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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New NWMSU football coach John McMenamin promises fast, physical playstyle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benedictine advances to NAIA semifinals with another upset victory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John McMenamin named newest football coach at Northwest Missouri State University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fields says he will major in business management.

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

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

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

Ravens upset Texas Wesleyan to advance in NAIA FCS Tournament

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brady Cook carries Mizzou past Arkansas on snowy day at Faurot

Both the #21 Missouri Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks seemed to struggle with the weather through a slow first half, but a big second half for both teams led to the Tigers needing a play from senior quarterback Brady Cook to come away with a 28-21 win in the Battle Line rivalry on Senior Day at Faurot Field.&nbsp;

The game went to halftime tied at 7-7 after both teams scored just one touchdown through the first half.&nbsp; Missouri senior running back Marcus Carroll scored on a two yard rushing touchdown in the first, while Arkansas running back&nbsp;Ja'Quinden Jackson had a two yard jaunt of his own in the second.&nbsp;

Jackson added a longer rushing touchdown early on in the second half following a Missouri punt, a 24 yard rushing score, and on the ensuing drive the Tigers could only manage a field goal, sending Blake Craig out to knock through a 28 yard kick, leaving Mizzou trailing heading into the final frame of regulation.&nbsp;

But Missouri would not be trailing for long, after forcing a fumble with 2:42 left in the third quarter, an eight play drive ended early into the fourth quarter with Carroll scoring his second touchdown of the night, from one yard out, giving the Tigers their first lead since the first quarter.&nbsp;

After Craig extended the lead with a 34 yard field goal, the Razorbacks snatched the lead back after a 12 play drive, relying again on the run game as Jackson scored on a nine yard touchdown run with 4:19 left in the game.&nbsp; And that's when the Tigers offense turned it on.&nbsp;

Missouri drove eight plays again, and used up almost two and a half minutes of the clock, before Cook became the hero on the day the Tigers were honoring their seniors, breaking away for a 30 yard touchdown run, then going on to convert a two point conversion with a pass to potential first round draft pick Luther Burden III, who was also honored with the seniors with the potential of him leaving for the NFL Draft.

A 10 play drive by Arkansas ended the game, the drive ending with three straight incomplete passes by quarterback&nbsp;Taylen Green.

Cook was 10 of 20 passing for 168 yards while rushing 11 times for 63 yards and the score.&nbsp; Carroll rushed 22 times for 90 yards with two touchdowns, while fellow senior Nate Noel rushed 1o times for 25 yards.&nbsp; Theo Wease led the receivers with four catches for 100 yards.

Missouri finishes the regular season with a 9-3 record, 5-3 in the SEC, and were a perfect 7-0 at home.&nbsp; They&nbsp;will now wait until Selection Day on December 8th to learn their bowl fate.

Kansas State can't keep Iowa State from cusp of Big 12 title game

The #24 Kansas State Wildcats struggled to overcome the defense of the #18 Iowa State Cyclones, falling 29-21 on Saturday night in Ames, Iowa, giving the Cyclones the first ever 10 win season in program history.&nbsp;

The Cyclones got on the board first, after Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson fumbled on the first play from scrimmage, putting together a six play drive for Rocco Becht to throw a 15 yard touchdown pass to&nbsp;Jayden Higgins.&nbsp; Following back to back punts, the Wildcats tied up the game in the opening quarter Johnson throwing a 28 yard pass to Jayce Brown for a score.&nbsp;

Iowa State extended the lead in the second quarter with 10 unanswered points, first getting a 41 yard field goal by&nbsp;Kyle Konrardy, before Becht threw his second touchdown of the game, nine yards to&nbsp;Jaylin Noel, following a recovered fumble from&nbsp;Joey Petersen.&nbsp; With the catch, Noel the receiver from Kansas City, Missouri, passed 1,000 yards on the season.&nbsp;

Kansas State turned the ball over on downs on the ensuing drive, but after an Iowa State punt Johnson again found Brown on a long touchdown pass, where Brown spun away from defenders for a 65 yard touchdown reception, cutting the Cyclones lead to three.

Near the end of the half though, Iowa State again extended the lead, this time Becht using his legs to score, rushing for a five yard touchdown with 43 seconds remaining.&nbsp; Kansas State was forced to punt and Becht knelt out the time left, sending the Cyclones to the halftime break with a 24-14 lead.&nbsp;

Iowa State opened the second half with a drive ending in a punt, and after a Kansas State missed field goal were forced to punt yet again, before the Wildcats narrowed the lead to one score again with the lone touchdown of the third quarter, a seven yard passing score from Johnson to tight end Garrett Oakley.

An 11 play drive by Iowa State ended late in the third quarter with a turnover on downs at the Kansas State seven yard line, and early in the fourth quarter the Cyclones defense stood strong, forcing Johnson into an intentional grounding call in the endzone, resulting in a safety.&nbsp; On the next drive Iowa State scored the final points of the game, a 20 yard field goal from&nbsp;Konrardy.

The Wildcats turned over the ball on downs at the Cyclones’ 35 when a pass went off Oakley’s hands on a fourth-and-2 with 4:59 left. They got the ball back for a final possession with no timeouts and 1:11 left when Konrardy missed what would have been a game-clinching 37-yard field goal. K-State went nowhere, with Johnson knocked out of the game on third down and Ta’Quan Roberson throwing incomplete on fourth-and-15.

Becht took a knee, and the fans poured out of the stands to celebrate with the Cyclones on the field.

Johnson was 12 of 28 passing for 220 yards with three touchdowns, rushing 13 times for 64 yards. DJ Giddens rushed 14 times for 72 yards to lead the runners, while Brown (three catches, 106 yards, 2TDs) and Oakley (four catches, 78 yards, 1TD) led the receivers.&nbsp;

Kansas State finished the regular season 8-4, 5-4 in the Big 12, they will now wait until Selection Day on December 8th to learn their bowl fate.&nbsp; Meanwhile Iowa State finished 10-2, 7-2 in the Big 12, and will play in the Big 12 championship against Arizona State, after BYU beat Houston 30-18 .

Kansas falls to Baylor ending hopes of becoming bowl eligible

The Kansas Jayhawks lost a three game losing streak and saw their season come to an end on the road, falling to the Baylor Bears 45-17 in Waco, Texas on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Jayhawks missed a field goal on their opening drive, and after a punt from Baylor scored the first touchdown of the game, a 19 yard touchdown run by Devin Neal, but from there Baylor scored on three consecutive offensive possessions.

Bears quarterback Sawyer Robertson threw two of his four touchdown passes in the opening quarter, both coming to&nbsp;Monaray Baldwin, one for 39 yards and the other for 36 yards.&nbsp; The Jayhawks did manage a Tabor Allen field goal of 26 yards in the second quarter, before Robertson connected with&nbsp;Josh Cameron on a 14 yard touchdown pass for the final score of the half, and Baylor led 21-10 at the break.

Baylor’s first two TDs came off the same route from Baldwin, and the second was nearly a replay of the first. Baldwin lined up in the slot to the right side in a one-on-one matchup with Kansas safety Marvin Grant and ran right by him and down the sideline.

Baylor continued the scoring frenzy in the second half with&nbsp;Bryson Washington getting a 10 yard rushing touchdown on the opening drive, and then after a Kansas punt, scored again through the air with Robertson throwing a 20 yard pass to&nbsp;Dawson Pendergrass.&nbsp; Jayhawks running back Lawrence Arnold scored the final touchdown for Kansas on a 14 yard run late in the third.&nbsp;

With seven seconds remaining in the third quarter, Washington scored on a one yard run, the Bears closed out the scoring in the fourth quarter with a 40 yard field goal from&nbsp;Isaiah Hankins

Jalon Daniels was 12 of 23 passing on the day for Kansas with 280 yards and two interceptions.&nbsp; Neal led the rushers with 20 carries for 133 yards and a touchdown, while Quentin Skinner (three catches, 77 yards) and Luke Grimm (three catches, 73 yards) led the receivers.&nbsp;

Kansas ends their season with a 5-7 record, 4-5 in the Big 12.&nbsp; The Jayhawks made a run late for bowl eligibility with three straight wins over ranked opponents in Iowa State, BYU, and Colorado.

Cornhuskers fall in rivalry matchup with Iowa on last second FG

For a second straight year, the Nebraska Cornhuskers fell to the Iowa Hawkeyes on a last second field goal, losing in the rivalry titled "The Heroes Game" 13-10 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.&nbsp;

The first half of the game was all Nebraska, as the Cornhuskers led 10-0 at halftime after a 31 yard field goal by John Hohl in the first quarter, and a one yard touchdown run from Dante Dowdell in the second.&nbsp; Between the field goal and the touchdown, both teams traded nine punts, with six of the nine coming on three and outs.

After Nebraska missed a field goal on their first offensive drive of the second half, the momentum swang Iowa's way.&nbsp; The Cornhuskers forced the Hawkeyes to punt, but the punt was muffed and Iowa recovered it at their own four yard line, however were held to just a field goal 20 yards by Drew Stevens, for the lone score of the third quarter.&nbsp;

A six play drive by Nebraska was halted by Iowa near the end of the third, and early in the fourth quarter, the Hawkeyes tied up the game needing just three plays to do so, Jackson Stratton completing a 72 yard touchdown pass to Kaleb Johnson.&nbsp; With the game tied, the teams again exchanged punts before disaster struck for the Cornhuskers.&nbsp;

A drive that started with 1:40 left in regulation went six plays, before Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola was sacked, and fumbled, which Iowa recovered to set themselves up at the 36 yard line with 16 seconds left on the clock.&nbsp;

After two rushes from Johnson, Stevens marched onto the field and knocked in a 53 yard field goal with no time left on the clock.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was redemption for Stevens who, after struggling in last season’s game against the Huskers, was replaced by Marshall Meeder for the game-winning field goal in Iowa’s 13-10 victory in that game.

Raiola was 22 of 32 passing for 190 yards.&nbsp; Emmett Johnson led the rushers with 18 carries for 71 yards, while Dowdell rushed 13 times for 50 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; Jahmal Banks caught four passes for 41 yards.

Nebraska finishes the regular season at 6-6, 3-6 in the Big Ten, and will now wait until Selection Day on December 8th to learn their bowl fate after becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 2016.

CFB Roundup: Ravens upset Texas Wesleyan, Mizzou tops Arkansas, K State, KU, Nebraska fall

In a rematch of week five of the regular season, the Bishop LeBlond Golden Eagles hung with Archie through the first half, but ultimately fell 46-28 in the semifinals of the MSHSAA 8 Man State Tournament.&nbsp;

Bishop LeBlond did take the first lead of the game, after a big fourth down stop at their nine yard line, driving down the field before senior Carson Staggs broke a big run down the right sideline for a touchdown.&nbsp; The two point conversion would fail, and on the very next drive Archie switched the lead, a one yard rush by quarterback Tristian Leeper, followed by a successful two point conversion with 1:39 left in the first quarter.

After using up the remaining time in the first, the Golden Eagles started the second quarter immediately with a bang, as quarterback Cooper Tabor threw a screen pass to wide receiver Trey Icke, who spun off several defenders on way to a touchdown for the third lead change of the game.&nbsp; Then, after the LeBlond defense recovered a bad snap at their own nine yard line, Tabor again found Icke in the corner of the endzone, extending the lead to 20-8 with 9:20 left in the half.&nbsp;

For the remainder of the first half though, it was all Archie, first getting a rushing score from Jackson Kash on a wide receiver reverse, and a two point conversion run by Brayden Daniels.&nbsp; Following the kickoff, Daniels made a play on the defensive side of the ball, punching the ball out of Tripp Helsel's hands, setting the Whirlwinds up to score again on another rushing score by Leeper, who also converted the two point try with a floating pass into the endzone.&nbsp;

Archie went into halftime with a 24-20 lead.&nbsp; Bishop LeBlond head coach Chuck Davis says his message to his team, was they had the Whirlwinds right where they wanted them.&nbsp;

"We knew it was going to be a battle coming in, and it was a tight ballgame last time at half and we laid an egg in the second half the last time we played them," Davis tells reporters after the game.&nbsp; "And our guys didn't want a repeat of that performance in the second half, I thought we did come out and we played hard, but kudos to them."

Bishop LeBlond opened up the second half with a scoring drive after a couple big runs from Staggs, the second long run getting the go ahead touchdown, then getting a two point conversion on a catch from Nick Daise, but after that it was all Archie on way to the eventual end.&nbsp;

The Whirlwinds got two touchdown passes from Leeper to Kash, converting both two point conversions as well, and also a touchdown pass to Kale Snook from Leeper to push the lead to 46-28.&nbsp; As the Golden Eagles drove down the field on a drive that started with 4:28, an interception by Archie was the stamp on the game, before the Whirlwinds ran out the clock.&nbsp;

Davis says even before the game, his message to the team was that when good meets good, something was going to happen.&nbsp;

"Today we didn't come out on top, hats off to Archie, they play really hard, they had a good gameplan coming in, they're well coached, and like I said leading up to this they're a team that doesn't really make many mistakes," Davis says.&nbsp; "So, I thought we did a good job making them earn it."

Bishop LeBlond finishes the season with a 10-2 record.&nbsp; They graduate nine seniors.&nbsp;

Davis says for the underclassman that will return next year, his hope is they remember their last game.&nbsp;

"You hope that when there's tears and it's sad and they're not ready for it to be over, that carries with them in the offseason," Davis explains.&nbsp; "And hopefully everybody picks a winter sport to play, they all stay in the weight room, and stay focused on not only bettering themselves for football, but for all the other sports they're going to play throughout their career here, and the work ethic that these upperclassman show, has to rub off."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1733012606481.jpeg" alt="Bishop LeBlond runs out to the field in the 8 man semifinal matchup against Archie/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Bishop LeBlond runs out to the field in the 8 man semifinal matchup against Archie/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph PostIn a rematch of week five of the regular season, the Bishop LeBlond Golden Eagles hung with Archie through the first half, but ultimately fell 46-28 in the semifinals of the MSHSAA 8 Man State Tournament.&nbsp;Bishop LeBlond did take the first lead of the game, after a big fourth down stop at their nine yard line, driving down the field before senior Carson Staggs broke a big run down the right sideline for a touchdown.&nbsp; The two point conversion would fail, and on the very next drive Archie switched the lead, a one yard rush by quarterback Tristian Leeper, followed by a successful two point conversion with 1:39 left in the first quarter.After using up the remaining time in the first, the Golden Eagles started the second quarter immediately with a bang, as quarterback Cooper Tabor threw a screen pass to wide receiver Trey Icke, who spun off several defenders on way to a touchdown for the third lead change of the game.&nbsp; Then, after the LeBlond defense recovered a bad snap at their own nine yard line, Tabor again found Icke in the corner of the endzone, extending the lead to 20-8 with 9:20 left in the half.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1733009693373.jpeg" alt="Bishop LeBlond's Trey Icke (2) runs down the sideline for a touchdown. Icke had two touchdowns in the loss to Archie Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Bishop LeBlond's Trey Icke (2) runs down the sideline for a touchdown. Icke had two touchdowns in the loss to Archie Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>For the remainder of the first half though, it was all Archie, first getting a rushing score from Jackson Kash on a wide receiver reverse, and a two point conversion run by Brayden Daniels.&nbsp; Following the kickoff, Daniels made a play on the defensive side of the ball, punching the ball out of Tripp Helsel's hands, setting the Whirlwinds up to score again on another rushing score by Leeper, who also converted the two point try with a floating pass into the endzone.&nbsp;Archie went into halftime with a 24-20 lead.&nbsp; Bishop LeBlond head coach Chuck Davis says his message to his team, was they had the Whirlwinds right where they wanted them.&nbsp;"We knew it was going to be a battle coming in, and it was a tight ballgame last time at half and we laid an egg in the second half the last time we played them," Davis tells reporters after the game.&nbsp; "And our guys didn't want a repeat of that performance in the second half, I thought we did come out and we played hard, but kudos to them."Bishop LeBlond opened up the second half with a scoring drive after a couple big runs from Staggs, the second long run getting the go ahead touchdown, then getting a two point conversion on a catch from Nick Daise, but after that it was all Archie on way to the eventual end.&nbsp;The Whirlwinds got two touchdown passes from Leeper to Kash, converting both two point conversions as well, and also a touchdown pass to Kale Snook from Leeper to push the lead to 46-28.&nbsp; As the Golden Eagles drove down the field on a drive that started with 4:28, an interception by Archie was the stamp on the game, before the Whirlwinds ran out the clock.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1733014752202.jpeg" alt="Archie quarterback Tristian Leeper (4) breaks a tackle by Bishop LeBlond's Jackson Crews (23) Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Archie quarterback Tristian Leeper (4) breaks a tackle by Bishop LeBlond's Jackson Crews (23) Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Davis says even before the game, his message to the team was that when good meets good, something was going to happen.&nbsp;"Today we didn't come out on top, hats off to Archie, they play really hard, they had a good gameplan coming in, they're well coached, and like I said leading up to this they're a team that doesn't really make many mistakes," Davis says.&nbsp; "So, I thought we did a good job making them earn it."Bishop LeBlond finishes the season with a 10-2 record.&nbsp; They graduate nine seniors.&nbsp;Davis says for the underclassman that will return next year, his hope is they remember their last game.&nbsp;"You hope that when there's tears and it's sad and they're not ready for it to be over, that carries with them in the offseason," Davis explains.&nbsp; "And hopefully everybody picks a winter sport to play, they all stay in the weight room, and stay focused on not only bettering themselves for football, but for all the other sports they're going to play throughout their career here, and the work ethic that these upperclassman show, has to rub off."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1733014777393.jpeg" alt="Archie's Brayden Daniels (51) blocks Bishop LeBlond's Carson Staggs (10) as Archie quarterback Tristian Leeper (4) rounds the corner Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Archie's Brayden Daniels (51) blocks Bishop LeBlond's Carson Staggs (10) as Archie quarterback Tristian Leeper (4) rounds the corner Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp;

Bishop LeBlond falls to Archie 46-28 in semifinals matchup

The Kansas City Chiefs were in danger of falling to the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium for a second year in a row, but a botched snap by the Raiders kept that from happening, and the Chiefs held on to win 19-17 on Friday afternoon.

The game started with a low scoring first half.&nbsp; After the Kansas City offense started off the game driving the field, it stalled in the redzone and was forced to send Matthew Wright, filling in for the injured Spencer Shrader, out to knock through a 25 yard field goal. Early in the second quarter was when the Raiders answered with a field goal of their own, Daniel Carlson hitting a 27 yard kick.

After the Chiefs were forced to punt on the ensuing drive, in the cold weather Las Vegas attempted another field goal, but Carlson went on to miss, and Kansas City took advantage and used seven plays to drive down the field where Patrick Mahomes connected with Justin Watson on a six yard touchdown, his first receiving score of the season.

The touchdown pass was a historical one for Mahomes.&nbsp; It marked the 238th touchdown pass of his career, passing legendary quarterback Len Dawson for the most in franchise history.&nbsp; The Chiefs took a 10-3 lead into the halftime break after Wright missed a long field goal attempt to end the half.&nbsp;

It was more of the same in the second half with the Kansas City offense unable to complete drives, and Wright would hit two field goals in the third quarter, the first from 42 yards and the second from 35 yards, before the Raiders started their comeback, and did it quickly and efficiently.&nbsp;

It started when former Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah returned the ensuing kickoff, following Wright's second field goal, 68 yards to set Las Vegas up in Chiefs territory.&nbsp; After a short three yard run by&nbsp;Sincere McCormick, and a holding penalty, quarterback Aidan O'Connell, fresh off the injured reserve list, connected with rookie tight end Brock Bowers on a 33 yard touchdown pass.

Following a Chiefs three and out, O'Connell again needed just two plays to throw another long touchdown pass, this time to Tre Tucker who burned past safety Justin Reid for a 58 yard score, putting the Raiders ahead 17-16 early into the final quarter of regulation.&nbsp;

Kansas City did end up taking the lead back however, after an 11 play drive that could have been worth more points.&nbsp; On the 10th play of the drive, Mahomes missed a wide open Travis Kelce in the endzone, and Wright marched out and knocked through his fourth field goal of the day, giving the Chiefs the lead back.

The game though did not end there, rather it ended on a series of unfortunate events for the Raiders.&nbsp; First it was another missed field goal by Carlson, his third miss of the game, and after a Chiefs punt gave them the ball back, came the botched snap that was recovered by Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton, to give Kansas City the victory.&nbsp;

With the win, for a 10th straight year, the Chiefs have clinched a berth into the playoffs.&nbsp; It's the 11th time in 12 years that head coach Andy Reid has gotten Kansas City to the playoffs.&nbsp; It's also the first time since 2019 that a team clinched a playoff berth in November.

Mahomes was 26 of 46 passing on the day for 309 yards with one touchdown.&nbsp; Running back Isiah Pacheco returned from injured reserve and evenly split carries with Kareem Hunt.&nbsp; Pacheco rushed seven times for 44 yards, his longest a 34 yard romp, while Hunt rushed seven times for 15 yards.&nbsp;

Deandre Hopkins (four catches, 90 yards) and Kelce (seven catches, 68 yards) led the receivers.&nbsp; Defensive tackle Chris Jones notched two sacks, his first since a two sack game against the Chargers on Sept. 29th.&nbsp; With the two sacks, Jones moved past Justin Houston for the fourth most sacks in franchise history.

Kansas City will next stay home to take on another AFC West foe, welcoming the Los Angeles Chargers to Arrowhead Stadium for Sunday Night Football.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 7:20pm, pregame will be at 6pm on both KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country 92.7.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732942638400.jpeg" alt="Chiefs kicker Matthew Wright (49) hit four field goals as Kansas City clinched a playoff berth with a 19-17 win over the Raiders/ Photo courtesy of the Chiefs on X" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs kicker Matthew Wright (49) hit four field goals as Kansas City clinched a playoff berth with a 19-17 win over the Raiders/ Photo courtesy of the Chiefs on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs were in danger of falling to the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium for a second year in a row, but a botched snap by the Raiders kept that from happening, and the Chiefs held on to win 19-17 on Friday afternoon.The game started with a low scoring first half.&nbsp; After the Kansas City offense started off the game driving the field, it stalled in the redzone and was forced to send Matthew Wright, filling in for the injured Spencer Shrader, out to knock through a 25 yard field goal. Early in the second quarter was when the Raiders answered with a field goal of their own, Daniel Carlson hitting a 27 yard kick.After the Chiefs were forced to punt on the ensuing drive, in the cold weather Las Vegas attempted another field goal, but Carlson went on to miss, and Kansas City took advantage and used seven plays to drive down the field where Patrick Mahomes connected with Justin Watson on a six yard touchdown, his first receiving score of the season.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dropped it right in the bucket 🎯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LVvsKC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LVvsKC</a> on Prime Video Also streaming on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLPlus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/qX2zHgKCL8">pic.twitter.com/qX2zHgKCL8</a>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1862605906279563581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The touchdown pass was a historical one for Mahomes.&nbsp; It marked the 238th touchdown pass of his career, passing legendary quarterback Len Dawson for the most in franchise history.&nbsp; The Chiefs took a 10-3 lead into the halftime break after Wright missed a long field goal attempt to end the half.&nbsp;It was more of the same in the second half with the Kansas City offense unable to complete drives, and Wright would hit two field goals in the third quarter, the first from 42 yards and the second from 35 yards, before the Raiders started their comeback, and did it quickly and efficiently.&nbsp;It started when former Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah returned the ensuing kickoff, following Wright's second field goal, 68 yards to set Las Vegas up in Chiefs territory.&nbsp; After a short three yard run by&nbsp;Sincere McCormick, and a holding penalty, quarterback Aidan O'Connell, fresh off the injured reserve list, connected with rookie tight end Brock Bowers on a 33 yard touchdown pass.Following a Chiefs three and out, O'Connell again needed just two plays to throw another long touchdown pass, this time to Tre Tucker who burned past safety Justin Reid for a 58 yard score, putting the Raiders ahead 17-16 early into the final quarter of regulation.&nbsp;Kansas City did end up taking the lead back however, after an 11 play drive that could have been worth more points.&nbsp; On the 10th play of the drive, Mahomes missed a wide open Travis Kelce in the endzone, and Wright marched out and knocked through his fourth field goal of the day, giving the Chiefs the lead back.The game though did not end there, rather it ended on a series of unfortunate events for the Raiders.&nbsp; First it was another missed field goal by Carlson, his third miss of the game, and after a Chiefs punt gave them the ball back, came the botched snap that was recovered by Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton, to give Kansas City the victory.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Raiders fumble it, the Chiefs recover it to seal the game ‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LVvsKC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LVvsKC</a> on Prime Video Also streaming on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLPlus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/WvNvUONRM5">pic.twitter.com/WvNvUONRM5</a>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1862636803137614059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With the win, for a 10th straight year, the Chiefs have clinched a berth into the playoffs.&nbsp; It's the 11th time in 12 years that head coach Andy Reid has gotten Kansas City to the playoffs.&nbsp; It's also the first time since 2019 that a team clinched a playoff berth in November.Mahomes was 26 of 46 passing on the day for 309 yards with one touchdown.&nbsp; Running back Isiah Pacheco returned from injured reserve and evenly split carries with Kareem Hunt.&nbsp; Pacheco rushed seven times for 44 yards, his longest a 34 yard romp, while Hunt rushed seven times for 15 yards.&nbsp;Deandre Hopkins (four catches, 90 yards) and Kelce (seven catches, 68 yards) led the receivers.&nbsp; Defensive tackle Chris Jones notched two sacks, his first since a two sack game against the Chargers on Sept. 29th.&nbsp; With the two sacks, Jones moved past Justin Houston for the fourth most sacks in franchise history.Kansas City will next stay home to take on another AFC West foe, welcoming the Los Angeles Chargers to Arrowhead Stadium for Sunday Night Football.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 7:20pm, pregame will be at 6pm on both KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country 92.7.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Chiefs first team to clinch playoff berth after 19-17 win over Raiders

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes put together the 21st game winning drive of his career, and set up rookie kicker Spencer Shrader to knock through the biggest kick of his career, as Kansas City beat the Carolina Panthers 30-27 on Sunday afternoon at&nbsp;Bank of America Stadium.

Through the first half however, it looked like the Chiefs had the game in hand, the defense holding the Panthers to just three field goals by&nbsp;Eddy Pineiro, going into the halftime break with a 20-9 lead.&nbsp;

Kansas City opened the scoring on their first drive of the game, following a big 56 yard kickoff return from Samaje Perine, Mahomes connecting with Noah Gray for a 35 yard touchdown after three plays.&nbsp; Pinero knocked through his first field goal of the half on the following drive, from 30 yards out, which the Chiefs answered with a field goal of their own, 25 yards by Shrader.

Again, early in the second quarter, Kansas City and Carolina traded field goals with Pineiro hitting from 32 yards and Shrader from 41 yards away, before Gray again found the endzone on a touchdown pass from Mahomes, this time from 11 yards out.&nbsp; Pineiro closed out the half with his third field goal, from 29 yards out, sending both teams to the locker room.&nbsp;

The two touchdowns in the first half for Gray gave him back to back weeks with multiple scores, after he got his first two touchdowns of the season last week in the loss against Buffalo.

Though it looked like the Chiefs had the game in hand, the second half was all Panthers, first getting a one yard touchdown pass from Bryce Young to David Moore after a 15 play drive to start the half.&nbsp; Kansas City did answer with a touchdown to extend their lead, Mahomes connecting with Deandre Hopkins on a three yard pass.&nbsp;

Then the rally by the Panthers began, first with a 33 yard field goal by Pineiro to finish another long 11 play drive that carried between the third and fourth quarters.&nbsp; After three consecutive drives ended with punts, the Carolina offense went to work again, and Young drove down the field over five plays, before Chuba Hubbard pounded the ball in from one yard away.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732502621584.jpeg" alt="Spencer Shrader lines up for the game winning kick against the Carolina Panthers/ Photo courtesy of Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images" />
 <figcaption>Spencer Shrader lines up for the game winning kick against the Carolina Panthers/ Photo courtesy of Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostChiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes put together the 21st game winning drive of his career, and set up rookie kicker Spencer Shrader to knock through the biggest kick of his career, as Kansas City beat the Carolina Panthers 30-27 on Sunday afternoon at&nbsp;Bank of America Stadium.Through the first half however, it looked like the Chiefs had the game in hand, the defense holding the Panthers to just three field goals by&nbsp;Eddy Pineiro, going into the halftime break with a 20-9 lead.&nbsp;Kansas City opened the scoring on their first drive of the game, following a big 56 yard kickoff return from Samaje Perine, Mahomes connecting with Noah Gray for a 35 yard touchdown after three plays.&nbsp; Pinero knocked through his first field goal of the half on the following drive, from 30 yards out, which the Chiefs answered with a field goal of their own, 25 yards by Shrader.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">GRAY WITH THE WIIIIIDE OPEN SCORE 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/MAaudu8EF0">pic.twitter.com/MAaudu8EF0</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1860746775801307357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Again, early in the second quarter, Kansas City and Carolina traded field goals with Pineiro hitting from 32 yards and Shrader from 41 yards away, before Gray again found the endzone on a touchdown pass from Mahomes, this time from 11 yards out.&nbsp; Pineiro closed out the half with his third field goal, from 29 yards out, sending both teams to the locker room.&nbsp;The two touchdowns in the first half for Gray gave him back to back weeks with multiple scores, after he got his first two touchdowns of the season last week in the loss against Buffalo.Though it looked like the Chiefs had the game in hand, the second half was all Panthers, first getting a one yard touchdown pass from Bryce Young to David Moore after a 15 play drive to start the half.&nbsp; Kansas City did answer with a touchdown to extend their lead, Mahomes connecting with Deandre Hopkins on a three yard pass.&nbsp;Then the rally by the Panthers began, first with a 33 yard field goal by Pineiro to finish another long 11 play drive that carried between the third and fourth quarters.&nbsp; After three consecutive drives ended with punts, the Carolina offense went to work again, and Young drove down the field over five plays, before Chuba Hubbard pounded the ball in from one yard away.&nbsp;The Panthers failed the first two point conversion attempt, but a defensive pass interference call on Trent Mcduffie gave them a second chance, where Hubbard rushed up the middle, tying up the game with 1:46 left in regulation.&nbsp;But as many teams have learned over the years, especially this year, you never want to leave the Chiefs with time.&nbsp; Mahomes completed short passes to Travis Kelce and Hopkins for a first down, and then scrambled for 33 yards, putting the Chiefs in field goal range, and after another 10 yard run by Kareem Hunt, Shrader the rookie kicker signed off the Jets practice squad marched out, hitting a 31 yard field goal and wiping out the remaining two seconds to give Kansas City their 10th win of the season.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">THANK YOU SHRADER! <a href="https://t.co/zGZ5sWE4ny">pic.twitter.com/zGZ5sWE4ny</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1860794286737866797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“You always want to have some blowouts and be a little calmer in the fourth quarter, but I've always said it could be a good thing when you get to the playoffs later in the season knowing that you have been in those moments before, and knowing how to attack it play by play not making it too big of a moment,” Mahomes said.Then he smiled and said: “But I would say this more than anybody, I would love to win a game not by the very last play.”Mahomes was 27 of 37 passing for 269 yards with three touchdowns, rushing five times for 60 yards.&nbsp; Hunt ran 16 times for 68 yards, while Gray (four catches, 66 yards, 2TDs) and Kelce (six catches, 62 yards) paced the receivers.Kansas City is now 10-1 on the season.&nbsp; They return to Arrowhead Stadium for the first ever game on Black Friday, taking on the Las Vegas Raiders.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 2pm, pregame will be at 1pm on KFEQ and Q Country 92.7.