The annual Highway 71 showdown between Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri State on the gridiron comes up on Saturday at Spratt Stadium at 1 p.m.

While Northwest has had the upper hand in this series for the last decade, the aura surrounding this year’s matchup feels a bit different.

The Griffons, ranked No. 21 in the media poll, winners of five straight, sitting at 5-1 on the season, come in as the favorites on paper for the first time in years.

Under first-year head coach Tyler Fenwick, Missouri Western has been on a recent tear, most recently winning at Washburn in dominant fashion Saturday, 61-21.

As great as the season has been so far, Fenwick knows beating the team in green is always a formidable challenge.

"There's going to be somewhere around 75 plays we're going to run on offense and (Northwest) is going to run the same," Fenwick said Monday on the Hey Coach! Show on the MIAA Network.

"Whoever makes the fewest mistakes throughout the game is going to win the game. We have to make sure we're prepared enough that we make fewer mistakes than they do."

Northwest stumbled out of the gate this year, starting the season 1-2 for the first time since 2003.

Their starting quarterback, Mike Hohensee, went down with injury in week two against Emporia State - a night where the Bearcats threw six total picks and lost to the Hornets 33-13 in Bearcat Stadium.

But, Hohensee’s back under center and the Bearcats have righted the ship for the most part, beating Central Oklahoma in Maryville last week 34-21, improving Northwest’s record to 3-3.

Head coach Rich Wright is proud of the resiliency his team has shown so far this year.

"I've been really proud of this group," Wright told KFEQ Radio. "The one thing we never lost is our energy and care for one another. We didn't waiver when things got hard. We tell our kids all the time - that's indicative of life. There's going to be times when you get knocked down. What defines character is your ability and will to get back up."

The Bearcats will have their hands full on Saturday. Missouri Western is the top scoring and rushing offense in the MIAA. They lead the league in sacks and blocked kicks as well.

 Wright describes the Griffons as balanced.

"Really multiple with what they do," Wright said. "They have some ball hawks on the (defensive) back end. On special teams, they've created some big plays. Whether it was a blocked field goal against Central Missouri. A blocked punt against Washburn last week. Just different plays they've made throughout the season. It's a well balanced football team and we're going to have to play very well to come out with a win."

On the flipside, Northwest is stout defensively. The Bearcats are second in the league in sacks, they’re first in the league and ninth in the country in stopping the run. They’ve also forced 12 turnovers.

Fenwick says their offense can’t be overlooked, either.

"The MIAA is good," Fenwick said. "When (Hohensee) is in there, they seem to move it a little better. Seems to be more controlled. Defensively, they're big, physical and fast. They've been running the same defense for years and years and they all know it."

It’s been 11 years since Missouri Western has beaten Northwest. The Bearcats have won the last nine meetings.

The last time Missouri Western won, it was November 2012. Bearcat Stadium. 11th-ranked Western. Fourth-ranked Northwest. Griffons come back from a 17-point deficit to stun Northwest 21-20 and win the MIAA outright.

Missouri Western’s offensive coordinator that day was none other than Tyler Fenwick.

Fenwick is back in the black and gold, having picked up a decade of head coaching experience since leaving Missouri Western after the 2012 season.

He knows it’s been awhile. He knows it’s a rivalry. He knows the spotlight is on Missouri Western in a way that it just hasn’t been for at least a little while.

But in the mind of Fenwick, in the mind of the Griffons, this is just another game.

"At the end of the day, at 1 o'clock on Saturday, it's game time. It's a 120-yard field. You have 11 guys on each side of the ball, and you go play."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697159418598.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western hasn't beaten Northwest Missouri State in football since 2012. Stock photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western hasn't beaten Northwest Missouri State in football since 2012. Stock photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt’s rivalry week once again.The annual Highway 71 showdown between Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri State on the gridiron comes up on Saturday at Spratt Stadium at 1 p.m.While Northwest has had the upper hand in this series for the last decade, the aura surrounding this year’s matchup feels a bit different.The Griffons, ranked No. 21 in the media poll, winners of five straight, sitting at 5-1 on the season, come in as the favorites on paper for the first time in years.Under first-year head coach Tyler Fenwick, Missouri Western has been on a recent tear, most recently winning at Washburn in dominant fashion Saturday, 61-21.As great as the season has been so far, Fenwick knows beating the team in green is always a formidable challenge."There's going to be somewhere around 75 plays we're going to run on offense and (Northwest) is going to run the same," Fenwick said Monday on the Hey Coach! Show on the MIAA Network."Whoever makes the fewest mistakes throughout the game is going to win the game. We have to make sure we're prepared enough that we make fewer mistakes than they do."Northwest stumbled out of the gate this year, starting the season 1-2 for the first time since 2003.Their starting quarterback, Mike Hohensee, went down with injury in week two against Emporia State - a night where the Bearcats threw six total picks and lost to the Hornets 33-13 in Bearcat Stadium.But, Hohensee’s back under center and the Bearcats have righted the ship for the most part, beating Central Oklahoma in Maryville last week 34-21, improving Northwest’s record to 3-3.Head coach Rich Wright is proud of the resiliency his team has shown so far this year."I've been really proud of this group," Wright told KFEQ Radio. "The one thing we never lost is our energy and care for one another. We didn't waiver when things got hard. We tell our kids all the time - that's indicative of life. There's going to be times when you get knocked down. What defines character is your ability and will to get back up."The Bearcats will have their hands full on Saturday. Missouri Western is the top scoring and rushing offense in the MIAA. They lead the league in sacks and blocked kicks as well. Wright describes the Griffons as balanced."Really multiple with what they do," Wright said. "They have some ball hawks on the (defensive) back end. On special teams, they've created some big plays. Whether it was a blocked field goal against Central Missouri. A blocked punt against Washburn last week. Just different plays they've made throughout the season. It's a well balanced football team and we're going to have to play very well to come out with a win."On the flipside, Northwest is stout defensively. The Bearcats are second in the league in sacks, they’re first in the league and ninth in the country in stopping the run. They’ve also forced 12 turnovers.Fenwick says their offense can’t be overlooked, either."The MIAA is good," Fenwick said. "When (Hohensee) is in there, they seem to move it a little better. Seems to be more controlled. Defensively, they're big, physical and fast. They've been running the same defense for years and years and they all know it."It’s been 11 years since Missouri Western has beaten Northwest. The Bearcats have won the last nine meetings.The last time Missouri Western won, it was November 2012. Bearcat Stadium. 11th-ranked Western. Fourth-ranked Northwest. Griffons come back from a 17-point deficit to stun Northwest 21-20 and win the MIAA outright.Missouri Western’s offensive coordinator that day was none other than Tyler Fenwick.Fenwick is back in the black and gold, having picked up a decade of head coaching experience since leaving Missouri Western after the 2012 season.He knows it’s been awhile. He knows it’s a rivalry. He knows the spotlight is on Missouri Western in a way that it just hasn’t been for at least a little while.But in the mind of Fenwick, in the mind of the Griffons, this is just another game."At the end of the day, at 1 o'clock on Saturday, it's game time. It's a 120-yard field. You have 11 guys on each side of the ball, and you go play."Audio story<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Tyler-Fenwick--MWSU-ready-to-host-Northwest-e2agk5r" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697159362482.jpeg" alt="Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697159521804.jpeg" alt="Kobe Cummings (9) picked off a pass against Northwest at Spratt Stadium in 2021. Photo by Brandon Zenner." />
 <figcaption>Kobe Cummings (9) picked off a pass against Northwest at Spratt Stadium in 2021. Photo by Brandon Zenner.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy in Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

No. 21 MWSU ready to host Bearcats Saturday, Griffons treating it as any other game

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Patrick Mahomes knows the Kansas City Chiefs' offense is still trying to put everything together.

It was evident in the way they struggled against Denver on third down Thursday night. The way they kept getting bottled up in short-yardage situations. And in how they failed time after time to turn red-zone trips into touchdowns.

“Luckily for us,” Mahomes said, “our defense is playing great."

So great that Mahomes' lone touchdown pass and Harrison Butker's four field goals were enough to squeak out a 19-8 victory over the Broncos, whose own woeful offense could only manage 197 yards behind a shaky performance from Russell Wilson.

“We have guys that are starters on other teams that are trying to find a way on the football field, and when they get on the field, they're making plays,” Mahomes said of the Kansas City defense. “And they're playing with confidence.”

Mahomes finished with 306 yards passing and an interception, and a big chunk of his production went to Travis Kelce, who had nine catches for 124 yards with&nbsp;Taylor Swift again cheering him on&nbsp;from an Arrowhead Stadium suite.

Still, the inability of the Chiefs (5-1) to score touchdowns rather than field goals nearly proved costly.

Butker's first three field goals helped them to a 16-0 lead, but Wilson's touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton — ruled incomplete but overturned upon review — with about six minutes remaining kept the Broncos (1-5) alive. And when Javonte Williams bulled into the end zone for the 2-point conversion, what had been a one-sided shutout was a one-possession game.

The Broncos' league-worst defense couldn't make a stop, though. Mahomes converted third-and-2 with a 28-yard pass to Rashee Rice, and that put Butker in position for a 52-yard field goal with 1:55 left that put the game away.

“Our defense was incredible tonight, as it has been,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “But we have to take care of business in the red zone. We had a lot of yards, positive yards, but you can't stall down there."

The Broncos have not beaten the Chiefs since Sept. 17, 2015, the year Peyton Manning led Denver to the Super Bowl. That was six head and interim coaches ago, and nothing changed with Sean Payton leading them Thursday night. In a league built for parity, their losing streak is the fourth-longest for any team against another in NFL history.

“I'm disappointed but I'm not discouraged,” Payton said. “Offensively we struggled throwing the ball. Our third-down numbers were poor. The turnovers, against a team like this, it's going to be tough to win the game, and yet we were still in it going into the fourth quarter. Sometimes you don't know how a game is going to unfold.”

As bad as the Broncos' defense has been this season, it was Wilson and their offense that kept dragging them down. He had 37 yards passing in the first half, and the only drive Wilson led past midfield ended on fourth down.

The Chiefs weren't doing a whole lot better.

Their first three forays into the red zone netted three points, thanks to an interception by Justin Simmons and a failed tush push out of a field-goal lineup on fourth down. Mahomes, who has struggled by his standards all season, only found his rhythm once in the first half, when he ended a 62-yard drive with a short touchdown pass to Kadarius Toney.

Butker made it 13-0 at the break when he drilled a 60-yard field goal as time expired.

The Chiefs' red-zone woes continued in the second half. They began by swiftly marching downfield and setting up first-and-goal at the Denver 8, but that soon turned into fourth-and-goal at the 7-yard line and Butker had to kick another field goal.

That was all Kansas City could muster until his clinching kick in the final minutes.

Thanks to the defense, that was all the Chiefs needed.

“I thought we did a lot of good things, just obviously red zone and some third downs we didn't execute at a high enough level,” Mahomes said. “I still think there were a lot of good things we can take from it.”

The Chiefs stay home to host the L.A. Chargers on Sunday, October 22 at 3:25 p.m. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697196493461.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) makes a catch against Denver Broncos' Pat Surtain II (2) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) makes a catch against Denver Broncos' Pat Surtain II (2) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga).</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY (AP) — Patrick Mahomes knows the Kansas City Chiefs' offense is still trying to put everything together.It was evident in the way they struggled against Denver on third down Thursday night. The way they kept getting bottled up in short-yardage situations. And in how they failed time after time to turn red-zone trips into touchdowns.“Luckily for us,” Mahomes said, “our defense is playing great."So great that Mahomes' lone touchdown pass and Harrison Butker's four field goals were enough to squeak out a 19-8 victory over the Broncos, whose own woeful offense could only manage 197 yards behind a shaky performance from Russell Wilson.“We have guys that are starters on other teams that are trying to find a way on the football field, and when they get on the field, they're making plays,” Mahomes said of the Kansas City defense. “And they're playing with confidence.”Mahomes finished with 306 yards passing and an interception, and a big chunk of his production went to Travis Kelce, who had nine catches for 124 yards with&nbsp;Taylor Swift again cheering him on&nbsp;from an Arrowhead Stadium suite.Still, the inability of the Chiefs (5-1) to score touchdowns rather than field goals nearly proved costly.Butker's first three field goals helped them to a 16-0 lead, but Wilson's touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton — ruled incomplete but overturned upon review — with about six minutes remaining kept the Broncos (1-5) alive. And when Javonte Williams bulled into the end zone for the 2-point conversion, what had been a one-sided shutout was a one-possession game.The Broncos' league-worst defense couldn't make a stop, though. Mahomes converted third-and-2 with a 28-yard pass to Rashee Rice, and that put Butker in position for a 52-yard field goal with 1:55 left that put the game away.“Our defense was incredible tonight, as it has been,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “But we have to take care of business in the red zone. We had a lot of yards, positive yards, but you can't stall down there."The Broncos have not beaten the Chiefs since Sept. 17, 2015, the year Peyton Manning led Denver to the Super Bowl. That was six head and interim coaches ago, and nothing changed with Sean Payton leading them Thursday night. In a league built for parity, their losing streak is the fourth-longest for any team against another in NFL history.“I'm disappointed but I'm not discouraged,” Payton said. “Offensively we struggled throwing the ball. Our third-down numbers were poor. The turnovers, against a team like this, it's going to be tough to win the game, and yet we were still in it going into the fourth quarter. Sometimes you don't know how a game is going to unfold.”As bad as the Broncos' defense has been this season, it was Wilson and their offense that kept dragging them down. He had 37 yards passing in the first half, and the only drive Wilson led past midfield ended on fourth down.The Chiefs weren't doing a whole lot better.Their first three forays into the red zone netted three points, thanks to an interception by Justin Simmons and a failed tush push out of a field-goal lineup on fourth down. Mahomes, who has struggled by his standards all season, only found his rhythm once in the first half, when he ended a 62-yard drive with a short touchdown pass to Kadarius Toney.Butker made it 13-0 at the break when he drilled a 60-yard field goal as time expired.The Chiefs' red-zone woes continued in the second half. They began by swiftly marching downfield and setting up first-and-goal at the Denver 8, but that soon turned into fourth-and-goal at the 7-yard line and Butker had to kick another field goal.That was all Kansas City could muster until his clinching kick in the final minutes.Thanks to the defense, that was all the Chiefs needed.“I thought we did a lot of good things, just obviously red zone and some third downs we didn't execute at a high enough level,” Mahomes said. “I still think there were a lot of good things we can take from it.”The Chiefs stay home to host the L.A. Chargers on Sunday, October 22 at 3:25 p.m. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 in St. Joseph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697196555000.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga).</figcaption>
 </figure>

Mahomes throws TD pass, Kelce has big night as Chiefs beat Broncos Thursday

Junior golfer and St. Joseph native Jeffrey Johnston&nbsp;defeated all MIAA opponents in taking home the individual title at Missouri Western's own Holiday Inn Express Classic at St. Joseph Country Club Tuesday.

The honor earned Johnston MIAA Golfer of the Week honors for the second time in his career.

On the 71-par course, Johnston carded a three-round&nbsp;total of 11-under 202.

Johnston led the field of 96 golfers with 18 birdies and was one of four individuals to have a pair of eagles.

The win was Johnston's second of the season and third of his career. He won the Northeastern State Men's Classic on Sept. 19 and took first in the Washburn Invite on Oct. 4 of last year.

Johnston, a St. Joseph native and 2021 Bishop LeBlond graduate, moved into fifth place all-time in the program's record book for career wins, and he's the ninth Griffon to record more than one victory in a single season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697058354532.jpeg" alt="Jeffery Johnston took first in the Holiday Inn Express Invitational at St. Joseph Country Club Tuesday, shooting an 11-under par. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics." />
 <figcaption>Jeffery Johnston took first in the Holiday Inn Express Invitational at St. Joseph Country Club Tuesday, shooting an 11-under par. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostJunior golfer and St. Joseph native Jeffrey Johnston&nbsp;defeated all MIAA opponents in taking home the individual title at Missouri Western's own Holiday Inn Express Classic at St. Joseph Country Club Tuesday.The honor earned Johnston MIAA Golfer of the Week honors for the second time in his career.On the 71-par course, Johnston carded a three-round&nbsp;total of 11-under 202.Johnston led the field of 96 golfers with 18 birdies and was one of four individuals to have a pair of eagles.The win was Johnston's second of the season and third of his career. He won the Northeastern State Men's Classic on Sept. 19 and took first in the Washburn Invite on Oct. 4 of last year.Johnston, a St. Joseph native and 2021 Bishop LeBlond graduate, moved into fifth place all-time in the program's record book for career wins, and he's the ninth Griffon to record more than one victory in a single season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697058537849.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>

MWSU Golfer, St. Joseph native Jeffrey Johnston named MIAA Golfer of the Week

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced their High School Coach of the Week honors for week six of the high school season on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Winning the honor in the state of Missouri was North Platte Head Coach Jared Quigley.

North Platte defeated Lawson 28-14 on Friday to improve to 6-1 on the season.

As a result of this honor, North Platte will receive a $500 grant from the Hunt Family Foundation and Quigley will receive a pair of Oakley sunglasses as well as a congratulatory certificate and a commemorative Super Bowl LVII coin.

Quigley will now also join St. Joseph Central's Regi Trotter, who earned the honor in week three, as a finalist for the&nbsp;Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award, which will be voted on later this fall.

Quigley attributes this award to the work done over the last two seasons to build the program.

“The North Platte Football Program would first and foremost like to thank the Kansas City Chiefs organization for providing such a special opportunity to recognize our city’s high school football teams.” Quigley said in a news release. “We would also like to extend a huge thank you to PrepsKC for their continued coverage and support for all athletics in the greater KC area.”

Quigley has been responsible for a massive turnaround at the helm for the Panthers.&nbsp; Last season, he led the team to a 20-0 win over Maysville which snapped a 21 game losing streak.&nbsp; Going 6-5 last year, the Panthers had their first winning season since 2011.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs have announced their High School Coach of the Week honors for week six of the high school season on Wednesday.&nbsp;Winning the honor in the state of Missouri was North Platte Head Coach Jared Quigley.North Platte defeated Lawson 28-14 on Friday to improve to 6-1 on the season.As a result of this honor, North Platte will receive a $500 grant from the Hunt Family Foundation and Quigley will receive a pair of Oakley sunglasses as well as a congratulatory certificate and a commemorative Super Bowl LVII coin.Quigley will now also join St. Joseph Central's Regi Trotter, who earned the honor in week three, as a finalist for the&nbsp;Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award, which will be voted on later this fall.Quigley attributes this award to the work done over the last two seasons to build the program.“The North Platte Football Program would first and foremost like to thank the Kansas City Chiefs organization for providing such a special opportunity to recognize our city’s high school football teams.” Quigley said in a news release. “We would also like to extend a huge thank you to PrepsKC for their continued coverage and support for all athletics in the greater KC area.”Quigley has been responsible for a massive turnaround at the helm for the Panthers.&nbsp; Last season, he led the team to a 20-0 win over Maysville which snapped a 21 game losing streak.&nbsp; Going 6-5 last year, the Panthers had their first winning season since 2011.

North Platte's Jared Quigley named Kansas City Chiefs Coach of the Week

KANSAS CITY -&nbsp;Missouri Western men’s basketball coach Will Martin heads into his fourth season as the head coach of the Griffons this fall.

 After an NCAA tournament bid in his first year in 2021, Missouri Western fell on hard times, recording back-to-back losing seasons.

However, coach Martin and the Griffons have good reason to expect better in 2023-24.

Missouri Western has 10 upperclassmen on its roster, as they return seven players with starting experience and eight letter winners.

In all, the Griffons return 79% of their scoring and 77% of their minutes from a season ago.

Speaking at MIAA Basketball Media Day in Kansas City on Tuesday, coach Martin says the maturity of this team is noticeable.

"We go from a really young team the last two years to a real mature team this year," Martin said. "I can see and feel that in practice. It's one thing to be 'lovey dovey' and be friends and stuff like that. But, there's a deeper level of love, which is agape love that's self sacrificial.&nbsp; It's disciplined and it tells people the truth."

"I haven't had to exhibit a lot of the tough love this year, because our seniors and juniors have done that."

The Griffons have had big wins and solid runs in each of the last two seasons, but largely, the result was the same.

14-16 last year and 14-17 the year before that.

Missouri Western has been plagued in each of the last two seasons with key injuries, COVID-19 shutdowns and other hardships.

Martin knows the pressure is especially on to perform this year - also bearing in mind that adversity, of some sort, will come every season.

"We want to be able to, no matter what happens this year, because we will face more adversity, we want to respond well," he said. "We want to respond with maturity and toughness. Yeah, the pressure is there 100%. There's pressure on me and on this team. I hope they feel it. We talk about it all the time - feel every emotion, but know what to do with that."

Martin looks to his seniors, as he does every year, for leadership. This year, they're forward JaRon Thames and guard Reese Glover.

Thames has become a multi-tool player, averaging 11.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last year after overcoming a hand injury early in the season.

Glover holds the career record for most made three-pointers in Missouri Western history at 258 and counting.

Going into his last season in St. Joseph, Glover is optimistic and grateful, given what he's seen from this year's bunch so far.

"We are in a good spot," Glover said. "We have a lot of work to do. Got to get better everyday. But, as of right now, looking good. Cohesion is good and we're all just working toward our one goal."

It’s a big season for Missouri Western - a season where the MIAA’s coaches and media have picked the Griffons to, again, finish in the middle of the pack in the league.

But, with a team led by a core of 10 upperclassmen who have experienced firsthand the highs and lows of the last three years, Martin has faith that this group can be the one to turn the corner, and get the Griffons back to NCAA tournament contention.

"I've seen it a lot from this squad - a high level of maturity and focus, and they're ready to go."

Missouri Western opens the schedule with an exhibition at home against Benedictine on Friday, October 20 at 6 p.m.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670178128269.jpeg" alt="Stock photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY -&nbsp;Missouri Western men’s basketball coach Will Martin heads into his fourth season as the head coach of the Griffons this fall. After an NCAA tournament bid in his first year in 2021, Missouri Western fell on hard times, recording back-to-back losing seasons.However, coach Martin and the Griffons have good reason to expect better in 2023-24.Missouri Western has 10 upperclassmen on its roster, as they return seven players with starting experience and eight letter winners.In all, the Griffons return 79% of their scoring and 77% of their minutes from a season ago.Speaking at MIAA Basketball Media Day in Kansas City on Tuesday, coach Martin says the maturity of this team is noticeable."We go from a really young team the last two years to a real mature team this year," Martin said. "I can see and feel that in practice. It's one thing to be 'lovey dovey' and be friends and stuff like that. But, there's a deeper level of love, which is agape love that's self sacrificial.&nbsp; It's disciplined and it tells people the truth.""I haven't had to exhibit a lot of the tough love this year, because our seniors and juniors have done that."The Griffons have had big wins and solid runs in each of the last two seasons, but largely, the result was the same.14-16 last year and 14-17 the year before that.Missouri Western has been plagued in each of the last two seasons with key injuries, COVID-19 shutdowns and other hardships.Martin knows the pressure is especially on to perform this year - also bearing in mind that adversity, of some sort, will come every season."We want to be able to, no matter what happens this year, because we will face more adversity, we want to respond well," he said. "We want to respond with maturity and toughness. Yeah, the pressure is there 100%. There's pressure on me and on this team. I hope they feel it. We talk about it all the time - feel every emotion, but know what to do with that."Martin looks to his seniors, as he does every year, for leadership. This year, they're forward JaRon Thames and guard Reese Glover.Thames has become a multi-tool player, averaging 11.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last year after overcoming a hand injury early in the season.Glover holds the career record for most made three-pointers in Missouri Western history at 258 and counting.Going into his last season in St. Joseph, Glover is optimistic and grateful, given what he's seen from this year's bunch so far."We are in a good spot," Glover said. "We have a lot of work to do. Got to get better everyday. But, as of right now, looking good. Cohesion is good and we're all just working toward our one goal."It’s a big season for Missouri Western - a season where the MIAA’s coaches and media have picked the Griffons to, again, finish in the middle of the pack in the league.But, with a team led by a core of 10 upperclassmen who have experienced firsthand the highs and lows of the last three years, Martin has faith that this group can be the one to turn the corner, and get the Griffons back to NCAA tournament contention."I've seen it a lot from this squad - a high level of maturity and focus, and they're ready to go."Missouri Western opens the schedule with an exhibition at home against Benedictine on Friday, October 20 at 6 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696970221774.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker (left) and men's basketball coach Will Martin (right) take questions during MIAA Basketball Media Day in Kansas City Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker (left) and men's basketball coach Will Martin (right) take questions during MIAA Basketball Media Day in Kansas City Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677709335868.jpeg" alt="Julius Dixon (0) led the Griffons with 13.6 points per game last season. Stock photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Julius Dixon (0) led the Griffons with 13.6 points per game last season. Stock photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669180584738.jpeg" alt="Zion Swader (12)." />
 <figcaption>Zion Swader (12).</figcaption>
 </figure>Media Day interviews/audio<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin---MIAA-Media-Day-2023-e2adioi" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/JaRon-Thames--Alex-John--Reese-Glover-e2adj3v" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU MBB led by core of upperclassmen, hopeful for better results in 2023-24

KANSAS CITY - Defending regular season and MIAA tournament champion Northwest Missouri State was picked to win the league in men's basketball again this season.

The Bearcats received 11 first place votes in the coaches' poll and nine more in the media poll.

Northwest went 31-3 in the 2022-23 season, winning at least a share of the MIAA regular season title for a 10th straight season and winning the conference tournament for the seventh time in eight years.

Head coach Ben McCollum lost his top defender and rebounder in Diego Bernard, but Northwest returns three starters and 13 letter winners in all.

The Northwest men open the season in the Hillyard Tipoff Classic at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph on November 10th with a game against Northern State.

The Missouri Western men's basketball team was picked seventh in the coaches' poll and eighth in the media poll.

The Griffons, coming off of a 14-16 campaign last season, return seven players with starting experience and return over 75 percent of their scoring and minutes from that season.

The Griffon men also open things up at the Hillyard Tipoff Classic. Missouri Western will face Augustana at the MWSU Fieldhouse on Nov. 10 at 5:30.

Missouri Western has a home exhibition against Benedictine on Friday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. They also play at Truman State in an exhibition on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m.

On the women's side, Missouri Western was picked second by both the league's coaches and media. The Griffons received three first place votes in both polls.

Missouri Western went 24-7 last year and finished third in the MIAA regular season standings, but were still denied a bid to the NCAA tournament after a loss to Fort Hays State in the first round of the MIAA tournament this past March.

The Griffon women have ample talent coming back as well with six returning starters and nine returning letter winners in all.

The Griffons have an exhibition against MidAmerica Nazarene at home on Wednesday, October 25 at 6 p.m. They also play at Division I Missouri State on Wednesday, November 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Missouri Western's first official women's basketball game is Friday, November 10 at St. Joseph's Civic Arena against Winona State. Tip-off in that game is set for 7:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696970221774.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker (left) and men's basketball coach Will Martin (right) take questions during MIAA Basketball Media Day in Kansas City Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker (left) and men's basketball coach Will Martin (right) take questions during MIAA Basketball Media Day in Kansas City Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY - Defending regular season and MIAA tournament champion Northwest Missouri State was picked to win the league in men's basketball again this season.The Bearcats received 11 first place votes in the coaches' poll and nine more in the media poll.Northwest went 31-3 in the 2022-23 season, winning at least a share of the MIAA regular season title for a 10th straight season and winning the conference tournament for the seventh time in eight years.Head coach Ben McCollum lost his top defender and rebounder in Diego Bernard, but Northwest returns three starters and 13 letter winners in all.The Northwest men open the season in the Hillyard Tipoff Classic at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph on November 10th with a game against Northern State.The Missouri Western men's basketball team was picked seventh in the coaches' poll and eighth in the media poll.The Griffons, coming off of a 14-16 campaign last season, return seven players with starting experience and return over 75 percent of their scoring and minutes from that season.The Griffon men also open things up at the Hillyard Tipoff Classic. Missouri Western will face Augustana at the MWSU Fieldhouse on Nov. 10 at 5:30.Missouri Western has a home exhibition against Benedictine on Friday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. They also play at Truman State in an exhibition on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m.On the women's side, Missouri Western was picked second by both the league's coaches and media. The Griffons received three first place votes in both polls.Missouri Western went 24-7 last year and finished third in the MIAA regular season standings, but were still denied a bid to the NCAA tournament after a loss to Fort Hays State in the first round of the MIAA tournament this past March.The Griffon women have ample talent coming back as well with six returning starters and nine returning letter winners in all.The Griffons have an exhibition against MidAmerica Nazarene at home on Wednesday, October 25 at 6 p.m. They also play at Division I Missouri State on Wednesday, November 1 at 6:30 p.m.Missouri Western's first official women's basketball game is Friday, November 10 at St. Joseph's Civic Arena against Winona State. Tip-off in that game is set for 7:30 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696970376606.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Northwest Missouri State athletics." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Northwest Missouri State athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Media Day audio/interviews<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin--Candi-Whitaker---MIAA-Media-Day-podium-e2adiqg" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Northwest MBB picked to win MIAA, Missouri Western WBB picked second in preseason polls

Story by NU Athletic Communications

The No. 2 Nebraska volleyball team remained perfect on the season, sweeping Michigan (29-27, 25-17, 25-14) Saturday night. The Huskers improved to 15-0 with their ninth sweep of the year.

Lindsay Krause had a big night for the Big Red, which moved to 6-0 in conference play. Krause had a season-high 15 kills, one kill shy of her career high of 16 which came in a pair of five-set matches against Creighton and Oregon last season. Krause produced her 15 kills on only 27 swings with just one error, hitting a career-high .519. She also tied her career high with two service aces and tied her season high with five digs.

Harper Murray had a successful homecoming in her return to her hometown, producing a double-double with 13 kills and 11 digs. She hit .423 and added three blocks and a pair of aces while recording at least 10 kills for the 10th straight match. Merritt Beason also had double-figure kills, finishing with 10 kills on 25 swings.

Bergen Reilly directed a balanced Husker offense with 40 assists. She helped Nebraska hit .343 for the match, the Huskers' highest attack percentage in a Big Ten match this season. Nebraska had 18 more kills than Michigan (48-30), and the Huskers also finished with more digs (46-37), blocks (6-5) and service aces (6-4). Michigan (3-12, 1-5) hit .173 for the match and was led by eight kills from Valentina Vaulet.

Set 1:&nbsp;Michigan got off to a fast start in set one, building a 9-4 lead to force an early Husker timeout. &nbsp;The Huskers were able to pull to within two on several occasions but could get no closer until a Murray ace cut the Michigan lead to 21-20, marking the closest Nebraska had been since 2-1. Consecutive Husker errors gave the Wolverines a 23-20 advantage and Nebraska had to fight off five set points. Murray had a kill on Michigan’s fifth set point to tie the set at 27-27 before a Beason kill gave the Huskers their first lead of the set at 28-27. Allick then won the set with a kill on Nebraska’s first set point. NU had seven more kills than Michigan (19-12) in the opening set, but the Wolverines hit .286 to Nebraska’s .250. Krause led Nebraska with seven kills in the first set.

Set 2:&nbsp;It was Nebraska with the fast start in set two, jumping out to a 6-1 lead. The Huskers had five kills on their first six swings and Michigan called an early timeout with the Big Red on top, 8-2. The Wolverines won four of the next five points to cut the lead to 9-6. A 3-0 run then pulled Michigan within 14-12, forcing Nebraska to call a timeout. Following three straight sideouts, the Huskers won four straight rallies to take a 19-13 lead as Michigan used its final timeout. The Wolverines won the first three points after the timeout but the Huskers pulled away, winning the final five points to claim a 25-17 victory. Nebraska hit .324 in the second set while limiting Michigan to a .026 attack percentage.

Set 3:&nbsp;Neither team led by more than one until the 12th rally of set three. With the score tied, Nebraska won five straight rallies to take command of the set with a 10-5 lead. The Huskers continued to pull away, building a 16-8 advantage on Beason's ninth kill of the match. Nebraska earned a match point on a Murray ace and closed out the win on Krause's 15th kill of the match.

Up Next: Following four straight road matches, Nebraska returns home to host Michigan State on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Devaney Center.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe No. 2 Nebraska volleyball team remained perfect on the season, sweeping Michigan (29-27, 25-17, 25-14) Saturday night. The Huskers improved to 15-0 with their ninth sweep of the year.Lindsay Krause had a big night for the Big Red, which moved to 6-0 in conference play. Krause had a season-high 15 kills, one kill shy of her career high of 16 which came in a pair of five-set matches against Creighton and Oregon last season. Krause produced her 15 kills on only 27 swings with just one error, hitting a career-high .519. She also tied her career high with two service aces and tied her season high with five digs.Harper Murray had a successful homecoming in her return to her hometown, producing a double-double with 13 kills and 11 digs. She hit .423 and added three blocks and a pair of aces while recording at least 10 kills for the 10th straight match. Merritt Beason also had double-figure kills, finishing with 10 kills on 25 swings.Bergen Reilly directed a balanced Husker offense with 40 assists. She helped Nebraska hit .343 for the match, the Huskers' highest attack percentage in a Big Ten match this season. Nebraska had 18 more kills than Michigan (48-30), and the Huskers also finished with more digs (46-37), blocks (6-5) and service aces (6-4). Michigan (3-12, 1-5) hit .173 for the match and was led by eight kills from Valentina Vaulet.Set 1:&nbsp;Michigan got off to a fast start in set one, building a 9-4 lead to force an early Husker timeout. &nbsp;The Huskers were able to pull to within two on several occasions but could get no closer until a Murray ace cut the Michigan lead to 21-20, marking the closest Nebraska had been since 2-1. Consecutive Husker errors gave the Wolverines a 23-20 advantage and Nebraska had to fight off five set points. Murray had a kill on Michigan’s fifth set point to tie the set at 27-27 before a Beason kill gave the Huskers their first lead of the set at 28-27. Allick then won the set with a kill on Nebraska’s first set point. NU had seven more kills than Michigan (19-12) in the opening set, but the Wolverines hit .286 to Nebraska’s .250. Krause led Nebraska with seven kills in the first set.Set 2:&nbsp;It was Nebraska with the fast start in set two, jumping out to a 6-1 lead. The Huskers had five kills on their first six swings and Michigan called an early timeout with the Big Red on top, 8-2. The Wolverines won four of the next five points to cut the lead to 9-6. A 3-0 run then pulled Michigan within 14-12, forcing Nebraska to call a timeout. Following three straight sideouts, the Huskers won four straight rallies to take a 19-13 lead as Michigan used its final timeout. The Wolverines won the first three points after the timeout but the Huskers pulled away, winning the final five points to claim a 25-17 victory. Nebraska hit .324 in the second set while limiting Michigan to a .026 attack percentage.Set 3:&nbsp;Neither team led by more than one until the 12th rally of set three. With the score tied, Nebraska won five straight rallies to take command of the set with a 10-5 lead. The Huskers continued to pull away, building a 16-8 advantage on Beason's ninth kill of the match. Nebraska earned a match point on a Murray ace and closed out the win on Krause's 15th kill of the match.Up Next: Following four straight road matches, Nebraska returns home to host Michigan State on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Devaney Center.&nbsp;

Nebraska Sweeps Michigan to Improve to 15-0

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Though Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs have had plenty of scares already, they've lost just one game, by one point.

The frightening part for the rest of the NFL is what they might look like once they hit their stride.

Mahomes threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, one to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-kelce-e97f370dc8931de37cc0875dd53cf46d">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;after the All-Pro tight end had left the game with an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-travis-kelce-injury-c8292645dc17ed7c15687a394311e977">ankle injury</a>, and the Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-20 on Sunday.

Mahomes went 31 for 41 for 281 yards and no turnovers in his most efficient performance of the season for the Chiefs (4-1), who once again won while not at their best.

“There's a lot of young guys out there, and we're going to keep everybody moving and going in the right direction,” said Mahomes, who completed passes to 10 receivers. “I think by the end of the year we're going to be dangerous, because you're not going to know who's going to get those opportunities throughout the game.”

Kirk Cousins threw for scores to Jordan Addison and Alexander Mattison for the Vikings (1-4). They had two chances at the tying touchdown in the final five minutes, but a late&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vikings-justin-jefferson-hamstring-injury-8ee0680fa47856710f052b9722e0b341">hamstring injury to star wide receiver Justin Jefferson</a>&nbsp;and a lack of timeouts from earlier mismanagement of the game were ultimately too much to overcome.

Jefferson slipped on the turf while trying to make a cut on his route during a third-down pass deep in Kansas City territory. He grabbed the back of his right leg and limped slowly to the sideline. Coach Kevin O'Connell said after the game it was too early to provide a timeline for Jefferson's return.

Mahomes hit Justin Watson with a 33-yard heave on third-and-18 from his own 17 to extend the Chiefs' first possession of the second half. The two-time MVP finished that drive with a tiebreaking 8-yard scoring toss to Rashee Rice.

“We were backed up," Mahomes said. “That really could've changed the game.”

Kelce, whose rumored girlfriend Taylor Swift was not in attendance after the superstar singer attended the Chiefs' previous two games, fell awkwardly to the turf after catching a pass in the second quarter and went for X-rays. He watched the first possession after halftime from the sideline and went back in for the next one.

With coordinator Steve Spagnuolo sending plenty of extra rushers at Cousins, the defense was the catalyst for the Chiefs. Jefferson was held to three catches and 28 yards, both season lows, with cornerback L'Jarius Sneed leading the effort from the secondary.

“They played exceptionally today,” said Chris Jones, who had one of the three sacks and three of the 12 hits on Cousins. “Hats off go to those guys.”

All four of Minnesota's losses have come by eight points or fewer this year after a record 11 wins in 11 one-score games in 2022. The Vikings lost a fumble on their opening possession, again, a turnover by tight end Josh Oliver that the Chiefs recovered at the Minnesota 45. Isaiah Pacheco's touchdown run capped the drive and gave Kansas City the early lead.

The Vikings have an NFL-most 12 turnovers, including eight lost fumbles.

The victory gave Mahomes at least one against every opponent in the league. The Vikings were the&nbsp;only team he'd never beaten&nbsp;in six years as Kansas City's starter. This was the first time he'd ever faced the team that plays in the city where his father, Pat Mahomes, pitched for the Minnesota Twins.

The Chiefs come back home to host Denver this Thursday night. Kickoff is set for 7:15 central. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696818931162.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr).</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Though Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs have had plenty of scares already, they've lost just one game, by one point.The frightening part for the rest of the NFL is what they might look like once they hit their stride.Mahomes threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, one to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-kelce-e97f370dc8931de37cc0875dd53cf46d">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;after the All-Pro tight end had left the game with an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-travis-kelce-injury-c8292645dc17ed7c15687a394311e977">ankle injury</a>, and the Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-20 on Sunday.Mahomes went 31 for 41 for 281 yards and no turnovers in his most efficient performance of the season for the Chiefs (4-1), who once again won while not at their best.“There's a lot of young guys out there, and we're going to keep everybody moving and going in the right direction,” said Mahomes, who completed passes to 10 receivers. “I think by the end of the year we're going to be dangerous, because you're not going to know who's going to get those opportunities throughout the game.”Kirk Cousins threw for scores to Jordan Addison and Alexander Mattison for the Vikings (1-4). They had two chances at the tying touchdown in the final five minutes, but a late&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vikings-justin-jefferson-hamstring-injury-8ee0680fa47856710f052b9722e0b341">hamstring injury to star wide receiver Justin Jefferson</a>&nbsp;and a lack of timeouts from earlier mismanagement of the game were ultimately too much to overcome.Jefferson slipped on the turf while trying to make a cut on his route during a third-down pass deep in Kansas City territory. He grabbed the back of his right leg and limped slowly to the sideline. Coach Kevin O'Connell said after the game it was too early to provide a timeline for Jefferson's return.Mahomes hit Justin Watson with a 33-yard heave on third-and-18 from his own 17 to extend the Chiefs' first possession of the second half. The two-time MVP finished that drive with a tiebreaking 8-yard scoring toss to Rashee Rice.“We were backed up," Mahomes said. “That really could've changed the game.”Kelce, whose rumored girlfriend Taylor Swift was not in attendance after the superstar singer attended the Chiefs' previous two games, fell awkwardly to the turf after catching a pass in the second quarter and went for X-rays. He watched the first possession after halftime from the sideline and went back in for the next one.With coordinator Steve Spagnuolo sending plenty of extra rushers at Cousins, the defense was the catalyst for the Chiefs. Jefferson was held to three catches and 28 yards, both season lows, with cornerback L'Jarius Sneed leading the effort from the secondary.“They played exceptionally today,” said Chris Jones, who had one of the three sacks and three of the 12 hits on Cousins. “Hats off go to those guys.”All four of Minnesota's losses have come by eight points or fewer this year after a record 11 wins in 11 one-score games in 2022. The Vikings lost a fumble on their opening possession, again, a turnover by tight end Josh Oliver that the Chiefs recovered at the Minnesota 45. Isaiah Pacheco's touchdown run capped the drive and gave Kansas City the early lead.The Vikings have an NFL-most 12 turnovers, including eight lost fumbles.The victory gave Mahomes at least one against every opponent in the league. The Vikings were the&nbsp;only team he'd never beaten&nbsp;in six years as Kansas City's starter. This was the first time he'd ever faced the team that plays in the city where his father, Pat Mahomes, pitched for the Minnesota Twins.The Chiefs come back home to host Denver this Thursday night. Kickoff is set for 7:15 central. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696819024201.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after catching a 4-yard touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after catching a 4-yard touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn).</figcaption>
 </figure>

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs outlast Vikings 27-20 Sunday

Missouri Western continues hot start, cruise past Washburn in Topeka

The Missouri Western Griffons rushed for six touchdowns, including three from Jared Scott, and Redshirt Freshman Seth Cromwell rushed for a career high 154 yards in a 61-21 win over the Ichabods.&nbsp; <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/76a8cad9-6367-49c8-89b4-52ce1ccfc86d">Read our full recap HERE</a>.

Career day for Jay Harris leads Bearcats past Bronchos

The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats used a heavy rushing attack, led by Sophomore Jay Harris, to hand former head coach Adam Dorrell and the Central Oklahoma Bronchos their fourth loss in their last five game earning a 34-21 win on Saturday in Maryville.&nbsp;

The Bearcat defense started off strong immediately getting a sack for a loss of 11 on UCO quarterback Stephon Brown.&nbsp; The Bronchos gained six of that back on a rush from Jaylon Franklin, but Brown would then throw an incomplete pass after being hurried by Kobe Clayborne.&nbsp;

Following a UCO punt the Northwest offense would go to work quickly, driving from their own 36 yard line and going 64 yards on eight plays before Harris would score his first touchdown of the day.&nbsp; The Bronchos would answer that on the ensuing drive though, using just over eight minutes of clock to drive 71 yards on 15 plays, Trevon Woolfork scoring the first of his two touchdowns on the day, knotting the game up at seven.

The score would hold at seven a piece until the second quarter when the Bearcats would begin a drive with 11:09 on the clock, only needing 1:43 of that time to score, Harris breaking off a huge 64 yard run for a touchdown, making it two on the day and pushing the Northwest lead to 14-7.&nbsp; But Harris wasn't done there, breaking off another huge run on Northwest's very next offensive drive, this time going 45 yards to the house, kicker Noah Guastella though would miss the extra point.

UCO would narrow the gap before the end of the first half, Woolfork scoring his second touchdown of the game as he would rush in from just one yard out, narrowing the Bearcat lead to 20-14 at the half.

Northwest would extend the lead to open up the second half of the game, this time using the air as following a nine play 75 yard drive, quarterback Mike Hohensee would connect on a 17 yard touchdown pass with John Giagiari, this time Guastella converting the extra point, to extend the lead to 27-14, which is where the score would stay until the fourth quarter.

Harris would score his final touchdown of the game, and the final points for Northwest, early in the final frame once again on another chunk run as this time he would break free for a 44 yard rushing touchdown.&nbsp; Following a three and out by UCO on the very next drive, the Bearcat offense would take over, but it was the Bronchos defense that would score the final points of the game, with 8:52 remaining in regulation Hohensee would get picked off by Noah West who would take the interception 20 yards to the endzone.

It was a career day for Harris who rushed for 274 yards and four touchdowns in the game.&nbsp; His 274 yards tied for the fifth highest single game rushing total in program history, tying with Northwest Hall of Famer Xavier Omon who set that mark almost 16 years ago to the date.

Hohensee was 16 of 26 through the air passing for 154 yards and one touchdown, as well as the interception that was returned for a touchdown.&nbsp; Kashan Griffin was his leading receiver with seven catches for 86 yards.

Northwest is now 3-3 (2-3 MIAA) on the season.&nbsp; They'll now turn their attention to a rivalry game in St. Joseph as they will travel on Saturday to face Missouri Western.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 1pm at Spratt Memorial Stadium.&nbsp; You'll be able to hear that game on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) as well as on KFEQ.com and the KFEQ mobile app.

Missouri handed first loss after shootout with LSU

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Jayden Daniels shredded the Missouri defense with his arm and legs Saturday, rallying LSU from a big early deficit, and none of that should have been surprising given the way the quarterback has played this season.

The fact that No. 23 LSU's defense made two crucial stands in the final minutes? That certainly raised some eyebrows.

Yet after watching Daniels throw for 259 yards and three touchdowns, and run for 139 yards and a score, it was that same battered bunch that allowed more than 700 yards to Mississippi last week that stepped up to preserve the 49-39 victory over No. 21 Missouri.

“We were battling,” said LSU coach Brian Kelly, whose team trailed 22-7 early. “All I know is when we got down, I just felt like the way the game was going, if we just got one more score, we could get back into it. I knew we were settling in defensively. Felt like we had a chance to get back in the game and win it. I didn't lose that confidence."

Still, LSU was down 39-35 before Daniels threw a touchdown pass to wide-open Malik Nabers with 2:58 to go. That sent its defense onto the field, and it proceeded to force Missouri into a failed fourth-down on its first opportunity with the ball, then got a pick-six from safety Major Burns on its next chance that ultimately clinched the win.

Logan Diggs added 134 yards rushing and a touchdown for LSU (4-2, 3-1 SEC). Nabers caught six balls for 146 yards.

“We knew it was a long game. We've been down before,” said Daniels, who played much of the second half with a nagging injury. “As long as we can get rolling, and that momentum, we can score with any team in the nation.”

The teams combined for 46 first downs, 1,061 yards of total offense — and 22 penalties for 145 yards.

Brady Cook threw for 411 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for Missouri (5-1, 1-1). Luther Burden III caught 11 passes for 149 yards, and Cody Schrader ran for 114 yards and three scores.

“Obviously the two turnovers were critical,” Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said, “and our inability to force turnovers. We weren't able to force any turnovers to even up that matchup and that's ultimately what led to the loss.”

Kelly admitted this week that his defense had been embarrassed by Mississippi in a 55-49 loss. And he tried to help matters by hiring Pete Jenkins, the 82-year-old coaching legend, though it appears it will take more than a week to fix all the problems.

That was clear by the way Cook led Missouri to touchdowns on each of its first three drives, slicing up an LSU defense that was perpetually on its heels. And when Daniels finally answered the 22-7 deficit by getting LSU into the end zone late in the first half, Missouri had enough time for Harrison Mevis to drill a 50-yard field goal as time expired.

Cook's only blip in helping Missouri build its 25-17 lead was an underthrown ball picked off by LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. It ended the junior quarterback's SEC-record streak of 366 passes without an interception.

The wild momentum swings really began in the second half.

After partially blocking Mevis' field-goal attempt, LSU marched downfield for a field goal of its own. And when its defense forced a rare three-and-out, Daniels hit Brian Thomas Jr. with a 42-yard strike to give LSU its first lead at 27-25.

Missouri followed with another TD drive, and LSU looked as if it would answer when Daniels hurtled into the end zone. But not only did he appear to hurt his ribs on the play, the score was erased by a penalty. LSU failed to get back into the end zone when backup Garrett Nussmeier entered the game and Damian Ramos missed the field-goal try.

Daniels was back on the field soon, though, terrorizing the Missouri defense once again. He capped a swift drive with a 35-yard touchdown run, and when Missouri got Schrader's third touchdown run to retake the lead with 5:40 to go, Daniels made a little more magic by finding Nabers all alone for the go-ahead score in the closing minutes.

“Proud of my football team,” Kelly said. “They fixed a lot of things and it starts with them. It starts with the players and their ability to go out on the field and really affect the change from last week.”

For Missouri the game had a similar feeling to last year's game against top-ranked Georgia, when Missouri led most of the way and even dominated at times. Just like Saturday, the Bulldogs managed to steal the game in the fourth quarter.

LSU should move up a spot or two after beating a higher-ranked team. Missouri likely drops to the bottom of the Top 25 or falls out.

Missouri defensive end Johnny Walker Jr. was ejected in the third quarter after a second personal foul penalty. If anyone was wondering what occurred, referee Jason Autrey left his microphone on and told someone, “He spit on him.” Autrey also warned LSU right tackle Emery Jones Jr., the apparent victim, to “be cool” before shutting the mic off.

Missouri heads to Kentucky next Saturday night.&nbsp; Kickoff time is still to be determined as is where the game will air.

Jalon Daniels out again, but running game leads KU to win over UCF

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Devin Neal rushed for 154 yards on just 12 carries and Daniel Hishaw ran for another 134 yards and two touchdowns as Kansas dominated UCF 51-22 in a Big 12 Conference battle on Saturday.

On the day Kansas inducted Tony Sands, the school's second all-time leading rusher, into the ring of honor, Neal passed four players to move into ninth on the all-time list as the Jayhawks (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) rushed for 399 yards.

UCF (3-3, 0-3 Big 12) welcomed back starting quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, who missed three games with an undisclosed leg injury. He was just 3-of-7 for 33 yards. Backup Timmy McClain was 12-of-15 for 136 yards and two scores.

Kansas was without its starting quarterback, Jalon Daniels, for the second straight week and third time this season. Daniels, the preseason Big 12 offensive player of the year, missed the game with a back injury. Backup Jason Bean was 8-of-12 for 91 yards.

Already up 24-0 at intermission, Neal took a handoff on the first play from scrimmage in the second half and raced 75 yards untouched for a 31-0 lead.

The Knights finally reached the end zone on a four-play, 75-yard drive in the third quarter. McClain hit Alec Holler with a 13-yard touchdown pass. The 2-point conversion failed.

Kansas responded with a 75-yard drive to stretch the lead to 37-8. Dylan McDuffie punched in from the 1-yard line. The extra point attempt was botched and UCF returned it 91 yards for 2 points.

UCF cut it to 37-15 with a touchdown by RJ Harvey. Hishaw's second touchdown gave the Jayhawks a 44-15 lead. UCF's final touchdown was a 23-yard pass from McClain to Randy Pittman.

Kansas got a 25-yard Seth Keller field goal on its first drive. Bean found Lawrence Arnold for a 5-yard touchdown pass on the third play of the second quarter to put Kansas up 10-0. Hishaw extended the lead with a 3-yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter and Trevor Wilson returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown and a 24-0 lead.

The Jayhawks didn't let a tough loss at Texas last week carry over. The Jayhawks dominated from the start.

The&nbsp; Jayhawks will face Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30pm.&nbsp; Where the game will be aired is still to be determined.

Kansas State rallied in second half but falls to Oklahoma State on Friday

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Ollie Gordon ran for 136 yards and a touchdown, Alex Hale tied a school record with five made field goals and Oklahoma State defeated Kansas State 29-21 on Friday night.

Alan Bowman passed for 235 yards and redshirt freshman Cameron Epps returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown for the Cowboys (3-2, 1-1 Big 12), who snapped a two-game losing skid.

Oklahoma State had no turnovers to Kansas State’s three, did not allow a sack and held the Wildcats to one of four conversions on fourth-down attempts. The Cowboys even converted a fake punt into a first down.

“Coaches had really, really good game plans,” Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. “And there’s times I’ve told you that our game plans weren’t very good. Really, really good game plans. It worked. Players bought in, played their butt off, played with a lot of excitement, a lot of energy.”

Kansas State's Will Howard completed just 15 of 34 passes for 152 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. He ran for 104 yards and a score. DJ Giddens, who ran for 207 yards and four touchdowns in his previous game against Central Florida, finished with 65 yards on 16 carries for the Wildcats (3-2, 1-1 Big 12).

“We’re not a very good football team right now,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. "I told them that. But it starts with me.”

Oklahoma State took its opening drive 72 yards on 15 plays, and Gordon closed it with a 2-yard touchdown run to put the Cowboys up 7-0.

Oklahoma State led 10-0 early in the second quarter when Howard kept the ball and ran 70 yards to the 1-yard line. Two plays later, Howard found Ben Sinnott in the back of the end zone to trim the Cowboys' lead to 10-7.

Epps' 35-yard interception return for a score in the final minute of the first half gave Oklahoma State a 20-7 lead at the break. It was his second interception of the first half. Oklahoma State outgained Kansas State 287 yards to 133 before the break as Howard completed just 5 of 11 passes for 11 yards.

Hale's 53-yard field goal early in the third quarter tied a career high for distance and put the Cowboys up 23-7.

Kansas State's Treshaun Ward scored on an 11-yard touchdown run, and Howard ran in the 2-point conversion to cut the Cowboys' lead to 26-15 late in the third.

Howard's 6-yard touchdown run with 8:56 remaining made it 29-21, but his 2-point conversion pass was incomplete.

Oklahoma State failed on a fourth-and-1 with just over five minutes remaining, giving Kansas State a chance. But Howard threw his third interception of the game to Nickolas Martin at the Oklahoma State 29 to end the threat. Kansas State got the ball one last time but couldn't get anything going.

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