CANYON, Texas — Down 14 just halfway through the first quarter, No. 3 Hutchinson (11-1) found a way to capture its second national championship in program history Wednesday night.

Back-to-back national champion No. 1 Iowa Western (11-2) scored on its first two drives to build a 14-0 advantage with 6:49 left in the first frame.

Reiver quarterback Hunter Dekkers drove his team 93 yards in just nine plays on the first possession of the game. Dekkers capped the drive with a 27-yard pass to Keyon Brown.

Hutchinson went three-and-out and Davis Barr had his punt blocked. The Reivers recovered with a short field and capitalized on a free play.

The Dragon defense jumped offside and Dekkers hit Titus Myers on a 14-yard strike.

Dekkers finished the first half with 240 yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-23 passing.

Hutchinson cut into the Iowa Western lead as the first quarter expired when Samari Collier completed his first pass of the contest to Ben Prosper for 26 yards.

Collier used that momentum on a 27-yard touchdown run just four plays into the second quarter.

A Max Bartachek 32-yard field goal gave Iowa Western a 17-7 halftime lead after a Nestus Burger field-goal attempt from 46 yards went wide right.

The Reivers drove to the Dragon 4, but had no timeouts left as the clock expired on the first half.

Hutchinson scored the next 21 points unanswered.

The Dragons opened the third quarter with a 10-play, 54-yard drive that was capped with a Collier 8-yard pass to Prosper.

Shortly after, Collier left the game with an ankle injury.

Christian Johnson entered the game at quarterback for Hutchinson and threw a dime for seven on just his second play from scrimmage.

"(You) always got to stay ready," coach Drew Dallas said of his team's next-man-up mentality. "It's two cranks of the arm and go."

Johnson dropped back and hit Tre Brown for a 34-yard score.

In the national semifinal, Johnson threw a touchdown pass on his first play from scrimmage.

The play of the game came with 3:26 left in the third quarter.

Punt returner Kordell Gouldsby backpedaled to retrieve a Jonah Dupont punt. He found the opening he needed for a 73-yard house call.

The momentum-shifter put Hutchinson up 28-17 and was enough for Gouldsby to be named the game's most valuable player.

Hutchinson erased a double-digit lead and etched a double-digit lead of its own, but Iowa Western would not go away quietly.

Dekkers led the Reivers on another 93-yard drive. The 10-play drive was capped on a Brown reverse from 11 yards out.

Reiver head coach Scott Strohmeier kept his offense on the field for a two-point try. The attempt failed as Dekkers could not connect with receiver Fresh Walters.

It was the second time in as many meetings this season that a failed two-point attempt helped decide the outcome of the game.

Up five, Hutchinson needed one last stop from its defense after a Nestus Burger 32-yard field-goal attempt was blocked.

Iowa Western drove the ball to its own 46 before facing a fourth down. On 4th-and-5, Dekkers found tight end Naivyan Cargill for 13 yards.

The Reivers moved the ball to the Hutchinson 5 before facing fourth down again.

Dekkers was looking for Cargill again when he was pressured by Dragon linebacker JaQuel Mack. The pass was broken up by Avian Rice.

"Play for the man beside you," Rice pleaded with his teammates at halftime when the Dragons were down 10, a sentiment Kedrick Walker reminded himself throughout the second half.

Walker, Mack and Rice combined for 18 tackles, a tackle for loss, two broken-up passes and three quarterback hurries.

Marshon Oxley lived in the Reiver backfield and registered three sacks.

FINAL: Hutchinson 28 Iowa Western 23

This is Hutchinson's second national title under Drew Dallas.

Much like the first championship, Hutchinson had to erase a 14-point deficit.

The Dragon defense held Hunter Dekkers to 36.8% passing in the second half.

Before his exit, Samari Collier threw for 80 yards on 6-of-16 passing and added 109 yards on the ground with two total touchdowns.

Christian Johnson's only completion in five attempts went for a 34-yard touchdown.

The Reivers went 3-of-3 on third down to begin the game but were held to 3-of-14 the rest of the contest.

Both of Iowa Western's losses this season came at the hands of Hutchinson.

CANYON, Texas — Down 14 just halfway through the first quarter, No. 3 Hutchinson (11-1) found a way to capture its second national championship in program history Wednesday night.Back-to-back national champion No. 1 Iowa Western (11-2) scored on its first two drives to build a 14-0 advantage with 6:49 left in the first frame.Reiver quarterback Hunter Dekkers drove his team 93 yards in just nine plays on the first possession of the game. Dekkers capped the drive with a 27-yard pass to Keyon Brown.Hutchinson went three-and-out and Davis Barr had his punt blocked. The Reivers recovered with a short field and capitalized on a free play.The Dragon defense jumped offside and Dekkers hit Titus Myers on a 14-yard strike.Dekkers finished the first half with 240 yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-23 passing.Hutchinson cut into the Iowa Western lead as the first quarter expired when Samari Collier completed his first pass of the contest to Ben Prosper for 26 yards.Collier used that momentum on a 27-yard touchdown run just four plays into the second quarter.A Max Bartachek 32-yard field goal gave Iowa Western a 17-7 halftime lead after a Nestus Burger field-goal attempt from 46 yards went wide right.The Reivers drove to the Dragon 4, but had no timeouts left as the clock expired on the first half.Hutchinson scored the next 21 points unanswered.The Dragons opened the third quarter with a 10-play, 54-yard drive that was capped with a Collier 8-yard pass to Prosper.Shortly after, Collier left the game with an ankle injury.Christian Johnson entered the game at quarterback for Hutchinson and threw a dime for seven on just his second play from scrimmage."(You) always got to stay ready," coach Drew Dallas said of his team's next-man-up mentality. "It's two cranks of the arm and go."Johnson dropped back and hit Tre Brown for a 34-yard score.In the national semifinal, Johnson threw a touchdown pass on his first play from scrimmage.The play of the game came with 3:26 left in the third quarter.Punt returner Kordell Gouldsby backpedaled to retrieve a Jonah Dupont punt. He found the opening he needed for a 73-yard house call.The momentum-shifter put Hutchinson up 28-17 and was enough for Gouldsby to be named the game's most valuable player.Hutchinson erased a double-digit lead and etched a double-digit lead of its own, but Iowa Western would not go away quietly.Dekkers led the Reivers on another 93-yard drive. The 10-play drive was capped on a Brown reverse from 11 yards out.Reiver head coach Scott Strohmeier kept his offense on the field for a two-point try. The attempt failed as Dekkers could not connect with receiver Fresh Walters.It was the second time in as many meetings this season that a failed two-point attempt helped decide the outcome of the game.Up five, Hutchinson needed one last stop from its defense after a Nestus Burger 32-yard field-goal attempt was blocked.The Reivers took over at their own 15.Iowa Western drove the ball to its own 46 before facing a fourth down. On 4th-and-5, Dekkers found tight end Naivyan Cargill for 13 yards.The Reivers moved the ball to the Hutchinson 5 before facing fourth down again.Dekkers was looking for Cargill again when he was pressured by Dragon linebacker JaQuel Mack. The pass was broken up by Avian Rice."Play for the man beside you," Rice pleaded with his teammates at halftime when the Dragons were down 10, a sentiment Kedrick Walker reminded himself throughout the second half.Walker, Mack and Rice combined for 18 tackles, a tackle for loss, two broken-up passes and three quarterback hurries.Marshon Oxley lived in the Reiver backfield and registered three sacks.FINAL: Hutchinson 28 Iowa Western 23This is Hutchinson's second national title under Drew Dallas.Much like the first championship, Hutchinson had to erase a 14-point deficit.The Dragon defense held Hunter Dekkers to 36.8% passing in the second half.Before his exit, Samari Collier threw for 80 yards on 6-of-16 passing and added 109 yards on the ground with two total touchdowns.Christian Johnson's only completion in five attempts went for a 34-yard touchdown.The Reivers went 3-of-3 on third down to begin the game but were held to 3-of-14 the rest of the contest.Both of Iowa Western's losses this season came at the hands of Hutchinson.

🏈 Hutchinson secures 2nd national title in 5 years with win over Iowa Western

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Fort Hays State senior running back Shane Watts was named to the D2CCA All-America Football Team on Wednesday (Dec. 18). Watts was a second-team selection at running back, one of four running backs overall named to the D2CCA All-America Team.

Watts gives FHSU two All-America performers in 2024 with Myles Menges earning AFCA All-America First Team honors as a defensive lineman. Watts was an All-MIAA First Team selection as an all-purpose back, since he led the MIAA in all-purpose yards with 1,769.

Watts ranks fourth in NCAA Division II for total rushing yards (1,303) and all-purpose yards per game (160.8). He ranks eighth in total touchdowns (17) and ninth in total points scored (102). He ranks seventh in points per game (9.3). Watts averaged 5.8 yards per rush attempt in 2024. He produced the 20th 1,000-yard rushing season in FHSU and first since Kenneth Iheme in 2017. The 1,303 rushing yards ranks sixth for a season in FHSU program history.

With six 100-plus yard rushing games in 2024, Watts moved up into a tie with Emmett Pride and Kenneth Iheme for the fifth-most in program history with nine. Watts played just two years at running back after converting from the defensive side of the ball midway through his career at FHSU. With his two 200-plus rushing yard games this year, he tied for the most in program history with Shaquille Cooper, Jordan Hickel, and Andre Smith. Watts (2024) and Cooper (2015) are the only two Tigers to produce a pair of 200-plus yard rushing games in the same season. Watts had a career-best 250-yard rushing game against Emporia State on November 2.

Watts and Menges are the first All-America selections for the Tigers since the 2021 season, when tight end Hunter Budke was a selection by five organizations and offensive lineman Amari Angram-Boldin was a selection by the Don Hansen Football Committee.

Below is the D2CCA All-America Football Team for 2024.

OL - Gabe Brown - Grand Valley State (Mich.)

OL - Nic Van de Graaf - Colorado School of Mines

WR - Tyler Kahmann - Emporia State (Kan.)

LB - Benari Black - Johnson C. Smith (N.C.)

CB - Devin Pringle - Grand Valley State (Mich.)

P - Blake Doud - Colorado School of Mines

OL - Donovan McCollister Charleston (W. Va.)

WR - Reggie Retzlaff Colorado State-Pueblo

WR - Flynn Schiele Colorado School of Mines

DL - Leonard Henry IV Saginaw Valley State (Mich.)

LB - Micah Cretsinger23-1 Saginaw Valley State (Mich.)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734562981326.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWICHITA FALLS, Texas - Fort Hays State senior running back Shane Watts was named to the D2CCA All-America Football Team on Wednesday (Dec. 18). Watts was a second-team selection at running back, one of four running backs overall named to the D2CCA All-America Team.Watts gives FHSU two All-America performers in 2024 with Myles Menges earning AFCA All-America First Team honors as a defensive lineman. Watts was an All-MIAA First Team selection as an all-purpose back, since he led the MIAA in all-purpose yards with 1,769.Watts ranks fourth in NCAA Division II for total rushing yards (1,303) and all-purpose yards per game (160.8). He ranks eighth in total touchdowns (17) and ninth in total points scored (102). He ranks seventh in points per game (9.3). Watts averaged 5.8 yards per rush attempt in 2024. He produced the 20th 1,000-yard rushing season in FHSU and first since Kenneth Iheme in 2017. The 1,303 rushing yards ranks sixth for a season in FHSU program history.With six 100-plus yard rushing games in 2024, Watts moved up into a tie with Emmett Pride and Kenneth Iheme for the fifth-most in program history with nine. Watts played just two years at running back after converting from the defensive side of the ball midway through his career at FHSU. With his two 200-plus rushing yard games this year, he tied for the most in program history with Shaquille Cooper, Jordan Hickel, and Andre Smith. Watts (2024) and Cooper (2015) are the only two Tigers to produce a pair of 200-plus yard rushing games in the same season. Watts had a career-best 250-yard rushing game against Emporia State on November 2.Watts and Menges are the first All-America selections for the Tigers since the 2021 season, when tight end Hunter Budke was a selection by five organizations and offensive lineman Amari Angram-Boldin was a selection by the Don Hansen Football Committee.Below is the D2CCA All-America Football Team for 2024.FIRST TEAMOFFENSEPOS - PLAYER - SCHOOLTE - Tre Williams - Limestone (N.C.)OL - Gabe Brown - Grand Valley State (Mich.)OL - Bryce George - Ferris State (Mich.)OL - Will Flowers - Valdosta State (Ga.)OL - Jake Dugger - Harding (Ark.)OL - Nic Van de Graaf - Colorado School of MinesWR - Terrill Davis - Central OklahomaWR - Tyler Kahmann - Emporia State (Kan.)QB - Zach Zebrowski - Central MissouriRB - Chavon Wright - Charleston (W. Va.)RB - Jada Byers - Virginia UnionRS - Kha'lil Eason - New Haven (Conn.)PK - Anthony Beitko - California (Pa.)DEFENSEPOS - PLAYER - SCHOOLDL - Ricky Freymond - Western ColoradoDL - Marquise Fleming - Wingate (N.C.)DL - Khris Walton - Tiffin (Ohio)LB - Clay Schulte - Indianapolis (Ind.)LB - Jack Puckett - Central OklahomaLB - Benari Black - Johnson C. Smith (N.C.)LB - Jake Adams - Northern State (S.D.)S - Tanner Volk - Central WashingtonS - Lashon Young - Miles (Ala.)CB - Andrew Pitts - Angelo State (Texas)CB - Devin Pringle - Grand Valley State (Mich.)P - Blake Doud - Colorado School of MinesSECOND TEAMOFFENSEPOS - PLAYER - SCHOOLTE - Cayden Davis Henderson State (Ark.)OL - Jake Gannon Bemidji State (Minn.)OL - Joe Cooper Slippery Rock (Pa.)OL - Jaheim Bassham California (Pa.)OL - Donovan McCollister Charleston (W. Va.)OL - Montriel Lee Central OklahomaWR - Reggie Retzlaff Colorado State-PuebloWR - Flynn Schiele Colorado School of MinesQB - Sammy Edwards Valdosta State (Ga.)RB - Shane Watts Fort Hays State (Kan.)RB - Ronald Blackman Tiffin (Ohio)RS - Kobey Stephens Central OklahomaPK - Brandon Perez East Central (Okla.)DEFENSEPOS - PLAYER - SCHOOLDL - Leonard Henry IV Saginaw Valley State (Mich.)DL - Todd Hill Slippery Rock (Pa.)DL - JaMichael Rogers Miles (Ala.)LB - Wilfredo Diaz Edinboro (Pa.)LB - Micah Cretsinger23-1 Saginaw Valley State (Mich.)LB - Colin Stuhr Colorado MesaLB - Cam Hollobaugh Walsh (Ohio)S - Larry Elder Valdosta State (Ga.)S - Ty Dugger Harding (Ark.)CB - Nic Cheeley Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.)CB - Jaaron Joseph Emporia State (Kan.)P - Brenden Lach Michigan Tech

🏈Watts Selected to D2CCA All-America Second Team

WACO, Texas – Fort Hays State defensive lineman Myles Menges was named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America First Team on Wednesday (Dec. 18). Menges was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 and was a four-time All-MIAA selection for the Tigers. He is the first AFCA All-America selection for the Tigers since Hunter Budke was a first-team selection at tight end in 2021.

Menges is the fifth player under head coach Chris Brown to receive All-America honors from the AFCA. He is the third defensive lineman among the five to earn the honor. He joins Sie Doe, Jr. (2016 – First Team Defensive Line), Nathan Shepherd (2017 – First Team Defensive Line), Dante Brown (2019 – Second Team Kicker), and Hunter Budke (2021 – First Team Tight End) in the prestigious group. All three defensive linemen to receive the honor were the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in the respective seasons they earned the honor.

Menges adds this honor to a big list of accolades throughout his Tiger career. Earlier this year he was named to the D2CCA All-Super Region 3 Team. He is a four-time all-conference selection. He is a two-time CSC Academic All-District selection and will be considered for CSC Academic honors again this year with the voting yet to take place.

Menges finished the 2024 season with 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His most impressive stat was 11 pass breakups by batting down several passes at the line of scrimmage. He led all defensive linemen in NCAA Division II by a landslide, the only one to reach double figures, and it ranked 16th nationally all behind defensive backs, which dominate the category. His total was enough to lead one of the four conferences within Super Region 3.

Menges finished his FHSU career with 182 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 2 interceptions, 23 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

Below is the AFCA All-America Team for NCAA Division II in 2024.

2024 AFCA Division II Coaches' All-America - First Team

Pos	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)

QB 	*Zach Zebrowski	6'2	208	R-Sr.	Central Missouri 	Josh Lamberson	Woodbury, Minn. (East Ridge)

RB	Chavon Wright	5'8	200	R-Jr.	Charleston (W.Va.)	Quinn Sanders	Opa Locka, Fla. (Cedar Grove) 

RB	#Jada Byers	5'7	185	Sr.	Virginia Union	Alvin Parker	Bridgeton, N.J. (St. Joseph's)

WR	Reggie Retzlaff	6'3	212	Sr.	Colorado St.-Pueblo	Philip Vigil	Corona, Calif. (Centennial)

WR	Terrill Davis	6'0	180	Jr.	Central Oklahoma	Adam Dorrel	Choctaw, Okla. (Choctaw)

WR	Tyler Kahmann	6'3	206	Gr.	Emporia St. (Kan.)	Garin Higgins	Haysville, Kan. (Campus)

TE	Sam Pitz	6'6	245	Gr.	Minnesota-Duluth	Curt Wiese	Appleton, Wis. (West)

OL	Lawrence Hattar	6'5	335	Sr.	Ferris St. (Mich.)	Tony Annese	Livonia, Mich. (Churchill)

OL	Montriel Lee	6'2	300	Jr.	Central Oklahoma	Adam Dorrel	Del City, Okla. (Del City)

OL	Jake Dugger	6'3	300	Sr.	Harding (Ark.)	Paul Simmons	Searcy, Ark. (Harding Academy)

OL	Gabe Brown 	6'4	320	Sr.	Grand Valley St. (Mich.)	Scott Wooster	Grand Rapids, Mich. (East Kentwood)

OL	Will Flowers	6'3	283	Gr.	Valdosta St. (Ga.)	Tremaine Jackson	LaGrange, Ga. (LaGrange)

DL	Trevon Lambert	6'3	205	Gr.	West Alabama	Brett Gilliland	Atmore, Ala. (Escambia County)

DL	Myles Menges	6'4	260	Sr.	Fort Hays St. (Kan.)	Chris Brown	Bushton, Kan. (Central Plains)

DL	Ricky Freymond	6'5	265	R-Jr.	Western Colorado	Jas Bains	Chino, Calif. (Ontario Christian)

DL	*Marquise Fleming	6'1	240	Gr.	Wingate (N.C.)	Rashaan Jordan	Charlotte, N.C. (Olympic)

LB	Benari Black	6'2	215	Sr.	Johnson C. Smith (N.C.)	Maurice Flowers	Charlotte, N.C. (North Meck)

LB	Clay Schulte	5'11	210	Sr.	Indianapolis (Ind.)	Chris Keevers	Oak Harbor, Ohio (Oak Harbor)

LB	Cam Hollobaugh	6'0	220	R-Jr.	Walsh (Ohio)	John Fankhauser	Warren, Ohio (JFK)

DB	Lashon Young	5'11	175	So.	Miles (Ala.)	Sam Shade	Sweet Water, Ala. (Sweet Water)

DB	Larry Elder	6'0	200	Gr.	Valdosta St. (Ga.)	Tremaine Jackson	Richmond, Va. (Fork Union Military) 

DB	Josiah Johnson	5'11	210	Sr.	Ouachita Baptist (Ark.)	Todd Knight	Little Rock, Ark. (Pulaski Academy)

DB	Dion Kuinlan	5'10	190	Gr.	Assumption (Mass.)	Andy McKenzie	Bethpage, N.Y. (Plainedge)

PK	Elijah Guyton	6'1	185	R-So.	West Alabama	Brett Gilliland	Cullman, Ala. (Fairview)

P	Blake Doud	6'5	215	R-Jr.	Colorado School of Mines	Pete Sterbick	Parker, Colo. (Legend)

AP	DeJuan Bell	5'9	160	Gr.	Fort Valley State (Ga.)	Shawn Gibbs	North Augusta, S.C. (North Augusta)

2024 AFCA Division II Coaches' All-America - Second Team

QB	Trinidad Chambliss	6'1	200	Jr.	Ferris St. (Mich.) 	Tony Annese	Grand Rapids, Mich. (Forest Hills Northern)

RB	Ronald Blackman	5'11	190	Jr.	Tiffin (Ohio)	Brett Ekkens	Gahanna, Ohio (Lincoln)

RB	LJ Turner	5'9	195	Jr.	Catawba (N.C.)	Tyler Haines	Palm Bay, Fla. (Heritage)

WR	Jo Hayes	5'10	175	Gr.	North Carolina-Pembroke	Mark Hall	Peanut City, Va. (Norcom)

WR	Brice Peters	5'11	190	Sr.	Bemidji St. (Minn.)	Brent Bolte	White Bear Lake, Minn. (White Bear Lake)

WR	*Max McLeod	6'3	200	R-Sr.	Colorado School of Mines	Pete Sterbick	Seattle, Wash. (Bainbridge)

TE	Henry Dryden	6'3	220	R-Jr.	South Dakota Mines	Charlie Flohr	Boise, Idaho (Boise)

OL	Donovan McCollister	6'3	280	R-Sr.	Charleston (W.Va.)	Quinn Sanders	Nelsonville, Ohio (York)

OL	Yoesph Carter	6'4	295	Gr.	Findlay (Ohio)	Kory Allen	Cincinnati, Ohio (Princeton)

OL	Marshall Foerner	6'7	305	Sr.	Minnesota St.	Todd Hoffner	Plano, Ill. (Marmion Academy)

OL	Jaheim Bassham	6'2	280	Sr.	California (Pa.)	Gary Dunn	Erie, Pa. (Cathedral Prep)

OL	*Gabe Clark	6'6	320	R-Sr.	Central Missouri	Josh Lamberson	Lawrence, Kan. (Free State)

DL	Gage Price	6'3	285	Sr.	Harding (Ark.)	Paul Simmons	Hamburg, Ark. (Hamburg)

DL	Dawson Scott	6'4	250	Sr.	Southern Arkansas	Brad Smiley	Mexia, Tex. (Mexia)

DL	Jamair Diaz	6'1	235	So.	Glenville St. (W.Va.)	Mike Kellar	Passaic, N.J. (Passaic)

DL	Jake Fisher	6'5	260	Sr.	Northwest Missouri St.	Rich Wright	Smithville, Mo. (Smithville)

LB	*Micah Cretsinger	6'2	240	Sr.	Saginaw Valley St. (Mich.)	Ryan Brady	Jackson, Mich. (Jackson)

LB	Garrett Cox	5'11	230	R-Sr.	Indiana (Pa.)	Paul Tortorella	Avondale, Pa. (Kennett)

LB	Colin Stuhr	6'0	215	R-Jr.	Colorado Mesa	Miles Kochevar	Littleton, Colo. (Dakota Ridge)

DB	*Peyton Buckley	6'1	207	Sr.	Augustana (S.D.)	Jerry Olszewski	Rice Lake, Wis. (Rice Lake)

DB	*Melvin Smith Jr.	6'1	185	Sr.	Southern Arkansas	Brad Smiley	Bossier City, La. (Airline)

DB	*Tanner Volk	6'`1	189	Sr.	Central Washington	Chris Fisk	Portland, Ore. (Aloha)

DB	Cameren Grodhaus	6'2	210	Gr.	Davenport (Mich.)	Sparky McEwen	Wellsville, Ohio (Southern Local)

PK	Brandon Perez	6'1	205	So.	East Central (Oka.)	John Litrenta	Crandall, Tex. (Crandall)

P	Brenden Lach	6'1	185	Sr.	Michigan Tech	Dan Mettlach	South Lyon, Mich. (South Lyon)

AP	Virgil Lemons	6'0	190	Sr.	West Florida	Kaleb Nobles	Deerfield Beach, Fla. (Deerfield Beach)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734562811725.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWACO, Texas – Fort Hays State defensive lineman Myles Menges was named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America First Team on Wednesday (Dec. 18). Menges was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 and was a four-time All-MIAA selection for the Tigers. He is the first AFCA All-America selection for the Tigers since Hunter Budke was a first-team selection at tight end in 2021.Menges is the fifth player under head coach Chris Brown to receive All-America honors from the AFCA. He is the third defensive lineman among the five to earn the honor. He joins Sie Doe, Jr. (2016 – First Team Defensive Line), Nathan Shepherd (2017 – First Team Defensive Line), Dante Brown (2019 – Second Team Kicker), and Hunter Budke (2021 – First Team Tight End) in the prestigious group. All three defensive linemen to receive the honor were the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in the respective seasons they earned the honor.Menges adds this honor to a big list of accolades throughout his Tiger career. Earlier this year he was named to the D2CCA All-Super Region 3 Team. He is a four-time all-conference selection. He is a two-time CSC Academic All-District selection and will be considered for CSC Academic honors again this year with the voting yet to take place.Menges finished the 2024 season with 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His most impressive stat was 11 pass breakups by batting down several passes at the line of scrimmage. He led all defensive linemen in NCAA Division II by a landslide, the only one to reach double figures, and it ranked 16th nationally all behind defensive backs, which dominate the category. His total was enough to lead one of the four conferences within Super Region 3.Menges finished his FHSU career with 182 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 2 interceptions, 23 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.Below is the AFCA All-America Team for NCAA Division II in 2024.2024 AFCA Division II Coaches' All-America - First TeamOffensePos	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)QB 	*Zach Zebrowski	6'2	208	R-Sr.	Central Missouri 	Josh Lamberson	Woodbury, Minn. (East Ridge)RB	Chavon Wright	5'8	200	R-Jr.	Charleston (W.Va.)	Quinn Sanders	Opa Locka, Fla. (Cedar Grove) RB	#Jada Byers	5'7	185	Sr.	Virginia Union	Alvin Parker	Bridgeton, N.J. (St. Joseph's)WR	Reggie Retzlaff	6'3	212	Sr.	Colorado St.-Pueblo	Philip Vigil	Corona, Calif. (Centennial)WR	Terrill Davis	6'0	180	Jr.	Central Oklahoma	Adam Dorrel	Choctaw, Okla. (Choctaw)WR	Tyler Kahmann	6'3	206	Gr.	Emporia St. (Kan.)	Garin Higgins	Haysville, Kan. (Campus)TE	Sam Pitz	6'6	245	Gr.	Minnesota-Duluth	Curt Wiese	Appleton, Wis. (West)OL	Lawrence Hattar	6'5	335	Sr.	Ferris St. (Mich.)	Tony Annese	Livonia, Mich. (Churchill)OL	Montriel Lee	6'2	300	Jr.	Central Oklahoma	Adam Dorrel	Del City, Okla. (Del City)OL	Jake Dugger	6'3	300	Sr.	Harding (Ark.)	Paul Simmons	Searcy, Ark. (Harding Academy)OL	Gabe Brown 	6'4	320	Sr.	Grand Valley St. (Mich.)	Scott Wooster	Grand Rapids, Mich. (East Kentwood)OL	Will Flowers	6'3	283	Gr.	Valdosta St. (Ga.)	Tremaine Jackson	LaGrange, Ga. (LaGrange)DefensePos	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)DL	Trevon Lambert	6'3	205	Gr.	West Alabama	Brett Gilliland	Atmore, Ala. (Escambia County)DL	Myles Menges	6'4	260	Sr.	Fort Hays St. (Kan.)	Chris Brown	Bushton, Kan. (Central Plains)DL	Ricky Freymond	6'5	265	R-Jr.	Western Colorado	Jas Bains	Chino, Calif. (Ontario Christian)DL	*Marquise Fleming	6'1	240	Gr.	Wingate (N.C.)	Rashaan Jordan	Charlotte, N.C. (Olympic)LB	Benari Black	6'2	215	Sr.	Johnson C. Smith (N.C.)	Maurice Flowers	Charlotte, N.C. (North Meck)LB	Clay Schulte	5'11	210	Sr.	Indianapolis (Ind.)	Chris Keevers	Oak Harbor, Ohio (Oak Harbor)LB	Cam Hollobaugh	6'0	220	R-Jr.	Walsh (Ohio)	John Fankhauser	Warren, Ohio (JFK)DB	Lashon Young	5'11	175	So.	Miles (Ala.)	Sam Shade	Sweet Water, Ala. (Sweet Water)DB	Larry Elder	6'0	200	Gr.	Valdosta St. (Ga.)	Tremaine Jackson	Richmond, Va. (Fork Union Military) DB	Josiah Johnson	5'11	210	Sr.	Ouachita Baptist (Ark.)	Todd Knight	Little Rock, Ark. (Pulaski Academy)DB	Dion Kuinlan	5'10	190	Gr.	Assumption (Mass.)	Andy McKenzie	Bethpage, N.Y. (Plainedge)SpecialistsPos	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)PK	Elijah Guyton	6'1	185	R-So.	West Alabama	Brett Gilliland	Cullman, Ala. (Fairview)P	Blake Doud	6'5	215	R-Jr.	Colorado School of Mines	Pete Sterbick	Parker, Colo. (Legend)AP	DeJuan Bell	5'9	160	Gr.	Fort Valley State (Ga.)	Shawn Gibbs	North Augusta, S.C. (North Augusta)2024 AFCA Division II Coaches' All-America - Second TeamOffensePos	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)QB	Trinidad Chambliss	6'1	200	Jr.	Ferris St. (Mich.) 	Tony Annese	Grand Rapids, Mich. (Forest Hills Northern)RB	Ronald Blackman	5'11	190	Jr.	Tiffin (Ohio)	Brett Ekkens	Gahanna, Ohio (Lincoln)RB	LJ Turner	5'9	195	Jr.	Catawba (N.C.)	Tyler Haines	Palm Bay, Fla. (Heritage)WR	Jo Hayes	5'10	175	Gr.	North Carolina-Pembroke	Mark Hall	Peanut City, Va. (Norcom)WR	Brice Peters	5'11	190	Sr.	Bemidji St. (Minn.)	Brent Bolte	White Bear Lake, Minn. (White Bear Lake)WR	*Max McLeod	6'3	200	R-Sr.	Colorado School of Mines	Pete Sterbick	Seattle, Wash. (Bainbridge)TE	Henry Dryden	6'3	220	R-Jr.	South Dakota Mines	Charlie Flohr	Boise, Idaho (Boise)OL	Donovan McCollister	6'3	280	R-Sr.	Charleston (W.Va.)	Quinn Sanders	Nelsonville, Ohio (York)OL	Yoesph Carter	6'4	295	Gr.	Findlay (Ohio)	Kory Allen	Cincinnati, Ohio (Princeton)OL	Marshall Foerner	6'7	305	Sr.	Minnesota St.	Todd Hoffner	Plano, Ill. (Marmion Academy)OL	Jaheim Bassham	6'2	280	Sr.	California (Pa.)	Gary Dunn	Erie, Pa. (Cathedral Prep)OL	*Gabe Clark	6'6	320	R-Sr.	Central Missouri	Josh Lamberson	Lawrence, Kan. (Free State)DefensePos	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)DL	Gage Price	6'3	285	Sr.	Harding (Ark.)	Paul Simmons	Hamburg, Ark. (Hamburg)DL	Dawson Scott	6'4	250	Sr.	Southern Arkansas	Brad Smiley	Mexia, Tex. (Mexia)DL	Jamair Diaz	6'1	235	So.	Glenville St. (W.Va.)	Mike Kellar	Passaic, N.J. (Passaic)DL	Jake Fisher	6'5	260	Sr.	Northwest Missouri St.	Rich Wright	Smithville, Mo. (Smithville)LB	*Micah Cretsinger	6'2	240	Sr.	Saginaw Valley St. (Mich.)	Ryan Brady	Jackson, Mich. (Jackson)LB	Garrett Cox	5'11	230	R-Sr.	Indiana (Pa.)	Paul Tortorella	Avondale, Pa. (Kennett)LB	Colin Stuhr	6'0	215	R-Jr.	Colorado Mesa	Miles Kochevar	Littleton, Colo. (Dakota Ridge)DB	*Peyton Buckley	6'1	207	Sr.	Augustana (S.D.)	Jerry Olszewski	Rice Lake, Wis. (Rice Lake)DB	*Melvin Smith Jr.	6'1	185	Sr.	Southern Arkansas	Brad Smiley	Bossier City, La. (Airline)DB	*Tanner Volk	6'`1	189	Sr.	Central Washington	Chris Fisk	Portland, Ore. (Aloha)DB	Cameren Grodhaus	6'2	210	Gr.	Davenport (Mich.)	Sparky McEwen	Wellsville, Ohio (Southern Local)SpecialistsPos	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)PK	Brandon Perez	6'1	205	So.	East Central (Oka.)	John Litrenta	Crandall, Tex. (Crandall)P	Brenden Lach	6'1	185	Sr.	Michigan Tech	Dan Mettlach	South Lyon, Mich. (South Lyon)AP	Virgil Lemons	6'0	190	Sr.	West Florida	Kaleb Nobles	Deerfield Beach, Fla. (Deerfield Beach)*-2023 AFCA All-American#-2022 AFCA All-American

🏈Menges Named to AFCA All-America First Team

A pair of Hays High seniors made their collegiate choices official on Wednesday by signing with their respective schools.

Anybody that has ever seen Riley Dreher play softball can see the joy the sport brings her. That same emotion is found off the field as well.&nbsp;"Every night I can hit and it never gets old."

On Wednesday, Dreher inked a letter to play softball at Hutchinson Community College. The three year starter heads into her senior season as one of the best offensive weapons in program history.&nbsp;

She hit .452 (38-84) her junior year and is a .478 (111-232) career hitter. As a freshmen Dreher collected 36 hits while batting .462. During her sophomore season she batted .521 with 37 hits.&nbsp;

Dreher has 48 extra base hits in her career out of 111 total hits.&nbsp;

This past season she led the team in hits (38), batting average (.452), doubles (9), triples (8), home runs (3), and runs batted in (33.) She struck out just twice in 84 at-bats.

Dreher is also part of the state ranked girls basketball team where she has been a two year varsity player.

Hays High graduate Aubree Thomas is a member of the Blue Dragons.

Dreher has also pitched for the Indians throwing 168.2 innings covering 34 career appearances and 29 starts. She will likely be leaned on heavily for the 2025 spring season.

"Doing it for him, really." Dani Willeford has long enjoyed the sport of soccer. The game runs deep through her family.&nbsp;"I love it because my grandpa did it and brought it to the family."

Willeford made her decision to take the next step to the collegiate level by signing with Kansas City Community College on Wednesday.

Hays High girls soccer coach&nbsp;Tyler Rueschoff says Willeford can play any where on the field and be confident. She's also vocal in an era when it can be tough for kids to find their voice among their peers. She also rarely gets tired, moving to positions other positions through out the field to help give teammates a breather.

This past spring Willeford focused on club soccer while play for the Hays High softball team. She made an immediate impact.&nbsp;

Willeford hit safely in 20 of the last 23 games and recorded a hit in all but three contests. She batted .373 (31-83) while playing second base for the Indians. Willeford stole a team high 11 bases.

A pair of Hays High seniors made their collegiate choices official on Wednesday by signing with their respective schools.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734553150681.jpeg" alt="Riley Dreher Pic.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Riley Dreher Pic.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Anybody that has ever seen Riley Dreher play softball can see the joy the sport brings her. That same emotion is found off the field as well.&nbsp;"Every night I can hit and it never gets old."On Wednesday, Dreher inked a letter to play softball at Hutchinson Community College. The three year starter heads into her senior season as one of the best offensive weapons in program history.&nbsp;Riley Dreher<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1989165143&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/riley-dreher" title="Riley Dreher" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Riley Dreher</a></div></div>She hit .452 (38-84) her junior year and is a .478 (111-232) career hitter. As a freshmen Dreher collected 36 hits while batting .462. During her sophomore season she batted .521 with 37 hits.&nbsp;Dreher has 48 extra base hits in her career out of 111 total hits.&nbsp;This past season she led the team in hits (38), batting average (.452), doubles (9), triples (8), home runs (3), and runs batted in (33.) She struck out just twice in 84 at-bats.Coach Abby Gillan<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1989164671&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/abby-gillan-1" title="Abby Gillan" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Abby Gillan</a></div></div>Dreher is also part of the state ranked girls basketball team where she has been a two year varsity player.Hays High graduate Aubree Thomas is a member of the Blue Dragons.Dreher has also pitched for the Indians throwing 168.2 innings covering 34 career appearances and 29 starts. She will likely be leaned on heavily for the 2025 spring season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734553122868.jpeg" alt="Dani Willeford Pic.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Dani Willeford Pic.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>"Doing it for him, really." Dani Willeford has long enjoyed the sport of soccer. The game runs deep through her family.&nbsp;"I love it because my grandpa did it and brought it to the family."Willeford made her decision to take the next step to the collegiate level by signing with Kansas City Community College on Wednesday.Dani Willeford<div></div>Hays High girls soccer coach&nbsp;Tyler Rueschoff says Willeford can play any where on the field and be confident. She's also vocal in an era when it can be tough for kids to find their voice among their peers. She also rarely gets tired, moving to positions other positions through out the field to help give teammates a breather.Tyler Rueschoff<div></div>This past spring Willeford focused on club soccer while play for the Hays High softball team. She made an immediate impact.&nbsp;Willeford hit safely in 20 of the last 23 games and recorded a hit in all but three contests. She batted .373 (31-83) while playing second base for the Indians. Willeford stole a team high 11 bases.

📝 Hays High's Dreher, Willeford make collegiate choices

🎥🏀 Redeem Designs Plays Of The Week TMP vs Hoxie

Wednesday, December 18
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm

Thursday, December 19
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WBKB vs. Truman State, 7:35pm

Friday, December 20
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Manhattan, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Central Plains, 5:40pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. MSU Denver, 6:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WBKB vs. Quincy, 9:35pm

Saturday, December 21
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs vs. Houston Texans, 11:00am

Sunday, December 22
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Brown, 12:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. Regis, 1:30pm

Wednesday, December 18
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmThursday, December 19
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WBKB vs. Truman State, 7:35pmFriday, December 20
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Manhattan, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Central Plains, 5:40pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. MSU Denver, 6:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WBKB vs. Quincy, 9:35pmSaturday, December 21
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs vs. Houston Texans, 11:00amSunday, December 22
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Brown, 12:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. Regis, 1:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

Berean Academy 50, Salina Sacred Heart 48

Hutchinson Central Christian 50, Macksville 44

Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 53, Riverton 24

St. Thomas Aquinas 53, St. Pius X (Kansas City), Mo. 48

Wichita Central Christian 40, Fairfield 30

Wichita Classical 50, Hutchinson Trinity 36

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Andale 44, Rose Hill 23Andover 58, Goddard-Eisenhower 23Arapahoe, Neb. 68, Northern Valley 21Arkansas City 44, Andover Central 43Atchison 51, KC Harmon 18Attica 46, South Central 44BV Northwest 64, SM North 15BV Southwest 53, Gardner-Edgerton 40Baldwin 52, Louisburg 41Belle Plaine 35, Douglass 21Berean Academy 50, Salina Sacred Heart 48Blue Valley 47, Mill Valley 41Bluestem 46, Fredonia 23Buhler 55, McPherson 44Burlington 59, Iola 32Central Plains 86, Chase 3Centralia 76, Atchison County 40Chase County 47, Wabaunsee 46, 2OTCherryvale 60, Columbus 41Cheylin 60, Rawlins County 48Circle 32, Winfield 28Clay Center 55, Abilene 37Clearwater 55, El Dorado 24Clifton-Clyde 80, St John's Beloit 47Coffeyville 53, Pittsburg 42Colby 57, Holcomb 44Conway Springs 64, Caldwell 29Derby 67, Maize 36Doniphan West 51, Horton 34Eudora 43, Bonner Springs 31Fort Scott 68, Parsons 25Frontenac 47, Anderson County 16Goodland 43, Scott City 41Great Bend 31, Emporia 21Greeley County 48, Triplains-Brewster 12Halstead 37, Hillsboro 28Hanover 53, Concordia 39Hartford 72, Burlingame 26Haven 60, Nickerson 4Hesston 60, Smoky Valley 42Hiawatha 51, Sabetha 38Hodgeman County 56, Ness City 19Hoisington 51, Sterling 39Hoxie 49, Hays-TMP-Marian 24Hutchinson 50, Wichita Campus 17Hutchinson Central Christian 50, Macksville 44Jayhawk Linn 45, Central Heights 31Jefferson West 47, Royal Valley 34Junction City 49, Lawrence Free State 47KC Piper 70, Topeka West 30KC Sumner 60, KC Washington 49KC Wyandotte 60, KC Schlagle 21La Crosse 38, Dighton 33Lawrence 59, BV West 37Liberal 65, Hugoton 46Lyons 45, Sedgwick 41Madison 51, Lebo 46Maize South 45, Valley Center 25Meade 51, Kiowa County 44Medicine Lodge 47, Chaparral 43Minneapolis 48, Ellsworth 35Mulvane 57, Augusta 45Nemaha Central 53, Valley Heights 33Norwich 53, Udall 49Onaga 41, Jackson Heights 24Osage City 55, Mission Valley 22Osborne 52, Victoria 44Ottawa 51, Paola 41Phillipsburg 57, Ellis 20Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 53, Riverton 24Pleasant Ridge 47, Riverside 37Pratt 43, Russell 29Riley County 59, St Marys 37Rock Creek 52, Marysville 43Rock Hills 51, Logan 28SM South 48, Olathe West 33Salina Central 62, Goddard 60Salina South 49, Newton 22Silver Lake 62, Rossville 53South Gray 55, Bucklin 44South Haven 57, South Barber 16Southern Valley, Neb. 52, Norton 26Southwestern Hts. 36, Spearville 28Spring Hill 50, Tonganoxie 43St. James Academy 64, SM North 15St. Thomas Aquinas 53, St. Pius X (Kansas City), Mo. 48Stafford 41, Centre 39Stockton 48, Tescott 20Thunder Ridge 43, Natoma 26Topeka Seaman 81, KC Turner 11Uniontown 53, Yates Center 19Wallace County 55, Weskan 22Wamego 63, Chapman 42Washburn Rural 59, SM Northwest 38Washington County 59, Smith Center 51Wellington 84, Wichita Collegiate 6Wichita 38, SVHE 37Wichita Central Christian 40, Fairfield 30Wichita Classical 50, Hutchinson Trinity 36Wichita East 66, Wichita Northwest 30Wichita Life Prep 59, Wichita Independent 8Woodward, Okla. 40, Dodge City 25BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Abilene 61, Clay Center 53Andale 67, Rose Hill 41Anderson County 60, Frontenac 57Andover 70, Goddard-Eisenhower 35Andover Central 71, Arkansas City 37Atchison 86, KC Harmon 47Augusta 64, Mulvane 54Baldwin 58, Louisburg 36Belle Plaine 47, Douglass 45Bonner Springs 61, Eudora 55Burlingame 63, Hartford 29Burlington 68, Iola 61Central Plains 82, Chase 11Centralia 67, Atchison County 20Chanute 70, Girard 43Chaparral 49, Medicine Lodge 41Circle 68, Winfield 54Clifton-Clyde 59, St John's Beloit 49Coffeyville 64, Pittsburg 55Columbus 63, Cherryvale 40Concordia 79, Hanover 73Crest 44, Oswego 25Cunningham 77, Argonia 37Derby 63, Maize 43Doniphan West 63, Horton 51El Dorado 54, Clearwater 51Ell-Saline 66, Ellinwood 36Ellis 50, Phillipsburg 47Ellsworth 50, Minneapolis 43Flinthills 63, Altoona-Midway 42Fredonia 89, Bluestem 29Goodland 64, Scott City 43Great Bend 56, Emporia 49Haven 63, Nickerson 28Hays-TMP-Marian 50, Hoxie 41Hesston 56, Smoky Valley 35Hillsboro 77, Halstead 66Hodgeman County 58, Ness City 30Holcomb 74, Colby 59Holton 50, Perry-Lecompton 44Hugoton 64, Liberal 32Hutchinson 57, Wichita Campus 25Jackson Heights 63, Onaga 48Jayhawk Linn 32, Central Heights 31, OTKC Washington 72, KC Sumner 44Kingman 47, Inman 44La Crosse 51, Dighton 46Labette County 56, Independence 51Lakin 73, Sublette 28Lawrence Free State 54, SM North 46Lebo 52, Madison 41Logan 58, Rock Hills 49Lyons 73, Sedgwick 32Macksville 61, Hutchinson Central Christian 51McPherson 70, Buhler 30Metro Academy 49, Butler, Mo. 33Mill Valley 86, Blue Valley 55Nemaha Central 39, Valley Heights 37Neodesha 66, Howard West Elk 61Northern Valley 53, Arapahoe, Neb. 29Norton 62, Southern Valley, Neb. 48Olathe South 70, Lawrence 50Oskaloosa 61, McLouth 48Ottawa 65, Paola 33Parsons 64, Fort Scott 50Pike Valley 47, Wakefield 24Pratt 68, Russell 25Rawlins County 57, Cheylin 49Riverside 61, Pleasant Ridge 43Riverton 47, Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 44Rock Creek 63, Marysville 43Rossville 79, Silver Lake 74Sabetha 55, Hiawatha 22Salina Central 48, Goddard 29Salina Sacred Heart 40, Berean Academy 35Salina South 58, Newton 47Shawnee Heights 66, Lansing 24Smith Center 65, Washington County 53South Central 59, Attica 26South Haven 50, South Barber 27Spring Hill 62, Tonganoxie 55St Marys 68, Riley County 56St. Pius X (Kansas City), Mo. 53, St. Thomas Aquinas 50Stafford 72, Centre 41Sterling 62, Hoisington 40Tescott 61, Stockton 42Thunder Ridge 53, Natoma 24Topeka Seaman 66, KC Turner 47Topeka West 59, KC Piper 58Uniontown 51, Yates Center 40Valley Center 55, Maize South 54Valley Falls 70, Troy 46Victoria 68, Osborne 7Wabaunsee 59, Chase County 52Wamego 83, Chapman 42Wellsville 69, Osawatomie 40Weskan 67, Wallace County 39Wichita Bishop Carroll 56, Kapaun Mount Carmel 52Wichita Collegiate 76, Wellington 74Wichita Heights 68, Wichita Southeast 39Wichita Life Prep 95, Wichita Independent 20Wichita Northwest 66, Wichita East 58Wichita South 75, Wichita North 45Woodward, Okla. 91, Dodge City 58

🏀 Tuesday's high school results

HOXIE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys’ and girls’ basketball teams
split a pair of league games Tuesday night in Hoxie. The TMP boys got their
first win, while the TMP girls suffered their first league loss.

GIRLS: Hoxie 49, TMP 24 The Hoxie Indians broke an early tie, outscoring TMP 31-8
over a stretch from the first quarter into the third quarter. The Indians stayed
unbeaten in league play in a 49-24 win over the Monarchs Tuesday night in Hays.

The two teams traded the lead early, with TMP (2-3, 1-1 MCL)
&nbsp;leading 6-2 with just over six minutes
to play in the first quarter on a pair of Shaylee Gottschalk field goals and a
Brooke Koenigsman floater in the lane. 

Hoxie (4-1, 2-0 MCL) answered with a 6-0 run of their own,
and then, with the game tied at 8, Hoxie connected on a three-pointer for an
11-8 lead to close out the first quarter.

Hoxie opened the second quarter with an offensive rebound
and putback, sparking a 28-2 run to end the first half and begin the second
half. Hoxie led 28-11 with more than five and a half minutes left in the third quarter.

Hoxie led 35-13 after three quarters on their way to the
49-24 victory.

TMP’s Brooke Koenigsman and Hannah Rose each finished with a
team-high five points.

BOYS: TMP 50, Hoxie 41 The TMP (1-4, 1-1 MCL) boys earned a hard-fought 50-41
victory against the Hoxie Indians Tuesday night in Hoxie, their first victory.

The opening quarter saw six lead changes in the first six minutes
until Carson Liles scored back-to-back inside field goals in the final 12
seconds of the first quarter, putting TMP up 12-9.

Hoxie (2-3, 0-2 MCL) was already to retake the lead in the
second quarter, and TMP was held back to just two field goals.

Those two field goals, a Will Eck three-pointer and Liles's
first three-pointer of the year put TMP up 18-16. 

The Monarchs held Hoxie scoreless over the first half's
final two minutes and two seconds. 

TMP started to pull away in the third quarter. Ty Schmeidler
began to come to life, scoring seven of his team-high 10 points in the third
quarter.

Hoxie briefly closed within three points with just over two
and a half minutes left in the fourth quarter, but TMP outscored the Indians
8-2 down the stretch for a 50-41 TMP Victoria.

Schmeidler and Liles each collected 10 points to lead the
Monarchs. Liles pulled down five rebounds. Grant Nehls added nine points and
seven rebounds.

TMP will travel to take on Central Plains on Friday. 

HOXIE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys’ and girls’ basketball teams
split a pair of league games Tuesday night in Hoxie. The TMP boys got their
first win, while the TMP girls suffered their first league loss.GIRLS: Hoxie 49, TMP 24 The Hoxie Indians broke an early tie, outscoring TMP 31-8
over a stretch from the first quarter into the third quarter. The Indians stayed
unbeaten in league play in a 49-24 win over the Monarchs Tuesday night in Hays.The two teams traded the lead early, with TMP (2-3, 1-1 MCL)
&nbsp;leading 6-2 with just over six minutes
to play in the first quarter on a pair of Shaylee Gottschalk field goals and a
Brooke Koenigsman floater in the lane. Hoxie (4-1, 2-0 MCL) answered with a 6-0 run of their own,
and then, with the game tied at 8, Hoxie connected on a three-pointer for an
11-8 lead to close out the first quarter.Hoxie opened the second quarter with an offensive rebound
and putback, sparking a 28-2 run to end the first half and begin the second
half. Hoxie led 28-11 with more than five and a half minutes left in the third quarter.Hoxie led 35-13 after three quarters on their way to the
49-24 victory.TMP’s Brooke Koenigsman and Hannah Rose each finished with a
team-high five points.BOYS: TMP 50, Hoxie 41 The TMP (1-4, 1-1 MCL) boys earned a hard-fought 50-41
victory against the Hoxie Indians Tuesday night in Hoxie, their first victory.The opening quarter saw six lead changes in the first six minutes
until Carson Liles scored back-to-back inside field goals in the final 12
seconds of the first quarter, putting TMP up 12-9.Hoxie (2-3, 0-2 MCL) was already to retake the lead in the
second quarter, and TMP was held back to just two field goals.Those two field goals, a Will Eck three-pointer and Liles's
first three-pointer of the year put TMP up 18-16. The Monarchs held Hoxie scoreless over the first half's
final two minutes and two seconds. TMP started to pull away in the third quarter. Ty Schmeidler
began to come to life, scoring seven of his team-high 10 points in the third
quarter.Hoxie briefly closed within three points with just over two
and a half minutes left in the fourth quarter, but TMP outscored the Indians
8-2 down the stretch for a 50-41 TMP Victoria.Schmeidler and Liles each collected 10 points to lead the
Monarchs. Liles pulled down five rebounds. Grant Nehls added nine points and
seven rebounds.TMP will travel to take on Central Plains on Friday.

🏀Monarchs split MCL matchups in Hoxie

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bennett Stirtz scored eight of his 22 points in overtime including the game-winner with 3.4 seconds left to give undefeated Drake a 73-70 win over Kansas State on Tuesday night after blowing a 20-point lead.

Mitch Mascari tied a career high with eight 3-pointers in scoring 22 points for the Bulldogs (10-0). Cam Manyawu added 11 points.

Coleman Hawkins scored 16 points but was just 3 of 8 from the line including 2 of 6 in overtime for Kansas State (6-4). David N’Guessan added 13 points and a game-high nine rebounds. Max Jones scored 12 points and Dug McDaniel 10.

Drake's Daniel Abreu made two free throws to tie the game with 23 seconds left in regulation before K-State's Brendan Hausen missed a well-defended 3 attempt.

In overtime, Stirtz scored five straight points and Abreau jammed home a follow for a six-point edge with two minutes left. The Wildcats scored the next six points with Hawkins hitting a 3 to tie with 12.3 seconds remaining. Stirtz took the inbounds and sank his 3 before Jones' deep 3 went off the back of the rim at the buzzer.

Kansas State tied the game for the first time midway through the second half and took its first lead shortly thereafter.

Mascari was 6 of 6 from the arc in the first half in scoring 18 first-half points for a 36-27 lead. His fifth 3-pointer made it a 20-point lead with six minutes remaining in the period. He finished the game 8 of 10 from the arc.

Saturday, Kansas State plays at Wichita State and Drake is host to Green Bay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734491848639.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bennett Stirtz scored eight of his 22 points in overtime including the game-winner with 3.4 seconds left to give undefeated Drake a 73-70 win over Kansas State on Tuesday night after blowing a 20-point lead.Mitch Mascari tied a career high with eight 3-pointers in scoring 22 points for the Bulldogs (10-0). Cam Manyawu added 11 points.Coleman Hawkins scored 16 points but was just 3 of 8 from the line including 2 of 6 in overtime for Kansas State (6-4). David N’Guessan added 13 points and a game-high nine rebounds. Max Jones scored 12 points and Dug McDaniel 10.Drake's Daniel Abreu made two free throws to tie the game with 23 seconds left in regulation before K-State's Brendan Hausen missed a well-defended 3 attempt.In overtime, Stirtz scored five straight points and Abreau jammed home a follow for a six-point edge with two minutes left. The Wildcats scored the next six points with Hawkins hitting a 3 to tie with 12.3 seconds remaining. Stirtz took the inbounds and sank his 3 before Jones' deep 3 went off the back of the rim at the buzzer.Kansas State tied the game for the first time midway through the second half and took its first lead shortly thereafter.Mascari was 6 of 6 from the arc in the first half in scoring 18 first-half points for a 36-27 lead. His fifth 3-pointer made it a 20-point lead with six minutes remaining in the period. He finished the game 8 of 10 from the arc.Saturday, Kansas State plays at Wichita State and Drake is host to Green Bay.

🏀 Drake blows 20-point lead, beats K-State on 3-pointer in overtime

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is preparing to play against Houston on Saturday, unless&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-injury-b1d2fa37c154828f6f76f78312f0562e">his ailing ankle</a>&nbsp;puts the two-time MVP in such a precarious position that he can't protect himself or he “puts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-nfl-analysis-9d7ca814eee4e0a9fe74a208b1698f25">the football team</a>&nbsp;in a bad position.”

Mahomes sustained a mild high-ankle sprain late&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/browns-chiefs-score-mahomes-dc7a77ac602c6aa0c550dd6bf5288f27">in a 21-7 win in Cleveland</a>&nbsp;on Sunday. He began to receive treatment on the plane ride home — “I wasn't do high-knees or anything like that,” he quipped — and spent more than 12 hours getting additional work on it at the practice facility Monday, even though most of the team was given the day off.

Mahomes was back on the practice field Tuesday with Carson Wentz there to back him up.

“You don't want to go out there and put yourself in harm's way. It's football. You're going to take hits. But you want to be able to protect yourself," Mahomes said. "And I don't want to limit the game plan. I want to be able to move around the pocket.”

Mahomes has plenty of experience with ankle injuries to draw from. He sustained a similar one against Jacksonville in Week 1 of the 2019 season, then a more serious one against the Jaguars in the 2022 playoffs. In that case, he was unable to end the game but got enough treatment to play against Cincinnati for the AFC title and Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.

“Jacksonville was worse. That one was pretty significant,” Mahomes said. “Obviously it's responded better, quicker. That would be the best thing to say. But I want to be in a better spot than I was that next game going up against the Bengals.”

Mahomes has the luxury of time that he didn't have two years ago. The Chiefs already have clinched the AFC West title and a spot in the playoffs, and he could conceivably miss a game or two if it meant being fully healthy for the postseason.

Yet there is much riding on this three-game stretch against Houston on Saturday, the Steelers on Christmas Day and the Broncos the final weekend of the regular season. The Chiefs (13-1) are clinging to a two-game lead over the Bills for the No. 1 seed and the lone playoff bye, but Buffalo holds the tiebreaker over them by virtue of their victory earlier this season.

“Every game counts,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “If your guys can play, they play, as long as medically they're fine to go.”

While Mahomes has a reputation for playing through pain, and even arguing with Reid on the sideline to stay in games in which he's been hurt, Reid believes his quarterback will be honest with how his ankle feels throughout the week.

“He's going to go through some stuff and we'll see how that works out for him. And if he can't work, then Carson will take those reps that Pat doesn't,” Reid said. “We have full confidence in Carson if he has to step in and play. I think everybody — coaches and players — have full confidence he can go in and do a nice job.”

Wentz, who signed a $3.325 million contract with Kansas City to replace Blaine Gabbert as Mahomes’ backup, has appeared in nearly 100 games during his NFL career. He completed both of his pass attempts for 20 yards in the closing minutes against the Browns, allowing the Chiefs to run out the clock on their victory.

“Got my feet wet a little bit at the end of last game and felt good out there,” Wentz said. “Nothing is going to change this week. Patrick has had some nicks and bruises all year and I've prepared myself the same way.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is preparing to play against Houston on Saturday, unless&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-injury-b1d2fa37c154828f6f76f78312f0562e">his ailing ankle</a>&nbsp;puts the two-time MVP in such a precarious position that he can't protect himself or he “puts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-nfl-analysis-9d7ca814eee4e0a9fe74a208b1698f25">the football team</a>&nbsp;in a bad position.”Mahomes sustained a mild high-ankle sprain late&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/browns-chiefs-score-mahomes-dc7a77ac602c6aa0c550dd6bf5288f27">in a 21-7 win in Cleveland</a>&nbsp;on Sunday. He began to receive treatment on the plane ride home — “I wasn't do high-knees or anything like that,” he quipped — and spent more than 12 hours getting additional work on it at the practice facility Monday, even though most of the team was given the day off.Mahomes was back on the practice field Tuesday with Carson Wentz there to back him up.“You don't want to go out there and put yourself in harm's way. It's football. You're going to take hits. But you want to be able to protect yourself," Mahomes said. "And I don't want to limit the game plan. I want to be able to move around the pocket.”Mahomes has plenty of experience with ankle injuries to draw from. He sustained a similar one against Jacksonville in Week 1 of the 2019 season, then a more serious one against the Jaguars in the 2022 playoffs. In that case, he was unable to end the game but got enough treatment to play against Cincinnati for the AFC title and Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.“Jacksonville was worse. That one was pretty significant,” Mahomes said. “Obviously it's responded better, quicker. That would be the best thing to say. But I want to be in a better spot than I was that next game going up against the Bengals.”Mahomes has the luxury of time that he didn't have two years ago. The Chiefs already have clinched the AFC West title and a spot in the playoffs, and he could conceivably miss a game or two if it meant being fully healthy for the postseason.Yet there is much riding on this three-game stretch against Houston on Saturday, the Steelers on Christmas Day and the Broncos the final weekend of the regular season. The Chiefs (13-1) are clinging to a two-game lead over the Bills for the No. 1 seed and the lone playoff bye, but Buffalo holds the tiebreaker over them by virtue of their victory earlier this season.“Every game counts,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “If your guys can play, they play, as long as medically they're fine to go.”While Mahomes has a reputation for playing through pain, and even arguing with Reid on the sideline to stay in games in which he's been hurt, Reid believes his quarterback will be honest with how his ankle feels throughout the week.“He's going to go through some stuff and we'll see how that works out for him. And if he can't work, then Carson will take those reps that Pat doesn't,” Reid said. “We have full confidence in Carson if he has to step in and play. I think everybody — coaches and players — have full confidence he can go in and do a nice job.”Wentz, who signed a $3.325 million contract with Kansas City to replace Blaine Gabbert as Mahomes’ backup, has appeared in nearly 100 games during his NFL career. He completed both of his pass attempts for 20 yards in the closing minutes against the Browns, allowing the Chiefs to run out the clock on their victory.“Got my feet wet a little bit at the end of last game and felt good out there,” Wentz said. “Nothing is going to change this week. Patrick has had some nicks and bruises all year and I've prepared myself the same way.”

🏈Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes plans to play against Texans on Saturday despite his high-ankle sprain

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 6-3 overall on the season with an 84-58 win over Bethel College on Monday evening (Dec. 16) at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers led by nine at halftime and then pulled away in the second half to win their 18th-straight game over the Threshers.

The Tigers received a challenge from the Threshers in the first 10 minutes of the game. Bethel led by one, 15-14, at the second media break of the opening half, but the Tigers went on an 18-5 run over a nearly six-minute span to take a 12-point lead. The lead reached 13 a pair of times before the margin came back to nine at halftime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734444483849.png" alt="&nbsp; FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 6-3 overall on the season with an 84-58 win over Bethel College on Monday evening (Dec. 16) at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers led by nine at halftime and then pulled away in the second half to win their 18th-straight game over the Threshers.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1987424215&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-johnson-post-v" title="FHSU MBKB Johnson Post v Bethel College Dec 16, 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU MBKB Johnson Post v Bethel College Dec 16, 2024</a></div></div>The Tigers received a challenge from the Threshers in the first 10 minutes of the game. Bethel led by one, 15-14, at the second media break of the opening half, but the Tigers went on an 18-5 run over a nearly six-minute span to take a 12-point lead. The lead reached 13 a pair of times before the margin came back to nine at halftime.Bethel hit the opening shot of the second half, a 3-point field goal to get the lead back down to six. But, that was the closest the Threshers would get as the Tigers went on a 16-2 run immediately after to stretch the lead to 20. The lead would eventually stay over 20 points from the 6:26 mark to the end of the game. FHSU reached its largest lead of 27 points with 45 seconds remaining before Bethel hit a free throw to make the final margin 26.Fort Hays State shot 51.9 percent overall as a team and 50 percent (12-of-24) beyond the 3-point line. FHSU was 18-of-23 at the free-throw line (78.3 percent). The Tigers held Bethel to 34.5 percent shooting overall.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1987424215&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-johnson-post-v" title="FHSU MBKB Johnson Post v Bethel College Dec 16, 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU MBKB Johnson Post v Bethel College Dec 16, 2024</a></div></div>Kaleb Hammeke led FHSU with 15 points, while Dan Mukuna had a near-perfect shooting evening with 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Mukuna was 3-of-4 from the field, including 2-of-2 beyond the 3-point line, and 4-of-4 at the free-throw line. Muhamed Kante dished out a team-high five assists. Kyle Grill (12) and Shaun Riley (11) also reached double figures in scoring, while Aidan McDowell had nine points all on 3-point field goals. Eli Lawson had a new season high with seven points.Carmelo Yakubu led the Threshers with 16 points. He was the only Thresher in double figures for scoring. Nick Bonner pulled down six rebounds and dished out a team-high three assists.The Tigers will have two games this weekend at home against NCAA Division II opponents. The Tigers host MSU Denver on Friday evening (Dec. 20) at 7 p.m. MSU Denver was ranked No. 22 in the latest NABC Top 25 Poll, but new rankings come out on Tuesday. The Roadrunners are 9-1 overall on the season.

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