The energy inside the MWSU Fieldhouse is at an all-time high.

At least, the highest it's been since 1997-98.

Both the Missouri Western men's and women's basketball teams remain unbeaten in conference play after the No. 20 Griffon women topped Central Missouri 68-67 in overtime, while the Griffon men defeated the Mules, 79-65 in St. Joseph Saturday.

Both the Missouri Western men's and women's teams sit in first place in the MIAA, and are both off to a 4-0 start in league play for the first time since 1997-98.

"The girls' team has been phenomenal this year," Missouri Western's Will Eames said. "They kind of got us going, because we kind of struggled and they weren't losing. So, for them to do what they're doing this season is big time. We're just trying to follow what they're doing. They're leading the way, winning the first game here. We just have to do our job here."

The Griffon women (8-0, 4-0 MIAA) got the day started with a terrific first quarter, going up on UCM 20-10 and eventually 27-10 early in the second.

The Jennies, fresh off of a Final Four appearance this past March, made their charge - an 18-0 run, in fact, to take a 28-27 halftime lead.

The Griffons were scoreless for the final 8:11 of the second quarter.

"We have to learn from being very lethargic offensively," Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker said. "We had only seven paint touches in that (second) quarter. We typically have 30 paint touches in a quarter, so we have to understand what makes us go and how we have to operate."

The second half was practically anybody's game. Missouri Western trailed by as many as six points midway through the third quarter, but trailed by only two entering the fourth.

Brionna Budgets opened the fourth with a three-pointer to put the Griffons ahead, 46-45. The Griffons led by as many as four points several times in the fourth, but an Ali Vigil three-pointer tied it at 59 with 2:08 to go.

The game eventually went to overtime, knotted at 61. The extra period started very well for Western, as Corbyn Cunningham knocked down a layup 45 seconds in to get the scoring started.

A three from Jaelyn Haggard 23 seconds later then made it 66-61 Western. The Griffons went scoreless for the final three minutes of overtime and absorbed a couple of late buckets from UCM's All American forward Nija Collier, but still held on for a one-point win.

The Jennies (5-4, 1-1 MIAA) had the ball in the final 15 seconds of OT, but solid defense by the Griffons forced Kade Hackerott into a tough three-point shot with just a few seconds left. The shot missed, and a Jennies foul right after gave Western the ball back with the lead and only a second left.

"I think it's a great team win," said Corbyn Cunningham. "We knew we had to prepare for them and play hard against them and I'm just happy we executed."

Budgets finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Corbyn Cunningham logged a team-high 25 points to go with nine boards. Collier led UCM with a game-high 30 points and 15 rebounds - her seventh double-double in nine games this season.

The Western men, meanwhile, turned a close game in the first half into a 42-35 halftime lead. The Griffons (8-4, 4-0 MIAA) eventually built a 19-point second half lead with 13:17 left.

The Mules would go on a 20-7 run to make it a 65-59 game with 5:26 left, but that's as close as UCM would come. Two three-pointers by Will Eames and another by Caleb Bennett in the final 3.5 minutes gave the Griffons a double-digit advantage and enough cushion to pull away.

Eames finished with a game-high 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting from three.

"I hit one early that was pretty open and that kind of got me going," Eames said. "I've been more confident in my shot lately. I've been getting in (the gym) with Coach (Jon) Hood every day and just working on simple spot-up shots. For me to be able to get some good looks early, and be able to ride the momentum throughout the game, that was big for me."

Q Mays scored 18 points, while JaRon Thames came off the bench to score 13. The Griffons shot a solid 50.9% (29-of-57) from the field, including 14-of-31 on threes, but they struggled at the foul line, making only 7-of-15 from the stripe.

"I don't know if anyone practices free throws more than we do," Missouri Western coach Will Martin said. "I told the guys that it's all about confidence. It's not about reps - you're getting the reps. You have to step in. You have to visualize it going down. You have to have confidence."

Even so, the Griffons have reeled off six straight as they get set for their next challenge - a trip to No. 2 Northwest Missouri State (9-1, 3-0 MIAA) on Dec. 18.

The defending national champion Bearcats took down Lincoln in Jefferson City Saturday, 84-54.

"(Northwest's) Ben McCollum is a phenomenal coach," Eames said. "He's going to get them ready for us and Coach Will is going to get us ready for them. It's going to be a battle for sure. I like playing up there, we all like playing up there. It's going to be a fun environment and we're just going to prepare one day at a time for that one."

The Missouri Western women, meanwhile will play their third game in five days when they host William Jewell (0-6, 0-2 GLVC) on Monday night at 7 p.m.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639279068952.jpeg" alt="Brionna Budgets (center) gets set to ring the bell, following the Griffons 68-67 overtime win over Central Missouri at the MWSU Fieldhouse on Saturday. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Brionna Budgets (center) gets set to ring the bell, following the Griffons 68-67 overtime win over Central Missouri at the MWSU Fieldhouse on Saturday. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe energy inside the MWSU Fieldhouse is at an all-time high.At least, the highest it's been since 1997-98.Both the Missouri Western men's and women's basketball teams remain unbeaten in conference play after the No. 20 Griffon women topped Central Missouri 68-67 in overtime, while the Griffon men defeated the Mules, 79-65 in St. Joseph Saturday.Both the Missouri Western men's and women's teams sit in first place in the MIAA, and are both off to a 4-0 start in league play for the first time since 1997-98."The girls' team has been phenomenal this year," Missouri Western's Will Eames said. "They kind of got us going, because we kind of struggled and they weren't losing. So, for them to do what they're doing this season is big time. We're just trying to follow what they're doing. They're leading the way, winning the first game here. We just have to do our job here."The Griffon women (8-0, 4-0 MIAA) got the day started with a terrific first quarter, going up on UCM 20-10 and eventually 27-10 early in the second.The Jennies, fresh off of a Final Four appearance this past March, made their charge - an 18-0 run, in fact, to take a 28-27 halftime lead.The Griffons were scoreless for the final 8:11 of the second quarter."We have to learn from being very lethargic offensively," Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker said. "We had only seven paint touches in that (second) quarter. We typically have 30 paint touches in a quarter, so we have to understand what makes us go and how we have to operate."The second half was practically anybody's game. Missouri Western trailed by as many as six points midway through the third quarter, but trailed by only two entering the fourth.Brionna Budgets opened the fourth with a three-pointer to put the Griffons ahead, 46-45. The Griffons led by as many as four points several times in the fourth, but an Ali Vigil three-pointer tied it at 59 with 2:08 to go.The game eventually went to overtime, knotted at 61. The extra period started very well for Western, as Corbyn Cunningham knocked down a layup 45 seconds in to get the scoring started.A three from Jaelyn Haggard 23 seconds later then made it 66-61 Western. The Griffons went scoreless for the final three minutes of overtime and absorbed a couple of late buckets from UCM's All American forward Nija Collier, but still held on for a one-point win.The Jennies (5-4, 1-1 MIAA) had the ball in the final 15 seconds of OT, but solid defense by the Griffons forced Kade Hackerott into a tough three-point shot with just a few seconds left. The shot missed, and a Jennies foul right after gave Western the ball back with the lead and only a second left."I think it's a great team win," said Corbyn Cunningham. "We knew we had to prepare for them and play hard against them and I'm just happy we executed."Budgets finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Corbyn Cunningham logged a team-high 25 points to go with nine boards. Collier led UCM with a game-high 30 points and 15 rebounds - her seventh double-double in nine games this season.The Western men, meanwhile, turned a close game in the first half into a 42-35 halftime lead. The Griffons (8-4, 4-0 MIAA) eventually built a 19-point second half lead with 13:17 left.The Mules would go on a 20-7 run to make it a 65-59 game with 5:26 left, but that's as close as UCM would come. Two three-pointers by Will Eames and another by Caleb Bennett in the final 3.5 minutes gave the Griffons a double-digit advantage and enough cushion to pull away.Eames finished with a game-high 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting from three."I hit one early that was pretty open and that kind of got me going," Eames said. "I've been more confident in my shot lately. I've been getting in (the gym) with Coach (Jon) Hood every day and just working on simple spot-up shots. For me to be able to get some good looks early, and be able to ride the momentum throughout the game, that was big for me."Q Mays scored 18 points, while JaRon Thames came off the bench to score 13. The Griffons shot a solid 50.9% (29-of-57) from the field, including 14-of-31 on threes, but they struggled at the foul line, making only 7-of-15 from the stripe."I don't know if anyone practices free throws more than we do," Missouri Western coach Will Martin said. "I told the guys that it's all about confidence. It's not about reps - you're getting the reps. You have to step in. You have to visualize it going down. You have to have confidence."Even so, the Griffons have reeled off six straight as they get set for their next challenge - a trip to No. 2 Northwest Missouri State (9-1, 3-0 MIAA) on Dec. 18.The defending national champion Bearcats took down Lincoln in Jefferson City Saturday, 84-54."(Northwest's) Ben McCollum is a phenomenal coach," Eames said. "He's going to get them ready for us and Coach Will is going to get us ready for them. It's going to be a battle for sure. I like playing up there, we all like playing up there. It's going to be a fun environment and we're just going to prepare one day at a time for that one."The Missouri Western women, meanwhile will play their third game in five days when they host William Jewell (0-6, 0-2 GLVC) on Monday night at 7 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639279183260.jpeg" alt="Reese Glover (0) looks to pass in the second half of Missouri Western's 79-65 win over Central Missouri Saturday. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Reese Glover (0) looks to pass in the second half of Missouri Western's 79-65 win over Central Missouri Saturday. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western women top UCM in OT, Griffon men beat Mules for sixth straight win

The Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball team (6-0) got off to a 20-7 start and fended off a late comeback from Stanberry to win 58-48 at Grace Gymnasium Friday.

The No. 5 Eagles set the tone right out of the gate, as junior Tatum Studer scored nine points in the first quarter alone.

The second quarter, however, belonged to Stanberry (3-2) as the Bulldogs went on a 17-4 run to tie the game at 24-24 at half.

The third quarter was anybody's game as it started raining three-pointers. Both LeBlond and Stanberry made four triples as a team in the third and the game remained tied 40-40 entering the fourth.

Stanberry was held to just eight points in the final eight minutes, while LeBlond scored 18 in the final quarter, including a 10-2 run to go up 54-46 with just over a minute left.

"They came out with a much better attitude and effort in the second half," LeBlond coach Jackie Ziesel said of her team. "That's what we discussed in the locker room - as long as we play together as a team and make that extra pass and do the little things, we'll come out with a win, and that's what we did."

Senior&nbsp; Kianna Herrera ended up with a game-high 19 points, including three triples in the third quarter. Studer was right behind with 16 points, while junior Shae Lewis contributed 12.

"We have so much talent on this team," Herrera said. "So many alphas that can do everything. So, when people play us, they don't just go, 'Okay we have to stop this person or this person.' They have to stop all of us collectively, and when we have a team like that like we do this year, it's really scary, because all of us can shoot the ball, drive the ball and get it done."

Stanberry made eight threes, but couldn't survive 19 turnovers. Mizzou track and field commit Lexi Craig led the way for the Bulldogs with 13 points. Sadie Runde had 11, as did Tarynn Mattson. Amelia Wallace finished with eight.

The LeBlond girls play at North Platte on Tuesday.

Stanberry boys start slow, chips away in comeback over LeBlond

The first quarter was about as dismal as they come for Stanberry. After being held scoreless for the first 7:45 of the game and trailing 13-2, the Bulldogs kept chiseling away and trailed 17-10 at the half.

And then just 24-22 after three. Then it was tied with four minutes left. Suddenly, Stanberry (5-1) had its first lead, 33-31, with 2:12 to go, and the Bulldogs never looked back.

"Starting down 13-0, we knew we had to get going quick or it could get ugly," said Austin Schwebach, who led Stanberry with 15 points. "So, coach (Nick Groomer) just told us to keep running our offense, make smart plays and get good shots and they'll start falling eventually."

No. 7 Stanberry locked down on defense, holding LeBlond to just four made field goals in the fourth quarter, and the Bulldogs held on for a 38-35 victory.

The Bulldogs won, despite not making a single three-pointer and missing five free throws in the fourth quarter. They also survived a half court, buzzer beater three-point attempt from LeBlond's Chris Guldan, which would have sent the game to overtime, but bounced off the side of the rim.

Austin's brother, Tyler Schwebach, finished with 10 points. Colby McQuinn chipped in six.

Jake Korell led LeBlond with 14 points. Alex Libel chipped in 10.

Both Stanberry teams head to Albany on Tuesday.&nbsp; The LeBlond boys head to Maryville Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639197433618.jpeg" alt="Katie Beam (left) holds the ball in the first half. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Katie Beam (left) holds the ball in the first half. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball team (6-0) got off to a 20-7 start and fended off a late comeback from Stanberry to win 58-48 at Grace Gymnasium Friday.The No. 5 Eagles set the tone right out of the gate, as junior Tatum Studer scored nine points in the first quarter alone.The second quarter, however, belonged to Stanberry (3-2) as the Bulldogs went on a 17-4 run to tie the game at 24-24 at half.The third quarter was anybody's game as it started raining three-pointers. Both LeBlond and Stanberry made four triples as a team in the third and the game remained tied 40-40 entering the fourth.Stanberry was held to just eight points in the final eight minutes, while LeBlond scored 18 in the final quarter, including a 10-2 run to go up 54-46 with just over a minute left."They came out with a much better attitude and effort in the second half," LeBlond coach Jackie Ziesel said of her team. "That's what we discussed in the locker room - as long as we play together as a team and make that extra pass and do the little things, we'll come out with a win, and that's what we did."Senior&nbsp; Kianna Herrera ended up with a game-high 19 points, including three triples in the third quarter. Studer was right behind with 16 points, while junior Shae Lewis contributed 12."We have so much talent on this team," Herrera said. "So many alphas that can do everything. So, when people play us, they don't just go, 'Okay we have to stop this person or this person.' They have to stop all of us collectively, and when we have a team like that like we do this year, it's really scary, because all of us can shoot the ball, drive the ball and get it done."Stanberry made eight threes, but couldn't survive 19 turnovers. Mizzou track and field commit Lexi Craig led the way for the Bulldogs with 13 points. Sadie Runde had 11, as did Tarynn Mattson. Amelia Wallace finished with eight.The LeBlond girls play at North Platte on Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639197474378.jpeg" alt="Kianna Herrera drives the lane in the first half." />
 <figcaption>Kianna Herrera drives the lane in the first half.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639197507743.jpeg" alt="Kaleigh Ziesel." />
 <figcaption>Kaleigh Ziesel.</figcaption>
 </figure>Stanberry boys start slow, chips away in comeback over LeBlondThe first quarter was about as dismal as they come for Stanberry. After being held scoreless for the first 7:45 of the game and trailing 13-2, the Bulldogs kept chiseling away and trailed 17-10 at the half.And then just 24-22 after three. Then it was tied with four minutes left. Suddenly, Stanberry (5-1) had its first lead, 33-31, with 2:12 to go, and the Bulldogs never looked back."Starting down 13-0, we knew we had to get going quick or it could get ugly," said Austin Schwebach, who led Stanberry with 15 points. "So, coach (Nick Groomer) just told us to keep running our offense, make smart plays and get good shots and they'll start falling eventually."No. 7 Stanberry locked down on defense, holding LeBlond to just four made field goals in the fourth quarter, and the Bulldogs held on for a 38-35 victory.The Bulldogs won, despite not making a single three-pointer and missing five free throws in the fourth quarter. They also survived a half court, buzzer beater three-point attempt from LeBlond's Chris Guldan, which would have sent the game to overtime, but bounced off the side of the rim.Austin's brother, Tyler Schwebach, finished with 10 points. Colby McQuinn chipped in six.Jake Korell led LeBlond with 14 points. Alex Libel chipped in 10.Both Stanberry teams head to Albany on Tuesday.&nbsp; The LeBlond boys head to Maryville Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639197551707.jpeg" alt="Hayden Cross (4) goes up for a layup in the second half." />
 <figcaption>Hayden Cross (4) goes up for a layup in the second half.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639197595735.jpeg" alt="Jake Korell (right) holds the ball in the corner in the first half." />
 <figcaption>Jake Korell (right) holds the ball in the corner in the first half.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

LeBlond girls stay unbeaten, Stanberry comes back to beat LeBlond boys

One of the best football players in St. Joseph is continuing his playing career at the college level in his hometown.

Lafayette quarterback Jaron Saunders announced Friday his verbal commitment to the Missouri Western football team after receiving an offer from the Griffons' coaching staff on November 30.

He went on his official visit to the campus on December 3.

"I was very pumped when I got the offer," Saunders said. "I talked with my family about it and I was like, 'My dream of going here, this is where I want to be. Still getting to play in front of that St. Joe crowd is going to be amazing.'"

Saunders led a potent Lafayette offense that scored 50 or more points three times this past fall, and helped the Irish finish with a 6-4 record and earn a first-round bye in the Class 4 District 8 tournament in coach Ryan Shroyer's inaugural season as the head man.

Saunders finished 2021, completing 60 percent of his passes for 2,290 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also rushing for 315 yards and nine scores. He managed all of this, despite missing three games with injury.

The most memorable game was likely the first one, when Lafayette went on the road to Atchison and scored a 50-21 win - a game in which Saunders threw for a state record 698 yards. Receiver Kingston Oliver had 398 receiving yards that night - also a state record.

"I mean, we had a great season overall," Saunders said. "We had a lot of big games, a lot of close games. Really, just an overall great feeling, knowing that we could give Coach Shroyer his first winning season as a head coach.

"It's always a good feeling when you can leave your senior year with a winning record and with a state record. I mean, that still seems surreal to me. Like, it doesn't even seem like it's true even to this day. But, overall, it's always a great feeling knowing you can always leave your senior year with a winning record."

Saunders joins a Missouri Western football program that's enjoyed a solid run of success under head coach Matt Williamson, who just concluded his third consecutive winning season in 2021.

"They've really just changed that program around to a winning program," Saunders said of Williamson's staff. "They have one of the highest team GPAs in the MIAA and DII. Like, that's one of the biggest things that stands out to me is, they don't just care about you do on the field. They care about what you do in the classroom as well, and that's always what I've wanted going to a college."

Saunders says he plans to enter the nursing program at Missouri Western - a school that he believes values academics just as much, if not more, than athletics.

"That was one of the main things that I was excited about," he said. "We talked about it, and they said it will work great with the nursing program out there and everything will work out okay. So, it's going to be a lot of studying for me, but I think I can handle it. I'm a pretty good student."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632962427566.jpeg" alt="Jaron Saunders (left), left tackle Quentin Garrett (center) and Kingston Oliver (right). Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Jaron Saunders (left), left tackle Quentin Garrett (center) and Kingston Oliver (right). Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostOne of the best football players in St. Joseph is continuing his playing career at the college level in his hometown.Lafayette quarterback Jaron Saunders announced Friday his verbal commitment to the Missouri Western football team after receiving an offer from the Griffons' coaching staff on November 30.He went on his official visit to the campus on December 3."I was very pumped when I got the offer," Saunders said. "I talked with my family about it and I was like, 'My dream of going here, this is where I want to be. Still getting to play in front of that St. Joe crowd is going to be amazing.'"Saunders led a potent Lafayette offense that scored 50 or more points three times this past fall, and helped the Irish finish with a 6-4 record and earn a first-round bye in the Class 4 District 8 tournament in coach Ryan Shroyer's inaugural season as the head man.Saunders finished 2021, completing 60 percent of his passes for 2,290 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also rushing for 315 yards and nine scores. He managed all of this, despite missing three games with injury.The most memorable game was likely the first one, when Lafayette went on the road to Atchison and scored a 50-21 win - a game in which Saunders threw for a state record 698 yards. Receiver Kingston Oliver had 398 receiving yards that night - also a state record."I mean, we had a great season overall," Saunders said. "We had a lot of big games, a lot of close games. Really, just an overall great feeling, knowing that we could give Coach Shroyer his first winning season as a head coach."It's always a good feeling when you can leave your senior year with a winning record and with a state record. I mean, that still seems surreal to me. Like, it doesn't even seem like it's true even to this day. But, overall, it's always a great feeling knowing you can always leave your senior year with a winning record."Saunders joins a Missouri Western football program that's enjoyed a solid run of success under head coach Matt Williamson, who just concluded his third consecutive winning season in 2021."They've really just changed that program around to a winning program," Saunders said of Williamson's staff. "They have one of the highest team GPAs in the MIAA and DII. Like, that's one of the biggest things that stands out to me is, they don't just care about you do on the field. They care about what you do in the classroom as well, and that's always what I've wanted going to a college."Saunders says he plans to enter the nursing program at Missouri Western - a school that he believes values academics just as much, if not more, than athletics."That was one of the main things that I was excited about," he said. "We talked about it, and they said it will work great with the nursing program out there and everything will work out okay. So, it's going to be a lot of studying for me, but I think I can handle it. I'm a pretty good student."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639172772193.jpeg" alt="Jaron Saunders (left), State Senator&nbsp; Tony Lutkemeyer (center) and Kingston Oliver (right). Lutkemeyer presented Saunders and Oliver with a Senate resolution after their state record performance against Atchison. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Jaron Saunders (left), State Senator&nbsp; Tony Lutkemeyer (center) and Kingston Oliver (right). Lutkemeyer presented Saunders and Oliver with a Senate resolution after their state record performance against Atchison. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Lafayette-QB-Jaron-Saunders-commits-to-Missouri-Western-football-e1bhq9m" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Lafayette's Jaron Saunders verbally commits to Missouri Western football Friday

JEFFERSON CITY -&nbsp; The Missouri Western women's basketball team (7-0, 3-0 MIAA) held Lincoln to 1-of-12 shooting to start the game, and then exploded for 23 second quarter points on their way to an 88-52 win at Jason Gym on Thursday.

After winning the opening tip, Lincoln (4-4, 0-2 MIAA) hit a three-pointer on its first possession, but the Griffons held Lincoln scoreless for the next five minutes, reeling off a 10-0 run and rolling to a 19-9 first quarter lead.

"Our post defense was excellent," Missouri Western head coach Candi Whitaker said. "I mean, they love to really pound it in and we were very, very physical. Meeting people and keeping them out of the paint and helping where we needed to, so our awareness was great. I mean, I thought that was the best defensively we guarded in the first half."

Leading 42-19 at halftime, the Griffons used a 30-15 fourth quarter to further pad their lead and score their season-high in points and also earn their largest margin of victory so far this season.

"I was happy we won the fourth," Whitaker said. "We talked about how we lost the third quarter, and we can't have quarters like that."

Corbyn Cunningham had 21 points and 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season, while Connie Clarke logged her fourth double-double this year with 14 points and 12 boards. Alyssa Bonilla scored a career-high 14 points including two made threes. Jaelyn Haggard and Brionna Budgets each dropped 13 points. The Griffons outrebounded Lincoln 42-28 on the night.

Missouri Western turned Lincoln over 24 times, nabbing 13 steals. The Griffons also outscored the Blue Tigers in the paint 46-18.

Lincoln misses tying shot in final seconds, Griffons win 5th straight

Caleb Bennett led four Griffons in double figures with 19 points, as Missouri Western (7-4, 3-0 MIAA) won its fifth straight game with a 78-76 victory at Lincoln.

The Blue Tigers had the ball, down two with 10 seconds left, but a deep two by&nbsp;Ni'Sean Rigmaiden from the left base line missed, and the Griffons held on for their first win at Jason Gym since February 2018.

"I'm glad we found a way to win obviously," Missouri Western coach Will Martin said. "There's a lot of things we're going to have to look at in film and correct. I thought defensively, we weren't nearly as good as we needed to be. We knocked down some shots in big moments, but I feel like we didn't shoot it as well as were capable of."

Reese Glover, who finished with 18 points, knocked down a three-pointer less than three minutes in to give the Griffons their first lead at 3-2. A few possessions later, a&nbsp;Q Mays&nbsp;jumper sparked a 15-0 run to put the Griffons ahead 20-6 with 12:43 to go in the first half.

Western took a 46-38 lead into the locker room, but Lincoln started getting closer to the lead, staying within single digits for the entire second half.

The Blue Tigers (1-6, 0-2 MIAA) tied the game at 59 with 10:03 to go, but a Glover three 18 seconds later put Western back in front. Glover ended up making five threes, while Western was 10-for-25 from three as a team.

The Griffons had a 71-61 lead with 6:57 left, but once again, Lincoln would make it closer, hitting a three with 44 seconds left, making it 78-75.

Lincoln then went 1-for-2 on free throws with 26 seconds left, and Bennett had a one-and-one for Western with 11 seconds left, but he missed the front end, which set Lincoln up for the final shot.

It came down to the final possession, but Missouri Western found a way, overcoming a 35.1 percent shooting effort in the second half.

"I told the guys, good teams find ways to win," Martin said. "This was an ugly one. We found a way to win. I told them, 'Get your stuff, hit the bus and get out of Dodge, man.'"

Q Mays wound up with 15 points, while JaRon Thames came off the bench to score 10.

Missouri Western comes home Saturday to face Central Missouri. The women tip off at 1:30 and the men will follow at 3:30. Both games will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) with coverage starting at 1 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636790162162.jpeg" alt="Corbyn Cunningham. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Corbyn Cunningham. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostJEFFERSON CITY -&nbsp; The Missouri Western women's basketball team (7-0, 3-0 MIAA) held Lincoln to 1-of-12 shooting to start the game, and then exploded for 23 second quarter points on their way to an 88-52 win at Jason Gym on Thursday.After winning the opening tip, Lincoln (4-4, 0-2 MIAA) hit a three-pointer on its first possession, but the Griffons held Lincoln scoreless for the next five minutes, reeling off a 10-0 run and rolling to a 19-9 first quarter lead."Our post defense was excellent," Missouri Western head coach Candi Whitaker said. "I mean, they love to really pound it in and we were very, very physical. Meeting people and keeping them out of the paint and helping where we needed to, so our awareness was great. I mean, I thought that was the best defensively we guarded in the first half."Leading 42-19 at halftime, the Griffons used a 30-15 fourth quarter to further pad their lead and score their season-high in points and also earn their largest margin of victory so far this season."I was happy we won the fourth," Whitaker said. "We talked about how we lost the third quarter, and we can't have quarters like that."Corbyn Cunningham had 21 points and 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season, while Connie Clarke logged her fourth double-double this year with 14 points and 12 boards. Alyssa Bonilla scored a career-high 14 points including two made threes. Jaelyn Haggard and Brionna Budgets each dropped 13 points. The Griffons outrebounded Lincoln 42-28 on the night.Missouri Western turned Lincoln over 24 times, nabbing 13 steals. The Griffons also outscored the Blue Tigers in the paint 46-18.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSI</a>: The record is 7⃣ - 0⃣. Things are starting to get real. 🎥from that 88-52 win at Lincoln 📈: <a href="https://t.co/gnDCn4NJwu">https://t.co/gnDCn4NJwu</a> UCM comes to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OurCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OurCity</a> Saturday. <a href="https://t.co/R8JY6njnDI">pic.twitter.com/R8JY6njnDI</a>&mdash; Missouri Western Athletics (@MWSUGriffons) <a href="https://twitter.com/MWSUGriffons/status/1469141825239748611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>Lincoln misses tying shot in final seconds, Griffons win 5th straightCaleb Bennett led four Griffons in double figures with 19 points, as Missouri Western (7-4, 3-0 MIAA) won its fifth straight game with a 78-76 victory at Lincoln.The Blue Tigers had the ball, down two with 10 seconds left, but a deep two by&nbsp;Ni'Sean Rigmaiden from the left base line missed, and the Griffons held on for their first win at Jason Gym since February 2018."I'm glad we found a way to win obviously," Missouri Western coach Will Martin said. "There's a lot of things we're going to have to look at in film and correct. I thought defensively, we weren't nearly as good as we needed to be. We knocked down some shots in big moments, but I feel like we didn't shoot it as well as were capable of."Reese Glover, who finished with 18 points, knocked down a three-pointer less than three minutes in to give the Griffons their first lead at 3-2. A few possessions later, a&nbsp;Q Mays&nbsp;jumper sparked a 15-0 run to put the Griffons ahead 20-6 with 12:43 to go in the first half.Western took a 46-38 lead into the locker room, but Lincoln started getting closer to the lead, staying within single digits for the entire second half.The Blue Tigers (1-6, 0-2 MIAA) tied the game at 59 with 10:03 to go, but a Glover three 18 seconds later put Western back in front. Glover ended up making five threes, while Western was 10-for-25 from three as a team.The Griffons had a 71-61 lead with 6:57 left, but once again, Lincoln would make it closer, hitting a three with 44 seconds left, making it 78-75.Lincoln then went 1-for-2 on free throws with 26 seconds left, and Bennett had a one-and-one for Western with 11 seconds left, but he missed the front end, which set Lincoln up for the final shot.It came down to the final possession, but Missouri Western found a way, overcoming a 35.1 percent shooting effort in the second half."I told the guys, good teams find ways to win," Martin said. "This was an ugly one. We found a way to win. I told them, 'Get your stuff, hit the bus and get out of Dodge, man.'"Q Mays wound up with 15 points, while JaRon Thames came off the bench to score 10.Missouri Western comes home Saturday to face Central Missouri. The women tip off at 1:30 and the men will follow at 3:30. Both games will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) with coverage starting at 1 p.m.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSI</a>: About that 78-76 win... Take it and run. <a href="https://twitter.com/MWSUMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MWSUMBB</a> (7-4, 3-0 MIAA) has now won 5 straight. 📈: <a href="https://t.co/AbrefNNd2h">https://t.co/AbrefNNd2h</a> <a href="https://t.co/9EJoJmMvmi">pic.twitter.com/9EJoJmMvmi</a>&mdash; Missouri Western Athletics (@MWSUGriffons) <a href="https://twitter.com/MWSUGriffons/status/1469156044437803013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610484079490.jpeg" alt="Q Mays (left). Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Q Mays (left). Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western women rout Lincoln, Griffon men hang on in nailbiter

Former Northwest Missouri State player and national championship winning coach Adam Dorrel was formally introduced as the next head football coach at MIAA member school Central Oklahoma Wednesday.

Dorrel was announced as the Bronchos next head coach on Sunday. He succeeds Nick Bobeck, who resigned from UCO after 10 years at the helm.

The Bronchos were 47-54 under Bobeck, including a 4-7 mark this past fall.

"I'm very excited to be at UCO for a lot of reasons," Dorrel said during an introductory press conference. "Number one, it's a great academic university. We all know what kids want and get wrapped up in, but the parents still play a big part in that, and parents still look at academics.

"It has a great athletics tradition in a lot of sports. That was very apparent to me. If you look at the great location of where we're at, that's something that's very, very positive."

Dorrel comes to UCO after spending the last five seasons at Abilene Christian - a Division&nbsp; I FCS program. He led the team to its first winning season as a DI institution in 2018.

Dorrel is best known locally for his 13 years of coaching at Northwest Missouri State, serving as the team's offensive line coach from 2004-06, then offensive coordinator from 2007-10 and then head football coach from 2011-16, a span during which he won national titles in 2013, 15 and 16. &nbsp;As head coach, Dorrel led the Bearcats to a 76-8 record, winning four MIAA championships in that time as well.

He hopes to bring that same winning pedigree to Edmond.

"I want all of our guys, before they leave here, to do two things - have a diploma and have a conference or national championship ring," Dorrel said. "That's what I want for our guys. We're going to talk about three things - we're going to be selfless, tough and disciplined each and every day. That's our family core of values." Dorrel is a Maryville native, graduating high school there in 1993 before attending Northwest. He earned All-American honors during his playing days and was a three-year captain for the Bearcats on the offensive line. Dorrel is UCO's 14th head football coach. The Bronchos boast 644 all-time victories in football - the fourth most in DII history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639002363624.png" alt="Adam Dorrel (center), a former national championship winning coach at Northwest Missouri State, is introduced as Central Oklahoma's next head football coach Wednesday. Taken via the UCO MIAA Network stream." />
 <figcaption>Adam Dorrel (center), a former national championship winning coach at Northwest Missouri State, is introduced as Central Oklahoma's next head football coach Wednesday. Taken via the UCO MIAA Network stream.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostFormer Northwest Missouri State player and national championship winning coach Adam Dorrel was formally introduced as the next head football coach at MIAA member school Central Oklahoma Wednesday.Dorrel was announced as the Bronchos next head coach on Sunday. He succeeds Nick Bobeck, who resigned from UCO after 10 years at the helm.The Bronchos were 47-54 under Bobeck, including a 4-7 mark this past fall."I'm very excited to be at UCO for a lot of reasons," Dorrel said during an introductory press conference. "Number one, it's a great academic university. We all know what kids want and get wrapped up in, but the parents still play a big part in that, and parents still look at academics."It has a great athletics tradition in a lot of sports. That was very apparent to me. If you look at the great location of where we're at, that's something that's very, very positive."Dorrel comes to UCO after spending the last five seasons at Abilene Christian - a Division&nbsp; I FCS program. He led the team to its first winning season as a DI institution in 2018.Dorrel is best known locally for his 13 years of coaching at Northwest Missouri State, serving as the team's offensive line coach from 2004-06, then offensive coordinator from 2007-10 and then head football coach from 2011-16, a span during which he won national titles in 2013, 15 and 16. &nbsp;As head coach, Dorrel led the Bearcats to a 76-8 record, winning four MIAA championships in that time as well.He hopes to bring that same winning pedigree to Edmond."I want all of our guys, before they leave here, to do two things - have a diploma and have a conference or national championship ring," Dorrel said. "That's what I want for our guys. We're going to talk about three things - we're going to be selfless, tough and disciplined each and every day. That's our family core of values." Dorrel is a Maryville native, graduating high school there in 1993 before attending Northwest. He earned All-American honors during his playing days and was a three-year captain for the Bearcats on the offensive line. Dorrel is UCO's 14th head football coach. The Bronchos boast 644 all-time victories in football - the fourth most in DII history.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639002238357.png" alt="Adam Dorrel speaks at his press conference Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>Adam Dorrel speaks at his press conference Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

UCO introduces former Bearcat Adam Dorrel as new football coach Wednesday

Junior Shae Lewis scored 15 points, senior Kianna Herrera scored 13 and senior Sloan Lewis dropped in 10 as the No. 5 Bishop LeBlond girls (5-0) earned a 54-39 win over previously unbeaten St. Joseph Christian Tuesday night.

LeBlond, which had won its first four games by a minimum of 41 points, had its toughest test of the season thus far Tuesday, but still the Eagles never trailed.

LeBlond grabbed a 20-8 lead after the first quarter after a pair of early threes - one by Shae Lewis and another by Herrera.

After scoring just five points in the second quarter, the Eagles added 14 to their column in the third quarter, starting the second half on a 9-0 run.

"I think just overall, they executed better offensively in the second half than what we anticipated we would do in the first half," LeBlond coach Jackie Ziesel said. "Overall, they played hard. They played aggressive."

St. Joseph Christian (3-1) didn't give up. After not making a single three in the first half, the Lions knocked down five in the second half. But even so, Christian never got to within single digits over the final two quarters.

Turnovers and a lack of rebounding were nagging problems throughout for the Lions.

"We're a young team," Christian coach Erin Patrick said. "(LeBlond) is an experienced team. They're a district champion, but we need a game like that. Every game we've played this year is against a winning team. So, it's a positive for us. Maybe didn't play our best, but at least we have something to measure it up against now, don't we?"

Freshman Lexi McDaniel led the Lions with 11 points, including three made three-pointers. Sophomore Chloe Burnham also scored 11, and sophomore Jaci Jorgensen added nine.

LeBlond boys bury nine threes, outlast Christian in physical battle

Bishop LeBlond had four players finish in double figures, and outlasted a tough bout with St. Joseph Christian, as the Eagles got past the Lions 62-51 Tuesday.

Seniors Chris Gouldan and Noah Eidmann led their team with 12 points each, while junior Jake Korell added 11 and senior Alex Libel had 10.

"It's going to help us out in the long run to have all of these players being able to score," Eidmann said. "Not just one or two guys."

St. Joseph Christian had an early 7-6 lead midway through the first, but the Eagles (4-1) started to open things up. Two made threes by Gouldan sprung LeBlond to a 19-9 lead after the first.

The Eagles carried a 33-22 lead into the locker room, but could never fully pull away. The Lions (3-2) got nine points in the third quarter from senior Camden Lutz alone, but LeBlond kept their opposition at arm's length down the stretch, maintaining a double-digit lead throughout.

Even still, they know there's room for improvement.

"I don't think we played particularly well," LeBlond coach Mitch Girres said. "Our kids weren't locked into our game plan, or what we wanted to do. We shot way too many threes, and that's credit to St. Joe Christian. They did a really good job of preparing and keeping us from doing things we wanted to do."

Lutz and fellow senior Carson Bowman combined for 35 points - Bowman had 18, Lutz 17. The Lions clogged the lane, forcing the Eagles to shoot the deep ball throughout.

It worked this time around, but Eidmann knows the team must get back to finding points in the paint.

"We have to start scoring in the paint more," he said. "We can't just shoot threes every single game, because we're not going to make every single three. We have to get Chris (Guldan) and Jake (Korell) the ball, because they're good scorers inside the paint."

Both St. Joseph Christian teams are home to Rock Port Friday, while LeBlond heads home to host Stanberry on Friday as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638939312972.jpeg" alt="Tatum Studer (14) shoots a three in the first half. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Tatum Studer (14) shoots a three in the first half. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostJunior Shae Lewis scored 15 points, senior Kianna Herrera scored 13 and senior Sloan Lewis dropped in 10 as the No. 5 Bishop LeBlond girls (5-0) earned a 54-39 win over previously unbeaten St. Joseph Christian Tuesday night.LeBlond, which had won its first four games by a minimum of 41 points, had its toughest test of the season thus far Tuesday, but still the Eagles never trailed.LeBlond grabbed a 20-8 lead after the first quarter after a pair of early threes - one by Shae Lewis and another by Herrera.After scoring just five points in the second quarter, the Eagles added 14 to their column in the third quarter, starting the second half on a 9-0 run."I think just overall, they executed better offensively in the second half than what we anticipated we would do in the first half," LeBlond coach Jackie Ziesel said. "Overall, they played hard. They played aggressive."St. Joseph Christian (3-1) didn't give up. After not making a single three in the first half, the Lions knocked down five in the second half. But even so, Christian never got to within single digits over the final two quarters.Turnovers and a lack of rebounding were nagging problems throughout for the Lions."We're a young team," Christian coach Erin Patrick said. "(LeBlond) is an experienced team. They're a district champion, but we need a game like that. Every game we've played this year is against a winning team. So, it's a positive for us. Maybe didn't play our best, but at least we have something to measure it up against now, don't we?"Freshman Lexi McDaniel led the Lions with 11 points, including three made three-pointers. Sophomore Chloe Burnham also scored 11, and sophomore Jaci Jorgensen added nine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638939356201.jpeg" alt="Chloe Burnham (2) goes up for a layup in the second half. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Chloe Burnham (2) goes up for a layup in the second half. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638939409246.jpeg" alt="Shae Lewis (left) holds the ball away from a defender. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Shae Lewis (left) holds the ball away from a defender. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>LeBlond boys bury nine threes, outlast Christian in physical battleBishop LeBlond had four players finish in double figures, and outlasted a tough bout with St. Joseph Christian, as the Eagles got past the Lions 62-51 Tuesday.Seniors Chris Gouldan and Noah Eidmann led their team with 12 points each, while junior Jake Korell added 11 and senior Alex Libel had 10."It's going to help us out in the long run to have all of these players being able to score," Eidmann said. "Not just one or two guys."St. Joseph Christian had an early 7-6 lead midway through the first, but the Eagles (4-1) started to open things up. Two made threes by Gouldan sprung LeBlond to a 19-9 lead after the first.The Eagles carried a 33-22 lead into the locker room, but could never fully pull away. The Lions (3-2) got nine points in the third quarter from senior Camden Lutz alone, but LeBlond kept their opposition at arm's length down the stretch, maintaining a double-digit lead throughout.Even still, they know there's room for improvement."I don't think we played particularly well," LeBlond coach Mitch Girres said. "Our kids weren't locked into our game plan, or what we wanted to do. We shot way too many threes, and that's credit to St. Joe Christian. They did a really good job of preparing and keeping us from doing things we wanted to do."Lutz and fellow senior Carson Bowman combined for 35 points - Bowman had 18, Lutz 17. The Lions clogged the lane, forcing the Eagles to shoot the deep ball throughout.It worked this time around, but Eidmann knows the team must get back to finding points in the paint."We have to start scoring in the paint more," he said. "We can't just shoot threes every single game, because we're not going to make every single three. We have to get Chris (Guldan) and Jake (Korell) the ball, because they're good scorers inside the paint."Both St. Joseph Christian teams are home to Rock Port Friday, while LeBlond heads home to host Stanberry on Friday as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638939466907.jpeg" alt="Senior Hayden Cross (left, purple) takes a stepback two in the second half. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Senior Hayden Cross (left, purple) takes a stepback two in the second half. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638939498211.jpeg" alt="Jake Korell." />
 <figcaption>Jake Korell.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638939534713.jpeg" alt="Carson Bowman (32) dribbles against a defender in the first half." />
 <figcaption>Carson Bowman (32) dribbles against a defender in the first half.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

LeBlond girls, boys basketball earn sweep at St. Joseph Christian Tuesday

Benton senior and volleyball standout Alyia Stillman signed her national letter of intent Tuesday to play volleyball at Mid America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas.

Stillman finished her four-year Benton career with over 1,000 career kills, and was part of three winning seasons, including a 16-15-1 record this past fall.

Stillman was part of a Cardinal squad that won six of its last eight matches before coming up short in four sets against Smithville in district semifinals.

Stillman says the chance to continue her playing career beyond the varsity level means everything.

"I am over the top excited," Stillman said. "I just feel so blessed to have this opportunity to be pursuing this far in my career. I'm excited, and I hope it goes further than the collegiate level. I'm really looking forward to it."

For Stillman, the dream to play college volleyball started back in grade school.

"I've had this dream since sixth grade," she said, "that this could go to the next level. I didn't have a single doubt about that - as long as I work hard enough, I could get to where I want to be."

A variety of things drew Stillman to MNU, but particularly the energy of third-year head coach Molly Karagyaurov, who was present at Tuesday's signing.

"She just has so much passion for the game," Stillman said of&nbsp;Karagyaurov. "That makes it so much more fun to play and to be around and to be with, and I just love it."

Stillman also credits first-year Benton head coach Lauryn Doolan, who was promoted to that position in the spring after three years as an assistant with the Cardinals.

"Lauryn was amazing," Stillman said. "She transitioned very well and she knew what she was talking about and how to talk to us and push us even harder. That's what really made it an amazing season this year."

Mid America Nazarene competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference at the NAIA level. Stillman played primarily outside hitter for the Cardinals, and will start out at the defensive specialist position for the Pioneers.

Also signing NLIs Tuesday were St. Joseph Central’s Chloe Bell for North Central Missouri softball, and Savannah’s Kaylence Cook, who also signed for North Central Missouri softball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638919277665.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBenton senior and volleyball standout Alyia Stillman signed her national letter of intent Tuesday to play volleyball at Mid America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas.Stillman finished her four-year Benton career with over 1,000 career kills, and was part of three winning seasons, including a 16-15-1 record this past fall.Stillman was part of a Cardinal squad that won six of its last eight matches before coming up short in four sets against Smithville in district semifinals.Stillman says the chance to continue her playing career beyond the varsity level means everything."I am over the top excited," Stillman said. "I just feel so blessed to have this opportunity to be pursuing this far in my career. I'm excited, and I hope it goes further than the collegiate level. I'm really looking forward to it."For Stillman, the dream to play college volleyball started back in grade school."I've had this dream since sixth grade," she said, "that this could go to the next level. I didn't have a single doubt about that - as long as I work hard enough, I could get to where I want to be."A variety of things drew Stillman to MNU, but particularly the energy of third-year head coach Molly Karagyaurov, who was present at Tuesday's signing."She just has so much passion for the game," Stillman said of&nbsp;Karagyaurov. "That makes it so much more fun to play and to be around and to be with, and I just love it."Stillman also credits first-year Benton head coach Lauryn Doolan, who was promoted to that position in the spring after three years as an assistant with the Cardinals."Lauryn was amazing," Stillman said. "She transitioned very well and she knew what she was talking about and how to talk to us and push us even harder. That's what really made it an amazing season this year."Mid America Nazarene competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference at the NAIA level. Stillman played primarily outside hitter for the Cardinals, and will start out at the defensive specialist position for the Pioneers.Also signing NLIs Tuesday were St. Joseph Central’s Chloe Bell for North Central Missouri softball, and Savannah’s Kaylence Cook, who also signed for North Central Missouri softball.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638919917267.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton's Alyia Stillman signs NLI to Mid America Nazarene volleyball

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Chiefs' Andy Reid is an offensive-minded coach to his core, so the Kansas City defense must have done something special against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night for him to call its performance “beautiful.”

Three turnovers. Three fourth-down stops. One pick-6 to seal a fifth straight win.

“It was just beautiful to watch,” Reid gushed after the 22-9 victory in chilly Arrowhead Stadium Sunday, which kept Kansas City in first place in the AFC West as it chases a sixth consecutive division crown.

Patrick Mahomes had just 184 yards passing with a touchdown run and an interception, and his receiving corps dropped so many passes he probably thought the ball was greased. But despite the Chiefs (8-4) gaining 257 yards of total offense, they managed to keep a one-game lead on the Chargers thanks to the other side of the ball.

“Mostly it's been about a commitment to each other, believing in each other, not letting outside noise dictate what we feel,” Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu said. “It's been a total team effort to stay committed to each other.”

Things went haywire for the Broncos early in the game, when a 20-play drive ended with a failed fourth-down play rather than an easy field goal. And they didn't get much better when Teddy Bridgewater threw a pair of second-half interceptions, including the one that Daniel Sorensen returned 75 yards for a score with 9 1/2 minutes left to put the game away.

“We moved the ball well in certain areas, certain times of the game. Guys stepped up and made plays,” Bridgewater said. “But when you give them opportunities and you don't maximize your opportunities, it's a recipe to get beat.”

Bridgewater was held to 257 yards passing for the Broncos (6-6), who have lost 12 in a row to their longtime rival dating to the 2015 season. Javonte Williams started in place of injured running back Melvin Gordon III and had 102 yards rushing along with a touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter.

“The loss makes you feel empty no matter what," Broncos coach Vic Fangio said.

The Chiefs must have spent their bye working on their opening offensive script, because they effortlessly flew downfield for a touchdown. They even overcame an offensive pass-interference call before Mahomes scampered for the score.

After the Chiefs forced a second consecutive three-and-out, Harrison Butker made a 56-yard field goal.

That was just about the last anyone saw of Mahomes and Co. for a while.

The Broncos answered with a field goal of their own. Then, after forcing a quick punt, they embarked on a 20-play odyssey that carried them 83 yards and chewed up nearly 12 minutes of the second quarter — and resulted in no points.

Denver twice converted on fourth down to keep the drive alive, then went for the hat trick on fourth-and-2 at the Kansas City 8. Williams took the handoff and was stuffed by linebacker Willie Gay Jr. for a turnover on downs, the first time since 2009 that a 20-play driving lasting at least 11 minutes didn't result in points.

“Frustrating. That's all I can really say,” Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton said. “It would be nice to get points.”

That wasn't the end of the Broncos' woes. They went three-and-out on their first drive of the second half, Bridgewater was picked off by Juan Thornhill on their next, and Caden Sterns ran into returner Diontae Spencer after forcing Kansas City to punt; the Chiefs managed to hop on the muff for a fresh set of downs.

Butker hit his third field goal a few minutes later, extending the lead to 16-3 with 13 1/2 minutes to go, and Sorensen tacked on his pick-6 to put the game out of reach.

“It's tough to win in this league,” said Reid, who improved to 20-3 coming off a bye, including 7-2 since his arrival in Kansas City. “And to have that opportunity against a good football team, we'll feel good about ourselves for a minute here until we get ourselves ready for the Raiders come Tuesday.”

The Chiefs stay home to host another divisional rival, the Las Vegas Raiders, on Sunday. Kickoff is set for noon central. The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

The Chiefs beat the Raiders in Vegas earlier this season, 41-14, on November 14.

St. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY (AP) — The Chiefs' Andy Reid is an offensive-minded coach to his core, so the Kansas City defense must have done something special against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night for him to call its performance “beautiful.”Three turnovers. Three fourth-down stops. One pick-6 to seal a fifth straight win.Sounds like a fitting description.“It was just beautiful to watch,” Reid gushed after the 22-9 victory in chilly Arrowhead Stadium Sunday, which kept Kansas City in first place in the AFC West as it chases a sixth consecutive division crown.Patrick Mahomes had just 184 yards passing with a touchdown run and an interception, and his receiving corps dropped so many passes he probably thought the ball was greased. But despite the Chiefs (8-4) gaining 257 yards of total offense, they managed to keep a one-game lead on the Chargers thanks to the other side of the ball.“Mostly it's been about a commitment to each other, believing in each other, not letting outside noise dictate what we feel,” Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu said. “It's been a total team effort to stay committed to each other.”Things went haywire for the Broncos early in the game, when a 20-play drive ended with a failed fourth-down play rather than an easy field goal. And they didn't get much better when Teddy Bridgewater threw a pair of second-half interceptions, including the one that Daniel Sorensen returned 75 yards for a score with 9 1/2 minutes left to put the game away.“We moved the ball well in certain areas, certain times of the game. Guys stepped up and made plays,” Bridgewater said. “But when you give them opportunities and you don't maximize your opportunities, it's a recipe to get beat.”Bridgewater was held to 257 yards passing for the Broncos (6-6), who have lost 12 in a row to their longtime rival dating to the 2015 season. Javonte Williams started in place of injured running back Melvin Gordon III and had 102 yards rushing along with a touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter.“The loss makes you feel empty no matter what," Broncos coach Vic Fangio said.The Chiefs must have spent their bye working on their opening offensive script, because they effortlessly flew downfield for a touchdown. They even overcame an offensive pass-interference call before Mahomes scampered for the score.After the Chiefs forced a second consecutive three-and-out, Harrison Butker made a 56-yard field goal.That was just about the last anyone saw of Mahomes and Co. for a while.The Broncos answered with a field goal of their own. Then, after forcing a quick punt, they embarked on a 20-play odyssey that carried them 83 yards and chewed up nearly 12 minutes of the second quarter — and resulted in no points.Denver twice converted on fourth down to keep the drive alive, then went for the hat trick on fourth-and-2 at the Kansas City 8. Williams took the handoff and was stuffed by linebacker Willie Gay Jr. for a turnover on downs, the first time since 2009 that a 20-play driving lasting at least 11 minutes didn't result in points.“Frustrating. That's all I can really say,” Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton said. “It would be nice to get points.”That wasn't the end of the Broncos' woes. They went three-and-out on their first drive of the second half, Bridgewater was picked off by Juan Thornhill on their next, and Caden Sterns ran into returner Diontae Spencer after forcing Kansas City to punt; the Chiefs managed to hop on the muff for a fresh set of downs.Butker hit his third field goal a few minutes later, extending the lead to 16-3 with 13 1/2 minutes to go, and Sorensen tacked on his pick-6 to put the game out of reach.“It's tough to win in this league,” said Reid, who improved to 20-3 coming off a bye, including 7-2 since his arrival in Kansas City. “And to have that opportunity against a good football team, we'll feel good about ourselves for a minute here until we get ourselves ready for the Raiders come Tuesday.”The Chiefs stay home to host another divisional rival, the Las Vegas Raiders, on Sunday. Kickoff is set for noon central. The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.The Chiefs beat the Raiders in Vegas earlier this season, 41-14, on November 14.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">SUNDAY NIGHT DUBS 😄 <a href="https://t.co/tfzxCfYS7Z">pic.twitter.com/tfzxCfYS7Z</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1467709458839216131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>

Kansas City leans on defense in Denver victory Sunday, Chiefs win their fifth straight

Columbia, Mo- For the first time in program history, the East Buchanan Bulldogs football team has won the state championship.

East Buchanan faced the Marceline Tigers in the Class One State Show Me Bowl Championship, coming out on top 21-7, earning head coach Dan Ritter, in just his second year, a state championship.

"It goes back to the beginning of the season, we brought all these guys in and we talked about what we could accomplish this year," Ritter said to reporters after the game. "And they believed it and they finished the job, and I think it's redemption for a lot of people."

East Buchanan compiled 330 total yards of offense, most of those yards coming from their ground game (233), led by Sophomore Trevor Klein (28 carries for 169 yards, 2 TDs) and Senior Cru Conaway (17 carries for 68 yards, 1 TD).

East Buchanan forced a quick three and out to start the game, and then worked their way methodically down the field on a 14 play drive that went 67 yards, consuming almost seven minutes of the clock, before Trevor Klein got his first score, rushing in from five yards out.

"We ate pretty much the entire first quarter up just pounding the rock, we got a couple penalties but it didn't matter, we still got it in there," Ritter says. "And yeah, that has to be a back breaker for the other team, just having those good defensive blitzes but they couldn't quite get it done."

The Bulldogs would add one more score in the first half.  Runs of five and 15 yards from Cru Conaway would put East Buchanan at the Marceline one yard line, where they once again put it in Conaways hands for him to take it in from one yard out.  The Bulldogs led 14-0 at halftime.

Marceline would come out agressive to start the second half, attempting an onside kick which was recovered by East Buchanan, and after seven plays Klein would find the endzone again, fighting his way through defenders, from eight yards out.

Marceline was unable to get their run game going after rushing for 146 yards against Hayti, the Bulldogs were able to hold the Tigers to 67 yards, most of those coming from senior Hunter Nelson.

With the score 21-0 in the third quarter, the Tigers weren't done yet, as Nelson scored their only touchdown of the game, rushing in from one yard out, after the Tigers were led downfield by Senior quarterback Jacob Stallo and senior wide receiver Wyatt Molloy.

The Bulldogs end the season now with a 14-1 record, marking the end of the road for six seniors, including quarterback Conner Musser.

"All of us (everyone on the team) are all overwhelmed with joy, and I know everyone in our community is too," Musser says. "I figured I'd be crying right now just out of pure excitement, but we're all really happy, I'm sure my football career will probably set in here in a couple days, and realize it's all over, but in second grade we ended up winning our league championship and to go out as champions just as we came in is really something special for us."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638678824151.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan celebrates a state championship with fans at Faurot Field/Photo credit: Clint Dye | The Clinton County Leader." />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan celebrates a state championship with fans at Faurot Field/Photo credit: Clint Dye | The Clinton County Leader.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostColumbia, Mo- For the first time in program history, the East Buchanan Bulldogs football team has won the state championship.East Buchanan faced the Marceline Tigers in the Class One State Show Me Bowl Championship, coming out on top 21-7, earning head coach Dan Ritter, in just his second year, a state championship."It goes back to the beginning of the season, we brought all these guys in and we talked about what we could accomplish this year," Ritter said to reporters after the game. "And they believed it and they finished the job, and I think it's redemption for a lot of people."East Buchanan compiled 330 total yards of offense, most of those yards coming from their ground game (233), led by Sophomore Trevor Klein (28 carries for 169 yards, 2 TDs) and Senior Cru Conaway (17 carries for 68 yards, 1 TD).East Buchanan forced a quick three and out to start the game, and then worked their way methodically down the field on a 14 play drive that went 67 yards, consuming almost seven minutes of the clock, before Trevor Klein got his first score, rushing in from five yards out."We ate pretty much the entire first quarter up just pounding the rock, we got a couple penalties but it didn't matter, we still got it in there," Ritter says. "And yeah, that has to be a back breaker for the other team, just having those good defensive blitzes but they couldn't quite get it done."The Bulldogs would add one more score in the first half. Runs of five and 15 yards from Cru Conaway would put East Buchanan at the Marceline one yard line, where they once again put it in Conaways hands for him to take it in from one yard out. The Bulldogs led 14-0 at halftime.Marceline would come out agressive to start the second half, attempting an onside kick which was recovered by East Buchanan, and after seven plays Klein would find the endzone again, fighting his way through defenders, from eight yards out.Marceline was unable to get their run game going after rushing for 146 yards against Hayti, the Bulldogs were able to hold the Tigers to 67 yards, most of those coming from senior Hunter Nelson.With the score 21-0 in the third quarter, the Tigers weren't done yet, as Nelson scored their only touchdown of the game, rushing in from one yard out, after the Tigers were led downfield by Senior quarterback Jacob Stallo and senior wide receiver Wyatt Molloy.The Bulldogs end the season now with a 14-1 record, marking the end of the road for six seniors, including quarterback Conner Musser."All of us (everyone on the team) are all overwhelmed with joy, and I know everyone in our community is too," Musser says. "I figured I'd be crying right now just out of pure excitement, but we're all really happy, I'm sure my football career will probably set in here in a couple days, and realize it's all over, but in second grade we ended up winning our league championship and to go out as champions just as we came in is really something special for us."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638741342068.jpeg" alt="Senior Quarterback Conner Musser delivers a pass against Marceline in the Class One State Championship/&nbsp;Photo credit: Clint Dye | The Clinton County Leader." />
 <figcaption>Senior Quarterback Conner Musser delivers a pass against Marceline in the Class One State Championship/&nbsp;Photo credit: Clint Dye | The Clinton County Leader.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638741134564.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan players (From left to right Conner Musser, Luke Webb, Trevor Rush, Jack Archdekin) and head coach Dan Ritter at post game press conference/ Photo courtesy of Chip Holman" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan players (From left to right Conner Musser, Luke Webb, Trevor Rush, Jack Archdekin) and head coach Dan Ritter at post game press conference/ Photo courtesy of Chip Holman</figcaption>
 </figure>

East Buchanan wins state championship against Marceline

Columbia- For the first time in the history of the East Buchanan football program, the Bulldogs have brought home a state championship.

The Bulldogs took on the Marceline Tigers on Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium and took a 14-0 lead into halftime, scoring one more and only allowing one second half touchdown to down the Tigers 21-7.

East Buchanan compiled 330 total offensive yards, most of those coming from their ground game (233) which was led by Sophomore Trevor Klein (28 carries for 169 yards, 2 TDs) and Senior Cru Conaway (16 carries for 68 yards, 1 TD)

Stay tuned here for updates and a more detailed breakdown.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638678824151.jpeg" alt="Photo Credit: Clint Dye | The Clinton County Leader." />
 <figcaption>Photo Credit: Clint Dye | The Clinton County Leader.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostColumbia- For the first time in the history of the East Buchanan football program, the Bulldogs have brought home a state championship.The Bulldogs took on the Marceline Tigers on Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium and took a 14-0 lead into halftime, scoring one more and only allowing one second half touchdown to down the Tigers 21-7.East Buchanan compiled 330 total offensive yards, most of those coming from their ground game (233) which was led by Sophomore Trevor Klein (28 carries for 169 yards, 2 TDs) and Senior Cru Conaway (16 carries for 68 yards, 1 TD)Stay tuned here for updates and a more detailed breakdown.

East Buchanan takes down Marceline to bring home first state title in program history

GOWER - It's starting to sink in a little bit.

On Wednesday, the first day of December, the East Buchanan football team was still practicing, getting ready for yet another game.

This time, it's the Class 1 state football championship at Faurot Field on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, where the Bulldogs (13-1) face Marceline (12-1) on Saturday at 3 p.m.

"Every day, it seems like more and more people come up to me and ask, am I ready for the big game?" senior quarterback Conner Musser said. "I tell them every time, 'Yeah, we are.' Just the way we've been on a role these last couple of weeks, just continuing to get better at practice and leading up to that big day...we're getting really hyped around here."

Wednesday would be the next-to-last practice of the season on the game field in Gower before the team departs on Friday.

For senior linemen Caleb McCartney and Trevor Rush, and the four other seniors on the roster, it's starting to sink in - these are the last practices. The last game of their high school football career.

"I mean, it's kind of like our Super Bowl," McCartney said. "Senior year, get to go to a state championship. Can't ask for much more than that."

"It's one of the best feelings ever," Rush admitted. "I mean, it's sad to see that it's our last game ever as brothers. We're doing our final practices, we're playing our final game. But then again, it's one of the best feelings there's ever been."

East Buchanan, winner of three district championships since 2014, finds itself back in a state football title game for just the second time in history and for the first time since 2004. It's been 17 years since the Bulldogs fell, 21-0, in their lone championship game appearance against St. Vincent.

Now, after winning a state-semifinal game for just the second time in program history this past Saturday, the 2021 Bulldogs are excited for their opportunity to give their school its first football title.

"I've never been anywhere near being as successful as this team has been," second year head coach Dan Ritter said. "So, we're just living it up and we're enjoying it, but we know we have to get to work if we want to go one step further. So, we're not taking it lightly and we're making sure we put in the time."

East Buchanan faces a Marceline team that's won three consecutive district titles and has been to four total state championship games - their lone win coming in 1986. Their last trip to the Show Me Bowl was 2013.

The Bulldogs and Tigers have met before - in the 2004 state quarterfinals. East Buchanan won that meeting handily on the road, 31-7.

Fast forward to 2021, and the Bulldogs expect a whale of a fight from a team seeking its first championship in 35 years, and a team that's won 10 straight.

"I mean, they're just stacked all the way around," Ritter said of Marceline, "with good quality Class 1 football players. And, if we're going to be able to compete with that, we better bring our A-game, because we know that they're good. They've got a quarterback that can fling the ball around. They've got defenders all over the field with a lot of good speed."

Marceline beat previously unbeaten Hayti, 31-30, in their state semifinal game on Saturday. The Tigers are led by senior quarterback Jacob Stallo, who's thrown for 1,964 yards and 16 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.

Stallo is also a threat to run the ball, racking up 488 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. Senior running back Hunter Nelson has been a work horse in the backfield, rushing for 1,347 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Nelson also leads the team with 100 tackles on defense, including 13.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. While coach Ritter believes his team will match up well with the Tigers, it's Marceline's ability to win close games as of late that stands out to him.

Marceline has won their last three games by a combined eight points, including back-to-back, one-point victories in their last two contests.

"I sure know they know how to win," Ritter said. "And they definitely know how to win close games. The fact that they won the last three games by a grand total of eight points tells you that they know how to win close games. So, if we want to take care of business, we're going to have to win one of those close games on Saturday."

The last time East Buchanan football was in a state championship game, most of this current team wasn't born yet. The last time the Bulldogs made a semifinal, the players were in middle school.

Now, in 2021, after being, perhaps, written off at times with an early October loss at Mid-Buchanan and a No. 3 seeding in the Class 1 District 8 bracket, the Bulldogs have reeled off seven straight wins and have made history by simply getting back to this big stage.

While the top priority is to win, there's something else East Buchanan's team wants to make sure they do. Particularly, those six seniors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638471097728.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostGOWER - It's starting to sink in a little bit.On Wednesday, the first day of December, the East Buchanan football team was still practicing, getting ready for yet another game.This time, it's the Class 1 state football championship at Faurot Field on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, where the Bulldogs (13-1) face Marceline (12-1) on Saturday at 3 p.m."Every day, it seems like more and more people come up to me and ask, am I ready for the big game?" senior quarterback Conner Musser said. "I tell them every time, 'Yeah, we are.' Just the way we've been on a role these last couple of weeks, just continuing to get better at practice and leading up to that big day...we're getting really hyped around here."Wednesday would be the next-to-last practice of the season on the game field in Gower before the team departs on Friday.For senior linemen Caleb McCartney and Trevor Rush, and the four other seniors on the roster, it's starting to sink in - these are the last practices. The last game of their high school football career."I mean, it's kind of like our Super Bowl," McCartney said. "Senior year, get to go to a state championship. Can't ask for much more than that.""It's one of the best feelings ever," Rush admitted. "I mean, it's sad to see that it's our last game ever as brothers. We're doing our final practices, we're playing our final game. But then again, it's one of the best feelings there's ever been."East Buchanan, winner of three district championships since 2014, finds itself back in a state football title game for just the second time in history and for the first time since 2004. It's been 17 years since the Bulldogs fell, 21-0, in their lone championship game appearance against St. Vincent.Now, after winning a state-semifinal game for just the second time in program history this past Saturday, the 2021 Bulldogs are excited for their opportunity to give their school its first football title."I've never been anywhere near being as successful as this team has been," second year head coach Dan Ritter said. "So, we're just living it up and we're enjoying it, but we know we have to get to work if we want to go one step further. So, we're not taking it lightly and we're making sure we put in the time."East Buchanan faces a Marceline team that's won three consecutive district titles and has been to four total state championship games - their lone win coming in 1986. Their last trip to the Show Me Bowl was 2013.The Bulldogs and Tigers have met before - in the 2004 state quarterfinals. East Buchanan won that meeting handily on the road, 31-7.Fast forward to 2021, and the Bulldogs expect a whale of a fight from a team seeking its first championship in 35 years, and a team that's won 10 straight."I mean, they're just stacked all the way around," Ritter said of Marceline, "with good quality Class 1 football players. And, if we're going to be able to compete with that, we better bring our A-game, because we know that they're good. They've got a quarterback that can fling the ball around. They've got defenders all over the field with a lot of good speed."Marceline beat previously unbeaten Hayti, 31-30, in their state semifinal game on Saturday. The Tigers are led by senior quarterback Jacob Stallo, who's thrown for 1,964 yards and 16 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.Stallo is also a threat to run the ball, racking up 488 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. Senior running back Hunter Nelson has been a work horse in the backfield, rushing for 1,347 yards and 17 touchdowns.Nelson also leads the team with 100 tackles on defense, including 13.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. While coach Ritter believes his team will match up well with the Tigers, it's Marceline's ability to win close games as of late that stands out to him.Marceline has won their last three games by a combined eight points, including back-to-back, one-point victories in their last two contests."I sure know they know how to win," Ritter said. "And they definitely know how to win close games. The fact that they won the last three games by a grand total of eight points tells you that they know how to win close games. So, if we want to take care of business, we're going to have to win one of those close games on Saturday."The last time East Buchanan football was in a state championship game, most of this current team wasn't born yet. The last time the Bulldogs made a semifinal, the players were in middle school.Now, in 2021, after being, perhaps, written off at times with an early October loss at Mid-Buchanan and a No. 3 seeding in the Class 1 District 8 bracket, the Bulldogs have reeled off seven straight wins and have made history by simply getting back to this big stage.While the top priority is to win, there's something else East Buchanan's team wants to make sure they do. Particularly, those six seniors.Take it all in. Have fun. Remember.Andrew Mead, an all-district receiver from the 2004 state runner-up team, actually found Conner Musser after the Bulldogs' win over Thayer last week, and reminded him to do just that."After our win last week, (Mead) came up to me and he's like, 'Yeah. Soak this all in, because once it's gone it's going to be gone forever. Be the last one out here and cherish these memories, because you'll remember them for the rest of your life."<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/East-Buchanan-football-looks-to-make-history-in-Columbia-e1b6udi" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638471842289.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Sports