KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Masataka Yoshida hit a three-run homer and Adam Duvall had a solo shot to back Chris Sale as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Sunday.

Sale (6-3) didn’t allow a run over five innings, gave up two hits and struck out five while walking two. It was the first time he hasn’t allowed a run in a start since July 12 of last season.

“They are a good team and they are very patient and I felt like I was throwing a lot of pitches they were fouling off,” Sale said. “It's good to take this last one heading into Tampa.”

The Red Sox have won two straight after losing five in a row and six of seven. They are 5 1/2 games behind Texas for the final AL wild card.

Yoshida’s three-run homer went 415 feet to right field, scoring Justin Turner and Triston Casas in the fourth inning. It was his 14th homer on the year. Duvall added a home run in the sixth inning for his 19th of the season and gave Boston a 4-0 lead.

“He has been feeling better the last few days has been grinding through some things but his swing is getting back. He took some good cuts and he let it fly,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Those are good signs.”

Boston added two runs in the seventh including an RBI from Turner which came off of Austin Cox. Rafael Devers hit an RBI double in the ninth.

Salvador Perez hit an RBI single scoring Bobby Witt Jr. in the sixth and Dairon Blanco hit a two run single in the ninth off of Kenley Jansen.

“I thought we worked some good at-bats and deep counts but we just couldn’t break through,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He (Sale) located when he had to…we just weren’t able to string a throng together against him.”

Taylor Clarke opened the game and pitched a scoreless inning before Zack Greinke (1-14) went 3 2/3 innings allowing three runs on five hits.

“He was a little under the weather today and didn’t have his full stamina, but he was still one pitch away from putting up another zero in the fourth,” Quatraro said.

It’s been over a month since the Royals have won a series and have lost eight of their last nine games.

Alex Verdugo left the game in the middle of the bottom of the sixth inning due to left hamstring tightness. ... The Red Sox reinstated LHP Brennan Bernardino from the COVID-19 Related Injured List. The club also placed RHP Garrett Whitlock on the Bereavement List.

Boston will travel to Tampa Bay with Brayan Bello (10-8, 3.57) taking the mound on Monday. Kansas City sends Cole Ragans (5-4, 3.27) to the hill on Monday as they host the White Sox.

First Pitch is set for 1:10, with pregame coverage set for 12:30 on 680 AM-95.3 FM KFEQ.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693827693252.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals relief pitcher James McArthur throws to a Boston Red Sox batter during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals relief pitcher James McArthur throws to a Boston Red Sox batter during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Masataka Yoshida hit a three-run homer and Adam Duvall had a solo shot to back Chris Sale as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Sunday.Sale (6-3) didn’t allow a run over five innings, gave up two hits and struck out five while walking two. It was the first time he hasn’t allowed a run in a start since July 12 of last season.“They are a good team and they are very patient and I felt like I was throwing a lot of pitches they were fouling off,” Sale said. “It's good to take this last one heading into Tampa.”The Red Sox have won two straight after losing five in a row and six of seven. They are 5 1/2 games behind Texas for the final AL wild card.Yoshida’s three-run homer went 415 feet to right field, scoring Justin Turner and Triston Casas in the fourth inning. It was his 14th homer on the year. Duvall added a home run in the sixth inning for his 19th of the season and gave Boston a 4-0 lead.“He has been feeling better the last few days has been grinding through some things but his swing is getting back. He took some good cuts and he let it fly,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Those are good signs.”Boston added two runs in the seventh including an RBI from Turner which came off of Austin Cox. Rafael Devers hit an RBI double in the ninth.Salvador Perez hit an RBI single scoring Bobby Witt Jr. in the sixth and Dairon Blanco hit a two run single in the ninth off of Kenley Jansen.“I thought we worked some good at-bats and deep counts but we just couldn’t break through,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He (Sale) located when he had to…we just weren’t able to string a throng together against him.”Taylor Clarke opened the game and pitched a scoreless inning before Zack Greinke (1-14) went 3 2/3 innings allowing three runs on five hits.“He was a little under the weather today and didn’t have his full stamina, but he was still one pitch away from putting up another zero in the fourth,” Quatraro said.It’s been over a month since the Royals have won a series and have lost eight of their last nine games.TRAINER’S ROOMAlex Verdugo left the game in the middle of the bottom of the sixth inning due to left hamstring tightness. ... The Red Sox reinstated LHP Brennan Bernardino from the COVID-19 Related Injured List. The club also placed RHP Garrett Whitlock on the Bereavement List.UP NEXTBoston will travel to Tampa Bay with Brayan Bello (10-8, 3.57) taking the mound on Monday. Kansas City sends Cole Ragans (5-4, 3.27) to the hill on Monday as they host the White Sox.First Pitch is set for 1:10, with pregame coverage set for 12:30 on 680 AM-95.3 FM KFEQ.

Sale dominates, Yoshida’s three run homer lifts Red Sox over Royals 7-3

Late interception helps Bearcats survive battle in Joplin

It was a back and forth affair in Joplin to open the season between the #5 Northwest Missouri State Bearcats and the Missouri Southern Lions, but a late interception sealed the win for Northwest, coming out on top 31-24 in the season opener.

The Bearcats fell behind early, after their first drive would end with a punt, the very next drive it would take the Lions just three plays to drive 80 yards and score, the touchdown coming on a 68 yard pass from Luke Sampson to David Bethune, putting the Lions up 7-0 early.&nbsp;

The remainder of the quarter would be punt after punt as the next three drive, two by Northwest and one by Missouri Southern, would end on punts.&nbsp; The first quarter would end as the Lions were making their third drive of the game and that drive would end early in the second quarter, Missouri Southern scoring on a 10 yard touchdown pass from Sampson to Deontay Campbell, pushing the Lion lead to 14-0.

The Bearcats would finally answer though on the ensuing drive, needing just four plays to do so.&nbsp; Senior quarterback Mike Hohensee would rush in from one yard out, after a 15 yard pass to Zach Atkins and a 47 yard pass to Kashan Griffin, narrowing the lead to 14-7.&nbsp; The Lions would answer again though on the next drive, kicking a field goal to extend the lead once again to 17-7.

Northwest would end the quarter though on a 10-0 run, scoring on the ensuing drive, a two yard rushing touchdown by Jay Harris, and then after an onside kick recovery the Bearcats would drive 30 yards on 10 plays, finishing with a field goal from Cole Lammel, knotting the game up at 17 at halftime.

Both teams would add a score in the third quarter, Missouri Southern scoring on their opening drive of the half as Sampson would throw his third touchdown of the game finding Jaedon Stoshak for a 62 yard touchdown.&nbsp; But Northwest would immediately answer with a 13 yard touchdown pass from Hohensee to Trevon Walker.&nbsp; The third quarter ending once again tied at 24.

The final touchdown of the game would come late for the Bearcats.&nbsp; The drive starting with 10:59 on the clock, Northwest would burn over eight minutes of clock, driving 91 yards on 16 plays, ending with Harris scoring his second touchdown of the game again from two yards out.&nbsp; The Lions trying to answer would run a no huddle offense, but after two incomplete passes from Sampson, the third pass would be picked off by Northwest's Jianni&nbsp;Angulo, allowing the Bearcats to run out the remainder of the clock.&nbsp;

Hohensee went 25 for 39 for 248 yards passing on the day, scoring one touchdown through the air and one on the ground.&nbsp; Harris ran the ball 27 times for 131 yards and two scores, a career high in yardage as he passed the 100+ yard mark for the first time in his Bearcat career.&nbsp;

Northwest will return back to Maryville on Thursday September 7th, hosting Emporia State.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 7pm.

Turnovers prove costly as Missouri Western falls in season opener

In a back and forth battle between Missouri Western and the University of Central Missouri, turnovers turned out to be the difference as the Griffons fell 45-38 in the season opener.&nbsp; <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/16542d34-e0c5-42d3-be58-00e0c9fbf3bf">You can read our full game recap HERE.</a>

Missouri has dominant first half, struggles in second half in win

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Brady Cook threw for 172 yards and a touchdown while running for another score in only one half Thursday night, leading Missouri to a pedestrian 35-10 victory over South Dakota in the season opener for both teams.

Cody Schrader ran for 148 yards and a touchdown, and Nathaniel Peat also scored for the Tigers, who are trying to take a step forward after three consecutive bowl bids but failing to finish over .500 in coach Eli Drinkwitz's first three seasons.

The Coyotes' Aidan Bouman had 156 yards passing with a fourth-quarter touchdown toss to Mike Mansaray.

The Tigers were inconsistent for new offensive coordinator Kirby Moore, who also called plays after Drinkwitz gave up the job midway through last season. They punted on fourth-and-short on their initial drive, then proceeded to score on four of their next five, capping an efficient 2-minute drill with Cook's touchdown run for a 28-3 halftime advantage.

Missouri's offense fizzled in the second half, though, when backup quarterback Sam Horn got his shot. The redshirt freshman and standout baseball player threw for 54 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception.

Cook was efficient in his own right, though. The incumbent starter, who held onto the job after a challenge from Horn during fall camp, completed his first 11 passes with a TD throw to Mekhi Miller that staked Missouri to an early lead.

The Tigers' ground game got going after that. Peat pounded into the end zone from 1 yard out to make it 14-0, and Schrader added a short TD plunge of his own — his sixth consecutive carry on the drive — to make it 21-3.

It didn’t help the Coyotes that they played most of the game without safety Dennis Shorter, one of their leading tacklers a year ago. He was ejected for targeting on a helmet-to-helmet blow to Luther Burden III after a catch over the middle.

South Dakota's new-look offense of coordinator Josh Davis showed signs of life in the second half.

The Coyotes had gone three-and-out on their first three possessions, had five yards total offense in the first quarter and mustered one sustained first-half drive that ended in a field goal. But they put together a 17-play drive to begin the second half — it ended with a failed fourth down — and then took advantage of an interception to score a touchdown with 12:14 to go.

It was a tough night for the Tigers on special teams. Their only big return was called back by a penalty and Harrison Mevis, who had been 85% for his career on field-goal attempts, missed both of his tries against the Coyotes.

Missouri will take on Middle Tennessee on Saturday, September 9th at Faurot Field.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 6pm and the game will be aired on SEC Network+.

Late Minnesota rally spoils Matt Rhule's debut with Huskers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Dragan Kesich kicked a 47-yard field goal for Minnesota as time expired after Daniel Jackson's toe-tap touchdown catch from Athan Kaliakmanis tied the game with 2:32 left, and the Gophers beat Nebraska 13-10 to ruin Huskers coach Matt Rhule's debut on Thursday night.

Tyler Nubin had two of Minnesota's three interceptions of Nebraska newcomer Jeff Sims, including a leaping grab in the final minute that gave the Gophers the ball at their 49.

Athan Kaliakmanis completed three passes and Sean Tyler had a first-down run to get them in range for Kesich, who made two of three field goals in his first game as the primary kicker. Kaliakmanis went 24 for 44 for 196 yards and one interception plus the tying score to Jackson.

Sims, who transferred from Georgia Tech, rushed 19 times for 91 yards. He completed 11 of 19 passes for 114 yards and a broken-play touchdown that gave the Huskers the lead

The Gophers have beaten the Huskers five straight times.

Nebraska&nbsp; will play at Colorado on Saturday, September 9th. The two former Big 12 rivals have played twice since the Huskers joined the Big Ten, with the Buffaloes winning in both 2018 and 2019.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 11am and the game will be aired on Fox.

Despite early struggles Kansas overcomes Missouri State

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jason Bean could have transferred out of Kansas after losing the starting quarterback job to Jalon Daniels. Instead, Bean stuck around and never allowed his head to drop, slotting in as the backup QB and even playing a bit of wide receiver.

Still dealing with a back injury, Daniels sat out the Jayhawks' season-opener against Missouri State, and Bean responded by throwing for 276 yards and two touchdowns while helping Kansas overcome a slow start in a 48-17 victory over the Bears.

“How many times have I talked about Jason Bean's improvement? I have,” Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold said. “He continues to get better. He's done everything we've asked. You've seen him get more mature and more confident.”

Bean, who began his career at North Texas, leaned on his experience as a sixth-year senior to make a successful spot start.

"I've been through a lot. I've played a lot of snaps," he said. "Just utilized that experience that I have."

As for Daniels, the preseason Big 12 offensive player of the year, it remained unclear whether he would be available against Illinois next Friday. He has been limited throughout the fall and spent the opener wearing a headset on the sideline.

“He's feeling better, OK? Jalon is feeling better,” Leipold said, “but there weren't enough practice reps to feel comfortable."

Devin Neal had touchdowns on the ground and through the air the Jayhawks, and Dylan McDuffie, Daniel Hishaw and Sevion Morrison also reached the end zone, as they opened a season of high expectations by struggling much of the way against a team from the Football Championship Subdivision that had a losing record a year ago.

Missouri State, led by new coach Ryan Beard, took advantage of an early turnover and fourth-down stop to take a 10-7 lead in the second quarter. But the Jayhawks proved to be too much, putting the game away in the fourth quarter.

“You come out and compete the first half, do some good things, move the ball on offense, get the stops you need,” Beard said, “and then you come out the second half and it’s disappointing football. You have to compete for two halves.”

The Bears' Jacob Clark threw for 143 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. But the first-time starter, who also ran for 36 yards, didn't get much help. Running back Jakardia Wright was held to 23 yards on 15 carries.

The Jayhawks looked more like their many downtrodden teams of yesteryear during the first half, rather than Lance Leipold's breakout bunch that started 5-0 last season and went to a bowl game for the first time in more than a decade.

They jumped to a 7-0 lead on Neal's 48-yard run, but then fumbled the ball away on their next possession and got stuffed on fourth down on the next. Missouri State turned the turnover into a short touchdown pass and the defensive stand into a field goal, taking a 10-7 lead before a suddenly quiet crowd inside Memorial Stadium.

Kansas needed three plays to go 75 yards for an answer, though, and a field goal made it 17-10 at the break.

The Jayhawks pushed the lead to 27-10 in the third quarter. And after Missouri State's Jmariyae Robinson added a TD run to his earlier scoring reception in the fourth quarter, the Jayhawks took advantage of two picks over the final 15 minutes to reach the end zone twice more and put the game away.

“I was proud of our coaches and players because we didn't flinch,” Leipold said. “There was no panic. We stayed the course.”

Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland missed the game because of a medical procedure, Leipold said. “We knew it was going to be happening. Unfortunately it was delayed. The procedure took place yesterday. He's doing well. He's at home,” Leipold added. “We expect him to be back in the building very soon.”

For the Kansas there were too many miscues for the Jayhawks to feel comfortable until the fourth quarter. Bean was 22 of 28 through the air but rarely had a clean pocket. Hishaw's fumble was costly, as were some penalties at inopportune times.

Kansas plays the Fighting Illini next Friday night.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 6:30pm and the game will be aired on ESPN2

Fast start for Benedictine helps down Clarke for first win of season

It did not take long for the Benedictine Ravens to make a statement against the Clarke Pride as after one quarter they would hold a 35-0 lead, on way to a 63-14 win on Saturday at Larry Wilcox Stadium in Atchison, Kansas.

Four passing touchdowns from Jackson Dooley to three different receivers, 63 yards to Jacob Gathright, 19 yards to Tanner Zimmerman, 45 yards to Lebron Jackson, and another score to Zimmerman from 30 yards out, along with an 11 yard rushing touchdown from JaShawn Todd helped put the Ravens out to the early lead at the end of the first quarter.&nbsp;

Clarke would find an answer to start the second quarter in the form of a 25 yard rushing touchdown from Jaden Warren, but Benedictine would not let up adding a fifth touchdown pass from Dooley to Todd and a 36 yard rushing touchdown from&nbsp;Derrick Overstreet extending their lead and ending the first half up 49-7.&nbsp;

Starting the second half Luke Laskowski would take over for Dooley at quarterback, adding to the score with his first touchdown pass of the season finding Reed Levi for a 50 yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 56-7.&nbsp; But on the ensuing drive the Pride would answer driving 75 yards on eight plays, capping the drive with a two yard rushing score by Kenyon Williams.

The final score of the game would come near the end of the third quarter as Laskowski would throw his second touchdown of the game, this time finding Matthew Sanford for a nine yard touchdown pass, capping the scoring at 63-14.&nbsp;

Dooley was efficient through the air going 13 for 17 and throwing for 304 yards and five touchdowns.&nbsp; Laskowski was also effective as in the second half he was 8 for 12 with 141 yards and his two touchdowns.&nbsp; On the ground both Todd and Overstreet rushed just two times, for 39 and 36 yards respectively, and both scored once.&nbsp;

Benedictine is now 1-1 on the young season.&nbsp; They'll travel to Huntsman Field in Lamoni, Iowa to take on Graceland on Saturday September 9th with kickoff at 6pm.

Will Howard completes trifecta as Kansas State stomps SEMO

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard threw for 297 yards and two scores, added touchdowns running and receiving to complete a rare trifecta, and led No. 16 Kansas State to a 45-0 rout of Southeast Missouri State on Saturday night in its season opener.

DJ Giddens ran for 128 yards and Treshaun Ward, a touted transfer from Florida State, had a TD run, helping the reigning Big 12 champion Wildcats cruise past one of the better teams in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Paxton DeLaurent had 213 yards passing for the Redhawks, who managed just 227 yards of total offense.

Howard took over as the Wildcats' starter midway through last season, leading them to upsets of two top-10 teams, including a victory over College Football Playoff participant TCU in the conference title game. And in Howard's first opener as the clear-cut No. 1, the senior QB picked up where he left off by leading Kansas State on five first-half touchdown drives.

He capped the first with a 33-yard pass to Jadon Jackson, the second with a keeper from a yard out and the third with a 37-yard strike to RJ Garcia. Ward pushed the lead to 28-0 before Howard finished an 89-yard march with the most improbable of scores: an 8-yard reception from Ward, who had taken the handoff before throwing it back to Howard.

Bo Nix accomplished the feat for Oregon last year — TDs throwing, receiving and running — in a win over Colorado. Desmond Ridder did it for Cincinnati during a blowout of Southern Methodist in 2021.

The only blip on Howard's otherwise exceptional performance came when he was hit while throwing. The pass sailed high across the middle and was picked off by the Redhawks' Antonio Taylor, though their ensuing drive went nowhere.

Chris Tennant tied a career-long with a 51-yard field goal to give the Wildcats a 38-0 lead at the break.

Southeast Missouri State, which qualified for the FCS playoffs a year ago, had some success through the air the few times DeLaurent was given a chance to look downfield. But the Redhawks accomplished nothing on the ground with Geno Hess, the school's career record-holder for yards rushing. He lost 4 yards on 10 carries.

Kansas State gave Howard the rest of the night off late in the third quarter, allowing highly-rated recruit Avery Johnson to make his debut. He capped a 79-yard drive by dashing through the Southeast Missouri State defense on a 7-yard scoring run.

For Kansas State it was an impressive all-around start to a non-conference schedule that slowly builds in quality of opposition. Troy is on deck next week before the Wildcats take a trip to former Big 12 rival Missouri the following week.

Kansas State plays the the Troy Trojans Saturday September 9th.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 11am and the game will be aired on FS1.

CFB Roundup Week one: Bearcats survive Lions, Ravens fast start fuels win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Triston Casas hit a two-run homer and Alex Verdugo finished a homer short of hitting for the cycle as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 on Saturday night.

Six Boston batters drove in a run and all but one Red Sox starter had a hit. Boston snapped a five-game skid with the win after allowing four runs for the 12th time in 13 games.

Tanner Houck (4-8) worked five innings and allowed four runs and seven hits while walking one and striking out five.

“It felt good, it was good to be around that 100 pitch mark. It was something that I haven’t reached in a while,” Houck said. “To reach that milestone in terms of the progression, it felt good. It was good to know that I don’t have a pitch count, i can just go out there and compete at the highest level I can and put the team position to win.”

Royals starter Alec March (0-8) was knocked out of the game early after allowing six runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out one in 2 ⅔ innings.

“I think there was a controlled focus in here this morning,” Verdugo said. “This one feels good because their record might not show, but that's a good team with a lot of talent over there.”

Kansas City has lost 11 of its last 13 games. The Royals haven't won a series since Aug. 3 and need a victory in the series finale on Sunday to end the skid.

The Red Sox capped a three-run first inning with Casas' two-run homer to right field. Boston had four extra-base hits in the inning. Cases went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

“Offensively, I think there is another run in this team in September,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Everyone gets hot at the same time, but at least for today that was a good one.”

MJ Melendez homered for Kansas City and Maikel Garcia, MJ Melendez, and Nelson Velazquez drove in runs.

“We had a big chance in the sixth, we just didn’t bust it open or make up all the ground, but overall we competed until the end, putting some good at-bats together in the ninth,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

Prior to the game, former manager Ned Yost was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame. He led Kansas City to a World Series championship in 2015 and has the highest postseason winning percentage in MLB history.

Chris Sale (5-3, 4.75 ERA) will start for the Red Sox in the series finale on Sunday. The Royals have not announced a starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693710150173.jpeg" alt="Former Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost is inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame before a baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Boston Red Sox, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost is inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame before a baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Boston Red Sox, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Triston Casas hit a two-run homer and Alex Verdugo finished a homer short of hitting for the cycle as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 on Saturday night.Six Boston batters drove in a run and all but one Red Sox starter had a hit. Boston snapped a five-game skid with the win after allowing four runs for the 12th time in 13 games.Tanner Houck (4-8) worked five innings and allowed four runs and seven hits while walking one and striking out five.“It felt good, it was good to be around that 100 pitch mark. It was something that I haven’t reached in a while,” Houck said. “To reach that milestone in terms of the progression, it felt good. It was good to know that I don’t have a pitch count, i can just go out there and compete at the highest level I can and put the team position to win.”Royals starter Alec March (0-8) was knocked out of the game early after allowing six runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out one in 2 ⅔ innings.“I think there was a controlled focus in here this morning,” Verdugo said. “This one feels good because their record might not show, but that's a good team with a lot of talent over there.”Kansas City has lost 11 of its last 13 games. The Royals haven't won a series since Aug. 3 and need a victory in the series finale on Sunday to end the skid.The Red Sox capped a three-run first inning with Casas' two-run homer to right field. Boston had four extra-base hits in the inning. Cases went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs scored.“Offensively, I think there is another run in this team in September,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Everyone gets hot at the same time, but at least for today that was a good one.”MJ Melendez homered for Kansas City and Maikel Garcia, MJ Melendez, and Nelson Velazquez drove in runs.“We had a big chance in the sixth, we just didn’t bust it open or make up all the ground, but overall we competed until the end, putting some good at-bats together in the ninth,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.YOST TO THE HALL OF FAMEPrior to the game, former manager Ned Yost was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame. He led Kansas City to a World Series championship in 2015 and has the highest postseason winning percentage in MLB history.UP NEXTChris Sale (5-3, 4.75 ERA) will start for the Red Sox in the series finale on Sunday. The Royals have not announced a starter.

Triston Cases' homer, Alex Verdugo’s 3 hits lead the Red Sox to a 9-5 win over the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jordan Lyles had one of his best outings of the season for the Royals, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out seven in eight innings as Kansas City beat the Boston Red Sox 13-2 on Friday night.

Lyles (4-15), who leads the major leagues in losses, didn’t allow a run until Alex Verdugo’s two-out, two run homer in the eighth. He did not give up a walk and coasted as the Royals jumped to a 7-0 lead after three innings.

“Today just comes down to our offense being able to put up some runs early,” Lyles said. “At that point I'm trying not to walk guys. We put up a big number. (Catcher) Freddy (Fermin) and I were able to put it on cruise control.”

Salvador Perez hit two home runs for his second multi-homer game of the season, the first since May 2 against Baltimore. Nick Loftin, who was making his major league debut, was 2-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and a run.

James Paxton (7-5) allowed six runs on five hits in 1 1/3 innings.

Bobby Witt Jr. put the Royals on the board in the first inning with his 28th home run of the season.

“I was just trying to get on and make something happen,” Witt said. “I wasn’t trying to hit a homer.”

He’s two home runs away from becoming the first Royals player ever with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season. He already has 38 stolen bases.

Perez followed with his 20th, his seventh season with at least 20 home runs. He trails only George Brett, who had eight 20 home run seasons, in that category in franchise history.

“That was a big homer for him, his 20th,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s a pretty special accomplishment. Doing it for seven seasons, now he’s only behind George Brett.

“Any time you’re in company with him, that’s pretty cool.”

The Red Sox lost for the sixth time in their last seven games, their wild-card hopes fading.

“The secondary stuff is (what) is putting us in trouble," Boston manager Alex Cora said. “The breaking ball to Witt. (Paxton) threw a good one to Salvy, who swung and missed, but the other one was uncompetitive.”

Kyle Isbel, Maikel Garcia, Witt and Perez drove in runs in the Royals' four-run second inning.

Loftin had a double in the third for his first hit and RBI.

“When I hit it I thought I had a chance (for a homer),” Loftin said. “I quickly realized I'm playing at Kauffman Stadium and not at Werner Ballpark in Omaha.”

He led off the sixth with a single and scored his first run on Isbel's double. Perez and Nelson Velazquez each hit two-run homers in the Royals' six-run sixth.

Royals: OF Edward Olivares was recalled from Triple-A Omaha; RHP James McArthur was recalled from Triple-A Omaha; IF Nick Loftin was selected from Triple-A Omaha; RHP Brady Singer was placed on the Paternity List and RHP Joe Barlow was designated for assignment.

The Red Sox will send RHP Tanner Houck (3-8, 4.93 ERA) to the mound on Saturday night. The Royals have not yet announced a starter.

Former Royals World Series-winning manager Ned Yost will be inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame prior to the game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693630609006.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez reacts as he crosses home plate on a home run against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez reacts as he crosses home plate on a home run against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jordan Lyles had one of his best outings of the season for the Royals, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out seven in eight innings as Kansas City beat the Boston Red Sox 13-2 on Friday night.Lyles (4-15), who leads the major leagues in losses, didn’t allow a run until Alex Verdugo’s two-out, two run homer in the eighth. He did not give up a walk and coasted as the Royals jumped to a 7-0 lead after three innings.“Today just comes down to our offense being able to put up some runs early,” Lyles said. “At that point I'm trying not to walk guys. We put up a big number. (Catcher) Freddy (Fermin) and I were able to put it on cruise control.”Salvador Perez hit two home runs for his second multi-homer game of the season, the first since May 2 against Baltimore. Nick Loftin, who was making his major league debut, was 2-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and a run.James Paxton (7-5) allowed six runs on five hits in 1 1/3 innings.Bobby Witt Jr. put the Royals on the board in the first inning with his 28th home run of the season.“I was just trying to get on and make something happen,” Witt said. “I wasn’t trying to hit a homer.”He’s two home runs away from becoming the first Royals player ever with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season. He already has 38 stolen bases.Perez followed with his 20th, his seventh season with at least 20 home runs. He trails only George Brett, who had eight 20 home run seasons, in that category in franchise history.“That was a big homer for him, his 20th,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s a pretty special accomplishment. Doing it for seven seasons, now he’s only behind George Brett.“Any time you’re in company with him, that’s pretty cool.”The Red Sox lost for the sixth time in their last seven games, their wild-card hopes fading.“The secondary stuff is (what) is putting us in trouble," Boston manager Alex Cora said. “The breaking ball to Witt. (Paxton) threw a good one to Salvy, who swung and missed, but the other one was uncompetitive.”Kyle Isbel, Maikel Garcia, Witt and Perez drove in runs in the Royals' four-run second inning.Loftin had a double in the third for his first hit and RBI.“When I hit it I thought I had a chance (for a homer),” Loftin said. “I quickly realized I'm playing at Kauffman Stadium and not at Werner Ballpark in Omaha.”He led off the sixth with a single and scored his first run on Isbel's double. Perez and Nelson Velazquez each hit two-run homers in the Royals' six-run sixth.TRANSACTIONS:Royals: OF Edward Olivares was recalled from Triple-A Omaha; RHP James McArthur was recalled from Triple-A Omaha; IF Nick Loftin was selected from Triple-A Omaha; RHP Brady Singer was placed on the Paternity List and RHP Joe Barlow was designated for assignment.UP NEXT:The Red Sox will send RHP Tanner Houck (3-8, 4.93 ERA) to the mound on Saturday night. The Royals have not yet announced a starter.Former Royals World Series-winning manager Ned Yost will be inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame prior to the game.

Jordan Lyles dominant as Royals crush Red Sox 13-2

The East Buchanan football team still hasn't lost a game ever since taking a 24-19 defeat at Savannah last September.

The Bulldogs welcomed the Savages to Gower this year, and won their 14th straight game overall with a 14-0 shutout victory on Friday night at East Buchanan High School.

Savannah kicked off to start the game, and a somewhat shallow kick was fielded on the run by East Buchanan's Mason Brown, who ran it all the way to the Savages' 37-yard line.

Two plays later, senior running back Trevor Klein punched it in with a 16-yard touchdown run to put East Buchanan up 7-0 with 11:09 to go in the first quarter.

That score wouldn't change for quite awhile.

Savannah (1-1) moved 68 yards on 13 plays on its opening drive, but a fourth-and-goal run play by running back Cade Chappell was stood up at the one-yard-line and the Savages turned the ball over on downs.

East Buchanan (2-0) had its woes on offense, too at times. On the Bulldogs' second possession of the game, senior quarterback Gage Busby was picked off by Savannah's Parker Brayley.

Only for Savannah quarterback Aiden Knechtenhofer to lose a fumble seven plays later in East Buchanan territory. Kyler Paxton forced it and Mason Brown recovered it.

The Bulldogs had three offensive possessions in the second quarter. Two of them were three-and-out. The last one saw East Buchanan get into Savannah territory, but the Bulldogs only had 46 seconds to work with and no timeouts.

Time expired and East Buchanan went into the locker room up 7-0.

Savannah got the ball to start the second half and once again showed the ability to string together a long drive.

The Savages marched 58 yards on 14 plays, running off nearly seven minutes of clock to start the third quarter. Only for the drive to end in turnover on downs at the East Buchanan 25.

Savannah got into the red zone on that drive, but holding penalties pushed them back. That, and sacks from Aidan Hensley and Wyatt Parker.

East Buchanan didn't go on offense in the second half until there was 5:08 left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs played some keep-away themselves, moving 76 yards on nine plays.

Mason Brown had a 57-yard reception to get the Bulldogs to within striking distance.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Klein lined up in the wildcat formation and ran at full speed straight ahead into the end zone for a five-yard touchdown. A Gavin Utz point-after made it 14-0 Bulldogs with 11:56 remaining.

Savannah had two more possessions in the fourth quarter. One ended in punt after five plays.

The Savages took over one last time on their own 26 with 4:36 left and once again got deep into East Buchanan territory, but the drive stalled and the Bulldogs took over on downs with just over two minutes left.

A couple of run plays and a kneel down by Busby ran out the remaining time.

Klein finished with 65 yards on 17 carries and two scores. Busby was 10-of-18 through the air for 160 yards and an interception. Brown caught six passes for 107 yards. Aidan Hensley caught two passes for 32 yards.

Knechtenhofer completed 16-of-23 passes for 145 yards. He also rushed for 41 yards on 20 attempts. He was sacked twice. Chappell finished with 81 yards rushing on 16 carries.

Zayden Snapp caught seven passes for 88 yards for the Savages. Jaiden Martinez had six grabs for 24 yards.&nbsp;

East Buchanan is at North Platte next Friday. Savannah is home to Kirksville.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693630448766.jpeg" alt="Cade Chappell (22) looks for running room on Friday at East Buchanan. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Cade Chappell (22) looks for running room on Friday at East Buchanan. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe East Buchanan football team still hasn't lost a game ever since taking a 24-19 defeat at Savannah last September.The Bulldogs welcomed the Savages to Gower this year, and won their 14th straight game overall with a 14-0 shutout victory on Friday night at East Buchanan High School.Savannah kicked off to start the game, and a somewhat shallow kick was fielded on the run by East Buchanan's Mason Brown, who ran it all the way to the Savages' 37-yard line.Two plays later, senior running back Trevor Klein punched it in with a 16-yard touchdown run to put East Buchanan up 7-0 with 11:09 to go in the first quarter.That score wouldn't change for quite awhile.Savannah (1-1) moved 68 yards on 13 plays on its opening drive, but a fourth-and-goal run play by running back Cade Chappell was stood up at the one-yard-line and the Savages turned the ball over on downs.East Buchanan (2-0) had its woes on offense, too at times. On the Bulldogs' second possession of the game, senior quarterback Gage Busby was picked off by Savannah's Parker Brayley.Only for Savannah quarterback Aiden Knechtenhofer to lose a fumble seven plays later in East Buchanan territory. Kyler Paxton forced it and Mason Brown recovered it.The Bulldogs had three offensive possessions in the second quarter. Two of them were three-and-out. The last one saw East Buchanan get into Savannah territory, but the Bulldogs only had 46 seconds to work with and no timeouts.Time expired and East Buchanan went into the locker room up 7-0.Savannah got the ball to start the second half and once again showed the ability to string together a long drive.The Savages marched 58 yards on 14 plays, running off nearly seven minutes of clock to start the third quarter. Only for the drive to end in turnover on downs at the East Buchanan 25.Savannah got into the red zone on that drive, but holding penalties pushed them back. That, and sacks from Aidan Hensley and Wyatt Parker.East Buchanan didn't go on offense in the second half until there was 5:08 left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs played some keep-away themselves, moving 76 yards on nine plays.Mason Brown had a 57-yard reception to get the Bulldogs to within striking distance.On the first play of the fourth quarter, Klein lined up in the wildcat formation and ran at full speed straight ahead into the end zone for a five-yard touchdown. A Gavin Utz point-after made it 14-0 Bulldogs with 11:56 remaining.Savannah had two more possessions in the fourth quarter. One ended in punt after five plays.The Savages took over one last time on their own 26 with 4:36 left and once again got deep into East Buchanan territory, but the drive stalled and the Bulldogs took over on downs with just over two minutes left.A couple of run plays and a kneel down by Busby ran out the remaining time.Klein finished with 65 yards on 17 carries and two scores. Busby was 10-of-18 through the air for 160 yards and an interception. Brown caught six passes for 107 yards. Aidan Hensley caught two passes for 32 yards.Knechtenhofer completed 16-of-23 passes for 145 yards. He also rushed for 41 yards on 20 attempts. He was sacked twice. Chappell finished with 81 yards rushing on 16 carries.Zayden Snapp caught seven passes for 88 yards for the Savages. Jaiden Martinez had six grabs for 24 yards.&nbsp;East Buchanan is at North Platte next Friday. Savannah is home to Kirksville.Dan Ritter interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Dan-Ritter---East-Buchanan-9123-e28qr3s" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Mason Brown interview<div> <iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Mason-Brown---East-Buchanan-9123-e28qr5f" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full broadcast of the second half<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Savannah--East-Buchanan-FB---2nd-half-9123-e28qrnb" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693630477609.jpeg" alt="Mason Brown (7)." />
 <figcaption>Mason Brown (7).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693630500234.jpeg" alt="Zayden Snapp (left)." />
 <figcaption>Zayden Snapp (left).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693630532133.jpeg" alt="Aidan Hensley." />
 <figcaption>Aidan Hensley.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

East Buchanan holds Savannah off the board in home victory over the Savages Friday

 St. Joseph Central&nbsp; 54&nbsp; Benton 6

- Week 3: Benton home to Lafayette (St. Joseph Post broadcast)

Pleasant Hill&nbsp; 60 Lafayette&nbsp; 14

- Week 3: Lafayette @ Benton (St. Joseph Post broadcast)

#7 Maryville 50&nbsp; Class 4 #7 Harrisonville 12

Schuyler County&nbsp; 52&nbsp; #6 Bishop LeBlond&nbsp; 28

- Week 3: Gallatin home to South Harrison

- Week 3: West Platte home to Mid-Buchanan

#9 Plattsburg 78&nbsp; Knox County&nbsp; 42

- Week 3: Plattsburg home to Schuyler County

- Week 3: North Andrew home to Worth County

St. Joseph Christian 62&nbsp; Stewartsville-Osborn&nbsp; 52

- Week 3: Stewartsville-Osborn home to Rock Port

- Week 3: Nodaway Valley home to East Atchison

- Week 3: North Platte home to East Buchanan

 Albany 22&nbsp; #4 East Atchison&nbsp; 18&nbsp;&nbsp;

- Week 3: Albany home to St. Joseph Christian

- Week 3: Mound City home to Platte Valley

#2 Platte Valley 64&nbsp; Princeton 24&nbsp;

Riverside&nbsp; 13 Jefferson West&nbsp; 6

- Week 2: Riverside home to Perry-Lecompton

Washington County&nbsp; 46&nbsp; Doniphan West&nbsp; 0

- Week 2: Hiawatha home to Jefferson West

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMEC St. Joseph Central&nbsp; 54&nbsp; Benton 6- Week 3: Central @ Raytown- Week 3: Benton home to Lafayette (St. Joseph Post broadcast)<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Central-Head-Coach-Regi-Trotter-e28qr47" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>#3 East Buchanan 14&nbsp; Savannah 0- Week 3: East Buchanan @ North Platte- Week 3: Savannah home to Kirksville<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/East-Buchanan-Head-Coach-Dan-Ritter-e28qr5k" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Player-of-the-game-Mason-Brown-e28qr6m" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Pleasant Hill&nbsp; 60 Lafayette&nbsp; 14- Week 3: Lafayette @ Benton (St. Joseph Post broadcast)#7 Maryville 50&nbsp; Class 4 #7 Harrisonville 12- Week 3: Maryville @ ChillicotheSchuyler County&nbsp; 52&nbsp; #6 Bishop LeBlond&nbsp; 28- Week 3: LeBlond home to Knox CountyCameron 55&nbsp; Southeast/Central 14- Week 3: Cameron home to St. Pius XChillicothe 42&nbsp; Kirksville 26- Week 3: Chillicothe home to MaryvilleKCIHamilton&nbsp; 28&nbsp; Gallatin 0- Week 3: Hamilton @ Lawson- Week 3: Gallatin home to South HarrisonHolden 27&nbsp; Mid-Buchanan 14- Week 3: Mid-Buchanan @ West PlatteTrenton 27&nbsp; Lathrop 12- Week 3: Lathrop @ SalisburyWest Platte 45&nbsp; South Harrison 36- Week 3: West Platte home to Mid-Buchanan#9 Plattsburg 78&nbsp; Knox County&nbsp; 42- Week 3: Plattsburg home to Schuyler CountyGRCNorth Andrew 62 DeKalb 18- Week 3: North Andrew home to Worth County- Week 3: DeKalb home to South HoltSt. Joseph Christian 62&nbsp; Stewartsville-Osborn&nbsp; 52- Week 3: St. Joseph Christian @ Albany- Week 3: Stewartsville-Osborn home to Rock Port<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/St--Joseph-Christian-Head-Coach-Troy-Schenk-e28qr7e" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Stanberry 52&nbsp; Rock Port 32- Week 3: Stanberry @ King CityNodaway Valley 26&nbsp; King City 16- Week 3: Nodaway Valley home to East Atchison- Week 3: King City home to Stanberry#3 North Platte 32&nbsp; Maysville 0- Week 3: Maysville home to Polo- Week 3: North Platte home to East Buchanan<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/North-Platte-Head-Coach-Jared-Quigley-e28qqpe" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>275 Conference Albany 22&nbsp; #4 East Atchison&nbsp; 18&nbsp;&nbsp;- Week 3: Albany home to St. Joseph Christian- Week 3: East Atchison @ Nodaway Valley South Holt 82&nbsp; Pattonsburg 32- Week 3: South Holt @ DeKalb#3 Worth County 74&nbsp; Mound City 18- Week 3: Mound City home to Platte Valley- Week 3: Worth County @ North Andrew#2 Platte Valley 64&nbsp; Princeton 24&nbsp;- Week 3: Platte Valley @ Mound City<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Platte-Valley-Head-Coach-Johnnie-Silkett-e28qr2f" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Kansas gamesRiverside&nbsp; 13 Jefferson West&nbsp; 6- Week 2: Riverside home to Perry-LecomptonAtchison 48&nbsp; Ottawa&nbsp; 42- Week 2: Atchison @ Sumner AcademyWabaunsee&nbsp; 46&nbsp; Troy&nbsp; 28- Week 2: Troy home to Valley FallsOskaloosa&nbsp; 14 Maur Hill&nbsp; 8- Week 2: Maur Hill @ Jackson HeightsWashington County&nbsp; 46&nbsp; Doniphan West&nbsp; 0- Week 2: Doniphan West @ Cair ParavelHiawatha 14&nbsp; Royal Valley&nbsp; 13- Week 2: Hiawatha home to Jefferson West

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school football scoreboard - September 1st- September 2nd, 2023

It's week 2 in Missouri and week 1 in Kansas on the first day of September. Our game of the week is Savannah @ East Buchanan. <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">LISTEN LIVE HERE</a>.

MEC Benton (1-0) @ St. Joseph Central (1-0) - Week 3: Central @ Raytown - Week 3: Benton home to Lafayette&nbsp;(St. Joseph Post broadcast)

Savannah (1-0) @ #3 East Buchanan (1-0) - <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">LISTEN TO OUR COVERAGE OF THIS GAME HERE</a>. - Week 3: East Buchanan @ North Platte - Week 3: Savannah home to Kirksville

Pleasant Hill (1-0) @ Lafayette (0-1) - Week 3: Lafayette @ Benton (St. Joseph Post broadcast) #7 Maryville (0-1) @ Class 4 #7 Harrisonville (0-1) - Week 3: Maryville @ Chillicothe #6 Bishop LeBlond (1-0) @ Schuyler County (1-0) - Week 3: LeBlond home to Knox County Southeast/Central (0-1) @ Cameron (1-0) - Week 3: Cameron home to St. Pius X Kirksville (1-0) @ Chillicothe (0-1) - Week 3: Chillicothe home to Maryville

KCI Gallatin (0-1) @ Hamilton (0-1) - Week 3: Hamilton @ Lawson - Week 3: Gallatin home to South Harrison Mid-Buchanan (1-0) @ Holden (1-0) - Week 3: Mid-Buchanan @ West Platte

Trenton (1-0) @ Lathrop (1-0) - Week 3: Lathrop @ Salisbury South Harrison (0-1) @ West Platte (0-1) - Week 3: West Platte home to Mid-Buchanan #9 Plattsburg (1-0) @ Knox County (0-1) - Week 3: Plattsburg home to Schuyler County

GRC North Andrew (0-1) @ DeKalb (0-1) - Week 3: North Andrew home to Worth County - Week 3: DeKalb home to South Holt

St. Joseph Christian (1-0) @ Stewartsville-Osborn (0-1) - Week 3: St. Joseph Christian @ Albany - Week 3: Stewartsville-Osborn home to Rock Port Stanberry (1-0) @ Rock Port (0-1) - Week 3: Stanberry @ King City

King City (0-1) @ Nodaway Valley (1-0) - Week 3: Nodaway Valley home to East Atchison - Week 3: King City home to Stanberry Maysville (0-1) @#3 North Platte (1-0) - Week 3: Maysville home to Polo - Week 3: North Platte home to East Buchanan

275 Conference Albany (1-0) @ #4 East Atchison (1-0) - Week 3: Albany home to St. Joseph Christian - Week 3: East Atchison @ Nodaway Valley Pattonsburg (1-0) @ South Holt (1-0) - Week 3: South Holt @ DeKalb #3 Worth County (0-1) @ Mound City (0-1) - Week 3: Mound City home to Platte Valley - Week 3: Worth County @ North Andrew Princeton (0-1) @ #2 Platte Valley (1-0) - Week 3: Platte Valley @ Mound City

Kansas games Riverside @ Jefferson West - Week 2: Riverside home to Perry-Lecompton Atchison @ Ottawa - Week 2: Atchison @ Sumner Academy Troy @ Wabaunsee - Week 2: Troy home to Valley Falls Oskaloosa @ Maur Hill - Week 2: Maur Hill @ Jackson Heights Doniphan West @ Washington County - Week 2: Doniphan West @ Cair Paravel Hiawatha @ Royal Valley - Week 2: Hiawatha home to Jefferson West

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693586355868.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt's week 2 in Missouri and week 1 in Kansas on the first day of September. Our game of the week is Savannah @ East Buchanan. <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">LISTEN LIVE HERE</a>.The rest of the area matchups are below.MEC Benton (1-0) @ St. Joseph Central (1-0) - Week 3: Central @ Raytown - Week 3: Benton home to Lafayette&nbsp;(St. Joseph Post broadcast)Savannah (1-0) @ #3 East Buchanan (1-0) - <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">LISTEN TO OUR COVERAGE OF THIS GAME HERE</a>. - Week 3: East Buchanan @ North Platte - Week 3: Savannah home to KirksvillePleasant Hill (1-0) @ Lafayette (0-1) - Week 3: Lafayette @ Benton (St. Joseph Post broadcast) #7 Maryville (0-1) @ Class 4 #7 Harrisonville (0-1) - Week 3: Maryville @ Chillicothe #6 Bishop LeBlond (1-0) @ Schuyler County (1-0) - Week 3: LeBlond home to Knox County Southeast/Central (0-1) @ Cameron (1-0) - Week 3: Cameron home to St. Pius X Kirksville (1-0) @ Chillicothe (0-1) - Week 3: Chillicothe home to MaryvilleKCI Gallatin (0-1) @ Hamilton (0-1) - Week 3: Hamilton @ Lawson - Week 3: Gallatin home to South Harrison Mid-Buchanan (1-0) @ Holden (1-0) - Week 3: Mid-Buchanan @ West PlatteTrenton (1-0) @ Lathrop (1-0) - Week 3: Lathrop @ Salisbury South Harrison (0-1) @ West Platte (0-1) - Week 3: West Platte home to Mid-Buchanan #9 Plattsburg (1-0) @ Knox County (0-1) - Week 3: Plattsburg home to Schuyler CountyGRC North Andrew (0-1) @ DeKalb (0-1) - Week 3: North Andrew home to Worth County - Week 3: DeKalb home to South HoltSt. Joseph Christian (1-0) @ Stewartsville-Osborn (0-1) - Week 3: St. Joseph Christian @ Albany - Week 3: Stewartsville-Osborn home to Rock Port Stanberry (1-0) @ Rock Port (0-1) - Week 3: Stanberry @ King CityKing City (0-1) @ Nodaway Valley (1-0) - Week 3: Nodaway Valley home to East Atchison - Week 3: King City home to Stanberry Maysville (0-1) @#3 North Platte (1-0) - Week 3: Maysville home to Polo - Week 3: North Platte home to East Buchanan275 Conference Albany (1-0) @ #4 East Atchison (1-0) - Week 3: Albany home to St. Joseph Christian - Week 3: East Atchison @ Nodaway Valley Pattonsburg (1-0) @ South Holt (1-0) - Week 3: South Holt @ DeKalb #3 Worth County (0-1) @ Mound City (0-1) - Week 3: Mound City home to Platte Valley - Week 3: Worth County @ North Andrew Princeton (0-1) @ #2 Platte Valley (1-0) - Week 3: Platte Valley @ Mound CityKansas games Riverside @ Jefferson West - Week 2: Riverside home to Perry-Lecompton Atchison @ Ottawa - Week 2: Atchison @ Sumner Academy Troy @ Wabaunsee - Week 2: Troy home to Valley Falls Oskaloosa @ Maur Hill - Week 2: Maur Hill @ Jackson Heights Doniphan West @ Washington County - Week 2: Doniphan West @ Cair Paravel Hiawatha @ Royal Valley - Week 2: Hiawatha home to Jefferson West

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school football matchups - September 1, 2023

The Missouri Western football team got down by two possessions on four separate occasions against Central Missouri Thursday.

Yet, the Griffons were right there until the bitter end, trying to send the game to overtime in the final minute.

However, four turnovers, including two interceptions in the fourth quarter, stopped the effort short and Central Missouri came away with a 45-38 win over the Griffons at Spratt Stadium Thursday night.

Turnovers were a problem for Missouri Western in the first half as well. The Griffons lost a fumble inside their own 20 midway through the first quarter, which led to the first UCM touchdown three plays later.

The Griffon offense had its fair share of nice moments Thursday, too. After the lost fumble, Missouri Western marched 83 yards on eight plays on the next drive and scored on a 25-yard touchdown run from Jared Scott, tying the game at 7-7 with 3:53 left in the first quarter.

Leading 10-7 at the start of the second quarter, UCM (1-0) took advantage of a missed Missouri Western field goal early in the second, and drove 80 yards on seven plays, eventually scoring on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Zach Zebrowski to Zion Perry to lead 17-7.

The Griffons (0-1) answered right back with a seven-play, 58-yard series that ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Reagan Jones to Jonas Bennett on a 4th down play.&nbsp;

The Griffon defense came up with a stop on the ensuing drive, but a Jones interception deep on the Missouri Western side gave Central Missouri a short 33-yard field.

Seven plays later, the Mules scored again to go up 24-14 with 14 seconds left in the first half. It seemed like that'd do it for the first two quarters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693546578918.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western football team got down by two possessions on four separate occasions against Central Missouri Thursday.Yet, the Griffons were right there until the bitter end, trying to send the game to overtime in the final minute.However, four turnovers, including two interceptions in the fourth quarter, stopped the effort short and Central Missouri came away with a 45-38 win over the Griffons at Spratt Stadium Thursday night.Turnovers were a problem for Missouri Western in the first half as well. The Griffons lost a fumble inside their own 20 midway through the first quarter, which led to the first UCM touchdown three plays later.The Griffon offense had its fair share of nice moments Thursday, too. After the lost fumble, Missouri Western marched 83 yards on eight plays on the next drive and scored on a 25-yard touchdown run from Jared Scott, tying the game at 7-7 with 3:53 left in the first quarter.Leading 10-7 at the start of the second quarter, UCM (1-0) took advantage of a missed Missouri Western field goal early in the second, and drove 80 yards on seven plays, eventually scoring on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Zach Zebrowski to Zion Perry to lead 17-7.The Griffons (0-1) answered right back with a seven-play, 58-yard series that ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Reagan Jones to Jonas Bennett on a 4th down play.&nbsp;The Griffon defense came up with a stop on the ensuing drive, but a Jones interception deep on the Missouri Western side gave Central Missouri a short 33-yard field.Seven plays later, the Mules scored again to go up 24-14 with 14 seconds left in the first half. It seemed like that'd do it for the first two quarters.Well, on a squib kick from Brett Grupe, MWSU's Jaden Brown picked up the ball and ran 56 yards - all the way to the 12-yard line with two seconds to go before the break.The Griffons sent out Cody Watson, who connected on a 29-yard field goal to make it a 24-17 ballgame at halftime.Missouri Western got the ball to start the second half, but went three-and-out on each of their first two series of the third quarter.Central Missouri, meanwhile, had back-to-back touchdown drives to begin their second half, leading by as many as 14 on two separate occasions.And yet, Missouri Western kept crawling back in it. A one-yard touchdown run by Sam Cromwell and a four-yard touchdown pass from Armani Edden to Caleb Martin made it 38-31 early in the fourth.UCM then burned some clock on a 13-play, 74-yard march. Having been stopped short of the end zone, the Mules lined up for a 25-yard field goal to try and go up by 10 with 5:35 left.Groupe's kick was blocked by Ison Robinson and Brandon Johnson. The ball then bounced off the turf and into the hands of Brayden Wright, who ran it back 76 yards the other way for a game-tying touchdown. 38-38 with 5:35 to go."There was a lot of different, weird things that kept happening all night that kept us in it," Missouri Western coach Tyler Fenwick said after. "I think it's a testament to our kids, who kept fighting and competing and playing."But, Central Missouri's aerial attack Thursday was hard for Missouri Western to stop most of the night.Four plays after that blocked FG, Zebrowski found Arkell Smith wide open for a 58-yard touchdown to put UCM back in front 45-38 with 3:54 to play.Missouri Western had two more possessions in the final 3:54 with a chance to tie each time, but both ended with Edden interceptions.Zebrowski, a Southern Illinois transfer, was outstanding for UCM Thursday. Entering the game in the second quarter in relief of starter Cedric Case, he completed 29-of-39 passes for 385 yards and five touchdowns.Arkell Smith had 11 catches for 136 yards and a score to lead UCM in receiving.Edden, a Hawaii transfer, played all but two series for MWSU at quarterback, completing 15-of-23 passes for 180 yards and a score.Jonas Bennett, who changed from running back to wide receiver this season, was stellar for the Griffons with 10 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.Jared Scott finished with nine carries for 68 yards and a score. UCM outgained Missouri Western in total yards 599-362, including 486-247 through the air.UCM was 11-of-18 on third down, while Missouri Western was just 1-of-7 in that category."We have a lot to learn from it," Fenwick said of the game. "There's a lot of things we can improve upon. There's a lot of mistakes, but they're all fixable mistakes. They're all things, whether it's ball security, reads, tackling, whatever. They're all things I think we can control."Missouri Western goes on the road next Saturday to face Lincoln University. Kickoff in that game is set for 6 p.m. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) with pregame starting at 5.Tyler Fenwick postgame<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Tyler-Fenwick---UCM-postgame-83123-e28plim" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full game broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-vs--UCM-Football---83123-e28pkv1" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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