Griffon offense dominates in shutout win over Northeastern State

Missouri Western recorded over 500 yards of offense on way to their first shutout win of Northeastern State since 2014.&nbsp; The Griffons won their seventh game of the season which marks their most wins in a season since 2019.&nbsp; <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f64cd892-1639-4c33-b7b8-89dad5432133">Read our full recap HERE</a>.

Northwest holds off second half Ichabod rally in win over Washburn

The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats posted a dominant first half, but had to hold off a Washburn rally in the second half on way to a 52-31 win on Saturday in Topeka, Kansas at&nbsp;Yager Stadium.

The Bearcats opened the scoring in the first quarter following an interception by Carter Olesen.&nbsp; Taking over in plus territory at the Washburn 28 yard line, quarterback Mike Hohensee would immediately find Zach Atkins on a 23 yard pass, two plays later running back Jay Harris would punch it in from one yard out for the score.

The Ichabods would take the lead back late in the quarter however, scoring first on a 31 yard field goal from Trenton Brehm with 4:34 left in the quarter, and then scoring again following an interception, this time with quarterback Sam Van Dyne finding Tyce Brown on a 19 yard pass with 1:49, pushing the Washburn lead to 10-7 at the end of the first.&nbsp;

Northwest's defense would step up in the second frame, helping the Bearcats post 28 unanswered points in the quarter.&nbsp;

Hohensee would throw two touchdowns in the quarter, both to Trevon Alexander, one of 34 yards and another from 15 yards away.&nbsp; Harris would score his second touchdown of the game in the quarter as well, rushing in again from one yard out.&nbsp;

The Bearcat special teams unit would score the final touchdown of the quarter.&nbsp; With nine seconds left in the first half, Tre'on Jones would block the Washburn punt and scoop it up to take it in from five yards out.&nbsp; Northwest led 35-10 at halftime.&nbsp;

Washburn would come out of the gates fighting in the second half trying to hold off an upset on their Homecoming.&nbsp; The Ichabods would use 10 plays to drive 91 yards down the field, narrowing the Bearcat lead to 35-17 as running back Percy Russell would punch it in from one yard out.

Mother nature would slow down that momentum though for Washburn.&nbsp; Following the score to open the second half, the game would enter a 38 minute lightning delay.

Following the delay, Northwest would extend their lead again, scoring their sixth touchdown of the day, this time with Hohensee finding running back Tank Young in the back of the endzone from six yards out, the Bearcat lead being pushed to 42-17 at the end of the third quarter.

Washburn would again dent the scoreboard and chip away at the Bearcats lead, Van Dyne connecting with Maury Sullivan on a 98 yard touchdown pass.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But again Northwest would deny the Ichabods momentum, an interception with 12:07 left in the game by Jianni Angulo put the Bearcats back in scoring position and Noah Guastella would knock through a 37 yard field goal, pushing the lead to 45-24.

With 6:31 left in the game Washburn would strike again with Van Dyne finding D.J Bell on a 20 yard touchdown pass.&nbsp; But then, with 1:54 left to play, Harris would put the game out of reach with a five yard rushing touchdown.&nbsp;

Hohensee was 14 of 24 through the air on the day throwing three touchdowns and two interceptions.&nbsp; Harris rushed for 123 yards and three touchdowns in the game, while Young added 109 yards.&nbsp; The leading receiver was Alexander with four catches for 61 yards and two scores.

Northwest is now 5-4 (4-4 MIAA) on the season.&nbsp; The Bearcats will stay on the road this week, heading to Tahlequah, Oklahoma for a matchup with Northeastern State.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 2pm.

Ravens win snowy ranked battle against Baker in Baldwin City, Kansas

In a battle of Top 25 teams the No. 14 Benedictine Ravens managed to hold No. 21 Baker University to its lowest passing yards of the season, on way to a 30-6 win on Saturday in Baldwin City, Kansas at Liston Stadium.

The Ravens special teams unit contributed to the first two scores of the game.&nbsp; A fumble recovery on the opening kickoff set up an opening score for Benedictine with quarterback Jackson Dooley rushing in from one yard out to give Benedictine the early lead.&nbsp;

The conditions would again be a factor on the ensuing kickoff as once again Baker's Jaleel Laffitte would fumble, setting the Ravens up at the Baker 15 yard line, but this time the Wildcats would hold Benedictine to a Harry Balke field goal from 28 yards away.&nbsp; Balke would hit another field goal from 27 yards late in the quarter, pushing the Raven lead to 13-0.

Snowy conditions affected both teams throughout the game, the only score of the second quarter coming from Baker midway through the frame as the Wildcats would send Seth Simpson out for a field goal of their own and converting it from 41 yards, narrowing the lead to 13-3, which is where it stood at halftime.&nbsp;

Receiving the kickoff to start the second half the Ravens would open up the half extending their lead.&nbsp; A six play drive would go 64 yards down the field, ending with a 22 yard touchdown run by Dalton Witherspoon, his first of two second half touchdowns.&nbsp;

The Wildcats would get their only other score of the game on the very next drive, Simpson knocking through a 31 yard field goal, putting the Ravens lead at 20-6.&nbsp; But Benedictine would answer later in the quarter, Balke putting up his third field goal of the day from 42 yards away.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Ravens would not score again until the start of the fourth quarter, Witherspoon rushing for his second touchdown of the day, this time a 25 yard rushing score, putting the lead at 30-6, which is where it would stand until the end of regulation.&nbsp;

The running game was strong for the Ravens due to the conditions with Witherspoon rushing 24 times for 158 yards and two touchdowns.&nbsp; Dooley, who had the rushing score to open the game, was 9 of 21 through the air for 95 yards.&nbsp; Jacob Gathright led receivers with three catches for 48 yards.

Benedictine is now 7-2 (3-0 Heart South) on the season.&nbsp; They stay on the road Saturday, heading to St. Louis, Missouri to play Missouri Baptist.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 1pm

Goalposts come down after KU scores last minute TD to beat Oklahoma

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Devin Neal ran for 112 yards and the go-ahead touchdown for Kansas with 55 seconds left, Oklahoma's Dillon Gabriel threw incomplete to the end zone on the final play of the game, and the Jayhawks beat the sixth-ranked Sooners 38-33 on Saturday.

Kansas snapped an 18-game losing streak to the Sooners in their final matchup before they depart for the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference, and they became the highest-ranked opponent the Jayhawks have beaten since a win over Virginia Tech in the 2008 Orange Bowl.

The Jayhawks (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) looked as if they'd given away an opportunity to win the game when Jason Bean was picked off with 2:29 to go. But their defense forced the Sooners (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) to punt, and after two long completions and a fourth-down throw that picked up 37 yards, Neal scampered in from 9 out to give Kansas the lead back — but Oklahoma's offense another shot with the ball.

The Sooners still had a chance to salvage their perfect record when Gabriel completed a 39-yard pass to Brenan Thompson to get to the Kansas 34 with 24 seconds left. But after a short throw to Jovantae Barnes and an incompletion, Gabriel — under heavy pressure — threw high to the end zone on the final play to touch off a field-storming celebration in Lawrence.

Bean threw for 218 yards and two interceptions, both in the fourth quarter, while running for 62 yards and a score. Daniel Hishaw also had two TD runs for the Jayhawks, who had not beaten Oklahoma since October 4, 1997.

Gabriel threw for 171 yards with three touchdown runs, and Tawee Walker ran for 146 yards and a score, as the Sooners were left to lament too many missed opportunities down the stretch to keep their perfect record intact.

Until the fourth quarter, it had been a dreary Homecoming for the Jayhawks.

The sellout crowd packed Memorial Stadium early to watch Fox's pregame show, then started getting wet when rain moved in after kickoff. Midway through the second quarter, lightning lit up the sky, causing a delay of about an hour. And when the game finally resumed, about half that crowd was left — and a big portion of that was chanting “Boomer Sooner.”

The Jayhawks had jumped to a 14-0 lead when Mello Dotson returned Gabriel's interception for a touchdown and, after a fourth-down stand, they promptly marched 79 yards in 10 plays with Hishaw reaching the end zone.

But the Oklahoma offense, which was struggling without injured running back Marcus Major, found its stride when Walker checked in. The junior running back led them downfield before Gabriel scored on a keeper early in the second quarter, and when the lightning delay ended, Walker capped another drive with a tying touchdown of his own.

When the Jayhawks fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Gabriel needed just four plays to get the Sooners in the end zone again.

The game turned into a seesaw affair over the final 30 minutes.

Kansas drew within 21-20 on field goals on each side of halftime, then took the lead back in third quarter. Jalil Farooq fumbled the ball away in Oklahoma territory, and Bean ran 38 yards untouched on the very next play for the score.

The Sooners answered with a 75-yard touchdown march to take a 27-26 lead, only for the Jayhawks to take advantage of three personal fouls — including one on the Oklahoma bench for arguing about the first — to regain a 32-27 lead.

Kansas nearly made it a two-possession game after the Sooners muffed the kickoff, but a holding penalty brought back Hishaw's 20-yard touchdown run and Seth Keller missed a 42-yard field-goal attempt.

Oklahoma took advantage of the missed opportunity. After it was forced to punt, the Sooners' defense got a hand on Bean's third-down pass and Billy Bowman picked it off at the Kansas 14. Gabriel scored less than 2 minutes, barreling into the end zone from a yard out, and the Sooners had a 33-32 lead with 5:22 to go.

The Jayhawks had one more touchdown in them.

Kansas heads to Iowa State on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff time and where the game will be aired is to be determined.

Kansas State defense shines in shutout win over Houston

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard was 15-of-17 passing for 164 yards with two touchdowns as Kansas State defeated Houston 41-0 Saturday.

It was the K-State defense, which has gone nine quarters without allowing a touchdown, that shined the brightest. K-State has outscored its opponents 103-3 since falling behind Texas Tech 21-17 on Oct. 14 before winning 38-21.

“I feel like our confidence level is really high right now and it's coming at a good time,” Howard said. “The defense makes my job really easy. Those are two really good offenses (TCU and Houston) they just held to three points combined. When you have your defense playing like that, it's hard not to win games.”

The Wildcats (6-2, 4-1 Big 12) held the Cougars (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) to just 208 yards. The Cougars came into the game second in the Big 12 with 291 passing yards per game but managed just 95 against K-State.

Houston's Donovan Smith had trouble finding open receivers. He finished the day 13 of 28 for 88 yards.

“We're playing at an elite level,” defensive end Nate Matlack said. “That's what we've been trying to replicate the whole season. It feels really good to be playing at this level, shutting guys out or holding them to one score. That's our goal for the rest of the season.”

K-State head coach Chris Klieman had trouble finding a unit to single out in his postgame praise.

“It was a dominant performance,” Klieman said. "We didn't want to be a roller-coaster team. We want to get better every week. Houston is a good team. Our guys really played focused, physical football.

"I can't say enough about our defense. We're playing really well at all three levels of defense, which I'm excited about.

“Will Howard has played a lot of really good football here, but I told him I thought he played his best game today.”

The Wildcats rushed for 174 yards, led by DJ Giddens, who had 96 yards and two of the three rushing touchdowns. His 13-yard run late in the third quarter extended the lead to 35-0.

Avery Johnson threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Seth Porter in the fourth quarter.

“We knew it would be challenging. It’s Big 12 football,” Houston coach Dana Holgorsen said. “I don’t think that’s who we are as a football team. Our opponent had a lot to do with that.

“That’s what Big 12 championship football looks like.”

K-State continued an impressive streak with a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on its opening possession. Through eight games, the Wildcats have scored six touchdowns and had one field goal the first time it touched the ball. Howard passed to Garrett Oakley for a 12-yard score.

Howard then found Phillip Brooks on a 21-yard touchdown to put the Wildcats up 14-0 early in the second quarter, capping a 15-play, 89-yard drive.

Treshaun Ward punched it in from the 1-yard line to give K-State a 21-0 lead. After another three-and-out, Giddens scored on a 9-yard run to put the Wildcats up 28-0 late in the half.

In the first half, the Wildcats held a 277-83 advantage in total yards. Howard was 13 of 14 for 155 yards and two scores.

There is no quarterback controversy in Manhattan, and not because Johnson isn't capable. Howard has firm control of the offense, and he can run and pass with efficiency.

The Wildcats play at No. 7 Texas on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff time and where the game will be aired is to be determined.

Win over Purdue gives Huskers first three game win streak since 2016

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Matt Rhule was heading into the tunnel at the end of a 31-14 win over Purdue on Saturday when a fan yelled, “Coach, just one more. Just one more."

Presumably, the fan was referencing the one more win Nebraska needs to become bowl-eligible for the first time in seven years.

Rhule, the Cornhuskers' first-year coach, has his sights set higher.

“I don't want just one more. You want just one more?” he said. “I want to win every game we play. I say that humbly. I want to come out every week and compete. I'm still mad about some of the games we lost. I'm excited about the opportunities that are ahead.”

The Huskers (5-3, 3-2) are in a four-way tie for first place in the Big Ten West after having won five of six and three in a row for the first time since 2016.

“He's got all of us buying into his process, going 1-0 every week and not letting the picture get too big,” defensive lineman Ty Robinson said. “At this point we've got four games left, and that’s it for some of us, and coach Rhule told us to make the four games count.”

Heinrich Haarberg threw two touchdown passes, Quinton Newsome ran back a blocked field goal 68 yards for a score and the Huskers were able to survive late turnovers after building a 24-0 lead.

The Huskers' defense stood out once again on a cloudy, 37-degree afternoon with a feels-like temperature of 25. Nebraska allowed just 195 total yards, including 99 passing. It was Purdue's fewest total yards in four seasons and fewest through the air since 2014.

“You can’t win ball games doing that,” Purdue coach Ryan Walters said.

Nebraska needed that kind of defensive performance after losing four of five fumbles. Purdue (2-6, 1-4) converted two of them into touchdowns.

The Huskers scored two touchdowns in less than two minutes in the second quarter to take control. Haarberg led a 15-play drive he ended with a 1-yard pass to Thomas Fidone. Tommi Hill had the first of his two interceptions of Hudson Card on Purdue's next possession, and Haarberg hit Jaylen Lloyd in stride on first down for a 73-yard touchdown.

Haarberg fumbled twice inside his 25-yard line in the second half.

The first time, Dillon Thieneman stripped Haarberg and Cole Brevard recovered at the 13. Jimari Butler and MJ Sherman combined to sack Card on third down, so Ben Freehill came on to attempt a 37-yard field goal. Elijah Jeudy broke through to block the kick and Newsome picked up the ball with a clear path down the left sideline.

Haarberg's second fumble came at his own 24, with Brevard recovering it again. The Boilermakers converted this time, with Card taking a sack before finding Jayden Dixon-Veal for a 29-yard touchdown.

Jeff Sims played Nebraska's next series and fumbled, and Kydran Jenkins ran it back 55 yards for a TD.

“Hats off to Nebraska," Card said. "They were able to capitalize on opportunities when they were presented and we weren’t. To me that was the difference in the game.”

The Huskers finished their first undefeated October since 2001 and are riding a wave of momentum.

CFB Roundup: Northwest spoils Washburn homecoming, Jayhawks upset OU, K-State shuts out Houston

Missouri Western piled up 534 yards of offense and shut down Northeastern State all day long on defense in a 44-0 win over the Riverhawks at Spratt Stadium Saturday in the Rogers Pharmacy Hall of Fame game.

The Griffons (7-2) scored touchdowns on five consecutive drives in the first half to take control and go up 34-0 at halftime.

Missouri Western added 10 more points in the second half and held Northeastern State (1-8) to just 76 total yards in the whole game.

The Griffons were balanced on offense all day, racking up 252 passing yards and 282 more on the ground.

Running back Jared Scott had six carries for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Armani Edden was 12-for-18 through the air for 154 yards and two scores.

Edden's backup, Reagan Jones, played most of the second half and completed 8-of-9 passes for 98 yards and a score. He also rushed for 19 yards.

Jonas Bennett caught four passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Carey had six grabs for 69 yards and a score - his first of the season.

Linebacker Anthony Villenueva had seven total tackles to lead the Griffons defensively.

Missouri Western dominated time of possession 34:07 - 25:53. The Griffons achieved 26 first downs compared to just seven by Northeastern State.

Saturday's win marks the first shutout win over Northeastern State since 2014, and Missouri Western is now 13-0 against the Riverhawks all time.

The seven wins are also the most in a single season for the Griffons since 2019.

Missouri Western stays home next Saturday for a big game against No. 2 Pittsburg State (9-0). Kickoff in that game is set for 1 p.m. Coverage starts at noon on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

The Gorillas beat Sioux Falls in Pittsburg, KS Saturday, 55-6.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698533700083.jpeg" alt="Jared Scott (6) rushed for two touchdowns and 74 yards in a 44-0 win over Northeastern State Saturday. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Jared Scott (6) rushed for two touchdowns and 74 yards in a 44-0 win over Northeastern State Saturday. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western piled up 534 yards of offense and shut down Northeastern State all day long on defense in a 44-0 win over the Riverhawks at Spratt Stadium Saturday in the Rogers Pharmacy Hall of Fame game.The Griffons (7-2) scored touchdowns on five consecutive drives in the first half to take control and go up 34-0 at halftime.Missouri Western added 10 more points in the second half and held Northeastern State (1-8) to just 76 total yards in the whole game.The Griffons were balanced on offense all day, racking up 252 passing yards and 282 more on the ground.Running back Jared Scott had six carries for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Armani Edden was 12-for-18 through the air for 154 yards and two scores.Edden's backup, Reagan Jones, played most of the second half and completed 8-of-9 passes for 98 yards and a score. He also rushed for 19 yards.Jonas Bennett caught four passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Carey had six grabs for 69 yards and a score - his first of the season.Linebacker Anthony Villenueva had seven total tackles to lead the Griffons defensively.Missouri Western dominated time of possession 34:07 - 25:53. The Griffons achieved 26 first downs compared to just seven by Northeastern State.Saturday's win marks the first shutout win over Northeastern State since 2014, and Missouri Western is now 13-0 against the Riverhawks all time.The seven wins are also the most in a single season for the Griffons since 2019.Missouri Western stays home next Saturday for a big game against No. 2 Pittsburg State (9-0). Kickoff in that game is set for 1 p.m. Coverage starts at noon on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).The Gorillas beat Sioux Falls in Pittsburg, KS Saturday, 55-6.Interviews<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Tyler-Fenwick---NSU-postgame-e2b6gpo/a-aahnmg2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-QB-Reagan-Jones-e2b6gs5" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full radio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-vs--Northeastern-State---102823-e2b6gkc/a-aahnm09" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western shuts out Northeastern State at Spratt Stadium Saturday

St. Joseph native and legendary running back Michael Hill is used to this routine by now.

He’s being enshrined into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame this weekend as a member of the 2023 class.

The 2012 Griffon football team, of which Hill was a member, was enshrined into the Missouri Western Hall of Fame last year.

And Hill himself is a member of the <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5cfa4740-2478-4bff-8dee-0e5df5d0fe9e">2022 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class</a>.

Coming back for a third induction this weekend, he says, is a great honor.

"It's an honor to be a part of any of 'em, you know?" Hill said humbly. "One alone. So, I mean, to be able to be involved with multiple (Halls of Fame), I'll take it for sure."

Hill, a St. Joseph Central alum, is Missouri Western’s all-time leading rusher, piling up 4,969 career rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns.

 The 2012 season was Hill's breakout year, where he rushed for over 2,100 yards, earned consensus All-American status and was named MIAA Player of the Year.

Hill says the community support around that 2012 MIAA championship team that went 12-2 was unmatched.

"Seeing the crowd out there and having the community support was awesome," he said. "People rallied when we had games. Social media was strong, so you could see people involved on social media. Talking about the Griffs. That's what you want as a player."

Missouri Western’s current head coach, Tyler Fenwick, was the Griffons’ offensive coordinator during Hill’s time on campus from 2008-2012.

 Fenwick calls Hill one of his all-time favorite players to have ever coached.

"Not just because he was such a talented player, but such a good leader in the right way," Fenwick described. "A good guy. He and I have stayed in touch ever since I left (after the 2012 season) and he graduated. He's become a really good friend. He was actually my realtor when I moved back here."

Hill says Fenwick is the same person and coach today that he was during that great run in 2012.

"As a player, he's everything you want in a coach," Hill said of Fenwick. "Just being composed and leading by example. We may have been down or messing up in practice, and he's calm as can be. He's like, 'Hey, let's get going, let's fix this, here's how we're going to do it.'"

"He recognizes the problem, he tells us or shows us how he's going to fix it. He's just calm with it when there's disaster or when we need to persevere through adversity."

As for the 2012 team and its successes, Hill credits the entire coaching staff for making that historic season, and this eventual Hall of Fame induction, possible.

"That's just a hats off to the coaching staff to work with us, keep our confidence up and groom us to become the men we turned out to be, players and students we turned out to be."

"The players, the coaches, the administration. I have so many stories I can jump back on."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698430459313.jpeg" alt="Michael Hill was enshrined into the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame in September 2022. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Michael Hill was enshrined into the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame in September 2022. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph native and legendary running back Michael Hill is used to this routine by now.He’s being enshrined into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame this weekend as a member of the 2023 class.The 2012 Griffon football team, of which Hill was a member, was enshrined into the Missouri Western Hall of Fame last year.And Hill himself is a member of the <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5cfa4740-2478-4bff-8dee-0e5df5d0fe9e">2022 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class</a>.Coming back for a third induction this weekend, he says, is a great honor."It's an honor to be a part of any of 'em, you know?" Hill said humbly. "One alone. So, I mean, to be able to be involved with multiple (Halls of Fame), I'll take it for sure."Hill, a St. Joseph Central alum, is Missouri Western’s all-time leading rusher, piling up 4,969 career rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns. The 2012 season was Hill's breakout year, where he rushed for over 2,100 yards, earned consensus All-American status and was named MIAA Player of the Year.Hill says the community support around that 2012 MIAA championship team that went 12-2 was unmatched."Seeing the crowd out there and having the community support was awesome," he said. "People rallied when we had games. Social media was strong, so you could see people involved on social media. Talking about the Griffs. That's what you want as a player."Missouri Western’s current head coach, Tyler Fenwick, was the Griffons’ offensive coordinator during Hill’s time on campus from 2008-2012. Fenwick calls Hill one of his all-time favorite players to have ever coached."Not just because he was such a talented player, but such a good leader in the right way," Fenwick described. "A good guy. He and I have stayed in touch ever since I left (after the 2012 season) and he graduated. He's become a really good friend. He was actually my realtor when I moved back here."Hill says Fenwick is the same person and coach today that he was during that great run in 2012.Level-headed. Kind. Honest."As a player, he's everything you want in a coach," Hill said of Fenwick. "Just being composed and leading by example. We may have been down or messing up in practice, and he's calm as can be. He's like, 'Hey, let's get going, let's fix this, here's how we're going to do it.'""He recognizes the problem, he tells us or shows us how he's going to fix it. He's just calm with it when there's disaster or when we need to persevere through adversity."As for the 2012 team and its successes, Hill credits the entire coaching staff for making that historic season, and this eventual Hall of Fame induction, possible."That's just a hats off to the coaching staff to work with us, keep our confidence up and groom us to become the men we turned out to be, players and students we turned out to be.""The players, the coaches, the administration. I have so many stories I can jump back on."Audio story<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Michael-Hill-on-MWSU-Hall-of-Fame-induction-e2b56f3" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698430410699.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Michael Hill has 'so many' MWSU stories as he enters Griffon Hall of Fame in 2023

FAUCETT - Mid-Buchanan had three scoring plays of 57 yards or more in the first half.

That, combined with a second half shutout on the defensive side, was more than enough for the Dragons (7-3) to earn a 28-6 win over South Harrison in Class 2 District 8 quarterfinals in Faucett Thursday night.

South Harrison (3-7) ran 37 snaps in the first half, but only scored once - it was on a one-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Braxton Booth late in the second quarter.

The Dragons had only seven offensive snaps in the first two quarters, but scored on three of them.

The Bulldogs trailed 21-6 at halftime, and had four possessions after the break, but only achieved two first downs over the final two quarters.

South Harrison had a chance at a first quarter touchdown on a 20-play drive, but on 4th-and-goal from the 11-yard line, freshman quarterback Brysan Quinley threw a pass to the end zone that was picked off by Ian Wegenka.

Freshman Chris Kowalewycz got the nod at quarterback for Mid-Buchanan, notching a 63-yard touchdown run and a 69-yard touchdown pass - both in the first half. The touchdown pass was hauled in by Zander Brown.

Kowalewycz finished with 161 all-purpose yards.

Senior Jackson Sauvage, who had an interception in the fourth quarter, finished with 87 yards rushing and a touchdown on five carries. Wegenka toted the rock 12 times for 49 yards and a fourth quarter score.

Booth was South Harrison's leading rusher, as he finished with 122 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Running back Crae Coffey had 70 yards rushing on 22 attempts.

Mid-Buchanan, the No. 3 seed in the district, moves onto district semifinals, where they'll play either No. 2 seed Trenton (8-1) or No. 7 seed Lathrop (2-7) on Friday, Nov. 3.

If Trenton wins, next week's game is in Trenton. If Lathrop wins, the game will be in Faucett.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698377534825.jpeg" alt="Mid-Buchanan's Brayson Weston (7) contains South Harrison quarterback Braxton Booth (15) in Thursday's game. Photo by Matt Pike." />
 <figcaption>Mid-Buchanan's Brayson Weston (7) contains South Harrison quarterback Braxton Booth (15) in Thursday's game. Photo by Matt Pike.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostFAUCETT - Mid-Buchanan had three scoring plays of 57 yards or more in the first half.That, combined with a second half shutout on the defensive side, was more than enough for the Dragons (7-3) to earn a 28-6 win over South Harrison in Class 2 District 8 quarterfinals in Faucett Thursday night.South Harrison (3-7) ran 37 snaps in the first half, but only scored once - it was on a one-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Braxton Booth late in the second quarter.The Dragons had only seven offensive snaps in the first two quarters, but scored on three of them.The Bulldogs trailed 21-6 at halftime, and had four possessions after the break, but only achieved two first downs over the final two quarters.South Harrison had a chance at a first quarter touchdown on a 20-play drive, but on 4th-and-goal from the 11-yard line, freshman quarterback Brysan Quinley threw a pass to the end zone that was picked off by Ian Wegenka.Freshman Chris Kowalewycz got the nod at quarterback for Mid-Buchanan, notching a 63-yard touchdown run and a 69-yard touchdown pass - both in the first half. The touchdown pass was hauled in by Zander Brown.Kowalewycz finished with 161 all-purpose yards.Senior Jackson Sauvage, who had an interception in the fourth quarter, finished with 87 yards rushing and a touchdown on five carries. Wegenka toted the rock 12 times for 49 yards and a fourth quarter score.Booth was South Harrison's leading rusher, as he finished with 122 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Running back Crae Coffey had 70 yards rushing on 22 attempts.Mid-Buchanan, the No. 3 seed in the district, moves onto district semifinals, where they'll play either No. 2 seed Trenton (8-1) or No. 7 seed Lathrop (2-7) on Friday, Nov. 3.If Trenton wins, next week's game is in Trenton. If Lathrop wins, the game will be in Faucett.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698378394884.jpeg" alt="Crae Coffey (49) looks for room to run." />
 <figcaption>Crae Coffey (49) looks for room to run.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mid-Buchanan secures win over South Harrison in district quarterfinals

The Missouri Western women's basketball team outrebounded MidAmerica Nazarene&nbsp;54-32 on their way to an 81-44 exhibition win over the Pioneers at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph on Wednesday.

Thirteen Griffons scored in all, including three in double figures. Connie Clarke led the way with 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals.

Jayme Jackson&nbsp;tacked on 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting and&nbsp;Alyssa Bonilla&nbsp;chipped in 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals. Mary Fultz was close behind with 9 points.

The Missouri Western defense forced 26 turnovers in the game, and held MNU to just 30.6% shooting from the field. The Griffons tallied 17 total steals and also blocked three shots.

Nazarene was also just 9-of-21 at the free throw line.

Leading 20-15 at the end of the first quarter, Missouri Western took control in the second, outscoring MNU in that period 17-5 to go up 37-20 at the break.

It was never close after that. The Griffons outscored the Pioneers 44-24 in the second half.

Missouri Western scored 33 fastbreak points, outscored MNU 48-20 in the paint and the Griffons put up 20 second chance points compared to just five by Nazarene.

The Griffons play another exhibition on Wednesday, November 1 at Division I Missouri State. Tip-off from Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield is set for 6 p.m. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698286309797.jpeg" alt="Alyssa Bonilla (4) was very active in Wednesday's win with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals in an 81-44 exhibition win over MidAmerica Nazarene. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Alyssa Bonilla (4) was very active in Wednesday's win with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals in an 81-44 exhibition win over MidAmerica Nazarene. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western women's basketball team outrebounded MidAmerica Nazarene&nbsp;54-32 on their way to an 81-44 exhibition win over the Pioneers at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph on Wednesday.Thirteen Griffons scored in all, including three in double figures. Connie Clarke led the way with 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals.Jayme Jackson&nbsp;tacked on 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting and&nbsp;Alyssa Bonilla&nbsp;chipped in 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals. Mary Fultz was close behind with 9 points.The Missouri Western defense forced 26 turnovers in the game, and held MNU to just 30.6% shooting from the field. The Griffons tallied 17 total steals and also blocked three shots.Nazarene was also just 9-of-21 at the free throw line.Leading 20-15 at the end of the first quarter, Missouri Western took control in the second, outscoring MNU in that period 17-5 to go up 37-20 at the break.It was never close after that. The Griffons outscored the Pioneers 44-24 in the second half.Missouri Western scored 33 fastbreak points, outscored MNU 48-20 in the paint and the Griffons put up 20 second chance points compared to just five by Nazarene.The Griffons play another exhibition on Wednesday, November 1 at Division I Missouri State. Tip-off from Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield is set for 6 p.m. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698286149867.jpeg" alt="Jayme Jackson (11)." />
 <figcaption>Jayme Jackson (11).</figcaption>
 </figure>Full game broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-WBB-vs--MidAmerica-Nazarene---102523-e2b2ng2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Candi Whitaker interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---MidAmerica-Nazarene-postgame-e2b2neh/a-aahbut6" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on X @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western scores win over MidAmerica Nazarene in exhibition play

FAUCETT - The Bishop LeBlond volleyball team used a dominant effort and claimed their second Class 2 District 16 title in the last three years, defeating the defending district champion East Buchanan Bulldogs, 3-0 Monday at Mid-Buchanan High School. 

LeBlond head coach Kim Huss says it feels great to win another district title after her team put in lots of hard work during the offseason. 

"They have their mind set on some goals, this is the first one of those, and so I think that they're just working towards that achievement, and I hope we can keep the momentum going," Huss told reporters following the game.  

Leblond went back-and-forth with the Bulldogs through set one, but eventually forced a timeout from East Buchanan, leading the set 14-10.

  After the timeout, the Golden Eagles extended their lead, briefly allowing the Bulldogs to tie the set up at 21, before LeBlond scored the final four points, taking set one 25-22.  

LeBlond took the second set in dominating fashion, outscoring East Buchanan 22-7 after the Bulldogs took an early 5-3 lead. The Golden Eagles claimed set two, 25-12. 

Again, the Bulldogs fought hard in the third set, but LeBlond took a 10-4 lead to start the third.

East Buchanan rallied hard, but were held off by the Golden Eagles 25-22, ending the match in straight sets. LeBlond players and fans then poured onto the court to celebrate.  

LeBlond senior Kyla Conard says she's happy to be a part of another district championship team after the Eagles won one her sophomore year.

"After everything that we went through last year with that tough loss in the second round, I'm just really happy that we were able to put it together this year, it was just amazing," Conard said. 

Last season, despite being the No. 1 seed, Bishop Leblond fell to West Platte in district semifinals.  Conard says coming off that loss, the message from the coaches was to remember that feeling. 

"And I feel like we remembered that today and we didn't want to feel it again, so we wanted to come out and win," she remarked.

LeBlond has a veteran core of players, led by seven seniors.  Huss says this group of seniors is a special one. 

"There's not a lot that we have to talk to them that they don't already know that they are aware of in practice that needs to be improved," Huss pointed out.  

"And what's really cool about this group is that they've already achieved success in other sports besides volleyball, final four in basketball, final four in soccer, there's a lot of kids that have already been to multiple final fours." 

Bishop LeBlond will now play Carrollton on Thursday in state sectionals at 6:30 p.m.  The Golden Eagles are currently 30-4 on the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698113932476.jpeg" alt="The Bishop Leblond volleyball team celebrates their Class 2 District 16 championship Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The Bishop Leblond volleyball team celebrates their Class 2 District 16 championship Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post FAUCETT - The Bishop LeBlond volleyball team used a dominant effort and claimed their second Class 2 District 16 title in the last three years, defeating the defending district champion East Buchanan Bulldogs, 3-0 Monday at Mid-Buchanan High School. LeBlond head coach Kim Huss says it feels great to win another district title after her team put in lots of hard work during the offseason. "They have their mind set on some goals, this is the first one of those, and so I think that they're just working towards that achievement, and I hope we can keep the momentum going," Huss told reporters following the game. Leblond went back-and-forth with the Bulldogs through set one, but eventually forced a timeout from East Buchanan, leading the set 14-10. After the timeout, the Golden Eagles extended their lead, briefly allowing the Bulldogs to tie the set up at 21, before LeBlond scored the final four points, taking set one 25-22. LeBlond took the second set in dominating fashion, outscoring East Buchanan 22-7 after the Bulldogs took an early 5-3 lead. The Golden Eagles claimed set two, 25-12. Again, the Bulldogs fought hard in the third set, but LeBlond took a 10-4 lead to start the third.East Buchanan rallied hard, but were held off by the Golden Eagles 25-22, ending the match in straight sets. LeBlond players and fans then poured onto the court to celebrate. LeBlond senior Kyla Conard says she's happy to be a part of another district championship team after the Eagles won one her sophomore year."After everything that we went through last year with that tough loss in the second round, I'm just really happy that we were able to put it together this year, it was just amazing," Conard said. Last season, despite being the No. 1 seed, Bishop Leblond fell to West Platte in district semifinals. Conard says coming off that loss, the message from the coaches was to remember that feeling. "And I feel like we remembered that today and we didn't want to feel it again, so we wanted to come out and win," she remarked.LeBlond has a veteran core of players, led by seven seniors. Huss says this group of seniors is a special one. "There's not a lot that we have to talk to them that they don't already know that they are aware of in practice that needs to be improved," Huss pointed out. "And what's really cool about this group is that they've already achieved success in other sports besides volleyball, final four in basketball, final four in soccer, there's a lot of kids that have already been to multiple final fours." Bishop LeBlond will now play Carrollton on Thursday in state sectionals at 6:30 p.m. The Golden Eagles are currently 30-4 on the season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698113970522.jpeg" alt="Lindsay Atha (14) goes for a kill as East Buchanan's Brooklynn Johnson (25) and Holly Caylor (11) go for a block&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lindsay Atha (14) goes for a kill as East Buchanan's Brooklynn Johnson (25) and Holly Caylor (11) go for a block&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698113993482.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan's Rilyn Sherwood (14) attempts to get the ball past Leblond's Maddie Sego (8) and Leah Frazee (5)" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan's Rilyn Sherwood (14) attempts to get the ball past Leblond's Maddie Sego (8) and Leah Frazee (5)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698114026453.jpeg" alt="Sophomore Rilyn Conrad (21) goes for a kill against East Buchanan" />
 <figcaption>Sophomore Rilyn Conrad (21) goes for a kill against East Buchanan</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698114045541.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan's Holly Caylor (11) goes to tip the ball over the hands of Leblonds Leah Frazee.JPG" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan's Holly Caylor (11) goes to tip the ball over the hands of Leblonds Leah Frazee.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>

Bishop LeBlond volleyball sweeps East Buchanan to earn district title

KANSAS CITY (AP) — If anybody should know how to stop Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, it should probably be the Los Angeles Chargers and the rest of the AFC West, who get two cracks at beating the Kansas City Chiefs every season.

Mahomes threw for 424 yards and four touchdowns, Kelce caught 12 passes for 179 yards and a score, and the Chiefs beat the Chargers 31-17 on Sunday to seize command of a division they have won seven straight years. Mahomes also improved to 29-3 against teams from the AFC West, which Kansas City already leads by three games just seven weeks into the season.

“I think both Kelce and Pat, when they're on the same page, that's a challenge for any defense,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose team became the first Super Bowl champion to lose its season opener and then rip off six straight wins.

“I know they work on it. This isn't, like, a secret,” Reid continued. “It's quite a tribute for those two executing the way they do."

Marquez Valdes-Scantling added three catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, and Rashee Rice and Isiah Pacheco also caught TD passes for the Chiefs (6-1), who have won four straight against the Chargers dating to their 2021 overtime thriller.

It wasn't easy Sunday. The Chiefs were leading 24-17 midway through the fourth quarter when Mecole Hardman, who returned to Kansas City just this week in&nbsp;a trade with the New York Jets, brought back a punt 50 yards. That gave them a short field and, six plays later, Mahomes hit Pacheco out of the backfield for the touchdown that put the game away.

“We just didn't get any rhythm in the second half,” said Chargers coach Brandon Staley, whose team was shut out over the final 30 minutes. “In the first half I thought we were aggressive. In the second half, we kept stalling out.”

The Chargers' Justin Herbert, who was sacked five times by the league's No. 2 scoring defense, had 259 yards passing with a touchdown and two picks. Joshua Palmer caught five passes for 133 yards and Joshua Kelley ran for 75 yards and a score.

The Chiefs had been relying all season on their defense to bail out an offense that had struggled to hit its stride.

Mahomes and company finally found it in the first half.

After an opening drive that netted a field goal, the reigning league MVP capped three of the next four with TD passes. The first was a 46-yard strike to Valdes-Scantling, the second to Rice, and the final one — almost fittingly — a flip from the 1-yard line to Kelce, who bulldozed through a group of defenders and into the end zone with 15 seconds left in the first half.

That prompted big cheers from the home crowd, including pop superstar Taylor Swift, who again watched from a luxury suite and celebrated with&nbsp;a personalized handshake with Brittany Mahomes, the quarterback's wife.

Mahomes had 321 yards passing by that point, the fourth time in his career he had been over 300 before halftime. And Kelce had nine catches for 143 yards and a score, the second week in a row he'd been over 100 by the break.

“The main thing with Travis," Mahomes explained, “is the way he's able to recognize coverage and adjust on the fly. We always talk about it, but you can't take it for granted. He can read the coverages, stop in the windows and be on the same page as me."

Yet their big half only left the Chiefs leading 24-17, because the Chargers were getting some big plays of their own.

After they evened the score with a field goal of their own, Kelley got loose for a 49-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. And after Herbert connected with Palmer for 60 yards down the middle of the field, the Los Angeles quarterback found tight end Gerald Everett in the end zone for a touchdown.

Given all the first-half offense, the second half was mostly a dud. Both teams put together long drives in the third quarter, and both of them ended up with turnovers, leaving the Chiefs clinging to their 24-17 lead heading into the fourth.

That's when they were able to put the game away.

The Chiefs have another divisional matchup next week as they visit the Broncos on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 3:25 central. The game will be broadcast on KFEQ (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698028266994.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) catches a pass as Los Angeles Chargers safety Dean Marlowe (20) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) catches a pass as Los Angeles Chargers safety Dean Marlowe (20) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel).</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY (AP) — If anybody should know how to stop Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, it should probably be the Los Angeles Chargers and the rest of the AFC West, who get two cracks at beating the Kansas City Chiefs every season.The familiarity hasn't seemed to help.Mahomes threw for 424 yards and four touchdowns, Kelce caught 12 passes for 179 yards and a score, and the Chiefs beat the Chargers 31-17 on Sunday to seize command of a division they have won seven straight years. Mahomes also improved to 29-3 against teams from the AFC West, which Kansas City already leads by three games just seven weeks into the season.“I think both Kelce and Pat, when they're on the same page, that's a challenge for any defense,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose team became the first Super Bowl champion to lose its season opener and then rip off six straight wins.“I know they work on it. This isn't, like, a secret,” Reid continued. “It's quite a tribute for those two executing the way they do."Marquez Valdes-Scantling added three catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, and Rashee Rice and Isiah Pacheco also caught TD passes for the Chiefs (6-1), who have won four straight against the Chargers dating to their 2021 overtime thriller.It wasn't easy Sunday. The Chiefs were leading 24-17 midway through the fourth quarter when Mecole Hardman, who returned to Kansas City just this week in&nbsp;a trade with the New York Jets, brought back a punt 50 yards. That gave them a short field and, six plays later, Mahomes hit Pacheco out of the backfield for the touchdown that put the game away.“We just didn't get any rhythm in the second half,” said Chargers coach Brandon Staley, whose team was shut out over the final 30 minutes. “In the first half I thought we were aggressive. In the second half, we kept stalling out.”The Chargers' Justin Herbert, who was sacked five times by the league's No. 2 scoring defense, had 259 yards passing with a touchdown and two picks. Joshua Palmer caught five passes for 133 yards and Joshua Kelley ran for 75 yards and a score.The Chiefs had been relying all season on their defense to bail out an offense that had struggled to hit its stride.Mahomes and company finally found it in the first half.After an opening drive that netted a field goal, the reigning league MVP capped three of the next four with TD passes. The first was a 46-yard strike to Valdes-Scantling, the second to Rice, and the final one — almost fittingly — a flip from the 1-yard line to Kelce, who bulldozed through a group of defenders and into the end zone with 15 seconds left in the first half.That prompted big cheers from the home crowd, including pop superstar Taylor Swift, who again watched from a luxury suite and celebrated with&nbsp;a personalized handshake with Brittany Mahomes, the quarterback's wife.Mahomes had 321 yards passing by that point, the fourth time in his career he had been over 300 before halftime. And Kelce had nine catches for 143 yards and a score, the second week in a row he'd been over 100 by the break.“The main thing with Travis," Mahomes explained, “is the way he's able to recognize coverage and adjust on the fly. We always talk about it, but you can't take it for granted. He can read the coverages, stop in the windows and be on the same page as me."Yet their big half only left the Chiefs leading 24-17, because the Chargers were getting some big plays of their own.After they evened the score with a field goal of their own, Kelley got loose for a 49-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. And after Herbert connected with Palmer for 60 yards down the middle of the field, the Los Angeles quarterback found tight end Gerald Everett in the end zone for a touchdown.Given all the first-half offense, the second half was mostly a dud. Both teams put together long drives in the third quarter, and both of them ended up with turnovers, leaving the Chiefs clinging to their 24-17 lead heading into the fourth.That's when they were able to put the game away.The Chiefs have another divisional matchup next week as they visit the Broncos on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 3:25 central. The game will be broadcast on KFEQ (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698028318451.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles away from Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles away from Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga).</figcaption>
 </figure>

Mahomes throws for 424 yards and 4 TDs, Kelce has big day as Chiefs beat Chargers

Walk off field goal from Griffons Cody Watson secures win over UNK

The Missouri Western State University Griffons scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, and Cody Watson would hit his second walk off field goal of the season in a 20-17 win over Nebraska-Kearney.&nbsp; <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/68a70c3f-7fc4-4132-b4da-c68aa68f7be2">Read our full recap HERE</a>.

Bearcats suffer Homecoming blues in 28-7 loss to Pittsburgh State

The Northwest Missouri State offense struggled to put things together as the Bearcats were shutout until late in the fourth quarter, falling to Pittsburgh State&nbsp; 28-7 on Homecoming in Maryville.&nbsp;

Following a scoreless first quarter, the Gorillas would score 21 unanswered points in the second quarter thanks to three rushing touchdowns.&nbsp; Ty Pennington would account for two of those, rushing for scores of three and one yard respectively, while Noah Hernandez would punch one rush in from three yards out.&nbsp; The score at halftime was 21-0.

Again both teams defenses would come out swinging in the second half, recording a scoreless third quarter.&nbsp; Pittsburgh State would extend their lead midway through the final frame, Pennington scoring his third touchdown of the day and pushing the lead to 28-0.&nbsp;

Taking over with 5:44 left on the clock, the Bearcats would finally put together a scoring drive.&nbsp; Quarterback Mike Hohensee would come out firing, driving Northwest down the field 75 yards on 10 plays before finding Trevon Alexander for a 24 yard score.

The Bearcats would get one more chance after forcing a three and out on Pittsburgh State, but on the first play following the punt Hohensee would throw an interception to Carson Otworth, allowing the Gorillas to kneel out the remainder of the clock.&nbsp;

Despite the offensive struggles it was another solid day on the ground for Jay Harris who would rush 19 times for 123 yards.&nbsp; Hohensee threw for 172 yards on the day, throwing two interceptions and one touchdown.&nbsp; The leading receiver was Kashan Griffin who caught six passes for 65 yards.&nbsp;

Northwest's record now falls back to .500 as the Bearcats are 4-4 (3-4 MIAA) on the season.&nbsp; Northwest will now travel on Saturday to Topeka, Kansas to matchup with Washburn.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 1pm.

#18 Benedictine secures big Homecoming win over Missouri Valley

A balanced offense and timely defense helped the #18 Benedictine Ravens earn a 31-7 Homecoming win over Missouri Valley on Saturday at Larry Wilcox Stadium in Atchison, Kansas.

After the first two drives of the game ended with punts, the Ravens would score the first points of the game quickly.&nbsp; Getting the ball back with 9:21 left in the opening frame, Benedictine would need just two plays for Jackson Dooley to connect with Jacob Gathright for a 40 yard touchdown.

By MATT PIKE/APSt. Joseph PostWalk off field goal from Griffons Cody Watson secures win over UNK<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697933014094.jpeg" alt="Cody Watson nailed a 31 yard game winning field goal to help the Griffons beat UNK 20-17, Watson was 2&nbsp; for 4 after starting the day 0 for 2 /Photo courtesy of UNK Media Relations" />
 <figcaption>Cody Watson nailed a 31 yard game winning field goal to help the Griffons beat UNK 20-17, Watson was 2&nbsp; for 4 after starting the day 0 for 2 /Photo courtesy of UNK Media Relations</figcaption>
 </figure>The Missouri Western State University Griffons scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, and Cody Watson would hit his second walk off field goal of the season in a 20-17 win over Nebraska-Kearney.&nbsp; <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/68a70c3f-7fc4-4132-b4da-c68aa68f7be2">Read our full recap HERE</a>.Bearcats suffer Homecoming blues in 28-7 loss to Pittsburgh State<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697930636489.jpeg" alt="Defensive tackle Kobe Clayborne (0) tackles Pittsburgh State tight end Dallas Bond (82) as he reaches for a first down /Photo courtesy of Alexis Starks of Northwest Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Defensive tackle Kobe Clayborne (0) tackles Pittsburgh State tight end Dallas Bond (82) as he reaches for a first down /Photo courtesy of Alexis Starks of Northwest Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Northwest Missouri State offense struggled to put things together as the Bearcats were shutout until late in the fourth quarter, falling to Pittsburgh State&nbsp; 28-7 on Homecoming in Maryville.&nbsp;Following a scoreless first quarter, the Gorillas would score 21 unanswered points in the second quarter thanks to three rushing touchdowns.&nbsp; Ty Pennington would account for two of those, rushing for scores of three and one yard respectively, while Noah Hernandez would punch one rush in from three yards out.&nbsp; The score at halftime was 21-0.Again both teams defenses would come out swinging in the second half, recording a scoreless third quarter.&nbsp; Pittsburgh State would extend their lead midway through the final frame, Pennington scoring his third touchdown of the day and pushing the lead to 28-0.&nbsp;Taking over with 5:44 left on the clock, the Bearcats would finally put together a scoring drive.&nbsp; Quarterback Mike Hohensee would come out firing, driving Northwest down the field 75 yards on 10 plays before finding Trevon Alexander for a 24 yard score.The Bearcats would get one more chance after forcing a three and out on Pittsburgh State, but on the first play following the punt Hohensee would throw an interception to Carson Otworth, allowing the Gorillas to kneel out the remainder of the clock.&nbsp;Despite the offensive struggles it was another solid day on the ground for Jay Harris who would rush 19 times for 123 yards.&nbsp; Hohensee threw for 172 yards on the day, throwing two interceptions and one touchdown.&nbsp; The leading receiver was Kashan Griffin who caught six passes for 65 yards.&nbsp;Northwest's record now falls back to .500 as the Bearcats are 4-4 (3-4 MIAA) on the season.&nbsp; Northwest will now travel on Saturday to Topeka, Kansas to matchup with Washburn.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 1pm.#18 Benedictine secures big Homecoming win over Missouri Valley<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697929682233.jpeg" alt="Jagger Blubaugh (8) during Benedictines 31-7 Homecoming win over Missouri Valley/Photo courtesy of Maria St. Germain.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Jagger Blubaugh (8) during Benedictines 31-7 Homecoming win over Missouri Valley/Photo courtesy of Maria St. Germain.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>A balanced offense and timely defense helped the #18 Benedictine Ravens earn a 31-7 Homecoming win over Missouri Valley on Saturday at Larry Wilcox Stadium in Atchison, Kansas.After the first two drives of the game ended with punts, the Ravens would score the first points of the game quickly.&nbsp; Getting the ball back with 9:21 left in the opening frame, Benedictine would need just two plays for Jackson Dooley to connect with Jacob Gathright for a 40 yard touchdown.On the next offense drive for Benedictine, the lead would be pushed to 14-0 after a 10 play drive that took just over five minutes off the clock as the Ravens would go 63 yards, Dooley finding Kameron Dover this time on an eight yard pass.The Vikings would narrow the lead in the second quarter, scoring their only points of the game after an eight play drive, quarterback Tionne Harris needing just one yard to get the ball to Khaleel Dampier for the touchdown, the score coming just two plays after a 44 yard rush from Jeremiah Bryant.&nbsp;The score would hold at 14-7 until halftime, but on Benedictine's first offensive drive in the second half they would extend that lead on another passing touchdown from Dooley, this time the completion coming to Dalton Witherspoon for a 14 yard score extending the lead to 21-7.Both defenses would again step up, holding the lead to two scores through the remainder of the third quarter.&nbsp; In the final frame the Ravens would score again however.&nbsp; On a drive that began with 2:50 left in the third, Benedictine would carry that into the fourth quarter, capping the outstanding 16 play drive with a 21 yard field goal from Harry Balke, the drive consuming just under nine minutes of clock.On the ensuing drive the Ravens would score their final points of the game.&nbsp; With the Vikings looking to convert a 3rd and 9, Jagger Blubaugh would pick off Harris, taking the interception back 64 yards for a touchdown.&nbsp;Dooley would go 15 for 24 through the air passing for 185 yards to go with his three touchdowns.&nbsp; Witherspoon would rush 11 times for 84 yards while catching two passes for 28 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; Gathright would lead all receivers with four catches for 72 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp;Benedictine is now 6-2 (2-0 Heart South) on the season, and will watch the polls that come out Monday to see if they go up in the rankings.&nbsp; Next up for the Ravens is a road trip to Liston Stadium in Baldwin City, Kansas for a matchup with Baker.&nbsp; Kickoff is at&nbsp; 1pm.Explosive plays earn Mizzou the Mayor's Cup on Homecoming in CoMO<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697934731303.jpeg" alt="Cody Schraeder (7) rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns in Missouri's 34-12 Homecoming win over South Carolina/Photo courtesy of Mizzou Football on X" />
 <figcaption>Cody Schraeder (7) rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns in Missouri's 34-12 Homecoming win over South Carolina/Photo courtesy of Mizzou Football on X</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Cody Schrader ran for 159 yards and two touchdowns and No. 20 Missouri sacked Spencer Rattler six times in a 34-12 victory over South Carolina on Saturday.Missouri (7-1, 3-1 SEC) has seven victories in its first eight games for the first time since 2013.Brady Cook completed 14 of 24 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score, and Luther Burden III caught four passes for 90 yards and a TD.Rattler completed 23 of 40 passes for 217 yards, and South Carolina kicker Mitch Jeter converted four of five field goals.After South Carolina (2-5, 1-4 SEC) cut it to 24-12 with 10:31 left on Jeter's goal, Schrader sealed it with an 11-yard touchdown run with 2:46 to go.Cook capped an 87-yard drive with a 17-yard rushing touchdown, and Harrison Mevis hit a 21-yard field goal in the second quarter to give Missouri a 24-0 lead. Jeter spoiled the shutout with a 51-yard field goal with 31 seconds left in the half.Schrader had 10-yard touchdown run to give the Tigers a 14-0 lead with 46 seconds remaining in the first quarter.Missouri took a 7-0 lead when Cook threaded a 42-yard touchdown pass to Burden through double coverage with 6:31 remaining in the first.THE TAKEAWAY&nbsp;The Tigers did not allow a touchdown for the first time since beating Vanderbilt 41-0 on Nov. 28, 2020.TROPHY STAYING PUTMissouri is keeping the Mayor’s Cup trophy given to the winner of the matchup between the two schools in cities named Columbia.POLL IMPLICATIONSMissouri is poised to rise at least a spot or two and will likely have its highest ranking since being ranked 14th at the 2014 season.UP NEXTThe Tigers will have a bye this week.&nbsp; A tough matchup will be coming next week as Mizzou will travel to Athens, Georgia for a matchup with the current #1 team, the Georgia Bulldogs.&nbsp; Kickoff time is still to be determined, as is where the game will air.Will Howard and Avery Johnson lead Wildcats to blowout win<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697944013214.jpeg" alt="Kansas State quarterback Will Howard passes under pressure from TCU linebacker Namdi Obiazor (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State quarterback Will Howard passes under pressure from TCU linebacker Namdi Obiazor (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard threw three touchdown passes, including a 61-yarder to DJ Giddens, to help Kansas State beat TCU 41-3 on Saturday night.The contest was a rematch from the Big 12 title game last season, which Kansas State won 31-28.Howard went 10-for-16 passing for 154 yards with three touchdowns and 62 yards rushing. Howard started at quarterback for the Wildcats, but Kansas State (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) quickly used both Howard and freshman Avery Johnson.A week after a five-touchdown performance, Johnson earned his first career start by taking a jet-sweep for 4 yards on the opening play. Johnson finished with 73 yards rushing and threw for 90 yards and a touchdown, going 5-for-10 passing. Treshaun Ward was the recipient of Johnson’s first collegiate touchdown pass.Giddens ran for 85 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown to make it 7-0, and his 61-yard catch-and-run gave the Wildcats a 21-3 lead going into the second quarter. Jayce Brown and Will Swanson had their first collegiate touchdown receptions.The Wildcats had 587 total yards, the most allowed by TCU (4-4, 2-3 Big 12) this season.Josh Hoover went 23 for 43 for 187 yards with an interception for TCU in his second career start. The Horned Frogs were held to 300 yards, their lowest total this season.Emani Bailey had 100 yards rush for had his fifth career 100-yard game. The Horned Frogs finished with 113 total rushing yards.Griffin Kell put the Horned Frogs on the board with a 32-yard field goal in the first quarter.THE TAKEAWAYKansas State was propelled by an extremely hot start with 21 points and 238 total yards, including 127 rushing yards in the first quarter alone. Giddens scored a 2-yard touchdown to end an eight-play, 75-yard drive on the opening possession for the Wildcats. K-State has produced points in six of seven opening drives this season, five of which have been for touchdowns.HOME COOKINGKansas State returned home to the friendly confines of Bill Snyder Family Stadium for the first time since hosting UCF for its Big 12 opener on September 23. The Wildcats are 4-0 at home this season. The Horned Frogs left the Lone Star State for just the second time this season. TCU only plays three regular season games outside of Texas in 2023.UP NEXTKansas State hosts Houston Saturday in the first meeting between the programs.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 11am and the game will be aired on ESPN2.Huskers defense shines in 17-9 win over Northwestern<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697935537873.jpeg" alt="Heinrich Haarberg (10) avoides a tackle during Nebraska's 17-9 win over Northwestern Photo courtesy of Nebraska Athletics.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Heinrich Haarberg (10) avoides a tackle during Nebraska's 17-9 win over Northwestern Photo courtesy of Nebraska Athletics.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's success in Matt Rhule's first season is going to depend on his defense. That much was clear in a 17-9 win over Northwestern on Saturday.The Cornhuskers matched their season high with eight sacks, had their most tackles for loss in four years and held a second straight opponent under 10 points for the first time since 2010.The offense, meanwhile, continued to sputter against Big Ten opponents and is averaging just 13.5 points in four conference games.“I want our defense to understand we're a defensive football team,” Rhule said. “That doesn't mean the offense takes a backseat to it. It means I expect our defense is going to go win games when it has a chance to go win games.”The Huskers (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) have won four of their last five games and matched their 2022 win total.When Northwestern pulled within eight points in the fourth quarter, the Huskers' defense turned up its game another notch. Four of its sacks of Brendan Sullivan came on the Wildcats' last two possessions.“We go out there with the mindset on defense that we're going to win every football game no matter what's going on with the offense, good or bad,” said defensive lineman Nash Hutmacher, who had 2 1/2 sacks. “We're going to go out there and play the same brand no matter if we're up 30 or down 30. We knew going in we would take advantge of them pass-rushing, and we really did today."Heinrich Haarberg scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 3-yard run just before halftime and put the Huskers up 17-6 with a 44-yard pass to Malachi Coleman early in the fourth quarter.Jake Olsen kicked three field goals for the Wildcats (3-4, 1-3 Big Ten), who were held without a touchdown for the third time in 10 games.The Huskers' 13 tackles for loss were their most since they had the same number against Illinois in 2019. They limited Northwestern to 81 rushing yards on 39 carries, including minus-5 on 18 runs in the second half. The Huskers have held six of their seven opponents under 100 rushing yards.Haarberg, who was intercepted on two of his first four passes, was 8 of 17 for 85 yards. He ran 16 times for 72 yards.Northwestern has lost 14 straight true road games.“In the locker room, in there right now, it’s crushed," Wildcats interim coach David Braun said. “This team, this program came into Lincoln today expecting to win a football game. They walked in here and we challenged them to play for four quarters. There’s no doubt in my mind that our young men did just that. They played their tails off for four quarters."THE TAKEAWAYThe Huskers managed to win with an inconsistent offense that generated only 248 yards. But there are more wins out there this season if the defense keeps playing like it has the last two games.ONE PLAY, TWO INJURIESNebraska lost two starters on the same play early in the second quarter. Season receiving leader Billy Kemp injured his left leg and offensive lineman Ethan Piper injured his right leg. Both left the field with assistance. Defensive back Tommi Hill didn't play the second half after injuring his ankle.STADIUM MILESTONE CELEBRATIONThe Huskers celebrated the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium. Three Nebraska National Guard soldiers honored the state's fallen soldiers with a three-volley salute before the national anthem, Hall of Fame coach Tom Osborne gave a video message and stories about the stadium history were shown during breaks in the action.Nebraska played its first game in the stadium on Oct. 13, 1923. Saturday marked the 592nd game at the stadium and 393rd consecutive sellout since 1962.UP NEXTNebraska hosts Purdue on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 2:30pm and the game will be aired on FS1.Bye Week Notes<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697943343190.jpeg" alt="Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels passes the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels passes the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Jayhawks got a week to help quarterback Jalon Daniels get healthy from a back injury.&nbsp; The Jayhawks will be back in action on Saturday against Oklahoma.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 11am and the game will be aired on Fox