in a great position

"Volleyball is a weird game and if you lose that momentum it's hard to get it back and we just couldn't ever get it back," Horn says.

Horn says he's always been told only two people in the state can say they ended the season with a win, so the message in the locker room following the loss, was just how proud he was of the girls

"They fought hard, they had a goal of getting out of here with at least one win and they still have a chance to do that," Horn explains.&nbsp; "So I told them I said it hurts, but at some point we've got to get refocused and motivation is the hardest part of a third place game and so we've got to find that."

While a championship isn't on the table anymore, East Buchanan still has a shot to do one step better than the last time they made it to state.

&nbsp;Horn says for those seniors that had hoped to do one step better than their freshman year he hopes that can provide some motivation

"I hope that we can, you know right now everybody is upset and everything but I'm hoping that if anything it did show that we can play down here and that we'll work hard for a chance to do that hopefully," Horn says.

Johnson led the way with 19 kills for East Buchanan.&nbsp; Kamryn Werle had 13 and Layla Watkins had 11.&nbsp; Kendyl Edwards had 48 assists while Kalynn Engnes led the way with 22 digs.

East Buchanan will play in the Class two third place game tomorrow at 2pm at Civic Arena against New Covenant Academy. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762395506208.jpeg" alt="Layla Watkins (13) attempts to put the ball past Hermann defenders Madyson Yates (19) and Ashlyn Hughes (7)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Layla Watkins (13) attempts to put the ball past Hermann defenders Madyson Yates (19) and Ashlyn Hughes (7)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe East Buchanan volleyball team fell in heartbreaking fashion to the Hermann Bearcats in the Class 2 Semifinals of the MSHSAA Girls Volleyball Championships at Civic Arena.The Bulldogs competed hard, taking a lead on Hermann after coming back in the first set after trailing 21-20 at one point, going on to win the opening set 27-25.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the second set, it was all East Buchanan as they never trailed, and never let the Bearcats within more than three points after pulling away, eventually winning that set 25-17.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leading two sets to none, it seemed like it was East Buchanan's match.&nbsp; But at this level, you can never count anyone out, especially a team like Hermann whose made it to the Final Four 10 years in a row, bringing home three championships and three second place finishes in that span.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762396397584.jpeg" alt="Kendyl Edwards (10)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kendyl Edwards (10)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>The momentum stayed with East Buchanan to start set three, the Bulldogs pulling ahead to a 12-6 lead before Hermann called a timeout.&nbsp; After the timeout, the Bearcats scored three straight points to get within three, before an East Buchanan timeout, then stayed within two points until the Bulldogs pulled ahead 17-11, forcing another Hermann timeout.&nbsp;That timeout is where the momentum changed hands.&nbsp; The Bearcats scored four of the next five points to get within three, and then East Buchanan got to within four points of match point, and Hermann took over again scoring seven of the next eight, to pull ahead 22-21.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Bulldogs tied things up, and then took a lead to get to within two points of a trip to the championship, the Bearcats didn't go away, both teams going back and forth until Hermann won set three 29-27.&nbsp;Set four mirrored the second set of the match, but this time in Hermann's favor.&nbsp; The Bulldogs did battle with the Bearcats through the first half of the set, but eventually Hermann pulled away, never letting East Buchanan within more than three points, winning 25-17 and forcing the decisive set five.&nbsp;In that final set, the Bearcats took an early lead, but the Bulldogs battled back to tie it up, and after both teams went back and forth for awhile, including a brief lead by East Buchanan, Hermann eventually pulled away for a 15-9 victory.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762397063890.jpeg" alt="Kourtney Keling (4) / Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kourtney Keling (4) / Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Head Coach Ryan Horn says his biggest message to the girls was that they belong there, and he says they showed that"We did that through the first two and a half sets and I just felt like we lit up a little bit, I don't know if that's true that's just the way I felt, and it's just like we couldn't ever get it back," Horn tells reporters after the match.Horn says Hermann made adjusments to things they were doing defensively and admits he didn't make the right adjustments to put his girls in a great position"Volleyball is a weird game and if you lose that momentum it's hard to get it back and we just couldn't ever get it back," Horn says.Horn says he's always been told only two people in the state can say they ended the season with a win, so the message in the locker room following the loss, was just how proud he was of the girls"They fought hard, they had a goal of getting out of here with at least one win and they still have a chance to do that," Horn explains.&nbsp; "So I told them I said it hurts, but at some point we've got to get refocused and motivation is the hardest part of a third place game and so we've got to find that."While a championship isn't on the table anymore, East Buchanan still has a shot to do one step better than the last time they made it to state.&nbsp;Horn says for those seniors that had hoped to do one step better than their freshman year he hopes that can provide some motivation"I hope that we can, you know right now everybody is upset and everything but I'm hoping that if anything it did show that we can play down here and that we'll work hard for a chance to do that hopefully," Horn says.Johnson led the way with 19 kills for East Buchanan.&nbsp; Kamryn Werle had 13 and Layla Watkins had 11.&nbsp; Kendyl Edwards had 48 assists while Kalynn Engnes led the way with 22 digs.East Buchanan will play in the Class two third place game tomorrow at 2pm at Civic Arena against New Covenant Academy. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762397601964.jpeg" alt="Brooklynn Johnson (25)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Brooklynn Johnson (25)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

East Buchanan volleyball falls in heartbreaker to Hermann

 The Benton girl basketball team have again found their new head coach, after the departure of the coach hired back in May to replace Chris Michaels.

Former Benton assistant coach Rebecca Bailey has been named the new head coach. Bailey was going to be the assistant coach again this season before the departure of Barelli last month.

The St. Joseph School District will not comment on the departure of Barelli calling it a personal matter.

The Cardinals finished second in Class 4 last season with a 27-4 record.

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post The Benton girl basketball team have again found their new head coach, after the departure of the coach hired back in May to replace Chris Michaels.Former Benton assistant coach Rebecca Bailey has been named the new head coach. Bailey was going to be the assistant coach again this season before the departure of Barelli last month.The St. Joseph School District will not comment on the departure of Barelli calling it a personal matter.The Cardinals finished second in Class 4 last season with a 27-4 record.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Benton promotes assistant coach Bailey to fill vacant head coaching job

Over the next four days, high school girls' volleyball teams from across Missouri that earned their way here will compete for a state title at the Civic Arena.  

The St. Joseph Sports Commission found out three years ago the event would be coming and are now excited to welcome 20 teams from all five classes to St. Joseph to compete.  

Executive Director Brett Esely says when they first started the Sports Commission back up in 2022, they began looking at events that could fit here 

"Right about then we received several bid packages from the state high school activities association, one of which was volleyball, and looking at the specs, looking at what they needed, looking at who was playing well around the area, we quickly went to work on that bid,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “We had an opportunity to entertain some folks from the MSHSAA office that summer and walk them through the facility, walk them through some plans on how we though the championship would be great here.”  

Esely says in September of that year they were lucky enough to get the call that Civic Arena had been selected to host the championship for three years, beginning today. 

Esely says those that come to the Civic Arena are in for watching a high level of competition 

"We’ve got six teams in this field that won more than 30 games this year, it used to be a pinnacle of your season to win 20, let alone win 30, and five teams have done that,” Esely explains.  “And I always say this to, I’ve had people ask me who are the favorites, you know I’ll be honest other than record and noting teams on paper I don’t know a lot about these teams, but I do know this if you get to this level of competition you can win it.” 

All tickets to the event must be bought ahead of time through the Missouri State High School Activities Association's website.  No tickets will be available at the arena. 

Esely credits the city of St. Joseph for its commitment to upgrading the arena and making it more modernized.  Esely says while it's a misconception things were not happening at the arena prior to improvements, he points out now event owners want modernized facilities 

"Does Division One women’s college basketball come to this venue without these improvements? Absolutely not.  Does state volleyball come to this venue without these improvements? Absolutely not.” Esely says.  “Does this venue continue to be sought after for major college events, MIAA volleyball that we’ve been fortunate now to host, this will be year four, absolutely not, do we have an opportunity to bring a new tournament to town in the Great Lakes Valley basketball championship that will begin March 27th? Absolutely not.” 

Esely says the renovations and improvements were vital, but now it's about keeping up with it, because things events are looking for will continue to evolve. 

The tournament gets started at noon today and runs through Saturday.  Locally, at 2pm today East Buchanan will face Hermann for a trip to the championship.  

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762362115111.jpeg" alt="The MSHSAA Girls Volleyball championships begin in St. Joseph today at the Civic Arena bringing teams from across the state representing all five classes/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The MSHSAA Girls Volleyball championships begin in St. Joseph today at the Civic Arena bringing teams from across the state representing all five classes/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostOver the next four days, high school girls' volleyball teams from across Missouri that earned their way here will compete for a state title at the Civic Arena. The St. Joseph Sports Commission found out three years ago the event would be coming and are now excited to welcome 20 teams from all five classes to St. Joseph to compete. Executive Director Brett Esely says when they first started the Sports Commission back up in 2022, they began looking at events that could fit here "Right about then we received several bid packages from the state high school activities association, one of which was volleyball, and looking at the specs, looking at what they needed, looking at who was playing well around the area, we quickly went to work on that bid,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show. “We had an opportunity to entertain some folks from the MSHSAA office that summer and walk them through the facility, walk them through some plans on how we though the championship would be great here.” Esely says in September of that year they were lucky enough to get the call that Civic Arena had been selected to host the championship for three years, beginning today. Esely says those that come to the Civic Arena are in for watching a high level of competition "We’ve got six teams in this field that won more than 30 games this year, it used to be a pinnacle of your season to win 20, let alone win 30, and five teams have done that,” Esely explains. “And I always say this to, I’ve had people ask me who are the favorites, you know I’ll be honest other than record and noting teams on paper I don’t know a lot about these teams, but I do know this if you get to this level of competition you can win it.” All tickets to the event must be bought ahead of time through the Missouri State High School Activities Association's website. No tickets will be available at the arena. Esely credits the city of St. Joseph for its commitment to upgrading the arena and making it more modernized. Esely says while it's a misconception things were not happening at the arena prior to improvements, he points out now event owners want modernized facilities "Does Division One women’s college basketball come to this venue without these improvements? Absolutely not. Does state volleyball come to this venue without these improvements? Absolutely not.” Esely says. “Does this venue continue to be sought after for major college events, MIAA volleyball that we’ve been fortunate now to host, this will be year four, absolutely not, do we have an opportunity to bring a new tournament to town in the Great Lakes Valley basketball championship that will begin March 27th? Absolutely not.” Esely says the renovations and improvements were vital, but now it's about keeping up with it, because things events are looking for will continue to evolve. The tournament gets started at noon today and runs through Saturday. Locally, at 2pm today East Buchanan will face Hermann for a trip to the championship. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Missouri volleyball high school state championships happening at Civic Arena

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2iQPu6TkiFUSrsXyAeLxph?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1HJd9VIQEAuzgR0MpkbaWD?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/488VRMnPIdnN8SBYq58nY5?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The Kansas City Chiefs saw their struggles against the Buffalo Bills in the regular season continue on Sunday afternoon, falling 28-21 on the road in what has become a classic out of conference rivalry over the years between the two.&nbsp;

After Josh Allen spent much of the past week downplaying Buffalo’s showdown against Kansas City, the Bills quarterback revealed there was more to the rivalry than he let on.&nbsp; Turns out beating the Chiefs, a team that has blocked Allen and the Bills’ path to the Super Bowl for much of the past five years, meant something more to Allen.&nbsp;

The Chiefs struggled against the Bills tight ends throughout the matchup, and it showed on the opening drive as Buffalo opened the scoring with&nbsp;Allen connecting on a 23-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Kincaid.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kincaid led Buffalo with 101 yards receiving and James Cook had 114 yards rushing.

Kansas City did work to build a lead that they held momentarily following the Kincaid touchdown.&nbsp; Just after the start of the second quarter, the Chiefs tied up the game, running a play they ran last week against the Washington Commanders, but this time rather than coming up short Rashee Rice rumbled across the goal line for the first rushing touchdown of his career to tie the game.&nbsp; One drive later, Kansas City took the lead on a 46 yard field goal by Harrison Butker.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the Chiefs built the 10-7 lead though, the Bills responded by scoring touchdowns on their next two possessions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ty Johnson capped a five-play 70-yard drive with a three yard run for the go-ahead score.&nbsp; After the Chiefs gave the ball up on downs at Buffalo’s 40 when Cole Bishop broke up a pass attempt to Rice on 4th and 3. Allen then marched Buffalo on a seven-play, 60-yard drive that he capped with the first of two one yard touchdown runs.&nbsp; Near the end of the first half, Butker knocked through a 19 yard field goal, making it 21-13 at the halftime break.

Getting the ball to start the second half, Kansas City started with a three and out, and three consecutive drives ended with punts, before the Bills added another touchdown to extend the lead, Allen scoring his second one yard touchdown run for the only score of the third quarter.&nbsp; An 11 play drive by the Chiefs carried into the fourth quarter, and Kansas City made the game a one score game as Kareem Hunt punched his way into the endzone from two yards out.&nbsp; Patrick Mahomes found Travis Kelce for the two point conversion to make it 28-21.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Bills' defense played a major role in harassing Mahomes, who was sacked three times and hit 15 more.&nbsp; Mahomes threw an interception that made it looked like the Bills were poised to win the game late in the fourth, but&nbsp;Matt Prater’s 52-yard field goal attempt for the Bills struck the right upright, giving the Chiefs one more chance.&nbsp;&nbsp;The game was decided in the final 17 seconds, when Mahomes threw three straight incompletions from Buffalo’s 40. The last throw fell short of the end zone and was batted down by rookie Maxwell Hairston, who earlier intercepted Mahomes.

Mahomes finished with his worst completion percentage, 44.1%, while going 15 of 34 for 250 yards and an interception. The two-time NFL MVP had previously never finished a regular-season game completing fewer than 50% of his passes over his nine-year career.&nbsp; Hunt rushed 11 times for 49 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; Rice had four catches for 80 yards as the leading receiver.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Next Kansas City has a bye week before they travel to play the Denver Broncos on Nov. 16.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762143070488.jpeg" alt="Rashee Rice scored his first career rushing touchdown as the Kansas City Chiefs fell to the Buffalo Bills 28-21 on Sunday afternoon/ Photo courtesy of Chiefs Wire on X" />
 <figcaption>Rashee Rice scored his first career rushing touchdown as the Kansas City Chiefs fell to the Buffalo Bills 28-21 on Sunday afternoon/ Photo courtesy of Chiefs Wire on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Chiefs saw their struggles against the Buffalo Bills in the regular season continue on Sunday afternoon, falling 28-21 on the road in what has become a classic out of conference rivalry over the years between the two.&nbsp;After Josh Allen spent much of the past week downplaying Buffalo’s showdown against Kansas City, the Bills quarterback revealed there was more to the rivalry than he let on.&nbsp; Turns out beating the Chiefs, a team that has blocked Allen and the Bills’ path to the Super Bowl for much of the past five years, meant something more to Allen.&nbsp;The Chiefs struggled against the Bills tight ends throughout the matchup, and it showed on the opening drive as Buffalo opened the scoring with&nbsp;Allen connecting on a 23-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Kincaid.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kincaid led Buffalo with 101 yards receiving and James Cook had 114 yards rushing.Kansas City did work to build a lead that they held momentarily following the Kincaid touchdown.&nbsp; Just after the start of the second quarter, the Chiefs tied up the game, running a play they ran last week against the Washington Commanders, but this time rather than coming up short Rashee Rice rumbled across the goal line for the first rushing touchdown of his career to tie the game.&nbsp; One drive later, Kansas City took the lead on a 46 yard field goal by Harrison Butker.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SUGAR, SPICE, AND EVERYTHING RICE 🍚 <a href="https://t.co/UN5KNRpKjX">pic.twitter.com/UN5KNRpKjX</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1985103556462907730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After the Chiefs built the 10-7 lead though, the Bills responded by scoring touchdowns on their next two possessions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ty Johnson capped a five-play 70-yard drive with a three yard run for the go-ahead score.&nbsp; After the Chiefs gave the ball up on downs at Buffalo’s 40 when Cole Bishop broke up a pass attempt to Rice on 4th and 3. Allen then marched Buffalo on a seven-play, 60-yard drive that he capped with the first of two one yard touchdown runs.&nbsp; Near the end of the first half, Butker knocked through a 19 yard field goal, making it 21-13 at the halftime break.Getting the ball to start the second half, Kansas City started with a three and out, and three consecutive drives ended with punts, before the Bills added another touchdown to extend the lead, Allen scoring his second one yard touchdown run for the only score of the third quarter.&nbsp; An 11 play drive by the Chiefs carried into the fourth quarter, and Kansas City made the game a one score game as Kareem Hunt punched his way into the endzone from two yards out.&nbsp; Patrick Mahomes found Travis Kelce for the two point conversion to make it 28-21.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">4TH DOWN TD 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/3ZLdRrxFqE">pic.twitter.com/3ZLdRrxFqE</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1985133264982753737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Bills' defense played a major role in harassing Mahomes, who was sacked three times and hit 15 more.&nbsp; Mahomes threw an interception that made it looked like the Bills were poised to win the game late in the fourth, but&nbsp;Matt Prater’s 52-yard field goal attempt for the Bills struck the right upright, giving the Chiefs one more chance.&nbsp;&nbsp;The game was decided in the final 17 seconds, when Mahomes threw three straight incompletions from Buffalo’s 40. The last throw fell short of the end zone and was batted down by rookie Maxwell Hairston, who earlier intercepted Mahomes.Mahomes finished with his worst completion percentage, 44.1%, while going 15 of 34 for 250 yards and an interception. The two-time NFL MVP had previously never finished a regular-season game completing fewer than 50% of his passes over his nine-year career.&nbsp; Hunt rushed 11 times for 49 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; Rice had four catches for 80 yards as the leading receiver.&nbsp;&nbsp;Next Kansas City has a bye week before they travel to play the Denver Broncos on Nov. 16.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Chiefs regular season woes continue against Bills in 28-21 loss

The 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners have been announced and two Kansas City Royals claimed the honor, and Masyn Winn became the youngest St. Louis Cardinal to win the award announced on Sunday night.

Established in 1957, the Gold Glove Award honors the best defensive player at each position in each league. The voting process is made up of MLB managers and coaches and the sabermetrics community. Managers and coaches vote only within their own league and cannot vote for players on their own team.

The Royals’ left side of the diamond was good as gold in 2025.&nbsp; Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and third baseman Maikel Garcia won an American League Gold Glove Award at their respective positions this season.

It's the first time in franchise history that the Royals’ left side of the infield has won together in the same season and just the third time that a team’s left side of the infield has won together since 2003, following the ’03 Cardinals (Scott Rolen and Edgar Renteria) and ’13 Orioles (Manny Machado and J.J. Hardy).

This is Witt’s second consecutive Gold Glove, as he becomes the first Royals player to win multiple Gold Gloves at shortstop.&nbsp; The only other player to win one is Alcides Escobar (2015). Garcia meanwhile took home the honor for the first time in his career. He is just the second Kansas City player to win a Gold Glove at third base, joining George Brett in 1985.

Witt recorded 24 Outs Above Average this season, according to Baseball Savant, tied with Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong for best among defensive players in MLB. Witt committed 10 errors, the fewest in his career at shortstop, and posted a .983 fielding percentage, the highest of his career. Witt also logged 1,340 innings at shortstop, third most in the AL at that position behind Seattle’s J.P. Crawford and Boston’s Trevor Story.

Garcia’s 18 OAA as a third baseman this season easily led the AL at the position, 11 more than Cleveland’s José Ramírez. Garcia committed just seven errors at third base for a .980 fielding percentage across the 1,144 2/3 innings he logged at the hot corner. Additionally, Garcia recorded 13 Defensive Runs Saved as a third baseman, according to FanGraphs, second most among all players at the position behind National League Gold Glove Award winner Ke’Bryan Hayes (19), who spent the first half of the season with Pittsburgh before he was traded to Cincinnati.

Center fielder Kyle Isbel was a finalist at his position, but Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela won the award.

At 23 years, 191 days at season’s end, Winn is the franchise’s youngest Gold Glove winner, edging out third baseman Ken Reitz (24 years, 96 days) in 1975, per Elias Sports. Also, Winn is the fifth-youngest shortstop to win the award behind Anthony Volpe (2023), Alan Trammell (1980), Francisco Lindor (2016) and Ezequiel Tovar (2024).

Winn also became the 100th Gold Glove winner in Cardinals history, far and away the most in MLB since Rawlings introduced the award in 1957. Winn joined Édgar Rentería (2002-03), Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith (1982-92) and Dal Maxvill (1968) as the only Cards shortstops to win the award.&nbsp;

In his second full season, Winn made his biggest strides defensively while dazzling almost nightly. Limited to 129 games played (127 starts) because of a meniscus tear in his right knee that required arthroscopic surgery in late September, Winn committed just three errors in 501 total chances. His three errors at arguably the game’s most demanding position match the totals of Cal Ripken Jr. (1990) and Omar Vizquel (2000), the fewest by an MLB shortstop, per MLB.com research.

Winn led all of baseball in outs above average through most of 2025 before missing the final two-and-a-half weeks of the regular season. He ultimately finished tied with Ke’Bryan Hayes and Ceddanne Rafaela at 21, trailing only Pete Crow-Armstrong (24) and Bobby Witt Jr. (24).

Cardinals rookie Victor Scott II, a finalist for the NL’s Gold Glove Award in center field, lost out to Crow-Armstrong. Scott II finished with 17 outs above average, the third most among MLB outfielders.

Each winner of the Gold Glove can be voted on for the Rawlings Platinum Glove award.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fans can vote for the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award&nbsp; now through Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The Rawlings Platinum Glove Award winners will be unveiled at the Rawlings Gold Glove Award Ceremony in New York City, on Friday, Nov. 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603399553596.jpeg" alt="Gold Glove Award.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Gold Glove Award.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners have been announced and two Kansas City Royals claimed the honor, and Masyn Winn became the youngest St. Louis Cardinal to win the award announced on Sunday night.Established in 1957, the Gold Glove Award honors the best defensive player at each position in each league. The voting process is made up of MLB managers and coaches and the sabermetrics community. Managers and coaches vote only within their own league and cannot vote for players on their own team.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688508055069.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Royals’ left side of the diamond was good as gold in 2025.&nbsp; Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and third baseman Maikel Garcia won an American League Gold Glove Award at their respective positions this season.It's the first time in franchise history that the Royals’ left side of the infield has won together in the same season and just the third time that a team’s left side of the infield has won together since 2003, following the ’03 Cardinals (Scott Rolen and Edgar Renteria) and ’13 Orioles (Manny Machado and J.J. Hardy).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730720651347.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>This is Witt’s second consecutive Gold Glove, as he becomes the first Royals player to win multiple Gold Gloves at shortstop.&nbsp; The only other player to win one is Alcides Escobar (2015). Garcia meanwhile took home the honor for the first time in his career. He is just the second Kansas City player to win a Gold Glove at third base, joining George Brett in 1985.Witt recorded 24 Outs Above Average this season, according to Baseball Savant, tied with Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong for best among defensive players in MLB. Witt committed 10 errors, the fewest in his career at shortstop, and posted a .983 fielding percentage, the highest of his career. Witt also logged 1,340 innings at shortstop, third most in the AL at that position behind Seattle’s J.P. Crawford and Boston’s Trevor Story.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755521825851.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Garcia’s 18 OAA as a third baseman this season easily led the AL at the position, 11 more than Cleveland’s José Ramírez. Garcia committed just seven errors at third base for a .980 fielding percentage across the 1,144 2/3 innings he logged at the hot corner. Additionally, Garcia recorded 13 Defensive Runs Saved as a third baseman, according to FanGraphs, second most among all players at the position behind National League Gold Glove Award winner Ke’Bryan Hayes (19), who spent the first half of the season with Pittsburgh before he was traded to Cincinnati.Center fielder Kyle Isbel was a finalist at his position, but Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela won the award.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760546261414.jpeg" alt="FIle photo" />
 <figcaption>FIle photo</figcaption>
 </figure>At 23 years, 191 days at season’s end, Winn is the franchise’s youngest Gold Glove winner, edging out third baseman Ken Reitz (24 years, 96 days) in 1975, per Elias Sports. Also, Winn is the fifth-youngest shortstop to win the award behind Anthony Volpe (2023), Alan Trammell (1980), Francisco Lindor (2016) and Ezequiel Tovar (2024).Winn also became the 100th Gold Glove winner in Cardinals history, far and away the most in MLB since Rawlings introduced the award in 1957. Winn joined Édgar Rentería (2002-03), Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith (1982-92) and Dal Maxvill (1968) as the only Cards shortstops to win the award.&nbsp;In his second full season, Winn made his biggest strides defensively while dazzling almost nightly. Limited to 129 games played (127 starts) because of a meniscus tear in his right knee that required arthroscopic surgery in late September, Winn committed just three errors in 501 total chances. His three errors at arguably the game’s most demanding position match the totals of Cal Ripken Jr. (1990) and Omar Vizquel (2000), the fewest by an MLB shortstop, per MLB.com research.Winn led all of baseball in outs above average through most of 2025 before missing the final two-and-a-half weeks of the regular season. He ultimately finished tied with Ke’Bryan Hayes and Ceddanne Rafaela at 21, trailing only Pete Crow-Armstrong (24) and Bobby Witt Jr. (24).Cardinals rookie Victor Scott II, a finalist for the NL’s Gold Glove Award in center field, lost out to Crow-Armstrong. Scott II finished with 17 outs above average, the third most among MLB outfielders.Each winner of the Gold Glove can be voted on for the Rawlings Platinum Glove award.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fans can vote for the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award&nbsp; now through Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The Rawlings Platinum Glove Award winners will be unveiled at the Rawlings Gold Glove Award Ceremony in New York City, on Friday, Nov. 7.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Royals bring home two Gold Gloves, Winn becomes youngest Cardinal to earn honor

Bearcats run away in second half for continued dominance over Emporia

#14 Northwest Missouri State University secured a commanding 41-14 victory over Emporia State University on the road highlighted by four rushing touchdowns and 208 all-purpose yards from Dominic Myers.

The victory extends Northwest's dominance in the series, as they now hold a 38-3 lead all-time over Emporia State.

The Hornets got on the scoreboard first with a 55-yard touchdown run by Diego Cearns in the first quarter, but after the Bearcats orchestrated a methodical drive Chris Ruhnke connected on a 28-yard touchdown pass to Luke Mathews to equalize the score.&nbsp; Later, in the quarter's closing moments, the Bearcats capitalized on a 66-yard drive, which finished with Myers' first score of the day, a 25-yard touchdown run, to secure a 14-7 lead, which was also the score at the halftime break.

Northwest opened the third quarter with a defensive stop, halting the Hornets' drive by forcing a turnover on downs at the Emporia 45-yard line. Quincy Torry's 15-yard rush set the tone for a strong drive, culminating in five yard touchdown run from Myers. Momentum continued to swing in favor of Northwest Missouri State when Carter Edwards intercepted a pass at the Hornets 24 and returned it to the&nbsp; three yard line. The turnover was quickly converted into points with a three yard touchdown run by Torry.

A 31-yard touchdown pass from Ruhnke to Myers, though followed by a missed extra point, pushed the score to 34-7. Despite the Hornets' late touchdown, an eight yard pass from Jamison Sarver to Malik O'Atis, Northwest Missouri State maintained a decisive lead, closing the third quarter ahead.

Myers showcased his rushing ability with a 21-yard run in the fourth quarter, setting up Northwest Missouri State deep in the Hornets' territory. Ruhnke capped the drive with a&nbsp; four yard touchdown run, extending the lead after a successful extra point by Alwaely for the final score of the game.

Ruhnke completed 18 of 30 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns, adding 38 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Myers contributed significantly with 100 rushing yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns, marking his second 100-yard rushing game this season, while also catching eight passes for 62 yards and a touchdown. Torry added 53 rushing yards on 13 carries with a touchdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Northwest (8-1, 7-0 MIAA) will next face off against Missouri Western on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium in a rivalry matchup.

Walk off penalty secures thrilling win for MoWest over Washburn

Missouri Western State University scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:44 remaining and the defense held in the final seconds as MoWest topped Washburn, 27-24.

The Griffons scored first on an 11-play, 71-yard drive ended by a 14-yard touchdown run by Brandon Hall.&nbsp; Washburn answered, scoring 10 unanswered points, a 28 yard field goal by Aidan Battle near the end of the first quarter and a&nbsp;Ropp,Weston 13 yd pass from Logan Madden to Weston Ropp giving the Ichabods the lead late in the second quarter, the touchdown coming after Washburn recovered a MoWest fumble at the Griffon 27-yard line, and scored five plays later to grab the lead.

The Griffons though drove 72 yards on 11 plays right before halftime, Lattrel Armstrong's first career field goal from 33 yards out tying the game, 10-10, at the halftime break.

On their second series of the second half, MoWest took advantage of a short field, and Armstrong knocked through a career-long 44-yard field goal to put the Griffons back in front in the third quarter.&nbsp; Late in the third, the Griffons got the ball back late in the third quarter and marched 79 yards on five plays finishing with a 33-yard touchdown run by Hall to give MoWest a 20-10 advantage headed to the final quarter.

Washburn responded quickly, completing four passes, one of them&nbsp; a 10-yard touchdown pass from Keller Hurla to Henry Mohrmann to make it a three point game.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ichabods struck again quickly just three plays later when MoWest quarterback Kane Donovan was picked off by Jordan Finnesy, giving Washburn a first down at the Griffon 12.&nbsp; Washburn&nbsp;scored just three plays later, a one yard run by Hurla, and suddenly the Ichabods led 24-20 with 10:55 to play.

Washburn did get the ball back with 7:10 to go, but a three-and-out by the MoWest defense gave the MoWest offense plenty of time to come up with a go-ahead drive.&nbsp; The Griffons did just that, converting on two fourth downs in the final five minutes. The second fourth down conversion, a 4th-and-goal from the two-yard-line, saw Donovan score on a draw play, putting MoWest back on top 1:44 to go.

Washburn benefited from a pair of Griffon penalties on their final series, getting all the way to the Griffon 12-yard line with just 14 seconds left.&nbsp; But, on a second down with 11 seconds left, Madden was rushed by Grant Finley, and a throwaway to the sideline&nbsp; was called an intentional grounding penalty with only seven seconds left. Washburn was out of timeouts, and the 10-second runoff expired the remaining time.

Donovan finished with 213 all-purpose yards – 140 through the air and a career-best 73 yards on the ground.&nbsp; Hall had a season-best 130 yards rushing on 23 carries for a season-best two rushing touchdowns.

MoWest&nbsp;(3-6, 2-5 MIAA) is back on the road Saturday to face #14 Northwest&nbsp; at Bearcat Stadium in Maryville. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.&nbsp;

#3 Ravens cruise to victory over Missouri Valley

The #3 Benedictine Ravens Football cruised to another big victory at home, dominating all four quarters and winning 66-7 over Missouri Valley

All three phases of the game were rolling for the Ravens in the first half. The defense allowed just 54 yards in the opening half and only two first downs.

The offense capitalized on the defense's dominance, scoring on every possession in the first half while piling up 363 yards. Xavier Ugorji rushed for 52 yards on the team's first drive, capping it off with a one yard touchdown run.&nbsp; On the next drive, it was&nbsp;Jackson Dooley and the passing attack going to work as he found Tanner Zimmerman for a 48-yard touchdown. 

The third drive was a 35-yard score from Dooley to Titan Osburn, before a 28-0 first quarter was capped off by a blocked punt by Isaac Lopez and taken into the end zone by Blake Dapkus, his second-straight game with a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.

In the second quarter, Dalton Witherspoon took advantage of a fumble forced by the defense by rushing for 34 yards in two plays for score, his touchdown coming from 19 yards out. The opening half also had two more Dooley touchdowns, the first a 28-yard pass to Joseph Lagafuaina, then another scoring strike to Osburn as the Ravens took a 49-0 lead into the halftime break.

After halftime, the Ravens got a 24 yard field goal from Scotty Robertson for the only points of the third quarter.&nbsp; In the final frame, Missouri Valley got onto the board with their score, a 17 yd pass from Tomele Staples to&nbsp; Nate Pouliot, before Benedictine scored the final two touchdowns, both rushing, an 18 yard run by Luke McCormick and a six yard score by Derrick Overstreet as the Raven outscored the Vikings 17-7 in the second half to secure the 59-point win.

The rushing attack was strong all day for the Ravens, accumulating 311 yards on the ground. Ugorji had 84 yards on just seven carries, McCormick picked up 63 yards,&nbsp; Overstreet ran for 61 yards, Robbie Sharp had 50 and Witherspoon rounded out the balanced attack with 44 yards.&nbsp; Dooley finished the game 12-of-17 for 226 yards through the air and four touchdowns. Lagafuaina had four catches for 77 yards, Zimmerman had three for 67, and Osburn had the two touchdown catches for 49 yards.

Next up for the Ravens (8-1, 4-0 Heart South) is a road trip to (RV) Baker University on Saturday. The Wildcats have won five-straight games and are also unbeaten in conference play.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 1pm.

Jayhawks snap losing skid with second half surge to top Oklahoma State

 Jalon Daniels led four second-half touchdown drives as Kansas overcame a sluggish first half to trounce Oklahoma State 38-21, helping the Jayhawks snap a two-game losing streak.

Kansas did score on the two possessions they had in the first half.&nbsp; After the Cowboys opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 12 yard passing touchdown from Zane Flores to Shamar Rigby, the Jayhawks cut into the lead with a 39 yard field goal by Laith Marjan.&nbsp; Oklahoma State missed a field goal on their next drive, allowing Kansas to take the lead in the second quarter on a three yard run by Daniel Hishaw Jr, and the Jayhawks led 10-7 at the halftime break after the Cowboys missed a second field goal with no time remaining in the half.

In all through the first half, Oklahoma State ran 36 plays to Kansas' 28 as both teams put together long drives.&nbsp; The Jayhawks&nbsp;took the second-half kickoff and went 75 yards in 10 plays to open up a two-score lead. Daniels hit Boden Groen in the back of the end zone for a thee yard touchdown pass.

After three-and-out by the Cowboys, Daniels found Bryson Canty for a five yard touchdown pass to extend lead. An Oklahoma State score drew the score within 10 points, as Flores found Gavin Freeman for a 10-yard touchdown pass, but Kansas answered with three yard and five yard touchdown runs by Daniel Hishaw Jr. and Leshon Williams, respectively.&nbsp; Daniels handed the ball to Williams on the last 10 plays on the drive.

A two yard run by Sesi Vailahi ended the scoring for Oklahoma State with 1:19 left to play in the game.&nbsp; Backup quarterback Cole Ballard knelt out the clock on the final two plays for Kansas.&nbsp;

Daniels was 13-for-19 through the air for 110 yards and two touchdown passes, adding six rushes for 28 yards.&nbsp; Williams rushed 14 times for 77 yards and a touchdown while Hishaw Jr ran 14 times for 65 yards and two scores.&nbsp; Leyton Cure had two catches for 32 yards, Canty had two catches for 29 yards and a touchdown, and&nbsp;Emmanuel Henderson Jr. had two catches for 19 yards.

Next, Kansas (5-4, 3-3 Big 12)&nbsp; will travel to face Arizona on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 2:30pm and the game will air on ESPN2.

Turnovers cost Kansas State as #13 Texas Tech takes advantage

Behren Morton threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns in his return from an injury, J'Koby Williams ran for 135 yards and a score, and #13 Texas Tech romped past sloppy, mistake-prone Kansas State 43-20.

Cameron Dickey also had a touchdown run for the Red Raiders, who forced five turnovers while snapping an eight-game losing streak against the Wildcats&nbsp; with their first win in Manhattan since the 2008 season.

Avery Johnson threw for 199 yards and a touchdown while running for 86 and two more scores. But Kansas State's quarterback also threw two interceptions and was responsible for a late fumble that Texas Tech returned for a touchdown.

Morton, who had been out of the lineup with a leg injury, opened the game with an interception of his own. But Johnson threw a pick right back, and it was the beginning of a messy first half in which both failed on fourth down, Kansas State lost a fumble and Texas Tech nearly did the same.

Kansas State scored the opening touchdown after a punt by the Red Raiders, on the drive following the back-to-back interceptions.&nbsp; Johnson rushed for a 46 yard touchdown to give the Wildcats the early lead.&nbsp; Stone Harrington hit a 29 yard field goal in the second quarter for the Red Raiders, before Texas Tech turned a fumble by Jayce Brown into a touchdown, a the one yard run by Dickey to take a 9-7 lead after Harrington missed his point after attempt.

The Red Raiders turned a three-and-out late in the first half into a 55-yard field goal to extend their lead, taking a 12-7 lead into the halftime break.&nbsp; Out of halftime, to start the second half, Texas Tech turned another fumble, this time from Garrett Oakley on the fourth play of the second half, into a 41-yard run by Williams that silenced the crowd and pushed Texas Tech ahead even farther.

Johnson tried to answer with his second touchdown run for Kansas State, this time an 18 yard rushing score, but Texas Tech's offense kept on going. Stone Harrington drilled another field goal, again from 29 yards out, and Caleb Douglas hauled in a short touchdown throw from Morton to make it 29-14 heading into the final quarter.

After the Wildcats scored with 12:44 to go, a nine yard pass from Johnson to Oakley, the Red Raiders stopped the two point try to keep it a two-score game. Later in the quarter, they stuffed Johnson for a loss on fourth down near midfield. And when the Texas Tech offense fumbled the ball right back, the Red Raiders again stopped the Wildcats on fourth down with less than six minutes to go.&nbsp;&nbsp;Along with the slew of turnovers, the Wildcats also were 0-for-4 on fourth down.

The Texas Tech defense added to the scoring late in the fourth quarter when linebacker John Curry returned Johnson's fumble for a touchdown with 4:52 left to put the game away.&nbsp; The Red Raiders put the final stamp on the game as Morton found Douglas for a second time, this time for a 19 yard touchdown pass.

Johnson was 16-for-33 through the air for 199 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, rushing 15 times for 88 yards and two scores.&nbsp; Johnson also fumbled once.&nbsp; Joe Jackson added 10 runs for 25 yards.&nbsp; Oakley led the way with five catches for 62 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; Jaron Tibbs had three catches for 54 yards.

Kansas State (4-5, 3-3 Big 12) is off before visiting Oklahoma State on November 15th.

Huskers losing streak against Top 25 extended against #23 USC

King Miller ran for 129 yards and the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter and #23 USC overcame its worst passing performance in seven years to beat Nebraska 21-17.

The Trojans came in with the nation's top passing offense, but Jayden Maiava was just 9 of 23 for 135 yards during Nebraska's first “Blackout” game. The Huskers dressed in all black, as did most of the juiced-up sellout crowd of more than 86,000.

The Cornhuskers lost quarterback Dylan Raiola to a right ankle injury in the third quarter and dropped their 29th straight game against a ranked opponent. Coach Matt Rhule didn't have an update on Raiola's status after the game.

USC was able to make up for its passing struggles with a run game that churned out 202 yards, with many of them coming on chunk plays. Miller had five of the Trojans' 10 runs of at least 10 yards.

Nebraska led through the first half of the game, holding USC to field goals.&nbsp; Raiola throw a 14 yard touchdown pass to Dane Key to cap a 14 play drive in the first quarter, following a Trojans punt on the opening drive.&nbsp; Back-to-back punts ended the first quarter, and to open the second quarter USC hit the first field goal of the half, a 24 yard field goal by Ryon Sayeri.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Huskers were forced to punt on the ensuing drive, and Sayeri knocked through a 49 yard field goal to cut the lead to one.&nbsp; Nebraska extended the lead on the next drive, an eight play drive ending with a 10 yard run by Emmett Johnson with 1:37 left until halftime.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Huskers led 14-6 at halftime and intercepted Jayden Maiava's first pass of the third quarter, but fumbled on the drive following the turnover. Maiava turned into a runner on the Trojans' next series, following a 29-yard burst with a 16-yard touchdown run and USC tied it at 14 when Miller took a direct snap, faked a pitch and ran to the corner of the end zone for the two point conversion.

Nebraska took the lead back near the start of the fourth quarter on a 39 yard field goal by Kyle Cunanan.&nbsp; The Trojans though took their first lead of the game on the very next drive.&nbsp; Maiava threw a 43-yard pass to Jaden Richardson on a flea-flicker and USC was at the Nebraska six yard line after DeShon Singleton was called for pass interference. Miller ran in on the next play for the go ahead, and eventual winning score.

The Huskers were pinned at their four yard line to start their final possession with 3:27 left. Freshman TJ Lateef, who replaced Raiola, scrambled for a first down. But on fourth-and-one from his 27,&nbsp; Johnson slipped after he took a handoff and went down, and the Trojans ran out the clock.

Prior to the injury, Raiola was 10-for-15 through the air for 91 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; Lateef in relief was 5-for-7 for seven yards.&nbsp; Johnson had 165 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries.&nbsp; Nyziah Hunter was the leading receiver with five catches for 30 yards and Key added two catches for 23 yards and the touchdown.

Up next, Nebraska (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) visits UCLA on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff time is to be determined.

CFB: Bearcats dominant second half, Griffons walk off penalty win, Ravens dominant again

The East Buchanan volleyball team is back in the final four for the first time in three years after beating Lafayette County in the Class 2 Quarterfinals in three straight sets.

The first set of the match started out similar to East Buchanan's sectional matchup with Lawson, as the Huskers started out with an early lead, pulling ahead 9-5 before Bulldogs head coach Ryan Horn called a timeout.&nbsp; After the timeout, there was a momentum swing and East Buchanan pulled ahead 12-11, forcing a Lafayette County timeout.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Bulldog eventually won the first set 25-22, after the Huskers chipped their way back on set point.

The second set again was all Lafayette County early, pulling out to a 10-3 lead, forcing East Buchanan to call both timeouts in the set.&nbsp; The Bulldogs fought back, trailing 15-11 at a Huskers timeout, and then tying it up 19-19 to force the second Huskers timeout.&nbsp; The set went back and forth the rest of the way, and the Bulldogs won the set 27-25.

East Buchanan pulled out to a lead in set three, but fell behind before rallying to again take the lead 8-6 at a Lafayette County timeout.&nbsp; The Huskers called their second timeout with East Buchanan leading 11-8, even after that though the Bulldogs continued pulling away until getting near set point.&nbsp; The Huskers weren't done, and rallied back, Horn calling a timeout to focus his team leading 23-21, and the Bulldogs scored the last two points to win 25-21 sweeping Lafayette County.&nbsp;

Three seniors on the team will bookend their career with another appearance at state, after appearing in the Final Four in Cape Girardeau and finishing in fourth place.  

Horn says back in the spring, he had the team write down goals, and it was those three seniors that had a very big goal.

"We want to make it to the Final Four and we want to do one step better," Horn tells reporters after the match.&nbsp; "And, it's a tough goal and they're close, they're close, and they've made one of these goals and I would say they want to prove something for sure, and if they do, they do, and if they don't we're still going to be proud of what we've accomplished and we'll just see how it goes."

Senior Brooklyn Johnson says it feels good to make it back to the Final Four, since the last time East Buchanan made it, she was just a freshman on the bench

"So it was really fun to be a leader in this season and go to the Final Four as a group now and actually earning it," Johnson says.&nbsp; "Because just us the freshman sitting on the bench, but it feels good to have a part in the win."

Senior Layla Watkins says it means a lot to be able to get back to this piont, and it's also special for the school

"And this is the second time in school history, so that's pretty cool, hopefully we can do a little better at state this year than we did that first year, but it feels amazing," Watkins says.

Watkins also has the opportunity to do something her older sister wasn't able to, win a championship.  Maya Watkins was on the last East Buchanan team to make it to the Final Four.

Unlike last time though, the Bulldogs won't have to travel to Cape Girardeau to play, and neither will their fans to support, just having to travel 20 miles down the road to St. Joseph.

Head Coach Ryan Horn says the community in Gower always shows up to support the team in these moments

"I'm actually really thankful for how good, even when we're not doing a state playoff game, how good our community shows up and supports volleyball, because not every community gets that," Horn explains.&nbsp; "And then for them to be able to get to a 15 minute drive or a 20 minute drive for state is just phenomenal for us, I mean I don't know how it's going to work out, but you have to think it's an advantage for us for sure, so we'll take it."

The Bulldogs will play on Wednesday at Civic Arena taking on Hermann in semifinals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762047758043.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan's Brooklyn Johnson (25) spikes the ball through the block of Lafayette County's Lillian Joyner (14)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan's Brooklyn Johnson (25) spikes the ball through the block of Lafayette County's Lillian Joyner (14)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe East Buchanan volleyball team is back in the final four for the first time in three years after beating Lafayette County in the Class 2 Quarterfinals in three straight sets.The first set of the match started out similar to East Buchanan's sectional matchup with Lawson, as the Huskers started out with an early lead, pulling ahead 9-5 before Bulldogs head coach Ryan Horn called a timeout.&nbsp; After the timeout, there was a momentum swing and East Buchanan pulled ahead 12-11, forcing a Lafayette County timeout.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Bulldog eventually won the first set 25-22, after the Huskers chipped their way back on set point.The second set again was all Lafayette County early, pulling out to a 10-3 lead, forcing East Buchanan to call both timeouts in the set.&nbsp; The Bulldogs fought back, trailing 15-11 at a Huskers timeout, and then tying it up 19-19 to force the second Huskers timeout.&nbsp; The set went back and forth the rest of the way, and the Bulldogs won the set 27-25.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762048327002.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan's Kamryn Werle (5) lays the ball over the wall of Lafayette County's Chloe Tyler (3) and Claire Frank (5)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan's Kamryn Werle (5) lays the ball over the wall of Lafayette County's Chloe Tyler (3) and Claire Frank (5)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>East Buchanan pulled out to a lead in set three, but fell behind before rallying to again take the lead 8-6 at a Lafayette County timeout.&nbsp; The Huskers called their second timeout with East Buchanan leading 11-8, even after that though the Bulldogs continued pulling away until getting near set point.&nbsp; The Huskers weren't done, and rallied back, Horn calling a timeout to focus his team leading 23-21, and the Bulldogs scored the last two points to win 25-21 sweeping Lafayette County.&nbsp;Three seniors on the team will bookend their career with another appearance at state, after appearing in the Final Four in Cape Girardeau and finishing in fourth place. Horn says back in the spring, he had the team write down goals, and it was those three seniors that had a very big goal."We want to make it to the Final Four and we want to do one step better," Horn tells reporters after the match.&nbsp; "And, it's a tough goal and they're close, they're close, and they've made one of these goals and I would say they want to prove something for sure, and if they do, they do, and if they don't we're still going to be proud of what we've accomplished and we'll just see how it goes."Senior Brooklyn Johnson says it feels good to make it back to the Final Four, since the last time East Buchanan made it, she was just a freshman on the bench"So it was really fun to be a leader in this season and go to the Final Four as a group now and actually earning it," Johnson says.&nbsp; "Because just us the freshman sitting on the bench, but it feels good to have a part in the win."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762048782921.jpeg" alt="Layla Watkins (13) goes for the spike against Lafayette County's Katie Draisey (2) and Claire Frank (5)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Layla Watkins (13) goes for the spike against Lafayette County's Katie Draisey (2) and Claire Frank (5)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Senior Layla Watkins says it means a lot to be able to get back to this piont, and it's also special for the school"And this is the second time in school history, so that's pretty cool, hopefully we can do a little better at state this year than we did that first year, but it feels amazing," Watkins says.Watkins also has the opportunity to do something her older sister wasn't able to, win a championship. Maya Watkins was on the last East Buchanan team to make it to the Final Four.Unlike last time though, the Bulldogs won't have to travel to Cape Girardeau to play, and neither will their fans to support, just having to travel 20 miles down the road to St. Joseph.Head Coach Ryan Horn says the community in Gower always shows up to support the team in these moments"I'm actually really thankful for how good, even when we're not doing a state playoff game, how good our community shows up and supports volleyball, because not every community gets that," Horn explains.&nbsp; "And then for them to be able to get to a 15 minute drive or a 20 minute drive for state is just phenomenal for us, I mean I don't know how it's going to work out, but you have to think it's an advantage for us for sure, so we'll take it."The Bulldogs will play on Wednesday at Civic Arena taking on Hermann in semifinals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762048966680.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan Libero Kaylynn Engnes / Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan Libero Kaylynn Engnes / Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

East Buchanan volleyball advances to second Final Four in program history

It's the first round of district playoffs in Missouri and Kansas, or as it's known in Kansas week nine.  Below is a list of the games scores from around the area for Thursday and Friday and the matchups for the second round of districts next week.&nbsp;

Pembroke Hill 47&nbsp; Central (Kansas City) 6

Savannah 78&nbsp; Northeast Kansas City 0

Van Horn 49&nbsp;&nbsp;Excelsior Springs 14

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760765687661.jpeg" alt="Savannah's Makhi King (3) rushes for a touchdown while being tackled by Maryvilles Jayce Piveral (7)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Savannah's Makhi King (3) rushes for a touchdown while being tackled by Maryvilles Jayce Piveral (7)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEIt's the first round of district playoffs in Missouri and Kansas, or as it's known in Kansas week nine. Below is a list of the games scores from around the area for Thursday and Friday and the matchups for the second round of districts next week.&nbsp;11-Man Football<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757139604192.jpeg" alt="Lafayette's Maxton Puckett (23) makes a move around a defender working towards the endzone/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Lafayette's Maxton Puckett (23) makes a move around a defender working towards the endzone/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 1 District 5Polo 38&nbsp; Midway 28<ol>
 <li>District semifinals: Polo @ Adrian- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Class 1 District 6Hamilton 42&nbsp; Maysville 27<ol>
 <li>District semifinal: Hamilton @ West Platte- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Gallatin 54&nbsp; Plattsburg 20<ol>
 <li>District semifinals: Gallatin @ North Platte- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Class 2 District 8Lawson 56&nbsp; East Buchanan 21<ol>
 <li>District semifinals: Lawson @ Mid-Buchanan- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Cameron 66&nbsp; Trenton 13South Harrison 41&nbsp; Lathrop 0<ol>
 <li>District semifinal: South Harrison @ Cameron- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Class 3 District 8Chillicothe 19&nbsp; Lafayette 14<ol>
 <li>District semifinals: Chillicothe @ Richmond- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Pembroke Hill 47&nbsp; Central (Kansas City) 6<ol>
 <li>District semifinals: Maryville vs Pembroke Hill- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Class 4 District 8Savannah 78&nbsp; Northeast Kansas City 0Smithville 45&nbsp; Benton 6&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>District semifinals: Savannah vs Smithville- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Van Horn 49&nbsp;&nbsp;Excelsior Springs 14<ol>
 <li>District semifinals: Van Horn @ Kearney- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Class 6 District 8Staley 56&nbsp; Central 138-Man Football<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760039076989.jpeg" alt="Pattonsburg's Wyatt Maize (3) rounds the corner against King City defender Josiah Schellhorn (7)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Pattonsburg's Wyatt Maize (3) rounds the corner against King City defender Josiah Schellhorn (7)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>District 5Stewartsville-Osborn 48&nbsp; Dekalb 32<ol>
 <li>District semifinal: Stewartsville-Osborn @ Bishop LeBlond- Fri. @ 7pm</li><li>District semifinal: St. Joseph Christian vs South Holt- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>District 6East Atchison 44&nbsp; Platte Valley 36<ol>
 <li>District semifinals: East Atchison @ Rock Port- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Mound City 52&nbsp; North Andrew 8<ol>
 <li>District semifinals: Mound City @ Nodaway Valley- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>District 7Albany 76&nbsp; Stanberry 54<ol>
 <li>District semifinals: Albany @ Worth County- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>King City 62&nbsp; Princeton 32<ol>
 <li>District semifinals: King City @ Pattonsburg- Fri. @ 7pm</li>
 </ol>Northeast Kansas<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757731495376.jpeg" alt="Troy's Caden Rosenberger goes up for a touchdown catch against the McLouth Bulldogs/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Troy's Caden Rosenberger goes up for a touchdown catch against the McLouth Bulldogs/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 4ABishop Miege 57&nbsp; Atchison 7Class 1ARiverside 34&nbsp; Wabaunsee 0<ol>
 <li>Regionals: Riverside @ Centralia</li>
 </ol>Troy 30&nbsp; &nbsp;Jayhawk Linn 8<ol>
 <li>Regionals: Troy @ St. Mary's Colgan</li>
 </ol>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

High School District Football Scoreboard Oct. 30th-31st

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4ivEnUPg9WpUxGdzrOolBR?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The East Buchanan Bulldogs volleyball team came face to face with a familiar foe in the Class 2 Sectionals of the MSHSAA Girls Volleyball State Tournament, taking on the KCI Conference winner Lawson Cardinals.&nbsp;

In the regular season, the Bulldogs had tough luck against the Cardinals. A tie and a loss in the KCI Conference Tournament in early September, and later in the same month a 3-0 loss on the Cardinals court.&nbsp; But the playoffs were a different story, and this time in Lawson, East Buchanan beat the Cardinals in four sets 3-1, to move on to the Class 2 Quarterfinals.&nbsp;

"Obviously right now we're pretty excited, I thought it was something we could do, I knew it would be a fight with them, they're such a great team, they're so well coached, but to be able to do it here&nbsp; I guess if you were gonna win one, this is the one you want to win," Head Coach Ryan Horn tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post following the game.&nbsp;

It didn't start off in East Buchanan's favor however, in fact it was almost the polar opposite.&nbsp; The Cardinals stormed out to an early seven point lead, without the Bulldogs getting a point, forcing a timeout.&nbsp; After the timeout, East Buchanan did fight it's way back, but ultimately fell 25-20.&nbsp; The team though looked different from then on.&nbsp;

Horn says the early timeout after falling behind&nbsp; in the first set helped shift the teams mindset.

"I think that we realized we could play with them first off, we looked a little scared there early on, then we changed it and we just started playing like we've been playing lately," Horn explains.&nbsp; "We changed a couple things defensively, and of course they changed some things offensively, but it was just a different attitude after those first seven points basically."

The second set was all Bulldogs, as they never let the Cardinals get close, pulling away early and going up 15-8 at first before a timeout, then going on after the break to win the set 25-15.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It was the final two sets that got more wild.&nbsp; East Buchanan and Lawson battled back and forth in the third set, a timeout was first called with the Bulldogs up 16-14 in the set,&nbsp; and after the timeout the Cardinals continued to stay close, until East Buchanan pulled away for good winning set three 25-19.

Lawson looked determined early in the final set to force the game to five sets, first taking an 11-7 lead before an East Buchanan timeout.&nbsp; Out of the timeout, the Cardinals held the lead, until the Bulldogs called their final timeout trailing 20-17.&nbsp; In that final timeout, three players stepped up to lead.&nbsp;

Kaylynn Engnes, Layla Watkins, and Brooklyn Johnson were all just freshman the last time East Buchanan made a trip to the final four.&nbsp; Horn says having them in these moments means a lot, and says you heard it during that final timeout.

"That very last timeout they just took over, I didn't even get to say a word, it was so important to them," Horn says.&nbsp; "But they've been there, they've seen what it takes to get there, and they've seen what Layla's older sister, and Kaylynn's been around a long time and seen her older sister come really close to a final four, and they know what it takes, and I think in that moment they just wanted everybody to know hey we're good, but you've got to fight right here."

The Bulldogs came out of the timeout and took the next two points, forcing a Lawson timeout down 20-19, after the timeout it was back and forth with East Buchanan first going up 21-20, then Lawson&nbsp; making it 21-21, soon enough it was 22-22, and then 23-23, before the Cardinals made it set point going up 24-23.&nbsp; East Buchanan tied it again though, and then took the next two points winning 26-24.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Horn says that last set was one of the crazier ones that he has been a part of.

"I looked over and I saw Coach (Becky) Harrold laughing a couple times, I was laughing, just some of the craziness that scored points in that set, it could have easily gone the other way on each point let alone the whole set," Horn says.&nbsp; "It's been awhile since I've been a part of one like that, but it was good to be on the good side of it."

East Buchanan will host Lafayette County in the Class 2 state quarterfinals on Saturday.  The winner advances to the Final Four, which will be held next Wednesday at the Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761884637022.jpeg" alt="Kamryn Werle (5) spikes the ball over the net/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kamryn Werle (5) spikes the ball over the net/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe East Buchanan Bulldogs volleyball team came face to face with a familiar foe in the Class 2 Sectionals of the MSHSAA Girls Volleyball State Tournament, taking on the KCI Conference winner Lawson Cardinals.&nbsp;In the regular season, the Bulldogs had tough luck against the Cardinals. A tie and a loss in the KCI Conference Tournament in early September, and later in the same month a 3-0 loss on the Cardinals court.&nbsp; But the playoffs were a different story, and this time in Lawson, East Buchanan beat the Cardinals in four sets 3-1, to move on to the Class 2 Quarterfinals.&nbsp;"Obviously right now we're pretty excited, I thought it was something we could do, I knew it would be a fight with them, they're such a great team, they're so well coached, but to be able to do it here&nbsp; I guess if you were gonna win one, this is the one you want to win," Head Coach Ryan Horn tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post following the game.&nbsp;It didn't start off in East Buchanan's favor however, in fact it was almost the polar opposite.&nbsp; The Cardinals stormed out to an early seven point lead, without the Bulldogs getting a point, forcing a timeout.&nbsp; After the timeout, East Buchanan did fight it's way back, but ultimately fell 25-20.&nbsp; The team though looked different from then on.&nbsp;Horn says the early timeout after falling behind&nbsp; in the first set helped shift the teams mindset."I think that we realized we could play with them first off, we looked a little scared there early on, then we changed it and we just started playing like we've been playing lately," Horn explains.&nbsp; "We changed a couple things defensively, and of course they changed some things offensively, but it was just a different attitude after those first seven points basically."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761884696852.jpeg" alt="Lawson's Philamena Caresia (10) goes for the spike as East Buchanan's Kourtney Keling (4) goes for the block/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Lawson's Philamena Caresia (10) goes for the spike as East Buchanan's Kourtney Keling (4) goes for the block/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>The second set was all Bulldogs, as they never let the Cardinals get close, pulling away early and going up 15-8 at first before a timeout, then going on after the break to win the set 25-15.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was the final two sets that got more wild.&nbsp; East Buchanan and Lawson battled back and forth in the third set, a timeout was first called with the Bulldogs up 16-14 in the set,&nbsp; and after the timeout the Cardinals continued to stay close, until East Buchanan pulled away for good winning set three 25-19.Lawson looked determined early in the final set to force the game to five sets, first taking an 11-7 lead before an East Buchanan timeout.&nbsp; Out of the timeout, the Cardinals held the lead, until the Bulldogs called their final timeout trailing 20-17.&nbsp; In that final timeout, three players stepped up to lead.&nbsp;Kaylynn Engnes, Layla Watkins, and Brooklyn Johnson were all just freshman the last time East Buchanan made a trip to the final four.&nbsp; Horn says having them in these moments means a lot, and says you heard it during that final timeout."That very last timeout they just took over, I didn't even get to say a word, it was so important to them," Horn says.&nbsp; "But they've been there, they've seen what it takes to get there, and they've seen what Layla's older sister, and Kaylynn's been around a long time and seen her older sister come really close to a final four, and they know what it takes, and I think in that moment they just wanted everybody to know hey we're good, but you've got to fight right here."The Bulldogs came out of the timeout and took the next two points, forcing a Lawson timeout down 20-19, after the timeout it was back and forth with East Buchanan first going up 21-20, then Lawson&nbsp; making it 21-21, soon enough it was 22-22, and then 23-23, before the Cardinals made it set point going up 24-23.&nbsp; East Buchanan tied it again though, and then took the next two points winning 26-24.&nbsp;&nbsp;Horn says that last set was one of the crazier ones that he has been a part of."I looked over and I saw Coach (Becky) Harrold laughing a couple times, I was laughing, just some of the craziness that scored points in that set, it could have easily gone the other way on each point let alone the whole set," Horn says.&nbsp; "It's been awhile since I've been a part of one like that, but it was good to be on the good side of it."East Buchanan will host Lafayette County in the Class 2 state quarterfinals on Saturday. The winner advances to the Final Four, which will be held next Wednesday at the Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761884737900.jpeg" alt="Layla Watkins (13) goes to put the ball over the net/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Layla Watkins (13) goes to put the ball over the net/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;