<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.

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.

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.

Derby Panthers sweep Junction City Blue Jays

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas had just turned the ball over in the first half against Iowa State on Monday night when it suddenly popped loose again along the sideline, and Jayhawks guard Dajuan Harris Jr. made perhaps the hustle play of the game.

With&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KUHoops/status/1886609755818615246">a textbook baseball slide</a>, Harris managed to corral the ball and throw it from his rear to teammate Hunter Dickinson, who in turn tossed the ball ahead to David Coit. After a couple of dribbles, Coit unloaded a pass from the midcourt line that KJ Adams leaped into the air and slammed for a dunk that seemed to shake the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse.

It was a play that underscored a rare fact about the Jayhawks at this point in the season.

They were playing with a sense of desperation.

Zeke Mayo scored 17 points and Dickinson added 14 points and nine rebounds as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cyclones-kansas-jayhawks-score-big-12-8a5ff246c16167421c51dbbdd5564890">the No. 16 Jayhawks roared to a 69-52 win over eighth-ranked Iowa State.</a>&nbsp;But it was the defense, which nearly shut down the Cyclones' prolific backcourt, and the hustle on both ends of the floor that allowed Kansas to remain in the regular-season Big 12 title hunt.

Kansas (16-6) moved into a tie with Iowa State (17-5) at 7-4 in the league, 2 1/2 games back of Houston and Arizona.

“We talked about a mindset of just, you know, how much can we trust each other? And how much do we enjoy playing with each other?” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “I don't think the emphasis was defense. I think the emphasis was, ‘If our head is right and we play with freedom, we can look pretty good at times,’ and that is what happened tonight.”

The Jayhawks held Iowa State to just 3-for-21 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. And while the Cyclones only turned the ball over seven times, just about all of them — like that alley-oop dunk by Adams — turned into fast-break points.

“There's probably not a place or a team or a program that does a better job than what Kansas does in transition,” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “If you have a turnover and how they turn it into points — we had very few turnovers but you feel like every one that we had turned into a layup or a dunk at the other end.”

While the Jayhawks, who blew a 19-point halftime lead at Baylor last weekend, thrived with their backs against the wall, Iowa State lost its third consecutive game while struggling without injured forward Milan Momcilovic in the lineup.

Momcilovic, who hurt his non-shooting hand last month, went through pregame warmups and could be back soon.

“He continues to do the things he needs,” Otzelberger said. “I do think he’ll be back in the next few weeks. But it's a day-to-day situation. Today was the first step for him, feel what it feels like to go through the game warmup. But we’ll see. I don't want to rush him back. I want it to be on the timeline that's on his best interest and whenever that is he'll be ready to go.”

Tamin Lipsey, Keshon Gilbert and Joshua Jefferson were held to 11 points apiece by Kansas, and it took a whole lot of shots for them to get there. The trio of Cyclones was 13 of 42 from the field and 2 of 14 from beyond the 3-point arc.

Meanwhile, leading scorer Curtis Jones was held to seven points on 3-for-11 shooting.

“It sucks for sure. Losing is not ideal,” Jones said, “but I mean, we did some things well. We got 17 offensive rebounds, only had seven turnovers. It's just really shots weren't falling. We clean up free throws, make a couple 3s, it's a different game.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738643896535.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard AJ Storr (2) puts up a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard AJ Storr (2) puts up a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas had just turned the ball over in the first half against Iowa State on Monday night when it suddenly popped loose again along the sideline, and Jayhawks guard Dajuan Harris Jr. made perhaps the hustle play of the game.With&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KUHoops/status/1886609755818615246">a textbook baseball slide</a>, Harris managed to corral the ball and throw it from his rear to teammate Hunter Dickinson, who in turn tossed the ball ahead to David Coit. After a couple of dribbles, Coit unloaded a pass from the midcourt line that KJ Adams leaped into the air and slammed for a dunk that seemed to shake the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse.It was a play that underscored a rare fact about the Jayhawks at this point in the season.They were playing with a sense of desperation.Zeke Mayo scored 17 points and Dickinson added 14 points and nine rebounds as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cyclones-kansas-jayhawks-score-big-12-8a5ff246c16167421c51dbbdd5564890">the No. 16 Jayhawks roared to a 69-52 win over eighth-ranked Iowa State.</a>&nbsp;But it was the defense, which nearly shut down the Cyclones' prolific backcourt, and the hustle on both ends of the floor that allowed Kansas to remain in the regular-season Big 12 title hunt.Kansas (16-6) moved into a tie with Iowa State (17-5) at 7-4 in the league, 2 1/2 games back of Houston and Arizona.“We talked about a mindset of just, you know, how much can we trust each other? And how much do we enjoy playing with each other?” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “I don't think the emphasis was defense. I think the emphasis was, ‘If our head is right and we play with freedom, we can look pretty good at times,’ and that is what happened tonight.”The Jayhawks held Iowa State to just 3-for-21 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. And while the Cyclones only turned the ball over seven times, just about all of them — like that alley-oop dunk by Adams — turned into fast-break points.“There's probably not a place or a team or a program that does a better job than what Kansas does in transition,” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “If you have a turnover and how they turn it into points — we had very few turnovers but you feel like every one that we had turned into a layup or a dunk at the other end.”While the Jayhawks, who blew a 19-point halftime lead at Baylor last weekend, thrived with their backs against the wall, Iowa State lost its third consecutive game while struggling without injured forward Milan Momcilovic in the lineup.Momcilovic, who hurt his non-shooting hand last month, went through pregame warmups and could be back soon.“He continues to do the things he needs,” Otzelberger said. “I do think he’ll be back in the next few weeks. But it's a day-to-day situation. Today was the first step for him, feel what it feels like to go through the game warmup. But we’ll see. I don't want to rush him back. I want it to be on the timeline that's on his best interest and whenever that is he'll be ready to go.”Tamin Lipsey, Keshon Gilbert and Joshua Jefferson were held to 11 points apiece by Kansas, and it took a whole lot of shots for them to get there. The trio of Cyclones was 13 of 42 from the field and 2 of 14 from beyond the 3-point arc.Meanwhile, leading scorer Curtis Jones was held to seven points on 3-for-11 shooting.“It sucks for sure. Losing is not ideal,” Jones said, “but I mean, we did some things well. We got 17 offensive rebounds, only had seven turnovers. It's just really shots weren't falling. We clean up free throws, make a couple 3s, it's a different game.”

🏀 Kansas shuts down Iowa State in desperation game for both teams

WACO, Texas (AP) — Robert Wright III scored 20 of his 24 points after halftime, and Baylor rallied from a 21-point deficit late in the first half for an 81-70 victory over No. 11 Kansas on Saturday.

The collapse by the Jayhawks (15-6, 6-4 Big 12), who led 40-21 at halftime, came a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houston-kansas-score-6aef47ebe2c4dcc0cf8b207b4c512fa6">sixth-ranked Houston pulled off improbable rallies</a>&nbsp;in the final seconds of regulation and the first overtime in a double-OT win at Allen Fieldhouse.

It was the biggest blown lead in a loss in the storied program's history, surpassing the 20-point lead (44-24) Kansas squandered in a 91-74 loss at home to top-ranked Arizona on Jan. 27, 2003.

Norchad Omier put the Bears (14-7, 6-4) within 46-45 on two free throws with 13:39 remaining after they trailed 38-17 late in the first half.

Baylor took the lead for good on a tiebreaking 3-pointer from Jalen Celestine with four minutes to go, and after Kansas had rebuilt its lead to 10.

Hunter Dickinson scored 20 points for Kansas, and Dajuan Harris Jr. had 12.

Omier had 18 points and 16 rebounds, and VJ Edgecombe scored 14 before leaving with an injury early in the second half.

Kansas was taken out of its offensive rhythm by Baylor's full-court pressure to start the second half. The Jayhawks shot 36% in the second half.

Baylor finished the rally without Edgecombe, who entered third in the Big 12 in scoring in league games. He went down early in the second half after missing a driving layup and limped to the locker room.

The go-ahead 3 from Celestine, who scored 12 points, changed the game for good. The Bears outscored the Jayhawks 18-7 from that point.

The Jayhawks had a 20-0 advantage in bench scoring in the first half. The Bears had a 12-8 edge after the break.

Kansas plays No. 3 Iowa State at home Monday. Baylor visits 22nd-ranked Texas Tech on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738455568333.png" alt="Photo Baylor Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Baylor Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WACO, Texas (AP) — Robert Wright III scored 20 of his 24 points after halftime, and Baylor rallied from a 21-point deficit late in the first half for an 81-70 victory over No. 11 Kansas on Saturday.The collapse by the Jayhawks (15-6, 6-4 Big 12), who led 40-21 at halftime, came a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houston-kansas-score-6aef47ebe2c4dcc0cf8b207b4c512fa6">sixth-ranked Houston pulled off improbable rallies</a>&nbsp;in the final seconds of regulation and the first overtime in a double-OT win at Allen Fieldhouse.It was the biggest blown lead in a loss in the storied program's history, surpassing the 20-point lead (44-24) Kansas squandered in a 91-74 loss at home to top-ranked Arizona on Jan. 27, 2003.Norchad Omier put the Bears (14-7, 6-4) within 46-45 on two free throws with 13:39 remaining after they trailed 38-17 late in the first half.Baylor took the lead for good on a tiebreaking 3-pointer from Jalen Celestine with four minutes to go, and after Kansas had rebuilt its lead to 10.Hunter Dickinson scored 20 points for Kansas, and Dajuan Harris Jr. had 12.Omier had 18 points and 16 rebounds, and VJ Edgecombe scored 14 before leaving with an injury early in the second half.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas was taken out of its offensive rhythm by Baylor's full-court pressure to start the second half. The Jayhawks shot 36% in the second half.Baylor finished the rally without Edgecombe, who entered third in the Big 12 in scoring in league games. He went down early in the second half after missing a driving layup and limped to the locker room.<h2>Key moment</h2>The go-ahead 3 from Celestine, who scored 12 points, changed the game for good. The Bears outscored the Jayhawks 18-7 from that point.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Jayhawks had a 20-0 advantage in bench scoring in the first half. The Bears had a 12-8 edge after the break.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas plays No. 3 Iowa State at home Monday. Baylor visits 22nd-ranked Texas Tech on Tuesday.___

🏀 Baylor erases 21-point deficit to defeat No. 11 Kansas

The Junction City Girl's High School girls wrestling team placed 3rd out of 16 teams at their home tournament, scoring 153.5 points.

According to coach Carl Laughlin, placers were:

--4th place: Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz and Catelin Owens

--3rd place: Catherine Dee and&nbsp; Ka'Ori Herring

--CHAMPIONS: Jaidyn Alvarado, Juliana (Bree) Villanueva and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Shalina Hicks

The Junction City Girl's High School girls wrestling team placed 3rd out of 16 teams at their home tournament, scoring 153.5 points.According to coach Carl Laughlin, placers were:--4th place: Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz and Catelin Owens--3rd place: Catherine Dee and&nbsp; Ka'Ori Herring--CHAMPIONS: Jaidyn Alvarado, Juliana (Bree) Villanueva and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Shalina Hicks

Lady Jay wresting results

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Dug McDaniel scored 20 points to lead five Kansas State players in double figures as the Wildcats upset No. 3 Iowa State 80-61 on Saturday.

With this win, the Wildcats (10-11, 4-6 Big 12) ended a 15-game road losing streak — 12 of which occurred within the Big 12. Kansas State has now won its last three overall games, also beating then-No. 23 West Virginia and Oklahoma State.

Coleman Hawkins added 17 points and Brendan Hausen had 15 for the Wildcats.

The Cyclones (17-4, 7-3) saw their 29-game home winning streak end.

Tamin Lipsey tied a season-high with 20 points for the Cyclones with Curtis Jones adding 14 and Joshua Jefferson with 13.

Kansas State: The Wildcats took down their first top-five team on the road since 2017 when Kansas State beat then-No. 2 Baylor 56-54 at the Ferrell Center on Feb. 2.

Iowa State: The Cyclones tied a season-high with 18 turnovers, as they've gone back-to-back games with this amount of turnovers. Both games were losses.

The Cyclones tried to claw their way back into the game with a 13-0 run late in the second half, but a 3-pointer from Hausen extinguished any hope left for Iowa State.

The Wildcats tied a season-high of 22 fouls committed but still found a way to upset a top-three team on the road.

Iowa State hosts TCU next Saturday. Kansas State visits Arizona State Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738447659407.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>AMES, Iowa (AP) — Dug McDaniel scored 20 points to lead five Kansas State players in double figures as the Wildcats upset No. 3 Iowa State 80-61 on Saturday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Walk in yo trap… <a href="https://t.co/kzPsHfl9vj">pic.twitter.com/kzPsHfl9vj</a>&mdash; K-State Men&#39;s Basketball (@KStateMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateMBB/status/1885807687058727283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With this win, the Wildcats (10-11, 4-6 Big 12) ended a 15-game road losing streak — 12 of which occurred within the Big 12. Kansas State has now won its last three overall games, also beating then-No. 23 West Virginia and Oklahoma State.Coleman Hawkins added 17 points and Brendan Hausen had 15 for the Wildcats.The Cyclones (17-4, 7-3) saw their 29-game home winning streak end.Tamin Lipsey tied a season-high with 20 points for the Cyclones with Curtis Jones adding 14 and Joshua Jefferson with 13.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas State: The Wildcats took down their first top-five team on the road since 2017 when Kansas State beat then-No. 2 Baylor 56-54 at the Ferrell Center on Feb. 2.Iowa State: The Cyclones tied a season-high with 18 turnovers, as they've gone back-to-back games with this amount of turnovers. Both games were losses.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Cyclones tried to claw their way back into the game with a 13-0 run late in the second half, but a 3-pointer from Hausen extinguished any hope left for Iowa State.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Wildcats tied a season-high of 22 fouls committed but still found a way to upset a top-three team on the road.<h2>Up next</h2>Iowa State hosts TCU next Saturday. Kansas State visits Arizona State Tuesday night.___

🏀 Kansas State uses balanced scoring to upset No. 3 Iowa State 

In a highly anticipated matchup between the top two teams in the Centennial League, the Washburn Rural Junior Blues beat Junction City 59-56 on Thursday night in Topeka. 

The Junior Blues jumped on the Blue Jays right from the tip, taking an early 17-7 lead midway through the first quarter. 

As the second quarter began, Junction City took the momentum and trailed 17-16. The Junior Blues responded with their own run and took a five-point lead into the half, at 27-22. 

The third quarter was similar to the first two. Both teams struggled to maintain possession of the basketball and to get into their offense. JC had many opportunities to tie the game or take the lead in the third quarter but never could grab it. At the end of the third quarter, Rural led by six, 41-35. 

The fourth quarter featured several swings in momentum, including a 52-44 lead for the Junior Blues with three minutes to go in the game. Junction City got a couple of stops on the defensive end and hit two big three-pointers to cut the lead to 52-50 with 1:17 left in the game. The Blue Jays played the foul game down the stretch and had a chance, but the full-court heave fell short and Washburn Rural beat JC 59-56. 

Junction City had three players in double-digits. Senior Jackson Austin had 15 points, and junior Lovell Autry and senior Larkin Turner both added 11. 

With the loss, the Blue Jays fall to 9-3 on the year and go to 2-1 in Centennial league play. 

Junction City now hosts the Derby Panthers on Monday in Blue Jay Event Center.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostIn a highly anticipated matchup between the top two teams in the Centennial League, the Washburn Rural Junior Blues beat Junction City 59-56 on Thursday night in Topeka. The Junior Blues jumped on the Blue Jays right from the tip, taking an early 17-7 lead midway through the first quarter. As the second quarter began, Junction City took the momentum and trailed 17-16. The Junior Blues responded with their own run and took a five-point lead into the half, at 27-22. The third quarter was similar to the first two. Both teams struggled to maintain possession of the basketball and to get into their offense. JC had many opportunities to tie the game or take the lead in the third quarter but never could grab it. At the end of the third quarter, Rural led by six, 41-35. The fourth quarter featured several swings in momentum, including a 52-44 lead for the Junior Blues with three minutes to go in the game. Junction City got a couple of stops on the defensive end and hit two big three-pointers to cut the lead to 52-50 with 1:17 left in the game. The Blue Jays played the foul game down the stretch and had a chance, but the full-court heave fell short and Washburn Rural beat JC 59-56. Junction City had three players in double-digits. Senior Jackson Austin had 15 points, and junior Lovell Autry and senior Larkin Turner both added 11. With the loss, the Blue Jays fall to 9-3 on the year and go to 2-1 in Centennial league play. Junction City now hosts the Derby Panthers on Monday in Blue Jay Event Center.

Blue Jays come up short at Washburn Rural, fall to 9-3 on season

MANHATTAN, Kansas (AP) — Brendan Hausen scored 18 points on 5-for-6 shooting, Coleman Hawkins scored 15 points and Kansas State routed Oklahoma State 85-57 on Wednesday night.

Max Jones scored 14 points, Dug McDaniel scored 10 and the Wildcats (9-11, 3-6 Big 12) had 10 players enter the scoring column. Kansas State shot 52.6% (30 for 57).

Reserve Marchelus Avery scored 22 points, shooting 7 for 8, and Bryce Thompson was the lone starter in double-digit scoring for Oklahoma State with 11 points. The Cowboys' bench outscored the starters 39-18 and made 14 of their 21 made field goals.

The Wildcats began by establishing a 10-0 lead and were up 15-4 with 15 minutes before halftime. Avery threw down a dunk and Thompson made a layup to get Oklahoma State within 25-18 with 9:39 before the break, but McDaniel countered with a 3-pointer and layup for a 12-point lead. The Wildcats stayed ahead by double figures the rest of the way. Kansas State led 45-23 at halftime.

It was Kansas State's second largest margin of victory this season. On Dec. 1, the Wildcats beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 120-73 at home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738208395531.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas (AP) — Brendan Hausen scored 18 points on 5-for-6 shooting, Coleman Hawkins scored 15 points and Kansas State routed Oklahoma State 85-57 on Wednesday night.Max Jones scored 14 points, Dug McDaniel scored 10 and the Wildcats (9-11, 3-6 Big 12) had 10 players enter the scoring column. Kansas State shot 52.6% (30 for 57).Reserve Marchelus Avery scored 22 points, shooting 7 for 8, and Bryce Thompson was the lone starter in double-digit scoring for Oklahoma State with 11 points. The Cowboys' bench outscored the starters 39-18 and made 14 of their 21 made field goals.The Wildcats began by establishing a 10-0 lead and were up 15-4 with 15 minutes before halftime. Avery threw down a dunk and Thompson made a layup to get Oklahoma State within 25-18 with 9:39 before the break, but McDaniel countered with a 3-pointer and layup for a 12-point lead. The Wildcats stayed ahead by double figures the rest of the way. Kansas State led 45-23 at halftime.It was Kansas State's second largest margin of victory this season. On Dec. 1, the Wildcats beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 120-73 at home.

🏀 Hausen leads K-State in blitz of Oklahoma State

The Junction City Blue Jays beat Blue Valley Northwest High School on Tuesday night in Overland Park 56-51.

The Huskies won the opening tip and scored the first basket of the game, but Junction City led by three, 15-12, at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter featured the Huskies going on a run and the Blue Jays trailing by four, 30-26 at halftime.

The third quarter saw the Huskies get their largest lead of the game, nine, but late in the third quarter, the Blue Jays went on an 8-0 run to tie the game at 36, before Blue Valley Northwest took a four-point lead 43-39 into the fourth quarter.

After trailing for the whole second and third quarters, the Blue Jays went on another run in the fourth quarter and eventually took a 50-47 lead over the Huskies and held on to win 56-51.

Junction City had three players in double-digits on the night. Senior Jackson Austin had 16, Junior Lovell Autry also had 16, and senior Larkin Turner added 10 points.

For the second straight year, the Blue Jays knock off Blue Valley Northwest. With the win, Junction City goes to 9-2 on the season.

Next up for the Blue Jays is a Centennial league matchup on Thursday at Washburn Rural.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City Blue Jays beat Blue Valley Northwest High School on Tuesday night in Overland Park 56-51.The Huskies won the opening tip and scored the first basket of the game, but Junction City led by three, 15-12, at the end of the first quarter.The second quarter featured the Huskies going on a run and the Blue Jays trailing by four, 30-26 at halftime.The third quarter saw the Huskies get their largest lead of the game, nine, but late in the third quarter, the Blue Jays went on an 8-0 run to tie the game at 36, before Blue Valley Northwest took a four-point lead 43-39 into the fourth quarter.After trailing for the whole second and third quarters, the Blue Jays went on another run in the fourth quarter and eventually took a 50-47 lead over the Huskies and held on to win 56-51.Junction City had three players in double-digits on the night. Senior Jackson Austin had 16, Junior Lovell Autry also had 16, and senior Larkin Turner added 10 points.For the second straight year, the Blue Jays knock off Blue Valley Northwest. With the win, Junction City goes to 9-2 on the season.Next up for the Blue Jays is a Centennial league matchup on Thursday at Washburn Rural.

Blue Jays beat Blue Valley Northwest, improve to 9-2

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Zeke Mayo scored 24 points, including a pair of clinching free throws with 3.1 seconds left, and No. 11 Kansas rallied to beat UCF 91-87 on Tuesday night to avoid its first back-to-back losses in Allen Fieldhouse in 36 years.

Hunter Dickinson added 24 points and Flory Bidunga had 10 points and 11 boards for the Jayhawks (15-5, 6-3 Big 12), who were coming off a double-overtime loss to sixth-ranked Houston.

The Knights (13-7, 4-5), who got 34 points from Keyshawn Hall and 19 from Darius Johnson, led by nine early in the second half before the Jayhawks used a 12-2 run to take their first lead since midway through the first half.

The Jayhawks were clinging to an 87-86 lead when KJ Adams, back after missing three games to a shoulder injury, made a pair of free throws with 4.6 seconds left. Kansas fouled Johnson at the other end and he made one of two foul shots, and Mayo then went to the line for the clinching free throws.

Kansas has not lost consecutive games at the Phog since dropping four straight under Roy Williams in 1989.

UCF lost to the Jayhawks by 51 points at home a couple of weeks ago. So the fact that the Knights were able to take Kansas to the wire in Allen Fieldhouse speaks volumes about their resiliency.

Kansas played without Dajuan Harris Jr., who hurt his ankle in practice. The Jayhawks could have used his experience, especially when their guards got into foul trouble. He's played in 159 games and had started the last 98 of them.

Adams only scored 12 points, but his free throws in the final seconds were crucial.

Kansas got 29 points from its bench. UCF got two.

UCF plays BYU on Saturday. Kansas heads to Baylor the same day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738121990712.png" alt="Photo Kansas athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Zeke Mayo scored 24 points, including a pair of clinching free throws with 3.1 seconds left, and No. 11 Kansas rallied to beat UCF 91-87 on Tuesday night to avoid its first back-to-back losses in Allen Fieldhouse in 36 years.Hunter Dickinson added 24 points and Flory Bidunga had 10 points and 11 boards for the Jayhawks (15-5, 6-3 Big 12), who were coming off a double-overtime loss to sixth-ranked Houston.The Knights (13-7, 4-5), who got 34 points from Keyshawn Hall and 19 from Darius Johnson, led by nine early in the second half before the Jayhawks used a 12-2 run to take their first lead since midway through the first half.The Jayhawks were clinging to an 87-86 lead when KJ Adams, back after missing three games to a shoulder injury, made a pair of free throws with 4.6 seconds left. Kansas fouled Johnson at the other end and he made one of two foul shots, and Mayo then went to the line for the clinching free throws.Kansas has not lost consecutive games at the Phog since dropping four straight under Roy Williams in 1989.<h2>Takeaways</h2>UCF lost to the Jayhawks by 51 points at home a couple of weeks ago. So the fact that the Knights were able to take Kansas to the wire in Allen Fieldhouse speaks volumes about their resiliency.Kansas played without Dajuan Harris Jr., who hurt his ankle in practice. The Jayhawks could have used his experience, especially when their guards got into foul trouble. He's played in 159 games and had started the last 98 of them.<h2>Key moment</h2>Adams only scored 12 points, but his free throws in the final seconds were crucial.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas got 29 points from its bench. UCF got two.<h2>Up next</h2>UCF plays BYU on Saturday. Kansas heads to Baylor the same day.

🏀 Zeke Mayo scores 24 as No. 11 Jayhawks rally past UCF

The Junction City Blue Jay varsity basketball team was in Dodge City last week playing in the 82nd Tournament of Champions. While in Dodge City, the Blue Jays visited Beeson Elementary School and read to the students.&nbsp;

* Photos courtesy of Junction City Assistant basketball coach Allan McFarland.&nbsp;

Junction City placed fourth in the Dodge City TOC and is 8-2 on the season.&nbsp;

The Junction City Blue Jay varsity basketball team was in Dodge City last week playing in the 82nd Tournament of Champions. While in Dodge City, the Blue Jays visited Beeson Elementary School and read to the students.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738093309326.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738093330061.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738093340566.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>* Photos courtesy of Junction City Assistant basketball coach Allan McFarland.&nbsp;Junction City placed fourth in the Dodge City TOC and is 8-2 on the season.&nbsp;

Blue Jays visit schools while playing in Dodge City TOC

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State senior offensive lineman&nbsp;Easton Kilty&nbsp;and senior defensive end&nbsp;Brendan Mott&nbsp;were honored for their work in the classroom on Tuesday as the duo was named to the 2024 Academic All-America football team as selected by the College Sports Communicators.

Kilty was named to the first team and Mott was named to the second team, and both players were honored for the first time in their careers. It is the seventh time in school history that the Wildcats had two players earn Academic All-America status in the same season, including the second-straight year after Cooper Beebe and Ben Sinnott were named to the first team in 2023.

A transfer from North Dakota, Kilty holds a 4.00 GPA in communication studies. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team honoree by the league’s coaches in addition to picking up votes for the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year award. The Stratford, Wisconsin, native started all 13 games at left tackle, helping lead an offensive line unit that aided the Wildcats in setting school records in rushing yards per carry (6.08) and offensive yards per play (6.57) as they finished second and 13th nationally in those two categories, respectively. Protecting the quarterback’s blind side, Kilty helped K-State surrender only 13 sacks on the season – its fewest since 2000 – while the Wildcats’ 1.00 sacks allowed per game average ranked 10th in the nation.

Mott, who hails from Iowa City, Iowa, holds a 3.63 GPA in finance and is a two-time Academic All-District performer. A career 36-game starter – including all 13 games in 2024 – Mott was named the 2024 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, an All-Big 12 First Team honoree and earned votes for the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award after leading the conference with 8.5 sacks to go along with 49 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, an interception and a fumble recovery. He tallied a season-high 2.5 sacks at Colorado – the most in the Big 12 during the 2024 season – as he helped the Wildcats earn a 31-28 comeback win over the Buffaloes. Mott recorded his first-career interception against Cincinnati – the first Wildcat defensive lineman with a pick since 2021 and the first in Big 12 play since 2011 – while he recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter against Kansas, which led to the game-winning field goal.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State senior offensive lineman&nbsp;Easton Kilty&nbsp;and senior defensive end&nbsp;Brendan Mott&nbsp;were honored for their work in the classroom on Tuesday as the duo was named to the 2024 Academic All-America football team as selected by the College Sports Communicators.Kilty was named to the first team and Mott was named to the second team, and both players were honored for the first time in their careers. It is the seventh time in school history that the Wildcats had two players earn Academic All-America status in the same season, including the second-straight year after Cooper Beebe and Ben Sinnott were named to the first team in 2023.A transfer from North Dakota, Kilty holds a 4.00 GPA in communication studies. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team honoree by the league’s coaches in addition to picking up votes for the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year award. The Stratford, Wisconsin, native started all 13 games at left tackle, helping lead an offensive line unit that aided the Wildcats in setting school records in rushing yards per carry (6.08) and offensive yards per play (6.57) as they finished second and 13th nationally in those two categories, respectively. Protecting the quarterback’s blind side, Kilty helped K-State surrender only 13 sacks on the season – its fewest since 2000 – while the Wildcats’ 1.00 sacks allowed per game average ranked 10th in the nation.Mott, who hails from Iowa City, Iowa, holds a 3.63 GPA in finance and is a two-time Academic All-District performer. A career 36-game starter – including all 13 games in 2024 – Mott was named the 2024 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, an All-Big 12 First Team honoree and earned votes for the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award after leading the conference with 8.5 sacks to go along with 49 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, an interception and a fumble recovery. He tallied a season-high 2.5 sacks at Colorado – the most in the Big 12 during the 2024 season – as he helped the Wildcats earn a 31-28 comeback win over the Buffaloes. Mott recorded his first-career interception against Cincinnati – the first Wildcat defensive lineman with a pick since 2021 and the first in Big 12 play since 2011 – while he recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter against Kansas, which led to the game-winning field goal.– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEY

K-State’s Kilty, Mott Earn Academic All-America Honors

USD 475 announced that the JCHS boys wrestling team placed second overall at the 2025 Duwane Miller Invitational in Wichita, while the No. 10 ranked girls' team claimed the De Soto High School Girls Varsity Tournament Championship for a second-straight year. 

Heading into this week's action, the Blue Jays are well represented in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kwcaonline?__cft__[0]=AZWc50CAf5poy2SD9Le-i_eyhz4-VxgrejJaIKmMxSfAWph2Ue2KUBzINNdCHbz0bde89s9wNg0DoKWAZlB8JdSA5ofUTB1wTkPDNJsYIXz_AoTAz4xwbnTt0e0r94R9NclEBFKD_kp93xKUmWk2RUSwOVZpUM8u6f2rqPEK41lJuxWroUH7Q-ddwiyozN8fTMw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">KWCA</a> Class 6A boys' rankings as freshman Riley Luckenbill ranks No. 6 at 106 pounds, junior Josh Brookshire ranks No. 5 at 175 pounds and junior Chris Coy ranks No. 6 at 215 pounds.

On the girl's side, senior Jaidyn Alvarado (100 pounds) and junior Juliana Villanueva (115 pounds) are currently the No. 1 ranked wrestler in their respective weight classes in Class 6A.

USD 475 announced that the JCHS boys wrestling team placed second overall at the 2025 Duwane Miller Invitational in Wichita, while the No. 10 ranked girls' team claimed the De Soto High School Girls Varsity Tournament Championship for a second-straight year. Heading into this week's action, the Blue Jays are well represented in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kwcaonline?__cft__[0]=AZWc50CAf5poy2SD9Le-i_eyhz4-VxgrejJaIKmMxSfAWph2Ue2KUBzINNdCHbz0bde89s9wNg0DoKWAZlB8JdSA5ofUTB1wTkPDNJsYIXz_AoTAz4xwbnTt0e0r94R9NclEBFKD_kp93xKUmWk2RUSwOVZpUM8u6f2rqPEK41lJuxWroUH7Q-ddwiyozN8fTMw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">KWCA</a> Class 6A boys' rankings as freshman Riley Luckenbill ranks No. 6 at 106 pounds, junior Josh Brookshire ranks No. 5 at 175 pounds and junior Chris Coy ranks No. 6 at 215 pounds. On the girl's side, senior Jaidyn Alvarado (100 pounds) and junior Juliana Villanueva (115 pounds) are currently the No. 1 ranked wrestler in their respective weight classes in Class 6A.

JCHS wrestling shines

The Junction City Blue Jays will play at Blue Valley Northwest Tuesday night. Tipoff is scheduled at 7 p.m. The game can be heard on 107.9 FM and 1420 KJCK.

The Junction City Blue Jays will play at Blue Valley Northwest Tuesday night. Tipoff is scheduled at 7 p.m. The game can be heard on 107.9 FM and 1420 KJCK.

Blue Jays will be on the radio

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 245 yards and a touchdown, ran through the Buffalo defense for two more scores, and relied on his defense at key moments to help the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Bills 32-29 on Sunday night and reach the Super Bowl for the third consecutive season.

Now, the AFC champions will try to do something no other NFL team has done: Win all three.

The Chiefs will get a familiar foe in the Eagles, whom they beat two years ago for the first title in this run. Philadelphia romped to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/commanders-eagles-score-b4f7c398625075b73f74bfe3531662e4">a 55-23 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Washington Commanders earlier Sunday to earn a shot at the champs on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.

It's the fourth time since January 2021 that the Chiefs have ended the Bills' season in the playoffs. And like all the rest, it came after a heavyweight fight between two of the top teams in the AFC, one that was tied 29-all after Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1883703300098511105">found Curtis Samuel</a>&nbsp;in the back of the end zone to set up a little more drama at Arrowhead Stadium.

Mahomes was simply unflappable, though. He completed four consecutive passes on the ensuing possession, setting up&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1883705691783016624">Harrison Butker's go-ahead field goal</a>&nbsp;with 3:33 left and putting the Bills in another do-or-die situation in Kansas City.

Allen got their drive going by running for a first down, but his next two throws were batted at the line of scrimmage and fell incomplete. He hit Amari Cooper for a short gain on third down, and the Bills chose to go for it — they were 4 of 5 on fourth down at that point — and the Kansas City blitz forced Allen to loft up a prayer that Dalton Kincaid could not catch.

The Chiefs took over, picked up a couple of first downs and began to celebrate once again.

Kareem Hunt had a touchdown run and Xavier Worthy had six catches for 85 yards and a score for Kansas City, which became the fourth franchise to reach three consecutive Super Bowls with its ninth consecutive playoff victory.

Allen threw for 237 yards and two scores for Buffalo. James Cook ran for 85 yards and two touchdowns of his own.

The Bills still have not been to the Super Bowl since a run of four straight during the 1990-93 seasons.

The Bills and Chiefs have become well acquainted over the years, meeting seven times since Kansas City beat Buffalo under the exact same circumstances — the AFC title game at Arrowhead Stadium — to reach the Super Bowl in January 2021.

Buffalo had won all four games in the regular season. Kansas City had won the three that mattered in the postseason.

And that familiarity, along with the fact that Bills coach Sean McDermott once worked for Chiefs counterpart Andy Reid, was evident as the game transpired. The Bills simply refused to let Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce beat them, like he did against the Texans in the divisional round, while Kansas City was prepared for Allen's propensity to take off and run.

It was the Chiefs who took a 21-16 lead into the locker room after a topsy-turvy first half.

Mahomes and Hunt ran for scores and Worthy had a touchdown reception as the teams traded the lead. Cook reached the end zone for Buffalo, and a spectacular touchdown catch by Mack Hollins just before halftime kept the Bills in the game.

It remained a game of inches in the second half: Cook barely reached across the goal line for a touchdown, the Chiefs stopped Allen inches shy of the marker on fourth down, Mahomes bulldozed into the end zone for a score, and the Bills answered with a 70-yard drive in which their MVP-candidate quarterback hit Samuel on fourth-and-goal to tie the game at 29-all.

Fifty-three minutes and 45 seconds had been rendered moot. Everything came down to the last 6:45 of the game.

Bills cornerback Christian Benford was carted off in the first quarter and declared out with a concussion. He had spent the week in the concussion protocol before getting cleared to play Sunday.

The Chiefs are headed to the Big Easy to face the Eagles in the Super Bowl for the second time in three years. In the first game, they rallied from a 24-14 halftime deficit with Butker hitting a 27-yard field goal for the 38-35 win.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737946017425.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 245 yards and a touchdown, ran through the Buffalo defense for two more scores, and relied on his defense at key moments to help the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Bills 32-29 on Sunday night and reach the Super Bowl for the third consecutive season.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02DsqpzPNdWkD2jBiiom8nnLQZ8R2oz2cFin7hPFZyhQZWEjEdQcHCVDPKKTfDUQUdl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="194" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Now, the AFC champions will try to do something no other NFL team has done: Win all three.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02CkXz5C3QM8xFUL6NtCo1KM5qra7XcoAkHGkKdQbgTpuGuzNThydDaZDmeWfuEdNAl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="590" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The Chiefs will get a familiar foe in the Eagles, whom they beat two years ago for the first title in this run. Philadelphia romped to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/commanders-eagles-score-b4f7c398625075b73f74bfe3531662e4">a 55-23 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Washington Commanders earlier Sunday to earn a shot at the champs on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.It's the fourth time since January 2021 that the Chiefs have ended the Bills' season in the playoffs. And like all the rest, it came after a heavyweight fight between two of the top teams in the AFC, one that was tied 29-all after Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1883703300098511105">found Curtis Samuel</a>&nbsp;in the back of the end zone to set up a little more drama at Arrowhead Stadium.Mahomes was simply unflappable, though. He completed four consecutive passes on the ensuing possession, setting up&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1883705691783016624">Harrison Butker's go-ahead field goal</a>&nbsp;with 3:33 left and putting the Bills in another do-or-die situation in Kansas City.Allen got their drive going by running for a first down, but his next two throws were batted at the line of scrimmage and fell incomplete. He hit Amari Cooper for a short gain on third down, and the Bills chose to go for it — they were 4 of 5 on fourth down at that point — and the Kansas City blitz forced Allen to loft up a prayer that Dalton Kincaid could not catch.The Chiefs took over, picked up a couple of first downs and began to celebrate once again.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737947456770.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown against Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown against Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kareem Hunt had a touchdown run and Xavier Worthy had six catches for 85 yards and a score for Kansas City, which became the fourth franchise to reach three consecutive Super Bowls with its ninth consecutive playoff victory.Allen threw for 237 yards and two scores for Buffalo. James Cook ran for 85 yards and two touchdowns of his own.The Bills still have not been to the Super Bowl since a run of four straight during the 1990-93 seasons.The Bills and Chiefs have become well acquainted over the years, meeting seven times since Kansas City beat Buffalo under the exact same circumstances — the AFC title game at Arrowhead Stadium — to reach the Super Bowl in January 2021.Buffalo had won all four games in the regular season. Kansas City had won the three that mattered in the postseason.And that familiarity, along with the fact that Bills coach Sean McDermott once worked for Chiefs counterpart Andy Reid, was evident as the game transpired. The Bills simply refused to let Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce beat them, like he did against the Texans in the divisional round, while Kansas City was prepared for Allen's propensity to take off and run.It was the Chiefs who took a 21-16 lead into the locker room after a topsy-turvy first half.Mahomes and Hunt ran for scores and Worthy had a touchdown reception as the teams traded the lead. Cook reached the end zone for Buffalo, and a spectacular touchdown catch by Mack Hollins just before halftime kept the Bills in the game.It remained a game of inches in the second half: Cook barely reached across the goal line for a touchdown, the Chiefs stopped Allen inches shy of the marker on fourth down, Mahomes bulldozed into the end zone for a score, and the Bills answered with a 70-yard drive in which their MVP-candidate quarterback hit Samuel on fourth-and-goal to tie the game at 29-all.Fifty-three minutes and 45 seconds had been rendered moot. Everything came down to the last 6:45 of the game.<h2>Injuries</h2>Bills cornerback Christian Benford was carted off in the first quarter and declared out with a concussion. He had spent the week in the concussion protocol before getting cleared to play Sunday.<h2>Up next</h2>The Chiefs are headed to the Big Easy to face the Eagles in the Super Bowl for the second time in three years. In the first game, they rallied from a 24-14 halftime deficit with Butker hitting a 27-yard field goal for the 38-35 win.

🏈 Chiefs get more Mahomes magic, advance to 3rd straight Super Bowl

Ilia Malinin laid in the middle of the ice at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Sunday as everyone else stood in ovation.

In another stunning display of athleticism, the reigning world champion landed six of his seven planned quad jumps — including the quad axel, the jump that only Malinin has ever landed in competition — and finished with 333.31 points after his free skate to win his third consecutive national championship at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

Andrew Torgashev landed a pair of quads during his free skate and finished second with 286.49 points, while Camden Pulkinen took advantage of a sloppy free skate from Jimmy Ma to secure the bronze medal with 252.92 points.

Malinin was trying to become the first skater ever to land seven clean quads in competition, and he came close. He opened with the quad flip, easily landed his quad axel and hit his quad lutz — the second-hardest of the quads. But then came his only miscue, when Malinin fell on his quad loop, and he punched the air in mid-routine as if he was miffed at himself.

He landed three more quads, all of them leading into other jumps, and finished it all off with a crowd-pleasing backflip.

“It wasn't the perfect program that I exactly wanted, but I think I gave a good, solid start for what is working in this program,” said Malinin, who was using nationals as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming world championships in Boston.

If it had been international competition, Malinin's score would have nearly matched Nathan Chen's record of 335.30 points.

“I'm still not at my full potential yet and there's a lot bigger limit, I guess, that I can go for,” Malinin said.

Malinin went into the free skate with a record margin for nationals — 19.14 points over anyone else in the field — after a sublime short program Saturday that was even a bit tame by his standards. The self-proclaimed “Quad God” landed a quad flip and a quad lutz-triple toe loop combination but chose to skip over his quad axel for a triple axel instead.

Malinin was philosophical about it afterward, saying, “There's the pressure of trying to do (the quad axel) at every competition. People might want to see something bigger and better, but I want to make sure I am consistent.”

The 20-year-old from Fairfax, Virginia, has won eight consecutive competitions since a second-place finish at the Grand Prix de France last year. That stretch of podium perfection included his second national title, two victories at the prestigious Grand Prix Final, and a world championship that Malinin will attempt to defend on home soil in March.

It's a run that prompted Ma to vault Malinin into the same category of greatness as Chen, the retired Olympic champion.

“I don’t even think of Ilia as competition anymore because it’s not something I think I can achieve,” Ma said. “It’s just an honor to be friends and compete with two people who can be considered GOATs in their own way.”

The 23-year-old Torgashev, who was third at the Grand Prix de France, was so pumped about his performance to the symphonic suite “Scheherazade” that earned him a silver medal that he said stepping off the ice Sunday, “I ... crushed it.”

Pulkinen rounded out the podium with a second consecutive bronze medal at nationals.

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterIlia Malinin laid in the middle of the ice at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Sunday as everyone else stood in ovation.He has that effect on people.In another stunning display of athleticism, the reigning world champion landed six of his seven planned quad jumps — including the quad axel, the jump that only Malinin has ever landed in competition — and finished with 333.31 points after his free skate to win his third consecutive national championship at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.Andrew Torgashev landed a pair of quads during his free skate and finished second with 286.49 points, while Camden Pulkinen took advantage of a sloppy free skate from Jimmy Ma to secure the bronze medal with 252.92 points.Malinin was trying to become the first skater ever to land seven clean quads in competition, and he came close. He opened with the quad flip, easily landed his quad axel and hit his quad lutz — the second-hardest of the quads. But then came his only miscue, when Malinin fell on his quad loop, and he punched the air in mid-routine as if he was miffed at himself.He landed three more quads, all of them leading into other jumps, and finished it all off with a crowd-pleasing backflip.“It wasn't the perfect program that I exactly wanted, but I think I gave a good, solid start for what is working in this program,” said Malinin, who was using nationals as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming world championships in Boston.If it had been international competition, Malinin's score would have nearly matched Nathan Chen's record of 335.30 points.“I'm still not at my full potential yet and there's a lot bigger limit, I guess, that I can go for,” Malinin said.Malinin went into the free skate with a record margin for nationals — 19.14 points over anyone else in the field — after a sublime short program Saturday that was even a bit tame by his standards. The self-proclaimed “Quad God” landed a quad flip and a quad lutz-triple toe loop combination but chose to skip over his quad axel for a triple axel instead.Malinin was philosophical about it afterward, saying, “There's the pressure of trying to do (the quad axel) at every competition. People might want to see something bigger and better, but I want to make sure I am consistent.”That hasn't been a problem.The 20-year-old from Fairfax, Virginia, has won eight consecutive competitions since a second-place finish at the Grand Prix de France last year. That stretch of podium perfection included his second national title, two victories at the prestigious Grand Prix Final, and a world championship that Malinin will attempt to defend on home soil in March.It's a run that prompted Ma to vault Malinin into the same category of greatness as Chen, the retired Olympic champion.“I don’t even think of Ilia as competition anymore because it’s not something I think I can achieve,” Ma said. “It’s just an honor to be friends and compete with two people who can be considered GOATs in their own way.”The 23-year-old Torgashev, who was third at the Grand Prix de France, was so pumped about his performance to the symphonic suite “Scheherazade” that earned him a silver medal that he said stepping off the ice Sunday, “I ... crushed it.”Pulkinen rounded out the podium with a second consecutive bronze medal at nationals.

World champ lands 6 quad jumps, cruises to US Figure Skating title in Wichita

The Junction City Girl's wrestling team captured the championship of the DeSoto Invitational.&nbsp; With only 9 of 14 weight classes filled, those 9 girls took the team race by 34 points.&nbsp; 

Junction City scored 273.5 points beating Springdale with 239.5 points.&nbsp; All nine girls placed in the top six. 

--2nd place Jordis Serrano 110&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Junction City Girl's wrestling team captured the championship of the DeSoto Invitational.&nbsp; With only 9 of 14 weight classes filled, those 9 girls took the team race by 34 points.&nbsp; Junction City scored 273.5 points beating Springdale with 239.5 points.&nbsp; All nine girls placed in the top six. Finishers were:--5th place Znylah Slaughter 135--4th place Caity Dee 145--3rd place Catelin Owens 140--3rd place Kiera Lawton 120--3rd place Brandie Brown 155--2nd place Jordis Serrano 110&nbsp;&nbsp;CHAMPIONS--100 Jaidyn Alvarado--115 Juliana (Bree) Villanueva&nbsp;--125 Elaina Twitty

Lady jays capture the wrestling team title

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Madison Chock and Evan Bates have been the best American ice dancers for years.

They only served to underscore that fact on Saturday, when they won their fourth consecutive title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and their sixth overall, matching the record held by longtime standard-bearers Meryl Davis and Charlie White.

Chock and Bates followed up their sublime rhythm dance with a winning free dance, totaling 223.52 points to easily outdistance second-place Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko. Caroline Green and Michael Parsons finished third.

“It means honestly the world,” Bates said. “The U.S. championships is always an event that we hold near and dear to our hearts. I think it's because it's the competition that we grew up coming to every January, watching every year on TV as kids. It's what made us fall in love with the sport. There's something incredibly magical about this event.”

Earlier in the day, two-time defending U.S. champion and reigning world champion Ilia Malinin scored 114.08 points for his short program to take a big lead into Sunday's free skate. Andrew Torgashev was 20 points back in second and Jimmy Ma in third.

In the pairs competition, Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov managed to hold their free skate together while their biggest rivals collapsed, allowing them to do one better than their silver medal from a year ago and stand atop the podium Saturday night.

Efimova and Mitrofanov scored 211.90 points for their program, set to “Je Suis Malade” by Serge Lama. Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman also took advantage of mistakes by defending champs Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea and 2023 runner-ups Emily Chan and Spencer Howe to capture the silver medal after a marathon day at INTRUST Bank Arena.

O'Shea and Kam erred on nearly every big element — their triple toe loops, throw triple lutz and throw triple toe loop. Their triple salchow into an axel was deemed invalid, and they got no points at all for a final lift on which both skaters fell.

Kam and O'Shea wound up third with 189.57 points. Chan and Howe were fourth with 183.95.

Chock, who was dealing with a food-related stomach bug all week, nevertheless joined Bates in a rollicking rhythm dance set to music from the 1950s, ‘60s and '70s with her longtime partner on Friday night. Chock and Bates had 92.16 points, putting them nearly 10 points clear of second-place Carreira and Ponomarenko heading into the free dance.

With Chock still dealing with her illness Saturday, they still managed to pad their lead, and confirm their status as favorites not just for the upcoming world championship in Boston but also the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

“Maddie has had a tough couple of days. Wasn’t really able to fuel much,” Bates said. “She’s so tough. She’s never not going to go out there and not give it her best. It took all the little energy that she had. I just tried to give the love and support to her.”

Carreira and Ponomarenko finished with 210.79 points for their second consecutive silver medal, while Green and Parsons took bronze after they had been tied on 82.13 points with Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik after the rhythm dance.

“This dance field is so strong,” Carreira said, “that we're really proud to be on the podium.”

In the men's short program, the 20-year-old Malinin did exactly what he's become known for: nailing quads. He opened with a quad flip, breezed through a triple axel, then hit a quad lutz in combination with a triple toe loop.

“I felt really good with my skate today,” he said, before adding: "I still have work to do on the quality of my skating.”

Imagine that: Malinin thinks he could be even better.

“I don't even think of Ilia as competition anymore because it's not something I think I can achieve,” said Ma, who likened the jumping dynamo to retired Olympic champion Nathan Chen. “It's just an honor to be friends and compete with two people who can be considered GOATs in their own way.”

U.S. Figure Skating also began confirming its lineups for the world championships in March.

Amber Glenn, who won her second straight national title on Friday night, will be joined in the women's competition in Boston by U.S. silver medalist Alysa Liu and reigning world silver medalist Isabeau Levito, provided she is healthy enough to compete. She did not compete at nationals due to a lingering foot injury.

If Levito is unable to perform in Boston, she would be replaced by newly minted U.S. bronze medalist Sarah Everhardt.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Madison Chock and Evan Bates have been the best American ice dancers for years.Best in the world, too.They only served to underscore that fact on Saturday, when they won their fourth consecutive title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and their sixth overall, matching the record held by longtime standard-bearers Meryl Davis and Charlie White.Chock and Bates followed up their sublime rhythm dance with a winning free dance, totaling 223.52 points to easily outdistance second-place Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko. Caroline Green and Michael Parsons finished third.“It means honestly the world,” Bates said. “The U.S. championships is always an event that we hold near and dear to our hearts. I think it's because it's the competition that we grew up coming to every January, watching every year on TV as kids. It's what made us fall in love with the sport. There's something incredibly magical about this event.”Earlier in the day, two-time defending U.S. champion and reigning world champion Ilia Malinin scored 114.08 points for his short program to take a big lead into Sunday's free skate. Andrew Torgashev was 20 points back in second and Jimmy Ma in third.In the pairs competition, Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov managed to hold their free skate together while their biggest rivals collapsed, allowing them to do one better than their silver medal from a year ago and stand atop the podium Saturday night.Efimova and Mitrofanov scored 211.90 points for their program, set to “Je Suis Malade” by Serge Lama. Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman also took advantage of mistakes by defending champs Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea and 2023 runner-ups Emily Chan and Spencer Howe to capture the silver medal after a marathon day at INTRUST Bank Arena.O'Shea and Kam erred on nearly every big element — their triple toe loops, throw triple lutz and throw triple toe loop. Their triple salchow into an axel was deemed invalid, and they got no points at all for a final lift on which both skaters fell.Kam and O'Shea wound up third with 189.57 points. Chan and Howe were fourth with 183.95.Chock, who was dealing with a food-related stomach bug all week, nevertheless joined Bates in a rollicking rhythm dance set to music from the 1950s, ‘60s and '70s with her longtime partner on Friday night. Chock and Bates had 92.16 points, putting them nearly 10 points clear of second-place Carreira and Ponomarenko heading into the free dance.With Chock still dealing with her illness Saturday, they still managed to pad their lead, and confirm their status as favorites not just for the upcoming world championship in Boston but also the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.“Maddie has had a tough couple of days. Wasn’t really able to fuel much,” Bates said. “She’s so tough. She’s never not going to go out there and not give it her best. It took all the little energy that she had. I just tried to give the love and support to her.”Carreira and Ponomarenko finished with 210.79 points for their second consecutive silver medal, while Green and Parsons took bronze after they had been tied on 82.13 points with Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik after the rhythm dance.“This dance field is so strong,” Carreira said, “that we're really proud to be on the podium.”In the men's short program, the 20-year-old Malinin did exactly what he's become known for: nailing quads. He opened with a quad flip, breezed through a triple axel, then hit a quad lutz in combination with a triple toe loop.“I felt really good with my skate today,” he said, before adding: "I still have work to do on the quality of my skating.”Imagine that: Malinin thinks he could be even better.“I don't even think of Ilia as competition anymore because it's not something I think I can achieve,” said Ma, who likened the jumping dynamo to retired Olympic champion Nathan Chen. “It's just an honor to be friends and compete with two people who can be considered GOATs in their own way.”U.S. Figure Skating also began confirming its lineups for the world championships in March.Amber Glenn, who won her second straight national title on Friday night, will be joined in the women's competition in Boston by U.S. silver medalist Alysa Liu and reigning world silver medalist Isabeau Levito, provided she is healthy enough to compete. She did not compete at nationals due to a lingering foot injury.If Levito is unable to perform in Boston, she would be replaced by newly minted U.S. bronze medalist Sarah Everhardt.