The Kansas City Chiefs overcame a shaky first half, putting up 21 unanswered points in the second half to beat the Washington Commanders 28-7 on Monday Night Football.

Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter, as both teams threw interceptions on their first two drives.&nbsp; With Washington driving the field, a screen pass from Marcus Mariota deflected off the hands of Deebo Samuel and into the air, right into the hands of defensive end Mike Danna for his first career interception.

Danna says when he saw the ball deflect off Samuel's hands it was all hustle to the ball, and just one thought was on his mind

"Just please land on my hands," Danna tells reporters in the locker room after the game.&nbsp; "You know it was in slow motion so I just knew it was a good opportunity and those opportunites don't come often so I just try to cash in on them."

On the ensuing drive though, Patrick Mahomes attempted a back shoulder pass to Hollywood Brown, that would be intercepted by Marshon Lattimore, giving the Commanders the ball back.&nbsp; Washington though was unable to do anything with the turnover, turning the ball over on downs after coming up short on a fourth down conversion attempt by just mere inches.&nbsp;

Washington received another gift though on the next drive, as Mahomes turned the ball over for a second time in the first half, a ball deflecting off the hands of Travis Kelce and into the hands of linebacker Bobby Wagner.&nbsp; Again though, a turnover on downs gave Kansas City the ball back.&nbsp; The Chiefs wouldn't fail to score this time.

Kansas City drove down the field in nine plays, initially looking like they scored in eight after Rashee Rice rushed in on a wildcat formation play, but Rice was ruled short and on the ninth play Kareem Hunt scored his first touchdown of the game, rushing in from one yard out for the touchdown.&nbsp;

Washington answered though on the next drive, going down in 10 plays before Mariota connected with Terry McLaurin on an 11 yard touchdown pass.&nbsp; McLaurin was initially ruled out of bounds, but after a review the call was reversed, and the teams ended up going to halftime tied 7-7.&nbsp;

After the halftime break, the Chiefs took over the game, scoring right away on their first drive.&nbsp; The message in the locker room was to execute better, and that they did, driving down the field in eight plays and scoring on a two yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to Hunt, the drive aided in large part by a big 38 yard pass from Mahomes to Kelce.&nbsp;

After forcing another punt, it took another eight play drive for Kansas City to extend their lead, this time getting a big play from JuJu Smith Schuster to move down the field, Mahomes connecting with him for a 24 yard pass, before capping the drive with a 10 yard passing touchdown to Kelce.&nbsp; The touchdown reception was the 100th of Kelce's career in both the postseason and regular season.

Danna made his presence felt on the ensuing drive, forcing another punt as he sacked Mariota on third down.&nbsp; Kansas City scored their final touchdown on the next drive, a 13 play drive this time, ending with an 18 yard touchdown pass to Rice, his third touchdown since returning just last week.&nbsp;

Both teams exchanged punts on their next two drives.&nbsp; On Washington's final drive of the game, Mariota threw his second interception, this time to linebacker Jack Cochrane, who also recorded the first interception of his career.&nbsp;

In the last 10 quarters of football, the Chiefs defense has looked strong, allowing just two total touchdowns. 

Defensive end George Karlaftis says even still, after a shutout against the Raiders and a shutout second half against the Commanders, they can still do better

"For us just challenging ourselves to keep getting better every single week," Karlaftis says.&nbsp; "We didn't like the way we started, so it was just time for us to crank it up."&nbsp;

Another piece of the Chiefs that has stood out over the last several weeks is the depth of their offensive line.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The depth of the Chiefs offensive line room has not been the problem it's been in years past

With rookie left tackle Josh Simmons out for the past three weeks, Jaylen Moore has stepped in to fill the gap.  And this week, with guard Trey Smith dealing with a back injury it was Mike Caliendo who stepped up.

Caliendo says a lot has to do with the culture developed by offensive line coach Andy Heck

"It's just next man in more than it is next man up," Caliendo explains.&nbsp; "You just step into that role and do your best to fill it and play relentless every play."

The Chiefs are now 5-3 on the season and travel to Buffalo on Sunday.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 3:25pm, pregame will air at 2 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7 FM).

<i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.</i>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761614320893.png" alt="Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis poses after sacking Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota in Kansas City's 28-7 win on Monday Night Football/ File photo" />
                        <figcaption>Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis poses after sacking Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota in Kansas City's 28-7 win on Monday Night Football/ File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By MATT PIKE</p><p>The Kansas City Chiefs overcame a shaky first half, putting up 21 unanswered points in the second half to beat the Washington Commanders 28-7 on Monday Night Football.</p><p>Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter, as both teams threw interceptions on their first two drives.&nbsp; With Washington driving the field, a screen pass from Marcus Mariota deflected off the hands of Deebo Samuel and into the air, right into the hands of defensive end Mike Danna for his first career interception.</p><p>Danna says when he saw the ball deflect off Samuel's hands it was all hustle to the ball, and just one thought was on his mind</p><p>"Just please land on my hands," Danna tells reporters in the locker room after the game.&nbsp; "You know it was in slow motion so I just knew it was a good opportunity and those opportunites don't come often so I just try to cash in on them."</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">OUR BALL 😤 <a href="https://t.co/WX5XwZxeEf">pic.twitter.com/WX5XwZxeEf</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1982966498894459130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>On the ensuing drive though, Patrick Mahomes attempted a back shoulder pass to Hollywood Brown, that would be intercepted by Marshon Lattimore, giving the Commanders the ball back.&nbsp; Washington though was unable to do anything with the turnover, turning the ball over on downs after coming up short on a fourth down conversion attempt by just mere inches.&nbsp;</p><p>Washington received another gift though on the next drive, as Mahomes turned the ball over for a second time in the first half, a ball deflecting off the hands of Travis Kelce and into the hands of linebacker Bobby Wagner.&nbsp; Again though, a turnover on downs gave Kansas City the ball back.&nbsp; The Chiefs wouldn't fail to score this time.</p><p>Kansas City drove down the field in nine plays, initially looking like they scored in eight after Rashee Rice rushed in on a wildcat formation play, but Rice was ruled short and on the ninth play Kareem Hunt scored his first touchdown of the game, rushing in from one yard out for the touchdown.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FIRST ON THE BOARD. <a href="https://t.co/frOUgmKjTn">pic.twitter.com/frOUgmKjTn</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1982977290989359202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Washington answered though on the next drive, going down in 10 plays before Mariota connected with Terry McLaurin on an 11 yard touchdown pass.&nbsp; McLaurin was initially ruled out of bounds, but after a review the call was reversed, and the teams ended up going to halftime tied 7-7.&nbsp;</p><p>After the halftime break, the Chiefs took over the game, scoring right away on their first drive.&nbsp; The message in the locker room was to execute better, and that they did, driving down the field in eight plays and scoring on a two yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to Hunt, the drive aided in large part by a big 38 yard pass from Mahomes to Kelce.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SECOND TOUCHDOWN FOR KAREEM 😤 <a href="https://t.co/BWuvSfRGWR">pic.twitter.com/BWuvSfRGWR</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1982989594879480038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>After forcing another punt, it took another eight play drive for Kansas City to extend their lead, this time getting a big play from JuJu Smith Schuster to move down the field, Mahomes connecting with him for a 24 yard pass, before capping the drive with a 10 yard passing touchdown to Kelce.&nbsp; The touchdown reception was the 100th of Kelce's career in both the postseason and regular season.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761630597183.jpeg" alt="Travis Kelce catches a 10 yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes.&nbsp; The touchdown reception was the 100th of Kelce's career/ Photo courtesy of Chiefs on X" />
                        <figcaption>Travis Kelce catches a 10 yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes.&nbsp; The touchdown reception was the 100th of Kelce's career/ Photo courtesy of Chiefs on X</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">6-7? MORE LIKE 87 🏹 <a href="https://t.co/cKg5LbfLwh">pic.twitter.com/cKg5LbfLwh</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1982993545704149389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Danna made his presence felt on the ensuing drive, forcing another punt as he sacked Mariota on third down.&nbsp; Kansas City scored their final touchdown on the next drive, a 13 play drive this time, ending with an 18 yard touchdown pass to Rice, his third touchdown since returning just last week.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THIRD TOUCHDOWN IN TWO WEEKS FOR <a href="https://twitter.com/RiceRashee11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RICERASHEE11</a> 🍚 <a href="https://t.co/NrKTDGKC5I">pic.twitter.com/NrKTDGKC5I</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1983000792979173545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Both teams exchanged punts on their next two drives.&nbsp; On Washington's final drive of the game, Mariota threw his second interception, this time to linebacker Jack Cochrane, who also recorded the first interception of his career.&nbsp;</p><p>In the last 10 quarters of football, the Chiefs defense has looked strong, allowing just two total touchdowns. </p><p>Defensive end George Karlaftis says even still, after a shutout against the Raiders and a shutout second half against the Commanders, they can still do better</p><p>"For us just challenging ourselves to keep getting better every single week," Karlaftis says.&nbsp; "We didn't like the way we started, so it was just time for us to crank it up."&nbsp;</p><p>Another piece of the Chiefs that has stood out over the last several weeks is the depth of their offensive line.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The depth of the Chiefs offensive line room has not been the problem it's been in years past</p><p>With rookie left tackle Josh Simmons out for the past three weeks, Jaylen Moore has stepped in to fill the gap.  And this week, with guard Trey Smith dealing with a back injury it was Mike Caliendo who stepped up.</p><p>Caliendo says a lot has to do with the culture developed by offensive line coach Andy Heck</p><p>"It's just next man in more than it is next man up," Caliendo explains.&nbsp; "You just step into that role and do your best to fill it and play relentless every play."</p><p>The Chiefs are now 5-3 on the season and travel to Buffalo on Sunday.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 3:25pm, pregame will air at 2 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7 FM).</p><p><i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.</i></p>

Chiefs overcome shaky first half to beat Commanders 28-7 on Monday Night Football

<p>By MATT PIKE</p><p><i>St. Joseph Post</i></p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0c5KHDTVMc1VARQ35OzBSL?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

<b>#15 Missouri falls to #10 Vanderbilt as last second Hail Mary falls short</b>

Diego Pavia dove across the goal line for a one yard touchdown with 1:52 left as No. 10 Vanderbilt beat #15 Missouri 17-10 to extend the Commodores’ best start in more than 80 years.

Vanderbilt improved to 7-1 overall&nbsp; putting the Commodores a win off the 1941 squad that started 8-1. It’s also the first time Vanderbilt has won seven games before November since 1915, a squad that had one of the program’s four nine-win seasons.&nbsp; Better yet, three wins have come against AP Top 25 teams, a first in Vanderbilt history.

Safety CJ Heard set up the winning drive for Vanderbilt by recovering a fumble by Jamal Roberts with 7:02 left.&nbsp; The finish though didn't come without plenty of drama.&nbsp; Sedrick Alexander initially was ruled by officials to have fumbled at the one yard line, only to be overturned upon review with 1:49 left. Pavia finished the drive on the next play.

Missouri lost quarterback Beau Pribula early in the third quarter when he hurt his left ankle on fourth-and-goal. Trainers placed his ankle in an air cast and carted him off the field.&nbsp; Freshman Matt Zollers, who threw a six yard touchdown pass to redshirt freshman tight end Jude James early in the fourth to tie it at 10, tried to tie it once more. He threw to Kevin Coleman Jr. as time expired and was ruled an incompletion. After review, officials said Coleman caught the ball short of the goal line.

Makhilyn Young put Vandy up 10-3 lead late in the third with an 80-yard touchdown run.&nbsp; The game was tied at halftime 3-3 after&nbsp;Robert Meyer hit a 39 yard field goal for Missouri and&nbsp;Brock Taylor, who hasn't missed since a double overtime loss last season at Missouri, hit38-yard field goal with 2:00 left in the first half.

Missouri has dominated this series since joining the SEC in 2012.&nbsp;Zollers finished the game going 14 of 23 for 138 yards through the air with a touchdown.&nbsp; Ahmad Hardy, the SEC’s best rusher and third in the country, ran for 97 yards on 20 carries.

Missouri (6-2, 2-2 SEC) now has an open date before hosting #3 Texas A&amp;M on Nov. 8.&nbsp; Kickoff time for that game is still TBD.

<b>Bearcats shutout UNK in defensive Homecoming battle</b>

The #16 Northwest Missouri State University football squad etched a 14-0 blanking of the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers on Homecoming, marking the first shutout of the season and the second straight game they have not allowed an opponent touchdown.

After a scoreless first quarter, that saw Nebraska Kearney throw an interception and Northwest fumbling, along with both teams exchanging punts, the Bearcats found the scoreboard late in the second as Zechariah Owens rushed in for a three yard score.&nbsp; Northwest did attempt a 46 yard field goal near the end of the half, but Mo Alwaely missed and it was 7-0 at the halftime break.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both teams were again scoreless in the third quarter, Northwest fumbling on their opening drive of the second half, and on the ensuing drive UNK throwing an interception, before both teams exchanged punts.&nbsp; The Bearcats added to their lead in the fourth quarter with the only other score of the game, early in the frame, as Te'Shaun Porter rushed for a seven yard touchdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Northwest limited UNK to six first downs and 111 total yards. UNK rushed the ball 29 times for 72 yards. UNK went 9-of-20 passing for 39 yards and three interceptions.&nbsp; Bearcat senior defensive lineman Nile Schuett was honored as the Don Black Award winner, given to the MVP of the Northwest Homecoming game.

Chris Ruhnke was 12-of-24 through the air for 121 yards with one interception.&nbsp; Quincy Torry rushed 19 times for 65 yards.&nbsp; Porter rushed eight times for 41 yards and score while Owens added seven rushes for 42 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; Madixx Morris had six catches for 65 yards.&nbsp; Porter added four catches for 42 yards.

Northwest (7-1, 6-0 MIAA) will be in the road next week at Emporia State. Kick is set for 1 p.m.

<b>Griffons snap losing skid with gritty win on rainy Saturday in Joplin</b>

Missouri Western State University broke a five-game losing streak and rushed for 200 yards in a 19-12 win at Missouri Southern on a rainy, breezy and cool afternoon at Fred G. Hughes Stadium in Joplin.

MoWest, scoring both its first conference win and road win of the season, scored their first 10 points within the first 7:15 of the game, leading 10-0 with 7:45 left first quarter behind a 25 yard field goal by Spencer Sprenger and a seven yard touchdown run by Rickie Dunn.&nbsp; Crew Myers had a 57-yard punt return to set up Dunn's score that capped a drive that needed just the one play.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Southern, who was forced to punt on each of their first three drives, was gifted a short field after recovering a fumble at the Griffons 37-yard line and scored a touchdown five plays later as Tillman Martin threw a nine yard strike to Isaiah Green to narrow the lead to three.&nbsp; MoWest though extended the lead in the second quarter, a four-yard touchdown run by Brandon Hall with 6:57 left in the second quarter, giving the Griffs a 16-7 lead which they would take into the halftime break.

Things went a little haywire to start the second half for MoWest. The Griffons got the ball to start the half, but went three-and-out and had their ensuing punt blocked by Southern.&nbsp; The ball rolled into the Griffon endzone and MoWest's Gavin Bell recovered the ball and threw it out of the back of the endzone for a safety, preventing the Lions from scoring an easy touchdown.&nbsp; Southern then added a field goal on their ensuing drive, again narrowing the lead to just one score with 10:01 to go in the third quarter.

From that point, the Griffons defense stood firm, holding the Lions to a combined 64 yards of offense on their last four possessions, forcing Southern to punt three more times. The Lions punted seven times in all.&nbsp; The big turning point happened with 11:14 left in the fourth quarter. After Mason Grove drilled a 45-yard field goal with 11:45 to go, putting the Griffons up by seven, TreVon Holmes nabbed an interception on the very next play of the ensuing drive.

Southern still had one last chance to tie it, taking over at their own six-yard line with 5:46 to go, but the Griffs again forced Southern to punt. The Griffons took back over with 3:26 to go, and were able to run out the remaining time.

Hall finished with season-highs in carries, yards, and touchdowns, rushing 25 times for 129 yards and a touchdown. He now has 16 career rushing scores, tying him for 10th most all-time in school history.&nbsp; Dunn finished with 11 carries for 51 yards and a score. Kane Donovan completed 10-of-17 passes for 108 yards and an interception. Michael Haggerty had three catches for 39 yards while Chris Floyd Jr. had two receptions for 27 yards.

MoWest returns home Saturday to face Washburn. Kickoff from Spratt Stadium is set for 2 p.m. The game will be televised locally on 38 The Spot (Optimum Channel 17 in St. Joseph).

<b>#3 Ravens get crushing Homecoming win scoring 78 unanswered points</b>

#3 Benedictine scored 70 points for the second time this season and remained undefeated in Heart South play.&nbsp; After William Woods opened the game with a field goal, the Ravens answered with 78 unanswered points en route to a 78-3 win over the Owls.

Benedictine answered the William Woods field goal with a 53-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Dooley to Tanner Zimmerman. The score opened up the floodgates as the Ravens pulled ahead 51-3 by halftime after scoring four more times through the air, two times on the ground and one time on a blocked punt.

Xavier Ugorji rushed for a 14 yard touchdown in the first quarter, and a one yard touchdown to open the second quarter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Blake Dapkus returned the blocked punt 16 yards for the score as the final touchdown of the opening quarter.&nbsp; Dooley also connected with Titan Osburn twice in the second quarter for touchdowns, a long pass of 62 yards going for a score and another of 17 yards.&nbsp; 

Tyler Watson scored the other rushing touchdown and the Ravens special teams unit also recorded a safety, a bad snap on a punt forced William Woods punter Justin Sharkey to roll out, and attempting to get rid of it Benedictine blocked the punt backwards and as the ball rolled Sharkey kicked it out of the back of the endzone for the safety.

The Ravens added two more touchdowns in the third quarter, a pass from Mark Harris to David Wilburn for 14 yards, and a two yard rush by Derrick Overstreet. They added two more in the fourth quarter, scoring on a nine yard rush by Robbie Sharp and a 56-yard rush by Luke McCormick, which capped the scoring.

Benedictine finished with 268 yards rushing as six players recorded a rush. Dooley and Harris combined for 278 yards in the air as the Ravens finished the game with 546 total yards on offense.&nbsp; McCormick led the Ravens with 118 yards on nine carries while Overstreet finished with 51 yards. 

Dooley threw for 218 yards on 9 of 12 passing while Harris went 4 of 5 with 60 yards.&nbsp; Osburn and Zimmerman anchored the receiving corp. Osburn finished with 98 yards on three catches with two touchdowns while Zimmerman finished with 64 yards on two catches, also scoring a touchdown.

Benedictine remains at home next week, hosting Missouri Valley College for Atchison Community Day at 1 p.m.

<b>Wildcats take 17th straight Sunflower Showdown over Jayhawks</b>

Avery Johnson threw for 231 yards while accounting for four touchdowns, Kansas State returned a fumble 20 yards for another score, and the Wildcats routed Kansas 42-17&nbsp; for their 17th consecutive victory in the Sunflower Showdown.

Johnson ran for two TDs and threw for two more, including a 78-yard strike to Jayce Brown, who finished with four catches for 160 yards. Joe Jackson added 69 yards on the ground, helping the Wildcats to run out the clock late.

Meanwhile, the Jayhawks still have not beaten their rival since Nov. 1, 2008, seven head coaches ago. l Kansas State made life especially miserable on a cold, wet day for Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels, who was 17 of 35 for 129 yards with an interception in his final Sunflower Showdown. The Wildcats piled up four sacks and seven tackles-for-loss.

Daniels did have a touchdown run for the Jayhawks, while Daniel Hishaw Jr. ran for 67 yards and a score.

The opening half Saturday was an exercise in polar-opposite quarters.&nbsp; The first quarter was downright crazy.&nbsp; Kansas State fumbled the opening kickoff, leading to a quick touchdown by Kansas on a six yard run by Daniels. Then the Wildcats answered with a long touchdown drive, Johnson answering with a two yard rushing score, before the Wildcats held the Jayhawks, then Ralph Ortiz scooped up a poor snap on the punt and returned it for another score, giving&nbsp; Kansas State a 14-7 advantage.

Kansas State added one more score before the end of the first quarter as Johnson threw his first passing score of the day, connecting with Jaron Tibbs for a 27 yard touchdown to extend the lead.&nbsp; But, the Jayhawks weren't done quite yet.

They took over midway through the second quarter and made it seem downright boring, grinding away on an 18-play, 85-yard drive in which they converted four third downs and soaked up more than eight and a half minutes. By the time Hishaw barreled into the end zone to make it 21-14, the Wildcats had enough time to run just one play before the halftime break.

The good feelings for Kansas didn't last as they so often haven't in the rivalry.&nbsp; The Jayhawks went three-and-out on their opening two series of the second half, and Kansas State capitalized on an interception of Daniels to extend the lead, with DeVon Rice's touchdown plunge making it 28-14 midway through the third quarter.

The decisive blow came moments later, after the Jayhawks had settled for a 47 yard field goal by Laith Marjan. On the next play from scrimmage, Johnson found Brown in stride down the Kansas sideline, and he hauled in the heave for a 78-yard touchdown reception.

Late in the fourth quarter, Johnson put the final seal on the game with a three yard touchdown run for the final score of the game.&nbsp; Along with his 231 passing yards, going 11-for-17 through the air, Johnson rushed for 17 yards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Up next,&nbsp;Kansas State(4-4, 3-2 Big 12) returns home to play #14 Texas Tech on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff time is TBD.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kansas (4-4, 2-3 Big 12) also stays home to play Oklahoma State on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 3pm and the game will air on ESPN+.

<b>Huskers blow lead, but grind out win over Northwestern</b>

 Emmett Johnson scored the tie-breaking touchdown on a four yard run with 2:44 left, and Nebraska ended Northwestern's four-game winning streak with a 28-21 victory to become bowl eligible for the second straight season.

The Cornhuskers bounced back from a loss at Minnesota last week, but not before some anxious moments after they squandered a 15-point lead.&nbsp; Dylan Raiola converted four third-down passes on the winning 13-play, 64-yard drive that chewed 6:27 off the clock. The Wildcats turned the ball over on downs, and Nebraska ran out the clock.

After Johnson opened the scoring for Nebraska with a six yard touchdown run and Northwestern kicker Jack Olsen knocked through kicks of 40 yards and 25 yards, putting Nebraska up by just one point at halftime, the Huskers ended up with a 21-6 lead, which they held midway through the third quarter after Kenneth Williams’ 95-yard kick return and Nyziah Hunter’s diving catch for a 12 yard touchdown reception from Raiola.

The Wildcats drove 78 yards to pull within 21-13 on Caleb Komolafe’s four yard run, and on their next possession Komolafe bounced to the outside and ran free for a 56-yard touchdown. Preston Stone threw to Hayden Eligon II under pressure for the two point conversion to tie up the game.

Northwestern was in position to take the lead when Mac Uihlein picked off Raiola to set up the Wildcats at the Nebraska 34. But a holding penalty was followed by the Huskers getting the ball back when Stone threw an interception over the middle to waiting linebacker Javin Wright.&nbsp; Wright's interception set up what would be the game winning drive, ending with Johnson's four yard run. 11 of the last 14 meetings have been one-score games.

Johnson had a career-high 27 carries and finished with 124 yards as Nebraska leaned into the run game after Minnesota sacked Raiola nine times. Raiola was 16 of 22, his second-fewest attempts in 21 career games, for 141 yards.

Next, Nebraska (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) hosts USC on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 6:30pm on NBC.

CFB: Griffons snap losing skid, Bearcats shutout Lopers, Mizzou falls short

It's the final week of the regular season in high school football, week 9 in Missouri and week 8 in Kansas and it is now in the books. Below is a list of some of the action around the area tonight, with one game on Saturday this week.&nbsp; We will know more about district matchups possibly throughout the night as MSHSAA finalizes district standings and points, but may not know brackets until Saturday.

Tune into KFEQ Radio (680AM, 95.3,FM 680kfeq.com) for Friday Night Lights with Matt Pike every Friday night of the regular season from 10- midnight. for scores and interviews with area coaches!

St. Pius X 21 (5-4)&nbsp;&nbsp;Savannah 20 (8-1) in Double Overtime.

Maryville 51 (7-2)&nbsp; &nbsp;Lafayette 0 (1-8)&nbsp;

Chillicothe 37 (3-6)&nbsp; Benton 6 (2-7)&nbsp;

Cameron (4-4) @ University Academy Charter (5-3) - Sat. 10/25 @ 1pm

Bishop LeBlond 44 (5-4)&nbsp; Lincoln 34 (4-3)&nbsp;

Park Hill South 28 (2-7)&nbsp; Central 14 (6-3)

 Mid-Buchanan 63 (9-0)&nbsp; &nbsp;East Buchanan 7 (4-5)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hamilton 48 (3-6)&nbsp; &nbsp;Plattsburg 14 (0-9)&nbsp;&nbsp;

West Platte 41 (6-3)&nbsp; North Platte 34 (5-4)&nbsp;

Lawson 41 (7-2)   Lathrop 7 (4-5) - Played Thu. Oct. 23rd due to weather

Trenton 42 (3-6)&nbsp; &nbsp;Lone Jack 7 (1-8)&nbsp;

 Brookfield 22 (7-2)&nbsp; &nbsp;Marceline 7 (5-4)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Polo 22 (4-5)&nbsp; &nbsp;Maysville 15 (1-8)

Putnam County 53 (9-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;Milan 0 (0-9)

 South Harrison 30 (8-1)&nbsp; Gallatin 10 (5-4)&nbsp;

 North Andrew 78 (4-5)&nbsp; Stanberry 50 (2-7)&nbsp;

St. Joseph Christian 42 (4-5)&nbsp; &nbsp;Princeton 38 (7-2)

Worth County 36 (8-1)&nbsp; King City 22 (7-2)&nbsp;

Pattonsburg 64 (8-1)&nbsp; &nbsp;Albany 56 (4-5)

Rock Port 36 (9-0)&nbsp; &nbsp;Mound City 14 (6-3)&nbsp;

Nodaway Valley 56 (8-1)&nbsp; &nbsp;South Holt 6 (3-6)&nbsp;

Platte Valley 56 (4-5)&nbsp; Stewartsville-Osborn 34 (1-8)&nbsp;

East Atchison 64 (5-4)&nbsp; &nbsp;Dekalb 6 (0-9)

Atchison 56 (5-3)&nbsp; Wyandotte 6 (1-7)

  Perry-Lecompton 41 (2-6)&nbsp; Hiawatha 7 (2-6)

  Centralia 14 (7-1)&nbsp; Riverside 7 (6-2)&nbsp;

Troy 48 (5-3)&nbsp; Atchison-Maur Hill-Mount Academy 6 (2-6)

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761361578824.jpeg" alt="West Platte's Joe Blake (3) spins away from North Platte's Logan Manville (15)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
                        <figcaption>West Platte's Joe Blake (3) spins away from North Platte's Logan Manville (15)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By MATT PIKE</p><p>It's the final week of the regular season in high school football, week 9 in Missouri and week 8 in Kansas and it is now in the books. Below is a list of some of the action around the area tonight, with one game on Saturday this week.&nbsp; We will know more about district matchups possibly throughout the night as MSHSAA finalizes district standings and points, but may not know brackets until Saturday.</p><p>Tune into KFEQ Radio (680AM, 95.3,FM 680kfeq.com) for Friday Night Lights with Matt Pike every Friday night of the regular season from 10- midnight. for scores and interviews with area coaches!</p><p><b>MEC</b></p><p>St. Pius X 21 (5-4)&nbsp;&nbsp;Savannah 20 (8-1) in Double Overtime.</p><p>Maryville 51 (7-2)&nbsp; &nbsp;Lafayette 0 (1-8)&nbsp;</p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/56pZBBqhfVi7jIDwoWYvlt?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>Chillicothe 37 (3-6)&nbsp; Benton 6 (2-7)&nbsp;</p><p>Cameron (4-4) @ University Academy Charter (5-3) - Sat. 10/25 @ 1pm</p><p>Bishop LeBlond 44 (5-4)&nbsp; Lincoln 34 (4-3)&nbsp;</p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/58vKwy4zZjHCXwSN07Dqcl?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><b>Greater KC Suburban</b></p><p>Park Hill South 28 (2-7)&nbsp; Central 14 (6-3)</p><p><b>KCI</b></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761370095297.jpeg" alt="West Platte's Macklin Bolling (12) leaps and hauls in a contested catch against North Platte's Hudson Yarc (6)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
                        <figcaption>West Platte's Macklin Bolling (12) leaps and hauls in a contested catch against North Platte's Hudson Yarc (6)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
                    </figure><p> Mid-Buchanan 63 (9-0)&nbsp; &nbsp;East Buchanan 7 (4-5)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Hamilton 48 (3-6)&nbsp; &nbsp;Plattsburg 14 (0-9)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>West Platte 41 (6-3)&nbsp; North Platte 34 (5-4)&nbsp;</p><p>Lawson 41 (7-2)   Lathrop 7 (4-5) - Played Thu. Oct. 23rd due to weather</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761370136495.jpeg" alt="North Platte's Gus French runs around the edge/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
                        <figcaption>North Platte's Gus French runs around the edge/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>GRC 11-man (East Division)</b></p><p>Trenton 42 (3-6)&nbsp; &nbsp;Lone Jack 7 (1-8)&nbsp;</p><p> Brookfield 22 (7-2)&nbsp; &nbsp;Marceline 7 (5-4)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Polo 22 (4-5)&nbsp; &nbsp;Maysville 15 (1-8)</p><p>Putnam County 53 (9-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;Milan 0 (0-9)</p><p> South Harrison 30 (8-1)&nbsp; Gallatin 10 (5-4)&nbsp;</p><p><b>GRC 8-man (West Division)</b></p><p> North Andrew 78 (4-5)&nbsp; Stanberry 50 (2-7)&nbsp;</p><p>St. Joseph Christian 42 (4-5)&nbsp; &nbsp;Princeton 38 (7-2)</p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0cEEwLhfUZErOau9MCtrNO?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>Worth County 36 (8-1)&nbsp; King City 22 (7-2)&nbsp;</p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0pWqxQEhcPQPc5WYvtxheo?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>Pattonsburg 64 (8-1)&nbsp; &nbsp;Albany 56 (4-5)</p><p><b>275 Conference</b></p><p>Rock Port 36 (9-0)&nbsp; &nbsp;Mound City 14 (6-3)&nbsp;</p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0GDdsHxbiupidEmUatJLFk?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>Nodaway Valley 56 (8-1)&nbsp; &nbsp;South Holt 6 (3-6)&nbsp;</p><p>Platte Valley 56 (4-5)&nbsp; Stewartsville-Osborn 34 (1-8)&nbsp;</p><p>East Atchison 64 (5-4)&nbsp; &nbsp;Dekalb 6 (0-9)</p><p><b>Northeast Kansas</b></p><p>Atchison 56 (5-3)&nbsp; Wyandotte 6 (1-7)</p><p>  Perry-Lecompton 41 (2-6)&nbsp; Hiawatha 7 (2-6)</p><p>  Centralia 14 (7-1)&nbsp; Riverside 7 (6-2)&nbsp;</p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6jp5UXZSwpDbcO3YiLtAAS?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>Troy 48 (5-3)&nbsp; Atchison-Maur Hill-Mount Academy 6 (2-6)</p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6TrweneMcnYUcLcK33Kthc?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.</i></p>

High School Football Scoreboard for Oct. 23rd- Oct. 25th

<p>By MATT PIKE</p><p><i>St. Joseph Post</i></p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0cb16dVYyk1OzYHllxsfrJ?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

It's the final week of the regular season in high school football, week 9 in Missouri and week 8 in Kansas. Below is a list of some of the action around the area tonight, with one game on Saturday this week.

Savannah (8-0) @ St. Pius X (4-4) - Fri. @ 7pm

Maryville (6-2) vs Lafayette (1-7) - Fri. @ 7pm

Chillicothe (2-6)&nbsp; vs Benton (2-6) - Fri. @ 7pm

Bishop LeBlond (3-4) vs Lincoln (4-2) - Fri. @ 7pm

&nbsp;Central (5-3) @ Park Hill South (1-7) - Fri. @ 7pm

&nbsp;East Buchanan (4-4) @ Mid-Buchanan (8-0) - Fri. @7pm

Plattsburg (0-8) @ Hamilton (2-6) - Fri. @ 7pm

West Platte (5-3) @ North Platte (5-3) - Fri. @ 7pm

Lawson 41 (7-2)&nbsp; &nbsp;Lathrop 7 (4-5) - Played Thu. Oct. 23rd due to weather

Trenton (2-6) @ Lone Jack (1-7) - Fri. @ 7pm

&nbsp;Marceline (5-3)&nbsp; @ Brookfield (6-2) - Fri. @ 7pm

Maysville (1-7) @ Polo (3-5) - Fri. @ 7pm

Milan (0-8) @ Putnam County (8-0) - Fri. @7pm

Putnam County 42 (8-0)  Gallatin 16 (5-3)  

Gallatin (5-3) vs South Harrison (7-1)&nbsp; -Fri. @7pm

&nbsp;North Andrew (3-5) vs Stanberry (2-6) - Fri. @ 7pm

Princeton (7-1) @ St. Joseph Christian (3-5) - Fri. @ 7pm

King City (7-1) @ Worth County (7-1) - Fri. @ 7pm

Albany (4-4) vs Pattonsburg (7-1) - Fri. @ 7pm

Rock Port (8-0) vs Mound City (6-2) - Fri. @ 7pm

Nodaway Valley (7-1) @ South Holt (3-5) - Fri. @ 7pm

Platte Valley (3-5) @ Stewartsville-Osborn (1-7) - Fri. @ 7pm

Dekalb (0-8) vs East Atchison (4-4) - Fri. @ 7pm

Troy (4-3) @ Atchison-Maur Hill-Mount Academy (2-5)

<p>By MATT PIKE</p><p>It's the final week of the regular season in high school football, week 9 in Missouri and week 8 in Kansas. Below is a list of some of the action around the area tonight, with one game on Saturday this week.</p><p>Tune into KFEQ Radio (680AM, 95.3,FM 680kfeq.com) for Friday Night Lights with Matt Pike every Friday night of the regular season from 10- midnight. for scores and interviews with area coaches!</p><p><b>MEC</b></p><p>Savannah (8-0) @ St. Pius X (4-4) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>Maryville (6-2) vs Lafayette (1-7) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>Chillicothe (2-6)&nbsp; vs Benton (2-6) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>Cameron (4-4) @ University Academy Charter (5-3) - Sat. 10/25 @ 1pm</p><p>Bishop LeBlond (3-4) vs Lincoln (4-2) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p><b>Greater KC Suburban</b></p><p>&nbsp;Central (5-3) @ Park Hill South (1-7) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p><b>KCI</b></p><p>&nbsp;East Buchanan (4-4) @ Mid-Buchanan (8-0) - Fri. @7pm</p><p>Plattsburg (0-8) @ Hamilton (2-6) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>West Platte (5-3) @ North Platte (5-3) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>Lawson 41 (7-2)&nbsp; &nbsp;Lathrop 7 (4-5) - Played Thu. Oct. 23rd due to weather</p><p><b>GRC 11-man (East Division)</b></p><p>Trenton (2-6) @ Lone Jack (1-7) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>&nbsp;Marceline (5-3)&nbsp; @ Brookfield (6-2) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>Maysville (1-7) @ Polo (3-5) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>Milan (0-8) @ Putnam County (8-0) - Fri. @7pm</p><p>Putnam County 42 (8-0)  Gallatin 16 (5-3)  </p><p>Gallatin (5-3) vs South Harrison (7-1)&nbsp; -Fri. @7pm</p><p><b>GRC 8-man (West Division)</b></p><p>&nbsp;North Andrew (3-5) vs Stanberry (2-6) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>Princeton (7-1) @ St. Joseph Christian (3-5) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>King City (7-1) @ Worth County (7-1) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>Albany (4-4) vs Pattonsburg (7-1) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p><b>275 Conference</b></p><p>Rock Port (8-0) vs Mound City (6-2) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>Nodaway Valley (7-1) @ South Holt (3-5) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>Platte Valley (3-5) @ Stewartsville-Osborn (1-7) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p>Dekalb (0-8) vs East Atchison (4-4) - Fri. @ 7pm</p><p><b>Northeast Kansas</b></p><p>Atchison (4-3) vs Wyandotte (1-5)</p><p>Hiawatha (2-5) vs Perry-Lecompton (1-6)</p><p>&nbsp;Riverside (6-1) @ Centralia (6-1)</p><p>Troy (4-3) @ Atchison-Maur Hill-Mount Academy (2-5)</p><p><i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.</i></p>

High School Football Schedule Oct. 23rd-25th

Louisville Slugger has announced the finalists for the American League and National League Silver Slugger awards over the last two days, with four Kansas City Royals featured among the American League side and two St. Louis Cardinals going head to head at the utility position.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Position finalists and winners are determined by a vote of managers and coaches who cast ballots for players at each position in their league. Each team receives four&nbsp; votes; the manager and three coaches of the team’s choice. Votes are based on a combination of offensive statistics including OPS, OPS+, home runs, RBI, batting average, total bases and runs, as well as the managers’ and coaches’ general impressions of a player’s overall offensive value.

Vinnie Pasquantino is a finalist for the first time after enjoying his first 30 home run, 100 RBI season, making him and Salvador Perez the first Royals teammates ever to reach those marks in the same season. Pasquantino was third in the AL with 113 RBIs and was second among AL first basemen with 30 home runs. 

The Royals first baseman has tough competition alongside him as Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays are the other finalists.&nbsp; Kurtz led AL first basemen with 36 home runs and had 86 RBIs.&nbsp; Guerrero Jr. was sixth among AL first basemen with 23 home runs and had 84 RBIs.&nbsp;

Salvador Perez won his fifth Silver Slugger Award last year, and has been a finalist in 11 of the last 12 seasons. He was third among all American League catchers with 30 home runs and second with 100 RBI. He became the second-oldest catcher ever to post a 30-homer, 100-RBI season. 

Perez is a finalist along with Cal Raleigh of the Mariners and Shea Langeliers of the Athletics.&nbsp; Raleigh could be the clear favorite for the award after smashing a major league best 60 home runs and driving in 125 runs.&nbsp; Langeliers was second among American League catchers with 31 home runs and 72 RBIs.

Bobby Witt Jr. won his first Silver Slugger Award last season and is a finalist for the third consecutive season. 

This year, he led the American League in hits (184) and doubles (47). He was also seventh in batting average (.295), ninth in slugging percentage (.501), eighth in OPS (.852), sixth in runs scored (99), fourth in triples (6), fourth in total bases (312), and fourth in Runs Created (114). He was third among AL shortstops in wRC+ at 130, and Anaheim’s Zach Neto was the only other AL shortstop to hit 20+ home runs and steal 20+ bases. 

Witt Jr could bring home his second consecutive Silver Slugger over fellow finalists Bo Bichette of the Blue Jays and Jeremy Pena of the Astros.&nbsp; Bichette hit 18 home runs and drove in 94 runs.&nbsp; Pena was just below the Blue Jays shortstop with 17 home runs and 62 RBIs.

Maikel Garcia is a finalist for the first time at the utility position, although he played 136 of his 160 games at third base. He ranked seventh in the AL in hits (170) and singles (110), fifth in doubles (39) and triples (5), and ninth in batting average (.286). 

Garcia is up against Ben Rice of the Yankees and Zack McKinstry of the Tigers.&nbsp; Rice split most of his time between catcher and first base for New York, batting .255 with 26 home runs and 65 RBIs.&nbsp; McKinstry played all around the field, 85 of his 144 games at third base, batting .259 with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs.&nbsp;

On the National League side, both St. Louis Cardinals face off in the utility position, with outfielder Alec Burleson and utility player Brendan Donovan earning nominations.&nbsp;

Burleson enjoyed a breakout season while splitting time between first base and the corner outfield spots. The 26-year-old finished with 144 hits, 18 home runs and 69 RBIs, hitting .290 to go along with career highs in OPS, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and doubles. Burleson’s 18 home runs ranked second on the team behind Willson Contreras.

Donovan, who earned his first All-Star selection earlier this year, was a consistent spark for the Cardinals when healthy. Despite missing significant time in the second half with injuries, he still played 118 games and finished with 132 hits, 10 home runs and 50 RBIs, while batting .287.&nbsp;

Unfortunately for St. Louis, only one of the two can take home the hardware. Donovan and Burleson will compete against Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres for the Silver Slugger at utility. This would be a first for all three players, each of them having never won a Silver Slugger award.&nbsp; Cronenworth hit .246 on the season with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs.

Winners of the 2025 Silver Slugger Awards will be announced Nov. 6.

<p>By MATT PIKE</p><p>Louisville Slugger has announced the finalists for the American League and National League Silver Slugger awards over the last two days, with four Kansas City Royals featured among the American League side and two St. Louis Cardinals going head to head at the utility position.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Position finalists and winners are determined by a vote of managers and coaches who cast ballots for players at each position in their league. Each team receives four&nbsp; votes; the manager and three coaches of the team’s choice. Votes are based on a combination of offensive statistics including OPS, OPS+, home runs, RBI, batting average, total bases and runs, as well as the managers’ and coaches’ general impressions of a player’s overall offensive value.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712871401708.jpeg" alt="Vinnie Pasquantino/ File Photo" />
                        <figcaption>Vinnie Pasquantino/ File Photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Vinnie Pasquantino is a finalist for the first time after enjoying his first 30 home run, 100 RBI season, making him and Salvador Perez the first Royals teammates ever to reach those marks in the same season. Pasquantino was third in the AL with 113 RBIs and was second among AL first basemen with 30 home runs. </p><p>The Royals first baseman has tough competition alongside him as Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays are the other finalists.&nbsp; Kurtz led AL first basemen with 36 home runs and had 86 RBIs.&nbsp; Guerrero Jr. was sixth among AL first basemen with 23 home runs and had 84 RBIs.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757938779086.jpeg" alt="Salvador Perez/ File Photo" />
                        <figcaption>Salvador Perez/ File Photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Salvador Perez won his fifth Silver Slugger Award last year, and has been a finalist in 11 of the last 12 seasons. He was third among all American League catchers with 30 home runs and second with 100 RBI. He became the second-oldest catcher ever to post a 30-homer, 100-RBI season. </p><p>Perez is a finalist along with Cal Raleigh of the Mariners and Shea Langeliers of the Athletics.&nbsp; Raleigh could be the clear favorite for the award after smashing a major league best 60 home runs and driving in 125 runs.&nbsp; Langeliers was second among American League catchers with 31 home runs and 72 RBIs.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755695427035.jpeg" alt="Bobby Witt Jr. / File photo" />
                        <figcaption>Bobby Witt Jr. / File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Bobby Witt Jr. won his first Silver Slugger Award last season and is a finalist for the third consecutive season. </p><p>This year, he led the American League in hits (184) and doubles (47). He was also seventh in batting average (.295), ninth in slugging percentage (.501), eighth in OPS (.852), sixth in runs scored (99), fourth in triples (6), fourth in total bases (312), and fourth in Runs Created (114). He was third among AL shortstops in wRC+ at 130, and Anaheim’s Zach Neto was the only other AL shortstop to hit 20+ home runs and steal 20+ bases. </p><p>Witt Jr could bring home his second consecutive Silver Slugger over fellow finalists Bo Bichette of the Blue Jays and Jeremy Pena of the Astros.&nbsp; Bichette hit 18 home runs and drove in 94 runs.&nbsp; Pena was just below the Blue Jays shortstop with 17 home runs and 62 RBIs.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757174844824.jpeg" alt="Maikel Garcia/ File photo" />
                        <figcaption>Maikel Garcia/ File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Maikel Garcia is a finalist for the first time at the utility position, although he played 136 of his 160 games at third base. He ranked seventh in the AL in hits (170) and singles (110), fifth in doubles (39) and triples (5), and ninth in batting average (.286). </p><p>Garcia is up against Ben Rice of the Yankees and Zack McKinstry of the Tigers.&nbsp; Rice split most of his time between catcher and first base for New York, batting .255 with 26 home runs and 65 RBIs.&nbsp; McKinstry played all around the field, 85 of his 144 games at third base, batting .259 with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761255507230.jpeg" alt="Alec Burleson/ File photo" />
                        <figcaption>Alec Burleson/ File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>On the National League side, both St. Louis Cardinals face off in the utility position, with outfielder Alec Burleson and utility player Brendan Donovan earning nominations.&nbsp;</p><p>Burleson enjoyed a breakout season while splitting time between first base and the corner outfield spots. The 26-year-old finished with 144 hits, 18 home runs and 69 RBIs, hitting .290 to go along with career highs in OPS, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and doubles. Burleson’s 18 home runs ranked second on the team behind Willson Contreras.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761255671646.jpeg" alt="Brendan Donovan/ File photo" />
                        <figcaption>Brendan Donovan/ File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Donovan, who earned his first All-Star selection earlier this year, was a consistent spark for the Cardinals when healthy. Despite missing significant time in the second half with injuries, he still played 118 games and finished with 132 hits, 10 home runs and 50 RBIs, while batting .287.&nbsp;</p><p>Unfortunately for St. Louis, only one of the two can take home the hardware. Donovan and Burleson will compete against Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres for the Silver Slugger at utility. This would be a first for all three players, each of them having never won a Silver Slugger award.&nbsp; Cronenworth hit .246 on the season with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs.</p><p>Winners of the 2025 Silver Slugger Awards will be announced Nov. 6.</p><p><i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.</i></p>

Four Royals among AL Silver Slugger finalists; Two Cardinals on the NL

<p>By MATT PIKE</p><p><i>St. Joseph Post</i></p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3dNX1TuMNhPdK08zO0lAuZ?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

<p>By MATT PIKE</p><p><i>St. Joseph Post</i></p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/20MbyrPOKcGjSeAAuNyOO8?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

<p>By MATT PIKE</p><p><i>St. Joseph Post</i></p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5ymcPZLYEXeO1fNwvBodXM?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The Kansas CIty Chiefs outclassed the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, shutting out their AFC West rivals 31-0 at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs first shutout win in the regular season since 2011.

The last shutout win for the Chiefs in the regular season came on Oct. 23rd, 2011, coincidentally also against the, at the time, Oakland Raiders, nearly 14 years to the date. The shutout also happened to be the first regular season shutout win of head coach Andy Reid's career, adding to his Hall of Fame resume.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tight End Travis Kelce in disbelief Reid had never accomplished the feat

"Man I could have swore we had one, oh well, well shout out to Coach Reid," Kelce says in the locker room to reporters after the game.&nbsp; "Add it to the list of things that he's accomplished."

The Chiefs did have one shutout win under Reid in the 2015 AFC Wildcard game, beating the Houston Texans 30-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cornerback Trent McDuffie says this feels like one of the most complete games he's been a part of

"I've never been a part of a game where we even had a shutout, so I know I'm going to enjoy this one definitely and shoot hopefully we can stack a few more of these up," McDuffie says.

Kansas City took control of the game from the get go, forcing the Raiders to punt and then putting together a nine play drive that ended with a two yard touchdown pass to Rashee Rice, who was playing in his first game since returning from his six game suspension, celebrating by punting the ball into the stands.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The next Las Vegas drive again ended with a punt, and Kansas City drove the length of the field again to score, this time with a long 17 play drive that also included a tricky 4th and 1 conversion where Patrick Mahomes faked out the defense, handing the ball to Kareem Hunt for a three yard run.&nbsp; For the fourth time in as many games, Mahomes ended the drive connecting with Hollywood Brown for an eight yard touchdown pass.

Kansas City's long drive carried the game into the second quarter, and again after scoring the Chiefs forced the Raiders to punt on a three and out, and again used a long drive, this time just 16 plays, to score for a third consecutive drive, Mahomes finding Rice again, this time for a three yard touchdown pass after Kansas City drove 94 yards down the field.&nbsp; A six yard run by Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty ended the first half, with the Chiefs leading 21-0.

Mahomes ended the first half with 206 passing yards and three touchdowns.&nbsp; Since 2000, Mahomes is the only quarterback to have&nbsp;200 passing yards and three passing touchdowns on the first three drives of the game.

Brown says its nice to be out there when the offense is clicking the way it was

"It's hard to beat Pat by himself, and then you know you've got so many weapons on offense and so it's tough, it's tough," Brown explains.&nbsp; "So, we've just got to focus on what we're doing in the building, being there when he needs us to be, he's playing lights out so it's fun."

The start of the third quarter was no different from the rest of the game, as the Chiefs again used a long drive of 11 plays to score and extend their lead, just pushing the ball downfield on the Raiders for Isiah Pacheco to score his first rushing touchdown of the season, second touchdown overall.&nbsp; Then, after another Raiders punt, Kansas City put the cap on the scoring, driving down for a field goal, Harrison Butker knocking it through from 38 yards out.

Las Vegas turned the ball over on downs on their next drive, and to start the fourth quarter, it was backup quarterback Gardner Minshew who took the field for Kansas City.&nbsp; Both teams exchanged punts, albeit one drive that ended with defensive tackle Jerry Tillery recovering a fumble, until the end of the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Not only did Kansas City hold the Raiders to zero points on the day, the defense also held them to under 100 total yards of offense.&nbsp; The Chiefs have&nbsp; gotten better week to week, defensive end George Karlaftis says that's just what they do as the season goes

"If you look back it's kind of been a trend with us just kind of proving all we can every single week and trying to keep getting better as the season goes," Karlaftis says.&nbsp; "That's we have done and that's what we're going to do."<br>

Mahomes ended the day going 26-of-35 through the air for 286 yards with three touchdowns, also adding four rushes for 28 yards.&nbsp; Pacheco had 15 carries for 57 yards with the score while rookie Brashard Smith had 14 carries for 39 yards.&nbsp; Travis Kelce had just three catches for 54 yards, most coming on a big 44 yard reception in the first quarter, while Rice had seven catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns.&nbsp; Smith also had 42 yards receiving on five catches.&nbsp;

Kansas City is now 4-3 on the season, next they have a Monday Night Football matchup with the Washington Commanders at Arrowhead Stadium.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 7:15pm, pregame will air at 6 on both KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7 FM).

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760911605165.jpeg" alt="The Kansas City Chiefs dominated the Las Vegas Raiders 31-0, their first regular season shutout win since 2011 and the first of head coach Andy Reid's career/ Photo courtesy of NFL on CBS on X" />
                        <figcaption>The Kansas City Chiefs dominated the Las Vegas Raiders 31-0, their first regular season shutout win since 2011 and the first of head coach Andy Reid's career/ Photo courtesy of NFL on CBS on X</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By MATT PIKE</p><p>The Kansas CIty Chiefs outclassed the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, shutting out their AFC West rivals 31-0 at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs first shutout win in the regular season since 2011.</p><p>The last shutout win for the Chiefs in the regular season came on Oct. 23rd, 2011, coincidentally also against the, at the time, Oakland Raiders, nearly 14 years to the date. The shutout also happened to be the first regular season shutout win of head coach Andy Reid's career, adding to his Hall of Fame resume.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Tight End Travis Kelce in disbelief Reid had never accomplished the feat</p><p>"Man I could have swore we had one, oh well, well shout out to Coach Reid," Kelce says in the locker room to reporters after the game.&nbsp; "Add it to the list of things that he's accomplished."</p><p>The Chiefs did have one shutout win under Reid in the 2015 AFC Wildcard game, beating the Houston Texans 30-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Cornerback Trent McDuffie says this feels like one of the most complete games he's been a part of</p><p>"I've never been a part of a game where we even had a shutout, so I know I'm going to enjoy this one definitely and shoot hopefully we can stack a few more of these up," McDuffie says.</p><p>Kansas City took control of the game from the get go, forcing the Raiders to punt and then putting together a nine play drive that ended with a two yard touchdown pass to Rashee Rice, who was playing in his first game since returning from his six game suspension, celebrating by punting the ball into the stands.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">EGE 🍽️ <a href="https://t.co/D8nS2iuOIq">pic.twitter.com/D8nS2iuOIq</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1979961212344393820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The next Las Vegas drive again ended with a punt, and Kansas City drove the length of the field again to score, this time with a long 17 play drive that also included a tricky 4th and 1 conversion where Patrick Mahomes faked out the defense, handing the ball to Kareem Hunt for a three yard run.&nbsp; For the fourth time in as many games, Mahomes ended the drive connecting with Hollywood Brown for an eight yard touchdown pass.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET 🎥 <a href="https://t.co/IMOHpmKL0G">pic.twitter.com/IMOHpmKL0G</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1979967617138860294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Kansas City's long drive carried the game into the second quarter, and again after scoring the Chiefs forced the Raiders to punt on a three and out, and again used a long drive, this time just 16 plays, to score for a third consecutive drive, Mahomes finding Rice again, this time for a three yard touchdown pass after Kansas City drove 94 yards down the field.&nbsp; A six yard run by Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty ended the first half, with the Chiefs leading 21-0.</p><p>Mahomes ended the first half with 206 passing yards and three touchdowns.&nbsp; Since 2000, Mahomes is the only quarterback to have&nbsp;200 passing yards and three passing touchdowns on the first three drives of the game.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A DOUBLE PORTION OF RICE‼️ <a href="https://t.co/NKRqvR6Pca">pic.twitter.com/NKRqvR6Pca</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1979974905656394146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Brown says its nice to be out there when the offense is clicking the way it was</p><p>"It's hard to beat Pat by himself, and then you know you've got so many weapons on offense and so it's tough, it's tough," Brown explains.&nbsp; "So, we've just got to focus on what we're doing in the building, being there when he needs us to be, he's playing lights out so it's fun."</p><p>The start of the third quarter was no different from the rest of the game, as the Chiefs again used a long drive of 11 plays to score and extend their lead, just pushing the ball downfield on the Raiders for Isiah Pacheco to score his first rushing touchdown of the season, second touchdown overall.&nbsp; Then, after another Raiders punt, Kansas City put the cap on the scoring, driving down for a field goal, Harrison Butker knocking it through from 38 yards out.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">12 DEFENDERS AND HE STILL SCORED 😮‍💨 <a href="https://t.co/VApEIgEGl6">pic.twitter.com/VApEIgEGl6</a></p>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1979981601204248963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Las Vegas turned the ball over on downs on their next drive, and to start the fourth quarter, it was backup quarterback Gardner Minshew who took the field for Kansas City.&nbsp; Both teams exchanged punts, albeit one drive that ended with defensive tackle Jerry Tillery recovering a fumble, until the end of the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Not only did Kansas City hold the Raiders to zero points on the day, the defense also held them to under 100 total yards of offense.&nbsp; The Chiefs have&nbsp; gotten better week to week, defensive end George Karlaftis says that's just what they do as the season goes</p><p>"If you look back it's kind of been a trend with us just kind of proving all we can every single week and trying to keep getting better as the season goes," Karlaftis says.&nbsp; "That's we have done and that's what we're going to do."<br></p><p>Mahomes ended the day going 26-of-35 through the air for 286 yards with three touchdowns, also adding four rushes for 28 yards.&nbsp; Pacheco had 15 carries for 57 yards with the score while rookie Brashard Smith had 14 carries for 39 yards.&nbsp; Travis Kelce had just three catches for 54 yards, most coming on a big 44 yard reception in the first quarter, while Rice had seven catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns.&nbsp; Smith also had 42 yards receiving on five catches.&nbsp;</p><p>Kansas City is now 4-3 on the season, next they have a Monday Night Football matchup with the Washington Commanders at Arrowhead Stadium.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 7:15pm, pregame will air at 6 on both KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7 FM).</p><p><i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.</i></p>

Chiefs dominate Raiders for first regular season shutout since '11, first of Reid's career

<b>Bearcats run all over Fort Hays State in dominant 52-3 win</b>

The #19 Northwest Missouri State University football team pounded the Fort Hays State University Tigers, 52-3, rushing for a season-high 437 yards and piling up 580 total yards in the victory.

Northwest has now won six games in a row for the first time since the 2022 season.&nbsp;

The Bearcats opened the first quarter by capitalizing on their possession with a methodical drive that spanned 65 yards and culminated in a two yard touchdown run by Te'Shaun Porter.&nbsp;Following a defensive stop, the Bearcats quickly regained possession and Owens broke free for a 56-yard touchdown run, further extending the lead.&nbsp;Fort Hays managed to respond with a 39-yard field goal by Zane Hall, closing the quarter with the home team leading 14-3.

The second quarter started with Northwest's defense applying pressure, and after a touchback on the punt, the Bearcats initiated a strategic drive. Chris Ruhnke connected with Luke Mathews and T.J. Williams-Bey, moving the ball steadily downfield before Quincy Torry's 15-yard rush secured a first down to maintain momentum. The drive ended with a two yard touchdown rush by Porter.

After another punt, Northwest took control again, as Ruhnke led the offense with precision, highlighted by a 33-yard field goal from Mo Alwaely. The half concluding with a 24-3 advantage for the Bearcats.

The third quarter began with the home team extending their lead with decisive plays on both sides of the ball. Alwaely's kickoff set the tone, and the defense quickly forced a three-and-out, highlighted by a sack from Jordan Pigram. On the ensuing drive, Owens guided the offense downfield, culminating in an 11-yard touchdown pass to Mathews.&nbsp; Then, following another defensive stop, Owens broke free for a 73-yard touchdown run, further widening the gap. 

Torry then added to the score with an 85-yard touchdown rush on the very next drive.&nbsp; Northwest capped the scoring in the fourth quarter as Ruhnke's eight yard rush set up a scoring opportunity for Dominic Myers to capitalize with a one yard touchdown run for the final score.

Owens completed six of eight passes for 63 yards and added 164 rushing yards on eight carries, scoring two touchdowns. Williams-Bey hauled in three passes for a team-best 48 receiving yards. Mathews contributed with three receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Torry ran for 114 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Owens rushed eight times for 164 yards and two touchdowns.

Northwest (6-1, 5-0 MIAA) will now face Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday in Maryville. The annual Homecoming game will kick off at 2 p.m.

<b>Big second half for Gorillas takes down MoWest at home</b>

MIssouri Western State University battled hard for three quarters, but #12 Pittsburg State rushed for 264 yards and put it away late in a 44-20 tilt at Spratt Stadium.

The game started with a&nbsp; 51-minute rain delay early in the first quarter, and&nbsp; MoWest took the lead 7-3 on a 16-yard touchdown from Kane Donovan to Bryce Marcus III, after the Gorillas managed just a 31 yard field goal from Austin Schmitt in the opening frame.&nbsp;

Pittsburg State however, scored 17 unanswered points from that point on, getting a two yard touchdown run from Zahmari Palode-Gary and a another field goal from Schmitt, this time from 50 yards out for a 13-7 lead at the halftime break, before opening up the third quarter, after a turnover on downs by MoWest, with another touchdown run from Palode-Gary to extend the lead more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Griffons had an eventual response, as Donovan connected with Marcus III on a 46-yard touchdown catch, making it 20-14.&nbsp; But from there, the Gorillas continued to control the game, Schmitt connecting on a 56 yard field goal and Palode-Gary scoring his third touchdown of the game on a three yard run for a 30-14 lead at the end of three.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trailing entering the fourth quarter, MoWest scored on a two-yard touchdown run from Evan Williams, but the ensuing point-after try missed following an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.&nbsp; Pitt State put it away for good after that with a 13-play, 75-yard drive that took nearly eight minutes off the clock, scoring on a 17 yard touchdown pass from Jackson Berry to Jaelon Travis. The Gorillas added one more score&nbsp; with about four minutes left Greyson Holbert rushing in from 13 yards out.

Donovan was 13-of-34 for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Brandon Hall had 82 yards rushing on 20 carries.&nbsp;Marcus, who had missed the previous three games with injury, finished with a career-best 96 yards and two touchdown grabs.

MoWest (1-6, 0-5 MIAA) is back on the road Saturday to face Missouri Southern. Kickoff&nbsp; in Joplin is set for 2 p.m.

<b>Mizzou pulls out overtime thriller against Auburn in first road game</b>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760881824063.jpeg" alt="Zechariah Owens rushed for 164 yards and two touchdowns as the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats put together 437 yards on the ground in a dominant 52-3 win over Fort Hays State on Saturday/ Photo courtesy of Aaron Hare-Northwest Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>Zechariah Owens rushed for 164 yards and two touchdowns as the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats put together 437 yards on the ground in a dominant 52-3 win over Fort Hays State on Saturday/ Photo courtesy of Aaron Hare-Northwest Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By MATT PIKE</p><p><b>Bearcats run all over Fort Hays State in dominant 52-3 win</b></p><p>The #19 Northwest Missouri State University football team pounded the Fort Hays State University Tigers, 52-3, rushing for a season-high 437 yards and piling up 580 total yards in the victory.</p><p>Northwest has now won six games in a row for the first time since the 2022 season.&nbsp;</p><p>The Bearcats opened the first quarter by capitalizing on their possession with a methodical drive that spanned 65 yards and culminated in a two yard touchdown run by Te'Shaun Porter.&nbsp;Following a defensive stop, the Bearcats quickly regained possession and Owens broke free for a 56-yard touchdown run, further extending the lead.&nbsp;Fort Hays managed to respond with a 39-yard field goal by Zane Hall, closing the quarter with the home team leading 14-3.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1Q ||| 𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐍𝐄 💨 <br> ↳ 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐒‼️ <br><br>PAT GOOD. <br>14-0, &#39;𝓒𝓪𝓽𝓼. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OABAAB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OABAAB</a> ||| <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RISE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RISE</a> <a href="https://t.co/ijhHToQpvE">pic.twitter.com/ijhHToQpvE</a></p>&mdash; Northwest Football (@NWBearcat_FB) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWBearcat_FB/status/1979621266010288245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The second quarter started with Northwest's defense applying pressure, and after a touchback on the punt, the Bearcats initiated a strategic drive. Chris Ruhnke connected with Luke Mathews and T.J. Williams-Bey, moving the ball steadily downfield before Quincy Torry's 15-yard rush secured a first down to maintain momentum. The drive ended with a two yard touchdown rush by Porter.</p><p>After another punt, Northwest took control again, as Ruhnke led the offense with precision, highlighted by a 33-yard field goal from Mo Alwaely. The half concluding with a 24-3 advantage for the Bearcats.</p><p>The third quarter began with the home team extending their lead with decisive plays on both sides of the ball. Alwaely's kickoff set the tone, and the defense quickly forced a three-and-out, highlighted by a sack from Jordan Pigram. On the ensuing drive, Owens guided the offense downfield, culminating in an 11-yard touchdown pass to Mathews.&nbsp; Then, following another defensive stop, Owens broke free for a 73-yard touchdown run, further widening the gap. </p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝐖𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍&#39;𝐓 𝐋𝐘𝐈𝐍&#39; 😳 <br> ↳ 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐒‼️ <br><br>Owens flys down the sideline for 𝐒𝐈𝐗. <br><br>PAT GOOD. <br>&#39;𝓒𝓪𝓽𝓼 lead, 38-3. <br><br>Midway through the third. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OABAAB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OABAAB</a> ||| <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RISE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RISE</a> <a href="https://t.co/iUV0XUiqmn">https://t.co/iUV0XUiqmn</a> <a href="https://t.co/QSpHWmwPSg">pic.twitter.com/QSpHWmwPSg</a></p>&mdash; Northwest Football (@NWBearcat_FB) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWBearcat_FB/status/1979647565500195280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Torry then added to the score with an 85-yard touchdown rush on the very next drive.&nbsp; Northwest capped the scoring in the fourth quarter as Ruhnke's eight yard rush set up a scoring opportunity for Dominic Myers to capitalize with a one yard touchdown run for the final score.</p><p>Owens completed six of eight passes for 63 yards and added 164 rushing yards on eight carries, scoring two touchdowns. Williams-Bey hauled in three passes for a team-best 48 receiving yards. Mathews contributed with three receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Torry ran for 114 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Owens rushed eight times for 164 yards and two touchdowns.</p><p>Northwest (6-1, 5-0 MIAA) will now face Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday in Maryville. The annual Homecoming game will kick off at 2 p.m.</p><p><b>Big second half for Gorillas takes down MoWest at home</b></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760887267279.jpeg" alt="A dominant second half by Pittsburg State led to the Gorillas taking down Missouri Western State University at Spratt Stadium on Saturday 44-20/ Photo courtesy of RJ Baig- MoWest Athletics" />
                        <figcaption>A dominant second half by Pittsburg State led to the Gorillas taking down Missouri Western State University at Spratt Stadium on Saturday 44-20/ Photo courtesy of RJ Baig- MoWest Athletics</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MIssouri Western State University battled hard for three quarters, but #12 Pittsburg State rushed for 264 yards and put it away late in a 44-20 tilt at Spratt Stadium.</p><p>The game started with a&nbsp; 51-minute rain delay early in the first quarter, and&nbsp; MoWest took the lead 7-3 on a 16-yard touchdown from Kane Donovan to Bryce Marcus III, after the Gorillas managed just a 31 yard field goal from Austin Schmitt in the opening frame.&nbsp;</p><p>Pittsburg State however, scored 17 unanswered points from that point on, getting a two yard touchdown run from Zahmari Palode-Gary and a another field goal from Schmitt, this time from 50 yards out for a 13-7 lead at the halftime break, before opening up the third quarter, after a turnover on downs by MoWest, with another touchdown run from Palode-Gary to extend the lead more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The Griffons had an eventual response, as Donovan connected with Marcus III on a 46-yard touchdown catch, making it 20-14.&nbsp; But from there, the Gorillas continued to control the game, Schmitt connecting on a 56 yard field goal and Palode-Gary scoring his third touchdown of the game on a three yard run for a 30-14 lead at the end of three.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Trailing entering the fourth quarter, MoWest scored on a two-yard touchdown run from Evan Williams, but the ensuing point-after try missed following an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.&nbsp; Pitt State put it away for good after that with a 13-play, 75-yard drive that took nearly eight minutes off the clock, scoring on a 17 yard touchdown pass from Jackson Berry to Jaelon Travis. The Gorillas added one more score&nbsp; with about four minutes left Greyson Holbert rushing in from 13 yards out.</p><p>Donovan was 13-of-34 for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Brandon Hall had 82 yards rushing on 20 carries.&nbsp;Marcus, who had missed the previous three games with injury, finished with a career-best 96 yards and two touchdown grabs.</p><p>MoWest (1-6, 0-5 MIAA) is back on the road Saturday to face Missouri Southern. Kickoff&nbsp; in Joplin is set for 2 p.m.</p><p><b>Mizzou pulls out overtime thriller against Auburn in first road game</b></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760888145071.jpeg" alt="The Missouri Tigers defense came up huge in overtime as Mizzou beat Auburn on the road 23-17/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Football on X" />
                        <figcaption>The Missouri Tigers defense came up huge in overtime as Mizzou beat Auburn on the road 23-17/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Football on X</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>#16 Missouri may have delivered the knockout blow to Auburn coach Hugh Freeze.&nbsp; Beau Pribula scored on a three yard run in the second overtime, lifting Missouri to a 23-17 victory over reeling Auburn in the Tigers first road game of the season at Jordan-Hare Stadium.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BEAU PUNCHED IN THE GAME-WINNER 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MizzouFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/KcBDkfwjGn">pic.twitter.com/KcBDkfwjGn</a></p>&mdash; Southeastern Conference (@SEC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEC/status/1979756876116980028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Auburn opened the scoring with Jackson Arnold scoring from a yard out. But coach Hugh Freeze’s team,&nbsp; like so many other times in his three seasons, had trouble moving the ball for most of the game. Arnold finished with 207 yards passing and his first interception of the season.</p><p>After the opening score, Missouri answered with a field goal from freshman kicker Robert Meyer, a 24 yard boot, before taking the lead early in the second quarter with the only other score of the first half, Ahmad Hardy rushing in from two yards out.&nbsp; Missouri held a 10-7 lead at the halftime break.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Ahmadhardy29?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ahmadhardy29</a> gives us our first lead of the evening.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STP</a> <a href="https://t.co/0KXbZxLFPL">pic.twitter.com/0KXbZxLFPL</a></p>&mdash; Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1979711569723556122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Late in the third quarter, Auburn took the lead back in the game, Omar Mabson II rushing in from one yard away.&nbsp; In the fourth, Alex McPherson hit a field goal from 22 yards out to extend the Tigers lead.&nbsp; With 5:07 left to go in regulation though, Mizzou drove down the field, and it was Hardy again tying up the game with a three yard rushing score.&nbsp;</p><div></div><p>Auburn intercepted Pribula’s pass in the final drive of regulation to send it to overtime, but McPherson missed a field goal on Auburn’s first possession. It was his third miss of the night.&nbsp; Meyer also missed a game winning field goal on the other end for Mizzou to force the second overtime.</p><p>After Pribula scored his rushing touchdown to give MIzzou the lead, though the Tigers were unable to convert the two point try, Missouri got a defensive stop on fourth down on the final possession in overtime to seal the one-possession victory.</p><p>Pribula threw for 252 yards, with two interceptions, and ran for 28 more.&nbsp; Hardy ran for 58 yards and two scores for Missouri . The Tigers bounced back from a home loss to Alabama to beat the other team from the state.</p><p>Next up, Missouri (6-1, 2-1 SEC) stays on the road traveling to #17 Vanderbilt on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff is time is yet to be determined</p><p><b>Despite long delay, Ravens dominate Eagles on the road</b></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725753272074.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
                        <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The #3 Benedictine Ravens dominated the Central Methodist Eagles on a rainy Saturday in Fayette, that included a significant lightning delay, before the Ravens came away with a 52-7 win at&nbsp;Davis Field.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The Ravens opened the scoring early in the first quarter needing just three plays to do so before Jackson Dooley connected with Tanner Zimmerman on a 42 yard touchdown pass.&nbsp; The Eagles answered later in the quarter with their only score of the game, cashing in on a recovered fumble, with Jordan Gile throwing a five yard touchdown pass to Elijah Jar.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>With the game tied, it was all Ravens from that point, Dooley gave Benedictine the lead again on a 25 yard touchdown pass to Joshua Zander, before Christian Klobe hit a 55 yard field goal for the final score of the opening quarter to put the Ravens up 17-7.&nbsp; With 14:33 on the clock in the second quarter, a lightning delay forced both teams off the field.&nbsp; The delay lasted nearly four hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The 55 yard field goal from Klobe prior to the delay broke a school record for Benedictine.&nbsp;&nbsp; The previous mark was 54 yards, held by Carey Shaw since 1978.</p><p>After the delay, Benedictine added the only score of the second quarter, another touchdown pass from Dooley going eight yards to Titan Osburn.&nbsp; The Ravens held a 24-7 lead at the halftime break. Out of the break, in the third quarter Benedictine added two more rushing scores, one yard from Dooley and a four yard run by&nbsp;Xiomar Hernandez.&nbsp; Robbie Sharp scored the final two touchdowns of the game in the final quarter, a 46 yard rushing touchdown and a 12 yard running score respectively.</p><p>Dooley was 12-for-27 through the air for 175 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, adding 25 yards rushing and a score on the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;Xavier Ugorji rushed 13 times for 138 yards to lead the running attack.&nbsp; Zimmerman had three catches for 83 yards and a touchdown, while&nbsp;Joseph Lagafuaina had three catches for 29 yards.</p><p>Benedictine (6-1, 2-0 Heart) next will return home for Homecoming to take on&nbsp;William Woods.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 1pm.</p><p><b>Nebraska offense can't get going as Minnesota sacks Raiola nine times</b></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760891299789.jpeg" alt="Dylan Raiola made some nifty plays, including a shovel pass while falling down, but Nebraska could not overcome nine sacks by Minnesota in a 24-6 loss on Friday/ Photo courtesy of Nebraska Football on X" />
                        <figcaption>Dylan Raiola made some nifty plays, including a shovel pass while falling down, but Nebraska could not overcome nine sacks by Minnesota in a 24-6 loss on Friday/ Photo courtesy of Nebraska Football on X</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Darius Taylor ran for 148 yards and a touchdown, Drake Lindsey completed 16 of 20 passes for 153 yards and a score and Minnesota sacked quarterback Dylan Raiola a school-record nine times in a 24-6 victory over No. 25 Nebraska on Friday night at Huntington Bank Stadium.</p><p>The Golden Gophershave won six straight against the Cornhuskers, who fell short in their bid to win back-to-back road games in consecutive weeks for the first time since 2006. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck improved to 7-1 against Nebraska, which hasn't won in Minneapolis since 2015.&nbsp; The Huskers were held without a touchdown in a loss for the first time since a 62-3 loss to Ohio State in 2016.</p><p>Kyle Cunanan knocked through a 33 yard field goal with no time left in the opening quarter to give Nebraska the lead.&nbsp; But Minnesota took the lead shortly into the second quarter&nbsp;thanks to a one yard, tush-push score by Lindsey. Taylor's 71-yard run down the right sideline set up the touchdown and eclipsed the running back's 44 yards in the previous two games.&nbsp; Cunanan hit a 30 yard field goal late in the second quarter to put the Cornhuskers down by one score, and the Golden Gophers led at halftime 7-6.</p><p>Lindsey found Le'Meke Brockington in the front corner of the end zone on a 20-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-6 with 2:36 left in the third quarter.&nbsp; &nbsp;A pass-interference penalty negated a Nebraska interception on Minnesota's next possession, capped by Taylor's one yard touchdown run that pushed the Minneosota lead to 21-6.&nbsp; The Golden Gophers capped the scoring midway through the fourth with a field goal by&nbsp;Brady Denaburg, knocking it through from 30 yards out.</p><p>Raiola completed 17 of 25 passes for 177 yards for the Huskers, who spent part of a short week addressing rumors of coach Matt Rhule's candidacy for the vacant Penn State job.&nbsp;&nbsp;Emmett Johnson rushed 14 times for 63 yards in the loss.&nbsp; On the receiving side,&nbsp;Luke Lindenmeyer had four catches for 52 yards.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nyziah Hunter had five catches for 40 yards while Johnson also added five catches for 37 yards.</p><p>Next, Nebraska (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) hosts Northwestern on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff time is yet to be determined.</p><p><i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.</i></p>