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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Third annual Holiday Hoops tips off tomorrow at Civic Arena

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northwest coach John McMenamin announces coaching staff additions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Griffons host area students in first Education Day game

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Thank God, he's OK,” Stefanski said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"We'll play fast, we will be very, very physical, and we won't quit, we might not be very good at some point, but we will not quit" McMenamin explains.  "And so that is the way that team will play from start to finish, that's the way we'll practice, that's the way we'll lift in the weight room, we've got to start practicing how we do it, but that's what they'll be and they'll have the biggest cheerleader behind them in me." 

McMenamin's last head coaching job was at Wayne State College in 2021, where he led the team to its first seven-win season in 11 years, going 7-4. 

During his time at Tulane as co-offensive coordinator, he helped orchestrate the biggest single season turnaround, the Green Wave going from 2-10 to 10-2 with a Cotton Bowl victory over USC. 

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

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

New NWMSU football coach John McMenamin promises fast, physical playstyle

Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph will be the home of the second annual Bill Snyder Classic this weekend, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commision.  

The matchup features division one women's basketball powerhouse #12 Kansas State, taking on up and coming Middle Tennessee State. 

Director Brett Eseley says it's exciting to have a unique different type of event than St. Joseph might usually host 

"I say unique, different type, there's not a lot of communities across the country that get to host division one basketball that don't have a division one institution in the locale,'" Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And so, it's a good testament to the fact that I think the experience for both teams was really good last year to get an opportunity to do this for a second year." 

Esely says it's helpful if events like this have some sort of tie to the area and a cause, and says this event starts with K State coach Jeff Mittie 

"He's a Missouri Western alum, he was the head coach at Missouri Western in the mid 90's during arguably one of the most successful time periods in Griffon women's basketball history, and there have been a lot of successful time periods," Esely points out.

Another tie comes from right down the road in Maryville, with senior guard Serena Sundell 

"She's been an all-Big 12 guard every year she's been in Manhattan and was an honorable mention All American I believe one year ago," Eseley says.  "She's off to a wonderful start again this year." 

Recently, Sundell recorded her first collegiate triple double against USC Upstate with 26 points, a career-high and school record-tying 13 assists, and 10 rebounds.  Sundell became the fifth K-State player to record a triple-double and the first since Shalee Lehning carded a triple-double at Colorado on March 7, 2009.  

Esely encourages everyone to not wait until next year to attend an event like this 

"I think there will be a next year for this event but there's never any guarantee, so make next year this year, don't take it for granted," Esely says.  "Especially if you're a K State fan, if you're a K State fan you need to be there, anytime you can bring your Wildcats from Manhattan to St. Joe, right here in your own backyard, I hope you proudly put your purple or lavender on, or whatever your favorite shade of purple is, and come on out." 

The matchup will tipoff at 5pm on Saturday. Tickets are still available and can be found by clicking <a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/bill-snyder-womens-basketball-classic/">HERE</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702496764040.jpeg" alt="Civic Arena hosted the Bill Snyder Classic between K-State and Mizzou women's basketball this past Saturday. The arena has undergone significant upgrades over the last year or so. Photo by Brent Martin." />
 <figcaption>Civic Arena hosted the Bill Snyder Classic between K-State and Mizzou women's basketball this past Saturday. The arena has undergone significant upgrades over the last year or so. Photo by Brent Martin.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph will be the home of the second annual Bill Snyder Classic this weekend, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commision. The matchup features division one women's basketball powerhouse #12 Kansas State, taking on up and coming Middle Tennessee State. Director Brett Eseley says it's exciting to have a unique different type of event than St. Joseph might usually host "I say unique, different type, there's not a lot of communities across the country that get to host division one basketball that don't have a division one institution in the locale,'" Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so, it's a good testament to the fact that I think the experience for both teams was really good last year to get an opportunity to do this for a second year." Esely says it's helpful if events like this have some sort of tie to the area and a cause, and says this event starts with K State coach Jeff Mittie "He's a Missouri Western alum, he was the head coach at Missouri Western in the mid 90's during arguably one of the most successful time periods in Griffon women's basketball history, and there have been a lot of successful time periods," Esely points out.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706636033771.png" alt="FILE - Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie talks with Emilee Ebert (24) Rebekah Dallinger (14) and Serena Sundell (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Tech on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State has its best ranking in 21 years after the Wildcats moved up to fourth in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.(AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie talks with Emilee Ebert (24) Rebekah Dallinger (14) and Serena Sundell (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Tech on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State has its best ranking in 21 years after the Wildcats moved up to fourth in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.(AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Another tie comes from right down the road in Maryville, with senior guard Serena Sundell "She's been an all-Big 12 guard every year she's been in Manhattan and was an honorable mention All American I believe one year ago," Eseley says. "She's off to a wonderful start again this year." Recently, Sundell recorded her first collegiate triple double against USC Upstate with 26 points, a career-high and school record-tying 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. Sundell became the fifth K-State player to record a triple-double and the first since Shalee Lehning carded a triple-double at Colorado on March 7, 2009. Esely encourages everyone to not wait until next year to attend an event like this "I think there will be a next year for this event but there's never any guarantee, so make next year this year, don't take it for granted," Esely says. "Especially if you're a K State fan, if you're a K State fan you need to be there, anytime you can bring your Wildcats from Manhattan to St. Joe, right here in your own backyard, I hope you proudly put your purple or lavender on, or whatever your favorite shade of purple is, and come on out." The matchup will tipoff at 5pm on Saturday. Tickets are still available and can be found by clicking <a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/bill-snyder-womens-basketball-classic/">HERE</a>.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Civic Arena welcomes Division One women's basketball back for Bill Snyder Classic

Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid, and Chiefs fans, don't need to schedule a stress test anytime soon, they seem to get one almost every week.&nbsp;

For the third time this season, Kansas City saw a kicker knock through a game winning field goal as time expired, this particular one sealing the ninth straight AFC West title for the Chiefs as they beat the Chargers 19-17 at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday Night Football.

And each time it's been a different kicker getting the job done as Kansas City has seen Harrison Butker, Spencer Schrader, and now Matthew Wright hit the game winning kick, which according to OptaSTATS is the first time in NFL history that a team has had&nbsp; has had more than one kicker do so in a single regular season.

The game however started off pretty smooth for Kansas City, as the Chiefs went into the halftime break with a 13-0 lead.&nbsp; Wright knocked in the only score of the first quarter, a 47 yard field goal, and after he hit a 33 yarder in the second quarter, Patrick Mahomes, with 47 seconds left, found Deandre Hopkins for the fourth time since he joined the Chiefs for a nine yard touchdown pass.&nbsp;Kansas City's halftime lead was its largest of the season and it shut out an opponent in the first half for the first time.

But, starting the second half, the Chargers found the scoreboard capping off a 13 play drive with a seven yard touchdown run by Gus Edwards, and after a three and out by Kansas City, took their first lead of the game on a seven yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Quentin Johnston.

Following the touchdown, the Chiefs put together a long drive of their own, which carried into the fourth quarter, where they took the lead back again thanks to Wright who nailed a 50 yard field goal early into the final quarter of regulation.&nbsp; And then, 14 plays later, after Chiefs defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton's sack pinned Los Angeles deep, Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker again put them in the lead with a 37 yard field goal.&nbsp;

With 4:35 left in the game, trailing 17-16, the Chiefs put together another long drive, going 14 plays of their own, the biggest play being a third down conversion pass from Mahomes to Travis Kelce, setting up Wright for the game winning kick, a kick that faded to the left and doinked off the upright and through for the win from 31 yards away.&nbsp;

Kansas City's nine straight division titles are two short of the New England Patriots' NFL record of 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was the Chiefs' 15th straight win in a one-score game over the last two seasons.

Mahomes was 24 of 37 passing for 210 yards with one touchdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;Isiah Pacheco led the rushers with 14 carries for 55 yards, while Kelce (five catches, 45 yards) and Xavier Worthy (five catches, 41 yards) led the receivers.&nbsp; With his 45 receiving yards Kelce&nbsp; has 12,010 in his career, trailing only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten among tight ends. He is the fastest to reach 12,000 yards among tight ends.

In injury news, in his first game since signing with the Chiefs last week, left tackle DJ Humphries left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury.

Kansas City is now 12-1 on the season.&nbsp; Next up they will travel to Cleveland for a matchup with the Browns.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at noon, pregame can be heard at 11am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and on Q Country 92.7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733736147319.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs kicker Matthew Wright (49) hit a 31 yard field goal as time expired to give the Chiefs a 19-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and their 9th straight AFC West victory/ Photo courtesy of OptaSTATS on X" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs kicker Matthew Wright (49) hit a 31 yard field goal as time expired to give the Chiefs a 19-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and their 9th straight AFC West victory/ Photo courtesy of OptaSTATS on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostKansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid, and Chiefs fans, don't need to schedule a stress test anytime soon, they seem to get one almost every week.&nbsp;For the third time this season, Kansas City saw a kicker knock through a game winning field goal as time expired, this particular one sealing the ninth straight AFC West title for the Chiefs as they beat the Chargers 19-17 at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday Night Football.And each time it's been a different kicker getting the job done as Kansas City has seen Harrison Butker, Spencer Schrader, and now Matthew Wright hit the game winning kick, which according to OptaSTATS is the first time in NFL history that a team has had&nbsp; has had more than one kicker do so in a single regular season.The game however started off pretty smooth for Kansas City, as the Chiefs went into the halftime break with a 13-0 lead.&nbsp; Wright knocked in the only score of the first quarter, a 47 yard field goal, and after he hit a 33 yarder in the second quarter, Patrick Mahomes, with 47 seconds left, found Deandre Hopkins for the fourth time since he joined the Chiefs for a nine yard touchdown pass.&nbsp;Kansas City's halftime lead was its largest of the season and it shut out an opponent in the first half for the first time.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CAN&#39;T STOP D HOP 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/a34ytdOuXU">pic.twitter.com/a34ytdOuXU</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1865950907449381229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But, starting the second half, the Chargers found the scoreboard capping off a 13 play drive with a seven yard touchdown run by Gus Edwards, and after a three and out by Kansas City, took their first lead of the game on a seven yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Quentin Johnston.Following the touchdown, the Chiefs put together a long drive of their own, which carried into the fourth quarter, where they took the lead back again thanks to Wright who nailed a 50 yard field goal early into the final quarter of regulation.&nbsp; And then, 14 plays later, after Chiefs defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton's sack pinned Los Angeles deep, Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker again put them in the lead with a 37 yard field goal.&nbsp;With 4:35 left in the game, trailing 17-16, the Chiefs put together another long drive, going 14 plays of their own, the biggest play being a third down conversion pass from Mahomes to Travis Kelce, setting up Wright for the game winning kick, a kick that faded to the left and doinked off the upright and through for the win from 31 yards away.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DOINK FOR THE DIVISION. 😱 What a finish in Kansas City! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChiefsKingdom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChiefsKingdom</a> <a href="https://t.co/R8QluyQ74a">pic.twitter.com/R8QluyQ74a</a>&mdash; Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNFonNBC/status/1865975727142642003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas City's nine straight division titles are two short of the New England Patriots' NFL record of 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was the Chiefs' 15th straight win in a one-score game over the last two seasons.Mahomes was 24 of 37 passing for 210 yards with one touchdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;Isiah Pacheco led the rushers with 14 carries for 55 yards, while Kelce (five catches, 45 yards) and Xavier Worthy (five catches, 41 yards) led the receivers.&nbsp; With his 45 receiving yards Kelce&nbsp; has 12,010 in his career, trailing only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten among tight ends. He is the fastest to reach 12,000 yards among tight ends.In injury news, in his first game since signing with the Chiefs last week, left tackle DJ Humphries left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury.Kansas City is now 12-1 on the season.&nbsp; Next up they will travel to Cleveland for a matchup with the Browns.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at noon, pregame can be heard at 11am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and on Q Country 92.7.

Chiefs clinch 9th straight AFC West title with 19-17 win over Chargers

The Benedictine Ravens football team has made a habit of spoiling undefeated seasons in the NAIA playoffs.&nbsp; 

After beating #8 seed Texas Wesleyan last week, handing the Rams their first loss of the season, the Ravens faced #3 Indiana Wesleyan in the NAIA quarterfinals, and handed the Wildcats their first loss with a 20-9 win on the road in Marion, Indiana.

It was a strong first half for Benedictine as the Ravens built a 17-0 lead at halftime.&nbsp; After rushing touchdowns by running back Dalton Witherspoon, a three yard score, and quarterback Jackson Dooley, a one yard touchdown, in the first quarter Benedictine capped the first half scoring in the second with a 20 yard field goal by Harry Balke midway through the quarter.&nbsp;

Following a scoreless third quarter, the Wildcats cut into the lead with their only touchdown of the game on the first play of the fourth quarter, a one yard rushing touchdown from Ryan Whitwell.&nbsp; The two point conversion attempt failed, and after the Ravens were forced to punt on the ensuing drive, a massive sack by&nbsp; Blake Casteel forced Indiana Wesleyan to send&nbsp; Josh Clifton out to knock through a 40 yard field goal.&nbsp;

With 6:37 remaining in the game, the Ravens put together what amounted to a game winning drive, milking almost four minutes of clock with a key third down conversion pass from Dooley to Jacob Gathright, setting Balke up for a 44 yard field goal to put the Ravens up by 11 with 2:40 left in the game.&nbsp;

Jackson Hoskins put the finishing touches on the win as he intercepted a Wildcats pass with 1:43 left in the game, allowing the Ravens to kneel out the rest of the game and move on to the semifinals.

With the win, the Ravens snapped Indiana Wesleyan's 25-game home winning streak and avenged a 2022 loss to the Wildcats also in the NAIA FCS Quarterfinal.

The Ravens defense held the Wildcats to 36 fewer points than they averaged entering Saturday's game.&nbsp; Indiana Wesleyan was just 5-of-15 on third down attempts and the Ravens stuffed two of the Wildcats five fourth-down tries.

Javhi Blomquist led the Ravens with 11 tackles and Zachary LaCombe added 10 tackles to go along with a fumble recovery. Isaiah Hasten had 7 tackles and an interception and Cole Johnson added another interception for the Ravens defense.

On the offensive side, Dooley was 18 of 33 for 193 yards with one interception.&nbsp;&nbsp;Xavier Ugorji rushed 11 times for 47 yards, while Witherspoon rushed 16 times for 45 yards with a touchdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;Joseph Lagafuaina was the leading receiver with seven catches for 78 yards.

Next up for the Ravens is a trip to the NAIA Semifinals.&nbsp; Benedictine will travel to&nbsp;West Palm Beach, Florida for a matchup with #1 seed Keiser.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at noon on December 14th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733606200450.jpeg" alt="The Benedictine Ravens played strong defense on way to a 20-9 victory over Indiana Wesleyan in the NAIA Quarterfinals on Saturday morning/ Photo courtesy of Cooper Pound" />
 <figcaption>The Benedictine Ravens played strong defense on way to a 20-9 victory over Indiana Wesleyan in the NAIA Quarterfinals on Saturday morning/ Photo courtesy of Cooper Pound</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Benedictine Ravens football team has made a habit of spoiling undefeated seasons in the NAIA playoffs.&nbsp; After beating #8 seed Texas Wesleyan last week, handing the Rams their first loss of the season, the Ravens faced #3 Indiana Wesleyan in the NAIA quarterfinals, and handed the Wildcats their first loss with a 20-9 win on the road in Marion, Indiana.It was a strong first half for Benedictine as the Ravens built a 17-0 lead at halftime.&nbsp; After rushing touchdowns by running back Dalton Witherspoon, a three yard score, and quarterback Jackson Dooley, a one yard touchdown, in the first quarter Benedictine capped the first half scoring in the second with a 20 yard field goal by Harry Balke midway through the quarter.&nbsp;Following a scoreless third quarter, the Wildcats cut into the lead with their only touchdown of the game on the first play of the fourth quarter, a one yard rushing touchdown from Ryan Whitwell.&nbsp; The two point conversion attempt failed, and after the Ravens were forced to punt on the ensuing drive, a massive sack by&nbsp; Blake Casteel forced Indiana Wesleyan to send&nbsp; Josh Clifton out to knock through a 40 yard field goal.&nbsp;With 6:37 remaining in the game, the Ravens put together what amounted to a game winning drive, milking almost four minutes of clock with a key third down conversion pass from Dooley to Jacob Gathright, setting Balke up for a 44 yard field goal to put the Ravens up by 11 with 2:40 left in the game.&nbsp;Jackson Hoskins put the finishing touches on the win as he intercepted a Wildcats pass with 1:43 left in the game, allowing the Ravens to kneel out the rest of the game and move on to the semifinals.With the win, the Ravens snapped Indiana Wesleyan's 25-game home winning streak and avenged a 2022 loss to the Wildcats also in the NAIA FCS Quarterfinal.The Ravens defense held the Wildcats to 36 fewer points than they averaged entering Saturday's game.&nbsp; Indiana Wesleyan was just 5-of-15 on third down attempts and the Ravens stuffed two of the Wildcats five fourth-down tries.Javhi Blomquist led the Ravens with 11 tackles and Zachary LaCombe added 10 tackles to go along with a fumble recovery. Isaiah Hasten had 7 tackles and an interception and Cole Johnson added another interception for the Ravens defense.On the offensive side, Dooley was 18 of 33 for 193 yards with one interception.&nbsp;&nbsp;Xavier Ugorji rushed 11 times for 47 yards, while Witherspoon rushed 16 times for 45 yards with a touchdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;Joseph Lagafuaina was the leading receiver with seven catches for 78 yards.Next up for the Ravens is a trip to the NAIA Semifinals.&nbsp; Benedictine will travel to&nbsp;West Palm Beach, Florida for a matchup with #1 seed Keiser.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at noon on December 14th.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wHyC64aW2AQ?si=uTxlulQD-SIlwiWB" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Benedictine advances to NAIA semifinals with another upset victory

The Northwest Missouri State football team has their new head coach, after announcing the firing of Rich Wright. 

Northwest Athletic Director Andy Peterson has named John McMenamin as the new head coach of the Bearcat football program, making McMenamin, a Bearcat alum, the 21st head coach in program history.

“I feel so fortunate and grateful for the opportunity that Dr. Lance Tatum and Athletic Director Andy Peterson have extended to lead this storied Bearcat football program,” McMenamin says in a news release. “There is no other football program like this in the country. It’s the university, the students, the community and especially the alums throughout the country that really make this such a special place to be."

"Until you’ve been a part of it, I don’t think you can fully appreciate what it means to be a part of Bearcat football and this community. Once a Bearcat, Always a Bearcat truly hits home.”

 McMenamin, a native of Omaha, Neb., served as the offensive co-coordinator/pass game coordinator/wide receivers coach at Tulane University in New Orleans, La., from December 2021 to July 2023. He helped orchestrate the biggest one-year turnaround in NCAA history as the Green Wave went from 2-10 to 10-2. 

Tulane scored a 2023 Cotton Bowl Classic victory over USC, 46-45. The Green Wave ranked No. 9 in the nation in team passing efficiency (160.48), No. 18 in scoring (36.0 points/game) and No. 20 in red-zone offense (86.8 scoring percentage).

"I am thrilled to be able to bring Coach McMenamin back to lead our football program," Peterson says. "His energy and passion for coaching and leading young men through the game of football just consumes you when you talk to him. I cannot wait to get him in front of our athletes, recruits, and all our stakeholders to cast his vision for the next iteration of Bearcat football. I know Coach McMenamin is focused and eager to quickly get connected to build meaningful relationships on behalf of Bearcat football."

Northwest will be McMenamin's second head coaching job. He was the head coach at Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb., from December 2019 to December 2021 when he left to go to Tulane. McMenamin delivered the program's first seven-win seasons in 11 years with a 7-4 record that included victories over nationally-ranked foes in Minnesota-Duluth and Minnesota State. 

McMenamin was the offensive coordinator at the University of Central Missouri from January 2015 to December 2019. He also served as the offensive coordinator at Midland University in Fremont, Neb., in 2009-2010 where he helped turn around a Warrior program that went 8-3 in 2010 while finishing No. 22 nationally in NAIA.

McMenamin played football at Northwest from 1998 to 2002 and was a part of two national championship squads in 1998 and 1999. He was a member of four MIAA championship squads and was voted a team captain in 2002.

He was a first-team all-MIAA quarterback in 2002. McMenamin set 27 Northwest and MIAA passing records during his playing days. He still holds the Northwest school records for passing yards in a game (473 vs. Central Missouri) and total offense in a game (475 vs. Central Missouri).

A formal press conference to announce McMenamin as the Bearcat head coach will be scheduled at a later date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733437198480.png" alt="John McMenamin has been named the 21st head coach of the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats Football Team/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Athletics" />
 <figcaption>John McMenamin has been named the 21st head coach of the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats Football Team/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Northwest Missouri State football team has their new head coach, after announcing the firing of Rich Wright. Northwest Athletic Director Andy Peterson has named John McMenamin as the new head coach of the Bearcat football program, making McMenamin, a Bearcat alum, the 21st head coach in program history.“I feel so fortunate and grateful for the opportunity that Dr. Lance Tatum and Athletic Director Andy Peterson have extended to lead this storied Bearcat football program,” McMenamin says in a news release. “There is no other football program like this in the country. It’s the university, the students, the community and especially the alums throughout the country that really make this such a special place to be.""Until you’ve been a part of it, I don’t think you can fully appreciate what it means to be a part of Bearcat football and this community. Once a Bearcat, Always a Bearcat truly hits home.” McMenamin, a native of Omaha, Neb., served as the offensive co-coordinator/pass game coordinator/wide receivers coach at Tulane University in New Orleans, La., from December 2021 to July 2023. He helped orchestrate the biggest one-year turnaround in NCAA history as the Green Wave went from 2-10 to 10-2. Tulane scored a 2023 Cotton Bowl Classic victory over USC, 46-45. The Green Wave ranked No. 9 in the nation in team passing efficiency (160.48), No. 18 in scoring (36.0 points/game) and No. 20 in red-zone offense (86.8 scoring percentage)."I am thrilled to be able to bring Coach McMenamin back to lead our football program," Peterson says. "His energy and passion for coaching and leading young men through the game of football just consumes you when you talk to him. I cannot wait to get him in front of our athletes, recruits, and all our stakeholders to cast his vision for the next iteration of Bearcat football. I know Coach McMenamin is focused and eager to quickly get connected to build meaningful relationships on behalf of Bearcat football."Northwest will be McMenamin's second head coaching job. He was the head coach at Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb., from December 2019 to December 2021 when he left to go to Tulane. McMenamin delivered the program's first seven-win seasons in 11 years with a 7-4 record that included victories over nationally-ranked foes in Minnesota-Duluth and Minnesota State. McMenamin was the offensive coordinator at the University of Central Missouri from January 2015 to December 2019. He also served as the offensive coordinator at Midland University in Fremont, Neb., in 2009-2010 where he helped turn around a Warrior program that went 8-3 in 2010 while finishing No. 22 nationally in NAIA.McMenamin played football at Northwest from 1998 to 2002 and was a part of two national championship squads in 1998 and 1999. He was a member of four MIAA championship squads and was voted a team captain in 2002.He was a first-team all-MIAA quarterback in 2002. McMenamin set 27 Northwest and MIAA passing records during his playing days. He still holds the Northwest school records for passing yards in a game (473 vs. Central Missouri) and total offense in a game (475 vs. Central Missouri).A formal press conference to announce McMenamin as the Bearcat head coach will be scheduled at a later date.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

John McMenamin named newest football coach at Northwest Missouri State University

The Kansas City Chiefs announced that tight end Travis Kelce has been selected as the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide. 

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is the league's most prestigious honor, recognizing players who excel on the field and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the game. Kelce is joined by 31 other nominees, with a selection from each club.

“Over the past 12 years, Travis Kelce has grown into one of the most dynamic individuals in all of football, both on and off the field,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt says in a news release from the team. “He’s a three-time Super Bowl Champion, a nine-time Pro Bowler and one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. He’s also a tremendous leader, a role model for young people in Kansas City and an inspiration to football fans around the world." 

"Through his new Ignition Lab, the growing Eighty-Seven &amp; Running Foundation and his partnership with Operation Breakthrough, Travis has impacted the lives of thousands of young people in the Kansas City region and beyond. Very few athletes in the history of the game have balanced the same level of team success, individual accolades and community engagement. The Chiefs organization and the Kansas City community are proud to have Travis as the club’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.”

 All 32 nominees will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. The winner of the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air nationally on FOX and the NFL Network on Thursday, Feb. 6. 

Each nominee will receive up to $55,000 and the award winner will receive up to a $265,000 donation to their charity of choice. All donations are made possible by the NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation.

“I’m truly honored to be nominated as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. This organization and this city mean so much to me and to have the Chiefs nominate me again is special,” Kelce says. “Growing up in Cleveland Heights with supportive family and friends, I know the power of having people in your corner. It’s been incredible to be able to work towards providing that same support and inspiration to kids through Eighty-Seven &amp; Running and our work with Operation Breakthrough and the Ignition Lab."

"To see the inaugural class from the Ignition Lab getting ready to graduate is so special and something that I’ll cherish forever. I know how valuable hope and purpose is in those high school years, and these kids have really seized the opportunity. Being able to give back to the community here in Kansas City as well as show love to my hometown is not something I’ll ever take for granted. I’m forever grateful to represent Kansas City, the Hunt family, our fans and my foundation, and it’s an honor to be nominated.”

Since entering the NFL as a third-round draft pick in 2013, Kelce has been an impactful contributor to the Kansas City community, while also being a dominant force on the field and already being hailed as one of the greatest to play the position. 

Since establishing his foundation, Eighty-Seven &amp; Running, in 2015, Kelce has grown his contributions both in scope and financial contributions. In 2020, Kelce was recognized for his diligent efforts to support Kansas City youth with his first Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination. 

Kelce has continued his dedication to the youth of Kansas City throughout his 12-year career, partnering with Operation Breakthrough, an after-school program diligently working to provide support and extracurricular opportunities to some of the most impoverished community members of Kansas City. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelce was an avid supporter of Operation Breakthrough, helping to keep their doors open through a tumultuous economic time and generating thousands of meals for Operation Breakthrough’s food-insecure population.

In 2020, Kelce purchased an abandoned muffler shop with the vision of turning the space into the “Ignition Lab” – a safe, after-school program for inner-city students to gain real-world, tangible experience and life skills and ignite their passions as an extension of Operation Breakthrough. 

This year, the inaugural class of the Ignition Lab is set to graduate high school, bolstered with work experience, internships, industry skills and support. Since its inception in 2020, the Ignition Lab has grown the number of students served by 350%.

In the four years of its existence, Ignition Lab students have launched three entrepreneurial businesses, including a food truck, a hydroponic farm and a digital media studio, all providing opportunities for students to discover their unique interests and further develop their skills. 

Along with the unparalleled knowledge, these ventures provide students an opportunity to earn wages from their work to help support their families. Ignition Lab students also complete a required financial literacy course to help equip them for success beyond their time in the program.

Since beginning his historic career over 10 years ago, Kelce has made an impact not only in Kansas City, including visits to children to encourage healthy lifestyles, visiting first responders, providing his time and voice to food banks and promoting the values of youth football.

Fans are once again encouraged to participate in Nationwide's annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee. Fans can vote on X/Twitter by posting #WPMOYChallenge along with the last name/X handle of their chosen nominee or by voting directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. 

The nominee who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide to the charity of their choice, with the runner-up receiving $10,000 and the third-place winner receiving $5,000. Charity Challenge voting takes place from Thursday, Dec. 5 to Monday, Jan. 6.

Beginning Week 14 and continuing through the end of the season, each of this year's nominees, including Kelce, will wear a special Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722450445178.jpeg" alt="Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and receivers Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice during practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and receivers Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice during practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs announced that tight end Travis Kelce has been selected as the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is the league's most prestigious honor, recognizing players who excel on the field and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the game. Kelce is joined by 31 other nominees, with a selection from each club.“Over the past 12 years, Travis Kelce has grown into one of the most dynamic individuals in all of football, both on and off the field,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt says in a news release from the team. “He’s a three-time Super Bowl Champion, a nine-time Pro Bowler and one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. He’s also a tremendous leader, a role model for young people in Kansas City and an inspiration to football fans around the world." "Through his new Ignition Lab, the growing Eighty-Seven &amp; Running Foundation and his partnership with Operation Breakthrough, Travis has impacted the lives of thousands of young people in the Kansas City region and beyond. Very few athletes in the history of the game have balanced the same level of team success, individual accolades and community engagement. The Chiefs organization and the Kansas City community are proud to have Travis as the club’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.” All 32 nominees will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. The winner of the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special to air nationally on FOX and the NFL Network on Thursday, Feb. 6. Each nominee will receive up to $55,000 and the award winner will receive up to a $265,000 donation to their charity of choice. All donations are made possible by the NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation.“I’m truly honored to be nominated as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. This organization and this city mean so much to me and to have the Chiefs nominate me again is special,” Kelce says. “Growing up in Cleveland Heights with supportive family and friends, I know the power of having people in your corner. It’s been incredible to be able to work towards providing that same support and inspiration to kids through Eighty-Seven &amp; Running and our work with Operation Breakthrough and the Ignition Lab.""To see the inaugural class from the Ignition Lab getting ready to graduate is so special and something that I’ll cherish forever. I know how valuable hope and purpose is in those high school years, and these kids have really seized the opportunity. Being able to give back to the community here in Kansas City as well as show love to my hometown is not something I’ll ever take for granted. I’m forever grateful to represent Kansas City, the Hunt family, our fans and my foundation, and it’s an honor to be nominated.”Since entering the NFL as a third-round draft pick in 2013, Kelce has been an impactful contributor to the Kansas City community, while also being a dominant force on the field and already being hailed as one of the greatest to play the position. Since establishing his foundation, Eighty-Seven &amp; Running, in 2015, Kelce has grown his contributions both in scope and financial contributions. In 2020, Kelce was recognized for his diligent efforts to support Kansas City youth with his first Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination. Kelce has continued his dedication to the youth of Kansas City throughout his 12-year career, partnering with Operation Breakthrough, an after-school program diligently working to provide support and extracurricular opportunities to some of the most impoverished community members of Kansas City. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelce was an avid supporter of Operation Breakthrough, helping to keep their doors open through a tumultuous economic time and generating thousands of meals for Operation Breakthrough’s food-insecure population.In 2020, Kelce purchased an abandoned muffler shop with the vision of turning the space into the “Ignition Lab” – a safe, after-school program for inner-city students to gain real-world, tangible experience and life skills and ignite their passions as an extension of Operation Breakthrough. This year, the inaugural class of the Ignition Lab is set to graduate high school, bolstered with work experience, internships, industry skills and support. Since its inception in 2020, the Ignition Lab has grown the number of students served by 350%.In the four years of its existence, Ignition Lab students have launched three entrepreneurial businesses, including a food truck, a hydroponic farm and a digital media studio, all providing opportunities for students to discover their unique interests and further develop their skills. Along with the unparalleled knowledge, these ventures provide students an opportunity to earn wages from their work to help support their families. Ignition Lab students also complete a required financial literacy course to help equip them for success beyond their time in the program.Since beginning his historic career over 10 years ago, Kelce has made an impact not only in Kansas City, including visits to children to encourage healthy lifestyles, visiting first responders, providing his time and voice to food banks and promoting the values of youth football.Fans are once again encouraged to participate in Nationwide's annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee. Fans can vote on X/Twitter by posting #WPMOYChallenge along with the last name/X handle of their chosen nominee or by voting directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The nominee who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide to the charity of their choice, with the runner-up receiving $10,000 and the third-place winner receiving $5,000. Charity Challenge voting takes place from Thursday, Dec. 5 to Monday, Jan. 6.Beginning Week 14 and continuing through the end of the season, each of this year's nominees, including Kelce, will wear a special Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal in recognition of their accomplishments on and off the field.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Travis Kelce nominated as Chiefs rep for Walter Payton Man of the Year

St. Joseph Central High School running back Gabe Fields is continuing his football career at Vanderbilt.   

It's been quite a turnaround for the Vanderbilt Commodores, who for the first time since 2018 became bowl eligible this year.  Next year Fields, a standout at Central, will be a part of that turnaround.  

Fields says he's excited to get to Nashville and help build the culture 

"You know I've had some experience of trying to build something, here at Central we were 1-9 at one point, so I'm just ready to get up there and put the work in and try to win a National Championship is the end goal," Fields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post 

Fields, who received several division one offers, says it was the Commodores coaching staff he fell in love with 

"I knew one of the coaches really well, Ghaali Muhammad, so I really loved how he was doing things and where he was," Fields explains.  "And I also loved how they also focus on academics, the other side of life, because one day football is going to stop and I know that, but with a Vanderbilt degree you can do anything you want." 

Muhammed-Lankford was a standout himself at Central, graduating from Wyoming after playing football on both offense and defense. 

Fields had offers from multiple Division 1 programs, Iowa State, Baylor, Navy, Air Force, Harvard, Cornell, Penn, Yale, UNLV, Toledo, and Kent State were just some of the schools that wanted Fields. 

While he doesn't know if he'll play right away, Fields has some lofty goals.  

"My goal personally is to be a Freshman All American, but we'll see how everything shakes out," Fields says. 

Fields, ranked as the number 22 prospect from Missouri in the 2025 class by 247 Sports, says being a division one commit from St. Joseph is a great feeling, and says it shows that you can accomplish your dreams from wherever 

"And that you don't have to leave your hometown just to go chase a different dream, you can do it all where you're at," Fields says.  "I mean you've got everything you need, you've got your family around you, you've got your teammates, people you've grown up with, and you can also show the youth that it don't matter where you start, it's just all about how you finish quite honestly." 

Fields in his senior season at Central compiled 1,806 all-purpose yards with 20 total touchdowns. 

Fields says he will major in business management.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733346507784.jpeg" alt="Central running back Gabe Fields signed his NLI to continue playing football for the Vanderbilt Commodores/ Photo courtesy of Brett Kennedy KQTV" />
 <figcaption>Central running back Gabe Fields signed his NLI to continue playing football for the Vanderbilt Commodores/ Photo courtesy of Brett Kennedy KQTV</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph Central High School running back Gabe Fields is continuing his football career at Vanderbilt. It's been quite a turnaround for the Vanderbilt Commodores, who for the first time since 2018 became bowl eligible this year. Next year Fields, a standout at Central, will be a part of that turnaround. Fields says he's excited to get to Nashville and help build the culture "You know I've had some experience of trying to build something, here at Central we were 1-9 at one point, so I'm just ready to get up there and put the work in and try to win a National Championship is the end goal," Fields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post Fields, who received several division one offers, says it was the Commodores coaching staff he fell in love with "I knew one of the coaches really well, Ghaali Muhammad, so I really loved how he was doing things and where he was," Fields explains. "And I also loved how they also focus on academics, the other side of life, because one day football is going to stop and I know that, but with a Vanderbilt degree you can do anything you want." Muhammed-Lankford was a standout himself at Central, graduating from Wyoming after playing football on both offense and defense. Fields had offers from multiple Division 1 programs, Iowa State, Baylor, Navy, Air Force, Harvard, Cornell, Penn, Yale, UNLV, Toledo, and Kent State were just some of the schools that wanted Fields. While he doesn't know if he'll play right away, Fields has some lofty goals. "My goal personally is to be a Freshman All American, but we'll see how everything shakes out," Fields says. Fields, ranked as the number 22 prospect from Missouri in the 2025 class by 247 Sports, says being a division one commit from St. Joseph is a great feeling, and says it shows that you can accomplish your dreams from wherever "And that you don't have to leave your hometown just to go chase a different dream, you can do it all where you're at," Fields says. "I mean you've got everything you need, you've got your family around you, you've got your teammates, people you've grown up with, and you can also show the youth that it don't matter where you start, it's just all about how you finish quite honestly." Fields in his senior season at Central compiled 1,806 all-purpose yards with 20 total touchdowns. Fields says he will major in business management.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Full-interview-Gabe-Fields-signs-with-Vanderbil-e2rt3se/a-ablqkof" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Signed 🖋️ Welcome to Commodore Nation, <a href="https://twitter.com/Gabefields31?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gabefields31</a> <a href="https://t.co/fQgFlKMSid">pic.twitter.com/fQgFlKMSid</a>&mdash; Vanderbilt Football (@VandyFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/VandyFootball/status/1864390819500978441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

St. Joseph Central HS running back Gabe Fields signs with Vanderbilt

Ravens upset Texas Wesleyan to advance in NAIA FCS Tournament

The #9 Benedictine Ravens went into Fort Worth, Texas to face an undefeated #8 Texas Wesleyan and used a massive second half to upset the Rams 42-33 to advance to the NAIA FCS Quarterfinals.&nbsp;

The Ravens did fall behind through the first quarter quickly.&nbsp; On the Rams first drive, Carson Rodgers connected with Darren White for a 25 yard touchdown pass.&nbsp; Then, after a fumble by&nbsp;Joseph Lagafuaina on the ensuing kickoff was recovered by Texas Wesleyan, Rodgers found&nbsp;Ernest Ceasar on a six yard touchdown strike, putting the Rams up 14-0 in less than four minutes.

Benedictine went on to answer on their first offensive drive of the game, needing just two plays to do so, as Jackson Dooley threw a 41 yard touchdown pass to Jacob Gathright.&nbsp; Early into the second quarter, Dooley again connected with Gathright, this time on a 40 yard strike, to tie up the game.&nbsp;

With his second touchdown catch, Gathright became the all time leading receiver in Benedictine school history.&nbsp;

But late into the quarter, nearing halftime, Texas Wesleyan took the lead back with a two yard rushing score by Ceasar.&nbsp; And with no time remaining on the clock,&nbsp;Diego Chavarria knocked in a 50 yard field goal, sending the teams to the locker room with the Rams leading 24-14 at the break.&nbsp;

Whatever message Ravens head coach Joel Osborn had for his team at halftime seemed to work, as Benedictine came out in the second half and scored 28 unanswered points, taking a massive lead on the higher seeded Rams.&nbsp;

After Benedictine scored on their first offensive drive of the half, a one yard run by Dalton Witherspoon, they didn't score again until late into the third on another rushing score from Witherpoon, from 21 yards away, giving the Ravens their first lead of the game.&nbsp;

In the fourth quarter, after&nbsp;Jackson Hoskins picked off Rodgers, Benedictine extended the lead on a long pass play, with Dooley finding JaShawn Todd for an 89 yard touchdown strike in just one play.&nbsp; On the first play of the next drive Rodgers was again intercepted, this time by&nbsp; Zachary LaCombe, and the Ravens scored again on a nine play drive, Dooley using his legs this time for a one yard rushing score.

The deficit would be too much to overcome for the Rams, getting a 30 yard field goal from Chavarria, before with no time remaining in the game Ceasar caught his second receiving touchdown of the game from Rodgers from 24 yards.&nbsp;

Dooley was 15 of 30 through the air for 344 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.&nbsp; Witherspoon rushed 19 times for 102 yards and two scores.&nbsp; Gathright caught six passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns, while Todd had three catches for 109 yards and a score.&nbsp;

Next up, Benedictine will travel for a second straight week for the NAIA FCS Quarterfinals taking on #3 seed Indiana Wesleyan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brady Cook carries Mizzou past Arkansas on snowy day at Faurot