A myriad of penalties haunted the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half, and Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated Kansas City 31-9 in Super Bowl 55 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Sunday.

It marks the first Super Bowl win for Tampa since 2003, and gives Brady a seventh ring after his tenth appearance in the big game.

The Chiefs, aiming for the first Super Bowl repeat in 17 years, got on the board first with a 49-yard field goal from Harrison Butker early in the first quarter after the Kansas City defense stopped Tampa on their first two possessions.

The Buccaneers offense then woke up, marching 75 yards on eight plays on their ensuing possession.

Brady, who won Super Bowl MVP for a fifth time, went 4-for-4 on the drive, including an eight-yard touchdown pass to tight end and former Patriot teammate Rob Gronkowski.

The score gave Tampa a 7-3 lead after the first quarter.

Kansas City's offense was stagnant to start, as Mahomes completed just two of his first nine attempts through the air.

"They played better than we did," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. "I take full responsibility for it. You just can't do the things that we did, and expect to beat a good football team like that. Particularly at this level."

Brady meanwhile completed eight of his first 10 passes, and led the Bucs on what looked to be another scoring drive early in the second quarter.

The Bucs got the ball down to the one-yard line, but running back Ronald Jones II was stopped short of the goal line on both third and fourth down runs.

The Chiefs, however, could not take advantage of that critical stop. In fact, Tommy Townsend shanked an ensuing punt for 29 yards, setting Tampa Bay up on the Chiefs' 41-yard line.

Tyrann Mathieu then had what was an interception on a tipped ball, but that was negated due to a holding penalty.

Kansas City's defense held Tampa to a field goal attempt, but an offside penalty gave the Bucs a fresh set of downs.

And Brady took advantage. On the next play.

He found his old pal Gronk on a 17-yard touchdown strike, giving the Buccaneers a 14-3 lead with 6:03 left in the first half.

Down double digits? Typically, no problem for the Chiefs.

Kansas City's offense responded with their best drive of the first half, getting into the red zone, but excessive pressure on Mahomes caused the drive to stall. The Chiefs called on Butker again and he converted - this time from 34 yards out.

Working with just under a minute, Brady and the Bucs moved down the field again and were aided by a pass interference penalty on Beshaud Breeland.

Penalties were a huge problem for Kansas City in the first half. They were called on eight of them for 95 yards.

After a pass interference penalty on Mathieu in the end zone, Tampa Bay got a first down at the one-yard line, and Brady found Antonio Brown for a score on the following play.

Tampa led 21-6 at the break, ending the first half on a five-play, 71-yard drive.

Brady completed 16-of-20 passes for 140 yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone. Gronk had five grabs for 42 yards, including two scores in the first half as well.

In all, the Chiefs were called on eight penalties for 95 yards in the first half, and 11 penalties for 120 yards in the whole game.

Kansas City got the ball to start the third quarter, and had some nice plays. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had runs of 26 and 10 yards, but again, the Chiefs' drive stalled.

Butker came through for a third time, nailing a 52-yard field goal to make it a 21-9 game with 11:26 to go in the third.

Tampa then had one of their best drives of the game to start the second half. Sparked by a 25-yard catch by Gronk, Leonard Fournette ran around the right side for a 27-yard touchdown run on the very next play, putting the Bucs ahead 28-9 midway through the 3rd.

Fournette finished his night with 89 yards on 16 carries.

It only got worse for Kansas City after that. After Mahomes got sacked for the first time, a pass on 3rd and 13 to Tyreek Hill got tipped in the air and then picked off by Antoine Winfield.

That interception the Bucs a first down on the Chiefs' 45. However, a botched snap on third and short forced Tampa into a long field goal try, which Ryan Succop made. His 52-yarder put Tampa ahead 31-9 with 2:46 remaining in the third.

The Chiefs had the ball to start the fourth quarter and drove 64 yards on 11 plays, but intense pressure on Mahomes led to three straight incompletions and a turnover on downs.

Sunday marked the first game all season where the Chiefs didn't score a touchdown. Third downs were also a struggle, as Kansas City was just 3-of-13 in that category.

"When you play a good defense like (Tampa), you have to be on the same page as an offense," Mahomes said. "And, we weren't today. That's why we played so bad."

Depth along Kansas City's offensive line was a big question heading into Sunday's game. Tackles Eric Fischer (Achilles) and Mitchell Schwartz (back) were ruled out.

Guard Kelechi Osemele (knee) was placed on IR in week 5, while tackle Lucas Niang and guard Laurent-Duvernay-Tardif opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19.

Brady finished his night going 21-of-29 for 201 yards and three scores. Gronk had six catches for 67 yards and a pair of scores.

Mahomes, who did all he could singlehandedly to keep his team in it, completed 26-of-49 passes for 270 yards and two interceptions. Kelce had 10 catches for 133 yards. Tyreek Hill finished with 73 yards on seven receptions.

While a loss in the biggest game of them all is always going to sting, Mahomes expresses optimism about the opportunity to learn and get better from the experience.

"It hurts a lot," Mahomes said. "We'll continue to get better. We have a young group of guys who have had a lot of success, but we've had a few failures and we have to learn from that. We can't let this define us. We have to continue to get better."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612747571469.jpeg" alt="Kansas City's defense comes up with a big stop on 4th and goal early in the second quarter of Super Bowl 55." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City's defense comes up with a big stop on 4th and goal early in the second quarter of Super Bowl 55.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA myriad of penalties haunted the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half, and Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated Kansas City 31-9 in Super Bowl 55 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Sunday.It marks the first Super Bowl win for Tampa since 2003, and gives Brady a seventh ring after his tenth appearance in the big game.The Chiefs, aiming for the first Super Bowl repeat in 17 years, got on the board first with a 49-yard field goal from Harrison Butker early in the first quarter after the Kansas City defense stopped Tampa on their first two possessions.The Buccaneers offense then woke up, marching 75 yards on eight plays on their ensuing possession.Brady, who won Super Bowl MVP for a fifth time, went 4-for-4 on the drive, including an eight-yard touchdown pass to tight end and former Patriot teammate Rob Gronkowski.The score gave Tampa a 7-3 lead after the first quarter.Kansas City's offense was stagnant to start, as Mahomes completed just two of his first nine attempts through the air."They played better than we did," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. "I take full responsibility for it. You just can't do the things that we did, and expect to beat a good football team like that. Particularly at this level."Brady meanwhile completed eight of his first 10 passes, and led the Bucs on what looked to be another scoring drive early in the second quarter.The Bucs got the ball down to the one-yard line, but running back Ronald Jones II was stopped short of the goal line on both third and fourth down runs.The Chiefs, however, could not take advantage of that critical stop. In fact, Tommy Townsend shanked an ensuing punt for 29 yards, setting Tampa Bay up on the Chiefs' 41-yard line.Tyrann Mathieu then had what was an interception on a tipped ball, but that was negated due to a holding penalty.Kansas City's defense held Tampa to a field goal attempt, but an offside penalty gave the Bucs a fresh set of downs.And Brady took advantage. On the next play.He found his old pal Gronk on a 17-yard touchdown strike, giving the Buccaneers a 14-3 lead with 6:03 left in the first half.Down double digits? Typically, no problem for the Chiefs.Kansas City's offense responded with their best drive of the first half, getting into the red zone, but excessive pressure on Mahomes caused the drive to stall. The Chiefs called on Butker again and he converted - this time from 34 yards out.Working with just under a minute, Brady and the Bucs moved down the field again and were aided by a pass interference penalty on Beshaud Breeland.Penalties were a huge problem for Kansas City in the first half. They were called on eight of them for 95 yards.After a pass interference penalty on Mathieu in the end zone, Tampa Bay got a first down at the one-yard line, and Brady found Antonio Brown for a score on the following play.Tampa led 21-6 at the break, ending the first half on a five-play, 71-yard drive.Brady completed 16-of-20 passes for 140 yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone. Gronk had five grabs for 42 yards, including two scores in the first half as well.In all, the Chiefs were called on eight penalties for 95 yards in the first half, and 11 penalties for 120 yards in the whole game.Kansas City got the ball to start the third quarter, and had some nice plays. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had runs of 26 and 10 yards, but again, the Chiefs' drive stalled.Butker came through for a third time, nailing a 52-yard field goal to make it a 21-9 game with 11:26 to go in the third.Tampa then had one of their best drives of the game to start the second half. Sparked by a 25-yard catch by Gronk, Leonard Fournette ran around the right side for a 27-yard touchdown run on the very next play, putting the Bucs ahead 28-9 midway through the 3rd.Fournette finished his night with 89 yards on 16 carries.It only got worse for Kansas City after that. After Mahomes got sacked for the first time, a pass on 3rd and 13 to Tyreek Hill got tipped in the air and then picked off by Antoine Winfield.That interception the Bucs a first down on the Chiefs' 45. However, a botched snap on third and short forced Tampa into a long field goal try, which Ryan Succop made. His 52-yarder put Tampa ahead 31-9 with 2:46 remaining in the third.The Chiefs had the ball to start the fourth quarter and drove 64 yards on 11 plays, but intense pressure on Mahomes led to three straight incompletions and a turnover on downs.Sunday marked the first game all season where the Chiefs didn't score a touchdown. Third downs were also a struggle, as Kansas City was just 3-of-13 in that category."When you play a good defense like (Tampa), you have to be on the same page as an offense," Mahomes said. "And, we weren't today. That's why we played so bad."Depth along Kansas City's offensive line was a big question heading into Sunday's game. Tackles Eric Fischer (Achilles) and Mitchell Schwartz (back) were ruled out.Guard Kelechi Osemele (knee) was placed on IR in week 5, while tackle Lucas Niang and guard Laurent-Duvernay-Tardif opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19.Brady finished his night going 21-of-29 for 201 yards and three scores. Gronk had six catches for 67 yards and a pair of scores.Mahomes, who did all he could singlehandedly to keep his team in it, completed 26-of-49 passes for 270 yards and two interceptions. Kelce had 10 catches for 133 yards. Tyreek Hill finished with 73 yards on seven receptions.While a loss in the biggest game of them all is always going to sting, Mahomes expresses optimism about the opportunity to learn and get better from the experience."It hurts a lot," Mahomes said. "We'll continue to get better. We have a young group of guys who have had a lot of success, but we've had a few failures and we have to learn from that. We can't let this define us. We have to continue to get better."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

First-half penalties, battered offensive line haunt Chiefs in Super Bowl loss

The District 8 girls' wrestling tournament was held Friday and Saturday at Mid-Buchanan High School in Faucett.

The top four finishers in each weight class move onto sectionals with a chance to qualify for state.

The Cameron Dragons won the team district championship with 177 points and four total individual champions. Mid-Buchanan finished fourth with 90 points, Lathrop 5th with 86 and Benton 10th with 32.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe District 8 girls' wrestling tournament was held Friday and Saturday at Mid-Buchanan High School in Faucett.The top four finishers in each weight class move onto sectionals with a chance to qualify for state.The Cameron Dragons won the team district championship with 177 points and four total individual champions. Mid-Buchanan finished fourth with 90 points, Lathrop 5th with 86 and Benton 10th with 32.102 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Ashley Yamat of Cameron</li><li>2nd Place - Loren` Patee of Mid-Buchanan</li><li>3rd Place - Maddie Dauber of Marceline</li><li>4th Place - Laney Cecil of Kearney</li>
 </ul>107 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Jordyn Smith of Lawson</li><li>2nd Place - Isa-Bella Mendoza of Lafayette (St. Joseph)</li><li>3rd Place - Madison Teeter of Marceline</li><li>4th Place - Kierstin Manley of Cameron</li>
 </ul>112 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Lexi Petersen of Benton</li><li>2nd Place - Sarah Kussman of Marceline</li><li>3rd Place - Cierra Stigger of Polo</li><li>4th Place - Abigail Clements of Chillicothe</li>
 </ul>117 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Haley Sampson of Mid-Buchanan</li><li>2nd Place - Payton Weese of Marceline</li><li>3rd Place - Jaclyn Riedinger of North Andrew</li><li>4th Place - Rachel Mason of Central (St. Joseph)</li>
 </ul>122 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Christina Filley of Cameron</li><li>2nd Place - McKayla Knight of Lathrop</li><li>3rd Place - Josie Briant of Lawson</li><li>4th Place - Aislinn Schick of Marceline</li>
 </ul>127 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Kalli Schuster of Mid-Buchanan</li><li>2nd Place - Jacey Brewer of Excelsior Springs</li><li>3rd Place - Makayla Rainey of Gallatin</li><li>4th Place - Gracey Jordan of Marceline</li>
 </ul>132 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Brooke Cox of Lawson</li><li>2nd Place - Jordan Diercks of Lathrop</li><li>3rd Place - Paige Barber of Excelsior Springs</li><li>4th Place - Grace Bradley of Savannah</li>
 </ul>137 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Katelyn Sales of Lawson</li><li>2nd Place - MaKayla Provin of Cameron</li><li>3rd Place - Tatum Levendahl of Benton</li><li>4th Place - Karyna Ireland of Chillicothe</li>
 </ul>143 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Josie Wright of Lathrop</li><li>2nd Place - Vada Burton of Polo</li><li>3rd Place - Layson Hafley of Mid-Buchanan</li><li>4th Place - Ashlynn Skinner of Marceline</li>
 </ul>151 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Payge Fuller of Plattsburg</li><li>2nd Place - Justice Brewer of Cameron</li><li>3rd Place - Sierra Brassfield of Lathrop</li><li>4th Place - Katie Weiss of Maryville</li>
 </ul>159 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Oscarina Jackson of Brookfield</li><li>2nd Place - Taylor Owen of Savannah</li><li>3rd Place - Valorie Gabrielli of Polo</li><li>4th Place - Clarissa Kissire of Cameron</li>
 </ul>174 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Hollie Hedgpeth of Cameron</li><li>2nd Place - Hailey Romero of Kearney</li><li>3rd Place - Zoey Chrisman of Brookfield</li><li>4th Place - Madyson Beard of Lathrop</li>
 </ul>195 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Abigayle Provance of Cameron</li><li>2nd Place - Jaden Craig of Kearney</li><li>3rd Place - Alexyis Howard of Central (St. Joseph)</li>
 </ul>235 pounds <ul>
 <li>1st Place - Lexie Cole of Kearney</li><li>2nd Place - Jessica Tanguay of Cameron</li><li>3rd Place - Mesa Welch of Polo</li>
 </ul><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Lady dragon wrestling brings home a 1st place team finish <a href="https://t.co/jC7PMAsgS9">pic.twitter.com/jC7PMAsgS9</a>&mdash; Cameron R-1 Schools (@CameronSchools) <a href="https://twitter.com/CameronSchools/status/1358153043712372736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Lady Dragon District Placers! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OutWorkEm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OutWorkEm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MBDragonSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MBDragonSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/lzNVr8sXs1">pic.twitter.com/lzNVr8sXs1</a>&mdash; Dragon Wrestling (@MB_Wrestling) <a href="https://twitter.com/MB_Wrestling/status/1358176431541526528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Congratulations to Sectional qualifiers Rachel Mason and Alexyis Howard! We are moving on!! <a href="https://t.co/6bKNPKkLd8">pic.twitter.com/6bKNPKkLd8</a>&mdash; Central Wrestling (@wrestling_chs) <a href="https://twitter.com/wrestling_chs/status/1358169880021860352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Your district champion at 151lbs, Payge Fuller! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PHSathletics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PHSathletics</a> <a href="https://t.co/xAdMjtWYKm">pic.twitter.com/xAdMjtWYKm</a>&mdash; Tiger Wrestling (@CCr3Wrestling) <a href="https://twitter.com/CCr3Wrestling/status/1358153221097848836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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</div>

Girls' district wrestling results from Mid-Buchanan - Cameron claims team title

Super Bowl 55 is so full of compelling storylines, it could fill a season of TV programming.

Tom Brady is going for his seventh ring in his 10th Super Bowl with his second team.

Patrick Mahomes, the apparent heir to the quarterbacking summit, is seeking a second straight title with Kansas City — something no team has done since Brady led New England to the double in the ‘03 and ’04 seasons.

Brady's new team, the Buccaneers, happen to call Tampa home. As in, Tampa, Florida, where the Super Bowl is being played this year.

The Buccaneers become the first team in NFL history to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium. Brady is happy to stay in his new home, but he’s been solely focused on what Kansas City brings to the table.

"They're explosive," Brady said of the Chiefs. "We're going to have to score points. We're not going to shut them out - I know that. They're going to gain plenty of yards and I'm sure they're going to score points. We just have to be able to match it. We're going up against an explosive defense.

"That's why they're in this game. They're one of the great teams in the NFL."

On the flipside, Andy Reid can still remember when his Eagles battled Brady in Super 39 back in 2004.

Fast forward 17 years, Reid says Brady looks, well, pretty much the same as he did then.

"He's a special guy," Reid said. "He's done a great job keeping himself football young. His arm is still alive. His will to win is alive, and he's been fun to watch through the years."

Mahomes joked early in the week that the first time he remembers watching Brady play was "Sept. 17, 1995," the day he was born.

"He's been around for awhile," Mahomes smiled.

Indeed, Brady is only seven years younger than Mahomes' father, Pat. Needless to say, Mahomes relishes the opportunity to once again go head-to-head against one of the best.

"I grew up watching him play," Mahomes said of Brady. "He's still here playing, and he's still at the top of the game. I continue to watch what he does on and off the field in order to figure out the best way to make me the best player possible."

Brady and Mahomes have split their first four meetings as NFL quarterbacks, with Mahomes winning the most recent one in Tampa on Nov. 29, 27-24.

When it comes to judging the best quarterbacks of all, Brady has been in that discussion for some time. Mahomes has been quickly solidifying his legacy among the greats. Yet, all of these great quarterbacks seem to have at least one deficiency.

If it’s pocket passers like Brady or Peyton Manning, they may not be the most mobile.

If it’s deadeye accurate QBs like Brees and Joe Montana, they might lack the elite arm strength.

Or strong-armed throwers like Elway or Favre weren’t always the most accurate.

For others, the missing ingredient might be decision-making, poise or leadership. But that’s what makes Mahomes so special - there’s really nothing he isn’t good at.

Brady has seen and recognized his counterpart's extraordinary ability.

"He's got a great maturity about him," Brady said of Mahomes. "He's a great leader, has great charisma. I think it says a lot when the players he plays with says great things about him."

If Mahomes hopes to beat Brady a third time, chances are he’ll look toward Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. As one would expect.

In the Chiefs' two playoff games, Mahomes and backup Chad Henne&nbsp; threw to either Hill or Kelce for 47 of the 75 pass attempts - more than 62% of the time. They’ve combined for 509 yards in the postseason, with Kelce having three touchdown catches.

Mahomes says he doesn't play favorites - they’re just that good.

"I'm never someone that chooses who I'm throwing to," Mahomes said. "I just throw it to whoever's open. Those guys have been getting open, and I've been getting them the ball, and I'm sure the Bucs have seen that as well, and they'll have a game plan to slow those guys down and we'll have to adjust to that."

One thing the Chiefs have adjusted well to is playing away from home. 

Yes, Tampa gets a home game for the Super Bowl, but the Chiefs are a perfect 8-0 away from Arrowhead this season.

Kelce says once the ball is kicked off, none of that will really matter.

"Everybody is going to be fired up, geared up, ready to go for this one," Kelce said. "It doesn't matter if it's home or away. Both sides, both teams are going to be locked in and doing everything they can to win the football game."

While it's not fully normal yet, Sunday's Super Bowl will at least feel a little more normal with about 25,000 fans inside Raymond James Stadium.

One reason the stadium won't be empty is because Kansas City proved it was possible to have people at the game safely.

The Chiefs hosted the Houston Texans in the kickoff to the season on Sept. 10. They had a plan from the start for about 22 percent capacity — or 17,000 fans — for each game at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Chiefs never experienced an outbreak traced back to their fans. Team president Mark Donovan says they are proud, having been the first, and last team, to host fans safely, before the Super Bowl.

"The pride we have as an organization for what we were able to do this year, and hosting the last playoff game before the Super Bowl, and sort of be able to close that window, and do it successfully...that'll be a memory I share around here for a long, long time."

The Chiefs and Buccaneers kick off in Super Bowl 55 on Sunday at 5:30 central. The game will be carried on KFEQ (680 AM, 95.3 FM) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612559376670.jpeg" alt="Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, dressed in Florida garb, speaks to the media via Zoom in the days leading up to Super Bowl 55." />
 <figcaption>Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, dressed in Florida garb, speaks to the media via Zoom in the days leading up to Super Bowl 55.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSuper Bowl 55 is so full of compelling storylines, it could fill a season of TV programming.Tom Brady is going for his seventh ring in his 10th Super Bowl with his second team.Patrick Mahomes, the apparent heir to the quarterbacking summit, is seeking a second straight title with Kansas City — something no team has done since Brady led New England to the double in the ‘03 and ’04 seasons.Brady's new team, the Buccaneers, happen to call Tampa home. As in, Tampa, Florida, where the Super Bowl is being played this year.The Buccaneers become the first team in NFL history to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium. Brady is happy to stay in his new home, but he’s been solely focused on what Kansas City brings to the table."They're explosive," Brady said of the Chiefs. "We're going to have to score points. We're not going to shut them out - I know that. They're going to gain plenty of yards and I'm sure they're going to score points. We just have to be able to match it. We're going up against an explosive defense."That's why they're in this game. They're one of the great teams in the NFL."On the flipside, Andy Reid can still remember when his Eagles battled Brady in Super 39 back in 2004.Fast forward 17 years, Reid says Brady looks, well, pretty much the same as he did then."He's a special guy," Reid said. "He's done a great job keeping himself football young. His arm is still alive. His will to win is alive, and he's been fun to watch through the years."Mahomes joked early in the week that the first time he remembers watching Brady play was "Sept. 17, 1995," the day he was born."He's been around for awhile," Mahomes smiled.Indeed, Brady is only seven years younger than Mahomes' father, Pat. Needless to say, Mahomes relishes the opportunity to once again go head-to-head against one of the best."I grew up watching him play," Mahomes said of Brady. "He's still here playing, and he's still at the top of the game. I continue to watch what he does on and off the field in order to figure out the best way to make me the best player possible."Brady and Mahomes have split their first four meetings as NFL quarterbacks, with Mahomes winning the most recent one in Tampa on Nov. 29, 27-24.When it comes to judging the best quarterbacks of all, Brady has been in that discussion for some time. Mahomes has been quickly solidifying his legacy among the greats. Yet, all of these great quarterbacks seem to have at least one deficiency.If it’s pocket passers like Brady or Peyton Manning, they may not be the most mobile.If it’s deadeye accurate QBs like Brees and Joe Montana, they might lack the elite arm strength.Or strong-armed throwers like Elway or Favre weren’t always the most accurate.For others, the missing ingredient might be decision-making, poise or leadership. But that’s what makes Mahomes so special - there’s really nothing he isn’t good at.Brady has seen and recognized his counterpart's extraordinary ability."He's got a great maturity about him," Brady said of Mahomes. "He's a great leader, has great charisma. I think it says a lot when the players he plays with says great things about him."If Mahomes hopes to beat Brady a third time, chances are he’ll look toward Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. As one would expect.In the Chiefs' two playoff games, Mahomes and backup Chad Henne&nbsp; threw to either Hill or Kelce for 47 of the 75 pass attempts - more than 62% of the time. They’ve combined for 509 yards in the postseason, with Kelce having three touchdown catches.Mahomes says he doesn't play favorites - they’re just that good."I'm never someone that chooses who I'm throwing to," Mahomes said. "I just throw it to whoever's open. Those guys have been getting open, and I've been getting them the ball, and I'm sure the Bucs have seen that as well, and they'll have a game plan to slow those guys down and we'll have to adjust to that."One thing the Chiefs have adjusted well to is playing away from home. Yes, Tampa gets a home game for the Super Bowl, but the Chiefs are a perfect 8-0 away from Arrowhead this season.Kelce says once the ball is kicked off, none of that will really matter."Everybody is going to be fired up, geared up, ready to go for this one," Kelce said. "It doesn't matter if it's home or away. Both sides, both teams are going to be locked in and doing everything they can to win the football game."While it's not fully normal yet, Sunday's Super Bowl will at least feel a little more normal with about 25,000 fans inside Raymond James Stadium.One reason the stadium won't be empty is because Kansas City proved it was possible to have people at the game safely.The Chiefs hosted the Houston Texans in the kickoff to the season on Sept. 10. They had a plan from the start for about 22 percent capacity — or 17,000 fans — for each game at Arrowhead Stadium.The Chiefs never experienced an outbreak traced back to their fans. Team president Mark Donovan says they are proud, having been the first, and last team, to host fans safely, before the Super Bowl."The pride we have as an organization for what we were able to do this year, and hosting the last playoff game before the Super Bowl, and sort of be able to close that window, and do it successfully...that'll be a memory I share around here for a long, long time."<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/979504699&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/tommy-rezac" title="KFEQ Radio, St. Joseph Post" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">KFEQ Radio, St. Joseph Post</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/tommy-rezac/chiefs-super-bowl-gives-nice-boost-to-st-joseph-businesses" title="Chiefs Super Bowl gives nice boost to St. Joseph businesses" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chiefs Super Bowl gives nice boost to St. Joseph businesses</a></div></div>The Chiefs and Buccaneers kick off in Super Bowl 55 on Sunday at 5:30 central. The game will be carried on KFEQ (680 AM, 95.3 FM) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.You can can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chiefs, Buccaneers meet in Super Bowl packed with story lines, historic implications

Missouri Western's upset bid in Maryville came up short Saturday, as No. 3 Northwest Missouri State held off the Griffons, 70-64, at Bearcat Arena.

Missouri Western drops its fourth straight game as they fall to 8-5 on the season. The Bearcats (14-1) won their ninth straight game this season and their 17th straight against the Griffons.

"That was a really good college basketball game," Bearcats head coach Ben McCollum said after. "I thought (Missouri Western) was well prepared, especially defensively. Very tough opponent, and I can't say enough about how well they played." Neither team led by more than four points in the first 16 minutes until the Griffons used a 9-2 run to build a nine-point lead late in the half, and eventually, Western led Northwest at halftime, 37-30. Will Eames&nbsp;started the second half with a three-pointer to put the Griffs up 40-30, but then the Bearcats answered with a 23-5 run to take a 53-45 lead midway through the second half.

"I thought my kids responded in the second half," McCollum said. "Not only did they respond, but they kept responding. That's really hard to do after an emotional first half." Missouri Western would made one last run, using a 12-3 spurt to take a 60-59 lead with just under four minutes remaining, but the Bearcats outscored the Griffons 9-3 to end the game.

The Bearcats were led by senior Ryan Hawkins, who scored 18 points. He led four Northwest players in double figures, as junior Trevor Hudgins scored 14, sophomore Wes Dreamer had 13 and junior Diego Bernard put up 12.

"We had low energy to start," Bernard said, " but Coach (McCollum) got it right at halftime, and we came out with a win. They controlled the game in the first half, and we turned the tables in the second." Eames and&nbsp;Reese Glover&nbsp;led Missouri Western with 13 points each, while&nbsp;Tyrell Carroll&nbsp;and&nbsp;Q Mays&nbsp;added 10 points apiece.

The Griffons shot 46.0% (23-50) from the field, including 38.9% (7-18) from three, but just 57.9% (11-19) from the free throw line, and they were outrebounded 32-20. Missouri Western remained aggressive on defense throughout, forcing Northwest into a season-high 19 turnovers.

Northwest drained a season-high 17 three-pointers as the Bearcats defeated the Griffons, 63-49.&nbsp;Northwest completed a season-sweep of Missouri Western for the first time since the 2010-11 season and improved to 6-9 on the season.

Missouri Western dropped to 3-10 overall. Missouri Western's women's team is on the road Monday, going to No. 11 Fort Hays State for a 5:30 p.m. tip against the Tigers inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

 The Bearcat men, meanwhile, are off until Tuesday when they come to St. Joseph for a rematch with the Griffons at MWSU Fieldhouse. Tip-off in that game is set for 7 p.m.

The Bearcat women don't play again until Thursday when they host Pittsburg State at 5:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612658609636.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State's Diego Bernard puts in a layup in the Bearcats' 70-64 win over Missouri Western on Saturday. Photo by Whitnee Ice." />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State's Diego Bernard puts in a layup in the Bearcats' 70-64 win over Missouri Western on Saturday. Photo by Whitnee Ice.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western's upset bid in Maryville came up short Saturday, as No. 3 Northwest Missouri State held off the Griffons, 70-64, at Bearcat Arena.Missouri Western drops its fourth straight game as they fall to 8-5 on the season. The Bearcats (14-1) won their ninth straight game this season and their 17th straight against the Griffons."That was a really good college basketball game," Bearcats head coach Ben McCollum said after. "I thought (Missouri Western) was well prepared, especially defensively. Very tough opponent, and I can't say enough about how well they played." Neither team led by more than four points in the first 16 minutes until the Griffons used a 9-2 run to build a nine-point lead late in the half, and eventually, Western led Northwest at halftime, 37-30. Will Eames&nbsp;started the second half with a three-pointer to put the Griffs up 40-30, but then the Bearcats answered with a 23-5 run to take a 53-45 lead midway through the second half."I thought my kids responded in the second half," McCollum said. "Not only did they respond, but they kept responding. That's really hard to do after an emotional first half." Missouri Western would made one last run, using a 12-3 spurt to take a 60-59 lead with just under four minutes remaining, but the Bearcats outscored the Griffons 9-3 to end the game.The Bearcats were led by senior Ryan Hawkins, who scored 18 points. He led four Northwest players in double figures, as junior Trevor Hudgins scored 14, sophomore Wes Dreamer had 13 and junior Diego Bernard put up 12."We had low energy to start," Bernard said, " but Coach (McCollum) got it right at halftime, and we came out with a win. They controlled the game in the first half, and we turned the tables in the second." Eames and&nbsp;Reese Glover&nbsp;led Missouri Western with 13 points each, while&nbsp;Tyrell Carroll&nbsp;and&nbsp;Q Mays&nbsp;added 10 points apiece.The Griffons shot 46.0% (23-50) from the field, including 38.9% (7-18) from three, but just 57.9% (11-19) from the free throw line, and they were outrebounded 32-20. Missouri Western remained aggressive on defense throughout, forcing Northwest into a season-high 19 turnovers.Women's gameNorthwest drained a season-high 17 three-pointers as the Bearcats defeated the Griffons, 63-49.&nbsp;Northwest completed a season-sweep of Missouri Western for the first time since the 2010-11 season and improved to 6-9 on the season.Missouri Western dropped to 3-10 overall. Missouri Western's women's team is on the road Monday, going to No. 11 Fort Hays State for a 5:30 p.m. tip against the Tigers inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Bearcat men, meanwhile, are off until Tuesday when they come to St. Joseph for a rematch with the Griffons at MWSU Fieldhouse. Tip-off in that game is set for 7 p.m.The Bearcat women don't play again until Thursday when they host Pittsburg State at 5:30 p.m.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612659793108.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State's Isaiah Jackson brings the ball up the floor in Saturday's 70-64 win over Missouri Western. Photo by Whitnee Ice." />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State's Isaiah Jackson brings the ball up the floor in Saturday's 70-64 win over Missouri Western. Photo by Whitnee Ice.</figcaption>
 </figure>

No. 3 Northwest Missouri State fends off Missouri Western Saturday

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid, the son of head coach Andy Reid, was involved in a multi-vehicle crash late Thursday that injured two young children near the team’s training complex adjacent to Arrowhead Stadium. 

The team confirmed in a statement Friday that Britt Reid was involved in the accident but declined additional comment. Local television station KSHB reported that Reid told an officer on the scene that he had “two or three drinks,” according to a search warrant filed just before midnight. Reid then complained of stomach pain and also was taken to an area hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612570726901.png" alt="Britt Reid photo courtesy KC Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Britt Reid photo courtesy KC Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid, the son of head coach Andy Reid, was involved in a multi-vehicle crash late Thursday that injured two young children near the team’s training complex adjacent to Arrowhead Stadium. The team confirmed in a statement Friday that Britt Reid was involved in the accident but declined additional comment. Local television station KSHB reported that Reid told an officer on the scene that he had “two or three drinks,” according to a search warrant filed just before midnight. Reid then complained of stomach pain and also was taken to an area hospital.

Chiefs coach Britt Reid in car crash injuring 2 young kids

The Bearcats signed <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/dd383640-d2a1-4edd-8f5a-3d955b332d32">29 players to its 2021 football recruiting class</a> on Wednesday, and made a couple of additions to its coaching staff.

Roberto Davis will be the new Bearcats' running back coach and Zach Martin will handle the wide receiving corps.

Both Davis and Martin served as graduate assistant coaches under Wright following their Bearcat playing careers. "They understand the culture, the expectations and how we do things," Wright tells the Post. "They'll be able to hit the ground running and make this transition as seamless as possible." Davis spent the 2020 season on the Wayne State College staff in Nebraska Before that, he was a graduate assistant coach (defensive line) at Northwest in 2019, when the Bearcats reached the quarterfinals and won a 30th&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;regular season title.

Davis played at Northwest from 2009-10, winning a national title in '09. Martin has been on the Northwest campus since arriving as a junior college transfer quarterback in 2016. He played seven games in the 2016 season, in which the Bearcats won the program's sixth national title. Martin then passed for 2,385 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2017, helping the Bearcats reach the playoffs.

Following his playing career, Martin joined the Bearcat coaching staff as a grad assistant. He helped coach running backs in 2018 and receivers the following year.

Northwest saw its coaching tree grow last month when receiver and running backs coach <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/8c740a23-c1ee-4e1a-983d-82499c1e2912">Joel Osborn departed</a> to become the next head coach at Benedictine in nearby Atchison, following a 42-year run by Larry Wilcox.

"Joel and I had several conversations and we felt like it'd be a really good fit for him if he wanted to be a head coach," Wright said. "Obviously, ultimately, that's every coaches' aspiration."

Osborn, Wright and countless other college coaches will face ongoing recruiting challenges as sights are now set on the 2022 class.

The NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility to Division I and II fall and winter athletes, which will ultimately <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/171e0044-7b80-4bc6-b588-06eb13bd5a2e">limit the number of scholarships</a> available in the next year and beyond.

"Everybody is a little bit different, but it definitely creates a component that's going to be difficult to mitigate," Wright said. "We're all going to be limited on the scholarship resources we have and unfortunately, that's going to limit opportunities for kids in this next class."

It was a year of limited opportunities in 2020 for most teams at the Division II level. The Bearcats were unable to play any games in the fall season, and the notion of playing games in the spring is out the window.

"There'd be no championship on the line and nothing to be gained (in the spring," Wright pointed out. "And the injury risk in the spring is just too profound."

It's no small thing when perhaps the most dominant Division II college football team of the last decade is denied a season.

There was a lot of sacrifice and disappointment that came with the pandemic, but as the Bearcats get ready to start practicing next week, they're feeling now what many feel in the year 2021.

"I guess there's a sense of comfort now," Wright said. "Moving forward, we'll be fine. I think our kids are chomping at the bit to get back to doing what they love to do, which is play college football."

<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/979798444&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/tommy-rezac" title="KFEQ Radio, St. Joseph Post" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">KFEQ Radio, St. Joseph Post</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/tommy-rezac/2-5-21-rich-wright-talks-2021-class-new-coaches-schedule-and-more" title="2-5-21 - Rich Wright talks 2021 class, new coaches, schedule and more" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">2-5-21 - Rich Wright talks 2021 class, new coaches, schedule and more</a></div></div>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt's been a busy week for Rich Wright.The Bearcats signed <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/dd383640-d2a1-4edd-8f5a-3d955b332d32">29 players to its 2021 football recruiting class</a> on Wednesday, and made a couple of additions to its coaching staff.Roberto Davis will be the new Bearcats' running back coach and Zach Martin will handle the wide receiving corps.Both Davis and Martin served as graduate assistant coaches under Wright following their Bearcat playing careers. "They understand the culture, the expectations and how we do things," Wright tells the Post. "They'll be able to hit the ground running and make this transition as seamless as possible." Davis spent the 2020 season on the Wayne State College staff in Nebraska Before that, he was a graduate assistant coach (defensive line) at Northwest in 2019, when the Bearcats reached the quarterfinals and won a 30th&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;regular season title.Davis played at Northwest from 2009-10, winning a national title in '09. Martin has been on the Northwest campus since arriving as a junior college transfer quarterback in 2016. He played seven games in the 2016 season, in which the Bearcats won the program's sixth national title. Martin then passed for 2,385 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2017, helping the Bearcats reach the playoffs.Following his playing career, Martin joined the Bearcat coaching staff as a grad assistant. He helped coach running backs in 2018 and receivers the following year.Northwest saw its coaching tree grow last month when receiver and running backs coach <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/8c740a23-c1ee-4e1a-983d-82499c1e2912">Joel Osborn departed</a> to become the next head coach at Benedictine in nearby Atchison, following a 42-year run by Larry Wilcox."Joel and I had several conversations and we felt like it'd be a really good fit for him if he wanted to be a head coach," Wright said. "Obviously, ultimately, that's every coaches' aspiration."Osborn, Wright and countless other college coaches will face ongoing recruiting challenges as sights are now set on the 2022 class.The NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility to Division I and II fall and winter athletes, which will ultimately <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/171e0044-7b80-4bc6-b588-06eb13bd5a2e">limit the number of scholarships</a> available in the next year and beyond."Everybody is a little bit different, but it definitely creates a component that's going to be difficult to mitigate," Wright said. "We're all going to be limited on the scholarship resources we have and unfortunately, that's going to limit opportunities for kids in this next class."It was a year of limited opportunities in 2020 for most teams at the Division II level. The Bearcats were unable to play any games in the fall season, and the notion of playing games in the spring is out the window."There'd be no championship on the line and nothing to be gained (in the spring," Wright pointed out. "And the injury risk in the spring is just too profound."It's no small thing when perhaps the most dominant Division II college football team of the last decade is denied a season.There was a lot of sacrifice and disappointment that came with the pandemic, but as the Bearcats get ready to start practicing next week, they're feeling now what many feel in the year 2021.A renewed sense of optimism."I guess there's a sense of comfort now," Wright said. "Moving forward, we'll be fine. I think our kids are chomping at the bit to get back to doing what they love to do, which is play college football."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612386387587.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Northwest Missouri State football hires new assistants, prepares for practice next week

When the Kansas City Chiefs won their first Super Bowl in 50 years last February, it seemed like 2020 was going to be a great year.

A little over a month later, countless businesses and schools were forced to close their doors due to the novel coronavirus.

River Bluff Brewing in St. Joseph was among them. They were closed for more than six weeks before welcoming back a limited number of patrons.

Nothing is quite the same as it was before the pandemic, but River Bluff co-founder and vice president Edison Derr looks forward to seeing the community once again rally around the Chiefs this Super Bowl Sunday.

"It seems like we're kind of seeing a light at the end of the tunnel possibly soon," Derr said regarding the pandemic. "Now toward what we hope is the end here, we kind of get a local excitement build-up. We couldn't all go to a lot of games, we couldn't all do a lot of things. We couldn't get together with a ton of people, but it's always exciting when something local is happening like this."

Jake's Steakhouse and Sports Bar in downtown St. Joseph is in the same boat. After seeing customers come back in during the regular season and playoffs, kitchen manager Jesse Vidal says Jake's is ready to safely celebrate the Super Bowl for a second consecutive year.

"We're going to start our own little Super Bowl party," Vidal said. "It's going to kind of start out like a pre-party and if all goes well, we'll have a lot of people stick around and watch the game with us."

Of course, watch parties won't quite be at full capacity yet. Much like during the holiday season, the CDC and other health experts recommend keeping Super Bowl gatherings COVID friendly at home if at all possible.

Vidal says there's still parameters in place to keep patrons safe.

"You have to have a mask on," he said. "Stay six feet apart if you're not wearing a mask at your table and things of that nature. And just wiping down tables and all that. We're just doing everything we can to try and move this along and...not make this harder on us. That's for sure."

Vidal says the ongoing pandemic and restrictions make it tough to gauge just how busy they'll be this weekend.

"With the restrictions and things like that, it is difficult," Vidal admitted. "People seem to enjoy doing their own thing on Super Bowl Sunday, too."

Whether they're at the local bar, or in their living room, Chiefs fans from all across the region have been stocking up on the latest AFC Championship and Super Bowl 55 gear.

Rally House, a St. Joseph sports apparel store at the East Hills Shopping Center, has been seeing an inflow of fans from Chiefs Kingdom - from Missouri and beyond.

"We have all of those people from Iowa and Nebraska," Rally House manager-in-training Caroline Ruden said. "They're all coming through here, trying to get their Chiefs stuff as well. So, we're getting lots of people."

Ruden says hats, Super Bowl jerseys and the new AFC Championship shirts have been the most popular items in recent days.

"COVID kind of hit us hard," Ruden said. "Then, we cleaned up the store getting ready for the potential of an AFC Championship, and here we are. Meeting those standards."

River Bluff, which is getting ready to open a second location in Kansas City in early summer, gave away a Chiefs jersey during last year's Super Bowl.

That won't happen this year, due to the ongoing pandemic and the uncertainty of how many people will actually go out in public to watch the game.

Like everything else, even Super Bowl watch parties will look a little different this year due to COVID restrictions.

Besides the Chiefs making it (or running it) back, one other thing has remained the same from last year's Super Bowl Sunday.

"If people are here or down the street somewhere else or if they all stay home," Derr said, "it's just awesome to see on social media how excited everyone is."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612493172191.jpeg" alt="As you can imagine, the Chiefs gear at Rally House in St. Joseph is in plain view right when you walk in the door./ Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>As you can imagine, the Chiefs gear at Rally House in St. Joseph is in plain view right when you walk in the door./ Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/979504699&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/tommy-rezac" title="KFEQ Radio, St. Joseph Post" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">KFEQ Radio, St. Joseph Post</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/tommy-rezac/chiefs-super-bowl-gives-nice-boost-to-st-joseph-businesses" title="Chiefs Super Bowl gives nice boost to St. Joseph businesses" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chiefs Super Bowl gives nice boost to St. Joseph businesses</a></div></div>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostWhen the Kansas City Chiefs won their first Super Bowl in 50 years last February, it seemed like 2020 was going to be a great year.Yeah, not so much.A little over a month later, countless businesses and schools were forced to close their doors due to the novel coronavirus.River Bluff Brewing in St. Joseph was among them. They were closed for more than six weeks before welcoming back a limited number of patrons.Nothing is quite the same as it was before the pandemic, but River Bluff co-founder and vice president Edison Derr looks forward to seeing the community once again rally around the Chiefs this Super Bowl Sunday."It seems like we're kind of seeing a light at the end of the tunnel possibly soon," Derr said regarding the pandemic. "Now toward what we hope is the end here, we kind of get a local excitement build-up. We couldn't all go to a lot of games, we couldn't all do a lot of things. We couldn't get together with a ton of people, but it's always exciting when something local is happening like this."Jake's Steakhouse and Sports Bar in downtown St. Joseph is in the same boat. After seeing customers come back in during the regular season and playoffs, kitchen manager Jesse Vidal says Jake's is ready to safely celebrate the Super Bowl for a second consecutive year."We're going to start our own little Super Bowl party," Vidal said. "It's going to kind of start out like a pre-party and if all goes well, we'll have a lot of people stick around and watch the game with us."Of course, watch parties won't quite be at full capacity yet. Much like during the holiday season, the CDC and other health experts recommend keeping Super Bowl gatherings COVID friendly at home if at all possible.Vidal says there's still parameters in place to keep patrons safe."You have to have a mask on," he said. "Stay six feet apart if you're not wearing a mask at your table and things of that nature. And just wiping down tables and all that. We're just doing everything we can to try and move this along and...not make this harder on us. That's for sure."Vidal says the ongoing pandemic and restrictions make it tough to gauge just how busy they'll be this weekend."With the restrictions and things like that, it is difficult," Vidal admitted. "People seem to enjoy doing their own thing on Super Bowl Sunday, too."Whether they're at the local bar, or in their living room, Chiefs fans from all across the region have been stocking up on the latest AFC Championship and Super Bowl 55 gear.Rally House, a St. Joseph sports apparel store at the East Hills Shopping Center, has been seeing an inflow of fans from Chiefs Kingdom - from Missouri and beyond."We have all of those people from Iowa and Nebraska," Rally House manager-in-training Caroline Ruden said. "They're all coming through here, trying to get their Chiefs stuff as well. So, we're getting lots of people."Ruden says hats, Super Bowl jerseys and the new AFC Championship shirts have been the most popular items in recent days."COVID kind of hit us hard," Ruden said. "Then, we cleaned up the store getting ready for the potential of an AFC Championship, and here we are. Meeting those standards."River Bluff, which is getting ready to open a second location in Kansas City in early summer, gave away a Chiefs jersey during last year's Super Bowl.That won't happen this year, due to the ongoing pandemic and the uncertainty of how many people will actually go out in public to watch the game.Like everything else, even Super Bowl watch parties will look a little different this year due to COVID restrictions.Besides the Chiefs making it (or running it) back, one other thing has remained the same from last year's Super Bowl Sunday.The spirit of Chiefs Kingdom."If people are here or down the street somewhere else or if they all stay home," Derr said, "it's just awesome to see on social media how excited everyone is."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612493229154.jpeg" alt="Super Bowl jerseys and hats have been among the most popular items at Rally House in St. Joseph./ Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Super Bowl jerseys and hats have been among the most popular items at Rally House in St. Joseph./ Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph businesses see influx of people, excitement with another Chiefs Super Bowl

Girls' basketball Benton 45 No. 8 Chillicothe 44. Aly White had the winning layup with two seconds to go. This comes just two days after Benton (8-5) beat a 14-5 Cameron team on Tuesday.

St. Joseph Central 67 Oak Park 18. The Indians used a 17-0 third quarter run to solidify the win. Central is now 11-6 and have won four straight.

Cameron 53 Lafayette 35 Mid-Buchanan 59 Plattsburg 40 North Andrew 40 South Holt 24 North Platte 54 Maysville 40 Stewartsville-Osborn 55 Winston 36 Concordia 65 Polo 45 Clarinda 64 West Nodaway 29 East Atchison 38 Shenandoah, IA 31 Lawson 66 University Academy 22 King City @ Union Star - canceled. It won't be made up.

Boys' basketball North Andrew 68 South Holt 33 - Another stat stuffing night for <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/4e5e8bd9-bf52-49fd-ae5c-680e2a2c90b4">Tanner McDaniel</a>, who had 25 points. Mid-Buchanan 54 Plattsburg 39 Maysville 54 North Platte 40 Maryville vs. Penney - postponed. Makeup date TBD. Winston 51 Stewartsville-Osborn 36 Polo 70 Concordia 67

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612498428162.jpeg" alt="Serena Sundell (Maryville), Katie Beam (Bishop LeBlond). Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Serena Sundell (Maryville), Katie Beam (Bishop LeBlond). Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostGirls' basketball Benton 45 No. 8 Chillicothe 44. Aly White had the winning layup with two seconds to go. This comes just two days after Benton (8-5) beat a 14-5 Cameron team on Tuesday.St. Joseph Central 67 Oak Park 18. The Indians used a 17-0 third quarter run to solidify the win. Central is now 11-6 and have won four straight.Cameron 53 Lafayette 35 Mid-Buchanan 59 Plattsburg 40 North Andrew 40 South Holt 24 North Platte 54 Maysville 40 Stewartsville-Osborn 55 Winston 36 Concordia 65 Polo 45 Clarinda 64 West Nodaway 29 East Atchison 38 Shenandoah, IA 31 Lawson 66 University Academy 22 King City @ Union Star - canceled. It won't be made up.Boys' basketball North Andrew 68 South Holt 33 - Another stat stuffing night for <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/4e5e8bd9-bf52-49fd-ae5c-680e2a2c90b4">Tanner McDaniel</a>, who had 25 points. Mid-Buchanan 54 Plattsburg 39 Maysville 54 North Platte 40 Maryville vs. Penney - postponed. Makeup date TBD. Winston 51 Stewartsville-Osborn 36 Polo 70 Concordia 67 You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - February 4, 2021

National Signing Day, and the overall recruiting process for the 2021 signing class, looked very different this year than in previous years.

COVID-19 caused a stoppage of spring practices and games for all high school and college athletes across the country in 2020.

While many teams were able to play at least partial seasons in the fall, the impacts of the pandemic are still being felt across collegiate sports.

"It was very different this year," Missouri Western head football coach Matt Williamson said. "Just the whole process of recruiting when the U.S. and the world came across COVID. Just jumping into all of the different protocol and parameters that came with that, it made it very challenging on the recruiting end."

Despite the challenges, Missouri Western <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/18c20685-1405-4fb1-a048-bfe004f5b9c3">signed 29 football players</a>&nbsp;to its 2021 class Wednesday. Williamson said one of the biggest differences this year, besides no in-person visits, was the speed in which athletes committed.

Last year, about half the Griffons' 2020 signing class was verbally committed by Christmas. This year, about 95 percent of the commits pledged Missouri Western prior to Thanksgiving.

The 2022 class will look even more different - for everyone. Due to COVID-19 having such a severe impact on so many seasons, the NCAA ruled that Division I and II fall and winter athletes are granted an extra year of eligibility.

NAIA fall and winter athletes, along with all Division III and junior college athletes, were granted an extra year as well.

Due to this change, Missouri Western will likely not have any open scholarships for their 2022 signing class, and they won't be alone.

"There's no scholarships next year," Williamson said. "It's scary. I've talked about it a little bit and a lot of people haven't brought it up, but we're graduating six seniors who are not on our books. Everyone else is back. Across the nation, everyone is going to feel that."

Williamson said the Griffons' 2022 signing class could be as small as five or six players.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612381627329.jpeg" alt="MWSU football coach Matt Williamson talked about the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic brought to college recruiting Wednesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>MWSU football coach Matt Williamson talked about the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic brought to college recruiting Wednesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostNational Signing Day, and the overall recruiting process for the 2021 signing class, looked very different this year than in previous years.COVID-19 caused a stoppage of spring practices and games for all high school and college athletes across the country in 2020.While many teams were able to play at least partial seasons in the fall, the impacts of the pandemic are still being felt across collegiate sports."It was very different this year," Missouri Western head football coach Matt Williamson said. "Just the whole process of recruiting when the U.S. and the world came across COVID. Just jumping into all of the different protocol and parameters that came with that, it made it very challenging on the recruiting end."Despite the challenges, Missouri Western <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/18c20685-1405-4fb1-a048-bfe004f5b9c3">signed 29 football players</a>&nbsp;to its 2021 class Wednesday. Williamson said one of the biggest differences this year, besides no in-person visits, was the speed in which athletes committed.Last year, about half the Griffons' 2020 signing class was verbally committed by Christmas. This year, about 95 percent of the commits pledged Missouri Western prior to Thanksgiving.The 2022 class will look even more different - for everyone. Due to COVID-19 having such a severe impact on so many seasons, the NCAA ruled that Division I and II fall and winter athletes are granted an extra year of eligibility.NAIA fall and winter athletes, along with all Division III and junior college athletes, were granted an extra year as well.Due to this change, Missouri Western will likely not have any open scholarships for their 2022 signing class, and they won't be alone."There's no scholarships next year," Williamson said. "It's scary. I've talked about it a little bit and a lot of people haven't brought it up, but we're graduating six seniors who are not on our books. Everyone else is back. Across the nation, everyone is going to feel that."Williamson said the Griffons' 2022 signing class could be as small as five or six players.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western football has 'no scholarships' for 2022, pandemic impact not over

MARYVILLE - Maryville has played some tough opponents already this season.

They faced and defeated defending state champion Crete in the Doane Holiday Tournament. They got past a St. Pius X team, who's now 13-1. Their lone loss is to 19-0 Platte Valley by three points.

They also beat Cameron (14-4) and Chillicothe (14-3) by double figures in the Cameron tournament last week.

So, when No. 5 Bishop LeBlond came to town, the Spoofhounds (16-1) didn't flinch.

Maryville jumped out to a 19-7 first quarter lead and never looked back in a 62-36 win over LeBlond (12-5) on Wednesday night at Maryville High School in a game that had been rescheduled from Jan. 21.

The Lady Eagles, ranked No. 5 in Class 2, had been idle since Jan. 19 due to COVID-19 protocol.

"In a season like this, with so much unknown, just them being able to play in a competitive way shows a lot about who (LeBlond) is," Maryville assistant coach Kelly Obley said, who took over head coaching duties for a second straight day as head man Quentin Albrecht remains out with illness.

While coming back from a 15-day absence is a challenge, playing four games in seven days, like Maryville has, can also be tough.

If it did cause any fatigue, it sure didn't show for the Spoofhounds, who are now ranked No. 5 in Class 4, and who have now won 13 straight games.

Maryville sunk a pair of threes in the first quarter, and then made three more in the second, to go up 40-11 by halftime.

They also held the Eagles to just four second quarter, thanks to a myriad of steals.

"I'm so proud of the girls," Obley said. "Just the energy that they showed coming out just to start the game. The intensity level that they had and the way they played for each other is something that we're really proud of."

Senior Serena Sundell, who's been averaging around 30 points a night this season, had a "slower" game Wednesday with a modest 20, including 10 points in the second quarter. Sophomore Rylee Vierthaler scored 16, and fellow sophomore Anastyn Pettlon had 13.

"If we get every girl scoring and doing what they need to be doing to make us successful, we're going to be hard to stop," Sundell said. "Getting everyone involved is really good for us. We're going in the right direction with that."

Sundell and several other starters were able to rest for a decent portion of the fourth quarter with the Spoofhounds at cruising speed, leading 52-25 after the third.

In all, seven players cracked the scoring column for Maryville Wednesday.

"The way the other girls around Serena are able to step up and make shots too makes us a very tough team to guard," Obley said. "For the past two games, we've been able to have all 10 girls on the court, which has been great. The level of play does not drop off."

Maryville heads to Benton to play St. Joseph Central in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Showcase Saturday before they host Chillicothe in a Cameron tournament title rematch on Feb. 9.

Maryville 62 - 19, 21, 12, 10 Bishop LeBlond 36 - 7, 4, 14, 11

Maryville scorers - Serena Sundell - 20, Rylee Vierthaler - 16, Anastyn Pettlon - 13, Emily Cassavaugh - 5, Ava Dumke - 4, Lauren Cullin - 2, Halle Buck - 2.

Bishop LeBlond scorers - Kyla Conard - 9, Shae Lewis - 8, Tatum Studer - 6, Katie Beam - 4, Emma Raines - 4, Kayla Beam - 3, Sloan Lewis - 2

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612409993701.jpeg" alt="Sloan Lewis of Bishop LeBlond has a shot blocked by Maryville's Emily Cassavaugh in the second half of the Spoofhounds' 62-36 win over the Eagles Wednesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Sloan Lewis of Bishop LeBlond has a shot blocked by Maryville's Emily Cassavaugh in the second half of the Spoofhounds' 62-36 win over the Eagles Wednesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMARYVILLE - Maryville has played some tough opponents already this season.They faced and defeated defending state champion Crete in the Doane Holiday Tournament. They got past a St. Pius X team, who's now 13-1. Their lone loss is to 19-0 Platte Valley by three points.They also beat Cameron (14-4) and Chillicothe (14-3) by double figures in the Cameron tournament last week.So, when No. 5 Bishop LeBlond came to town, the Spoofhounds (16-1) didn't flinch.Maryville jumped out to a 19-7 first quarter lead and never looked back in a 62-36 win over LeBlond (12-5) on Wednesday night at Maryville High School in a game that had been rescheduled from Jan. 21.The Lady Eagles, ranked No. 5 in Class 2, had been idle since Jan. 19 due to COVID-19 protocol."In a season like this, with so much unknown, just them being able to play in a competitive way shows a lot about who (LeBlond) is," Maryville assistant coach Kelly Obley said, who took over head coaching duties for a second straight day as head man Quentin Albrecht remains out with illness.While coming back from a 15-day absence is a challenge, playing four games in seven days, like Maryville has, can also be tough.If it did cause any fatigue, it sure didn't show for the Spoofhounds, who are now ranked No. 5 in Class 4, and who have now won 13 straight games.Maryville sunk a pair of threes in the first quarter, and then made three more in the second, to go up 40-11 by halftime.They also held the Eagles to just four second quarter, thanks to a myriad of steals."I'm so proud of the girls," Obley said. "Just the energy that they showed coming out just to start the game. The intensity level that they had and the way they played for each other is something that we're really proud of."Senior Serena Sundell, who's been averaging around 30 points a night this season, had a "slower" game Wednesday with a modest 20, including 10 points in the second quarter. Sophomore Rylee Vierthaler scored 16, and fellow sophomore Anastyn Pettlon had 13."If we get every girl scoring and doing what they need to be doing to make us successful, we're going to be hard to stop," Sundell said. "Getting everyone involved is really good for us. We're going in the right direction with that."Sundell and several other starters were able to rest for a decent portion of the fourth quarter with the Spoofhounds at cruising speed, leading 52-25 after the third.In all, seven players cracked the scoring column for Maryville Wednesday."The way the other girls around Serena are able to step up and make shots too makes us a very tough team to guard," Obley said. "For the past two games, we've been able to have all 10 girls on the court, which has been great. The level of play does not drop off."Maryville heads to Benton to play St. Joseph Central in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Showcase Saturday before they host Chillicothe in a Cameron tournament title rematch on Feb. 9.LeBlond will host Savannah on Friday.Maryville 62 - 19, 21, 12, 10 Bishop LeBlond 36 - 7, 4, 14, 11Maryville scorers - Serena Sundell - 20, Rylee Vierthaler - 16, Anastyn Pettlon - 13, Emily Cassavaugh - 5, Ava Dumke - 4, Lauren Cullin - 2, Halle Buck - 2.Bishop LeBlond scorers - Kyla Conard - 9, Shae Lewis - 8, Tatum Studer - 6, Katie Beam - 4, Emma Raines - 4, Kayla Beam - 3, Sloan Lewis - 2<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612410067067.jpeg" alt="Maryville's Serena Sundell goes up for a deep two in the Spoofhounds' 62-36 win over Bishop LeBlond on Wednesday. Sundell finished with a game-high 20 points. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Maryville's Serena Sundell goes up for a deep two in the Spoofhounds' 62-36 win over Bishop LeBlond on Wednesday. Sundell finished with a game-high 20 points. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

No. 5 Maryville starts hot, blows out No. 5 Bishop LeBlond Wednesday

The Kansas City Chiefs released their first injury report of the week Wednesday leading to this Sunday's Super Bowl in Tampa Bay.

Offensive tackle Eric Fisher, who's been ruled out with a torn Achilles tendon, did not practice Wednesday, nor did linebacker Willie Gay (knee/ankle).

Running back Le'Veon Bell (knee) and receiver Sammy Watkins (calf) were limited participants.

Corner L'Jarius Sneed, who just cleared concussion protocol this week, was a full participant, as was quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who said Tuesday his minor turf toe feels nearly 100 percent better.

"Having these two weeks to let it rest and heal up, every single day I get to rest it makes it even better," Mahomes said. "It's pretty close to 100 percent and I'm sure by game day it will be."

Sneed remarked Wednesday that he's "feeling good and 10000 percent confident" that he'll play in Sunday's Super Bowl.

The Chiefs and Buccaneers kick off on Sunday in Tampa at 5:30 central. The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680 AM, 95.3 FM) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs released their first injury report of the week Wednesday leading to this Sunday's Super Bowl in Tampa Bay.Offensive tackle Eric Fisher, who's been ruled out with a torn Achilles tendon, did not practice Wednesday, nor did linebacker Willie Gay (knee/ankle).Running back Le'Veon Bell (knee) and receiver Sammy Watkins (calf) were limited participants.Corner L'Jarius Sneed, who just cleared concussion protocol this week, was a full participant, as was quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who said Tuesday his minor turf toe feels nearly 100 percent better."Having these two weeks to let it rest and heal up, every single day I get to rest it makes it even better," Mahomes said. "It's pretty close to 100 percent and I'm sure by game day it will be."Sneed remarked Wednesday that he's "feeling good and 10000 percent confident" that he'll play in Sunday's Super Bowl.The Chiefs and Buccaneers kick off on Sunday in Tampa at 5:30 central. The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680 AM, 95.3 FM) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

Eric Fisher, Willie Gay held out, Le'Veon Bell, Sammy Watkins limited Wednesday

Northwest Missouri State head football coach Rich Wright announced the addition&nbsp;of 29 student-athletes for the 2021 Bearcat signing class Wednesday. The list includes 26 high school seniors and three transfers. This year's incoming recruiting class has student-athletes coming in from six&nbsp;different states – Missouri (9), Kansas (9), Iowa (4), Nebraska (4), Illinois (2) and Texas (1). 2021 BEARCAT FOOTBALL SIGNEE BIOS Jackson Alexander, WR –&nbsp;Gretna, Nebraska (Gretna&nbsp;HS) Second-team all-state pick … first-team all-conference honoree for head coach Mike&nbsp;Kayl&nbsp;… member of National Honor Society … son of Jason and Wendy Alexander. Cooper Berry, DL – Warrensburg, Missouri (Warrensburg HS) First-team all-district defensive end in 2020 … 2020 Media All-State Team by&nbsp;PrepsKC&nbsp;… first-team all-state in 2019 for head coach Chris&nbsp;Cavanah&nbsp;… first-team all-conference pick as a junior and as a senior … second-team all-state on offensive line in 2018 … helped lead his prep squad to a District 7 championship in 2018 … all-conference basketball and track &amp; field performer … honor roll student … member of National Honor Society … likes to hunt and fish … son of Jerry and Amanda Berry. Parker Bowen, LB –&nbsp;Raymore, Missouri (Raymore&nbsp;Peculiar HS) First-team all-state honoree … first-team all-district … first-team all-conference selection for head coach Sean Martin … named&nbsp;Raymore&nbsp;Peculiar HS defensive player of the year with 102 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery … son of J.D. and Ashley Bowen. Andrew Bradley, CB – Overland Park, Kansas (Blue Valley West HS) First-team&nbsp;all-EKL&nbsp;selection for head coach Josh&nbsp;Koerkenmeier&nbsp;… a member of the state championship 4x100 relay team in the track and field squad … 3.5 GPA … son of Eric Bradley and Kelly&nbsp;Weixeldorfer. Trey Butcher, OL – Platte City, Missouri (Platte County HS) Second-team all-state in 2020 … first-team all-district and all-conference pick as a senior for head coach Bill Utz … second-team all-district in 2019 … Silver Key award recipient for scholastic writing … enjoys&nbsp;spikeball, golf, lifting weights, skiing, wakeboarding and video games … son of Scott Butcher and Tanya Butcher. Baily&nbsp;Darnell, DB – Auburn, Nebraska (Auburn HS/South Dakota State) Transferred from FCS South Dakota State …&nbsp;redshirted, but played in a reserve role in two games for the Jackrabbits in 2019 ... made collegiate debut in a home game against Drake ... also saw action in a game at Missouri State ... honored as Scout Special Teams Player of the Week leading up to game Youngstown State ... also recognized as team's Scout Defense Player of the Week in preparation for regular season finale at South Dakota … excelled on both sides of the ball at Auburn High School, earning all-state and first-team Super State honors&nbsp;in 2018 for head coach Tony Janssen ... career prep totals included more than 5,000 all-purpose yards and 60 touchdowns ... as a senior, he logged 63 tackles and an interception on defense, while rushing for 1,253 yards and 18 touchdowns ... added 21 receptions, 460 yards and four more scores in the passing game … son of Jess Darnell and Chris Darnell. Marc&nbsp;Davila&nbsp;Jr., DB –&nbsp;Gurnee, Illinois (Warren Township HS) Played for Bryan&nbsp;McNulty&nbsp;at Warren Township … also competed in baseball … son of&nbsp;Roxann&nbsp;Seger&nbsp;and Marc&nbsp;Davila&nbsp;Sr. Mayes&nbsp;Doggan, DB – Bloomington, Illinois (Normal Community HS) Second-team all-conference … honorable mention all-area for head coach Jason&nbsp;Drengwitz&nbsp;… selected to play in the Illinois Shrine Bowl … also competes in track and field … son of Kevin and&nbsp;LaToya&nbsp;Doggan. Carter Edwards, LB – St. Louis, Missouri (De&nbsp;Smet&nbsp;Jesuit HS) Three-year varsity starter for head coach Robert Steeples … served as team captain … 2019 defensive player of the year for the Class 6A state championship squad … Missouri Media first-team all-state pick in 2019 …&nbsp;MaxPreps&nbsp;first-team all-state linebacker in 2019 … all-conference and all-district honoree in 2019 and 2020 … Bobby&nbsp;Christman&nbsp;Memorial Scholarship recipient … all-academic scholar-athlete … son of Scott Edwards and Kelly Edwards. Benjamin&nbsp;Einess, DL – Peculiar, Missouri (Raymore-Peculiar&nbsp;HS) Second-team all-state pick as a senior … helped lead his high school team to a Class 6A state title in 2020 … first-team all-conference and all-district pick in 2020 … defensive player of the year in 2020 for head coach Sean Martin… leading tackler … son of Chris and Melissa&nbsp;Einess. Shane&nbsp;Fredrickson, S – Lee's Summit, Missouri (Lee's Summit West HS) Three-time first-team all-conference honoree … two-time first-team all-district pick … first-team all-state defensive back for head coach Vincent&nbsp;Careswell&nbsp;… served as team captain … four-time academic&nbsp;letterwinner&nbsp;… honor roll student … also competed in track &amp; field … son of Kara and Sean&nbsp;Fredrickson. Gannon&nbsp;Gragert, TE – Elkhorn, Nebraska (Elkhorn HS) Captured the 2020 Class B state championship … first-team all-state selection by the Omaha World Herald … first-team super state punter by the Lincoln Journal Star … served as team co-captain for head coach Mark&nbsp;Wortman&nbsp;… first-team all-Eastern Midland Conference as a senior … first-team all-state punter by Omaha World Herald in 2019 … Class A all-state punter by Lincoln Journal Star in 2019 … helped his prep basketball team to the Class A state tournament in 2019-20 … honor roll student … son of Brian and Jenny&nbsp;Gragert. Marc Gustafson, DL –&nbsp;Marvyille, Missouri (Maryville&nbsp;HS) First-team all-state as a senior in 2020 for head coach Matt Webb … first-team all-conference in 2020 … first-team all-district selection on offensive and defensive line as a senior … also a member of the&nbsp;Spoofhound&nbsp;boys' basketball team … son of Jon Gustafson, Teresa Gustafson, Amy Farmer and Kyle Farmer. James Jones Jr., WR – Wharton, Texas (Wharton HS) All-state wide receiver … second-team all-state returner … two-time first-team all-district selection for head coach Chad Butler … four-year&nbsp;letterwinner&nbsp;in both football and basketball … A &amp; B Honor Roll … son of&nbsp;LaDonna&nbsp;Jones and James Jones Sr. Keegan&nbsp;Kooi, S – Kansas City, Missouri (Staley&nbsp;HS) Second-team all-state linebacker … first-team all-district … second-team all-conference … helped lead&nbsp;Staley&nbsp;to a state football championship in 2017 … team captain for head coach Phil Lite … Student Council officer … three-year&nbsp;letterwinner&nbsp;in track and field … interested in golf, fish and customized shoes … son of Kevin and Laura&nbsp;Kooi. Bryce Krone, LB – Bonner Springs, Kansas (Bonner Springs HS/Missouri Western) Transferred from Missouri Western after signing with the Griffons in 2020 … all-state running back for head coach Chad&nbsp;Eaddy&nbsp;… all-league linebacker … posted 3.7 GPA … son of Jason and Lisa Krone … his father, Jason, played football at Northwest under head coach Bud Elliott. Cole&nbsp;Lammel, K/P – Omaha, Nebraska (Millard South HS) Metro Coaches all-conference kicker of the year in 2019 and 2020 … named to the all-metro offensive team in 2019 and 2020 … Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star Super State second-team honoree in 2020 … Millard South special teams player of the year in 2019 and 2020 for head coach Andy Means … Class A all-state pick in 2019 by the Omaha World Herald … state semifinalists in 2019 and 2020 … academic all-state pick in soccer in 2019 and 2020 … member of National Honor Society … AP Scholar with Honor … son of Tom and Deb&nbsp;Lammel. Zaden&nbsp;Marroquin, DB – Olathe, Kansas (Olathe East HS) Honorable mention all-Sunflower League pick for head coach Courtney Porter … National Merit Commended Scholar … also wrestles and plays baseball … son of Emilio&nbsp;Marroquin&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nica&nbsp;Marroquin. Tre&nbsp;Melby, DE – Logan, Iowa (Logan-Magnolia HS) District defensive player of the year … district MVP for head coach Matt Straight … first-team all-state defensive end … first-team all-district tight end … first-team all-conference basketball performer … placed second in the state in the discus in 2019 … academic all-conference in football, basketball and baseball … son of&nbsp;Trever&nbsp;Melby&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tabbi&nbsp;Melby. Evan Mills, OL – Topeka, Kansas (Seaman HS) Took part in the&nbsp;Blue-Grey&nbsp;All-American (West Team)Named to Eastern Kansas Sports first-team all-defensive squad … all-Centennial and all-City first-team selection on the offensive line as a senior for head coach Glenn O'Neil … named to the Wichita Eagle's 5A all-state honorable mention squad … three-year varsity&nbsp;letterwinner&nbsp;in football and a two-year&nbsp;letterwinner&nbsp;in wrestling … all-city honorable mention offensive lineman as a junior … all-Centennial League honorable mention honors as a junior … 5A state qualifier in wrestling and placed eighth at the state tournament … son of Jason and April Mills. Clayton Power – DT –&nbsp;Stilwell, Kansas (Blue Valley HS) Two-time all-state pick … selected to the Kansas Shrine Bowl … first-team all-district pick for head coach Allen Terrell … served as team captain in 2020 … named to the principal's honor roll … runs his own mowing business … enjoys poker, investing and rec basketball … son of Greg Power and Jennifer Power. Cole Rues – OL – Overland Park, Kansas (Shawnee Mission South HS) Played at Shawnee Mission South for head coach Brett&nbsp;Oberzan&nbsp;… interested in a business major at Northwest … son of Hannah Rues and Chris Rues. Chris&nbsp;Ruhnke&nbsp;– QB – Platte City, Missouri (Platte County HS) Two-time conference player of the year … two-time all-state selection … two-time all-district pick for head coach Bull Utz … Simone Award finalist … member of National Honor Society … enjoys&nbsp;spikeball, golf and video games … son&nbsp;of&nbsp;Branda&nbsp;and Curtis&nbsp;Ruhnke. Nile&nbsp;Schuett&nbsp;– DL – Tipton, Iowa (Tipton HS) First-team all-state pick in 2019 and 2020 … 2020 district defensive player of the year for head coach Mark&nbsp;Langenfeld&nbsp;… first-team all-district pick in 2019 … second-team all-district honoree in 2018 … honorable mention all-district selection in 2017 … served as team captain in football and wrestling … honor roll student … member of National Honor Society … son of Clayton and Jennifer&nbsp;Schuett. Tyler&nbsp;Strohbeen, OL – Sioux City, Iowa (Bishop&nbsp;Heelan&nbsp;HS/South Dakota State) Transfer from FCS South Dakota State … played in one game vs. Drake in 2019 as he&nbsp;redshirted&nbsp;… first-team all-Northwest Iowa in high school for head coach Roger Jansen … academic all-district pick … lettered four times and was a two-time first-team all-district selection at Bishop&nbsp;Heelan&nbsp;… son of Erv and Amanda&nbsp;Strohbeen. Wes Willis – DE –&nbsp;Wellsburg, Iowa (Grundy Center HS) First-team all-state pick in 2019 and 2020 … all-district MVP in 2020 … served as team captain for head coach Travis&nbsp;Zajac&nbsp;… Iowa Shrine Bowl selection … two-time all-conference basketball performer …. Academic all-state and all-district honoree … member of National Honor Society … active in FCA, FFA and 4H … son of Jesse and Lori Willis. Cameron Wise – TE – Pomona, Kansas (West Franklin HS) Two-time all-state selection … first-team all-district performer in 2020 for head coach Nate&nbsp;Teichgraeber&nbsp;… first-team all-league in 2019 … selected to the Kansas Shrine Bowl … honor roll student … son of Shawn and Leslie Wise. Tank Young, RB – Overland Park, Kansas (St. Thomas Aquinas HS) Four-time all-state selection … two-time Top-11 pick … three-time player of the year honoree for head coach Randy&nbsp;Dreiling&nbsp;… nominated three times for Gatorade Player of the Year … four-time&nbsp;Hy-Vee&nbsp;player of the week recipient … four-year honor roll student … son of&nbsp;Laaron&nbsp;Young and&nbsp;Janeiceasha&nbsp;Johnson. Luke&nbsp;Zegunis, OL – Olathe, Kansas (Olathe West HS) Named to Class 6A all-state football squad for head coach T.J. O'Neill … selected to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl … state wrestling qualifier … academic all-state honoree in wrestling … member of National Honor Society … son of Mike and&nbsp;Nikole&nbsp;Zegunis&nbsp;… brother, Mike, is a sophomore offensive lineman for the Bearcats. HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES - list Jackson Alexander, WR –&nbsp;Gretna, Nebraska (Gretna&nbsp;HS) Cooper Berry, DL – Warrensburg, Missouri (Warrensburg HS) Parker Bowen, LB –&nbsp;Raymore, Missouri (Raymore&nbsp;Peculiar HS) Andrew Bradley, CB – Overland Park, Kansas (Blue Valley West HS) Trey Butcher, OL – Platte City, Missouri (Platte County HS) Marc&nbsp;Davila&nbsp;Jr., DB –&nbsp;Gurnee, Illinois (Warren Township HS) Mayes&nbsp;Doggan, DB – Bloomington, Illinois (Normal Community HS) Carter Edwards, LB – St. Louis, Missouri (De&nbsp;Smet&nbsp;Jesuit HS) Benjamin&nbsp;Einess, DL – Peculiar, Missouri (Raymore-Peculiar&nbsp;HS) Shane&nbsp;Fredrickson, S – Lee's Summit, Missouri (Lee's Summit West HS) Gannon&nbsp;Gragert, TE – Elkhorn, Nebraska (Elkhorn HS) Marc Gustafson, DL –&nbsp;Marvyille, Missouri (Maryville&nbsp;HS) James Jones Jr., WR – Wharton, Texas (Wharton HS) Keegan&nbsp;Kooi, S – Kansas City, Missouri (Staley&nbsp;HS) Cole&nbsp;Lammel, K/P – Omaha, Nebraska (Millard South HS) Zaden&nbsp;Marroquin, DB – Olathe, Kansas (Olathe East HS) Tre&nbsp;Melby, DE – Logan, Iowa (Logan-Magnolia HS) Evan Mills, OL – Topeka, Kansas (Seaman HS) Clayton Power – DT –&nbsp;Stilwell, Kansas (Blue Valley HS) Cole Rues – OL – Overland Park, Kansas (Shawnee Mission South HS) Chris&nbsp;Ruhnke&nbsp;– QB – Platte City, Missouri (Platte County HS) Nile&nbsp;Schuett&nbsp;– DL – Tipton, Iowa (Tipton HS) Wes Willis – DE –&nbsp;Wellsburg, Iowa (Grundy Center HS) Cameron Wise – TE – Pomona, Kansas (West Franklin HS) Luke&nbsp;Zegunis, OL – Olathe, Kansas (Olathe West HS) Tank Young, RB – Overland Park, Kansas (St. Thomas Aquinas HS) TRANSFERS Baily&nbsp;Darnell, DB – Auburn, Nebraska (Auburn HS/South Dakota State) Bryce Krone, LB – Bonner Springs, Kansas (Bonner Springs HS/Missouri Western) Tyler&nbsp;Strohbeen, OL – Sioux City, Iowa (Bishop&nbsp;Heelan&nbsp;HS/South Dakota State)&nbsp;

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 </figure>By BEARCATSPORTS.COMSt. Joseph PostNorthwest Missouri State head football coach Rich Wright announced the addition&nbsp;of 29 student-athletes for the 2021 Bearcat signing class Wednesday. The list includes 26 high school seniors and three transfers. This year's incoming recruiting class has student-athletes coming in from six&nbsp;different states – Missouri (9), Kansas (9), Iowa (4), Nebraska (4), Illinois (2) and Texas (1). 2021 BEARCAT FOOTBALL SIGNEE BIOS Jackson Alexander, WR –&nbsp;Gretna, Nebraska (Gretna&nbsp;HS) Second-team all-state pick … first-team all-conference honoree for head coach Mike&nbsp;Kayl&nbsp;… member of National Honor Society … son of Jason and Wendy Alexander. Cooper Berry, DL – Warrensburg, Missouri (Warrensburg HS) First-team all-district defensive end in 2020 … 2020 Media All-State Team by&nbsp;PrepsKC&nbsp;… first-team all-state in 2019 for head coach Chris&nbsp;Cavanah&nbsp;… first-team all-conference pick as a junior and as a senior … second-team all-state on offensive line in 2018 … helped lead his prep squad to a District 7 championship in 2018 … all-conference basketball and track &amp; field performer … honor roll student … member of National Honor Society … likes to hunt and fish … son of Jerry and Amanda Berry. Parker Bowen, LB –&nbsp;Raymore, Missouri (Raymore&nbsp;Peculiar HS) First-team all-state honoree … first-team all-district … first-team all-conference selection for head coach Sean Martin … named&nbsp;Raymore&nbsp;Peculiar HS defensive player of the year with 102 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery … son of J.D. and Ashley Bowen. Andrew Bradley, CB – Overland Park, Kansas (Blue Valley West HS) First-team&nbsp;all-EKL&nbsp;selection for head coach Josh&nbsp;Koerkenmeier&nbsp;… a member of the state championship 4x100 relay team in the track and field squad … 3.5 GPA … son of Eric Bradley and Kelly&nbsp;Weixeldorfer. Trey Butcher, OL – Platte City, Missouri (Platte County HS) Second-team all-state in 2020 … first-team all-district and all-conference pick as a senior for head coach Bill Utz … second-team all-district in 2019 … Silver Key award recipient for scholastic writing … enjoys&nbsp;spikeball, golf, lifting weights, skiing, wakeboarding and video games … son of Scott Butcher and Tanya Butcher. Baily&nbsp;Darnell, DB – Auburn, Nebraska (Auburn HS/South Dakota State) Transferred from FCS South Dakota State …&nbsp;redshirted, but played in a reserve role in two games for the Jackrabbits in 2019 ... made collegiate debut in a home game against Drake ... also saw action in a game at Missouri State ... honored as Scout Special Teams Player of the Week leading up to game Youngstown State ... also recognized as team's Scout Defense Player of the Week in preparation for regular season finale at South Dakota … excelled on both sides of the ball at Auburn High School, earning all-state and first-team Super State honors&nbsp;in 2018 for head coach Tony Janssen ... career prep totals included more than 5,000 all-purpose yards and 60 touchdowns ... as a senior, he logged 63 tackles and an interception on defense, while rushing for 1,253 yards and 18 touchdowns ... added 21 receptions, 460 yards and four more scores in the passing game … son of Jess Darnell and Chris Darnell. Marc&nbsp;Davila&nbsp;Jr., DB –&nbsp;Gurnee, Illinois (Warren Township HS) Played for Bryan&nbsp;McNulty&nbsp;at Warren Township … also competed in baseball … son of&nbsp;Roxann&nbsp;Seger&nbsp;and Marc&nbsp;Davila&nbsp;Sr. Mayes&nbsp;Doggan, DB – Bloomington, Illinois (Normal Community HS) Second-team all-conference … honorable mention all-area for head coach Jason&nbsp;Drengwitz&nbsp;… selected to play in the Illinois Shrine Bowl … also competes in track and field … son of Kevin and&nbsp;LaToya&nbsp;Doggan. Carter Edwards, LB – St. Louis, Missouri (De&nbsp;Smet&nbsp;Jesuit HS) Three-year varsity starter for head coach Robert Steeples … served as team captain … 2019 defensive player of the year for the Class 6A state championship squad … Missouri Media first-team all-state pick in 2019 …&nbsp;MaxPreps&nbsp;first-team all-state linebacker in 2019 … all-conference and all-district honoree in 2019 and 2020 … Bobby&nbsp;Christman&nbsp;Memorial Scholarship recipient … all-academic scholar-athlete … son of Scott Edwards and Kelly Edwards. Benjamin&nbsp;Einess, DL – Peculiar, Missouri (Raymore-Peculiar&nbsp;HS) Second-team all-state pick as a senior … helped lead his high school team to a Class 6A state title in 2020 … first-team all-conference and all-district pick in 2020 … defensive player of the year in 2020 for head coach Sean Martin… leading tackler … son of Chris and Melissa&nbsp;Einess. Shane&nbsp;Fredrickson, S – Lee's Summit, Missouri (Lee's Summit West HS) Three-time first-team all-conference honoree … two-time first-team all-district pick … first-team all-state defensive back for head coach Vincent&nbsp;Careswell&nbsp;… served as team captain … four-time academic&nbsp;letterwinner&nbsp;… honor roll student … also competed in track &amp; field … son of Kara and Sean&nbsp;Fredrickson. Gannon&nbsp;Gragert, TE – Elkhorn, Nebraska (Elkhorn HS) Captured the 2020 Class B state championship … first-team all-state selection by the Omaha World Herald … first-team super state punter by the Lincoln Journal Star … served as team co-captain for head coach Mark&nbsp;Wortman&nbsp;… first-team all-Eastern Midland Conference as a senior … first-team all-state punter by Omaha World Herald in 2019 … Class A all-state punter by Lincoln Journal Star in 2019 … helped his prep basketball team to the Class A state tournament in 2019-20 … honor roll student … son of Brian and Jenny&nbsp;Gragert. Marc Gustafson, DL –&nbsp;Marvyille, Missouri (Maryville&nbsp;HS) First-team all-state as a senior in 2020 for head coach Matt Webb … first-team all-conference in 2020 … first-team all-district selection on offensive and defensive line as a senior … also a member of the&nbsp;Spoofhound&nbsp;boys' basketball team … son of Jon Gustafson, Teresa Gustafson, Amy Farmer and Kyle Farmer. James Jones Jr., WR – Wharton, Texas (Wharton HS) All-state wide receiver … second-team all-state returner … two-time first-team all-district selection for head coach Chad Butler … four-year&nbsp;letterwinner&nbsp;in both football and basketball … A &amp; B Honor Roll … son of&nbsp;LaDonna&nbsp;Jones and James Jones Sr. Keegan&nbsp;Kooi, S – Kansas City, Missouri (Staley&nbsp;HS) Second-team all-state linebacker … first-team all-district … second-team all-conference … helped lead&nbsp;Staley&nbsp;to a state football championship in 2017 … team captain for head coach Phil Lite … Student Council officer … three-year&nbsp;letterwinner&nbsp;in track and field … interested in golf, fish and customized shoes … son of Kevin and Laura&nbsp;Kooi. Bryce Krone, LB – Bonner Springs, Kansas (Bonner Springs HS/Missouri Western) Transferred from Missouri Western after signing with the Griffons in 2020 … all-state running back for head coach Chad&nbsp;Eaddy&nbsp;… all-league linebacker … posted 3.7 GPA … son of Jason and Lisa Krone … his father, Jason, played football at Northwest under head coach Bud Elliott. Cole&nbsp;Lammel, K/P – Omaha, Nebraska (Millard South HS) Metro Coaches all-conference kicker of the year in 2019 and 2020 … named to the all-metro offensive team in 2019 and 2020 … Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star Super State second-team honoree in 2020 … Millard South special teams player of the year in 2019 and 2020 for head coach Andy Means … Class A all-state pick in 2019 by the Omaha World Herald … state semifinalists in 2019 and 2020 … academic all-state pick in soccer in 2019 and 2020 … member of National Honor Society … AP Scholar with Honor … son of Tom and Deb&nbsp;Lammel. Zaden&nbsp;Marroquin, DB – Olathe, Kansas (Olathe East HS) Honorable mention all-Sunflower League pick for head coach Courtney Porter … National Merit Commended Scholar … also wrestles and plays baseball … son of Emilio&nbsp;Marroquin&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nica&nbsp;Marroquin. Tre&nbsp;Melby, DE – Logan, Iowa (Logan-Magnolia HS) District defensive player of the year … district MVP for head coach Matt Straight … first-team all-state defensive end … first-team all-district tight end … first-team all-conference basketball performer … placed second in the state in the discus in 2019 … academic all-conference in football, basketball and baseball … son of&nbsp;Trever&nbsp;Melby&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tabbi&nbsp;Melby. Evan Mills, OL – Topeka, Kansas (Seaman HS) Took part in the&nbsp;Blue-Grey&nbsp;All-American (West Team)Named to Eastern Kansas Sports first-team all-defensive squad … all-Centennial and all-City first-team selection on the offensive line as a senior for head coach Glenn O'Neil … named to the Wichita Eagle's 5A all-state honorable mention squad … three-year varsity&nbsp;letterwinner&nbsp;in football and a two-year&nbsp;letterwinner&nbsp;in wrestling … all-city honorable mention offensive lineman as a junior … all-Centennial League honorable mention honors as a junior … 5A state qualifier in wrestling and placed eighth at the state tournament … son of Jason and April Mills. Clayton Power – DT –&nbsp;Stilwell, Kansas (Blue Valley HS) Two-time all-state pick … selected to the Kansas Shrine Bowl … first-team all-district pick for head coach Allen Terrell … served as team captain in 2020 … named to the principal's honor roll … runs his own mowing business … enjoys poker, investing and rec basketball … son of Greg Power and Jennifer Power. Cole Rues – OL – Overland Park, Kansas (Shawnee Mission South HS) Played at Shawnee Mission South for head coach Brett&nbsp;Oberzan&nbsp;… interested in a business major at Northwest … son of Hannah Rues and Chris Rues. Chris&nbsp;Ruhnke&nbsp;– QB – Platte City, Missouri (Platte County HS) Two-time conference player of the year … two-time all-state selection … two-time all-district pick for head coach Bull Utz … Simone Award finalist … member of National Honor Society … enjoys&nbsp;spikeball, golf and video games … son&nbsp;of&nbsp;Branda&nbsp;and Curtis&nbsp;Ruhnke. Nile&nbsp;Schuett&nbsp;– DL – Tipton, Iowa (Tipton HS) First-team all-state pick in 2019 and 2020 … 2020 district defensive player of the year for head coach Mark&nbsp;Langenfeld&nbsp;… first-team all-district pick in 2019 … second-team all-district honoree in 2018 … honorable mention all-district selection in 2017 … served as team captain in football and wrestling … honor roll student … member of National Honor Society … son of Clayton and Jennifer&nbsp;Schuett. Tyler&nbsp;Strohbeen, OL – Sioux City, Iowa (Bishop&nbsp;Heelan&nbsp;HS/South Dakota State) Transfer from FCS South Dakota State … played in one game vs. Drake in 2019 as he&nbsp;redshirted&nbsp;… first-team all-Northwest Iowa in high school for head coach Roger Jansen … academic all-district pick … lettered four times and was a two-time first-team all-district selection at Bishop&nbsp;Heelan&nbsp;… son of Erv and Amanda&nbsp;Strohbeen. Wes Willis – DE –&nbsp;Wellsburg, Iowa (Grundy Center HS) First-team all-state pick in 2019 and 2020 … all-district MVP in 2020 … served as team captain for head coach Travis&nbsp;Zajac&nbsp;… Iowa Shrine Bowl selection … two-time all-conference basketball performer …. Academic all-state and all-district honoree … member of National Honor Society … active in FCA, FFA and 4H … son of Jesse and Lori Willis. Cameron Wise – TE – Pomona, Kansas (West Franklin HS) Two-time all-state selection … first-team all-district performer in 2020 for head coach Nate&nbsp;Teichgraeber&nbsp;… first-team all-league in 2019 … selected to the Kansas Shrine Bowl … honor roll student … son of Shawn and Leslie Wise. Tank Young, RB – Overland Park, Kansas (St. Thomas Aquinas HS) Four-time all-state selection … two-time Top-11 pick … three-time player of the year honoree for head coach Randy&nbsp;Dreiling&nbsp;… nominated three times for Gatorade Player of the Year … four-time&nbsp;Hy-Vee&nbsp;player of the week recipient … four-year honor roll student … son of&nbsp;Laaron&nbsp;Young and&nbsp;Janeiceasha&nbsp;Johnson. Luke&nbsp;Zegunis, OL – Olathe, Kansas (Olathe West HS) Named to Class 6A all-state football squad for head coach T.J. O'Neill … selected to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl … state wrestling qualifier … academic all-state honoree in wrestling … member of National Honor Society … son of Mike and&nbsp;Nikole&nbsp;Zegunis&nbsp;… brother, Mike, is a sophomore offensive lineman for the Bearcats. HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES - list Jackson Alexander, WR –&nbsp;Gretna, Nebraska (Gretna&nbsp;HS) Cooper Berry, DL – Warrensburg, Missouri (Warrensburg HS) Parker Bowen, LB –&nbsp;Raymore, Missouri (Raymore&nbsp;Peculiar HS) Andrew Bradley, CB – Overland Park, Kansas (Blue Valley West HS) Trey Butcher, OL – Platte City, Missouri (Platte County HS) Marc&nbsp;Davila&nbsp;Jr., DB –&nbsp;Gurnee, Illinois (Warren Township HS) Mayes&nbsp;Doggan, DB – Bloomington, Illinois (Normal Community HS) Carter Edwards, LB – St. Louis, Missouri (De&nbsp;Smet&nbsp;Jesuit HS) Benjamin&nbsp;Einess, DL – Peculiar, Missouri (Raymore-Peculiar&nbsp;HS) Shane&nbsp;Fredrickson, S – Lee's Summit, Missouri (Lee's Summit West HS) Gannon&nbsp;Gragert, TE – Elkhorn, Nebraska (Elkhorn HS) Marc Gustafson, DL –&nbsp;Marvyille, Missouri (Maryville&nbsp;HS) James Jones Jr., WR – Wharton, Texas (Wharton HS) Keegan&nbsp;Kooi, S – Kansas City, Missouri (Staley&nbsp;HS) Cole&nbsp;Lammel, K/P – Omaha, Nebraska (Millard South HS) Zaden&nbsp;Marroquin, DB – Olathe, Kansas (Olathe East HS) Tre&nbsp;Melby, DE – Logan, Iowa (Logan-Magnolia HS) Evan Mills, OL – Topeka, Kansas (Seaman HS) Clayton Power – DT –&nbsp;Stilwell, Kansas (Blue Valley HS) Cole Rues – OL – Overland Park, Kansas (Shawnee Mission South HS) Chris&nbsp;Ruhnke&nbsp;– QB – Platte City, Missouri (Platte County HS) Nile&nbsp;Schuett&nbsp;– DL – Tipton, Iowa (Tipton HS) Wes Willis – DE –&nbsp;Wellsburg, Iowa (Grundy Center HS) Cameron Wise – TE – Pomona, Kansas (West Franklin HS) Luke&nbsp;Zegunis, OL – Olathe, Kansas (Olathe West HS) Tank Young, RB – Overland Park, Kansas (St. Thomas Aquinas HS) TRANSFERS Baily&nbsp;Darnell, DB – Auburn, Nebraska (Auburn HS/South Dakota State) Bryce Krone, LB – Bonner Springs, Kansas (Bonner Springs HS/Missouri Western) Tyler&nbsp;Strohbeen, OL – Sioux City, Iowa (Bishop&nbsp;Heelan&nbsp;HS/South Dakota State)&nbsp;

Northwest Missouri State signs 29 players for 2021 football recruiting class

Missouri Western head football coach&nbsp;Matt Williamson&nbsp;unveiled his 2021 recruiting class on Wednesday. The Griffons added 29 total student-athletes, including 26 high school seniors. They also added three four-year transfers and signed players from 14 different states, including seven from Missouri. "2021 will be a special recruiting class," Coach Williamson said in a release. "All of the hurdles and restrictions we had to overcome to land this class was amazing. I am so proud of my staff to tirelessly put this talented group of young men together. It's complete all the way through; offensively, defensively and special teams.

"We can't wait to get these phenomenal student-athletes on campus and start working with them. We focused on length and speed this year and we hit a home run. This 2021 Griffon Football class will be felt in the MIAA soon."

It's no secret that COVID-19 created recruiting complications with in-person meetings and visits being put on hold for practically all of 2020.

Williamson credits his coaching staff for their leg work and ability to adapt to new challenges and still land strong talent.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612381627329.jpeg" alt="MWSU football coach Matt Williamson discusses his 2021 recruiting class on Wednesday at Spratt Stadium. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>MWSU football coach Matt Williamson discusses his 2021 recruiting class on Wednesday at Spratt Stadium. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZAC and GOGRIFFONS.COMSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western head football coach&nbsp;Matt Williamson&nbsp;unveiled his 2021 recruiting class on Wednesday. The Griffons added 29 total student-athletes, including 26 high school seniors. They also added three four-year transfers and signed players from 14 different states, including seven from Missouri. "2021 will be a special recruiting class," Coach Williamson said in a release. "All of the hurdles and restrictions we had to overcome to land this class was amazing. I am so proud of my staff to tirelessly put this talented group of young men together. It's complete all the way through; offensively, defensively and special teams."We can't wait to get these phenomenal student-athletes on campus and start working with them. We focused on length and speed this year and we hit a home run. This 2021 Griffon Football class will be felt in the MIAA soon."It's no secret that COVID-19 created recruiting complications with in-person meetings and visits being put on hold for practically all of 2020.Williamson credits his coaching staff for their leg work and ability to adapt to new challenges and still land strong talent."We landed a lot of really talented players," he said at a Wednesday press conference. "We just continue to grow and build the foundation and solidify it even stronger for the future of Missouri Western football."Most Division II schools didn't even get a season in the fall of 2020, but some schools got 1-2 games.Missouri Western faced No. 11 Central Arkansas of the FCS ranks (L 52-10) and MIAA foe Pittsburg State (L 20-7) this past fall. Williamson believes those games provided a blueprint for the Griffons' winter and spring sports to safely play their seasons."Depending on weather, March 1st when we're starting our spring ball," Williamson said. "Right now to us, it's normal. The spring sports that are going on right now, they're kind of feeling it out and making that transition like we did in the fall."Recruiting class breakdownHIGH SCHOOLERS (26) Zak Acuff QB 5-11 180 The King's Academy Seymour, TN Brad Adamcik TE 6-5 230 Keller HS Keller, TX Gregory Anderson DB 6-0 175 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College Denver, CO Logan Boenker DE 6-4 190 Lee's Summit West HS Lee's Summit, MO Kevondrick Carr CB 5-11 160 Coronado HS Lubbock, TX Anthony Cirrincione TE 6-5 215 South Elgin HS South Elgin, IL Wyatt Collingham LB 5-10 181 York HS York, NE T'Andre Forbush DE 6-3 230 Blue Springs HS Blue Springs, MO Ma'rrell Fountain RB 5-9 190 Olathe East HS Olathe, KS Desmond Green DB 6-0 160 Millwood HS Oklahoma City, OK Manny Hayes DE 6-2 225 Cartersville HS Cartersville, GA Cody Hix OL 6-2 265 Fayetteville HS Fayetteville, AR Drayton Huchteman OL 6-4 250 Bolivar HS Bolivar, MO Elijah Larson LB 6-0 210 St. Paul Public HS St. Paul, NE Brecken Manus LB 5-11 194 Ankeny HS Ankeny, IA Will McClintock TE 6-5 240 Riesel HS Riesel, TX Noah McGowan DE 6-5 220 Crittenden County HS Marion, KY Javerius McGuinn CB 5-9 155 Wauconda HS Wauconda, IL Seth Mounts LB 6-2 200 Belfry HS Belfry, KY Trey Nesbitt DE 6-3 235 Farragut HS Knoxville, TN Sean O'Hara OL 6-1 314 Nazareth Academy LaGrange Park, IL Ison Robinson DT 6-0 265 Snider HS Fort Wayne, IN Zeke Waisner DE 6-5 215 Smithville HS Smithville, MO Gaige Warren WR 5-9 160 Park Hill South HS Riverside, MO Joe Washington WR 6-0 227 Heritage Hall School Oklahoma City, OK Jayden Williams RB 5-10 220 Heritage Hall School Oklahoma City, OK TRANSFERS (3) Ty Baker QB 6-2 206 Missouri State (4 years left) Independence, MO P.J. Braun OL 6-5 300 Stephen F. Austin (2 years left) Reno, NV Nathan Midkiff TE 6-2 215 Wayne State College (4 years left) Catawissa, MO BY POSITION QB (2) - Zak Acuff, Ty Baker RB (2) - Ma'rrell Fountain, Jayden Williams WR (2) - Gaige Warren, Joe Washington TE (4) - Brad Adamcik, Anthony Cirrincione, Nathan Midkiff, Will McClintock"We felt that we had 2-3 really good tight ends right now," Williamson said. "But behind that, we're really thin. I said, 'I'm not going to give you a number count on tight ends this year. I want to get as many as we possibly we can that fit what we do,' and we got some really talented ones."OL (4) - P.J. Braun, Cody Hix, Drayton Huchteman, Sean O'Hara DT (1) - Ison Robinson DE (6) - Logan Boenker, T'Andre Forbush, Manny Hayes, Noah McGowan, Trey Nesbitt, Zeke WaisnerBesides tight end, Coach Williamson said defensive end was another position in which the Griffons needed to get "deep" on the roster.LB (4) - Wyatt Collingham, Elijah Larson, Brecken Manus, Seth Mounts DB (4) - Gregory Anderson, Kevondrick Carr, Desmond Green, Javerius McGuinn BY STATE (14) Missouri (7) - Ty Baker, Logan Boenker, T'Andre Forbush, Drayton Huchteman, Zeke Waisner, Gaige Warren, Nathan Midkiff Illinois (3) - Anthony Cirrincione, Javerius McGuinn, Sean O'Hara Oklahoma (3) - Desmond Green, Joe Washington, Jayden Williams Texas (3) - Brad Adamcik, Kevondrick Carr, Will McClintock Kentucky (2) - Noah McGowan, Seth Mounts Nebraska (2) - Wyatt Collingham, Elijah Larson Tennessee (2) - Zak Acuff, Trey Nesbitt Arkansas (1) - Cody Hix Colorado (1) - Gregory Anderson Georgia (1) - Manny Hayes Indiana (1) - Ison Robinson Iowa (1) - Brecken Manus Kansas (1) - Ma'rrell Fountain Nevada (1) - P.J. BraunCoach Williamson estimates about 50-60 percent of his 2021 class had at least partial senior football seasons in 2020. Some states, like Colorado and Illinois, suspended fall sports. While that presents challenges, Williamson said the coaches mainly look at junior year film while recruiting anyway.Williamson added that already established relationships with high school coaches across the country also helped with the recruiting process in this unusual year.BIOS Zak Acuff QB | 5-11 | 180 Seymour, TN (The King's Academy) Four-Year Letterman ... Two-time Team Captain ... 2020 1st Team All-State, All-Region and All-County ... Holds school records for Passing Yards in a Game, Passing Yards in a Season, Passing TDs in a Game, Passing TDs in a Season ... Selected to the Tennessee vs. Kentucky Future Stars Game. Brad Adamcik TE | 6-5 | 230 Keller, TX (Keller HS) Two-Year varsity starter on both sides of the ball at TE and DE ... All-District at TE and DE as a Junior and Senior Gregory Anderson DB | 6-0 | 175 Denver, CO (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College) Excelled on the track as he was a state qualifier as a freshman in 110M hurdles and 300M hurdles ... 2021 VA Showcase qualifier and placed 8th in the nation in the 55M hurdles. Ty Baker QB | 6-2 | 206 Independence, MO (Missouri State / Fort Osage HS) Redshirted in 2019 at Missouri State ... graduated from Fort Osage High School Logan Boenker DE | 6-4 | 190 Lee's Summit, MO (Lee's Summit West HS) Honorable Mention All-Conference ... led team in tackles for loss P.J. Braun OL | 6-5 | 300 Reno, NV (Stephen F. Austin / Butte College / North Valley HS) Transfer from Stephen F Austin with 2 years of eligibility left ... Played at Butte College prior to SFA Kevondrick Carr CB | 5-11 | 160 Lubbock, TX (Coronado HS) 2020 Honorable Mention All-Conference WR/DB ... Two-time District Champion in 2018 and 2020 ... Three-time Bi-District Champion and Three-time Area Champion in 2018, 2019 and 2020 Anthony Cirrincione TE | 6-5 | 215 South Elgin, IL (South Elgin HS) Three-year varsity starter on both sides of the ball at TE and DE ... Offensive MVP as a Junior ... Played for the USA National Team twice ... Played in the O/D All-American Bowl 2020 ... Will play his senior football season in spring of 2021 Wyatt Collingham LB | 5-10 | 181 York, NE (York HS) Honorable Mention All-State ... Two-time Honorable Mention All-District ... State Runner-up ... State Quarterfinalist ... Two-time District champion ... Four-year letter winner ... 2020 team Hitman Award ... 1000 lb. club member ... Track state medalist in the pole vault ... Two-time state qualifier ... Four-year letter winner T'Andre Forbush DE | 6-3 | 230 Blue Springs, MO (Blue Springs HS) 2020 Blue Springs Defensive Lineman of the Year Ma'rrell Fountain RB | 5-9 | 190 Olathe, KS (Olathe East HS) First-team All-State ... First Team All-Sunflower League ... Team Captain ... All-time Rushing TD leader at Olathe East Desmond Green DB | 6-0 | 160 Oklahoma City, OK (Millwood HS) State champion in football ... Two-time state qualifier on the track in 110 and 300 Hurdles ... Class president ... National Technical Honor Society ... OSSAA Student Advisory Panel Manny Hayes DE | 6-2 | 225 Cartersville, GA (Cartersville HS) Honorable Mention All-State ... First Team All-Region ... Team captain ... State semifinalist Cody Hix OL | 6-2 | 265 Fayetteville, AR (Fayetteville HS) All-State as a senior ... Honorable Mention All-Conference as a junior ... Three-time Player of the Week Drayton Huchteman OL | 6-4 | 250 Bolivar, MO (Bolivar HS) Three-year varsity starter ... 2020 Second Team All-State ... 2020 First Team All-Area Defense ... 2020 First Team All-District offense and defense ... 2020 First Team All-SWMFBCA ... 2019 Second Team All-SWMFBCA ... 2018 &amp; 2019 First Team Ozark Independent All-Conference ... Two-time state wrestling runner-up at 220 lb. Elijah Larson LB | 6-0 | 210 St. Paul, NE (St. Paul Public HS) Nebraska Mr. Football Runner-up ... Three-time Class C1 All-State RB ... 5,700 career yard and 87 TDs ... Nebraska State Class C record for most career TDs (100) and most points scored in a career (604) ... All-Class Offensive Captain. All-Huskerland LB ... Class C1 Honorary Captain ... First Team All-Class Super State ... Four-year starter on both sides of the ball ... Two-time state track qualifier Brecken Manus LB | 5-11 | 194 Ankeny, IA (Ankeny HS) 2020 First Team All-State, First Team All-District, Elite All-State team ... State champion ... 77.5 tackles, 8.5 TFL and 1 interception in 2020 ... 2019 Third Team All-State, First Team All-District ... 2018 First Team All-District Will McClintock TE | 6-5 | 240 Riesel, TX (Riesel HS) Four-year varsity starter on both sides of the ball ... 2020 First Team All-District TE, Second Team All-District LB ... 2019 First Team All-District QB ... First Team Academic All-State Noah McGowan DE | 6-5 | 220 Marion, KY (Crittenden County HS) 2020 First Team All-Western Kentucky Conference Javerius McGuinn CB | 5-9 | 155 Wauconda, IL (Wauconda HS) 2019 Football Captain's Award, Honorable Mention All-Area, All-Conference ... 2018 All-Conference ... 2019 NLCC 100-meter dash champion ... Three-time All-Conference Track Nathan Midkiff TE | 6-2 | 215 Catawissa, MO (Wayne State / Pacific HS) Redshirted his only season at Wayne State ... Graduated from Pacific HS ... Team captain and MVP as a senior. Seth Mounts LB | 6-2 | 200 Belfry, KY (Belfry HS) 2020 Third Team All-State, First Team All-District ... 2019 Honorable Mention All-State ... 2019 AAA state champion Trey Nesbitt DE | 6-3 | 235 Knoxville, TN (Farragut HS) 2020 First Team All-Region ... Named top 10 defensive lineman in Knoxville Sean O'Hara OL | 6-1 | 314 LaGrange Park, IL (Nazareth Academy) 2020 First Team All-Area and All-Conference ... Best of the Best Boom Showcase MVP ... 1500 lbs. club ... Prep Redzone top 15 offensive lineman Ison Robinson DT | 6-0 | 265 Fort Wayne, IN (Snider HS) 2020 First Team All-Conference and All-Area ... Defensive team MVP ... Led team in TFLs Zeke Waisner DE | 6-5 | 215 Smithville, MO (Smithville HS) 2020 First Team All-District, Second Team All-Conference Gaige Warren WR | 5-9 | 160 Riverside, MO (Park Hill South HS) 2020 First Team All-District, Second Team All-Conference, Third team All-State Joe Washington WR | 6-0 | 227 Oklahoma City, OK (Heritage Hall School) Three-year varsity starter ... Four-time district champion ... Two-time state champion ... 50-3 in high school career ... Two-year starter in basketball and state runner-up Jayden Williams RB | 5-10 | 220 Oklahoma City, OK (Heritage Hall School) 2020 Top 10 RB in Oklahoma ... 2020 All-District ... Four-year letterwinner ... Team captain ... Four-time district champion ... Two-time state champion ... 50-3 in high school career&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612380964755.jpeg" alt="GoGriffons.com." />
 <figcaption>GoGriffons.com.</figcaption>
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