<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;After serving the last three seasons as Kansas State’s tight ends coach,&nbsp;Brian Lepak&nbsp;will now work with the Wildcat offensive line, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Thursday. Additionally,&nbsp;Drew Liddle, who has spent seven years on the K-State staff over two different stints, has been named the assistant offensive line coach after serving as an offensive analyst in 2024.

“Not only is Brian one of the top young coaches in our conference, but his background and experience with the offensive line made him the logical choice for this role,” Klieman said. “It was also important to have two coaches work in the trenches with our guys, and elevating Drew to assist Brian provides us stability and allows for a smooth transition.”

Lepak’s move to offensive line is part of K-State’s new-look offensive staff as&nbsp;Matt Wells&nbsp;was elevated to offensive coordinator earlier this week following the departure of offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Conor Riley last week.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;After serving the last three seasons as Kansas State’s tight ends coach,&nbsp;Brian Lepak&nbsp;will now work with the Wildcat offensive line, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Thursday. Additionally,&nbsp;Drew Liddle, who has spent seven years on the K-State staff over two different stints, has been named the assistant offensive line coach after serving as an offensive analyst in 2024.“Not only is Brian one of the top young coaches in our conference, but his background and experience with the offensive line made him the logical choice for this role,” Klieman said. “It was also important to have two coaches work in the trenches with our guys, and elevating Drew to assist Brian provides us stability and allows for a smooth transition.”Lepak’s move to offensive line is part of K-State’s new-look offensive staff as&nbsp;Matt Wells&nbsp;was elevated to offensive coordinator earlier this week following the departure of offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Conor Riley last week.RYAN LACKEY“&nbsp;

Lepak to Coach K-State’s Offensive Line, Liddle to Assist

Junction City High School senior Petren Bartolome was honored Tuesday night at halftime of the boys varsity basketball game for being selected to represent the Blue Jays at the 2025 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasShrineBowl?__cft__[0]=AZW44fG8pwdwYpDv7WTVnPVpAtAmvFIEMdnB2-P2fKjLGekMIAJxeiCJmfWRxg2c-fqUHMCPEITlEw4jUh585E2TdrCHrCehMMvtka5H7jGTusCUiQh0Fl0OoJ7pYb82EHj3g_vxP1DVrl8SmVj-BIyGAO6G2uEbXGV8UDluX3rBDp-05SqE9gW30jFAdQ5GQV8&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Shrine Bowl</a>.

Bartolome, who recently signed to play football at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoConqs?__cft__[0]=AZW44fG8pwdwYpDv7WTVnPVpAtAmvFIEMdnB2-P2fKjLGekMIAJxeiCJmfWRxg2c-fqUHMCPEITlEw4jUh585E2TdrCHrCehMMvtka5H7jGTusCUiQh0Fl0OoJ7pYb82EHj3g_vxP1DVrl8SmVj-BIyGAO6G2uEbXGV8UDluX3rBDp-05SqE9gW30jFAdQ5GQV8&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Dodge City Community College</a> next fall, will play for the West Team on Saturday, June 21 at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739377052261.jpeg" alt="Petren Bartolome officially receives and accepts the invitation to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Petren Bartolome officially receives and accepts the invitation to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City High School senior Petren Bartolome was honored Tuesday night at halftime of the boys varsity basketball game for being selected to represent the Blue Jays at the 2025 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasShrineBowl?__cft__[0]=AZW44fG8pwdwYpDv7WTVnPVpAtAmvFIEMdnB2-P2fKjLGekMIAJxeiCJmfWRxg2c-fqUHMCPEITlEw4jUh585E2TdrCHrCehMMvtka5H7jGTusCUiQh0Fl0OoJ7pYb82EHj3g_vxP1DVrl8SmVj-BIyGAO6G2uEbXGV8UDluX3rBDp-05SqE9gW30jFAdQ5GQV8&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Shrine Bowl</a>. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739377174461.jpeg" alt="Junction City High School Football coach Randall Zimmerman with Blue Jay senior Petren Bartolome.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Junction City High School Football coach Randall Zimmerman with Blue Jay senior Petren Bartolome.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Bartolome, who recently signed to play football at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoConqs?__cft__[0]=AZW44fG8pwdwYpDv7WTVnPVpAtAmvFIEMdnB2-P2fKjLGekMIAJxeiCJmfWRxg2c-fqUHMCPEITlEw4jUh585E2TdrCHrCehMMvtka5H7jGTusCUiQh0Fl0OoJ7pYb82EHj3g_vxP1DVrl8SmVj-BIyGAO6G2uEbXGV8UDluX3rBDp-05SqE9gW30jFAdQ5GQV8&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Dodge City Community College</a> next fall, will play for the West Team on Saturday, June 21 at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.

Junction City's Petren Bartolome will play in Kansas Shrine Bowl

Junction City and Emporia entered the game on Tuesday night looking for their first win in Centennial League play. 

The Lady Spartans jumped out to an early lead and led 13-7 after one. Emporia expanded their lead to double-digits before halftime, but the Lady Jays cut it to nine points at the half trailing 22-13. 

In the second half, the Lady Spartans pulled away, leading by 20 points at the end of the third quarter, and then grew the lead in the fourth quarter, winning 49-21. 

Junior Morgan Nabus led the way for the JC girls with seven points, and Freshman Laniya Warmack had a career-high six points in the game. 

With the loss, the Lady Jays fall to 1-14, and 0-5 in Centennial League play. 

The Junction City Blue Jays entered Tuesday's matchup with Emporia on a three-game losing streak, and having lost five of their last six games. 

The first quarter was up-tempo, and the Emporia Spartans led by one, 14-13, going into the second quarter. 

Shots began falling for JC, with back-to-back threes from Isiah Handy and Jeremias Cruz. The Blue Jays outscored Emporia 21-13 in the second quarter, and JC led at the half 34-27. 

The third quarter was a defensive battle, with not a lot of scoring, and Junction City still led by seven after three quarters, 45-38.

The fourth quarter is when the excitement began, as it looked like the Blue Jays had a chance to put the game away. Emporia had other things in mind, as they shot lights out down the stretch. Madden Seidl for Emporia hit a three-pointer from the top of the key to tie the game at 58 with 14 seconds to go. JC had a chance to win it in regulation, but Jeremias Cruz three did not go, and the game went into overtime. 

To begin overtime, Cruz hit a three-pointer this time and gave the Blue Jays a three-point lead.  JC led by five with a minute to go, but the Spartans again came back. Two big threes for Emporia made it a one-point game, 67-66 with 20 seconds to go. Junior Lovell Autry made two free throws to give the Blue Jays a 69-66 lead. After an Emporia miss, the Blue Jays missed two free throws to seal the game. A half-court heave for the Spartans missed, and Junction City won in overtime. 

The Blue Jays snapped their three-game losing streak and improved to 10-5 on the season. 

Seniors Larkin Turner and Jeremias Cruz both had 16 points for JC, Autry had 13, and Isiah Handy added 11. 

Next up for JC is hosting Washburn Rural on Friday night at Blue Jay Event Center.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostGirls recapJunction City and Emporia entered the game on Tuesday night looking for their first win in Centennial League play. The Lady Spartans jumped out to an early lead and led 13-7 after one. Emporia expanded their lead to double-digits before halftime, but the Lady Jays cut it to nine points at the half trailing 22-13. In the second half, the Lady Spartans pulled away, leading by 20 points at the end of the third quarter, and then grew the lead in the fourth quarter, winning 49-21. Junior Morgan Nabus led the way for the JC girls with seven points, and Freshman Laniya Warmack had a career-high six points in the game. With the loss, the Lady Jays fall to 1-14, and 0-5 in Centennial League play. Boys recapThe Junction City Blue Jays entered Tuesday's matchup with Emporia on a three-game losing streak, and having lost five of their last six games. The first quarter was up-tempo, and the Emporia Spartans led by one, 14-13, going into the second quarter. Shots began falling for JC, with back-to-back threes from Isiah Handy and Jeremias Cruz. The Blue Jays outscored Emporia 21-13 in the second quarter, and JC led at the half 34-27. The third quarter was a defensive battle, with not a lot of scoring, and Junction City still led by seven after three quarters, 45-38.The fourth quarter is when the excitement began, as it looked like the Blue Jays had a chance to put the game away. Emporia had other things in mind, as they shot lights out down the stretch. Madden Seidl for Emporia hit a three-pointer from the top of the key to tie the game at 58 with 14 seconds to go. JC had a chance to win it in regulation, but Jeremias Cruz three did not go, and the game went into overtime. To begin overtime, Cruz hit a three-pointer this time and gave the Blue Jays a three-point lead. JC led by five with a minute to go, but the Spartans again came back. Two big threes for Emporia made it a one-point game, 67-66 with 20 seconds to go. Junior Lovell Autry made two free throws to give the Blue Jays a 69-66 lead. After an Emporia miss, the Blue Jays missed two free throws to seal the game. A half-court heave for the Spartans missed, and Junction City won in overtime. The Blue Jays snapped their three-game losing streak and improved to 10-5 on the season. Seniors Larkin Turner and Jeremias Cruz both had 16 points for JC, Autry had 13, and Isiah Handy added 11. Next up for JC is hosting Washburn Rural on Friday night at Blue Jay Event Center.

Blue Jays win in OT, Lady Jays fall to Emporia

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 19 points to help No. 17 Kansas beat Colorado 71-59 on Tuesday night, handing the Buffaloes their 13th straight loss.

Besides Dickinson, Kansas (16-7, 7-5 Big 12) had three other players in double figures. Zeke Mayo added 13 points and Dajuan Harris and KJ Adams each had 10 each.

Kansas has alternated between wins and losses in the last seven games. Despite the double-digit margin, this victory was anything but easy.

Colorado (9-14, 0-12) used an early second-half run to trim a 14-point halftime deficit to just 6. Kansas didn't lead by more than 11 points until Adams hit a short jumper just before the shot clock expired to make it 69-56 with 1:31 left.

Sebastian Rancik led Colorado with a season-high 19 points. Bangot Dak added 11 points for the Buffaloes, and Elijah Malone had 10.

Colorado: Even after Kansas pulled away late in the first half to take a 40-26 lead into the break, the Buffaloes opened the second half with a 10-2 run to trim the deficit to six points.

Kansas: The Jayhawks needed a big game from Dickinson and they got it. With backup center Flory Bidunga scoring just fuur points, Dickinson's 19 points were critical.

Kansas held Colorado without a field goal for almost seven minutes in the first half to help the Jayhawks open their largest lead of the game. The Buffaloes missed 10 straight shots during the stretch.

Colorado shot just 17.4% (4-of-23) from 3-point range. The Buffaloes were 1-of-11 in the first half.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739334512592.jpeg" alt="Colorado guard Julian Hammond III (3) tries to steal the ball away from Kansas center Hunter Dickinson (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Colorado guard Julian Hammond III (3) tries to steal the ball away from Kansas center Hunter Dickinson (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 19 points to help No. 17 Kansas beat Colorado 71-59 on Tuesday night, handing the Buffaloes their 13th straight loss.Besides Dickinson, Kansas (16-7, 7-5 Big 12) had three other players in double figures. Zeke Mayo added 13 points and Dajuan Harris and KJ Adams each had 10 each.Kansas has alternated between wins and losses in the last seven games. Despite the double-digit margin, this victory was anything but easy.Colorado (9-14, 0-12) used an early second-half run to trim a 14-point halftime deficit to just 6. Kansas didn't lead by more than 11 points until Adams hit a short jumper just before the shot clock expired to make it 69-56 with 1:31 left.Sebastian Rancik led Colorado with a season-high 19 points. Bangot Dak added 11 points for the Buffaloes, and Elijah Malone had 10.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Colorado: Even after Kansas pulled away late in the first half to take a 40-26 lead into the break, the Buffaloes opened the second half with a 10-2 run to trim the deficit to six points.Kansas: The Jayhawks needed a big game from Dickinson and they got it. With backup center Flory Bidunga scoring just fuur points, Dickinson's 19 points were critical.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kansas held Colorado without a field goal for almost seven minutes in the first half to help the Jayhawks open their largest lead of the game. The Buffaloes missed 10 straight shots during the stretch.<h2>Key stat</h2>Colorado shot just 17.4% (4-of-23) from 3-point range. The Buffaloes were 1-of-11 in the first half.<h2>Up next</h2>

🏀 No. 17 Kansas struggles before beating Colorado 

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Dug McDaniel scored a season-high 24 points and Kansas State beat No. 13 Arizona 73-70 on Tuesday night for its sixth straight victory — four against ranked opponents.

David N’Guessan had 16 points and seven rebounds for the resurgent Wildcats (13-11, 7-6 Big 12), who lost six in a row right before this winning streak. C.J. Jones added 10 points, and McDaniel finished with five steals, four rebounds and three assists.

KJ Lewis led Arizona (17-7, 11-2) with 15 points off the bench. The Wildcats missed a desperation heave at the buzzer, ending their six-game winning streak.

Jaden Bradley had 13 points, Henri Veesaar scored 12 and Tobe Awaka added 10 for Arizona, which lost for only the second time since Dec. 14.

Kansas State ended the first half on a 13-0 run to take a 35-29 lead into the break.

Arizona: Winning on the road in the Big 12 is tough, especially when facing one of the hottest teams in the country.

Kansas State: The Wildcats have caught fire and are playing like an NCAA Tournament team. If they can keep winning Big 12 games, it’ll be tough to keep them out.

Lewis fouled Max Jones on a 3-point attempt late in the first half, which led to three free throws and a 32-29 Kansas State lead.

Both teams were atrocious from the 3-point line as Arizona went 2 of 22 and Kansas State was 1 for 19 from deep.

Arizona hosts No. 6 Houston on Saturday. Kansas State visits BYU the same day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739332433877.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's C.J. Jones celebrates a shot and a foul during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Travis Heying)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's C.J. Jones celebrates a shot and a foul during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Travis Heying)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Dug McDaniel scored a season-high 24 points and Kansas State beat No. 13 Arizona 73-70 on Tuesday night for its sixth straight victory — four against ranked opponents.David N’Guessan had 16 points and seven rebounds for the resurgent Wildcats (13-11, 7-6 Big 12), who lost six in a row right before this winning streak. C.J. Jones added 10 points, and McDaniel finished with five steals, four rebounds and three assists.KJ Lewis led Arizona (17-7, 11-2) with 15 points off the bench. The Wildcats missed a desperation heave at the buzzer, ending their six-game winning streak.Jaden Bradley had 13 points, Henri Veesaar scored 12 and Tobe Awaka added 10 for Arizona, which lost for only the second time since Dec. 14.Kansas State ended the first half on a 13-0 run to take a 35-29 lead into the break.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Arizona: Winning on the road in the Big 12 is tough, especially when facing one of the hottest teams in the country.Kansas State: The Wildcats have caught fire and are playing like an NCAA Tournament team. If they can keep winning Big 12 games, it’ll be tough to keep them out.<h2>Key moment</h2>Lewis fouled Max Jones on a 3-point attempt late in the first half, which led to three free throws and a 32-29 Kansas State lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>Both teams were atrocious from the 3-point line as Arizona went 2 of 22 and Kansas State was 1 for 19 from deep.<h2>Up next</h2>Arizona hosts No. 6 Houston on Saturday. Kansas State visits BYU the same day.___

🏀 McDaniel scores 24 as Kansas State beats No. 13 Arizona

Junction City High School Athletic Director Chris Bogenhagen announced changes to the start times for Tuesday night's basketball games when the blue Jays host Emporia High.&nbsp;

Due to expected inclement weather late Tuesday night, the start times have been adjust for the varsity games.&nbsp;

Girls varsity will be at 4:30 in the Main Gym

Boys varsity will be at 6:00 in the Main Gym

Girls JV will play at 6:00 in the Aux Gym.

There will be no freshman games played Tuesday.&nbsp;

Junction City High School Athletic Director Chris Bogenhagen announced changes to the start times for Tuesday night's basketball games when the blue Jays host Emporia High.&nbsp;Due to expected inclement weather late Tuesday night, the start times have been adjust for the varsity games.&nbsp;Varsity gamesGirls varsity will be at 4:30 in the Main GymBoys varsity will be at 6:00 in the Main GymJV GamesBoys JV will play at 4:30 in the Aux GymGirls JV will play at 6:00 in the Aux Gym.There will be no freshman games played Tuesday.&nbsp;

JCHS moves up basketball game times for Tuesday night

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Matt Wells, who served on the K-State football staff as the co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach/associate head coach in 2024 has been promoted to offensive coordinator, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Monday.

“We are fortunate to have someone experienced on staff in Matt, who I have known for 12-plus years and will seamlessly transition into the offensive coordinator role,” Klieman said. “He worked closely with Conor last season and had a big part in our offensive production. His resume speaks for itself, and his relationship with and development of Avery Johnson and our other quarterbacks will help our offense continue to grow.”

Wells replaces Conor Riley as the primary play caller, who was named the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line coach late last week.

“It is such an honor to coach here at K-State, and I am thankful to Coach Klieman for this opportunity,” Wells said. “I have grown to love this school and our players throughout this past year. I am excited for this upcoming season and looking forward to building upon this offense with our players and staff.”

Wells hit the ground running in his first season on staff, tutoring&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;to a school-record 25 touchdown passes, while his sophomore signal caller ranked fifth in school history in passing yards (2,712) and completions (217). Additionally, Johnson was one of only five players in the nation and one of three from Power 4 schools to record at least 2,700 passing yards and 600 rushing yards, while he was one of nine signal callers nationally with at least 25 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Matt Wells, who served on the K-State football staff as the co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach/associate head coach in 2024 has been promoted to offensive coordinator, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Monday.“We are fortunate to have someone experienced on staff in Matt, who I have known for 12-plus years and will seamlessly transition into the offensive coordinator role,” Klieman said. “He worked closely with Conor last season and had a big part in our offensive production. His resume speaks for itself, and his relationship with and development of Avery Johnson and our other quarterbacks will help our offense continue to grow.”Wells replaces Conor Riley as the primary play caller, who was named the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line coach late last week.“It is such an honor to coach here at K-State, and I am thankful to Coach Klieman for this opportunity,” Wells said. “I have grown to love this school and our players throughout this past year. I am excited for this upcoming season and looking forward to building upon this offense with our players and staff.”Wells hit the ground running in his first season on staff, tutoring&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;to a school-record 25 touchdown passes, while his sophomore signal caller ranked fifth in school history in passing yards (2,712) and completions (217). Additionally, Johnson was one of only five players in the nation and one of three from Power 4 schools to record at least 2,700 passing yards and 600 rushing yards, while he was one of nine signal callers nationally with at least 25 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns.RYAN LACKEY

K-State’s Wells Named Offensive Coordinator

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Cooper DeJean, Josh Sweat and the Philadelphia Eagles’ ferocious defense denied Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat.

<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1888750819786256472">DeJean got a pick-6</a>&nbsp;on his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-birthday-cooper-dejean-barkley-697c91e35802293f29cf0aed95e15436">22nd birthday</a>, Sweat tormented Mahomes and the Eagles routed the Chiefs 40-22 on Sunday to secure the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship.

Jalen Hurts threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score on a tush push, and Vic Fangio's defense was so dominant that the Eagles didn't need much from Saquon Barkley.

The game-changing running back finished with 57 yards,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-eagles-barkley-5e28abc26e50169e124fa99c2ef4058e">breaking Terrell Davis’ record</a>&nbsp;for yards rushing in a season, playoffs included. Hurts threw for 221 yards.

With Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nfl-super-bowl-first-president-766c628f4ea3faf38d100e4f33f2ac8c">becoming the first president in office to attend a Super Bowl</a>, the Eagles outplayed Kansas City in every facet, delighting a raucous pro-Philly crowd that celebrated each score with a familiar rendition of “Fly! Eagles! Fly!”

Even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-35c7b3b896c226566e4afa0baa7b69c5">Taylor Swift’s presence</a>&nbsp;couldn’t help the Chiefs. They lost for the first time in 10 games this season with the pop superstar in a suite watching boyfriend Travis Kelce, who didn’t catch a pass until late in the third quarter.

Not in Kansas City’s worst nightmares could its fans have imagined such a lackluster performance. The Chiefs had won three of the previous five Super Bowls, losing 31-9 to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers four years ago.

Mahomes was 8-0 against Fangio’s defenses before the longtime coordinator and former Broncos head coach outcoached Andy Reid, capping his first season with his hometown team. Reid fell to 3-3 in Super Bowls, including a loss with the Eagles.

The Eagles sacked Mahomes six times, the most of his career, including 2 1/2 by Sweat. And they did it without Fangio calling a single blitz.

Barkley, the 2024 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, only had 31 yards rushing in the first half when Philly built a 24-0 lead.

The Chiefs were aiming to become the third team in NFL history to win three straight championships and the first to three-peat in the Super Bowl era.

Hurts nearly led the Eagles to victory against the Chiefs two years ago in Arizona, but Mahomes led a comeback and Harrison Butker kicked the game-winning field goal in the final minute for a 38-35 victory. Mahomes rallied Kansas City to an overtime victory over San Francisco last year for the Chiefs' second straight title.

This time, a revamped Philly defense featuring eight new starters from the 2022 team made sure Mahomes had no chance to pull off his magic.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-analysis-sirianni-sideline-antics-125b677b3a4d8cca37d89ead27b5fe1e">who mocked fans chanting “Fire Nick!”</a>&nbsp;during a victory over Cleveland in October and was called a “clown” on national television, should finally silence critics by adding a championship ring to a resume that includes the fifth-best winning percentage in league history.

Sirianni was showered with Gatorade with nearly three minutes left in the game while backup QB Kenny Pickett took snaps in mop-up duty.

Barkley helped push Hurts into the end zone from the 1 to give Philadelphia a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Up 10-0 after Jake Elliott’s 48-yard field goal, Sweat and Jalyx Hunt sacked Mahomes on consecutive plays. Mahomes then rolled out and made an errant throw that was picked by DeJean, who returned it 38 yards for a 17-0 lead.

It was Mahomes’ first pick-6 in 21 career playoff games and ended a streak of 297 straight passes without an interception.

All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun picked Mahomes again late in the second quarter, and Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a 12-yard TD pass for a 24-0 lead.

<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1888774848114983241">Hurts threw a perfect 46-yard TD pass to DeVonta Smith</a>&nbsp;to make it 34-0 late in the third.

Mahomes fired a 24-yard TD pass to Xavier Worthy to avoid the shutout, but the 2-point conversion failed. He threw two late, mostly meaningless TD passes, one to DeAndre Hopkins and another to Worthy.

After two weeks of discussions about questionable calls that led to public perception that officials favor the Chiefs — a theory NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called “ridiculous” — the first penalty of the game only fueled critics.

A 32-yard pass from Hurts to Brown to the Chiefs 18 on fourth-and-2 was negated by a penalty for offensive pass interference. Brady, now a Fox analyst, and officiating analyst Mike Pereira both disagreed with the call, although Brown shoved Trent McDuffie’s facemask.

On the next possession, the Eagles benefited from an unnecessary roughness penalty on McDuffie against Dallas Goedert following an incomplete pass on third-and-5.

Hurts then connected with Jahan Dotson on a 27-yard pass to the 1 and scored on the next play.

Hurts’ streak of 217 passes without a pick ended in the first half when he was intercepted deep in Kansas City territory, but the Chiefs didn’t capitalize.

The Green Bay Packers are the only NFL team to win three championships in a row, doing it from 1929-31 and 1965-67.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739157518917.png" alt="Photo Philadelphia Eagles" />
 <figcaption>Photo Philadelphia Eagles</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Cooper DeJean, Josh Sweat and the Philadelphia Eagles’ ferocious defense denied Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat.It wasn’t even close.<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1888750819786256472">DeJean got a pick-6</a>&nbsp;on his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-birthday-cooper-dejean-barkley-697c91e35802293f29cf0aed95e15436">22nd birthday</a>, Sweat tormented Mahomes and the Eagles routed the Chiefs 40-22 on Sunday to secure the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship.Jalen Hurts threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score on a tush push, and Vic Fangio's defense was so dominant that the Eagles didn't need much from Saquon Barkley.The game-changing running back finished with 57 yards,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-eagles-barkley-5e28abc26e50169e124fa99c2ef4058e">breaking Terrell Davis’ record</a>&nbsp;for yards rushing in a season, playoffs included. Hurts threw for 221 yards.With Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nfl-super-bowl-first-president-766c628f4ea3faf38d100e4f33f2ac8c">becoming the first president in office to attend a Super Bowl</a>, the Eagles outplayed Kansas City in every facet, delighting a raucous pro-Philly crowd that celebrated each score with a familiar rendition of “Fly! Eagles! Fly!”Even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-35c7b3b896c226566e4afa0baa7b69c5">Taylor Swift’s presence</a>&nbsp;couldn’t help the Chiefs. They lost for the first time in 10 games this season with the pop superstar in a suite watching boyfriend Travis Kelce, who didn’t catch a pass until late in the third quarter.Not in Kansas City’s worst nightmares could its fans have imagined such a lackluster performance. The Chiefs had won three of the previous five Super Bowls, losing 31-9 to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers four years ago.Mahomes was 8-0 against Fangio’s defenses before the longtime coordinator and former Broncos head coach outcoached Andy Reid, capping his first season with his hometown team. Reid fell to 3-3 in Super Bowls, including a loss with the Eagles.The Eagles sacked Mahomes six times, the most of his career, including 2 1/2 by Sweat. And they did it without Fangio calling a single blitz.Barkley, the 2024 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, only had 31 yards rushing in the first half when Philly built a 24-0 lead.The Chiefs were aiming to become the third team in NFL history to win three straight championships and the first to three-peat in the Super Bowl era.Hurts nearly led the Eagles to victory against the Chiefs two years ago in Arizona, but Mahomes led a comeback and Harrison Butker kicked the game-winning field goal in the final minute for a 38-35 victory. Mahomes rallied Kansas City to an overtime victory over San Francisco last year for the Chiefs' second straight title.This time, a revamped Philly defense featuring eight new starters from the 2022 team made sure Mahomes had no chance to pull off his magic.Eagles coach Nick Sirianni,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-analysis-sirianni-sideline-antics-125b677b3a4d8cca37d89ead27b5fe1e">who mocked fans chanting “Fire Nick!”</a>&nbsp;during a victory over Cleveland in October and was called a “clown” on national television, should finally silence critics by adding a championship ring to a resume that includes the fifth-best winning percentage in league history.Sirianni was showered with Gatorade with nearly three minutes left in the game while backup QB Kenny Pickett took snaps in mop-up duty.Barkley helped push Hurts into the end zone from the 1 to give Philadelphia a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.Up 10-0 after Jake Elliott’s 48-yard field goal, Sweat and Jalyx Hunt sacked Mahomes on consecutive plays. Mahomes then rolled out and made an errant throw that was picked by DeJean, who returned it 38 yards for a 17-0 lead.It was Mahomes’ first pick-6 in 21 career playoff games and ended a streak of 297 straight passes without an interception.All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun picked Mahomes again late in the second quarter, and Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a 12-yard TD pass for a 24-0 lead.<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1888774848114983241">Hurts threw a perfect 46-yard TD pass to DeVonta Smith</a>&nbsp;to make it 34-0 late in the third.Mahomes fired a 24-yard TD pass to Xavier Worthy to avoid the shutout, but the 2-point conversion failed. He threw two late, mostly meaningless TD passes, one to DeAndre Hopkins and another to Worthy.After two weeks of discussions about questionable calls that led to public perception that officials favor the Chiefs — a theory NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called “ridiculous” — the first penalty of the game only fueled critics.A 32-yard pass from Hurts to Brown to the Chiefs 18 on fourth-and-2 was negated by a penalty for offensive pass interference. Brady, now a Fox analyst, and officiating analyst Mike Pereira both disagreed with the call, although Brown shoved Trent McDuffie’s facemask.On the next possession, the Eagles benefited from an unnecessary roughness penalty on McDuffie against Dallas Goedert following an incomplete pass on third-and-5.Hurts then connected with Jahan Dotson on a 27-yard pass to the 1 and scored on the next play.Hurts’ streak of 217 passes without a pick ended in the first half when he was intercepted deep in Kansas City territory, but the Chiefs didn’t capitalize.The Green Bay Packers are the only NFL team to win three championships in a row, doing it from 1929-31 and 1965-67.

🏈 Eagles spoil Chiefs' three-peat bid, win the Super Bowl 

Twelve Junction City Lady Jay participated in the Centennial League dual tournament on Saturday.&nbsp; Coach Carl Laughlin said all 12 girls placed in the&nbsp; top 4.&nbsp;

Fourth place finishers were:Alexia Zink, Natalie Whitaker, Catelin Owens, Caitie Dee and Maddox Butler.

Third place finishers were Jordis Serrano and Elaina Twitt

Brandie Brown was a second place finisher&nbsp;&nbsp;

CHAMPIONS were 100 Jaidyn Alvarado and 115 Bree Villanueva&nbsp;

CENTENNIAL WRESTLER OF THE YEAR 115 (BREE) Villaneuva, 130 Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz, and 190 Shalina Hicks.

Twelve Junction City Lady Jay participated in the Centennial League dual tournament on Saturday.&nbsp; Coach Carl Laughlin said all 12 girls placed in the&nbsp; top 4.&nbsp;Fourth place finishers were:Alexia Zink, Natalie Whitaker, Catelin Owens, Caitie Dee and Maddox Butler.Third place finishers were Jordis Serrano and Elaina TwittBrandie Brown was a second place finisher&nbsp;&nbsp;CHAMPIONS were 100 Jaidyn Alvarado and 115 Bree Villanueva&nbsp;CENTENNIAL WRESTLER OF THE YEAR 115 (BREE) Villaneuva, 130 Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz, and 190 Shalina Hicks.

Lady Jay Centennial League wrestling results

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) —&nbsp;Former Iowa player and Nickerson High School standout Ava Jones announced on social media Saturday that she has cancer.

Jones said on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/avajones_35/p/DF0uLFnxNcZ/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;that she has Hodgkin lymphoma.

Just days after she committed to play for the Hawkeyes in 2022, Jones and her family were struck by a car in Kentucky. Her father, Trey Jones, died and she suffered a brain injury. Her mom was also injured.

“I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma after the results from the biopsy came back,” she wrote. “This is the news no one ever wants to get, but especially after spending the last 2 and a half years working my butt off and recovering from getting hit by a car. My body is very strong and I am confident in the doctors here at Iowa.”

Her former teammate Caitlin Clark commented on Jones’ post writing, “Praying for you kid."

Jones' scholarship was honored by Iowa and she was on the basketball team as a freshman before she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-ava-jones-retires-2b80c94b58f419264a4db5fb96a741a1" target="_blank">medically retired</a>&nbsp;eight months ago. She had several surgeries to address the brain injury as well as the multiple torn ligaments in her knees. She redshirted last season with hopes of playing at some point during her career at Iowa.

“It is with great sadness to announce that I am medically retiring from college basketball. My coaches, doctors, teammates and trainers have been amazing since the accident,” Jones said when she retired. “While I will no longer be a member of the women’s basketball program, I will still be on scholarship, receive a world-class education and forever be a Hawkeye. I’d like to thank my family for the never-ending support and I am excited for the next chapter of my life.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739063585196.jpeg" alt="FILE - Iowa Hawkeyes forward Ava Jones looks on during an exhibition game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Clarke Pride at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa, Oct. 22, 2023. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Iowa Hawkeyes forward Ava Jones looks on during an exhibition game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Clarke Pride at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa, Oct. 22, 2023. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) —&nbsp;Former Iowa player and Nickerson High School standout Ava Jones announced on social media Saturday that she has cancer.Jones said on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/avajones_35/p/DF0uLFnxNcZ/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;that she has Hodgkin lymphoma.Just days after she committed to play for the Hawkeyes in 2022, Jones and her family were struck by a car in Kentucky. Her father, Trey Jones, died and she suffered a brain injury. Her mom was also injured.“I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma after the results from the biopsy came back,” she wrote. “This is the news no one ever wants to get, but especially after spending the last 2 and a half years working my butt off and recovering from getting hit by a car. My body is very strong and I am confident in the doctors here at Iowa.”Her former teammate Caitlin Clark commented on Jones’ post writing, “Praying for you kid."Jones' scholarship was honored by Iowa and she was on the basketball team as a freshman before she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-ava-jones-retires-2b80c94b58f419264a4db5fb96a741a1" target="_blank">medically retired</a>&nbsp;eight months ago. She had several surgeries to address the brain injury as well as the multiple torn ligaments in her knees. She redshirted last season with hopes of playing at some point during her career at Iowa.“It is with great sadness to announce that I am medically retiring from college basketball. My coaches, doctors, teammates and trainers have been amazing since the accident,” Jones said when she retired. “While I will no longer be a member of the women’s basketball program, I will still be on scholarship, receive a world-class education and forever be a Hawkeye. I’d like to thank my family for the never-ending support and I am excited for the next chapter of my life.”

Former Nickerson player Ava Jones reveals cancer diagnosis

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — David N'Guessan scored 20 points and Kansas State beat No. 16 Kansas 81-73 on Saturday for its fifth straight win, including three against ranked opponents.

Dug McDaniel added 15 points and Max Jones and Coleman Hawkins each scored 12 as Kansas State (12-11, 6-6 Big 12) beat Kansas for the third straight game in Manhattan, after two overtime victories over the Jayhawks.

Hunter Dickinson scored 21 points, Zeke Mayo added 15 and KJ Adams 13 for Kansas (16-7, 7-5).

Kansas State extended its lead to 55-43 at the 17:20 mark of the second half and maintained a comfortable lead the rest of the way.

Kansas: The Jayhawks need to find some consistency before the NCAA Tournament rolls around. In their last six games, the Jayhawks have followed each win with a loss.

Kansas State: The Wildcats can start thinking about postseason play. If they can continue their present run, they could end up in the tournament field.

Starting point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. picked up two early fouls and went to the bench for the rest of the half after getting whistled for his third with 9:56 remaning before the break. His only stat in the first half was three assists in just over four minutes. He played nearly the entire second half, finishing with four points and six assists.

Kansas State had 23 assists and 10 turnovers and fought off constant defensive pressure in the second half by Kansas.

Both teams are in action Tuesday. Kansas hosts Colorado while Kansas State hosts Arizona.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739048737773.png" alt="Photo K-State athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — David N'Guessan scored 20 points and Kansas State beat No. 16 Kansas 81-73 on Saturday for its fifth straight win, including three against ranked opponents.Dug McDaniel added 15 points and Max Jones and Coleman Hawkins each scored 12 as Kansas State (12-11, 6-6 Big 12) beat Kansas for the third straight game in Manhattan, after two overtime victories over the Jayhawks.Hunter Dickinson scored 21 points, Zeke Mayo added 15 and KJ Adams 13 for Kansas (16-7, 7-5).Kansas State extended its lead to 55-43 at the 17:20 mark of the second half and maintained a comfortable lead the rest of the way.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas: The Jayhawks need to find some consistency before the NCAA Tournament rolls around. In their last six games, the Jayhawks have followed each win with a loss.Kansas State: The Wildcats can start thinking about postseason play. If they can continue their present run, they could end up in the tournament field.<h2>Key moment</h2>Starting point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. picked up two early fouls and went to the bench for the rest of the half after getting whistled for his third with 9:56 remaning before the break. His only stat in the first half was three assists in just over four minutes. He played nearly the entire second half, finishing with four points and six assists.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas State had 23 assists and 10 turnovers and fought off constant defensive pressure in the second half by Kansas.<h2>Up next</h2>Both teams are in action Tuesday. Kansas hosts Colorado while Kansas State hosts Arizona.___

🏀 K-State extends winning streak to 5 with victory over KU

The Topeka Hayden Wildcats swept Junction City on homecoming night at Blue Jay Event Center.

The Topeka Hayden Lady Wildcats jumped on the Junction City Lady Jays right from the opening tip and took a quick 18-0 lead. Junction City responded with a 6-0 run to trim the lead to 18-6, but Hayden pulled away and led 23-9 at the end of the first quarter. 

The second quarter was all Hayden, as JC did not score, and the Lady Wildcats led 42-9 at the half. The third quarter was very similar, with JC only scoring two points, and trailing 53-11. 

In the fourth quarter, the Lady Jays showed some fight and continued to play with energy, but the Lady Wildcats beat JC 61-14. 

In the game, only three JC players scored. Morgan Nabus made two three-pointers for six points, Bella Pruitt scored five, and Breya Allen had three. 

With the loss, Junction City goes to 1-13 on the season. 

In a surprise upset, the Hayden Wildcats knocked off Junction City 64-55 on Friday night in JC. 

The Blue Jays won the opening tip and got off to a fast start, and senior Jayden Mears banked in a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the first quarter leading 22-15. 

The second quarter was all about the Wildcats outscoring JC 18-5. Similar to the end of the first quarter, JC's Jeremias Cruz banked in a three from the opposite wing to cut the Hayden lead down to 33-27 at the half. 

The third quarter featured several opportunities for JC to tie the game, or take the lead, but Hayden held onto a three-point lead at 46-43 going into the final quarter. 

The Wildcats hit clutch three-pointers and made free throws down the stretch, and beat the Blue Jays 64-55 on homecoming night. 

Junction City had four players in double-digits. Senior Larkin Turner led the way with 14 points, senior Ja'Twaan Williams had 12, senior Jeremias Cruz added 11, and junior Lovell Autry had 10. 

With the loss, the Blue Jays have lost five of their last six games and fall to 9-5 on the season. 

Next up for Junction City is hosting Emporia High on Tuesday night at Blue Jay Event Center.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Topeka Hayden Wildcats swept Junction City on homecoming night at Blue Jay Event Center.Girls recapThe Topeka Hayden Lady Wildcats jumped on the Junction City Lady Jays right from the opening tip and took a quick 18-0 lead. Junction City responded with a 6-0 run to trim the lead to 18-6, but Hayden pulled away and led 23-9 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was all Hayden, as JC did not score, and the Lady Wildcats led 42-9 at the half. The third quarter was very similar, with JC only scoring two points, and trailing 53-11. In the fourth quarter, the Lady Jays showed some fight and continued to play with energy, but the Lady Wildcats beat JC 61-14. In the game, only three JC players scored. Morgan Nabus made two three-pointers for six points, Bella Pruitt scored five, and Breya Allen had three. With the loss, Junction City goes to 1-13 on the season. Boys recap In a surprise upset, the Hayden Wildcats knocked off Junction City 64-55 on Friday night in JC. The Blue Jays won the opening tip and got off to a fast start, and senior Jayden Mears banked in a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the first quarter leading 22-15. The second quarter was all about the Wildcats outscoring JC 18-5. Similar to the end of the first quarter, JC's Jeremias Cruz banked in a three from the opposite wing to cut the Hayden lead down to 33-27 at the half. The third quarter featured several opportunities for JC to tie the game, or take the lead, but Hayden held onto a three-point lead at 46-43 going into the final quarter. The Wildcats hit clutch three-pointers and made free throws down the stretch, and beat the Blue Jays 64-55 on homecoming night. Junction City had four players in double-digits. Senior Larkin Turner led the way with 14 points, senior Ja'Twaan Williams had 12, senior Jeremias Cruz added 11, and junior Lovell Autry had 10. With the loss, the Blue Jays have lost five of their last six games and fall to 9-5 on the season. Next up for Junction City is hosting Emporia High on Tuesday night at Blue Jay Event Center.

Hayden Wildcats Sweep Junction City Blue Jays

JCHS has announced that four Blue Jay football standouts, Petren Bartolome, Dorian Coleman, Jeremiah Ragin and Jalen Morgan have signed their National Letters of Intent to play football at community colleges next fall.

On Friday morning. Bartolome, Coleman and Ragin signed with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoConqs?__cft__[0]=AZUdWtCvuNSzzFh5Ura5HlWEjy4F7trwcwKIMaFsy0FnSmf3bpxWUIoIQeqVgaQ7GPFfrBsOFWPi_t6vyKe4oejiT5YH6bJlGgPv0eYSsDN-vM1oQYYcEQQzb__rUFIGniWNTI-0vRdLDWcUU0gKPkIU2XO1Ye3thLpqS6lxjxlcwA21iupoarBLT0qqgQnhPNyDRP-4-Xt-BSEUlm5ZKC1vf-QJRUBeIIuWy8WYFPkJjg&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Dodge City Community College</a>, while Morgan will take his talents to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchcc?__cft__[0]=AZUdWtCvuNSzzFh5Ura5HlWEjy4F7trwcwKIMaFsy0FnSmf3bpxWUIoIQeqVgaQ7GPFfrBsOFWPi_t6vyKe4oejiT5YH6bJlGgPv0eYSsDN-vM1oQYYcEQQzb__rUFIGniWNTI-0vRdLDWcUU0gKPkIU2XO1Ye3thLpqS6lxjxlcwA21iupoarBLT0qqgQnhPNyDRP-4-Xt-BSEUlm5ZKC1vf-QJRUBeIIuWy8WYFPkJjg&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Hutchinson Community College</a>, who won the JUCO National Championship in 2024

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738991518470.jpeg" alt="Left to right - Jeremiah Ragin, Petren Bartolome, Jalen Morgan, and Dorian Coleman" />
 <figcaption>Left to right - Jeremiah Ragin, Petren Bartolome, Jalen Morgan, and Dorian Coleman</figcaption>
 </figure>JCHS has announced that four Blue Jay football standouts, Petren Bartolome, Dorian Coleman, Jeremiah Ragin and Jalen Morgan have signed their National Letters of Intent to play football at community colleges next fall.On Friday morning. Bartolome, Coleman and Ragin signed with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoConqs?__cft__[0]=AZUdWtCvuNSzzFh5Ura5HlWEjy4F7trwcwKIMaFsy0FnSmf3bpxWUIoIQeqVgaQ7GPFfrBsOFWPi_t6vyKe4oejiT5YH6bJlGgPv0eYSsDN-vM1oQYYcEQQzb__rUFIGniWNTI-0vRdLDWcUU0gKPkIU2XO1Ye3thLpqS6lxjxlcwA21iupoarBLT0qqgQnhPNyDRP-4-Xt-BSEUlm5ZKC1vf-QJRUBeIIuWy8WYFPkJjg&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Dodge City Community College</a>, while Morgan will take his talents to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchcc?__cft__[0]=AZUdWtCvuNSzzFh5Ura5HlWEjy4F7trwcwKIMaFsy0FnSmf3bpxWUIoIQeqVgaQ7GPFfrBsOFWPi_t6vyKe4oejiT5YH6bJlGgPv0eYSsDN-vM1oQYYcEQQzb__rUFIGniWNTI-0vRdLDWcUU0gKPkIU2XO1Ye3thLpqS6lxjxlcwA21iupoarBLT0qqgQnhPNyDRP-4-Xt-BSEUlm5ZKC1vf-QJRUBeIIuWy8WYFPkJjg&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Hutchinson Community College</a>, who won the JUCO National Championship in 2024

Four Blue Jays sign football letters of intent

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP)—Virginia Halas McCaskey, who inherited the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/chi/chicago-bears">Chicago Bears</a>&nbsp;from her father, George Halas, but avoided the spotlight during four-plus decades as principal owner, has died. She was 102.

McCaskey's family announced through the team that she died Thursday. She had owned the Bears since her father's death on Oct. 31, 1983.

"While we are sad, we are comforted knowing Virginia Halas McCaskey lived a long, full, faith-filled life and is now with the love of her life on earth," the family said. "She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff and fans."

Like her father, a co-founder of the NFL, McCaskey kept the team in family hands. She gave operational control and the title of president to her eldest son, Michael McCaskey, who served as chairman until being succeeded by brother George McCaskey in 2011.

Virginia McCaskey inherited ownership of the Bears in 1983 upon the death of her father, Hall of Famer and team founder George Halas.&nbsp;Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

During her stewardship, the Bears won a Super Bowl in 1986 and lost a second 21 years later.

McCaskey, the older of Halas' two children, never expected to find herself in charge. Her brother, George "Mugs" Halas Jr., was being groomed to take over the team, but died suddenly of a heart attack in 1979.

McCaskey assumed ownership upon her father's death in 1983, and her late husband, Ed McCaskey, succeeded Halas as chairman. Not long after, she turned over control to Michael, the eldest of her 11 children.

"I think it's important that all of our family remembers that we really haven't done anything to earn this," McCaskey said in a rare interview in 2006. "We're just the recipients of a tremendous legacy. I use the word 'custodian,' and we want to pass it on the best way we can. ... We've been working on that for a long time."

McCaskey's official title was secretary to the board of directors. Despite her generally hands-off approach and low public profile, she occasionally exercised ultimate authority on team decisions as matriarch of the family.

One of those involved a 1987 lawsuit brought by the children of "Mugs" Halas, which was resolved by a stock buyout of their shares. A more recent reminder came in December 2014, when George McCaskey announced the firings of coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery at a news conference, and was asked to describe his mother's role in the process.

He paused, struggling to describe her unhappiness with the just-ended 5-11 season, and the team's generally fading fortunes.

"She's pissed off," George McCaskey said. "I can't think of a 91-year-old woman that that description would apply, but in this case, I can't think of a more accurate description.

"Virginia McCaskey has been on this earth for eight of the Bears' nine championships, and she wants more," he added a moment later. "She feels that it's been too long since the last (Super Bowl win), and that dissatisfaction is shared by her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She's fed up with mediocrity. She feels that she and Bears fans everywhere deserve better."

Virginia McCaskey came by her fandom honestly. According to family members, she often wouldn't serve dessert on Sundays when the Bears lost. In that same 2006 interview, she recalled attending the first playoff game in league history, when she was 9.

The Bears and Portsmouth Spartans finished the 1932 season in the first tie for first place, so the league added a game to determine a champion. Because of snow, the game was moved indoors to the old Chicago Stadium, the Bears won 9-0 playing on an 80-yard field that came right to the walls.

"I remember I didn't save my ticket stub, but one of my cousins had saved his," McCaskey said. "We sat in the second balcony and the ticket price was $1.25.

"I took it to one of the Super Bowls to show (former Commissioner) Pete Rozelle and then I don't know what happened to it afterward," she added. "But that's OK."

Her tenure as the Bears' owner included the establishment of the Bears Care program in 2005. The Bears said that Bears Care has issued grants totaling more than $31.5 million to 225 qualifying agencies to improve the quality of life for people in the Chicago area, especially disadvantaged children and their families. Bears Care also supported health awareness programs focusing on breast and ovarian cancer.

McCaskey had 11 children, eight sons and three daughters. She is survived by her sons Patrick (Gretchen), Edward Jr. (Kathy), George (Barbara), Richard, Brian (Barbara) and Joseph, and daughters Ellen (Barney) Tonquest, Mary and Anne (Mike) Catron. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP)—Virginia Halas McCaskey, who inherited the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/chi/chicago-bears">Chicago Bears</a>&nbsp;from her father, George Halas, but avoided the spotlight during four-plus decades as principal owner, has died. She was 102.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/T2uZMi8Rg1">pic.twitter.com/T2uZMi8Rg1</a>&mdash; Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1887555628744261860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>McCaskey's family announced through the team that she died Thursday. She had owned the Bears since her father's death on Oct. 31, 1983."While we are sad, we are comforted knowing Virginia Halas McCaskey lived a long, full, faith-filled life and is now with the love of her life on earth," the family said. "She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff and fans."Like her father, a co-founder of the NFL, McCaskey kept the team in family hands. She gave operational control and the title of president to her eldest son, Michael McCaskey, who served as chairman until being succeeded by brother George McCaskey in 2011.Virginia McCaskey inherited ownership of the Bears in 1983 upon the death of her father, Hall of Famer and team founder George Halas.&nbsp;Charles Rex Arbogast/APDuring her stewardship, the Bears won a Super Bowl in 1986 and lost a second 21 years later.McCaskey, the older of Halas' two children, never expected to find herself in charge. Her brother, George "Mugs" Halas Jr., was being groomed to take over the team, but died suddenly of a heart attack in 1979.McCaskey assumed ownership upon her father's death in 1983, and her late husband, Ed McCaskey, succeeded Halas as chairman. Not long after, she turned over control to Michael, the eldest of her 11 children."I think it's important that all of our family remembers that we really haven't done anything to earn this," McCaskey said in a rare interview in 2006. "We're just the recipients of a tremendous legacy. I use the word 'custodian,' and we want to pass it on the best way we can. ... We've been working on that for a long time."McCaskey's official title was secretary to the board of directors. Despite her generally hands-off approach and low public profile, she occasionally exercised ultimate authority on team decisions as matriarch of the family.One of those involved a 1987 lawsuit brought by the children of "Mugs" Halas, which was resolved by a stock buyout of their shares. A more recent reminder came in December 2014, when George McCaskey announced the firings of coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery at a news conference, and was asked to describe his mother's role in the process.He paused, struggling to describe her unhappiness with the just-ended 5-11 season, and the team's generally fading fortunes."She's pissed off," George McCaskey said. "I can't think of a 91-year-old woman that that description would apply, but in this case, I can't think of a more accurate description."Virginia McCaskey has been on this earth for eight of the Bears' nine championships, and she wants more," he added a moment later. "She feels that it's been too long since the last (Super Bowl win), and that dissatisfaction is shared by her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She's fed up with mediocrity. She feels that she and Bears fans everywhere deserve better."Virginia McCaskey came by her fandom honestly. According to family members, she often wouldn't serve dessert on Sundays when the Bears lost. In that same 2006 interview, she recalled attending the first playoff game in league history, when she was 9.The Bears and Portsmouth Spartans finished the 1932 season in the first tie for first place, so the league added a game to determine a champion. Because of snow, the game was moved indoors to the old Chicago Stadium, the Bears won 9-0 playing on an 80-yard field that came right to the walls."I remember I didn't save my ticket stub, but one of my cousins had saved his," McCaskey said. "We sat in the second balcony and the ticket price was $1.25."I took it to one of the Super Bowls to show (former Commissioner) Pete Rozelle and then I don't know what happened to it afterward," she added. "But that's OK."Her tenure as the Bears' owner included the establishment of the Bears Care program in 2005. The Bears said that Bears Care has issued grants totaling more than $31.5 million to 225 qualifying agencies to improve the quality of life for people in the Chicago area, especially disadvantaged children and their families. Bears Care also supported health awareness programs focusing on breast and ovarian cancer.McCaskey had 11 children, eight sons and three daughters. She is survived by her sons Patrick (Gretchen), Edward Jr. (Kathy), George (Barbara), Richard, Brian (Barbara) and Joseph, and daughters Ellen (Barney) Tonquest, Mary and Anne (Mike) Catron. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Virginia Halas McCaskey, Bears owner and matriarch, dies at 102

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — David N’Guessan scored 22 points, including two free throws with 55.7 seconds left, and Kansas State took advantage of Arizona State missing two free throws at 4.1 for a 71-70 victory on Tuesday night.

After N’Guessan's free throws, Alston Mason made two at the stripe to get Arizona State within 71-70 with 41.7 left. Dug McDaniel missed a 3-pointer for Kansas State and Arizona State guard BJ Freeman grabbed the defensive rebound before racing the other way.

Freeman had it poked away but it ended up in the hands of Jayden Quaintance, who was fouled on a dunk attempt with 4.1 left. Quaintance, the youngest player in Division I, hit the back iron on both free throws and McDaniel secured the rebound and passed it ahead to run out the clock.

Kansas State (11-11, 5-6 Big 12 Conference) has won four straight games for the first time this season.

Max Jones scored 10 of his 15 points in the first half for Kansas State. Brendan Hausen added 12 points, and Coleman Hawkins had 11 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.

Mason led Arizona State (12-10, 3-8) with 20 points. Basheer Jihad added 15, Freeman had 14 and Quaintance finished with 10 rebounds to go with three points. Adam Miller received a Flagrant 2 foul with 7:54 left in the second half after an interaction with McDaniel.

Arizona State started the game on a 15-0 run before Kansas State closed the half on a 22-6 run to take a 35-32 lead on a 3-pointer by Jones. The Wildcats also stated the second half on a 13-3 run to extend it to 48-35 lead as Arizona State was just 1 of 12 from the field spanning the halftime break.

Kansas State returns home to play No. 16 Kansas on Saturday. Arizona State plays at Oklahoma State on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738738161807.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — David N’Guessan scored 22 points, including two free throws with 55.7 seconds left, and Kansas State took advantage of Arizona State missing two free throws at 4.1 for a 71-70 victory on Tuesday night.After N’Guessan's free throws, Alston Mason made two at the stripe to get Arizona State within 71-70 with 41.7 left. Dug McDaniel missed a 3-pointer for Kansas State and Arizona State guard BJ Freeman grabbed the defensive rebound before racing the other way.Freeman had it poked away but it ended up in the hands of Jayden Quaintance, who was fouled on a dunk attempt with 4.1 left. Quaintance, the youngest player in Division I, hit the back iron on both free throws and McDaniel secured the rebound and passed it ahead to run out the clock.Kansas State (11-11, 5-6 Big 12 Conference) has won four straight games for the first time this season.Max Jones scored 10 of his 15 points in the first half for Kansas State. Brendan Hausen added 12 points, and Coleman Hawkins had 11 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.Mason led Arizona State (12-10, 3-8) with 20 points. Basheer Jihad added 15, Freeman had 14 and Quaintance finished with 10 rebounds to go with three points. Adam Miller received a Flagrant 2 foul with 7:54 left in the second half after an interaction with McDaniel.Arizona State started the game on a 15-0 run before Kansas State closed the half on a 22-6 run to take a 35-32 lead on a 3-pointer by Jones. The Wildcats also stated the second half on a 13-3 run to extend it to 48-35 lead as Arizona State was just 1 of 12 from the field spanning the halftime break.Kansas State returns home to play No. 16 Kansas on Saturday. Arizona State plays at Oklahoma State on Sunday.

🏀 K-State takes advantage of missed free throws to edge Arizona State

Kultida Woods, the Thai-born mother of Tiger Woods, died Tuesday morning, a week after being seen attending his indoor TMRW Golf League in Florida.

Woods did not reveal how his 78-year-old mother died in his&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TigerWoods/status/1886816730569486452">social media post</a>&nbsp;announcing her death.

He described her as a “force of nature” who was quick with the needle and was his biggest supporter from the time she drove him to junior golf tournaments in California to being there for his 15 major championships, often wearing her wide-brimmed visor and sunglasses.

“My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable,” Woods wrote. “She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible. She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie.”

Woods' father, Earl, died in 2006. Kultida had moved to South Florida when Woods relocated from Orlando to Jupiter.

President Donald Trump was among those who reached out&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113946642879077926">with a post on his Truth Social</a>, calling her “an amazing influence” on Woods.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738692424513.png" alt="FILE - Kultida Woods, Tiger Woods' mother, watches as her son plays on the third hole during the third round of the Honda Classic golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kultida Woods, Tiger Woods' mother, watches as her son plays on the third hole during the third round of the Honda Classic golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kultida Woods, the Thai-born mother of Tiger Woods, died Tuesday morning, a week after being seen attending his indoor TMRW Golf League in Florida.Woods did not reveal how his 78-year-old mother died in his&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TigerWoods/status/1886816730569486452">social media post</a>&nbsp;announcing her death.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning. My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable. She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter,… <a href="https://t.co/RoKd0fsM9J">pic.twitter.com/RoKd0fsM9J</a>&mdash; Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods/status/1886816730569486452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He described her as a “force of nature” who was quick with the needle and was his biggest supporter from the time she drove him to junior golf tournaments in California to being there for his 15 major championships, often wearing her wide-brimmed visor and sunglasses.“My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable,” Woods wrote. “She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible. She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie.”<div><iframe src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113946642879077926/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script></div>Woods' father, Earl, died in 2006. Kultida had moved to South Florida when Woods relocated from Orlando to Jupiter.President Donald Trump was among those who reached out&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113946642879077926">with a post on his Truth Social</a>, calling her “an amazing influence” on Woods.

Tiger Woods says his 78-year-old mother has died

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Being featured in the first college football game of the 2025 season, hosting a service academy for the first time in nearly 40 years and closing out the season by playing Big 12 rival Colorado in Manhattan for the first time since 2009 are just some of the highlights of the 2025 football schedule that was announced Tuesday by K-State Athletics and the Big 12 Conference.

The 2025 season commences with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic as the Wildcats take on Iowa State on August 23, inside Avivia Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. It is the first time the Wildcats will open a season against a conference opponent since the inaugural Big 12 game against Texas Tech in 1996. It is also just the second international game ever for K-State after playing against Nebraska in Tokyo, Japan, in 1992.

The Wildcats’ six-game slate inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium begins with consecutive games against non-conference foes as they host North Dakota on August 30, and Army on September 6. It is the first meeting ever between K-State and UND, while the Wildcats are taking on Army for the first time since 1987. It is also the first time Kansas State has played a service academy since taking on Navy in the 2019 Liberty Bowl and the first in the regular season since the aforementioned game against the Black Knights 38 years ago.

Games at Bill Snyder Family Stadium are in bold.&nbsp;

August 23 vs. Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland

AUGUST 30 -&nbsp;NORTH DAKOTA

NOVEMBER 1 -&nbsp;TEXAS TECH

NOVEMBER 29 -&nbsp;COLORADO

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738685282437.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Being featured in the first college football game of the 2025 season, hosting a service academy for the first time in nearly 40 years and closing out the season by playing Big 12 rival Colorado in Manhattan for the first time since 2009 are just some of the highlights of the 2025 football schedule that was announced Tuesday by K-State Athletics and the Big 12 Conference.The 2025 season commences with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic as the Wildcats take on Iowa State on August 23, inside Avivia Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. It is the first time the Wildcats will open a season against a conference opponent since the inaugural Big 12 game against Texas Tech in 1996. It is also just the second international game ever for K-State after playing against Nebraska in Tokyo, Japan, in 1992.The Wildcats’ six-game slate inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium begins with consecutive games against non-conference foes as they host North Dakota on August 30, and Army on September 6. It is the first meeting ever between K-State and UND, while the Wildcats are taking on Army for the first time since 1987. It is also the first time Kansas State has played a service academy since taking on Navy in the 2019 Liberty Bowl and the first in the regular season since the aforementioned game against the Black Knights 38 years ago.Games at Bill Snyder Family Stadium are in bold.&nbsp;August 23 vs. Iowa State in Dublin, IrelandAUGUST 30 -&nbsp;NORTH DAKOTASEPTEMBER 6 -&nbsp;ARMYSeptember 13 at ArizonaSEPTEMBER 27 -&nbsp;UCFOctober 4 at BaylorOCTOBER 11 -&nbsp;TCUOctober 25 at KansasNOVEMBER 1 -&nbsp;TEXAS TECHNovember 15 at Oklahoma StateNovember 22&nbsp;at UtahNOVEMBER 29 -&nbsp;COLORADO

K-State’s 2025 Football Schedule Revealed

Derby Panthers sweep Junction City Blue Jays.

The Derby Panthers rolled the Junction City Lady Jays Monday night at Blue Jay Event Center, beating Junction City 80-26.

The Panthers won the opening tip and scored on their first possession and then jumped out to a 29-0 lead before Junction City freshman A'niyah Henry-Rivers made two free throws to break the scoring drought for the Lady Jay’s late in the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter, Derby led 41-4.

In the second quarter, another freshman for Junction City got on the scoreboard. Isabel Pruitt scored all 13 points in the quarter, including a shot at the buzzer to end the first half. Derby led at halftime 62-19.  

The entire second half was a continuously running clock, and the Panthers cruised to victory, beating the Lady Jays by a final score of 80-26.

Only two players scored on the night for Junction City, and both were freshmen. Pruitt had 15 points, and Henry-Rivers had 11.

The Lady Jays fall to 1-11 on the season. 

In a game where the Blue Jays were without head coach Nick Perez due to an illness, they fought but fell just short, losing to the Derby Panthers 55-51.

The Blue Jays jumped out to a quick start, taking a 13-6 lead, then leading 13-11 at the end of the first quarter.

Both teams picked it up in the second quarter, and the Blue Jays once again took a lead into halftime, leading 26-20 over the undefeated Derby Panthers.

Right before halftime, Junction City Senior guard Jackson Austin injured his hand on a drive to the basket, where he made the shot and was fouled. Austin left the game and did not return.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostDerby Panthers sweep Junction City Blue Jays.Girls recapThe Derby Panthers rolled the Junction City Lady Jays Monday night at Blue Jay Event Center, beating Junction City 80-26.The Panthers won the opening tip and scored on their first possession and then jumped out to a 29-0 lead before Junction City freshman A'niyah Henry-Rivers made two free throws to break the scoring drought for the Lady Jay’s late in the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter, Derby led 41-4.In the second quarter, another freshman for Junction City got on the scoreboard. Isabel Pruitt scored all 13 points in the quarter, including a shot at the buzzer to end the first half. Derby led at halftime 62-19. The entire second half was a continuously running clock, and the Panthers cruised to victory, beating the Lady Jays by a final score of 80-26.Only two players scored on the night for Junction City, and both were freshmen. Pruitt had 15 points, and Henry-Rivers had 11.The Lady Jays fall to 1-11 on the season. Boys recapIn a game where the Blue Jays were without head coach Nick Perez due to an illness, they fought but fell just short, losing to the Derby Panthers 55-51.The Blue Jays jumped out to a quick start, taking a 13-6 lead, then leading 13-11 at the end of the first quarter.Both teams picked it up in the second quarter, and the Blue Jays once again took a lead into halftime, leading 26-20 over the undefeated Derby Panthers.Right before halftime, Junction City Senior guard Jackson Austin injured his hand on a drive to the basket, where he made the shot and was fouled. Austin left the game and did not return.The defenses for both teams picked it up in the second half, but the Blue Jays held onto a three-point lead, 37-34 going into the fourth quarter.The Derby Panthers prevailed down the stretch when sophomore Avant Riley hit the go-ahead shot with just under a minute to go in the game. Derby led 52-51. Junction City had a couple of chances down the stretch, but the Blue Jays were called for a travel on one possession and then missed on a shot by junior Lovell Autry to tie the game with 7 seconds to go. Derby knocked down their free throws and beat Junction City 55-51. With the win, Derby stays undefeated and goes 13-0. JC falls to 9-4 on the year. The Blue Jays have now lost four of their last five games. Junction City Junior Lovell Autry scored 16 points, Senior Jeremias Cruz added 10, and senior Larkin Turner had 10 points as well. The next action for JC will be Friday in Junction City when the boys and girls host Topeka Hayden High School.

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