The Junction City Blue Jay boys basketball program hosted the St. Mary's Academy Crusaders in boys only action on Wednesday night at Junction City High School. The JCHS boys went 3-0 as a program, with the Freshman, JV, and Varsity all winning in their final action before Christmas break.&nbsp;

Varsity boys - Junction City 48, St. Mary's Academy 22

By no means was it a clean game, but the Junction City Blue Jays win their final game of 2025, 48-22. St. Mary's Academy scored the first basket of the game, and that's the only time the Crusaders led. Following that early basket and a sluggish start for JCHS, the Blue Jays went on an 11-0 run and then led 13-4 at the end of the first period.&nbsp;

The second quarter is when Junction City began to find their groove. Senior Lovell Autry and junior Brody Boeckman both got rolling in this period, and the Blue Jays went on a 13-0 run, capped off by a Boeckman right-wing three pointer with less than a minute to go in the first half. JC led 34-9 at the half.

Second half saw the Blue Jays get some of their younger players on the floor with a 30 plus point lead, and a continuous running clock in the fourth quarter. JC led 46-12 at the end of the third quarter and won the game 48-22.&nbsp;

With the win, Junction City improved to 3-2 on the season and heads into Christmas break with a winning record.&nbsp;

Senior Lovell Autry finished with a game high 17 points, and Brody Boeckman finished with 13 points.&nbsp;

*On our KJCK Radio broadcast, our Blu restaurant player of the game was Junior Brody Boeckman. (For being our player of the game, Brody receives a $20 free meal voucher from Blu Restaurant in Junction City).&nbsp;

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City Blue Jay boys basketball program hosted the St. Mary's Academy Crusaders in boys only action on Wednesday night at Junction City High School. The JCHS boys went 3-0 as a program, with the Freshman, JV, and Varsity all winning in their final action before Christmas break.&nbsp;Varsity boys - Junction City 48, St. Mary's Academy 22By no means was it a clean game, but the Junction City Blue Jays win their final game of 2025, 48-22. St. Mary's Academy scored the first basket of the game, and that's the only time the Crusaders led. Following that early basket and a sluggish start for JCHS, the Blue Jays went on an 11-0 run and then led 13-4 at the end of the first period.&nbsp;The second quarter is when Junction City began to find their groove. Senior Lovell Autry and junior Brody Boeckman both got rolling in this period, and the Blue Jays went on a 13-0 run, capped off by a Boeckman right-wing three pointer with less than a minute to go in the first half. JC led 34-9 at the half.Second half saw the Blue Jays get some of their younger players on the floor with a 30 plus point lead, and a continuous running clock in the fourth quarter. JC led 46-12 at the end of the third quarter and won the game 48-22.&nbsp;With the win, Junction City improved to 3-2 on the season and heads into Christmas break with a winning record.&nbsp;Senior Lovell Autry finished with a game high 17 points, and Brody Boeckman finished with 13 points.&nbsp;*On our KJCK Radio broadcast, our Blu restaurant player of the game was Junior Brody Boeckman. (For being our player of the game, Brody receives a $20 free meal voucher from Blu Restaurant in Junction City).&nbsp;

🏀 Blue Jay boys basketball Wins big in Final game before Christmas Break

Something global, exciting, and selfie-worthy is headed down Kansas I-70. The official FIFA World Cup Kansas City Countdown Clock will be on display outside the Abilene Visitors Center, 201 NW 2nd, at the historic Union Pacific Depot from December 22 through December 27, 2025.

Standing nearly 10 feet tall and weighing more than 450 pounds, the illuminated clock is traveling across Kansas as part of a statewide tour celebrating Kansas City’s role as a host location for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The clock counts down in real time to opening day and has already made appearances in Dodge City, &nbsp;Wichita, Colby and Hays as excitement builds across the state.“

This is an incredible opportunity for our community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “The World Cup is one of the most-watched global events, and having the countdown clock in Abilene invites residents, visitors, and travelers along I-70 to join in the excitement.”

Kansas City will host six World Cup matches in June and July 2026, joining select cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico as part of the largest FIFA World Cup in history. With 48 teams and 104 matches, this tournament is expected to ignite record-setting tourism, international visibility, and celebration across North America.

The clock will be outside the Abilene Visitor Center and fully lit, making it ideal for daytime and nighttime photos. Visitors are invited to stop by anytime during the six-day display and share photos using the hashtags:#KCCountdown

“We’re excited to welcome this special attraction and encourage everyone to stop by, take a photo, and be part of World Cup history,” Roller Weeks added.

FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock on Display&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765993925051.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Abilene CVBSomething global, exciting, and selfie-worthy is headed down Kansas I-70. The official FIFA World Cup Kansas City Countdown Clock will be on display outside the Abilene Visitors Center, 201 NW 2nd, at the historic Union Pacific Depot from December 22 through December 27, 2025.Standing nearly 10 feet tall and weighing more than 450 pounds, the illuminated clock is traveling across Kansas as part of a statewide tour celebrating Kansas City’s role as a host location for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The clock counts down in real time to opening day and has already made appearances in Dodge City, &nbsp;Wichita, Colby and Hays as excitement builds across the state.“This is an incredible opportunity for our community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “The World Cup is one of the most-watched global events, and having the countdown clock in Abilene invites residents, visitors, and travelers along I-70 to join in the excitement.”Kansas City will host six World Cup matches in June and July 2026, joining select cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico as part of the largest FIFA World Cup in history. With 48 teams and 104 matches, this tournament is expected to ignite record-setting tourism, international visibility, and celebration across North America.The clock will be outside the Abilene Visitor Center and fully lit, making it ideal for daytime and nighttime photos. Visitors are invited to stop by anytime during the six-day display and share photos using the hashtags:#KCCountdown“We’re excited to welcome this special attraction and encourage everyone to stop by, take a photo, and be part of World Cup history,” Roller Weeks added.Schedule&nbsp;FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock on Display&nbsp;December 22–27, 2025Abilene Visitors Center&nbsp;201 NW 2nd St., Abilene, KansasAccessible 24 hours a day

Abilene to Host Official FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock December 22–27

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga had 18 points and 10 rebounds to spur No. 17 Kansas to a 73-49 victory over Towson on Tuesday night.

Tre White had 16 points and a career-high six assists for the Jayhawks (9-3). Melvin Council, coming off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-melvin-council-3fa0e92a24fea40c9d072d54ec3bb826">a career-best 36-point performance</a>&nbsp;in Saturday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-nc-state-score-c3e0319a94dd9632ac2f4d0108979da0">overtime win</a>&nbsp;over N.C. State, added 15 points.

Kansas improved to 273-9 at home against unranked opponents under coach Bill Self.

Sophomore guard Jamari McDowell started for preseason All-American Darryn Peterson, who missed an eighth game due to injury. Self said Peterson had quadriceps cramps.

Bidunga, who entered the night as the Big 12’s leading shot blocker, had two blocks in the first seven minutes and finished with three. He also scored KU’s first six points en route to his seventh career double-double.

A 6-foot-10 sophomore forward from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bidunga was 7 of 8 from the field and 4 of 7 from the line.

Dylan Williamson scored 19 points for Towson (6-5), which never led. The Tigers drew within nine early in the second half before KU went on a 10-2 run. Kansas led by 25 in the second half and held an opponent below 50 points for the second time this year.

Bryson Tiller added 11 points for the Jayhawks.

The Tigers managed just four assists, although they did finish with a 22-12 advantage in offensive rebounds.

Still, Towson shot only 27.5% from the field and finished 3 of 12 from 3-point range against the stingy Jayhawks.

KU didn’t commit a foul until 9:11 remained in the first half. The Jayhawks hit 10 of their first 13 field-goal attempts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765939780403.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga had 18 points and 10 rebounds to spur No. 17 Kansas to a 73-49 victory over Towson on Tuesday night.Tre White had 16 points and a career-high six assists for the Jayhawks (9-3). Melvin Council, coming off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-melvin-council-3fa0e92a24fea40c9d072d54ec3bb826">a career-best 36-point performance</a>&nbsp;in Saturday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-nc-state-score-c3e0319a94dd9632ac2f4d0108979da0">overtime win</a>&nbsp;over N.C. State, added 15 points.Kansas improved to 273-9 at home against unranked opponents under coach Bill Self.Sophomore guard Jamari McDowell started for preseason All-American Darryn Peterson, who missed an eighth game due to injury. Self said Peterson had quadriceps cramps.Bidunga, who entered the night as the Big 12’s leading shot blocker, had two blocks in the first seven minutes and finished with three. He also scored KU’s first six points en route to his seventh career double-double.A 6-foot-10 sophomore forward from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bidunga was 7 of 8 from the field and 4 of 7 from the line.Dylan Williamson scored 19 points for Towson (6-5), which never led. The Tigers drew within nine early in the second half before KU went on a 10-2 run. Kansas led by 25 in the second half and held an opponent below 50 points for the second time this year.Bryson Tiller added 11 points for the Jayhawks.The Tigers managed just four assists, although they did finish with a 22-12 advantage in offensive rebounds.Still, Towson shot only 27.5% from the field and finished 3 of 12 from 3-point range against the stingy Jayhawks.KU didn’t commit a foul until 9:11 remained in the first half. The Jayhawks hit 10 of their first 13 field-goal attempts.<h2>Up next</h2>Towson hosts Notre Dame (Md.) on Friday.Kansas hosts Davidson on Monday.

🏀 Flory Bidunga has 18 points, 10 rebounds as KU beats Towson 

Junction City High School girls wrestling competed in two separate tournaments over the weekend, earning strong team finishes and multiple individual honors.

The JCHS girls varsity wrestling team participated in the Christmas Clash tournament in Great Bend. Junction City placed 4th in the tournament, out of 33 teams. (JCHS finished 2.5 points out of 3rd place).&nbsp;

Individual medalists are listed below.

Medal winners below - (Listed from highest to lowest finish)

Top 16 finishers (Listed from highest to lowest placement)

In the Topeka tournament - Melvin Douglas Invitational, the JCHS girls wrestling team placed 3rd overall. 

Individual medalists are listed below.&nbsp;

Both JCHS girls wrestling teams will be back in action next weekend.

Junction City High School girls wrestling competed in two separate tournaments over the weekend, earning strong team finishes and multiple individual honors.The JCHS girls varsity wrestling team participated in the Christmas Clash tournament in Great Bend. Junction City placed 4th in the tournament, out of 33 teams. (JCHS finished 2.5 points out of 3rd place).&nbsp;Individual medalists are listed below.<ul>
 <li>**Juliana “Bree” Villanueva — 1st Place -&nbsp; Also awarded Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament.</li>
 </ul>Medal winners below - (Listed from highest to lowest finish)<ul>
 <li>3rd Place&nbsp;</li><li>Ka’ori Herring</li><li>5th Place&nbsp;</li><li>Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz&nbsp;</li><li>Elaina Twitty</li><li>6th Place&nbsp;</li><li>Myrah Gutierrez</li>
 </ul>Top 16 finishers (Listed from highest to lowest placement)<ul>
 <li>8th Place&nbsp;</li><li>Khishauna Williams
</li><li>Shalina Hicks
</li><li>11th Place&nbsp;</li><li>Kiera Lawton
</li><li>Mwanaisha Kagoni
</li><li>12th Place&nbsp;</li><li>Shandelle Cruz
</li><li>14th Place&nbsp;</li><li>Angelina Vasquez
</li><li>Catherine Dee
</li>
 </ul>In the Topeka tournament - Melvin Douglas Invitational, the JCHS girls wrestling team placed 3rd overall. Individual medalists are listed below.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>2nd Place
Ammy Ngircheungel
Kimaiya Celestin
London Watts</li><li>3rd Place
Te’Kiya Jackson
Avalynn Jenkins
Audrina Sosa</li><li>4th Place
Alexia Zink
Jasmin Gonzalez&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Both JCHS girls wrestling teams will be back in action next weekend.

Big Weekend for JCHS Girls Wrestling

Junction City Blue Jay head football coach Randall Zimmerman will serve as an assistant coach for the West team in the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 27th in Emporia.

Zimmerman will be making his Kansas Shrine Bowl record 9th appearance on the sidelines. Zimmerman has been an assistant coach five times previously (1988, 1995, 2009, 2015, 2021) and the West Head Coach on three previous occasions (1996, 2010, 2016).&nbsp; “I am very honored to be a part of this game this year.&nbsp; I have great respect for Shriners and their families for what they do for the children of the hospital.&nbsp; The Shrine Bowl experience is very humbling, bringing an incredible appreciation for the talents and gifts we have been given.”

Zimmerman currently ranks in the top 10 overall amongst active head coaches in the entire state in coaching wins with 238 career victories. Zimmerman, who wrapped-up his 32nd season as head coach of the Blue Jays this fall, led the JCHS to the Centennial League title in 2025 and a 7-3 overall record.

&nbsp; The Kansas Shrine Bowl announced the coaching staffs for the game. The West team is led by&nbsp;Daniel Myears&nbsp;(Mulvane) and his staff will include in addition to Zimmerman,&nbsp;Erin Beck&nbsp;(Great Bend – 5A),&nbsp;Dawson Elliott&nbsp;(Augusta – 4A),&nbsp;Brent Hoelting&nbsp;(Pratt – 3A),&nbsp;Todd Rice&nbsp;(Garden Plain – 2A), and&nbsp;Brent Schneider&nbsp;(Sterling – 1A).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The East team will be led by&nbsp;Mike Berg&nbsp;(Wellsville) who was announced earlier this summer as the 2026 East Head Coach. The East coaching staff assistants will be&nbsp;Kurt Webster&nbsp;(Shawnee Mission Northwest – 6A),&nbsp;Rod Stallbaumer&nbsp;(Basehor-Linwood – 5A),&nbsp;Bradley Argabright&nbsp;(Labette County – 4A),&nbsp;Greg Slade&nbsp;(Santa Fe Trail – 3A),&nbsp;Andrew Gantenbein&nbsp;(Osage City – 2A), and&nbsp;Derick Hammes&nbsp;(Rossville – 1A).&nbsp;

The 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia at 7 p.m. June 27th. Proceeds from the game benefit Shriner's Children's.

Shriner's Children's, previously Shriners Hospitals for Children, is a&nbsp; healthcare system with hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe. Shriners Children's is dedicated to improving the lives of children every day by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727297041263.jpeg" alt="Randall Zimmerman" />
 <figcaption>Randall Zimmerman</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostJunction City Blue Jay head football coach Randall Zimmerman will serve as an assistant coach for the West team in the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 27th in Emporia.Zimmerman will be making his Kansas Shrine Bowl record 9th appearance on the sidelines. Zimmerman has been an assistant coach five times previously (1988, 1995, 2009, 2015, 2021) and the West Head Coach on three previous occasions (1996, 2010, 2016).&nbsp; “I am very honored to be a part of this game this year.&nbsp; I have great respect for Shriners and their families for what they do for the children of the hospital.&nbsp; The Shrine Bowl experience is very humbling, bringing an incredible appreciation for the talents and gifts we have been given.”Zimmerman currently ranks in the top 10 overall amongst active head coaches in the entire state in coaching wins with 238 career victories. Zimmerman, who wrapped-up his 32nd season as head coach of the Blue Jays this fall, led the JCHS to the Centennial League title in 2025 and a 7-3 overall record.&nbsp; The Kansas Shrine Bowl announced the coaching staffs for the game. The West team is led by&nbsp;Daniel Myears&nbsp;(Mulvane) and his staff will include in addition to Zimmerman,&nbsp;Erin Beck&nbsp;(Great Bend – 5A),&nbsp;Dawson Elliott&nbsp;(Augusta – 4A),&nbsp;Brent Hoelting&nbsp;(Pratt – 3A),&nbsp;Todd Rice&nbsp;(Garden Plain – 2A), and&nbsp;Brent Schneider&nbsp;(Sterling – 1A).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The East team will be led by&nbsp;Mike Berg&nbsp;(Wellsville) who was announced earlier this summer as the 2026 East Head Coach. The East coaching staff assistants will be&nbsp;Kurt Webster&nbsp;(Shawnee Mission Northwest – 6A),&nbsp;Rod Stallbaumer&nbsp;(Basehor-Linwood – 5A),&nbsp;Bradley Argabright&nbsp;(Labette County – 4A),&nbsp;Greg Slade&nbsp;(Santa Fe Trail – 3A),&nbsp;Andrew Gantenbein&nbsp;(Osage City – 2A), and&nbsp;Derick Hammes&nbsp;(Rossville – 1A).&nbsp;The 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia at 7 p.m. June 27th. Proceeds from the game benefit Shriner's Children's.Shriner's Children's, previously Shriners Hospitals for Children, is a&nbsp; healthcare system with hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe. Shriners Children's is dedicated to improving the lives of children every day by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.

Randall Zimmerman will coach in the Shrine Bowl

Associate Athletics Director for Communications

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;A seven-year coaching staff member who has tutored Wildcat defensive ends to 10 All-Big 12 honors,&nbsp;Buddy&nbsp;Wyatt&nbsp;will remain on staff to coach the Kansas State defensive line, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Monday.

Wyatt&nbsp;has coached at K-State since 2019 and guided players to All-Big 12 First Team honors on five occasions.

“I appreciate Collin placing his trust in me,”&nbsp;Wyatt&nbsp;said. “Kansas State has a strong tradition and culture, and I am excited to be a part of this staff. I look forward to helping our players and this program succeed.”

Wyatt&nbsp;worked alongside Klein in each of his first five seasons in Manhattan.

“Buddy&nbsp;has a tremendous track record of developing young men,” Klein said. “I have always admired how he built genuine relationships with players and staff. He is of the highest character, and I am very excited we he will be with us moving forward.”

Wyatt&nbsp;has guided K-State players to three Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honors over his first seven seasons in Manhattan. In fact, when adding in his time coaching Adam Carriker at Nebraska to the honor in 2006,&nbsp;Wyatt&nbsp;has tutored the most Big 12 Defensive Linemen of the Year in league history.

The latest recipient of the award was Brendan Mott in 2024, who also earned All-Big 12 First Team honors. Mott ranked 26th nationally and was tops in the Big 12 in sacks (0.65 sacks per game), while he tied for fourth in the Big 12 in tackles for loss. He led a defensive unit that finished with a No. 25 national ranking in sacks at 2.69 per game, which was its best ranking since 2015. Of the 35 total sacks on the year, 23 came from&nbsp;Wyatt’s ends.

Wyatt&nbsp;tutored two players to All-Big 12 honors in 2023 with Khalid Duke earning second-team honors in addition to earning votes for the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year award, while Mott was an honorable mention pick.

Wyatt’s unit in 2022 was headlined by Big 12 Player of the Year and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who earned All-Big 12 First Team honors each of the final two seasons of his career.&nbsp;Wyatt&nbsp;helped Anudike-Uzomah tie for fourth in K-State history in career forced fumbles (8) and sixth in career sacks (20.5).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765843515941.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>RYAN LACKEYAssociate Athletics Director for Communications<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;A seven-year coaching staff member who has tutored Wildcat defensive ends to 10 All-Big 12 honors,&nbsp;Buddy&nbsp;Wyatt&nbsp;will remain on staff to coach the Kansas State defensive line, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Monday.Wyatt&nbsp;has coached at K-State since 2019 and guided players to All-Big 12 First Team honors on five occasions.“I appreciate Collin placing his trust in me,”&nbsp;Wyatt&nbsp;said. “Kansas State has a strong tradition and culture, and I am excited to be a part of this staff. I look forward to helping our players and this program succeed.”Wyatt&nbsp;worked alongside Klein in each of his first five seasons in Manhattan.“Buddy&nbsp;has a tremendous track record of developing young men,” Klein said. “I have always admired how he built genuine relationships with players and staff. He is of the highest character, and I am very excited we he will be with us moving forward.”Wyatt&nbsp;has guided K-State players to three Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honors over his first seven seasons in Manhattan. In fact, when adding in his time coaching Adam Carriker at Nebraska to the honor in 2006,&nbsp;Wyatt&nbsp;has tutored the most Big 12 Defensive Linemen of the Year in league history.The latest recipient of the award was Brendan Mott in 2024, who also earned All-Big 12 First Team honors. Mott ranked 26th nationally and was tops in the Big 12 in sacks (0.65 sacks per game), while he tied for fourth in the Big 12 in tackles for loss. He led a defensive unit that finished with a No. 25 national ranking in sacks at 2.69 per game, which was its best ranking since 2015. Of the 35 total sacks on the year, 23 came from&nbsp;Wyatt’s ends.Wyatt&nbsp;tutored two players to All-Big 12 honors in 2023 with Khalid Duke earning second-team honors in addition to earning votes for the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year award, while Mott was an honorable mention pick.Wyatt’s unit in 2022 was headlined by Big 12 Player of the Year and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who earned All-Big 12 First Team honors each of the final two seasons of his career.&nbsp;Wyatt&nbsp;helped Anudike-Uzomah tie for fourth in K-State history in career forced fumbles (8) and sixth in career sacks (20.5).

 Buddy Wyatt to Coach K-State Defensive Line

The Junction City Boys Wrestling Team traveled to Shawnee Mission Northwest for a 10 team dual Tournament. Junction city captured 2nd Place going 4-1 on the day by beating Sumner Academy 75-0 , #5 ranked Shawnee Mission Northwest 51-26  and Leavenworth 36-32. Junction city lost in the finals  to Shawnee Heights 30-42. 

Going Undefeated and 5-0 on the day were (106) Colden Blockolsky, (126) Jayden Melton , (190) Christian Simmers and (215) Chris Coy. Going 4-1  were (113) Riley Luckenbill and Braden Blockcolsky . Going 3-2 were (150) Hudson Bohanan , (157) Tyler Proeitti and (285) Avery Florence.

(&nbsp;Pictured are 106)Colden Blockcolsky, (126) Jayden Melton, (190)Christian Simmer and (215) Chris Coy. )

The Junction City Boys Wrestling Team traveled to Shawnee Mission Northwest for a 10 team dual Tournament. Junction city captured 2nd Place going 4-1 on the day by beating Sumner Academy 75-0 , #5 ranked Shawnee Mission Northwest 51-26 and Leavenworth 36-32. Junction city lost in the finals to Shawnee Heights 30-42. Going Undefeated and 5-0 on the day were (106) Colden Blockolsky, (126) Jayden Melton , (190) Christian Simmers and (215) Chris Coy. Going 4-1 were (113) Riley Luckenbill and Braden Blockcolsky . Going 3-2 were (150) Hudson Bohanan , (157) Tyler Proeitti and (285) Avery Florence.(&nbsp;Pictured are 106)Colden Blockcolsky, (126) Jayden Melton, (190)Christian Simmer and (215) Chris Coy. )<figure>
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Blue Jays win four out of five in wrestling

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The final images of the Kansas City Chiefs' postseason pursuit were Patrick Mahomes getting helped to the locker room with what turned out to be a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-chiefs-injuries-worthy-d7a234e19734abaa95832724ea4c6062?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">torn ACL in his left knee,</a>&nbsp;a white towel draped over his head, and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew throwing an interception to Derwin James that gave the Los Angeles Chargers a win over one of their biggest rivals.

It all happened in the final two minutes of their 16-13 victory Sunday.

Justin Herbert, playing through a broken left hand, had helped the Chargers take the lead with a second-half rally, but Kansas City got the ball back with one more chance. Mahomes was sprinting toward the sideline and throwing the ball away when he was spun to the ground by defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand, leaving the two-time MVP grabbing at his left knee.

“It didn't look good,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged afterward.

Later, the Chiefs released an update, saying: “An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today’s game. Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options.”

<a href="https://x.com/PatrickMahomes/status/2000350945725845609?s=20">On social media</a>, Mahomes said: “Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again.”

Minshew took over and completed three straight passes, giving Chiefs fans hope on a day that began with wind chills near zero and their playoff chances about the same. But with 20 seconds to go, Minshew unloaded a pass for Travis Kelce, and James — his longtime divisional foil — leaped up to pick it off, allowing Los Angeles (10-4) to begin celebrating a second straight 10-win season.

Perhaps soon, a second straight postseason appearance.

“It’s a ball team. This is a ball team,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. "Starting to think this is my favorite ball team that I’ve ever been on. I’ve been on a lot of teams, none better than this team. It’s a ball team. A real ball team. Love these guys.”

“We know what that team has done the last eight, nine years,” James added. “Coming into Arrowhead Stadium and getting a win, it means a lot for out team, because we're 5-0 in our division.”

Minshew will quarterback the Chiefs through the final three games of the season. One of them is a primetime showdown with the Denver Broncos on Christmas night.

“I’ll do whatever the coaches ask of me,” Minshew said, “and we’ll go try to win some games.”

The Chiefs (6-8) already are guaranteed to be watching the playoffs on TV for the first time since 2014, and Kelce was in no mood to talk about it. Just as he's done after several losses this season, the star tight end refused to answer questions from reporters.

“Sorry guys, it's not the time,” Kelce said.

The Chargers had beaten the Chiefs in their opener in Brazil, ultimately setting each club on its season-long trajectory.

Los Angeles arrived for the rematch Sunday trying to extend the momentum built in last week's win over the Super Bowl champion Eagles. The Chiefs showed up knowing a loss, coupled with the wrong results elsewhere, would eliminate them completely.

The Chiefs played appropriately inspired for most of the first half.

They moved swiftly downfield with Mahomes darting in from 12 yards out for a touchdown on their opening drive. They added a field goal later in the first half, and another by Harrison Butker gave them a 13-3 lead with 38 seconds left before the break.

That's when the Chargers started playing like a playoff-bound team. And the Chiefs like one that should be sitting at home.

Herbert completed three passes in five plays to cover 60 yards, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith's first career TD catch got the Chargers within a field goal. Cameron Dicker knotted the game on their opening possession of the second half, then he gave them the lead when he drilled a 49-yarder on a cold, windy day at Arrowhead Stadium with 2:40 to go in the third quarter.

The Chiefs tried to answer down the stretch, despite a rash of injuries that had left them with a patchwork offensive line. But just like so often this season, a promising drive went haywire in the red zone. Tyquan Thornton's spectacular catch was immediately forgotten when Mahomes' pass was picked off by Daiyan Henley on a jump ball thrown to Kareem Hunt at the goal line.

Mahomes, who had just 189 yards passing, would ultimately end the game in the Kansas City locker room.

The Chargers would end the Chiefs' postseason hopes with one more interception.

“I thought it was really cool that we were able to close out a one-score game like that, how many times we've played them and had one-score games,” Herbert said. “For the defense to come out there with the turnovers and stops, it was awesome to see.”

Thornton landed in the concussion protocol after his late 20-yard reception following a vicious hit by cornerback Tony Jefferson, who helped to trigger a mild midfield scuffle. Jefferson was ejected, and Henley and James had to push him toward the tunnel.

Chargers: WR Quentin Johnson (groin) was inactive. S R.J. Mickens left with a shoulder injury.

Chiefs: CB Trent McDuffie (knee) was inactive. Thornton (concussion protocol) and RT Jaylon Moore (knee) left and did not return.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765749129757.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is checked on after being injured during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is checked on after being injured during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The final images of the Kansas City Chiefs' postseason pursuit were Patrick Mahomes getting helped to the locker room with what turned out to be a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-chiefs-injuries-worthy-d7a234e19734abaa95832724ea4c6062?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">torn ACL in his left knee,</a>&nbsp;a white towel draped over his head, and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew throwing an interception to Derwin James that gave the Los Angeles Chargers a win over one of their biggest rivals.It all happened in the final two minutes of their 16-13 victory Sunday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Injury Update on QB Patrick Mahomes: An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today’s game. Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options.&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/2000359212459966868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Justin Herbert, playing through a broken left hand, had helped the Chargers take the lead with a second-half rally, but Kansas City got the ball back with one more chance. Mahomes was sprinting toward the sideline and throwing the ball away when he was spun to the ground by defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand, leaving the two-time MVP grabbing at his left knee.“It didn't look good,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged afterward.Later, the Chiefs released an update, saying: “An MRI has confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in today’s game. Patrick and the club are currently exploring surgical options.”<a href="https://x.com/PatrickMahomes/status/2000350945725845609?s=20">On social media</a>, Mahomes said: “Don’t know why this had to happen. And not going to lie it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again.”Minshew took over and completed three straight passes, giving Chiefs fans hope on a day that began with wind chills near zero and their playoff chances about the same. But with 20 seconds to go, Minshew unloaded a pass for Travis Kelce, and James — his longtime divisional foil — leaped up to pick it off, allowing Los Angeles (10-4) to begin celebrating a second straight 10-win season.Perhaps soon, a second straight postseason appearance.“It’s a ball team. This is a ball team,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. "Starting to think this is my favorite ball team that I’ve ever been on. I’ve been on a lot of teams, none better than this team. It’s a ball team. A real ball team. Love these guys.”“We know what that team has done the last eight, nine years,” James added. “Coming into Arrowhead Stadium and getting a win, it means a lot for out team, because we're 5-0 in our division.”Minshew will quarterback the Chiefs through the final three games of the season. One of them is a primetime showdown with the Denver Broncos on Christmas night.“I’ll do whatever the coaches ask of me,” Minshew said, “and we’ll go try to win some games.”The Chiefs (6-8) already are guaranteed to be watching the playoffs on TV for the first time since 2014, and Kelce was in no mood to talk about it. Just as he's done after several losses this season, the star tight end refused to answer questions from reporters.“Sorry guys, it's not the time,” Kelce said.The Chargers had beaten the Chiefs in their opener in Brazil, ultimately setting each club on its season-long trajectory.Los Angeles arrived for the rematch Sunday trying to extend the momentum built in last week's win over the Super Bowl champion Eagles. The Chiefs showed up knowing a loss, coupled with the wrong results elsewhere, would eliminate them completely.The Chiefs played appropriately inspired for most of the first half.They moved swiftly downfield with Mahomes darting in from 12 yards out for a touchdown on their opening drive. They added a field goal later in the first half, and another by Harrison Butker gave them a 13-3 lead with 38 seconds left before the break.That's when the Chargers started playing like a playoff-bound team. And the Chiefs like one that should be sitting at home.Herbert completed three passes in five plays to cover 60 yards, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith's first career TD catch got the Chargers within a field goal. Cameron Dicker knotted the game on their opening possession of the second half, then he gave them the lead when he drilled a 49-yarder on a cold, windy day at Arrowhead Stadium with 2:40 to go in the third quarter.The Chiefs tried to answer down the stretch, despite a rash of injuries that had left them with a patchwork offensive line. But just like so often this season, a promising drive went haywire in the red zone. Tyquan Thornton's spectacular catch was immediately forgotten when Mahomes' pass was picked off by Daiyan Henley on a jump ball thrown to Kareem Hunt at the goal line.Mahomes, who had just 189 yards passing, would ultimately end the game in the Kansas City locker room.The Chargers would end the Chiefs' postseason hopes with one more interception.“I thought it was really cool that we were able to close out a one-score game like that, how many times we've played them and had one-score games,” Herbert said. “For the defense to come out there with the turnovers and stops, it was awesome to see.”<h2>Sent packing</h2>Thornton landed in the concussion protocol after his late 20-yard reception following a vicious hit by cornerback Tony Jefferson, who helped to trigger a mild midfield scuffle. Jefferson was ejected, and Henley and James had to push him toward the tunnel.<h2>Injuries</h2>Chargers: WR Quentin Johnson (groin) was inactive. S R.J. Mickens left with a shoulder injury.Chiefs: CB Trent McDuffie (knee) was inactive. Thornton (concussion protocol) and RT Jaylon Moore (knee) left and did not return.<h2>Up next</h2>Chargers: At Dallas next Sunday.

🏈 Mahomes tears ACL as Chargers eliminate Chiefs from playoff contention

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Melvin Council Jr. had career highs of 36 points and nine made 3-pointers to help&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 19</a>&nbsp;Kansas edge N.C. State 77-76 in overtime on Saturday.

Council had made just 5 of 27 3s coming into the game, but took advantage of open looks early then largely carried the Jayhawks (8-3) down the stretch — including scoring Kansas' last 13 points of regulation and feeding Flory Bidunga's go-ahead dunk with 51.9 seconds left in the OT.

N.C. State (7-4) had one final possession to win it, inbounding from near halfcourt with 1.0 seconds left. But Darrion Williams' fading 3 on the catch missed everything to end this one.

Kansas freshman star Darryn Peterson had 17 points, five rebounds and four assists. But he abruptly checked out of a tight game with 2:15 left and didn't return, watching from the bench in an exit coming shortly after he missed seven games with a hamstring strain.

Council finished 13 of 27 from the floor and 9 of 15 from behind the arc to go with seven rebounds and four assists.

Quadir Copeland scored 19 points to lead the Wolfpack, while Williams finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Kansas: The Jayhawks return home to face Towson on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765674302567.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Melvin Council Jr. had career highs of 36 points and nine made 3-pointers to help&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 19</a>&nbsp;Kansas edge N.C. State 77-76 in overtime on Saturday.Council had made just 5 of 27 3s coming into the game, but took advantage of open looks early then largely carried the Jayhawks (8-3) down the stretch — including scoring Kansas' last 13 points of regulation and feeding Flory Bidunga's go-ahead dunk with 51.9 seconds left in the OT.N.C. State (7-4) had one final possession to win it, inbounding from near halfcourt with 1.0 seconds left. But Darrion Williams' fading 3 on the catch missed everything to end this one.Kansas freshman star Darryn Peterson had 17 points, five rebounds and four assists. But he abruptly checked out of a tight game with 2:15 left and didn't return, watching from the bench in an exit coming shortly after he missed seven games with a hamstring strain.Council finished 13 of 27 from the floor and 9 of 15 from behind the arc to go with seven rebounds and four assists.Quadir Copeland scored 19 points to lead the Wolfpack, while Williams finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: The Jayhawks return home to face Towson on Tuesday.

🏀 Melvin Council's huge day helps Kansas edge NC State in overtime

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — David Castillo scored 19 points, Abdi Bashir Jr. added 18 and Kansas State built an early double-digit lead in the second half and held off Creighton for an 83-76 victory on Saturday.

Castillo was 7-of-11 shooting and Bashir hit 6 of 12 from 3-point range. Khamari McGriff added 12 points and P.J. Haggerty scored 10 for Kansas State (7-4).

The Wildcats shot 59% (10 of 36) and hit 11 of 17 3-point shots in the first half, but after the break were just 28% (10 of 36) overall and missed 10 of 11 shots from distance.

K-State led by as many as 20 points early in the second half. About midway through the second, Creighton began a 10-1 surge to pull to 73-70 with 2:41 to play. Castillo answered with a layup and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KStateMBB/status/1999964986085679560?s=20">McGriff added a dunk</a>&nbsp;to help the Wildcats pull away.

Josh Dix scored and Isaac Traudt scored 18 points apiece to lead Creighton (5-5). Austin Swartz chipped in with 12 points.

K-State closed the first half on a 23-8 run for a 51-33 halftime lead. Bashir scored 15 points on five 3-pointers to pace the Wildcats

It was the 10th meeting for K-State in Omaha but the first since an 88-78 win on Dec. 5, 1987. The teams last met in the 2018 NCAA Tournament when the Wildcats earned a 69-59 win in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Creighton plays Xavier in a Big East Conference opener on Wednesday.

Kansas State hosts South Dakota on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765670090295.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — David Castillo scored 19 points, Abdi Bashir Jr. added 18 and Kansas State built an early double-digit lead in the second half and held off Creighton for an 83-76 victory on Saturday.Castillo was 7-of-11 shooting and Bashir hit 6 of 12 from 3-point range. Khamari McGriff added 12 points and P.J. Haggerty scored 10 for Kansas State (7-4).The Wildcats shot 59% (10 of 36) and hit 11 of 17 3-point shots in the first half, but after the break were just 28% (10 of 36) overall and missed 10 of 11 shots from distance.K-State led by as many as 20 points early in the second half. About midway through the second, Creighton began a 10-1 surge to pull to 73-70 with 2:41 to play. Castillo answered with a layup and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KStateMBB/status/1999964986085679560?s=20">McGriff added a dunk</a>&nbsp;to help the Wildcats pull away.Josh Dix scored and Isaac Traudt scored 18 points apiece to lead Creighton (5-5). Austin Swartz chipped in with 12 points.K-State closed the first half on a 23-8 run for a 51-33 halftime lead. Bashir scored 15 points on five 3-pointers to pace the WildcatsIt was the 10th meeting for K-State in Omaha but the first since an 88-78 win on Dec. 5, 1987. The teams last met in the 2018 NCAA Tournament when the Wildcats earned a 69-59 win in Charlotte, North Carolina.<h2>Up next</h2>Creighton plays Xavier in a Big East Conference opener on Wednesday.Kansas State hosts South Dakota on Saturday.

🏀 Castillo and Bashir help Kansas State hold off Creighton 

Girls recap — Hays 63, Junction City 17

The Hays High Lady Indians jumped out to an early lead over the Junction City Lady Jays and won big on Friday night inside the Blue Jay Event Center. Hays led 20-2 at the end of the first quarter and 41-7 at halftime. Junction City had just one first-half basket, coming from sophomore Aniyah Henry-Rivers with two minutes to go in the half.

Third-quarter action was similar, with Henry-Rivers scoring another basket, but the Lady Indians led 57-9. In the fourth quarter, the JC girls managed to get a couple of shots to go in, including baskets on the final two possessions of the game by sophomore Isabel Pruitt.

Hays won the game 63-17 and improved to 5-0 on the season.

With the loss, the JC Lady Jays fall to 1-2 and will host Dodge City on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

On the KJCK Radio broadcast, Morgan Nabus was named the Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. (For being named Player of the Game, Morgan receives a free meal voucher of up to $20 from Blu Restaurant in Junction City.)

Boys recap — Hays 58, Junction City 49

The game started out well for the Junction City Blue Jays, as they went on a 7-0 run in the first minute and 20 seconds of game action. Hays quickly called a timeout and regrouped. Hays big man Dawson Ruder went on his own 8-0 run to give the Indians a one-point lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the remainder of the quarter, and Hays led 14-9 after one.

The Indians began the second quarter on a 10-5 run and stretched their lead to 10. Similar to what Hays did to start the game, JC called a timeout, regrouped, and then went on its own 7-0 run. A couple of made three-pointers cut the deficit to three, but Hays extended the lead right before halftime and led 28-22 at the break.

Third-quarter action saw the Blue Jay offense finally come alive, but Izaac Fox also got going for the Indians, as Hays extended its lead to eight, 42-34, after three quarters. In fourth-quarter action, the Indians grew their lead and held on for a 58-49 win.

Junction City was led in scoring by senior point guard Lovell Autry, who finished with 21 points. Senior Jet Thompson added 10, and they were the only two JCHS players in double figures.

On the KJCK Radio broadcast, Lovell Autry was named the Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. (For being named Player of the Game, Lovell receives a free meal voucher of up to $20 from Blu Restaurant in Junction City.)

With the loss, the Blue Jays fall to 1-2 on the season and will host Dodge City on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the Blue Jay Event Center.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostGirls recap — Hays 63, Junction City 17The Hays High Lady Indians jumped out to an early lead over the Junction City Lady Jays and won big on Friday night inside the Blue Jay Event Center. Hays led 20-2 at the end of the first quarter and 41-7 at halftime. Junction City had just one first-half basket, coming from sophomore Aniyah Henry-Rivers with two minutes to go in the half.Third-quarter action was similar, with Henry-Rivers scoring another basket, but the Lady Indians led 57-9. In the fourth quarter, the JC girls managed to get a couple of shots to go in, including baskets on the final two possessions of the game by sophomore Isabel Pruitt.Hays won the game 63-17 and improved to 5-0 on the season.With the loss, the JC Lady Jays fall to 1-2 and will host Dodge City on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.On the KJCK Radio broadcast, Morgan Nabus was named the Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. (For being named Player of the Game, Morgan receives a free meal voucher of up to $20 from Blu Restaurant in Junction City.)Boys recap — Hays 58, Junction City 49The game started out well for the Junction City Blue Jays, as they went on a 7-0 run in the first minute and 20 seconds of game action. Hays quickly called a timeout and regrouped. Hays big man Dawson Ruder went on his own 8-0 run to give the Indians a one-point lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the remainder of the quarter, and Hays led 14-9 after one.The Indians began the second quarter on a 10-5 run and stretched their lead to 10. Similar to what Hays did to start the game, JC called a timeout, regrouped, and then went on its own 7-0 run. A couple of made three-pointers cut the deficit to three, but Hays extended the lead right before halftime and led 28-22 at the break.Third-quarter action saw the Blue Jay offense finally come alive, but Izaac Fox also got going for the Indians, as Hays extended its lead to eight, 42-34, after three quarters. In fourth-quarter action, the Indians grew their lead and held on for a 58-49 win.Junction City was led in scoring by senior point guard Lovell Autry, who finished with 21 points. Senior Jet Thompson added 10, and they were the only two JCHS players in double figures.On the KJCK Radio broadcast, Lovell Autry was named the Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. (For being named Player of the Game, Lovell receives a free meal voucher of up to $20 from Blu Restaurant in Junction City.)With the loss, the Blue Jays fall to 1-2 on the season and will host Dodge City on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the Blue Jay Event Center.

🏀Hays Indians sweep Junction City on the hardwood Friday night

Junction City boys and girls basketball back in action tonight in Junction City. Both teams are hosting the Hays Indians. Girls tip off at 6:00, boys follow at 7:30.&nbsp;

Listen live on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

You can watch and listen live to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/eYvgQZdAUUo">girls game by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

You can watch and listen live to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/kAe4x19NUmc">boys game by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

Junction City boys and girls basketball back in action tonight in Junction City. Both teams are hosting the Hays Indians. Girls tip off at 6:00, boys follow at 7:30.&nbsp;Listen live on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>You can watch and listen live to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/eYvgQZdAUUo">girls game by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>You can watch and listen live to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/kAe4x19NUmc">boys game by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

🏀 WATCH/LISTEN LIVE: Junction City basketball teams hosts Hays

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765491354989.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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<a name="x__Hlk121049403"></a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;A former special teams standout and four-year staff member at Kansas State,&nbsp;Stanton Weber&nbsp;has been hired as the Wildcats&rsquo; special teams coordinator, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Thursday.
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Weber has spent the last three seasons as the special teams coordinator at Toledo as he was named a finalist for the 2024 Special Teams Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop in addition to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 35 Under 35 Leadership Institute.
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&ldquo;Natalie and I could not be more thrilled to join Coach Klein, Shalin and their family in Manhattan,&rdquo; Weber said. &ldquo;Thank you to Coach Candle and the University of Toledo for three great years. We are so grateful for the opportunity from Coach Klein to return home. I am proud to have grown up in this Family and humbled by the responsibility to serve K-State. It is the honor of a lifetime. Go Cats!&rdquo;
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Prior to his time at Toledo, Weber spent two seasons as a special teams analyst at South Carolina after getting his start in coaching at K-State, first as an offensive graduate assistant in 2017 and 2018 before becoming a special teams quality control coach in 2019 and 2020.
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&ldquo;Stanton is one of the most competitive individuals I have ever met,&rdquo; Klein said. &ldquo;He strives for excellence in everything he does. He builds great relationships and has worked himself into being one of the best special teams coordinators in the country.&rdquo;
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Weber presided over five All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) honorees during his tenure at Toledo, including three-straight kickoff return specialists, a punt returner and a kicker. Additionally, the Rockets blocked six punts over his three years.
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In 2025, Weber helped the Rockets earn an 8-4 record and a trip to the Boca Raton Bowl. Toledo finished the regular season ranking fourth in the nation in blocked punts (3), eighth in total blocked kicks, 20th&nbsp;in punt-return defense (4.22) and 31st&nbsp;in punt returns (11.48). Both kickoff returner Trayvon Rudolph (second team) and punt returner Bryson Hammer (third team) earned All-MAC honors. Rudolph ranks 33rd&nbsp;nationally with a 21.6-yard average on kickoff returns, including one he returned 96 yards for a touchdown. Hammer ranks 14th&nbsp;in the country in punt-return average at 12.3, while his 333 total punt-return yards rank sixth.
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Under Weber, kickoff-returner Jacquez Stuart finished off his career with consecutive All-MAC First Team honors in 2023 and 2024. He led the MAC and finished fifth in the country in 2024 after averaging 34.0 yards per return &ndash; which was highlighted by a 98-yard touchdown &ndash; as the Rockets ranked 21st&nbsp;in the nation with a team average of 24.07 yards. The year prior, Stuart ranked third in the country with a 29.1-yard average. He totaled 582 kickoff-return yards on the year, which included a 97-yard score to open the game against Buffalo.
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The 2023 season also saw Weber guide Luke Pawlak to All-MAC Second Team accolades after connecting on 12-of-15 field goals (80.0%), which included a long of 44 yards in the season opener at Illinois as part of a season-high three field goals.
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In 2024, Weber&rsquo;s special teams ranked in the top 30 in blocked punts (20th; 1), kickoff returns (21st; 24.07), punt returns (22nd; 12.95), punt return defense (27th; 4.89) and blocked kicks (27th; 2). His 2023 units ranked highly in blocked punts (3rd; 2) and kickoff-return defense (11th; 16.00).
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Prior to his time at Toledo, Weber spent two seasons as a special teams analyst at South Carolina. In 2022, the Gamecocks were ranked No. 1 in the country in special teams efficiency by ESPN, led the SEC in punt-return average and had the nation&rsquo;s longest kickoff return of the season (100 yards) against Texas A&amp;M. They were also second in the SEC in yards per punt and were 11-of-11 on field goal attempts.
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A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Weber was a three-time First Team Academic All-Big 12 performer as a wide receiver and special teams standout for the Wildcats from 2011-15. A team captain as a senior in 2015, Weber played in 46 career games and finished with 19 tackles. He helped K-State accumulate a 34-18 record, earn a Big 12 championship in 2012 and advance to five straight bowl games.
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Weber comes from an athletic family, all of whom played collegiately at Kansas State. His father, Stan, was a quarterback for the Wildcats from 1980-84 and is currently the lead analyst on the K-State Sports Network; his brother Landry was a wide receiver for the Wildcats from 2017-21; and his sister McKenzi played volleyball at K-State from 2016-19.
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Weber has three degrees from Kansas State, earning his bachelor&rsquo;s (2015) and master&rsquo;s (2016) degrees in accounting prior to obtaining an MBA in 2019. He and his wife, Natalie, were married in July of 2022.
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THE STANTON WEBER FILE
Hometown:&nbsp;Overland Park, Kansas
High School:&nbsp;Bishop Miege
College:&nbsp;Kansas State &ndash; Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in accounting (2015), master&rsquo;s in accounting (2016), master&rsquo;s of business administration (2019)
Family:&nbsp;Wife: Natalie
Playing Career:&nbsp;Kansas State (wide receiver), 2011-15
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STANTON WEBER&rsquo;S COACHING CAREER
2017-18, Kansas State (Offensive Graduate Assistant)
2019-20, Kansas State (Special Teams Quality Control)
2021-22, South Carolina (Special Teams Analyst)
2023-25, Toledo (Special Teams Coordinator)
2026, Kansas State (Special Teams Coordinator)</div>

🏈 K-State hires Stanton Weber as Special Teams Coordinator

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Trey Scott, who worked 11 years in player personnel with NFL clubs and the last three years as a coaches and executives agent, has been hired as the football program’s General Manager, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Thursday.

Scott brings a unique, well-rounded prospective to Kansas State in the new era of college athletics as he has traveled throughout Division I football as a scout for two NFL clubs before handling contract negotiations over the last several years.

“I have had a long career in football, but this is different – this is Family, and this is home,” Scott said. “I am excited to work with quality people and be aggressive in this era of opportunity. Thank you to Coach Klein for trusting me to help advance our program. I can’t wait for my wife and kids to become a part of this special community.”

In his role in Manhattan, Scott will manage the composition of the football roster and, in consultation with Klein and assistant coaches, determine strategies to retain current student-athletes and attract prospective student-athletes.

“Trey is a huge part of where we are going to take K-State in the future,” said Klein. “With his NFL experience and roster management background – along with how he builds relationships – he is the perfect fit.”

After concluding his playing days as a K-State quarterback in 2010, Scott began in professional football as a pro personnel assistant with the Washington Redskins in 2011. He received an opportunity to work for the Oakland Raiders in 2012 and moved to Las Vegas when the franchise was relocated in 2020. Starting as a Midwest scout of the Raiders, Scott earned multiple promotions, culminating with the title of assistant director of player personnel where he oversaw all aspects of the personnel department.

Scott left the Raiders in 2022 to lead the coaching and executives division of Rep 1 Sports before the company was acquired by Excel Sports Management in 2023. For Excel Sports, Scott represented some of the top college football and NFL coaches in addition to front office members with his primary focus of handling their contract negotiations. He also worked as a consultant for athletic departments around the country, helping schools navigate the new era of college athletics in revenue sharing, NIL and spending of revenue sharing dollars.

A native of Shawnee, Kansas, who played at Mill Valley High School, Scott earned dual bachelor’s degrees in business management and supply chain management – in addition to a minor in economics – from Kansas State in December 2010. His family includes his wife, Lauren, daughter, Allie, and son, Jack.

College:&nbsp;Kansas State – Bachelor’s degrees in business management and supply chain management; Minor in economics (2010)

Family:&nbsp;Wife: Lauren; Children: Allie, Jack

Playing Career:&nbsp;Kansas State (quarterback), 2007-10

TREY SCOTT’S PROFESSIONAL CAREER

2011, Washington Redskins (Pro Personnel Assistant)

2012-22, Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (College Scout/Pro Personnel Executive)

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765488679350.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Trey Scott, who worked 11 years in player personnel with NFL clubs and the last three years as a coaches and executives agent, has been hired as the football program’s General Manager, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Thursday.Scott brings a unique, well-rounded prospective to Kansas State in the new era of college athletics as he has traveled throughout Division I football as a scout for two NFL clubs before handling contract negotiations over the last several years.“I have had a long career in football, but this is different – this is Family, and this is home,” Scott said. “I am excited to work with quality people and be aggressive in this era of opportunity. Thank you to Coach Klein for trusting me to help advance our program. I can’t wait for my wife and kids to become a part of this special community.”In his role in Manhattan, Scott will manage the composition of the football roster and, in consultation with Klein and assistant coaches, determine strategies to retain current student-athletes and attract prospective student-athletes.“Trey is a huge part of where we are going to take K-State in the future,” said Klein. “With his NFL experience and roster management background – along with how he builds relationships – he is the perfect fit.”After concluding his playing days as a K-State quarterback in 2010, Scott began in professional football as a pro personnel assistant with the Washington Redskins in 2011. He received an opportunity to work for the Oakland Raiders in 2012 and moved to Las Vegas when the franchise was relocated in 2020. Starting as a Midwest scout of the Raiders, Scott earned multiple promotions, culminating with the title of assistant director of player personnel where he oversaw all aspects of the personnel department.Scott left the Raiders in 2022 to lead the coaching and executives division of Rep 1 Sports before the company was acquired by Excel Sports Management in 2023. For Excel Sports, Scott represented some of the top college football and NFL coaches in addition to front office members with his primary focus of handling their contract negotiations. He also worked as a consultant for athletic departments around the country, helping schools navigate the new era of college athletics in revenue sharing, NIL and spending of revenue sharing dollars.A native of Shawnee, Kansas, who played at Mill Valley High School, Scott earned dual bachelor’s degrees in business management and supply chain management – in addition to a minor in economics – from Kansas State in December 2010. His family includes his wife, Lauren, daughter, Allie, and son, Jack.THE TREY SCOTT FILEHometown:&nbsp;Shawnee, KansasHigh School:&nbsp;Mill ValleyCollege:&nbsp;Kansas State – Bachelor’s degrees in business management and supply chain management; Minor in economics (2010)Family:&nbsp;Wife: Lauren; Children: Allie, JackPlaying Career:&nbsp;Kansas State (quarterback), 2007-10TREY SCOTT’S PROFESSIONAL CAREER2011, Washington Redskins (Pro Personnel Assistant)2012-22, Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (College Scout/Pro Personnel Executive)2022, Rep 1 Sports (Agent)2023-25, Excel Sports Management (Agent)

K-State Hires Trey Scott as General Manager

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty sank five of Kansas State's 19 3-pointers and scored 28, leading the Wildcats to a 108-49 romp over Mississippi Valley State on Monday night to snap a four-game losing streak.

Haggerty made 11 of 14 shots with just one miss from beyond the arc for the Wildcats (6-4), who improved to 5-2 at home.

David Castillo came off the bench to hit 5 of 8 from 3-point range, scoring 19 for K-State. Abdi Bashir Jr. scored 15 on 5-for-10 shooting from distance as the Wildcats hot 53% from outside the arc. Nate Johnson had two 3s and scored 14, adding six assists and five steals.

Haggerty scored seven in a game-opening 25-9 run by K-State. He had 15 points by halftime as the Wildcats opened up a 55-21 lead.

K-State shot just under 60% from the floor in the first half. The Wildcats made 6 of 13 from distance and 11 of 14 free throws. Mississippi Valley State missed 25 of 31 shots, including all six of its 3-pointers.

Haggerty and Castillo missed one shot each in the second half, combining for 25 of the Wildcats' 53 points after the break.

Michael James scored 23 to lead the Delta Devils (1-9), who are 0-7 on the road and have lost eight straight.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765279466746.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard P.J. Haggerty (4)&nbsp; passes to Elias Rapieque (0) during the first half of their game against Mississippi Valley State on Monday, December 8, 2025 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard P.J. Haggerty (4)&nbsp; passes to Elias Rapieque (0) during the first half of their game against Mississippi Valley State on Monday, December 8, 2025 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty sank five of Kansas State's 19 3-pointers and scored 28, leading the Wildcats to a 108-49 romp over Mississippi Valley State on Monday night to snap a four-game losing streak.Haggerty made 11 of 14 shots with just one miss from beyond the arc for the Wildcats (6-4), who improved to 5-2 at home.David Castillo came off the bench to hit 5 of 8 from 3-point range, scoring 19 for K-State. Abdi Bashir Jr. scored 15 on 5-for-10 shooting from distance as the Wildcats hot 53% from outside the arc. Nate Johnson had two 3s and scored 14, adding six assists and five steals.Haggerty scored seven in a game-opening 25-9 run by K-State. He had 15 points by halftime as the Wildcats opened up a 55-21 lead.K-State shot just under 60% from the floor in the first half. The Wildcats made 6 of 13 from distance and 11 of 14 free throws. Mississippi Valley State missed 25 of 31 shots, including all six of its 3-pointers.Haggerty and Castillo missed one shot each in the second half, combining for 25 of the Wildcats' 53 points after the break.Michael James scored 23 to lead the Delta Devils (1-9), who are 0-7 on the road and have lost eight straight.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: At Creighton on Saturday.

🏀 Haggerty scores 28 as K-State rolls past Mississippi Valley State

The Junction City Men's Wrestling Team hosted a dual tournament Saturday at Junction city High School. Coach Rick Bazan said that Junction City got off to a good start going 3-2 on the day. The Blue Jays beat Wichita Heights 66-11, Wichita West 51-24 and Shawnee Heights 39-35. They lost to #3 ranked Washburn Rural 46-33 and Hays 44-35.

Winning records on the day were (113) Riley Luckenbill 5-0 with 5 pins, (126) Jayden Melton 4-1, (175) Cody Owens 4-1, (165) Christian Simmers  4-1 and (215) Chris Coy 4-1.  Going 3-2 on the day were (106) Colden Blockcolsky, (138) Kayun Herring and (157) Tyler Proetti.

JCHS will be in action again this Saturday at the Shawnee Mission Northwest Tournament.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765213243827.jpeg" alt="Riley Luckenbill ( Blue and White ) wrestling for the Blue Jays" />
 <figcaption>Riley Luckenbill ( Blue and White ) wrestling for the Blue Jays</figcaption>
 </figure>The Junction City Men's Wrestling Team hosted a dual tournament Saturday at Junction city High School. Coach Rick Bazan said that Junction City got off to a good start going 3-2 on the day. The Blue Jays beat Wichita Heights 66-11, Wichita West 51-24 and Shawnee Heights 39-35. They lost to #3 ranked Washburn Rural 46-33 and Hays 44-35.Winning records on the day were (113) Riley Luckenbill 5-0 with 5 pins, (126) Jayden Melton 4-1, (175) Cody Owens 4-1, (165) Christian Simmers 4-1 and (215) Chris Coy 4-1. Going 3-2 on the day were (106) Colden Blockcolsky, (138) Kayun Herring and (157) Tyler Proetti.JCHS will be in action again this Saturday at the Shawnee Mission Northwest Tournament.

Blue Jays go 3-2 in a dual tournament

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Houston Texans never made their trip to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night into anything more than their next game.

Didn't matter that the Kansas City Chiefs had been the AFC's bully for the better part of a decade. Or the Chiefs had knocked Houston out of the playoffs last year. Or that the Texans needed to win to keep pace with Jacksonville in the AFC South.

“It was our next game,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We needed to come out and execute. Play good football. And we did.”

C.J Stroud threw for 203 yards and a touchdown, the Texans leaned on the NFL's top-ranked defense to shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, and Houston walked out with a 20-10 victory that gave a big boost to their postseason hopes.

Nico Collins contributed four catches for 121 yards, and Dare Ogunbowale added a go-ahead touchdown run in the fourth quarter, as the Texans (8-5) won their fifth straight overall and remained a game back of the Jaguars in a tight division race.

“We did what we came to do,” Ryans said. “It was just about accomplishing your mission. It wasn't anything extra on top for winning this game. We just knew we had to get the win no matter what it took.”

Mahomes, operating behind an ailing offensive line, was 14 of 33 for 160 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. The last of the picks came late in the fourth quarter, when Kansas City was trailing by a touchdown and trying to get the game to overtime.

“I thought our defense did a great job sticking in coverage, and relentlessly rushing," Stroud said. "An amazing job.”

While the win gave a big boost to Houston's playoff chances, whether it be a division title or wild-card spot, it dealt a crippling blow to the defending AFC champs. Kansas City dropped to 6-7, its worst record through 13 games since a 2-11 start to the 2012 season.

“You're getting late in the season. You're not going to get these opportunities back,” Mahomes said. “That's a good football team, but we had chances and we didn't execute at the right time to win it.”

The Chiefs had won five straight against the Texans, including that divisional playoff matchup last January on their way to another Super Bowl appearance. But they were two different teams entirely when they returned for the rematch Sunday night.

The streaking Texans were trying to keep their momentum going, and perhaps join a rare club of teams that includes Houston's 2018 version that started 0-3 and made the playoffs. And the once-dominant Chiefs were simply trying to stay in the postseason fight amid a dismal season marked by injuries, underwhelming performances and too many mistakes across the board.

The first half turned into a microcosm of all of it.

Stroud, who played so well against Indianapolis last week in his return from a concussion, connected with Collins for a 46-yard gain that set up Ka'imi Fairbairn's field goal and a 53-yard catch that led to a short touchdown toss to Woody Marks.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs sustained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chiefs-injuries-775ebe979ae3135b65a16b1d11c5cfbe">two more significant injuries</a>, this time to left tackle Wanya Morris and cornerback Trent McDuffie, leaving them without their best defensive back and Mahomes working with an offensive line consisting of three backups.

“Listen, they battled,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said afterward. “Some of the guys in there hadn't practiced much.”

Still, the Chiefs wound up with just 98 first-half yards, and they trailed 10-0 at the break. It was only the fourth time with Mahomes at quarterback and the second time in the regular season that the Chiefs had been shut out in the first half.

The Chiefs' defense held its own, though, forcing Stroud into eight consecutive incompletions to start the second half. It allowed Mahomes and the offense to pick away at their deficit, first on Kareem Hunt's TD run and then on Harrison Butker's tying field goal.

Ultimately, the game hinged on two fourth-down decisions in the fourth quarter.

With the score still 10-10, the Texans had fourth-and-1 at their own 35 and punted. The Chiefs were then held to fourth-and-1 at their own 31, chose to go for it, and watched Mahomes throw incomplete with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Six plays later, Ogunbowale plowed into the end zone from 5 yards out to give Houston the lead again.

The Chiefs failed on fourth down again moments later, when Rashee Rice dropped a wide-open pass that would have produced a first down. And after Kansas City got the ball back one last time, Mahomes was picked off to end any hope of a comeback.

“We've still got an opportunity. Even though it's a slim opportunity, we have an opportunity,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said. “For us, the door is still open. It might be a 10 percent chance. It might be a 5 percent chance. But as long as we have an opportunity and a chance, we can control that, and let the cards fall where they fall.”

Texans: RB Nick Chubb (ribs) left in the first half and did not return.

Chiefs: RG Trey Smith (ankle) and RT Jawaan Taylor (triceps) were inactive. Morris (knee) and CB McDuffie (knee) got hurt in the first half, leaving Kansas City with a patchwork offensive line and without its best defensive back.

Kansas City plays the Chargers the same day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765164441878.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Houston Texans never made their trip to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night into anything more than their next game.Didn't matter that the Kansas City Chiefs had been the AFC's bully for the better part of a decade. Or the Chiefs had knocked Houston out of the playoffs last year. Or that the Texans needed to win to keep pace with Jacksonville in the AFC South.“It was our next game,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We needed to come out and execute. Play good football. And we did.”Did enough, anyway.C.J Stroud threw for 203 yards and a touchdown, the Texans leaned on the NFL's top-ranked defense to shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, and Houston walked out with a 20-10 victory that gave a big boost to their postseason hopes.Nico Collins contributed four catches for 121 yards, and Dare Ogunbowale added a go-ahead touchdown run in the fourth quarter, as the Texans (8-5) won their fifth straight overall and remained a game back of the Jaguars in a tight division race.“We did what we came to do,” Ryans said. “It was just about accomplishing your mission. It wasn't anything extra on top for winning this game. We just knew we had to get the win no matter what it took.”Mahomes, operating behind an ailing offensive line, was 14 of 33 for 160 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. The last of the picks came late in the fourth quarter, when Kansas City was trailing by a touchdown and trying to get the game to overtime.“I thought our defense did a great job sticking in coverage, and relentlessly rushing," Stroud said. "An amazing job.”While the win gave a big boost to Houston's playoff chances, whether it be a division title or wild-card spot, it dealt a crippling blow to the defending AFC champs. Kansas City dropped to 6-7, its worst record through 13 games since a 2-11 start to the 2012 season.“You're getting late in the season. You're not going to get these opportunities back,” Mahomes said. “That's a good football team, but we had chances and we didn't execute at the right time to win it.”The Chiefs had won five straight against the Texans, including that divisional playoff matchup last January on their way to another Super Bowl appearance. But they were two different teams entirely when they returned for the rematch Sunday night.The streaking Texans were trying to keep their momentum going, and perhaps join a rare club of teams that includes Houston's 2018 version that started 0-3 and made the playoffs. And the once-dominant Chiefs were simply trying to stay in the postseason fight amid a dismal season marked by injuries, underwhelming performances and too many mistakes across the board.The first half turned into a microcosm of all of it.Stroud, who played so well against Indianapolis last week in his return from a concussion, connected with Collins for a 46-yard gain that set up Ka'imi Fairbairn's field goal and a 53-yard catch that led to a short touchdown toss to Woody Marks.Meanwhile, the Chiefs sustained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chiefs-injuries-775ebe979ae3135b65a16b1d11c5cfbe">two more significant injuries</a>, this time to left tackle Wanya Morris and cornerback Trent McDuffie, leaving them without their best defensive back and Mahomes working with an offensive line consisting of three backups.“Listen, they battled,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said afterward. “Some of the guys in there hadn't practiced much.”Still, the Chiefs wound up with just 98 first-half yards, and they trailed 10-0 at the break. It was only the fourth time with Mahomes at quarterback and the second time in the regular season that the Chiefs had been shut out in the first half.The Chiefs' defense held its own, though, forcing Stroud into eight consecutive incompletions to start the second half. It allowed Mahomes and the offense to pick away at their deficit, first on Kareem Hunt's TD run and then on Harrison Butker's tying field goal.Ultimately, the game hinged on two fourth-down decisions in the fourth quarter.With the score still 10-10, the Texans had fourth-and-1 at their own 35 and punted. The Chiefs were then held to fourth-and-1 at their own 31, chose to go for it, and watched Mahomes throw incomplete with just over 10 minutes remaining.Six plays later, Ogunbowale plowed into the end zone from 5 yards out to give Houston the lead again.The Chiefs failed on fourth down again moments later, when Rashee Rice dropped a wide-open pass that would have produced a first down. And after Kansas City got the ball back one last time, Mahomes was picked off to end any hope of a comeback.“We've still got an opportunity. Even though it's a slim opportunity, we have an opportunity,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said. “For us, the door is still open. It might be a 10 percent chance. It might be a 5 percent chance. But as long as we have an opportunity and a chance, we can control that, and let the cards fall where they fall.”<h2>Injuries</h2>Texans: RB Nick Chubb (ribs) left in the first half and did not return.Chiefs: RG Trey Smith (ankle) and RT Jawaan Taylor (triceps) were inactive. Morris (knee) and CB McDuffie (knee) got hurt in the first half, leaving Kansas City with a patchwork offensive line and without its best defensive back.<h2>Up next</h2>Houston plays the Cardinals next Sunday.Kansas City plays the Chargers the same day.

🏈 Texans beat the Chiefs in crucial matchup at Arrowhead

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas has proven over the past month that it can hang with the nation's best without Darryn Peterson on the floor.

The Jayhawks showed Sunday they are capable of beating anybody when he's out there.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765146850356.png" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas has proven over the past month that it can hang with the nation's best without Darryn Peterson on the floor.The Jayhawks showed Sunday they are capable of beating anybody when he's out there.The potential No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, Peterson returned from a lingering hamstring injury to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-tigers-kansas-jayhawks-score-697f371f46b4674affdf5cbad2707ecc">score 17 points in 23 minutes</a>&nbsp;against Missouri, leading the No. 21 Jayhawks to an 80-60 rout of their biggest rival in the latest edition of the Border War.Oh, and the high-scoring guard did it while battling flu-like symptoms that had developed over the previous couple of days. He played 17 minutes in the first half but just six in the second, when the Jayhawks had already built a sizeable lead.“I thought he did fine. I didn't think he pushed it,” Kansas coach Bill Self said, “but that's not because of his hammy. It's because he was sick. I was nervous he wasn't going to play, then I was going to have to tell you again that something came up.”Peterson had missed most of the exhibition season because of issues with cramps. He proceeded to score 21 points in 22 minutes in the Jayhawks' opener against Green Bay, then had 22 points in 28 minutes in a loss at North Carolina later that week.But he hadn't played since because of the hamstring, forcing the Jayhawks to develop without their best player. And they had made some significant progress, winning three games against power league opponents in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, and putting scares into fourth-ranked Duke and this past week to No. 5 UConn in a nip-and-tuck game at Allen Fieldhouse.It was after that game against the Huskies that Kansas played a half-court scrimmage between its first and second teams. Peterson had 14 of his side's 20 points in that practice, and he had three assists in helping to produce the other six.“I mean, he was responsible for every point,” Self said.Still, the Jayhawks' coach didn't know exactly what to expect on Sunday, both because of the time that Peterson had spent nursing his injury and the illness that had him laid up on the trainer's table just 24 hours before tipoff.“Man, you could see, even though he was limited in minutes, he was super efficient,” said Kansas forward Tre White, who led the way with 20 points and 13 rebounds against the Tigers. “I had a bunch of wide-open shots I haven't normally had. He just makes the game so much easier. He attracts a lot of bodies when he's playing, and that makes it easier for us.”Peterson wasn't available to talk after the game Sunday, but Self acknowledged that the time off had been difficult on him.“I think it frustrates him. But it's the world we live in,” Self said. “That kid is over there getting four treatments a day, 45 minutes in every treatment. That kid spends more time shooting on his own maybe than (any player) I've ever coached. That kid wants to be out there so bad, and then when I say whatever I'm going to say, it's not enough for me to say, ‘It’s day to day,' which that's what it's been.”Self then pondered the attention that Peterson — and his injury — have gotten this season.Perhaps the scrutiny hasn't been entirely bad, given he will be constantly under it when Peterson heads to the NBA.“How many people look at our guys and say, ‘We’re going to watch them grow up before our eyes?' If they're making a substantial amount of money? It's a different world,” Self said. “But it's also a world we say, ‘It’s so great for the kids.' But you also give people a reason to have opinions and talk. That's just the way it is. I think in his situation it may be good for him, because he's going to get talked about a lot moving forward. Hey, it's all preparation. I see it as part of the process more than I see it as a negative.”___