ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Kansas' defense came up with two decisive plays near the goal line, setting up the Jayhawks' go-ahead touchdown with a strip sack and fumble recovery to stop UCF on three consecutive plays from the 1 with less than two minutes remaining to help Kansas beat the Knights 27-20 on Saturday night.

Kansas' Trey Lathan recovered a fumble at the 2 late in the third quarter off a strip sack from Jalen Dye, setting up the go-ahead 2-yard touchdown run from Leshon Williams. Lathan then tackled Cam Fancher on fourth-and-goal from the 1 with 1:47 to secure the victory.

“You are expecting to lose in that situation,” Lathan said. “But when you come out with a W, it’s a great feeling.”

Kansas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) lost last week’s game to Cincinnati after a goal line battle, ending with a Bearcats' 2-yard touchdown run with 30 seconds remaining.

UCF drove to the Kansas 22 after getting the ball back, but four straight incompletions that included a pass breakup in the end zone by Austin Alexander, ended the Knights' final threat.

Kansas erased an early 14-0 lead from UCF (3-2, 0-2) after Myles Montgomery and the Knights ran all over the Jayhawks in the first half.

Jalon Daniels led the charge for Kansas, throwing for 235 yards on 18-for-26 passing. Williams rushed for 58 yards and three touchdowns for the Jayhawks.

“These guys are growing,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “I think this can be a big one for them to gain some confidence.”

Montgomery rushed for 99 of his 110 yards in the first half, scoring two touchdowns to stake the Knights to an early lead.

UCF’s Tayven Jackson finished with 97 yards on 14-for-23 passing. He left the game after his turnover and came out of the locker room with his left arm in a sling. Coach Scott Frost said X-rays on his shoulder were negative.

Fancher, who started UCF’s opening game against Jacksonville State before leaving with an injury, completed 8 of 14 passes for 79 yards.

The Knights could not find answers in the second half and lost for the second straight game.

“I think we're one of the most talented teams in the Big 12, we've just got to finish,” UCF receiver Duane Thomas Jr. said. “We have to play a complete football game. We can't go out the first two quarters and lay down the next two.”

Part of the shift in the game came from Kansas linebacker Bangally Kamara, who was coming off suspension in the first half after a second-half targeting penalty last week against Cincinnati. Kamara finished with four tackles and provided a boost for the Jayhawks' defense.

Both teams stayed on the field after pregame warmups for a moment of silence to recognize UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark. Clark passed away Sept. 21. He joined UCF's staff after five years as the head coach at Appalachian State.

Several players for Kansas were fighting through injury, including Williams. The biggest was to kicker Laith Marjan, who made two field goals. His 41-yarder in the third quarter just made it over the crossbar, clipping it before going through.

Leipold admitted Marjan was probably a bit fatigued after he kicked the ensuing kickoff out of bounds following the short field goal.

Kansas: The Jayhawks have been known for their offense throughout the season, but their defense stepped up in a big way to stymie the Knights.

UCF: The Knights will again face quarterback questions after Jackson left the game with an injury. Jackson left last week's game with a shoulder injury. Backup quarterback Jacurri Brown also missed the game with a shoulder injury.

Kansas travels to face No. 11 Texas Tech on Saturday.

UCF hits the road to face Cincinnati on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759633370385.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Kansas' defense came up with two decisive plays near the goal line, setting up the Jayhawks' go-ahead touchdown with a strip sack and fumble recovery to stop UCF on three consecutive plays from the 1 with less than two minutes remaining to help Kansas beat the Knights 27-20 on Saturday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">KANSAS HOLDS. <a href="https://t.co/VMCa14Tca4">pic.twitter.com/VMCa14Tca4</a>&mdash; Kansas Football (@KU_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/KU_Football/status/1974668305681301514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas' Trey Lathan recovered a fumble at the 2 late in the third quarter off a strip sack from Jalen Dye, setting up the go-ahead 2-yard touchdown run from Leshon Williams. Lathan then tackled Cam Fancher on fourth-and-goal from the 1 with 1:47 to secure the victory.“You are expecting to lose in that situation,” Lathan said. “But when you come out with a W, it’s a great feeling.”Kansas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) lost last week’s game to Cincinnati after a goal line battle, ending with a Bearcats' 2-yard touchdown run with 30 seconds remaining.UCF drove to the Kansas 22 after getting the ball back, but four straight incompletions that included a pass breakup in the end zone by Austin Alexander, ended the Knights' final threat.Kansas erased an early 14-0 lead from UCF (3-2, 0-2) after Myles Montgomery and the Knights ran all over the Jayhawks in the first half.Jalon Daniels led the charge for Kansas, throwing for 235 yards on 18-for-26 passing. Williams rushed for 58 yards and three touchdowns for the Jayhawks.“These guys are growing,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “I think this can be a big one for them to gain some confidence.”Montgomery rushed for 99 of his 110 yards in the first half, scoring two touchdowns to stake the Knights to an early lead.UCF’s Tayven Jackson finished with 97 yards on 14-for-23 passing. He left the game after his turnover and came out of the locker room with his left arm in a sling. Coach Scott Frost said X-rays on his shoulder were negative.Fancher, who started UCF’s opening game against Jacksonville State before leaving with an injury, completed 8 of 14 passes for 79 yards.The Knights could not find answers in the second half and lost for the second straight game.“I think we're one of the most talented teams in the Big 12, we've just got to finish,” UCF receiver Duane Thomas Jr. said. “We have to play a complete football game. We can't go out the first two quarters and lay down the next two.”<h2>Off Suspension</h2>Part of the shift in the game came from Kansas linebacker Bangally Kamara, who was coming off suspension in the first half after a second-half targeting penalty last week against Cincinnati. Kamara finished with four tackles and provided a boost for the Jayhawks' defense.<h2>Memorializing Coach Clark</h2>Both teams stayed on the field after pregame warmups for a moment of silence to recognize UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark. Clark passed away Sept. 21. He joined UCF's staff after five years as the head coach at Appalachian State.<h2>Fighting through injury</h2>Several players for Kansas were fighting through injury, including Williams. The biggest was to kicker Laith Marjan, who made two field goals. His 41-yarder in the third quarter just made it over the crossbar, clipping it before going through.Leipold admitted Marjan was probably a bit fatigued after he kicked the ensuing kickoff out of bounds following the short field goal.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>Kansas: The Jayhawks have been known for their offense throughout the season, but their defense stepped up in a big way to stymie the Knights.UCF: The Knights will again face quarterback questions after Jackson left the game with an injury. Jackson left last week's game with a shoulder injury. Backup quarterback Jacurri Brown also missed the game with a shoulder injury.<h2>Up Next</h2>Kansas travels to face No. 11 Texas Tech on Saturday.UCF hits the road to face Cincinnati on Saturday.

🏈 KU holds UCF scoreless in the 2nd half to escape with a win

WACO, Texas (AP) — Connor Hawkins kicked a 53-yard field goal with 31 seconds left after Jacob Redding's go-ahead 66-yard interception return for a touchdown as Baylor rallied twice in the fourth quarter for a 35-34 victory over Kansas State on Saturday.

Hawkins matched the longest kick of his career after Luis Rodriguez had put the Wildcats in front with a 22-yard field goal with 1:48 remaining. Kansas State (2-4, 1-2 Big 12) had to settle for the kick after having a first down at the Baylor 2-yard line.

Rodriguez had a chance for a game-winner from 56 yards, but 6-foot-4 defensive end Cooper Lanz blocked it with 2 seconds to go. The Bears (4-2, 2-1) held on two weeks after losing to Arizona State on a game-ending field goal in their previous home game.

“It’s a roller coaster for sure, an emotional roller coaster,” Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson said. “I remember sitting in here a couple of weeks ago and saying that I know one thing for sure, we’re going to fight to the very end. Because of that, we put ourselves in a position to win.”

Michael Trigg had career highs with eight catches for 155 yards and sparked Baylor's rally from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter with a 42-yard grab a play before making a spectacular one-handed catch while getting one foot down on the sideline, gaining another 29 yards.

Robertson's 11-yard scoring pass to Bryson Washington came on the next play, and Robertson’s 2-point conversion run cut Baylor's deficit to 31-25.

Avery Johnson, who threw for 339 yards and two TDs and ran for a score, had kept a potential clock-killing drive alive with two third-down conversions but he threw into traffic on first down in Baylor territory with the six-point lead.

Redding picked off the pass, ran left up the sideline and cut back inside with the speedy Johnson pursuing to finish off the score untouched. Hawkins' PAT kick put Baylor ahead 32-31 with less than five minutes to go.

“I’d be lying if I said a couple of years ago that I’d be in this position,” Redding said. “I was running, I was like, ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’ And then I scored and I was like, ‘No flags?’ This is a dream come true.”

Johnson's 12-yard scoring pass to Jayce Brown broke a 17-17 halftime tie, and the Wildcats went up two touchdowns on Dylan Edwards' 5-yard run late in the third quarter.

“We did things well enough to win, but we didn’t earn the win,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “That’s why we’re walking out of here with a one-point loss and a lot of woulda, shoulda, couldas.”

Kansas State: It's the third time this season the Wildcats have led or been tied in the fourth quarter of a loss. They've had a one-score margin a nation-leading five times in six games. Three of the losses are by three points or fewer.

Baylor: Robertson had two TD tosses, ending his streak of consecutive games with at least three scoring passes at five. It was the longest since Kyler Murray had eight in a row with Oklahoma in 2018. His 345 yards passing were almost right on his nation-leading average.

The temperature approach 90 degrees late in the game on the first Saturday in October in Texas. It was on Klieman's mind. “We played a lot of guys because we had guys injured. Plus, it was hot,” the coach said.

Besides the one-handed grab, Trigg had a leaping catch over the middle in the first half on a drive that appeared to end with him making another athletic catch in the back of the end zone. It was overturned on review, apparently because he didn't have full control. “We knew we had a mismatch nightmare on the kid,” Klieman said.

Baylor: Off next week, then at TCU on Oct. 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759614275873.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WACO, Texas (AP) — Connor Hawkins kicked a 53-yard field goal with 31 seconds left after Jacob Redding's go-ahead 66-yard interception return for a touchdown as Baylor rallied twice in the fourth quarter for a 35-34 victory over Kansas State on Saturday.Hawkins matched the longest kick of his career after Luis Rodriguez had put the Wildcats in front with a 22-yard field goal with 1:48 remaining. Kansas State (2-4, 1-2 Big 12) had to settle for the kick after having a first down at the Baylor 2-yard line.Rodriguez had a chance for a game-winner from 56 yards, but 6-foot-4 defensive end Cooper Lanz blocked it with 2 seconds to go. The Bears (4-2, 2-1) held on two weeks after losing to Arizona State on a game-ending field goal in their previous home game.“It’s a roller coaster for sure, an emotional roller coaster,” Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson said. “I remember sitting in here a couple of weeks ago and saying that I know one thing for sure, we’re going to fight to the very end. Because of that, we put ourselves in a position to win.”Michael Trigg had career highs with eight catches for 155 yards and sparked Baylor's rally from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter with a 42-yard grab a play before making a spectacular one-handed catch while getting one foot down on the sideline, gaining another 29 yards.Robertson's 11-yard scoring pass to Bryson Washington came on the next play, and Robertson’s 2-point conversion run cut Baylor's deficit to 31-25.Avery Johnson, who threw for 339 yards and two TDs and ran for a score, had kept a potential clock-killing drive alive with two third-down conversions but he threw into traffic on first down in Baylor territory with the six-point lead.Redding picked off the pass, ran left up the sideline and cut back inside with the speedy Johnson pursuing to finish off the score untouched. Hawkins' PAT kick put Baylor ahead 32-31 with less than five minutes to go.“I’d be lying if I said a couple of years ago that I’d be in this position,” Redding said. “I was running, I was like, ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’ And then I scored and I was like, ‘No flags?’ This is a dream come true.”Johnson's 12-yard scoring pass to Jayce Brown broke a 17-17 halftime tie, and the Wildcats went up two touchdowns on Dylan Edwards' 5-yard run late in the third quarter.“We did things well enough to win, but we didn’t earn the win,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “That’s why we’re walking out of here with a one-point loss and a lot of woulda, shoulda, couldas.”<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas State: It's the third time this season the Wildcats have led or been tied in the fourth quarter of a loss. They've had a one-score margin a nation-leading five times in six games. Three of the losses are by three points or fewer.Baylor: Robertson had two TD tosses, ending his streak of consecutive games with at least three scoring passes at five. It was the longest since Kyler Murray had eight in a row with Oklahoma in 2018. His 345 yards passing were almost right on his nation-leading average.<h2>Toasty fall Saturday</h2>The temperature approach 90 degrees late in the game on the first Saturday in October in Texas. It was on Klieman's mind. “We played a lot of guys because we had guys injured. Plus, it was hot,” the coach said.<h2>Coulda been more</h2>Besides the one-handed grab, Trigg had a leaping catch over the middle in the first half on a drive that appeared to end with him making another athletic catch in the back of the end zone. It was overturned on review, apparently because he didn't have full control. “We knew we had a mismatch nightmare on the kid,” Klieman said.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State: TCU at home next Saturday.Baylor: Off next week, then at TCU on Oct. 18.

🏈 Baylor rallied twice in the 4th quarter for victory over K-State 

On a windy night in Western Kansas, on an emotional day for the Hays community, the Hays Indians scored late to beat the Junction City Blue Jays 34–28.

(Earlier in the day, the Hays community laid to rest Police Officer Scott Heiman, who was killed in the line of duty last weekend.)

Junction City won the toss and deferred to the second half, kicking off to the Indians to begin the game. Hays had a big return and scored on their opening possession with a 3-yard run by senior running back Holden Lind.

Just 58 seconds later, Junction City responded, as the Blue Jays tied the game at 7–7 on a 16-yard pass to senior Lovell Autry with 7:14 to go in the first quarter.

After a three-and-out by both teams, Hays blocked a Junction City punt and took over 1st and 10 at the JC 13-yard line. On 4th and 5 from the 8-yard line, senior quarterback Zane Viegra threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jarek Purdy. The point-after attempt was blocked, and the Indians led 13–7.

The Blue Jay offense quickly responded again. On 2nd and 16 from the Indian 24-yard line, Gomez hit senior Lance Norris for a touchdown. JC led 14–13 with 11:12 to go in the first half.

Hays then drove down the field and had goal-to-go from inside the 5-yard line. After an unnecessary roughness penalty, the Blue Jay defense held on third down. Hays tried a 20-yard field goal from the left hash, but the kick was blocked.

Junction City took over at the Hays 14-yard line and drove down the field, with Norris capping the drive off on a 3-yard touchdown run to give JC a 21–13 lead with 3:45 left before halftime.

Hays answered, but had a touchdown called back on a holding penalty with six seconds left in the half. The Blue Jays held and went into halftime up by eight.

To begin the second half, both teams went three-and-out. On their second possession, Junction City had another special teams miscue, giving Hays the ball at the JC 13-yard line for the second time. The Indians scored and converted the PAT, cutting the Blue Jay lead to 21–20.

Junction City answered again, scoring on a 23-yard pass to Autry on 4th down late in the third quarter. JC extended the lead to 28–20.

Hays got the ball back, converted on a fake punt near midfield, and eventually scored. The PAT was no good, and Junction City led 28–26 at the end of the third quarter.

The Blue Jays stalled on their next drive, and Hays took over at their own 5-yard line. The Indians drove 95 yards, chewing up the clock, and scored on 4th and 6 from the JC 7-yard line with 2:38 to go. Hays converted the two-point try and took the lead, 34–28.

Junction City’s offense kept the game alive with two fourth-down conversions. With 45 seconds left, facing 4th and 9 from the Hays 27, Gomez looked for junior wide receiver Brody Boeckman in the end zone, but the pass fell incomplete. Hays held on for the 34–28 win.

This marks the fourth straight win for Hays over Junction City.

“We’ve got to be better in all aspects of the game,” Junction City Head Coach Randall Zimmerman said. “I am very proud of our players. They work very, very hard.”

Junction City falls to 3–2 on the season and plays at Topeka High next Friday night. (You can hear every Blue Jay game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.)

“We have to find a way to get back on track next week,” Zimmerman said. “I love these kids and I know they are going to come to practice and work their tails off.”

Hays improves to 4–1 and will play at Dodge City next week.

Lovell Autry was named our Player of the Game on the KJCK Radio broadcast. (Blu Restaurant in Junction City is our Player of the Game sponsor.)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759533695697.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostOn a windy night in Western Kansas, on an emotional day for the Hays community, the Hays Indians scored late to beat the Junction City Blue Jays 34–28.(Earlier in the day, the Hays community laid to rest Police Officer Scott Heiman, who was killed in the line of duty last weekend.)Junction City won the toss and deferred to the second half, kicking off to the Indians to begin the game. Hays had a big return and scored on their opening possession with a 3-yard run by senior running back Holden Lind.Just 58 seconds later, Junction City responded, as the Blue Jays tied the game at 7–7 on a 16-yard pass to senior Lovell Autry with 7:14 to go in the first quarter.After a three-and-out by both teams, Hays blocked a Junction City punt and took over 1st and 10 at the JC 13-yard line. On 4th and 5 from the 8-yard line, senior quarterback Zane Viegra threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jarek Purdy. The point-after attempt was blocked, and the Indians led 13–7.The Blue Jay offense quickly responded again. On 2nd and 16 from the Indian 24-yard line, Gomez hit senior Lance Norris for a touchdown. JC led 14–13 with 11:12 to go in the first half.Hays then drove down the field and had goal-to-go from inside the 5-yard line. After an unnecessary roughness penalty, the Blue Jay defense held on third down. Hays tried a 20-yard field goal from the left hash, but the kick was blocked.Junction City took over at the Hays 14-yard line and drove down the field, with Norris capping the drive off on a 3-yard touchdown run to give JC a 21–13 lead with 3:45 left before halftime.Hays answered, but had a touchdown called back on a holding penalty with six seconds left in the half. The Blue Jays held and went into halftime up by eight.To begin the second half, both teams went three-and-out. On their second possession, Junction City had another special teams miscue, giving Hays the ball at the JC 13-yard line for the second time. The Indians scored and converted the PAT, cutting the Blue Jay lead to 21–20.Junction City answered again, scoring on a 23-yard pass to Autry on 4th down late in the third quarter. JC extended the lead to 28–20.Hays got the ball back, converted on a fake punt near midfield, and eventually scored. The PAT was no good, and Junction City led 28–26 at the end of the third quarter.The Blue Jays stalled on their next drive, and Hays took over at their own 5-yard line. The Indians drove 95 yards, chewing up the clock, and scored on 4th and 6 from the JC 7-yard line with 2:38 to go. Hays converted the two-point try and took the lead, 34–28.Junction City’s offense kept the game alive with two fourth-down conversions. With 45 seconds left, facing 4th and 9 from the Hays 27, Gomez looked for junior wide receiver Brody Boeckman in the end zone, but the pass fell incomplete. Hays held on for the 34–28 win.This marks the fourth straight win for Hays over Junction City.“We’ve got to be better in all aspects of the game,” Junction City Head Coach Randall Zimmerman said. “I am very proud of our players. They work very, very hard.”Junction City falls to 3–2 on the season and plays at Topeka High next Friday night. (You can hear every Blue Jay game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.)“We have to find a way to get back on track next week,” Zimmerman said. “I love these kids and I know they are going to come to practice and work their tails off.”Hays improves to 4–1 and will play at Dodge City next week.Lovell Autry was named our Player of the Game on the KJCK Radio broadcast. (Blu Restaurant in Junction City is our Player of the Game sponsor.)

Hays Indians score late, Beat Junction City in another thrilling game

Week 5: Junction City Blue Jays (3-1) at Hays Indians (3-1). Junction City is #3 in Class 6A, and Hays is #3 in Class 5A.

You can listen to the game 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>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759533695697.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Week 5: Junction City Blue Jays (3-1) at Hays Indians (3-1). Junction City is #3 in Class 6A, and Hays is #3 in Class 5A.You can listen to the game 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>

LISTEN LIVE: Junction City Blue Jays at Hays High Indians

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;After a stellar 51.0-yard average on four attempts last week against UCF, Kansas State sophomore punter&nbsp;Simon McClannan&nbsp;has been named to the Ray’s 8 list as one of the best eight punters of the week, the Ray Guy Award announced Monday.

KSU announced that McClannan is now in the running for being named the Ray Guy Punter of the Week, which will be announced on Tuesday.

A native of Omaha, Nebraska, McClannan saw three of his four punts travel at least 45 yards against the Knights, including a career-long punt of 65 yards. It was the longest punt by a Wildcat since Jack Blumer hit a 69-yarder against UCF in 2023. Additionally, each of his four punts ended inside UCF’s 20-yard line.

McClannan’s effort against UCF came on the heels of a game in which he averaged 50.8 yards on five punts at Arizona. He is one of four punters in the nation with an average of at least 50.0 yards (minimum 4 attempts) in multiple games this season, while he is the first K-State punter in the Big 12 era to average at least 50.0 yards on at least four punts in consecutive games.

McClannan ranks third in the Big 12 with a 45.1-yard average on 19 punts, which includes seven that have traveled at least 50 yards to tie for second in the Big 12. Last year, McClannan only had six punts of 50 or more yards over 13 games. He holds a 45.05-yard average this season, which would rank second in school history if he had six more punts to reach the minimum. His 43.12-yard career average would rank fourth in program history if he had nine more attempts to reach the minimum.

Kansas State travels to take on Baylor this Saturday in an 11 a.m., contest that will be shown on ESPN+. The Wildcats’ next home game is Saturday, October 11, when they host TCU on Homecoming in a 2:30 p.m., game that will be shown on FOX. Tickets to the game against the Horned Frogs can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;After a stellar 51.0-yard average on four attempts last week against UCF, Kansas State sophomore punter&nbsp;Simon McClannan&nbsp;has been named to the Ray’s 8 list as one of the best eight punters of the week, the Ray Guy Award announced Monday.KSU announced that McClannan is now in the running for being named the Ray Guy Punter of the Week, which will be announced on Tuesday.A native of Omaha, Nebraska, McClannan saw three of his four punts travel at least 45 yards against the Knights, including a career-long punt of 65 yards. It was the longest punt by a Wildcat since Jack Blumer hit a 69-yarder against UCF in 2023. Additionally, each of his four punts ended inside UCF’s 20-yard line.McClannan’s effort against UCF came on the heels of a game in which he averaged 50.8 yards on five punts at Arizona. He is one of four punters in the nation with an average of at least 50.0 yards (minimum 4 attempts) in multiple games this season, while he is the first K-State punter in the Big 12 era to average at least 50.0 yards on at least four punts in consecutive games.McClannan ranks third in the Big 12 with a 45.1-yard average on 19 punts, which includes seven that have traveled at least 50 yards to tie for second in the Big 12. Last year, McClannan only had six punts of 50 or more yards over 13 games. He holds a 45.05-yard average this season, which would rank second in school history if he had six more punts to reach the minimum. His 43.12-yard career average would rank fourth in program history if he had nine more attempts to reach the minimum.Kansas State travels to take on Baylor this Saturday in an 11 a.m., contest that will be shown on ESPN+. The Wildcats’ next home game is Saturday, October 11, when they host TCU on Homecoming in a 2:30 p.m., game that will be shown on FOX. Tickets to the game against the Horned Frogs can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

 K-State’s McClannan Named to Ray’s 8 List

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and FOX announced on Monday that Kansas State’s Homecoming Game against TCU on October 11 will kick off at 2:30 p.m. and be televised by FOX.

It is the first time the Wildcats will host a game that kicks off in the afternoon since a 59-25 win over Baylor on November 11, 2023.

Kansas State holds a 10-8 advantage in the series against TCU, including a 6-3 mark at home. This will be the first meeting between the teams since a 41-3 K-State win in 2023 as the teams did not meet last season.

Tickets for the game against the Horned Frogs can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

Kansas State travels to Waco, Texas, to take on Baylor this Saturday in an 11 a.m., game that will be shown on ESPN+.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759163533222.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and FOX announced on Monday that Kansas State’s Homecoming Game against TCU on October 11 will kick off at 2:30 p.m. and be televised by FOX.It is the first time the Wildcats will host a game that kicks off in the afternoon since a 59-25 win over Baylor on November 11, 2023.Kansas State holds a 10-8 advantage in the series against TCU, including a 6-3 mark at home. This will be the first meeting between the teams since a 41-3 K-State win in 2023 as the teams did not meet last season.Tickets for the game against the Horned Frogs can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.Kansas State travels to Waco, Texas, to take on Baylor this Saturday in an 11 a.m., game that will be shown on ESPN+.

    K-State’s Homecoming Contest Set for Afternoon Kick

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are getting healthier, deeper and more dynamic as the season presses on.

The Baltimore Ravens? Pretty much the opposite of all of that.

Patrick Mahomes threw for 270 yards and four touchdowns in a turn-back-the-clock kind of performance, and the Chiefs jumped on a Ravens team&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ravens-chiefs-injuries-af1317927ff33522a590d3cc7c5f84c9">missing seven defensive starters</a>&nbsp;by the end — to say nothing of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had to leave with a hamstring injury — for a 37-20 victory in a matchup of AFC behemoths desperate for a win.

Four different players caught TD passes for the Chiefs, while Xavier Worthy returned from a shoulder injury to catch five passes for 83 yards, igniting a Kansas City offense that had been struggling to find its footing through the first three weeks.

“We've been making little mistakes here and there and that causes frustration,” Mahomes said, “but we've been learning from them. I've been proud of the guys for the way they've responded, getting better every week.”

The Chiefs (2-2) built a 20-10 halftime lead against Baltimore before cruising to their seventh win in the past eight meetings. The most recent time the Ravens (1-3) beat them was September 2021, and their previous win in Kansas City was on Oct. 7, 2021.

Jackson threw for 147 yards with a touchdown and his first interception of the season before hurting his hamstring midway through the third quarter, though by that point the game was mostly decided. Cooper Rush played the rest of the way for the Ravens, who suddenly find themselves in a dire situation just four weeks into the season.

Only five teams in the 14-team playoff era have started 1-3 and made the postseason.

“I'm concerned but I'm not overwhelmed by it. Three losses to probably three of the top teams in the league,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who explained that Jackson sustained a strain to his hamstring and will be evaluated further on Monday.

“We've got to win the next game, and then once you win the next game, then you have a chance to start stacking some wins."

Derrick Henry finished with just eight carries for 42 yards. Justice Hill had a late 71-yard touchdown run. Otherwise, the Chiefs shut down a Baltimore offense that had scored an NFL-best 111 points over the first three weeks.

“It was a big step forward for us,” said Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who flew back from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-chris-jones-da9b5b2a0b2f18857ad1c6e39401ccb2">a family funeral in Mississippi</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, and whose police escort got him to Arrowhead Stadium with about 20 minutes left before kickoff.

While the Chiefs were getting healthier with the return of Worthy, the Ravens defense — already decimated by injuries — thinned even more when linebacker Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins got hurt. That left the Ravens without seven defensive starters — among them two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and pass rusher Broderick Washington Jr., who went on injured reserve Saturday — by the early minutes of the fourth quarter.

“It's part of the game,” Hill said of the injuries. “I mean, not everything would be sunshine and rainbows. Last year we started off slow and (made the) playoffs and went deep. So I don't think it's difficult. We just know what we need to do going forward to be in the place we want to be. It just kind of shows you the character of the team.”

Still, the Chiefs took advantage of a team that was wounded.

Their own offense had been inconsistent through the first three weeks but scored on its first four possessions on Sunday. Harrison Butker knocked through a pair of field goals, then Mahomes hit JuJu Smith-Schuster with a short TD throw and Isiah Pacheco with another touchdown pass to give Kansas City a 20-7 lead late in the first half.

The Chiefs nearly made it 5 for 5 on scoring drives, but Butker missed a 56-yarder wide left. That opened the door for Baltimore to get a 43-yard field goal from Tyler Loop and make it a 10-point game at the break.

But the mounting injuries, coupled with a red-hot Kansas City offense, were far too much to overcome.

The Chiefs needed just six plays to drive 65 yards for Tyquan Thornton's touchdown reception to start the second half. And after the Ravens added Loop's second field goal, the Chiefs answered with one of their own, before Mahomes threw a nifty pass to Marquise Brown in the end zone early in the fourth quarter to put the game well out of reach.

“These two teams, I mean, the competition — you love it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That's why we play this game.”

Ravens: Along with Jackson, Smith, Humphrey and Wiggins, LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle) also left the game and did not return.

Chiefs: There were no injuries for Kansas City.

Baltimore plays Houston next Sunday. Kansas City visits Jacksonville next Monday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759107806319.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are getting healthier, deeper and more dynamic as the season presses on.The Baltimore Ravens? Pretty much the opposite of all of that.Patrick Mahomes threw for 270 yards and four touchdowns in a turn-back-the-clock kind of performance, and the Chiefs jumped on a Ravens team&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ravens-chiefs-injuries-af1317927ff33522a590d3cc7c5f84c9">missing seven defensive starters</a>&nbsp;by the end — to say nothing of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had to leave with a hamstring injury — for a 37-20 victory in a matchup of AFC behemoths desperate for a win.Four different players caught TD passes for the Chiefs, while Xavier Worthy returned from a shoulder injury to catch five passes for 83 yards, igniting a Kansas City offense that had been struggling to find its footing through the first three weeks.“We've been making little mistakes here and there and that causes frustration,” Mahomes said, “but we've been learning from them. I've been proud of the guys for the way they've responded, getting better every week.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759107771703.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Chiefs (2-2) built a 20-10 halftime lead against Baltimore before cruising to their seventh win in the past eight meetings. The most recent time the Ravens (1-3) beat them was September 2021, and their previous win in Kansas City was on Oct. 7, 2021.Jackson threw for 147 yards with a touchdown and his first interception of the season before hurting his hamstring midway through the third quarter, though by that point the game was mostly decided. Cooper Rush played the rest of the way for the Ravens, who suddenly find themselves in a dire situation just four weeks into the season.Only five teams in the 14-team playoff era have started 1-3 and made the postseason.“I'm concerned but I'm not overwhelmed by it. Three losses to probably three of the top teams in the league,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who explained that Jackson sustained a strain to his hamstring and will be evaluated further on Monday.“We've got to win the next game, and then once you win the next game, then you have a chance to start stacking some wins."Derrick Henry finished with just eight carries for 42 yards. Justice Hill had a late 71-yard touchdown run. Otherwise, the Chiefs shut down a Baltimore offense that had scored an NFL-best 111 points over the first three weeks.“It was a big step forward for us,” said Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who flew back from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-chris-jones-da9b5b2a0b2f18857ad1c6e39401ccb2">a family funeral in Mississippi</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, and whose police escort got him to Arrowhead Stadium with about 20 minutes left before kickoff.While the Chiefs were getting healthier with the return of Worthy, the Ravens defense — already decimated by injuries — thinned even more when linebacker Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins got hurt. That left the Ravens without seven defensive starters — among them two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and pass rusher Broderick Washington Jr., who went on injured reserve Saturday — by the early minutes of the fourth quarter.“It's part of the game,” Hill said of the injuries. “I mean, not everything would be sunshine and rainbows. Last year we started off slow and (made the) playoffs and went deep. So I don't think it's difficult. We just know what we need to do going forward to be in the place we want to be. It just kind of shows you the character of the team.”Still, the Chiefs took advantage of a team that was wounded.Their own offense had been inconsistent through the first three weeks but scored on its first four possessions on Sunday. Harrison Butker knocked through a pair of field goals, then Mahomes hit JuJu Smith-Schuster with a short TD throw and Isiah Pacheco with another touchdown pass to give Kansas City a 20-7 lead late in the first half.The Chiefs nearly made it 5 for 5 on scoring drives, but Butker missed a 56-yarder wide left. That opened the door for Baltimore to get a 43-yard field goal from Tyler Loop and make it a 10-point game at the break.But the mounting injuries, coupled with a red-hot Kansas City offense, were far too much to overcome.The Chiefs needed just six plays to drive 65 yards for Tyquan Thornton's touchdown reception to start the second half. And after the Ravens added Loop's second field goal, the Chiefs answered with one of their own, before Mahomes threw a nifty pass to Marquise Brown in the end zone early in the fourth quarter to put the game well out of reach.“These two teams, I mean, the competition — you love it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That's why we play this game.”<h2>Injuries</h2>Ravens: Along with Jackson, Smith, Humphrey and Wiggins, LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle) also left the game and did not return.Chiefs: There were no injuries for Kansas City.<h2>Up next</h2>Baltimore plays Houston next Sunday. Kansas City visits Jacksonville next Monday night.

🏈 Mahomes shines as Chiefs roll to victory over the Ravens

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski hit two solo home runs, Cole Ragans struck out eight in 4 1/3 innings and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Athletics 9-2 on Sunday.

Yastrzemski hit a homer deep to right in the seventh inning off Michael Kelly and homered to right off Osvaldo Bido in the eighth. Yastrzemski hit 17 homers, including nine with the Royals after he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-trade-deadline-miller-bieber-7a7d771f58aad301d7e0953fc0eb919d">traded from the Giants at the deadline</a>.

Michael Massey had four of Kansas City’s 15 hits. Catcher Carter Jensen had three, including a homer just after Yastrzemski’s seventh-inning home run.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-run double in the seventh. The Kansas City shortstop led the majors in hits for the second straight year. He had 184 this season after collecting 211 in 2024.

Ragans limited the A’s to two hits and a walk. Lefty Daniel Lynch IV (6-2) got the victory. Lynch entered the game with the bases loaded and two outs in the fifth and escaped the jam by striking out Nick Kurtz.

Kurtz hit an opposite-field two-run homer off lefty Sam Long in the eighth. The Athletics’ first baseman leads all rookies in home runs (36), RBIs (86), runs (90) and walks (63).

Brady Basso (1-1), the first of seven Athletics pitchers, took the loss.

Ragans struck out four consecutive hitters over the third and fourth innings. Max Muncy, Willie MacIver, Colby Thomas and Kurtz each went down on a swinging strike three.

The three homers the A’s allowed Sunday boosted their season total to 222, a franchise record. The previous mark was 220, set by the 1964 Kansas City A’s.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski hit two solo home runs, Cole Ragans struck out eight in 4 1/3 innings and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Athletics 9-2 on Sunday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Back-to-back (absolute) blasts! <a href="https://t.co/SSTqXiSsqO">pic.twitter.com/SSTqXiSsqO</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1972407039558128127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Yastrzemski hit a homer deep to right in the seventh inning off Michael Kelly and homered to right off Osvaldo Bido in the eighth. Yastrzemski hit 17 homers, including nine with the Royals after he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-trade-deadline-miller-bieber-7a7d771f58aad301d7e0953fc0eb919d">traded from the Giants at the deadline</a>.Michael Massey had four of Kansas City’s 15 hits. Catcher Carter Jensen had three, including a homer just after Yastrzemski’s seventh-inning home run.Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-run double in the seventh. The Kansas City shortstop led the majors in hits for the second straight year. He had 184 this season after collecting 211 in 2024.Ragans limited the A’s to two hits and a walk. Lefty Daniel Lynch IV (6-2) got the victory. Lynch entered the game with the bases loaded and two outs in the fifth and escaped the jam by striking out Nick Kurtz.Kurtz hit an opposite-field two-run homer off lefty Sam Long in the eighth. The Athletics’ first baseman leads all rookies in home runs (36), RBIs (86), runs (90) and walks (63).Brady Basso (1-1), the first of seven Athletics pitchers, took the loss.<h2>Key moment</h2>Ragans struck out four consecutive hitters over the third and fourth innings. Max Muncy, Willie MacIver, Colby Thomas and Kurtz each went down on a swinging strike three.<h2>Key stat</h2>The three homers the A’s allowed Sunday boosted their season total to 222, a franchise record. The previous mark was 220, set by the 1964 Kansas City A’s.___

⚾ Yastrzemski homers twice as Royals rout A's to finish season with a winning record

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched six scoreless innings to earn his 10th win of the season, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Athletics 4-2 on Saturday night.

Wacha (10-13) gave up two hits and three walks while striking out five for his first victory in more than three weeks. It's the fourth consecutive year and sixth time in his 13 major league seasons that Wacha has won 10 or more games.

Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run double and Mike Yastrzemski reached base three times and scored twice as the Royals (81-80) beat the A’s (76-85) for the first time in five meetings this season.

John Schreiber, Angel Zerpa and Jonathan Bowlan each retired two batters for Kansas City. Carlos Estévez worked the ninth for his major league-leading 42nd save.

Shea Langeliers had three hits and an RBI for the A’s. Manager Mark Kotsay was ejected in the ninth for arguing balls and strikes.

Michael Massey singled leading off the fifth and advanced to third on Yastrzemki’s one-out single. After Bobby Witt Jr. flied out, Pasquantino blooped a double to left field that fell between A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson and sliding left fielder Tyler Soderstrom as two runs scored.

Athletics starter Luis Morales (4-3) allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits with five strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings.

Wacha pitched with runners on base in four of his six innings, but allowed only one to reach third.

Pasquantino fouled off three consecutive two-strike fastballs from Morales before his two-out hit in the fifth.

Royals LHP Cole Ragans (3-3, 5.02 ERA) starts the season finale Sunday against Athletics LHP Brady Basso (1-0, 1.74).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759037719034.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched six scoreless innings to earn his 10th win of the season, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Athletics 4-2 on Saturday night.Wacha (10-13) gave up two hits and three walks while striking out five for his first victory in more than three weeks. It's the fourth consecutive year and sixth time in his 13 major league seasons that Wacha has won 10 or more games.Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run double and Mike Yastrzemski reached base three times and scored twice as the Royals (81-80) beat the A’s (76-85) for the first time in five meetings this season.John Schreiber, Angel Zerpa and Jonathan Bowlan each retired two batters for Kansas City. Carlos Estévez worked the ninth for his major league-leading 42nd save.Shea Langeliers had three hits and an RBI for the A’s. Manager Mark Kotsay was ejected in the ninth for arguing balls and strikes.Michael Massey singled leading off the fifth and advanced to third on Yastrzemki’s one-out single. After Bobby Witt Jr. flied out, Pasquantino blooped a double to left field that fell between A’s shortstop Jacob Wilson and sliding left fielder Tyler Soderstrom as two runs scored.Athletics starter Luis Morales (4-3) allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits with five strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings.<h2>Key stat</h2>Wacha pitched with runners on base in four of his six innings, but allowed only one to reach third.<h2>Key moment</h2>Pasquantino fouled off three consecutive two-strike fastballs from Morales before his two-out hit in the fifth.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Cole Ragans (3-3, 5.02 ERA) starts the season finale Sunday against Athletics LHP Brady Basso (1-0, 1.74).

⚾ Wacha throws 6 shutout innings as Royals top Athletics 

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns, Dylan Edwards ran for 166 yards and another score, and Kansas State held on to beat UCF 34-20 on Saturday for its first Big 12 win of the season.

Johnson also ran for 75 yards, and the Wildcats (2-3, 1-1) piled up 268 yards on the ground, while their defense made a critical fourth-down stop with just over 4 minutes left after the Knights (3-1, 0-1) had closed to within 31-20.

“I'm like, ‘Here we go again,’” said Kansas State coach Chris Klieman, whose team's first four games this season had been decided by one score, and who nearly had his 58th birthday spoiled when the Knights began to mount their comeback.

“Proud of the guys to get some stops on defense after we gave up some explosive plays," Klieman said.

Tayven Jackson, who missed a chunk of the game with an injury, returned to throw for 115 yards for UCF, which had won its last 16 games under Scott Frost dating to his first tenure with the program. Myles Montgomery had 119 yards rushing.

Kansas State has never lost to UCF in three meetings.

“We fought. We just weren’t consistent enough, and that’s what we have to keep working on is not making the mistakes that hurt you,” Frost said. “We needed to be better on offense early on to keep our defense off the field.”

The Knights were rolling off a 34-9 rout of North Carolina, but Kansas State must have had plenty of time to scout them during their bye. The Wildcats shut down the UCF offense even before Jackson got hurt with 10:48 left in the first half.

Jacurri Brown entered the game and immediately threw an interception, leading to Joe Jackson's TD run and a 10-0 lead.

UCF finally got a big play moments later, when Brown hit DJ Black down the sideline. Kansas State's Wesley Fair missed a tackle, and the resulting 82-yard TD reception was the longest by a Knights player since Doug Gabriel's 83-yarder in 2001.

But the Wildcats answered with a 73-yard touchdown march, and Will Anciaux's catch gave them a 17-7 lead at the break.

“We just didn't get started as fast as we like to," Montgomery said, "and on the road in the Big 12, you have to start fast.”

Not much changed after halftime. Brown and the Knights went three-and-out to start the third quarter, and Kansas State added to the lead with another long touchdown drive. And when Jackson's surprising return sparked the UCF offense, Brown came in to run a sneak on fourth down, and the backup quarterback promptly fumbled the ball away.

Edwards added a 75-yard touchdown run later in the third quarter, helping to put the game out of UCF's reach.

The Wildcats played most of the way without wide receiver Jayce Brown, who had been dealing with “something,” Klieman said, and tried to play but ultimately could not. He's their leading receiver with 25 catches for 284 yards and two scores.

The Knights were playing for the first time since offensive line coach Shawn Clark died unexpectedly on Sunday. The 50-year-old Clark was hospitalized after a medical emergency on Sept. 9, but the school said last week that he had been stable.

UCF struggled mightily to move the ball when Jackson was out of the game. Once he returned, the ground game got going and the Knights began to resemble the offense that scored 68 points in a rout of North Carolina A&amp;T.

Kansas State turned loose Johnson to run the ball for the first time this season, and that seemed to open up an offense that had struggled with inconsistency. The athletic QB finished with the third-best rushing total of his 26-game career.

UCF returns home to face Kansas on Saturday night.

Kansas State heads to Baylor on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759004147612.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns, Dylan Edwards ran for 166 yards and another score, and Kansas State held on to beat UCF 34-20 on Saturday for its first Big 12 win of the season.Johnson also ran for 75 yards, and the Wildcats (2-3, 1-1) piled up 268 yards on the ground, while their defense made a critical fourth-down stop with just over 4 minutes left after the Knights (3-1, 0-1) had closed to within 31-20.“I'm like, ‘Here we go again,’” said Kansas State coach Chris Klieman, whose team's first four games this season had been decided by one score, and who nearly had his 58th birthday spoiled when the Knights began to mount their comeback.“Proud of the guys to get some stops on defense after we gave up some explosive plays," Klieman said.Tayven Jackson, who missed a chunk of the game with an injury, returned to throw for 115 yards for UCF, which had won its last 16 games under Scott Frost dating to his first tenure with the program. Myles Montgomery had 119 yards rushing.Kansas State has never lost to UCF in three meetings.“We fought. We just weren’t consistent enough, and that’s what we have to keep working on is not making the mistakes that hurt you,” Frost said. “We needed to be better on offense early on to keep our defense off the field.”The Knights were rolling off a 34-9 rout of North Carolina, but Kansas State must have had plenty of time to scout them during their bye. The Wildcats shut down the UCF offense even before Jackson got hurt with 10:48 left in the first half.Jacurri Brown entered the game and immediately threw an interception, leading to Joe Jackson's TD run and a 10-0 lead.UCF finally got a big play moments later, when Brown hit DJ Black down the sideline. Kansas State's Wesley Fair missed a tackle, and the resulting 82-yard TD reception was the longest by a Knights player since Doug Gabriel's 83-yarder in 2001.But the Wildcats answered with a 73-yard touchdown march, and Will Anciaux's catch gave them a 17-7 lead at the break.“We just didn't get started as fast as we like to," Montgomery said, "and on the road in the Big 12, you have to start fast.”Not much changed after halftime. Brown and the Knights went three-and-out to start the third quarter, and Kansas State added to the lead with another long touchdown drive. And when Jackson's surprising return sparked the UCF offense, Brown came in to run a sneak on fourth down, and the backup quarterback promptly fumbled the ball away.Edwards added a 75-yard touchdown run later in the third quarter, helping to put the game out of UCF's reach.<h2>K-State's injury</h2>The Wildcats played most of the way without wide receiver Jayce Brown, who had been dealing with “something,” Klieman said, and tried to play but ultimately could not. He's their leading receiver with 25 catches for 284 yards and two scores.<h2>Fond farewell</h2>The Knights were playing for the first time since offensive line coach Shawn Clark died unexpectedly on Sunday. The 50-year-old Clark was hospitalized after a medical emergency on Sept. 9, but the school said last week that he had been stable.<h2>The takeaway</h2>UCF struggled mightily to move the ball when Jackson was out of the game. Once he returned, the ground game got going and the Knights began to resemble the offense that scored 68 points in a rout of North Carolina A&amp;T.Kansas State turned loose Johnson to run the ball for the first time this season, and that seemed to open up an offense that had struggled with inconsistency. The athletic QB finished with the third-best rushing total of his 26-game career.<h2>Up next</h2>UCF returns home to face Kansas on Saturday night.Kansas State heads to Baylor on Saturday.

🏈  Wildcats secure first Big 12 win with victory over UCF

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tawee Walker scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with 29 seconds left to lift Cincinnati to a 37-34 victory over Kansas on Saturday.

The Bearcats (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) drove 75 yards in 1:16 for the game-winning score.

Jalon Daniels put Kansas (3-2, 1-1) ahead 34-30 with 1:45 left when he found Levi Wentz for a 6-yard touchdown. But there was too much time for Brendan Sorsby and the Bearcats.

Sorsby was 29 of 43 for 388 yards and two touchdowns for Cincinnati.

Daniels threw for four touchdowns and 445 yards.

Kansas took the opening drive of the second half and marched 75 yards for the tying score. Daniels found Boden Groen on a 24-yard, wide-open touchdown pass. But Cincinnati answered with a 14-yard Sorsby to Cyrus Allen touchdown to retake the lead.

Daniels found Emmanuel Henderson for a 75-yard touchdown to tie the game at 27-all. Cincinnati had first-and-goal inside the 1-yard line but had to settle for a 24-yard Stephen Rusnak field goal.

Kansas struck quickly on a 93-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Henderson on the Jayhawks' first play from scrimmage. Cincinnati responded with a methodical 13-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run by Walker. The Bearcats attempted and succeeded on two fourth-down conversions on the drive.

Cincinnati appeared to score on an 88-yard punt return just before halftime, but it was nullified by an illegal-block penalty. The Bearcats still drove from their own 6 to the Kansas 25, using a 43-yard field goal by Rusnak for a 20-13 halftime lead.

Cincinnati returns home to take on Iowa State, while Kansas travels to UCF next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759004170827.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tawee Walker scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with 29 seconds left to lift Cincinnati to a 37-34 victory over Kansas on Saturday.The Bearcats (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) drove 75 yards in 1:16 for the game-winning score.Jalon Daniels put Kansas (3-2, 1-1) ahead 34-30 with 1:45 left when he found Levi Wentz for a 6-yard touchdown. But there was too much time for Brendan Sorsby and the Bearcats.Sorsby was 29 of 43 for 388 yards and two touchdowns for Cincinnati.Daniels threw for four touchdowns and 445 yards.Kansas took the opening drive of the second half and marched 75 yards for the tying score. Daniels found Boden Groen on a 24-yard, wide-open touchdown pass. But Cincinnati answered with a 14-yard Sorsby to Cyrus Allen touchdown to retake the lead.Daniels found Emmanuel Henderson for a 75-yard touchdown to tie the game at 27-all. Cincinnati had first-and-goal inside the 1-yard line but had to settle for a 24-yard Stephen Rusnak field goal.Kansas struck quickly on a 93-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Henderson on the Jayhawks' first play from scrimmage. Cincinnati responded with a methodical 13-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run by Walker. The Bearcats attempted and succeeded on two fourth-down conversions on the drive.Cincinnati appeared to score on an 88-yard punt return just before halftime, but it was nullified by an illegal-block penalty. The Bearcats still drove from their own 6 to the Kansas 25, using a 43-yard field goal by Rusnak for a 20-13 halftime lead.<h2>Up next</h2>Cincinnati returns home to take on Iowa State, while Kansas travels to UCF next Saturday.

🏈 Tawee Walker scores with 29 seconds left and Cincinnati defeats KU

After four years of handing the Silver Trophy to Manhattan, the Junction City Blue Jays stun number one Manhattan and take back the Silver Trophy, winning 28-14.

Junction City went three-and-out to begin the game, and the Manhattan Indians scored on their first drive to take a 7-0 lead. Similar to last week, the Blue Jays responded and drove down the field to tie the game at 7-7 on a three-yard touchdown run by senior Lance Norris.

The game then turned into a defensive battle. Manhattan was driving when senior Marshall Karmann made his first of two interceptions. JC stalled out on their drive, and then Karmann intercepted his second pass toward the sideline late in the second quarter.

After a targeting penalty and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, the Blue Jays were on the move at the end of the first half. On a crucial third down, senior quarterback Conrad Gomez hit senior Jamarcus Tyson over the middle and took the ball down to the 18-yard line, six (0:06) seconds remaining in the half. After timeouts by both teams, Junction City Head Coach Randall Zimmerman left his offense on the field. Gomez dropped back to pass and hit senior Lovell Autry in the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown connection with one (0:01) second left in the half.

Junction City led 14-7 at halftime.

To open the second half, Manhattan took nearly five minutes off the clock and scored a touchdown on a 14-yard touchdown run by EJ Massenberg. The score was all knotted up at 14-14.

The Blue Jays responded just two plays later. Senior quarterback Conrad Gomez hit senior receiver Lovell Autry for a 77-yard touchdown connection on a deep pass down the sideline. Autry stayed on his feet, tightroped the sideline, and put JC back up in front 21-14 with 6:54 to go in the third quarter.

Then, the Blue Jay defense came up big once again. Senior linebacker Jamarcus Tyson intercepted a pass and returned it all the way down to the Manhattan one-yard line. Gomez scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak, and Junction City led 28-14 late in the third quarter.

Both teams lost a fumble on the next two drives of the game, but neither team capitalized. At the end of three quarters of play, Junction City led 28-14.

In the fourth quarter, the Blue Jay defense was again up for the challenge. JC turned away Manhattan on fourth and goal from the nine-yard line, senior Lovell Autry intercepted a pass in the endzone by Manhattan quarterback Finn Watson on the next drive, and then a late interception by junior linebacker Khaliel Walker sealed the deal for the Blue Jays.

Junction City knocked off the Manhattan Indians by a final score of 28-14. Manhattan was ranked number one in all of Class 6A. The Blue Jays snapped a four-game losing streak to Manhattan and regained the Silver Trophy for the first time since the fall of 2020.

“I just love these kids, man,” Junction City High School Head Football Coach Randall Zimmerman said. “Everything we’ve talked about from the beginning of the summer came to fruition here tonight. These kids came together and responded very, very well.”

The Blue Jay defense, led by defensive coordinator Ty Zimmerman, forced six turnovers on the night and also forced three turnover on downs during the game as well. “Ty and our whole staff just work so hard,” Zimmerman said. “Our kids have really bought in, and man, that’s a really good Manhattan football team. We came away with a huge win!”

“I am very, very proud of that defense, and very, very proud of our team and all our kids.”

With the win, Junction City improves to 3-1 on the season and plays at Hays next Friday. (As always, you can hear all Junction City games on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio).

Manhattan falls to 3-1 and plays at Emporia next Friday.

Two player of the game cards were awarded on our KJCK Radio broadcast. Defensively, Marshall Karmann was named Player of the Game, and offensively, Lance Norris received the award. (Our player of the game sponsor is Blu Restaurant in Junction City).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758950774875.jpeg" alt="The Blue Jays celebrate and raise the Silver Trophy after knocking off 6A #1 Manhattan." />
 <figcaption>The Blue Jays celebrate and raise the Silver Trophy after knocking off 6A #1 Manhattan.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostAfter four years of handing the Silver Trophy to Manhattan, the Junction City Blue Jays stun number one Manhattan and take back the Silver Trophy, winning 28-14.Junction City went three-and-out to begin the game, and the Manhattan Indians scored on their first drive to take a 7-0 lead. Similar to last week, the Blue Jays responded and drove down the field to tie the game at 7-7 on a three-yard touchdown run by senior Lance Norris.The game then turned into a defensive battle. Manhattan was driving when senior Marshall Karmann made his first of two interceptions. JC stalled out on their drive, and then Karmann intercepted his second pass toward the sideline late in the second quarter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758951099997.jpeg" alt="Marshall Karmann #6 in white, was named Defensive Player of the Game." />
 <figcaption>Marshall Karmann #6 in white, was named Defensive Player of the Game.</figcaption>
 </figure>After a targeting penalty and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, the Blue Jays were on the move at the end of the first half. On a crucial third down, senior quarterback Conrad Gomez hit senior Jamarcus Tyson over the middle and took the ball down to the 18-yard line, six (0:06) seconds remaining in the half. After timeouts by both teams, Junction City Head Coach Randall Zimmerman left his offense on the field. Gomez dropped back to pass and hit senior Lovell Autry in the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown connection with one (0:01) second left in the half.Junction City led 14-7 at halftime.To open the second half, Manhattan took nearly five minutes off the clock and scored a touchdown on a 14-yard touchdown run by EJ Massenberg. The score was all knotted up at 14-14.The Blue Jays responded just two plays later. Senior quarterback Conrad Gomez hit senior receiver Lovell Autry for a 77-yard touchdown connection on a deep pass down the sideline. Autry stayed on his feet, tightroped the sideline, and put JC back up in front 21-14 with 6:54 to go in the third quarter.Then, the Blue Jay defense came up big once again. Senior linebacker Jamarcus Tyson intercepted a pass and returned it all the way down to the Manhattan one-yard line. Gomez scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak, and Junction City led 28-14 late in the third quarter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758951156828.jpeg" alt="The Blue Jay defense forced a total of six turnovers on the night." />
 <figcaption>The Blue Jay defense forced a total of six turnovers on the night.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both teams lost a fumble on the next two drives of the game, but neither team capitalized. At the end of three quarters of play, Junction City led 28-14.In the fourth quarter, the Blue Jay defense was again up for the challenge. JC turned away Manhattan on fourth and goal from the nine-yard line, senior Lovell Autry intercepted a pass in the endzone by Manhattan quarterback Finn Watson on the next drive, and then a late interception by junior linebacker Khaliel Walker sealed the deal for the Blue Jays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758951199421.jpeg" alt="#8 Khaliel Walker celebrates as the Blue Jay defense stops Manhattan forcing a Turnover on Downs." />
 <figcaption>#8 Khaliel Walker celebrates as the Blue Jay defense stops Manhattan forcing a Turnover on Downs.</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City knocked off the Manhattan Indians by a final score of 28-14. Manhattan was ranked number one in all of Class 6A. The Blue Jays snapped a four-game losing streak to Manhattan and regained the Silver Trophy for the first time since the fall of 2020.“I just love these kids, man,” Junction City High School Head Football Coach Randall Zimmerman said. “Everything we’ve talked about from the beginning of the summer came to fruition here tonight. These kids came together and responded very, very well.”The Blue Jay defense, led by defensive coordinator Ty Zimmerman, forced six turnovers on the night and also forced three turnover on downs during the game as well. “Ty and our whole staff just work so hard,” Zimmerman said. “Our kids have really bought in, and man, that’s a really good Manhattan football team. We came away with a huge win!”“I am very, very proud of that defense, and very, very proud of our team and all our kids.”With the win, Junction City improves to 3-1 on the season and plays at Hays next Friday. (As always, you can hear all Junction City games on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio).Manhattan falls to 3-1 and plays at Emporia next Friday.Two player of the game cards were awarded on our KJCK Radio broadcast. Defensively, Marshall Karmann was named Player of the Game, and offensively, Lance Norris received the award. (Our player of the game sponsor is Blu Restaurant in Junction City).&nbsp;** Photos courtesy of Callie Jones.

Blue Jay Defense Forces Six Turnovers, Beats #1 Manhattan

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Shea Langeliers hit a walk-off RBI double in the ninth inning, Jacob Wilson drove in three runs and the Athletics beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Friday night.

Langeliers singled and Brent Rooker and Tyler Soderstrom walked before Taylor Clarke replaced Royals starter Noah Cameron (9-7) with two out in the fifth. Five pitches later, Wilson hit a bases-clearing double to left field that made it 3-3.

Maikel Garcia and Carter Jensen singled before Jonathan India's three-run homer for Kansas City opened the scoring in the fourth.

Soderstrom hit his 34th double of the season and walked twice.

Justin Sterner (4-3) got the final four outs to earn the win. Athletics starter Mason Barnett allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings and Hogan Harris pitched two scoreless inning.

Luinder Avila (1-1) gave up a run and two hits in a third of an inning.

Wilson finished 1 for 4 and the rookie is hitting .313 this season, second in MLB behind Aaron Judge (.330) of the New York Yankees.

Angel Zerpa struck out Lawrence Butler swinging to lead off the ninth and was replaced by Avila. Darell Hernaiz singled before Brett Harris reached on force out and was replaced by pinch-runner Max Schuemann, who scored when Langeliers doubled.

Cameron has a 2.99 ERA this season, the lowest by a first-year pitcher in the American League (minimum of 20 games started) since 1995 behind Masahiro Tanaka (2.77 in 2014) and Tanner Bibee (2.98 in 2023).

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Shea Langeliers hit a walk-off RBI double in the ninth inning, Jacob Wilson drove in three runs and the Athletics beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Friday night.Langeliers singled and Brent Rooker and Tyler Soderstrom walked before Taylor Clarke replaced Royals starter Noah Cameron (9-7) with two out in the fifth. Five pitches later, Wilson hit a bases-clearing double to left field that made it 3-3.Maikel Garcia and Carter Jensen singled before Jonathan India's three-run homer for Kansas City opened the scoring in the fourth.Soderstrom hit his 34th double of the season and walked twice.Justin Sterner (4-3) got the final four outs to earn the win. Athletics starter Mason Barnett allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings and Hogan Harris pitched two scoreless inning.Luinder Avila (1-1) gave up a run and two hits in a third of an inning.Wilson finished 1 for 4 and the rookie is hitting .313 this season, second in MLB behind Aaron Judge (.330) of the New York Yankees.<h2>Key moment</h2>Angel Zerpa struck out Lawrence Butler swinging to lead off the ninth and was replaced by Avila. Darell Hernaiz singled before Brett Harris reached on force out and was replaced by pinch-runner Max Schuemann, who scored when Langeliers doubled.<h2>Key stats</h2>Cameron has a 2.99 ERA this season, the lowest by a first-year pitcher in the American League (minimum of 20 games started) since 1995 behind Masahiro Tanaka (2.77 in 2014) and Tanner Bibee (2.98 in 2023).<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾Langeliers hits walk-off double as Athletics beat the Royals 

Week 4 of the High School Football Season has arrived!&nbsp;

The Junction City Blue Jays are on the road playing at Manhattan tonight at Bishop Stadium. The Blue Jays are 2-1, Manhattan is 3-0. This is the 110th meeting between the two teams.&nbsp;

LISTEN LIVE: You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. - <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">You can also listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;The pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m., and Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.

Manhattan has won four straight over Junction City.&nbsp;

Week 4 of the High School Football Season has arrived!&nbsp;The Junction City Blue Jays are on the road playing at Manhattan tonight at Bishop Stadium. The Blue Jays are 2-1, Manhattan is 3-0. This is the 110th meeting between the two teams.&nbsp;LISTEN LIVE: You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. - <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">You can also listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;The pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m., and Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.Manhattan has won four straight over Junction City.&nbsp;