MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State junior running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;was one of 85 players in the nation and eight from the Big 12 to earn a nod on the watch list for the 86th Maxwell Award presented annually to the outstanding player in college football, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday.

K-State said it is the second-straight season Vaughn is up for the Maxwell Award, while it marks the seventh time a Wildcat has been a candidate for one of the top honors in college football in the last six seasons. Quarterback Skylar Thompson was also a preseason candidate in 2021, while running backs James Gilbert (2019) and Alex Barnes (2018), in addition to quarterback Jesse Ertz (2017) were also on the initial lists during the current streak. Vaughn and Thompson are the only two players in school history to be a candidate for the Maxwell Award multiple times.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State junior running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;was one of 85 players in the nation and eight from the Big 12 to earn a nod on the watch list for the 86th Maxwell Award presented annually to the outstanding player in college football, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday.K-State said it is the second-straight season Vaughn is up for the Maxwell Award, while it marks the seventh time a Wildcat has been a candidate for one of the top honors in college football in the last six seasons. Quarterback Skylar Thompson was also a preseason candidate in 2021, while running backs James Gilbert (2019) and Alex Barnes (2018), in addition to quarterback Jesse Ertz (2017) were also on the initial lists during the current streak. Vaughn and Thompson are the only two players in school history to be a candidate for the Maxwell Award multiple times.

K-State’s Vaughn Named to Maxwell Award Watch List

East defeated the West 8-4 in the Mid Plains League Conner Taylor All Star game at Rathert Field Saturday night. Several hundred fans enjoyed the contest featuring players from six summer collegiate teams, including the Junction City Brigade.

Michael Moore, League Commissioner, said the fans turned out for the game. "Junction City always does a great job. It is amazing coming here, what a venue. " Several hundred fans turned out for the event, which also included a home run derby, fireworks display, numerous booths and vendors ranging from the Rusty Bus Photo Booth to face painting. Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Valley View Senior Life and the Geary Community Healthcare Foundation were all represented with booths as part of a pregame emphasis on healthcare.

Moore said the players enjoy coming to Rathert Field. "They enjoy the activities that are planned, it's meaningful. We support mental health awareness and&nbsp; then we have a great all-star game."

Nelson Vera, Sabetha Bravos, was named the game MVP after going 3-4 at the plate with four RBI's and a home run. He also won the Home Run Derby held before the game. For his efforts Vera, from Venezuela, will receive two custom made bats that will be custom engraved.&nbsp;

Junction City Brigade coach Brandon Bachar was the head coach for the winning west team. "That's awesome. The All Star game is a really good experience for everybody and it's an even better feeling when you come out on top."

East defeated the West 8-4 in the Mid Plains League Conner Taylor All Star game at Rathert Field Saturday night. Several hundred fans enjoyed the contest featuring players from six summer collegiate teams, including the Junction City Brigade.Michael Moore, League Commissioner, said the fans turned out for the game. "Junction City always does a great job. It is amazing coming here, what a venue. " Several hundred fans turned out for the event, which also included a home run derby, fireworks display, numerous booths and vendors ranging from the Rusty Bus Photo Booth to face painting. Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Valley View Senior Life and the Geary Community Healthcare Foundation were all represented with booths as part of a pregame emphasis on healthcare.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658030517774.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Moore said the players enjoy coming to Rathert Field. "They enjoy the activities that are planned, it's meaningful. We support mental health awareness and&nbsp; then we have a great all-star game."Nelson Vera, Sabetha Bravos, was named the game MVP after going 3-4 at the plate with four RBI's and a home run. He also won the Home Run Derby held before the game. For his efforts Vera, from Venezuela, will receive two custom made bats that will be custom engraved.&nbsp;Junction City Brigade coach Brandon Bachar was the head coach for the winning west team. "That's awesome. The All Star game is a really good experience for everybody and it's an even better feeling when you come out on top."

All Star Game entertains the fans at Rathert Field

TORONTO (AP) — Teoscar Hernández and Matt Chapman hit three-run home runs, Alek Manoah snapped a three-start winless streak with seven strong innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the depleted Kansas City Royals 8-1. Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players and bolstered its roster with Triple-A and Double-A prospects. Manoah gave up one run and four hits.

TORONTO (AP) — Teoscar Hernández and Matt Chapman hit three-run home runs, Alek Manoah snapped a three-start winless streak with seven strong innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the depleted Kansas City Royals 8-1. Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players and bolstered its roster with Triple-A and Double-A prospects. Manoah gave up one run and four hits.

Toronto hits home runs to defeat the Royals

Rathert Field in Junction City will be the site of the Mid Plains League All Star game Saturday night. Game time is 7 p.m. and there will be a home run derby at 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Prior to the game at the stadium there will be a family fun &amp; health awareness day from 4-7 p.m.&nbsp; Activities will also range from facepainting and vendors to the Rusty Bus Photo Booth and a postgame fire works display.

In addition to the Junction City Brigade, the Geary Community Healthcare Foundation and Konza Prairie Community Health Center are helping sponsor the activities.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655294168954.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rathert Field in Junction City will be the site of the Mid Plains League All Star game Saturday night. Game time is 7 p.m. and there will be a home run derby at 4 p.m. Admission is free.Prior to the game at the stadium there will be a family fun &amp; health awareness day from 4-7 p.m.&nbsp; Activities will also range from facepainting and vendors to the Rusty Bus Photo Booth and a postgame fire works display.In addition to the Junction City Brigade, the Geary Community Healthcare Foundation and Konza Prairie Community Health Center are helping sponsor the activities.&nbsp;

Rathert Field will host the All Star Game Saturday night

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brady Singer won for the first time in over a month as the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 5-2. The Royals earned their first winning homestand since July last year. Singer allowed 12 baserunners and repeatedly pitched out of trouble for his first victory since June 8. Andrew Benintendi collected his tenth multi-hit game out of his last 16 starts as he prepares for his first All-Star Game. Kansas City batted around in the fourth against Tarik Skubal, who has lost six of his last seven starts. Scott Barlow finished with his 15th save.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brady Singer won for the first time in over a month as the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 5-2. The Royals earned their first winning homestand since July last year. Singer allowed 12 baserunners and repeatedly pitched out of trouble for his first victory since June 8. Andrew Benintendi collected his tenth multi-hit game out of his last 16 starts as he prepares for his first All-Star Game. Kansas City batted around in the fourth against Tarik Skubal, who has lost six of his last seven starts. Scott Barlow finished with his 15th save.

Singer leads the Royals past Detroit

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark says the league is open for business. While nothing is imminent, he says all options will be explored as he prepares to take over with conference realignment again in the forefront. Yormark made his introductory marks at the start of the league’s football media days. He says he's excited about the transformative moment and the opportunity to grow and build the Big 12 brand and business. The 55-year-old Yormark is joining the Big 12 from his role as an executive on the commercial side of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. He was previously CEO of the Brooklyn Nets

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark says the league is open for business. While nothing is imminent, he says all options will be explored as he prepares to take over with conference realignment again in the forefront. Yormark made his introductory marks at the start of the league’s football media days. He says he's excited about the transformative moment and the opportunity to grow and build the Big 12 brand and business. The 55-year-old Yormark is joining the Big 12 from his role as an executive on the commercial side of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. He was previously CEO of the Brooklyn Nets

Big 12 is exploring options on conference realignment

Junction City Brigade officials have announced that the ballgame scheduled with the Midwest A's Wednesday night at Rathert Field has been cancelled due to Covid-19 illnesses for some of the players on the A's team.&nbsp;

Junction City Brigade officials have announced that the ballgame scheduled with the Midwest A's Wednesday night at Rathert Field has been cancelled due to Covid-19 illnesses for some of the players on the A's team.&nbsp;

Brigade game against the Midwest A's will not be played

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Miguel Cabrera drove in the tying and go-ahead runs, matching Ted Williams for 14th place on the career RBI list, and the Detroit Tigers rallied past the Kansas City Royals 7-5 to snap a four-game skid. Cabrera’s sacrifice fly in the fifth inning made it 3-3, and he had an RBI grounder for the Tigers’ first run in a four-run seventh. He equaled Williams with 1,838 RBIs. Later in the seventh, Cabrera stole third and scored on a wild throw. It was just his second stolen base in the past seven seasons. The Royals committed four errors as their three-game winning streak ended.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Miguel Cabrera drove in the tying and go-ahead runs, matching Ted Williams for 14th place on the career RBI list, and the Detroit Tigers rallied past the Kansas City Royals 7-5 to snap a four-game skid. Cabrera’s sacrifice fly in the fifth inning made it 3-3, and he had an RBI grounder for the Tigers’ first run in a four-run seventh. He equaled Williams with 1,838 RBIs. Later in the seventh, Cabrera stole third and scored on a wild throw. It was just his second stolen base in the past seven seasons. The Royals committed four errors as their three-game winning streak ended.

Detroit rallies past Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. had his first career four-hit game along with three RBIs to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 7-3 for a doubleheader sweep. In the opener, Brad Keller tossed seven strong innings and rookie Vinnie Pasquantino homered and drove in two runs as the Royals beat the Tigers 3-1. Witt had a hit in each of the first three innings in the late game, giving him six hits for the doubleheader. He scored twice and stole three bases on the day. Detroit starter Alex Faedo slogged through a 37-pitch first inning, walking the bases full after Witt tied it with a double.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. had his first career four-hit game along with three RBIs to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 7-3 for a doubleheader sweep. In the opener, Brad Keller tossed seven strong innings and rookie Vinnie Pasquantino homered and drove in two runs as the Royals beat the Tigers 3-1. Witt had a hit in each of the first three innings in the late game, giving him six hits for the doubleheader. He scored twice and stole three bases on the day. Detroit starter Alex Faedo slogged through a 37-pitch first inning, walking the bases full after Witt tied it with a double.

Royals sweep a doubleheader from the Tigers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals traded their competitive balance pick in the upcoming amateur draft to the Atlanta Braves for a trio of minor league players, including former second-round pick Drew Waters. Unlike regular draft picks, competitive balance selections can be traded provided they are not dealt for cash. The one sent to the Braves is No. 35 overall, which means it comes between Sunday’s first round and the second round. The other two players acquired by the Royals are right-hander Andrew Hoffman, who is 7-2 with a 2.36 ERA in 15 starts at Class-A Rome this season, and infielder CJ Alexander, who is hitting .258 at Double-A Mississippi.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals traded their competitive balance pick in the upcoming amateur draft to the Atlanta Braves for a trio of minor league players, including former second-round pick Drew Waters. Unlike regular draft picks, competitive balance selections can be traded provided they are not dealt for cash. The one sent to the Braves is No. 35 overall, which means it comes between Sunday’s first round and the second round. The other two players acquired by the Royals are right-hander Andrew Hoffman, who is 7-2 with a 2.36 ERA in 15 starts at Class-A Rome this season, and infielder CJ Alexander, who is hitting .258 at Double-A Mississippi.

Royals trade for minor league players

Lace up your running shoes, the 37th annual 10-5-2 Prairie Run is this Saturday, July 16. Registration closes this Wednesday, July 12.

Choose between three different races, a 10-mile competitive race, 5-mile competitive race or a 2-mile fun run. The Army said that the 10-mile and 5-mile competitive races are $20 per runner through July 13 and includes a race shirt. Registration is required for both of these races. (Same day registration is not available)

The 2-mile run is a free fun run and requires no registration. (No t-shirt or no awards will be given) Strollers are welcome for the 2-mile fun run only. Bikes and pets are prohibited.

Lace up your running shoes, the 37th annual 10-5-2 Prairie Run is this Saturday, July 16. Registration closes this Wednesday, July 12.Choose between three different races, a 10-mile competitive race, 5-mile competitive race or a 2-mile fun run. The Army said that the 10-mile and 5-mile competitive races are $20 per runner through July 13 and includes a race shirt. Registration is required for both of these races. (Same day registration is not available)The 2-mile run is a free fun run and requires no registration. (No t-shirt or no awards will be given) Strollers are welcome for the 2-mile fun run only. Bikes and pets are prohibited.

10-5-2 Prairie Run will be held Saturday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke pitched five scoreless innings of three-hit ball and the Kansas City Royals slowed the Cleveland Guardians 5-1. A day after the Guardians got a season-high 23 hits in a 13-1 romp, Greinke and four relievers combined on a five-hitter. Greinke struck out five and walked one in his 222nd career win. In the third inning, Greinke threw his 50,000th career pitch in the majors. Now in his 19th season, the 38-year-old righty became the 17th pitcher to reach that feat since 1988, when pitch count data became available. Justin Verlander is the only other active player to reach the mark.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke pitched five scoreless innings of three-hit ball and the Kansas City Royals slowed the Cleveland Guardians 5-1. A day after the Guardians got a season-high 23 hits in a 13-1 romp, Greinke and four relievers combined on a five-hitter. Greinke struck out five and walked one in his 222nd career win. In the third inning, Greinke threw his 50,000th career pitch in the majors. Now in his 19th season, the 38-year-old righty became the 17th pitcher to reach that feat since 1988, when pitch count data became available. Justin Verlander is the only other active player to reach the mark.

Greinke throws five scoreless innings in win over the Guardians

Four Junction City Brigade swept the Baldwin City Blues ( 18-10 ) 3-2 and 4-1 in a doubleheader at Rathert Field Saturday night. Over the course of the twin bill the Brigade hit four home runs. Quinton Carlberg hit two, Carson Hunt and Edward Scott one apiece.

Junction City&nbsp; got solid pitching performances from Brigdon Parker, Connor Holle and Cade Perkins. The Brigade are in first place in the Mid Plains League standings.&nbsp;

Junction City will host the Kansas City Monarchs at Rathert Field at 7 p.m. Monday.

Four Junction City Brigade swept the Baldwin City Blues ( 18-10 ) 3-2 and 4-1 in a doubleheader at Rathert Field Saturday night. Over the course of the twin bill the Brigade hit four home runs. Quinton Carlberg hit two, Carson Hunt and Edward Scott one apiece.Junction City&nbsp; got solid pitching performances from Brigdon Parker, Connor Holle and Cade Perkins. The Brigade are in first place in the Mid Plains League standings.&nbsp;Junction City will host the Kansas City Monarchs at Rathert Field at 7 p.m. Monday.

Junction City Brigade take two from the Baldwin City Blues

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — José Ramírez hit his first home run in nearly a month, rookie Nolan Jones connected for an impressive first homer of his career and the Cleveland Guardians stopped a five-game skid, roughing up the Kansas City Royals 13-1. The Guardians totaled a season-high 23 hits and led 11-0 after four innings. Amed Rosario homered off Royals center fielder Michael Taylor in a two-run ninth. Triston McKenzie tossed six scoreless innings of three-hit ball for Cleveland. Ramírez had an RBI single in the first and hit a two-run drive in the second. He leads the AL with 66 RBIs. A day after getting two hits in his big league debut, Jones launched a 457-foot, three-run drive into the Kauffman Stadium fountains to cap a five-run fourth inning.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — José Ramírez hit his first home run in nearly a month, rookie Nolan Jones connected for an impressive first homer of his career and the Cleveland Guardians stopped a five-game skid, roughing up the Kansas City Royals 13-1. The Guardians totaled a season-high 23 hits and led 11-0 after four innings. Amed Rosario homered off Royals center fielder Michael Taylor in a two-run ninth. Triston McKenzie tossed six scoreless innings of three-hit ball for Cleveland. Ramírez had an RBI single in the first and hit a two-run drive in the second. He leads the AL with 66 RBIs. A day after getting two hits in his big league debut, Jones launched a 457-foot, three-run drive into the Kauffman Stadium fountains to cap a five-run fourth inning.

Cleveland routs the Royals 13-1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael A. Taylor hit a game-ending RBI single, and the Kansas City Royals beat the slumping Cleveland Guardians 4-3. Vinnie Pasquantino opened the Kansas City ninth with a double to right against Sam Hentges (2-1) that nearly cleared the fence. Edward Olivares then entered the game as a pinch-runner. After Kyle Isbel struck out on a foul bunt, Taylor poked a 1-2 pitch into right for the winning hit. Cleveland led 3-1 after seven innings, but Whit Merrifield hit a tying two-run homer in the eighth against Eli Morgan. It was just his second homer in 42 games. The Guardians have lost five straight and seven of eight overall.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael A. Taylor hit a game-ending RBI single, and the Kansas City Royals beat the slumping Cleveland Guardians 4-3. Vinnie Pasquantino opened the Kansas City ninth with a double to right against Sam Hentges (2-1) that nearly cleared the fence. Edward Olivares then entered the game as a pinch-runner. After Kyle Isbel struck out on a foul bunt, Taylor poked a 1-2 pitch into right for the winning hit. Cleveland led 3-1 after seven innings, but Whit Merrifield hit a tying two-run homer in the eighth against Eli Morgan. It was just his second homer in 42 games. The Guardians have lost five straight and seven of eight overall.

Taylor gets winning hit in Royals win over Cleveland

Junction City and Baldwin City split their summer collegiate baseball doubleheader in Baldwin City Friday night. Baldwin City won the first game 8-7 while Junction City took the nightcap 11-7.

The two teams play a doubleheader at Rathert Field in Junction City Saturday night beginning at 5 p.m.

Junction City and Baldwin City split their summer collegiate baseball doubleheader in Baldwin City Friday night. Baldwin City won the first game 8-7 while Junction City took the nightcap 11-7.The two teams play a doubleheader at Rathert Field in Junction City Saturday night beginning at 5 p.m.

Brigade split a doubleheader at Baldwin City

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Media who cover the Big 12 have tabbed defending champion Baylor as the preseason favorite to win the conference football title again. It is the first time Baylor has been favored in the preseason vote. The Bears got 17 of the 41 first-place votes. Oklahoma had 12 first-place votes and was picked second ahead of Oklahoma State, which lost 21-16 to Baylor in the Big 12 championship game last December. Texas junior running back Bijan Robinson was named the preseason offensive player of the year in the media vote. Kansas State junior linebacker Felix Anudike-Uzomah was picked as the top defender.

Kansas State was picked to finish fifth and Kansas tenth.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Media who cover the Big 12 have tabbed defending champion Baylor as the preseason favorite to win the conference football title again. It is the first time Baylor has been favored in the preseason vote. The Bears got 17 of the 41 first-place votes. Oklahoma had 12 first-place votes and was picked second ahead of Oklahoma State, which lost 21-16 to Baylor in the Big 12 championship game last December. Texas junior running back Bijan Robinson was named the preseason offensive player of the year in the media vote. Kansas State junior linebacker Felix Anudike-Uzomah was picked as the top defender.Kansas State was picked to finish fifth and Kansas tenth.

Baylor predicted to finish first in Big 12 football

Junction City picked up a summer collegiate baseball road win over the Lawrence Travelers 13-8 in Lawrence Wednesday night. The Brigade are scheduled to host the Baldwin City Blues at 7 p.m. Thursday at Rathert Field.

Junction City picked up a summer collegiate baseball road win over the Lawrence Travelers 13-8 in Lawrence Wednesday night. The Brigade are scheduled to host the Baldwin City Blues at 7 p.m. Thursday at Rathert Field.

Brigade roll past the Travelers in baseball

HOUSTON (AP) — Whit Merrifield, Hunter Dozier and Emmanuel Rivera all homered as the Kansas City Royals roughed up Cristian Javier early and held on for a 7-4 win over the Houston Astros. The Astros' major league-best eight-game winning streak was snapped. Javier had allowed one hit in 14 innings over his last two starts. But the Royals got to him almost immediately. Merrifield sent Javier’s third pitch into the seats in left field. Dozier had a two-run shot later in the inning. Brad Keller allowed five hits and four runs in 5 2/3 innings and the Royals’ bullpen shut the Astros down the rest of the way.

HOUSTON (AP) — Whit Merrifield, Hunter Dozier and Emmanuel Rivera all homered as the Kansas City Royals roughed up Cristian Javier early and held on for a 7-4 win over the Houston Astros. The Astros' major league-best eight-game winning streak was snapped. Javier had allowed one hit in 14 innings over his last two starts. But the Royals got to him almost immediately. Merrifield sent Javier’s third pitch into the seats in left field. Dozier had a two-run shot later in the inning. Brad Keller allowed five hits and four runs in 5 2/3 innings and the Royals’ bullpen shut the Astros down the rest of the way.

Royals snap Astros winning streak

By RYAN LACKEY Associate Athletics Director for Communications

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;Led by the Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in junior defensive end&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State had a league-high six players land on the 2022 Preseason All-Big 12 team as voted on by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Wednesday.

Joining Anudike-Uzomah on the list was junior running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn, junior offensive lineman&nbsp;Cooper Beebe, senior kickoff returner&nbsp;Malik Knowles, senior linebacker&nbsp;Daniel Green&nbsp;and senior cornerback&nbsp;Julius Brents.

K-State had the most players on the 2022 Preseason All-Big 12 team, followed by Baylor (5), Iowa State (4) and West Virginia (4). The six Wildcats selected to the Preseason All-Big 12 team were the most since at least 2000. Anudike-Uzomah is the first Wildcat to be named the preseason offensive or defensive player of the year since Darren Sproles was the Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2004.

Anudike-Uzomah is coming off a 2021 campaign in which he was named an All-American after tying for the national lead in forced fumbles per game (0.46), while he ranked 11th nationally and second in the Big 12 in sacks per game (0.85). He tied the school record with six forced fumbles, and his 11.0 total sacks tied for fifth in school history. A product of Kansas City, Missouri, he enters the 2022 season ranked second nationally in career forced fumbles per game (0.33) and third in career sacks per game (0.67).

One of just two unanimous selections for the Preseason All-Big 12 team, Vaughn was a Consensus All-American in 2021 – just the 11th&nbsp;in school history – after accounting for 1,872 yards from scrimmage as he was one of just three players in the nation with 1,000 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards. Named the 2021 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year by Pro Football Focus, Vaughn finished the season ranked in the top 10 nationally in eight categories, including total touchdowns (4th; 22), points per game (5th; 10.2), scrimmage yards per game (5th; 144.0), all-purpose yards per game (6th; 144.0), rushing touchdowns (8th; 18), total rushing yards (9th; 1,404), rushing yards per game (9th; 108.0) and total points scored (10th; 132).

A Round Rock, Texas, native, Vaughn enters the 2022 season ranking in the top 10 nationally among active players in six categories. Additionally, he needs 98 receiving yards to become just the 10th&nbsp;player in Big 12 history with 2,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a career.

Beebe was a 13-game starter at left tackle as a sophomore in 2021 who picked up First Team All-Big 12 honors from both the league’s coaches and Associated Press, the youngest offensive lineman to be named to the first team by either organization. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, he was the first Wildcat freshman or sophomore offensive lineman to be named a First Team All-Big 12 performer since Dalton Risner in 2016.

Knowles was an All-American as a kick returner in 2021 and earned First Team All-Big 12 honors for the discipline after finishing second in the nation in kickoff-return touchdowns (2) and fourth in average (33.1). He enters the 2022 season tied for second nationally among active players in career kickoff-return touchdowns (3) and fifth in average (28.9). A product of Mansfield, Texas, Knowles is in the top five in school history in career kickoff-return touchdowns (t4th); average (4th) and yards (6th; 1,099).

A senior from Portland, Oregon, Green picked up Honorable Mention All-Big 12 accolades last season after leading the team in both tackles (89) and tackles for loss (16.0). He ranked 18th&nbsp;nationally and fourth in the Big 12 with 5.3 solo tackles per game, while he also finished 22nd&nbsp;in the country with two fumble recoveries. He has 115 solo tackles in his career, needing 54 in 2022 to enter the school’s top-10 list.

Brents, a transfer from Iowa prior to the 2021 season, also earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 recognition last season after starting all 13 games at cornerback. He posted his first interception as a Wildcat against Oklahoma and knocked away two other passes, including one in K-State’s 42-20 victory over LSU in the Texas Bowl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657138092506.jpeg" alt="footbal.jpg" />
 <figcaption>footbal.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN LACKEY Associate Athletics Director for CommunicationsMANHATTAN —&nbsp;Led by the Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in junior defensive end&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State had a league-high six players land on the 2022 Preseason All-Big 12 team as voted on by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Wednesday.Joining Anudike-Uzomah on the list was junior running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn, junior offensive lineman&nbsp;Cooper Beebe, senior kickoff returner&nbsp;Malik Knowles, senior linebacker&nbsp;Daniel Green&nbsp;and senior cornerback&nbsp;Julius Brents.K-State had the most players on the 2022 Preseason All-Big 12 team, followed by Baylor (5), Iowa State (4) and West Virginia (4). The six Wildcats selected to the Preseason All-Big 12 team were the most since at least 2000. Anudike-Uzomah is the first Wildcat to be named the preseason offensive or defensive player of the year since Darren Sproles was the Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2004.Anudike-Uzomah is coming off a 2021 campaign in which he was named an All-American after tying for the national lead in forced fumbles per game (0.46), while he ranked 11th nationally and second in the Big 12 in sacks per game (0.85). He tied the school record with six forced fumbles, and his 11.0 total sacks tied for fifth in school history. A product of Kansas City, Missouri, he enters the 2022 season ranked second nationally in career forced fumbles per game (0.33) and third in career sacks per game (0.67).One of just two unanimous selections for the Preseason All-Big 12 team, Vaughn was a Consensus All-American in 2021 – just the 11th&nbsp;in school history – after accounting for 1,872 yards from scrimmage as he was one of just three players in the nation with 1,000 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards. Named the 2021 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year by Pro Football Focus, Vaughn finished the season ranked in the top 10 nationally in eight categories, including total touchdowns (4th; 22), points per game (5th; 10.2), scrimmage yards per game (5th; 144.0), all-purpose yards per game (6th; 144.0), rushing touchdowns (8th; 18), total rushing yards (9th; 1,404), rushing yards per game (9th; 108.0) and total points scored (10th; 132).A Round Rock, Texas, native, Vaughn enters the 2022 season ranking in the top 10 nationally among active players in six categories. Additionally, he needs 98 receiving yards to become just the 10th&nbsp;player in Big 12 history with 2,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a career.Beebe was a 13-game starter at left tackle as a sophomore in 2021 who picked up First Team All-Big 12 honors from both the league’s coaches and Associated Press, the youngest offensive lineman to be named to the first team by either organization. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, he was the first Wildcat freshman or sophomore offensive lineman to be named a First Team All-Big 12 performer since Dalton Risner in 2016.Knowles was an All-American as a kick returner in 2021 and earned First Team All-Big 12 honors for the discipline after finishing second in the nation in kickoff-return touchdowns (2) and fourth in average (33.1). He enters the 2022 season tied for second nationally among active players in career kickoff-return touchdowns (3) and fifth in average (28.9). A product of Mansfield, Texas, Knowles is in the top five in school history in career kickoff-return touchdowns (t4th); average (4th) and yards (6th; 1,099).A senior from Portland, Oregon, Green picked up Honorable Mention All-Big 12 accolades last season after leading the team in both tackles (89) and tackles for loss (16.0). He ranked 18th&nbsp;nationally and fourth in the Big 12 with 5.3 solo tackles per game, while he also finished 22nd&nbsp;in the country with two fumble recoveries. He has 115 solo tackles in his career, needing 54 in 2022 to enter the school’s top-10 list.Brents, a transfer from Iowa prior to the 2021 season, also earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 recognition last season after starting all 13 games at cornerback. He posted his first interception as a Wildcat against Oklahoma and knocked away two other passes, including one in K-State’s 42-20 victory over LSU in the Texas Bowl.

🏈Six Wildcats earn preseason All-Big 12 honors

HOUSTON (AP) — Yordan Alvarez threw out Hunter Dozier at the plate from just short of the warning track in left field to preserve a two-run, eighth-inning lead, then hit his 25th homer as the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 9-7. The Astros also got homers from Jeremy Peña, Alex Bregman and Aledmys Díaz as they extended their winning streak to a major league-best eight games. Nicky Lopez hit a deep flyball in the eighth that Alvarez caught and fired on the fly to catcher Martin Maldonado, who tagged out Dozier for an inning-ending double play. Alvarez then went deep to chants of “M-V-P!”

HOUSTON (AP) — Yordan Alvarez threw out Hunter Dozier at the plate from just short of the warning track in left field to preserve a two-run, eighth-inning lead, then hit his 25th homer as the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 9-7. The Astros also got homers from Jeremy Peña, Alex Bregman and Aledmys Díaz as they extended their winning streak to a major league-best eight games. Nicky Lopez hit a deep flyball in the eighth that Alvarez caught and fired on the fly to catcher Martin Maldonado, who tagged out Dozier for an inning-ending double play. Alvarez then went deep to chants of “M-V-P!”

Royals lose to the Astros

HOUSTON (AP) — Yordan Alvarez homered with two outs in the ninth inning, and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 7-6 for their seventh straight win. Led by Kyle Tucker and Alvarez, AL West-leading Houston erased a five-run deficit on the way to its 15th victory in its last 18 games overall. Tucker sparked the Astros’ three-run eighth with a two-run single, and Alvarez hit a drive to left-center against Scott Barlow for his 24th homer. Ryne Stanek pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.

The Royals led the game 5-0 after three innings.

HOUSTON (AP) — Yordan Alvarez homered with two outs in the ninth inning, and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 7-6 for their seventh straight win. Led by Kyle Tucker and Alvarez, AL West-leading Houston erased a five-run deficit on the way to its 15th victory in its last 18 games overall. Tucker sparked the Astros’ three-run eighth with a two-run single, and Alvarez hit a drive to left-center against Scott Barlow for his 24th homer. Ryne Stanek pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.The Royals led the game 5-0 after three innings.

Royals blow five-run lead in loss to the Astros

Michael Eisenbarth, Rossville, finished first in the Freedom Run 10K in Junction City Monday. His winning time was 35:58.&nbsp;

Mandy Zimmerman, Junction City, had the fastest women's time in the 10K with a clocking of 37:47.

Drew Elliot, Abilene, had the top time in the men's 5k at 17:10 while Miranda Saldana-Rodney, Junction City, had the top women's time of 24:37.

There were 113 runners in the 5K and 67 runners in the 10K race.

Michael Eisenbarth, Rossville, finished first in the Freedom Run 10K in Junction City Monday. His winning time was 35:58.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656940240972.jpeg" alt="Michael Eisenbarth" />
 <figcaption>Michael Eisenbarth</figcaption>
 </figure>Mandy Zimmerman, Junction City, had the fastest women's time in the 10K with a clocking of 37:47.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656940451842.jpeg" alt="Mandy Zimmerman" />
 <figcaption>Mandy Zimmerman</figcaption>
 </figure>Drew Elliot, Abilene, had the top time in the men's 5k at 17:10 while Miranda Saldana-Rodney, Junction City, had the top women's time of 24:37.There were 113 runners in the 5K and 67 runners in the 10K race.

Eisenbarth and Zimmerman turn in top finishes in Freedom Run 10K

DETROIT (AP) — Victor Reyes and Riley Greene hit back-to-back homers in the ninth inning to give the Detroit Tigers a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals. With one out, Reyes tied the game off Royals reliever Joel Payamps. It was the first homer allowed by Payamps in 26 1/3 innings this season. Greene followed with the first homer of his career. Joe Jimenez (3-0) pitched a perfect ninth for the win as Detroit’s pitchers retired the last 17 batters they faced.

DETROIT (AP) — Victor Reyes and Riley Greene hit back-to-back homers in the ninth inning to give the Detroit Tigers a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals. With one out, Reyes tied the game off Royals reliever Joel Payamps. It was the first homer allowed by Payamps in 26 1/3 innings this season. Greene followed with the first homer of his career. Joe Jimenez (3-0) pitched a perfect ninth for the win as Detroit’s pitchers retired the last 17 batters they faced.

Back to back homers by the Tigers sink the Royals

The Junction City Brigade baseball game that was scheduled Saturday night at Rathert Field has been cancelled. Rain has left the outfield area wet and more rain is possible so the contest will not be played.

The Junction City Brigade baseball game that was scheduled Saturday night at Rathert Field has been cancelled. Rain has left the outfield area wet and more rain is possible so the contest will not be played.

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