PREP FOOTBALL=State Championship=Class 8M-I=Meade 22, Little River 14Class 8M-II=Axtell 44, Wheatland-Grinnell 18Class 6A=BV Northwest 41, Derby 21Class 5A=Mill Valley 28, Maize 14Class 4A=St. James Academy 28, Andover Central 21Class 3A=Andale 53, Frontenac 0Class 2A=Rossville 35, Beloit 12Class 1A=Olpe 35, Inman 6

State championship game football results

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Mustapha Amzil hit a running jumper in the lane at the buzzer, and Dayton beat No. 4 Kansas 74-73. Kansas’ David McCormack blocked Malachi Smith’s layup with 3 seconds left. Amzil picked up the loose ball, and his shot went off the rim and backboard before going in. After Smith cut the deficit to 73-72 on a layup, McCormack was called for an offensive foul with 9 seconds to play.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Mustapha Amzil hit a running jumper in the lane at the buzzer, and Dayton beat No. 4 Kansas 74-73. Kansas’ David McCormack blocked Malachi Smith’s layup with 3 seconds left. Amzil picked up the loose ball, and his shot went off the rim and backboard before going in. After Smith cut the deficit to 73-72 on a layup, McCormack was called for an offensive foul with 9 seconds to play.

Shot at the buzzer lifts Dayton past Kansas

Cover image by Tommy Rezac / St. Joseph Post

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Even the mind of Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose ability to put on blinders and focus only on the future is downright legendary, can find its way back to a season that looked remarkably like this one.

You know, when the Chiefs won the Super Bowl?

That year began with then-new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo trying to implement a wholesale change in scheme, resulting in a bunch that was bad the previous year under Bob Sutton and just may have been worse. Throw in a whole bunch of injuries, including one to Patrick Mahomes, and the result was a decidedly un-championship-like 6-4 start to the year.

That was the same record the Chiefs had through the first 10 weeks this season.

It also was produced by a defense that was historically inept for the first eight weeks of the season, and injuries to such big names as Chris Jones, Frank Clark and Clyde Edwards-Helaire that hampered the Chiefs on both sides of the ball.

"I wouldn't say specifically that I've brought it up," Reid said. "I understand that, but you spend so much time focusing on getting yourself ready to play that those things don't necessarily have an impact. It does in the big picture, but when you're getting ready to play a good football team, you spend every minute trying to get the scheme down and get their scheme down and then understand their players. It's endless hours on that, trying to get that done."

Reid should have some time to ponder such comparisons during the Chiefs bye this week.

It probably would give him a whole lot of confidence in what lies ahead.

Back in 2019, the Chiefs ran the table after their mediocre start, relying on a defense that adapted to Spagnuolo's system and an offense that had a healthy Mahomes. They won their last game before their bye, which also came in Week 12, and began their torrid run to the playoffs by beating up the AFC West-rival Raiders after the break.

This year's version of the Chiefs also turned things around on defense. They have held four straight opponents to 301 yards or fewer, coinciding with a season-changing four-game win streak. And they played easily their best game of the season against the NFL's top-ranked offense in a 19-9 win over the Cowboys last week.

Dallas turned the ball over three times and managed just 276 yards in a game that was always in Kansas City's control.

"It got lost because the offense wasn't playing very well, that we were winning games because of the defense," Mahomes said. "People were so used to our offense kind of going out there and putting up these numbers, but I would say it every week when I was right here at the podium, don't lose how good our defense is playing."

Now the trick is to keep playing that way. 

The defense in 2019 managed to do it, holding three of its five opponents after the bye to fewer than 300 yards. It held the Titans to 295 yards in the AFC title game to usher the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl since 1971, then was strong enough to allow Kansas City to mount a comeback against the 49ers.

There's every reason to believe this year's bunch can do it, too. They have more talent top to bottom than the 2019 defense did, particularly since the arrival of pass rusher Melvin Ingram. His work opposite Frank Clark on the defensive line has allowed Chris Jones to move back to his more natural position at defensive tackle, and he's made life miserable for opposing quarters; he had 3 1/2 sacks, forced a fumble and recovered one against the Cowboys last weekend.

In the linebacker group, second-round pick Nick Bolton has given the Chiefs the kind of athleticism that they've lacked since Derrick Johnson retired. And in the secondary, L'Jarius Sneed is playing at a Pro Bowl level at cornerback, which has freed up three-time All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu to freelance a bit more and cause defensive havoc.

"I'm not trying to blame it on injuries," Spagnuolo said, "but it always feels better or seems to come together when you can have some consecutive weeks of the same guys. When you can get a volume of reps underneath your belt with the same guys, talking to the same guy — you know what I'm saying? To me, that would be the biggest thing."

Perhaps the most encouraging part of the Chiefs' midseason turnaround? Their high-powered offense still isn't in sync.

Imagine what the Chiefs could do the rest of the way if Mahomes and Co. start lighting up the scoreboard again.

"We lost some games close early that we probably should have won if we found ways to finish. We took some big lumps and had some big losses that we don't usually have here," Mahomes said. "We kind of went back to the drawing board, went back to the fundamentals and decided to take it week by week, go through the process, trust in the coaching staff. We're sitting here now with everything in front of us. We just have to keep that same mindset."

Cover image by Tommy Rezac / St. Joseph PostBy DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Even the mind of Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose ability to put on blinders and focus only on the future is downright legendary, can find its way back to a season that looked remarkably like this one.It was only two years ago.You know, when the Chiefs won the Super Bowl?That year began with then-new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo trying to implement a wholesale change in scheme, resulting in a bunch that was bad the previous year under Bob Sutton and just may have been worse. Throw in a whole bunch of injuries, including one to Patrick Mahomes, and the result was a decidedly un-championship-like 6-4 start to the year.That was the same record the Chiefs had through the first 10 weeks this season.It also was produced by a defense that was historically inept for the first eight weeks of the season, and injuries to such big names as Chris Jones, Frank Clark and Clyde Edwards-Helaire that hampered the Chiefs on both sides of the ball."I wouldn't say specifically that I've brought it up," Reid said. "I understand that, but you spend so much time focusing on getting yourself ready to play that those things don't necessarily have an impact. It does in the big picture, but when you're getting ready to play a good football team, you spend every minute trying to get the scheme down and get their scheme down and then understand their players. It's endless hours on that, trying to get that done."Reid should have some time to ponder such comparisons during the Chiefs bye this week.It probably would give him a whole lot of confidence in what lies ahead.Back in 2019, the Chiefs ran the table after their mediocre start, relying on a defense that adapted to Spagnuolo's system and an offense that had a healthy Mahomes. They won their last game before their bye, which also came in Week 12, and began their torrid run to the playoffs by beating up the AFC West-rival Raiders after the break.This year's version of the Chiefs also turned things around on defense. They have held four straight opponents to 301 yards or fewer, coinciding with a season-changing four-game win streak. And they played easily their best game of the season against the NFL's top-ranked offense in a 19-9 win over the Cowboys last week.Dallas turned the ball over three times and managed just 276 yards in a game that was always in Kansas City's control."It got lost because the offense wasn't playing very well, that we were winning games because of the defense," Mahomes said. "People were so used to our offense kind of going out there and putting up these numbers, but I would say it every week when I was right here at the podium, don't lose how good our defense is playing."Now the trick is to keep playing that way. The defense in 2019 managed to do it, holding three of its five opponents after the bye to fewer than 300 yards. It held the Titans to 295 yards in the AFC title game to usher the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl since 1971, then was strong enough to allow Kansas City to mount a comeback against the 49ers.There's every reason to believe this year's bunch can do it, too. They have more talent top to bottom than the 2019 defense did, particularly since the arrival of pass rusher Melvin Ingram. His work opposite Frank Clark on the defensive line has allowed Chris Jones to move back to his more natural position at defensive tackle, and he's made life miserable for opposing quarters; he had 3 1/2 sacks, forced a fumble and recovered one against the Cowboys last weekend.In the linebacker group, second-round pick Nick Bolton has given the Chiefs the kind of athleticism that they've lacked since Derrick Johnson retired. And in the secondary, L'Jarius Sneed is playing at a Pro Bowl level at cornerback, which has freed up three-time All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu to freelance a bit more and cause defensive havoc."I'm not trying to blame it on injuries," Spagnuolo said, "but it always feels better or seems to come together when you can have some consecutive weeks of the same guys. When you can get a volume of reps underneath your belt with the same guys, talking to the same guy — you know what I'm saying? To me, that would be the biggest thing."Perhaps the most encouraging part of the Chiefs' midseason turnaround? Their high-powered offense still isn't in sync.Imagine what the Chiefs could do the rest of the way if Mahomes and Co. start lighting up the scoreboard again."We lost some games close early that we probably should have won if we found ways to finish. We took some big lumps and had some big losses that we don't usually have here," Mahomes said. "We kind of went back to the drawing board, went back to the fundamentals and decided to take it week by week, go through the process, trust in the coaching staff. We're sitting here now with everything in front of us. We just have to keep that same mindset."

🏈 Chiefs see similarities to 2019 turnaround that led to title

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– No. 14/15 Illinois broke open a tight contest with a decisive 21-7 run midway through the second half, which included five 3-point field goals, to pull away from Kansas State on Tuesday night in the consolation game of the Hall of Fame Classic in front of 7,255 at the T-Mobile Center.

A night after shooting just 28.1 percent from the field, including 13.6 percent from 3-point range, in a loss to Cincinnati, the Fighting Illini (3-2) seemed to make every shot against the Wildcats (2-2), as they connected on 52.1 percent (25-of-48) from the field, including 12 makes from 3-point range on 46.2 percent (12-of-26) shooting. Seven of those 12 triples came from fifth-year senior&nbsp;Alfonso Plummer, who finished the night with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 7-of-9 from long range.

The Illini’s 3-point efficiency came on top of a dominant performance from their All-American center&nbsp;Kofi Cockburn, who finished the night with game-highs in both points (23) and rebounding (13).

K-State, on the other hand, couldn’t find any offensive rhythm, connecting on just 38.5 percent (25-of-65) from the field, including 28.6 percent (6-of-21) from 3-point range, with just 9 assists on 25 made field goals. After shooting 44.8 percent (13-of-29) to help close the deficit to 34-31 at the half, the Wildcats couldn’t sustain that output in the second half, shooting just 33.3 percent (12-of-36) from the field, including 23.1 percent (3-of-13) from long range.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– No. 14/15 Illinois broke open a tight contest with a decisive 21-7 run midway through the second half, which included five 3-point field goals, to pull away from Kansas State on Tuesday night in the consolation game of the Hall of Fame Classic in front of 7,255 at the T-Mobile Center.A night after shooting just 28.1 percent from the field, including 13.6 percent from 3-point range, in a loss to Cincinnati, the Fighting Illini (3-2) seemed to make every shot against the Wildcats (2-2), as they connected on 52.1 percent (25-of-48) from the field, including 12 makes from 3-point range on 46.2 percent (12-of-26) shooting. Seven of those 12 triples came from fifth-year senior&nbsp;Alfonso Plummer, who finished the night with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 7-of-9 from long range.The Illini’s 3-point efficiency came on top of a dominant performance from their All-American center&nbsp;Kofi Cockburn, who finished the night with game-highs in both points (23) and rebounding (13).K-State, on the other hand, couldn’t find any offensive rhythm, connecting on just 38.5 percent (25-of-65) from the field, including 28.6 percent (6-of-21) from 3-point range, with just 9 assists on 25 made field goals. After shooting 44.8 percent (13-of-29) to help close the deficit to 34-31 at the half, the Wildcats couldn’t sustain that output in the second half, shooting just 33.3 percent (12-of-36) from the field, including 23.1 percent (3-of-13) from long range.

Wildcats fall to Illinois

Stadium: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium (100,119)

WILDCATS CLOSE OUT REGULAR SEASON AT TEXAS

Coming off a tough home loss to No. 11 Baylor, Kansas State hits the road for the final regular-season game of the season as the Wildcats face Texas on Friday in Austin. The contest against the Longhorns kicks at 11 a.m., and will be televised by FOX with Aaron Goldsmith (play-by-play) and Mark Helfrich (analyst) on the call. The game can be heard across the 39-station K-State Sports Network with Wyatt Thompson (play-by-play), former K-State quarterback Stan Weber (analyst) and Matt Walters (sidelines) calling the action. Fans can also catch the game on SiriusXM (XM: 200; App: 954) in addition to The Varsity Network app.

• K-State has put together four solid outings in the last five weeks in wins over Texas Tech, TCU, Kansas and West Virginia.

• Skylar Thompson has put together the best passing stretch of his career in the last seven games. During that time, Thompson has thrown for 1,614 yards and nine touchdowns with just two interceptions on 129-of-187 (70.0%) aim.

• Thompson enters the week ranked 14th nationally in passing yards per attempt (9.04) and completion percentage (68.8%).

• Thompson’s favorite receiver this year has been Deuce Vaughn, who leads the team with 45 receptions for 464 yards and three scores.

• A Doak Walker Award Semifinalist, Vaughn has totaled 602 yards from scrimmage over the last five games (120.4 yards per game), which includes 100-yard rushing games against No. 11 Baylor, KU, West Virginia and TCU.

• This year, Vaughn has totaled 1,579 scrimmage yards (1,115 rush/464 receive) and 17 total touchdowns. He ranks fourth nationally in scrimmage yards per game (143.5).

• In his 21 career games, Vaughn has at least 100 scrimmage yards 16 times, which includes each of the last 13 games.

• Receivers Phillip Brooks, Malik Knowles and Landry Weber have combined for 75 catches for 1,053 yards and five scores.

• The Wildcats, deploying a new 3-3-5 look and regularly rotating in over 25 players on defense, rank 21st in the nation and second in the Big 12 against the run (118.5 yds/gm).

• Linebackers Daniel Green (72) and Cody Fletcher (64) lead the team in tackles.

• Felix Anudike-Uzomah leads the nation in forced fumbles with six – which is tied for the school record – while he is third in sacks (11.0) and 12th in tackles for loss (14.5). A native of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Anudike-Uzomah is just a half sack shy of tying the school record.

• He earned three national player of the week awards and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors following a school-record tying 4.0 sacks against TCU.

• Safety Russ Yeast – a transfer from Louisville – is tied for the Big 12 lead with three interceptions, while he had four total passes defended against West Virginia to tie for the 11th-best mark in the nation this year.

• Punter Ty Zentner ranks fourth in the Big 12 with a 44.7-yard average.

• Malik Knowles has returned two kickoffs for a touchdown, and he ranks third in the nation with a 32.1-yard average.

Date: Friday, November 26Kickoff: 11 a.m.Location: Austin, TexasStadium: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium (100,119)Series: Texas Leads, 11-10WILDCATS CLOSE OUT REGULAR SEASON AT TEXASComing off a tough home loss to No. 11 Baylor, Kansas State hits the road for the final regular-season game of the season as the Wildcats face Texas on Friday in Austin. The contest against the Longhorns kicks at 11 a.m., and will be televised by FOX with Aaron Goldsmith (play-by-play) and Mark Helfrich (analyst) on the call. The game can be heard across the 39-station K-State Sports Network with Wyatt Thompson (play-by-play), former K-State quarterback Stan Weber (analyst) and Matt Walters (sidelines) calling the action. Fans can also catch the game on SiriusXM (XM: 200; App: 954) in addition to The Varsity Network app. A LOOK AT K-STATE• K-State has put together four solid outings in the last five weeks in wins over Texas Tech, TCU, Kansas and West Virginia.• Skylar Thompson has put together the best passing stretch of his career in the last seven games. During that time, Thompson has thrown for 1,614 yards and nine touchdowns with just two interceptions on 129-of-187 (70.0%) aim.• Thompson enters the week ranked 14th nationally in passing yards per attempt (9.04) and completion percentage (68.8%).• Thompson’s favorite receiver this year has been Deuce Vaughn, who leads the team with 45 receptions for 464 yards and three scores.• A Doak Walker Award Semifinalist, Vaughn has totaled 602 yards from scrimmage over the last five games (120.4 yards per game), which includes 100-yard rushing games against No. 11 Baylor, KU, West Virginia and TCU.• This year, Vaughn has totaled 1,579 scrimmage yards (1,115 rush/464 receive) and 17 total touchdowns. He ranks fourth nationally in scrimmage yards per game (143.5).• In his 21 career games, Vaughn has at least 100 scrimmage yards 16 times, which includes each of the last 13 games.• Receivers Phillip Brooks, Malik Knowles and Landry Weber have combined for 75 catches for 1,053 yards and five scores.• The Wildcats, deploying a new 3-3-5 look and regularly rotating in over 25 players on defense, rank 21st in the nation and second in the Big 12 against the run (118.5 yds/gm).• Linebackers Daniel Green (72) and Cody Fletcher (64) lead the team in tackles.• Felix Anudike-Uzomah leads the nation in forced fumbles with six – which is tied for the school record – while he is third in sacks (11.0) and 12th in tackles for loss (14.5). A native of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Anudike-Uzomah is just a half sack shy of tying the school record.• He earned three national player of the week awards and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors following a school-record tying 4.0 sacks against TCU.• Safety Russ Yeast – a transfer from Louisville – is tied for the Big 12 lead with three interceptions, while he had four total passes defended against West Virginia to tie for the 11th-best mark in the nation this year.• Punter Ty Zentner ranks fourth in the Big 12 with a 44.7-yard average.• Malik Knowles has returned two kickoffs for a touchdown, and he ranks third in the nation with a 32.1-yard average.

K-State plays at Texas Friday

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– Kansas State nearly dug itself out of an 18-point deficit with a gritty second-half effort, however, No. 13/12 Arkansas made the right plays down the stretch to hold off the rally in a 72-64 win on Monday night in the semifinals of the Hall of Fame Classic before 9,409 fans at the T-Mobile Center.

The Razorbacks (4-0) now advance to the Championship game on Tuesday night to play unbeaten Cincinnati (5-0), which knocked No. 14/15 Illinois (2-2) in the first semifinal. The Wildcats (2-1) will face the Fighting Illini in the consolation game on Tuesday at 6 p.m., CT.

Down by as many as 18 points, including 45-27, just under 2 minutes into the second half, the Wildcats closed to within 62-54 on a pair of free throws by sophomore&nbsp;Nijel Pack&nbsp;with 1:53 to play then to 66-60 on a Pack 3-pointer with under a minute to play. However, reserve guard&nbsp;Chris Lykes&nbsp;was a perfect 10-of-10 from the free throw line in the last 1:46 to stave off any further attempts at a comeback.

Lykes was among five Razorbacks in double figures, tying for the team lead with junior&nbsp;Conner Vanover&nbsp;with 14 points each, while senior&nbsp;Au’Diese Toney&nbsp;added a near double-double with 13 points and 9 rebounds.

Pack tied for the game-high lead with 14 points on 5-of-12 field goals and 3-of-3 free throws, while fellow sophomore&nbsp;Selton Miguel&nbsp;had a near double-double with a game-tying 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting to go with a career-best 9 rebounds. Junior&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;added 10 points off the bench, eclipsing 1,000 points in college in a career that started at Little Rock in 2018-19.

K-State dug itself into its double-digit deficit with a poor offensive start, as the Wildcats connected on just 25.9 percent (7-of-27) from the field, including 0-of-10 from 3-point range, in the first half to go with 8 turnovers. The team flipped the switch in the second half, scoring 40 points on 46.9 percent (15-of-32) shooting.

The teams were nearly identical shooting the ball with K-State connecting on 37.3 percent (22-of-59) from the field compared to Arkansas’ 36.2 percent (21-of-58), as they combined to hit just 6 of 44 3-point attempts (13.6 percent). However, the Razorbacks took advantage of the 45 personal fouls to convert on 27 of 34 free throw attempts (79.4 percent), which was 10 more than the Wildcats (17-of-23; 73.9 percent).

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– Kansas State nearly dug itself out of an 18-point deficit with a gritty second-half effort, however, No. 13/12 Arkansas made the right plays down the stretch to hold off the rally in a 72-64 win on Monday night in the semifinals of the Hall of Fame Classic before 9,409 fans at the T-Mobile Center.The Razorbacks (4-0) now advance to the Championship game on Tuesday night to play unbeaten Cincinnati (5-0), which knocked No. 14/15 Illinois (2-2) in the first semifinal. The Wildcats (2-1) will face the Fighting Illini in the consolation game on Tuesday at 6 p.m., CT.Down by as many as 18 points, including 45-27, just under 2 minutes into the second half, the Wildcats closed to within 62-54 on a pair of free throws by sophomore&nbsp;Nijel Pack&nbsp;with 1:53 to play then to 66-60 on a Pack 3-pointer with under a minute to play. However, reserve guard&nbsp;Chris Lykes&nbsp;was a perfect 10-of-10 from the free throw line in the last 1:46 to stave off any further attempts at a comeback.Lykes was among five Razorbacks in double figures, tying for the team lead with junior&nbsp;Conner Vanover&nbsp;with 14 points each, while senior&nbsp;Au’Diese Toney&nbsp;added a near double-double with 13 points and 9 rebounds.Pack tied for the game-high lead with 14 points on 5-of-12 field goals and 3-of-3 free throws, while fellow sophomore&nbsp;Selton Miguel&nbsp;had a near double-double with a game-tying 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting to go with a career-best 9 rebounds. Junior&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;added 10 points off the bench, eclipsing 1,000 points in college in a career that started at Little Rock in 2018-19.K-State dug itself into its double-digit deficit with a poor offensive start, as the Wildcats connected on just 25.9 percent (7-of-27) from the field, including 0-of-10 from 3-point range, in the first half to go with 8 turnovers. The team flipped the switch in the second half, scoring 40 points on 46.9 percent (15-of-32) shooting.The teams were nearly identical shooting the ball with K-State connecting on 37.3 percent (22-of-59) from the field compared to Arkansas’ 36.2 percent (21-of-58), as they combined to hit just 6 of 44 3-point attempts (13.6 percent). However, the Razorbacks took advantage of the 45 personal fouls to convert on 27 of 34 free throw attempts (79.4 percent), which was 10 more than the Wildcats (17-of-23; 73.9 percent).

K-State rally comes up short against Arkansas

K-State said that head football coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced on Monday that redshirt freshman wide receiver Jaelon Travis has been dismissed from the program for a violation of team rules.

Travis did not play during the 2020 season, while he saw action in this year’s Kansas game.

K-State said that head football coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced on Monday that redshirt freshman wide receiver Jaelon Travis has been dismissed from the program for a violation of team rules.Travis did not play during the 2020 season, while he saw action in this year’s Kansas game.

Jaelon Travis is dismissed from KSU football program

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 63 yards and a touchdown in his return from injured reserve as the Chiefs beat the Cowboys 19-9. Patrick Mahomes was 23 of 37 for 260 yards with an interception and a fumble for Kansas City, but he was bailed out by a defense that played its best game of the year. 

Charvarius Ward picked off Dak Prescott in the end zone near the end of the first half, and Chris Jones had 3 1/2 sacks while forcing and recovering a fumble. The result was the Chiefs' fourth straight win and a 4-0 mark against the NFC East this season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 63 yards and a touchdown in his return from injured reserve as the Chiefs beat the Cowboys 19-9. Patrick Mahomes was 23 of 37 for 260 yards with an interception and a fumble for Kansas City, but he was bailed out by a defense that played its best game of the year. Charvarius Ward picked off Dak Prescott in the end zone near the end of the first half, and Chris Jones had 3 1/2 sacks while forcing and recovering a fumble. The result was the Chiefs' fourth straight win and a 4-0 mark against the NFC East this season.

Chiefs rely on defense to stop the Cowboys

KANSAS STATE (2-0) vs. 16/15 ARKANSAS (3-0)

21st&nbsp;Annual Hall of Fame Classic presented by Hotels.com

Monday, November 22, 8 p.m. CT at T-Mobile Center (18,972)&nbsp; Kansas City, Mo.

<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a>

<a href="http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=870" target="_blank">http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=870</a>

<a href="http://www.t-mobilecenter.com/events/detail/hall-of-fame-classic-4" target="_blank">www.t-mobilecenter.com/events/detail/hall-of-fame-classic-4</a>

Kansas State: Bruce Weber (Wis.-Milwaukee ’78)

Arkansas: Eric Musselman (San Diego ‘87)

K-State vs. SEC: 167-153 [30-18 at neutral sites]

K-STATE TRAVELS TO KANSAS CITY FOR HALL OF FAME CLASSIC

KANSAS STATE (2-0) vs. 16/15 ARKANSAS (3-0)21st&nbsp;Annual Hall of Fame Classic presented by Hotels.comMonday, November 22, 8 p.m. CT at T-Mobile Center (18,972)&nbsp; Kansas City, Mo.TELEVISIONESPNews / WatchESPNRADIOK-State Sports Network107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK AMLIVE STATS<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a><a href="http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=870" target="_blank">http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=870</a>TICKETS<a href="http://www.t-mobilecenter.com/events/detail/hall-of-fame-classic-4" target="_blank">www.t-mobilecenter.com/events/detail/hall-of-fame-classic-4</a>(816) 949.7100Single Game: $15, $40, $80, $100COACHESKansas State: Bruce Weber (Wis.-Milwaukee ’78)Overall: 485-285/24th&nbsp;seasonAt K-State: 172-130/10th&nbsp;seasonvs. Arkansas: 2-0 (0-0 at K-State)Arkansas: Eric Musselman (San Diego ‘87)Overall: 158-53/6th&nbsp;seasonSchool Record: 48-19/3rd&nbsp;seasonvs. K-State: 0-0 (0-0 at Arkansas)SERIES HISTORY VS. ARKANSASOverall: K-State leads 8-3In Kansas City: K-State leads 2-0Active Streak: Arkansas, 2Weber vs. Arkansas: 2-0K-State vs. SEC: 167-153 [30-18 at neutral sites]Weber vs. Eric Musselman: First meetingPROJECTED STARTING LINEUPKansas State (2-0)G: #3 Selton MiguelG: #13 Mark SmithG: #21 Nijel PackF: #25 Ismael [Ish] MassoudF: #20 Kaosi EzeaguArkansas (3-0)G: #1 J.D. NotaeG: #4 Davonte DavisG: #5 Au’Diese ToneyF: #10 Jaylin WilliamsF: #23 Kamani JohnsonK-STATE TRAVELS TO KANSAS CITY FOR HALL OF FAME CLASSIC<ul>
 <li>Kansas State (2-0) will face its first significant challenge of season this coming week, as the Wildcats head east to Kansas City to play in the 21st annual Hall of Fame Classic presented by Hotels.com on Monday-Tuesday, November 22-23 at the T-Mobile Center.</li><li>The Wildcats will play No. 16/15 Arkansas (3-0) in the second semifinal game on Monday around 8 p.m., CT on ESPNews following the conclusion of the first game between Cincinnati (4-0) vs. No. 10/10 Illinois (2-1).</li><li>The winners of the two semifinal games will play in the championship on Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m., CT on ESPN2, while the consolation game is set for 6 p.m., CT on ESPNews.</li><li>This will be the third time K-State has participated in the Hall of Fame Classic, advancing to the championship game in its previous 2 appearances before falling to Top 10 foes Duke (2010) and North Carolina (2015).</li>
 </ul>

Kansas State meets Arkansas in the Hall of Fame Classic

K-State ended their 2021 football home schedule with a loss to&nbsp; Baylor by a score of 20-10.&nbsp;

Wildcat coach Chris Klieman&nbsp;“Well, let’s congratulate Coach Aranda and Baylor. They played a really good football game and beat us at our own place and I give those guys credit for making really good plays on both sides of the ball. They’re a physical team and they play really hard. We got behind early on the miscue and we went down seven to nothing and just couldn’t get out of that hole and struggled to get any rhythm offensively throughout the day until the big run with Deuce (Vaughn). I also thought we struggled to get off the field on defense.&nbsp; "

Baylor scored a touchdown with 11:09 remaining in the first quarter a short time after recovering a muffed punt by Kansas State and led 17-7 at halftime. Blake Shapen threw for 137 yards in place of injured quarterback Gerry Bohanon as No. 11 Baylor leaned on its defense in the win.

Trestan Ebner ran for 86 yards and a touchdown as the Bears won their fourth straight over the Wildcats. Sixth-year senior Skylar Thompson was just 15 of 29 for 158 yards for Kansas State before leaving with an injury in the fourth quarter of his final home game. Deuce Vaughn added 128 yards rushing for the Wildcats, but most of it came on a 65-yard touchdown run.

K-State ended their 2021 football home schedule with a loss to&nbsp; Baylor by a score of 20-10.&nbsp;Wildcat coach Chris Klieman&nbsp;“Well, let’s congratulate Coach Aranda and Baylor. They played a really good football game and beat us at our own place and I give those guys credit for making really good plays on both sides of the ball. They’re a physical team and they play really hard. We got behind early on the miscue and we went down seven to nothing and just couldn’t get out of that hole and struggled to get any rhythm offensively throughout the day until the big run with Deuce (Vaughn). I also thought we struggled to get off the field on defense.&nbsp; "Baylor scored a touchdown with 11:09 remaining in the first quarter a short time after recovering a muffed punt by Kansas State and led 17-7 at halftime. Blake Shapen threw for 137 yards in place of injured quarterback Gerry Bohanon as No. 11 Baylor leaned on its defense in the win.Trestan Ebner ran for 86 yards and a touchdown as the Bears won their fourth straight over the Wildcats. Sixth-year senior Skylar Thompson was just 15 of 29 for 158 yards for Kansas State before leaving with an injury in the fourth quarter of his final home game. Deuce Vaughn added 128 yards rushing for the Wildcats, but most of it came on a 65-yard touchdown run.

K-State falls on Senior Day to Baylor

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Griffin Kell kicked a 25-yard field goal with 11 seconds to play as TCU fought off a Kansas fourth-quarter rally to beat the Jayhawks 31-28. Kansas trailed 28-14 early in the fourth quarter before Jalon Daniels threw touchdown passes of 28 yards to Luke Grimm and 10 yards to Jared Casey, the unlikely overtime hero in the Jayhawks’ win last week at Texas that snapped a 56-game Big 12 losing streak. TCU kept its bowl hopes alive while Kansas was trying to win consecutive conference games for the first time since 2008.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Griffin Kell kicked a 25-yard field goal with 11 seconds to play as TCU fought off a Kansas fourth-quarter rally to beat the Jayhawks 31-28. Kansas trailed 28-14 early in the fourth quarter before Jalon Daniels threw touchdown passes of 28 yards to Luke Grimm and 10 yards to Jared Casey, the unlikely overtime hero in the Jayhawks’ win last week at Texas that snapped a 56-game Big 12 losing streak. TCU kept its bowl hopes alive while Kansas was trying to win consecutive conference games for the first time since 2008.

TCU holds off Kansas

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Elissa Cunane had 18 points and six rebounds as No. 5 North Carolina State pulled away from Kansas State for a 90-69 win. Diamond Johnson had 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists for the Wolfpack, and Raina Perez and Kayla Jones each scored 12 points. Kansas State center Ayoka Lee finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds. She had been averaging 29.3 points per game, but the Wolfpack often denied her the ball. Serena Sundell led the Wildcats with 21 points.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Elissa Cunane had 18 points and six rebounds as No. 5 North Carolina State pulled away from Kansas State for a 90-69 win. Diamond Johnson had 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists for the Wolfpack, and Raina Perez and Kayla Jones each scored 12 points. Kansas State center Ayoka Lee finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds. She had been averaging 29.3 points per game, but the Wolfpack often denied her the ball. Serena Sundell led the Wildcats with 21 points.

K-State women's basketball falls to North Carolina State

PREP FOOTBALL=Sub-State=Class 1A=Inman 26, Sedgwick 21Olpe 28, Centralia 6Class 2A=Beloit 22, Kingman 19Rossville 36, Silver Lake 8Class 3A=Andale 37, Southeast Saline 16Frontenac 32, Holton 13Class 4A=Andover Central 42, Buhler 21St. James Academy 42, Bishop Miege 19Class 5A=Maize 22, Kapaun Mount Carmel 21Mill Valley 35, St. Thomas Aquinas 19Class 6A=BV Northwest 35, BV West 7Derby 62, Lawrence 28Class 8M-I=Little River 76, Canton-Galva 68Meade 48, Hill City 34Class 8M-II=Axtell 46, Thunder Ridge 0Wheatland-Grinnell 42, Victoria 30

Friday night football playoff scores

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State senior wide receiver&nbsp;Landry Weber&nbsp;and sophomore running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;have been named to the 2021 CoSIDA Academic All-District 7 team, the College Sports Information Directors of America has announced.

It marks the fourth-straight season the Wildcats have had two players earn Academic All-District honors, and both players were honored for the first time in their careers. Earlier this week, Weber and Vaughn were two of a program-record&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2021/11/18/football-wildcats-place-34-on-academic-all-big-12-teams.aspx" target="_blank">34 Academic All-Big 12 honorees</a>&nbsp;as both were named to the first team.

Weber, a four-time Academic All-Big 12 honoree, was nominated with a 3.97 undergraduate GPA and 3.80 graduate school GPA as an accounting major. The senior has played in 40 career games and enjoyed the best receiving year of his career in 2021, hauling in 13 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown. His score came against Oklahoma, a contest in which he set career highs in catches (4) and yards (65).

Holding a 3.65 GPA in business administration, Vaughn earned 2021 First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors in his first season eligible for the award. The Round Rock, Texas, native, who is a semifinalist for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2021/11/17/football-vaughn-named-semifinalist-for-doak-walker-award.aspx" target="_blank">Doak Walker Award</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2021/11/18/football-vaughn-earns-semifinalist-status-for-earl-campbell-tyler-rose-award.aspx" target="_blank">Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award</a>, has rushed for 987 yards and 13 touchdowns to go along with 427 receiving yards and another three scores. He is closing in on becoming just the fourth player in Big 12 history and the third player nationally in the last five season with 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in the same season.

By being named Academic All-District 7 honorees, Weber and Vaughn now advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team ballot, with first- and second-team Academic All-America honorees being announced on December 15.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State senior wide receiver&nbsp;Landry Weber&nbsp;and sophomore running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;have been named to the 2021 CoSIDA Academic All-District 7 team, the College Sports Information Directors of America has announced.It marks the fourth-straight season the Wildcats have had two players earn Academic All-District honors, and both players were honored for the first time in their careers. Earlier this week, Weber and Vaughn were two of a program-record&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2021/11/18/football-wildcats-place-34-on-academic-all-big-12-teams.aspx" target="_blank">34 Academic All-Big 12 honorees</a>&nbsp;as both were named to the first team.Weber, a four-time Academic All-Big 12 honoree, was nominated with a 3.97 undergraduate GPA and 3.80 graduate school GPA as an accounting major. The senior has played in 40 career games and enjoyed the best receiving year of his career in 2021, hauling in 13 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown. His score came against Oklahoma, a contest in which he set career highs in catches (4) and yards (65).Holding a 3.65 GPA in business administration, Vaughn earned 2021 First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors in his first season eligible for the award. The Round Rock, Texas, native, who is a semifinalist for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2021/11/17/football-vaughn-named-semifinalist-for-doak-walker-award.aspx" target="_blank">Doak Walker Award</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2021/11/18/football-vaughn-earns-semifinalist-status-for-earl-campbell-tyler-rose-award.aspx" target="_blank">Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award</a>, has rushed for 987 yards and 13 touchdowns to go along with 427 receiving yards and another three scores. He is closing in on becoming just the fourth player in Big 12 history and the third player nationally in the last five season with 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in the same season.By being named Academic All-District 7 honorees, Weber and Vaughn now advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team ballot, with first- and second-team Academic All-America honorees being announced on December 15.

Weber and Vaughn receive Academic All-District recognition

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;For a third-straight season, Kansas State football produced its program high in Academic All-Big 12 honorees as 34 Wildcats – including 27 first-team members – earned the nod as the conference office announced the 310-member Academic All-Big 12 teams on Thursday.

K-State, which tied its school-record mark from a year ago for first-team honorees, now has a Big 12-leading 234 total citations since 2014, which is 29 more than the next closest program (Oklahoma State, 205).

Those that earned first-team accolades were&nbsp;Ben Adler&nbsp;(Construction Science &amp; Management),&nbsp;<a>Nick Allen&nbsp;(Finance),</a>&nbsp;Mason Barta&nbsp;(Management),&nbsp;Cooper Beebe&nbsp;(Education – Social Studies),&nbsp;Cameron Cotton&nbsp;(Finance),&nbsp;Ross Elder&nbsp;(Finance),&nbsp;Jace Friesen&nbsp;(Communication Studies),&nbsp;Reed Godinet&nbsp;(Communication Studies),&nbsp;Ryan Henington&nbsp;(Professional Strategic Selling),&nbsp;Will Howard&nbsp;(Business),&nbsp;Eli Huggins&nbsp;(Finance),&nbsp;Noah Johnson&nbsp;(Marketing),&nbsp;Wayne Jones&nbsp;(Communication Studies),&nbsp;KT Leveston&nbsp;(Human Development &amp; Family Science),&nbsp;Jaren Lewis&nbsp;(Social Sciences),&nbsp;Logan Long&nbsp;(Political Science),&nbsp;Nate Matlack&nbsp;(Personal Financial Planning),&nbsp;Austin Moore&nbsp;(Kinesiology),&nbsp;Christian Moore&nbsp;(Sociology – Criminology),&nbsp;Jaylen Pickle&nbsp;(Management Information Systems),&nbsp;Randen Plattner&nbsp;(Mechanical Engineering),&nbsp;Seth Porter&nbsp;(Communication Studies),&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;(Kinesiology),&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;(Management),&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;(Business),&nbsp;Landry Weber&nbsp;(Accounting) and&nbsp;Sammy Wheeler&nbsp;(Kinesiology).

K-State’s second-team members included&nbsp;Cody Fletcher&nbsp;(Management),&nbsp;Kirmari Gainous&nbsp;(Human Development &amp; Family Science),&nbsp;Hunter Henry&nbsp;(Kinesiology),&nbsp;Robert Hentz II&nbsp;(Physical Education / Health),&nbsp;TJ Smith&nbsp;(Business),&nbsp;Tyrone Taleni&nbsp;(Biology) and&nbsp;Ty Zentner&nbsp;(Physical Education / Health).

Nominated by each institution’s director of student-athlete support services, the 2021 football academic all-league squad is comprised of 221 first-team members combined with 89 on the second team. First-team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, and the second team are those who have a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.

To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 20% of their team’s scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;For a third-straight season, Kansas State football produced its program high in Academic All-Big 12 honorees as 34 Wildcats – including 27 first-team members – earned the nod as the conference office announced the 310-member Academic All-Big 12 teams on Thursday.K-State, which tied its school-record mark from a year ago for first-team honorees, now has a Big 12-leading 234 total citations since 2014, which is 29 more than the next closest program (Oklahoma State, 205).Those that earned first-team accolades were&nbsp;Ben Adler&nbsp;(Construction Science &amp; Management),&nbsp;<a>Nick Allen&nbsp;(Finance),</a>&nbsp;Mason Barta&nbsp;(Management),&nbsp;Cooper Beebe&nbsp;(Education – Social Studies),&nbsp;Cameron Cotton&nbsp;(Finance),&nbsp;Ross Elder&nbsp;(Finance),&nbsp;Jace Friesen&nbsp;(Communication Studies),&nbsp;Reed Godinet&nbsp;(Communication Studies),&nbsp;Ryan Henington&nbsp;(Professional Strategic Selling),&nbsp;Will Howard&nbsp;(Business),&nbsp;Eli Huggins&nbsp;(Finance),&nbsp;Noah Johnson&nbsp;(Marketing),&nbsp;Wayne Jones&nbsp;(Communication Studies),&nbsp;KT Leveston&nbsp;(Human Development &amp; Family Science),&nbsp;Jaren Lewis&nbsp;(Social Sciences),&nbsp;Logan Long&nbsp;(Political Science),&nbsp;Nate Matlack&nbsp;(Personal Financial Planning),&nbsp;Austin Moore&nbsp;(Kinesiology),&nbsp;Christian Moore&nbsp;(Sociology – Criminology),&nbsp;Jaylen Pickle&nbsp;(Management Information Systems),&nbsp;Randen Plattner&nbsp;(Mechanical Engineering),&nbsp;Seth Porter&nbsp;(Communication Studies),&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;(Kinesiology),&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;(Management),&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;(Business),&nbsp;Landry Weber&nbsp;(Accounting) and&nbsp;Sammy Wheeler&nbsp;(Kinesiology).K-State’s second-team members included&nbsp;Cody Fletcher&nbsp;(Management),&nbsp;Kirmari Gainous&nbsp;(Human Development &amp; Family Science),&nbsp;Hunter Henry&nbsp;(Kinesiology),&nbsp;Robert Hentz II&nbsp;(Physical Education / Health),&nbsp;TJ Smith&nbsp;(Business),&nbsp;Tyrone Taleni&nbsp;(Biology) and&nbsp;Ty Zentner&nbsp;(Physical Education / Health).Nominated by each institution’s director of student-athlete support services, the 2021 football academic all-league squad is comprised of 221 first-team members combined with 89 on the second team. First-team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, and the second team are those who have a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 20% of their team’s scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.

K-State football produces Academic All-Big 12 honorees

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ismael Massoud and Nijel Pack each scored 15 points, both hitting three 3-pointers, and Kansas State used a quick start to defeat Omaha 79-64. The Wildcats were up 15-2 less than five minutes into the game and had a late 18-3 run in the first half to go up by 21 before settling for a 42-26 lead at the break. The Mavericks had a 10-0 run in the middle of the second half to get within 12 but Kansas State had four 3s in a 16-2 run to ice it. Kyle Luedtke hit four 3-pointers and scored 16 points off the bench for the Mavericks.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ismael Massoud and Nijel Pack each scored 15 points, both hitting three 3-pointers, and Kansas State used a quick start to defeat Omaha 79-64. The Wildcats were up 15-2 less than five minutes into the game and had a late 18-3 run in the first half to go up by 21 before settling for a 42-26 lead at the break. The Mavericks had a 10-0 run in the middle of the second half to get within 12 but Kansas State had four 3s in a 16-2 run to ice it. Kyle Luedtke hit four 3-pointers and scored 16 points off the bench for the Mavericks.

Kansas State defeats Omaha

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;One of the best all-purpose running backs in the nation, Kansas State sophomore&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced Wednesday.

Vaughn is the first Wildcat to be named a semifinalist for the award that is presented to the nation’s premier running back since Daniel Thomas in 2010. Prior to Thomas, Darren Sproles was one of three finalists in 2003.

A native of Round Rock, Texas, Vaughn is joined on the list by three other Big 12 running backs in Breece Hall (Iowa State), Bijan Robinson (Texas) and Abram Smith (Baylor). Other semifinalists include Tyler Allgeier (BYU), Tyler Badie (Missouri), TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), Sincere McCormick (UTSA), Sean Tucker (Syracuse) and Kenneth Walker III (Michigan State).

Vaughn has totaled 987 rushing yards and 427 receiving yards as he is the only player in the nation to have at least 900 and 400 yards in those two categories, respectively. With 13 more rushing yards and 73 more receiving yards, he will be just the fourth player in Big 12 history with 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a season. Additionally, that feat has only been accomplished twice nationally in the last five years – 2019 by Memphis’ Kenneth Gainwell and 2017 by Penn State’s Saquon Barkey.

Vaughn currently ranks eighth nationally with 141.0 scrimmage yards per game, while he ranks fourth in the nation and tops among Power 5 players with 48 touches this year that have gone for 10 or more yards. Of his 219 touches this year, 21.9% have gone for at least 10 yards. Vaughn has found the end zone 16 times this year as his 96 points is tied for the sixth-highest mark in the nation among non-kickers.

To determine the 2021 finalists for the Doak Walker Award, the award’s National Selection Committee will cast their votes, and three finalists for the award will be named Tuesday, November 23. The Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast a second vote to select the 2021 award recipient. The 2021 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards&nbsp;on Thursday, December 9 on ESPN.

Kansas State, winners of four-straight games to sit at 7-3 overall and 4-3 in Big 12 play, takes on 11th-ranked Baylor this Saturday. Kickoff between the Wildcats and Bears is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium, and the game will be televised by FS1.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;One of the best all-purpose running backs in the nation, Kansas State sophomore&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced Wednesday.Vaughn is the first Wildcat to be named a semifinalist for the award that is presented to the nation’s premier running back since Daniel Thomas in 2010. Prior to Thomas, Darren Sproles was one of three finalists in 2003.A native of Round Rock, Texas, Vaughn is joined on the list by three other Big 12 running backs in Breece Hall (Iowa State), Bijan Robinson (Texas) and Abram Smith (Baylor). Other semifinalists include Tyler Allgeier (BYU), Tyler Badie (Missouri), TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), Sincere McCormick (UTSA), Sean Tucker (Syracuse) and Kenneth Walker III (Michigan State).Vaughn has totaled 987 rushing yards and 427 receiving yards as he is the only player in the nation to have at least 900 and 400 yards in those two categories, respectively. With 13 more rushing yards and 73 more receiving yards, he will be just the fourth player in Big 12 history with 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a season. Additionally, that feat has only been accomplished twice nationally in the last five years – 2019 by Memphis’ Kenneth Gainwell and 2017 by Penn State’s Saquon Barkey.Vaughn currently ranks eighth nationally with 141.0 scrimmage yards per game, while he ranks fourth in the nation and tops among Power 5 players with 48 touches this year that have gone for 10 or more yards. Of his 219 touches this year, 21.9% have gone for at least 10 yards. Vaughn has found the end zone 16 times this year as his 96 points is tied for the sixth-highest mark in the nation among non-kickers.To determine the 2021 finalists for the Doak Walker Award, the award’s National Selection Committee will cast their votes, and three finalists for the award will be named Tuesday, November 23. The Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast a second vote to select the 2021 award recipient. The 2021 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards&nbsp;on Thursday, December 9 on ESPN.Kansas State, winners of four-straight games to sit at 7-3 overall and 4-3 in Big 12 play, takes on 11th-ranked Baylor this Saturday. Kickoff between the Wildcats and Bears is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium, and the game will be televised by FS1.

K-State’s Vaughn Named Semifinalist for Doak Walker Award

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday at the Vanier Family Football Complex as the Wildcats prepare to host No. 11 Baylor on Saturday in K-State’s Senior Day contest.

The Wildcats and Bears kick off at 4:30 p.m., on Saturday inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium in a game televised by FS1 with Aaron Goldsmith and Mark Helfrich on the call.

“Good afternoon, everyone. Hard to believe it's mid-November and we're on to our last home game. It's senior day, and I think we have 31 maybe (32) coming out, somewhere in that range for the last game at The Bill, or potentially last game at The Bill. That's something we're going to talk about for the next few years, I think, but a number of them I know it's their last game, and I'm excited for those guys to play at home one more time in front of these great fans and a great crowd. We're going to play a great opponent. Baylor's a really good football team. They deserve all the accolades they're getting. I think they're good in all three phases – offense, defense and teams, are obviously really well coached. They're playing really fast and confident, and so we're going to have our hands full. Make sure we have great plans, offense, defense, special teams, and our guys have good confidence right now. They have great belief. Now we just have to put the plan together and be able to go out and execute. Last week was a big win over West Virginia at home, a really good West Virginia team. I know that helps with the added confidence that our guys have that we're playing our best football as we finish the month of November.”

On why Deuce Vaughn has been so durable and versatile...

“Well, durability is because he takes care of his body. He does so many things behind the scenes, whether it's in the training room, the strength and conditioning area, nutrition, just always making sure that he does a great job with his body. We're trying to move him around. We know that sometimes he's as good a decoy as there is in college football, so he's allowing other guys to be able to make plays. We're also finding ways of getting him the football. When he gets the ball in space, as we all know, he can make a highlight film at any time. He's just playing at a really confident level and understands what we're doing offensively. I appreciate the way that Mess (Courtney Messingham) and the offensive staff have continued to try to move him around to get him the ball.”

On Baylor’s defense against Oklahoma...

“They’re fast. They’re physical. They’re a veteran crew. I think they're good at all three levels. They've got some really terrific defensive linemen. I really like their linebackers, and their secondary is really sound as well. To do what they're doing defensively, you have to be good at all three levels and they are.”

“He's playing with a lot of confidence. I know it was an important offseason for him to put some weight and some strength on, and he did that. He's 190 (pounds). Last year he wasn't anywhere near that. I think he's put on 15-18 pounds and is playing with more confidence. We've kind of moved him around positionally, and I think moving him to the weak side safety and putting Jahron (McPherson) as our ‘Jack’ player or middle safety was a good move for both those guys. Ross has really benefited from that. I'm excited for Ross.”

On why Jaren Lewis was put in at the end of the West Virginia game instead of Will Howard...

“That was what that decision was at that time. Will's a team guy, and if we need to play him, we will without question. He's taken the same amount of reps as Jaren has, but at that time and in that part of the game, we didn't think it was wise to give him those snaps.”

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday at the Vanier Family Football Complex as the Wildcats prepare to host No. 11 Baylor on Saturday in K-State’s Senior Day contest.The Wildcats and Bears kick off at 4:30 p.m., on Saturday inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium in a game televised by FS1 with Aaron Goldsmith and Mark Helfrich on the call. CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Good afternoon, everyone. Hard to believe it's mid-November and we're on to our last home game. It's senior day, and I think we have 31 maybe (32) coming out, somewhere in that range for the last game at The Bill, or potentially last game at The Bill. That's something we're going to talk about for the next few years, I think, but a number of them I know it's their last game, and I'm excited for those guys to play at home one more time in front of these great fans and a great crowd. We're going to play a great opponent. Baylor's a really good football team. They deserve all the accolades they're getting. I think they're good in all three phases – offense, defense and teams, are obviously really well coached. They're playing really fast and confident, and so we're going to have our hands full. Make sure we have great plans, offense, defense, special teams, and our guys have good confidence right now. They have great belief. Now we just have to put the plan together and be able to go out and execute. Last week was a big win over West Virginia at home, a really good West Virginia team. I know that helps with the added confidence that our guys have that we're playing our best football as we finish the month of November.”On why Deuce Vaughn has been so durable and versatile...“Well, durability is because he takes care of his body. He does so many things behind the scenes, whether it's in the training room, the strength and conditioning area, nutrition, just always making sure that he does a great job with his body. We're trying to move him around. We know that sometimes he's as good a decoy as there is in college football, so he's allowing other guys to be able to make plays. We're also finding ways of getting him the football. When he gets the ball in space, as we all know, he can make a highlight film at any time. He's just playing at a really confident level and understands what we're doing offensively. I appreciate the way that Mess (Courtney Messingham) and the offensive staff have continued to try to move him around to get him the ball.”On Baylor’s defense against Oklahoma...“They’re fast. They’re physical. They’re a veteran crew. I think they're good at all three levels. They've got some really terrific defensive linemen. I really like their linebackers, and their secondary is really sound as well. To do what they're doing defensively, you have to be good at all three levels and they are.”On defensive back Ross Elder...“He's playing with a lot of confidence. I know it was an important offseason for him to put some weight and some strength on, and he did that. He's 190 (pounds). Last year he wasn't anywhere near that. I think he's put on 15-18 pounds and is playing with more confidence. We've kind of moved him around positionally, and I think moving him to the weak side safety and putting Jahron (McPherson) as our ‘Jack’ player or middle safety was a good move for both those guys. Ross has really benefited from that. I'm excited for Ross.”On why Jaren Lewis was put in at the end of the West Virginia game instead of Will Howard...“That was what that decision was at that time. Will's a team guy, and if we need to play him, we will without question. He's taken the same amount of reps as Jaren has, but at that time and in that part of the game, we didn't think it was wise to give him those snaps.”

K-State football holds weekly press conference

Junction City Brigade officials&nbsp; are planning to make some upgrades to the facility at Rathert Field. Brigade General Manager Cecil Aska said on&nbsp; the first base beer garden side of the field some changes are in order. "Particularly for our needs the actual structure what we serve beer from will probably be lowered to more of a ground level so we can move our stuff in and out."

Aska said on the third base side of the field they're looking at probably reducing the grandstand seating area. "Make that a little more kid friendly area."

Improvements are also being planned for concessions at the ballpark, and there will be some earlier conversations with food truck and restaurant personnel about coming out to do some of their specialties.&nbsp;

Junction City Brigade officials&nbsp; are planning to make some upgrades to the facility at Rathert Field. Brigade General Manager Cecil Aska said on&nbsp; the first base beer garden side of the field some changes are in order. "Particularly for our needs the actual structure what we serve beer from will probably be lowered to more of a ground level so we can move our stuff in and out."Aska said on the third base side of the field they're looking at probably reducing the grandstand seating area. "Make that a little more kid friendly area."Improvements are also being planned for concessions at the ballpark, and there will be some earlier conversations with food truck and restaurant personnel about coming out to do some of their specialties.&nbsp;

Improvements are being planned at Rathert Field

Quarterback Branton DeWeese – Washburn Rural-So. #5

Tight End Lukas Hanks – Washburn Rural-Jr. #87

Receivers Robby Bolin – Washburn Rural-Sr. #11

Lineman Cade McIlvaine – Manhattan-Sr. #60

Lineman Talique Houston – Manhattan-Sr. #50

Rudy Vargas – Junction City-Sr. #5

Elijah Clarke-Boyd – Junction City-Jr. #7

Linebackers Keghan McConnell – Junction City-Sr. #17

Backs Colby Klieman – Manhattan-Sr. #10

Landon MacEwan – Washburn Rural-Sr. #18

Chaz Ruffin – Junction City-Sr. #25

Returner Tre Richardson - Highland Park-Jr. #6

Kicker Giles Frederickson – Washburn Rural-Sr. #9

Punter Dayton Smoot – Washburn Rural-Jr. #3

2021 Coach of the Year Joe Schartz - Manhattan

2021 Offensive player of the year: Vinny Smith – Manhattan-Sr. #8

2021 Defensive player of the year: Keghan McConnell – Junction City-Sr. #17

Backs MaKentis Adams – Washburn Rural-Jr. #2

Randall Banks – Junction City-Sr. #13

Tight End Elliott Cooper – Topeka West-Sr. #88

Receivers Tre Richardson – Highland Park-Jr. #6

Petren Batolome – Junction City-Fr. #78

Lineman Austin Fagar – Washburn Rural-Sr. #33

Linebackers Braden Colley – Seaman-Sr. #86

Connor Conklin – Washburn Rural-Sr. #52

Terrence Tedder – Junction City-Sr. #4

Returner Vinny Smith – Manhattan-Sr. #8

Kicker Grant Snowden – Manhattan-Sr. #15

Quarterback Malachi Berg – Topeka West-Jr. #1 Xavion Felton – Junction City-Jr. #8

Keenan Schartz – Manhattan-Jr. #12 Cam Geitz – Emporia-Sr. #1

Backs JC Heim – Washburn Rural-So. #25 Tyrell Reed – Highland Park-Jr. #8

Tight End Jaxon Bowles – Manhattan-Jr. #2 Logan Nabus – Junction City-Jr. #89

Receivers Tyree Holloway – Junction City-Jr. #16 Parker Leeds – Emporia-Jr. #4

JaqSon Bush – Topeka West-Sr. #10 Kyler Hahn – Manhattan-Sr. #6

Offensive Jacob Jackson – Topeka High-Sr. #55 Jay Orozco – Emporia-Sr. #52

Lineman Jaxson Thomas – Seaman-Jr. #59 Morgan Dean – Highland Park-Sr. #76

Nate Thomas – Emporia-Jr. #57 Robert Allaman-Wesley – Emporia-Fr. #76

Lineman Elliott Cooper – Topeka West-Sr. #88 Packson Bettis – Washburn Rural-So. #63

BJ Canady – Topeka High-So. #3 Jamal Shahid – Topeka West-Sr. #50

Jaxson Thomas – Seaman-Jr. #59 Kasen Hasenkamp – Seaman-Jr. #65

Mackey James – Highland Park-Jr. #33 Rodney Coleman – Junction City-Jr. #30

Thai Iverson – Emporia-So. #62 Kyrece Robinson – Topeka West-So. #55

Linebackers Jaylen Holloway-Junction City-Sr. #33 Quaveon Gilmore – Junction City-Sr. #46

Logan McDaniel – Topeka High-Sr. #1 Wyatt Conklin – Washburn Rural-Jr. #29

JC Heim – Washburn Rural-So. #25 Kyle Obermeyer – Emporia #33

Backs Tylan Alejos – Topeka High-Sr. #7 Kaden Woydziak – Emporia-Sr. #11

Dante Walters – Manhattan-Jr. #5 Michael Boganowski – Junction City-So. #11

Zac Hirschev – Manhattan-Sr. #4 Donque Williams – Junction City-Jr. #9

Kellan Spruce – Highland Park-Jr. #1 Kason Williams – Washburn Rural-Jr. #1

Isiah Kincade – Topeka High-So. #21 Fred Jackson – Emporia-Jr. #7

Callen Barta – Seaman-So. #6 Kadyn Galbreath – Emporia-Sr. #21

Kicker Aidan Field – Junction City-Jr. #42 Gavin Wilhelm – Seaman-Sr. #51

1st Team All-LeagueQuarterback Branton DeWeese – Washburn Rural-So. #5Backs Vinny Smith – Manhattan-Sr. #8Tylan Alejos – Topeka High-Sr. #7TJ Jones – Junction City-Jr. #2Tight End Lukas Hanks – Washburn Rural-Jr. #87Receivers Robby Bolin – Washburn Rural-Sr. #11Brody Gormley – Seaman-Sr. #7OffensiveLineman Cade McIlvaine – Manhattan-Sr. #60TJ Osa – Junction City-Sr. #52Danny Saili – Topeka High-Sr. #77Shane Sexton – Washburn Rural-Sr. #75Talique Houston – Manhattan-Sr. #50DefensiveLineman Talique Houston – Manhattan-Sr. #50Danny Saili – Topeka High -Sr. #77Rudy Vargas – Junction City-Sr. #5Elijah Clarke-Boyd – Junction City-Jr. #7Linebackers Keghan McConnell – Junction City-Sr. #17Jaxon Vikander – Manhattan-Jr. #28Ty Weber – Washburn Rural-Jr. #32Bobby Trujillo – Emporia-Jr #44DefensiveBacks Colby Klieman – Manhattan-Sr. #10Casen Stallbaumer – Seaman-Sr. #5Landon MacEwan – Washburn Rural-Sr. #18Chaz Ruffin – Junction City-Sr. #25Returner Tre Richardson - Highland Park-Jr. #6Kicker Giles Frederickson – Washburn Rural-Sr. #9Punter Dayton Smoot – Washburn Rural-Jr. #32021 Coach of the Year Joe Schartz - Manhattan2021 Offensive player of the year: Vinny Smith – Manhattan-Sr. #82021 Defensive player of the year: Keghan McConnell – Junction City-Sr. #172nd Team All-LeagueQuarterback Camden Barta Seaman-Sr. #9Backs MaKentis Adams – Washburn Rural-Jr. #2Randall Banks – Junction City-Sr. #13JaVion Lee – Topeka West-Sr. #9Tight End Elliott Cooper – Topeka West-Sr. #88Receivers Tre Richardson – Highland Park-Jr. #6Joe Hall – Manhattan-Sr. #3Casen Stallbaumer – Seaman-Sr. #5OffensiveLineman Logan Cox – Seaman-Jr. #67Petren Batolome – Junction City-Fr. #78Zach Franco – Washburn Rural-Jr. #60Kobe Jordan – Seaman-Sr. #58Sean Miller – Seaman-Jr. #62DefensiveLineman Austin Fagar – Washburn Rural-Sr. #33Kelonnie Patterson – Manhattan-Jr. #99Brody Gormley – Seaman-Sr. #7Josh Adeniji – Manhattan-Sr. #91Linebackers Braden Colley – Seaman-Sr. #86EJ Whitfield – Manhattan-Sr. #29Connor Conklin – Washburn Rural-Sr. #52Bryson Vawter – Seaman-Jr. #3DefensiveBacks Joe Hall – Manhattan-Sr. #3Robby Bolin – Washburn Rural-Sr. #11Terrence Tedder – Junction City-Sr. #4Camden Barta – Seaman-Sr. #9Returner Vinny Smith – Manhattan-Sr. #8Kicker Grant Snowden – Manhattan-Sr. #15Punter Brody Gormley – Seaman-Sr. #7Honorable Mention All-LeagueQuarterback Malachi Berg – Topeka West-Jr. #1 Xavion Felton – Junction City-Jr. #8Keenan Schartz – Manhattan-Jr. #12 Cam Geitz – Emporia-Sr. #1Backs JC Heim – Washburn Rural-So. #25 Tyrell Reed – Highland Park-Jr. #8Xavier Alexander – Topeka West-Jr. #32Tight End Jaxon Bowles – Manhattan-Jr. #2 Logan Nabus – Junction City-Jr. #89Receivers Tyree Holloway – Junction City-Jr. #16 Parker Leeds – Emporia-Jr. #4JaqSon Bush – Topeka West-Sr. #10 Kyler Hahn – Manhattan-Sr. #6Amr Sabarrini – Washburn Rural-Jr. #23Offensive Jacob Jackson – Topeka High-Sr. #55 Jay Orozco – Emporia-Sr. #52Lineman Jaxson Thomas – Seaman-Jr. #59 Morgan Dean – Highland Park-Sr. #76Nate Thomas – Emporia-Jr. #57 Robert Allaman-Wesley – Emporia-Fr. #76DefensiveLineman Elliott Cooper – Topeka West-Sr. #88 Packson Bettis – Washburn Rural-So. #63BJ Canady – Topeka High-So. #3 Jamal Shahid – Topeka West-Sr. #50Jaxson Thomas – Seaman-Jr. #59 Kasen Hasenkamp – Seaman-Jr. #65Mackey James – Highland Park-Jr. #33 Rodney Coleman – Junction City-Jr. #30Thai Iverson – Emporia-So. #62 Kyrece Robinson – Topeka West-So. #55Kobe Le – Emporia-Fr. #72Linebackers Jaylen Holloway-Junction City-Sr. #33 Quaveon Gilmore – Junction City-Sr. #46Logan McDaniel – Topeka High-Sr. #1 Wyatt Conklin – Washburn Rural-Jr. #29JC Heim – Washburn Rural-So. #25 Kyle Obermeyer – Emporia #33DefensiveBacks Tylan Alejos – Topeka High-Sr. #7 Kaden Woydziak – Emporia-Sr. #11Dante Walters – Manhattan-Jr. #5 Michael Boganowski – Junction City-So. #11Zac Hirschev – Manhattan-Sr. #4 Donque Williams – Junction City-Jr. #9Kellan Spruce – Highland Park-Jr. #1 Kason Williams – Washburn Rural-Jr. #1Isiah Kincade – Topeka High-So. #21 Fred Jackson – Emporia-Jr. #7Callen Barta – Seaman-So. #6 Kadyn Galbreath – Emporia-Sr. #21ReturnerKicker Aidan Field – Junction City-Jr. #42 Gavin Wilhelm – Seaman-Sr. #51

2021 Centennial League All-League Football Selections

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw five touchdown passes and returned to his usual form after a surprisingly shaky stretch this season, and the Kansas City Chiefs moved into first place in the AFC West with a 41-14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Mahomes and the Chiefs showed little resemblance to the team that overpowered the AFC the past three seasons over the first nine weeks. But they used a dominant performance over the Raiders on a day everyone else in the division lost to return to the top of the standings. Las Vegas has lost two straight.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw five touchdown passes and returned to his usual form after a surprisingly shaky stretch this season, and the Kansas City Chiefs moved into first place in the AFC West with a 41-14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Mahomes and the Chiefs showed little resemblance to the team that overpowered the AFC the past three seasons over the first nine weeks. But they used a dominant performance over the Raiders on a day everyone else in the division lost to return to the top of the standings. Las Vegas has lost two straight.

Chiefs defeat the Raiders

High school winter sports practices begin Monday. At Junction City High School winter sports include wrestling, boys and girls basketball and boys swimming.

High school winter sports practices begin Monday. At Junction City High School winter sports include wrestling, boys and girls basketball and boys swimming.