Missouri Western football player and cornerback Brayden Wright was named the MIAA’s Defensive Player of the Week Monday.

Wright went off for a big day in <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/9d30f6ba-7556-4ff1-9c6a-2670ef467e4a">Missouri Western's 28-7 win over Fort Hays State</a> this past Saturday. Wright accounted for three tackles, one pass breakup and two forced turnovers.

Wright forced a fumble deep in Tiger territory during the third quarter, leading to a Griffon touchdown.

Later on in the fourth quarter, with Hays threatening to make it a 21-14 game, Wright picked off quarterback Jack Dawson in the end zone, running it back 101 yards for the score in one of the longest plays in Missouri Western history.

Wright has had a big year for Missouri Western already. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown in Week 1 against Central Missouri.

The Griffons (3-1) stay home this Saturday to host 11th-ranked Emporia State (4-0). Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695673811535.png" alt="Missouri Western's Brayden Wright recovers a blocked field goal against Central Missouri on August 31. Wright took that blocked kick 76 yards the other way for a touchdown. He also had a 101-yard pick-six against Fort Hays State this past Saturday. Stock photo via MWSU Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western's Brayden Wright recovers a blocked field goal against Central Missouri on August 31. Wright took that blocked kick 76 yards the other way for a touchdown. He also had a 101-yard pick-six against Fort Hays State this past Saturday. Stock photo via MWSU Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western football player and cornerback Brayden Wright was named the MIAA’s Defensive Player of the Week Monday.Wright went off for a big day in <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/9d30f6ba-7556-4ff1-9c6a-2670ef467e4a">Missouri Western's 28-7 win over Fort Hays State</a> this past Saturday. Wright accounted for three tackles, one pass breakup and two forced turnovers.Wright forced a fumble deep in Tiger territory during the third quarter, leading to a Griffon touchdown.Later on in the fourth quarter, with Hays threatening to make it a 21-14 game, Wright picked off quarterback Jack Dawson in the end zone, running it back 101 yards for the score in one of the longest plays in Missouri Western history.Wright has had a big year for Missouri Western already. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown in Week 1 against Central Missouri.The Griffons (3-1) stay home this Saturday to host 11th-ranked Emporia State (4-0). Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

Missouri Western's Brayden Wright named MIAA Defensive Player of the Week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce was chatting with Patrick Mahomes in practice this week when he mentioned, almost as an afterthought, that he thought Taylor Swift would take him up on his invitation to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

“Some things with Travis,” Mahomes explained later, “he says it and you don' t know if it's true or not, he says it so calmly.”

Mahomes and Kelce put on quite their own show for the pop star, too.

Mahomes threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns, Kelce caught seven passes, including one of the scoring throws and the Chiefs romped to a 41-10 victory over the Bears — much to the delight of their newest fan, who joyfully pounded on the glass of her Arrowhead Stadium suite throughout the afternoon.

“I haven't gotten to meet her,” said Mahomes, who was left answering questions about Kelce and Swift's budding relationship after his good buddy ducked out on reporters.

“I guess if she ends up being with Travis, I'll meet her at some point."

Jerick McKinnon had a pair of touchdown catches and Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire added touchdown runs, helping the Super Bowl champion Chiefs (2-1) deal the Bears (0-3) their 13th consecutive loss dating to last season.

The game was so lopsided by the third quarter that Mahomes and most of the Chiefs' starters got the rest of the day off.

“We got things rolling and that's a plus against a defense that, you know, is banged up a little bit,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.

Embattled Bears quarterback Justin Fields&nbsp;was 11 of 22 for 99 yards with an interception and a meaningless touchdown in the final minutes. He also led the Bears with 47 yards rushing, a good chunk of that coming on a 17-yard scramble, as the league's 27th-ranked offense finished with just 203 yards against one of the NFL's fast-improving defenses.

The Chiefs began their assault with the first of Mahomes' two TD passes to McKinnon, then Edwards-Helaire scored from a yard out to make it 14-0 early in the second quarter. When the Bears punted a third consecutive time, Mahomes hit McKinnon again to extend the lead, and Kansas City proceeded to score on its next four possessions.

As for Fields, well, the QB was not just robotic, but inaccurate. When one of the league's most porous offensive lines wasn't allowing the Chiefs to pressure him, Fields was consistently missing open targets down field.

“I need to be better,” Fields said simply.

He was picked off by Mike Edwards late in the first half, leading to Pacheco's touchdown run. And when Harrison Butker added the second of his two field goals, the Chiefs were able to take a 34-0 lead into the break.

Kelce added his short touchdown catch early in the second half, celebrating in the back of the end zone by revving the engine on an imaginary motorcycle. High above the stadium, Swift clapped her hands alongside his mother, Donna Kelce.

“On Friday he was like, ‘Yeah, I think she’s coming to the game this weekend,' and went about his business,” Mahomes recalled after the game, “and you're like, I guess that just happens. That's Travis.”

The Bears have not won in Kansas City since Week 5 of the 2015 season. Reid won his 271st game, moving him past Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry into fourth place on the career list.

 Mahomes went over 25,000 yards passing for his career. He did it in 83 games - the fastest in NFL history.

Mahomes had his 22nd game with three TD passes and no interceptions, tying Aaron Rodgers for the most by a QB before turning 30.

Mahomes turned 28 last Sunday. Kelce needs three more TD catches to pass Tony Gonzalez (76) for second in Chiefs history.

Kansas City now heads to New York for a Sunday night showdown with the Jets next week. Kickoff is set for 7:20 central. The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665459858268.jpeg" alt="Stock image via Associated Press." />
 <figcaption>Stock image via Associated Press.</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce was chatting with Patrick Mahomes in practice this week when he mentioned, almost as an afterthought, that he thought Taylor Swift would take him up on his invitation to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play the Chicago Bears on Sunday.“Some things with Travis,” Mahomes explained later, “he says it and you don' t know if it's true or not, he says it so calmly.”Turns out it was true.Mahomes and Kelce put on quite their own show for the pop star, too.Mahomes threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns, Kelce caught seven passes, including one of the scoring throws and the Chiefs romped to a 41-10 victory over the Bears — much to the delight of their newest fan, who joyfully pounded on the glass of her Arrowhead Stadium suite throughout the afternoon.“I haven't gotten to meet her,” said Mahomes, who was left answering questions about Kelce and Swift's budding relationship after his good buddy ducked out on reporters.“I guess if she ends up being with Travis, I'll meet her at some point."Jerick McKinnon had a pair of touchdown catches and Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire added touchdown runs, helping the Super Bowl champion Chiefs (2-1) deal the Bears (0-3) their 13th consecutive loss dating to last season.The game was so lopsided by the third quarter that Mahomes and most of the Chiefs' starters got the rest of the day off.“We got things rolling and that's a plus against a defense that, you know, is banged up a little bit,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.Embattled Bears quarterback Justin Fields&nbsp;was 11 of 22 for 99 yards with an interception and a meaningless touchdown in the final minutes. He also led the Bears with 47 yards rushing, a good chunk of that coming on a 17-yard scramble, as the league's 27th-ranked offense finished with just 203 yards against one of the NFL's fast-improving defenses.The Chiefs began their assault with the first of Mahomes' two TD passes to McKinnon, then Edwards-Helaire scored from a yard out to make it 14-0 early in the second quarter. When the Bears punted a third consecutive time, Mahomes hit McKinnon again to extend the lead, and Kansas City proceeded to score on its next four possessions.As for Fields, well, the QB was not just robotic, but inaccurate. When one of the league's most porous offensive lines wasn't allowing the Chiefs to pressure him, Fields was consistently missing open targets down field.“I need to be better,” Fields said simply.He was picked off by Mike Edwards late in the first half, leading to Pacheco's touchdown run. And when Harrison Butker added the second of his two field goals, the Chiefs were able to take a 34-0 lead into the break.Kelce added his short touchdown catch early in the second half, celebrating in the back of the end zone by revving the engine on an imaginary motorcycle. High above the stadium, Swift clapped her hands alongside his mother, Donna Kelce.“On Friday he was like, ‘Yeah, I think she’s coming to the game this weekend,' and went about his business,” Mahomes recalled after the game, “and you're like, I guess that just happens. That's Travis.”STATS AND STREAKSThe Bears have not won in Kansas City since Week 5 of the 2015 season. Reid won his 271st game, moving him past Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry into fourth place on the career list. Mahomes went over 25,000 yards passing for his career. He did it in 83 games - the fastest in NFL history.Mahomes had his 22nd game with three TD passes and no interceptions, tying Aaron Rodgers for the most by a QB before turning 30.Mahomes turned 28 last Sunday. Kelce needs three more TD catches to pass Tony Gonzalez (76) for second in Chiefs history.Kansas City now heads to New York for a Sunday night showdown with the Jets next week. Kickoff is set for 7:20 central. The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

Patrick Mahomes throws 3 TD passes, Chiefs rout Bears 41-10 Sunday

Colorado and Deion Sanders fell out of The Associated Press college football poll on Sunday after a resounding loss in one of the weekend's showcase games, and the teams toward the top of the rankings were shuffled and tightened.

A season-high six teams received first-place votes, the most since the 2016 preseason poll. Georgia is still where it started at No. 1 in the AP Top 25, but it is down to 55 first-place votes out of a possible 63.

Michigan remained No. 2 and got a first-place vote. Texas stayed at No. 3 with two first-place votes. Ohio State moved up two spots to No. 4 and got a first-place vote after beating Notre Dame with a touchdown on its final offensive play.

The Fighting Irish slipped to two spots to No. 11.

Florida State dropped a spot to No. 5 after a victory at Clemson, but it nevertheless received three first-place votes.

No. 6 Penn State and No. 7 Washington each moved up a spot. The Huskies received a first-place vote.

Southern California fell three places to No. 8 while No. 9 Oregon and No. 10 Utah each moved up a spot to give the Pac-12 four teams in the top 10 for the first time in the history of the conference.

The Ducks' blowout of Sanders' Colorado team knocked the Buffaloes all the way out of the AP Top 25 from No. 19.

Colorado has been the story of the early season, starting 3-0 after winning just one game last season. The Buffs jumped into the rankings with an opening week upset of TCU, last season's national runner-up.

After the Buffaloes were dominated at Oregon, USC comes to Boulder next week to give Colorado a chance to either jump back in the rankings or become an afterthought for voters for the rest of the season.

Utah's victory over UCLA sent the Bruins falling out of the poll, leaving the Pac-12 with six ranked teams after two weeks with a conference-record eight.

Alabama, which fell out of the top 10 last week for the first time since 2015, inched up a spot to No. 12 after beating Mississippi.

Six teams receiving first-place votes is the most in a regular-season poll since Nov. 1, 2015.

In that poll, Ohio State was the No. 1 team, and like Georgia it had been that way since the preseason as the defending national champion. The Buckeyes received only 39 first-place votes.

No. 2 Baylor got six first-place votes as did No. 3 Clemson. No. 4 LSU got five. No. 5 TCU received four and No. 7 Alabama had one.

Three teams entered the rankings this week, all for the first time this season:

— No. 23 Missouri is ranked for the first time since a brief stay in 2019.

— No. 24 Kansas is ranked for the second consecutive season. The Jayhawks have not had two straight years with poll appearances of any kind since 2008-09.

— No. 25 Fresno State, which has won 13 straight games, the second-longest streak in the country behind Georgia, finished last season at No. 24.

Joining Colorado and UCLA in falling out the poll was Iowa.

The Hawkeyes have yo-yoed in and out of the rankings and did not receive a single point this week after getting shut out at Penn State.

The Southeastern Conference moves back into the top spot, though more than half are in the bottom batch.

SEC — 7 (Nos. 1, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 23).

No. 10 Utah at No. 19 Oregon State. First ranked matchup between the two after 25 meetings.

No. 24 Kansas at No. 3 Texas. The first time the Jayhawks have played the Longhorns when they are ranked.

No. 13 LSU at No. 20 Mississippi. The 11th ranked matchup in the rivalry.

No. 11 Notre Dame at No. 17 Duke. Maybe the biggest home game in Duke history will be the first trip to Durham, North Carolina, for ESPN's “College GameDay.” With Duke off the board, only six schools in Power Five conferences have not hosted the pregame show: California, Illinois, Maryland, Rutgers, Syracuse and Virginia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695529206470.jpeg" alt="Luther Burden had a career day against Memphis hauling in 10 catches for 177 yards/Photo courtesy of Mizzou Football on X." />
 <figcaption>Luther Burden had a career day against Memphis hauling in 10 catches for 177 yards/Photo courtesy of Mizzou Football on X.</figcaption>
 </figure>Colorado and Deion Sanders fell out of The Associated Press college football poll on Sunday after a resounding loss in one of the weekend's showcase games, and the teams toward the top of the rankings were shuffled and tightened.A season-high six teams received first-place votes, the most since the 2016 preseason poll. Georgia is still where it started at No. 1 in the AP Top 25, but it is down to 55 first-place votes out of a possible 63.Michigan remained No. 2 and got a first-place vote. Texas stayed at No. 3 with two first-place votes. Ohio State moved up two spots to No. 4 and got a first-place vote after beating Notre Dame with a touchdown on its final offensive play.The Fighting Irish slipped to two spots to No. 11.Florida State dropped a spot to No. 5 after a victory at Clemson, but it nevertheless received three first-place votes.No. 6 Penn State and No. 7 Washington each moved up a spot. The Huskies received a first-place vote.Southern California fell three places to No. 8 while No. 9 Oregon and No. 10 Utah each moved up a spot to give the Pac-12 four teams in the top 10 for the first time in the history of the conference.The Ducks' blowout of Sanders' Colorado team knocked the Buffaloes all the way out of the AP Top 25 from No. 19.Colorado has been the story of the early season, starting 3-0 after winning just one game last season. The Buffs jumped into the rankings with an opening week upset of TCU, last season's national runner-up.After the Buffaloes were dominated at Oregon, USC comes to Boulder next week to give Colorado a chance to either jump back in the rankings or become an afterthought for voters for the rest of the season.Utah's victory over UCLA sent the Bruins falling out of the poll, leaving the Pac-12 with six ranked teams after two weeks with a conference-record eight.Alabama, which fell out of the top 10 last week for the first time since 2015, inched up a spot to No. 12 after beating Mississippi.The Rebels dropped five spots to No. 20.POLL POINTSSix teams receiving first-place votes is the most in a regular-season poll since Nov. 1, 2015.In that poll, Ohio State was the No. 1 team, and like Georgia it had been that way since the preseason as the defending national champion. The Buckeyes received only 39 first-place votes.No. 2 Baylor got six first-place votes as did No. 3 Clemson. No. 4 LSU got five. No. 5 TCU received four and No. 7 Alabama had one.INThree teams entered the rankings this week, all for the first time this season:— No. 23 Missouri is ranked for the first time since a brief stay in 2019.— No. 24 Kansas is ranked for the second consecutive season. The Jayhawks have not had two straight years with poll appearances of any kind since 2008-09.— No. 25 Fresno State, which has won 13 straight games, the second-longest streak in the country behind Georgia, finished last season at No. 24.OUTJoining Colorado and UCLA in falling out the poll was Iowa.The Hawkeyes have yo-yoed in and out of the rankings and did not receive a single point this week after getting shut out at Penn State.CONFERENCE CALLThe Southeastern Conference moves back into the top spot, though more than half are in the bottom batch.SEC — 7 (Nos. 1, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 23).Pac-12 — 6 (Nos. 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 19).Big Ten — 3 (Nos. 2, 4, 6).ACC — 4 (Nos. 5, 15, 17, 18).Big 12 — 3 (Nos. 3, 14, 24).Mountain West — 1 (No. 25).Independent — 1 (No. 11).RANKED vs. RANKEDNo. 10 Utah at No. 19 Oregon State. First ranked matchup between the two after 25 meetings.No. 24 Kansas at No. 3 Texas. The first time the Jayhawks have played the Longhorns when they are ranked.No. 13 LSU at No. 20 Mississippi. The 11th ranked matchup in the rivalry.No. 11 Notre Dame at No. 17 Duke. Maybe the biggest home game in Duke history will be the first trip to Durham, North Carolina, for ESPN's “College GameDay.” With Duke off the board, only six schools in Power Five conferences have not hosted the pregame show: California, Illinois, Maryland, Rutgers, Syracuse and Virginia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695520340266.jpeg" alt="Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels passes the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels passes the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Missouri and Kansas crack AP Top 25, Colorado falls out after loss to Oregon

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros know they need to get it together — and quickly — for a chance to defend their crown this postseason after being swept at home by one of baseball's worst teams and falling farther behind Texas in the AL West.

“It sucks not being able to win right now and getting swept, but we've just got to forget and go to Seattle and play," outfielder Mauricio Dubón said. “Everybody knows what's going on. So we've just go to go there and be focused and try to win baseball games.”

Nelson Velázquez hit two home runs and Salvador Perez and Matt Duffy also homered as the Kansas City Royals built a big lead early Sunday and held on for a 6-5 win over the Astros.

Houston dropped 2 1/2 games behind the Rangers in the division and is a half-game ahead of Seattle for the third and final wild card spot.

Houston finished 39-42 at Minute Maid Park, its first losing record at home since 2014.

“It's tough to take,” manager Dusty Baker said. “What can I say?”

Kansas City (54-102) has won six straight games and 10 of 11.

“The sweep is just kind of a benefit to the fact that these guys have been playing really well (and) pitching in really tough situations against a really good lineup,” manager Matt Quatraro said.

The Royals raced to a 6-2 lead after tagging rookie Hunter Brown (11-13) for all four homers in just three innings.

Yordan Alvarez hit a solo homer to cut the lead to one run in the fifth. But the defending World Series champions couldn’t do anything after that on a day they went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position and lost for the fifth time in six games.

Veteran first baseman Jose Abreu is confident the Astros can get back on track.

“The champions always have pressure and I think the guys know what they need to do to be able to get out of this,” he said in Spanish through a translator. “We haven’t got the results (we wanted) but we know what we need to do and it starts tomorrow.”

Chas McCormick doubled with one out in the eighth inning, but Carlos Hernandez retired the next two batters to leave him stranded.

James McArthur gave up a single to Jose Altuve with one out in the ninth, but he retired Alex Bregman and Alvarez to end it and get his third save.

Steven Cruz opened the game for the Royals and allowed three hits and run in an inning before Alec Marsh (3-8) took over. He allowed three hits and four runs — three earned — with six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings for the win.

The 102-loss Royals took five of six from the Astros this season.

Altuve hit a leadoff single and moved to third on a one-out single by Alvarez. The Astros took a 1-0 lead when Altuve scored on a single by Abreu with two outs.

The Royals tied it on a homer to right field by Velazquez to start the second. Nick Loftin singled before Duffy put Kansas City up 3-1 with his shot to the seats in left field with one out in the inning.

Yainer Diaz and Dubón hit back-to-back singles with no outs in the second. Jeremy Peña moved them both over one with a sacrifice bunt. Houston cut the lead to 3-2 when Diaz scored on a groundout by Altuve.

Bobby Witt Jr. walked to open the third inning before Perez homered on a soaring shot that bounced off the wall in left field to make it 5-2. Five pitches later, Velazquez connected on his second home run of the game to push the lead to 6-2.

Marsh plunked Alvarez with not outs in the third before Kyle Tucker reached on catcher’s interference. Abreu walked to load the bases before Alvarez scored when McCormick grounded into a force out that left Abreu out at second.

The Astros cut the lead to two runs when Tucker scored on a groundout by Diaz before Dubón grounded out to end the inning.

For the Royals Perez was activated from the injured list after sitting out since sustaining a mild concussion Sept. 16. … C Tyler Cropley was optioned to Triple-A Omaha to make room for him on the roster.

Kansas City is off Monday before opening a three-game series at Detroit Tuesday night when RHP Zack Greinke (1-15, 5.37 ERA) opposes RHP Reese Olson (5-7, 4.13).

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros know they need to get it together — and quickly — for a chance to defend their crown this postseason after being swept at home by one of baseball's worst teams and falling farther behind Texas in the AL West.“It sucks not being able to win right now and getting swept, but we've just got to forget and go to Seattle and play," outfielder Mauricio Dubón said. “Everybody knows what's going on. So we've just go to go there and be focused and try to win baseball games.”Nelson Velázquez hit two home runs and Salvador Perez and Matt Duffy also homered as the Kansas City Royals built a big lead early Sunday and held on for a 6-5 win over the Astros.Houston dropped 2 1/2 games behind the Rangers in the division and is a half-game ahead of Seattle for the third and final wild card spot.Houston finished 39-42 at Minute Maid Park, its first losing record at home since 2014.“It's tough to take,” manager Dusty Baker said. “What can I say?”Kansas City (54-102) has won six straight games and 10 of 11.“The sweep is just kind of a benefit to the fact that these guys have been playing really well (and) pitching in really tough situations against a really good lineup,” manager Matt Quatraro said.The Royals raced to a 6-2 lead after tagging rookie Hunter Brown (11-13) for all four homers in just three innings.Yordan Alvarez hit a solo homer to cut the lead to one run in the fifth. But the defending World Series champions couldn’t do anything after that on a day they went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position and lost for the fifth time in six games.Veteran first baseman Jose Abreu is confident the Astros can get back on track.“The champions always have pressure and I think the guys know what they need to do to be able to get out of this,” he said in Spanish through a translator. “We haven’t got the results (we wanted) but we know what we need to do and it starts tomorrow.”Chas McCormick doubled with one out in the eighth inning, but Carlos Hernandez retired the next two batters to leave him stranded.James McArthur gave up a single to Jose Altuve with one out in the ninth, but he retired Alex Bregman and Alvarez to end it and get his third save.Steven Cruz opened the game for the Royals and allowed three hits and run in an inning before Alec Marsh (3-8) took over. He allowed three hits and four runs — three earned — with six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings for the win.The 102-loss Royals took five of six from the Astros this season.Altuve hit a leadoff single and moved to third on a one-out single by Alvarez. The Astros took a 1-0 lead when Altuve scored on a single by Abreu with two outs.The Royals tied it on a homer to right field by Velazquez to start the second. Nick Loftin singled before Duffy put Kansas City up 3-1 with his shot to the seats in left field with one out in the inning.Yainer Diaz and Dubón hit back-to-back singles with no outs in the second. Jeremy Peña moved them both over one with a sacrifice bunt. Houston cut the lead to 3-2 when Diaz scored on a groundout by Altuve.Bobby Witt Jr. walked to open the third inning before Perez homered on a soaring shot that bounced off the wall in left field to make it 5-2. Five pitches later, Velazquez connected on his second home run of the game to push the lead to 6-2.Marsh plunked Alvarez with not outs in the third before Kyle Tucker reached on catcher’s interference. Abreu walked to load the bases before Alvarez scored when McCormick grounded into a force out that left Abreu out at second.The Astros cut the lead to two runs when Tucker scored on a groundout by Diaz before Dubón grounded out to end the inning.TRAINER’S ROOMFor the Royals Perez was activated from the injured list after sitting out since sustaining a mild concussion Sept. 16. … C Tyler Cropley was optioned to Triple-A Omaha to make room for him on the roster.UP NEXTKansas City is off Monday before opening a three-game series at Detroit Tuesday night when RHP Zack Greinke (1-15, 5.37 ERA) opposes RHP Reese Olson (5-7, 4.13).

Royals hit 4 homers, beat slumping Astros 6-5 for sweep and 6-game winning streak

Northwest shuts out Lincoln to get back in win column

In front of 5,215 fans during Family Weekend in Maryville the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats found their way back into the win column in shutout fashion, blanking the Lincoln Blue Tigers 59-0 on Saturday.

The Bearcats racked up an astounding 481 total yards of offense, while limiting Lincoln to just 50 yards on the day.&nbsp; Northwest also had 25 first downs to just seven for Lincoln, on way to the 1oth shutout win of the Rich Wright era.&nbsp;

Sophomore quarterback Chris Ruhnke made the start in place of the injured Mike Hohensee and accounted for four first half touchdowns, one rushing and three passing touchdown, leading Northwest to have a 42-0 lead at the end of the first half. Jay Harris and Tank Young also added rushing touchdowns in the high scoring half.&nbsp;

The second half consisted of a lot of running plays by both Northwest and Lincoln, the only score of the third quarter coming on a four yard rushing score from Wentric Williams III following a muffed punt from the Blue Tigers. It was the debut for Williams in a Northwest uniform, a transfer redshirt freshman.

Following the rushing score from Williams, the second team would take the field for the Bearcats and in the fourth quarter the final touchdown would come from Redshirt freshman Eric Richardson, his first collegiate touchdown, that score coming one drive after Noah Guastella drilled a 22 yard field goal to put Northwest up 52-0.&nbsp;

In what has become a trend this season, Harris once again rushed for over 100 yards, rushing for 105 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; Ruhnke was 12 of 16 through the air for 170 yards and three touchdowns.&nbsp; Kashan Griffin led in receiving, hauling in four catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns.

Northwest is now 2-2 (1-2 MIAA) on the season.&nbsp; They'll return to MIAA play on the road Saturday in Warrensburg against Central Missouri.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 1pm.

Turnovers help Missouri Western earn third straight win

The Griffons took the ball away from Fort Hays State five times and posted seven sacks on the day en route to a 28-7 win over the Tigers at Spratt Stadium.&nbsp; <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/9d30f6ba-7556-4ff1-9c6a-2670ef467e4a">Read our full recap HERE.</a>

Kansas earns first Big 12 win against new conference member BYU

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lance Leipold did plenty of background work on Kansas before accepting its head-coaching job a couple of years ago. But in the pantheon of the obscure, he never looked up the last time the Jayhawks started 4-0 in back-to-back seasons.

When told it had been 108 years, Leipold replied Saturday: “I'm glad I didn't do all my research.”

“Sometimes you don't know what you're really stepping into until you there,” Leipold added with a smile, after leading the once-suffering Jayhawks to a 38-27 victory over BYU in the Cougars' Big 12 debut. “Like I told our team, I'm really proud of them when you look at the short time what we've been able to do.”

Jalon Daniels threw three touchdown passes, including two in the second half to Luke Grimm, and the Jayhawks got a pair of scores from their opportunistic defense in rallying from a 17-14 halftime deficit. Cobee Bryant returned a fumble for the game's first touchdown, and Kenny Logan Jr. brought back an interception early in the third quarter for another score.

The offense got going down the stretch, helping the Jayhawks win their eighth straight September game.

“When you walked in here in the past you would hear frustration,” explained Leipold, whose team will try to match last year's 5-0 start when it heads to No. 3 Texas next weekend. “You walk in there now and it's different, and that's where it should be."

Kedon Slovis was 30 of 51 for 357 yards with two TDs and two interceptions for BYU. But the Cougars (3-1) were imbalanced on offense, running 22 times for nine yards, and settling for two field goals in the red zone proved costly.

“We just battled through,” Logan said. “We showed we can take some jabs.”

The Jayhawks, who struggled to put away Nevada last week, rolled into their conference opener averaging more than 500 yards per game. But the Cougars consistently put pressure on Daniels, who at times needed every bit of his athleticism just to get the ball away, and their defense held Kansas to one offensive touchdown in the first half.

The other score? That came on Bryant's bone-jarring hit on BYU's second play from scrimmage. The ball popped out, Bryant was there to scoop it, and the cornerback — who had a pick later in the game- returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.

The Cougars refused to let the turnover set the tone for the game. They answered with back-to-back 75-yard touchdown drives, then used another long drive in the final minutes of the first half to add a field goal for a 17-14 lead at the break.

That's when the Kansas defense got into the act again.

On the third play of the third quarter, Slovis had his pass batted into the air by tight end Isaac Rex, off the hands of linebacker Jayson Gilliom and into the arms of Logan, who returned the interception 33 yards for a go-ahead touchdown.

“The defense played lights-out,” Daniels said. “Stuff you can’t make up. That doesn’t happen every day.”

“We gave them 14 points,” Rex said later. “If we didn't do that, we would have had enough points to win the game.”

The Cougars could only muster an answering field goal, and the Kansas offense finally started humming.

Daniels swiftly led his team down field, converting an early third down with his legs before finding Grimm in the back of the end zone on another third-down play for a touchdown. And after Bryant picked off Slovis on fourth down to end BYU's ensuing drive, the Jayhawks marched other way with Daniels finding Grimm again to extend the lead to 35-20.

BYU's Keelan Marion scored midway through the fourth quarter, but the Jayhawks added a field goal to put the game away.

"There were some moments we want back,” Cougars defensive lineman Tyler Batty said. “There’s a lot to learn form here.”

Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland made it clear before the season that his group, which struggled mightily at times last year, would not hold back the Jayhawks this season. On Saturday, his defense was the difference in the outcome.

Kansas visits Texas next Saturday for the first time since a 57-56 double-overtime win in 2021.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 2:30pm and the game will be aired on ABC.

Benedictine executes in every phase in win over Culver Stockton

The #21 Benedictine Ravens held Culver Stockton scoreless until the fourth quarter on way to a 60-7 win Saturday at Larry Wilcox Stadium in Atchison, Kansas during Family Weekend.&nbsp;

The game started off defensively for the Ravens as a sack on third down would force a punt from Culver Stockton, and with good field position starting at their own 40 yard line, Benedictine would need just four plays three plays before Jackson Dooley would find Reed Levi for a 23 yard touchdown pass.

Dooley would throw one more touchdown in the first quarter, a 42 yard touchdown pass to Joseph Lagafuaina pushing the score to 13-0 after a missed extra point from Harry Balke.&nbsp; Dooley would add another score in the second quarter, this time on his own as he would rush in from two yards out.&nbsp;

It was a field day for Dooley against the Culver Stockton defense, his fourth overall touchdown coming mid second quarter as he would find Kameron Dover from 15 yards out.&nbsp; Later on in the quarter, Balke would add points with his leg on a 31 yard field goal, before JaShawn Todd would score the final touchdown of the half, a 14 yard receiving touchdown from Dooley, pushing the lead at halftime to 37-0.&nbsp;

Defense would score the first two points of the second half for the Ravens.&nbsp; After Benedictine downed a punt at the one yard line the Wildcats would go three and out and be forced to punt.&nbsp; But on the punt, Blake Dapkus would block his second punt of the game, sending it out of the back of the endzone for a safety.&nbsp;

Not long after that Dooley would throw his fifth and final touchdown of the game, finding Jacob Gathright for a 18 yard touchdown pass.&nbsp; A Derrick Overstreet rushing touchdown would cap the scoring in the third quarter, the lead going into the final frame at 53-0 for the Ravens.&nbsp;

Early in the final frame backup quarterback Luke Laskowski would score the final touchdown of the game for Benedictine, finding Matthew Sanford on a 17 yard touchdown pass before late in the quarter Culver Stockton would finally find the endzone, Nicholas Jarret rushing in from one yard out.&nbsp;

It was a huge day for Dooley under center, going 17 for 32 through the air for 223 yards and five touchdowns, also adding one rushing touchdown on the day on his only rush. Shawn Wara rushed nine times for 74 yards while Witherspoon rushed 11 times for 66 yards. Todd was the leading receiver with five catches for 46 yards and he was one of six receivers to find the endzone.&nbsp;

Benedictine is now 3-2 on the season.&nbsp; They'll be on the road Saturday for another Family Weekend, this time for their opposition, as they face William Penn in Oskaloosa, Iowa.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 5pm.

Ground game helps Nebraska win second game in a row

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Heinrich Haarberg ran for 157 yards and a touchdown and Anthony Grant for 135 yards and a score to lead Nebraska past Louisiana Tech 28-14 on Saturday.

Haarberg, who started his second straight game at quarterback in place of Jeff Sims, worked in tandem with Grant as the primary ball-carriers in the absence of injured running backs Gabe Ervin Jr. and Rahmir Johnson.

The Cornhuskers (2-2) had four runs of at least 30 yards and finished with 312 yards on the ground and 419 total yards.

“It wasn't our best game," coach Matt Rhule said, "but any time we have (312) yards rushing we're going to be excited about that. Some of the option plays were really good plays for us. The speed options allowed us to get on the perimeter. There's still a lot of things to improve and clean up.”

Louisiana Tech (2-3) lost its 16th straight road game over four seasons.

For Nebraska, it's apparent the quarterback run will have to be a big part of the offense regardless of who’s playing because of a lack of depth at receiver and a shortage of running backs.

Haarberg had two more carries (19) than pass attempts (17). Nebraska hadn't had a quarterback run so many times since Adrian Martinez had 21 attempts against Michigan State two years ago. All but 10 of Haarberg's rushing yards came on three carries totaling 147 yards, including a 72-yard TD.

“For me, I want to be confident in myself but also want my teammates to be confident in me, so I hope they look at me and see someone who went out there and battled to the end," Haarberg said.

Grant, the Huskers' leading rusher last season, was projected to be the starting running back in the preseason but he got limited carries the past two games following his critical fourth-quarter fumble in the season-opening loss at Minnesota.

A week after Ervin and Johnson went down with season-ending injuries against Northern Illinois, Grant had 22 carries and went over 100 yards for the sixth time in his career.

“I feel like this is my best game, despite everything," Grant said. "I feel like there’s more in store for us, more in store for me.”

Louisiana Tech quarterback Jack Turner made the first start of his career in place of Hank Bachmeier, who injured his right (throwing) shoulder in the second half against North Texas last week.

Turner was 27 of 42 for 292 yards. Cyrus Allen had six catches for 102 yards and a touchdown and Smoke Harris caught 10 balls for 73 yards. Harris has at least one reception in 37 straight games.

Turner got no help from the running game that managed just 46 yards on 21 attempts.

“Offensively, it was a sloppy game to say the least,” Tech coach Sonny Cumbie said. “We had too many drops. We probably had more drops than we’ve had at any point during the season. Running the football, we knew it was going to be tough against one of the top run defenses in the country.”

Grant led the way on the tie-breaking touchdown drive to open the second half. He broke a 34-yard run down the right sideline and bounced off a tackler to pick up 19 yards on a fourth-and-1 before he bulled into the end zone from the 2.

The Huskers took control of the game on the first play of the fourth quarter when tight end Thomas Fidone II caught a short pass and turned it into a 29-yard touchdown.

The Bulldogs' touchdowns came on Jacob Fields' 14-yard run in the second quarter and on Turner's 20-yard pass to Allen after a 55-minute delay in the fourth quarter because of lightning.

&nbsp;The Huskers have held four straight opponents under 60 rushing yards for the first time since 1999.

A fake field goal on fourth and 4 from the Tech 19 set up Nebraska’s only touchdown in the first half. Holder Timmy Bleekrode took the snap and ran through the right side for 10 yards. Billy Kemp IV scored two plays later on a jet sweep.

“I was really happy for Timmy,” Rhule said. “He's a guy who was the starting kicker (in 2022). He's the backup kicker, backup holder, unbelievable team guy, great student. He had a chance to go affect the game and I thought that was one of those plays ... that gave us some juice.”

Nebraska hosts No. 2 Michigan next Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 2:30pm and the game will be aired on Fox.

Luther Burden III shreds Memphis, Mizzou 4-0 first time since 2013&nbsp;

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Luther Burden III put on a show in his first collegiate game in his hometown, catching a career-high 10 passes for a career-best 177 yards to help Missouri beat Memphis 34-27 Saturday night in St. Louis.

Fellow St. Louis native Brady Cook completed 18 of 25 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns to help Missouri to its first 4-0 start since 2013.

Seth Henigan completed 31 of 47 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns but also tossed a pair of interceptions for Memphis (3-1).

Harrison Mevis converted both of his field goal attempts from 25 and 32 yards a week after booting an SEC record 61-yard game-winning field goal to beat then No. 15 Kansas State. He also recovered his own onside kick on the opening kickoff, but the play was negated by a Missouri off-side penalty.

Cody Schrader led Missouri with 123 rushing yards on 14 carries and sealed the game for Missouri with a 37-yard touchdown run with 2:46 remaining.

Tanner Gillis kicked a 22-yard field goal with 5:18 left in the fourth quarter to cut Missouri’s lead to 27-20.

Burden left the game with cramping after hauling in a 56 yard pass from Cook with 9:34 remaining in the third quarter before returning later in the fourth. Missouri pulled ahead 24-10 on its next play when Cook connected with Theo Wease Jr. on a 19-yard touchdown.

Missouri needed just three plays to travel 91 yards on its opening drive culminating in Cook connecting with Marquis Johnson on a 76-yard touchdown pass.

Missouri improved to 7-0 at The Dome at America’s Center since playing its first game in the building in 2002. All six of Missouri’s previous matchups came against the University of Illinois. Missouri improved to 9-1 all-time in St. Louis with its only loss coming to Air Force at Busch Stadium II on Sept. 26, 1970.

Missouri enters conference play undefeated despite not beating a FBS school by more than one touchdown. Missouri had not won four straight games to open a season since 2013 when it opened the season with seven straight wins en route to winning the SEC East Division championship.

Missouri is at Vanderbilt Saturday to open SEC play.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 3pm and the game will be aired on SEC Network.&nbsp; Mizzou will look to open SEC play 1-0 for the first time since 2019.

DJ Giddens leads Kansas State past UCF for first Big 12 win

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — DJ Giddens ran for a career-high 207 yards and four touchdowns and Kansas State beat UCF 44-31 on Saturday night in the Big 12 debut for the Knights.

Giddens ran for three scores in the first half that included a 1-yard run on the opening drive for K-State (3-1, 1-0), which has found the end zone in its opening drives in all four games this season.

Will Howard went 27-for-42 passing for 255 yards and threw an interception. He added 64 yards on the ground and scored on a 31-yard run to give K-State a 44-24 lead with 2:01 remaining.

Giddens added a score in the second half to put the Wildcats up 37-24 with 4:01 left. K-State amassed 536 total yards with 281 rushing.

Timmy McClain threw three touchdowns passes and went 14 for 24 with 264 yards passing with an interception for UCF (3-1, 0-1). The Knights totaled 407 yards and rushed for 143 yards. UCF added a 1-yard touchdown by RJ Harvey with three seconds left in the game.

CFB Roundup: Bearcats and Ravens dominate, Burden and Giddens career days, Jayhawks and Huskers also win

HOUSTON (AP) — Jordan Lyles gave up just two hits in five innings, Bobby Witt Jr. drove in his 93rd run of the season and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 3-2 on Saturday night.

“It’s like groundhog day,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “We’re playing hard, they’re playing good ball but we’re having trouble pushing runs across. You know hitting with runners in scoring position. When we do good we’re going to get a bunch of them for a period of time. I just feel that. We’re so close to breaking games open. Just didn’t get it done.”

Houston has lost four of its last five games and fell to 39-41 at home this year. Still, the Astros maintained their half-game lead for the final AL wild-card spot over Seattle with seven games remaining. The Mariners lost 2-0 to Texas earlier.

“It feels like we're playing terrible,” said Alex Bregman, who finished 0 for 3. “That's it. We're not playing good.”

The Royals have won nine of their last 10 games for the first time since July 20-30, 2017. The win also clinched a fourth straight series win for the first time since 2019.

“We know where we are as far as our youth and our inexperience," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “There's nobody that knows exactly what the timetable is but these kinds of wins are definitely going to go a long way for our guy's confidence.”

Lyles (5-17) held the Astros to just one hit through the first four innings, while striking out three and walking two. This was his best start since July 17 when he held Detroit to no runs and three hits in a no-decision.

“Every at-bat was a strong battle," Lyles said. "Those guys are one of the better lineups in baseball. It's going to make it difficult on you and they did a really good job. I wasn't able to go deep but five scoreless, team win, sign me up every day of the week for it.”

Taylor Clarke got the last five outs for his third save of the season.

“He just kept pumping strikes,” Quatraro said. “That last inning he was trying to not make a mistake and he just kept making quality after quality pitch. Those guys are dangerous and obviously without what he did we're not going to win that game.”

The Royals got to the Astros early again. Maikel Garcia led off the game against J.P. France (11-6) with an infield single, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Yanier Diaz. Garcia scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by M.J. Melendez to make it 1-0.

Kansas City leads the American League in sacrifice flies this season with 56 — second in the majors behind only the Dodgers (66).

In the fifth inning with the bases loaded, Witt reached on a fielder’s choice and drove in Nick Pratto. A wild pitch by France later in the inning allowed Kyle Isbel to score, making it 3-0.

France gave up three runs and seven hits in five innings, walking one and striking out five.

“Stuff was great, I'm pleased with that outing,” France said. “I went five innings, two earned. Was actually able to get some whiffs, get some strikeouts against these guys opposed to last time. ... Overall felt my stuff was really good today. Arm felt really good.”

Astros reliever Bryan Abreu struck out the side in the eighth inning to extend his scoreless innings streak to a major league-best 24 innings. Abreu has struck out 28 batters in this span.

Trailing 3-0, Chas McCormick led off the seventh inning blasting a ball 418 feet to the train tracks in left field to cut into the lead. It was the second straight game that McCormick homered.

“It's been frustrating, I've never been in this position before," McCormick said of the Astros' last eleven games. “Every team that's come to play us, they want to beat us badly and we just don't want it enough right now ... I don't think we're firing on all cylinders and putting a little pressure on ourselves."

The Astros inched closer in the eighth as back-to-back doubles by Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker made it 3-2. Alvarez finished 1 for 4 with the double, which extended his streak of games reaching base safely in to 29.

Royals: C Salvador Perez (concussion) is likely to return to the lineup on Sunday, according to Quatraro. ... RHP Brad Keller has been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. He will decide whether to undergo surgery in the coming days, according to Quatraro.

Astros RHP Hunter Brown (11-12, 4.87 ERA) will start Houston’s final home game of the regular season on Sunday. The Royals have not announced a starter.

HOUSTON (AP) — Jordan Lyles gave up just two hits in five innings, Bobby Witt Jr. drove in his 93rd run of the season and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 3-2 on Saturday night.“It’s like groundhog day,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “We’re playing hard, they’re playing good ball but we’re having trouble pushing runs across. You know hitting with runners in scoring position. When we do good we’re going to get a bunch of them for a period of time. I just feel that. We’re so close to breaking games open. Just didn’t get it done.”Houston has lost four of its last five games and fell to 39-41 at home this year. Still, the Astros maintained their half-game lead for the final AL wild-card spot over Seattle with seven games remaining. The Mariners lost 2-0 to Texas earlier.“It feels like we're playing terrible,” said Alex Bregman, who finished 0 for 3. “That's it. We're not playing good.”The Royals have won nine of their last 10 games for the first time since July 20-30, 2017. The win also clinched a fourth straight series win for the first time since 2019.“We know where we are as far as our youth and our inexperience," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “There's nobody that knows exactly what the timetable is but these kinds of wins are definitely going to go a long way for our guy's confidence.”Lyles (5-17) held the Astros to just one hit through the first four innings, while striking out three and walking two. This was his best start since July 17 when he held Detroit to no runs and three hits in a no-decision.“Every at-bat was a strong battle," Lyles said. "Those guys are one of the better lineups in baseball. It's going to make it difficult on you and they did a really good job. I wasn't able to go deep but five scoreless, team win, sign me up every day of the week for it.”Taylor Clarke got the last five outs for his third save of the season.“He just kept pumping strikes,” Quatraro said. “That last inning he was trying to not make a mistake and he just kept making quality after quality pitch. Those guys are dangerous and obviously without what he did we're not going to win that game.”The Royals got to the Astros early again. Maikel Garcia led off the game against J.P. France (11-6) with an infield single, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Yanier Diaz. Garcia scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by M.J. Melendez to make it 1-0.Kansas City leads the American League in sacrifice flies this season with 56 — second in the majors behind only the Dodgers (66).In the fifth inning with the bases loaded, Witt reached on a fielder’s choice and drove in Nick Pratto. A wild pitch by France later in the inning allowed Kyle Isbel to score, making it 3-0.France gave up three runs and seven hits in five innings, walking one and striking out five.“Stuff was great, I'm pleased with that outing,” France said. “I went five innings, two earned. Was actually able to get some whiffs, get some strikeouts against these guys opposed to last time. ... Overall felt my stuff was really good today. Arm felt really good.”Astros reliever Bryan Abreu struck out the side in the eighth inning to extend his scoreless innings streak to a major league-best 24 innings. Abreu has struck out 28 batters in this span.Trailing 3-0, Chas McCormick led off the seventh inning blasting a ball 418 feet to the train tracks in left field to cut into the lead. It was the second straight game that McCormick homered.“It's been frustrating, I've never been in this position before," McCormick said of the Astros' last eleven games. “Every team that's come to play us, they want to beat us badly and we just don't want it enough right now ... I don't think we're firing on all cylinders and putting a little pressure on ourselves."The Astros inched closer in the eighth as back-to-back doubles by Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker made it 3-2. Alvarez finished 1 for 4 with the double, which extended his streak of games reaching base safely in to 29.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez (concussion) is likely to return to the lineup on Sunday, according to Quatraro. ... RHP Brad Keller has been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. He will decide whether to undergo surgery in the coming days, according to Quatraro.UP NEXTAstros RHP Hunter Brown (11-12, 4.87 ERA) will start Houston’s final home game of the regular season on Sunday. The Royals have not announced a starter.

Lyles pitches five scoreless, Royals beat Astros 3-2 as Houston maintains hold on wild-card spot

On a day when Missouri Western's offense had some trouble finishing off drives, the Griffon defense made up for it.

The Griffons (3-1) forced five turnovers which turned into 21 points, Missouri Western sacked Fort Hays State quarterback Jack Dawson seven times and MWSU all-in-all shut the Tigers down in a 28-7 victory at Spratt Stadium in St. Joseph Saturday.

Missouri Western picked off Dawson three times, while also recovering a pair of fumbles.

The game got off to a disastrous start for Fort Hays State. The Tigers (2-2) turned it over on their second play from scrimmage, as Dawson had a pass picked off by Missouri Western's Jaden Brown.

The Griffons turned that into points seven plays later, as Seth Cromwell ran the ball in from one yard away to give Missouri Western a 7-0 lead with 10:45 left in the first quarter.

Disaster struck again for Hays just a few plays later. The Tigers went three-and-out on their ensuing drive. As they tried to punt it away, Missouri Western's Jake Leader and Sam Taylor blocked the kick, and the Griffons took over at the Hays 4-yard line.

Two plays later, Cromwell struck again - this time from two yards out - and the Griffons led 14-0 with 8:32 still to play in the first.

The Griffons had two red zone trips in the second quarter that came up empty - one on a missed field goal and the other ended with an interception by Missouri Western quarterback Armani Edden.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695510220886.png" alt="Missouri Western's Dakari Streeter (40) sacked Fort Hays State quarterback Jack Dawson (5) three times in the Griffons' 28-7 victory over the Tigers on Saturday at Spratt Stadium. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western's Dakari Streeter (40) sacked Fort Hays State quarterback Jack Dawson (5) three times in the Griffons' 28-7 victory over the Tigers on Saturday at Spratt Stadium. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostOn a day when Missouri Western's offense had some trouble finishing off drives, the Griffon defense made up for it.The Griffons (3-1) forced five turnovers which turned into 21 points, Missouri Western sacked Fort Hays State quarterback Jack Dawson seven times and MWSU all-in-all shut the Tigers down in a 28-7 victory at Spratt Stadium in St. Joseph Saturday.Missouri Western picked off Dawson three times, while also recovering a pair of fumbles.The game got off to a disastrous start for Fort Hays State. The Tigers (2-2) turned it over on their second play from scrimmage, as Dawson had a pass picked off by Missouri Western's Jaden Brown.The Griffons turned that into points seven plays later, as Seth Cromwell ran the ball in from one yard away to give Missouri Western a 7-0 lead with 10:45 left in the first quarter. Disaster struck again for Hays just a few plays later. The Tigers went three-and-out on their ensuing drive. As they tried to punt it away, Missouri Western's Jake Leader and Sam Taylor blocked the kick, and the Griffons took over at the Hays 4-yard line.Two plays later, Cromwell struck again - this time from two yards out - and the Griffons led 14-0 with 8:32 still to play in the first.That score didn't change for awhile.The Griffons had two red zone trips in the second quarter that came up empty - one on a missed field goal and the other ended with an interception by Missouri Western quarterback Armani Edden.Hays had plenty of empty possessions themselves. The Tigers crossed the 50-yard-line five times and only scored on one of those trips.The Griffons scored the first points of the second half late in the third. After Grant Finley recovered a fumble forced by Braden Wright, Missouri Western took over at the Hays 8-yard-line and scored two plays later.Edden found Caleb Martin in the back of the end zone for an eight-yard score and the Griffons led 21-0 headed to the fourth quarter.Hays finally punched one in early in the fourth when Dawson connected with Jayden Horace for an eight-yard touchdown to make it 21-7 with 10:02 to go.The Griffons milked some clock on the ensuing drive, but Edden threw a pick on a third down play, and Hays took over at the Griffon 39-yard-line, down 14, with 3:49 to go, and all three timeouts.The Tigers got all the way to the seven, but on a third down play, Dawson threw an interception in the end zone, which Brayden Wright took 100 yards the other way for a score, putting the game away at 28-7 with 2:35 left.Missouri Western held Hays to just 331 total yards, including just 74 on the ground. Dakari Streeter led the tackling effort for the Griffons, finishing with eight total tackles and three sacks.Dawson completed 27-of-42 passes for 257 yards to lead Hays offensively, but he had three picks and was sacked seven times.Missouri Western had a modest 237 yards of offense, and finished with two turnovers. Edden finished 16-of-24 for 112 yards, a touchdown and two picks.Brandon Hall had a solid day on the ground with 52 yards on nine carries.&nbsp;The Griffons are 3-1 to start the season for the first time since 2015.Their three-game winning streak is their longest since 2019 and they've now beaten Fort Hays State in each of the last five meetings and in 15 of the last 17 overall.Missouri Western stays home for a big test against No. 11 Emporia State (4-0) next Saturday for homecoming at Spratt Stadium.Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) with coverage starting at 3.Tyler Fenwick, Brayden Wright interviews<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Brayden-Wright--Tyler-Fenwick---FHSU-postgame-e29mjo0" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full game broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Missouri-Western-vs--Fort-Hays-State-football---92323-e29mjpi" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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