Lafayette seniors Erinn Lotspeich and Brooklyn Lorenz have played tennis for awhile. Lorenz has been playing for the Irish for the last four years, and Lotspeich the last three.

It was only this past summer, however, that they started working together as a doubles team. It didn't take long for them to realize that they had something good going.

"In the summer, we put in some time together," Lotspeich said. "We got more comfortable on the court together and it kind of naturally happened."

Ninth-year Lafayette tennis coach Kara Berry also took notice of this.

"They both like the base line but are good net players, too," Berry said. "I just know that no matter what, they go out there and give 100 percent and want to win when they go out."

Lorenz and Erinn Lotspeich are now headed for Springfield this weekend to compete in the Class 1 individual state tennis tournament.

Lorenz and Lotspeich won a district title against Savannah's Krynna&nbsp; Rudel and Maddie Till, and then won sectionals against Marshall's Avery Evans and Holly Huston, not losing a single point and winning 6-0, 6-0.

"Yeah, we played really well together," Lotspeich said. "We definitely covered each other and moved a lot better than we have in the past. I think it was the best game we played together in a long time for sure, and I think it's just an awesome experience to get to Springfield and compete against different people we haven't played before."

Lorenz says the opportunity to now compete in the individual state tournament is the best way for her and Lotspeich to end their varsity careers.

"We've both been putting in a lot of work over this past year," Lorenz said. "It's just really special, especially since we're seniors. It's our last year together, so yeah. It means a lot."

Lorenz and Lotspeich are the first players to represent Lafayette at girls' state tennis since 2015. Berry says it's exciting to see the Irish and St. Joseph in general represented this way.

"It's not often we get to send girls to competition at state," Berry said. "It's been several years, so it's nice to have some people from St. Joe go and participate in the tournament."

The individual state tennis tournament gets underway on Friday at 1 p.m. at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield.

Lotspeich and Lorenz will face McKenzie Calhoun and Emmy Blevins from Forsyth in the first round.&nbsp;

Savannah's Iris Alvarez is also state bound, competing in the singles bracket.

As for Lafayette, the last two years have been a remarkable turnaround for the girls' tennis program. After a string of tough seasons, including zero team wins in 2015 and 2017, the Irish went 8-8 last year and this season finished as district runners-up to Savannah.

Berry says the progress the team has made, and Lotspeich and Lorenz's trip to state, has already sparked some excitement and optimism for next season.

"It shows the underclassmen that if you work year round and put forth the effort, you have a chance of making it to state," Berry said. "I think that has made some of the others want to step up."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665624983078.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostLafayette seniors Erinn Lotspeich and Brooklyn Lorenz have played tennis for awhile. Lorenz has been playing for the Irish for the last four years, and Lotspeich the last three.It was only this past summer, however, that they started working together as a doubles team. It didn't take long for them to realize that they had something good going."In the summer, we put in some time together," Lotspeich said. "We got more comfortable on the court together and it kind of naturally happened."Ninth-year Lafayette tennis coach Kara Berry also took notice of this."They both like the base line but are good net players, too," Berry said. "I just know that no matter what, they go out there and give 100 percent and want to win when they go out."Lorenz and Erinn Lotspeich are now headed for Springfield this weekend to compete in the Class 1 individual state tennis tournament.Lorenz and Lotspeich won a district title against Savannah's Krynna&nbsp; Rudel and Maddie Till, and then won sectionals against Marshall's Avery Evans and Holly Huston, not losing a single point and winning 6-0, 6-0."Yeah, we played really well together," Lotspeich said. "We definitely covered each other and moved a lot better than we have in the past. I think it was the best game we played together in a long time for sure, and I think it's just an awesome experience to get to Springfield and compete against different people we haven't played before."Lorenz says the opportunity to now compete in the individual state tournament is the best way for her and Lotspeich to end their varsity careers."We've both been putting in a lot of work over this past year," Lorenz said. "It's just really special, especially since we're seniors. It's our last year together, so yeah. It means a lot."Lorenz and Lotspeich are the first players to represent Lafayette at girls' state tennis since 2015. Berry says it's exciting to see the Irish and St. Joseph in general represented this way."It's not often we get to send girls to competition at state," Berry said. "It's been several years, so it's nice to have some people from St. Joe go and participate in the tournament."The individual state tennis tournament gets underway on Friday at 1 p.m. at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield.Lotspeich and Lorenz will face McKenzie Calhoun and Emmy Blevins from Forsyth in the first round.&nbsp;Savannah's Iris Alvarez is also state bound, competing in the singles bracket.As for Lafayette, the last two years have been a remarkable turnaround for the girls' tennis program. After a string of tough seasons, including zero team wins in 2015 and 2017, the Irish went 8-8 last year and this season finished as district runners-up to Savannah.Berry says the progress the team has made, and Lotspeich and Lorenz's trip to state, has already sparked some excitement and optimism for next season."It shows the underclassmen that if you work year round and put forth the effort, you have a chance of making it to state," Berry said. "I think that has made some of the others want to step up."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665660738669.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665660756351.jpeg" alt="Brooklyn Lorenz." />
 <figcaption>Brooklyn Lorenz.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665660773440.jpeg" alt="Erinn Lotspeich." />
 <figcaption>Erinn Lotspeich.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Lafayette's Lorenz, Lotspeich head to state tennis hoping to go out on high note

KANSAS CITY -&nbsp;&nbsp;The Missouri Western men's basketball team has experienced many highs and lows in each of the last three seasons.

The Griffons finished fourth in the MIAA in 2020, third in 2021 and then seventh in 2022.

Missouri Western, this past year, finished 14-17 overall with a season-ending loss to Rogers State in the first round of the conference tournament.

Third-year head coach Will Martin said at MIAA Media Day in Kansas City Tuesday that he's excited to see his team bounce back this season with a healthy group of returning players combined with three Division I transfers.

"We're really excited," Martin said. "We return 11 guys and brought in four new players - three transfers and one freshman from New Zealand. I'm excited about the balance our team has."

The Griffons lose two of their top five scorers in Q Mays and Caleb Bennett, but return practically everyone else who played a significant role last year.

Alex John (fractured back) and Reese Glover (personal reasons) had to miss significant time last season after being regulars in the lineup each of the last two seasons.

While John slowly worked his way back into the lineup late last season, playing limited minutes here and there, Glover didn't see the floor for the final 14 games of the season.

Martin, though, can see Glover getting back to his old self. The old self who's made 195 three-pointers in his first three seasons with the Griffons.

"It's great when he's making shots and shooting 40 percent from three at a high volume," Martin said of Glover. "There's something about his energy and the respect our team has for him. So, having that back on the floor has been great. He's been phenomenal in practice. He's going to be a huge piece for our success this year."

Third-team all-MIAA forward Will Eames is the lead returning scorer. The Lee's Summit native averaged 13 points and 7.9 rebounds last season, notching five doubles-doubles along the way.

Entering his fifth year in the program, Eames hopes to lead the Griffons to bigger things this season.

"I kind of look at it like a democracy," Eames said of being a team leader. "It's a whole team thing. It's going to be winning and losing as a team. So, I'm just excited to see what the young guys on our team can do."

"My biggest role is to lead this team. I don't care if I play five minutes or 35 minutes. At the end of the day, can we all put it together?"

Missouri Western <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/25f3a226-81b7-4c0e-92a8-3b046c0bf0be">added three Division I transfers</a> in the offseason with Ethan Kilgore, Julius Dixon and Matt Nunez. They also signed freshman <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/101d9a0d-3ad2-4bbb-a30a-6eb4486cd6a8">Josh Book</a> from New Zealand.

The Griffons also made some additions to its coaching staff this offseason by promoting from within.

Former team manager, graduate assistant and Bishop LeBlond alum Weston Smith was promoted to a full-time assistant coaching role in late September.

Martin says Smith's work ethic and passion for the program are his strongest attributes.

"One of the hardest workers and one of the most loyal and genuine people I've ever been around," Martin said of Smith. "Somebody who is all about Missouri Western and not just men's basketball. He was a manager and then a grad assistant and just did it the right way."

Smith spent the last two seasons as a graduate assistant. He was the team's head manager from 2016-2020. He graduated from Bishop LeBlond in St. Joseph in 2016.

Missouri Western also promoted former player and team captain Tony Chukwuemeke as a graduate assistant.

The Griffon men start their season next Friday at home with an exhibition against Benedictine. Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m. at the Missouri Western Fieldhouse.

Nine days after that, on October 30, the Griffons head to Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/a813c296-4507-4739-b3f7-3b2c3fd48b07">to play the University of Kentucky</a> in an exhibition.

Eames says this opportunity is not only exciting, but also beneficial.

"It's such a cool opportunity," he said. "For us to be able to go down there and get experience by playing a team like Kentucky who's as historic and as talented as they are, it's going to be really good for us. We aren't going in there with any expectations, but we want to play our best game against them and see what happens."

Coach Martin was a student manager for Kentucky coach John Calipari. Two Missouri Western assistants, Jon Hood and Perry Stevenson, also played for Kentucky. That game on October 30 tips off at 7 p.m.

The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and the SEC Network.

The Griffons then officially start the season on Friday, November 11 against Minnesota-Crookston at the MWSU Fieldhouse as part of the Hillyard Tip-off Classic. They'll face Northern State the following day.

The Griffons were picked to finish seventh in the MIAA this season by the league's coaches and sixth by the media.

A seventh place finish in the league last season left a bitter taste, but Martin and his team seem quietly confident that improvement is on the way, thanks to the players they've brought in through the years and the ones who have just joined the fold here in 2022.

"Finishing seventh last year obviously wasn't our expectation," Martin said. "So, I think that builds a callus. I think you do your best to bring in quality people you think can help you immediately and fit your culture and I think we did that."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665601788597.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western's Justin Bubak (15) shoots for three in the MIAA tournament in March. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western's Justin Bubak (15) shoots for three in the MIAA tournament in March. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY -&nbsp;&nbsp;The Missouri Western men's basketball team has experienced many highs and lows in each of the last three seasons.The Griffons finished fourth in the MIAA in 2020, third in 2021 and then seventh in 2022.Missouri Western, this past year, finished 14-17 overall with a season-ending loss to Rogers State in the first round of the conference tournament.Third-year head coach Will Martin said at MIAA Media Day in Kansas City Tuesday that he's excited to see his team bounce back this season with a healthy group of returning players combined with three Division I transfers."We're really excited," Martin said. "We return 11 guys and brought in four new players - three transfers and one freshman from New Zealand. I'm excited about the balance our team has."The Griffons lose two of their top five scorers in Q Mays and Caleb Bennett, but return practically everyone else who played a significant role last year.Alex John (fractured back) and Reese Glover (personal reasons) had to miss significant time last season after being regulars in the lineup each of the last two seasons.While John slowly worked his way back into the lineup late last season, playing limited minutes here and there, Glover didn't see the floor for the final 14 games of the season.Martin, though, can see Glover getting back to his old self. The old self who's made 195 three-pointers in his first three seasons with the Griffons."It's great when he's making shots and shooting 40 percent from three at a high volume," Martin said of Glover. "There's something about his energy and the respect our team has for him. So, having that back on the floor has been great. He's been phenomenal in practice. He's going to be a huge piece for our success this year."Third-team all-MIAA forward Will Eames is the lead returning scorer. The Lee's Summit native averaged 13 points and 7.9 rebounds last season, notching five doubles-doubles along the way.Entering his fifth year in the program, Eames hopes to lead the Griffons to bigger things this season."I kind of look at it like a democracy," Eames said of being a team leader. "It's a whole team thing. It's going to be winning and losing as a team. So, I'm just excited to see what the young guys on our team can do.""My biggest role is to lead this team. I don't care if I play five minutes or 35 minutes. At the end of the day, can we all put it together?"Missouri Western <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/25f3a226-81b7-4c0e-92a8-3b046c0bf0be">added three Division I transfers</a> in the offseason with Ethan Kilgore, Julius Dixon and Matt Nunez. They also signed freshman <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/101d9a0d-3ad2-4bbb-a30a-6eb4486cd6a8">Josh Book</a> from New Zealand.The Griffons also made some additions to its coaching staff this offseason by promoting from within.Former team manager, graduate assistant and Bishop LeBlond alum Weston Smith was promoted to a full-time assistant coaching role in late September.Martin says Smith's work ethic and passion for the program are his strongest attributes."One of the hardest workers and one of the most loyal and genuine people I've ever been around," Martin said of Smith. "Somebody who is all about Missouri Western and not just men's basketball. He was a manager and then a grad assistant and just did it the right way."Smith spent the last two seasons as a graduate assistant. He was the team's head manager from 2016-2020. He graduated from Bishop LeBlond in St. Joseph in 2016.Missouri Western also promoted former player and team captain Tony Chukwuemeke as a graduate assistant.The Griffon men start their season next Friday at home with an exhibition against Benedictine. Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m. at the Missouri Western Fieldhouse.Nine days after that, on October 30, the Griffons head to Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/a813c296-4507-4739-b3f7-3b2c3fd48b07">to play the University of Kentucky</a> in an exhibition.Eames says this opportunity is not only exciting, but also beneficial."It's such a cool opportunity," he said. "For us to be able to go down there and get experience by playing a team like Kentucky who's as historic and as talented as they are, it's going to be really good for us. We aren't going in there with any expectations, but we want to play our best game against them and see what happens."Coach Martin was a student manager for Kentucky coach John Calipari. Two Missouri Western assistants, Jon Hood and Perry Stevenson, also played for Kentucky. That game on October 30 tips off at 7 p.m.The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and the SEC Network.The Griffons then officially start the season on Friday, November 11 against Minnesota-Crookston at the MWSU Fieldhouse as part of the Hillyard Tip-off Classic. They'll face Northern State the following day.The Griffons were picked to finish seventh in the MIAA this season by the league's coaches and sixth by the media.A seventh place finish in the league last season left a bitter taste, but Martin and his team seem quietly confident that improvement is on the way, thanks to the players they've brought in through the years and the ones who have just joined the fold here in 2022."Finishing seventh last year obviously wasn't our expectation," Martin said. "So, I think that builds a callus. I think you do your best to bring in quality people you think can help you immediately and fit your culture and I think we did that."Media Day audio<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Will-Martin---MIAA-Media-Day-101122-e1p5sns" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Will-Martin--Candi-Whitaker---MIAA-Basketball-Media-Day-podium-session-e1p47rt" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Will-Eames---MIAA-Media-Day-101122-e1p5spm" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637759548047.jpeg" alt="JaRon Thames dunks against Rockhurst early last season. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>JaRon Thames dunks against Rockhurst early last season. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU returns 11 players, adds three DI transfers in hopes of better results

District softball got started for practically every team in the KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area Tuesday.

Class 1 District 15 quarterfinal at North Andrew: Maysville 5 Stewartsville-Osborn 4

Class 2 District 7 quarterfinal in Plattsburg: Mid-Buchanan 9 East Buchanan 0. The Dragons await the winner of Lathrop and Bishop LeBlond. Those two play Wednesday at 5.

Class 3 District 8 quarterfinals at Heritage Park in St. Joseph Richmond 1 Lafayette 0 Benton 9 Maryville 2 Savannah 5 Cameron 1

Benton and Savannah face off in semifinals on Thursday night at 7. The other semi features Chillicothe against Richmond.

Class 5 District 8 in Parkville Park Hill South 8 St. Joseph Central 5. Central ends the season at 17-12-1.

Volleyball St. Joseph Central 3 Fort Osage 0 Bishop LeBlond 3 Trenton 0 Mid-Buchanan 3 North Platte 0 East Buchanan 3 Plattsburg 0 St. Joseph Christian 3 Chillicothe 2 South Holt 3 East Atchison 2

Boys’ soccer Bishop LeBlond 7 Cameron 1 Chillicothe 8 Lafayette 2 Maur Hill 5 Benton 1

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665575673239.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostDistrict softball got started for practically every team in the KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area Tuesday.Class 1 District 15 quarterfinal at North Andrew: Maysville 5 Stewartsville-Osborn 4Class 2 District 7 quarterfinal in Plattsburg: Mid-Buchanan 9 East Buchanan 0. The Dragons await the winner of Lathrop and Bishop LeBlond. Those two play Wednesday at 5.Class 3 District 8 quarterfinals at Heritage Park in St. Joseph Richmond 1 Lafayette 0 Benton 9 Maryville 2 Savannah 5 Cameron 1Benton and Savannah face off in semifinals on Thursday night at 7. The other semi features Chillicothe against Richmond.Class 5 District 8 in Parkville Park Hill South 8 St. Joseph Central 5. Central ends the season at 17-12-1.Volleyball St. Joseph Central 3 Fort Osage 0 Bishop LeBlond 3 Trenton 0 Mid-Buchanan 3 North Platte 0 East Buchanan 3 Plattsburg 0 St. Joseph Christian 3 Chillicothe 2 South Holt 3 East Atchison 2Boys’ soccer Bishop LeBlond 7 Cameron 1 Chillicothe 8 Lafayette 2 Maur Hill 5 Benton 1

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - October 11, 2022

KANSAS CITY -&nbsp;The Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team was once again picked to win the MIAA by the league’s coaches and media Tuesday at the MIAA Media Day at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City.

The Bearcats are coming off of their second straight national title this past season and fourth in the last five seasons. The Northwest men have won the MIAA regular season title every year now since 2014.

The Missouri Western men were picked to finish seventh by the coaches and sixth by the media.

The Griffon women were picked fifth by the media and fourth by the coaches. The Northwest Missouri State women, who had their best season in a decade last year, were picked sixth by the media and seventh by the coaches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639934022302.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY -&nbsp;The Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team was once again picked to win the MIAA by the league’s coaches and media Tuesday at the MIAA Media Day at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City.The Bearcats are coming off of their second straight national title this past season and fourth in the last five seasons. The Northwest men have won the MIAA regular season title every year now since 2014.The Missouri Western men were picked to finish seventh by the coaches and sixth by the media.The Griffon women were picked fifth by the media and fourth by the coaches. The Northwest Missouri State women, who had their best season in a decade last year, were picked sixth by the media and seventh by the coaches.

Northwest Missouri State men picked to win MIAA, MWSU women voted in the top five

KANSAS CITY -&nbsp;The Missouri Western women's basketball program is still riding the high from a Central Region Championship and an Elite 8 appearance in the 2021-22 season.

The Griffons went 24-10 and made the Elite Eight for the first time since 1995 and just the third time in program history.

Fourth-year head coach Candi Whitaker says the memories and excitement that run created will last for many years to come, and could ignite a spark going into this season.

"I was in every moment and definitely enjoyed it," Whitaker said at the MIAA Basketball Media Day Tuesday at the College Basketball Experience in downtown Kansas City.

"I didn't make it bigger than what it was, but I appreciate all of those players who took us on that run, and they'll have memories forever. Hopefully for the returners, it planted a seed and some excitement."

Missouri Western returns 11 players from last season - seven of whom saw action in 30 or more games. Four of those seven started in at least 26 games.

The Griffons' lead returning scorer is Connie Clarke - a second-team all-MIAA guard/forward and all-MIAA Defensive Team member who averaged 12.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. She also led the team with nine double-doubles.

Having transferred into the program from Shelton State Community College last year, Clarke believes her team made a statement in a year where the Griffons were picked to finish 8th in the MIAA.

"We were the underdog in the season last year," Clarke said. "So, I think we proved to a lot of people that we are good and we are who we are."

Along with adding three freshmen and two transfers, Missouri Western also made a couple of additions to its coaching staff in the offseason.

The Griffons hired Jeff Wiedie as a full-time assistant. Wiedie has 19 years of head coaching experience, including 10 years at Division I Indiana State and the last nine at the University of Findlay in Ohio.

He's the winningest head coach in the history of both of those programs.

"Really excited he's here," Whitaker said of her second full-time assistant. "Again, blessed that our administration supported our program the way that they did and allowed that addition."

The Griffons also brought on, or brought back, Jaelyn Haggard  - a St. Joseph native who played for Western last season and joined the staff early this fall as a graduate assistant.

Whitaker and her players say it's been natural to have Haggard back around the team.

"We were going to recruit her to be on the scout team any way," Whitaker said of Haggard. "Love that she's still a part of our program and that we get to be around her every day and that she gets to continue to mentor other players."

"We all love Jaelyn," said junior Brionna Budgets, who averaged 12.2 points per game last season. "She brings a lot of excitement to the team. She motivates us every day. She's always there for us on and off the court. She's always been a great teammate and will always be family to us."

Haggard used her final year of eligibility at Missouri Western last season, making a team-high 60 three-pointers. She was also named to the All-Central Region team.

Before Haggard joined the fold, Missouri Western went 6-16 in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season - the lowest win total for the team since 2008-09.

Nine players from that 6-16 team came back in 2021-22. Six of those players are still on the roster this year.

Whitaker says she saw her team improve immensely toward the end of 2020-21 - a growth that she says was necessary for the Griffons to take a massive step forward the following season.

"We had fun at practice, even though we weren't winning and that's awful," Whitaker recalled. "But, they made it so fun. By the end of that year, I could see their talent and I could see how good they were. Had they been anything else, they never would have gotten (to the Elite Eight) and never would have had the season they had last year."

Missouri Western finished 5th in the MIAA last season, but still qualified for the NCAA tournament and made it all the way to the Elite Eight. Again, a stage the Griffons hadn't been on for 27 years.

Whitaker says the MIAA will be competitive each and every year, which gives any of the top teams a chance to qualify for the postseason and make a deep run.

"If you're competing in the top 4-5 of this league, you could be competing for a national championship," said Whitaker, as her Griffons were picked to finish to finish fourth in the MIAA by the coaches and fifth by the media.

"That's how good our league is, and there's no difference this year. It may be even better this year."

The Griffons get things started this season with an exhibition at Division I Creighton in Omaha on October 26. Tip-off from D.J. Sokol Arena is set for 6 p.m.

It'll be a nice test for Missouri Western. Just like the Griffons, the Bluejays are coming off of an Elite Eight run themselves this past season. Creighton went 23-10 and lost to eventual national champion South Carolina in the national quarterfinals this past March.

"I'm really excited," said junior guard/forward Jordan Cunningham, a two-year starter for the Griffons. "I think it's a great opportunity for us to get started with the year and have such a high level of competition and knowing that we're going to have to battle every day in our conference. So, this game is no different than any other game. We have to battle and work together and see what we can do."

The Griffons' first official game is Saturday, November 5 against Minnesota-Duluth at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Their first of two games in the D2CCA Women's Basketball Tip-off Classic.

There's a lot of familiar faces back for Missouri Western. Some new ones, too. Five new players and a new full-time assistant.

Combine that with 11 returning players, three returning coaches and a former player returning as a coach, Missouri Western is hopeful that this combination can once again take them to the biggest stage at the end of the season.

"Every year, you're starting a new journey," Whitaker said. "I think it's important that players understand that, and it's what you do today to prepare yourselves for tomorrow. Our group has understood that and has been fantastic."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665517098583.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker and men's coach Will Martin at the podium during the 2022-23 MIAA Basketball Media Day at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker and men's coach Will Martin at the podium during the 2022-23 MIAA Basketball Media Day at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY -&nbsp;The Missouri Western women's basketball program is still riding the high from a Central Region Championship and an Elite 8 appearance in the 2021-22 season.The Griffons went 24-10 and made the Elite Eight for the first time since 1995 and just the third time in program history.Fourth-year head coach Candi Whitaker says the memories and excitement that run created will last for many years to come, and could ignite a spark going into this season."I was in every moment and definitely enjoyed it," Whitaker said at the MIAA Basketball Media Day Tuesday at the College Basketball Experience in downtown Kansas City."I didn't make it bigger than what it was, but I appreciate all of those players who took us on that run, and they'll have memories forever. Hopefully for the returners, it planted a seed and some excitement."Missouri Western returns 11 players from last season - seven of whom saw action in 30 or more games. Four of those seven started in at least 26 games.The Griffons' lead returning scorer is Connie Clarke - a second-team all-MIAA guard/forward and all-MIAA Defensive Team member who averaged 12.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. She also led the team with nine double-doubles.Having transferred into the program from Shelton State Community College last year, Clarke believes her team made a statement in a year where the Griffons were picked to finish 8th in the MIAA."We were the underdog in the season last year," Clarke said. "So, I think we proved to a lot of people that we are good and we are who we are."Along with adding three freshmen and two transfers, Missouri Western also made a couple of additions to its coaching staff in the offseason.The Griffons hired Jeff Wiedie as a full-time assistant. Wiedie has 19 years of head coaching experience, including 10 years at Division I Indiana State and the last nine at the University of Findlay in Ohio.He's the winningest head coach in the history of both of those programs."Really excited he's here," Whitaker said of her second full-time assistant. "Again, blessed that our administration supported our program the way that they did and allowed that addition."The Griffons also brought on, or brought back, Jaelyn Haggard - a St. Joseph native who played for Western last season and joined the staff early this fall as a graduate assistant.Whitaker and her players say it's been natural to have Haggard back around the team."We were going to recruit her to be on the scout team any way," Whitaker said of Haggard. "Love that she's still a part of our program and that we get to be around her every day and that she gets to continue to mentor other players.""We all love Jaelyn," said junior Brionna Budgets, who averaged 12.2 points per game last season. "She brings a lot of excitement to the team. She motivates us every day. She's always there for us on and off the court. She's always been a great teammate and will always be family to us."Haggard used her final year of eligibility at Missouri Western last season, making a team-high 60 three-pointers. She was also named to the All-Central Region team.Before Haggard joined the fold, Missouri Western went 6-16 in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season - the lowest win total for the team since 2008-09.Nine players from that 6-16 team came back in 2021-22. Six of those players are still on the roster this year.Whitaker says she saw her team improve immensely toward the end of 2020-21 - a growth that she says was necessary for the Griffons to take a massive step forward the following season."We had fun at practice, even though we weren't winning and that's awful," Whitaker recalled. "But, they made it so fun. By the end of that year, I could see their talent and I could see how good they were. Had they been anything else, they never would have gotten (to the Elite Eight) and never would have had the season they had last year."Missouri Western finished 5th in the MIAA last season, but still qualified for the NCAA tournament and made it all the way to the Elite Eight. Again, a stage the Griffons hadn't been on for 27 years.Whitaker says the MIAA will be competitive each and every year, which gives any of the top teams a chance to qualify for the postseason and make a deep run."If you're competing in the top 4-5 of this league, you could be competing for a national championship," said Whitaker, as her Griffons were picked to finish to finish fourth in the MIAA by the coaches and fifth by the media."That's how good our league is, and there's no difference this year. It may be even better this year."The Griffons get things started this season with an exhibition at Division I Creighton in Omaha on October 26. Tip-off from D.J. Sokol Arena is set for 6 p.m.It'll be a nice test for Missouri Western. Just like the Griffons, the Bluejays are coming off of an Elite Eight run themselves this past season. Creighton went 23-10 and lost to eventual national champion South Carolina in the national quarterfinals this past March."I'm really excited," said junior guard/forward Jordan Cunningham, a two-year starter for the Griffons. "I think it's a great opportunity for us to get started with the year and have such a high level of competition and knowing that we're going to have to battle every day in our conference. So, this game is no different than any other game. We have to battle and work together and see what we can do."The Griffons' first official game is Saturday, November 5 against Minnesota-Duluth at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Their first of two games in the D2CCA Women's Basketball Tip-off Classic.There's a lot of familiar faces back for Missouri Western. Some new ones, too. Five new players and a new full-time assistant.Combine that with 11 returning players, three returning coaches and a former player returning as a coach, Missouri Western is hopeful that this combination can once again take them to the biggest stage at the end of the season."Every year, you're starting a new journey," Whitaker said. "I think it's important that players understand that, and it's what you do today to prepare yourselves for tomorrow. Our group has understood that and has been fantastic."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665517009442.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western women's basketball after winning the Central Region championship in Hays Kansas in March 2022. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western women's basketball after winning the Central Region championship in Hays Kansas in March 2022. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Audio from Media Day<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Connie-Clarke--Jordan-Cunningham--Brionna-Budgets---MIAA-Basketball-Media-Day-e1p47lu" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/MWSU-Luncheon-10-10-22---Candi-Whitaker--womens-basketball-e1p47q9" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Will-Martin--Candi-Whitaker---MIAA-Basketball-Media-Day-podium-session-e1p47rt" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU women's basketball ready to build off of thrilling 2021-22 season

(AP) - The Kansas City Chiefs headed off to the locker room at halftime, facing a big hole against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night, everything from the big plays to the officiating calls going the way of their longtime AFC West rivals.

One call in particular lit a fire under them.

It was a dubious penalty on Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones for roughing Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, and nobody in the Kansas City locker room could believe it. But rather than stew over it, or lament their 10-point deficit, Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs used it as motivation to storm from behind for the 30-29 victory.

“There was anger just about how we had played up to that point,” said Mahomes, who threw four touchdown passes to tight end Travis Kelce. “We needed everybody to go out there and take the fight to them.”

The Raiders still had a chance when Davante Adams, who earlier had hauled in a 58-yard touchdown catch, added a 48-yarder with 4:29 to go. It came after Kelce's final touchdown catch, when Kansas City failed on a 2-point try that left the score 30-23. But rather than kick a tying extra point, Raiders coach Josh McDaniels also went for 2.

Josh Jacobs, who had shredded the Chiefs defense all night, was stuffed at the goal line.

The Raiders got the ball back one last time with 2:29 left, and a long third-down pass to Adams down the Kansas City sideline appeared to get them in field-goal range. But the play was reviewed and Adams failed to get both feet in bounds, and Carr threw incomplete on fourth-and-1 with 47 seconds left before the Chiefs ran out the clock.

“We didn't fall apart on each other,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “We battled through adversity.”

Carr finished with 241 yards passing, and Jacobs ran for 133 yards and a score, as the Raiders lost to the Chiefs (4-1) for the fourth straight time. Daniel Carlson was 3 for 3 on field goals, extending his streak to 38 in a row.

The game of twists and turns began with the Raiders failing to score on their opening drive for the first time all season.

Facing fourth-and-inches in their own territory, McDaniels sent his offense back on the field. But rather than run Jacobs up the middle, or sneak with Carr, he aired it out to Adams, who ran past Rashad Fenton for the 58-yard TD catch.

Adams and the Raiders continued to pick on Fenton later in the half, when a pass interference moved Las Vegas deep into Chiefs territory. Adams drew another penalty on Jaylen Watson in the end zone, setting up Jacobs' short TD plunge.

It was 17-0 when Kelce finally reached the end zone for the Chiefs, but it appeared as if the momentum had turned when Jones stripped Carr from behind and landed him. But despite the ball clearly coming out, and the Pro Bowl defensive tackle coming away with it, referee Carl Cheffers threw a penalty flag and called Jones for roughing the passer.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid stormed off the sideline to argue. And after the teams traded field goals in the final minutes, leaving the Raiders ahead 20-10, Reid cornered Cheffers and lit into him again as the teams headed to the locker room.

“I got it off my chest,” Reid said. “I said what I needed to say.”

The questionable penalty came one day after another questionable roughing call by referee Jerome Boger on Atlanta's Grady Jarrett against Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady sealed the Buccaneers' win over the Falcons.

Cheffers told a pool reporter that Carr “gets full protection of all aspects of what we give the quarterback in a passing posture. So when he was tackled, my ruling was the defender landed on him with full body weight.”

Mahomes said: “It wasn't the greatest call in the world. You have to find a way to bounce back and we did.”

The Chiefs opened the second half with a 75-yard march that Kelce capped with his second TD reception. And after they forced a quick punt, the Chiefs went 57 yards and watched Kelce haul in his third to give Kansas City a 24-20 lead.

Midway through the fourth quarter, it was the Chiefs who got a penalty gift.

They were leading 24-23 when fill-in kicker Matthew Wright, whose 59-yarder before halftime set the franchise record for longest field goal, yanked a 37-yarder left. But defensive end Malcolm Koonce was called for holding, giving Kansas City an automatic first down, and Mahomes found Kelce once again four plays later to extend the lead to 30-24.

The teams traded touchdowns — and missed conversions — down the stretch as the Chiefs escaped with the win.

Chiefs' DT Tershawn Wharton tore his left ACL early in the game. OL Trey Smith (pectoral muscle) was inactive after starting the first 21 games of his career. DE Mike Danna (calf) and K Harrison Butker (ankle) also were inactive.

The Chiefs host the Bills on Sunday in a rematch of January's playoff overtime thriller. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Q Country 92.7 FM and KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph Post(AP) - The Kansas City Chiefs headed off to the locker room at halftime, facing a big hole against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night, everything from the big plays to the officiating calls going the way of their longtime AFC West rivals.One call in particular lit a fire under them.It was a dubious penalty on Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones for roughing Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, and nobody in the Kansas City locker room could believe it. But rather than stew over it, or lament their 10-point deficit, Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs used it as motivation to storm from behind for the 30-29 victory.“There was anger just about how we had played up to that point,” said Mahomes, who threw four touchdown passes to tight end Travis Kelce. “We needed everybody to go out there and take the fight to them.”The Raiders still had a chance when Davante Adams, who earlier had hauled in a 58-yard touchdown catch, added a 48-yarder with 4:29 to go. It came after Kelce's final touchdown catch, when Kansas City failed on a 2-point try that left the score 30-23. But rather than kick a tying extra point, Raiders coach Josh McDaniels also went for 2.Josh Jacobs, who had shredded the Chiefs defense all night, was stuffed at the goal line.The Raiders got the ball back one last time with 2:29 left, and a long third-down pass to Adams down the Kansas City sideline appeared to get them in field-goal range. But the play was reviewed and Adams failed to get both feet in bounds, and Carr threw incomplete on fourth-and-1 with 47 seconds left before the Chiefs ran out the clock.“We didn't fall apart on each other,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “We battled through adversity.”Carr finished with 241 yards passing, and Jacobs ran for 133 yards and a score, as the Raiders lost to the Chiefs (4-1) for the fourth straight time. Daniel Carlson was 3 for 3 on field goals, extending his streak to 38 in a row.The game of twists and turns began with the Raiders failing to score on their opening drive for the first time all season.They made up for it on the next one.Facing fourth-and-inches in their own territory, McDaniels sent his offense back on the field. But rather than run Jacobs up the middle, or sneak with Carr, he aired it out to Adams, who ran past Rashad Fenton for the 58-yard TD catch.Adams and the Raiders continued to pick on Fenton later in the half, when a pass interference moved Las Vegas deep into Chiefs territory. Adams drew another penalty on Jaylen Watson in the end zone, setting up Jacobs' short TD plunge.It was 17-0 when Kelce finally reached the end zone for the Chiefs, but it appeared as if the momentum had turned when Jones stripped Carr from behind and landed him. But despite the ball clearly coming out, and the Pro Bowl defensive tackle coming away with it, referee Carl Cheffers threw a penalty flag and called Jones for roughing the passer.Chiefs coach Andy Reid stormed off the sideline to argue. And after the teams traded field goals in the final minutes, leaving the Raiders ahead 20-10, Reid cornered Cheffers and lit into him again as the teams headed to the locker room.“I got it off my chest,” Reid said. “I said what I needed to say.”The questionable penalty came one day after another questionable roughing call by referee Jerome Boger on Atlanta's Grady Jarrett against Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady sealed the Buccaneers' win over the Falcons.Cheffers told a pool reporter that Carr “gets full protection of all aspects of what we give the quarterback in a passing posture. So when he was tackled, my ruling was the defender landed on him with full body weight.”Mahomes said: “It wasn't the greatest call in the world. You have to find a way to bounce back and we did.”Did they ever.The Chiefs opened the second half with a 75-yard march that Kelce capped with his second TD reception. And after they forced a quick punt, the Chiefs went 57 yards and watched Kelce haul in his third to give Kansas City a 24-20 lead.Midway through the fourth quarter, it was the Chiefs who got a penalty gift.They were leading 24-23 when fill-in kicker Matthew Wright, whose 59-yarder before halftime set the franchise record for longest field goal, yanked a 37-yarder left. But defensive end Malcolm Koonce was called for holding, giving Kansas City an automatic first down, and Mahomes found Kelce once again four plays later to extend the lead to 30-24.The teams traded touchdowns — and missed conversions — down the stretch as the Chiefs escaped with the win.INJURIESChiefs' DT Tershawn Wharton tore his left ACL early in the game. OL Trey Smith (pectoral muscle) was inactive after starting the first 21 games of his career. DE Mike Danna (calf) and K Harrison Butker (ankle) also were inactive.The Chiefs host the Bills on Sunday in a rematch of January's playoff overtime thriller. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Q Country 92.7 FM and KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Travis Kelce catches 4 TD passes, Chiefs come from behind in wild game against Raiders

A number of girls' golfers from the KFEQ/St. Joseph Post coverage area qualified for state golf during district play Monday.

Class 1 District 4 @ Lawson East Atchison won the team title with a score of 367, while Maysville was second with a 398. East Buchanan was fourth with a 428.

Abagail Barton led East Buchanan, finishing tied for 8th overall with a +28 (100). Clare Staley of King City had the same score.

Hilaary Elifrits is also state bound, finishing fourteenth with a +32 (104). Addisyn Musser is the third Bulldog headed for state. She finished tied for 18th with a +34 (106).

Musser qualified for state last year, and tied for 69th overall (239).&nbsp;

Class 1 state golf is Oct. 17-18 at the Country Club of Missouri in Columbia.

Class 2 District 4 @ Moila Country Club in St. Joseph Maryville won the team title by three strokes with a team score of 377. Cailyn Auffert won the individual title with a score of 87 (+13). Lauren Jester, Casey Phillipps and Alayna Pargas will compete at state for the Spoofhounds as well.

 Savannah's Mollee Olszowka tied for 3rd with a 90 (+16). Olszowka finished 18th at state last year with a score of 180.

Class 2 state golf is Oct. 17-18 at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club in Bolivar.

Class 4 District 4 @ Smithville St. Joseph Central's Ali Perry and Ava Gaddie are state bound. Perry finished sixth with a +7 (79). Gaddie finished 13th with a +15 (87).

Perry and Gaddie both qualified for state in each of the last two seasons. Perry finished tied for 13th (160) last year, while Gaddie tied for 62nd (190).

Perry finished 23rd (87) in 2020, while Gaddie was 55th (101).&nbsp;

Class 4 state golf is Oct. 17-18 at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club in Joplin.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665437640373.jpeg" alt="Ava Gaddie and Ali Perry are headed back to state golf for a third straight season. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Ava Gaddie and Ali Perry are headed back to state golf for a third straight season. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA number of girls' golfers from the KFEQ/St. Joseph Post coverage area qualified for state golf during district play Monday.Class 1 District 4 @ Lawson East Atchison won the team title with a score of 367, while Maysville was second with a 398. East Buchanan was fourth with a 428.Abagail Barton led East Buchanan, finishing tied for 8th overall with a +28 (100). Clare Staley of King City had the same score.Hilaary Elifrits is also state bound, finishing fourteenth with a +32 (104). Addisyn Musser is the third Bulldog headed for state. She finished tied for 18th with a +34 (106).Musser qualified for state last year, and tied for 69th overall (239).&nbsp;Class 1 state golf is Oct. 17-18 at the Country Club of Missouri in Columbia.Class 2 District 4 @ Moila Country Club in St. Joseph Maryville won the team title by three strokes with a team score of 377. Cailyn Auffert won the individual title with a score of 87 (+13). Lauren Jester, Casey Phillipps and Alayna Pargas will compete at state for the Spoofhounds as well. Savannah's Mollee Olszowka tied for 3rd with a 90 (+16). Olszowka finished 18th at state last year with a score of 180.Class 2 state golf is Oct. 17-18 at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club in Bolivar.Class 4 District 4 @ Smithville St. Joseph Central's Ali Perry and Ava Gaddie are state bound. Perry finished sixth with a +7 (79). Gaddie finished 13th with a +15 (87).Perry and Gaddie both qualified for state in each of the last two seasons. Perry finished tied for 13th (160) last year, while Gaddie tied for 62nd (190).Perry finished 23rd (87) in 2020, while Gaddie was 55th (101).&nbsp;Class 4 state golf is Oct. 17-18 at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club in Joplin.

Numerous area girls' golfers qualify for state in district action Monday

#9 Bearcats battle back but lose close one to #7 Gorillas

Northwest Missouri State University outscored Pittsburgh State 19-3 in the second half, but were unable to overcome an early deficit in a 24-22 loss on Saturday.

With the win the Gorillas remain undefeated with a 6-0 record, while for the first time since 2018, the Bearcats have lost more than one regular season game falling to 4-2.

The scoring started late in the first quarter for Pittsburgh State, and it started on a trick play, as quarterback Chad Dodson Jr would find wide receiver Bryce Murphy on a 49 yard flea flicker.&nbsp; 

Northwest would answer that score in the second quarter with a 29 yard field goal by Cole Lammel, but the Gorillas wouldn't let up as Dodson Jr. would go on to find tight end Devon Garrison and wide receiver Kolbe Katsis for touchdowns of 64 and 3 yards respectively.&nbsp; Pittsburgh State lead 21-3 at halftime.

The deficit did not discourage the Bearcats though, as they would come out in the third and fourth quarters scoring two straight touchdowns, a rushing score by Jamar Moya and a touchdown pass from Mike Hohensee to Jadon Brady, before allowing another Pittsburgh State score.&nbsp;

Trailing 24-16 late in the fourth, quarterback Braden Wright would rush for a one yard touchdown with 12 seconds left.&nbsp; After a failed two point conversion, Northwest would attempt an onside kick but would fail to recover, allowing the Gorillas to eat the final seconds off the clock for the win.&nbsp;

While Hohensee threw the only touchdown of the game for Northwest, Wright led the way in passing with 301 yards through the air, also rushing for 27 yards to go with his rushing score.&nbsp; The Bearcat defense shined in the second half, holding the Gorillas to only 21 yards of total offense, after allowing 288 yards in the first half.

Northwest will return home over the next two weeks.&nbsp; They'll first matchup against Washburn in Maryville this Saturday for Military Appreciation Day.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 1:30pm.

Griffons can't slow down #24 Nebraska Kearney on Homecoming

Missouri Western showed some bright spots offensively on Homecoming at Spratt Memorial Stadium on Saturday, falling 39-18.&nbsp; You can read our full recap <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/454419f9-27f1-4888-a095-86ef0f2a8fa6">HERE</a>.

Huskers win second in a row following Scott Frost firing

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Casey Thompson threw a go-ahead 27-yard touchown pass to Trey Palmer with 8:54 to play and Nebraska beat Rutgers 14-13 Friday night. 

It handed the Scarlet Knights their 21st consecutive home loss to a Big Ten Conference opponent. 

Safety Myles Farmer set up the go-ahead score with an interception. Thompson, who also threw a 7-yard TD to tight end Travis Vokolek to open the second half, connected on the next play from scrimmage as Palmer made a sliding catch in the end zone. 

The Cornhuskers (3-3, 2-1 Big Ten) rallied from a 13-0 halftime deficit. Rutgers (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) lost its third straight game.

“I feel good. We won the game,” said Thompson after Nebraska won its second straight game. "It’s a lot easier to be sore after a win than a loss. I know I’m going to be sore. We’re going to be sore. It was a physical game on the road. A lot of adversity to push through tonight.”

Nebraska now sits in a three way tie for the top of the Big Ten West, alongside Purdue and Illinois.&nbsp; The Huskers will get their shot at Purdue next in a matchup on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 6:30pm and the game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.&nbsp;

Kansas State survives scare against Iowa State

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Adrian Martinez passed for 246 yards and rushed for 77, and Chris Tennant kicked a late field goal to lead No. 20 Kansas State to a 10-9 win over Big 12 rival Iowa State on Saturday night. 

Tennant kicked a 30-yard field goal with 7:14 left in the fourth quarter to rally Kansas State (5-1, 3-0 Big 12) for the win. The Cyclone (3-3, 0-3 Big 12) have scored just one touchdown in their last 20 possessions. 

Jace Gilbert made three field goals to give Iowa State a 9-7 lead entering the fourth quarter. Gilbert missed three times a week earlier at Kansas, including a potential game-tying kick in the closing seconds.

The loss snapped Iowa State's six-game home winning streak in night games. A crowd of 60,561 packed Jack Trice Stadium, the largest crowd to attend a matchup between the Cyclones and Wildcats.

“I know it's hard to win here,” Kansas State Head Coach Chris Klieman said. “I've been here enough.”

The Wildcats will carry their undefeated conference record into a bye this week.&nbsp; They'll next matchup against a TCU team that has been showing their power in the Big 12 on October 22nd.

Jayhawks fall for first time in 2022, lose star quarterback

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — TCU quarterback Max Duggan passed for three touchdowns in the second half, including the game-winning 24-yarder to Quinten Johnston with 1:36 left, and No. 17 TCU beat 19th-ranked Kansas 38-31. 

The Horned Frogs are 5-0 for their best start since 2017 after winning the matchup of surprise unbeatens.&nbsp; Duggan was 23 of 33 for 308 yards and outdueled Kansas backup quarterback Jason Bean in a wild second half.

 Jalon Daniels, who led the Jayhawks to five straight wins for their best start since 2009, suffered an injury to his right shoulder late in the first half.

Kansas coach Lance Leipold liked his team's resiliency.

“I’m proud of the way we battled, being down, losing Jalon,” he said. “I think we left opportunities out there. I’d like to commend (Bean), the way he’s handled it to be ready. If he is asked to be the starter next week, I’m very confident he’ll have a very good week of preparation and take advantage of his opportunity to be a starter.”

Leipold said he would know more about Daniels' status after further testing on his shoulder Monday. The coach didn't rule out Daniels for the next game.

In the new polls, despite the loss, Kansas (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) remained ranked at #19.&nbsp; The #19 Jayhawks tough road will continue as they will travel to Norman, Oklahoma to matchup against a slumping Sooners team.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for Saturday at 11am and will be aired on ESPN2.

Missouri lets another close one slip away against Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jaydon Hill intercepted two passes, including one he returned 49 yards for a touchdown, and Florida held on to beat Missouri 24-17 on Saturday to end a six-game skid in Southeastern Conference play. 

Hill’s pick-6 was among a bevy of big plays that gave the Gators their first league victory in a year. His second interception ended a third-quarter drive that had reached Florida’s 16-yard line. 

It was a breakout performance for the third-year sophomore who was playing his second game since returning from a knee injury that wiped out his 2021 season. 

Brady Cook was 22-of-30 passing for 220 yards for Missouri. Nathaniel Peat ran for 117 yards and a score.

“It’s not a lack of effort. It's not a lack of fight,” Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz said. "Just got to find a way. ... There’s some things we’re getting better at, but we’re not getting the results.”

Missouri (2-4, 0-3 SEC) is suffering it's first three game losing streak of the Eli Drinkwitz era.&nbsp; The Tigers will now get a chance to recover and evaluate with a bye this week.&nbsp; They'll next matchup against Vanderbilt on October 22nd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665340714802.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State Quarterback Braden Wright under center against the Gorillas/ Photo by Ryan Milke of Northwest Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State Quarterback Braden Wright under center against the Gorillas/ Photo by Ryan Milke of Northwest Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post#9 Bearcats battle back but lose close one to #7 GorillasNorthwest Missouri State University outscored Pittsburgh State 19-3 in the second half, but were unable to overcome an early deficit in a 24-22 loss on Saturday.With the win the Gorillas remain undefeated with a 6-0 record, while for the first time since 2018, the Bearcats have lost more than one regular season game falling to 4-2.The scoring started late in the first quarter for Pittsburgh State, and it started on a trick play, as quarterback Chad Dodson Jr would find wide receiver Bryce Murphy on a 49 yard flea flicker.&nbsp; Northwest would answer that score in the second quarter with a 29 yard field goal by Cole Lammel, but the Gorillas wouldn't let up as Dodson Jr. would go on to find tight end Devon Garrison and wide receiver Kolbe Katsis for touchdowns of 64 and 3 yards respectively.&nbsp; Pittsburgh State lead 21-3 at halftime.The deficit did not discourage the Bearcats though, as they would come out in the third and fourth quarters scoring two straight touchdowns, a rushing score by Jamar Moya and a touchdown pass from Mike Hohensee to Jadon Brady, before allowing another Pittsburgh State score.&nbsp;Trailing 24-16 late in the fourth, quarterback Braden Wright would rush for a one yard touchdown with 12 seconds left.&nbsp; After a failed two point conversion, Northwest would attempt an onside kick but would fail to recover, allowing the Gorillas to eat the final seconds off the clock for the win.&nbsp;While Hohensee threw the only touchdown of the game for Northwest, Wright led the way in passing with 301 yards through the air, also rushing for 27 yards to go with his rushing score.&nbsp; The Bearcat defense shined in the second half, holding the Gorillas to only 21 yards of total offense, after allowing 288 yards in the first half.Northwest will return home over the next two weeks.&nbsp; They'll first matchup against Washburn in Maryville this Saturday for Military Appreciation Day.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 1:30pm.Griffons can't slow down #24 Nebraska Kearney on HomecomingMissouri Western showed some bright spots offensively on Homecoming at Spratt Memorial Stadium on Saturday, falling 39-18.&nbsp; You can read our full recap <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/454419f9-27f1-4888-a095-86ef0f2a8fa6">HERE</a>.Huskers win second in a row following Scott Frost firingPISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Casey Thompson threw a go-ahead 27-yard touchown pass to Trey Palmer with 8:54 to play and Nebraska beat Rutgers 14-13 Friday night. It handed the Scarlet Knights their 21st consecutive home loss to a Big Ten Conference opponent. Safety Myles Farmer set up the go-ahead score with an interception. Thompson, who also threw a 7-yard TD to tight end Travis Vokolek to open the second half, connected on the next play from scrimmage as Palmer made a sliding catch in the end zone. The Cornhuskers (3-3, 2-1 Big Ten) rallied from a 13-0 halftime deficit. Rutgers (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) lost its third straight game.“I feel good. We won the game,” said Thompson after Nebraska won its second straight game. "It’s a lot easier to be sore after a win than a loss. I know I’m going to be sore. We’re going to be sore. It was a physical game on the road. A lot of adversity to push through tonight.”Nebraska now sits in a three way tie for the top of the Big Ten West, alongside Purdue and Illinois.&nbsp; The Huskers will get their shot at Purdue next in a matchup on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 6:30pm and the game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.&nbsp;Kansas State survives scare against Iowa StateAMES, Iowa (AP) — Adrian Martinez passed for 246 yards and rushed for 77, and Chris Tennant kicked a late field goal to lead No. 20 Kansas State to a 10-9 win over Big 12 rival Iowa State on Saturday night. Tennant kicked a 30-yard field goal with 7:14 left in the fourth quarter to rally Kansas State (5-1, 3-0 Big 12) for the win. The Cyclone (3-3, 0-3 Big 12) have scored just one touchdown in their last 20 possessions. Jace Gilbert made three field goals to give Iowa State a 9-7 lead entering the fourth quarter. Gilbert missed three times a week earlier at Kansas, including a potential game-tying kick in the closing seconds.The loss snapped Iowa State's six-game home winning streak in night games. A crowd of 60,561 packed Jack Trice Stadium, the largest crowd to attend a matchup between the Cyclones and Wildcats.“I know it's hard to win here,” Kansas State Head Coach Chris Klieman said. “I've been here enough.”The Wildcats will carry their undefeated conference record into a bye this week.&nbsp; They'll next matchup against a TCU team that has been showing their power in the Big 12 on October 22nd.Jayhawks fall for first time in 2022, lose star quarterbackLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — TCU quarterback Max Duggan passed for three touchdowns in the second half, including the game-winning 24-yarder to Quinten Johnston with 1:36 left, and No. 17 TCU beat 19th-ranked Kansas 38-31. The Horned Frogs are 5-0 for their best start since 2017 after winning the matchup of surprise unbeatens.&nbsp; Duggan was 23 of 33 for 308 yards and outdueled Kansas backup quarterback Jason Bean in a wild second half. Jalon Daniels, who led the Jayhawks to five straight wins for their best start since 2009, suffered an injury to his right shoulder late in the first half.Kansas coach Lance Leipold liked his team's resiliency.“I’m proud of the way we battled, being down, losing Jalon,” he said. “I think we left opportunities out there. I’d like to commend (Bean), the way he’s handled it to be ready. If he is asked to be the starter next week, I’m very confident he’ll have a very good week of preparation and take advantage of his opportunity to be a starter.”Leipold said he would know more about Daniels' status after further testing on his shoulder Monday. The coach didn't rule out Daniels for the next game.In the new polls, despite the loss, Kansas (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) remained ranked at #19.&nbsp; The #19 Jayhawks tough road will continue as they will travel to Norman, Oklahoma to matchup against a slumping Sooners team.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for Saturday at 11am and will be aired on ESPN2.Missouri lets another close one slip away against FloridaGAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jaydon Hill intercepted two passes, including one he returned 49 yards for a touchdown, and Florida held on to beat Missouri 24-17 on Saturday to end a six-game skid in Southeastern Conference play. Hill’s pick-6 was among a bevy of big plays that gave the Gators their first league victory in a year. His second interception ended a third-quarter drive that had reached Florida’s 16-yard line. It was a breakout performance for the third-year sophomore who was playing his second game since returning from a knee injury that wiped out his 2021 season. Brady Cook was 22-of-30 passing for 220 yards for Missouri. Nathaniel Peat ran for 117 yards and a score.“It’s not a lack of effort. It's not a lack of fight,” Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz said. "Just got to find a way. ... There’s some things we’re getting better at, but we’re not getting the results.”Missouri (2-4, 0-3 SEC) is suffering it's first three game losing streak of the Eli Drinkwitz era.&nbsp; The Tigers will now get a chance to recover and evaluate with a bye this week.&nbsp; They'll next matchup against Vanderbilt on October 22nd.

CFB Round up: Northwest loses close one on road, Huskers win two in a row post Frost, Wildcats survive scare

Missouri Western's offense had 10 total possessions in Saturday's game against No. 24 Nebraska-Kearney.

The Griffons got into Loper territory on seven of those drives, and five of them covered 57 yards or more. However, Missouri Western (2-4) only scored on three of their possessions Saturday, and were hampered by turnovers and special teams mistakes in a 39-18 loss to UNK at Spratt Stadium in St. Joseph.

It felt somewhat similar to last Saturday when Missouri Western had four drives that made it to the Northwest Missouri State 30-yard line or better, but only resulted in one score.

"Two weeks in a row, we've been able to get on the plus side of the field, and we're not scoring," Missouri Western head football coach Matt Williamson said. "It's costing us big time."

Nebraska-Kearney got the ball to start the game and scored on just the third play. Fifth-year senior quarterback T.J. Davis took off on a 59-yard touchdown run just 42 seconds into the game.

The Lopers then faked a point-after and successfully converted a two-point try on a shovel pass to Willie Fair, giving UNK an early 8-0 advantage.

Missouri Western had the response on its opening series. The Griffons marched 65 yards on 12 plays, and quarterback Reagan Jones scored on a rushing touchdown of his own, a 13-yard rush, to get Missouri Western on the board at 8-7 with 9:52 remaining in the first.

After both teams traded a couple of possessions, Missouri Western had the ball early in the second quarter and was driving, but the Griffons failed to convert on a 4th-and-3 from the UNK 25.

The Lopers, after that, milked nearly 6.5 minutes of clock on a 14-play, 54 yard drive, which ended with a 39-yard field goal from Junior Gonzalez, putting UNK up 11-7 with 5:34 left in the first half.

On the ensuing drive, Missouri Western was forced into a punting down, but an errant snap to punter Evan Williams went between his legs and bounced 20 yards down the field. Williams had to dive on the ball at the Missouri Western 31-yard line.

The Lopers took over at that spot, and took advantage. In just three plays, UNK scored a touchdown. Damien Cearns scored on a six-yard touchdown run on an option pitch from Davis, putting the Lopers up 18-7 with 1:42 left in the second.

The Griffons drove 52 yards on seven plays in the closing moments of the second quarter, but a 51-yard field goal attempt by Cody Watson missed to the left and UNK went to the locker room up 18-7.

Missouri Western got the ball to start the second half and moved 49 yards on 13 plays. Watson, this time, connected on a career-long 38-yard field goal to make it a one-score game at 18-10 with 9:02 left in the third.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665283105278.jpeg" alt="Nebraska-Kearney's T.J. Davis takes off on a touchdown run in the first quarter of the Lopers' 39-18 win at Missouri Western in St. Joseph Saturday. Photo by Clifton Grooms." />
 <figcaption>Nebraska-Kearney's T.J. Davis takes off on a touchdown run in the first quarter of the Lopers' 39-18 win at Missouri Western in St. Joseph Saturday. Photo by Clifton Grooms.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western's offense had 10 total possessions in Saturday's game against No. 24 Nebraska-Kearney.The Griffons got into Loper territory on seven of those drives, and five of them covered 57 yards or more. However, Missouri Western (2-4) only scored on three of their possessions Saturday, and were hampered by turnovers and special teams mistakes in a 39-18 loss to UNK at Spratt Stadium in St. Joseph.It felt somewhat similar to last Saturday when Missouri Western had four drives that made it to the Northwest Missouri State 30-yard line or better, but only resulted in one score."Two weeks in a row, we've been able to get on the plus side of the field, and we're not scoring," Missouri Western head football coach Matt Williamson said. "It's costing us big time."Nebraska-Kearney got the ball to start the game and scored on just the third play. Fifth-year senior quarterback T.J. Davis took off on a 59-yard touchdown run just 42 seconds into the game.The Lopers then faked a point-after and successfully converted a two-point try on a shovel pass to Willie Fair, giving UNK an early 8-0 advantage.Missouri Western had the response on its opening series. The Griffons marched 65 yards on 12 plays, and quarterback Reagan Jones scored on a rushing touchdown of his own, a 13-yard rush, to get Missouri Western on the board at 8-7 with 9:52 remaining in the first.After both teams traded a couple of possessions, Missouri Western had the ball early in the second quarter and was driving, but the Griffons failed to convert on a 4th-and-3 from the UNK 25.The Lopers, after that, milked nearly 6.5 minutes of clock on a 14-play, 54 yard drive, which ended with a 39-yard field goal from Junior Gonzalez, putting UNK up 11-7 with 5:34 left in the first half.On the ensuing drive, Missouri Western was forced into a punting down, but an errant snap to punter Evan Williams went between his legs and bounced 20 yards down the field. Williams had to dive on the ball at the Missouri Western 31-yard line.The Lopers took over at that spot, and took advantage. In just three plays, UNK scored a touchdown. Damien Cearns scored on a six-yard touchdown run on an option pitch from Davis, putting the Lopers up 18-7 with 1:42 left in the second.The Griffons drove 52 yards on seven plays in the closing moments of the second quarter, but a 51-yard field goal attempt by Cody Watson missed to the left and UNK went to the locker room up 18-7.Missouri Western got the ball to start the second half and moved 49 yards on 13 plays. Watson, this time, connected on a career-long 38-yard field goal to make it a one-score game at 18-10 with 9:02 left in the third.That's as close as Missouri Western would get for the rest of the game.UNK responded on its opening series of the second half, going 77 yards on 12 plays. On 3rd and 7, Davis threw a strike over the middle to Bailey Torres, who scored from 23 yards out to put Kearney up 25-10 with 3:12 left in the third.Missouri Western achieved two first downs on its ensuing drive, but on the fifth play of that drive, a Reagan Jones pass intended for Cooper Burton bounced off of Cooper's hands and landed in the arms of Kearney's Jaylon Perkins, who returned the interception 16 yards to the MWSU 30.Kearney, again, took advantage of the Griffons' mistake. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Davis found the end zone on a four-yard rush, his second rushing touchdown and his third all-purpose score of the game, and Kearney led 32-10 with 14:54 to play.Missouri Western punched in a late touchdown after that. Thanks to a couple of big catches from Traveon James, the Griffons scored from seven yards out as Jones found Brandon Hall on a seven-yard touchdown pass, making it 32-18 with 6:29 remaining.Missouri Western's Preston Gregg attempted an onside kick, but it was recovered by UNK. The Lopers added one more score for good measure just three plays later, as Montrez Jackson went 32 yards up the middle for a rushing touchdown, bringing the final tally to 39-18 with 4:58 left.The Griffons had one last drive that made it all the way to the UNK 25, but that drive ended in turnover on downs - a bit indicative of how the MWSU offense operated all day. Moving the ball, getting yards, but not scoring enough points."You're not going to win football games if you don't score points," Williamson said. "We had fumbles, we had a bad snap (on a punt), we had all kinds of miscues that put our defense in bad situations."Davis led UNK with 162 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 18 carries. He was also 7-of-13 through the air for 90 yards and a score. Jones was 17-of-33 through the air for Western with 244 yards, a touchdown and an INT.Jones also rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. James had his third-career 100-yard receiving game for Western, hauling in a game-high eight catches for a season-high 169 yards.In all, the Griffons ran 81 plays Saturday - 27 more than UNK. Missouri Western had 29 first downs - 14 more than UNK. The Griffons had 428 yards of total offense - 88 more than UNK. Missouri Western had 244 passing yards - 154 more than UNK.Missouri Western held the ball for 5:48 longer than Kearney did. The difference? Kearney crossed into MWSU territory seven times in the game, and scored on six of those chances.As opposed to the Griffons, who made it to the Loper side of the 50-yard line seven times, and only scored on three of those trips."Those stats don't matter," Williamson said. "You have to keep points off the board and you have to score points. If you lose and don't score points, it doesn't matter. I've talked to our kids and our staff about that."It also helped that UNK had four drives that started at their own 49 or better. Three of those four drives ended in a touchdown for the Lopers."We have to get it fixed and get it fixed fast," Williamson said. "Games come really quick and if you don't get it fixed, we're not going to be able to turn a corner. We will. I'm going to get this thing fixed, get this thing rolling and we'll be ready to go."Missouri Western lost its fourth straight this season, and have fallen to Nebraska-Kearney in each of the last three meetings with the Lopers.Missouri Western will again regroup and try to snap their losing skid as they head to Northeastern State (1-5) Saturday. The Riverhawks got walloped by Central Oklahoma 55-6 this past Thursday. Kickoff from Talequah, Oklahoma is set for 4 p.m. Coverage starts at 3 p.m. on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).Nebraska-Kearney is home to Emporia State (4-2) on Saturday at 1 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665283753878.jpeg" alt="Reagan Jones (7) runs in for a touchdown in the first half. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Reagan Jones (7) runs in for a touchdown in the first half. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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