The Junction City Blue Jay football team traveled to Derby Friday night for the second round of the Kansas State High School Football playoffs. On a cold, windy, rainy night, the Derby Panthers beat the Blue Jays 42-14.

On the third offensive play of the game, Derby senior quarterback Drew Kemp connected with senior tight end Da’Saahn Brame over the middle for a 77-yard touchdown. That started the scoring for Derby, who then poured it on the Blue Jays thanks to four first-half rushing touchdowns by sophomore running back Arieus Finley. The Panthers led Junction City 42-0 at halftime.

On the first drive of the second half, Junction City moved the ball down the field and got into the end zone, courtesy of a three-yard touchdown run by junior running back Justice Fonoti. The Blue Jays also scored on the last possession of the game, on a 10-yard touchdown run by sophomore running back Aaron Woods.

Derby, the number one seed in class 6A West, beat Junction City 42-14. The Panthers will move on to the Sectional round of the playoffs next week and will host Wichita East.

Junction City High School head football coach Randall Zimmerman spoke about his team following their final game of the season. Zimmerman said, “I’m very, very proud of our kids and how they developed throughout the season.” After starting the year with a 1-4 record, Zimmerman’s Blue Jays won four of their final five games to finish the season with an even 5-5 record.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731137197924.jpeg" alt="The 2024 Junction City High School Blue Jay Football team. (Photo courtesy of&nbsp; the JCHS Journalism Class)" />
 <figcaption>The 2024 Junction City High School Blue Jay Football team. (Photo courtesy of&nbsp; the JCHS Journalism Class)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony Gorges&nbsp;JC PostThe Junction City Blue Jay football team traveled to Derby Friday night for the second round of the Kansas State High School Football playoffs. On a cold, windy, rainy night, the Derby Panthers beat the Blue Jays 42-14.On the third offensive play of the game, Derby senior quarterback Drew Kemp connected with senior tight end Da’Saahn Brame over the middle for a 77-yard touchdown. That started the scoring for Derby, who then poured it on the Blue Jays thanks to four first-half rushing touchdowns by sophomore running back Arieus Finley. The Panthers led Junction City 42-0 at halftime.On the first drive of the second half, Junction City moved the ball down the field and got into the end zone, courtesy of a three-yard touchdown run by junior running back Justice Fonoti. The Blue Jays also scored on the last possession of the game, on a 10-yard touchdown run by sophomore running back Aaron Woods.Derby, the number one seed in class 6A West, beat Junction City 42-14. The Panthers will move on to the Sectional round of the playoffs next week and will host Wichita East.Junction City High School head football coach Randall Zimmerman spoke about his team following their final game of the season. Zimmerman said, “I’m very, very proud of our kids and how they developed throughout the season.” After starting the year with a 1-4 record, Zimmerman’s Blue Jays won four of their final five games to finish the season with an even 5-5 record.

Blue Jays fall to top-seeded Derby Panthers

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 20 points and 10 rebounds for No. 1 Kansas, which blew a 20-point first-half lead against No. 9 North Carolina before holding on for a 92-89 victory when the Tar Heels’ Elliot Cadeau missed a 3-pointer as time expired Friday night.

Zeke Mayo had 21 points and KJ Adams Jr had 14 for the Jayhawks (2-0), who led 49-29 in the first half but trailed 87-83 with 3:28 to go. Dickinson and Mayo responded with a series of baskets to tie the game at 89, and Dickinson’s basket with 1:15 to go and free throw with 12 seconds remaining made it a three-point game.

The Tar Heels (1-1) raced up the floor, but Cadeau’s 3 from the wing was contested and never had a chance.

Seth Trimble scored 19 points to lead North Carolina. RJ Davis had 16 points and Cadeau finished with 12.

It was just the 13th matchup of the Tar Heels and Jayhawks, and first since Kansas rallied from a 16-point deficit to win the 2022 national championship. The only other time they have met on campus was in 1960, when Larry Brown — who would later coach the Jayhawks to the 1988 title — helped the Tar Heels win in Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas made a repeat seem unlikely when it built a 20-point first-half lead.

But the Tar Heels trimmed the deficit in the second half, and Jae'Lyn Withers' 3-pointer gave them an 80-79 lead with 7:06 to go. The two bluebloods wrestled it away several other times before Kansas finally put the game away.

North Carolina stayed alive by getting to the basket and drawing fouls, ultimately going 28 of 31 from the line. But the lack of production in the paint was a big problem.

Kansas avoided what would have been the biggest blown-lead loss in school history.

Dickinson's basket inside with 1:15 left gave Kansas the lead, and the All-American center's free throw forced North Carolina into needing a 3-pointer to tie the game.

20 — The lead that Kansas had in the first half. And that the Tar Heels overcame in the second.

North Carolina plays American next Friday night. The Jayhawks play Michigan State on Tuesday night in Atlanta.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season. Sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a>. AP college basketball:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball">https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731114962588.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 20 points and 10 rebounds for No. 1 Kansas, which blew a 20-point first-half lead against No. 9 North Carolina before holding on for a 92-89 victory when the Tar Heels’ Elliot Cadeau missed a 3-pointer as time expired Friday night.Zeke Mayo had 21 points and KJ Adams Jr had 14 for the Jayhawks (2-0), who led 49-29 in the first half but trailed 87-83 with 3:28 to go. Dickinson and Mayo responded with a series of baskets to tie the game at 89, and Dickinson’s basket with 1:15 to go and free throw with 12 seconds remaining made it a three-point game.The Tar Heels (1-1) raced up the floor, but Cadeau’s 3 from the wing was contested and never had a chance.Seth Trimble scored 19 points to lead North Carolina. RJ Davis had 16 points and Cadeau finished with 12.It was just the 13th matchup of the Tar Heels and Jayhawks, and first since Kansas rallied from a 16-point deficit to win the 2022 national championship. The only other time they have met on campus was in 1960, when Larry Brown — who would later coach the Jayhawks to the 1988 title — helped the Tar Heels win in Allen Fieldhouse.Kansas made a repeat seem unlikely when it built a 20-point first-half lead.But the Tar Heels trimmed the deficit in the second half, and Jae'Lyn Withers' 3-pointer gave them an 80-79 lead with 7:06 to go. The two bluebloods wrestled it away several other times before Kansas finally put the game away.<h2>Takeaways</h2>North Carolina stayed alive by getting to the basket and drawing fouls, ultimately going 28 of 31 from the line. But the lack of production in the paint was a big problem.Kansas avoided what would have been the biggest blown-lead loss in school history.<h2>Key moment</h2>Dickinson's basket inside with 1:15 left gave Kansas the lead, and the All-American center's free throw forced North Carolina into needing a 3-pointer to tie the game.<h2>Key stat</h2>20 — The lead that Kansas had in the first half. And that the Tar Heels overcame in the second.<h2>Up next</h2>North Carolina plays American next Friday night. The Jayhawks play Michigan State on Tuesday night in Atlanta.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season. Sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a>. AP college basketball:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball">https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball</a>

🏀 No. 1 Kansas holds on to beat No. 9 North Carolina

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731041626639.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
 
MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash; Using a strong first half from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/temira-poindexter/11861" rel="smarttag">Temira Poindexter</a>, (13/13) K-State eased past Belmont, 82-56, at Bramlage Coliseum on Thursday night. Poindexter led all scorers with 23 points, including 19 in the first half which featured five 3-pointers. The forward from Sapulpa, Oklahoma, finished 9-of-16 from the field including 5-of-11 from long range. She also filled up her stat line with four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Senior forward&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kennedy-taylor/11860" rel="smarttag">Kennedy Taylor</a> made her first K-State start and responded with 18 points, including 12 in the second half, on 6-of-10 shooting and a 6-of-8 effort from the foul line and hauled in five rebounds. Sophomore guard <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11859" rel="smarttag">Zyanna Walker</a> carded 14 points, five assists, six rebounds and three steals, while senior guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11850" rel="smarttag">Jaelyn Glenn</a> notched 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. HOW IT HAPPENED - K-State (2-0) used a 15-2 run midway through the first quarter to build a 19-10 lead before Belmont (0-1) cut the deficit to three, 19-16, at the end of the frame. Poindexter registered six of K-State&apos;s 15 points during the run. - The Wildcats used a 12-0 run to begin the second quarter to boost its lead to 31-16 with 5:48 remaining in the opening half. Poindexter registered eight of the 12 points during the run, carding her fourth 3-pointer of the first half with 6:11 to play. - Poindexter cashed in her fifth 3-pointer of the first half with 3:14 remaining and followed with a fastbreak layup with 2:43 left to give the Wildcats their halftime lead of 42-24. - A three-point play from Walker with 6:50 to play in the third quarter gave the Wildcats their largest of the night at 22, 50-28. - After the Bruins narrowed the deficit to 15, 50-35, the Wildcats used a 12-3 run to close the third quarter to build a 65-40 lead. Taylor scored eight of the final 12 points of the frame for K-State. - In the fourth quarter, K-State would shoot over 50.0 percent (54.5 percent) for the second time on Thursday night and edge the Bruins in the frame, 17-16. - The Wildcats finished the night shooting 51.7 percent (31-of-60) from the field including 40.9 percent (9-of-22) from deep. - K-State held Belmont to 31.3 percent (21-of-67) shooting including 18.2 percent (4-of-22) from long range. QUICK FACTS - K-State and Belmont met for the first time in the series. The Wildcats are 45-14 against current members of the Missouri Valley Conference. - K-State is 398-156 (.718) in its 37-season history inside Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats own a 231-30 (.885) record against non-conference opponents inside Bramlage. - K-State owns a record of 250-95 (.725) as an AP ranked team. K-State is 17-3 (.850) all-time when ranked 13th in the nation. - K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2524" rel="smarttag">Jeff Mittie</a> owns a career record of 646-370 (.636) in his 33 seasons as a head coach, including a mark of 192-135 (.587) in his 11 seasons at K-State. Mittie is 402-113 (.781) in games played in his home venue, including a 128-48 (.727) mark in Bramlage Coliseum. - The Wildcats are 162-54 (.750) in games played in the month of November, including wins in 50 of its last 61 games in the month. Under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2524" rel="smarttag">Jeff Mittie</a>, K-State is 48-11 (.814) in games during the 11th month.&nbsp; TEAM NOTES - K-State&apos;s starting five consisted of guards: <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11859" rel="smarttag">Zyanna Walker</a>, <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11850" rel="smarttag">Jaelyn Glenn</a> and <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11858" rel="smarttag">Serena Sundell</a>; forward <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/temira-poindexter/11861" rel="smarttag">Temira Poindexter</a> and forward <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kennedy-taylor/11860" rel="smarttag">Kennedy Taylor</a>. This was the 105th career start for Sundell, the 101st career start for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11850" rel="smarttag">Jaelyn Glenn</a>, the 89th career collegiate start and second at K-State for Poindexter, the second career start for Walker and the 42nd career start for Taylor and her first at K-State. - The Wildcats held a 42-24 lead at halftime on Thursday. Under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2524" rel="smarttag">Jeff Mittie</a>, K-State is 152-19 (.889) when leading at halftime. - K-State shot 50.0 percent or better in a quarter twice on Thursday night (second and fourth frames). The Wildcats have four quarters of 50.0 percent or better shooting this season. - The Wildcats handed out 21 assists on Thursday. Over the last 17 seasons, K-State is 94-8 (.922) when handing out 20 or more assists in a game. - K-State pulled in 41 rebounds on Thursday to outrebounds Belmont (41-37). Over the last four seasons, K-State is 44-3 (.936) when holding the advantage on the glass. PLAYER NOTES - Poindexter tallied her 37th career game with 20 or more points and her 82nd career game with 10 or more points. She improved her collegiate point total to 1,609.&nbsp; - Poindexter made five 3-pointers on Thursday. This was her 16th career game with four or more connections from long range and her 56th time with two or more. She is the first Wildcat to make five or more 3-pointers in a game since&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191" rel="smarttag">Gabby Gregory</a> at Washington on March 24, 2023. - Poindexter collected two steals, which was her 28th career game and second at K-State with two or more steals. - Poindexter sent back two shots on Thursday. She owns 42 career games with two or more blocks. - Taylor registered her 45th career game with 10 or more points. - Walker recorded her 12th career game, all at K-State, with 10 or more points. - Walker dished out five assists, her fourth career game with five or more assists and her second this season. - Walker owns 12 career games with two or more steals. - Glenn scored 10 or more points in a game for the 41st time in her career. She needs 118 points to reach 1,000 career points. - Glenn made two 3-pointers on Thursday. This was her 49th career game with two or more connections from long range. She needs six connections to move into 10th on the K-State career 3-point field goals made list. - Glenn pulled in five rebounds, her 46th career game with five or more rebounds. She needs 31 rebounds to move into the top-30 in school history for career rebounds. - Glenn dished out four assists. She needs 14 assists to move into 25th on the K-State career assists list. - Glenn pocketed two steals on Monday. This was her 60th career game with two or more steals. Glenn passed Mariah White (2009-13; 209) for ninth on the K-State career steals list with 210. - Sundell&apos;s six assists on Thursday improved her career total to 558 and ranks fourth in school history for career assists. This was her 66th career game with five or more assists. FROM THE HEAD COACH K-State Head Coach <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2524" rel="smarttag">Jeff Mittie</a> Opening Statement&hellip; &quot;Good win for our group tonight. I thought we did some good things. Poindexter got off to a great start in the first half. I thought defensively we gave up the early threes to 35, she really got the first couple, but we did a great job on 14 tonight. She comes into the game as a really, really good shooter. We don&apos;t give her anything from three tonight. I thought for the most part, we have pretty good communication, even though we had some players that were maybe playing a little different spot or maybe some extended minutes, I thought overall, this is a really good win for us.&quot;&nbsp; On much of the early season production coming from the transfer portal&hellip; &quot;It&apos;s the way of college athletics now. Well, 70% of our roster is players that started with us. Every year, there&apos;s going to be needs that you&apos;ve got to be able to fill in the transfer portal. Hopefully those needs come from graduation, and that&apos;s how our needs have come, but you don&apos;t always know, and you&apos;ve just got to be ready. So credit to my staff for doing a good job of identifying who fits what I&apos;m looking for, and who fits all of the things that we want in a player, not just on the basketball floor, but work ethic, chemistry wise, character, all the above.&quot; On [Ayoke] Lee and [Taryn] Sides&apos; potential returns from injuries&hellip;&nbsp; &quot;Yoki ecould have gone in tonight but I just would feel better if she wasn&apos;t 85% and I think that she&apos;ll be really, really good here through the weekend, and that&apos;ll give her good practice time. Taryn, I think will be the same way. I think it&apos;ll be good to have &nbsp;the weekend, and then hopefully we won&apos;t have any lingering effects after that.&quot; On&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/temira-poindexter/11861" rel="smarttag">Temira Poindexter&apos;s</a> play this season&hellip; &quot;She seems just so effortless at times out there, right? And very instinctual and smart. She is picking up things that we&apos;re wanting her to pick up. And I noticed that right away in the summer, when we were going through a lot of plays, she was out there with veterans, and we&apos;re running an action that we&apos;ve run, so everybody knows it, and she didn&apos;t take long to pick it up. So all those things come to mind. I&apos;ve been impressed with her from the start of just how she wanted to acclimate herself with her teammates. I did want her to be more aggressive, but that hasn&apos;t been a problem in the first two games. I think she&apos;s found the right balance of aggressiveness and making the right play. There are things she needs to improve, she&apos;s got improved defensively. She had a stretch tonight where I didn&apos;t think she played through fatigue very well. She&apos;s got to play through that fatigue better. She was forced into a more ball handling role tonight, and I thought she did a pretty good job for the most part.&quot; On <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kennedy-taylor/11860" rel="smarttag">Kennedy Taylor</a> replicating some of the things&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11852" rel="smarttag">Ayoka Lee</a> does&hellip; &quot;I think we could stay with some of it. But what was challenging tonight about staying with some of it was the other lineups that we had on the floor. But you did see in the second half where we were able to run some stuff that has been bread and butter for Ayoka [Lee], because she is strong down low, and when she has an advantage down there, she does a pretty good job of using it.&quot; FROM THE FLOOR K-State Senior Forward <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/temira-poindexter/11861" rel="smarttag">Temira Poindexter</a> On embracing her new role with Kansas State&hellip; &quot;It&apos;s better than what I envisioned. I really am enjoying my time here, and I&apos;m just very grateful to be here and be able to play with the teammates that I&apos;ve met, and I feel like we&apos;re gonna be good this year.&nbsp; On her 23-point performance&hellip; &quot;I just have to give it up to my teammates for finding me, giving me good passes, and letting me get in my rhythm. So that&apos;s a lot to do with it.&quot; K-State Sophomore Guard <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11859" rel="smarttag">Zyanna Walker</a> On gaining more minutes through the loss of depth&hellip; &quot;Yeah, losing Taryn (Sides) we lost a ball handler so that makes it harder out there. We ended up playing more minutes, so I feel like that&apos;s good for us going into the season and getting that cardio, endurance, and learning to play through fatigue, but we definitely missed her tonight for sure.&quot; On playing without&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11852" rel="smarttag">Ayoka Lee</a> in the offense&hellip; &quot;Yeah, it really stresses that we need to stay in front of the ball because we don&apos;t have her to send out of the paint. Rebounding&ndash;everybody has to rebound. Everybody has to box out. It really makes it hard on offense too, because we have to score, and we probably have to hit more outside shots. &quot; On potential with team depth this year&hellip; &quot;I think this team&apos;s potential is very high, just because of our depth. People were out who usually play a lot today, but we were able to hold it down and I still think we look pretty good out there. It&apos;s good for us to work through it early.&quot; UP NEXT The Wildcats continue its five-game home stand on Thursday, November 14 at 5:30 p.m., as K-State hosts Creighton. Thursday is a doubleheader night with the men&apos;s basketball game against LSU following at 8 p.m. Thursday&apos;s game is Purple Pride Night, as fans are encouraged to wear purple. For tickets, visit kstatesports.com/tickets or call (800) 221-CATS. Thursday&apos;s game will air on ESPN2 and will also be available on the K-State Sports Network and the flagship stations of K-State women&apos;s basketball in Manhattan, Sunny 102.5 and 1350 KMAN.</div>

🏀K-State women defeat Belmont

The second round of the Kansas State High School Football playoffs have arrived, and the Junction City Blue Jays will hit the road and travel down to Derby to take on the Panthers on Friday night.

The Blue Jays, the eighth seed in Class 6A West, defeated the Topeka Trojans 47-14 last week in the first round of the playoffs.

For Derby, the Panthers are undefeated on the season and are the number one seed in class 6A West.  Derby beat Haysville-Campus 62-7 last week.

Kickoff on Friday night in Derby will be at 6:00 p.m. (The game time was moved up one hour due to expected inclement weather in the area.)&nbsp;

You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK&nbsp; Radio or by clicking <a target="_blank" href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">here</a>.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe second round of the Kansas State High School Football playoffs have arrived, and the Junction City Blue Jays will hit the road and travel down to Derby to take on the Panthers on Friday night.The Blue Jays, the eighth seed in Class 6A West, defeated the Topeka Trojans 47-14 last week in the first round of the playoffs.For Derby, the Panthers are undefeated on the season and are the number one seed in class 6A West. Derby beat Haysville-Campus 62-7 last week.Kickoff on Friday night in Derby will be at 6:00 p.m. (The game time was moved up one hour due to expected inclement weather in the area.)&nbsp;You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK&nbsp; Radio or by clicking <a target="_blank" href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">here</a>.

Blue Jays travel to Derby for round two of the playoffs

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — David N’Guessan scored 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead Kansas State to an 89-65 victory over New Orleans on Tuesday night in a season opener for both teams.

Max Jones added 19 points and five assists and Brendan Hausen scored 15 points for Kansas State. The pair each made four of the Wildcats' 13 3-pointers. N’Guessan finished 10-of-14 shooting from the field.

Jah Short scored 19 points to lead New Orleans. James White added 14 points and Dae Dae Hunter had 10.

New Orleans jumped out to a 25-15 lead midway through the first half before the Wildcats surged to a 60-32 advantage at the break. Hausen and Jones each hit three 3-pointers and scored 12 points in the first half. N’Guessan added 11 points and 11 rebounds.

It was just the second meeting between the teams. The Wildcats posted a 62-47 win on Dec. 4, 1999. K-State is 13-1 against the Southland Conference, including 12-0 at home.

It was New Orleans' coach Stacy Hollowell's first game at the helm. Hollowell, the 13th head coach in Privateer history, spent last season at Texas Southern as an assistant under Johnny Jones.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730893119716.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's David N'Guessan (1) drives to the basket in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at New Orleans on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas States Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's David N'Guessan (1) drives to the basket in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at New Orleans on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas States Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — David N’Guessan scored 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead Kansas State to an 89-65 victory over New Orleans on Tuesday night in a season opener for both teams.Max Jones added 19 points and five assists and Brendan Hausen scored 15 points for Kansas State. The pair each made four of the Wildcats' 13 3-pointers. N’Guessan finished 10-of-14 shooting from the field.Jah Short scored 19 points to lead New Orleans. James White added 14 points and Dae Dae Hunter had 10.New Orleans jumped out to a 25-15 lead midway through the first half before the Wildcats surged to a 60-32 advantage at the break. Hausen and Jones each hit three 3-pointers and scored 12 points in the first half. N’Guessan added 11 points and 11 rebounds.It was just the second meeting between the teams. The Wildcats posted a 62-47 win on Dec. 4, 1999. K-State is 13-1 against the Southland Conference, including 12-0 at home.It was New Orleans' coach Stacy Hollowell's first game at the helm. Hollowell, the 13th head coach in Privateer history, spent last season at Texas Southern as an assistant under Johnny Jones.

🏀 N’Guessan scores 21 points to lead Kansas State over New Orleans

USD 475 has announced that Junction City High School freshman Linden Pickler claimed the 2024 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KSHSAA?__cft__[0]=AZUmXyVn_xdpkBFTme3QIpuK8l1oUnol778IZYWMXM7vR4HdPi_he_JnMlkASk6wtlvN3vdW3D8rQVyNJxG5td7lXhvJrSaAWpXqqRQV0z-TBzfgcyYdtbU0UjSckbhDSMSGItoOMfuO2VROR2kbyFhoxmY-SE9gEvsh1q4nQ8tIUxvy_hI1YVNYbZHG850LU2w&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas State High School Activities Association</a> Class 6A Girls Cross Country Championship on Saturday at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence. Pickler clocked a blistering time of 18:37.27 to cross the finish line in first place and bring home the programs first girls state title in school history.

&nbsp;Sophomore Anna Fontaine followed in eighth place out of 100 competitors with a time of 19:13.73, while Brittney Dibben wrapped-up competition 47th overall. 

On the boys’ side, the Blue Jays just missed capturing a team title, earning Class 6A State Runner-Up honors with 101 points. Ethan Fontaine led JCHS by finishing 16th overall with a time of 16:28.03, while Anthony Testa placed No. 20, clocking a time of 16:33.81. Other notables included William Dee and Everett Pickler finishing 27th and 28th overall, respectively.&nbsp;

USD 475 has announced that Junction City High School freshman Linden Pickler claimed the 2024 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KSHSAA?__cft__[0]=AZUmXyVn_xdpkBFTme3QIpuK8l1oUnol778IZYWMXM7vR4HdPi_he_JnMlkASk6wtlvN3vdW3D8rQVyNJxG5td7lXhvJrSaAWpXqqRQV0z-TBzfgcyYdtbU0UjSckbhDSMSGItoOMfuO2VROR2kbyFhoxmY-SE9gEvsh1q4nQ8tIUxvy_hI1YVNYbZHG850LU2w&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas State High School Activities Association</a> Class 6A Girls Cross Country Championship on Saturday at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence. Pickler clocked a blistering time of 18:37.27 to cross the finish line in first place and bring home the programs first girls state title in school history. &nbsp;Sophomore Anna Fontaine followed in eighth place out of 100 competitors with a time of 19:13.73, while Brittney Dibben wrapped-up competition 47th overall. On the boys’ side, the Blue Jays just missed capturing a team title, earning Class 6A State Runner-Up honors with 101 points. Ethan Fontaine led JCHS by finishing 16th overall with a time of 16:28.03, while Anthony Testa placed No. 20, clocking a time of 16:33.81. Other notables included William Dee and Everett Pickler finishing 27th and 28th overall, respectively.&nbsp;

JCHS shines in cross country, Linden Pickler takes first

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid watched as the Buccaneers drove down the field in the final minute of regulation, and Baker Mayfield threw a touchdown pass that put Tampa Bay within a 2-point conversion of ending Kansas City's perfect start to the season.

Bucs coach Todd Bowles admitted to giving “very minor” thought to going for 2 before kicking the extra point that sent the game to overtime.

“I'm glad he didn't,” Reid said with a smile.

That's because the Chiefs won the ensuing coin toss, and Patrick Mahomes capped a big day —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/article/chiefs-lose-mecole-hardman-to-shoulder-injury-in-19887630.php">291 yards passing and three touchdowns on a gimpy ankle</a>&nbsp;— by going 5 for 5 on the only drive of overtime. Kareem Hunt finished it off, along with his 106-yard rushing performance, by plunging into the end zone from 2 yards out to give Kansas City a 30-24 victory on Monday night.

“Everybody had a piece of this,” Reid said.

DeAndre Hopkins had eight catches for 86 yards and two TDs. Travis Kelce had 14 catches for 100 yards with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-taylor-swift-kansas-city-1aca48cb971d6d232186c5d73a2c4244">Taylor Swift watching from a suite</a>. And a defense missing a couple of key players to injuries held Mayfield to 200 yards passing and two touchdowns, and shut down a Tampa Bay running game that managed just 95 yards.

The result was familiar: The Chiefs won their 14th straight dating to last season, the longest streak since Carolina started 14-0 in 2014, and they became just the sixth Super Bowl champ to start 8-0 the following season. They also have won their last eight games when trailing in the second half, including the postseason.

The Buccaneers had their chance when Mayfield hit Ryan Miller in the end zone with 27 seconds to go. But rather than go for the win, Bowles decided to kick the extra point — and Bucs ended up losing for the fourth time in five games.

“We’ve got guys who are not going to quit fighting to the end,” Tampa Bay wide receiver Sterling Shepard said. “I’m really proud of the group and the way everybody fought. We’ve just got to clean up some little stuff. And that’s what this league is all about.”

It was a memorable first half for two players who'd been waiting to play in Arrowhead Stadium.

The Bucs' Rachaad White grew up about 10 minutes away in a tough part of Kansas City, but his family could never afford a ticket for him to see a game. He wound up taking a circuitous path through Division II Nebraska-Kearney and a California junior college to Arizona State, where he eventually became of a third-round pick of Tampa Bay in the 2022 draft.

Two year later, White finally got into Arrowhead — and the end zone. He punctuated&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1853616868726358412">his 7-yard scoring run</a>&nbsp;in the second quarter, which gave the Bucs a 7-3 lead, by nearly tossing the football all the way into the second deck.

“I can’t even count right now,” White said, when asked how many friends and family were watching from those stands.

Then it was Hopkins' turn in his first home game since arriving in Kansas City from a trade with the Titans.

The three-time All-Pro, who already had caught four passes at that point, reeled in a third-down heave from Mahomes amid triple coverage for a 35-yard gain that put the Chiefs inside the Tampa Bay 5. Three plays later, Mahomes found him in the back of the end zone, and Hopkins celebrated his first TD with the Chiefs with a dance from “Remember the Titans.”

“That's one of my favorite movies," he said. “I knew if I got in the end zone I was going to remember the Titans.”

Tampa Bay tried to seize control with consecutive scoring drives to start the second half. The first ended with a TD pass to Cade Otton, the latest tight end to shred the Chiefs, and Chase McLaughlin's 47-yard field goal gave the Bucs a 17-10 lead.

The Chiefs answered in the fourth quarter, though. Mahomes marched them through the driving rain 70 yards for the tying touchdown pass, which he delivered to Samaje Perine while landing awkwardly and tweaking his left ankle, and then threw a laser to Hopkins on third-and-goal from the Buccaneers 5 to give Kansas City the lead.

Mahomes said later the ankle injury scared him more than hurt him. He was checked in the sideline tent but was quickly back to throwing balls in an effort to stay loose, and he never gave Reid an opportunity to pull him from the game.

“You feel the pain and that scares you,” Mahomes said, “because I've dealt with ankles before. But I just kind of laid there and as time went on the pain subsided. I just kind of got to it, and got moving again and felt comfortable going out there.”

Tampa Bay promptly went three-and-out after Kansas City took the lead, but its defense got the ball right back, and this time Mayfield calmly led his team down the field. His capped the drive with a touchdown toss to Miller — his first career TD catch — with 27 seconds to go, and Tampa Bay elected to play for overtime.

It wound up being a decision the Buccaneers would regret.

Buccaneers: LB Yaya Diaby (chest) briefly left the game. CB Josh Hayes (calf) dealt with cramps in the second half.

Chiefs: WR Mecole Hardman (shoulder) and DE George Karlaftis (hip) were hurt but returned to the game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730803809119.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid watched as the Buccaneers drove down the field in the final minute of regulation, and Baker Mayfield threw a touchdown pass that put Tampa Bay within a 2-point conversion of ending Kansas City's perfect start to the season.Bucs coach Todd Bowles admitted to giving “very minor” thought to going for 2 before kicking the extra point that sent the game to overtime.“I'm glad he didn't,” Reid said with a smile.That's because the Chiefs won the ensuing coin toss, and Patrick Mahomes capped a big day —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/article/chiefs-lose-mecole-hardman-to-shoulder-injury-in-19887630.php">291 yards passing and three touchdowns on a gimpy ankle</a>&nbsp;— by going 5 for 5 on the only drive of overtime. Kareem Hunt finished it off, along with his 106-yard rushing performance, by plunging into the end zone from 2 yards out to give Kansas City a 30-24 victory on Monday night.“Everybody had a piece of this,” Reid said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730783915868.jpeg" alt="The Chiefs DeAndre Hopkins is congratulated by Patrick Mahomes after scoring a touchdown in Kansas City's Monday Night game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (" />
 <figcaption>The Chiefs DeAndre Hopkins is congratulated by Patrick Mahomes after scoring a touchdown in Kansas City's Monday Night game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (</figcaption>
 </figure>DeAndre Hopkins had eight catches for 86 yards and two TDs. Travis Kelce had 14 catches for 100 yards with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-taylor-swift-kansas-city-1aca48cb971d6d232186c5d73a2c4244">Taylor Swift watching from a suite</a>. And a defense missing a couple of key players to injuries held Mayfield to 200 yards passing and two touchdowns, and shut down a Tampa Bay running game that managed just 95 yards.The result was familiar: The Chiefs won their 14th straight dating to last season, the longest streak since Carolina started 14-0 in 2014, and they became just the sixth Super Bowl champ to start 8-0 the following season. They also have won their last eight games when trailing in the second half, including the postseason.The Buccaneers had their chance when Mayfield hit Ryan Miller in the end zone with 27 seconds to go. But rather than go for the win, Bowles decided to kick the extra point — and Bucs ended up losing for the fourth time in five games.“We’ve got guys who are not going to quit fighting to the end,” Tampa Bay wide receiver Sterling Shepard said. “I’m really proud of the group and the way everybody fought. We’ve just got to clean up some little stuff. And that’s what this league is all about.”It was a memorable first half for two players who'd been waiting to play in Arrowhead Stadium.The Bucs' Rachaad White grew up about 10 minutes away in a tough part of Kansas City, but his family could never afford a ticket for him to see a game. He wound up taking a circuitous path through Division II Nebraska-Kearney and a California junior college to Arizona State, where he eventually became of a third-round pick of Tampa Bay in the 2022 draft.Two year later, White finally got into Arrowhead — and the end zone. He punctuated&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1853616868726358412">his 7-yard scoring run</a>&nbsp;in the second quarter, which gave the Bucs a 7-3 lead, by nearly tossing the football all the way into the second deck.“I can’t even count right now,” White said, when asked how many friends and family were watching from those stands.Then it was Hopkins' turn in his first home game since arriving in Kansas City from a trade with the Titans.The three-time All-Pro, who already had caught four passes at that point, reeled in a third-down heave from Mahomes amid triple coverage for a 35-yard gain that put the Chiefs inside the Tampa Bay 5. Three plays later, Mahomes found him in the back of the end zone, and Hopkins celebrated his first TD with the Chiefs with a dance from “Remember the Titans.”“That's one of my favorite movies," he said. “I knew if I got in the end zone I was going to remember the Titans.”Tampa Bay tried to seize control with consecutive scoring drives to start the second half. The first ended with a TD pass to Cade Otton, the latest tight end to shred the Chiefs, and Chase McLaughlin's 47-yard field goal gave the Bucs a 17-10 lead.The Chiefs answered in the fourth quarter, though. Mahomes marched them through the driving rain 70 yards for the tying touchdown pass, which he delivered to Samaje Perine while landing awkwardly and tweaking his left ankle, and then threw a laser to Hopkins on third-and-goal from the Buccaneers 5 to give Kansas City the lead.Mahomes said later the ankle injury scared him more than hurt him. He was checked in the sideline tent but was quickly back to throwing balls in an effort to stay loose, and he never gave Reid an opportunity to pull him from the game.“You feel the pain and that scares you,” Mahomes said, “because I've dealt with ankles before. But I just kind of laid there and as time went on the pain subsided. I just kind of got to it, and got moving again and felt comfortable going out there.”Tampa Bay promptly went three-and-out after Kansas City took the lead, but its defense got the ball right back, and this time Mayfield calmly led his team down the field. His capped the drive with a touchdown toss to Miller — his first career TD catch — with 27 seconds to go, and Tampa Bay elected to play for overtime.It wound up being a decision the Buccaneers would regret.<h2>Injuries</h2>Buccaneers: LB Yaya Diaby (chest) briefly left the game. CB Josh Hayes (calf) dealt with cramps in the second half.Chiefs: WR Mecole Hardman (shoulder) and DE George Karlaftis (hip) were hurt but returned to the game.<h2>Up next</h2>Tampa Bay hosts San Francisco on Sunday.Kansas City hosts Denver on Sunday.

🏈 Hunt scores TD in overtime as Chiefs beat Buccaneers 

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Zeke Mayo, a grad transfer from South Dakota State, had 19 points in his Kansas debut and the top-ranked Jayhawks beat Howard 87-57 on Monday night in the season-opener for both teams.

Kansas led 46-19 at halftime and its biggest lead was 38 points.

The game was the second annual McClendon Classic, named in honor of Kansas graduate and Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame honoree John McClendon.

Kansas (1-0) used the game as a tune-up before a top-10 showdown with North Carolina on Friday night. The Jayhawks had 10 players score, with three in double-figures. Hunter Dickinson, who missed Kansas' scrimmage and exhibition games, had 16 points and six rebounds, and Flory Bidunga added 13 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

Blake Harper had 16 points to lead Howard.

Howard: The Bison will take away plenty from the contest, mostly measured in guaranteed money they received from Kansas.

Kansas: The Jayhawks won their 52nd consecutive home opener, dating back to the final 10 years of Ted Owens’ career, through five years under Larry Brown, 15 under Roy Williams and 22 straight under Bill Self.

After falling behind 4-3 early, the Jayhawks used a 12-3 run to eliminate any thoughts of a Howard victory. Howard went almost nine minutes without a field goal, missing 10 straight shot attempts as Kansas methodically pulled away.

Howard shot just 24.1 percent (7 for 29) in the first half.

Howard visits Missouri on Friday, while Kansas hosts No. 9 North Carolina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730772620373.png" alt="photo courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Zeke Mayo, a grad transfer from South Dakota State, had 19 points in his Kansas debut and the top-ranked Jayhawks beat Howard 87-57 on Monday night in the season-opener for both teams.Kansas led 46-19 at halftime and its biggest lead was 38 points.The game was the second annual McClendon Classic, named in honor of Kansas graduate and Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame honoree John McClendon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730776571014.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas (1-0) used the game as a tune-up before a top-10 showdown with North Carolina on Friday night. The Jayhawks had 10 players score, with three in double-figures. Hunter Dickinson, who missed Kansas' scrimmage and exhibition games, had 16 points and six rebounds, and Flory Bidunga added 13 points and a game-high eight rebounds.Blake Harper had 16 points to lead Howard.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Howard: The Bison will take away plenty from the contest, mostly measured in guaranteed money they received from Kansas.Kansas: The Jayhawks won their 52nd consecutive home opener, dating back to the final 10 years of Ted Owens’ career, through five years under Larry Brown, 15 under Roy Williams and 22 straight under Bill Self.<h2>Key moment</h2>After falling behind 4-3 early, the Jayhawks used a 12-3 run to eliminate any thoughts of a Howard victory. Howard went almost nine minutes without a field goal, missing 10 straight shot attempts as Kansas methodically pulled away.<h2>Key stat</h2>Howard shot just 24.1 percent (7 for 29) in the first half.<h2>Up Next</h2>Howard visits Missouri on Friday, while Kansas hosts No. 9 North Carolina.___

🏀 Mayo scores 19 as No. 1 Kansas beats Howard in season-opener

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and its television partners announced Monday that Kansas State’s November 16 home game against new conference member Arizona State will kick at either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. on a network to be announced. This will be the Wildcats’ seventh game this year to kick at 6 p.m. local time, including the fourth in the last five games.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and its television partners announced Monday that Kansas State’s November 16 home game against new conference member Arizona State will kick at either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. on a network to be announced. This will be the Wildcats’ seventh game this year to kick at 6 p.m. local time, including the fourth in the last five games.

K-State’s November 16 Game vs. Arizona State to Kick at Night

HOUSTON (AP) — Zeon Chriss threw for 103 yards and a touchdown without an incompletion as Houston rallied in fourth quarter to beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-19 on Saturday.

Trailing 19-10 to start the fourth quarter, Chriss threw a 1-yard touchdown to Maliq Carr with 11 minutes left. After forcing a punt, Chriss rushed for a 41-yard touchdown with 2:31 to go.

Chriss, who finished 11 of 11, also rushed for 75 yards and caught a pass for eight yards.

“We’ve experienced a lot (of adversity) this season,” Chriss said. “We were trying to be positive about it, and trust in the defense. The defense told us ‘We got y’all,’ and we got them.”

Linebacker Michael Batton intercepted Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson on the next drive.

After Houston (4-5, 3-3 Big 12) was forced to punt with 40 seconds left, the Wildcats drove to the Cougars’ 39 with 4 seconds left, but Johnson’s heave was knocked out of the end zone.

“We didn’t play a perfect game, but we played well enough to win, and that’s what matters,” Houston coach Willie Fritz said.

The win was Houston’s first win over a ranked team since beating No. 19 SMU 44-37 on Oct. 30, 2021.

“They’re going to start believing,” Fritz said about Houston’s second straight one-possession win. “We got to keep going.”

The loss snapped Kansas State’s four-game winning streak.

Wildcats coach Chris Klieman said his team didn’t play “with good enough fundamentals and techniques" and pointed to Kansas State’s inability to run the ball, as they finished with 89 yards rushing.

“We weren’t running the ball a lick,” Klieman said. “Our inability to rush the football makes it harder to throw.”

Johnson finished 23 of 39 for 238 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions and found Keagan Johnson for a 7-yard touchdown pass with nine seconds left in the first half to give the Wildcats (7-2, 4-2) a 16-10 halftime lead. Johnson finished with 76 yards receiving.

“It just felt like we were flat offensively,” Avery Johnson said. “We couldn’t get anything going. We stalled a lot in the second half. We didn’t really play collectively as well as we wanted to.”

DJ Giddens rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown as Kansas State outgained the Cougars 327-232.

“I don’t want to take anything away from them, but I feel like the words to describe it was we let it slip away,” Keagan Johnson said. “They’re a good team. They played better today. It comes down to that. We didn’t execute when we needed to.”

The game was delayed 55 minutes to start because of lightning.

Kansas State: The loss hurts the chances of the Wildcats making the Big 12 championship and the College Football Playoff.

Houston: The Cougars finished 3 for 3 in the red zone after struggling last week against Utah.

Kansas State could potentially drop out of the rankings after the loss.

Kansas State hosts Arizona State on Nov. 16, while Houston plays at Arizona on Nov. 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730594141398.jpeg" alt="Houston quarterback Zeon Chriss rousts the crowd as he celebrates after his game winning touchdown run to upset Kansas State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)" />
 <figcaption>Houston quarterback Zeon Chriss rousts the crowd as he celebrates after his game winning touchdown run to upset Kansas State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Zeon Chriss threw for 103 yards and a touchdown without an incompletion as Houston rallied in fourth quarter to beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-19 on Saturday.Trailing 19-10 to start the fourth quarter, Chriss threw a 1-yard touchdown to Maliq Carr with 11 minutes left. After forcing a punt, Chriss rushed for a 41-yard touchdown with 2:31 to go.Chriss, who finished 11 of 11, also rushed for 75 yards and caught a pass for eight yards.“We’ve experienced a lot (of adversity) this season,” Chriss said. “We were trying to be positive about it, and trust in the defense. The defense told us ‘We got y’all,’ and we got them.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730596853416.png" alt="Photo courtesy K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Linebacker Michael Batton intercepted Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson on the next drive.After Houston (4-5, 3-3 Big 12) was forced to punt with 40 seconds left, the Wildcats drove to the Cougars’ 39 with 4 seconds left, but Johnson’s heave was knocked out of the end zone.“We didn’t play a perfect game, but we played well enough to win, and that’s what matters,” Houston coach Willie Fritz said.The win was Houston’s first win over a ranked team since beating No. 19 SMU 44-37 on Oct. 30, 2021.“They’re going to start believing,” Fritz said about Houston’s second straight one-possession win. “We got to keep going.”The loss snapped Kansas State’s four-game winning streak.Wildcats coach Chris Klieman said his team didn’t play “with good enough fundamentals and techniques" and pointed to Kansas State’s inability to run the ball, as they finished with 89 yards rushing.“We weren’t running the ball a lick,” Klieman said. “Our inability to rush the football makes it harder to throw.”Johnson finished 23 of 39 for 238 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions and found Keagan Johnson for a 7-yard touchdown pass with nine seconds left in the first half to give the Wildcats (7-2, 4-2) a 16-10 halftime lead. Johnson finished with 76 yards receiving.“It just felt like we were flat offensively,” Avery Johnson said. “We couldn’t get anything going. We stalled a lot in the second half. We didn’t really play collectively as well as we wanted to.”DJ Giddens rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown as Kansas State outgained the Cougars 327-232.“I don’t want to take anything away from them, but I feel like the words to describe it was we let it slip away,” Keagan Johnson said. “They’re a good team. They played better today. It comes down to that. We didn’t execute when we needed to.”The game was delayed 55 minutes to start because of lightning.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas State: The loss hurts the chances of the Wildcats making the Big 12 championship and the College Football Playoff.Houston: The Cougars finished 3 for 3 in the red zone after struggling last week against Utah.<h2>Poll implications</h2>Kansas State could potentially drop out of the rankings after the loss.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State hosts Arizona State on Nov. 16, while Houston plays at Arizona on Nov. 15.

🏈 Houston scores twice in 4th quarter to beat Kansas State

The Junction City Blue Jays beat the Topeka Trojans 47-14 on Friday night at Blue Jay Stadium.

After Junction City fumbled the opening kickoff, the Topeka Trojans connected on a 29-yard field goal to lead 3-0. After a back-and-forth first quarter that featured several turnovers, the Blue Jays led 7-3 at the end of one, thanks to a 43-yard touchdown connection between junior quarterback Conrad Gomez and junior wide receiver JaMarcus Vornes.

After Topeka senior Jaden Norman connected on a 27-yard field goal to cut the Blue Jay lead to 7-6, Junction City junior running back Justice Fonoti had a three-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 14-6. Junction City senior kicker Ethan Hileman connected on two field goals late in the first half to give the Blue Jays a 20-6 halftime lead. 

Topeka High punted on its first possession of the second half, and Junction City junior Lovell Autry had an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown that gave the Blue Jays a 27-6 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, the Trojans fumbled, and three plays later, the Blue Jays were back in the endzone on a two-yard quarterback sneak for a touchdown. At this point, Junction City led 34-6 and cruised to a 47-14 victory in round one of the playoffs.

The Blue Jays will now travel to Derby, the number one seed in class 6A West, next Friday night for the second round of the playoffs.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City Blue Jays beat the Topeka Trojans 47-14 on Friday night at Blue Jay Stadium.After Junction City fumbled the opening kickoff, the Topeka Trojans connected on a 29-yard field goal to lead 3-0. After a back-and-forth first quarter that featured several turnovers, the Blue Jays led 7-3 at the end of one, thanks to a 43-yard touchdown connection between junior quarterback Conrad Gomez and junior wide receiver JaMarcus Vornes.After Topeka senior Jaden Norman connected on a 27-yard field goal to cut the Blue Jay lead to 7-6, Junction City junior running back Justice Fonoti had a three-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 14-6. Junction City senior kicker Ethan Hileman connected on two field goals late in the first half to give the Blue Jays a 20-6 halftime lead. Topeka High punted on its first possession of the second half, and Junction City junior Lovell Autry had an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown that gave the Blue Jays a 27-6 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, the Trojans fumbled, and three plays later, the Blue Jays were back in the endzone on a two-yard quarterback sneak for a touchdown. At this point, Junction City led 34-6 and cruised to a 47-14 victory in round one of the playoffs.The Blue Jays will now travel to Derby, the number one seed in class 6A West, next Friday night for the second round of the playoffs.

Blue Jays blowout Trojans for round one playoff win

Postseason football has arrived, and the Junction City Blue Jays will host a familiar foe in round one.

Junction City will host the Topeka Trojans. The Blue Jays are the eighth seed, while the Trojans are the ninth seed.

The two Centennial league teams met three weeks ago, with Junction City winning 50-21 in the first meeting.

Kickoff will be at 7:00 on Friday night at Blue Jay Stadium.

You can hear the game on 107.9 FM/1420 KJCK Radio or by clicking <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">here</a>.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostPostseason football has arrived, and the Junction City Blue Jays will host a familiar foe in round one.Junction City will host the Topeka Trojans. The Blue Jays are the eighth seed, while the Trojans are the ninth seed.The two Centennial league teams met three weeks ago, with Junction City winning 50-21 in the first meeting.Kickoff will be at 7:00 on Friday night at Blue Jay Stadium.You can hear the game on 107.9 FM/1420 KJCK Radio or by clicking <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">here</a>.

Blue Jays host Topeka Trojans in round 1 of playoffs

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23672&amp;type=Archive">Watch Conor Riley’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23673&amp;type=Archive">Watch Joe Klanderman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/coordinator-press-conference-october-31-2024/4917">Listen on Wildcats Uncut</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EumD2G5yXNgLSarXhsUzllnCQ7-ea9GjrtXuVomWN3U/edit#gid=0">Media Download</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EumD2G5yXNgLSarXhsUzllnCQ7-ea9GjrtXuVomWN3U/edit#gid=0"></a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State offensive coordinator&nbsp;Conor Riley&nbsp;and defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Thursday at the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to Kansas State’s game on Saturday at Houston. Links to video and audio of both press conferences are above, and a transcript of select quotes are below.

CONOR RILEY, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

On what needs to happen to have the run game ramp back up…

“Consistency. That's probably the biggest issue I see, is where we're at consistently. You keep things in relative terms. I think last week we may have averaged 5.9 yards per carry, and you take out the three kneel downs, and it goes up to 6.5, and you take out the two sacks, it goes up to 7.5. But, there's explosives, and what's happening, what we've talked about is that there have been those instances where a lot of times it's good defense, and credit KU on them. Sometimes it's not a great calling on a particular pressure, whatever the case might be, and that's part of it. Then part of it, we got to do a better job of staying on and finishing. So, I think it's collective responsibility on my part, not only as one calling the plays, but then it's on them for doing their job. Then, it's on me of not saying, ‘Okay, hey, does this concept confuse with this concept? Hey, this call, we want to leave the ID right here, but then, if they do this, then we got to push it.’ So, is there too much confusion and not allowing those guys to play fast? So that's probably the biggest part of it, but relatively speaking, right now it's keep things in perspective as well.”

On if there is an effort to get Dylan Edwards more touches…

“Yeah, there’s always a plan that we have for him. We still have to go through a progression, and we may do our best as an offensive staff to design some to say, ‘Hey, it's going to go here, it's going to go there.’ Then a defensive look changes. Maybe something else changes, maybe that changes. One thing that we've recognized is everybody knows where he's at on field when he’s on the football field. So, every week you've got to try to find ways to get him the ball, but the other guy is pretty good as well. This past week we did, as you guys could see, we did have a couple more designed quarterback runs in some situations, and that's real as well. So, part of it is, yeah, we do need to find a way to get the ball a little bit more.”

On what makes Houston’s defense good…

“Number one, you look at their coaching staff and their head coach. Their head coach, obviously we competed against here in 2022. I can go back to when I was coaching football at Nebraska Omaha in the Division II ranks, and he was at Central Missouri. One thing that has not changed in 20 years is guys who are physical, guys who are well coached, and guys who run to the football. So, you look at them from a scope of a record, no different than last week's opponent, and that's right now what the Big 12 is. KU, our last opponent, got after them. Well, I think there might have been four or five turnovers in that particular game that helped them, and credit KU, they made some great plays. But you look at their front seven, they're thick, they're active, they’re well coached. They run to the football, they get off blocks, and they present significant challenges for an offense Houston.’

“they do a good job of going into multiple fronts. They really do. They'll stem in and out of those multiple fronts. Front or not front, you still need the players in order to play a particular front. They've got the personnel, and they've got the players and the schemes that do make it a little bit challenging. So, we've got a plan, and just like every single week, we'll have to adjust that plan – against Colorado, we had to adjust a little bit of the plan, against West Virginia, we had to adjust a little bit of our plan, and then obviously against KU there towards the latter part of it, there were some adjustments. Some of those adjustments weren't executed extremely well, and that falls directly on my shoulders, but I know that we're going to have to play a little bit of that game because there's too much respect I have for that coaching staff.”

On who has emerged as a leader on the offensive line…

“It's still Taylor Poitier and Hadley Panzer. Those are the two biggest leaders that we've had. I mentioned Taylor because he's really becoming more and more vocal, and I think that his play is backing that up. Hadley's always been that leader. He's going out there, he's busting his rear end. Hadley came out of that West Virginia game, and my plan going into the Kansas game was you saw Andrew Leingang go in for a series there in the first half. I was playing on getting Hadley probably a couple other series off, and what he told me was, ‘I'm not coming out of this game.’ For a Kansas kid, that goes a long way. So, those are the guys to me that are a lot of leaders.”

JOE KLANDERMAN, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

On if he expects Houston to run the ball a lot…

“Everybody's got their own recipe to win, and I think that their recipe is play good defense and try to control the ball, limit possessions, limit plays. So, if they're able to turn out first downs like they did against Utah and keep their offense off the field and keep it a manageable game, they probably figured that at the end of the day they can be within striking distance, and hope the team craps the bed, so to speak. So, I think that's kind of been their formula offensively and seems like they're picking up a little theme with it.”

On if Houston’s two quarterbacks are similar…

“We’ve got a lot of experience with Donovan Smith, both at (Texas) Tech and then at Houston last year. So, I have a lot of respect for him as a thrower and as a runner. That was something that always scared us in the past with him. So, he's a good player. I think we know what we're seeing there. It's interesting to see. I don't think their styles are that much different where it’s two drastically different things for us, but they are both good players.”

On taking on another running quarterback…

“It’s a heck of a stretch we've had against these guys, about the four best in the country. Last week we had a couple of errors with contain, and it cost us in a couple instances, especially early in the game on third down. Our guys are very aware of it, and we're coaching the heck out of it. They know, but it's just sometimes you get out there in the heat and things happen. Sometimes it’s scenarios that are boneheaded and sometimes the scenarios that just come up because they come up. So, all we do is talk about it and hope that they are aware of it when the moment comes.”

On what makes VJ Payne an effective blitzer…

“I think, one is he studies. He times things up really well. That's part of it, especially coming from where he's coming from. It's one thing if you're a linebacker and you're coming from linebacker depth. It's another thing if you're coming from 10 to 12 yards away. You have to have an element of timing. There's some blitzes that we've designed here in the past that kids have come clean but didn't get there because they just didn't get there. They didn't get it blocked, they didn't time it up well enough to get there. So, we kind of have some parameters that we talk about with where we want them to be when the ball is snapped, and, boy, was he there a couple times we called his number last week.”

On if he rewatches VJ Payne’s final defensive play against Kansas…

“That's something that's fun to watch, and I see that frequently. I don't know that everybody gets a chance to see that.&nbsp; He's a 22-plus mile per hour guy, and sometimes within a game you don't get opportunities to hit that just because you're working in small spaces or whatever. So, for him to hit that in that little amount of space on a blitz, 21 whatever it was, is incredible. He was flying.”

On what makes defensive tackle Damian Ilalio a great player…

“Just because he's solid, he doesn't make mistakes. It's hard to find a lot of flaws with what he's doing. Great understanding of what we're doing, great understanding what an offense is doing. For example, a couple weeks ago when we played West Virginia, screens were an issue for us against Colorado. We kind of figured that that was going to be in West Virginia's plan. Sure enough, it was. I think he had three TFLs on screens. He has just great feel for the game. I think that comes with maturity, experience and reps.”

Associate Athletics Director for Communications

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730406123197.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23672&amp;type=Archive">Watch Conor Riley’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23673&amp;type=Archive">Watch Joe Klanderman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/coordinator-press-conference-october-31-2024/4917">Listen on Wildcats Uncut</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EumD2G5yXNgLSarXhsUzllnCQ7-ea9GjrtXuVomWN3U/edit#gid=0">Media Download</a><a target="_blank" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EumD2G5yXNgLSarXhsUzllnCQ7-ea9GjrtXuVomWN3U/edit#gid=0"></a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State offensive coordinator&nbsp;Conor Riley&nbsp;and defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Thursday at the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to Kansas State’s game on Saturday at Houston. Links to video and audio of both press conferences are above, and a transcript of select quotes are below.CONOR RILEY, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOROn what needs to happen to have the run game ramp back up…“Consistency. That's probably the biggest issue I see, is where we're at consistently. You keep things in relative terms. I think last week we may have averaged 5.9 yards per carry, and you take out the three kneel downs, and it goes up to 6.5, and you take out the two sacks, it goes up to 7.5. But, there's explosives, and what's happening, what we've talked about is that there have been those instances where a lot of times it's good defense, and credit KU on them. Sometimes it's not a great calling on a particular pressure, whatever the case might be, and that's part of it. Then part of it, we got to do a better job of staying on and finishing. So, I think it's collective responsibility on my part, not only as one calling the plays, but then it's on them for doing their job. Then, it's on me of not saying, ‘Okay, hey, does this concept confuse with this concept? Hey, this call, we want to leave the ID right here, but then, if they do this, then we got to push it.’ So, is there too much confusion and not allowing those guys to play fast? So that's probably the biggest part of it, but relatively speaking, right now it's keep things in perspective as well.”On if there is an effort to get Dylan Edwards more touches…“Yeah, there’s always a plan that we have for him. We still have to go through a progression, and we may do our best as an offensive staff to design some to say, ‘Hey, it's going to go here, it's going to go there.’ Then a defensive look changes. Maybe something else changes, maybe that changes. One thing that we've recognized is everybody knows where he's at on field when he’s on the football field. So, every week you've got to try to find ways to get him the ball, but the other guy is pretty good as well. This past week we did, as you guys could see, we did have a couple more designed quarterback runs in some situations, and that's real as well. So, part of it is, yeah, we do need to find a way to get the ball a little bit more.”On what makes Houston’s defense good…“Number one, you look at their coaching staff and their head coach. Their head coach, obviously we competed against here in 2022. I can go back to when I was coaching football at Nebraska Omaha in the Division II ranks, and he was at Central Missouri. One thing that has not changed in 20 years is guys who are physical, guys who are well coached, and guys who run to the football. So, you look at them from a scope of a record, no different than last week's opponent, and that's right now what the Big 12 is. KU, our last opponent, got after them. Well, I think there might have been four or five turnovers in that particular game that helped them, and credit KU, they made some great plays. But you look at their front seven, they're thick, they're active, they’re well coached. They run to the football, they get off blocks, and they present significant challenges for an offense Houston.’On Houston’s defensive front…“they do a good job of going into multiple fronts. They really do. They'll stem in and out of those multiple fronts. Front or not front, you still need the players in order to play a particular front. They've got the personnel, and they've got the players and the schemes that do make it a little bit challenging. So, we've got a plan, and just like every single week, we'll have to adjust that plan – against Colorado, we had to adjust a little bit of the plan, against West Virginia, we had to adjust a little bit of our plan, and then obviously against KU there towards the latter part of it, there were some adjustments. Some of those adjustments weren't executed extremely well, and that falls directly on my shoulders, but I know that we're going to have to play a little bit of that game because there's too much respect I have for that coaching staff.”On who has emerged as a leader on the offensive line…“It's still Taylor Poitier and Hadley Panzer. Those are the two biggest leaders that we've had. I mentioned Taylor because he's really becoming more and more vocal, and I think that his play is backing that up. Hadley's always been that leader. He's going out there, he's busting his rear end. Hadley came out of that West Virginia game, and my plan going into the Kansas game was you saw Andrew Leingang go in for a series there in the first half. I was playing on getting Hadley probably a couple other series off, and what he told me was, ‘I'm not coming out of this game.’ For a Kansas kid, that goes a long way. So, those are the guys to me that are a lot of leaders.”JOE KLANDERMAN, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOROn if he expects Houston to run the ball a lot…“Everybody's got their own recipe to win, and I think that their recipe is play good defense and try to control the ball, limit possessions, limit plays. So, if they're able to turn out first downs like they did against Utah and keep their offense off the field and keep it a manageable game, they probably figured that at the end of the day they can be within striking distance, and hope the team craps the bed, so to speak. So, I think that's kind of been their formula offensively and seems like they're picking up a little theme with it.”On if Houston’s two quarterbacks are similar…“We’ve got a lot of experience with Donovan Smith, both at (Texas) Tech and then at Houston last year. So, I have a lot of respect for him as a thrower and as a runner. That was something that always scared us in the past with him. So, he's a good player. I think we know what we're seeing there. It's interesting to see. I don't think their styles are that much different where it’s two drastically different things for us, but they are both good players.”On taking on another running quarterback…“It’s a heck of a stretch we've had against these guys, about the four best in the country. Last week we had a couple of errors with contain, and it cost us in a couple instances, especially early in the game on third down. Our guys are very aware of it, and we're coaching the heck out of it. They know, but it's just sometimes you get out there in the heat and things happen. Sometimes it’s scenarios that are boneheaded and sometimes the scenarios that just come up because they come up. So, all we do is talk about it and hope that they are aware of it when the moment comes.”On what makes VJ Payne an effective blitzer…“I think, one is he studies. He times things up really well. That's part of it, especially coming from where he's coming from. It's one thing if you're a linebacker and you're coming from linebacker depth. It's another thing if you're coming from 10 to 12 yards away. You have to have an element of timing. There's some blitzes that we've designed here in the past that kids have come clean but didn't get there because they just didn't get there. They didn't get it blocked, they didn't time it up well enough to get there. So, we kind of have some parameters that we talk about with where we want them to be when the ball is snapped, and, boy, was he there a couple times we called his number last week.”On if he rewatches VJ Payne’s final defensive play against Kansas…“That's something that's fun to watch, and I see that frequently. I don't know that everybody gets a chance to see that.&nbsp; He's a 22-plus mile per hour guy, and sometimes within a game you don't get opportunities to hit that just because you're working in small spaces or whatever. So, for him to hit that in that little amount of space on a blitz, 21 whatever it was, is incredible. He was flying.”On what makes defensive tackle Damian Ilalio a great player…“Just because he's solid, he doesn't make mistakes. It's hard to find a lot of flaws with what he's doing. Great understanding of what we're doing, great understanding what an offense is doing. For example, a couple weeks ago when we played West Virginia, screens were an issue for us against Colorado. We kind of figured that that was going to be in West Virginia's plan. Sure enough, it was. I think he had three TFLs on screens. He has just great feel for the game. I think that comes with maturity, experience and reps.”– k-statesports.com –&nbsp;RYAN LACKEYAssociate Athletics Director for Communications

   K-State Coordinators Discuss Contest at Houston

NEW YORK (AP) — You gotta hand it to Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

And not just because the Yankees certainly did.

When New York let LA back into World Series Game 5, the Dodgers did what they’ve done all year — kept on going.

After taking advantage of three miscues to erase a five-run, fifth-inning deficit during one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-yankees-errors-ff3ca215e6064c1983e4cce4f41a97e0">most memorable midgame meltdowns in baseball history</a>, the Dodgers used eighth-inning sacrifice flies from Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts to beat New York 7-6 on Wednesday night.

"In spring training this is what we said we were going to do and we did it,” Betts proclaimed, champagne stinging his eyes.

Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning for New York. Alex Verdugo’s RBI single&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8475f75a8d70496adacb51f7b18cc9bf">chased Jack Flaherty in the second</a>, and Giancarlo Stanton’s third-inning homer against Ryan Brasier built a 5-0 Yankees lead.

In the dugout, the Dodgers remained focused.

“We were like just get one, chip away, chip away,” Freeman said.

Errors by Judge in center and Anthony Volpe at shortstop, combined with pitcher Gerrit Cole failing to cover first on Betts' grounder, helped Los Angeles score five unearned runs in the fifth.

Of the 234 teams to trail by five or more runs in a Series game, the Dodgers became just the seventh to win.

“This is going to sting forever,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I'm heartbroken.”

After Stanton’s sixth-inning sacrifice fly put the Yankees back ahead 6-5, the Dodgers loaded the bases against loser Tommy Kahnle in the eighth before the sacrifice flies off Luke Weaver.

Judge doubled off winner Blake Treinen with one out in the bottom half and Chisholm walked. Manager Dave Roberts walked to the mound with Treinen at 37 pitches.

“I looked in his eyes. I said how you feeling? How much more you got?" Roberts recalled. “He said: `I want it.' I trust him.”

Treinen retired Stanton on a flyout and struck out Anthony Rizzo.

Walker Buehler, making his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c697f8d5b3444019845eba0503874d9">first relief appearance since his rookie season in 2018</a>, pitched a perfect ninth for his first major league save.

When Buehler struck out Verdugo to end the game, the Dodgers poured onto the field to celebrate between the mound and first base, capping a season in which they led the big leagues with 98 wins.

With several thousand Dodgers fans remaining in a mostly empty stadium, baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred presented the trophy on a platform quickly erected over second base.

Ohtani, the Dodgers’ record-setting $700 million signing and baseball’s first 50-homer, 50-steal player, went 2 for 19 with no RBIs and had one single after separating his left shoulder during a stolen base attempt in Game 2. Ohtani went through the clubhouse pouring champagne on teammates and having it sprayed on him

“We were able to get through the regular season, I think, because of the strength of this team, this organization,” he said through a translator. “The success of the postseason is very similar.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-freddie-freeman-dodgers-yankees-69c512cf5db1053d10f39e9012068293">Freeman hit a two-run single to tie the Series record of 12 RBIs</a>, set by Bobby Richardson over seven games in 1960, and was voted Series MVP. With the Dodgers one out from losing Friday’s opener, Freeman hit a game-ending grand slam reminiscent of Kirk Gibson’s homer off Oakland’s Dennis Eckersley in 1988’s Game 1 that sparked Los Angeles to the title.

The Dodgers earned their eighth championship and seventh since leaving Brooklyn for Los Angeles — their first in a non-shortened season since 1988. They won a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-los-angeles-dodgers-win-3f933853d5b790b87788142fc58adbd9">neutral-site World Series against Tampa Bay in 2020</a>&nbsp;after a 60-game regular season and couldn’t have a parade because of the coronavirus pandemic.

These Dodgers of Ohtani, Freeman and Betts joined the 1955 Duke Snider and Roy Campanella Boys of Summer, the Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale era that spanned the three titles from 1959-65, the Tommy Lasorda-led groups 1981 and ’88, and the Betts and Clayton Kershaw champions of 2020.

Ending a season that started with a gambling scandal involving Ohtani's interpreter during the opening series in South Korea, Roberts won his second championship in nine years as Dodgers manager, matching Lasorda and trailing the four of Walter Alston. The Dodgers won for the fourth time in 12 Series meetings with the Yankees.

New York remained without a title since its record 27th in 2009. The Yankees acquired Juan Soto from San Diego in December knowing he would be eligible for free agency after the 2024 Series. The 26-year-old star went 5 for 16 with one RBI in the Series heading into what will be intensely followed bidding on the open market.

“I'll be open to listen to every single team," Soto said. "I don't have any doors closed or anything like that, so I'm going to be available to all 30 teams.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-aaron-judge-yankees-3109939e98406dd0ef094d364068c7da">Judge finished 4 for 18 with three RBIs</a>.

“You can't give a good team like that extra outs,” Judge said. “It starts with me there in the line drive coming in, misplay that. So that doesn't happen then I think we got a different story tonight.”

Cole didn’t allow a hit until Kiké Hernández singled leading off the fifth. Judge, who an inning earlier made a leaping catch at the left-center wall to deny Freeman an extra-base hit, dropped Tommy Edman’s fly to center. Volpe then bounced a throw to third on Will Smith’s grounder, allowing the Dodgers to load the bases with no outs.

Cole struck out Lux and Ohtani, and Betts hit a grounder to Rizzo — a slow grounder by a Mookie turned the 1986 World Series, by the Mets' Mookie Wilson against Boston.

Cole didn’t cover first, pointing at Rizzo, who didn't charge because he was afraid the spinning ball might get past him. Betts outraced Rizzo to the bag.

“I took a bad angle to the ball,” Cole said. “I wasn't sure really off the bat how hard he hit it. ... By the time the ball got by me, I was not in a position to cover first.”

Freeman followed with a two-run single and Teoscar Hernández hit a tying two-run double.

“When you’re given extra outs and you capitalize in that kind of game, that’s huge," Freeman said. “For us to get it back to even, you could just feel the momentum just coming along.”

Stanton’s sixth-inning sacrifice fly off Brusdar Graterol put the Yankees ahead 6-5, but the Dodgers rallied one last time in the eighth after Kiké Hernández singled off Kahnle leading off, Edman followed with an infield hit, and Smith walked on four pitches.

“We faced every adversity possible and we overcame every single one,” Freeman said, who won his second title after 2021 with Atlanta, and rebounded from a sprained ankle to homer in each of the first four Series games.

<a href="https://apnews.com/ddce0cc3fd284b9f96d69ee457230df7">Purchased by Guggenheim Baseball Management in 2012</a>, the Dodgers hired Andrew Friedman from Tampa Bay to head their baseball operations two years later. He boosted the front office with a multitude of analytics and performance science staff, and ownership supplied the cash.

Los Angeles went on an unprecedented $1.25 billion spending spree last offseason on deals with Ohtani, pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and James Paxton, and outfielder Teoscar Hernández. Much of the money was future obligations that raised the Dodgers’ deferred compensation to $915.5 million owed from 2028-44.

Faced with injuries, the Dodgers acquired Flaherty, Edman and reliever Michael Kopech ahead of the trade deadline, and all became important cogs in the title run. The additions boosted payroll to $266 million, third behind the Mets and the Yankees, plus a projected $43 million luxury tax.

Los Angeles will celebrate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-dodgers-world-series-parade-b50eef167a230b92b29ae725f69f2236">with a parade</a>&nbsp;Friday on what would have been the 64th birthday for Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela, who died three days before the Series opener.

“It’s going to be emotional for all of us," Roberts said.

Los Angeles opens its spring schedule on Feb. 20 against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch, and the Yankees start the next day against Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730348282298.jpeg" alt="The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their win against the New York Yankees in Game 5 to win the baseball World Series, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)" />
 <figcaption>The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their win against the New York Yankees in Game 5 to win the baseball World Series, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — You gotta hand it to Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers.And not just because the Yankees certainly did.When New York let LA back into World Series Game 5, the Dodgers did what they’ve done all year — kept on going.After taking advantage of three miscues to erase a five-run, fifth-inning deficit during one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-yankees-errors-ff3ca215e6064c1983e4cce4f41a97e0">most memorable midgame meltdowns in baseball history</a>, the Dodgers used eighth-inning sacrifice flies from Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts to beat New York 7-6 on Wednesday night."In spring training this is what we said we were going to do and we did it,” Betts proclaimed, champagne stinging his eyes.Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning for New York. Alex Verdugo’s RBI single&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8475f75a8d70496adacb51f7b18cc9bf">chased Jack Flaherty in the second</a>, and Giancarlo Stanton’s third-inning homer against Ryan Brasier built a 5-0 Yankees lead.In the dugout, the Dodgers remained focused.“We were like just get one, chip away, chip away,” Freeman said.Errors by Judge in center and Anthony Volpe at shortstop, combined with pitcher Gerrit Cole failing to cover first on Betts' grounder, helped Los Angeles score five unearned runs in the fifth.Of the 234 teams to trail by five or more runs in a Series game, the Dodgers became just the seventh to win.“This is going to sting forever,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I'm heartbroken.”After Stanton’s sixth-inning sacrifice fly put the Yankees back ahead 6-5, the Dodgers loaded the bases against loser Tommy Kahnle in the eighth before the sacrifice flies off Luke Weaver.Judge doubled off winner Blake Treinen with one out in the bottom half and Chisholm walked. Manager Dave Roberts walked to the mound with Treinen at 37 pitches.“I looked in his eyes. I said how you feeling? How much more you got?" Roberts recalled. “He said: `I want it.' I trust him.”Treinen retired Stanton on a flyout and struck out Anthony Rizzo.Walker Buehler, making his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c697f8d5b3444019845eba0503874d9">first relief appearance since his rookie season in 2018</a>, pitched a perfect ninth for his first major league save.When Buehler struck out Verdugo to end the game, the Dodgers poured onto the field to celebrate between the mound and first base, capping a season in which they led the big leagues with 98 wins.With several thousand Dodgers fans remaining in a mostly empty stadium, baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred presented the trophy on a platform quickly erected over second base.Ohtani, the Dodgers’ record-setting $700 million signing and baseball’s first 50-homer, 50-steal player, went 2 for 19 with no RBIs and had one single after separating his left shoulder during a stolen base attempt in Game 2. Ohtani went through the clubhouse pouring champagne on teammates and having it sprayed on him“We were able to get through the regular season, I think, because of the strength of this team, this organization,” he said through a translator. “The success of the postseason is very similar.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-freddie-freeman-dodgers-yankees-69c512cf5db1053d10f39e9012068293">Freeman hit a two-run single to tie the Series record of 12 RBIs</a>, set by Bobby Richardson over seven games in 1960, and was voted Series MVP. With the Dodgers one out from losing Friday’s opener, Freeman hit a game-ending grand slam reminiscent of Kirk Gibson’s homer off Oakland’s Dennis Eckersley in 1988’s Game 1 that sparked Los Angeles to the title.The Dodgers earned their eighth championship and seventh since leaving Brooklyn for Los Angeles — their first in a non-shortened season since 1988. They won a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-los-angeles-dodgers-win-3f933853d5b790b87788142fc58adbd9">neutral-site World Series against Tampa Bay in 2020</a>&nbsp;after a 60-game regular season and couldn’t have a parade because of the coronavirus pandemic.These Dodgers of Ohtani, Freeman and Betts joined the 1955 Duke Snider and Roy Campanella Boys of Summer, the Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale era that spanned the three titles from 1959-65, the Tommy Lasorda-led groups 1981 and ’88, and the Betts and Clayton Kershaw champions of 2020.Ending a season that started with a gambling scandal involving Ohtani's interpreter during the opening series in South Korea, Roberts won his second championship in nine years as Dodgers manager, matching Lasorda and trailing the four of Walter Alston. The Dodgers won for the fourth time in 12 Series meetings with the Yankees.New York remained without a title since its record 27th in 2009. The Yankees acquired Juan Soto from San Diego in December knowing he would be eligible for free agency after the 2024 Series. The 26-year-old star went 5 for 16 with one RBI in the Series heading into what will be intensely followed bidding on the open market.“I'll be open to listen to every single team," Soto said. "I don't have any doors closed or anything like that, so I'm going to be available to all 30 teams.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-aaron-judge-yankees-3109939e98406dd0ef094d364068c7da">Judge finished 4 for 18 with three RBIs</a>.“You can't give a good team like that extra outs,” Judge said. “It starts with me there in the line drive coming in, misplay that. So that doesn't happen then I think we got a different story tonight.”Cole didn’t allow a hit until Kiké Hernández singled leading off the fifth. Judge, who an inning earlier made a leaping catch at the left-center wall to deny Freeman an extra-base hit, dropped Tommy Edman’s fly to center. Volpe then bounced a throw to third on Will Smith’s grounder, allowing the Dodgers to load the bases with no outs.Cole struck out Lux and Ohtani, and Betts hit a grounder to Rizzo — a slow grounder by a Mookie turned the 1986 World Series, by the Mets' Mookie Wilson against Boston.Cole didn’t cover first, pointing at Rizzo, who didn't charge because he was afraid the spinning ball might get past him. Betts outraced Rizzo to the bag.“I took a bad angle to the ball,” Cole said. “I wasn't sure really off the bat how hard he hit it. ... By the time the ball got by me, I was not in a position to cover first.”Freeman followed with a two-run single and Teoscar Hernández hit a tying two-run double.“When you’re given extra outs and you capitalize in that kind of game, that’s huge," Freeman said. “For us to get it back to even, you could just feel the momentum just coming along.”Stanton’s sixth-inning sacrifice fly off Brusdar Graterol put the Yankees ahead 6-5, but the Dodgers rallied one last time in the eighth after Kiké Hernández singled off Kahnle leading off, Edman followed with an infield hit, and Smith walked on four pitches.“We faced every adversity possible and we overcame every single one,” Freeman said, who won his second title after 2021 with Atlanta, and rebounded from a sprained ankle to homer in each of the first four Series games.<a href="https://apnews.com/ddce0cc3fd284b9f96d69ee457230df7">Purchased by Guggenheim Baseball Management in 2012</a>, the Dodgers hired Andrew Friedman from Tampa Bay to head their baseball operations two years later. He boosted the front office with a multitude of analytics and performance science staff, and ownership supplied the cash.Los Angeles went on an unprecedented $1.25 billion spending spree last offseason on deals with Ohtani, pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and James Paxton, and outfielder Teoscar Hernández. Much of the money was future obligations that raised the Dodgers’ deferred compensation to $915.5 million owed from 2028-44.Faced with injuries, the Dodgers acquired Flaherty, Edman and reliever Michael Kopech ahead of the trade deadline, and all became important cogs in the title run. The additions boosted payroll to $266 million, third behind the Mets and the Yankees, plus a projected $43 million luxury tax.Los Angeles will celebrate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-dodgers-world-series-parade-b50eef167a230b92b29ae725f69f2236">with a parade</a>&nbsp;Friday on what would have been the 64th birthday for Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela, who died three days before the Series opener.“It’s going to be emotional for all of us," Roberts said.UP NEXTLos Angeles opens its spring schedule on Feb. 20 against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch, and the Yankees start the next day against Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida.

⚾ Dodgers win World Series in 5 games over the Yankees

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/david-coit/15715">David Coit</a>&nbsp;scored 19 points,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/zeke-mayo/15498">Zeke Mayo</a>&nbsp;had 16 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rylan-griffen/15499">Rylan Griffen</a>&nbsp;had 14 points as Kansas defeated Washburn 84-53 inside Allen Fieldhouse Tuesday night in the team's final exhibition contest of 2024-25.

The 70th season of Allen Fieldhouse kicked off as Kansas hosted their second and final exhibition game of the season and&nbsp;welcoming Washburn. Washburn is led by head coach Brett Ballard, who played for Kansas from 2000-02 and was a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bill-self/727">Bill Self</a>'s staff for the 2008 National Championship.

The top-ranked Jayhawks got off to an early 11-2 lead with 15:08 left in the first half. The Jayhawk lead stretched to 16 points thanks to a three-pointer from Coit, who had 13 first-half points and finished with 19 in the contest. Coit went 5-of-10 (50.0 percent) from beyond the arc in his first game at Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas entered halftime up 38-22 after firing a 15-of-28 (53.6 percent) shooting. Five different Jayhawks hit a three-pointer in the opening half with&nbsp;Coit,&nbsp;who hit three from downtown.

Kansas shot 8-of-19 (42.1 percent) from beyond the arc in the first half.An alley-oop from&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/dajuan-harris-jr-/15490">Dajuan Harris Jr.</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kj-adams-jr-/15494">KJ Adams Jr.</a>&nbsp;led to a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/flory-bidunga/15502">Flory Bidunga</a>&nbsp;block on the other end, resulting in a made three pointer by Griffen to force a Washburn timeout with 18:38 left in the second half.

Kansas' lead stretched to 63-28 with 13:30 left in the second half after Mayo drilled back-to-back three pointers. Kansas would cruise to the finish line from that point on, finishing the game shooting 30-of-59 (50.8 percent) from the field, and holding Washburn to just 34.4 percent shooting.

Bidunga&nbsp;was the fourth Jayhawk in double figures, adding 10 points, a game-high tying seven rebounds and a game-high four blocks. Adams&nbsp;shot a perfect 4-of-4 (100.0 percent) and logged eight points, six boards and four assists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730253958484.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/david-coit/15715">David Coit</a>&nbsp;scored 19 points,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/zeke-mayo/15498">Zeke Mayo</a>&nbsp;had 16 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rylan-griffen/15499">Rylan Griffen</a>&nbsp;had 14 points as Kansas defeated Washburn 84-53 inside Allen Fieldhouse Tuesday night in the team's final exhibition contest of 2024-25.The 70th season of Allen Fieldhouse kicked off as Kansas hosted their second and final exhibition game of the season and&nbsp;welcoming Washburn. Washburn is led by head coach Brett Ballard, who played for Kansas from 2000-02 and was a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bill-self/727">Bill Self</a>'s staff for the 2008 National Championship.The top-ranked Jayhawks got off to an early 11-2 lead with 15:08 left in the first half. The Jayhawk lead stretched to 16 points thanks to a three-pointer from Coit, who had 13 first-half points and finished with 19 in the contest. Coit went 5-of-10 (50.0 percent) from beyond the arc in his first game at Allen Fieldhouse.Kansas entered halftime up 38-22 after firing a 15-of-28 (53.6 percent) shooting. Five different Jayhawks hit a three-pointer in the opening half with&nbsp;Coit,&nbsp;who hit three from downtown. Kansas shot 8-of-19 (42.1 percent) from beyond the arc in the first half.An alley-oop from&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/dajuan-harris-jr-/15490">Dajuan Harris Jr.</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kj-adams-jr-/15494">KJ Adams Jr.</a>&nbsp;led to a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/flory-bidunga/15502">Flory Bidunga</a>&nbsp;block on the other end, resulting in a made three pointer by Griffen to force a Washburn timeout with 18:38 left in the second half.Kansas' lead stretched to 63-28 with 13:30 left in the second half after Mayo drilled back-to-back three pointers. Kansas would cruise to the finish line from that point on, finishing the game shooting 30-of-59 (50.8 percent) from the field, and holding Washburn to just 34.4 percent shooting.Bidunga&nbsp;was the fourth Jayhawk in double figures, adding 10 points, a game-high tying seven rebounds and a game-high four blocks. Adams&nbsp;shot a perfect 4-of-4 (100.0 percent) and logged eight points, six boards and four assists.UP NEXTKansas will host Howard in the 2024-25 regular-season opener inside Allen Fieldhouse next Monday, Nov. 4&nbsp;with tipoff set for 7 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast&nbsp;via ESPN+.The Howard game will mark the second annual McLendon Classic as KU begins the season hosting an HBCU opponent. The contest celebrates University of Kansas alum and legendary coach John McLendon and the McLendon Leadership Initiative.