By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6aaZJbhCI5sJZmEB5iDDjK?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs looked much like they have all season for the first three quarters against the Indianapolis Colts.&nbsp; Their offense was stuck in a rut, penalties were piling up, and the reigning AFC champions' postseason hopes were growing ever dimmer.

But, In the fourth quarter and overtime, Patrick Mahomes and company finally resembled their old selves.&nbsp; The two-time MVP threw for a season-high 352 yards while rallying the Chiefs from an 11-point deficit, their defense forced Indianapolis to go three-and-out on its final four possessions, and Harrison Butker banged through his fifth field goal of the game from 27 yards to give Kansas City a 23-20 victory that just might have kept its playoff hopes alive.

Now, the Chiefs&nbsp; have some life heading into a short week. They visit Dallas on Thanksgiving Day.&nbsp; Meanwhile, the Colts limped home having blown a 20-9 fourth-quarter lead thanks in part to questionable play-calling and even worse execution. They went almost entirely away from running back Jonathan Taylor down the stretch, putting the game instead in the hands of Daniel Jones, and his inability to pick up even one first down in the fourth quarter and overtime proved costly.

Jones wound up with a season-low 181 yards passing and two touchdowns. He was 8 of 18 for 83 yards in the second half.&nbsp; Taylor, meanwhile, only carried 16 times for 58 yards in his first game since a record-setting performance against the Falcons, when the Colts star ran for 244 yards, piled up 286 from scrimmage and reached the end zone three times in an overtime win.

The Chiefs have struggled all season with turnovers at inopportune times, and another set the tone for the first half. Mahomes had a pass from his four yard line batted by Laiatu Latu, who brought it in himself for the defensive end's third pick of the season.&nbsp; Two players later, Jones hit Michael Pittman to give Indianapolis a 7-0 lead.

The Chiefs answered with the first of two grinding, eight-plus minute first-half drives, but each netted just a field goal, the first coming off the leg of Butker from 28 yards away. And when the Colts moved briskly downfield again, and Jones found Drew Ogletree in the back of the end zone to extend the lead.&nbsp; Butker hit field goals from 48 and 22 yards to put Kansas City down 14-9 at the halftime break.

The Colts were still clinging to a 20-9 lead after Michael Badgley hit field goals from 32 yards and 23 yards, as the game headed to the fourth quarter, where the tone would shift to the Chiefs advantage.

As he's done so many times Mahomes led another comeback. He marched the Chiefs 56 yards to set up Kareem Hunt's touchdown dive from two yards out, then Mahomes found Rashee Rice for a two point conversion to close within a field goal with 8:37 left to go in the game.&nbsp; The Chiefs defense proceeded to step up, forcing a series of three-and-outs by the prolific Indianapolis offense.

Kansas City took over after the second one with 4:43 left at its six yard line. Mahomes hit Rice for 47 yards, then he found him again on 4th-and-3 near midfield for a 19-yard gain. Hunt's dive on 3rd-and-1 to give the Chiefs first down at the Colts two yard line with a minute to go, but he was stuffed on the next play, Mahomes threw incomplete on the next, and he was sacked on third down.&nbsp; Butker knocked through his fourth field goal, a 25-yard chip-shot as time expired, to send the game to overtime.

After the Colts were again forced three and out to start the overtime period, Kansas City drove down the field, and the Chiefs would give Butker another chance, this time to win the game on a 22 yard field goal, improving the Chiefs record in one score games this season to 1-5.

Nearly everybody had a hand in it, too. Hunt ran 30 times for 104 yards and a score. Rice caught eight passes for 141 yards. And their defense held the league's #1 offense to just 255 yards, easily the Colts' worst output all season.

Up next, the Chiefs (6-5) visit the Cowboys on Thursday.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 3:30pm with pregame airing at 2 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763956779554.jpeg" alt="Harrison Butker knocked through a 27 yard field goal in overtime to give the Kansas Chiefs their first one possession victor of the season on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts/ Photo courtesy of Kansas City Chiefs on X" />
 <figcaption>Harrison Butker knocked through a 27 yard field goal in overtime to give the Kansas Chiefs their first one possession victor of the season on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts/ Photo courtesy of Kansas City Chiefs on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Chiefs looked much like they have all season for the first three quarters against the Indianapolis Colts.&nbsp; Their offense was stuck in a rut, penalties were piling up, and the reigning AFC champions' postseason hopes were growing ever dimmer.But, In the fourth quarter and overtime, Patrick Mahomes and company finally resembled their old selves.&nbsp; The two-time MVP threw for a season-high 352 yards while rallying the Chiefs from an 11-point deficit, their defense forced Indianapolis to go three-and-out on its final four possessions, and Harrison Butker banged through his fifth field goal of the game from 27 yards to give Kansas City a 23-20 victory that just might have kept its playoff hopes alive.Now, the Chiefs&nbsp; have some life heading into a short week. They visit Dallas on Thanksgiving Day.&nbsp; Meanwhile, the Colts limped home having blown a 20-9 fourth-quarter lead thanks in part to questionable play-calling and even worse execution. They went almost entirely away from running back Jonathan Taylor down the stretch, putting the game instead in the hands of Daniel Jones, and his inability to pick up even one first down in the fourth quarter and overtime proved costly.Jones wound up with a season-low 181 yards passing and two touchdowns. He was 8 of 18 for 83 yards in the second half.&nbsp; Taylor, meanwhile, only carried 16 times for 58 yards in his first game since a record-setting performance against the Falcons, when the Colts star ran for 244 yards, piled up 286 from scrimmage and reached the end zone three times in an overtime win.The Chiefs have struggled all season with turnovers at inopportune times, and another set the tone for the first half. Mahomes had a pass from his four yard line batted by Laiatu Latu, who brought it in himself for the defensive end's third pick of the season.&nbsp; Two players later, Jones hit Michael Pittman to give Indianapolis a 7-0 lead.The Chiefs answered with the first of two grinding, eight-plus minute first-half drives, but each netted just a field goal, the first coming off the leg of Butker from 28 yards away. And when the Colts moved briskly downfield again, and Jones found Drew Ogletree in the back of the end zone to extend the lead.&nbsp; Butker hit field goals from 48 and 22 yards to put Kansas City down 14-9 at the halftime break.The Colts were still clinging to a 20-9 lead after Michael Badgley hit field goals from 32 yards and 23 yards, as the game headed to the fourth quarter, where the tone would shift to the Chiefs advantage.As he's done so many times Mahomes led another comeback. He marched the Chiefs 56 yards to set up Kareem Hunt's touchdown dive from two yards out, then Mahomes found Rashee Rice for a two point conversion to close within a field goal with 8:37 left to go in the game.&nbsp; The Chiefs defense proceeded to step up, forcing a series of three-and-outs by the prolific Indianapolis offense.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AIR KAREEM‼️ <a href="https://t.co/XS0Oeoezxf">pic.twitter.com/XS0Oeoezxf</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1992694304066912511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas City took over after the second one with 4:43 left at its six yard line. Mahomes hit Rice for 47 yards, then he found him again on 4th-and-3 near midfield for a 19-yard gain. Hunt's dive on 3rd-and-1 to give the Chiefs first down at the Colts two yard line with a minute to go, but he was stuffed on the next play, Mahomes threw incomplete on the next, and he was sacked on third down.&nbsp; Butker knocked through his fourth field goal, a 25-yard chip-shot as time expired, to send the game to overtime.After the Colts were again forced three and out to start the overtime period, Kansas City drove down the field, and the Chiefs would give Butker another chance, this time to win the game on a 22 yard field goal, improving the Chiefs record in one score games this season to 1-5.Nearly everybody had a hand in it, too. Hunt ran 30 times for 104 yards and a score. Rice caught eight passes for 141 yards. And their defense held the league's #1 offense to just 255 yards, easily the Colts' worst output all season.Up next, the Chiefs (6-5) visit the Cowboys on Thursday.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 3:30pm with pregame airing at 2 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Chiefs pull out overtime win against Colts to stay alive in playoff hunt

Northwest knocked from playoffs as Harding runs all over Bearcats

The #2 Harding University Bisons ended the 2025 football season for the #14 Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats in the first round of the NCAA Div. II Playoffs with a 38-16 win.

Northwest Missouri State began the game with possession after receiving the opening kickoff. Quincy Torry started the drive with a four yard rush, but the drive stalled after two incomplete passes by Chris Ruhnke. Tommy Warner punted 36 yards, and the Bisons took over on their 35-yard line.&nbsp; 

Harding capitalized on their first possession, moving 65 yards downfield and concluding the drive with a seven yard touchdown run by Braden Jay, followed by a successful extra point. Northwest Missouri State's subsequent drive showed promise with Ruhnke gaining 20 yards on a rush to Harding's 46-yard line. However, the momentum shifted as Ruhnke's pass was intercepted by Jordan Mays, who returned it 12 yards to the Bisons' 46-yard line.

Harding extended their lead with a 25-yard field goal by Magnus Lepak after a series of runs moved them into scoring position.&nbsp;The second quarter began with the Bisons extending their lead, capitalizing on a series of rushing plays from Andrew Miller and Jay, culminating in a touchdown drive, a 10 yard run from Jay that pushed the score to 17-0. The Bearcats though quickly responded with a standout 75-yard touchdown run by Quincy Torry to narrow the gap.

The Bisons regained control with another rushing touchdown, another 10 yard run this time from Christian Franklin, to extend the lead even more,o 24-7. Northwest Missouri State mounted a late-quarter drive, with Ruhnke connecting on several key passes to advance downfield. The drive concluded with a 19-yard field goal by Alwaely as time expired in the quarter, sending the teams to the locker room with Harding leading 24-10 at the halftime break.

The third quarter began with the Bearcats kicking off to Harding, who quickly moved down the field. Benjamin Einess and Carter Edwards made key tackles, but Harding completed a scoring drive with a touchdown, Franklin again scoring a rushing touchdown this time from seven yards out, increasing their lead to 31-10.&nbsp;

&nbsp;A significant turnover for Northwest Missouri State opened the fourth quarter, as Shane Fredrickson forced a fumble from Harding's Andrew Miller, which was recovered by O'Shea Davis at the Northwest 20-yard line. This defensive play set the stage for a promising offensive drive, beginning with a 12-yard rush by Madixx Morris. Northwest continued to move the chains, highlighted by a 19-yard rush from Te'Shaun Porter, but the drive ultimately stalled following a sack.

The Bisons capitalized on the turnover on downs by executing a series of successful rushes, culminating in a 23-yard touchdown run by Miller, extending their lead to 38-10. The Bearcats responded with a burst of offensive energy, as Porter broke free for a 66-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 38-16. This was Porter's longest rush of the season. Despite the effort, the subsequent onside kick was unsuccessful, allowing Harding to maintain possession and run down the clock, securing the victory.&nbsp; Harding's 38 points were the most given up by a Bearcat team in the playoffs since Ferris State scored 41 in 2021.&nbsp; 

Porter rushed for 106 yards on five carries, including one touchdown. Torry contributed significantly with 116 rushing yards on eight attempts, adding a touchdown to his performance.&nbsp; Ruhnke was 7 of 15 through the air for 75 yards with an interception.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trevor Spady had one catch for 20 yards to be the leading receiver, while Porter added two catches for 19 yards.

Harding moved to 12-0 and Northwest finished at 9-3.

Pribula returns, but Mizzou's losing streak in Norman moves to 19 games

The Oklahoma Sooners took a critical step in their quest to reach the College Football Playoff as&nbsp;John Mateer threw two touchdown passes, and the #8 Oklahoma defeated #23 Missouri 17-6, knocking the Tigers losing streak to Oklahoma in Norman to 19 games.

The Sooners, coming off road wins over Tennessee and Alabama, claimed their third straight victory over a ranked opponent and their fifth over a team that was ranked when they played. The Sooners likely will make the playoff field with a win at home against LSU on Saturday.

Oklahoma gained just 276 total yards. It wasn't flashy, but the Sooners got what they needed,

Missouri took a 3-0 lead on a 39 yard field goal by Robert Meyer and tried to extend the advantage to six before Oklahoma's Peyton Bowen blocked Meyer's 35-yard field-goal attempt. On the second play after the Sooners gained possession, Isaiah Sategna turned a short catch from Mateer into an 87-yard touchdown that put the Sooners up 7-3.

Mateer connected with Javonnie Gibson for an eight yard score that extended the Sooners lead, and with 17 seconds remaining in the half Oliver Robbins knocked through a 21 yard field goal for the Tigers, and Oklahoma's lead was 14-6 at the halftime break.

In the third quarter, Sooners kicker Tate Sandell hit a 45 yard field goal for the final points of the game.&nbsp; With Oklahoma up 17-6 in the third quarter, Sooner defensive back Reggie Powers III was ejected for targeting on what would have been a critical third-down stop. His teammate, Jacobe Johnson, intercepted Pribula on the next play to maintain Oklahoma's momentum.

Oklahoma held the Tigers to 301 yards and shut them out in the second half.&nbsp;Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy, who led FBS with 134.6 yards rushing per game and ran for 300 yards and three touchdowns against Mississippi State last week, finished with 57 yards on 17 carries.&nbsp;Beau Pribula, who dislocated his left ankle last month against Vanderbilt and missed three games, returned on Saturday. He went 20 for 36 passing for 231 yards with two interceptions.&nbsp; Kevin Coleman Jr. caught seven passes for 115 yards for the Tigers.

Up next, Missouri (7-4, 3-4 SEC) closes out the regular season at Arkansas on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 2:30pm with pregame at 1:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Jackson's historic day spoiled as Wildcats fall to #12 Utah in road finale

Devon Dampier threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more, including a go-ahead one yard score with 56 seconds left, and #12 Utah rallied from a 12-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter for a wild 51-47 victory over Kansas State.

The game turned on an unusual play. After the Wildcats took a 47-35 lead on Joe Jackson’s third rushing touchdown of the game, Kansas State went for two, but Utah’s Tao Johnson intercepted a tipped ball and returned it to the Kansas State end zone for two points to make it 47-37.&nbsp; Dampier’s 20-yard touchdown toss to Larry Simmons got Utah within three with 2:47 left. After the Utes forced a punt, Dampier led the winning drive, setting up his go-ahead score with a 59-yard run to the one on fourth down.

Lander Barton intercepted Avery Johnson's pass with 49 seconds remaining to seal it for Utah, which kept alive its hopes for a league title and a College Football Playoff berth.

The teams went into the second quarter tied 7-7 after exchanging rushing touchdowns in the first quarter, Antonio Martin Jr rushing for a 37 yard touchdown for the Wildcats and Byrd Ficklin going in from 10 yards out for the Utes.&nbsp; Kansas State's offense exploded before halftime for 24 points, first getting a six yard rushing score from Avery Johnson to retake the lead.&nbsp;

Ficklin scored his second touchdown of the game from six yards out to tie the game up again, but Jackson soon broke up the tie with his first touchdown of the game, breaking a 66 yard touchdown run.&nbsp; The Utes continued trading blows with the Wildcats, scoring their final touchdown of the half to tie up the game one more time, Dampier rushing for an eight yard score.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas State broke the tie with a 22 yard field goal by Luis Rodriguez.&nbsp; Late in the first half, with 1:17 until the halftime break, Jackson broke another long run for a touchdown to extend the Wildcats lead, running 80 yards to the house for a score, and sending Kansas State to the halftime break with a 31-21 lead.

Out of the halftime break Utah began their rally back on the Wildcats,&nbsp; Dampier found Dallen Bentley for a 38-yard touchdown reception and Ficklin ran for his third score to put Utah up 35-31 early in the third quarter. But Johnson threw to Garrett Oakley for a two yard touchdown on fourth down and Rodriguez added a 36-yard field goal to put the Wildcats back ahead 41-35 with 8:51 to play.

Jackson rushed for a school-record 293 yards for Kansas State, topping Darren Sproles' mark of 292 yards set in 2004. The Wildcats finished with a program-record 472 yards rushing, the most by a Division I team in a loss since Army ran for 534 in a 52-49 loss to North Texas on Nov. 18, 2017.&nbsp; Johnson was 12 for 23 through the air for 102 yards with one touchdown and one interception, adding 12 rushes for 72 yards and a score.&nbsp; Jaron Tibbs had six catches for 45 yards.

Up next, Kansas State (5-6, 4-4 Big 12) hosts Colorado on Saturday in the regular season finale.&nbsp; The kickoff time is TBD

Kansas offense struggles on road as Iowa State snaps losing skid

Rocco Becht threw for 241 yards and three touchdowns, with two scores and 73 yards going to Brett Eskildsen, and Iowa State defeated Kansas 38-14 in the Jayhawks regular season road finale.

The Cyclones earned their first win against the Jayhawks since 2021 and came away with their first home victory since Sept. 27 against Arizona.

Carsen Hansen rushed for 99 of his 120 yards in the first half, including a four yard score to put Iowa State ahead 14-0 early in the second quarter.&nbsp; That score from Hansen came after Becht threw a nine yard touchdown pass to Eskildsen on the first offensive drive of the game. Kyle Konrardy added the second-longest field goal of his career from 55-yards out to extend the lead 17-0, which is where the score stood as the two teams went to the halftime break.

The Jayhawks and Cyclones combined for four straight touchdown drives in the third quarter, with Iowa State leading 31-14 entering the fourth.&nbsp; Leshon Williams opened the second half scoring for Kansas with a four yard touchdown run, but Iowa State extended their lead with Becht connecting again with Eskildsen for a 20 yard touchdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Backup quarterback Cole Ballard added to the scoring for the Jayhawks, with the only other touchdown, cutting into the Cyclones lead for the moment with a 21 yard touchdown pass to Boden Groen.&nbsp; Iowa State's final score of the quarter was Becht's third touchdown pass, connecting with Benjamin Brahmer on a 12 yard touchdown pass to send the game to the final quarter.

Aiden Flora capped the scoring with 1:07 left in the fourth with his first rushing touchdown of the season for the Cyclones, running the ball in from 38 yards out.

Jalon Daniels was 13-of-23 passing for 154 yards and an interception for Kansas.&nbsp; Groen had five catches for 76 yards.&nbsp; Daniel Hishaw Jr had eight runs for 50 yards, while Williams added four rushes for 42 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; Ballard in relief of Daniels was 3 for 6 for 37 yards and the touchdown.&nbsp;

Kansas (5-6, 3-5 Big 12) returns home for a game against Utah on Saturday to wrap up the regular season.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 11am and the game will air on ESPN.

Nebraska falters as Huskers pounded by Nittany Lions in road finale

 Kaytron Allen ran for 160 yards and two touchdowns, and Penn State’s defense played its best game of the season to keep the Nittany Lions’ bowl hopes alive with a 37-10 win over Nebraska.&nbsp; Allen, who racked up 181 yards rushing in last week’s win against Michigan State, became Penn State’s career rushing leader with 3,954 yards, passing Evan Royster’s 3,932 set in 2010.

The senior back plowed through and zipped around the Huskers all night. Allen passed Saquon Barkley on the school’s career rushing list in the first half before eclipsing Royster with a three yard run in the fourth quarter.&nbsp; By then the Nittany Lions&nbsp; had put the game out of reach, scoring on five-straight possessions while their defense stymied the Cornhuskers.

Allen ripped off a 50-yard run around Nebraska’s left flank on the Nittany Lion’s opening drive to help setup a short touchdown toss from Ethan Grunkemeyer to tight end Andrew Rappleyea.&nbsp; Ryan Barker booted a 26-yard field goal, then Nicholas Singleton capped Penn State’s next two drives with four and 10-yard rushing touchdowns to make it 23-3 at the&nbsp; halftime break, the Huskers getting just a 31 yard field goal from Kyle Cunanan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska mustered just 140 yards in the first half, turned the ball over on downs twice and punted twice more. Penn State forced three more turnovers on downs in the second half.

Allen added a three yard touchdown run to open the second half scoring.&nbsp; The Cornhuskers didn’t find the end zone until quarterback TJ Lateef scrambled 11 yards through a broken play to cut Penn State’s lead to 30-10 with 0:55 left in the third.&nbsp; Allen then scored a 13-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth, which prompted bundled-up Penn State fans to chant “Terry, Terry, Terry!” as Smith, who played for Joe Paterno. wiped tears from his eyes on the sideline.&nbsp; As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Penn State players pulled out signs that read “Hire Terry Smith”.

Emmett Johnson had 19 carries for 103 yards and eight catches for 48 for yards for the Cornhuskers , who have lost three of their last five.&nbsp; Lateef was 21 of 37 through the air for 187 yards and added 15 rushing yards on 10 carries with a score.&nbsp; Jacory Barney Jr led the receivers with five catches for 55 yards.

Up next, Nebraska (7-4, 4-4 Big Ten) hosts Iowa on Friday in the regular season finale.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 11am and the game will air on CBS.

By MATT PIKENorthwest knocked from playoffs as Harding runs all over Bearcats<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763873102075.jpeg" alt="Shane Fredrickson (32) makes a tackle against Harding.&nbsp; Northwest fell to Harding 38-16, ending their playoff run in the first round/ Photo courtesy of Aaron Hare-Northwest Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Shane Fredrickson (32) makes a tackle against Harding.&nbsp; Northwest fell to Harding 38-16, ending their playoff run in the first round/ Photo courtesy of Aaron Hare-Northwest Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The #2 Harding University Bisons ended the 2025 football season for the #14 Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats in the first round of the NCAA Div. II Playoffs with a 38-16 win.Northwest Missouri State began the game with possession after receiving the opening kickoff. Quincy Torry started the drive with a four yard rush, but the drive stalled after two incomplete passes by Chris Ruhnke. Tommy Warner punted 36 yards, and the Bisons took over on their 35-yard line.&nbsp; Harding capitalized on their first possession, moving 65 yards downfield and concluding the drive with a seven yard touchdown run by Braden Jay, followed by a successful extra point. Northwest Missouri State's subsequent drive showed promise with Ruhnke gaining 20 yards on a rush to Harding's 46-yard line. However, the momentum shifted as Ruhnke's pass was intercepted by Jordan Mays, who returned it 12 yards to the Bisons' 46-yard line.Harding extended their lead with a 25-yard field goal by Magnus Lepak after a series of runs moved them into scoring position.&nbsp;The second quarter began with the Bisons extending their lead, capitalizing on a series of rushing plays from Andrew Miller and Jay, culminating in a touchdown drive, a 10 yard run from Jay that pushed the score to 17-0. The Bearcats though quickly responded with a standout 75-yard touchdown run by Quincy Torry to narrow the gap.The Bisons regained control with another rushing touchdown, another 10 yard run this time from Christian Franklin, to extend the lead even more,o 24-7. Northwest Missouri State mounted a late-quarter drive, with Ruhnke connecting on several key passes to advance downfield. The drive concluded with a 19-yard field goal by Alwaely as time expired in the quarter, sending the teams to the locker room with Harding leading 24-10 at the halftime break.The third quarter began with the Bearcats kicking off to Harding, who quickly moved down the field. Benjamin Einess and Carter Edwards made key tackles, but Harding completed a scoring drive with a touchdown, Franklin again scoring a rushing touchdown this time from seven yards out, increasing their lead to 31-10.&nbsp;&nbsp;A significant turnover for Northwest Missouri State opened the fourth quarter, as Shane Fredrickson forced a fumble from Harding's Andrew Miller, which was recovered by O'Shea Davis at the Northwest 20-yard line. This defensive play set the stage for a promising offensive drive, beginning with a 12-yard rush by Madixx Morris. Northwest continued to move the chains, highlighted by a 19-yard rush from Te'Shaun Porter, but the drive ultimately stalled following a sack.The Bisons capitalized on the turnover on downs by executing a series of successful rushes, culminating in a 23-yard touchdown run by Miller, extending their lead to 38-10. The Bearcats responded with a burst of offensive energy, as Porter broke free for a 66-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 38-16. This was Porter's longest rush of the season. Despite the effort, the subsequent onside kick was unsuccessful, allowing Harding to maintain possession and run down the clock, securing the victory.&nbsp; Harding's 38 points were the most given up by a Bearcat team in the playoffs since Ferris State scored 41 in 2021.&nbsp; Porter rushed for 106 yards on five carries, including one touchdown. Torry contributed significantly with 116 rushing yards on eight attempts, adding a touchdown to his performance.&nbsp; Ruhnke was 7 of 15 through the air for 75 yards with an interception.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trevor Spady had one catch for 20 yards to be the leading receiver, while Porter added two catches for 19 yards.Harding moved to 12-0 and Northwest finished at 9-3.Pribula returns, but Mizzou's losing streak in Norman moves to 19 games<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763877857580.jpeg" alt="The Missouri Tigers offense looked stagnant against Oklahoma, as the Tigers losing streak in Norman moved to 19 games falling 17-6/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Football on X" />
 <figcaption>The Missouri Tigers offense looked stagnant against Oklahoma, as the Tigers losing streak in Norman moved to 19 games falling 17-6/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Football on X</figcaption>
 </figure>The Oklahoma Sooners took a critical step in their quest to reach the College Football Playoff as&nbsp;John Mateer threw two touchdown passes, and the #8 Oklahoma defeated #23 Missouri 17-6, knocking the Tigers losing streak to Oklahoma in Norman to 19 games.The Sooners, coming off road wins over Tennessee and Alabama, claimed their third straight victory over a ranked opponent and their fifth over a team that was ranked when they played. The Sooners likely will make the playoff field with a win at home against LSU on Saturday.Oklahoma gained just 276 total yards. It wasn't flashy, but the Sooners got what they needed,Missouri took a 3-0 lead on a 39 yard field goal by Robert Meyer and tried to extend the advantage to six before Oklahoma's Peyton Bowen blocked Meyer's 35-yard field-goal attempt. On the second play after the Sooners gained possession, Isaiah Sategna turned a short catch from Mateer into an 87-yard touchdown that put the Sooners up 7-3.Mateer connected with Javonnie Gibson for an eight yard score that extended the Sooners lead, and with 17 seconds remaining in the half Oliver Robbins knocked through a 21 yard field goal for the Tigers, and Oklahoma's lead was 14-6 at the halftime break.In the third quarter, Sooners kicker Tate Sandell hit a 45 yard field goal for the final points of the game.&nbsp; With Oklahoma up 17-6 in the third quarter, Sooner defensive back Reggie Powers III was ejected for targeting on what would have been a critical third-down stop. His teammate, Jacobe Johnson, intercepted Pribula on the next play to maintain Oklahoma's momentum.Oklahoma held the Tigers to 301 yards and shut them out in the second half.&nbsp;Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy, who led FBS with 134.6 yards rushing per game and ran for 300 yards and three touchdowns against Mississippi State last week, finished with 57 yards on 17 carries.&nbsp;Beau Pribula, who dislocated his left ankle last month against Vanderbilt and missed three games, returned on Saturday. He went 20 for 36 passing for 231 yards with two interceptions.&nbsp; Kevin Coleman Jr. caught seven passes for 115 yards for the Tigers.Up next, Missouri (7-4, 3-4 SEC) closes out the regular season at Arkansas on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 2:30pm with pregame at 1:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).Jackson's historic day spoiled as Wildcats fall to #12 Utah in road finale<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763880435040.jpeg" alt="Joe Jackson rushed 24 times for 293 yards and three touchdowns, but Kansas State fell to #12 Utah 51-47 on Saturday/ Photo courtesy of K State Football on X" />
 <figcaption>Joe Jackson rushed 24 times for 293 yards and three touchdowns, but Kansas State fell to #12 Utah 51-47 on Saturday/ Photo courtesy of K State Football on X</figcaption>
 </figure>Devon Dampier threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more, including a go-ahead one yard score with 56 seconds left, and #12 Utah rallied from a 12-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter for a wild 51-47 victory over Kansas State.The game turned on an unusual play. After the Wildcats took a 47-35 lead on Joe Jackson’s third rushing touchdown of the game, Kansas State went for two, but Utah’s Tao Johnson intercepted a tipped ball and returned it to the Kansas State end zone for two points to make it 47-37.&nbsp; Dampier’s 20-yard touchdown toss to Larry Simmons got Utah within three with 2:47 left. After the Utes forced a punt, Dampier led the winning drive, setting up his go-ahead score with a 59-yard run to the one on fourth down.Lander Barton intercepted Avery Johnson's pass with 49 seconds remaining to seal it for Utah, which kept alive its hopes for a league title and a College Football Playoff berth.The teams went into the second quarter tied 7-7 after exchanging rushing touchdowns in the first quarter, Antonio Martin Jr rushing for a 37 yard touchdown for the Wildcats and Byrd Ficklin going in from 10 yards out for the Utes.&nbsp; Kansas State's offense exploded before halftime for 24 points, first getting a six yard rushing score from Avery Johnson to retake the lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">What Coach said ⬇️<a href="https://twitter.com/avery2johnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@avery2johnson</a> converts for 6! <a href="https://t.co/UIh2Wpuh6k">pic.twitter.com/UIh2Wpuh6k</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1992352841550442693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ficklin scored his second touchdown of the game from six yards out to tie the game up again, but Jackson soon broke up the tie with his first touchdown of the game, breaking a 66 yard touchdown run.&nbsp; The Utes continued trading blows with the Wildcats, scoring their final touchdown of the half to tie up the game one more time, Dampier rushing for an eight yard score.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas State broke the tie with a 22 yard field goal by Luis Rodriguez.&nbsp; Late in the first half, with 1:17 until the halftime break, Jackson broke another long run for a touchdown to extend the Wildcats lead, running 80 yards to the house for a score, and sending Kansas State to the halftime break with a 31-21 lead.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A career-day for <a href="https://twitter.com/Joeboy_3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Joeboy_3</a> 🎉 80-yard rush for his second TD of the afternoon <a href="https://t.co/SNgSbAxh4I">pic.twitter.com/SNgSbAxh4I</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1992366206448435349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Out of the halftime break Utah began their rally back on the Wildcats,&nbsp; Dampier found Dallen Bentley for a 38-yard touchdown reception and Ficklin ran for his third score to put Utah up 35-31 early in the third quarter. But Johnson threw to Garrett Oakley for a two yard touchdown on fourth down and Rodriguez added a 36-yard field goal to put the Wildcats back ahead 41-35 with 8:51 to play.<div></div>Jackson rushed for a school-record 293 yards for Kansas State, topping Darren Sproles' mark of 292 yards set in 2004. The Wildcats finished with a program-record 472 yards rushing, the most by a Division I team in a loss since Army ran for 534 in a 52-49 loss to North Texas on Nov. 18, 2017.&nbsp; Johnson was 12 for 23 through the air for 102 yards with one touchdown and one interception, adding 12 rushes for 72 yards and a score.&nbsp; Jaron Tibbs had six catches for 45 yards.Up next, Kansas State (5-6, 4-4 Big 12) hosts Colorado on Saturday in the regular season finale.&nbsp; The kickoff time is TBDKansas offense struggles on road as Iowa State snaps losing skid<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763884795125.jpeg" alt="Boden Groen had five catches for 76 yards and a score as Kansas fell to Iowa State 38-14 on the road Saturday/ Photo courtesy of KU Football on X" />
 <figcaption>Boden Groen had five catches for 76 yards and a score as Kansas fell to Iowa State 38-14 on the road Saturday/ Photo courtesy of KU Football on X</figcaption>
 </figure>Rocco Becht threw for 241 yards and three touchdowns, with two scores and 73 yards going to Brett Eskildsen, and Iowa State defeated Kansas 38-14 in the Jayhawks regular season road finale.The Cyclones earned their first win against the Jayhawks since 2021 and came away with their first home victory since Sept. 27 against Arizona.Carsen Hansen rushed for 99 of his 120 yards in the first half, including a four yard score to put Iowa State ahead 14-0 early in the second quarter.&nbsp; That score from Hansen came after Becht threw a nine yard touchdown pass to Eskildsen on the first offensive drive of the game. Kyle Konrardy added the second-longest field goal of his career from 55-yards out to extend the lead 17-0, which is where the score stood as the two teams went to the halftime break.The Jayhawks and Cyclones combined for four straight touchdown drives in the third quarter, with Iowa State leading 31-14 entering the fourth.&nbsp; Leshon Williams opened the second half scoring for Kansas with a four yard touchdown run, but Iowa State extended their lead with Becht connecting again with Eskildsen for a 20 yard touchdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;Backup quarterback Cole Ballard added to the scoring for the Jayhawks, with the only other touchdown, cutting into the Cyclones lead for the moment with a 21 yard touchdown pass to Boden Groen.&nbsp; Iowa State's final score of the quarter was Becht's third touchdown pass, connecting with Benjamin Brahmer on a 12 yard touchdown pass to send the game to the final quarter.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🤌 <a href="https://t.co/VA7t4VgnEs">https://t.co/VA7t4VgnEs</a> <a href="https://t.co/SPdiLri1G3">pic.twitter.com/SPdiLri1G3</a>&mdash; Kansas Football (@KU_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/KU_Football/status/1992310196002263223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Aiden Flora capped the scoring with 1:07 left in the fourth with his first rushing touchdown of the season for the Cyclones, running the ball in from 38 yards out.Jalon Daniels was 13-of-23 passing for 154 yards and an interception for Kansas.&nbsp; Groen had five catches for 76 yards.&nbsp; Daniel Hishaw Jr had eight runs for 50 yards, while Williams added four rushes for 42 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; Ballard in relief of Daniels was 3 for 6 for 37 yards and the touchdown.&nbsp;Kansas (5-6, 3-5 Big 12) returns home for a game against Utah on Saturday to wrap up the regular season.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 11am and the game will air on ESPN.Nebraska falters as Huskers pounded by Nittany Lions in road finale<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763887789749.jpeg" alt="TJ Lateef runs away from Amare Campbell.&nbsp; Nebraska's offense struggled to get much going against the Nittany Lions as the Cornhuskers fell 37-10 on Saturday/ Photo courtesy of Nebraska Athletics" />
 <figcaption>TJ Lateef runs away from Amare Campbell.&nbsp; Nebraska's offense struggled to get much going against the Nittany Lions as the Cornhuskers fell 37-10 on Saturday/ Photo courtesy of Nebraska Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure> Kaytron Allen ran for 160 yards and two touchdowns, and Penn State’s defense played its best game of the season to keep the Nittany Lions’ bowl hopes alive with a 37-10 win over Nebraska.&nbsp; Allen, who racked up 181 yards rushing in last week’s win against Michigan State, became Penn State’s career rushing leader with 3,954 yards, passing Evan Royster’s 3,932 set in 2010.The senior back plowed through and zipped around the Huskers all night. Allen passed Saquon Barkley on the school’s career rushing list in the first half before eclipsing Royster with a three yard run in the fourth quarter.&nbsp; By then the Nittany Lions&nbsp; had put the game out of reach, scoring on five-straight possessions while their defense stymied the Cornhuskers.Allen ripped off a 50-yard run around Nebraska’s left flank on the Nittany Lion’s opening drive to help setup a short touchdown toss from Ethan Grunkemeyer to tight end Andrew Rappleyea.&nbsp; Ryan Barker booted a 26-yard field goal, then Nicholas Singleton capped Penn State’s next two drives with four and 10-yard rushing touchdowns to make it 23-3 at the&nbsp; halftime break, the Huskers getting just a 31 yard field goal from Kyle Cunanan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska mustered just 140 yards in the first half, turned the ball over on downs twice and punted twice more. Penn State forced three more turnovers on downs in the second half.Allen added a three yard touchdown run to open the second half scoring.&nbsp; The Cornhuskers didn’t find the end zone until quarterback TJ Lateef scrambled 11 yards through a broken play to cut Penn State’s lead to 30-10 with 0:55 left in the third.&nbsp; Allen then scored a 13-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth, which prompted bundled-up Penn State fans to chant “Terry, Terry, Terry!” as Smith, who played for Joe Paterno. wiped tears from his eyes on the sideline.&nbsp; As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Penn State players pulled out signs that read “Hire Terry Smith”.Emmett Johnson had 19 carries for 103 yards and eight catches for 48 for yards for the Cornhuskers , who have lost three of their last five.&nbsp; Lateef was 21 of 37 through the air for 187 yards and added 15 rushing yards on 10 carries with a score.&nbsp; Jacory Barney Jr led the receivers with five catches for 55 yards.Up next, Nebraska (7-4, 4-4 Big Ten) hosts Iowa on Friday in the regular season finale.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 11am and the game will air on CBS.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

CFB: Bearcats fall in playoffs, Mizzou offense cold, K State falls on RBs career day

The postseason continued in Missouri as area teams rolled into the MSHSAA State quarterfinals, every team in the area playing on Saturday in the round.&nbsp; Below are the scores from the teams playing, with some advancing for the first time in some time through the playoffs.&nbsp;

St. Michael the Archangel 37&nbsp; Maryville 34

Rock Port 70&nbsp; St. Joseph Christian 12

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763847275796.jpeg" alt="Rock Port running back Brock Holmes.&nbsp; The Blue Jays beat St. Joseph Christian 70-12 in the 8-man state quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 2012/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Rock Port running back Brock Holmes.&nbsp; The Blue Jays beat St. Joseph Christian 70-12 in the 8-man state quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 2012/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe postseason continued in Missouri as area teams rolled into the MSHSAA State quarterfinals, every team in the area playing on Saturday in the round.&nbsp; Below are the scores from the teams playing, with some advancing for the first time in some time through the playoffs.&nbsp;11-man Football<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758941974575.jpeg" alt="West Platte's Brady McMillan (26) breaks around a block for a big run against Plattsburg.&nbsp; The Blue Jays beat Adrian to advance to the MSHSAA Class 1 semifinals/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>West Platte's Brady McMillan (26) breaks around a block for a big run against Plattsburg.&nbsp; The Blue Jays beat Adrian to advance to the MSHSAA Class 1 semifinals/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 1West Platte 34&nbsp; Adrian 7<ol>
 <li>First time since 2005 the Blue Jays have advanced to semifinals</li><li>Win over defending state champions</li><li>State semifinals: West Platte @ Tipton- Sat. Nov. 29th @ 1pm</li>
 </ol>Class 2Monroe City 58&nbsp; Mid-Buchanan 21Class 3St. Michael the Archangel 37&nbsp; Maryville 348-Man Football<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760756382567.jpeg" alt="Nodaway Valley's Cooper Snodderly (7) attempts to stiff arm Rock Ports Camden McEnaney (28).&nbsp; Rock Port beat St. Joseph Christian to advance to the MSHSAA 8-man semifinals/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Nodaway Valley's Cooper Snodderly (7) attempts to stiff arm Rock Ports Camden McEnaney (28).&nbsp; Rock Port beat St. Joseph Christian to advance to the MSHSAA 8-man semifinals/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Worth County 36&nbsp; North Shelby 34<ol>
 <li>State Semifinals: Worth County @ Archie- Sat. Nov. 29th @ 2pm</li>
 </ol>Rock Port 70&nbsp; St. Joseph Christian 12<ol>
 <li>First trip to the state semifinals for Blue Jays since 2012</li><li>State Semifinals: Rock Port vs Concordia- Saturday Nov. 29 @ 1pm</li>
 </ol>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

High School Football scoreboard state quarterfinals Nov. 22nd

One day after adding to their bullpen, signing reliever Alex Lange, the Kansas City Royals shored up their infield, agreeing to terms with second baseman Jonathan India to avoid arbitration.&nbsp;

India had been considered a candidate to be non-tendered following a first season in Kansas City in which he posted a .233/.323/.346 line. He was acquired in November in a trade that sent Brady Singer to the Reds.&nbsp; The Royals though signed India to a one year deal, a source telling MLB.com the deal is worth $8 million. He made just over $7 million in 2025.

Kansas City did also reach an agreement with relief pitcher James McArthur to avoid arbitration as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Friday is Major League Baseball’s tender deadline. Clubs must decide to offer a 2026 contract to their arbitration-eligible players or otherwise non-tender them, making them free agents.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744508377264.jpeg" alt="File Photo" />
 <figcaption>File Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEOne day after adding to their bullpen, signing reliever Alex Lange, the Kansas City Royals shored up their infield, agreeing to terms with second baseman Jonathan India to avoid arbitration.&nbsp;India had been considered a candidate to be non-tendered following a first season in Kansas City in which he posted a .233/.323/.346 line. He was acquired in November in a trade that sent Brady Singer to the Reds.&nbsp; The Royals though signed India to a one year deal, a source telling MLB.com the deal is worth $8 million. He made just over $7 million in 2025.Kansas City did also reach an agreement with relief pitcher James McArthur to avoid arbitration as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Friday is Major League Baseball’s tender deadline. Clubs must decide to offer a 2026 contract to their arbitration-eligible players or otherwise non-tender them, making them free agents.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Royals resign India to one year deal avoiding arbitration

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5aGpupgi77w874KNPBaeqJ?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

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The Kansas City Royals added to their bullpen depth, signing a reliever to help bolster the back end of the bullpen who has ties to the Kansas City area.

The Royals signed former Detroit Tigers closing pitcher Alex Lange to a one year deal on Thursday to a deal worth&nbsp; $900,000 in 2026 with $100,000 in performance bonuses, a source told MLB.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lange will still be arbitration-eligible after the 2026 season and is under club control through 2028.&nbsp;

On the injured list for most of the 2025 season because of right lat surgery, Lange made just one appearance for the Tigers before he was optioned to Triple-A Toledo in August. In 24 Triple-A appearances, Lange posted a 4.63 ERA.&nbsp; He was designated for assignment by the Tigers on November 12th.

Lange though is not that far removed from being a key piece of Detroit's bullpen. He notched 26 saves for the Tigers in 2023, with 32 save opportunities, and posted a 3.68 ERA across 66 innings that year, which included a 27.4% strikeout rate. Between 2022-23, he appeared in 138 games and posted a 3.55 ERA.&nbsp;&nbsp;His strikeout rate plummeted in 2024, though, and he was optioned to Triple-A before the significant lat injury ended his season.

Lange went to Lee’s Summit West High School in Lee’s Summit, Mo., just outside of Kansas City. He went to Louisiana State University and was a first-round pick by the Cubs in the 2017 Draft.&nbsp; If Lange is healthy again and his stuff still plays like it did in ‘23, the Royals are getting a bounce-back candidate who could add depth to their bullpen.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763697068911.jpeg" alt="The Kansas City Royals signed Kansas City native and former Detroit Tigers closer Alex Lange to a one year deal on Thursday to bolster their bullpen/ Photo courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors on X" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas City Royals signed Kansas City native and former Detroit Tigers closer Alex Lange to a one year deal on Thursday to bolster their bullpen/ Photo courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Royals added to their bullpen depth, signing a reliever to help bolster the back end of the bullpen who has ties to the Kansas City area.The Royals signed former Detroit Tigers closing pitcher Alex Lange to a one year deal on Thursday to a deal worth&nbsp; $900,000 in 2026 with $100,000 in performance bonuses, a source told MLB.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lange will still be arbitration-eligible after the 2026 season and is under club control through 2028.&nbsp;On the injured list for most of the 2025 season because of right lat surgery, Lange made just one appearance for the Tigers before he was optioned to Triple-A Toledo in August. In 24 Triple-A appearances, Lange posted a 4.63 ERA.&nbsp; He was designated for assignment by the Tigers on November 12th.Lange though is not that far removed from being a key piece of Detroit's bullpen. He notched 26 saves for the Tigers in 2023, with 32 save opportunities, and posted a 3.68 ERA across 66 innings that year, which included a 27.4% strikeout rate. Between 2022-23, he appeared in 138 games and posted a 3.55 ERA.&nbsp;&nbsp;His strikeout rate plummeted in 2024, though, and he was optioned to Triple-A before the significant lat injury ended his season.Lange went to Lee’s Summit West High School in Lee’s Summit, Mo., just outside of Kansas City. He went to Louisiana State University and was a first-round pick by the Cubs in the 2017 Draft.&nbsp; If Lange is healthy again and his stuff still plays like it did in ‘23, the Royals are getting a bounce-back candidate who could add depth to their bullpen.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Royals add bullpen help signing KC native, former Detroit closer Alex Lange

The Missouri Volleyball Coaches Association has announced the 2025 All State selections for Class 1 through Class 5 as the high school volleyball season has concluded.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Among those honored in Class 1 were Mound City junior Maggie Osburn and Rock Port sophomore Braylyn Wood.&nbsp; Mound City fell to Rock Port in the Class 1 District 16 championship game, before the Blue Jays fell to Northland Christian in the Class 1 sectional round.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Osburn finished the season for Mound City with 354 kills, 66 serving aces, and a hitting percentage of .242.&nbsp; For Rock Port, Wood recorded 77 serving aces with 293 kills and had 362 digs, also recording 77 assists for the season.

In Class 2, two East Buchanan Bulldogs represented the area, along with one from Lawson and another from Mid-Buchanan.&nbsp; East Buchanan senior Brooklynn Johnson and junior Kendyl Edwards were selected.&nbsp; Johnson and Edwards helped lead the Bulldogs to a fourth place finish in the Class 2 State tournament.&nbsp; Johnson finished the season with 376 kills and a .244 hitting percentage.&nbsp; Johnson also recorded 52 total blocks in her final year.&nbsp; Edwards put up a whopping 733 assists, ranked #2 in Class 2 District 16, and had 221 digs.&nbsp; She also had 16 service aces.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Lawson senior Kayla Phipps and Mid-Buchanan sophomore Tatum Moss were chosen as well.&nbsp;For Lawson, Phipps and the Cardinals fell to East Buchanan in the Class 2 sectionals in four sets.&nbsp; Phipps had 463 digs in the season and 56 serving aces.&nbsp; In Faucett, at Mid-Buchanan, Moss and the Dragons fell to the Bulldogs as well in the Class 2 District 16 championship.&nbsp; Moss had 350 kills and a .275 hitting percentage.&nbsp; She recorded 33 service aces and had 338 digs to go with 37 blocks.

In Class 3, Bishop LeBlond seniors Katie Sego and Rilyn Conard were selected All State.&nbsp; Moving up to Class 3 this year, the Golden Eagles fell in the Class 3 District 16 semifinals to Chillicothe.&nbsp; Conard had 276 kills and 331 digs in her final year at LeBlond.&nbsp; She also recorded 55 serving aces and 17 total blocks.&nbsp; Sego had 53 service aces and 51 total blocks.&nbsp; She recorded 140 kills and 66 digs with 14 assists.

Chillicothe senior Lyla Beetsma was also named All State in Class 3.&nbsp; The Hornets fell to Savannah in the Class 3 District 16 finals after beating Bishop LeBlond.&nbsp; Beetsma put together an outstanding 2025 with 538 kills which ranked #9 in the state and had a .349 hitting percentage.&nbsp; She also had 26 service aces and 35 total blocks, to go with 464 digs and 34 assists.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762047758043.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan's Brooklynn Johnson (25) spikes the ball through the block of Lafayette County's Lillian Joyner (14).&nbsp; Johnson was one of&nbsp; the area All State players voted on by the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan's Brooklynn Johnson (25) spikes the ball through the block of Lafayette County's Lillian Joyner (14).&nbsp; Johnson was one of&nbsp; the area All State players voted on by the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe Missouri Volleyball Coaches Association has announced the 2025 All State selections for Class 1 through Class 5 as the high school volleyball season has concluded.&nbsp;&nbsp;Among those honored in Class 1 were Mound City junior Maggie Osburn and Rock Port sophomore Braylyn Wood.&nbsp; Mound City fell to Rock Port in the Class 1 District 16 championship game, before the Blue Jays fell to Northland Christian in the Class 1 sectional round.&nbsp;&nbsp;Osburn finished the season for Mound City with 354 kills, 66 serving aces, and a hitting percentage of .242.&nbsp; For Rock Port, Wood recorded 77 serving aces with 293 kills and had 362 digs, also recording 77 assists for the season.In Class 2, two East Buchanan Bulldogs represented the area, along with one from Lawson and another from Mid-Buchanan.&nbsp; East Buchanan senior Brooklynn Johnson and junior Kendyl Edwards were selected.&nbsp; Johnson and Edwards helped lead the Bulldogs to a fourth place finish in the Class 2 State tournament.&nbsp; Johnson finished the season with 376 kills and a .244 hitting percentage.&nbsp; Johnson also recorded 52 total blocks in her final year.&nbsp; Edwards put up a whopping 733 assists, ranked #2 in Class 2 District 16, and had 221 digs.&nbsp; She also had 16 service aces.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lawson senior Kayla Phipps and Mid-Buchanan sophomore Tatum Moss were chosen as well.&nbsp;For Lawson, Phipps and the Cardinals fell to East Buchanan in the Class 2 sectionals in four sets.&nbsp; Phipps had 463 digs in the season and 56 serving aces.&nbsp; In Faucett, at Mid-Buchanan, Moss and the Dragons fell to the Bulldogs as well in the Class 2 District 16 championship.&nbsp; Moss had 350 kills and a .275 hitting percentage.&nbsp; She recorded 33 service aces and had 338 digs to go with 37 blocks.In Class 3, Bishop LeBlond seniors Katie Sego and Rilyn Conard were selected All State.&nbsp; Moving up to Class 3 this year, the Golden Eagles fell in the Class 3 District 16 semifinals to Chillicothe.&nbsp; Conard had 276 kills and 331 digs in her final year at LeBlond.&nbsp; She also recorded 55 serving aces and 17 total blocks.&nbsp; Sego had 53 service aces and 51 total blocks.&nbsp; She recorded 140 kills and 66 digs with 14 assists.Chillicothe senior Lyla Beetsma was also named All State in Class 3.&nbsp; The Hornets fell to Savannah in the Class 3 District 16 finals after beating Bishop LeBlond.&nbsp; Beetsma put together an outstanding 2025 with 538 kills which ranked #9 in the state and had a .349 hitting percentage.&nbsp; She also had 26 service aces and 35 total blocks, to go with 464 digs and 34 assists.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

 Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association names 2025 All State selections

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5VDsB2oEwx6IISTLabLjaF?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0ZoKhEttxB18c9OuUXt1I1?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6b2NsspRK93Wk1qS3BSJjN?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

After winning the first MIAA tournament title in program history, the Missouri Western Women's soccer team has their sights on an NCAA championship.   

Earning an automatic berth into the NCAA tournament, the Griffons knew they would be in the tournament; it was just a matter of waiting to find out their opponent.   

After Monday's NCAA selection show, MoWest now knows they have a date with MIAA conference mate Washburn on Friday in Mankato, Minnesota.   

Head Coach Jacob Plocher says he's proud of the hard work his team put in, especially through such a testing season 

"With all the ties and kind of how close things were, so for us to be able to kind of get hot there at the right time and come away with the conference tournament championship is exciting,” Plocher tells reporters.  “So hopefully we can kind of utilize and use that momentum come this weekend.” 

Plocher says coming off a conference tournament that felt win or go home, having that mentality going into this tournament will help 

"The mindset, the mentality, is we’ve been on a one game season now for the last three games,” Plocher explains.  “So, just being able to continue that approach and stay focused and have the discipline to to execute how we need to execute, hopefully we’ll be in a good spot.” 

The Griffons came to a nil-nil draw in their home finale against the Ichabods just two weeks ago in their only matchup this season.   

Senior defender Brookelyn Buttolph says she's excited to actually be able to face Washburn this time around 

"I didn’t get to be able to play in that game, so now it’s kind of my motivation to go and play the best that we can,” Buttolph says. 

Buttolph missed the match due to a red card she was given against Emporia State. 

Fellow senior defender Annie McDevitt shares in the excitement with the team being back to full strength, using a very shuffled lineup against Washburn previously 

"I played center back for the first time ever in my whole soccer career,” McDevitt laughs about the shuffled around lineup against Washburn two weeks ago.  “So now that we got Brooke back, I’m back at my regular position, we’ve got Kendall (Knisley) back in the attack, I’m really excited and they’re not ready for us.” 

MoWest and Washburn kick off on Friday at 10am in Mankato, Minnesota.  The winner will play either top seed Minnesota State or eighth seed Harding on Sunday. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763441603042.jpeg" alt="The Missouri Western State University women's soccer team held a watch party on Monday to learn their fate in the NCAA DII Women's Soccer tournament.&nbsp; MoWest will face Washburn on Friday in the first round in Mankato, Minnesota/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The Missouri Western State University women's soccer team held a watch party on Monday to learn their fate in the NCAA DII Women's Soccer tournament.&nbsp; MoWest will face Washburn on Friday in the first round in Mankato, Minnesota/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAfter winning the first MIAA tournament title in program history, the Missouri Western Women's soccer team has their sights on an NCAA championship. Earning an automatic berth into the NCAA tournament, the Griffons knew they would be in the tournament; it was just a matter of waiting to find out their opponent. After Monday's NCAA selection show, MoWest now knows they have a date with MIAA conference mate Washburn on Friday in Mankato, Minnesota. Head Coach Jacob Plocher says he's proud of the hard work his team put in, especially through such a testing season "With all the ties and kind of how close things were, so for us to be able to kind of get hot there at the right time and come away with the conference tournament championship is exciting,” Plocher tells reporters. “So hopefully we can kind of utilize and use that momentum come this weekend.” Plocher says coming off a conference tournament that felt win or go home, having that mentality going into this tournament will help "The mindset, the mentality, is we’ve been on a one game season now for the last three games,” Plocher explains. “So, just being able to continue that approach and stay focused and have the discipline to to execute how we need to execute, hopefully we’ll be in a good spot.” The Griffons came to a nil-nil draw in their home finale against the Ichabods just two weeks ago in their only matchup this season. Senior defender Brookelyn Buttolph says she's excited to actually be able to face Washburn this time around "I didn’t get to be able to play in that game, so now it’s kind of my motivation to go and play the best that we can,” Buttolph says. Buttolph missed the match due to a red card she was given against Emporia State. Fellow senior defender Annie McDevitt shares in the excitement with the team being back to full strength, using a very shuffled lineup against Washburn previously "I played center back for the first time ever in my whole soccer career,” McDevitt laughs about the shuffled around lineup against Washburn two weeks ago. “So now that we got Brooke back, I’m back at my regular position, we’ve got Kendall (Knisley) back in the attack, I’m really excited and they’re not ready for us.” MoWest and Washburn kick off on Friday at 10am in Mankato, Minnesota. The winner will play either top seed Minnesota State or eighth seed Harding on Sunday. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MoWest soccer headed to second consecutive NCAA tournament

With the 2025 season now behind them fully and the offseason approaching, the Kansas City Royals have announced team awards, voted on by the Kansas City chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.&nbsp;

St. Joseph Central alum Noah Cameron has been honored for his dazzling rookie year, being named the Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year, making Cameron the first rookie to win the award since Brad Keller in 2018.

Cameron was given the unenviable task of making his MLB debut on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays in late April. For many rookies, a tough road start is less than ideal. However, Cameron rose to the occasion with 6 1/3 shutout innings. He took a no-hitter deep into the game before earning his first win in convincing fashion.&nbsp; He only elevated his game from there.

Cameron posted a 9-7 record with a 2.99 ERA making 10 quality starts in 24 outings. He recorded 114 strikeouts in 138 1/3 innings and held opponents to a .214 batting average.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Royals needed Cameron due to multiple injuries in the starting rotation.&nbsp; Cameron finished fourth-place&nbsp; in AL Rookie of the Year voting, making him an integral part of the starting rotation heading into 2026.

The Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year Award is named after the late Kansas City-area sportscaster.

Cameron was joined on the Royals awards by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr, honored with the Les Milgram Player of the Year award for a fourth consecutive season, and third baseman Maikel Garcia who was named the teams Joe Burke Special Achievement award winner.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754853282166.jpeg" alt="Noah Cameron/ File Photo" />
 <figcaption>Noah Cameron/ File Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEWith the 2025 season now behind them fully and the offseason approaching, the Kansas City Royals have announced team awards, voted on by the Kansas City chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.&nbsp;St. Joseph Central alum Noah Cameron has been honored for his dazzling rookie year, being named the Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year, making Cameron the first rookie to win the award since Brad Keller in 2018.Cameron was given the unenviable task of making his MLB debut on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays in late April. For many rookies, a tough road start is less than ideal. However, Cameron rose to the occasion with 6 1/3 shutout innings. He took a no-hitter deep into the game before earning his first win in convincing fashion.&nbsp; He only elevated his game from there.Cameron posted a 9-7 record with a 2.99 ERA making 10 quality starts in 24 outings. He recorded 114 strikeouts in 138 1/3 innings and held opponents to a .214 batting average.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Royals needed Cameron due to multiple injuries in the starting rotation.&nbsp; Cameron finished fourth-place&nbsp; in AL Rookie of the Year voting, making him an integral part of the starting rotation heading into 2026.The Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year Award is named after the late Kansas City-area sportscaster.Cameron was joined on the Royals awards by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr, honored with the Les Milgram Player of the Year award for a fourth consecutive season, and third baseman Maikel Garcia who was named the teams Joe Burke Special Achievement award winner.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Noah Cameron named Royals pitcher of the year after dazzling rookie campaign

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5PVlFf6xH7VmJACLYs2iEz?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

 Wil Lutz lined up for a 35-yard field goal to beat the Chiefs on Sunday and couldn't help but think back to last year at Kansas City, when his kick was blocked as time expired in the same situation.&nbsp; 

This time, Lutz nailed the game-winner, his fifth field goal of the day, pushing the Denver Broncos past the Chiefs 22-19 for their eighth straight victory.&nbsp; Broncos coach Sean Payton said last November's 16-14 heartbreaker at Arrowhead Stadium galvanized his team, which went on a 5-2 run to reach the playoffs, and Lutz concurred.

The Broncos all but buried the Chiefs in the AFC West, which Kansas City has won every year since 2016. Chiefs coach Andy Reid fell to 27-5 following a bye week, counting the playoffs and his time with Philadelphia.

Bo Nix set up the game-winning kick with a 32-yard strike to Troy Franklin that got Denver to the Kansas City 15 with under a minute remaining.

After Lutz hit a 38 yard field goal to give Denver a three point advantage, Patrick Mahomes gave Kansas City its only lead on a 21-yard touchdown toss to Travis Kelce, marking the veteran tight end's 84th career touchdown, one more than previous Chiefs franchise record-holder Priest Holmes. That put the Chiefs up 19-16, but Harrison Butker's extra point was blocked by Frank Crum.&nbsp; The Broncos tied it at 19-all on Lutz's 54-yarder with 4:10 remaining.

Denver's defense forced Kansas City to go three-and-out when Ja'Quan McMillian sacked Mahomes on third-and-10 from the Chiefs 36. That was the second sack by McMillian, who also had six tackles, including two for loss, two quarterback hits, a pass breakup and an interception.&nbsp; 

The Broncos chewed up the final 2:59 by driving 58 yards in 10 plays. They won their 11th straight game at Empower Field, where they haven't lost since October 2024, and they beat the Chiefs on their home turf for the third consecutive time.

The teams went into halftime tied at six, Lutz hitting field goals of 29 and 24 yards in the first quarter, and Harrison Butker knocking through a 31 yard kick in the first quarter and another from the same distance late in the second quarter.&nbsp;

Jaleel McLaughlin, playing in place of injured starter J.K. Dobbins, who underwent season-ending foot surgery last week, bullied his way in from four yards out to break the tie late in the third quarter and then the Chiefs seized the momentum when Mahomes found Tyquan Thornton for a 61-yard gain to the Denver 11. 

That set up Kareem Hunt's two yard touchdown run that tied it at 13. That was Kansas City's first touchdown at Empower Field in 11 quarters.

Mahomes was 29 of 45 passing for 276 yards with one touchdown and one interception.&nbsp; Hunt rushed 13 times for 59 yards with a score.&nbsp; Kelce led all receivers with nine catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, while Hollywood Brown had four catches for 40 yards.

Up next Kansas City (5-5) host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.&nbsp; Kickoff is at noon with pregame at 11am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763340605602.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Denver Broncos" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Denver Broncos</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE Wil Lutz lined up for a 35-yard field goal to beat the Chiefs on Sunday and couldn't help but think back to last year at Kansas City, when his kick was blocked as time expired in the same situation.&nbsp; This time, Lutz nailed the game-winner, his fifth field goal of the day, pushing the Denver Broncos past the Chiefs 22-19 for their eighth straight victory.&nbsp; Broncos coach Sean Payton said last November's 16-14 heartbreaker at Arrowhead Stadium galvanized his team, which went on a 5-2 run to reach the playoffs, and Lutz concurred.The Broncos all but buried the Chiefs in the AFC West, which Kansas City has won every year since 2016. Chiefs coach Andy Reid fell to 27-5 following a bye week, counting the playoffs and his time with Philadelphia.Bo Nix set up the game-winning kick with a 32-yard strike to Troy Franklin that got Denver to the Kansas City 15 with under a minute remaining.After Lutz hit a 38 yard field goal to give Denver a three point advantage, Patrick Mahomes gave Kansas City its only lead on a 21-yard touchdown toss to Travis Kelce, marking the veteran tight end's 84th career touchdown, one more than previous Chiefs franchise record-holder Priest Holmes. That put the Chiefs up 19-16, but Harrison Butker's extra point was blocked by Frank Crum.&nbsp; The Broncos tied it at 19-all on Lutz's 54-yarder with 4:10 remaining.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RIGHT WHEN WE NEEDED HIM MOST‼️ <a href="https://t.co/VKGspXkkkt">pic.twitter.com/VKGspXkkkt</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1990208590158627154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Denver's defense forced Kansas City to go three-and-out when Ja'Quan McMillian sacked Mahomes on third-and-10 from the Chiefs 36. That was the second sack by McMillian, who also had six tackles, including two for loss, two quarterback hits, a pass breakup and an interception.&nbsp; The Broncos chewed up the final 2:59 by driving 58 yards in 10 plays. They won their 11th straight game at Empower Field, where they haven't lost since October 2024, and they beat the Chiefs on their home turf for the third consecutive time.The teams went into halftime tied at six, Lutz hitting field goals of 29 and 24 yards in the first quarter, and Harrison Butker knocking through a 31 yard kick in the first quarter and another from the same distance late in the second quarter.&nbsp;Jaleel McLaughlin, playing in place of injured starter J.K. Dobbins, who underwent season-ending foot surgery last week, bullied his way in from four yards out to break the tie late in the third quarter and then the Chiefs seized the momentum when Mahomes found Tyquan Thornton for a 61-yard gain to the Denver 11. That set up Kareem Hunt's two yard touchdown run that tied it at 13. That was Kansas City's first touchdown at Empower Field in 11 quarters.Mahomes was 29 of 45 passing for 276 yards with one touchdown and one interception.&nbsp; Hunt rushed 13 times for 59 yards with a score.&nbsp; Kelce led all receivers with nine catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, while Hollywood Brown had four catches for 40 yards.Up next Kansas City (5-5) host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.&nbsp; Kickoff is at noon with pregame at 11am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Division hopes fade as Chiefs fall to Broncos 19-22 after bye week

Hardy nears single game rushing record in win over Bulldogs

Ahmad Hardy had a career-best 300 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 25 carries, and Toriano Pride Jr. had a 62-yard fumble return and pick six to help Missouri beat Mississippi State 49-27.

The Bulldogs answered the score, cutting the lead back to one possession with a two yard run by quarterback Blake Shapen.&nbsp; On the next drive, Zollers threw an interception, but after the turnover the Missouri defense stepped up.&nbsp; Mississippi State reached the Missouri two on a 16-play drive, but Ethan Myers’ low snap on a 25-yard field-goal attempt ricocheted off holder Marlon Hauck’s left knee. Pride recovered the fumble and returned it 62 yards to the Bulldogs’ 23 yard line with 5:03 remaining in the second quarter.

After the fumble recovery, Hardy scored his first touchdown of the game, rushing in from 10 yards out to cap a five play drive.&nbsp; The Tigers had one more chance to score, but the kicking troubles continued for Missouri and Oliver Robbins attempt clanked off the upright, sending the teams to the locker rooms with the Tigers holding a 21-10 lead at the halftime break.

In the second half, Trevion Williams stripped the ball from Hardy, and Malick Sylla recovered it near midfield with about a minute into the third quarter. Ten plays later, Shapen scored his second rushing touchdown of the game from three yards out to cut Missouri’s lead to 21-17.&nbsp; From there, it was all Missouri.&nbsp; After back to back drives ended with punts, the Tigers needed just two plays for Hardy to make a cut back and rush 72 yards to the endzone for his second touchdown of the game.

On the next drive for Mississippi State, Pride returned an interception 19 yards for a touchdown to give Missouri its largest lead of the night at 35-17 with 4:39 to play in the third quarter.&nbsp; The Bulldogs answered the defensive touchdown with a three yard touchdown pass from Kamario Taylor to Seydou Traore.&nbsp; The next two drives ended with punts to go into the fourth quarter.

The Tigers punted to open the final quarter, but the defense was on it again to add to their lead, this time with a pick six from Marvin Burks Jr off a tipped pass, taking the ball 28 yards for the score.&nbsp; &nbsp; The Bulldogs turned the ball over on downs, and in one play&nbsp;Hardy raced into the end zone from 43 yards out with 11:11 remaining in the fourth quarter to shatter his previous career-high of 250 rushing yards and give him his third career three touchdown game.&nbsp; Mississippi State ended the scoring with a 41 yard field goal from Ferrie with 5:51 remaining in the game.

&nbsp;Zollers, making his second career start, was 8-of-15 passing for 112 yards and two touchdowns and threw an interception in his first career win.&nbsp; Kevin Coleman Jr led the receivers with four catches for 41 yards.&nbsp; Mizzou did lose a couple defensive players in the matchup.&nbsp; Tigers defensive end Nate Johnson was ejected for targeting with 8:56 remaining in the first quarter after delivering a helmet-to-helmet hit on Shapen, and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter was ejected for the same offense with 8:52 remaining in the second quarter.

Up next, Missouri (7-3, 3-3 SEC) play Saturday at #11 Oklahoma.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 11am, with pregame at 10am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Tough season for MoWest ends with crushing defeat against UCO

Missouri Western State University football ended the 2025 season with a 50-14 loss to Central Oklahoma on Senior Day at Spratt Stadium.

MoWest struggled with turnovers throughout the game. Trailing only 7-3 late in the first quarter after a 36 yard rushing touchdown by Dev Mathews and a 51 yard field goal by Latrell Armstrong, MoWest drove into the red zone and a pass from Griffons quarterback Brendan Berwald was intercepted in the end zone by David Williams, and the Bronchos went 80 yards on four plays on the ensuing drive, scoring with a 35 yard run by Mathews to lead 14-3 with 14:19 left in the second quarter.

The Bronchos scored 14 points in the last 1:18 of the first half to lead, both on passes from Jett Huff to Dominique Dunn with a two yard strike and a 14 yard pass, to hold a 28-3 at the halftime break.&nbsp; MoWest got the ball to start the second half, and drove 85 yards on nine plays. The drive ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Berwald to senior running back Jayden Williams.

But, the Griffons never found momentum on offense again, with three turnovers in the second half and five total on the day. UCO scored 20 points off of Griffon giveaways, and had five drives that started in Griffon territory.&nbsp; The Bronchos scored 26 unanswered points to end the game.

Huff connected with Dunn for a third time in the game on a seven yard pass and Joseph Kim knocked through a field goal in the third quarter.&nbsp; In the fourth quarter, with the game well in hand, Mathews ran in for a third time in the game, Kim hit a 50 yard field goal, and Marquise Harris added a two yard rushing score

Berwald, in his first start of the season and seventh of his MoWest career, went 18–of-35 for 112 yards, a touchdown and three picks. Kody Kirk was 1-of-2 for 17 yards and a pick.&nbsp; Brandon Hall, in his 49th and final game, toted the rock 13 times for 68 yards, ending his career with 3,004 rushing yards. Hall leaves MoWest as one of only three running backs to rush for 3,000-plus yards in his career, joining Michael Hill and Raphael Spencer.

Bryce Marcus III led the receivers with four catches for 30 yards.&nbsp;Armstrong set a career-high with his 50-yard field goal in the first quarter.

The Griffons will open the 2026 season on Thursday, August 27 at home vs. Augustana. Kickoff time is to be determined. The entire 2026 schedule will be released at a later date.

Bearcats share MIAA title after falling to Pitt State in Kansas City

The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats could not overcome four first half fumbles, falling to the Pittsburgh State Gorillas 27-14 at Children's Mercy Park on Saturday.&nbsp;

You can read our full recap of the game by clicking <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/eb33cde5-7015-479e-adf2-60a817cff685">HERE</a>.

#3 Ravens close dominant season earning Heart South championship

The Benedictine Raven football team completed a perfect conference season, defeating MidAmerica Nazarene 52-7.&nbsp; With the win, the #3 Ravens secure their first outright conference championship since 2022. The Ravens shared the conference championship with MNU and Baker University in 2023 and 2024.

The Ravens couldn't have scripted a better first half against the Pioneers. The defense stood strong on the opening drive to force a Pioneers punt. On the Ravens first offensive play, Jackson Dooley connected with Titan Osburn for a 45-yard gain and the drive was capped off by a Xavier Ugorji touchdown run.&nbsp; MidAmerica Nazarene answered with a long drive, but Isaiah Hasten intercepted a pass at the three yard line and returned it 59 yards into Pioneers territory. The offense cashed in on the turnover as Dooley found Tanner Zimmerman for a three yard touchdown to give the Ravens a 14-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Ugorji scored again on a 23-yard rush to extend the lead. After a Pioneers punt, Tyler Watson made an acrobatic catch at the Pioneers one yard line, and then plunged in for a rushing touchdown to give the Ravens a four possession lead late in the first half.&nbsp; Peyton Jobe was next in line for an interception,&nbsp; the Ravens third of the half after Se'Korrey Thomas also had a pick, which led to a 29-yard field goal by Christian Klobe, giving the Ravens a 31-0 lead at the halftime break.

The strong performance carried into the second half. After the Pioneers scored their only touchdown of the game early in the third quarter, a 24 yard pass from Drew Miller to Aiyo'n Carter, the Ravens closed out the game with 21-straight points.&nbsp; The first of those three touchdowns coming after the Ravens defense forced a turnover on downs at the MidAmerica Nazarene 43 yard line. On the Ravens first offensive play, Dooley found Osburn for a 43 yard touchdown strike.

In the fourth quarter, Xiomar Hernandez and Robbie Sharp each scored a rushing touchdown, Hernandez putting it in from two yards out and Sharp scoring from three yards away, to put the finishing touches on the 45-point win.

Dooley finished with 265 yards through the air and two touchdown passes on 19 of 28 passing. Osburn snagged seven passes for 147 yards and a touchdown to lead Raven receivers. The rushing attack grinded to another 200-yard game as Ugorji had 83 yards and two scores. Ugorji eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark with Saturday's output, the first Ravens rusher to do so since Marquis Stewart in 2019.

The win gives Benedictine (10-1, 6-0 Heart South) an automatic entry into the NAIA Football Championship Series. The Ravens will find out their seed during the selection show at 6 p.m. on Sunday.&nbsp;

W is a W: K State gets give takeaways, but only 14 points over OK State

Kansas State forced five turnovers in a 14-6 win over Oklahoma State.&nbsp; All of the Wildcats' points came off of those turnovers.

The offense wasn't so good. Kansas State, which had averaged 34.2 points in its previous five games, was held to 284 yards. Despite that, the Wildcats held on for their third win in four games.&nbsp; Kansas State, a 19 1/2-point favorite according to , didn't care about the margin of victory. Klieman lost his previous three trips to Oklahoma State as the Wildcats' coach.

Kansas State did not score until eight minutes into the second quarter. The Wildcats got a first down by penalty after it appeared the Cowboys stopped them on a fourth-and-1, and Jayce Brown caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Johnson on the next play. The extra point put Kansas State up 7-6 — a score that held up at halftime.&nbsp; Oklahoma State got two 47 yard field goals from Logan Ward for their points, one in the first quarter and the other in the second.

An interception by Oklahoma State's Parker Robertson early in the third quarter set the Cowboys up deep in Kansas State territory. But Flores fumbled when stripped by Cody Stufflebean, and Kansas State's Zashon Rich recovered to preserve Kansas State's lead.

Kansas State's Joe Jackson ran 15 yards for a touchdown on a fourth-and-1 play to put the Wildcats up 14-6 in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats converted two fourth downs on the drive.

Avery Johnson passed for 177 yards on 15 of 28 passing with a touchdown and an interception while Jackson added 69 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Wildcats who need one more win to become bowl eligible.&nbsp; Brown caught three passes for 82 yards and a score to lead the receivers

Next, Kansas State (5-5, 4-3 Big 12) visits Utah on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff time is to be determined.

By MATT PIKEHardy nears single game rushing record in win over Bulldogs<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763270765561.jpeg" alt="Ahmad Hardy rushed for 300 yards and three touchdowns as Missouri bounced back with a 49-27 win over Mississippi State/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Football on X" />
 <figcaption>Ahmad Hardy rushed for 300 yards and three touchdowns as Missouri bounced back with a 49-27 win over Mississippi State/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Football on X</figcaption>
 </figure>Ahmad Hardy had a career-best 300 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 25 carries, and Toriano Pride Jr. had a 62-yard fumble return and pick six to help Missouri beat Mississippi State 49-27.The Bulldogs answered the score, cutting the lead back to one possession with a two yard run by quarterback Blake Shapen.&nbsp; On the next drive, Zollers threw an interception, but after the turnover the Missouri defense stepped up.&nbsp; Mississippi State reached the Missouri two on a 16-play drive, but Ethan Myers’ low snap on a 25-yard field-goal attempt ricocheted off holder Marlon Hauck’s left knee. Pride recovered the fumble and returned it 62 yards to the Bulldogs’ 23 yard line with 5:03 remaining in the second quarter.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Matt Zollers hits Donovan Olugbode on this beautiful touchdown pass True freshman to true freshman for Mizzou <a href="https://t.co/6ywSRkrEoX">pic.twitter.com/6ywSRkrEoX</a>&mdash; SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelWBratton/status/1989863274863796521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After the fumble recovery, Hardy scored his first touchdown of the game, rushing in from 10 yards out to cap a five play drive.&nbsp; The Tigers had one more chance to score, but the kicking troubles continued for Missouri and Oliver Robbins attempt clanked off the upright, sending the teams to the locker rooms with the Tigers holding a 21-10 lead at the halftime break.In the second half, Trevion Williams stripped the ball from Hardy, and Malick Sylla recovered it near midfield with about a minute into the third quarter. Ten plays later, Shapen scored his second rushing touchdown of the game from three yards out to cut Missouri’s lead to 21-17.&nbsp; From there, it was all Missouri.&nbsp; After back to back drives ended with punts, the Tigers needed just two plays for Hardy to make a cut back and rush 72 yards to the endzone for his second touchdown of the game.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">THE CUT BACK &amp; HE CAN&#39;T BEAT. ‼️ AHMAD HARDY 72-YD TD<a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MizzouFootball</a> x 📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/SECNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECNetwork</a> <a href="https://t.co/lGaKVc2dCr">pic.twitter.com/lGaKVc2dCr</a>&mdash; Southeastern Conference (@SEC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEC/status/1989897112507548127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On the next drive for Mississippi State, Pride returned an interception 19 yards for a touchdown to give Missouri its largest lead of the night at 35-17 with 4:39 to play in the third quarter.&nbsp; The Bulldogs answered the defensive touchdown with a three yard touchdown pass from Kamario Taylor to Seydou Traore.&nbsp; The next two drives ended with punts to go into the fourth quarter.The Tigers punted to open the final quarter, but the defense was on it again to add to their lead, this time with a pick six from Marvin Burks Jr off a tipped pass, taking the ball 28 yards for the score.&nbsp; &nbsp; The Bulldogs turned the ball over on downs, and in one play&nbsp;Hardy raced into the end zone from 43 yards out with 11:11 remaining in the fourth quarter to shatter his previous career-high of 250 rushing yards and give him his third career three touchdown game.&nbsp; Mississippi State ended the scoring with a 41 yard field goal from Ferrie with 5:51 remaining in the game.&nbsp;Zollers, making his second career start, was 8-of-15 passing for 112 yards and two touchdowns and threw an interception in his first career win.&nbsp; Kevin Coleman Jr led the receivers with four catches for 41 yards.&nbsp; Mizzou did lose a couple defensive players in the matchup.&nbsp; Tigers defensive end Nate Johnson was ejected for targeting with 8:56 remaining in the first quarter after delivering a helmet-to-helmet hit on Shapen, and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter was ejected for the same offense with 8:52 remaining in the second quarter.Up next, Missouri (7-3, 3-3 SEC) play Saturday at #11 Oklahoma.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 11am, with pregame at 10am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).Tough season for MoWest ends with crushing defeat against UCO<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763273277914.jpeg" alt="Head coach Tyler Fenwick addresses the team after a tough season ended with a 50-14 loss to Central Oklahoma on Saturday/ Photo courtesy of RJ Baig-MoWest Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Head coach Tyler Fenwick addresses the team after a tough season ended with a 50-14 loss to Central Oklahoma on Saturday/ Photo courtesy of RJ Baig-MoWest Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Missouri Western State University football ended the 2025 season with a 50-14 loss to Central Oklahoma on Senior Day at Spratt Stadium.MoWest struggled with turnovers throughout the game. Trailing only 7-3 late in the first quarter after a 36 yard rushing touchdown by Dev Mathews and a 51 yard field goal by Latrell Armstrong, MoWest drove into the red zone and a pass from Griffons quarterback Brendan Berwald was intercepted in the end zone by David Williams, and the Bronchos went 80 yards on four plays on the ensuing drive, scoring with a 35 yard run by Mathews to lead 14-3 with 14:19 left in the second quarter.The Bronchos scored 14 points in the last 1:18 of the first half to lead, both on passes from Jett Huff to Dominique Dunn with a two yard strike and a 14 yard pass, to hold a 28-3 at the halftime break.&nbsp; MoWest got the ball to start the second half, and drove 85 yards on nine plays. The drive ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Berwald to senior running back Jayden Williams.But, the Griffons never found momentum on offense again, with three turnovers in the second half and five total on the day. UCO scored 20 points off of Griffon giveaways, and had five drives that started in Griffon territory.&nbsp; The Bronchos scored 26 unanswered points to end the game.Huff connected with Dunn for a third time in the game on a seven yard pass and Joseph Kim knocked through a field goal in the third quarter.&nbsp; In the fourth quarter, with the game well in hand, Mathews ran in for a third time in the game, Kim hit a 50 yard field goal, and Marquise Harris added a two yard rushing scoreBerwald, in his first start of the season and seventh of his MoWest career, went 18–of-35 for 112 yards, a touchdown and three picks. Kody Kirk was 1-of-2 for 17 yards and a pick.&nbsp; Brandon Hall, in his 49th and final game, toted the rock 13 times for 68 yards, ending his career with 3,004 rushing yards. Hall leaves MoWest as one of only three running backs to rush for 3,000-plus yards in his career, joining Michael Hill and Raphael Spencer.Bryce Marcus III led the receivers with four catches for 30 yards.&nbsp;Armstrong set a career-high with his 50-yard field goal in the first quarter.The Griffons will open the 2026 season on Thursday, August 27 at home vs. Augustana. Kickoff time is to be determined. The entire 2026 schedule will be released at a later date.Bearcats share MIAA title after falling to Pitt State in Kansas City<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763262044785.jpeg" alt="Chris Ruhnke (15) scrambles with the ball, attempting to score late in the game/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Chris Ruhnke (15) scrambles with the ball, attempting to score late in the game/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats could not overcome four first half fumbles, falling to the Pittsburgh State Gorillas 27-14 at Children's Mercy Park on Saturday.&nbsp;You can read our full recap of the game by clicking <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/eb33cde5-7015-479e-adf2-60a817cff685">HERE</a>.#3 Ravens close dominant season earning Heart South championship<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763274166792.jpeg" alt="The Benedictine Ravens celebrated closing out a dominant season with a Heart South championship after beating MidAmerica Nazarene 52-7/ Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Bridget O’Sullivan- Raven Athletics" />
 <figcaption>The Benedictine Ravens celebrated closing out a dominant season with a Heart South championship after beating MidAmerica Nazarene 52-7/ Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Bridget O’Sullivan- Raven Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Benedictine Raven football team completed a perfect conference season, defeating MidAmerica Nazarene 52-7.&nbsp; With the win, the #3 Ravens secure their first outright conference championship since 2022. The Ravens shared the conference championship with MNU and Baker University in 2023 and 2024.The Ravens couldn't have scripted a better first half against the Pioneers. The defense stood strong on the opening drive to force a Pioneers punt. On the Ravens first offensive play, Jackson Dooley connected with Titan Osburn for a 45-yard gain and the drive was capped off by a Xavier Ugorji touchdown run.&nbsp; MidAmerica Nazarene answered with a long drive, but Isaiah Hasten intercepted a pass at the three yard line and returned it 59 yards into Pioneers territory. The offense cashed in on the turnover as Dooley found Tanner Zimmerman for a three yard touchdown to give the Ravens a 14-0 lead.In the second quarter, Ugorji scored again on a 23-yard rush to extend the lead. After a Pioneers punt, Tyler Watson made an acrobatic catch at the Pioneers one yard line, and then plunged in for a rushing touchdown to give the Ravens a four possession lead late in the first half.&nbsp; Peyton Jobe was next in line for an interception,&nbsp; the Ravens third of the half after Se'Korrey Thomas also had a pick, which led to a 29-yard field goal by Christian Klobe, giving the Ravens a 31-0 lead at the halftime break.The strong performance carried into the second half. After the Pioneers scored their only touchdown of the game early in the third quarter, a 24 yard pass from Drew Miller to Aiyo'n Carter, the Ravens closed out the game with 21-straight points.&nbsp; The first of those three touchdowns coming after the Ravens defense forced a turnover on downs at the MidAmerica Nazarene 43 yard line. On the Ravens first offensive play, Dooley found Osburn for a 43 yard touchdown strike.In the fourth quarter, Xiomar Hernandez and Robbie Sharp each scored a rushing touchdown, Hernandez putting it in from two yards out and Sharp scoring from three yards away, to put the finishing touches on the 45-point win.Dooley finished with 265 yards through the air and two touchdown passes on 19 of 28 passing. Osburn snagged seven passes for 147 yards and a touchdown to lead Raven receivers. The rushing attack grinded to another 200-yard game as Ugorji had 83 yards and two scores. Ugorji eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark with Saturday's output, the first Ravens rusher to do so since Marquis Stewart in 2019.The win gives Benedictine (10-1, 6-0 Heart South) an automatic entry into the NAIA Football Championship Series. The Ravens will find out their seed during the selection show at 6 p.m. on Sunday.&nbsp;W is a W: K State gets give takeaways, but only 14 points over OK State<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763275254705.jpeg" alt="Jayce Brown caught a 34 yard touchdown pass that gave Kansas State the only lead they needed on way to a 14-6 win over Oklahoma State/ Photo courtesy of K State Football on X" />
 <figcaption>Jayce Brown caught a 34 yard touchdown pass that gave Kansas State the only lead they needed on way to a 14-6 win over Oklahoma State/ Photo courtesy of K State Football on X</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State forced five turnovers in a 14-6 win over Oklahoma State.&nbsp; All of the Wildcats' points came off of those turnovers.The offense wasn't so good. Kansas State, which had averaged 34.2 points in its previous five games, was held to 284 yards. Despite that, the Wildcats held on for their third win in four games.&nbsp; Kansas State, a 19 1/2-point favorite according to , didn't care about the margin of victory. Klieman lost his previous three trips to Oklahoma State as the Wildcats' coach.Kansas State did not score until eight minutes into the second quarter. The Wildcats got a first down by penalty after it appeared the Cowboys stopped them on a fourth-and-1, and Jayce Brown caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Johnson on the next play. The extra point put Kansas State up 7-6 — a score that held up at halftime.&nbsp; Oklahoma State got two 47 yard field goals from Logan Ward for their points, one in the first quarter and the other in the second.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hit &#39;em on the slant<a href="https://twitter.com/avery2johnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@avery2johnson</a> ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/jaycebrownn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jaycebrownn</a> <a href="https://t.co/fQ2qIrpg2x">pic.twitter.com/fQ2qIrpg2x</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1989760216544764009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>An interception by Oklahoma State's Parker Robertson early in the third quarter set the Cowboys up deep in Kansas State territory. But Flores fumbled when stripped by Cody Stufflebean, and Kansas State's Zashon Rich recovered to preserve Kansas State's lead.Kansas State's Joe Jackson ran 15 yards for a touchdown on a fourth-and-1 play to put the Wildcats up 14-6 in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats converted two fourth downs on the drive.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Splits the seas <a href="https://twitter.com/Joeboy_3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Joeboy_3</a> <a href="https://t.co/c8krYnEHAy">pic.twitter.com/c8krYnEHAy</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1989788491669209493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Avery Johnson passed for 177 yards on 15 of 28 passing with a touchdown and an interception while Jackson added 69 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Wildcats who need one more win to become bowl eligible.&nbsp; Brown caught three passes for 82 yards and a score to lead the receiversNext, Kansas State (5-5, 4-3 Big 12) visits Utah on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff time is to be determined.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

CFB: Hardy runs amuck for Tigers, Ravens dominant, KU, K State victorious 

The Northwest Missouri State University football team fell to the Pittsburgh State Gorillas at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, losing 27-14 and settling for a shared regular season MIAA title.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Despite the Bearcats outgaining the Gorillas in both rushing and passing yards, four first half fumbles were to much to overcome for Northwest.

Head Coach John McMenamin gave credit to Pittsburgh State and says they just played a better game than Northwest

"I told our guys it's a good spot to be in, what I'm saying is they walked out conference champs, they're walking in conference champs, they're going to be a playoff team and that's all we can ask for," McMenamin says in his postgame press conference.&nbsp; "It didn't go our way today, but I think there's some things we can fix to play, and anytime you lose four fumbles it's not a good recipe for winning."

A strong offensive drive from the Bearcats, highlighted by a 65 yard run from Quincy Torry, opened the game to lead to a quick lead for Northwest as&nbsp;Zechariah Owens threw a three yard touchdown pass to Erwin Nash.&nbsp; On the ensuing Pitt State drive, the Bearcats forced a punt, but their first fumble of the game gave the ball right back to the Gorillas, allowing them to tie up the game.&nbsp;

Jackson Berry threw a 14 yard touchdown pass in the front corner of the endzone to Jaelon Travis.&nbsp; Then, on the next drive Pittsburgh State forced Owens to fumble, and then took advantage to take the lead, Berry throwing a 78 yard touchdown pass to TyJuan Atkins Jr, despite pressure from Carter Edwards, to go ahead 14-7.

On the ensuing kickoff, the third fumble of the half gave the ball back to Pittsburgh State, Cooper Warren fumbling the kickoff, but this time the Bearcats defense stepped up to force a punt, getting the ball back into their offenses hands.&nbsp; Northwest though was unable to do anything with it and had to punt it right back to start the second quarter.&nbsp;

Northwest's special teams unit prevented the Gorillas from scoring next, Edwards blocking a 47 yard field goal attempt, but again the Bearcats were forced to punt, and after getting the ball back on a Pittsburgh State punt, the fourth fumble extended the lead more, Madixx Morriss fumbling a reception from Chris Ruhnke, and freshman Quintin Kirby taking the ball 71 yards to the house for a 21-7 lead.&nbsp;

Near the end of the first half, Gorillas kicker Austin Schmitt hit a 28 yard field goal.&nbsp; Northwest attempted to drive the field for a late score in the half, but a sack on Ruhnke would wind down the remaining time of the first half and Pittsburgh State took a 24-7 lead into the halftime break.&nbsp;

Northwest could never overcome the four first half fumbles,&nbsp;McMenamin saying there's a difference between getting your butt kicked and self sabotage.

"We contributed to much to their victory," McMenamin says.&nbsp; "And we needed to play more secure football and I think all our guys know that they can, and so it's picking their heads up, we'll come back to work there's a formula for it, and we put it to work today but it just didn't work out."

The third quarter flew by with both defenses holding each other scoreless, the Bearcats finally breaking back onto the scoreboard midway into the final quarter with a five yard pass from Ruhnke to Gannon Gragert, just Gragert's second touchdown catch of the season.&nbsp; But, it was to little, to late, Pitt State consuming almost five minutes of clock, with Schmitt hitting a 30 yard field goal to seal the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ruhnke was 20 for 30 through the air for 202 yards with one touchdown, adding 35 rushing yards.&nbsp; Owens was a perfect 5 for 5 with one touchdown pass and 40 yards through the air, running for 13 yards.&nbsp; Torry rushed eight times for 101 yards.&nbsp; Nash had seven catches for 81 yards and a score.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Northwest finishes the regular season 9-2, 8-1 in the MIAA. They'll now turn their attention to the playoffs with the NCAA DII Selection Show coming up on Sunday at 5pm.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763262044785.jpeg" alt="Chris Ruhnke (15) scrambles with the ball, attempting to score late in the game/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Chris Ruhnke (15) scrambles with the ball, attempting to score late in the game/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe Northwest Missouri State University football team fell to the Pittsburgh State Gorillas at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, losing 27-14 and settling for a shared regular season MIAA title.&nbsp; &nbsp;Despite the Bearcats outgaining the Gorillas in both rushing and passing yards, four first half fumbles were to much to overcome for Northwest.Head Coach John McMenamin gave credit to Pittsburgh State and says they just played a better game than Northwest"I told our guys it's a good spot to be in, what I'm saying is they walked out conference champs, they're walking in conference champs, they're going to be a playoff team and that's all we can ask for," McMenamin says in his postgame press conference.&nbsp; "It didn't go our way today, but I think there's some things we can fix to play, and anytime you lose four fumbles it's not a good recipe for winning."A strong offensive drive from the Bearcats, highlighted by a 65 yard run from Quincy Torry, opened the game to lead to a quick lead for Northwest as&nbsp;Zechariah Owens threw a three yard touchdown pass to Erwin Nash.&nbsp; On the ensuing Pitt State drive, the Bearcats forced a punt, but their first fumble of the game gave the ball right back to the Gorillas, allowing them to tie up the game.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1Q ||| 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐒 😤 Owens -&gt; Nash -&gt; 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝟔 PAT is GOOD. 7-0, Bearcats. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OABAAB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OABAAB</a> ||| <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RISE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RISE</a> <a href="https://t.co/YhuExq1pu0">pic.twitter.com/YhuExq1pu0</a>&mdash; Northwest Football (@NWBearcat_FB) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWBearcat_FB/status/1989781565946101904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Jackson Berry threw a 14 yard touchdown pass in the front corner of the endzone to Jaelon Travis.&nbsp; Then, on the next drive Pittsburgh State forced Owens to fumble, and then took advantage to take the lead, Berry throwing a 78 yard touchdown pass to TyJuan Atkins Jr, despite pressure from Carter Edwards, to go ahead 14-7.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763262750393.jpeg" alt="Carter Edwards hits Pittsburgh State quarterback Jackson Berry (1) as Berry gets the ball off for a 78 yard touchdown pass/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Carter Edwards hits Pittsburgh State quarterback Jackson Berry (1) as Berry gets the ball off for a 78 yard touchdown pass/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure> On the ensuing kickoff, the third fumble of the half gave the ball back to Pittsburgh State, Cooper Warren fumbling the kickoff, but this time the Bearcats defense stepped up to force a punt, getting the ball back into their offenses hands.&nbsp; Northwest though was unable to do anything with it and had to punt it right back to start the second quarter.&nbsp;Northwest's special teams unit prevented the Gorillas from scoring next, Edwards blocking a 47 yard field goal attempt, but again the Bearcats were forced to punt, and after getting the ball back on a Pittsburgh State punt, the fourth fumble extended the lead more, Madixx Morriss fumbling a reception from Chris Ruhnke, and freshman Quintin Kirby taking the ball 71 yards to the house for a 21-7 lead.&nbsp;Near the end of the first half, Gorillas kicker Austin Schmitt hit a 28 yard field goal.&nbsp; Northwest attempted to drive the field for a late score in the half, but a sack on Ruhnke would wind down the remaining time of the first half and Pittsburgh State took a 24-7 lead into the halftime break.&nbsp;Northwest could never overcome the four first half fumbles,&nbsp;McMenamin saying there's a difference between getting your butt kicked and self sabotage."We contributed to much to their victory," McMenamin says.&nbsp; "And we needed to play more secure football and I think all our guys know that they can, and so it's picking their heads up, we'll come back to work there's a formula for it, and we put it to work today but it just didn't work out."The third quarter flew by with both defenses holding each other scoreless, the Bearcats finally breaking back onto the scoreboard midway into the final quarter with a five yard pass from Ruhnke to Gannon Gragert, just Gragert's second touchdown catch of the season.&nbsp; But, it was to little, to late, Pitt State consuming almost five minutes of clock, with Schmitt hitting a 30 yard field goal to seal the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐍&#39; Ruhnke -&gt; Gragert -&gt; 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝟔 PAT is GOOD. 24-14, Gorillas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OABAAB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OABAAB</a> ||| <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RISE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RISE</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZaAQCr8ztP">pic.twitter.com/ZaAQCr8ztP</a>&mdash; Northwest Football (@NWBearcat_FB) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWBearcat_FB/status/1989815927634903268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ruhnke was 20 for 30 through the air for 202 yards with one touchdown, adding 35 rushing yards.&nbsp; Owens was a perfect 5 for 5 with one touchdown pass and 40 yards through the air, running for 13 yards.&nbsp; Torry rushed eight times for 101 yards.&nbsp; Nash had seven catches for 81 yards and a score.&nbsp;&nbsp;Northwest finishes the regular season 9-2, 8-1 in the MIAA. They'll now turn their attention to the playoffs with the NCAA DII Selection Show coming up on Sunday at 5pm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763263731689.jpeg" alt="Zechariah Owens (10) drops back for a pass/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Zechariah Owens (10) drops back for a pass/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure> You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

First half fumbles hurt Bearcats in loss to Gorillas at Children's Mercy Park

It's the final round of  the district playoffs in Missouri and sectional play in Kansas. Below is a list of the games scores from around the area for Thursday and Friday and the matchups for the second round of districts next week.

St. Joseph Christian 54&nbsp; Bishop LeBlond 38

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763192673003.jpeg" alt="Chase Hewins (7) stiff arms Tatum Eisenbarth (32)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Chase Hewins (7) stiff arms Tatum Eisenbarth (32)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEIt's the final round of the district playoffs in Missouri and sectional play in Kansas. Below is a list of the games scores from around the area for Thursday and Friday and the matchups for the second round of districts next week.11-Man Football<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758941927440.jpeg" alt="Mid-Buchanan's Raife Smith (12) jukes through several Lawson defenders for a long run/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Mid-Buchanan's Raife Smith (12) jukes through several Lawson defenders for a long run/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 1 District 6 West Platte 40&nbsp; North Platte 30<ol>
 <li>State Quarterfinals: West Platte @ Adrian- Sat. Nov 22nd @ 1pm</li>
 </ol>Class 2 District 8Mid-Buchanan 42&nbsp; Cameron 28<ol>
 <li>State Quarterfinals: Mid-Buchanan @ Monroe City- Sat. Nov. 22nd @ 1pm</li>
 </ol>Class 3 District 8Maryville 34&nbsp; Richmond 0<ol>
 <li>State Quarterfinals: Maryville @&nbsp;St. Michael the Archangel- Sat. Nov. 22nd @ 1pm</li>
 </ol>Class 4 District 8Kearney 24&nbsp; Savannah 08-Man Football<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756522720661.jpeg" alt="St Joseph Christian's Brayden Hoffan (4) breaks away from a tackle along the sideline/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>St Joseph Christian's Brayden Hoffan (4) breaks away from a tackle along the sideline/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>District 5St. Joseph Christian 54&nbsp; Bishop LeBlond 38<ol>
 <li>First District Championship for St. Joseph Christian since 2011</li><li>State Quarterfinals: St. Joseph Christian vs Rock Port- Sat. Nov. 22nd @ 1pm</li>
 </ol>District 6 Rock Port 58&nbsp; Nodaway Valley 40<ol>
 <li>State Quarterfinals: Rock Port @ St. Joseph Christian- Sat. Nov 22nd @ 1pm</li>
 </ol>District 7Worth County 48&nbsp; King City 12<ol>
 <li>State Quarterfinals: Worth County @ North Shelby- Sat. Nov. 22nd @ 1pm</li>
 </ol>Northeast Kansas<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763194295930.jpeg" alt="Elijah Moore (30) pushes through the line/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Elijah Moore (30) pushes through the line/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 1A Jackson Heights 21&nbsp; Riverside 14You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

High School Football District Championship and Sectionals scoreboard for Nov. 14th

A season to remember for the Riverside Cyclones football team has come to an end, falling to the Jackson Heights Cobras in the Kansas Class 1A Sectionals 21-14.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The co-op made of athletes out of Wathena and Elwood put together one of the best season's in the programs history, becoming regional champions for the first time ever, after beating Centralia last week to reach the sectional round, and finishing as the sectional runners up.&nbsp;

Head Coach Bryce Paden says even through the emotions of the loss, there's a lot to be proud of this season

"It was such a good group of kids that played hard to the very end, played a really good team at their place and just came up short," Paden tells reporters after the game.&nbsp; "Got a lot of emotions, kids are great, but yeah it was a good season, great season, but not the way we wanted it to end."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763192112299.jpeg" alt="Chase Hewins (7) and Ty'Zell Harrington (5) fight to bring down Tatum Eisenbarth (32)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Chase Hewins (7) and Ty'Zell Harrington (5) fight to bring down Tatum Eisenbarth (32)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA season to remember for the Riverside Cyclones football team has come to an end, falling to the Jackson Heights Cobras in the Kansas Class 1A Sectionals 21-14.&nbsp;&nbsp;The co-op made of athletes out of Wathena and Elwood put together one of the best season's in the programs history, becoming regional champions for the first time ever, after beating Centralia last week to reach the sectional round, and finishing as the sectional runners up.&nbsp;Head Coach Bryce Paden says even through the emotions of the loss, there's a lot to be proud of this season"It was such a good group of kids that played hard to the very end, played a really good team at their place and just came up short," Paden tells reporters after the game.&nbsp; "Got a lot of emotions, kids are great, but yeah it was a good season, great season, but not the way we wanted it to end."After the Cyclones fell behind 6-0 in the first quarter, going three and out in their first offensive possession, the team responded by marching down the field and scoring a touchdown on a quarterback sneak from Beckam Griffin, taking the lead after converting the extra point attempt.&nbsp; Riverside held a 7-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.&nbsp;It was a strong defensive effort from the Cyclones as well in the first half, forcing fumbles on back-to-back drives by Jackson Heights, recovering the ball both times, but not scoring until the second takeaway, again on a sneak from Griffin to extend the lead to 14-6, which is where the score stood at halftime, after the Riverside defense made a huge stop against the Cobras on 4th and 5 as they attempted to drive down and tie the game before the break.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763192673003.jpeg" alt="Chase Hewins (7) stiff arms Tatum Eisenbarth (32)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Chase Hewins (7) stiff arms Tatum Eisenbarth (32)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Momentum changed hands in the second half however, Jackson Heights getting the ball to start and consuming much of the clock through the third quarter, soon scoring on a quarterback sneak of their own by Drake Mellies to go down by two.&nbsp; The Cobras tied up the game on a two point conversion pass from Mellies to Ian Allen.&nbsp;Paden says they knew Jackson Heights was going to come out and give their best straight out of half, which the Cyclones saw on the opening drive."Then we were just trying to hold turf, we ended up going three plays and kicking it right back to them and we knew we were going to have to dig our heels in and stay with it," Paden explains.&nbsp; "And like I said they kind of just made some plays and put one in and we just couldn't recover, we had some chances and different things, but overall just a great season and our kids fought to the very end."Jackson Heights indeed made some plays on a drive to take the lead, the biggest being a conversion on a long third down before heading to the fourth quarter all tied up.&nbsp; The Cobras scored to take the lead near the start of the fourth, a touchdown pass from Mellies to Brody Browning for the 21-14 lead.&nbsp;Riverside drove down the field in an attempt to tie up the game, moving onto the other side of the 50 yard line on a long pass from Griffin to Keagan Hughes, and inching closer to the red zone on a barreling run from Elijah Moore.&nbsp; But soon, Moore would be stuffed in the backfield, forcing a 3rd and 11, then an incomplete pass that went just over the outstretched hand of Hughes in the endzone made it 4th and 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the danger zone, with time ticking away, a false start moved the Cyclones back even farther and on the 4th and 16 play Griffin looked for Ty'Zell Harrington but found no one for the turnover on downs.&nbsp; The last chance for Riverside came late, a chance to get the ball back after the defense made a big stop on 3rd and 1, but the Cobras converted on fourth down, going on to kneel out the remaining clock for the win.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763193998147.jpeg" alt="Tatum Eisenbarth (32) breaks out of a tackle by the diving Keagan Hughes (11)/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Tatum Eisenbarth (32) breaks out of a tackle by the diving Keagan Hughes (11)/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite the loss, it was still a strong defensive effort from the Cyclones, making some big plays.&nbsp; Paden says they've played well on the defensive side of the ball all season.&nbsp;"That team right there has been averaging 50 some points a game it seems like since we played them week one, and held them to 21, so we knew our defense was going to be able to do it but they just found some holes," Paden says.&nbsp; "When you're a good team and you have a lot to defend, and a lot of good players to defend, the good coaches and good teams find little nicks they can exploit, and they did that in the second half."Riverside finished the season 8-3 and as sectional runners up. Eight seniors graduate from the team heading into next year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763194295930.jpeg" alt="Elijah Moore (30) pushes through the line/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Elijah Moore (30) pushes through the line/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;