By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-e2vl0f9/a-abqfprp" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

The East Buchanan Bulldog boy's basketball team overcame being down by as many as 14 points to defeat the Mid-Buchanan Dragons 73-66 in the Class 3 District 15 championship game, winning their second straight district title.  

East Buchanan opened the scoring in the first quarter, a three pointer by Seth Spencer, but after that it was all Mid-Buchanan with the Dragons going on a 12-0 run until Bulldogs head coach Michael Carpenter called a timeout.  The timeout allowed the right time to adjust and for East Buchanan to start clawing back, ending the first quarter trailing 23-18.  

Both teams continued going back and forth in the second quarter, a strong and physical effort by the Dragons forcing the Bulldogs into several turnovers, and Mid-Buchanan held their lead at halftime 41-31.

Things continued to go bad for East Buchanan to start the second half, falling behind by 14 points at one point to Mid-Buchanan.  But the Bulldogs did not stop fighting, as senior Isaiah Watkins turned a switch and took the game into his own hands, helping to pull East Buchanan back to within five at 54-49.  

Watkins hot hand continued into the final quarter, scoring the first five points to tie the game up, before East Buchanan took their first lead since the start of the game, leading 61-58 with just under five minutes remaining and forcing Dragons head coach Bryce Kemper to call a timeout.  

The Bulldogs and Dragons exchanged the lead a couple more times before East Buchanan pulled away for good and earned the win.

"I don't even know, I've been telling our assistant coaches I'm not sure how we came back and got that," Carpenter told reporters following the game.  "I know Isaiah got hot and then we kind of cut it back and our boys did an awesome job of fighting, I couldn't be more proud of them." 

"There's been a lot of times we're playing MId-Buchanan and we get down and they just keep us there, but to show that fight and do that I couldn't be more proud, that was a crazy game." 

Watkins led East Buchanan with 21 points.  Clark Scott scored 17 and Spencer added 12.  For Mid-Buchanan Chris Kowalewcyz led with 17. 

It will be a short turnaround for East Buchanan as they play Lexington on Monday in Gower for sectionals.  Tipping off at 6:30pm. 

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/2025/3/1740810199472.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan's boys brought home their second straight division title, beating Mid-Buchanan 73-66/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan's boys brought home their second straight division title, beating Mid-Buchanan 73-66/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe East Buchanan Bulldog boy's basketball team overcame being down by as many as 14 points to defeat the Mid-Buchanan Dragons 73-66 in the Class 3 District 15 championship game, winning their second straight district title. East Buchanan opened the scoring in the first quarter, a three pointer by Seth Spencer, but after that it was all Mid-Buchanan with the Dragons going on a 12-0 run until Bulldogs head coach Michael Carpenter called a timeout. The timeout allowed the right time to adjust and for East Buchanan to start clawing back, ending the first quarter trailing 23-18. Both teams continued going back and forth in the second quarter, a strong and physical effort by the Dragons forcing the Bulldogs into several turnovers, and Mid-Buchanan held their lead at halftime 41-31.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740810245174.jpeg" alt="Mid Buchanan's Chris Kowalewycz (0) goes up for a shot/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Mid Buchanan's Chris Kowalewycz (0) goes up for a shot/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Things continued to go bad for East Buchanan to start the second half, falling behind by 14 points at one point to Mid-Buchanan. But the Bulldogs did not stop fighting, as senior Isaiah Watkins turned a switch and took the game into his own hands, helping to pull East Buchanan back to within five at 54-49. Watkins hot hand continued into the final quarter, scoring the first five points to tie the game up, before East Buchanan took their first lead since the start of the game, leading 61-58 with just under five minutes remaining and forcing Dragons head coach Bryce Kemper to call a timeout. The Bulldogs and Dragons exchanged the lead a couple more times before East Buchanan pulled away for good and earned the win.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740810400507.jpeg" alt="Isaiah Watkins/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Isaiah Watkins/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>"I don't even know, I've been telling our assistant coaches I'm not sure how we came back and got that," Carpenter told reporters following the game. "I know Isaiah got hot and then we kind of cut it back and our boys did an awesome job of fighting, I couldn't be more proud of them." "There's been a lot of times we're playing MId-Buchanan and we get down and they just keep us there, but to show that fight and do that I couldn't be more proud, that was a crazy game." Watkins led East Buchanan with 21 points. Clark Scott scored 17 and Spencer added 12. For Mid-Buchanan Chris Kowalewcyz led with 17. It will be a short turnaround for East Buchanan as they play Lexington on Monday in Gower for sectionals. Tipping off at 6:30pm. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740810465971.jpeg" alt="Carder Campbell (3) goes for three as East Buchanan's Dylan Davidson defends/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Carder Campbell (3) goes for three as East Buchanan's Dylan Davidson defends/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740810483299.jpeg" alt="Kolten Woodside (11) defends against Ian Wegenga (5)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kolten Woodside (11) defends against Ian Wegenga (5)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740810500954.jpeg" alt="Seth Spencer/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Seth Spencer/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

East Buchanan takes down rival Mid-Buchanan 73-66 for Class 3 District 15 title

Up by nine at the halftime break, a late three by Vanderbilt forced overtime and the Commodores took over from there, taking down the #14 Missouri Tigers in Nashville 97-93.&nbsp;

Missouri and Vanderbilt traded blows through the first seven minutes of the game before the Tigers pulled away, leading at the first official TV timeout 16-7 with 12:06 left in the first half.&nbsp; After the timeout, the Commodores begin to fight their way back, getting within one by the second TV timeout.&nbsp;

Missouri went on to pull away through the remainder of the first half, leading 38-29.&nbsp; But once again on the road, the Missouri shooters went cold, while the opposing team found a way to get hot, the Commodores going on an 11-5 run to open up the second half.&nbsp;

Vanderbilt eventually took the lead, but the Tigers continued to scratch and claw keeping up with the Commodores, but were forced into overtime as Tyler Nickel made a three point shot with four seconds left in regulation.&nbsp;

The Commodores outscored Missouri 16-12 in the overtime period to earn the win.&nbsp;

Caleb Grill led the Tigers with 28 points off the bench. Mark Mitchell scored 20 points while Tamar Bates and Anthony Robinson each added 16 points.&nbsp;

Missouri is now 21-8 on the season, 10-6 in the SEC.&nbsp; The Tigers stay on the road Wednesday taking on Oklahoma.&nbsp; Tipoff is at 7pm, pregame will air at 6:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740882047736.jpeg" alt="Mark Mitchell goes for a shot layup against Vanderbilt/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Hoops on X" />
 <figcaption>Mark Mitchell goes for a shot layup against Vanderbilt/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Hoops on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostUp by nine at the halftime break, a late three by Vanderbilt forced overtime and the Commodores took over from there, taking down the #14 Missouri Tigers in Nashville 97-93.&nbsp;Missouri and Vanderbilt traded blows through the first seven minutes of the game before the Tigers pulled away, leading at the first official TV timeout 16-7 with 12:06 left in the first half.&nbsp; After the timeout, the Commodores begin to fight their way back, getting within one by the second TV timeout.&nbsp;Missouri went on to pull away through the remainder of the first half, leading 38-29.&nbsp; But once again on the road, the Missouri shooters went cold, while the opposing team found a way to get hot, the Commodores going on an 11-5 run to open up the second half.&nbsp;Vanderbilt eventually took the lead, but the Tigers continued to scratch and claw keeping up with the Commodores, but were forced into overtime as Tyler Nickel made a three point shot with four seconds left in regulation.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NICKELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL‼️ OT ⚓️⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/vcFldh1pPm">pic.twitter.com/vcFldh1pPm</a>&mdash; Vanderbilt Men&#39;s Basketball (@VandyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/VandyMBB/status/1896005670258032746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Commodores outscored Missouri 16-12 in the overtime period to earn the win.&nbsp;Caleb Grill led the Tigers with 28 points off the bench. Mark Mitchell scored 20 points while Tamar Bates and Anthony Robinson each added 16 points.&nbsp;Missouri is now 21-8 on the season, 10-6 in the SEC.&nbsp; The Tigers stay on the road Wednesday taking on Oklahoma.&nbsp; Tipoff is at 7pm, pregame will air at 6:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Tigers fall in OT 97-93 as Commodores stay hot

 The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association has announced its postseason basketball championships will remain in Kansas City’s Municipal Auditorium through 2030.

"Following consideration of multiple competitive bids by other communities to host the MIAA women's and men's basketball championships every March, I am pleased to announce that the MIAA Tournament will remain in Kansas City at least through the 2030 Championships,” said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy in a news release by the MIAA.

"The MIAA is one of the oldest conferences in the NCAA, and we have one of the most competitive college basketball tournaments in the country every year,” continued Commissioner Racy. “Our coaches and student-athletes love competing in the historic Municipal Auditorium, and it’s exciting that leaders in Kansas City want to continue to feature the MIAA basketball championships every Spring as part of ‘March Madness’ in this great college basketball city!"

The league’s upcoming men’s and women’s basketball championships will mark the 22nd year of MIAA Madness in Kansas City’s historic Municipal Auditorium. 

With the Association’s previous contract expiring after the 2026 championships, MIAA presidents put the tournament up for proposals and unanimously approved a four-year extension to keep one of Division II’s best conference championships in Kansas City.&nbsp; St. Joseph, as well as Topeka, were the two other cities that put in competitive bids and were up for consideration.

“The MIAA is a Kansas City institution and longtime contributor in this community recognized for its sports culture,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of Visit KC and the Kansas City Sports Commission. “We’re thrilled and grateful to know the MIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will continue to play a key role in making KC an unparalleled destination for college basketball.”

This season’s MIAA men’s and women’s basketball championships begin Wednesday, March 5, with the championship games scheduled for Sunday, March 9. To find more information you can click <a href="https://themiaa.com/feature/2025-miaa-basketball-championships">HERE</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740774784791.jpeg" alt="Municipal Auditorium basketball court/ Courtesy of Visit KC" />
 <figcaption>Municipal Auditorium basketball court/ Courtesy of Visit KC</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association has announced its postseason basketball championships will remain in Kansas City’s Municipal Auditorium through 2030."Following consideration of multiple competitive bids by other communities to host the MIAA women's and men's basketball championships every March, I am pleased to announce that the MIAA Tournament will remain in Kansas City at least through the 2030 Championships,” said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy in a news release by the MIAA."The MIAA is one of the oldest conferences in the NCAA, and we have one of the most competitive college basketball tournaments in the country every year,” continued Commissioner Racy. “Our coaches and student-athletes love competing in the historic Municipal Auditorium, and it’s exciting that leaders in Kansas City want to continue to feature the MIAA basketball championships every Spring as part of ‘March Madness’ in this great college basketball city!"The league’s upcoming men’s and women’s basketball championships will mark the 22nd year of MIAA Madness in Kansas City’s historic Municipal Auditorium. With the Association’s previous contract expiring after the 2026 championships, MIAA presidents put the tournament up for proposals and unanimously approved a four-year extension to keep one of Division II’s best conference championships in Kansas City.&nbsp; St. Joseph, as well as Topeka, were the two other cities that put in competitive bids and were up for consideration.“The MIAA is a Kansas City institution and longtime contributor in this community recognized for its sports culture,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of Visit KC and the Kansas City Sports Commission. “We’re thrilled and grateful to know the MIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will continue to play a key role in making KC an unparalleled destination for college basketball.”This season’s MIAA men’s and women’s basketball championships begin Wednesday, March 5, with the championship games scheduled for Sunday, March 9. To find more information you can click <a href="https://themiaa.com/feature/2025-miaa-basketball-championships">HERE</a>.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MIAA basketball tournament to remain in Kansas City through 2030

The Kansas City Royals gave up two home runs to former Kansas State first baseman Nick Martini and suffered their first loss of Spring Training, falling 7-6.

Michael Wacha made his spring debut for the Royals, and started out striking out four consecutive batters, before surrendering the first home run to Martini.&nbsp; A hit batter and a single later, Wacha gave up a double to&nbsp;Adael Amador to give the Rockies a 3-2 lead, which they never looked back from.&nbsp;

Martini homered again in the fifth inning, off of St. Joseph's Noah Cameron who was making his second appearance of the spring after two scoreless innings in the opener last Friday.&nbsp; Cameron pitched two innings, giving up only the two runs on the home run, and striking out one.&nbsp;

Kansas City also sent Chris Stratton and Lucas Erceg to the mound in this game, both&nbsp; making their spring training debuts as well.&nbsp; They combined for four strikeouts, with one run given up by Erceg.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Royals also saw MJ Melendez finally get his first hit of the spring, showing off his new and improved swing, a single in the first inning that scored Michael Massey.&nbsp; He also drove in Joey Weimer in the fifth with a single.&nbsp; Melendez was 2 for 3 at the plate.&nbsp;

The Royals are back in action on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 2:05pm, with pregame at 2pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals gave up two home runs to former Kansas State first baseman Nick Martini and suffered their first loss of Spring Training, falling 7-6.Michael Wacha made his spring debut for the Royals, and started out striking out four consecutive batters, before surrendering the first home run to Martini.&nbsp; A hit batter and a single later, Wacha gave up a double to&nbsp;Adael Amador to give the Rockies a 3-2 lead, which they never looked back from.&nbsp;Martini homered again in the fifth inning, off of St. Joseph's Noah Cameron who was making his second appearance of the spring after two scoreless innings in the opener last Friday.&nbsp; Cameron pitched two innings, giving up only the two runs on the home run, and striking out one.&nbsp;Kansas City also sent Chris Stratton and Lucas Erceg to the mound in this game, both&nbsp; making their spring training debuts as well.&nbsp; They combined for four strikeouts, with one run given up by Erceg.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Royals also saw MJ Melendez finally get his first hit of the spring, showing off his new and improved swing, a single in the first inning that scored Michael Massey.&nbsp; He also drove in Joey Weimer in the fifth with a single.&nbsp; Melendez was 2 for 3 at the plate.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MJ gets us on the board! <a href="https://t.co/mBgJ5zknak">pic.twitter.com/mBgJ5zknak</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1894851753654558748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Royals are back in action on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 2:05pm, with pregame at 2pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Longball plagues Royals in first spring training loss, fall to Rockies 7-6

The Midland Empire Conference will have a new full-fledged member starting in the 2026-27 school year.

The MEC has officially voted to add Excelsior Springs to the conference for all sports and activities starting in the fall of 2026. The Excelsior Springs Board of Education voted earlier this month in favor of joining the conference.

St. Pius X had previously decided to leave the conference for football, but the MEC Board of Directors have voted to remove St. Pius completely from the conference starting at the beginning of fall 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740612289293.jpeg" alt="The MEC Conference has voted to add Excelsior Springs to the conference in 2026, and will remove St.. Pius X starting this fall." />
 <figcaption>The MEC Conference has voted to add Excelsior Springs to the conference in 2026, and will remove St.. Pius X starting this fall.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt.&nbsp; Joseph PostThe Midland Empire Conference will have a new full-fledged member starting in the 2026-27 school year.The MEC has officially voted to add Excelsior Springs to the conference for all sports and activities starting in the fall of 2026. The Excelsior Springs Board of Education voted earlier this month in favor of joining the conference.St. Pius X had previously decided to leave the conference for football, but the MEC Board of Directors have voted to remove St. Pius completely from the conference starting at the beginning of fall 2025.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MEC Conference votes to remove St. Pius X, add Excelsior Springs in 2026

Change will be coming to the Missouri women's basketball program as head coach Robin Pingeton has informed the Mizzou Athletics Administration she will step away from the program at the end of this season.&nbsp;

Pingeton, currently in her 15th season leading the Tigers, has compiled a 249-216 record at Mizzou, guiding the program to 10 postseason tournament appearances, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament.  

"After a lot of reflection, I have decided it's time for a new voice to lead Mizzou Women's Basketball," Pingeton said in a news release. "This is a decision I arrived at after initiating conversations with Laird Veatch, and I am incredibly grateful for his leadership and support throughout this process. I love Columbia, Mizzou and the amazing community that has supported my family and this program for so many years. This is the end of this chapter. I'm looking forward to the next one. 

"I love this 2024-25 Mizzou team and could not be prouder of the way these young ladies have competed and represented this university. I'll always be grateful for my time at Mizzou and will close this chapter just as I opened it, with profound gratitude for the opportunity to lead this program. I know Laird will do amazing things for this athletics department moving forward." 

In her 15 seasons at Mizzou, Pingeton has guided the Tigers to 22 wins over teams ranked in the top 25 with seven wins over teams ranked in the top 10, including a 2021 victory over No. 1 South Carolina, Mizzou's first victory over the nation's top-ranked team in program history. Pingeton currently ranks second in program winning percentage (.535) and victories (249), trailing only Mizzou Hall of Famer Joann Rutherford (.617, 423-261). 

"Robin Pingeton has poured her heart into Mizzou Women's Basketball for the past 15 years, and we are tremendously grateful for her leadership, character and dedication to our student-athletes," Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch said. "She has built a program that has competed at a high level, developed young women on and off the court and represented Mizzou with class. We respect her decision and appreciate her commitment to finishing this season strong. 

"A national search for our next head coach will begin soon. We are incredibly excited about the future of Mizzou Women's Basketball." 

With previous head-coaching stops at St. Ambrose and Illinois State, Pingeton is 584-373 in 29 overall seasons, owning the third-most wins among all current SEC head coaches. She is the 17th-winningest active coach in Division I women's basketball.

Pingeton's Tigers will continue their 2024-25 campaign with Thursday's game at Arkansas, a 6:30 p.m. tip-off on SEC Network+.&nbsp; The Tigers will play their home finale on Sunday Vanderbilt, that game will air on KFEQ with tipoff at 2pm and pregame at 1:45. The team's four seniors will be honored before Sunday's tip-off.

The Tigers will play in the SEC Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina, beginning next Wednesday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181587960.jpeg" alt="Robin Pingeton/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Robin Pingeton/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostChange will be coming to the Missouri women's basketball program as head coach Robin Pingeton has informed the Mizzou Athletics Administration she will step away from the program at the end of this season.&nbsp;Pingeton, currently in her 15th season leading the Tigers, has compiled a 249-216 record at Mizzou, guiding the program to 10 postseason tournament appearances, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament. "After a lot of reflection, I have decided it's time for a new voice to lead Mizzou Women's Basketball," Pingeton said in a news release. "This is a decision I arrived at after initiating conversations with Laird Veatch, and I am incredibly grateful for his leadership and support throughout this process. I love Columbia, Mizzou and the amazing community that has supported my family and this program for so many years. This is the end of this chapter. I'm looking forward to the next one. "I love this 2024-25 Mizzou team and could not be prouder of the way these young ladies have competed and represented this university. I'll always be grateful for my time at Mizzou and will close this chapter just as I opened it, with profound gratitude for the opportunity to lead this program. I know Laird will do amazing things for this athletics department moving forward." In her 15 seasons at Mizzou, Pingeton has guided the Tigers to 22 wins over teams ranked in the top 25 with seven wins over teams ranked in the top 10, including a 2021 victory over No. 1 South Carolina, Mizzou's first victory over the nation's top-ranked team in program history. Pingeton currently ranks second in program winning percentage (.535) and victories (249), trailing only Mizzou Hall of Famer Joann Rutherford (.617, 423-261). "Robin Pingeton has poured her heart into Mizzou Women's Basketball for the past 15 years, and we are tremendously grateful for her leadership, character and dedication to our student-athletes," Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch said. "She has built a program that has competed at a high level, developed young women on and off the court and represented Mizzou with class. We respect her decision and appreciate her commitment to finishing this season strong. "A national search for our next head coach will begin soon. We are incredibly excited about the future of Mizzou Women's Basketball." With previous head-coaching stops at St. Ambrose and Illinois State, Pingeton is 584-373 in 29 overall seasons, owning the third-most wins among all current SEC head coaches. She is the 17th-winningest active coach in Division I women's basketball.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/c6rIVy2mNA">pic.twitter.com/c6rIVy2mNA</a>&mdash; Robin Pingeton (@CoachPingeton) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachPingeton/status/1894856466697195979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pingeton's Tigers will continue their 2024-25 campaign with Thursday's game at Arkansas, a 6:30 p.m. tip-off on SEC Network+.&nbsp; The Tigers will play their home finale on Sunday Vanderbilt, that game will air on KFEQ with tipoff at 2pm and pregame at 1:45. The team's four seniors will be honored before Sunday's tip-off.The Tigers will play in the SEC Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina, beginning next Wednesday.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mizzou women's coach Robin Pingeton stepping away at end of season

The Kansas City Royals offense exploded in spring training action on Tuesday, defeating the Texas Rangers 15-6 and remaining unbeaten during their time in Surprise, Arizona.&nbsp;

Seth Lugo made his spring training debut, pitching two innings and giving up three runs, all on a three run home run from Rangers outfielder Leody Taveras, and walking two batters.&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas City got home runs from two non-roster invitees, infielder Tyler Tolbert and newly signed catcher Luke Maile.&nbsp;

For the first time in Michael Massey’s career, he took the field and veered toward the outfield grass rather than the infield dirt.&nbsp; Massey got his first chance at playing left field logging four innings in the field and going 2-for-3 at the plate.

“A little different being out there,” Massey told reporters following the game. “I haven’t played out there since I was a kid. But just seeing the ball and getting reps, I feel like it’s going to be really good for me. … I’m excited. Any way I can help the team is what I’m trying to do. It’s a good challenge.”

And he was challenged right with two opportunities in the first inning. Starter Seth Lugo allowed a few harder-hit balls and more fly balls during his spring debut, which is to be expected in Arizona.

“I was glad to get him some work,” said Lugo, who allowed three runs in two innings over 41 pitches. “Pitching in Arizona, some breaking balls just don’t perform like you’d expect them to, so they get above the barrel and get more fly balls out here.”

Corey Seager hit a fly ball to left in the first inning, and Massey was able to track it down, park under it with his glove up to shade the sun and make a clean and easy catch. Two batters later, Adolis García hit a fly ball to left that Massey broke back on, but he wasn’t able to run an efficient route after losing it in the air.&nbsp; Massey still made the inning-ending catch on a run.

“The first one, I was just so nervous that I was hoping to catch it and don’t even remember it,” Massey said. “But the second one was tough. It was to my right, I broke back, and I’ve been trying to work on being able to take my eye off the ball and then find it again. Took my eye off it, looked up, saw the sun, didn’t see the ball, and then just the work I’ve been doing with [outfield coach Damon Hollins took over], figuring out how to shift myself and see the ball again and get a different angle.”

As the Royals audition both Massey and Jonathan India, two career infielders, in left field this spring, both are learning on the fly and getting game reps under a sunny and high sky in Arizona -- perhaps the best place to learn because it’s one of the hardest places to play outfield. India learned that Sunday when he wasn’t wearing sunglasses in the second inning and lost a ball in the sun, watching it drop in front of him for a “sun ball” double. He went out to the field in the third with sunglasses.

Royals are back in spring training action on Wednesday, taking on the Colorado Rockies.&nbsp; Michael Wacha will make his spring training debut, Daniel Lynch and St. Joseph's Noah Cameron are also scheduled to pitch after throwing a combined four scoreless innings in the spring opener.&nbsp;

First pitch is at 2:05 against the Rockies, pregame can be heard at 2pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740588715515.jpeg" alt="Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr (7) celebrates with new second baseman Jonathan India (6) after both scored on an RBI double from Vinnie Pasquantino/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr (7) celebrates with new second baseman Jonathan India (6) after both scored on an RBI double from Vinnie Pasquantino/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals offense exploded in spring training action on Tuesday, defeating the Texas Rangers 15-6 and remaining unbeaten during their time in Surprise, Arizona.&nbsp;Seth Lugo made his spring training debut, pitching two innings and giving up three runs, all on a three run home run from Rangers outfielder Leody Taveras, and walking two batters.&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas City got home runs from two non-roster invitees, infielder Tyler Tolbert and newly signed catcher Luke Maile.&nbsp;For the first time in Michael Massey’s career, he took the field and veered toward the outfield grass rather than the infield dirt.&nbsp; Massey got his first chance at playing left field logging four innings in the field and going 2-for-3 at the plate.“A little different being out there,” Massey told reporters following the game. “I haven’t played out there since I was a kid. But just seeing the ball and getting reps, I feel like it’s going to be really good for me. … I’m excited. Any way I can help the team is what I’m trying to do. It’s a good challenge.”And he was challenged right with two opportunities in the first inning. Starter Seth Lugo allowed a few harder-hit balls and more fly balls during his spring debut, which is to be expected in Arizona.“I was glad to get him some work,” said Lugo, who allowed three runs in two innings over 41 pitches. “Pitching in Arizona, some breaking balls just don’t perform like you’d expect them to, so they get above the barrel and get more fly balls out here.”Corey Seager hit a fly ball to left in the first inning, and Massey was able to track it down, park under it with his glove up to shade the sun and make a clean and easy catch. Two batters later, Adolis García hit a fly ball to left that Massey broke back on, but he wasn’t able to run an efficient route after losing it in the air.&nbsp; Massey still made the inning-ending catch on a run.“The first one, I was just so nervous that I was hoping to catch it and don’t even remember it,” Massey said. “But the second one was tough. It was to my right, I broke back, and I’ve been trying to work on being able to take my eye off the ball and then find it again. Took my eye off it, looked up, saw the sun, didn’t see the ball, and then just the work I’ve been doing with [outfield coach Damon Hollins took over], figuring out how to shift myself and see the ball again and get a different angle.”As the Royals audition both Massey and Jonathan India, two career infielders, in left field this spring, both are learning on the fly and getting game reps under a sunny and high sky in Arizona -- perhaps the best place to learn because it’s one of the hardest places to play outfield. India learned that Sunday when he wasn’t wearing sunglasses in the second inning and lost a ball in the sun, watching it drop in front of him for a “sun ball” double. He went out to the field in the third with sunglasses.Royals are back in spring training action on Wednesday, taking on the Colorado Rockies.&nbsp; Michael Wacha will make his spring training debut, Daniel Lynch and St. Joseph's Noah Cameron are also scheduled to pitch after throwing a combined four scoreless innings in the spring opener.&nbsp;First pitch is at 2:05 against the Rockies, pregame can be heard at 2pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Massey gets first outfield action in Royals 15-6 win over Rangers

Senior guard Caleb Grill scored 22 points helping #14 Missouri to a dominant 101-71 win over South Carolina on Tuesday at Mizzou Arena.&nbsp;

Sophomore Anthony Robinson II added 14 points and matched his career high eight assists.&nbsp; Mark Mitchell and Tony Perkins each scored 13 points for the Tigers who had six players score in double figures for the second time this season.&nbsp;

Missouri’s 101 points were the most allowed by the Gamecocks this season and marked the fourth time the Tigers scored at least 100 points this season.&nbsp;Mizzou has scored at least 80 points in five straight conference games for the first time since 1989 when it was a member of the Big 8.

The Tigers have won four of their last five games, and are now 18-1 at home this season, currently the most home wins in the NCAA.&nbsp; With the win, Missouri also recorded their 10th conference win, becoming the first Power four school ever to go from winning no games one season, after going 0-18 in the SEC last year, to 10 wins the next.

With three games left in the regular season, Missouri is next on the road Saturday against Vanderbilt.&nbsp; Tipoff will be at 5pm with pregame at 4:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

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/2025/2/1740587968295.jpeg" alt="Missouri guard Tony Perkins (12) drives into the lane against South Carolina's Collin Murray-Boyles (30)/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Hoops on X" />
 <figcaption>Missouri guard Tony Perkins (12) drives into the lane against South Carolina's Collin Murray-Boyles (30)/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Hoops on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSenior guard Caleb Grill scored 22 points helping #14 Missouri to a dominant 101-71 win over South Carolina on Tuesday at Mizzou Arena.&nbsp;Sophomore Anthony Robinson II added 14 points and matched his career high eight assists.&nbsp; Mark Mitchell and Tony Perkins each scored 13 points for the Tigers who had six players score in double figures for the second time this season.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH. OUT. 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> 🐯 <a href="https://t.co/VPRjot4Z8l">pic.twitter.com/VPRjot4Z8l</a>&mdash; Mizzou Hoops (@MizzouHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouHoops/status/1894575957887127904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Missouri’s 101 points were the most allowed by the Gamecocks this season and marked the fourth time the Tigers scored at least 100 points this season.&nbsp;Mizzou has scored at least 80 points in five straight conference games for the first time since 1989 when it was a member of the Big 8.The Tigers have won four of their last five games, and are now 18-1 at home this season, currently the most home wins in the NCAA.&nbsp; With the win, Missouri also recorded their 10th conference win, becoming the first Power four school ever to go from winning no games one season, after going 0-18 in the SEC last year, to 10 wins the next.With three games left in the regular season, Missouri is next on the road Saturday against Vanderbilt.&nbsp; Tipoff will be at 5pm with pregame at 4:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Grill scores 22, #14 Missouri dominates South Carolina 101-71

Young athletes looking for a new challenge can hit the ice this weekend at the Try Hockey for Free event.

The St. Joseph Youth Hockey Association is hosting the annual event this Saturday, Feb. 22, at Bode Ice Arena. Kids not currently registered for a hockey team can participate from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

No experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided. Organizers say bike helmets are welcome for those wanting extra protection.

Young athletes looking for a new challenge can hit the ice this weekend at the Try Hockey for Free event.The St. Joseph Youth Hockey Association is hosting the annual event this Saturday, Feb. 22, at Bode Ice Arena. Kids not currently registered for a hockey team can participate from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.No experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided. Organizers say bike helmets are welcome for those wanting extra protection.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740162497158.jpeg" alt="Try Hockey For Free.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Try Hockey For Free.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

Try Hockey For FREE

Eagle Radio will once again carry both of Missouri's Major League Baseball teams, as the St. Louis Cardinals join the lineup alongside the Kansas City Royals.

Cardinals baseball is back on the airwaves in St. Joseph. KYSJ (KY 102.5)  has announced they will broadcast live coverage of St. Louis Cardinals games throughout the 2025 season, bringing every pitch, home run, and key moment to local listeners.

The Cardinals open the regular season at home against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Busch Stadium. Fans can tune in to 102.5 FM to follow the action as St. Louis looks to make another strong push this season. Broadcasts will feature live play-by-play commentary, analysis, and exclusive team coverage, keeping listeners connected whether they’re at home, on the road, or at work.

“I couldn't be more thrilled to bring Cardinals Baseball radio back to St. Joseph,” said Liby Waltemath, General Manager of Eagle Media in a news release. “With the energy surrounding this season, it’s going to be an exciting year for both Missouri teams, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostEagle Radio will once again carry both of Missouri's Major League Baseball teams, as the St. Louis Cardinals join the lineup alongside the Kansas City Royals.Cardinals baseball is back on the airwaves in St. Joseph. KYSJ (KY 102.5) has announced they will broadcast live coverage of St. Louis Cardinals games throughout the 2025 season, bringing every pitch, home run, and key moment to local listeners.The Cardinals open the regular season at home against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Busch Stadium. Fans can tune in to 102.5 FM to follow the action as St. Louis looks to make another strong push this season. Broadcasts will feature live play-by-play commentary, analysis, and exclusive team coverage, keeping listeners connected whether they’re at home, on the road, or at work.“I couldn't be more thrilled to bring Cardinals Baseball radio back to St. Joseph,” said Liby Waltemath, General Manager of Eagle Media in a news release. “With the energy surrounding this season, it’s going to be an exciting year for both Missouri teams, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

KYSJ bringing Cardinals baseball to St. Joseph this season

Kansas City Royals prospect Noah Cameron, a Central alum, posted a breakout season in 2024, earning him an invite to major league spring training.  

Pitchers and catchers reported to Surprise, Arizona and had their first workout this week. 

Cameron says it's been really cool being in the same clubhouse and working alongside veterans like Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr. 

"Just to kind of watch them work, you know obviously they're the best players in baseball for a reason and just watching them kind of do their thing and their everyday work that they put in and preparation they put in is really cool," Cameron tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And it teaches us younger guys what to do, what not to do." 

Last year, Cameron posted a 3-2 record with a 2.32 ERA and 67 strikeouts across nine starts at Triple A Omaha. Overall, between Triple A and Double A, he was 7-6 with a 3.08 ERA and 149 strikeouts.  In November, the Royals added Cameron to the 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft. 

Cameron will have the opportunity to learn alongside two Cy Young finalists from last year, in Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, as well as experienced veterans in Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen.

Cameron says even through the first days of spring training this week, he has seen the work ethic of his teammates, and is ready to learn alongside them 

"It's been really cool to get to know them a little bit, obviously I'm excited to continue growing those relationships with those guys and just being able to kind of slide right in and let them lead the way and for me to just hopefully help out and earn that spot and earn their respect," Cameron says."

Cameron knows that he's in competition with teammates for the fifth starter spot 

"We obviously are aware of it, and we know that we want to be better than each other, but at the same time encourage each other and push each other every day, which is just really awesome," Cameron explains.  "And you don't see that a whole lot, obviously if we had five starters that were all making $20 million and there's no spots open it would be a little less competitive." 

A spot in the Royals rotation opened after a trade sent Brady Singer to the Cincinatti Reds.  Cameron is in competition with teammates with major league experience, such as Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch, Kris Bubic, and a returning from injury Kyle Wright. 

While many players are already in Surprise, Arizona for Spring Training, the first full team workout is on Monday. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739551856916.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph's Noah Cameron, the Kansas City Royals #12 prospect, had a breakout season in 2024 and was added to the 40 man roster this offseason. He's now competing for a job in the Royals starting rotation this spring training/ Photo courtesy of the Omaha Stormchasers" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph's Noah Cameron, the Kansas City Royals #12 prospect, had a breakout season in 2024 and was added to the 40 man roster this offseason. He's now competing for a job in the Royals starting rotation this spring training/ Photo courtesy of the Omaha Stormchasers</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Kansas City Royals prospect Noah Cameron, a Central alum, posted a breakout season in 2024, earning him an invite to major league spring training. Pitchers and catchers reported to Surprise, Arizona and had their first workout this week. Cameron says it's been really cool being in the same clubhouse and working alongside veterans like Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr. "Just to kind of watch them work, you know obviously they're the best players in baseball for a reason and just watching them kind of do their thing and their everyday work that they put in and preparation they put in is really cool," Cameron tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And it teaches us younger guys what to do, what not to do." Last year, Cameron posted a 3-2 record with a 2.32 ERA and 67 strikeouts across nine starts at Triple A Omaha. Overall, between Triple A and Double A, he was 7-6 with a 3.08 ERA and 149 strikeouts. In November, the Royals added Cameron to the 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft. Cameron will have the opportunity to learn alongside two Cy Young finalists from last year, in Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, as well as experienced veterans in Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen.Cameron says even through the first days of spring training this week, he has seen the work ethic of his teammates, and is ready to learn alongside them "It's been really cool to get to know them a little bit, obviously I'm excited to continue growing those relationships with those guys and just being able to kind of slide right in and let them lead the way and for me to just hopefully help out and earn that spot and earn their respect," Cameron says."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739552096076.jpeg" alt="Noah Cameron/ Photo courtesy of MLB Pipeline" />
 <figcaption>Noah Cameron/ Photo courtesy of MLB Pipeline</figcaption>
 </figure>Cameron knows that he's in competition with teammates for the fifth starter spot "We obviously are aware of it, and we know that we want to be better than each other, but at the same time encourage each other and push each other every day, which is just really awesome," Cameron explains. "And you don't see that a whole lot, obviously if we had five starters that were all making $20 million and there's no spots open it would be a little less competitive." A spot in the Royals rotation opened after a trade sent Brady Singer to the Cincinatti Reds. Cameron is in competition with teammates with major league experience, such as Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch, Kris Bubic, and a returning from injury Kyle Wright. While many players are already in Surprise, Arizona for Spring Training, the first full team workout is on Monday. FULL INTERVIEW<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Full-Interview-Noah-Cameron-ready-to-be-Royal-e2usjui/a-abphedc" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>FRIDAY JOURNAL<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Friday-Journal-Noah-Cameron-looks-to-continue-success-e2usk43/a-abphejm" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph native on the brink of breaking into the major leagues

St. Joseph Mustangs baseball is just around the corner, and the Mustangs have announced their roster for the 2025 season, filled with several key players that were part of last year's championship winning team.&nbsp;

Two former MINK league MVPs will be returning to the team in 2025 in Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart, the 2023 MVP, and Darius Freeman, last years MVP.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luikart hit .292 with 25 RBIs in 2023 with the Mustangs and is back with the team after not playing last season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Freeman hit .327 with the Mustangs last season, and also produced a team high 25 stolen bases.

Also returning to the team are the 2024 Co pitchers of the year,&nbsp; Sam Pitts, one half of the Pitchers of the Year, threw a perfect game last season, and will be joined by his brother Max on the roster this year. The other half of the returning Pitchers of the Year duo is East Buchanan graduate Bronco Whitt, who tied for the team lead with 40 strikeouts in 2024.

The lineup will also feature several local familiar faces in 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local returnees include Benton alum Carson Schmidt, Bishop LeBlond alums Frank Gall and Jaren Guck, Central alum Logan Miller, Lafayette alum Jayden Little, Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen, and East Buchanan alum and Missouri Western's Gage Busby.

Mustangs Manager Johnny Coy will not be the only Coy in the dugout this season; he will be joined by current Benton senior and University of Nebraska-Omaha commit Chris Coy. Jase Johnson, son of former Mustangs Manager and St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Famer Matt Johnson, will return for his third season.

The roster has also some international flair, with pitcher Noah Thomas returning to the team. Thomas hails from British Columbia.

Also of note, several players will be returning for their third, or more, season with the Mustangs including Trevor McCollum, Easton Bruce, Michael Infranca, Aron Harrington, Ryker Curry, Andrew Clark, as well Little, Gall, and Guck.

“We’re excited to defend our title in 2025. These players are ready to get to St. Joseph and play in front of the great fans. We have some really talented players and they all have options on where they want to play each summer, and it says a lot about this community that they choose Phil Welch Stadium to spend their summers,” said Mustangs manager Johnny Coy says in a news release from the Mustangs.

Mustangs Opening Day is set for Wednesday, May 28th.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722141304715.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Mustangs Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Mustangs Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Mustangs baseball is just around the corner, and the Mustangs have announced their roster for the 2025 season, filled with several key players that were part of last year's championship winning team.&nbsp;Two former MINK league MVPs will be returning to the team in 2025 in Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart, the 2023 MVP, and Darius Freeman, last years MVP.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luikart hit .292 with 25 RBIs in 2023 with the Mustangs and is back with the team after not playing last season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Freeman hit .327 with the Mustangs last season, and also produced a team high 25 stolen bases.Also returning to the team are the 2024 Co pitchers of the year,&nbsp; Sam Pitts, one half of the Pitchers of the Year, threw a perfect game last season, and will be joined by his brother Max on the roster this year. The other half of the returning Pitchers of the Year duo is East Buchanan graduate Bronco Whitt, who tied for the team lead with 40 strikeouts in 2024.The lineup will also feature several local familiar faces in 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local returnees include Benton alum Carson Schmidt, Bishop LeBlond alums Frank Gall and Jaren Guck, Central alum Logan Miller, Lafayette alum Jayden Little, Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen, and East Buchanan alum and Missouri Western's Gage Busby.Mustangs Manager Johnny Coy will not be the only Coy in the dugout this season; he will be joined by current Benton senior and University of Nebraska-Omaha commit Chris Coy. Jase Johnson, son of former Mustangs Manager and St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Famer Matt Johnson, will return for his third season.The roster has also some international flair, with pitcher Noah Thomas returning to the team. Thomas hails from British Columbia.Also of note, several players will be returning for their third, or more, season with the Mustangs including Trevor McCollum, Easton Bruce, Michael Infranca, Aron Harrington, Ryker Curry, Andrew Clark, as well Little, Gall, and Guck.“We’re excited to defend our title in 2025. These players are ready to get to St. Joseph and play in front of the great fans. We have some really talented players and they all have options on where they want to play each summer, and it says a lot about this community that they choose Phil Welch Stadium to spend their summers,” said Mustangs manager Johnny Coy says in a news release from the Mustangs.Mustangs Opening Day is set for Wednesday, May 28th.&nbsp;

St. Joseph Mustangs announce roster for 2025 season. 

 Cooper DeJean, Josh Sweat and the Philadelphia Eagles’ ferocious defense denied Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat.&nbsp; It wasn’t even close.

DeJean got a pick six&nbsp; on his birthday, Sweat tormented Mahomes and the Eagles routed the Chiefs 40-22 on Sunday to secure the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship.

Jalen Hurts threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score on a tush push to earn Super Bowl MVP honors, and Vic Fangio's defense was so dominant that the Eagles didn't need much from Saquon Barkley.&nbsp; The game-changing running back finished with 57 yards, breaking Terrell Davis’ record for yards rushing in a season, playoffs included. Hurts threw for 221 yards.

“This is the ultimate team game. You can’t be great without the greatness of others. Great performance by everybody — offense, defense, special teams,” coach Nick Sirianni said. “We didn’t really ever care what anyone thought about how we won, or their opinions. All we want to do is win.”

Not in Kansas City’s worst nightmares could its fans have imagined such a lackluster performance. The Chiefs had won three of the previous five Super Bowls, losing 31-9 to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers four years ago.

Mahomes was 8-0 against Fangio’s defenses before the longtime coordinator and former Broncos head coach outcoached Andy Reid, capping his first season with his hometown team. Reid fell to 3-3 in Super Bowls, including a loss with the Eagles.&nbsp; The Eagles sacked Mahomes six times, the most of his career, including 2.5 by Sweat. And they did it without Fangio calling a single blitz.

“Defense wins championships,” Hurts said. “We saw how they played today. We saw the difference they made in the game. They gave us opportunities, gave us short fields. And we’re able to do what we do.”

The Chiefs were aiming to become the third team in NFL history to win three straight championships and the first to three-peat in the Super Bowl era.

Hurts nearly led the Eagles to victory against the Chiefs two years ago in Arizona, but Mahomes led a comeback and Harrison Butker kicked the game-winning field goal in the final minute for a 38-35 victory. Mahomes rallied Kansas City to an overtime victory over San Francisco last year for the Chiefs' second straight title.

“That’s a great football team and we had to come out and play our best, and we did,” Sirianni said.

This time, a revamped Philly defense featuring eight new starters from the 2022 team made sure Mahomes had no chance to pull off his magic.

“Today was a rough day all around. Nothing went right. I didn’t coach well. Proud of our guys for fighting. We will learn from this,” Reid said. “Too many turnovers, too many penalties. Against a good football team, can’t do that.”

Barkley helped push Hurts into the end zone from the 1 to give Philadelphia a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.&nbsp; Up 10-0 after Jake Elliott’s 48-yard field goal, Sweat and Jalyx Hunt sacked Mahomes on consecutive plays. 

Mahomes then rolled out and made an errant throw that was picked by DeJean, who returned it 38 yards for a 17-0 lead.&nbsp; It was Mahomes’ first pick six in 21 career playoff games and ended a streak of 297 straight passes without an interception.

“We didn’t start how we wanted to. The turnovers hurt. I take all the blame for that,” Mahomes said. “I didn’t play to my standard.”

All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun picked Mahomes again late in the second quarter, and Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a 12-yard TD pass for a 24-0 lead.&nbsp; Hurts threw a perfect 46-yard TD pass to DeVonta Smith to make it 34-0 late in the third.

Mahomes fired a 24-yard TD pass to Xavier Worthy to avoid the shutout, but the 2-point conversion failed. He threw two late, mostly meaningless TD passes, one to DeAndre Hopkins and another to Worthy.

The Green Bay Packers are the only NFL team to win three championships in a row, doing it from 1929-31 and 1965-67.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739157518917.png" alt="Photo courtesy Philadelphia Eagles" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Philadelphia Eagles</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Cooper DeJean, Josh Sweat and the Philadelphia Eagles’ ferocious defense denied Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat.&nbsp; It wasn’t even close.DeJean got a pick six&nbsp; on his birthday, Sweat tormented Mahomes and the Eagles routed the Chiefs 40-22 on Sunday to secure the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship.Jalen Hurts threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score on a tush push to earn Super Bowl MVP honors, and Vic Fangio's defense was so dominant that the Eagles didn't need much from Saquon Barkley.&nbsp; The game-changing running back finished with 57 yards, breaking Terrell Davis’ record for yards rushing in a season, playoffs included. Hurts threw for 221 yards.“This is the ultimate team game. You can’t be great without the greatness of others. Great performance by everybody — offense, defense, special teams,” coach Nick Sirianni said. “We didn’t really ever care what anyone thought about how we won, or their opinions. All we want to do is win.”Not in Kansas City’s worst nightmares could its fans have imagined such a lackluster performance. The Chiefs had won three of the previous five Super Bowls, losing 31-9 to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers four years ago.Mahomes was 8-0 against Fangio’s defenses before the longtime coordinator and former Broncos head coach outcoached Andy Reid, capping his first season with his hometown team. Reid fell to 3-3 in Super Bowls, including a loss with the Eagles.&nbsp; The Eagles sacked Mahomes six times, the most of his career, including 2.5 by Sweat. And they did it without Fangio calling a single blitz.“Defense wins championships,” Hurts said. “We saw how they played today. We saw the difference they made in the game. They gave us opportunities, gave us short fields. And we’re able to do what we do.”The Chiefs were aiming to become the third team in NFL history to win three straight championships and the first to three-peat in the Super Bowl era.Hurts nearly led the Eagles to victory against the Chiefs two years ago in Arizona, but Mahomes led a comeback and Harrison Butker kicked the game-winning field goal in the final minute for a 38-35 victory. Mahomes rallied Kansas City to an overtime victory over San Francisco last year for the Chiefs' second straight title.“That’s a great football team and we had to come out and play our best, and we did,” Sirianni said.This time, a revamped Philly defense featuring eight new starters from the 2022 team made sure Mahomes had no chance to pull off his magic.“Today was a rough day all around. Nothing went right. I didn’t coach well. Proud of our guys for fighting. We will learn from this,” Reid said. “Too many turnovers, too many penalties. Against a good football team, can’t do that.”Barkley helped push Hurts into the end zone from the 1 to give Philadelphia a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.&nbsp; Up 10-0 after Jake Elliott’s 48-yard field goal, Sweat and Jalyx Hunt sacked Mahomes on consecutive plays. Mahomes then rolled out and made an errant throw that was picked by DeJean, who returned it 38 yards for a 17-0 lead.&nbsp; It was Mahomes’ first pick six in 21 career playoff games and ended a streak of 297 straight passes without an interception.“We didn’t start how we wanted to. The turnovers hurt. I take all the blame for that,” Mahomes said. “I didn’t play to my standard.”All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun picked Mahomes again late in the second quarter, and Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a 12-yard TD pass for a 24-0 lead.&nbsp; Hurts threw a perfect 46-yard TD pass to DeVonta Smith to make it 34-0 late in the third.Mahomes fired a 24-yard TD pass to Xavier Worthy to avoid the shutout, but the 2-point conversion failed. He threw two late, mostly meaningless TD passes, one to DeAndre Hopkins and another to Worthy.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Patrick Mahomes connects with Xavier Worthy for a 50-yard TD 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SBLIX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SBLIX</a> on FOX 📱: Tubi + NFL app <a href="https://t.co/s7g5xqfmVB">pic.twitter.com/s7g5xqfmVB</a>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1888788542387544263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Green Bay Packers are the only NFL team to win three championships in a row, doing it from 1929-31 and 1965-67.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739158888084.jpeg" alt="Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)" />
 <figcaption>Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Short of history, Chiefs fall to Eagles 40-22 in Super Bowl 59

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red and gold beginning tonight in celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX appearance. The dome will shine red and gold from sunset to sunrise through Sunday, February 9. 

Governor and First Lady Kehoe will cheer on the Chiefs from Missouri on Sunday night as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, marking the Chiefs' third straight Super Bowl appearance.

"Missourians and fans across Chiefs Kingdom are once again celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl on this Red Friday," Governor Kehoe said in a news release. "We're proud to call the Kansas City Chiefs Missouri's team, and light our state's Capitol red and gold as the Chiefs seek a Super Bowl three-peat this Sunday." 

Governor Kehoe also announced a friendly bet with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro via social media.&nbsp; As part of the wager with Governor Shapiro, Governor Kehoe has bet Missouri-grown beef and an assortment of Kansas City favorites, including Gates Bar-B-Q Sauce, Scott's Kitchen BBQ Sauce and Rub, and Chase Candy Company Cherry Mash. 

"I'm predicting a 31-17 Chiefs Super Bowl victory," Governor Kehoe said. "I look forward to enjoying some Philly cheesesteaks from Governor Shapiro after the Chiefs bring home the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738152364528.png" alt="Gov. Mike Kehoe begins his State of the State address by celebrating firsts in state leadership, such as the Senate’s first female president pro tem (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Kehoe begins his State of the State address by celebrating firsts in state leadership, such as the Senate’s first female president pro tem (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMissouri Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red and gold beginning tonight in celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX appearance. The dome will shine red and gold from sunset to sunrise through Sunday, February 9. Governor and First Lady Kehoe will cheer on the Chiefs from Missouri on Sunday night as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, marking the Chiefs' third straight Super Bowl appearance."Missourians and fans across Chiefs Kingdom are once again celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl on this Red Friday," Governor Kehoe said in a news release. "We're proud to call the Kansas City Chiefs Missouri's team, and light our state's Capitol red and gold as the Chiefs seek a Super Bowl three-peat this Sunday." Governor Kehoe also announced a friendly bet with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro via social media.&nbsp; As part of the wager with Governor Shapiro, Governor Kehoe has bet Missouri-grown beef and an assortment of Kansas City favorites, including Gates Bar-B-Q Sauce, Scott's Kitchen BBQ Sauce and Rub, and Chase Candy Company Cherry Mash. "I'm predicting a 31-17 Chiefs Super Bowl victory," Governor Kehoe said. "I look forward to enjoying some Philly cheesesteaks from Governor Shapiro after the Chiefs bring home the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On Sunday, Missouri&#39;s Kansas City <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chiefs</a> will face the <a href="https://twitter.com/Eagles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eagles</a> once again in the Super Bowl. I like our chances at a three-peat, so let&#39;s make a deal, <a href="https://twitter.com/GovernorShapiro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovernorShapiro</a>. If by some unlikely twist of fate, the Eagles win on Sunday, I’ll send you some Missouri-grown beef and… <a href="https://t.co/qqhTAqEqrV">pic.twitter.com/qqhTAqEqrV</a>&mdash; Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovMikeKehoe/status/1887894096670269502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Gov. Kehoe's Super Bowl bet with PA governor includes St. Joseph favorite

The Pro Football Hall of Fame committee announced on Thursday that former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen will be enshrined as part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class.&nbsp;

Allen is joined by tight end Antonio Gates, cornerback Eric Allen,&nbsp; and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe in the smallest class since 2005 which will take their rightful place in Canton, Ohio on August 2nd.&nbsp;

“My family and I are thrilled that Jared Allen has become the 20th player in Chiefs history inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a news release from the Chiefs. “From the time the Chiefs drafted Jared in 2004, we knew he was a special man with special talent."

"While wearing a Chiefs uniform, Jared was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team, he reached the first of his five Pro Bowls, he was named First Team All Pro, and he led the league in sacks for the first time. He left an indelible mark on Chiefs history, and the entire organization is excited to celebrate his induction in Canton later this year.”

Allen was selected by the Chiefs in the 2004 NFL draft with the 126th overall pick.&nbsp; He spent four seasons in Kansas City appearing in 61 regular season games.&nbsp; In that time, Allen&nbsp;recorded 230 tackles, 43 sacks, 39 quarterback hits, 26 passes defensed, 13 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries and one interception. Allen’s 43 sacks rank ninth in Chiefs history and his 26 passes defensed rank second among defensive lineman in Chiefs history, only trailing defensive tackle Chris Jones.

After being traded by the Chiefs to the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent six seasons, and spent one season with the Chicago Bears.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the 2015 season, he played in four games with the Bears before eventually joining the Carolina Panthers for the final 12 games of the season.&nbsp; Allen retired following the 2015 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Throughout the entirety of his career, Allen appeared in 187 regular season contests and recorded 647 tackles, 136 sacks, 58 passes defensed, 31 forced fumbles, 19 fumble recoveries, six interceptions and one defensive touchdown. In the postseason, he appeared in seven games totaling 23 total tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed.

The Los Gatos, California, native attended Idaho State where he played football from 2000-03. While at Idaho State, the two-time All-American and three-time All-Big Sky honoree became the first-ever Buck Buchanan Award Winner in the Big Sky Conference in 2003. He tallied 102 tackles, 17.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and nine passes defensed.

Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, all in their first year of eligibility, were not selected.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738902318044.jpeg" alt="Jared Allen/ Photo courtesy of Lawrence Tynes on X&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Jared Allen/ Photo courtesy of Lawrence Tynes on X&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Pro Football Hall of Fame committee announced on Thursday that former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen will be enshrined as part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class.&nbsp;Allen is joined by tight end Antonio Gates, cornerback Eric Allen,&nbsp; and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe in the smallest class since 2005 which will take their rightful place in Canton, Ohio on August 2nd.&nbsp;“My family and I are thrilled that Jared Allen has become the 20th player in Chiefs history inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a news release from the Chiefs. “From the time the Chiefs drafted Jared in 2004, we knew he was a special man with special talent.""While wearing a Chiefs uniform, Jared was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team, he reached the first of his five Pro Bowls, he was named First Team All Pro, and he led the league in sacks for the first time. He left an indelible mark on Chiefs history, and the entire organization is excited to celebrate his induction in Canton later this year.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The moment Jared Allen was announced as an inductee into the <a href="https://twitter.com/ProFootballHOF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ProFootballHOF</a>! <a href="https://t.co/1bV3TPqOTY">pic.twitter.com/1bV3TPqOTY</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1887705143111532948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Allen was selected by the Chiefs in the 2004 NFL draft with the 126th overall pick.&nbsp; He spent four seasons in Kansas City appearing in 61 regular season games.&nbsp; In that time, Allen&nbsp;recorded 230 tackles, 43 sacks, 39 quarterback hits, 26 passes defensed, 13 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries and one interception. Allen’s 43 sacks rank ninth in Chiefs history and his 26 passes defensed rank second among defensive lineman in Chiefs history, only trailing defensive tackle Chris Jones.After being traded by the Chiefs to the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent six seasons, and spent one season with the Chicago Bears.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the 2015 season, he played in four games with the Bears before eventually joining the Carolina Panthers for the final 12 games of the season.&nbsp; Allen retired following the 2015 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the entirety of his career, Allen appeared in 187 regular season contests and recorded 647 tackles, 136 sacks, 58 passes defensed, 31 forced fumbles, 19 fumble recoveries, six interceptions and one defensive touchdown. In the postseason, he appeared in seven games totaling 23 total tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed.The Los Gatos, California, native attended Idaho State where he played football from 2000-03. While at Idaho State, the two-time All-American and three-time All-Big Sky honoree became the first-ever Buck Buchanan Award Winner in the Big Sky Conference in 2003. He tallied 102 tackles, 17.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and nine passes defensed.Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, all in their first year of eligibility, were not selected.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It was a pleasure watching you start your career here, Jared 👏 Enjoy your rightful place in the <a href="https://twitter.com/ProFootballHOF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ProFootballHOF</a>! <a href="https://t.co/Zv4mvMgEyu">pic.twitter.com/Zv4mvMgEyu</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1887699920594886702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Former Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen inducted into NFL Hall of Fame

The portal to nominate people for the 2025 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame class is now open.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says while the portal is actually always open, now is the critical time to get those names in for consideration. 

Esely says it's pretty simple to nominate someone for the hall of fame 

"Obviously we want to know who the nominee is, we want to know if they're living or deceased, we need contact information to get ahold of them because if they are selected, we obviously want to contact them before they hear it in a news release," Esely tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "But then the most important thing is people ask, what all supporting information do you need? Well, I would answer that question very simply, give us more than you think we need." 

To be eligible the nominee must meet at least one of the criteria: Be born in Buchanan County, made their sports career or accomplished their feat in Buchanan County, or be currently making their career in Buchanan County. 

Esely says if you've previously nominated someone who has not been chosen, information on the nominee can also be updated 

"All information submitted is relevant, there's no doubt about it," Esely explains.  "And I think it's important to note, sometimes people submit a nomination, they aren't selected right away, and people just assume well that person is never getting in or why doesn't this person again, well it's an active nomination for five years." 

Esely says it's important to nominate worthy people and build the nomination database, because that's how the hall of fame continues to grow 

"We have a lot of people who sit around our steering committee table that are very knowledgeable about sports from all areas of St. Joseph, but realistically there are a number of student athletes, coaches, contributors, or high-level feats that we know nothing about," Esely says.  "And that's the beautiful thing about this process is it gives others the opportunity to submit and say this person's worthy." 

Nominations must be received by April 4th.  The class will be announced in late May, a ceremony will be held on August 24th at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624581370069.jpeg" alt="Hall of Fame sign/ file photo" />
 <figcaption>Hall of Fame sign/ file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The portal to nominate people for the 2025 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame class is now open. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says while the portal is actually always open, now is the critical time to get those names in for consideration. Esely says it's pretty simple to nominate someone for the hall of fame "Obviously we want to know who the nominee is, we want to know if they're living or deceased, we need contact information to get ahold of them because if they are selected, we obviously want to contact them before they hear it in a news release," Esely tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "But then the most important thing is people ask, what all supporting information do you need? Well, I would answer that question very simply, give us more than you think we need." To be eligible the nominee must meet at least one of the criteria: Be born in Buchanan County, made their sports career or accomplished their feat in Buchanan County, or be currently making their career in Buchanan County. Esely says if you've previously nominated someone who has not been chosen, information on the nominee can also be updated "All information submitted is relevant, there's no doubt about it," Esely explains. "And I think it's important to note, sometimes people submit a nomination, they aren't selected right away, and people just assume well that person is never getting in or why doesn't this person again, well it's an active nomination for five years." Esely says it's important to nominate worthy people and build the nomination database, because that's how the hall of fame continues to grow "We have a lot of people who sit around our steering committee table that are very knowledgeable about sports from all areas of St. Joseph, but realistically there are a number of student athletes, coaches, contributors, or high-level feats that we know nothing about," Esely says. "And that's the beautiful thing about this process is it gives others the opportunity to submit and say this person's worthy." Nominations must be received by April 4th. The class will be announced in late May, a ceremony will be held on August 24th at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Nomination window open for 2025 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame class

The Kansas City Royals made a move to bolster the back end of their bullpen, signing All Star closer&nbsp;Carlos Estévez to a two year deal.&nbsp;

The deal, originally reported on Thursday, was made official by the Royals on Friday.&nbsp; It will be worth $10.1 million the next two seasons, sources told MLB.com, and the club option is worth $13 million or a $2 million buyout if the Royals decline to pick it up.

In a corresponding 40-man roster move, the Royals designated infielder Braden Shewmake, whom they claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox in January, for assignment.

Estévez is coming off arguably his best season yet, posting a career-best 2.45 ERA across 54 appearances between the Angels and Phillies. The right-hander had a 2.38 ERA and 20 saves for the Angels before being sent to the Phillies ahead of the Trade Deadline as one of the premier relievers on the market.

The Royals had trade discussions centering on Estévez at the Deadline, but they instead acquired Lucas Erceg, who is under team control for five more years and posted a 2.88 ERA with Kansas City down the stretch, from the A's as their closer.

Now Kansas City will have both Erceg and Estévez at the back-end of their bullpen, with both likely to get save opportunities, the pair providing a dynamic threat in the eighth and ninth innings.

Estévez has been one of the more reliable closers in the Majors over the past couple seasons. He averaged a career-best 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings in 2023 en route to earning his first All-Star selection. And while his strikeout numbers dipped in '24, he also cut his walk rate by more than half while recording a career-best 0.91 WHIP.

The Royals felt good about their bullpen at the end of 2024, thanks in large part to Erceg bursting onto the scene and solid performances from Sam Long, Kris Bubic, Angel Zerpa and John Schreiber.

But Kansas City has been keeping an eye on the reliever market throughout the offseason, wanting to see if the club could add another weapon. The Royals are also bullish on a healthy return for Hunter Harvey, another late-inning reliever they acquired just before the Deadline last year.

Harvey only threw 5 2/3 innings for the Royals before missing the rest of the season with a back injury. But in 2022-23, the right-hander posted a 2.70 ERA over 100 innings. If he’s able to return to that form, the Royals are looking at a solid trio to help close out games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738388263517.jpeg" alt="Carlos Estevez/ Photo courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors on X" />
 <figcaption>Carlos Estevez/ Photo courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals made a move to bolster the back end of their bullpen, signing All Star closer&nbsp;Carlos Estévez to a two year deal.&nbsp;The deal, originally reported on Thursday, was made official by the Royals on Friday.&nbsp; It will be worth $10.1 million the next two seasons, sources told MLB.com, and the club option is worth $13 million or a $2 million buyout if the Royals decline to pick it up.In a corresponding 40-man roster move, the Royals designated infielder Braden Shewmake, whom they claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox in January, for assignment.Estévez is coming off arguably his best season yet, posting a career-best 2.45 ERA across 54 appearances between the Angels and Phillies. The right-hander had a 2.38 ERA and 20 saves for the Angels before being sent to the Phillies ahead of the Trade Deadline as one of the premier relievers on the market.The Royals had trade discussions centering on Estévez at the Deadline, but they instead acquired Lucas Erceg, who is under team control for five more years and posted a 2.88 ERA with Kansas City down the stretch, from the A's as their closer.Now Kansas City will have both Erceg and Estévez at the back-end of their bullpen, with both likely to get save opportunities, the pair providing a dynamic threat in the eighth and ninth innings.Estévez has been one of the more reliable closers in the Majors over the past couple seasons. He averaged a career-best 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings in 2023 en route to earning his first All-Star selection. And while his strikeout numbers dipped in '24, he also cut his walk rate by more than half while recording a career-best 0.91 WHIP.The Royals felt good about their bullpen at the end of 2024, thanks in large part to Erceg bursting onto the scene and solid performances from Sam Long, Kris Bubic, Angel Zerpa and John Schreiber.But Kansas City has been keeping an eye on the reliever market throughout the offseason, wanting to see if the club could add another weapon. The Royals are also bullish on a healthy return for Hunter Harvey, another late-inning reliever they acquired just before the Deadline last year.Harvey only threw 5 2/3 innings for the Royals before missing the rest of the season with a back injury. But in 2022-23, the right-hander posted a 2.70 ERA over 100 innings. If he’s able to return to that form, the Royals are looking at a solid trio to help close out games.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals add to back end of bullpen, sign RHP Carlos Estévez to two year deal

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills once again put on an instant playoff classic in the AFC Championship at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, but for a fourth straight time it was the Chiefs coming out on top, winning 32-29.&nbsp;

With the win, Kansas City is now in its third straight Super Bowl.&nbsp; Now, the AFC champions will try to do something no other NFL team has done: Win all three.

The matchup was back and forth from the get go, the Chiefs getting the first blow on the first offensive drive of the game that went 90 yards in nine plays, ending with a 12 yard rushing score by Kareem Hunt.&nbsp; In the six playoff games that Hunt has played in his career, he has scored in all six.&nbsp;

A 53 yard field goal from Buffalo kicker Tyler Bass, yet another of 50+ yards which Bass has not missed from this season, was the only other score in the first quarter, but following a Kansas City fumble on a misplayed handoff between Patrick Mahomes and Isiah Pacheco, the Bills drove 10 plays before James Cook gave them the lead on a six yard run.&nbsp;

The Chiefs wasted no time answering with a long 11 play drive of their own on the following drive, Mahomes throwing his lone passing touchdown of the game, 11 yards to rookie Xavier Worthy. and after forcing the Bills to punt, Mahomes scored again this time with his legs,&nbsp; from one yard out, extending the lead to 21-10.

The number 13 when it comes to the Bills, might give the Chiefs some nightmares.&nbsp; The last time Kansas City and Buffalo clashed in the AFC Championship at Arrowhead, it was Gabe Davis, who wore #13, that had eight catches for 201 yards and four touchdowns.&nbsp; This time it was Mack Hollins, scoring a 34 yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen near the end of the half to cut the lead to five, and after a failed two point conversion, the two teams went to the halftime break with Kansas City leading 21-16.&nbsp;

Cook scored the lone touchdown of the third quarter, giving the Bills the lead back, but again Buffalo was unable to convert the two point conversion attempt, leading 22-21.&nbsp; The Chiefs were forced to punt on the following drive, but then got a big break from their defense, stopping Allen on 4th and 1, and after replay review ruled the MVP favorite short, forced a turnover on downs.&nbsp;

Kansas City took advantage of the turnover on downs, needing just five plays to do so, ending with Mahomes using his legs and keeping his wheels spinning for a 10 yard rushing touchdown, then completing a two point conversion pass to Justin Watson to make it a touchdown game, putting the ball back in the hands of Allen with 10:14 left in the game.&nbsp;

The Bills went on to exploit the Chiefs defense on a nine play drive, the biggest play of the drive again being a pass between Allen and Hollins of 32 yards, setting Buffalo up at the four yard line.&nbsp; Kansas City got a sack on Allen to back the Bills up, but after back to back incomplete passes, Allen found Curtis Samuel in the back of the endzone for a four yard pass, tying up the game after the extra point kick from Bass.&nbsp;

Getting the ball back with 6:15 remaining in regulation Kansas City drove seven plays before stalling in the redzone, Harrison Butker knocking through a go ahead 35 yard field goal with 3:33 left in regulation, putting the game in the hands of their defense again.&nbsp; The Bills got a 13 yard run from Ty Johnson, but two incomplete passes and a five yard short route to Amari Cooper, pinned Buffalo at 4th and 5 at the two minute warning.&nbsp;

Coming out of the two minute warning, Allen was looking deep, but was also faced with pressure by the Chiefs front seven, and George Karlaftis, who had three sacks last week, put enough pressure on Allen to force a long pass off his back leg, that fell through the hands of second year tight end Dalton Kincaid, turning the ball over on downs.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Kansas City ran out the remaining clock, getting a first down run from Pacheco, and cementing the game on a 17 yard pass from Mahomes to Samaje Perine.&nbsp;

Mahomes was 18 of 26 passing for 245 yards with one touchdown, rushing for 43 yards and two scores.&nbsp; Hunt rushed 17 times for 64 yards and one touchdown.&nbsp; Worthy was the leading receiver with six catches for 85 yards and a score.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chiefs will get a familiar foe in the Eagles, whom they beat two years ago for the first title in this run. Philadelphia romped to a 55-23 victory over the Washington Commanders earlier Sunday to earn a shot at the champs on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.

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/2025/1/1737946017425.png" alt="Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills once again put on an instant playoff classic in the AFC Championship at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, but for a fourth straight time it was the Chiefs coming out on top, winning 32-29.&nbsp;With the win, Kansas City is now in its third straight Super Bowl.&nbsp; Now, the AFC champions will try to do something no other NFL team has done: Win all three.The matchup was back and forth from the get go, the Chiefs getting the first blow on the first offensive drive of the game that went 90 yards in nine plays, ending with a 12 yard rushing score by Kareem Hunt.&nbsp; In the six playoff games that Hunt has played in his career, he has scored in all six.&nbsp;A 53 yard field goal from Buffalo kicker Tyler Bass, yet another of 50+ yards which Bass has not missed from this season, was the only other score in the first quarter, but following a Kansas City fumble on a misplayed handoff between Patrick Mahomes and Isiah Pacheco, the Bills drove 10 plays before James Cook gave them the lead on a six yard run.&nbsp;The Chiefs wasted no time answering with a long 11 play drive of their own on the following drive, Mahomes throwing his lone passing touchdown of the game, 11 yards to rookie Xavier Worthy. and after forcing the Bills to punt, Mahomes scored again this time with his legs,&nbsp; from one yard out, extending the lead to 21-10.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NO. 1 IS ON ONE 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/ihHcq1mqxJ">pic.twitter.com/ihHcq1mqxJ</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1883676840864129192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The number 13 when it comes to the Bills, might give the Chiefs some nightmares.&nbsp; The last time Kansas City and Buffalo clashed in the AFC Championship at Arrowhead, it was Gabe Davis, who wore #13, that had eight catches for 201 yards and four touchdowns.&nbsp; This time it was Mack Hollins, scoring a 34 yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen near the end of the half to cut the lead to five, and after a failed two point conversion, the two teams went to the halftime break with Kansas City leading 21-16.&nbsp;Cook scored the lone touchdown of the third quarter, giving the Bills the lead back, but again Buffalo was unable to convert the two point conversion attempt, leading 22-21.&nbsp; The Chiefs were forced to punt on the following drive, but then got a big break from their defense, stopping Allen on 4th and 1, and after replay review ruled the MVP favorite short, forced a turnover on downs.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Chiefs&#39; defense stops them on fourth down! 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BUFvsKC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BUFvsKC</a> on CBS 📱: Stream on <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLPlus</a> and Paramount+ <a href="https://t.co/VwGmEZ3IrW">pic.twitter.com/VwGmEZ3IrW</a>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1883699421512356149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas City took advantage of the turnover on downs, needing just five plays to do so, ending with Mahomes using his legs and keeping his wheels spinning for a 10 yard rushing touchdown, then completing a two point conversion pass to Justin Watson to make it a touchdown game, putting the ball back in the hands of Allen with 10:14 left in the game.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WHEELS STILL SPINNIN&#39;‼️ <a href="https://t.co/p9L7w06KQ3">pic.twitter.com/p9L7w06KQ3</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1883700585746067554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Bills went on to exploit the Chiefs defense on a nine play drive, the biggest play of the drive again being a pass between Allen and Hollins of 32 yards, setting Buffalo up at the four yard line.&nbsp; Kansas City got a sack on Allen to back the Bills up, but after back to back incomplete passes, Allen found Curtis Samuel in the back of the endzone for a four yard pass, tying up the game after the extra point kick from Bass.&nbsp;Getting the ball back with 6:15 remaining in regulation Kansas City drove seven plays before stalling in the redzone, Harrison Butker knocking through a go ahead 35 yard field goal with 3:33 left in regulation, putting the game in the hands of their defense again.&nbsp; The Bills got a 13 yard run from Ty Johnson, but two incomplete passes and a five yard short route to Amari Cooper, pinned Buffalo at 4th and 5 at the two minute warning.&nbsp;Coming out of the two minute warning, Allen was looking deep, but was also faced with pressure by the Chiefs front seven, and George Karlaftis, who had three sacks last week, put enough pressure on Allen to force a long pass off his back leg, that fell through the hands of second year tight end Dalton Kincaid, turning the ball over on downs.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Chiefs make the stop on fourth down! 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BUFvsKC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BUFvsKC</a> on CBS 📱: Stream on <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLPlus</a> and Paramount+ <a href="https://t.co/s4rXNURB3z">pic.twitter.com/s4rXNURB3z</a>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1883707709113118872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;Kansas City ran out the remaining clock, getting a first down run from Pacheco, and cementing the game on a 17 yard pass from Mahomes to Samaje Perine.&nbsp;Mahomes was 18 of 26 passing for 245 yards with one touchdown, rushing for 43 yards and two scores.&nbsp; Hunt rushed 17 times for 64 yards and one touchdown.&nbsp; Worthy was the leading receiver with six catches for 85 yards and a score.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Chiefs will get a familiar foe in the Eagles, whom they beat two years ago for the first title in this run. Philadelphia romped to a 55-23 victory over the Washington Commanders earlier Sunday to earn a shot at the champs on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs Super Bowl bound once again, top Bills 32-29 in AFC Championship clash

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

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

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

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