It took the Benton offense a little while to get going against Lafayette on Friday night.

Once the Cardinals got going, however, they were hard to stop.

Benton (2-1) led 6-0 after the first quarter and put up 25 second quarter points, including 19 points in the final 2:30 of the first half to ultimately beat Lafayette 44-13 at Scott Marriott Field at Lafayette High School Friday.

It's Benton's first win over Lafayette since 2015 and it's the Cardinals' first win in the North Side since November 2006.

"We knew we were going to get (Lafayette's) best," Benton coach Kevin Keeton said. "Man, they came out smacking us. And it took us a little bit of time to adjust. Once we did that, we did a few nice things."

Both offenses were slow to start early in the first quarter, as each team came up empty on their first two drives. Lafayette recovered a fumble with 3:13 left in the first and took over on their own 17-yard line, but a turnover on downs set the Cardinals up with a short field.

Benton took advantage in just two plays, as a 34-yard catch by Jackson Kanasky set up a one-yard touchdown run by Bishop Rush, giving the Cardinals a 6-0 lead after one quarter.

Benton added to that lead a few minutes into the second quarter. A seven-play, 57-yard drive was capped off with a 12-yard touchdown run from quarterback Jaxson Rich, giving the Cardinals a 12-0 advantage with 7:49 left in the second.

Lafayette (0-3) struggled to move the ball early with just one first down in the first half. After both teams exchanged interceptions midway through the second, Benton found itself on the Irish 25-yard line after a pick by Treigh Nowak.

Four plays later, Rich found Devon Hoffmann on a 25-yard touchdown strike. A successful point after by Kanasky made the score 19-0 Benton with 2:31 left until halftime.

The floodgates then opened up for Benton. A high, shallow kickoff by Ryker Wells fell in the middle of the field, and the Cardinals recovered their own kickoff at the Lafayette 28-yard line.

Benton turned that into points just two plays later, as Adrian Byrd scored on a 10-yard touchdown run to make it 25-0 Benton - just 19 seconds after the previous score.

A quick three-and-out by Lafayette inside the final two minutes of the first half gave Benton the ball back at the Irish 42 with just 52 seconds left until the break.

Forty-six seconds later, Benton scored again. Landon Stallsworth hauled in a 31-yard touchdown catch to give the Cardinals a 31-0 lead at intermission.

Rich, who left the game late in the third quarter with injury, did nearly all of his damage in the first half, completing 7-of-10 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 19 yards and a score.

"That's a tough kid," Keeton said of Rich. "He cares about winning. He is very passionate about this game. I wouldn't want to tackle him if I was 17 years old, I can tell you that."

It went from bad to worse for Lafayette to open the second half. After the Irish defense stopped Benton on a 4th and goal, Lafayette took over at its own three-yard line.

Quarterback Jackson Compton was strip sacked in his own endzone, and Rush recovered the fumble for a touchdown, making it 37-0 Benton with 8:22 left in the third.

Lafayette strung together a couple of scoring drives late - one in the third and the other in the fourth. Compton had a pair of touchdown throws - one was 28 yards to Melik Reed and the other went 30 yards to Antonio Williams.

Compton was 10-of-22 for 151 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Reed had a team-high five receptions for 40 yards and the score.

After Rich left the game for Benton, Hoffmann took the reigns at quarterback. He and the Cardinals' ground game put together a 10-play, 80-yard drive capped off by a 11-yard touchdown run from Rush, giving Benton a 44-6 advantage with 8:32 left in the game.

Rush finished with 62 yards on 10 carries with a pair of scores. Stallsworth also had 10 carries going for 54 yards. Hoffmann caught four passes for 65 yards and a score. Byrd rushed five times for a team-best 75 yards and a score as well.

All-in-all, a dynamic effort from Benton's offense and a feel-good win after the Cardinals lost at home to St. Joseph Central 47-13 the week prior.

"We've been on the other side of some of these more often than I'd like to remember," Keeton admitted. "I want to encourage the Lafayette boys to continue to work hard and good things will happen. Hard work always pays off."

Benton is back home to face KC Central on September 16. Lafayette travels to Savannah that same day.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662785697766.jpeg" alt="Benton defenders wrap up Lafayette's Melik Reed in the first half. Photo by Harry Loomis." />
 <figcaption>Benton defenders wrap up Lafayette's Melik Reed in the first half. Photo by Harry Loomis.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt took the Benton offense a little while to get going against Lafayette on Friday night.Once the Cardinals got going, however, they were hard to stop.Benton (2-1) led 6-0 after the first quarter and put up 25 second quarter points, including 19 points in the final 2:30 of the first half to ultimately beat Lafayette 44-13 at Scott Marriott Field at Lafayette High School Friday.It's Benton's first win over Lafayette since 2015 and it's the Cardinals' first win in the North Side since November 2006."We knew we were going to get (Lafayette's) best," Benton coach Kevin Keeton said. "Man, they came out smacking us. And it took us a little bit of time to adjust. Once we did that, we did a few nice things."Both offenses were slow to start early in the first quarter, as each team came up empty on their first two drives. Lafayette recovered a fumble with 3:13 left in the first and took over on their own 17-yard line, but a turnover on downs set the Cardinals up with a short field.Benton took advantage in just two plays, as a 34-yard catch by Jackson Kanasky set up a one-yard touchdown run by Bishop Rush, giving the Cardinals a 6-0 lead after one quarter.Benton added to that lead a few minutes into the second quarter. A seven-play, 57-yard drive was capped off with a 12-yard touchdown run from quarterback Jaxson Rich, giving the Cardinals a 12-0 advantage with 7:49 left in the second.Lafayette (0-3) struggled to move the ball early with just one first down in the first half. After both teams exchanged interceptions midway through the second, Benton found itself on the Irish 25-yard line after a pick by Treigh Nowak.Four plays later, Rich found Devon Hoffmann on a 25-yard touchdown strike. A successful point after by Kanasky made the score 19-0 Benton with 2:31 left until halftime.The floodgates then opened up for Benton. A high, shallow kickoff by Ryker Wells fell in the middle of the field, and the Cardinals recovered their own kickoff at the Lafayette 28-yard line.Benton turned that into points just two plays later, as Adrian Byrd scored on a 10-yard touchdown run to make it 25-0 Benton - just 19 seconds after the previous score.A quick three-and-out by Lafayette inside the final two minutes of the first half gave Benton the ball back at the Irish 42 with just 52 seconds left until the break.Forty-six seconds later, Benton scored again. Landon Stallsworth hauled in a 31-yard touchdown catch to give the Cardinals a 31-0 lead at intermission.Rich, who left the game late in the third quarter with injury, did nearly all of his damage in the first half, completing 7-of-10 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 19 yards and a score."That's a tough kid," Keeton said of Rich. "He cares about winning. He is very passionate about this game. I wouldn't want to tackle him if I was 17 years old, I can tell you that."It went from bad to worse for Lafayette to open the second half. After the Irish defense stopped Benton on a 4th and goal, Lafayette took over at its own three-yard line.Quarterback Jackson Compton was strip sacked in his own endzone, and Rush recovered the fumble for a touchdown, making it 37-0 Benton with 8:22 left in the third.Lafayette strung together a couple of scoring drives late - one in the third and the other in the fourth. Compton had a pair of touchdown throws - one was 28 yards to Melik Reed and the other went 30 yards to Antonio Williams.Compton was 10-of-22 for 151 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Reed had a team-high five receptions for 40 yards and the score.After Rich left the game for Benton, Hoffmann took the reigns at quarterback. He and the Cardinals' ground game put together a 10-play, 80-yard drive capped off by a 11-yard touchdown run from Rush, giving Benton a 44-6 advantage with 8:32 left in the game.Rush finished with 62 yards on 10 carries with a pair of scores. Stallsworth also had 10 carries going for 54 yards. Hoffmann caught four passes for 65 yards and a score. Byrd rushed five times for a team-best 75 yards and a score as well.All-in-all, a dynamic effort from Benton's offense and a feel-good win after the Cardinals lost at home to St. Joseph Central 47-13 the week prior."We've been on the other side of some of these more often than I'd like to remember," Keeton admitted. "I want to encourage the Lafayette boys to continue to work hard and good things will happen. Hard work always pays off."Benton is back home to face KC Central on September 16. Lafayette travels to Savannah that same day.<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Benton-head-coach-Kevin-Keeton---9922-e1nkm92" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>FULL GAME BROADCAST<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Benton--Lafayette-football---9922-e1nkmh0" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662785718363.jpeg" alt="Adrian Byrd." />
 <figcaption>Adrian Byrd.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662785745029.jpeg" alt="The teams meet at midfield for the coin toss." />
 <figcaption>The teams meet at midfield for the coin toss.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662785767855.jpeg" alt="Jaxson Rich (1)." />
 <figcaption>Jaxson Rich (1).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662785793556.jpeg" alt="Jackson Compton." />
 <figcaption>Jackson Compton.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662785823501.jpeg" alt="Andrew Daughtery (6) celebrates a first-half touchdown." />
 <figcaption>Andrew Daughtery (6) celebrates a first-half touchdown.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton has scoring explosion at end of first half, scores big win at Lafayette 

The St. Joseph Post Game of the Week is right in the city, as Lafayette (0-2) hosts Benton (1-1) in their annual rivalry matchup.&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">The link to listen is here</a>. Pregame starts at 6:30 with kickoff set for 7 p.m.

Lafayette lost at #4 Pleasant Hill last week 63-7, while Benton lost at home to St. Joseph Central 47-13.

The Irish have won nine of the last 10 meetings with Benton, including the last six in a row. Benton has not beaten Lafayette in the North Side in football since November 2006.

Benton is back home to face KC Central next week, while Lafayette travels to face another MEC foe in Savannah.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660968775717.jpeg" alt="Benton and Lafayette in the 2022 jamboree. Photo by Clifton Grooms." />
 <figcaption>Benton and Lafayette in the 2022 jamboree. Photo by Clifton Grooms.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph Post&nbsp;The St. Joseph Post Game of the Week is right in the city, as Lafayette (0-2) hosts Benton (1-1) in their annual rivalry matchup.&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">The link to listen is here</a>. Pregame starts at 6:30 with kickoff set for 7 p.m.Lafayette lost at #4 Pleasant Hill last week 63-7, while Benton lost at home to St. Joseph Central 47-13.The Irish have won nine of the last 10 meetings with Benton, including the last six in a row. Benton has not beaten Lafayette in the North Side in football since November 2006.Benton is back home to face KC Central next week, while Lafayette travels to face another MEC foe in Savannah.

LIVE AUDIO STREAM - Benton Cardinals @ Lafayette Fighting Irish football

Officials from the MIAA conference have chosen St. Joseph as the site for this years MIAA Volleyball Championships.

 With assistance from the St. Joseph Sports Commission, the historic Civic Arena will be the official site of this season’s championship.

 The MIAA is one of the most competitive women’s volleyball conferences in NCAA Division II. with four members ranked in the nation’s top-20 teams including Washburn last year's national runner up;

Civic Arena has hosted a multitude of events in its history, including four NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championships (2003, 2004, 2010, 2011).

 “The MIAA office and our member institutions are excited to have the 2022 MIAA Volleyball Championship in St. Joseph, Missouri,” said Deputy Commissioner Amber Feldman. “Civic Arena is a venue that has housed a number of big events and NCAA championships and competition over the years and we look forward to the St. Joseph community providing our volleyball student-athletes with a stellar student-athlete experience in November.”

The arena is set to begin a multi millioin dollar renovation that includes seating upgrades, a new scoreboard and scoreres table, as well as resurfacing and new paint work on the court.

“It is an honor to host a MIAA Championship in our community,” said Brett Esely, Director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission. “As part of the St. Joseph Sports Commission’s rebirth at the beginning of this year, our goal is to find the right fits and niches that thrive in our community in which championship volleyball in the heart of the MIAA footprint makes perfect sense. We do hospitality extremely well and look forward to providing a championship experience to the MIAA’s coaches, student-athletes, administrators and fans this November!”

 Eight teams will advance to St. Joseph for the 2022 MIAA Volleyball Championship. The championship tournament will begin Thursday, November 10 with the championship match played on Saturday, November 11.

Along with the MIAA Volleyball Championship, Civic Arena is expected to host the 2023 and 2024 Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship, two US Olympics Weightlifting trials, the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic, Hillyard Tip-Off Classic, and numerus other events serving the region.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostOfficials from the MIAA conference have chosen St. Joseph as the site for this years MIAA Volleyball Championships. With assistance from the St. Joseph Sports Commission, the historic Civic Arena will be the official site of this season’s championship. The MIAA is one of the most competitive women’s volleyball conferences in NCAA Division II. with four members ranked in the nation’s top-20 teams including Washburn last year's national runner up;Civic Arena has hosted a multitude of events in its history, including four NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championships (2003, 2004, 2010, 2011). “The MIAA office and our member institutions are excited to have the 2022 MIAA Volleyball Championship in St. Joseph, Missouri,” said Deputy Commissioner Amber Feldman. “Civic Arena is a venue that has housed a number of big events and NCAA championships and competition over the years and we look forward to the St. Joseph community providing our volleyball student-athletes with a stellar student-athlete experience in November.”The arena is set to begin a multi millioin dollar renovation that includes seating upgrades, a new scoreboard and scoreres table, as well as resurfacing and new paint work on the court.“It is an honor to host a MIAA Championship in our community,” said Brett Esely, Director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission. “As part of the St. Joseph Sports Commission’s rebirth at the beginning of this year, our goal is to find the right fits and niches that thrive in our community in which championship volleyball in the heart of the MIAA footprint makes perfect sense. We do hospitality extremely well and look forward to providing a championship experience to the MIAA’s coaches, student-athletes, administrators and fans this November!” Eight teams will advance to St. Joseph for the 2022 MIAA Volleyball Championship. The championship tournament will begin Thursday, November 10 with the championship match played on Saturday, November 11.Along with the MIAA Volleyball Championship, Civic Arena is expected to host the 2023 and 2024 Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship, two US Olympics Weightlifting trials, the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic, Hillyard Tip-Off Classic, and numerus other events serving the region.

St. Joseph Sports Commission welcomes MIAA Volleyball Championship to town

Volleyball Savannah 3 Lafayette 1 Cameron 3 Benton 2 Maryville 3 Bishop LeBlond 2 Kearney 3 St. Joseph Central 0 St. Joseph Christian 3 North Platte 0. The Lions are now 7-1. East Buchanan 3 Northland Christian 0 Mid-Buchanan 3 South Harrison 0 Nodaway Valley 3 Mound City 0 Plattsburg @ Maysville - missing

Softball Benton 12 St. Pius X 0. The Cardinals have won four straight. Fort Osage 5 St. Joseph Central 4 Lafayette 8 Maryville 3 Mid-Buchanan 11 Plattsburg 1. The Dragons are 8-2. Savannah 14 Cameron 4 Platte Valley 7 DeKalb 2 West Platte @ East Buchanan - missing

Boys' soccer Northeast KC 8 Benton 1 Staley 1 St. Joseph Central 0 Bishop LeBlond 4 Chillicothe 0 Pleasant Hill 2 Savannah 0

Girls' golf Multiple area teams competed in the Central Invitational at Moila Country Club. Central’s Ali Perry was the top finisher, shooting a 74. Central’s Ava Gaddie finished third with an 84. The Indians finished second as a team with a 363.&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/Tommy%20Rezac/Downloads/2022%20CHS%20Invitational%20Results.pdf">Full results here</a>.

Girls' tennis Staley 7 St. Joseph Central 2 LeBlond 9 Maryville 0 Savannah 8 Benton 1

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662705699586.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostVolleyball Savannah 3 Lafayette 1 Cameron 3 Benton 2 Maryville 3 Bishop LeBlond 2 Kearney 3 St. Joseph Central 0 St. Joseph Christian 3 North Platte 0. The Lions are now 7-1. East Buchanan 3 Northland Christian 0 Mid-Buchanan 3 South Harrison 0 Nodaway Valley 3 Mound City 0 Plattsburg @ Maysville - missingSoftball Benton 12 St. Pius X 0. The Cardinals have won four straight. Fort Osage 5 St. Joseph Central 4 Lafayette 8 Maryville 3 Mid-Buchanan 11 Plattsburg 1. The Dragons are 8-2. Savannah 14 Cameron 4 Platte Valley 7 DeKalb 2 West Platte @ East Buchanan - missingBoys' soccer Northeast KC 8 Benton 1 Staley 1 St. Joseph Central 0 Bishop LeBlond 4 Chillicothe 0 Pleasant Hill 2 Savannah 0Girls' golf Multiple area teams competed in the Central Invitational at Moila Country Club. Central’s Ali Perry was the top finisher, shooting a 74. Central’s Ava Gaddie finished third with an 84. The Indians finished second as a team with a 363.&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/Tommy%20Rezac/Downloads/2022%20CHS%20Invitational%20Results.pdf">Full results here</a>.Girls' tennis Staley 7 St. Joseph Central 2 LeBlond 9 Maryville 0 Savannah 8 Benton 1You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - September 8, 2022

HAYS, KS - Missouri Western did two things especially well against Central Oklahoma in week one - running the football and playing defense.

The Griffons (2-0) played to those strengths again Thursday, rushing for 311 yards scoring all of their points on the ground and coming up with key stops on defense in a 35-19 over Fort Hays State at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays, Kansas Thursday.

Missouri Western scored its fourth straight win over the Tigers and get off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2016.

"We were able to run the ball really well," Missouri Western head coach Matt Williamson told KFEQ Radio after. "Been doing some really, really solid things that I'm happy to see. Defense played really great again. A lot of really solid things. Solid effort."

The Griffons went on offense to start the game, and it took them less than two minutes to put up points. Aided by a roughing the passer penalty on third and long, sophomore running back Brandon Hall found the end zone on a 46-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Griffons up 7-0 with 13:18 left in the first quarter.

Fort Hays State (0-2) came up empty on its first two possessions. The Tigers were without all-MIAA quarterback and the program's all-time leading passer Chance Fuller, who was held out after getting banged up at Northwest Missouri State the week prior.

The Griffons, meanwhile, were firing on all cylinders on offense early. A 59-yard run by junior running back Jared Scott set up an easy, eight-yard touchdown run by Hall, putting the Griffons up 14-0 with 3:57 remaining in the first.

Hall rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

Hays responded, pulling together a seven-play, 79-yard drive that was capped off by a three-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Jack Dawson to running back Adrian Soto, making it a 14-7 game after one quarter.

Hays was driving into Missouri Western territory again halfway through the second, but a turnover on downs by the Tigers set the Griffons up on their own 40.

A 19-yard reception by junior receiver Cooper Burton kickstarted another scoring drive for Missouri Western. Scott capped a 10-play, 60 yard drive with a six-yard touchdown run to make it 21-7 Griffons with 2:33 left in the first half.

That was Scott's first touchdown as a Griffon since November 2019. Scott sat out all of 2021 with an ankle injury after rushing for 297 yards and four scores in 2019.

"That's a great team win," Scott said. "I just follow the (offensive) line. They did everything, really. Tried to get downhill. Run through people's face. If you run through people's face enough times, they don't want to tackle you. So, that's what I tried to do."

Hays had time to respond in the second quarter and got deep into Griffon territory in the closing minutes of the first half, thanks to a 43-yard reception by Manny Ramsey.

With 56 seconds left until halftime, Dawson took a shot at the endzone from 15 yards out, but was picked off by sophomore corner Desmond Green, allowing the Griffons to take a 21-7 lead into the locker room.

Hays got the ball to start the second half, but went three-and-out on their first possession. Missouri Western, on the other hand, milked seven minutes of clock on its first possession of the 3rd quarter.

An 11-play, 85-yard drive ended with a 23-yard touchdown run by quarterback Reagan Jones, making it 28-7 Griffons with 5:20 left in the third.

Six different Griffons got a carry, as Missouri Western rushed for 311 total yards and averaged 6.3 yards per carry as a team.

Hays was held to just one first down and 25 yards of offense in the third quarter. Missouri Western, meanwhile, scored on both of their possessions in the third, holding the ball for more than 10 minutes of that quarter.

Thanks largely to a 40-yard catch by receiver Caleb Martin, the Griffons found the end zone again late in the third. Scott ran it in from two yards out, giving Western a commanding 35-7 lead at the start of the fourth.

Scott rushed for a career-best 125 yards and two touchdowns - his first multi-touchdown game since September 2019 against Northeastern State.

Having not played since the 2019 season, Scott credits the Missouri Western training staff for getting him back into game form.

"They did a great job of rehab and I spent a lot of time in the training room," Scott said. "They do a great job. They work with me and they work hard. They put in a lot of hours, so hats off to them. I just tried to watch a lot of film, and see a lot of things and it's helping right now. I'm starting to see things and it's starting to slow down. It's not as fast."

Fort Hays State rallied in the fourth, stringing together back-to-back scoring drives. Soto and Dawson each had rushing scores, but Missouri Western blocked both point-after tries in the fourth quarter - one block was a combined effort by Brandon Johnson and A.J. Crayton. Another was blocked by Isaac Wallace.

The Tigers had two more possessions in the game's final five minutes - one ended in turnover on downs and another in punt.

"Our kids fought hard and we found a way," Williamson said. "We won the game. We're 2-0."

Fort Hays State was just 2-of-11 on third down and 1-of-3 on fourth. Dawson went 17-of-33 through the air for the Tigers, passing for 243 yards with one touchdown and an interception in his first collegiate start. He also rushed for 25 yards and a score and was never sacked.

His top target was Manny Ramsey, who finished with five catches for 123 yards.

Missouri Western goes back on the road Saturday, September 17 to face Emporia State at 6 p.m. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) with pregame starting at 5.

The Hornets lost at Central Oklahoma 21-13 Thursday. Fort Hays State is at Lincoln on Sept. 17 as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662701378852.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western's Jared Scott (6) celebrates a touchdown in the second half during the Griffons' 35-19 win at Fort Hays State Thursday. Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western's Jared Scott (6) celebrates a touchdown in the second half during the Griffons' 35-19 win at Fort Hays State Thursday. Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostHAYS, KS - Missouri Western did two things especially well against Central Oklahoma in week one - running the football and playing defense.The Griffons (2-0) played to those strengths again Thursday, rushing for 311 yards scoring all of their points on the ground and coming up with key stops on defense in a 35-19 over Fort Hays State at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays, Kansas Thursday.Missouri Western scored its fourth straight win over the Tigers and get off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2016."We were able to run the ball really well," Missouri Western head coach Matt Williamson told KFEQ Radio after. "Been doing some really, really solid things that I'm happy to see. Defense played really great again. A lot of really solid things. Solid effort."The Griffons went on offense to start the game, and it took them less than two minutes to put up points. Aided by a roughing the passer penalty on third and long, sophomore running back Brandon Hall found the end zone on a 46-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Griffons up 7-0 with 13:18 left in the first quarter.Fort Hays State (0-2) came up empty on its first two possessions. The Tigers were without all-MIAA quarterback and the program's all-time leading passer Chance Fuller, who was held out after getting banged up at Northwest Missouri State the week prior.The Griffons, meanwhile, were firing on all cylinders on offense early. A 59-yard run by junior running back Jared Scott set up an easy, eight-yard touchdown run by Hall, putting the Griffons up 14-0 with 3:57 remaining in the first.Hall rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns.Hays responded, pulling together a seven-play, 79-yard drive that was capped off by a three-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Jack Dawson to running back Adrian Soto, making it a 14-7 game after one quarter.Hays was driving into Missouri Western territory again halfway through the second, but a turnover on downs by the Tigers set the Griffons up on their own 40.A 19-yard reception by junior receiver Cooper Burton kickstarted another scoring drive for Missouri Western. Scott capped a 10-play, 60 yard drive with a six-yard touchdown run to make it 21-7 Griffons with 2:33 left in the first half.That was Scott's first touchdown as a Griffon since November 2019. Scott sat out all of 2021 with an ankle injury after rushing for 297 yards and four scores in 2019."That's a great team win," Scott said. "I just follow the (offensive) line. They did everything, really. Tried to get downhill. Run through people's face. If you run through people's face enough times, they don't want to tackle you. So, that's what I tried to do."Hays had time to respond in the second quarter and got deep into Griffon territory in the closing minutes of the first half, thanks to a 43-yard reception by Manny Ramsey.With 56 seconds left until halftime, Dawson took a shot at the endzone from 15 yards out, but was picked off by sophomore corner Desmond Green, allowing the Griffons to take a 21-7 lead into the locker room.Hays got the ball to start the second half, but went three-and-out on their first possession. Missouri Western, on the other hand, milked seven minutes of clock on its first possession of the 3rd quarter.An 11-play, 85-yard drive ended with a 23-yard touchdown run by quarterback Reagan Jones, making it 28-7 Griffons with 5:20 left in the third.Six different Griffons got a carry, as Missouri Western rushed for 311 total yards and averaged 6.3 yards per carry as a team.Hays was held to just one first down and 25 yards of offense in the third quarter. Missouri Western, meanwhile, scored on both of their possessions in the third, holding the ball for more than 10 minutes of that quarter.Thanks largely to a 40-yard catch by receiver Caleb Martin, the Griffons found the end zone again late in the third. Scott ran it in from two yards out, giving Western a commanding 35-7 lead at the start of the fourth.Scott rushed for a career-best 125 yards and two touchdowns - his first multi-touchdown game since September 2019 against Northeastern State.Having not played since the 2019 season, Scott credits the Missouri Western training staff for getting him back into game form."They did a great job of rehab and I spent a lot of time in the training room," Scott said. "They do a great job. They work with me and they work hard. They put in a lot of hours, so hats off to them. I just tried to watch a lot of film, and see a lot of things and it's helping right now. I'm starting to see things and it's starting to slow down. It's not as fast."Fort Hays State rallied in the fourth, stringing together back-to-back scoring drives. Soto and Dawson each had rushing scores, but Missouri Western blocked both point-after tries in the fourth quarter - one block was a combined effort by Brandon Johnson and A.J. Crayton. Another was blocked by Isaac Wallace.The Tigers had two more possessions in the game's final five minutes - one ended in turnover on downs and another in punt."Our kids fought hard and we found a way," Williamson said. "We won the game. We're 2-0."Fort Hays State was just 2-of-11 on third down and 1-of-3 on fourth. Dawson went 17-of-33 through the air for the Tigers, passing for 243 yards with one touchdown and an interception in his first collegiate start. He also rushed for 25 yards and a score and was never sacked.His top target was Manny Ramsey, who finished with five catches for 123 yards.Missouri Western goes back on the road Saturday, September 17 to face Emporia State at 6 p.m. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) with pregame starting at 5.The Hornets lost at Central Oklahoma 21-13 Thursday. Fort Hays State is at Lincoln on Sept. 17 as well.<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Missouri-Western-vs--Fort-Hays-State-postgame---Matt-Williamson-e1nj7mt" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Missouri-Western-vs--Fort-Hays-State-postgame---Jared-Scott-e1nj7nk" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western builds big lead, knocks off Fort Hays State on the road Thursday

It was a seesaw of a match for the Benton volleyball team at Springer Gymnasium Wednesday.

The Cardinals (6-2) dominated the first set 25-16 before dropping sets two and three 25-21 and 25-20 respectively. Down 21-16 in set four, it didn't look good for Benton.

The seesaw, however, finally tilted back in Benton's direction, as the Cardinals rallied to win set four 26-24 and dominated early to take set five 15-8 over East Buchanan.

The Cardinals snatched one from the jaws of defeat and came back to win against a solid Class 2 foe.

"We struggled last night (against Lawson) with energy and keeping that energy up and staying together as a team," Benton coach Lauryn Doolan said. "We fought through some battles tonight and we were a completely different team. Energy was up and it was a lot more fun, too."

Set one was practically all Benton. After getting swept at home against a great team in Lawson the night prior, the Cardinals came out with a ton of energy and jumped out to a 15-7 lead in the first set.

A big part of that was the eight blocks Benton had in the first set.&nbsp; Sophomore Andrea Simmons and freshman Cammie Peters combined for five blocks in the first set alone.

"It felt great," said Simmons, who finished the match with five kills, 4.5 blocks and an ace serve. "(East Buchanan) was getting scared, starting to tip, so it's just a big momentum builder."

It looked like set two would be more of the same, as Benton started that frame on a 6-1 run. East Buchanan came back, built a small lead and hung onto it down the stretch for a 25-21 win to knot the match at a set apiece. Senior Maya Watkins was particularly impressive with six kills in the second set alone.

Watkins was impressive all night with a match-high 20 kills to go with four blocks and an ace.

Set three was very back and forth, with the teams tied at 18-18. The Bulldogs (6-2-1) ended the third set on a 7-2 run to win it 25-20 and take a 2-1 lead in the match.

Set four appeared to be much of the same, with East Buchanan gaining control early and leading 21-16 - four points away from a four-set victory.

Doolan called the Cardinals' final timeout, and saw her team respond with what she felt like the team had been lacking midway through the match - energy.

Junior Hollie Peters, who led Benton Wednesday with 18 kills, took notice.

"Absolute energy," Peters said of her team's rally. "We just had so much more teamwork and we played together so much better."

Benton ended the fourth set on a 10-4 run and won it 26-24. The Cardinals left little doubt early in set five, jumping out to a 7-0 lead and ultimately hanging on to win the fifth 15-8.

"This is definitely a little confidence boost," Doolan said after an up and down match. "A little morale pick-me-up."

Cammie Peters had three kills and 3.5 blocks for Benton in the victory. Junior Avery Morlock had five kills, two aces and a block. Senior Berlin Smith contributed three blocks and two aces as well.

Senior Gracie Kelsey was impressive down the stretch for East Buchanan with seven kills and two blocks. Junior Holly Caylor had six kills, as did sophomore Rilyn Sherwood. Junior Kylie Clark logged three kills.

The win for Benton snapped what was a four-match winning streak for East Buchanan, and the Cardinals are off to their best start through eight matches since 2018.

"This will help us so much honestly," Peters said. "With the win and the energy we had from tonight, we'll bring it forward and I just think we're going to do great."

Benton will play for a third straight night when they head to Cameron for a 6:15 p.m. match Thursday. East Buchanan is home to Northland Christian Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662606249620.jpeg" alt="Benton's Andrea Simmons (5) and East Buchanan's Kylie Clark (23) joust at the net during Wednesday's match. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Benton's Andrea Simmons (5) and East Buchanan's Kylie Clark (23) joust at the net during Wednesday's match. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt was a seesaw of a match for the Benton volleyball team at Springer Gymnasium Wednesday.The Cardinals (6-2) dominated the first set 25-16 before dropping sets two and three 25-21 and 25-20 respectively. Down 21-16 in set four, it didn't look good for Benton.The seesaw, however, finally tilted back in Benton's direction, as the Cardinals rallied to win set four 26-24 and dominated early to take set five 15-8 over East Buchanan.The Cardinals snatched one from the jaws of defeat and came back to win against a solid Class 2 foe."We struggled last night (against Lawson) with energy and keeping that energy up and staying together as a team," Benton coach Lauryn Doolan said. "We fought through some battles tonight and we were a completely different team. Energy was up and it was a lot more fun, too."Set one was practically all Benton. After getting swept at home against a great team in Lawson the night prior, the Cardinals came out with a ton of energy and jumped out to a 15-7 lead in the first set.A big part of that was the eight blocks Benton had in the first set.&nbsp; Sophomore Andrea Simmons and freshman Cammie Peters combined for five blocks in the first set alone."It felt great," said Simmons, who finished the match with five kills, 4.5 blocks and an ace serve. "(East Buchanan) was getting scared, starting to tip, so it's just a big momentum builder."It looked like set two would be more of the same, as Benton started that frame on a 6-1 run. East Buchanan came back, built a small lead and hung onto it down the stretch for a 25-21 win to knot the match at a set apiece. Senior Maya Watkins was particularly impressive with six kills in the second set alone.Watkins was impressive all night with a match-high 20 kills to go with four blocks and an ace.Set three was very back and forth, with the teams tied at 18-18. The Bulldogs (6-2-1) ended the third set on a 7-2 run to win it 25-20 and take a 2-1 lead in the match.Set four appeared to be much of the same, with East Buchanan gaining control early and leading 21-16 - four points away from a four-set victory.Doolan called the Cardinals' final timeout, and saw her team respond with what she felt like the team had been lacking midway through the match - energy.Junior Hollie Peters, who led Benton Wednesday with 18 kills, took notice."Absolute energy," Peters said of her team's rally. "We just had so much more teamwork and we played together so much better."Benton ended the fourth set on a 10-4 run and won it 26-24. The Cardinals left little doubt early in set five, jumping out to a 7-0 lead and ultimately hanging on to win the fifth 15-8."This is definitely a little confidence boost," Doolan said after an up and down match. "A little morale pick-me-up."Cammie Peters had three kills and 3.5 blocks for Benton in the victory. Junior Avery Morlock had five kills, two aces and a block. Senior Berlin Smith contributed three blocks and two aces as well.Senior Gracie Kelsey was impressive down the stretch for East Buchanan with seven kills and two blocks. Junior Holly Caylor had six kills, as did sophomore Rilyn Sherwood. Junior Kylie Clark logged three kills.The win for Benton snapped what was a four-match winning streak for East Buchanan, and the Cardinals are off to their best start through eight matches since 2018."This will help us so much honestly," Peters said. "With the win and the energy we had from tonight, we'll bring it forward and I just think we're going to do great."Benton will play for a third straight night when they head to Cameron for a 6:15 p.m. match Thursday. East Buchanan is home to Northland Christian Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662606277913.jpeg" alt="Eliana Arumbula." />
 <figcaption>Eliana Arumbula.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662606295632.jpeg" alt="Emma Loehnig." />
 <figcaption>Emma Loehnig.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662606329214.jpeg" alt="Gracie Kelsey (21) tries to block Hollie Peters (12)." />
 <figcaption>Gracie Kelsey (21) tries to block Hollie Peters (12).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662606358801.jpeg" alt="Maya Watkins." />
 <figcaption>Maya Watkins.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662606384737.jpeg" alt="Kinzie Woodside." />
 <figcaption>Kinzie Woodside.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662606417113.jpeg" alt="Kylie Clark (23)." />
 <figcaption>Kylie Clark (23).</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton battles back, beats East Buchanan in five sets Wednesday

The St. Joseph Sports Commission has named Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker as the inaugural winner of the Woman of Impact Award.

In conjunction with the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022 induction ceremony and in celebration of the 50th&nbsp;Anniversary of Title IX,&nbsp;the Woman of Impact Award recognizes outstanding achievement from a female athlete, coach, administrator or contributor over the past year.

In her third season at Missouri Western, Whitaker led the Griffons back to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1995 with a Central Region Championship win over Fort Hays State in Hays, Kansas this past March.

Whitaker helped Missouri Western to a 24-win season - her second 20-plus win season in her three-year tenure. The berth in the NCAA tournament was a first for the Griffon women's program since 2016.

The Woman of Impact Award was also inspired by Kansas State legend and St. Joseph native Bill Snyder, who spoke of the strong impact his mother, Marionetta, made on his life during his induction speech at the inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony last September. Snyder will be on hand to present the award.

Whitaker will be honored on Sunday, September 18 at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center on the same night as the 2022 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame class, consisting of 10 individual inductees, one team and the Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.

Social hour begins at 4 p.m. with the ceremony starting at 5 PM.&nbsp; Tickets are $25 per person, and may be purchased at stjomosports.com or by calling 816-233-6688.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662586584600.jpeg" alt="Candi Whitaker at 2021 MIAA Media Day. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Candi Whitaker at 2021 MIAA Media Day. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Sports Commission has named Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker as the inaugural winner of the Woman of Impact Award.In conjunction with the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022 induction ceremony and in celebration of the 50th&nbsp;Anniversary of Title IX,&nbsp;the Woman of Impact Award recognizes outstanding achievement from a female athlete, coach, administrator or contributor over the past year.In her third season at Missouri Western, Whitaker led the Griffons back to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1995 with a Central Region Championship win over Fort Hays State in Hays, Kansas this past March.Whitaker helped Missouri Western to a 24-win season - her second 20-plus win season in her three-year tenure. The berth in the NCAA tournament was a first for the Griffon women's program since 2016.The Woman of Impact Award was also inspired by Kansas State legend and St. Joseph native Bill Snyder, who spoke of the strong impact his mother, Marionetta, made on his life during his induction speech at the inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony last September. Snyder will be on hand to present the award.Whitaker will be honored on Sunday, September 18 at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center on the same night as the 2022 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame class, consisting of 10 individual inductees, one team and the Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.Social hour begins at 4 p.m. with the ceremony starting at 5 PM.&nbsp; Tickets are $25 per person, and may be purchased at stjomosports.com or by calling 816-233-6688.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662586654083.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker (center, pink) is the winner of the inaugural St. Joseph Sports Commission Woman of Impact award. Her and the team, along with then interim athletic director Theresa Grosbach, pose after the Griffons' Central Region championship at Fort Hays State." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker (center, pink) is the winner of the inaugural St. Joseph Sports Commission Woman of Impact award. Her and the team, along with then interim athletic director Theresa Grosbach, pose after the Griffons' Central Region championship at Fort Hays State.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Missouri Western's Candi Whitaker wins inaugural Woman of Impact Award

(AP) — Shane Bieber pitched eight sharp innings, José Ramírez drove in two runs and the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1. 

Bieber allowed one run and four hits. He struck out seven and walked one. Bieber is now 5-0 in his career against the Royals. The Guardians moved 1 1/2 games of Minnesota. 

The Royals lost their 82nd game, meaning they’ll have a losing record for the sixth straight season. Salvador Perez hit his 20th home run for Kansas City, the sixth year he’s reached the mark. He is tied with Mike Sweeney on the team list for the second-most seasons with at least 20 — George Brett holds the franchise record with eight.

The Royals take on Cleveland again Wednesday night with first pitch at 7:10 central. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

(AP) — Shane Bieber pitched eight sharp innings, José Ramírez drove in two runs and the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1. Bieber allowed one run and four hits. He struck out seven and walked one. Bieber is now 5-0 in his career against the Royals. The Guardians moved 1 1/2 games of Minnesota. The Royals lost their 82nd game, meaning they’ll have a losing record for the sixth straight season. Salvador Perez hit his 20th home run for Kansas City, the sixth year he’s reached the mark. He is tied with Mike Sweeney on the team list for the second-most seasons with at least 20 — George Brett holds the franchise record with eight.The Royals take on Cleveland again Wednesday night with first pitch at 7:10 central. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Bieber, Ramírez send AL Central-leading Guardians over KC

Softball Benton 5 Savannah 4. <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/a2c7e821-b4b9-4e28-8644-da8267754324">Full coverage here</a>. St. Joseph Central 8 Smithville 7 Bishop LeBlond 7 St. Pius X 0 Chillicothe 13 Lafayette 1 Mid-Buchanan 7 Falls City 2 North Andrew 12 Albany 0 Cameron 7 Maryville 4 DeKalb 6 Stewartsville-Osborn 3 King City 6 North Harrison 5 Worth County 16 Stanberry 11 East Buchanan @ St. Teresa’s Academy - missing

Volleyball Lawson 3 Benton 0 St. Joseph Central 3 Fort Osage 2 Lafayette 3 Mid-Buchanan 2 St. Joseph Christian 3 South Harrison 0 Savannah 3 East Kansas City 0 South Holt 3 Mound City 0

Boys’ soccer William Chrisman 1 St. Joseph Central 0 Chillicothe 5 Lafayette 0 Bishop LeBlond @ Northeast KC - missing Savannah @ Excelsior Springs - missing

Girls’ tennis Savannah 9 Maryville 0

Girls’ golf Benton took first over Lafayette, East Buchanan and Savannah at Fairview Golf Course. Taaliyah Hale was the medalist for Benton, shooting a 53.

Elsewhere, Maryville beat Mid-Buchanan 203-275 in a duel at Mozingo Lake Golf Course. Cailyn Auffert was the medalist for Maryille with a score of 43.

Cross Country The Benton boys finished second and the LeBlond boys fourth at the Chillicothe Invitational. St. Joseph Christian’s Joy Wallick finished 8th overall in the girls’ race. <a href="https://www.kcrunningcompany.com/results/?page_id=&amp;id=5963&amp;show=results">Full results here</a>.

Have a score or result we're missing? Email tommy.rezac@eagleradio.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662552776144.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSoftball Benton 5 Savannah 4. <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/a2c7e821-b4b9-4e28-8644-da8267754324">Full coverage here</a>. St. Joseph Central 8 Smithville 7 Bishop LeBlond 7 St. Pius X 0 Chillicothe 13 Lafayette 1 Mid-Buchanan 7 Falls City 2 North Andrew 12 Albany 0 Cameron 7 Maryville 4 DeKalb 6 Stewartsville-Osborn 3 King City 6 North Harrison 5 Worth County 16 Stanberry 11 East Buchanan @ St. Teresa’s Academy - missingVolleyball Lawson 3 Benton 0 St. Joseph Central 3 Fort Osage 2 Lafayette 3 Mid-Buchanan 2 St. Joseph Christian 3 South Harrison 0 Savannah 3 East Kansas City 0 South Holt 3 Mound City 0Boys’ soccer William Chrisman 1 St. Joseph Central 0 Chillicothe 5 Lafayette 0 Bishop LeBlond @ Northeast KC - missing Savannah @ Excelsior Springs - missingGirls’ tennis Savannah 9 Maryville 0Girls’ golf Benton took first over Lafayette, East Buchanan and Savannah at Fairview Golf Course. Taaliyah Hale was the medalist for Benton, shooting a 53.Elsewhere, Maryville beat Mid-Buchanan 203-275 in a duel at Mozingo Lake Golf Course. Cailyn Auffert was the medalist for Maryille with a score of 43.Cross Country The Benton boys finished second and the LeBlond boys fourth at the Chillicothe Invitational. St. Joseph Christian’s Joy Wallick finished 8th overall in the girls’ race. <a href="https://www.kcrunningcompany.com/results/?page_id=&amp;id=5963&amp;show=results">Full results here</a>.Have a score or result we're missing? Email tommy.rezac@eagleradio.net.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - September 6, 2022

The Benton softball team scored three runs in the first inning, led 4-0 in the third, were tied with Savannah in the fourth and scored the go-ahead run in the fifth in a 5-4 win over the Savages at Hyde Park Tuesday in a Class 3 District 8 matchup.

Benton (7-1) got the scoring started right away in the bottom of the first. Senior Andee Magnus scored fellow senior Wynter Hurst, who reached first via error.

The Cardinals benefitted from three Savannah errors in the first, and quickly led 3-0 after the first.

Benton then tallied five more hits in the third. Sophomore Isabel Foster stole home and the Cardinals left the bases loaded in the bottom of the third, but still led 4-0 entering the fourth.

"We were all seeing the ball pretty well," Foster said. "I don't know, we're doing a pretty good job."

Savannah (2-2) came alive in the top of the fourth. After the Savages loaded the bases with three walks, sophomore Dakota Crane cleared the bases with a two-run RBI double to center. Another run scored off of the throw, and Savannah tied it 4-4 in the middle of the fourth.

After a 1-2-3 frame by both teams, the Cardinals grabbed the lead back in the bottom of the fifth. Foster led off the frame with a single to center, and Hurst walked into bases loaded to score Foster, giving Benton a 5-4 advantage.

For a second time in the game, Benton left the bases loaded, but the Savages were retired in order in the final three innings, allowing the Cardinals to survive.

"I think we're evenly matched," Benton head coach Joey Hendrix said of the game with Savannah. "I think the score and the way this game was played showed that this could have gone either way."

Hurst tossed the complete game for Benton, allowing four hits, four runs and four walks. She also struck out two batters.

"I feel like our defense definitely had the effort behind it," Hurst said. "Some of the sliding plays and stuff like that. Trying to run for the balls. They had my back whenever I missed a spot or something."

Benton scored their five runs on eight hits and five Savannah errors. Foster was 2-for-4 with a team-best three runs scored. Junior Kayten Knowles and freshman Jerzey Ziolkowski each had a pair of hits as well.

The win Tuesday is Benton's third straight as the Cardinals are off to a fast 7-1 start. Hendrix really just wants to see his team do more of the same going forward.

"The girls are staying positive and staying up," Hendrix said. "Whether we're ahead or behind. A game like that against a team like that is only going to help you win more than lose down the line. I tip my cap to (Savannah). That's such a good team. Coach (B.J.) Winn is such a good coach. It's a good win for us."

Benton is home to St. Pius X on Thursday. Savannah is home to Hamilton/Penney on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662510478073.jpeg" alt="Jerzey Ziolkowski lays down a bunt. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Jerzey Ziolkowski lays down a bunt. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Benton softball team scored three runs in the first inning, led 4-0 in the third, were tied with Savannah in the fourth and scored the go-ahead run in the fifth in a 5-4 win over the Savages at Hyde Park Tuesday in a Class 3 District 8 matchup.Benton (7-1) got the scoring started right away in the bottom of the first. Senior Andee Magnus scored fellow senior Wynter Hurst, who reached first via error.The Cardinals benefitted from three Savannah errors in the first, and quickly led 3-0 after the first.Benton then tallied five more hits in the third. Sophomore Isabel Foster stole home and the Cardinals left the bases loaded in the bottom of the third, but still led 4-0 entering the fourth."We were all seeing the ball pretty well," Foster said. "I don't know, we're doing a pretty good job."Savannah (2-2) came alive in the top of the fourth. After the Savages loaded the bases with three walks, sophomore Dakota Crane cleared the bases with a two-run RBI double to center. Another run scored off of the throw, and Savannah tied it 4-4 in the middle of the fourth.After a 1-2-3 frame by both teams, the Cardinals grabbed the lead back in the bottom of the fifth. Foster led off the frame with a single to center, and Hurst walked into bases loaded to score Foster, giving Benton a 5-4 advantage.For a second time in the game, Benton left the bases loaded, but the Savages were retired in order in the final three innings, allowing the Cardinals to survive."I think we're evenly matched," Benton head coach Joey Hendrix said of the game with Savannah. "I think the score and the way this game was played showed that this could have gone either way."Hurst tossed the complete game for Benton, allowing four hits, four runs and four walks. She also struck out two batters."I feel like our defense definitely had the effort behind it," Hurst said. "Some of the sliding plays and stuff like that. Trying to run for the balls. They had my back whenever I missed a spot or something."Benton scored their five runs on eight hits and five Savannah errors. Foster was 2-for-4 with a team-best three runs scored. Junior Kayten Knowles and freshman Jerzey Ziolkowski each had a pair of hits as well.The win Tuesday is Benton's third straight as the Cardinals are off to a fast 7-1 start. Hendrix really just wants to see his team do more of the same going forward."The girls are staying positive and staying up," Hendrix said. "Whether we're ahead or behind. A game like that against a team like that is only going to help you win more than lose down the line. I tip my cap to (Savannah). That's such a good team. Coach (B.J.) Winn is such a good coach. It's a good win for us."Benton is home to St. Pius X on Thursday. Savannah is home to Hamilton/Penney on Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662511263955.jpeg" alt="Adleigh Wilkerson." />
 <figcaption>Adleigh Wilkerson.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662511285532.jpeg" alt="Emma Newton." />
 <figcaption>Emma Newton.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662511306648.jpeg" alt="Haley Noland." />
 <figcaption>Haley Noland.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662511341986.jpeg" alt="Sladyr Duncan." />
 <figcaption>Sladyr Duncan.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662511428322.jpeg" alt="Wynter Hurst." />
 <figcaption>Wynter Hurst.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662511458324.jpeg" alt="Madison Kendall." />
 <figcaption>Madison Kendall.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton softball grabs early lead, holds off Savannah at Hyde Park Tuesday

(AP) — Óscar González hit a two-run double in the 10th inning and the Cleveland Guardians snapped a five-game losing streak, beating the Kansas City Royals 6-5 to regain sole possession of the AL Central lead.

 Cleveland moved a game ahead of Minnesota, which lost 5-2 to the New York Yankees. The third-place Chicago White Sox are one game behind the Twins. Josh Naylor homered for the Guardians, and Andrés Giménez scored twice. 

Emmanuel Clase earned his 31st save in 33 opportunities. Drew Waters hit his first major league home run for Kansas City, and Salvador Perez’s one-out RBI double in the eighth tied it at 4.

The Royals next take on Cleveland Tuesday night with first pitch at 7:10 central. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

(AP) — Óscar González hit a two-run double in the 10th inning and the Cleveland Guardians snapped a five-game losing streak, beating the Kansas City Royals 6-5 to regain sole possession of the AL Central lead. Cleveland moved a game ahead of Minnesota, which lost 5-2 to the New York Yankees. The third-place Chicago White Sox are one game behind the Twins. Josh Naylor homered for the Guardians, and Andrés Giménez scored twice. Emmanuel Clase earned his 31st save in 33 opportunities. Drew Waters hit his first major league home run for Kansas City, and Salvador Perez’s one-out RBI double in the eighth tied it at 4.The Royals next take on Cleveland Tuesday night with first pitch at 7:10 central. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Guardians top Royals in 10 to snap skid, regain Central lead

(AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.’s eighth-inning double brought in the go-ahead run and the Kansas City Royals edged the Detroit Tigers 3-2. 

MJ Melendez scored a run and drove in another while Michael A. Taylor had three hits and scored a run. Witt reached base three times. Winning pitcher Dylan Coleman pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Scott Barlow collected his 21st save. 

Royals starter Max Castillo, recalled from Triple-A Omaha before the game, allowed two runs and five hits and struck out five in 4 2/3 innings.

The Royals next take on Cleveland Monday night with first pitch at 7:10 central. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

(AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.’s eighth-inning double brought in the go-ahead run and the Kansas City Royals edged the Detroit Tigers 3-2. MJ Melendez scored a run and drove in another while Michael A. Taylor had three hits and scored a run. Witt reached base three times. Winning pitcher Dylan Coleman pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Scott Barlow collected his 21st save. Royals starter Max Castillo, recalled from Triple-A Omaha before the game, allowed two runs and five hits and struck out five in 4 2/3 innings.The Royals next take on Cleveland Monday night with first pitch at 7:10 central. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Witt's go-ahead double in 8th lifts Royals past Tigers, 3-2

(AP) — Kyle Isbel hit his first grand slam, Bobby Witt Jr. added a three-run home run and the Kansas City Royals routed the Detroit Tigers 12-2. 

Nick Pratto and MJ Melendez also homered for the Royals. Nate Eaton had four hits and drove in two runs. Winning pitcher Jonathan Heasley (3-7) gave up two earned runs and eight hits, with two walks and two strikeouts in seven innings. 

Tucker Barnhart hit his first home run of the season for Detroit. Tigers starter Michael Pineda (2-7) allowed five runs and six hits with three strikeouts and two walks in four innings.

The Royals take on the Tigers again Sunday afternoon with first pitch at 12:40 central. Coverage begins at 12:00 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

(AP) — Kyle Isbel hit his first grand slam, Bobby Witt Jr. added a three-run home run and the Kansas City Royals routed the Detroit Tigers 12-2. Nick Pratto and MJ Melendez also homered for the Royals. Nate Eaton had four hits and drove in two runs. Winning pitcher Jonathan Heasley (3-7) gave up two earned runs and eight hits, with two walks and two strikeouts in seven innings. Tucker Barnhart hit his first home run of the season for Detroit. Tigers starter Michael Pineda (2-7) allowed five runs and six hits with three strikeouts and two walks in four innings.The Royals take on the Tigers again Sunday afternoon with first pitch at 12:40 central. Coverage begins at 12:00 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Isbel, Witt, Pratto, Melendez HRs power Royals past Tigers

(AP) — Ryan Kreidler scored twice in his major league debut including the go-ahead run on pinch-hitter Harold Castro’s seventh-inning single and the Detroit Tigers edged the Kansas City Royals 5-4. 

Kreidler was promoted from Triple-A Toledo on Thursday and drew two walks. Javier Baez hit a two-run homer and Willi Castro had three hits including a solo homer. 

Detroit snapped a three-game losing streak. Michael A. Taylor hit a two-run homer for the Royals who have dropped three straight. Andrew Chafin got the win with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Gregory Soto struck out the side in the ninth for his 24th save.

The Royals take on the Tigers Saturday afternoon with first pitch at 5:10 central. Coverage begins at 4:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

(AP) — Ryan Kreidler scored twice in his major league debut including the go-ahead run on pinch-hitter Harold Castro’s seventh-inning single and the Detroit Tigers edged the Kansas City Royals 5-4. Kreidler was promoted from Triple-A Toledo on Thursday and drew two walks. Javier Baez hit a two-run homer and Willi Castro had three hits including a solo homer. Detroit snapped a three-game losing streak. Michael A. Taylor hit a two-run homer for the Royals who have dropped three straight. Andrew Chafin got the win with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Gregory Soto struck out the side in the ninth for his 24th save.The Royals take on the Tigers Saturday afternoon with first pitch at 5:10 central. Coverage begins at 4:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Kreidler scores twice in debut as Tigers top Royals 5-4

It's week 2 of high school football in Missouri, and week 1 in the state of Kansas! Here's a look at all of the KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area results.

MEC Cameron 22 (1-1) Southeast KC (0-2) 6 - FINAL - Southeast KC abruptly left the field with 10:08 remaining. No word as to why. - Week 3: Cameron home to St. Pius X

#10 Maryville 49 (1-1)&nbsp;Harrisonville 6 (0-2) - FINAL&nbsp; - Week 3: Chillicothe @ Maryville

Pleasant Hill 63 (2-0)&nbsp;Lafayette 7 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 3: Lafayette home to Benton (broadcast on StJosephPost.com)

St. Joseph Central 47 (2-0) @ Benton 13 (1-1) - FINAL - Central is 2-0 for the first time since 2007. - Week 3: Benton @ Lafayette (broadcast on StJosephPost.com) - Week 3: Central home to Raytown

Savannah 24 (2-0) East Buchanan 19 (1-1) - FINAL. <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/8ceafab1-bafb-44f3-b1a4-bb0dccf36ce2">Full coverage here</a>. - Savannah is 2-0 for the first time since 2014. - Week 3: East Buchanan home to North Platte - Week 3: Savannah @ Kirksville

Kirksville 40 (1-1)&nbsp;#6 Chillicothe 14 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: Chillicothe @ Maryville

KCI Gallatin 40 (2-0)&nbsp;Hamilton (0-2) 0 - FINAL - Week 3: Hamilton @ Lawson - Week 3: Gallatin @ South Harrison

#4 Mid-Buchanan 20 (2-0)&nbsp;Holden 14 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: Mid-Buchanan home to West Platte

Polo 55 (2-0)&nbsp;Plattsburg 20 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 3: Plattsburg home to Lathrop - Week 3: Polo home to Maysville

West Platte 21 (1-1) South Harrison 6 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 3: South Harrison home to Gallatin - Week 3: West Platte @ Mid-Buchanan

GRC 11-man Trenton 35 (2-0)&nbsp;Lathrop 0 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: Lathrop @ Plattsburg - Week 3: Trenton @ Princeton

North Platte&nbsp; 20 (1-1) Maysville (1-1) - FINAL - First win since Oct. 25, 2019 for North Platte, breaking a 22-game slide. - Week 3: Maysville @ Polo - Week 3: North Platte @ East Buchanan

GRC 8-man #2 North Andrew 64 (2-0) #6 Bishop LeBlond 36 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: North Andrew @ Pattonsburg - Week 3: LeBlond @ Worth County

Albany 54 (2-0)&nbsp;#7 Stanberry 32 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: Stanberry home to King City - Week 3: Albany @ Mound City

#5 Worth County 92 (2-0) St. Joseph Christian 12 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 3: Worth County home to LeBlond - Week 3: St. Joseph Christian home to Santa Fe

275 Conference Stewartsville-Osborn 40 (2-0) Mound City 12 (0-2) - FINAL - First 2-0 start for the Wildcards since 2005. - Week 3: Mound City home to Albany - Week 3: Stewartsville-Osborn @ Rock Port

#8 East Atchison 64 (2-0) Nodaway Valley 6 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 3: East Atchison @ South Holt - Week 3: Nodaway Valley home to Platte Valley

#10 King City 66 (1-1)&nbsp;DeKalb 0 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 3: DeKalb home to Southwest Livingston - Week 3: King City @ Stanberry

#4 Platte Valley 54 (2-0)&nbsp;Rock Port 16 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: Platte Valley @ Nodaway Valley - Week 3: Rock Port home to Stewartsville-Osborn

South Holt 80 (1-1) Southwest Livingston 46 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: South Holt home to East Atchison

Northeast Kansas Riverside 34&nbsp;Jefferson West 21 - FINAL - Week 2: Riverside @ Perry-Lecompton

Troy 28&nbsp;Waubunsee 22 - FINAL - Week 2: Troy @ Valley Falls

Hiawatha 26&nbsp;Royal Valley 19 - FINAL - Week 2: Hiawatha @ Jefferson West

Washington County 46 Doniphan West 0 - FINAL - Week 2: Cair (like care) Paravel @ Doniphan West

Atchison 31&nbsp;Ottawa 24 - FINAL - Week 2: Atchison home to Sumner County

Maur Hill-Prep Mount Academy 54 Oskaloosa 14 - FINAL - Week 2: Maur Hill home to Jackson Heights

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661576415573.jpeg" alt="Photo by Harry Loomis." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Harry Loomis.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt's week 2 of high school football in Missouri, and week 1 in the state of Kansas! Here's a look at all of the KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area results.MEC Cameron 22 (1-1) Southeast KC (0-2) 6 - FINAL - Southeast KC abruptly left the field with 10:08 remaining. No word as to why. - Week 3: Cameron home to St. Pius X#10 Maryville 49 (1-1)&nbsp;Harrisonville 6 (0-2) - FINAL&nbsp; - Week 3: Chillicothe @ MaryvillePleasant Hill 63 (2-0)&nbsp;Lafayette 7 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 3: Lafayette home to Benton (broadcast on StJosephPost.com)St. Joseph Central 47 (2-0) @ Benton 13 (1-1) - FINAL - Central is 2-0 for the first time since 2007. - Week 3: Benton @ Lafayette (broadcast on StJosephPost.com) - Week 3: Central home to Raytown<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Friday-Night-Lights-9222---Regi-Trotter--Central-e1navvd" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Savannah 24 (2-0) East Buchanan 19 (1-1) - FINAL. <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/8ceafab1-bafb-44f3-b1a4-bb0dccf36ce2">Full coverage here</a>. - Savannah is 2-0 for the first time since 2014. - Week 3: East Buchanan home to North Platte - Week 3: Savannah @ Kirksville<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Friday-Night-Lights-9222---Anthony-Hays--Savannah-e1navtq" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Kirksville 40 (1-1)&nbsp;#6 Chillicothe 14 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: Chillicothe @ MaryvilleKCI Gallatin 40 (2-0)&nbsp;Hamilton (0-2) 0 - FINAL - Week 3: Hamilton @ Lawson - Week 3: Gallatin @ South Harrison#4 Mid-Buchanan 20 (2-0)&nbsp;Holden 14 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: Mid-Buchanan home to West Platte<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Friday-Night-Lights-9222---Aaron-Fritz--Mid-Buchanan-e1navp2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Polo 55 (2-0)&nbsp;Plattsburg 20 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 3: Plattsburg home to Lathrop - Week 3: Polo home to MaysvilleWest Platte 21 (1-1) South Harrison 6 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 3: South Harrison home to Gallatin - Week 3: West Platte @ Mid-BuchananGRC 11-man Trenton 35 (2-0)&nbsp;Lathrop 0 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: Lathrop @ Plattsburg - Week 3: Trenton @ PrincetonNorth Platte&nbsp; 20 (1-1) Maysville (1-1) - FINAL - First win since Oct. 25, 2019 for North Platte, breaking a 22-game slide. - Week 3: Maysville @ Polo - Week 3: North Platte @ East Buchanan<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Friday-Night-Lights-9222---Jared-Quigley--North-Platte-e1navs8" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>GRC 8-man #2 North Andrew 64 (2-0) #6 Bishop LeBlond 36 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: North Andrew @ Pattonsburg - Week 3: LeBlond @ Worth CountyAlbany 54 (2-0)&nbsp;#7 Stanberry 32 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: Stanberry home to King City - Week 3: Albany @ Mound City#5 Worth County 92 (2-0) St. Joseph Christian 12 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 3: Worth County home to LeBlond - Week 3: St. Joseph Christian home to Santa Fe275 Conference Stewartsville-Osborn 40 (2-0) Mound City 12 (0-2) - FINAL - First 2-0 start for the Wildcards since 2005. - Week 3: Mound City home to Albany - Week 3: Stewartsville-Osborn @ Rock Port<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Friday-Night-Lights-9222---Tommy-Fish--Stewartsville-Osborn-e1navqm" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>#8 East Atchison 64 (2-0) Nodaway Valley 6 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 3: East Atchison @ South Holt - Week 3: Nodaway Valley home to Platte Valley#10 King City 66 (1-1)&nbsp;DeKalb 0 (0-2) - FINAL - Week 3: DeKalb home to Southwest Livingston - Week 3: King City @ Stanberry#4 Platte Valley 54 (2-0)&nbsp;Rock Port 16 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: Platte Valley @ Nodaway Valley - Week 3: Rock Port home to Stewartsville-OsbornSouth Holt 80 (1-1) Southwest Livingston 46 (1-1) - FINAL - Week 3: South Holt home to East AtchisonNortheast Kansas Riverside 34&nbsp;Jefferson West 21 - FINAL - Week 2: Riverside @ Perry-LecomptonTroy 28&nbsp;Waubunsee 22 - FINAL - Week 2: Troy @ Valley FallsHiawatha 26&nbsp;Royal Valley 19 - FINAL - Week 2: Hiawatha @ Jefferson WestWashington County 46 Doniphan West 0 - FINAL - Week 2: Cair (like care) Paravel @ Doniphan WestAtchison 31&nbsp;Ottawa 24 - FINAL - Week 2: Atchison home to Sumner CountyMaur Hill-Prep Mount Academy 54 Oskaloosa 14 - FINAL - Week 2: Maur Hill home to Jackson HeightsTune into Friday Night Lights on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) every Friday night of the regular season from 10-11 p.m., or immediately following the conclusion of the Kansas City Royals game.The show will feature every area score, plus live interviews with area head coaches.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.