FAUCETT - Quarterback Colton Kirkham found receiver Jaxson Carpenter wide open on a pass down field in the fourth quarter, and Carpenter took it 66 yards to the house, helping North Platte (5-1) to seal the deal in a 30-26 at Mid-Buchanan on Friday night.

The Panthers, who beat Mid-Buchanan for the first time since 2017 Friday and spoiled the Dragons' homecoming, led 30-20 after the Carpenter touchdown with just over six minutes to go.

Mid-Buchanan (4-2) punched in a score with just over three minutes left, but North Platte picked up the ensuing onside kick attempt and were able to run out the remaining time.

The Dragons got the scoring started on the game's opening drive, as quarterback Raife Smith put up a six-yard touchdown run to give Mid-Buchanan a 7-0 lead with 6:43 left in the first.

North Platte had the answer on its first offensive series, as senior Liam Servaes took off on a 47-yard touchdown run, getting the Panthers on the board at 7-6 with 4:12 to go in the first.

The Dragons had another long drive going at the start of the second quarter, but a 14-play series ended with a turnover-on-downs less than 10 yards from the end zone.

North Platte took its first lead on their ensuing possession, driving 91 yards on nine plays. Servaes scored for a second time, this one from six yards out, and a successful two-point try put the Panthers ahead 14-7 with 6:14 left in the second.

Leading 14-7 at halftime, the Panthers got the ball to start the third quarter. Gifted with a short field due to a personal foul on Mid-Buchanan, North Platte went up 22-7 after a two-yard touchdown run and successful two-point conversuion from Dylan Armstrong with 8:43 left in the third.

Mid-Buchanan got back into the game with an 11-play, 60-yard drive which was capped with a four-yard touchdown run by Ian Wagenka.

The Dragons trailed 22-14 with 2:37 left in the third, but picked up an onside kick near midfield to get the ball right back.

Eleven plays later, Mid-Buch scored again - this time on a one-yard run from Wagenka. The tying two-point try failed, and North Platte still led 22-20 with 10:29 to go in the game.

Backed up on their own nine-yard line, North Platte ran off over four minutes of clock, and delivered the key 66-yard score with 6:19 remaining.

Kirkham completed 4-of-6 passes for 98 yards. He had a touchdown and two interceptions - both in the second quarter. Kirkham also gained 148 yards rushing on 13 attempts.

Servaes finished with 97 yards rushing on 14 carries and two touchdowns. Dylan Armstrong had six carries for 48 yards and a score. Carpenter had two catches for 73 yards and the score.

North Platte unofficially piled up 293 rushing yards and were able to overcome 13 penalties.

Wegenka toted the rock 31 times for Mid-Buchanan, finishing 120 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Smith completed 11-of-21 passes for 109 yards and a pick. He also ran the ball 14 times for 48 yards and a TD.

The Dragons rushed for 216 yards themselves.

The Panthers are back home next week to face Lawson. Mid-Buchanan is on the road next week to face Penney/Hamilton.

Interview with North Platte Head Coach Jared Quigley

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696045865658.jpeg" alt="Liam Servaes (25) scored two touchdowns in North Platte's 30-26 win at Mid-Buchanan&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Liam Servaes (25) scored two touchdowns in North Platte's 30-26 win at Mid-Buchanan&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostFAUCETT - Quarterback Colton Kirkham found receiver Jaxson Carpenter wide open on a pass down field in the fourth quarter, and Carpenter took it 66 yards to the house, helping North Platte (5-1) to seal the deal in a 30-26 at Mid-Buchanan on Friday night.The Panthers, who beat Mid-Buchanan for the first time since 2017 Friday and spoiled the Dragons' homecoming, led 30-20 after the Carpenter touchdown with just over six minutes to go.Mid-Buchanan (4-2) punched in a score with just over three minutes left, but North Platte picked up the ensuing onside kick attempt and were able to run out the remaining time.The Dragons got the scoring started on the game's opening drive, as quarterback Raife Smith put up a six-yard touchdown run to give Mid-Buchanan a 7-0 lead with 6:43 left in the first.North Platte had the answer on its first offensive series, as senior Liam Servaes took off on a 47-yard touchdown run, getting the Panthers on the board at 7-6 with 4:12 to go in the first.The Dragons had another long drive going at the start of the second quarter, but a 14-play series ended with a turnover-on-downs less than 10 yards from the end zone.North Platte took its first lead on their ensuing possession, driving 91 yards on nine plays. Servaes scored for a second time, this one from six yards out, and a successful two-point try put the Panthers ahead 14-7 with 6:14 left in the second.North Platte never trailed again.Leading 14-7 at halftime, the Panthers got the ball to start the third quarter. Gifted with a short field due to a personal foul on Mid-Buchanan, North Platte went up 22-7 after a two-yard touchdown run and successful two-point conversuion from Dylan Armstrong with 8:43 left in the third.Mid-Buchanan got back into the game with an 11-play, 60-yard drive which was capped with a four-yard touchdown run by Ian Wagenka.The Dragons trailed 22-14 with 2:37 left in the third, but picked up an onside kick near midfield to get the ball right back.Eleven plays later, Mid-Buch scored again - this time on a one-yard run from Wagenka. The tying two-point try failed, and North Platte still led 22-20 with 10:29 to go in the game.Backed up on their own nine-yard line, North Platte ran off over four minutes of clock, and delivered the key 66-yard score with 6:19 remaining.Kirkham completed 4-of-6 passes for 98 yards. He had a touchdown and two interceptions - both in the second quarter. Kirkham also gained 148 yards rushing on 13 attempts.Servaes finished with 97 yards rushing on 14 carries and two touchdowns. Dylan Armstrong had six carries for 48 yards and a score. Carpenter had two catches for 73 yards and the score.North Platte unofficially piled up 293 rushing yards and were able to overcome 13 penalties.Wegenka toted the rock 31 times for Mid-Buchanan, finishing 120 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Smith completed 11-of-21 passes for 109 yards and a pick. He also ran the ball 14 times for 48 yards and a TD.The Dragons rushed for 216 yards themselves.The Panthers are back home next week to face Lawson. Mid-Buchanan is on the road next week to face Penney/Hamilton.Full game broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/North-Platte--Mid-Buchanan-FB---92923-e29vk5l" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Interview with North Platte Head Coach Jared Quigley<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/North-Platte-Head-Coach-Jared-Quigley-e29vl35" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Pictures by Matt Pike<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696047215939.jpeg" alt="Colton Kirkham (3)." />
 <figcaption>Colton Kirkham (3).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696047245408.jpeg" alt="Jason Shanks (1) tackles Jackson Sauvage (10)." />
 <figcaption>Jason Shanks (1) tackles Jackson Sauvage (10).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696047265427.jpeg" alt="Jaxson Carpenter had an interception in the first half." />
 <figcaption>Jaxson Carpenter had an interception in the first half.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696047281984.jpeg" alt="John Winkler (87)." />
 <figcaption>John Winkler (87).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696047333138.jpeg" alt="Raife Smith (12)." />
 <figcaption>Raife Smith (12).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696047360366.jpeg" alt="Zander Brown (11)." />
 <figcaption>Zander Brown (11).</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

North Platte scores pivotal touchdown late, Panthers win at Mid-Buchanan Friday

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FAUCETT - It's a critical KCI tilt in Faucett tonight as Mid-Buchanan (4-1) hosts North Platte (4-1) on homecoming.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Live coverage on St. Joseph Post starts at 6:30.&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a>.

Mid-Buchanan has won three straight, most recently beating Lathrop 42-6. North Platte has won back-to-back games, beating Conway Christian (Arkansas) 48-12.

Mid-Buchanan has beaten North Platte in each of the last six meetings, while the Panthers are off to their best start since 2011.

Tune to KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) after the game for Friday Night Lights with Matt Pike from 10-11 p.m. for a full hour of scores and live coaches' interviews.

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostFAUCETT - It's a critical KCI tilt in Faucett tonight as Mid-Buchanan (4-1) hosts North Platte (4-1) on homecoming.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Live coverage on St. Joseph Post starts at 6:30.&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a>.Mid-Buchanan has won three straight, most recently beating Lathrop 42-6. North Platte has won back-to-back games, beating Conway Christian (Arkansas) 48-12.Mid-Buchanan has beaten North Platte in each of the last six meetings, while the Panthers are off to their best start since 2011.Tune to KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) after the game for Friday Night Lights with Matt Pike from 10-11 p.m. for a full hour of scores and live coaches' interviews.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696020516997.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

LISTEN LIVE: North Platte @ Mid-Buchanan football

Bishop LeBlond came out on fire Thursday, taking the first two sets and serving with match point up 24-21 in the third set.

Benton, however, ended the third set on a 5-0 run, took the fourth 25-23 and were right in the thick of it in the fifth, but the Eagles (13-2) snatched one from the jaws of defeat, winning the fifth set 15-13 to take the match, 3-2, at Benton High School Thursday night.

"Benton is a really good team," LeBlond coach Kimberly Huss said. "Their hitters are really strong and they did some different things against us tonight than when we played them in the jamboree."

"I think we got out of our normal way of playing in set three and four and we had to come from behind, which isn't what we wanted to. We just need to stay focused through those sets."

LeBlond, coming off of a massive road win at East Buchanan three days prior, rolled in the first set, taking it 25-13.

Benton (7-6) was a lot more viable in the second set, but still never had a lead, and LeBlond grabbed a 2-0 lead in the match with a 25-21 win in set two.

Set three had all of the ear marks of a LeBlond sweep, but Benton reeled off a 5-0 run out of their own timeout to take the third set, 26-24.

Senior Hollie Peters and junior Andrea Simmons each had five kills in that third set to keep the match alive.

The fourth set saw Benton race out to a 12-5 lead. LeBlond rallied, but Benton survived the frame, 25-23.

Set five was back-and-forth from the get-go, but LeBlond went up 10-8 and wouldn't trail again as sophomore Rilyn Conard slammed the winning kill to the floor.

Conard was dominant throughout the match Thursday, finishing with 16 kills unofficially. Senior Maddie Sego had 17 kills, three blocks and two aces.

Sophomore Katie Sego logged nine kills, an ace and a block. Senior Lindsey Atha came through in the clutch especially late, as she tallied 15 kills, including four in the fifth set.

"It's nice to see that our team could come together and finish when they needed to," Atha said. "In the fifth set, we really showed we can play together."

Simmons was a dominant force on the outside for Benton, finishing with a match-high 21 kills. She also had three blocks.

Junior Emma Loehnig had 12 kills, three blocks and an ace. Peters added 15 kills in the effort for Benton.

LeBlond goes home Saturday to partake in the Bishop LeBlond tournament at Grace Gymnasium. That tournament field includes East Buchanan and Savannah, along with Iowa schools Glenwood and Oak Grove.

"There's probably 4-5 teams around Buchanan County that have&nbsp; only lost 4-5 matches," Huss said. "Volleyball is doing really well up here, and I love that, because it's been a long time coming and these teams and coaches are working really hard."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695953822932.jpeg" alt="LeBlond's Rilyn Conard (21) tries to hit a ball over Benton's defense during Thursday's match at Springer Gymnasium. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>LeBlond's Rilyn Conard (21) tries to hit a ball over Benton's defense during Thursday's match at Springer Gymnasium. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBishop LeBlond came out on fire Thursday, taking the first two sets and serving with match point up 24-21 in the third set.Benton, however, ended the third set on a 5-0 run, took the fourth 25-23 and were right in the thick of it in the fifth, but the Eagles (13-2) snatched one from the jaws of defeat, winning the fifth set 15-13 to take the match, 3-2, at Benton High School Thursday night."Benton is a really good team," LeBlond coach Kimberly Huss said. "Their hitters are really strong and they did some different things against us tonight than when we played them in the jamboree.""I think we got out of our normal way of playing in set three and four and we had to come from behind, which isn't what we wanted to. We just need to stay focused through those sets."LeBlond, coming off of a massive road win at East Buchanan three days prior, rolled in the first set, taking it 25-13.Benton (7-6) was a lot more viable in the second set, but still never had a lead, and LeBlond grabbed a 2-0 lead in the match with a 25-21 win in set two.Set three had all of the ear marks of a LeBlond sweep, but Benton reeled off a 5-0 run out of their own timeout to take the third set, 26-24.Senior Hollie Peters and junior Andrea Simmons each had five kills in that third set to keep the match alive.The fourth set saw Benton race out to a 12-5 lead. LeBlond rallied, but Benton survived the frame, 25-23.Set five was back-and-forth from the get-go, but LeBlond went up 10-8 and wouldn't trail again as sophomore Rilyn Conard slammed the winning kill to the floor.Conard was dominant throughout the match Thursday, finishing with 16 kills unofficially. Senior Maddie Sego had 17 kills, three blocks and two aces.Sophomore Katie Sego logged nine kills, an ace and a block. Senior Lindsey Atha came through in the clutch especially late, as she tallied 15 kills, including four in the fifth set."It's nice to see that our team could come together and finish when they needed to," Atha said. "In the fifth set, we really showed we can play together."Simmons was a dominant force on the outside for Benton, finishing with a match-high 21 kills. She also had three blocks.Junior Emma Loehnig had 12 kills, three blocks and an ace. Peters added 15 kills in the effort for Benton.LeBlond goes home Saturday to partake in the Bishop LeBlond tournament at Grace Gymnasium. That tournament field includes East Buchanan and Savannah, along with Iowa schools Glenwood and Oak Grove."There's probably 4-5 teams around Buchanan County that have&nbsp; only lost 4-5 matches," Huss said. "Volleyball is doing really well up here, and I love that, because it's been a long time coming and these teams and coaches are working really hard."Benton will go to Lafayette on Monday.Photos<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695954919199.jpeg" alt="Andrea Simmons (5)." />
 <figcaption>Andrea Simmons (5).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695954938954.jpeg" alt="Lindsey Atha." />
 <figcaption>Lindsey Atha.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695954956736.jpeg" alt="Maddie Sego." />
 <figcaption>Maddie Sego.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695955001584.jpeg" alt="Maddie Sego." />
 <figcaption>Maddie Sego.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost

LeBlond gets off to fast start, fends off furious Benton rally in a five-setter Thursday

DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera hit his 511th home run as Detroit won the completion of a suspended game 8-0 and Spencer Torkelson hit a three-run homer in a seven-run seventh inning that led the Tigers over the Kansas City Royals 7-3 for a sweep both games. 

Cabrera, who is retiring after the season, tied Mel Ott for 25th on the career home run list. The 40-year-old has 373 homers for Detroit, tying Norm Cash for second behind Al Kaline’s 399. 

At 54-105, the Royals have their most losses since 2005.

The Royals next take on the Yankees Friday night with first-pitch at 7:10 on KFEQ in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693783406082.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals relief pitcher James McArthur throws to a Boston Red Sox batter during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals relief pitcher James McArthur throws to a Boston Red Sox batter during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera hit his 511th home run as Detroit won the completion of a suspended game 8-0 and Spencer Torkelson hit a three-run homer in a seven-run seventh inning that led the Tigers over the Kansas City Royals 7-3 for a sweep both games. Cabrera, who is retiring after the season, tied Mel Ott for 25th on the career home run list. The 40-year-old has 373 homers for Detroit, tying Norm Cash for second behind Al Kaline’s 399. At 54-105, the Royals have their most losses since 2005.The Royals next take on the Yankees Friday night with first-pitch at 7:10 on KFEQ in St. Joseph.

Miguel Cabrera's 511th home run lifts Tigers, who sweep Royals 8-0 and 7-3

DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera hit his 511th home run to help the Detroit Tigers take a 4-0 lead over the Kansas City Royals in a game that was suspended by rain after four innings. 

Cabrera, who is retiring after the season ends this week, tied Mel Ott for 25th place all time. It was Cabrera’s 378th homer for Detroit, tying Norm Cash for second place in franchise history behind Al Kaline’s 399.

 The game, which was delayed for 80 minutes, will be resumed Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. before the scheduled series finale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694577151520.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. singles off Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Lane Ramsey during the eighth inning in the first game of a baseball doubleheader Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. singles off Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Lane Ramsey during the eighth inning in the first game of a baseball doubleheader Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Miguel Cabrera hit his 511th home run to help the Detroit Tigers take a 4-0 lead over the Kansas City Royals in a game that was suspended by rain after four innings. Cabrera, who is retiring after the season ends this week, tied Mel Ott for 25th place all time. It was Cabrera’s 378th homer for Detroit, tying Norm Cash for second place in franchise history behind Al Kaline’s 399. The game, which was delayed for 80 minutes, will be resumed Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. before the scheduled series finale.

Cabrera hits 511th homer as Tigers lead Royals 4-0 in a game suspended until Thursday by rain

DETROIT (AP) — Akil Baddoo and Parker Meadows hit consecutive homers to lead off a four-run eighth inning and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Tuesday night.

 Zack Greinke pitched five shutout innings, and saw his winless streak grow to 22 games (19 starts) since a 6-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles on May 3. He has gone more than two years without a win on the road, losing 18 of 31 appearances.

The Royals face the Tigers again Wednesday evening. First pitch is set for 5:40 on KFEQ in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694577213289.jpeg" alt="AP" />
 <figcaption>AP</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Akil Baddoo and Parker Meadows hit consecutive homers to lead off a four-run eighth inning and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Tuesday night. Zack Greinke pitched five shutout innings, and saw his winless streak grow to 22 games (19 starts) since a 6-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles on May 3. He has gone more than two years without a win on the road, losing 18 of 31 appearances.The Royals face the Tigers again Wednesday evening. First pitch is set for 5:40 on KFEQ in St. Joseph.

Akil Baddoo, Parker Meadows homers spark four-run eighth as the Tigers beat the Royals 6-3

Daniel Gerson, business man and founder of the St. Joseph Mustangs baseball team, died at age 68 Sunday at his home in Chicago.

Gerson, a Chicago native, spent nearly 18 years as a commodity trader at the Chicago Board of Trade.

He retired from trading and moved to Kansas City, where he raised his family and coached baseball teams for his sons, Tyler and Luke.

Gerson loved baseball his whole life. He played at Tulane as a walk-on and was a big Chicago White Sox fan.

Gerson founded the St. Joseph Mustangs in 2008 with the team beginning play in 2009 at Phil Welch Stadium.

"He saw the opportunity and fell in love," said Mustangs owner and president Ky Turner on Gerson's vision of the team. "If you know Dan, he didn't just jump in, not knowing anything about it. He did his research on the people, the community, the ballpark, the history. He knew what he was walking into and he identified this as a place he wanted to associate himself with."

Under Gerson’s ownership, the team won seven MINK League Championships.

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/b8e5fcef-17db-4f68-80e2-d71834088288">Gerson sold the Mustangs to Turner</a> in December 2021. Turner had worked for Gerson since the team’s beginning in 2009.&nbsp;

"He walked me through a lot of stuff and exposed me to the business side of things," Turner said. "He kind of prepared me. It was like training for a couple of years so I would be ready for stuff like that. He didn't have to do that. (Gerson) said when he sold the team - he wanted me to do that and he told me the exact same thing before selling the team - 'I want you to do this.'"

Gerson moved back to Chicago most recently with his girlfriend Natalie Nedblake, who spent many years by Dan’s side.

Gerson bought a small restaurant in Independence in 1997, turning it into the original Big Biscuit.

Since then, a number of Big Biscuit restaurants opened across the Midwest. Gerson also had ownership in Union Broadcasting, which operates Sports Radio 810 in Kansas City.

Gerson also had a passion for animals and made a number of donations to the St. Joseph Animal Shelter. He donated thousands of Mustangs tickets to the St. Joseph community, as well making financial donations to students for various causes.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Gerson also founded the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame, and was always on hand to congratulate those who were inducted each year.&nbsp;

In Gerson's memory, the Mustangs are encouraging people to make a donation of any size to the St. Joseph Animal Shelter in his name.

&nbsp;The Mustangs will match up to $2009, in honor of the year that the Mustangs began play under Gerson.

"When it comes to the animal shelter, he just said such a soft spot for dogs," Turner said of Gerson. "It made sense for us to identity that. Of course with 2009 (the first Mustangs season), it seemed like a good fit."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695757130677.jpeg" alt="Dan Gerson founded the St. Joseph Mustangs in 2008. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Dan Gerson founded the St. Joseph Mustangs in 2008. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostDaniel Gerson, business man and founder of the St. Joseph Mustangs baseball team, died at age 68 Sunday at his home in Chicago.A cause of death was not given.Gerson, a Chicago native, spent nearly 18 years as a commodity trader at the Chicago Board of Trade.He retired from trading and moved to Kansas City, where he raised his family and coached baseball teams for his sons, Tyler and Luke.Gerson loved baseball his whole life. He played at Tulane as a walk-on and was a big Chicago White Sox fan.Gerson founded the St. Joseph Mustangs in 2008 with the team beginning play in 2009 at Phil Welch Stadium."He saw the opportunity and fell in love," said Mustangs owner and president Ky Turner on Gerson's vision of the team. "If you know Dan, he didn't just jump in, not knowing anything about it. He did his research on the people, the community, the ballpark, the history. He knew what he was walking into and he identified this as a place he wanted to associate himself with."Under Gerson’s ownership, the team won seven MINK League Championships.<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/b8e5fcef-17db-4f68-80e2-d71834088288">Gerson sold the Mustangs to Turner</a> in December 2021. Turner had worked for Gerson since the team’s beginning in 2009.&nbsp;"He walked me through a lot of stuff and exposed me to the business side of things," Turner said. "He kind of prepared me. It was like training for a couple of years so I would be ready for stuff like that. He didn't have to do that. (Gerson) said when he sold the team - he wanted me to do that and he told me the exact same thing before selling the team - 'I want you to do this.'"Gerson moved back to Chicago most recently with his girlfriend Natalie Nedblake, who spent many years by Dan’s side.Gerson bought a small restaurant in Independence in 1997, turning it into the original Big Biscuit.Since then, a number of Big Biscuit restaurants opened across the Midwest. Gerson also had ownership in Union Broadcasting, which operates Sports Radio 810 in Kansas City.Gerson also had a passion for animals and made a number of donations to the St. Joseph Animal Shelter. He donated thousands of Mustangs tickets to the St. Joseph community, as well making financial donations to students for various causes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gerson also founded the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame, and was always on hand to congratulate those who were inducted each year.&nbsp;In Gerson's memory, the Mustangs are encouraging people to make a donation of any size to the St. Joseph Animal Shelter in his name.&nbsp;The Mustangs will match up to $2009, in honor of the year that the Mustangs began play under Gerson."When it comes to the animal shelter, he just said such a soft spot for dogs," Turner said of Gerson. "It made sense for us to identity that. Of course with 2009 (the first Mustangs season), it seemed like a good fit."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695758021950.jpeg" alt="Dan Gerson's owners' seats sit along the third base line and near home plate. Gerson would donate tickets to these seats to families in need. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Dan Gerson's owners' seats sit along the third base line and near home plate. Gerson would donate tickets to these seats to families in need. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695758062838.jpeg" alt="Mustangs owner and president Ky Turner spoke Tuesday about his memories of working with the team's founder Dan Gerson. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Mustangs owner and president Ky Turner spoke Tuesday about his memories of working with the team's founder Dan Gerson. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Mustangs founder Dan Gerson dies at age 68

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.”