LOS ANGELES (AP) - Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce ended up putting on a performance that made The Fonz proud.

Mahomes connected with Kelce for three touchdowns — including the go-ahead score with 31 seconds remaining — as the Kansas City Chiefs rallied past the Los Angeles Chargers 30-27 on Sunday night to stay atop the AFC.

Mahomes met Emmy Award-winning actor Henry Winkler before the game. Winkler, who played Fonzie for 12 seasons on the iconic television show “Happy Days”, received a signed jersey on the sideline. Kelce got in the act by wearing a t-shirt before the game that had a picture of The Fonz and said “Football. Family. Fonzie”.

When Mahomes and the Chiefs got the ball at the KC 25-yard line with 1:46 remaining, he had his usual cool and calm presence.

“When I went in the huddle, it was let’s just do it. Everyone had the mindset of take it one play at a time and get it when it counts,” said Mahomes, completed 20 of 34 passes for 329 yards.

After the Chargers had pulled ahead 27-23 on Justin Herbert’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Palmer with 1:46 left, Mahomes directed a six-play, 75-yard drive that took just 1:15.

It was the 11th time in the regular-season that Mahomes had a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.

Despite missing two receivers due to injuries, he completed 3 of 4 for 48 yards on the drive and scrambled twice for an additional 22.

The Chiefs also benefitted from a third-down holding call on Chargers' safety Derwin James after an incomplete pass.

After a 16-yard run by Mahomes and Kansas City timeout, Mahomes hit Kelce on a short crossing route that&nbsp;Kelce took to the end zone&nbsp;for a 17-yard touchdown,

“We didn’t have our full arsenal of weapons. I was ready for the matchup,” said Kelce, who had six catches for 115 yards. “I knew they were going to play man-to-man and Patrick was going to look for me when it was 1-on-1. I was able to finish the game off on a positive note.”

Herbert and the Chargers had one final chance, but Nick Bolton intercepted a deflected pass to seal it for the Chiefs (8-2), who swept the season series from Los Angeles (5-5) and took a three-game lead in the AFC West.

It is the third straight year the Chargers have had a late lead at home against the Chiefs and were unable to finish.

With a one-game lead over four teams in the conference, Kansas City is in position to claim home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Kelce scored at least three touchdowns for the second time in his career. He scored four in a Monday night win over the Raiders on Oct. 10.

Chiefs rookie Isiah Pacheco rushed for a career-high 107 yards.

“Patrick and Travis calm everything down on both sides of the ball. The good players really stepped up when we needed it,” coach Andy Reid said. "I'm proud of our guys for stepping up offensively and defensively. That’s big-time football at the right time.

It was Kelce's 34th game with at least 100 yards receiving, surpassing Rob Gronkowski for the most by a tight end in NFL history. Eight of his 11 TDs this season have come in prime-time games.

Kelce gave Kansas City a 13-10 lead early in the second quarter on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfl.com/videos/kelce-imitates-deion-sanders-high-skipping-dance-on-td-vs-chargers">4-yard screen pass</a>&nbsp;where he imitated Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders’ high-skipping dance on his way to the end zone.

Kelce's 32-yard touchdown on the opening play of the fourth quarter put the Chiefs on top 23-20. Kelce caught the ball at the LA 26 after Asante Samuel Jr. made a diving attempt, broke a tackle by Nasir Adderley at the 16 and went up the right sideline for the score.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter, Thornhill had a calf injury in the second quarter and WR Kadarius Toney strained a hamstring in the third quarter. None returned to the game.

The Chiefs, winners of four straight, are home to host the L.A. Rams Sunday. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. The game will be carried on KFEQ radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph PostLOS ANGELES (AP) - Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce ended up putting on a performance that made The Fonz proud.Mahomes connected with Kelce for three touchdowns — including the go-ahead score with 31 seconds remaining — as the Kansas City Chiefs rallied past the Los Angeles Chargers 30-27 on Sunday night to stay atop the AFC.Mahomes met Emmy Award-winning actor Henry Winkler before the game. Winkler, who played Fonzie for 12 seasons on the iconic television show “Happy Days”, received a signed jersey on the sideline. Kelce got in the act by wearing a t-shirt before the game that had a picture of The Fonz and said “Football. Family. Fonzie”.When Mahomes and the Chiefs got the ball at the KC 25-yard line with 1:46 remaining, he had his usual cool and calm presence.“When I went in the huddle, it was let’s just do it. Everyone had the mindset of take it one play at a time and get it when it counts,” said Mahomes, completed 20 of 34 passes for 329 yards.After the Chargers had pulled ahead 27-23 on Justin Herbert’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Palmer with 1:46 left, Mahomes directed a six-play, 75-yard drive that took just 1:15.It was the 11th time in the regular-season that Mahomes had a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.Despite missing two receivers due to injuries, he completed 3 of 4 for 48 yards on the drive and scrambled twice for an additional 22.The Chiefs also benefitted from a third-down holding call on Chargers' safety Derwin James after an incomplete pass.After a 16-yard run by Mahomes and Kansas City timeout, Mahomes hit Kelce on a short crossing route that&nbsp;Kelce took to the end zone&nbsp;for a 17-yard touchdown,“We didn’t have our full arsenal of weapons. I was ready for the matchup,” said Kelce, who had six catches for 115 yards. “I knew they were going to play man-to-man and Patrick was going to look for me when it was 1-on-1. I was able to finish the game off on a positive note.”Herbert and the Chargers had one final chance, but Nick Bolton intercepted a deflected pass to seal it for the Chiefs (8-2), who swept the season series from Los Angeles (5-5) and took a three-game lead in the AFC West.It is the third straight year the Chargers have had a late lead at home against the Chiefs and were unable to finish.With a one-game lead over four teams in the conference, Kansas City is in position to claim home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.Kelce scored at least three touchdowns for the second time in his career. He scored four in a Monday night win over the Raiders on Oct. 10.Chiefs rookie Isiah Pacheco rushed for a career-high 107 yards.“Patrick and Travis calm everything down on both sides of the ball. The good players really stepped up when we needed it,” coach Andy Reid said. "I'm proud of our guys for stepping up offensively and defensively. That’s big-time football at the right time.KELCE'S RECORD NIGHTIt was Kelce's 34th game with at least 100 yards receiving, surpassing Rob Gronkowski for the most by a tight end in NFL history. Eight of his 11 TDs this season have come in prime-time games.Kelce gave Kansas City a 13-10 lead early in the second quarter on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfl.com/videos/kelce-imitates-deion-sanders-high-skipping-dance-on-td-vs-chargers">4-yard screen pass</a>&nbsp;where he imitated Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders’ high-skipping dance on his way to the end zone.Kelce's 32-yard touchdown on the opening play of the fourth quarter put the Chiefs on top 23-20. Kelce caught the ball at the LA 26 after Asante Samuel Jr. made a diving attempt, broke a tackle by Nasir Adderley at the 16 and went up the right sideline for the score.INJURIESClyde Edwards-Helaire suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter, Thornhill had a calf injury in the second quarter and WR Kadarius Toney strained a hamstring in the third quarter. None returned to the game.The Chiefs, winners of four straight, are home to host the L.A. Rams Sunday. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. The game will be carried on KFEQ radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

Kelce scores three times, Chiefs take firm control of AFC West with win over Chargers

Bearcats decimate Tigers to advance to second round of playoffs

The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats dominated in all three phases of the game on the road in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, winning in the first round of the playoffs over #3 seed Ouachita Baptist 47-17, handing the Tigers their first loss of the season.

OBU came into the came ranked fourth in the nation in rushing, averaging 305.8 yards per game.&nbsp; The Bearcat defense was stout against the run though, holding the Tigers to just 18 total rushing yards, outrushing them on the day 177-18.&nbsp; The Bearcat offense compiled 499 total yards, while holding OBU to 258 total yards offensively.

It was the Northwest defense that began the scoring in the contest as linebacker Andrew Dumas would get to OBU quarterback Riley Harms, hitting him hard and knocking the ball out, allowing cornerback Trevon Peak to pick up the ball, taking it back 18 yards for a touchdown giving the Bearcats an early 7-0 lead after a Cole Lammel extra point.

The Tigers would respond, kicking a 34 yard field goal of their own to trim the lead to 10-3, but early in the second quarter Northwest would answer with a Lammel field goal from 27 yards out, pushing the lead back to 10-3.&nbsp;

It would be all Northwest until the fourth quarter as running back Jay Harris would rush in twice in the second quarter, his first score coming from two yards out and the second from six yards out, making the Bearcat lead at halftime 23-3, Lammel missing his extra point following the six yard score.'

Northwest would attack through the air in the second half as quarterback Mike Hohensee would find Kashan Griffin from five yards out early in the third quarter, and about halfway through the quarter Hohensee would find Cole Hembrough for a 13 yard score, extending their lead to 37-3 before a Lammel field goal in the dying seconds of the third would extend it even more at 40-3 going into the final frame.

OBU would find the endzone for the first time early in the fourth quarter as Harms would find Tucker Swoboda on a two yard touchdown pass, cutting the lead to 40-10.&nbsp; Both teams would go quiet until the final four minutes of the game.&nbsp;

Northwest would finally answer the Tigers touchdown to open the quarter, as running back Robert Rawie would break off a 37 yard touchdown run, scoring the Bearcats final points of the game.&nbsp; The final score of the game from the Tigers would come with 10 seconds left when Kendel Givens would pound it in from one yard out.

Running back Jamar Moya led all rushers with 72 yards on 12 carries.&nbsp; While he did find the endzone twice, Harris compiled just nine carries for 29 yards.&nbsp; Hohensee was effecient on the day completing 23 of 30 passes for 322 yards and two scores while Griffin led all receivers with five catches for 109 yards and his score.&nbsp;

The Bearcats now advance to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs and will meet up with undefeated and top seed Grand Valley State.&nbsp; Kickoff on Saturday is set for Noon from Allendale, Michigan.

Ravens too much to handle for Moundbuilders in first round

The #6 Benedictine Ravens defended their home field well in the playoffs against #10 Southwestern, pitching a shutout until the fourth quarter, and defeating the Moundbuilders 35-7 at O'Malley Field at Larry Wilcox Stadium in Atchison, Kansas.&nbsp;

The Ravens scored 28 unanswered points en route to the win, and defensively Benedictine held Southwestern to their lowest point total since September 1st, 2016.&nbsp;

Benedictine stalled out on their first drive of the game, but would go on to score on three of their next four possessions.&nbsp; Quarterback Garrett Kettle would use his legs for the first score of the game, rushing in from eight yards out, the only score of the first quarter.&nbsp;

The Ravens would start the second quarter with Kettle finding Freshman tight end Tanner Zimmerman for a 16 yard touchdown pass.&nbsp; Then with 6:04 remaining in the half, freshman running back Dalton Witherspoon would rush in from two yards out, pushing the lead to 21-0 after the extra point from kicker Harry Balke, which is where the score stood at halftime after both teams would not be able to score over the remaining six minutes.&nbsp;

Benedictines only points of the third quarter would come on their first possession of the frame.&nbsp; After the Moundbuilders would fail to convert a fourth down, the Ravens would get the ball with 9:13 left in the third and after a three yard rush from Witherspoon and an incomplete pass from Kettle would call a timeout on 3rd and 7.&nbsp; Out of the timeout, Kettle promptly found Sophomore wide receiver JaShawn Todd for a 57 yard strike, extending the lead once more to 28-0.&nbsp;

The Benedictine defense stood strong with the shutout until Southwestern's second drive of the fourth quarter, a short three play drive that used just 41 seconds of clock as Luke Barnes found Keyshawn Jones for a 32 yard touchdown, finally putting the Moundbuilders on the board with their only points of the game. The Ravens would respond with their final points of the game, another long touchdown as Kettle would get the ball to senior wide receiver Austin Buteaux for a 50 yard touchdown.&nbsp;

Kettle completed 11 of 19 passes on the day, throwing for three scores and 225 yards, also rushing on the day 10 times for 34 yards.&nbsp; Witherspoon led the rushing attack with 15 carries for 63 yards, while both Todd and Buteaux led the receiving attack, each with two catches for 68 yards. Defensively, Senior outside linebacker Zach Gill led the Ravens with 10 tackles. Junior safety Blue Caplinger added 7 while senior defensive lineman Tyler Wilson and junior linebacker Gavin Spangler added 6.

Benedictine will travel for the quarterfinals of the NAIA playoffs on November 29th, traveling to Marion, Indiana to take on #5 Indiana Wesleyan University after IWU beat Avila 14-7 on Saturday.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The annual All-Heart football team was released on Friday afternoon with 18 players earning 22 honors while two members of the coaching staff were also honored on the 2022 All-Heart South Football Team.

Garrett Kettle was named both the Heart South Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. Head Coach Joel Osborn was named the Heart South Coach of the Year while Defensive Coordinator Kaleb Koch was named the Heart South Assistant Coach of the Year.

Kettle broke Benedictine's single-season record of total offense with his combined yards in the season finale with MNU last week. Heading into Saturday's NAIA Football Championship Series First Round, Kettle has passed for 2,696 yards while rushing for 414 for a total of 3,110 yards. That total is a new single-season record passing the previous record of 3,107 yards set by Shaefer Schuetz in 2018.

Joining Kettle on the first team were Rayshon Mills (RB), Jacob Gathright (WR), Reed Levi (TE), Chim Okorafor (OL), and Jacob Nielson (OL) on offense. Isaac Anderson (DL), Dwayne Lacey (DL), and Javhi Blomquist (DB) were named to the first-team defense. Cullen Bruner (P) and Harry Balke (K) earned a first-team selection on special teams and JaShawn Todd was named as the first-team athlete selection.

Todd was named to the second team as both a receiver and return specialist. Ja'Kobe Hinton (OL), Gavin Spangler (LB), and Jackson Hoskins (DB) were also named to the second team. Austin Buteaux (WR), Tyler Wilson (DL), and Joel Mewis (DB) rounded out the selections as the trio was named honorable mention.

Tigers one win away from being bowl eligible with win over Aggies

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Freezing temperatures couldn’t chill Missouri on Saturday night.

Brady Cook tossed three touchdown passes, Luther Burden and Cody Schrader both scored twice and the Tigers rolled to a 45-14 victory over New Mexico State.

The Aggies (4-6) showed spark on their opening drive with quarterback Diego Pavia completing his first three passes for 30 yards and running back Jamoni Jones chipping in 9 yards on the ground. But the New Mexico State drive stalled at the Missouri 36 as the Tigers’ defense began to impose its will, forcing seven consecutive incompletions before Pavia completed his next pass.

The Tigers’ offense, for a change, clicked from the opening drive. Cook led an 11-play scoring drive capped off with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Burden. The freshman receiver took the tunnel screen from Cook and hurdled a defender in reaching the end zone, putting the Tigers (5-6, 2-5 SEC) on top 7-0.

Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz said he felt Cook delivered two of his best performances of the season in his last two games.

“I thought he made some great decisions,” Drinkwitz said. “We were really aggressive early trying to throw the ball down the field to get a lead.

“I thought he did a great job of not forcing it, taking his check-downs, and then obviously did a good job with his feet, running, whether it was for a zone read or a quarterback draw. It was another good performance, he’s got to continue to build on it.”

Cook and the offense used a more methodical approach on the team’s next possession, embarking on a 17-play, 81-yard drive that ended with Cody Schrader’s 2-yard touchdown run. Schrader, a senior transfer from Division II Truman State, rushed for 70 yards on 18 carries and caught four passes for 47 yards.

Cook connected with tight end Ryan Hoerstkamp for a 32-yard touchdown with 4:28 left in the second quarter and the Tigers led 21-0.

“Things are just starting to click, the offense has started to click and some of those plays are starting to hit,” Cook said. “I think we’ve played pretty consistent the past couple of weeks offensively. Obviously, still stuff to improve on, and we’ll get back to it tomorrow.”

The Aggies scored in the third quarter thanks to a big play from backup freshman quarterback Gavin Frakes. After an injury briefly knocked Pavia out of the game, Frakes found Eric Marsh for 21 yards on fourth-and-2 from the Missouri 40-yard line. Pavia returned to the game and two plays later he tossed a pitch on the option to tailback Star Thomas for a 10-yard touchdown run.

Burden scored his second touchdown late in the third quarter, taking a pop pass on a jet sweep from Cook and weaving 14 yards into the end zone to put the Tigers on top 35-7. Cook contributed three catches for 35 yards and two scores. He also ran three times for 12 yards.

“(Burden’s) got a knack with the ball in his hands to make some plays,” Drinkwitz said. “I don’t think we even blocked them up exactly the way they’re supposed to. When he gets his shoulders going downhill he’s really tough to tackle.”

Receiver Barrett Banister paced the Tigers with seven catches for 91 yards, both career highs for the senior in his sixth season with Missouri. Cook completed 19 of 27 passes for 251 yards with three touchdowns, while leading the Tigers with 71 yards rushing on seven carries.

Bannister has played in 55 games for the Tigers, and Drinkwitz said he’s leaving his mark as an unsung hero.

“Barrett’s been a really unselfish player for us,” Drinkwitz said. “(He) watches other guys go out and get a lot of plays designed for them and he just kind of shows up and makes big catches on third downs and does a lot of things right.”

Missouri’s defense even got involved in the scoring action when sophomore defensive back Daylan Carnell intercepted a pass from Pavia and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown to extend the lead to 42-7.

A fumble by Tigers freshman running back Tavorus Jones set up a short field for New Mexico State in the fourth, and the Aggies capitalized. Frakes led a 44-yard scoring drive, which he finished off with a 13-yard touchdown run. Frakes completed 2 of 4 passes for 39 yards and also rushed for 22 yards in relief. Pavia was 6-of-17 passing for 76 yards and led his team with 50 yards rushing on nine carries.

The Tigers kept their bowl hopes alive with the victory. There are scenarios in which the Tigers can secure a bowl bid with five wins but a victory over Arkansas in their regular-season finale would ensure a postseason appearance.&nbsp; Kickoff against the Razorbacks is scheduled for 2:30pm on Friday and will be aired on CBS

Tigers fans perhaps saw a preview of the 2023 season late in the contest with heralded freshman quarterback Sam Horn seeing his first action with the Tigers. Horn’s first pass went for 29 yards to Bannister but a penalty on Missouri wiped out the play. Horn officially finished with no completions on two attempts and a run for 10 yards in his only drive.

Hoerstkamp’s touchdown catch was the first target and reception by the redshirt freshman. Jones had his first collegiate catch for a 32-yard gain. Drinkwitz said he learned a lot about some of his young players getting their first significant action of the season.

“I think it’s a real opportunity for them to develop and see what playing in a college football environment is like and how fast the speed of the game moves and handle their nerves,” Drinkwitz said. “I thought some of those guys handled it really well, I thought some of them didn’t, to be honest.”

#19 Wildcats near Big 12 title game berth with win over West Virginia

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — One of No. 19 Kansas State’s longest road trips of the Big 12 season might as well have been a home game for quarterback Will Howard.

Howard threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score, Cincere Mason returned an interception for a TD and the Wildcats moved closer to a berth in the Big 12 championship game by beating West Virginia 48-31 on Saturday.

Playing at West Virginia was as close as Howard will get to his hometown of Downingtown, about 280 miles (451 kilometers) from Morgantown in eastern Pennsylvania. Howard said about 30 relatives and friends cheered him on.

“I was fired up to be able to play for them,” Howard said. "Just to be able to look up and see all of them, it feels good.”

Kansas State (8-3, 6-2 Big 12, No. 15 CFP) can clinch a title game spot alongside No. 4 TCU on Dec. 3 with a win in its regular season finale at home Saturday against Kansas, or with a loss by Texas to Baylor on Friday.

Howard said coach Chris Klieman told the team in the locker room to take some time to soak in the win over the Mountaineers first.

“We're going to enjoy this one today and have fun on the plane ride home," Howard said. "We know it's our process mindset every week: One day at a time. We know we've got a big one next week. But we're going to start worrying about that one tomorrow.”

West Virginia (4-7, 2-6 Big 12) failed to become bowl eligible for the second time under fourth-year coach Neal Brown and for only the fourth time since 2000.

Both team's quarterbacks played well in a battle among backups.

Howard, starting in place of the injured Adrian Martinez, completed 19 of 27 passes for 294 yards.

“Will's a seasoned veteran now,” Klieman said. “I couldn't be more happier for the guy because he's worked his tail off.”

West Virginia's Garrett Greene, who got the nod ahead of JT Daniels, threw three TD passes to Sam James and finished 15 of 27 passes for 204 yards. He was intercepted twice. Greene also scored on a 13-yard run.

“Garrett did some good things,” Brown said. “He ran around and made some good decisions, made some bad decisions. That's going to happen when you're in your first career start.”

Kansas State led 28-19 after the first quarter. Mason’s 37-yard interception return put the Wildcats up 14-0 a little more than 3 minutes into the game. Later in the quarter, West Virginia’s Malachi Ruffin returned an interception 43 yards for a score. But West Virginia couldn't mount a comeback.

By halftime, Kansas State had 312 total yards and led 41-25. It was the highest scoring first half by the Wildcats since scoring 45 against Montana State in 2008, and the most allowed by West Virginia since allowing 56 to Baylor in 2013.

The Wildcats will wrap up their season with the annual Dillons Sunflower Showdown against Kansas at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 7pm and the game will be aired on Fox

Kansas State could move up a spot or two in the AP Top 25 poll.

Jayhawks struggle to contain Bijan Robinson in loss against Texas

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Texas standout Bijan Robinson ran through, over and around Kansas for a career-high 243 yards and four touchdowns on Saturday, helping the Longhorns earn a measure of revenge with a frigid 55-14 victory.

Now, Robinson and his buddies are suddenly the Jayhawks' biggest fans.

The Longhorns, who lost a 57-56 overtime thriller to Kansas a year ago in Austin, need to knock off Baylor next week while getting some help from the team they just trounced. The Jayhawks must beat Kansas State in their rivalry game for Texas to play fourth-ranked TCU for the Big 12 championship in Arlington.

“We've got a bunch of fighters. We have a great deal of resiliency. These guys have showed an unbelievable amount of perseverance, and I told them that in the locker room,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “I was proud of them. I was very proud of them for the maturity they showed in this game.”

Quinn Ewers added 107 yards passing and a touchdown, and Jonathon Brooks ran for 108 yards and two scores, as Texas (7-4, 5-3 Big 12) bounced back from a dismal game against the Horned Frogs in which it didn't score an offensive touchdown.

It scored on nine straight possessions after an opening punt Saturday and finished with 427 yards rushing.

“When you play a team that's as athletic as Texas, and you can see some of that when you stop your feet and lunge, and the missed tackles — it was not a good day there at all," Kansas coach Lance Leipold said, “and disappointing.”

Jalon Daniels, starting for the first time since a shoulder injury six weeks ago, threw for 230 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for the Jayhawks (6-5, 3-5 Big 12). Devin Neal was held to 51 yards rushing on 13 carries.

“This offense had been averaging 36 or 37 points a game,” Sarkisian said. “To hold them to 14 points, to hold them to just about 100 yards rushing, that's a heck of a performance against a difficult offense to defend.”

Robinson, who was held to 29 yards rushing by the Horned Frogs, eclipsed that total midway through the first quarter Saturday, then kept on going. He bulldozed into the end zone from 2-yards out to give the Longhorns the lead, then ripped off two long runs on their next possession to extend the advantage to 14-0.

“Before the game I was freezing. I was like, ‘This is not something you should play in,’" Robinson said. “But I knew I had to do whatever I could to help the team win. We had to run the ball throughout the game and that's what we did.”

Robinson nearly had a third first-half TD run, but it was called back by a penalty and Texas had to kick a field goal.

“He's a freak of nature. That's as simple as I can put it,” Ewers said. “I've never seen a guy like him before at the college level. He can really do it all.”

The Jayhawks were hoping to get a boost from the return of Daniels, who had them off to a 5-0 start before his injury on Oct. 8. But they went 3-and-out on their first two drives, failed on fourth-and-2 on the next one, then had a TD wiped out by a penalty and watched Jacob Borcila miss the ensuing field-goal try.

Ewers added a touchdown pass to Keilan Robinson later in the second quarter. And after Daniels was picked off by Jaylan Ford, the Longhorns turned again to Robinson, who appeared to have scurried 25 yards for a touchdown but was ruled out at the 1-yard line with 1 second left in the half — then leapt over the pile on the next play anyway.

Robinson had 172 yards and three touchdowns as Texas took a 31-0 lead to the locker room.

The junior tailback scored from 32 yards out on the first possession of the second half for his first career four-touchdown day, and Sarkisian soon gave Robinson the rest of the night off.

But despite playing just 2 1/2 quarters, his big game against the Jayhawks sent him climbing through the school record book. Robinson tied Chris Gilbert for fifth in career rushing with 3,231 yards, and Robinson’s 39 career scores is tied with Jamaal Charles and Roy Williams for fourth in school history.

Wisconsin's Mertz sneaks in for late touchdown to top Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Wisconsin team that has endured the midseason firing of its head coach and the death of a former teammate let its emotions spill out as groups of players gathered near midfield at Memorial Stadium to celebrate and pose for pictures with the Freedom Trophy.

Graham Mertz, a product from Overland Park, Kansas, scored on a 2-yard quarterback sneak with 35 seconds left to complete a comeback from an 11-point deficit entering the fourth quarter, and the Badgers beat Nebraska 15-14 Saturday for their ninth straight win in the series.

“It’s everything that this team has overcome off the field, that was what came up on the field today,” Mertz said. “There’s so many emotions and feelings that guys have had to deal with this year. There’s so many different things that have happened to us this year that could easily have buried us and made us just fold. It’s really cool to see how guys come together and want to succeed together.”

Wisconsin (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) arrived in Lincoln with heavy hearts and left eligible for a bowl for a 21st straight year.

The Badgers had to cope with the death of former teammate Devin Chandler, who was one of three Virginia football players killed in a shooting last Sunday in Charlottesville. Interim coach Jim Leonhard had said late in the week that he sensed players who were friends with Chandler could be distracted.

“It was such a rough week, and early on the game mirrored that,” said Leonhard, 4-2 since taking over for the fired Paul Chryst. “It was ugly for a long time, and the guys just continued to battle and find ways to make plays.”

The Badgers were held to three points through three quarters and lost their top defensive player, Nick Herbig, to a targeting penalty and its top offensive player, Braelon Allen, to a leg injury on their second-to-last possession.

CFB Roundup: Bearcats, Ravens earn postseason wins, Tigers almost bowl eligible

GALLATIN - The East Buchanan football team had visions of scoring a lot of points Saturday.

After being held to just 21 total against Mid-Buchanan the week prior in the district championship, the Bulldogs wanted to have one of their 40, 50 and sometimes 60-point outputs they were posting in the regular season.

Gallatin's defense, and a strong, cold northwest wind, prevented such an explosion, but East Buchanan (12-1) scored a key touchdown midway through the fourth quarter and shut Gallatin out in the second half in a 14-6 win at Bulldog Stadium in Gallatin in a Class 1 state quarterfinal game.

Not the most conventional way to win, perhaps, but that doesn't exactly matter when it's win or go home.

"It wasn't quite the way you draw it up," East Buchanan coach Dan Ritter said on KFEQ Radio after. "We kind of had it in our head that we'd come out and score about 45 points on their 4-3 (defense) and that just wasn't the case. Trevor (Klein) was a little under the weather with an ankle injury. That's no excuse, we couldn't get anything going, but our defense really stepped up."

After East Buchanan punted on its opening drive, Gallatin got in the red zone and made it all the way to the East Buchanan nine-yard line, but Gallatin was faced with a fourth down.

Gallatin brought on senior Draven Wright to attempt a 26-yard field goal. The ball went high in the air, well over the short uprights, but the officials ruled the kick was no good - just off to the left.

Later in the first, East Buchanan was gifted a starting field position at the Gallatin 37, but on the first play of that drive, a fumble by Aidan Hensley was recovered by Gallatin's Keegan McBroom.

Gallatin took over at their own 40 and scored six plays later. Senior Payton Feiden scored on a one-yard touchdown run, but Wright's point after missed just shy of the crossbar, making it 6-0 Gallatin with 10:13 left in the second quarter.

East Buchanan answered with a long, 12-play drive - only for it to end with a turnover-on-downs. Gallatin went three-and-out shortly thereafter, and East Buchanan was set up at their own 47 after a short punt.

In the closing minutes of the first half, East Buchanan moved 53 yards on seven plays. Junior Trevor Klein found the end zone on a eight-yard touchdown run, and senior Alec Hesson's kick was good, giving East Buchanan a 7-6 lead at the break.

Gallatin got the ball to start the second half, but had to punt it away after just six plays. Both teams struggled to finish drives in the third quarter, as East Buchanan turned it over on downs on each of their first two possessions in the second half.

After Gallatin turned the ball over on downs on their own side of the field, East Buchanan took over at the Gallatin 48 with 6:43 to play.

In a matter of one play and eight seconds, Klein raced his way to the end zone on a 48-yard scramble, and the Bulldogs went up 14-6 with 6:35 left.

Operating with just one timeout, Gallatin got a drive going late and got into East Buchanan territory, trying for a potentially game-tying score, but Wright lost a fumble, which was recovered by junior Wyatt Parker.

The Bulldogs kept the ball on the ground, achieving three first downs to run out the final 3:38 on the clock.

"We were just able to take care of (Gallatin) today," Ritter said. "I know they came and were ready to go. They had a great game plan for us, obviously, holding us to 14 points."

Klein finished with 189 yards on 31 carries and two touchdowns. Senior Adam Stephen-Enges made big plays throughout, catching five passes for 93 yards. Junior quarterback Gage Busby was 9/14 for 135 yards.

"A win is a win no matter what," Stephen-Enges said. "Doesn't matter how we come out here and do it in these conditions. It's hard. It's hard to come out here and catch the ball and run the ball and hold onto it. There were a lot of turnovers and that's what won us the game."

Wright led Gallatin with 82 yards rushing on 21 carries. Junior quarterback Payton Baker completed 4-of-10 passes for 86 yards. Senior Peyton Feiden finished with five carries for 39 yards and a score.

Gallatin ends its season at 11-1 - the best season for the red and black Bulldogs in modern history under legendary coach Chris Holt.&nbsp;

East Buchanan improves to 12-1 with its 11th straight win, as the blue and gold Bulldogs are in the state semifinals for a second consecutive season.

East Buchanan heads back to Gower Saturday to host Duchesne (8-4) at 1 p.m. - now just one win away from a return trip to Faurot Field in Columbia.

"For us to go out there as a new team and to just keep going, I mean that's incredible," Stephen-Enges said. "We did great things last year, but...it's amazing to back there."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668904607225.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan's Adam Stephen-Enges (12) makes a catch during the Bulldogs' 14-6 win at Gallatin Saturday in Class 1 state quarterfinals. Photo by Clifton Grooms." />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan's Adam Stephen-Enges (12) makes a catch during the Bulldogs' 14-6 win at Gallatin Saturday in Class 1 state quarterfinals. Photo by Clifton Grooms.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostGALLATIN - The East Buchanan football team had visions of scoring a lot of points Saturday.After being held to just 21 total against Mid-Buchanan the week prior in the district championship, the Bulldogs wanted to have one of their 40, 50 and sometimes 60-point outputs they were posting in the regular season.Gallatin's defense, and a strong, cold northwest wind, prevented such an explosion, but East Buchanan (12-1) scored a key touchdown midway through the fourth quarter and shut Gallatin out in the second half in a 14-6 win at Bulldog Stadium in Gallatin in a Class 1 state quarterfinal game.Not the most conventional way to win, perhaps, but that doesn't exactly matter when it's win or go home."It wasn't quite the way you draw it up," East Buchanan coach Dan Ritter said on KFEQ Radio after. "We kind of had it in our head that we'd come out and score about 45 points on their 4-3 (defense) and that just wasn't the case. Trevor (Klein) was a little under the weather with an ankle injury. That's no excuse, we couldn't get anything going, but our defense really stepped up."After East Buchanan punted on its opening drive, Gallatin got in the red zone and made it all the way to the East Buchanan nine-yard line, but Gallatin was faced with a fourth down.Gallatin brought on senior Draven Wright to attempt a 26-yard field goal. The ball went high in the air, well over the short uprights, but the officials ruled the kick was no good - just off to the left.Later in the first, East Buchanan was gifted a starting field position at the Gallatin 37, but on the first play of that drive, a fumble by Aidan Hensley was recovered by Gallatin's Keegan McBroom.Gallatin took over at their own 40 and scored six plays later. Senior Payton Feiden scored on a one-yard touchdown run, but Wright's point after missed just shy of the crossbar, making it 6-0 Gallatin with 10:13 left in the second quarter.East Buchanan answered with a long, 12-play drive - only for it to end with a turnover-on-downs. Gallatin went three-and-out shortly thereafter, and East Buchanan was set up at their own 47 after a short punt.In the closing minutes of the first half, East Buchanan moved 53 yards on seven plays. Junior Trevor Klein found the end zone on a eight-yard touchdown run, and senior Alec Hesson's kick was good, giving East Buchanan a 7-6 lead at the break.Gallatin got the ball to start the second half, but had to punt it away after just six plays. Both teams struggled to finish drives in the third quarter, as East Buchanan turned it over on downs on each of their first two possessions in the second half.After Gallatin turned the ball over on downs on their own side of the field, East Buchanan took over at the Gallatin 48 with 6:43 to play.In a matter of one play and eight seconds, Klein raced his way to the end zone on a 48-yard scramble, and the Bulldogs went up 14-6 with 6:35 left.Operating with just one timeout, Gallatin got a drive going late and got into East Buchanan territory, trying for a potentially game-tying score, but Wright lost a fumble, which was recovered by junior Wyatt Parker.The Bulldogs kept the ball on the ground, achieving three first downs to run out the final 3:38 on the clock."We were just able to take care of (Gallatin) today," Ritter said. "I know they came and were ready to go. They had a great game plan for us, obviously, holding us to 14 points."Klein finished with 189 yards on 31 carries and two touchdowns. Senior Adam Stephen-Enges made big plays throughout, catching five passes for 93 yards. Junior quarterback Gage Busby was 9/14 for 135 yards."A win is a win no matter what," Stephen-Enges said. "Doesn't matter how we come out here and do it in these conditions. It's hard. It's hard to come out here and catch the ball and run the ball and hold onto it. There were a lot of turnovers and that's what won us the game."Wright led Gallatin with 82 yards rushing on 21 carries. Junior quarterback Payton Baker completed 4-of-10 passes for 86 yards. Senior Peyton Feiden finished with five carries for 39 yards and a score.Gallatin ends its season at 11-1 - the best season for the red and black Bulldogs in modern history under legendary coach Chris Holt.&nbsp;East Buchanan improves to 12-1 with its 11th straight win, as the blue and gold Bulldogs are in the state semifinals for a second consecutive season.East Buchanan heads back to Gower Saturday to host Duchesne (8-4) at 1 p.m. - now just one win away from a return trip to Faurot Field in Columbia."For us to go out there as a new team and to just keep going, I mean that's incredible," Stephen-Enges said. "We did great things last year, but...it's amazing to back there."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668906784354.jpeg" alt="Trevor Klein (20) takes off on a run. Photo by Clifton Grooms." />
 <figcaption>Trevor Klein (20) takes off on a run. Photo by Clifton Grooms.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668906813938.jpeg" alt="Adam Stephen-Enges." />
 <figcaption>Adam Stephen-Enges.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668906892792.jpeg" alt="Aidan Hensley (14)." />
 <figcaption>Aidan Hensley (14).</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/East-Buchanan--Gallatin-postgame---Dan-Ritter--Adam-Stephen-Enges-e1r1fbp" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full broadcast<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/East-Buchanan--Gallatin---Class-1-state-quarterfinal-e1r1f5d" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

East Buchanan wins cold slug fest at Gallatin Saturday, Bulldogs onto semis

ORRICK - The Bishop LeBlond football team scored the game's first points, overcame an early 10-point deficit and scored 14 unanswered in the second half to knock off previously unbeaten Orrick, 50-38, in the Missouri 8-man District 3 championship on Simmons Field at Orrick High School Friday night.

It's the first 8-man district title for LeBlond in school history, and the school's first district title in football since 1993.

"It's a huge testament to these guys," LeBlond coach Chuck Davis said on KFEQ Radio after. "The seniors I have this year, when they were in eighth grade, we won zero games. Their freshman year, we won two. To go to back-to-back district championships, it's fitting and deserving that we got one and those guys steered the ship."

LeBlond went on offense to start the game, and scored on just seven plays. Faced with an early fourth down in the red zone, senior quarterback Landon Gardner found sophomore receiver Jacob Winkelbauer in the end zone on a jump ball from 11-yards out to give the Eagles a 6-0 advantage with 10:08 left in the first quarter.

Orrick (11-1) scored touchdowns on each of their first two possessions, and converted each of their first two-point tries to go up 16-6 with 1:37 left in the first. LeBlond went three-and-out on its second series, which helped aid the Bearcats' fast start.

LeBlond (9-3) started their third possession on their own 33-yard line and proceeded to score touchdowns on each of their next six drives.

Down 16-6 late in the first, it took the Eagles just one play to get back to within single digits. Gardner fired a deep pass down the sideline to an open Jake Korell, who went 57 yards to the house to make it a 16-12 game at the end of one quarter.

Friday's district title had two ties and six total lead changes. Orrick made its first major mistake early in the second when junior running back Jaxon Miller went back to pass and threw an interception deep down the field.

The ball was picked off by Gardner, and he and the LeBlond offense engineered a 7-play, 57-yard drive after that. That drive was ended by a 12-yard touchdown pass from Gardner to Korell. The two-point try was good, and LeBlond took the lead at 20-16 with 7:53 left in the second quarter.

LeBlond led again 28-24 with 1:28 left until halftime after a three-yard touchdown run from sophomore running back Carson Staggs, but Orrick had one final drive in them before the break. As time expired in the second quarter, Miller ran a counter play to the left and scored on a rushing touchdown from two yards away.

The ensuing two-point try failed, but Orrick went into the locker room up 30-28.

The Bearcats got the ball to start the second half and drove into the LeBlond red zone, but a lost fumble by Nolan Werle was recovered by LeBlond's Max Bachali.

The Eagles turned the second Bearcat turnover into points. A 5-play, 87-yard march, sparked by a 36-yard reception from Korell, was capped off by Staggs' second rushing touchdown of the game, this one from two yards away, and that gave LeBlond a 36-30 lead with 7:27 left in the third.

Staggs finished the game with nine carries for 46 yards and two touchdowns.

Orrick had fight left in them. The Bearcats drove 65 yards on six plays on the next possession, as Miller scored his fourth touchdown of the game from 23 yards out on a fourth down run to put Orrick back in front 38-36 with 3:02 left in the third.

LeBlond had the answer in just two plays. After a solid kick return by Jackson Sigrist set LeBlond up at their own 39, Gardner found Korell for yet another deep ball, this one from 29 yards out, and Korell came down with it in the end zone.

The successful two-point conversion gave LeBlond a 44-38 lead entering the fourth.

Orrick began the fourth quarter with the ball and pieced together what was a 15-play drive that bled nearly seven minutes of clock. But, on a fourth-and-goal from the 10, Orrick quarterback Zander Stevinson threw a ball toward the end zone that was tipped away by the Eagles, allowing LeBlond to take over on downs.

The Eagles salted the game away with a seven-play, 70-yard drive. On a third-and-short, Gardner ran the ball into the end zone from five yards out, making it 50-38 with 2:37 to play.

Orrick had one final drive, and they made it inside the LeBlond 10-yard line. In the final seconds, the Bearcats tried for one last rushing score, but Miller was stood up at the goal line, and LeBlond walked off the field in celebration.

"It's been awhile since we've had to play with our backs against the wall," Davis said. "I thought our guys did a fantastic job of stepping up tonight."

Gardner led the LeBlond offensive attack, completing 8-of-14 passes for 203 yards and four touchdowns. Korell was his top target, as he finished with five receptions for 144 yards and three scores.

"We had a lot of momentum," Korell said. "We had a lot of guys on defense who were being really physical and getting stops and beating on them. We just tried to put it to them on offense and it worked out."

Gardner also carried the ball 14 times for 116 yards and the late touchdown.

Miller was a work horse for Orrick. Coming into Friday's game with over 2,100 rushing yards on the season, Miller ended his junior season with 39 carries for 213 yards and four touchdowns.

Stevinson, who had missed at least one series in the first half with an injury, completed 7-of-10 passes for 86 yards. He also had 10 carries for 40 yards and a score.

LeBlond will now play at Sweet Springs (8-4) for a state semifinal on Saturday, November 26 at 1 p.m.

Either way, in just its fourth season as an 8-man program, the Eagles are one win away from playing for a state championship at Faurot Field in Columbia on Dec. 1. Korell credits the other senior leaders and coaches for making the opportunity possible.

"They give it their all to make sure we're prepared," he said. "It's awesome that we're one of the top four teams in the state and hopefully we can keep it going."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668871214822.jpeg" alt="Members of the Bishop LeBlond football team hoist the district title plaque after a 50-38 win at Orrick Friday night. Photo by Matt Pike." />
 <figcaption>Members of the Bishop LeBlond football team hoist the district title plaque after a 50-38 win at Orrick Friday night. Photo by Matt Pike.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostORRICK - The Bishop LeBlond football team scored the game's first points, overcame an early 10-point deficit and scored 14 unanswered in the second half to knock off previously unbeaten Orrick, 50-38, in the Missouri 8-man District 3 championship on Simmons Field at Orrick High School Friday night.It's the first 8-man district title for LeBlond in school history, and the school's first district title in football since 1993."It's a huge testament to these guys," LeBlond coach Chuck Davis said on KFEQ Radio after. "The seniors I have this year, when they were in eighth grade, we won zero games. Their freshman year, we won two. To go to back-to-back district championships, it's fitting and deserving that we got one and those guys steered the ship."LeBlond went on offense to start the game, and scored on just seven plays. Faced with an early fourth down in the red zone, senior quarterback Landon Gardner found sophomore receiver Jacob Winkelbauer in the end zone on a jump ball from 11-yards out to give the Eagles a 6-0 advantage with 10:08 left in the first quarter.Orrick (11-1) scored touchdowns on each of their first two possessions, and converted each of their first two-point tries to go up 16-6 with 1:37 left in the first. LeBlond went three-and-out on its second series, which helped aid the Bearcats' fast start.LeBlond (9-3) started their third possession on their own 33-yard line and proceeded to score touchdowns on each of their next six drives.Down 16-6 late in the first, it took the Eagles just one play to get back to within single digits. Gardner fired a deep pass down the sideline to an open Jake Korell, who went 57 yards to the house to make it a 16-12 game at the end of one quarter.That was just for starters.Friday's district title had two ties and six total lead changes. Orrick made its first major mistake early in the second when junior running back Jaxon Miller went back to pass and threw an interception deep down the field.The ball was picked off by Gardner, and he and the LeBlond offense engineered a 7-play, 57-yard drive after that. That drive was ended by a 12-yard touchdown pass from Gardner to Korell. The two-point try was good, and LeBlond took the lead at 20-16 with 7:53 left in the second quarter.LeBlond led again 28-24 with 1:28 left until halftime after a three-yard touchdown run from sophomore running back Carson Staggs, but Orrick had one final drive in them before the break. As time expired in the second quarter, Miller ran a counter play to the left and scored on a rushing touchdown from two yards away.The ensuing two-point try failed, but Orrick went into the locker room up 30-28.The Bearcats got the ball to start the second half and drove into the LeBlond red zone, but a lost fumble by Nolan Werle was recovered by LeBlond's Max Bachali.The Eagles turned the second Bearcat turnover into points. A 5-play, 87-yard march, sparked by a 36-yard reception from Korell, was capped off by Staggs' second rushing touchdown of the game, this one from two yards away, and that gave LeBlond a 36-30 lead with 7:27 left in the third.Staggs finished the game with nine carries for 46 yards and two touchdowns.Orrick had fight left in them. The Bearcats drove 65 yards on six plays on the next possession, as Miller scored his fourth touchdown of the game from 23 yards out on a fourth down run to put Orrick back in front 38-36 with 3:02 left in the third.LeBlond had the answer in just two plays. After a solid kick return by Jackson Sigrist set LeBlond up at their own 39, Gardner found Korell for yet another deep ball, this one from 29 yards out, and Korell came down with it in the end zone.The successful two-point conversion gave LeBlond a 44-38 lead entering the fourth.Orrick began the fourth quarter with the ball and pieced together what was a 15-play drive that bled nearly seven minutes of clock. But, on a fourth-and-goal from the 10, Orrick quarterback Zander Stevinson threw a ball toward the end zone that was tipped away by the Eagles, allowing LeBlond to take over on downs.The Eagles salted the game away with a seven-play, 70-yard drive. On a third-and-short, Gardner ran the ball into the end zone from five yards out, making it 50-38 with 2:37 to play.Orrick had one final drive, and they made it inside the LeBlond 10-yard line. In the final seconds, the Bearcats tried for one last rushing score, but Miller was stood up at the goal line, and LeBlond walked off the field in celebration."It's been awhile since we've had to play with our backs against the wall," Davis said. "I thought our guys did a fantastic job of stepping up tonight."Gardner led the LeBlond offensive attack, completing 8-of-14 passes for 203 yards and four touchdowns. Korell was his top target, as he finished with five receptions for 144 yards and three scores."We had a lot of momentum," Korell said. "We had a lot of guys on defense who were being really physical and getting stops and beating on them. We just tried to put it to them on offense and it worked out."Gardner also carried the ball 14 times for 116 yards and the late touchdown.Miller was a work horse for Orrick. Coming into Friday's game with over 2,100 rushing yards on the season, Miller ended his junior season with 39 carries for 213 yards and four touchdowns.Stevinson, who had missed at least one series in the first half with an injury, completed 7-of-10 passes for 86 yards. He also had 10 carries for 40 yards and a score.LeBlond will now play at Sweet Springs (8-4) for a state semifinal on Saturday, November 26 at 1 p.m.Either way, in just its fourth season as an 8-man program, the Eagles are one win away from playing for a state championship at Faurot Field in Columbia on Dec. 1. Korell credits the other senior leaders and coaches for making the opportunity possible."They give it their all to make sure we're prepared," he said. "It's awesome that we're one of the top four teams in the state and hopefully we can keep it going."<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/LeBlond-coach-Chuck-Davis---111822-e1r11ii" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/LeBlond-senior-WR-Jake-Korell---111822-e1r1269" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full broadcast<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Bishop-LeBlond--Orrick---Missouri-8-man-District-3-title-e1r129d" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668875199539.jpeg" alt="Carson Staggs (right)." />
 <figcaption>Carson Staggs (right).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668875220147.jpeg" alt="Landon Gardner (11) defends a pass." />
 <figcaption>Landon Gardner (11) defends a pass.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668875251388.jpeg" alt="Jacob Winkelbauer (26) drags a defender with him." />
 <figcaption>Jacob Winkelbauer (26) drags a defender with him.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

LeBlond overcomes early deficit, beats Orrick for first district title since 1993

SHAWNEE, OK - The Missouri Western men's basketball team shot 50 percent in the first half, led by as many as 10 points and led by four at halftime.

Oklahoma Baptist, however, outscored the Griffons 43-28 in the second half, forced 22 total turnovers and the Bison held on for a 78-67 win Thursday at the Noble Complex in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

The Griffons (1-2) shot just 34.5 percent in the second half, and were outscored 27-13 over the final 9:26 of game time. The Bison also scored 27 points off of the Missouri Western's 22 giveaways. OBU also nabbed 13 total steals.

"They out-toughed and outplayed us the second half," Missouri Western coach Will Martin said on KFEQ Radio afterward. "We have to do a better job adjusting. I thought we did a good job preparing for their (defensive) pressure. I knew before the game it'd be an issue. We can't turn the ball over 22 times."

Missouri Western led 38-28 with 2:58 left in the first half, sparked by five first-half threes from Reese Glover, but OBU closed the first half on a 7-1 run to limit Western's halftime advantage to 39-35.

The Griffons led 54-51 with 9:26 remaining, but a three-pointer by OBU's Trey Green tied the game at 54-54 just 19 seconds later, and Western never regained the lead after that.

"We have to try and get advantages, keep advantages and attack the advantage and I don't think we did that tonight," Martin said. "I thought that we had opportunities."

Oklahoma Baptist (1-2), who's won 43 of their last 51 home games, shot a blistering 60.9 percent in the second half. Trey Doomes led four Bison in double figures with a game-high 25 points.

Glover led the Griffons with 18 points on six made threes. Julius Dixon had 17 points and a team-best seven rebounds. Taye Fields had 10 points and six boards.

Despite the setback, Martin remains confident in the potential and capability of his team.

"We have to decide individually and collectively that we're going to change our approach every single day in order for us to become a great team," Martin said. "I think that we can. I think we have the right pieces."

Missouri Western is back home to face Rockhurst on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Coverage starts at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668748936402.jpeg" alt="Reese Glover led Missouri Western with 18 points in a 78-67 loss at Oklahoma Baptist Thursday. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Reese Glover led Missouri Western with 18 points in a 78-67 loss at Oklahoma Baptist Thursday. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSHAWNEE, OK - The Missouri Western men's basketball team shot 50 percent in the first half, led by as many as 10 points and led by four at halftime.Oklahoma Baptist, however, outscored the Griffons 43-28 in the second half, forced 22 total turnovers and the Bison held on for a 78-67 win Thursday at the Noble Complex in Shawnee, Oklahoma.The Griffons (1-2) shot just 34.5 percent in the second half, and were outscored 27-13 over the final 9:26 of game time. The Bison also scored 27 points off of the Missouri Western's 22 giveaways. OBU also nabbed 13 total steals."They out-toughed and outplayed us the second half," Missouri Western coach Will Martin said on KFEQ Radio afterward. "We have to do a better job adjusting. I thought we did a good job preparing for their (defensive) pressure. I knew before the game it'd be an issue. We can't turn the ball over 22 times."Missouri Western led 38-28 with 2:58 left in the first half, sparked by five first-half threes from Reese Glover, but OBU closed the first half on a 7-1 run to limit Western's halftime advantage to 39-35.The Griffons led 54-51 with 9:26 remaining, but a three-pointer by OBU's Trey Green tied the game at 54-54 just 19 seconds later, and Western never regained the lead after that."We have to try and get advantages, keep advantages and attack the advantage and I don't think we did that tonight," Martin said. "I thought that we had opportunities."Oklahoma Baptist (1-2), who's won 43 of their last 51 home games, shot a blistering 60.9 percent in the second half. Trey Doomes led four Bison in double figures with a game-high 25 points.Glover led the Griffons with 18 points on six made threes. Julius Dixon had 17 points and a team-best seven rebounds. Taye Fields had 10 points and six boards.Despite the setback, Martin remains confident in the potential and capability of his team."We have to decide individually and collectively that we're going to change our approach every single day in order for us to become a great team," Martin said. "I think that we can. I think we have the right pieces."Missouri Western is back home to face Rockhurst on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Coverage starts at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Second half struggles cost Missouri Western at Oklahoma Baptist Thursday

The Missouri Western women's basketball team survived a back-and-forth affair for the first 34 minutes of Wednesday's game, and then scored 20 points over the final&nbsp; six minutes of play to earn an 81-72 win over Truman State at the MWSU Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.

Playing in their home opener, the Griffons (3-2) were locked into a relatively high scoring, blow-for-blow battle with the Bulldogs - a battle that saw seven ties and 11 lead changes.

Missouri Western trailed 55-54 entering the fourth quarter, but a three-pointer by junior Brionna Budgets put the Griffons up 57-55 with 9:33 remaining.

Missouri Western never trailed after that, as Budgets went on to finish with a game-high 26 points - just three days after her career-high 33 points against Augustana in Sioux Falls this past Saturday.

"Our tempo was better in the fourth quarter," Budgets said on KFEQ Radio after. "Playing smart, executing offense and just taking opportunities that were given to us and making plays."

Truman State (1-2) was in the game through the final media break, as the Bulldogs only trailed 64-62 with 4:35 to go.

The Griffons, however, reeled off an electric 7-0 run at that point, sparked by an Alyssa Bonilla three-pointer, to go up 71-62 with 3:29 left.

"You get a couple of those threes to go when you're under four minutes, it's a dagger and it's hard to come back from it," Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker said. "We did a good job on the defensive end, making it hard and rebounding it and trying not to foul there down the stretch."

Budgets and junior Mary Fultz followed with clutch threes of their own over the next minute-and-a-half, putting Western up 77-67 with just over two minutes left.

The Griffons hit five of their 11 made threes in the fourth quarter, and outscored the Bulldogs in the fourth 27-17.

"Really proud of how we finished the game," Whitaker said. "I mean, the group we had on the floor in the fourth quarter really made a difference. On both ends of the floor I just thought they were really solid. Shared the ball, had great possessions offensively, took what was there and making open shots is important."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668657366335.jpeg" alt="Brionna Budgets (23) scored a game-high 26 points in Missouri Western's 81-72 win over Truman State on Wednesday night in St. Joseph. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Brionna Budgets (23) scored a game-high 26 points in Missouri Western's 81-72 win over Truman State on Wednesday night in St. Joseph. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western women's basketball team survived a back-and-forth affair for the first 34 minutes of Wednesday's game, and then scored 20 points over the final&nbsp; six minutes of play to earn an 81-72 win over Truman State at the MWSU Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.Playing in their home opener, the Griffons (3-2) were locked into a relatively high scoring, blow-for-blow battle with the Bulldogs - a battle that saw seven ties and 11 lead changes.Missouri Western trailed 55-54 entering the fourth quarter, but a three-pointer by junior Brionna Budgets put the Griffons up 57-55 with 9:33 remaining.Missouri Western never trailed after that, as Budgets went on to finish with a game-high 26 points - just three days after her career-high 33 points against Augustana in Sioux Falls this past Saturday."Our tempo was better in the fourth quarter," Budgets said on KFEQ Radio after. "Playing smart, executing offense and just taking opportunities that were given to us and making plays."Truman State (1-2) was in the game through the final media break, as the Bulldogs only trailed 64-62 with 4:35 to go.The Griffons, however, reeled off an electric 7-0 run at that point, sparked by an Alyssa Bonilla three-pointer, to go up 71-62 with 3:29 left."You get a couple of those threes to go when you're under four minutes, it's a dagger and it's hard to come back from it," Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker said. "We did a good job on the defensive end, making it hard and rebounding it and trying not to foul there down the stretch."Budgets and junior Mary Fultz followed with clutch threes of their own over the next minute-and-a-half, putting Western up 77-67 with just over two minutes left.The Griffons hit five of their 11 made threes in the fourth quarter, and outscored the Bulldogs in the fourth 27-17."Really proud of how we finished the game," Whitaker said. "I mean, the group we had on the floor in the fourth quarter really made a difference. On both ends of the floor I just thought they were really solid. Shared the ball, had great possessions offensively, took what was there and making open shots is important."Missouri Western was a perfect 8-for-8 at the free throw line, had 20 assists to just seven turnovers, nabbed 11 steals, scored 34 bench points and outrebounded Truman State 38-33.Fultz scored a season-high 14 points and had a career-high eight assists off the bench. Junior Connie Clarke had 12 points and a team-best nine rebounds. Fellow junior Johnni Gonzalez had six points and eight boards.Senior and first-team all-GLVC guard Hannah Belanger scored 25 points to lead Truman State on a remarkable 7-of-9 shooting effort from three. The Bulldogs led by as many as seven in the first half, and held the lead for over 18 minutes of game time.Missouri Western goes back on the road Monday to face another GLVC team in William Jewell. Tip-off from the Mabee Center in Liberty, MO is set for 6 p.m. Coverage starts at 5:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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