When Benton scored a touchdown with 47 seconds left in the second quarter to make it a 27-14 game against Savannah, it felt like Friday's game would be a battle into the second half.&nbsp;

The Savages (5-0) made sure that it wasn't.

Savannah scored a series of 27 unanswered points, including a touchdown with nine seconds left in the first half, to take control and beat Benton 54-22 at Sparks Field in St. Joseph Friday.

Savannah went into halftime ahead 34-14, and eventually led 54-14 with less than eight minutes to play.

"Credit to Benton," Savannah coach Anthony Hays said. "They're much improved. They got on the board a couple of times and made it a tight game, but our guys responded. I think that's the thing I took away the most is that we had some adversity, faced a good team, had some self-inflicted stuff, but we overcame it and pulled away in the second half."

Savannah scored touchdowns on each of their first seven possessions. Senior quarterback Ethan Dudeck got things going on the Savages' first possession in the first quarter, capping a nine-play scoring drive with a nine-yard touchdown throw to junior Zayden Snapp, making it 7-0 Savages with 3:59 to go in the opening quarter.

Benton (3-2) had an answer on the ensuing drive, as sophomore quarterback Jaxson Rich fired a pass down the sideline to senior tight end Denver Domann, who took it 32 yards to the endzone. The point-after from Ryker Wells missed, and Savannah led 7-6 at the end of one.

The Savages had the ball to start the second quarter, and capped an 11-play scoring drive with a seven-yard touchdown run from junior running back Cade Chappell, and Savannah led 14-6 with 10:27 left in the second.

After Benton turned the ball over on downs on their next series, Savannah kept the pressure on, as Dudeck fired a beautiful 50-yard touchdown strike to Snapp down the sideline.

Snapp caught the ball about 10 or so yards away from the endzone, and drug Benton's Devon Hoffmann with him to the goal line before stretching out for the score.

Snapp had four catches for 73 yards and two scores Friday.

Benton had no answer again, punting on their next drive. Just four plays later, Chappell took off down the Savannah sideline on a 44-yard score and Savannah led 27-6 with 1:10 left until halftime.

Badly needing a score, Benton made it happen on just one play seconds later. Rich fired a pass to Hoffmann in the middle of the field, who caught the ball fairly wide open and went 64 yards to the house to make it a 27-14 ballgame with 47 seconds left until the break.

Then, the Savannah avalanche started. Just three plays later, aided by a Benton horse-collar penalty, Dudeck lobbed a pass to an open Truman Bodenhausen in the endzone, putting Savannah ahead 34-14 at the break.

Dudeck completed 6-of-9 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown.

"I think it was great play all around by our whole team," Dudeck said. "Defense really stepped up in the second half after allowing a couple of touchdowns early on, but Chappell runs the ball hard every time. Our offensive line gave me plenty of time. So, just all around great play for the whole team."

The Savages got the ball to start the second half and tightened their grip on the game. Milking more than six minutes off the clock on a 12-play drive, Chappell scored for a third time in the game from seven yards out, making it a 41-14 contest with 5:44 left in the third.

Chappell finished with 205 yards rushing on 28 carries to go with his three touchdowns.

Senior Alex Hopper and freshman backup quarterback Aiden Knechtenhofer added rushing scores in the fourth quarter. Benton senior Adrian Byrd scored on a 15-yard touchdown run to get the Cardinals back on the board before game's end with 1:56 remaining.

Benton had a stretch of three straight drives in the third and fourth quarter that ended in punt. The Cardinals had just one first down in the third quarter as well.

Rich led Benton offensively, completing 13-of-18 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Domann caught seven passes for 87 yards and a score. Hoffmann had three snags for 114 receiving yards and a touchdown.

This marks five straight wins over Benton for Savannah. But more importantly, with Chillicothe's 29-20 win over St. Pius X on Friday, the Savages are the lone undefeated team left in the Midland Empire Conference and in Class 3 District 8.

Savannah also hasn't gone unbeaten through its first five games since 2012.

"We enjoy the wins," Hays said, "but we clean slate on the weekend and look at our next opponent. We don't take anybody for granted. Just try to be 1-0 every week and hopefully at the end, we're holding up an MEC title and a district title."

Savannah is home to Cameron next week, while Benton heads to Maryville. The Spoofhounds beat the Dragons 49-0 Friday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663996694133.jpeg" alt="Cade Chappell takes off down the sideline during Savannah's 54-22 win at Benton Friday. Photo by Harry Loomis." />
 <figcaption>Cade Chappell takes off down the sideline during Savannah's 54-22 win at Benton Friday. Photo by Harry Loomis.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostWhen Benton scored a touchdown with 47 seconds left in the second quarter to make it a 27-14 game against Savannah, it felt like Friday's game would be a battle into the second half.&nbsp;The Savages (5-0) made sure that it wasn't.Savannah scored a series of 27 unanswered points, including a touchdown with nine seconds left in the first half, to take control and beat Benton 54-22 at Sparks Field in St. Joseph Friday.Savannah went into halftime ahead 34-14, and eventually led 54-14 with less than eight minutes to play."Credit to Benton," Savannah coach Anthony Hays said. "They're much improved. They got on the board a couple of times and made it a tight game, but our guys responded. I think that's the thing I took away the most is that we had some adversity, faced a good team, had some self-inflicted stuff, but we overcame it and pulled away in the second half."Savannah scored touchdowns on each of their first seven possessions. Senior quarterback Ethan Dudeck got things going on the Savages' first possession in the first quarter, capping a nine-play scoring drive with a nine-yard touchdown throw to junior Zayden Snapp, making it 7-0 Savages with 3:59 to go in the opening quarter.Benton (3-2) had an answer on the ensuing drive, as sophomore quarterback Jaxson Rich fired a pass down the sideline to senior tight end Denver Domann, who took it 32 yards to the endzone. The point-after from Ryker Wells missed, and Savannah led 7-6 at the end of one.The Savages had the ball to start the second quarter, and capped an 11-play scoring drive with a seven-yard touchdown run from junior running back Cade Chappell, and Savannah led 14-6 with 10:27 left in the second.After Benton turned the ball over on downs on their next series, Savannah kept the pressure on, as Dudeck fired a beautiful 50-yard touchdown strike to Snapp down the sideline.Snapp caught the ball about 10 or so yards away from the endzone, and drug Benton's Devon Hoffmann with him to the goal line before stretching out for the score.Snapp had four catches for 73 yards and two scores Friday.Benton had no answer again, punting on their next drive. Just four plays later, Chappell took off down the Savannah sideline on a 44-yard score and Savannah led 27-6 with 1:10 left until halftime.Badly needing a score, Benton made it happen on just one play seconds later. Rich fired a pass to Hoffmann in the middle of the field, who caught the ball fairly wide open and went 64 yards to the house to make it a 27-14 ballgame with 47 seconds left until the break.Then, the Savannah avalanche started. Just three plays later, aided by a Benton horse-collar penalty, Dudeck lobbed a pass to an open Truman Bodenhausen in the endzone, putting Savannah ahead 34-14 at the break.Dudeck completed 6-of-9 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown."I think it was great play all around by our whole team," Dudeck said. "Defense really stepped up in the second half after allowing a couple of touchdowns early on, but Chappell runs the ball hard every time. Our offensive line gave me plenty of time. So, just all around great play for the whole team."The Savages got the ball to start the second half and tightened their grip on the game. Milking more than six minutes off the clock on a 12-play drive, Chappell scored for a third time in the game from seven yards out, making it a 41-14 contest with 5:44 left in the third.Chappell finished with 205 yards rushing on 28 carries to go with his three touchdowns.Senior Alex Hopper and freshman backup quarterback Aiden Knechtenhofer added rushing scores in the fourth quarter. Benton senior Adrian Byrd scored on a 15-yard touchdown run to get the Cardinals back on the board before game's end with 1:56 remaining.Benton had a stretch of three straight drives in the third and fourth quarter that ended in punt. The Cardinals had just one first down in the third quarter as well.Rich led Benton offensively, completing 13-of-18 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Domann caught seven passes for 87 yards and a score. Hoffmann had three snags for 114 receiving yards and a touchdown.This marks five straight wins over Benton for Savannah. But more importantly, with Chillicothe's 29-20 win over St. Pius X on Friday, the Savages are the lone undefeated team left in the Midland Empire Conference and in Class 3 District 8.Savannah also hasn't gone unbeaten through its first five games since 2012."We enjoy the wins," Hays said, "but we clean slate on the weekend and look at our next opponent. We don't take anybody for granted. Just try to be 1-0 every week and hopefully at the end, we're holding up an MEC title and a district title."Savannah is home to Cameron next week, while Benton heads to Maryville. The Spoofhounds beat the Dragons 49-0 Friday.<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Savannah-coach-Anthony-Hays--head-coach-Ethan-Dudeck-e1o9r3t" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full broadcast<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Savannah--Benton-football---September-23--2022-e1o9r4o" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663996969761.jpeg" alt="Ethan Dudeck (19) hands off to Cade Chappell (22)." />
 <figcaption>Ethan Dudeck (19) hands off to Cade Chappell (22).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663996989393.jpeg" alt="Zayden Snapp." />
 <figcaption>Zayden Snapp.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663997007910.jpeg" alt="Landon Stallsworth (9)." />
 <figcaption>Landon Stallsworth (9).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663997051136.jpeg" alt="Jaxson Rich (1) looks downfield for Devon Hoffmann (5)." />
 <figcaption>Jaxson Rich (1) looks downfield for Devon Hoffmann (5).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663997120681.jpeg" alt="Cade Chappell and teammates celebrate a second quarter touchdown." />
 <figcaption>Cade Chappell and teammates celebrate a second quarter touchdown.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Savannah wins big at Benton Friday, Savages control their destiny in Class 3 District 8

(AP) — Jonathan Heasley pitched six effective innings, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1 to complete a three-game sweep. 

Edward Oliveras and Drew Waters homered for Kansas City. Salvador Perez also drove in a run for the Royals, extending his streak to seven straight games with an RBI. 

Caleb Hamilton drove in the only run for the Twins, who limp home to wrap up the season having lost 17 of their last 20 road games.

The Royals next take on the Mariners Friday night with first pitch at 7:10 central. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

(AP) — Jonathan Heasley pitched six effective innings, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1 to complete a three-game sweep. Edward Oliveras and Drew Waters homered for Kansas City. Salvador Perez also drove in a run for the Royals, extending his streak to seven straight games with an RBI. Caleb Hamilton drove in the only run for the Twins, who limp home to wrap up the season having lost 17 of their last 20 road games.The Royals next take on the Mariners Friday night with first pitch at 7:10 central. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Heasley shuts down Twins, Royals win 4-1 to finish sweep

Volleyball East Buchanan 3 Mid-Buchanan 2. <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/0e264218-f921-4f47-aeb8-1a6f55478e9a">Full coverage here</a>. St. Pius X 3 Bishop LeBlond 1 Platte County 3 St. Joseph Central 0 Lafayette 3 Chillicothe 1 St. Joseph Christian 3 Maysville 0 South Holt 3 Nodaway Valley 0 Union Star @ Mound City - missing Savannah @ Benton - missing

Softball Savannah 9 Bishop LeBlond 4 Lafayette 3 Falls City, NE 0 St. Joseph Central 5 Park Hill 0 North Platte 7 Mid-Buchanan 3 Plattsburg 8 East Buchanan 7 King City 14 Maysville 2 Gallatin 10 Stanberry 0 Chillicothe @ Benton was postponed DeKalb @ Stewartsville-Osborn - missing

Boys’ soccer Excelsior Springs 8 Benton 0 Bishop LeBlond 3 St. Pius X 1 Fort Osage 1 St. Joseph Central 0 Savannah @ Chillicothe - missing

Girls’ tennis Savannah 7 Benton 2 St. Joseph Central 9 Fort Osage 0

Cross country Mound City’s Keaton Zembles won the Duane Kimble Invitational at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. Benton’s Elliott McCoy finished second, LeBlond’s Jonathan Eckstein was third and Benton’s Kruz Bigham was fourth. Central also had four boys’ runners in the top 10 (Gideon Montgomery 6th, Dainon Mauzey 7th, Wyatt Stagg 8th, Owen Case 10th).

Mound City won the boys’ team title. On the girls’ side, Savannah won the team title. St. Joseph Christian’s Joy Wallick finished third in the girls’ race, while Mid-Buchanan’s Hannah Williams finished 6th.

See full results <a href="https://mo.milesplit.com/meets/502771-duane-kimble-invitational-2022/results#.Yy2fPXbMK3B">from the meet here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663934376203.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostVolleyball East Buchanan 3 Mid-Buchanan 2. <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/0e264218-f921-4f47-aeb8-1a6f55478e9a">Full coverage here</a>. St. Pius X 3 Bishop LeBlond 1 Platte County 3 St. Joseph Central 0 Lafayette 3 Chillicothe 1 St. Joseph Christian 3 Maysville 0 South Holt 3 Nodaway Valley 0 Union Star @ Mound City - missing Savannah @ Benton - missingSoftball Savannah 9 Bishop LeBlond 4 Lafayette 3 Falls City, NE 0 St. Joseph Central 5 Park Hill 0 North Platte 7 Mid-Buchanan 3 Plattsburg 8 East Buchanan 7 King City 14 Maysville 2 Gallatin 10 Stanberry 0 Chillicothe @ Benton was postponed DeKalb @ Stewartsville-Osborn - missingBoys’ soccer Excelsior Springs 8 Benton 0 Bishop LeBlond 3 St. Pius X 1 Fort Osage 1 St. Joseph Central 0 Savannah @ Chillicothe - missingGirls’ tennis Savannah 7 Benton 2 St. Joseph Central 9 Fort Osage 0Cross country Mound City’s Keaton Zembles won the Duane Kimble Invitational at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. Benton’s Elliott McCoy finished second, LeBlond’s Jonathan Eckstein was third and Benton’s Kruz Bigham was fourth. Central also had four boys’ runners in the top 10 (Gideon Montgomery 6th, Dainon Mauzey 7th, Wyatt Stagg 8th, Owen Case 10th).Mound City won the boys’ team title. On the girls’ side, Savannah won the team title. St. Joseph Christian’s Joy Wallick finished third in the girls’ race, while Mid-Buchanan’s Hannah Williams finished 6th.See full results <a href="https://mo.milesplit.com/meets/502771-duane-kimble-invitational-2022/results#.Yy2fPXbMK3B">from the meet here</a>.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - September 22, 2022

FAUCETT - East Buchanan dominated the first set, had a lapse in the second, dominated the third and had match point in the fourth - only to fall to Mid-Buchanan 26-24.

The Dragons got off to a 4-2 start in set five, but the Bulldogs reeled off an 8-0 run to eventually win the fifth set 15-10 and win the match 3-2 (25-17, 20-25, 25-16, 24-26, 15-10) at Mid-Buchanan High School Thursday night.

It's the tenth straight win for East Buchanan (17-2-1), who went 5-0 in the Lathrop Invitational this past Saturday - one of those wins being a 2-1 decision against the Dragons.

"Just, the more aggressive team won each set," East Buchanan head coach Ryan Horn said of Thursday's match. "I know that seems easy to say it, but it was just that simple at times."

The first set started back-and-forth. With East Buchanan leading 14-13, Horn called timeout, and his team reeled off an 11-4 run to win set one 25-17.

Set two was nearly a complete swing for Mid-Buchanan (9-7-1), as the Dragons started that frame on an 8-2 run and won it 25-20 to knot the match at a set apiece.

Senior middle Mallie Lieffring, who led the Dragons with 16 kills, seven blocks and three aces Thursday, had five kills in the second set alone. Senior Hailey Clark had four kills, a block and an ace in the second set as well.

Set three was all East Buchanan, as the Bulldogs raced out to a 6-1 lead. Then, they led 14-5 and they won it 25-16. Senior Maya Watkins came alive for East Buchanan in set three with six kills. Fellow senior Brooklyn Adams had four kills in the third set as well.

"Our passing picked up," Horn said. "Setter put the ball in the right spot, Maya started getting those kills. Our energy picked up. Usually when your energy picks up, your communication gets a little bit better. So, we'll take it."

Set four was pretty much anybody's game. Mid-Buchanan led in the fourth 21-17, but the Bulldogs managed to tie it and had match point at 24-23, but Lieffring reeled off two kills and a block consecutively to give the fourth set to the Dragons at 26-24.

That momentum seemed to carry over for Mid-Buchanan in the fifth set, as the Dragons got off to a 4-2 start, but East Buchanan would not be denied. The Bulldogs went on an 8-0 run to lead 10-4 and that would be enough to ultimately close things out.

Watkins led her team Thursday with 19 kills, two aces and two blocks.

"We just knew the ball couldn't drop, no matter what," Watkins said. "We knew we had to get there. There was no excuses. I knew the ball was coming, but at the same time, I knew I couldn't let my teammates down."

Junior Holly Caylor also had 19 kills and an ace for East Buchanan.

"We're finally getting to see a healthy version of her," Horn said of Caylor, who had surgery to fix back problems over the summer. "She was second-team all conference last year, and I think she's starting to play like that now."

Adams had eight kills for the Bulldogs, as did sophomore Rilyn Sherwood.

Clark was impressive for Mid-Buchanan with 11 kills, three blocks and an ace. Sophomore Gracie Smith had five kills. Senior Maddie McKnight had five total blocks.

East Buchanan heads to Bishop LeBlond Monday. Mid-Buchanan plays in the Bedford Invitational Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663899206981.jpeg" alt="Maya Watkins (5) looks to spike the ball during East Buchannan's 3-2 win at Mid-Buchanan Thursday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Maya Watkins (5) looks to spike the ball during East Buchannan's 3-2 win at Mid-Buchanan Thursday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostFAUCETT - East Buchanan dominated the first set, had a lapse in the second, dominated the third and had match point in the fourth - only to fall to Mid-Buchanan 26-24.The Dragons got off to a 4-2 start in set five, but the Bulldogs reeled off an 8-0 run to eventually win the fifth set 15-10 and win the match 3-2 (25-17, 20-25, 25-16, 24-26, 15-10) at Mid-Buchanan High School Thursday night.It's the tenth straight win for East Buchanan (17-2-1), who went 5-0 in the Lathrop Invitational this past Saturday - one of those wins being a 2-1 decision against the Dragons."Just, the more aggressive team won each set," East Buchanan head coach Ryan Horn said of Thursday's match. "I know that seems easy to say it, but it was just that simple at times."The first set started back-and-forth. With East Buchanan leading 14-13, Horn called timeout, and his team reeled off an 11-4 run to win set one 25-17.Set two was nearly a complete swing for Mid-Buchanan (9-7-1), as the Dragons started that frame on an 8-2 run and won it 25-20 to knot the match at a set apiece.Senior middle Mallie Lieffring, who led the Dragons with 16 kills, seven blocks and three aces Thursday, had five kills in the second set alone. Senior Hailey Clark had four kills, a block and an ace in the second set as well.Set three was all East Buchanan, as the Bulldogs raced out to a 6-1 lead. Then, they led 14-5 and they won it 25-16. Senior Maya Watkins came alive for East Buchanan in set three with six kills. Fellow senior Brooklyn Adams had four kills in the third set as well."Our passing picked up," Horn said. "Setter put the ball in the right spot, Maya started getting those kills. Our energy picked up. Usually when your energy picks up, your communication gets a little bit better. So, we'll take it."Set four was pretty much anybody's game. Mid-Buchanan led in the fourth 21-17, but the Bulldogs managed to tie it and had match point at 24-23, but Lieffring reeled off two kills and a block consecutively to give the fourth set to the Dragons at 26-24.That momentum seemed to carry over for Mid-Buchanan in the fifth set, as the Dragons got off to a 4-2 start, but East Buchanan would not be denied. The Bulldogs went on an 8-0 run to lead 10-4 and that would be enough to ultimately close things out.Watkins led her team Thursday with 19 kills, two aces and two blocks."We just knew the ball couldn't drop, no matter what," Watkins said. "We knew we had to get there. There was no excuses. I knew the ball was coming, but at the same time, I knew I couldn't let my teammates down."Junior Holly Caylor also had 19 kills and an ace for East Buchanan."We're finally getting to see a healthy version of her," Horn said of Caylor, who had surgery to fix back problems over the summer. "She was second-team all conference last year, and I think she's starting to play like that now."Adams had eight kills for the Bulldogs, as did sophomore Rilyn Sherwood.Clark was impressive for Mid-Buchanan with 11 kills, three blocks and an ace. Sophomore Gracie Smith had five kills. Senior Maddie McKnight had five total blocks.East Buchanan heads to Bishop LeBlond Monday. Mid-Buchanan plays in the Bedford Invitational Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663902199600.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan celebrates a victory in the third set." />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan celebrates a victory in the third set.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663902228825.jpeg" alt="Gracie Kelsey (21)." />
 <figcaption>Gracie Kelsey (21).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663902258673.jpeg" alt="Holly Caylor (11)." />
 <figcaption>Holly Caylor (11).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663902295955.jpeg" alt="Mallie Lieffring (15)." />
 <figcaption>Mallie Lieffring (15).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663902316893.jpeg" alt="Kylie Clark (23)." />
 <figcaption>Kylie Clark (23).</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

East Buchanan dominates early, survives fifth set against Mid-Buchanan

(AP) — MJ Melendez homered for the second straight day and the Royals bullpen pitched five innings of two-hit ball, helping Kansas City beat the fast-fading Minnesota Twins 5-2. 

The Royals clinched their first winning series in nearly a month just hours after owner John Sherman fired longtime front office executive Dayton Moore, who led the franchise to two American League pennants and a World Series title. 

Bailey Ober took the loss for Minnesota, which has dropped six of seven to begin an eight-game trip and fall out of postseason contention.

The Royals take on the Twins again Thursday afternoon with first pitch at 1:10 central on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

(AP) — MJ Melendez homered for the second straight day and the Royals bullpen pitched five innings of two-hit ball, helping Kansas City beat the fast-fading Minnesota Twins 5-2. The Royals clinched their first winning series in nearly a month just hours after owner John Sherman fired longtime front office executive Dayton Moore, who led the franchise to two American League pennants and a World Series title. Bailey Ober took the loss for Minnesota, which has dropped six of seven to begin an eight-game trip and fall out of postseason contention.The Royals take on the Twins again Thursday afternoon with first pitch at 1:10 central on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Royals bullpen clutch in holding off fast-fading Twins 5-2

Kansas City Royals chairman and CEO&nbsp;John Sherman announced Wednesday the departure of&nbsp;Dayton Moore, the team's President of Baseball Operations and leader of that department since 2006.

J.J. Picollo&nbsp;has been named Executive Vice President and General Manager overseeing baseball operations, effective immediately.

Moore was General Manager from 2006-2021, during which time the Royals won the 2014 American League pennant and 2015 World Series. Under Moore's leadership, the Royals’ record improved over seven straight years from 2009-2015, matching a Major League Baseball record.

“Dayton’s 16 years of leadership here will always mark the transformation into a World Championship club,” Sherman said. “Our fans, our region, and our community will never forget the excitement we shared in back-to-back pennants and the World Series Championship in 2015. He always put the Kansas City Royals first, and we’re stronger today because of it.”

Picollo became the seventh General Manager in Royals history last September. Moore was promoted to Director of Baseball Ops that same day.

Picollo previously held the title of Vice President/Assistant General Manager, Player Personnel from 2015-21, and served as the Royals’ Assistant General Manager-Scouting and Player development from 2008-2015. Picollo joined Kansas City’s Baseball Operations Department in 2006 as Director of Player Development

“J.J.’s experience in baseball has prepared him for the challenges ahead,” Sherman said. “He has played a key role in evaluating and developing many of our franchise’s most talented players, including the core that won the 2015 World Series and the young core on the major league team today. He will bring a new lens and approach to leading our baseball operations. I look forward to working with J.J. as we continue to build and develop our team to compete at a high level.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587988459218.jpeg" alt="Dayton Moore. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Dayton Moore. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKansas City Royals chairman and CEO&nbsp;John Sherman announced Wednesday the departure of&nbsp;Dayton Moore, the team's President of Baseball Operations and leader of that department since 2006.J.J. Picollo&nbsp;has been named Executive Vice President and General Manager overseeing baseball operations, effective immediately.Moore was General Manager from 2006-2021, during which time the Royals won the 2014 American League pennant and 2015 World Series. Under Moore's leadership, the Royals’ record improved over seven straight years from 2009-2015, matching a Major League Baseball record.“Dayton’s 16 years of leadership here will always mark the transformation into a World Championship club,” Sherman said. “Our fans, our region, and our community will never forget the excitement we shared in back-to-back pennants and the World Series Championship in 2015. He always put the Kansas City Royals first, and we’re stronger today because of it.”Picollo became the seventh General Manager in Royals history last September. Moore was promoted to Director of Baseball Ops that same day.Picollo previously held the title of Vice President/Assistant General Manager, Player Personnel from 2015-21, and served as the Royals’ Assistant General Manager-Scouting and Player development from 2008-2015. Picollo joined Kansas City’s Baseball Operations Department in 2006 as Director of Player Development“J.J.’s experience in baseball has prepared him for the challenges ahead,” Sherman said. “He has played a key role in evaluating and developing many of our franchise’s most talented players, including the core that won the 2015 World Series and the young core on the major league team today. He will bring a new lens and approach to leading our baseball operations. I look forward to working with J.J. as we continue to build and develop our team to compete at a high level.”

Dayton Moore out as Royals President of Baseball Ops, J. J. Piccolo takes over role

(AP) — MJ Melendez hit a two-run homer, Salvador Perez drove in the go-ahead run with a two-out double in the seventh inning, and the Royals held off the fading Twins 5-4 to open their final homestand of the season. 

Dylan Coleman earned the win with a scoreless seventh for Kansas City. Scott Barlow cleaned up Jose Cuas’ mess by striking out Mark Contreras to strand runners on second and third in the eighth, then handled the ninth for his 22nd save. 

Michael Fulmer gave up the go-ahead run in the seventh inning to take the loss for Minnesota. The Twins have lost five of six to begin an eight-game trip that has nearly wiped them out of playoff contention.

The Royals take on the Twins again Wednesday night with first pitch at 7:10 central. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

(AP) — MJ Melendez hit a two-run homer, Salvador Perez drove in the go-ahead run with a two-out double in the seventh inning, and the Royals held off the fading Twins 5-4 to open their final homestand of the season. Dylan Coleman earned the win with a scoreless seventh for Kansas City. Scott Barlow cleaned up Jose Cuas’ mess by striking out Mark Contreras to strand runners on second and third in the eighth, then handled the ninth for his 22nd save. Michael Fulmer gave up the go-ahead run in the seventh inning to take the loss for Minnesota. The Twins have lost five of six to begin an eight-game trip that has nearly wiped them out of playoff contention.The Royals take on the Twins again Wednesday night with first pitch at 7:10 central. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Melendez, Perez lead Royals to 5-4 comeback win over Twins

ROSENDALE - North Andrew and North Platte softball have both gotten off to hot starts in 2022, as the Cardinals and Panthers each went unbeaten in their first 11 games.

Both teams also entered Tuesday's contest coming off of their first loss of the season the day before. North Andrew fell 7-6 at Platte Valley, and North Platte lost 2-1 at home to Savannah.

So, it was hard telling what would happen when the two got together.

The lead changed hands twice and the game was tied in the seventh, but North Platte (12-1) scored three runs in the top of the eighth and fended off one last rally from North Andrew to win 8-7 Tuesday at North Andrew High School in a wildly entertaining contest.

"We had to grind through some issues," North Platte coach Farrah Seckel said. "We couldn't get the ball going like we normally could. We had good leadoff there. Our leadoff hitters did their job tonight. We just had to fight back. (North Andrew) is a good team and they were able to make good plays. Our offense really had to focus in and get runners on so we could score."

North Platte, who has now beaten North Andrew in four of the last five meetings, drew first blood in the top of the third, thanks to an RBI single by sophomore Camryn Kersten.

The Cardinals (10-2-1) hit back in the bottom of the third, putting up three runs on three hits and three errors. Sophomore Piper Cook and junior Kenzie Wilmes each had RBI singles to get North Andrew's offense going in that frame.

North Platte went back in front in the top of the fifth. A two-run RBI triple by senior Jaylin Burgess and another RBI triple by sophomore Lindsay Ramsey gave the Panthers a 4-3 lead.

Panthers' middle reliever, freshman Kate Wolf, kept North Andrew off the board in the middle portion of the game, and the Cardinals were held to just one total hit from the fourth through the sixth inning.

Wolf was the winning pitcher for North Platte, tossing four innings, striking out four batters and walking only one.

North Platte added an insurance run in the top of the seventh when senior and starting pitcher Scarlett Slugantz hit an RBI double to left, giving the Panthers a 5-3 edge.

Down 5-4 with two outs, senior Cassidy Brittain roped a single to shallow right, which scored junior Katryna Warren, knotting the game at 5-5.

North Platte punched right back in the top of the eighth. With two outs and nobody on, senior Olivia Rogers and Burgess had back-to-back doubles, and senior Carly Hinton then reached first on a fielding error.

Rogers went a team-best 4-for-5 at the plate with two runs scored. Burgess was 2-for-5 with a pair of runs. Hinton was 2-for-4 and also scored twice.

"It feels really great, coming off the loss (Monday)," Rogers said. "I'm glad we could come together and come back and beat them, and I'm really glad to be a part of this team."

An RBI single by Kersten put North Platte up 8-5 in the eighth. Safe lead, right? Not in this game.

North Andrew led off the bottom of the eighth with four consecutive singles and got two runs back, but a flyout to right and then a throw out at third for a double play nullified the threat, and North Andrew's Piper Cook was retired with two runners on base, allowing North Platte to escape with an 8-7 win.

"I think it really helps us grow and continue to get better," Rogers said, "so we can be conference champs and eventually district champs hopefully."

Despite giving up two earned runs in the final inning, junior pitcher Courtney Dehn got the save for North Platte, retiring the Cardinals in seven at-bats.

"We kind of have a rivalry with North Andrew," Dehn said, "and we just really wanted to push. We didn't want to lose and go into the next game with another loss. So, we needed to get this win."

Freshman Teigan Miller pitched the full game for North Andrew, striking out four and walking one. Only half of North Platte's runs scored were earned.

Offensively, four different Cardinals had two hits and five different Cardinals scored. Sybert and Warren each scored two runs. Sybert also had a team-best two RBIs.

A tough test awaits North Platte back in Dearborn Thursday, as the Panthers will face Mid-Buchanan (12-5).

"We have a big conference game Thursday," Seckel said. "I told them before this game that this is one step to get you ready and prepared for your own conference games. I knew (North Andrew) was tough and had a lot of hitters, too. So, I knew we were going to have to give them our best game."

North Andrew, who has lost back-to-back games for the first time all season, will play in the North Andrew tournament at home on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663730046092.jpeg" alt="North Andrew's Gracie Wilmes (left) comes into score in the eighth inning. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>North Andrew's Gracie Wilmes (left) comes into score in the eighth inning. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostROSENDALE - North Andrew and North Platte softball have both gotten off to hot starts in 2022, as the Cardinals and Panthers each went unbeaten in their first 11 games.Both teams also entered Tuesday's contest coming off of their first loss of the season the day before. North Andrew fell 7-6 at Platte Valley, and North Platte lost 2-1 at home to Savannah.So, it was hard telling what would happen when the two got together.The lead changed hands twice and the game was tied in the seventh, but North Platte (12-1) scored three runs in the top of the eighth and fended off one last rally from North Andrew to win 8-7 Tuesday at North Andrew High School in a wildly entertaining contest."We had to grind through some issues," North Platte coach Farrah Seckel said. "We couldn't get the ball going like we normally could. We had good leadoff there. Our leadoff hitters did their job tonight. We just had to fight back. (North Andrew) is a good team and they were able to make good plays. Our offense really had to focus in and get runners on so we could score."North Platte, who has now beaten North Andrew in four of the last five meetings, drew first blood in the top of the third, thanks to an RBI single by sophomore Camryn Kersten.The Cardinals (10-2-1) hit back in the bottom of the third, putting up three runs on three hits and three errors. Sophomore Piper Cook and junior Kenzie Wilmes each had RBI singles to get North Andrew's offense going in that frame.North Platte went back in front in the top of the fifth. A two-run RBI triple by senior Jaylin Burgess and another RBI triple by sophomore Lindsay Ramsey gave the Panthers a 4-3 lead.Panthers' middle reliever, freshman Kate Wolf, kept North Andrew off the board in the middle portion of the game, and the Cardinals were held to just one total hit from the fourth through the sixth inning.Wolf was the winning pitcher for North Platte, tossing four innings, striking out four batters and walking only one.North Platte added an insurance run in the top of the seventh when senior and starting pitcher Scarlett Slugantz hit an RBI double to left, giving the Panthers a 5-3 edge.Down 5-4 with two outs, senior Cassidy Brittain roped a single to shallow right, which scored junior Katryna Warren, knotting the game at 5-5.North Platte punched right back in the top of the eighth. With two outs and nobody on, senior Olivia Rogers and Burgess had back-to-back doubles, and senior Carly Hinton then reached first on a fielding error.Rogers went a team-best 4-for-5 at the plate with two runs scored. Burgess was 2-for-5 with a pair of runs. Hinton was 2-for-4 and also scored twice."It feels really great, coming off the loss (Monday)," Rogers said. "I'm glad we could come together and come back and beat them, and I'm really glad to be a part of this team."An RBI single by Kersten put North Platte up 8-5 in the eighth. Safe lead, right? Not in this game.North Andrew led off the bottom of the eighth with four consecutive singles and got two runs back, but a flyout to right and then a throw out at third for a double play nullified the threat, and North Andrew's Piper Cook was retired with two runners on base, allowing North Platte to escape with an 8-7 win."I think it really helps us grow and continue to get better," Rogers said, "so we can be conference champs and eventually district champs hopefully."Despite giving up two earned runs in the final inning, junior pitcher Courtney Dehn got the save for North Platte, retiring the Cardinals in seven at-bats."We kind of have a rivalry with North Andrew," Dehn said, "and we just really wanted to push. We didn't want to lose and go into the next game with another loss. So, we needed to get this win."Freshman Teigan Miller pitched the full game for North Andrew, striking out four and walking one. Only half of North Platte's runs scored were earned.Offensively, four different Cardinals had two hits and five different Cardinals scored. Sybert and Warren each scored two runs. Sybert also had a team-best two RBIs.A tough test awaits North Platte back in Dearborn Thursday, as the Panthers will face Mid-Buchanan (12-5)."We have a big conference game Thursday," Seckel said. "I told them before this game that this is one step to get you ready and prepared for your own conference games. I knew (North Andrew) was tough and had a lot of hitters, too. So, I knew we were going to have to give them our best game."North Andrew, who has lost back-to-back games for the first time all season, will play in the North Andrew tournament at home on Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663730142625.jpeg" alt="Jaylin Burgess." />
 <figcaption>Jaylin Burgess.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663729572331.jpeg" alt="Scarlett Slugantz." />
 <figcaption>Scarlett Slugantz.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663730174076.jpeg" alt="Kate Wolf." />
 <figcaption>Kate Wolf.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663730199081.jpeg" alt="Kelsey Rathbun." />
 <figcaption>Kelsey Rathbun.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663730225373.jpeg" alt="Olivia Rogers (left) comes into score." />
 <figcaption>Olivia Rogers (left) comes into score.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663730249617.jpeg" alt="Piper Cook (left) slides to score and avoid the tag." />
 <figcaption>Piper Cook (left) slides to score and avoid the tag.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663730283262.jpeg" alt="Teigan Miller." />
 <figcaption>Teigan Miller.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

North Platte survives back-and-forth, extra innings battle at North Andrew Tuesday

Volleyball East Buchanan 3 St. Joseph Christian 0 Maryville 3 St. Joseph Central 0 Lafayette 3 Hamilton 0 Bishop LeBlond 3 Lathrop 0 Mound City 3 North Platte 0 Chillicothe @ Benton - missing

Softball St. Joseph Central 12 North Kansas City 0 Lafayette 7 Cameron 3 Gallatin 1 Mid-Buchanan 0 Savannah 2 North Platte 1 DeKalb 7 Winston 0 Platte Valley 7 North Andrew 6 Bishop LeBlond @ St. Michael the Archangel - missing

Boys’ soccer Maryville 8 Savannah 0 Truman 2 St. Joseph Central 1

Girls’ tennis Lafayette 5 Benton 4 St. Joseph Central 6 North Kansas City 3

Girls’ golf Lafayette won a quad with Benton, Maryville and Mid-Buchanan, as the Irish shot a team score of 173 at Fairview in St. Joseph. Maryville’s Cailyn Auffert was the medalist with a score of 44. Brinley Conn led the Irish with a 53.

Elsewhere, Ali Perry medaled fourth for St. Joseph Central at the Oak Park Invitational, shooting a 79.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663675311748.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostVolleyball East Buchanan 3 St. Joseph Christian 0 Maryville 3 St. Joseph Central 0 Lafayette 3 Hamilton 0 Bishop LeBlond 3 Lathrop 0 Mound City 3 North Platte 0 Chillicothe @ Benton - missingSoftball St. Joseph Central 12 North Kansas City 0 Lafayette 7 Cameron 3 Gallatin 1 Mid-Buchanan 0 Savannah 2 North Platte 1 DeKalb 7 Winston 0 Platte Valley 7 North Andrew 6 Bishop LeBlond @ St. Michael the Archangel - missingBoys’ soccer Maryville 8 Savannah 0 Truman 2 St. Joseph Central 1Girls’ tennis Lafayette 5 Benton 4 St. Joseph Central 6 North Kansas City 3Girls’ golf Lafayette won a quad with Benton, Maryville and Mid-Buchanan, as the Irish shot a team score of 173 at Fairview in St. Joseph. Maryville’s Cailyn Auffert was the medalist with a score of 44. Brinley Conn led the Irish with a 53.Elsewhere, Ali Perry medaled fourth for St. Joseph Central at the Oak Park Invitational, shooting a 79.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - September 19, 2022

(AP) — Rafael Devers had four hits and three RBIs, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 13-3. 

Tommy Pham added three hits and three RBIs, and Kiké Hernández scored four times. Last-place Boston had dropped three of four and seven of 10 overall. 

Salvador Perez hit a solo homer for Kansas City. Vinnie Pasquantino and Drew Waters each had an RBI double.

The Royals next take on the Twins Tuesday night with first pitch at 7:10 central. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

(AP) — Rafael Devers had four hits and three RBIs, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 13-3. Tommy Pham added three hits and three RBIs, and Kiké Hernández scored four times. Last-place Boston had dropped three of four and seven of 10 overall. Salvador Perez hit a solo homer for Kansas City. Vinnie Pasquantino and Drew Waters each had an RBI double.The Royals next take on the Twins Tuesday night with first pitch at 7:10 central. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Devers' 4 hits, 3 RBIs carry Red Sox past Royals, 13-3

Outside linebacker Willie Gay will miss the next four games for the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The news comes after the NFL handed down the suspension stemming from a January arrest in which Gay was charged with a misdemeanor criminal damage charge in Overland Park. 

Documents stated that Gay damaged a vacuum cleaner, a door frame, and a wall during a confrontation. It was classified as a domestic violence offense.  

Gay will be eligible to return to the Chiefs roster for the October 17th matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Kansas City has added linebacker Jack Cochrane from the practice squad to help fill the void left by Gay's suspension.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostOutside linebacker Willie Gay will miss the next four games for the Kansas City Chiefs. The news comes after the NFL handed down the suspension stemming from a January arrest in which Gay was charged with a misdemeanor criminal damage charge in Overland Park. Documents stated that Gay damaged a vacuum cleaner, a door frame, and a wall during a confrontation. It was classified as a domestic violence offense. Gay will be eligible to return to the Chiefs roster for the October 17th matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Kansas City has added linebacker Jack Cochrane from the practice squad to help fill the void left by Gay's suspension.

Linebacker Willie Gay suspended four games by NFL for misdemeanor charge

The 2022 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame class was officially enshrined on Sunday night at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center. 

The class is made up of 10 individuals, a Special Olympics Athlete of the Year and one team induction.

Included in this year's class is former Missouri Western basketball coach and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame coach Tom Smith, who led the Griffons to 448 total wins, five MIAA regular season and tournament titles and 11 NCAA tournament appearances.

As a member of several other Halls of Fame, Smith says this one is extra special.

"I walk around town and people still call me coach," Smith said. "With that, I think it's a really, extremely big honor. I think my ability to relate to my players and have them relate back to me was very important. So, from that aspect, having several ex-players in the room (Sunday) was very nice."

Smith is also in the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame, MIAA Hall of Fame, Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and Valparaiso Athletics Hall of Fame. 

The floor at the Looney Indoor Sports Complex was also named in his honor in 2019.

Also included is local football legend Michael Hill - a St. Joseph Central graduate and Missouri's Western all-time leading rusher with 4,969 yards. Hill says learning about the rest of this Hall of Fame Class made the induction all the more special.

"Seeing everything that they contributed and things that they've done, it was an honor to be in the same class," Hill said, "and really good to see a lot of people who have supported me along the way in this crowd, too."

Hill is a member of the 2012 Missouri Western team that went 12-2  and won the MIAA title along with two playoff games. That team is being inducted into the Missouri Western Hall of Fame this October.

"Looking forward to seeing them at the tailgate before (the game Oct. 29), and it'll be good to see all of the coaches and players."

After Missouri Western, Hill went on to play for four years in the NFL on five different teams.

The other members of the class are basketball coach&nbsp;Gary Filbert, women's basketball star Janet Clark Moody, NFL official George Hayward, St. Joseph based Herzog Motorsports, football legend Vic Eaton, USA Weightlifting Coach Dennis Snethen, wrestling promoter Gust Karras, area sports innovator Bill McKinney,&nbsp; world renowned sporting clays Shooter H.L. “Doc” Childress and Special Olympics athlete Tanner Hrenchir.

Also on Sunday, former Kansas State football coach and St. Joseph native Bill Snyder, a 2021 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee himself, presented Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker with the <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/ec483352-6f93-4c30-a10d-63b7161fb4e3">inaugural Woman of Impact Award</a>, recognizing an outstanding achievement from a female athlete, coach, administrator or contributor over the past year.

You can read about the rest of the class <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/432831fe-146a-4394-8b26-213041cead8e">in full here</a><a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/432831fe-146a-4394-8b26-213041cead8e"></a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663587655735.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Central and Missouri Western football star Michael Hill was inducted into the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Central and Missouri Western football star Michael Hill was inducted into the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe 2022 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame class was officially enshrined on Sunday night at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center. The class is made up of 10 individuals, a Special Olympics Athlete of the Year and one team induction.Included in this year's class is former Missouri Western basketball coach and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame coach Tom Smith, who led the Griffons to 448 total wins, five MIAA regular season and tournament titles and 11 NCAA tournament appearances.As a member of several other Halls of Fame, Smith says this one is extra special."I walk around town and people still call me coach," Smith said. "With that, I think it's a really, extremely big honor. I think my ability to relate to my players and have them relate back to me was very important. So, from that aspect, having several ex-players in the room (Sunday) was very nice."Smith is also in the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame, MIAA Hall of Fame, Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and Valparaiso Athletics Hall of Fame. The floor at the Looney Indoor Sports Complex was also named in his honor in 2019.Also included is local football legend Michael Hill - a St. Joseph Central graduate and Missouri's Western all-time leading rusher with 4,969 yards. Hill says learning about the rest of this Hall of Fame Class made the induction all the more special."Seeing everything that they contributed and things that they've done, it was an honor to be in the same class," Hill said, "and really good to see a lot of people who have supported me along the way in this crowd, too."Hill is a member of the 2012 Missouri Western team that went 12-2 and won the MIAA title along with two playoff games. That team is being inducted into the Missouri Western Hall of Fame this October."Looking forward to seeing them at the tailgate before (the game Oct. 29), and it'll be good to see all of the coaches and players."After Missouri Western, Hill went on to play for four years in the NFL on five different teams.The other members of the class are basketball coach&nbsp;Gary Filbert, women's basketball star Janet Clark Moody, NFL official George Hayward, St. Joseph based Herzog Motorsports, football legend Vic Eaton, USA Weightlifting Coach Dennis Snethen, wrestling promoter Gust Karras, area sports innovator Bill McKinney,&nbsp; world renowned sporting clays Shooter H.L. “Doc” Childress and Special Olympics athlete Tanner Hrenchir.Also on Sunday, former Kansas State football coach and St. Joseph native Bill Snyder, a 2021 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee himself, presented Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker with the <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/ec483352-6f93-4c30-a10d-63b7161fb4e3">inaugural Woman of Impact Award</a>, recognizing an outstanding achievement from a female athlete, coach, administrator or contributor over the past year.You can read about the rest of the class <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/432831fe-146a-4394-8b26-213041cead8e">in full here</a><a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/432831fe-146a-4394-8b26-213041cead8e"></a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663588033423.jpeg" alt="Dennis Snethen." />
 <figcaption>Dennis Snethen.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663588062695.jpeg" alt="George Hayward." />
 <figcaption>George Hayward.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663588090134.jpeg" alt="Janet (Clark) Moody." />
 <figcaption>Janet (Clark) Moody.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663588128574.jpeg" alt="Tanner Hrenchir." />
 <figcaption>Tanner Hrenchir.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663588143436.jpeg" alt="Tom Smith." />
 <figcaption>Tom Smith.</figcaption>
 </figure>

St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame 2022 class inducted Sunday at Stoney Creek Hotel

Missouri Western falls for first time in 2022

The Griffons were unable to overcome an early deficit and an over two hour weather delay against Emporia State, falling 36-12 to the Hornets.&nbsp; Read the full recap <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f2e54794-1465-4ea9-ae89-8b0038fa3af4">HERE</a>.

Bearcats sack their way to victory

The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats sacked the quarterback eight times and held Central Missouri to 103 total yards of offense on way to a 24-7 win over the Mules.&nbsp;

The win for the Bearcats marked the 14th straight win at Bearcat Memorial Stadium as they improved to 3-0 on the season.&nbsp;

The Bearcats defense was the story of the game as along with the eight sacks, the defense held the Mules to negative three yards of rushing.&nbsp; The Bearcats have now only allowed 37 yards on the ground all season.

Of the eight sacks, four were recorded by Senior defensive lineman Elijah Green, which was only a half sack away from breaking the single game sack record at Northwest held by Matt Uhde since he set the record in 1995.&nbsp; Green also recorded a team best six tackles.

The Mules also did a decent job holding Northwest in check.&nbsp; Northwest came into the contest averaging 533 yards on offense and were held to only 346 total yards (181 rushing, 165 passing). Senior running back Jamar Moya accounted for 159 all purpose yards (16 carries for 91 yards, 7 catches for 69 yards) and two scores.&nbsp;

The Bearcats will hit the road next for a matchup with Central Oklahoma.&nbsp; Central Oklahoma is coming off a 40-21 loss to Missouri Southern.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 2pm.

Ravens stay undefeated in series against Clarke

For the first time the Benedictine Ravens took the field as a ranked program against the Clarke University Pride on Saturday.&nbsp;

The #15 Ravens forced five turnovers, with two of the five leading to points, en route to the 36-18 victory.

Quarterback Garrett Kettle passed for 266 yards going 19-32 and throwing two touchdowns while running back Rayshon Mills ran for 49 yards and two scores.&nbsp; Sophomore cornerback Fabian Njika had one interception which he took 40 yards for a defensive score as well.

The Ravens are now 3-1 on the season and will return home for its annual Family Weekend on Saturday for a matchup with Graceland. Kickoff is set for 1pm.

Tigers bounce back, win final tune-up game before SEC play

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Luther Burden III raced 78 yards on a punt return for a score and Missouri defeated Abilene Christian 34-17.

 Quarterback Brady Cook and Dominic Lovett connected on a 79-yard touchdown pass in the first half that helped Missouri build a 17-3 halftime lead. Lovett posted career highs with seven catches for 132 yards and two scores. 

The Wildcats scored their only touchdown thanks to a Missouri turnover. On first down from the Tigers 9-yard line in the third quarter, David Oke stripped the ball from Cook and Alexander Duke recovered the ball in the end zone, pulling the Wildcats within 24-10.

Missouri will begin SEC play on Saturday in a matchup against Auburn on the road.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 11am and will be broadcast on ESPN.

Jayhawks off to best start since 2009 following win over Cougars

Jalon Daniels threw for 158 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 123 yards and two scores as Kansas improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2009 with a 48-30 win over Houston. 

Daniels finished 14 of 23 and threw touchdown passes of 5, 60 and 8 yards and had touchdown runs of 12 and 9 yards. He found 11 different receivers and threw touchdown passes to Torry Locklin, Jared Casey and Luke Grimm.

The Jayhawks will look to improve to 4-0 as they return to Lawrence for the first time in two weeks to take on Duke.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 11am and will be broadcast on FS1

Tulane rallies to upset Kanas State in Manhattan

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Michael Pratt overcame two costly interceptions with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Tyrick James with 4:27 left and Tulane upset Kansas State 17-10. 

K-State came into the game favored by two touchdowns. The Green Wave stopped the Wildcats on fourth-and-short twice in the third quarter and again in the fourth. K-State finished 1 for 5 on fourth down. 

It was Tulane’s first road victory over a Power-5 conference school since beating Rutgers in 2010. Rutgers was part of the Big East that season.

Adrian Martinez threw for 150 yards and one touchdown going 21-for-31 in the loss.&nbsp; Junior running back Deuce&nbsp; Vaugh saw a streak of eight straight games with 100 rushing yards or more snapped, rushing for 81 yards on 20 carries.&nbsp;

The Wildcats will hit the road to begin Big 12 conference play Saturday against Oklahoma.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 7pm and will be broadcast on Fox.

Cornhuskers fall in first game following Scott Frost firing

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Dillon Gabriel threw for two touchdowns and ran for another and sixth-ranked Oklahoma hammered Nebraska 49-14 in the Cornhuskers’ first game following the firing of Scott Frost. 

OU posted its most lopsided victory over Nebraska since a 45-10 win in 1990. The Sooners have won seven of eight against the team it used to battle for conference championships year-in and year-out in the old Big Eight. 

The Huskers have lost 19 straight against Top 25 opponents and nine in a row against Bowl Subdivision teams. Oklahoma scored 35 straight points after Nebraska opened with a six-play, 77-yard touchdown drive.

The Cornhuskers will have a week off before their next matchup when they meet Indiana on October 1st.&nbsp; Time is currently to be determined.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663463082389.jpeg" alt="Northwest defensive lineman Elijah Green/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Northwest defensive lineman Elijah Green/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMissouri Western falls for first time in 2022The Griffons were unable to overcome an early deficit and an over two hour weather delay against Emporia State, falling 36-12 to the Hornets.&nbsp; Read the full recap <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f2e54794-1465-4ea9-ae89-8b0038fa3af4">HERE</a>.Bearcats sack their way to victoryThe Northwest Missouri State Bearcats sacked the quarterback eight times and held Central Missouri to 103 total yards of offense on way to a 24-7 win over the Mules.&nbsp;The win for the Bearcats marked the 14th straight win at Bearcat Memorial Stadium as they improved to 3-0 on the season.&nbsp;The Bearcats defense was the story of the game as along with the eight sacks, the defense held the Mules to negative three yards of rushing.&nbsp; The Bearcats have now only allowed 37 yards on the ground all season.Of the eight sacks, four were recorded by Senior defensive lineman Elijah Green, which was only a half sack away from breaking the single game sack record at Northwest held by Matt Uhde since he set the record in 1995.&nbsp; Green also recorded a team best six tackles.The Mules also did a decent job holding Northwest in check.&nbsp; Northwest came into the contest averaging 533 yards on offense and were held to only 346 total yards (181 rushing, 165 passing). Senior running back Jamar Moya accounted for 159 all purpose yards (16 carries for 91 yards, 7 catches for 69 yards) and two scores.&nbsp;The Bearcats will hit the road next for a matchup with Central Oklahoma.&nbsp; Central Oklahoma is coming off a 40-21 loss to Missouri Southern.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 2pm.Ravens stay undefeated in series against ClarkeFor the first time the Benedictine Ravens took the field as a ranked program against the Clarke University Pride on Saturday.&nbsp;The #15 Ravens forced five turnovers, with two of the five leading to points, en route to the 36-18 victory.Quarterback Garrett Kettle passed for 266 yards going 19-32 and throwing two touchdowns while running back Rayshon Mills ran for 49 yards and two scores.&nbsp; Sophomore cornerback Fabian Njika had one interception which he took 40 yards for a defensive score as well.The Ravens are now 3-1 on the season and will return home for its annual Family Weekend on Saturday for a matchup with Graceland. Kickoff is set for 1pm.Tigers bounce back, win final tune-up game before SEC play COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Luther Burden III raced 78 yards on a punt return for a score and Missouri defeated Abilene Christian 34-17. Quarterback Brady Cook and Dominic Lovett connected on a 79-yard touchdown pass in the first half that helped Missouri build a 17-3 halftime lead. Lovett posted career highs with seven catches for 132 yards and two scores. The Wildcats scored their only touchdown thanks to a Missouri turnover. On first down from the Tigers 9-yard line in the third quarter, David Oke stripped the ball from Cook and Alexander Duke recovered the ball in the end zone, pulling the Wildcats within 24-10.Missouri will begin SEC play on Saturday in a matchup against Auburn on the road.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 11am and will be broadcast on ESPN.Jayhawks off to best start since 2009 following win over CougarsJalon Daniels threw for 158 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 123 yards and two scores as Kansas improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2009 with a 48-30 win over Houston. Daniels finished 14 of 23 and threw touchdown passes of 5, 60 and 8 yards and had touchdown runs of 12 and 9 yards. He found 11 different receivers and threw touchdown passes to Torry Locklin, Jared Casey and Luke Grimm.The Jayhawks will look to improve to 4-0 as they return to Lawrence for the first time in two weeks to take on Duke.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 11am and will be broadcast on FS1Tulane rallies to upset Kanas State in ManhattanMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Michael Pratt overcame two costly interceptions with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Tyrick James with 4:27 left and Tulane upset Kansas State 17-10. K-State came into the game favored by two touchdowns. The Green Wave stopped the Wildcats on fourth-and-short twice in the third quarter and again in the fourth. K-State finished 1 for 5 on fourth down. It was Tulane’s first road victory over a Power-5 conference school since beating Rutgers in 2010. Rutgers was part of the Big East that season.Adrian Martinez threw for 150 yards and one touchdown going 21-for-31 in the loss.&nbsp; Junior running back Deuce&nbsp; Vaugh saw a streak of eight straight games with 100 rushing yards or more snapped, rushing for 81 yards on 20 carries.&nbsp;The Wildcats will hit the road to begin Big 12 conference play Saturday against Oklahoma.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 7pm and will be broadcast on Fox.Cornhuskers fall in first game following Scott Frost firingLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Dillon Gabriel threw for two touchdowns and ran for another and sixth-ranked Oklahoma hammered Nebraska 49-14 in the Cornhuskers’ first game following the firing of Scott Frost. OU posted its most lopsided victory over Nebraska since a 45-10 win in 1990. The Sooners have won seven of eight against the team it used to battle for conference championships year-in and year-out in the old Big Eight. The Huskers have lost 19 straight against Top 25 opponents and nine in a row against Bowl Subdivision teams. Oklahoma scored 35 straight points after Nebraska opened with a six-play, 77-yard touchdown drive.The Cornhuskers will have a week off before their next matchup when they meet Indiana on October 1st.&nbsp; Time is currently to be determined.

CFB Round Up: Northwest win streak in Maryville moves to 14, Jayhawks win again

(AP) — Brady Singer pitched out of a bases-loaded, nobody out jam in the third and finished with six strong innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 9-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox. 

Singer won his fifth straight decision. He allowed five singles and a walk while striking out five. It was the second straight start without allowing a run for the 26-year-old College World Series champion from Florida.

 MJ Melendez and Vinnie Pasquantino had three hits apiece for the Royals. Rich Hill took the loss for Boston.

The Royals take on the Red Sox again Sunday afternoon with first pitch at 12:35 central. Coverage begins at 12:00 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

(AP) — Brady Singer pitched out of a bases-loaded, nobody out jam in the third and finished with six strong innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 9-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Singer won his fifth straight decision. He allowed five singles and a walk while striking out five. It was the second straight start without allowing a run for the 26-year-old College World Series champion from Florida. MJ Melendez and Vinnie Pasquantino had three hits apiece for the Royals. Rich Hill took the loss for Boston.The Royals take on the Red Sox again Sunday afternoon with first pitch at 12:35 central. Coverage begins at 12:00 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Singer shuts down Red Sox, Royals beat Boston 9-0

EMPORIA, KS - Things got off to a strange start for Missouri Western right from the get-go.

On a third down play inside their own five-yard-line, Griffons' right guard Evan Clark was called on a holding penalty in his own endzone, resulting in an Emporia State safety. It was 2-0 Hornets less than two minutes into the game.

The Griffons got behind, and never recovered. Missouri Western (2-1) got down 16-0 in the second quarter, 22-6 at halftime and fell behind even further after a two-hour and 40-minute rain delay, falling to Emporia State 36-12 Saturday at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas.

The loss snaps a five-game winning streak for the Griffons dating back to last season, and Emporia State got its first win over MWSU on the gridiron since 2017.

"We came out here and just freaking laid an egg," Missouri Western head coach Matt Williamson told KFEQ Radio on postgame. "Just didn't play very well. Did not play Missouri Western football. We got punched in the face and didn't react to it."

The Griffons had trouble getting anything going offensively for much of the first half. Missouri Western had just one first down and 25 yards of offense in the first quarter. In fact, the Griffons went three-and out on five of their first six possessions.

"Offensively, just totally nonexistent," Williamson said of the first half. "It was embarrassing, I think. I truly believe Emporia's defense outplayed our offense."

Emporia State (2-1) was a bit slow to start too, going three-and-out on their first three drives. The Hornets woke up midway through the first quarter, and put together an 11-play, 95-yard drive to get the offensive scoring started.

Faced with a 4th-and-2 at the Missouri Western 30, Emporia quarterback Braden Gleason took off on a 30-yard touchdown run to give the Hornets a 9-0 lead with with 3:35 left in the first quarter.

After another Griffon three-and-out, Emporia State marched down the field again, this time going 68 yards on 12 plays. After converting another fourth down, Gleason fired a seven-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Varner, putting Emporia up 16-0 with 12:30 left in the second quarter.

Later in the second, the Western offense finally got going, piecing together an 11-play, 57 yard march, sparked by a 21-yard run from Jared Scott and ending with a three-yard touchdown run from quarterback Reagan Jones.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663462977294.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western quarterback Reagan Jones (7) tries to get away from a defender in the Griffons' 36-12 loss at Emporia State Saturday. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western quarterback Reagan Jones (7) tries to get away from a defender in the Griffons' 36-12 loss at Emporia State Saturday. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostEMPORIA, KS - Things got off to a strange start for Missouri Western right from the get-go.On a third down play inside their own five-yard-line, Griffons' right guard Evan Clark was called on a holding penalty in his own endzone, resulting in an Emporia State safety. It was 2-0 Hornets less than two minutes into the game.The Griffons got behind, and never recovered. Missouri Western (2-1) got down 16-0 in the second quarter, 22-6 at halftime and fell behind even further after a two-hour and 40-minute rain delay, falling to Emporia State 36-12 Saturday at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas.The loss snaps a five-game winning streak for the Griffons dating back to last season, and Emporia State got its first win over MWSU on the gridiron since 2017."We came out here and just freaking laid an egg," Missouri Western head coach Matt Williamson told KFEQ Radio on postgame. "Just didn't play very well. Did not play Missouri Western football. We got punched in the face and didn't react to it."The Griffons had trouble getting anything going offensively for much of the first half. Missouri Western had just one first down and 25 yards of offense in the first quarter. In fact, the Griffons went three-and out on five of their first six possessions."Offensively, just totally nonexistent," Williamson said of the first half. "It was embarrassing, I think. I truly believe Emporia's defense outplayed our offense."Emporia State (2-1) was a bit slow to start too, going three-and-out on their first three drives. The Hornets woke up midway through the first quarter, and put together an 11-play, 95-yard drive to get the offensive scoring started.Faced with a 4th-and-2 at the Missouri Western 30, Emporia quarterback Braden Gleason took off on a 30-yard touchdown run to give the Hornets a 9-0 lead with with 3:35 left in the first quarter.After another Griffon three-and-out, Emporia State marched down the field again, this time going 68 yards on 12 plays. After converting another fourth down, Gleason fired a seven-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Varner, putting Emporia up 16-0 with 12:30 left in the second quarter.Later in the second, the Western offense finally got going, piecing together an 11-play, 57 yard march, sparked by a 21-yard run from Jared Scott and ending with a three-yard touchdown run from quarterback Reagan Jones.The Griffons completed a successful two-point conversion on a pass to Brandon Hall, but it was called back due to offensive pass interference. The Griffons went for a long point-after and missed, making it a 16-6 game with 4:44 left in the first half.Emporia State methodically went down the field again in the final 1:54 of the second quarter, milking the clock along the way, and scoring with just 12 seconds left until halftime. Gleason hit Cole Schumacher on a 17-yard touchdown throw. The point-after was blocked, but the Hornets took a 22-6 lead into the locker room.Then, the rains came. Toward the end of the halftime break, a lightning delay went into effect, as a slow moving, severe thunderstorm hung around the Emporia area, delaying the game for over 2.5 hours.Once the second half started, the Griffons went on offense first. However, a fumbled kickoff return by Cooper Burton pinned Western deep, and then a lost fumble by Brandon Hall set Emporia State up with a first-and-goal at the six.Two plays later, Gleason ran it in for a four-yard score, putting Emporia State ahead 29-6, just 53 seconds into the second half.After a two-and-a-half hour wait, Missouri Western turned the ball over on its first play from scrimmage in the second half, and were suddenly faced with its largest deficit of the day.Things just never improved much for Missouri Western, especially on offense. The Griffons punted twice more in the third quarter, before scoring their first points of the second half with 1:20 left in the third quarter.Jones found junior tight end Ty Harvey in one-on-one coverage down the sideline, and Harvey went 38 yards to the endzone for the score. Missouri Western again went for two, but a pass to Cooper Burton fell incomplete, leaving the score at 29-12 late in the third.On the first play of the fourth quarter, Emporia basically called game, as Gleason found Corey Thomas on a short completion to the sideline. Thomas broke a tackle and took it 54 yards to the house to put Emporia ahead 36-12 with 14:50 to play.The Griffons tried to answer, and had fourth-and-goal at the four-yard line early in the fourth, but came up short, as a short pass to Burton fell incomplete.Gleason had a stellar outing for Emporia, completing 27-of-42 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 62 yards and two scores on seven carries.Jones had a tough day for Western, taking his first career loss as the Griffons starting QB. He completed 16-of-33 passes for 158 yards, a touchdown and interception. He rushed for 40 yards and a score on 11 carries."He was off, man," Williamson said of his quarterback. "We have to tighten him back up and get him ready to rock and roll and doing our thing again."In all, Emporia had 83 snaps on offense, compared to 69 by Western. The Hornets also outgained the Griffons in total yardage, 443-311."Total consistency of dropped balls, fumbles, miscues offensively altogether," Williamson remarked. "Our defense, it feels like they were on the dang field the whole time.""The biggest thing that's frustrating to me and it's one of my staples, you can't walk off the field and say, 'Hey, that team played harder than you.' (Emporia) did and it frustrates me."Missouri Western is home next Saturday to host Washburn at Spratt Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Coverage starts at 5 on KFEQ (680, 95.3).You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.