The three Johnston brothers, along with Sam Schoeberl and Davis Jungbluth all helped Bishop LeBlond boys' golf take home a state championship <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/69952a15-4d46-49a4-83fb-c70b221f46e4">in Farmington back in May 2021</a>.

Once the 2024-25 school year rolls around, all five of them will be on the same team again.

Jeffrey Johnston is a junior at Missouri Western, where he's <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/788f0e83-68eb-4633-ae2d-1886a063955b">already won three tournaments</a>&nbsp;in his college career, while Schoeberl is in his freshman year with the Griffons.

On Thursday,&nbsp;twin brothers Tim and Pat Johnston, along with Davis Jungbluth, signed to play golf at Missouri Western, bringing this 'fab five' back together.

"I wanted to get back together and play with Jeff at least one more year," Tim said.

"Yeah, once Jeff went to Missouri Western, I just wanted to play with him again," Pat echoed.

"Once I've seen so many good players play at MoWest, and good coaches, I just knew it was the right place for me," Jungbluth concurred.

&nbsp;Jeffrey, the eldest Johnston, is grateful to be flanked by so many former high school teammates.

"It's really unheard of to have this many guys from St. Joe be on the same team in college, let alone in high school," he said. "I'm looking forward to it for sure."

Tim and Pat Johnston, along with Schoeberl and Jungbluth, helped LeBlond win state again <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/8e0e5061-e392-401e-a227-b7260b17e4d9">this past year in Class 3 in New Bloomfield</a>.

"We've grown up playing golf together forever," said Schoeberl, who won <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/ba90ff48-67bc-461e-8d14-8108ae180e2a">an individual state title in 2022</a>. "Really glad we could stay together throughout college and I'm ready to make more memories."

This group has helped LeBlond boys' golf win a whopping four state titles in the last five years. Tim himself won the individual title in 2023. He and Pat have each medaled at state three times in their careers.

Jungbluth is a two-time state medalist, placing 15th in 2022 and 18th as a freshman in 2021.

It's a group of boys, some of them now men, who have grown up playing golf together on the St. Joseph links for as long as they could grip a golf club.

"Every time we go out to the course, 90 percent of the time we're playing together," Schoeberl said. "It helps team chemistry and every winning program is very tightly knitted together, and I think that's important for success."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699569240276.jpeg" alt="The 2021 Bishop LeBlond state championship boys' golf team featured Sam Schoeberl, Tim Johnston, Jeffrey Johnston, Davis Jungbluth and Pat Johnston. Sam and Jeffrey play for Missouri Western currently. Tim, Pat and Davis just signed their NLIs Thursday to become Griffons as well. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>The 2021 Bishop LeBlond state championship boys' golf team featured Sam Schoeberl, Tim Johnston, Jeffrey Johnston, Davis Jungbluth and Pat Johnston. Sam and Jeffrey play for Missouri Western currently. Tim, Pat and Davis just signed their NLIs Thursday to become Griffons as well. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe fab five is back together.The three Johnston brothers, along with Sam Schoeberl and Davis Jungbluth all helped Bishop LeBlond boys' golf take home a state championship <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/69952a15-4d46-49a4-83fb-c70b221f46e4">in Farmington back in May 2021</a>.Once the 2024-25 school year rolls around, all five of them will be on the same team again.Jeffrey Johnston is a junior at Missouri Western, where he's <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/788f0e83-68eb-4633-ae2d-1886a063955b">already won three tournaments</a>&nbsp;in his college career, while Schoeberl is in his freshman year with the Griffons.On Thursday,&nbsp;twin brothers Tim and Pat Johnston, along with Davis Jungbluth, signed to play golf at Missouri Western, bringing this 'fab five' back together."I wanted to get back together and play with Jeff at least one more year," Tim said."Yeah, once Jeff went to Missouri Western, I just wanted to play with him again," Pat echoed."Once I've seen so many good players play at MoWest, and good coaches, I just knew it was the right place for me," Jungbluth concurred.&nbsp;Jeffrey, the eldest Johnston, is grateful to be flanked by so many former high school teammates."It's really unheard of to have this many guys from St. Joe be on the same team in college, let alone in high school," he said. "I'm looking forward to it for sure."Tim and Pat Johnston, along with Schoeberl and Jungbluth, helped LeBlond win state again <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/8e0e5061-e392-401e-a227-b7260b17e4d9">this past year in Class 3 in New Bloomfield</a>."We've grown up playing golf together forever," said Schoeberl, who won <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/ba90ff48-67bc-461e-8d14-8108ae180e2a">an individual state title in 2022</a>. "Really glad we could stay together throughout college and I'm ready to make more memories."This group has helped LeBlond boys' golf win a whopping four state titles in the last five years. Tim himself won the individual title in 2023. He and Pat have each medaled at state three times in their careers.Jungbluth is a two-time state medalist, placing 15th in 2022 and 18th as a freshman in 2021.It's a group of boys, some of them now men, who have grown up playing golf together on the St. Joseph links for as long as they could grip a golf club."Every time we go out to the course, 90 percent of the time we're playing together," Schoeberl said. "It helps team chemistry and every winning program is very tightly knitted together, and I think that's important for success."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699572670806.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699572687341.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699572708072.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699572727052.jpeg" alt="Davis Jungbluth at the state meet in Sedalia in 2022." />
 <figcaption>Davis Jungbluth at the state meet in Sedalia in 2022.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699572746981.jpeg" alt="Tim Johnston at the state meet in 2023." />
 <figcaption>Tim Johnston at the state meet in 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699572764470.jpeg" alt="Pat Johnston at state in 2023." />
 <figcaption>Pat Johnston at state in 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

The LeBlond pipeline - Tim and Pat Johnston, Davis Jungbluth sign to MWSU golf

It was a full-circle moment for the Trotter family on Thursday.

Zoe Trotter, the youngest of the three Trotter siblings and a senior at St. Joseph Central, signed her national letter of intent to play softball at Division I University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Tommies are head coached by none other than Jen Bagley-Trotter - Zoe's stepmom and Missouri Western's former softball coach of 20 years.

"Zoe has been in my dugout since she was little," Bagley-Trotter said. "I was looking through pictures (Thursday) morning of her in the dugouts and on road trips with us. I've missed her the last couple of years being there. So, it'll be great to be able to spend the next four (years) with her, back where she belongs."

Zoe, a shortstop and outfielder, is a four-time all Greater KC Suburban Conference and four-time all-district honoree. She also earned all-region accolades for two years and is a member of the Missouri academic all-state team.

Continuing her athletic career in this manner,Zoe says, is quite special. She took the recruiting process one step at a time, playing in front of college coaches during the summer while playing for her Select FastPitch 18U team.

"Ultimately, with how much my travel team plays in the summer, I just went out and did the best I could every tournament," Zoe said. "So that coaches could see the best of me and see what they could get. Slower (process) for me, but ended up in a great place. Where I want to be."

Zoe was head coached in her senior season at Central by <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/d0000262-70e5-4b3d-b09d-24a9d3bf2f68">Buzz Verduzco</a> - a long-time friend of the Trotter family and Missouri Western's baseball coach from 2000-2023.&nbsp;

"We had a lot of fun," she said of the past season. "We have a dollar jar for (Buzz) for anytime he said 'baseballs' instead of 'softballs.' It was a lot of fun in the season, getting the girls to open up to him as well and everybody knowing what he was about and what our program was going to be about. I can't say enough on how thankful I am for him."

"That made my heart so happy," Bagley-Trotter added, when she knew Verduzco took the Central job. "Not only because I know Buzz had her best intentions in mind, but Buzz is smart and is good at all of the things that (Zoe) needed extra work on. She got coached in a way this fall that she really needed."

It's something of a home stretch in St. Joseph for the Trotter family. The eldest, Quentin, is currently a junior at Missouri Western. Camille is currently in school at the University of Iowa and Zoe will be the third and final Trotter sibling to graduate from there this spring.

Bagley-Trotter <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/804dd0c9-4de7-4d11-9ae2-3e1a8012028c">took the St. Thomas job in 2021</a> after two successful decades as the head coach of Griffon softball, where she racked up an MIAA record 676 wins.

She expressed gratitude to Central athletic director David Lau, who hired Regi to be the Indians' head football coach back in 2018.

All-in-all, a long and memorable run for a family that gave all they had to give to sports in the city.

"It's been over 20 years that we've been here," Bagley-Trotter remarked, perhaps a bit teary-eyed. "This community has done a lot to help us raise three really great humans. The school (Central) has provided a lot of support and good people around us."

"We've got people coming to us in hallways, kids at the school who just say 'hi' to us everyday," Zoe noted. "We may not have class with them, or don't know who they are, but they know who we are and enjoy being around us at least a little bit."

"We think that's really special. Obviously, (Regi) had a super special last year of coaching (football finishing 7-3), which is super special for us."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699560487048.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Central's Zoe Trotter (center) signs her national letter of intent to play softball at the University of St. Thomas. Her father Regi Trotter (left) and mother Heather Langford (right) by her side. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Central's Zoe Trotter (center) signs her national letter of intent to play softball at the University of St. Thomas. Her father Regi Trotter (left) and mother Heather Langford (right) by her side. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt was a full-circle moment for the Trotter family on Thursday.Zoe Trotter, the youngest of the three Trotter siblings and a senior at St. Joseph Central, signed her national letter of intent to play softball at Division I University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.The Tommies are head coached by none other than Jen Bagley-Trotter - Zoe's stepmom and Missouri Western's former softball coach of 20 years."Zoe has been in my dugout since she was little," Bagley-Trotter said. "I was looking through pictures (Thursday) morning of her in the dugouts and on road trips with us. I've missed her the last couple of years being there. So, it'll be great to be able to spend the next four (years) with her, back where she belongs."Zoe, a shortstop and outfielder, is a four-time all Greater KC Suburban Conference and four-time all-district honoree. She also earned all-region accolades for two years and is a member of the Missouri academic all-state team.Continuing her athletic career in this manner,Zoe says, is quite special. She took the recruiting process one step at a time, playing in front of college coaches during the summer while playing for her Select FastPitch 18U team."Ultimately, with how much my travel team plays in the summer, I just went out and did the best I could every tournament," Zoe said. "So that coaches could see the best of me and see what they could get. Slower (process) for me, but ended up in a great place. Where I want to be."Zoe was head coached in her senior season at Central by <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/d0000262-70e5-4b3d-b09d-24a9d3bf2f68">Buzz Verduzco</a> - a long-time friend of the Trotter family and Missouri Western's baseball coach from 2000-2023.&nbsp;"We had a lot of fun," she said of the past season. "We have a dollar jar for (Buzz) for anytime he said 'baseballs' instead of 'softballs.' It was a lot of fun in the season, getting the girls to open up to him as well and everybody knowing what he was about and what our program was going to be about. I can't say enough on how thankful I am for him.""That made my heart so happy," Bagley-Trotter added, when she knew Verduzco took the Central job. "Not only because I know Buzz had her best intentions in mind, but Buzz is smart and is good at all of the things that (Zoe) needed extra work on. She got coached in a way this fall that she really needed."It's something of a home stretch in St. Joseph for the Trotter family. The eldest, Quentin, is currently a junior at Missouri Western. Camille is currently in school at the University of Iowa and Zoe will be the third and final Trotter sibling to graduate from there this spring.Bagley-Trotter <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/804dd0c9-4de7-4d11-9ae2-3e1a8012028c">took the St. Thomas job in 2021</a> after two successful decades as the head coach of Griffon softball, where she racked up an MIAA record 676 wins.She expressed gratitude to Central athletic director David Lau, who hired Regi to be the Indians' head football coach back in 2018.All-in-all, a long and memorable run for a family that gave all they had to give to sports in the city."It's been over 20 years that we've been here," Bagley-Trotter remarked, perhaps a bit teary-eyed. "This community has done a lot to help us raise three really great humans. The school (Central) has provided a lot of support and good people around us.""We've got people coming to us in hallways, kids at the school who just say 'hi' to us everyday," Zoe noted. "We may not have class with them, or don't know who they are, but they know who we are and enjoy being around us at least a little bit.""We think that's really special. Obviously, (Regi) had a super special last year of coaching (football finishing 7-3), which is super special for us."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699561875445.jpeg" alt="Central softball coach Buzz Verduzco (left) and St. Thomas softball coach Jen Bagley-Trotter (right) share a moment at Zoe Trotter's signing Thursday. The two worked together at Missouri Western for two decades. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Central softball coach Buzz Verduzco (left) and St. Thomas softball coach Jen Bagley-Trotter (right) share a moment at Zoe Trotter's signing Thursday. The two worked together at Missouri Western for two decades. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699561897076.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699561911770.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Interviews<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Zoe-Trotter---11923-e2bnfq7/a-aajcc4p" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Jen-Bagley-Trotter---11923-e2bnfs5/a-aajccar" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Central's Zoe Trotter signs to St. Thomas, will be coached by stepmom Bagley-Trotter

Elliott Murphy's biggest love, when it comes to sports, is basketball.

But, his first love was skiing. He first tried sit skiing in grade school at Snow Creek Ski Area in nearby Weston.

But, after having to miss a season due to surgery in seventh grade, Murphy was introduced to wheelchair basketball.

Five years later, Murphy, a senior and two-sport athlete at Bishop LeBlond, signed his national letter of intent Tuesday to play wheelchair basketball at the University of Arizona.

"I love the culture there," Murphy said. "The coach (Mike Beardsley) has been really great recruiting me. He offered me a spot. I reached out to him last November when they came to Mizzou. He realized my potential."

"Also, I love the campus and the players who are already there."

Murphy has played basketball for the Kansas City Kings - a team affiliated with Midwest Adaptive Sports - since 2018.

Elliott’s father, Scott Murphy, says it was the team aspect of basketball that Elliott fell in love with.

"(Elliott) has developed friends he connects with all over the country," Scott said. "As much as he loves basketball, and we saw how it changed him and his motivation, we encouraged him to pursue basketball as long as he can."

Murphy still does some sit skiing for fun. He's also done baseball in his past, and is a member of LeBlond's varsity track team.

In fact, Murphy has won 12 medals at state track in para events over the last three seasons, including nine gold medals, competing in the 100, 200 and 400 meter dash, as well as shot put.

Arizona is one of about a dozen Division I schools nationwide that offer basketball as part of their adaptive sports program.&nbsp;

Based in Tucson, Arizona has one of the biggest and best adaptive sports programs in the country, offering golf, rugby, tennis and other sports, including track and road racing.

"If I ever wanted to pursue track as well, I could just reach out to the coach and pursue both," Elliott said.

As for what Elliott might study, Scott said his son is undecided on an exact major at the moment, but Elliott might pursue something in the area of international philanthropy.

Elliott, with the help of friends and teammates, started a grassroots non-profit called 'Wheels-to-Wheels.'

Murphy went on a mission trip to Haiti when he was 9, and he offered chairs that he had outgrown to people in need there.

Inspired by that experience, and with the help of Hope Haven International Ministries based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Murphy helps get used chairs from various basketball tournaments he participates in. Hope Haven then works to distribute those chairs to people in need around the world.

"He does have motivation to pursue international work and philanthropy," Scott said. "Basketball has been his life. So, we try to support it and it's been life changing for us."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699401033269.jpeg" alt="Elliott Murphy, surrounded by friends and teammates, signed his national letter of intent to play wheelchair basketball at the University of Arizona Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Elliott Murphy, surrounded by friends and teammates, signed his national letter of intent to play wheelchair basketball at the University of Arizona Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostElliott Murphy's biggest love, when it comes to sports, is basketball.But, his first love was skiing. He first tried sit skiing in grade school at Snow Creek Ski Area in nearby Weston.But, after having to miss a season due to surgery in seventh grade, Murphy was introduced to wheelchair basketball.Five years later, Murphy, a senior and two-sport athlete at Bishop LeBlond, signed his national letter of intent Tuesday to play wheelchair basketball at the University of Arizona."I love the culture there," Murphy said. "The coach (Mike Beardsley) has been really great recruiting me. He offered me a spot. I reached out to him last November when they came to Mizzou. He realized my potential." "Also, I love the campus and the players who are already there."Murphy has played basketball for the Kansas City Kings - a team affiliated with Midwest Adaptive Sports - since 2018.Elliott’s father, Scott Murphy, says it was the team aspect of basketball that Elliott fell in love with."(Elliott) has developed friends he connects with all over the country," Scott said. "As much as he loves basketball, and we saw how it changed him and his motivation, we encouraged him to pursue basketball as long as he can."Murphy still does some sit skiing for fun. He's also done baseball in his past, and is a member of LeBlond's varsity track team.In fact, Murphy has won 12 medals at state track in para events over the last three seasons, including nine gold medals, competing in the 100, 200 and 400 meter dash, as well as shot put.Arizona is one of about a dozen Division I schools nationwide that offer basketball as part of their adaptive sports program.&nbsp;Based in Tucson, Arizona has one of the biggest and best adaptive sports programs in the country, offering golf, rugby, tennis and other sports, including track and road racing."If I ever wanted to pursue track as well, I could just reach out to the coach and pursue both," Elliott said.As for what Elliott might study, Scott said his son is undecided on an exact major at the moment, but Elliott might pursue something in the area of international philanthropy.Elliott, with the help of friends and teammates, started a grassroots non-profit called 'Wheels-to-Wheels.'Murphy went on a mission trip to Haiti when he was 9, and he offered chairs that he had outgrown to people in need there.Inspired by that experience, and with the help of Hope Haven International Ministries based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Murphy helps get used chairs from various basketball tournaments he participates in. Hope Haven then works to distribute those chairs to people in need around the world."He does have motivation to pursue international work and philanthropy," Scott said. "Basketball has been his life. So, we try to support it and it's been life changing for us."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699402345430.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Sports N Spokes." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Sports N Spokes.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699402533565.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699402692725.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699402711649.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

LeBlond's Elliott Murphy signs to play wheelchair basketball at Arizona

In the latest NCAA Division II football regional rankings released Monday, Missouri Western football is up two spots to No. 7 in Super Region Three.

The top seven teams in each of the four regions reach the playoffs once the regular season is over. The Griffons seek their first playoff bid since 2012. Also, the Griffons are up to No. 21 in the coaches poll and 19th in the media poll.

Missouri Western senior and defensive end Dakari Streeter was named MIAA Defensive Player of the Week Monday. Streeter, with his 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble Saturday, played a key role in the win over Pitt.

His 12.5 sacks on the season lead the MIAA and are the third most in a single season by a Griffon in program history.

The accolades don’t stop there for Missouri Western. Punter Evan Williams was named Specialist of the Week Monday as well. Out of Williams's three punts, the senior pinned two inside the 20-yard line.

 His first punt put the Gorillas at their own 11-yard line, eventually resulting in a turnover that MWSU converted into points in the first quarter. With 12 punts downed inside the 20 this season,

Williams is third in the MIAA in that category.

The Griffons end the regular season at Missouri Southern (4-6) on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Joplin. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699312770640.jpeg" alt="Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIn the latest NCAA Division II football regional rankings released Monday, Missouri Western football is up two spots to No. 7 in Super Region Three.The top seven teams in each of the four regions reach the playoffs once the regular season is over. The Griffons seek their first playoff bid since 2012. Also, the Griffons are up to No. 21 in the coaches poll and 19th in the media poll.Missouri Western senior and defensive end Dakari Streeter was named MIAA Defensive Player of the Week Monday. Streeter, with his 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble Saturday, played a key role in the win over Pitt.His 12.5 sacks on the season lead the MIAA and are the third most in a single season by a Griffon in program history.The accolades don’t stop there for Missouri Western. Punter Evan Williams was named Specialist of the Week Monday as well. Out of Williams's three punts, the senior pinned two inside the 20-yard line. His first punt put the Gorillas at their own 11-yard line, eventually resulting in a turnover that MWSU converted into points in the first quarter. With 12 punts downed inside the 20 this season,Williams is third in the MIAA in that category.The Griffons end the regular season at Missouri Southern (4-6) on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Joplin. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/23-MWSU-vs--2-Pitt-State---closing-moments-e2bg8po/a-aaili74" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU football moves up in regional rankings, polls, earn MIAA accolades

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Patrick Mahomes said teammate Bryan Cook looked as if he was running the anchor leg of a 4x100-meter track and field relay on his touchdown.

The Chiefs safety took a fumble return 59 yards for what turned out to be&nbsp;an important touchdown&nbsp;in Kansas City's 21-14 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Deutsche Bank Park on Sunday.

“He got those knees up and was rolling down the field,” Mahomes said. “Huge play that obviously mattered a ton in the game.”

Mahomes threw two touchdown passes and the Chiefs (7-2) did just enough to slow the NFL’s top-ranked offense in the first-ever regular season game in Frankfurt, Germany, but the defending Super Bowl champions nearly blew a big lead.

Miami's comeback fell short when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa couldn't handle a snap on fourth-and-10 from the Kansas City 31 with 1:03 to play.

“I’m always going to blame myself — I’ve got to catch the ball,” Tagovailoa said. “Can’t end the game like that when we have an opportunity like that against a really good team.”

Mahomes connected on first-half scoring passes to Rashee Rice and Jerick McKinnon as Miami (6-3) kept getting stuck in third-and-long situations. The Dolphins also fell to 0-3 on the season against teams with winning records.

Mahomes finished 20 of 30 for a season-low 185 yards in his European debut, but the Chiefs’ offense struggled in the second half. Tight end Travis Kelce had just three catches for 14 yards, which was just enough to become the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1721248013169864927">franchise's career leader in receiving yards</a>.

“Obviously, penalties and then me not connecting on guys deep down the field hurt us, but luckily for us our defense is playing their tail off and we got the win,” Mahomes said.

Three Chiefs players combined to put Kansas City up 21-0 just before halftime on one of the top defensive plays of the season so far.

And it came at the expense of former teammate Tyreek Hill.

With the Dolphins driving late in the first half, cornerback Trent McDuffie stuffed Hill on a short pass in the flat and stripped the ball from the All-Pro receiver. Mike Edwards scooped it up and after Hill tried to tackle him, Edwards lateraled to Cook, who returned it for the score.

Cook said the most recent time he scored a touchdown was while playing collegiately for Howard in 2018.

Hill finished with a team-high eight catches for 62 yards.

Taylor Swift was a no-show, as was Miami’s offense early on. The only thing more surprising than Miami’s first-half struggles on offense was referee Clay Martin making&nbsp;a “false start” call in German&nbsp;in the first quarter.

Miami hadn’t been shut out in the first half of a game since Week 2 of the 2021 season.

But Tagovailoa got the comeback started with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Cedric Wilson Jr. in the third quarter.

Bradley Chubb’s strip-sack of Mahomes then gave Miami the ball on the Kansas City 27, and Raheem Mostert ran it in from 13 yards after an unnecessary roughness call on Chris Jones on a third-and-20 keep the drive alive. Mostert had 12 carries for 85 yards.

Tagovailoa finished 21 of 34 for a season-low 193 yards.

After a game that could have playoff implications — the Chiefs have hosted a record five straight AFC championship games — Chiefs coach Andy Reid said the flight home will feel shorter.

“There's nothing worse than going into a bye week with a loss first of all, and then an eight-hour plane ride on top of that,” Reid said.

The Chiefs haven’t lost back-to-back games since early in the 2021 season and stayed undefeated in international games. They won in London in 2015 and in Mexico City in 2019.

The Chiefs enjoy a bye week this week before a Monday night Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles at Arrowhead Stadium on Nov. 20. Kickoff in that game is set for 7:15. It'll be carried on Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699228101366.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles away from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Frankfurt, Germany. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles away from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Frankfurt, Germany. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner).</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostFRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Patrick Mahomes said teammate Bryan Cook looked as if he was running the anchor leg of a 4x100-meter track and field relay on his touchdown.The Chiefs safety took a fumble return 59 yards for what turned out to be&nbsp;an important touchdown&nbsp;in Kansas City's 21-14 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Deutsche Bank Park on Sunday.“He got those knees up and was rolling down the field,” Mahomes said. “Huge play that obviously mattered a ton in the game.”Mahomes threw two touchdown passes and the Chiefs (7-2) did just enough to slow the NFL’s top-ranked offense in the first-ever regular season game in Frankfurt, Germany, but the defending Super Bowl champions nearly blew a big lead.Miami's comeback fell short when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa couldn't handle a snap on fourth-and-10 from the Kansas City 31 with 1:03 to play.“I’m always going to blame myself — I’ve got to catch the ball,” Tagovailoa said. “Can’t end the game like that when we have an opportunity like that against a really good team.”Mahomes connected on first-half scoring passes to Rashee Rice and Jerick McKinnon as Miami (6-3) kept getting stuck in third-and-long situations. The Dolphins also fell to 0-3 on the season against teams with winning records.Mahomes finished 20 of 30 for a season-low 185 yards in his European debut, but the Chiefs’ offense struggled in the second half. Tight end Travis Kelce had just three catches for 14 yards, which was just enough to become the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1721248013169864927">franchise's career leader in receiving yards</a>.“Obviously, penalties and then me not connecting on guys deep down the field hurt us, but luckily for us our defense is playing their tail off and we got the win,” Mahomes said.Three Chiefs players combined to put Kansas City up 21-0 just before halftime on one of the top defensive plays of the season so far.And it came at the expense of former teammate Tyreek Hill.With the Dolphins driving late in the first half, cornerback Trent McDuffie stuffed Hill on a short pass in the flat and stripped the ball from the All-Pro receiver. Mike Edwards scooped it up and after Hill tried to tackle him, Edwards lateraled to Cook, who returned it for the score.Cook said the most recent time he scored a touchdown was while playing collegiately for Howard in 2018.Hill finished with a team-high eight catches for 62 yards.Taylor Swift was a no-show, as was Miami’s offense early on. The only thing more surprising than Miami’s first-half struggles on offense was referee Clay Martin making&nbsp;a “false start” call in German&nbsp;in the first quarter.Miami hadn’t been shut out in the first half of a game since Week 2 of the 2021 season.But Tagovailoa got the comeback started with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Cedric Wilson Jr. in the third quarter.Bradley Chubb’s strip-sack of Mahomes then gave Miami the ball on the Kansas City 27, and Raheem Mostert ran it in from 13 yards after an unnecessary roughness call on Chris Jones on a third-and-20 keep the drive alive. Mostert had 12 carries for 85 yards.Tagovailoa finished 21 of 34 for a season-low 193 yards.After a game that could have playoff implications — the Chiefs have hosted a record five straight AFC championship games — Chiefs coach Andy Reid said the flight home will feel shorter.“There's nothing worse than going into a bye week with a loss first of all, and then an eight-hour plane ride on top of that,” Reid said.The Chiefs haven’t lost back-to-back games since early in the 2021 season and stayed undefeated in international games. They won in London in 2015 and in Mexico City in 2019.The Chiefs enjoy a bye week this week before a Monday night Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles at Arrowhead Stadium on Nov. 20. Kickoff in that game is set for 7:15. It'll be carried on Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699228229376.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Frankfurt, Germany. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Frankfurt, Germany. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner).</figcaption>
 </figure>

Mahomes throws 2 TDs, Chiefs hang on to beat Dolphins in Germany

Defensive stand helps #23 Missouri Western upset #2 Pittsburgh State

In the final minute of the game, a strip sack from Missouri Western's Dakari Streeter was recovered by C.J Ravenell, allowing quarterback Armani Edden to kneel out the remaining time, giving Missouri Western a 31-30 win over Pittsburgh State.&nbsp; <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7cc0dc7f-ab4a-47ec-a8c1-2c2f27475fb7">Read our full recap HERE</a>.

Dominant effort from Bearcats in shutout win vs Northeastern State

The Northwest Missouri State defense held Northeastern State to under 200 yards of total offense, and the Bearcat offense dominated in every facet on way to a 52-0 shutout win on Saturday in&nbsp;Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Northwest scored on their first three offensive drives to take a 17-0 lead, the scoring starting with a 23 yard Noah Guastella field goal, and then quarterback Mike Hohensee would connect for touchdowns with Trevon Alexander and Zach Atkins.&nbsp;

Hohensee would go on to throw two more touchdowns in the second quarter, connecting with Kashan Griffin for his third touchdown of the game, before finding Alexander for his second touchdown just before halftime, putting the Bearcats up 31-0 at the break.&nbsp;

The Riverhawks would hold Northwest to their lowest scoring frame in the third quarter, only allowing one touchdown with Hohensee throwing his longest pass of the day to Peyton Carder for a 77 yard touchdown pass, extending the Bearcat lead to 38-0.

In the fourth quarter Hohensee would throw his sixth and final touchdown of the game, finding his fourth different receiver for a score in the form of John Giagiari for a 15 yard touchdown pass, which is where Hohensee's day would end as Chris Ruhnke would take over at quarterback to finish the game.&nbsp;

The final score of the game would come from sophomore running back Dominic Myers in relief of Jay Harris, Myers would rush in the final score on a 15 yard touchdown run.&nbsp;

Hohensee was efficient on the day completing 70% of his passes going 16 for 23 through the air for 359 yards and six touchdowns.&nbsp; Griffin (111 yards, 1 TD), Carder (104 yards, 1 TD), Atkins (70 yards, 1 TD), and Alexander (51 yards, 2 TDs) all had three catches on the day.&nbsp; Harris didn't find the endzone but did rush 22 times for 108 yards.&nbsp;

Hohensee's six touchdown passes tied a program record, tying Zach Martin and Kyle Zimmerman.&nbsp; Hohensee also became only the sixth quarterback in school history to pass for 300 or more yards and five touchdowns.

Northwest is now 6-4 (5-4 MIAA) on the season.&nbsp; They'll return home on Saturday for their final game of the regular season, hosting Nebraska-Kearney for Senior Day.&nbsp; Kickoff in Maryville is scheduled for 1:30pm.

First half scoring barrage helps Benedictine to 34-16 win on the road

The #14 Benedictine Ravens scored 31 points in the first half against Missouri Baptist in a 34-16 win on the road in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, giving the Ravens their first ever win over Missouri Baptist.

A missed field goal from the Spartans on the opening drive of the game would give the ball to the Ravens, and they would need just one play to score, with quarterback Jackson Dooley throwing a 72 yard touchdown pass to Jacob Gathright.&nbsp;

Missouri Baptist would answer on their next drive however, driving 90 yards down the field on 10 plays, and using running back Carl Garmon Jr to punch it in from one yard out.&nbsp; The ensuing extra point by Jonah Cox would be missed though, keeping the Ravens in the lead 7-6.&nbsp;

Benedictine would score 17 unanswered points before the Spartans would score again.&nbsp; Dooley would throw two more long touchdowns finding Joesph Lagafuaina on a 32 yard touchdown pass and then to open the second quarter he would connect again with Gathright, this time on a 54 yard score.&nbsp; Harry Balke would extend the Raven lead to 24-6 on a 47 yard field goal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missouri Baptist would battle back and narrow the lead to eight points late in the quarter.&nbsp; Cox would start the Spartan scoring with a 22 yard field goal following an eight play drive.&nbsp; Then after a Raven three and out, Missouri Baptist would use another eight play drive but this time would score a touchdown, Darius Morrison rushing in from five yards out and narrowing the lead to 24-16.

Before the half was over though, the Ravens would score the final touchdown they would need, again on a long pass from Dooley to Tanner Zimmerman for a 34 yard touchdown, Balke's extra point pushing the Benedictine lead to 31-16 at halftime.&nbsp; 

Benedictine would go on to score their final points of the game in the third quarter, again from the leg of Balke, as he would put through a field goal from 30 yards away.&nbsp;

Dooley was 17 of 29 through the air for 369 yards and four touchdowns in the game. The leading receiver for the game was Gathright with five catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns.&nbsp; Dalton Witherspoon rushed 13 times for 63 yards on the day.&nbsp;

Benedictine is now 8-2 (4-0 Heart South) on the season.&nbsp; The final game of the regular season is up next for the Ravens as they return home to Atchison, Kansas for Senior Day against MidAmerica Nazarene.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 1pm.

Late turnovers cost Missouri in hard fought battle with Georgia

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Georgia coach Kirby Smart called defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse's improbable interception the “biggest play of the game.” Wide receiver Ladd McConkey proclaimed it was “the play of the year.”

Either way, the play helped the Bulldogs remain unbeaten yet another week. The pick also was the talk of the postgame interviews.

Stackhouse's fourth-quarter interception helped protect No. 1 Georgia's slim lead and the Bulldogs beat No. 14 Missouri 30-21 on Saturday for their 26th consecutive win.

Georgia (9-0, 6-0 SEC, No. 2 College Football Playoff) had to rally to win the key SEC East matchup against Missouri (7-2, 3-2 SEC, No. 12 CFP).

The Tigers led 13-10 early in the second half. Georgia answered with two straight touchdowns, a 15-yard run by Kendall Milton and Carson Beck's 5-yard scoring pass to Oscar Delp. Beck completed 21 of 32 passes for 254 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Georgia led 27-21 when Stackhouse, a 6-foot-3, 320-pound senior, picked off Brady Cook's short pass. Stackhouse rambled all the way to the Missouri 5, but a blindside block penalty against Bulldogs linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. pushed Georgia back to its 30.

“Huge,” said Smart of the interception, which Stackhouse said was his first at any level.

Added Smart of Stackhouse's return: “It was slow motion. He didn't realize how far he had to run. He was out of breath about halfway.”

Stackhouse was shocked to see the ball come his way.

"I believe (Cook) was trying to throw the ball to the ground and Smael hit his hand and the ball came to me,” Stackhouse said.

Stackhouse said he was told he ran 17 or 18 mph on his return. Said Smart: "No chance. Only way he can hit 18 mph is on his bike or in his car.”

Following the interception, Daijun Edwards' 22-yard run helped set up a 48-yard field goal by Peyton Woodring, the freshman's third of the game and longest of his career, that extended the lead.

Georgia's defense came through with another interception when safety Javon Bullard picked off Cook's deep pass with 1:36 remaining.

“He got us to the fourth quarter and he was tough and gritty like he always is,” said Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz of Cook.

“We've got to see what happened on the turnovers,” Drinkwitz said, but added “I'm not disappointed at all” in the play of his quarterback.

Milton's scoring run was an important lift for the Bulldogs' sluggish running game. The Tigers took a 151-131 advantage in rushing yards.

Cody Schrader's 12-yard scoring run and Cook's 2-point pass to Luther Burden III, who had a touchdown catch earlier in the game, cut Georgia's lead to 24-21. Schrader had 22 carries for 112 yards.

“We came here to win,” Schrader said. "That was our objective. That is our objective every week. We just didn’t get the job done today.”

Dominic Lovett, a Missouri transfer, caught a 6-yard scoring pass for the Bulldogs' only touchdown of the first half.

Despite Georgia's long winning streak, the hard-fought first half was no surprise. The Bulldogs had to rally from a 10-point deficit to win at Missouri 26-22 last season.

“We are disappointed because we put ourselves in a position to contend for the SEC East, which is the goal we have in place,” Drinkwitz said. “That is really not going to be in our control any longer. We have to refocus on what our new goals are.”

The Tigers survived a scare when Burden held his left ankle and was examined on the field in the second quarter. Burden returned later in the half and had three catches for 53 yards.

Mevis gave Missouri a 13-10 lead with a 42-yard field goal which gave the senior the school's career scoring record, passing Jeff Wolfert's 363 points from 2006-08.

Georgia can be expected to extend its roll of holding the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 poll for an SEC-record 20 consecutive weeks. Yet to be determined if the win will be enough to boost the Bulldogs past Ohio State for the CFP ranking top spot. Missouri may drop but should remain in the Top 25.

The Tigers had success against a Georgia offensive line which had allowed only six sacks through eight games. Missouri, which was tied for 17th in the nation with 24 sacks, dropped Beck twice in the first half and three times for the game. Beck and Schrader were the difference-makers on the ground.

The Tigers play another game against a tough SEC East rival when they host No. 19 Tennessee on Saturday. Kickoff time and where the game aired is still to be determined.&nbsp; Earlier last week the SEC did open the six day selection window for the conference's November 11th games.

Kansas wins over Iowa State to reach 7-win mark, first time since 2008

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Jason Bean passed for 287 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown to Lawrence Arnold after Iowa State pulled within three points in the fourth quarter, and the No. 22 Jayhawks held off the Cyclones for a 28-21 victory Saturday night.

The Jayhawks (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) won consecutive conference games for the first time since 2008. They also reached the seven-win benchmark and won in Ames for the first time since that ’08 season.

“This is a great college environment,” Bean said of Iowa State’s Jack Trice Stadium. “It’s a tough environment for any team to come in and play.”

Iowa State (5-4, 4-2 Big 12) began the day in a five-way tie for first place in the Big 12, but the Cyclones’ comeback bid came up short after they trailed 21-3 with 9:24 left in the third quarter.

“We never put our head down,” Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht said. “We kept fighting. That’s what I love about this team.”

Bean completed 14 of 23 passes, his biggest one to Arnold giving Kansas a 10-point cushion right after Iowa State had scored to make it 21-18. Arnold got behind the secondary to make the catch at the 50 and ran the rest of the way untouched.

“It was a play we worked on all week,” Bean said. “I felt like all game we were baiting them to come down low enough to get past them on that play. I delivered the ball to (Arnold) and he did the rest.”

A field goal got the Cyclones within 28-21 with 4:53 left. The Jayhawks were able to pick up two first downs on their final possession to run out the clock.

“We don’t get too high. We don’t get too low,” said Arnold, who finished with 112 yards on three catches. “It was just keeping your composure and making sure we did what we had to.”

Kansas’ Devin Neal scored the first of his two touchdowns on the game’s opening series, capping a nine-play, 87-yard drive.

Mello Dotson returned an interception 50 yards for Kansas’ second touchdown, and his second pick-six in two games. The Jayhawks missed two field goals before Iowa State trimmed the margin to 14-3 on Chase Contreraz’s 35-yard kick before halftime.

Neal’s second touchdown completed a 75-yard drive to start the third quarter and gave Kansas a 21-3 lead.

“I feel like it was a lack of detail on our part,” Cyclone receiver Jaylin Noel said of Iowa State’s slow start. “Just little things. Jumping offsides, holding personal fouls. It’s hard to win when you get those type of penalties.”

The first two times Kansas was in the Top 25 this season, it lost its next game. The Jayhawks should stay in the rankings a second straight week.

Kansas' Dotson appeared woozy after hitting his head while making a diving tackle of Dimitri Stanley with 10 seconds left in the first half. Athletic trainers tended to Dotson on the field for a few minutes, but he was able to walk off the field on his own.

Bean grabbed the back of his left leg after ISU’s Will McLaughlin hit him low after he threw a pass in the second half. No. 3 quarterback Cole Ballard came on to take one snap.

Kansas hosts Texas Tech on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff time and where the game will be aired is to be determined.

Kansas State falls to Texas in overtime after huge second half comeback

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas was dominant for most of three quarters against Kansas State, building a comfortable 20-point lead behind a suffocating defense.

Then the No. 7 Longhorns found themselves in overtime, clinging to a three point lead with just six yards between the No. 25 Wildcats, the end zone and a loss.

“These are the moments you live for. Everybody wants to be the person to make that play,” Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron said. “Trust one another. And that's what we did.”

With a chance to win and all the momentum, Kansas State gained just two yards in three plays before Texas' Barryn Sorrell pressured Will Howard into a desperate, off-balance pass that fell incomplete, as the Longhorns made Bert Auburn's 42-yard field goal stand up for a 33-30 win that keeps them atop the Big 12.

Texas (8-1, 5-1 Big 12, No. 7 CFP) matched last season's win total and stayed on track for a possible berth in the Big 12 championship game. Texas hasn't won the league since 2009, and this is the last chance before the program leaves for the Southeastern Conference next season.

“Versatility, resilience, perseverance ... those are all qualities championship teams have,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “They can make plays at critical moments.”

That was Kansas State (6-3, 4-2 Big 12, No. 23 CFP) when the Wildcats came storming back from a 27-7 deficit late in the third quarter. Kansas State rallied behind three touchdown passes from Howard in less than three minutes.

Kansas State forced overtime on Chris Tennant's 45-yard field goal with 1 second left. Tennant had earlier missed a short chance to tie with just under two minutes left.

Texas went nowhere on its first possession of overtime before Auburn's go-ahead kick, his fourth field goal of the game. Kansas State was then quickly inside the Texas 10.

Facing fourth down, the Wildcats went for the win instead of another field goal to tie and more overtime. Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said he didn't hesitate to make the call and would do it again if given another chance.

“Our kids always believe we have a shot,” Klieman said. “I’m upset that we lost, but watching what our guys were able to do in the second half was pretty special.”

Jonathon Brooks ran for 112 yards and a touchdown for Texas, which also got a 54-yard scoring run early from C.J. Baxter. Howard passed for 327 yards and four touchdowns for the Wildcats, two of them to Phillip Brooks.

Kansas State's rally was helped by consecutive Texas turnovers — an interception and fumble — that set up two quick Howard touchdown passes. A blocked punt set up Kansas State's only touchdown in the first half.

“It tested us. It tested our resilience," Sarkisian said. “It tested our culture to stick together.”

The Wildcats stubbornly stuck to a running game that was going nowhere in the first half. Even when they rotated in speedy freshman quarterback Avery Johnson, his first full series produced three consecutive handoffs instead of letting him probe for an opening. The Wildcats moved the ball through the air on a short scoring drive in the second quarter before opening up the offense on Howard's passing in the second half.

CFB Roundup: Historic day for Hohensee, Turnovers hurt Missouri, Kansas wins seventh game 

Missouri Western absolutely needed a win Saturday to stay alive in the NCAA Division II playoff race in Super Region Three.

They needed to get that win against No. 2 and 9-0 Pittsburg State. No pressure.

The Griffons, faced with a tall task, delivered.

Missouri Western (8-2) scored 14 unanswered points to open the second half. The Griffons then scored the go-ahead touchdown with 8:56 remaining and they blocked a Pitt State point-after with 7:09 to go.

That would be the difference in a 31-30 win for Missouri Western on Senior Day at Spratt Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Missouri Western had never beaten a top three opponent in their history. until Saturday. It's the first win over a top 10 and the first win over a top five opponent since 2012.

It also marks the Griffons' first win over Pittsburg State in St. Joseph since 2010.

The Gorillas (9-1), who had won 21 straight regular season games coming in, drove 65 yards on 15 plays on the game's opening drive, but had to settle for a 22-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Later in the first, Pitt was pinned deep at their own 11. On a first down play, quarterback Chad Dodson, Jr. went back to throw, but the ball slipped out of his hand, resulting in a fumble, which was recovered by Keinan Gaskin.

Two plays later, running back Seth Cromwell punched it in on a two-yard touchdown run to put Missouri Western up 7-3 with 3:49 remaining in the first.

Pitt State scored four plays later on a 21-yard throw from Dodson to Kolbe Katsis, giving the Gorillas a 10-7 lead into the second.

Missouri Western answered with a 31-yard field goal from Cody Watson to knot the game at 10-10 with 11:18 left in the first half.

The Gorillas got the ball back on their own 8-yard line, and drove 92 yards on 10 plays in the closing minutes of the second quarter. Dodson scored on a three-yard touchdown run to give Pitt State a 17-10 lead at the break.

Both teams came up empty on their first series of the second half, but Missouri Western threw the first haymaker of the third quarter.

Sparked by a 46-yard catch from Jonas Bennett, the Griffons scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak from Reagan Jones, knotting the game at 17-17 with 6:31 left in the third.

Dodson threw an interception on the first play of the ensuing drive - a ball intended for Devon Garrison was picked off by MWSU's Sam Taylor.

 Missouri Western turned it into points nine plays later.

Cromwell scored his second rushing touchdown of the day, this one from eight yards out, to put the Griffons up 24-17 with 3:02 left in the third.

Cromwell finished with 63 yards on 12 carries to lead the Griffons on the ground.

Like they had done all day long, Pitt State rallied when their backs were against the wall.

The Gorillas drove down the field to end the third quarter and scored on the first play of the fourth. Dodson connected with tight end Mario Kirby Jr. for a six-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 24-24.

Missouri Western then engineered their longest scoring series of the game, going 73 yards on 11 plays.

That drive ended on third-and-goal from the 5-yard-line, when quarterback Armani Edden dumped off a pass to Bennett, who caught the ball inside the five and dove for the pylon to put the Griffons ahead 31-24 with 8:56 to go.

Bennett caught four passes for 79 yards and a score.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699143341347.jpeg" alt="MWSU quarterback Armani Edden (2) looks for running room in a 31-30 win over No. 2 Pittsburg State at Spratt Stadium Saturday. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics." />
 <figcaption>MWSU quarterback Armani Edden (2) looks for running room in a 31-30 win over No. 2 Pittsburg State at Spratt Stadium Saturday. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western absolutely needed a win Saturday to stay alive in the NCAA Division II playoff race in Super Region Three.They needed to get that win against No. 2 and 9-0 Pittsburg State. No pressure.The Griffons, faced with a tall task, delivered.Missouri Western (8-2) scored 14 unanswered points to open the second half. The Griffons then scored the go-ahead touchdown with 8:56 remaining and they blocked a Pitt State point-after with 7:09 to go.That would be the difference in a 31-30 win for Missouri Western on Senior Day at Spratt Stadium on Saturday afternoon.Missouri Western had never beaten a top three opponent in their history. until Saturday. It's the first win over a top 10 and the first win over a top five opponent since 2012.It also marks the Griffons' first win over Pittsburg State in St. Joseph since 2010.The Gorillas (9-1), who had won 21 straight regular season games coming in, drove 65 yards on 15 plays on the game's opening drive, but had to settle for a 22-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead midway through the first quarter.Later in the first, Pitt was pinned deep at their own 11. On a first down play, quarterback Chad Dodson, Jr. went back to throw, but the ball slipped out of his hand, resulting in a fumble, which was recovered by Keinan Gaskin.Two plays later, running back Seth Cromwell punched it in on a two-yard touchdown run to put Missouri Western up 7-3 with 3:49 remaining in the first.Pitt State scored four plays later on a 21-yard throw from Dodson to Kolbe Katsis, giving the Gorillas a 10-7 lead into the second.Missouri Western answered with a 31-yard field goal from Cody Watson to knot the game at 10-10 with 11:18 left in the first half.The Gorillas got the ball back on their own 8-yard line, and drove 92 yards on 10 plays in the closing minutes of the second quarter. Dodson scored on a three-yard touchdown run to give Pitt State a 17-10 lead at the break.Both teams came up empty on their first series of the second half, but Missouri Western threw the first haymaker of the third quarter.Sparked by a 46-yard catch from Jonas Bennett, the Griffons scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak from Reagan Jones, knotting the game at 17-17 with 6:31 left in the third.Dodson threw an interception on the first play of the ensuing drive - a ball intended for Devon Garrison was picked off by MWSU's Sam Taylor. Missouri Western turned it into points nine plays later.Cromwell scored his second rushing touchdown of the day, this one from eight yards out, to put the Griffons up 24-17 with 3:02 left in the third.Cromwell finished with 63 yards on 12 carries to lead the Griffons on the ground.Like they had done all day long, Pitt State rallied when their backs were against the wall.The Gorillas drove down the field to end the third quarter and scored on the first play of the fourth. Dodson connected with tight end Mario Kirby Jr. for a six-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 24-24.Missouri Western then engineered their longest scoring series of the game, going 73 yards on 11 plays.That drive ended on third-and-goal from the 5-yard-line, when quarterback Armani Edden dumped off a pass to Bennett, who caught the ball inside the five and dove for the pylon to put the Griffons ahead 31-24 with 8:56 to go.Bennett caught four passes for 79 yards and a score.Edden completed 16-of-23 passes for 195 yards and a score. He also ran for 41 yards on 12 carries. The Griffons outgained the Gorillas in the ground game 151-59.Yet again, Pitt had a fast answer, going 75 yards in just four plays on the ensuing drive. They scored on a 45-yard touchdown pass from Dodson to running back Cleo Chandler, Jr.The ensuing point-after, however, was a low kick that was blocked, largely by Missouri Western's Brandon Johnson.The Griffons, leading by a point, punted the ball back to the Gorillas with 3:49 to go.Pitt State started at their own 20, and marched all the way to the Griffons' 30-yard-line in the closing minutes.But, a pair of Dakari Streeter sacks and two Pitt State penalties pushed the Gorillas back to the MWSU 40-yard-line&nbsp; - out of field goal range.On 4th-and-13 at the Griffon 33, redshirt freshman and backup quarterback Ty Pennington, who had to relieve an injured Dodson, was strip sacked by Streeter. The fumble was recovered by fellow senior C.J. Ravenell, and the Griffons held on for a massive victory.Streeter finished with 2.5 sacks on his senior day, pushing his season total to 12.5 - the second most sacks in a single season in Griffon history.Missouri Western's defense came up with nine tackles-for-loss and four total sacks. They also turned Pitt State over three times, while the Griffons remained turnover free.Dodson, who got hurt on the game's final drive, completed 20-of-24 passes for 324 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He also ran for 14 yards and a score.Missouri Western has won three straight, and they have their most regular season wins since 2019. The Griffons conclude the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Missouri Southern (4-6) in Joplin.Kickoff from Fred G. Hughes Stadium is set for 2 p.m. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95,3) with coverage starting at 1 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699143903495.jpeg" alt="Seth Cromwell (22) scored two rushing touchdowns in Missouri Western's 31-30 win over No. 2 Pittsburg State at Spratt Stadium Saturday. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics." />
 <figcaption>Seth Cromwell (22) scored two rushing touchdowns in Missouri Western's 31-30 win over No. 2 Pittsburg State at Spratt Stadium Saturday. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Postgame interviews<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Tyler-Fenwick---Pitt-State-postgame-e2bg9go" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Dakari-Streeter---Pitt-State-postgame-e2bg9e2/a-aailkk6" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/23-MWSU-vs--2-Pitt-State---Full-Game-e2bg976/a-aailk67" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Video highlights<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Down goes #2 Pitt State.<a href="https://twitter.com/MWSU_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MWSU_Football</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayGold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayGold</a>🔔 <a href="https://t.co/qSXNdzgguV">pic.twitter.com/qSXNdzgguV</a>&mdash; Missouri Western Athletics (@MWSUGriffons) <a href="https://twitter.com/MWSUGriffons/status/1720950301207712017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Let&#39;s relive that final moment against Pitt real quick.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayGold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayGold</a>🔔 | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/A10Mentality?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#A10Mentality</a> <a href="https://t.co/VxDeH8Mezp">pic.twitter.com/VxDeH8Mezp</a>&mdash; Missouri Western Football (@MWSU_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/MWSU_Football/status/1720935941664071870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Closing moments<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/23-MWSU-vs--2-Pitt-State---closing-moments-e2bg8po/a-aaili74" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>2023 MWSU highlights - pregame show montage<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Missouri-Western-football---2023-radio-highlights-e2bfsh5/a-aaik8na" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.