Teams are being sought for the HBC Wild West Fest Tournament in Hays June 30 - July 3. There will be two divisions including one for 18 and over players and another for 16 and over players.&nbsp;

Cost to enter is $650 per team, with the last day to enter June 24. This is a state qualifier tournament.

Teams are being sought for the HBC Wild West Fest Tournament in Hays June 30 - July 3. There will be two divisions including one for 18 and over players and another for 16 and over players.&nbsp;Cost to enter is $650 per team, with the last day to enter June 24. This is a state qualifier tournament.

Play baseball in the HBC Wild West Fest Tournament

Junction City picked up a 10-2 win over the Sabetha Bravos Friday night in Sabetha. The victory in Sabetha was the fifth straight for the Brigade and second in a row over the Bravos.

Junction City coach Brandon Bachar said Austin Gerrity gave the Brigade a strong start in the game. "He handles the noise, he attacks the zone and he's got a really good slider.

Junction City ( 5-0 ) will host Sabetha ( 2-6 ) Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Rathert Field.

Junction City picked up a 10-2 win over the Sabetha Bravos Friday night in Sabetha. The victory in Sabetha was the fifth straight for the Brigade and second in a row over the Bravos.Junction City coach Brandon Bachar said Austin Gerrity gave the Brigade a strong start in the game. "He handles the noise, he attacks the zone and he's got a really good slider.Junction City ( 5-0 ) will host Sabetha ( 2-6 ) Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Rathert Field.

Brigade improve to 5-0 on the season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonathan Heasley allowed one hit in a career-best seven sharp innings, Salvador Perez and MJ Melendez each homered and drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 8-1 for their third straight win. Michael A. Taylor also homered for Kansas City which had a season-high eight extra-base hits. Heasley allowed just one baserunner and struck out seven. He became the fifth Royals player and first since 1992 to pitch seven innings and allow one hit or fewer with no walks. Baltimore's Bruce Zimmermann gave up a career-high seven earned runs in 4 ⅔ innings while allowing 10 hits. Anthony Santander homered in the ninth for the Orioles.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonathan Heasley allowed one hit in a career-best seven sharp innings, Salvador Perez and MJ Melendez each homered and drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 8-1 for their third straight win. Michael A. Taylor also homered for Kansas City which had a season-high eight extra-base hits. Heasley allowed just one baserunner and struck out seven. He became the fifth Royals player and first since 1992 to pitch seven innings and allow one hit or fewer with no walks. Baltimore's Bruce Zimmermann gave up a career-high seven earned runs in 4 ⅔ innings while allowing 10 hits. Anthony Santander homered in the ninth for the Orioles.

Royals win third game in a row

Public Affairs Specialist - USAG Public Affairs Office

NFL wide receiver Malcolm Perry of the New England Patriots will host a youth football camp at Fort Riley June 29 – 30 for military children in grades 1 - 8.

The camp runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on June 29 and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 30. Registration for the camp is free. The sign-up link is available at https://www.facebook.com/rileymwr. Participants will also get a free camp t-shirt, along with other goodies and pizza at the end of each session.

These instructional camps, held at multiple military bases this summer, are led by NFL players for youth in grades 1 – 8, active duty, reserve and retired military and DOD civilians.

Additionally, Perry will conduct an autograph signing session 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. June 29 at the Riley Big Red 1 Express, 6914 Warren Rd., Fort Riley.

Malcolm Perry played college football at the United States Naval Academy and is in his third year in the NFL. In addition to hosting the camp, Perry will talk about the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle. He grew up in a military family and understands the challenges military kids face.


By Kirk HutchinsonPublic Affairs Specialist - USAG Public Affairs OfficeNFL wide receiver Malcolm Perry of the New England Patriots will host a youth football camp at Fort Riley June 29 – 30 for military children in grades 1 - 8.The camp runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on June 29 and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 30. Registration for the camp is free. The sign-up link is available at https://www.facebook.com/rileymwr. Participants will also get a free camp t-shirt, along with other goodies and pizza at the end of each session.These instructional camps, held at multiple military bases this summer, are led by NFL players for youth in grades 1 – 8, active duty, reserve and retired military and DOD civilians.Additionally, Perry will conduct an autograph signing session 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. June 29 at the Riley Big Red 1 Express, 6914 Warren Rd., Fort Riley.Malcolm Perry played college football at the United States Naval Academy and is in his third year in the NFL. In addition to hosting the camp, Perry will talk about the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle. He grew up in a military family and understands the challenges military kids face.

Upcoming youth football camp at Fort Riley will be hosted by NFL player

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Carlos Santana and MJ Melendez homered, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 7-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Santana hit a two-run homer to break a fifth-inning tie as the Royals won consecutive games for the first time since May 17-18. Bobby Witt Jr. and fellow rookie Melendez played large roles Thursday. Witt had two hits and stole two bases, while Melendez homered, drove in two and scored twice.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Carlos Santana and MJ Melendez homered, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 7-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Santana hit a two-run homer to break a fifth-inning tie as the Royals won consecutive games for the first time since May 17-18. Bobby Witt Jr. and fellow rookie Melendez played large roles Thursday. Witt had two hits and stole two bases, while Melendez homered, drove in two and scored twice.

Royals win 7-5 over the Orioles

Junction City ( 4-0 ) rolled to an 18-0 seven inning win over the Sabetha Bravos ( 2-4 ) Thursday night at Rathert Field. The Brigade tallied 14 hits and drew four walks.

Brady Stuewe started and went five innings on the mound, giving up one hit and walking two.&nbsp;

Junction City plays at Sabetha at 7 p.m. Friday night and the two teams play again at 7 p.m. Saturday at Rathert Field.

Junction City ( 4-0 ) rolled to an 18-0 seven inning win over the Sabetha Bravos ( 2-4 ) Thursday night at Rathert Field. The Brigade tallied 14 hits and drew four walks.Brady Stuewe started and went five innings on the mound, giving up one hit and walking two.&nbsp;Junction City plays at Sabetha at 7 p.m. Friday night and the two teams play again at 7 p.m. Saturday at Rathert Field.

Brigade hammer the Bravos

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;With anticipation of the 2022 K-State Football season rising throughout the summer, K-State Athletics announced Thursday that single-game tickets will be on sale next week. Presale for Ahearn Fund members will begin on Monday, June 13, while the general public can begin purchasing tickets on Wednesday, June 15.

In addition to purchasing tickets to single games, fans will also have the opportunity to buy a mini plan to attend three games for $199, picking one game per month.

Tickets to the season opener against South Dakota on September 3 – which serves as the Ring of Honor Class of 2022 celebration, Golden Cats reunion and the 10-year anniversary of the 2012 Big 12 Championship team – begin at just $25 for view level seating. The game will kick at 6 p.m. and be shown on Big 12 Now.

When former conference foe Missouri comes calling for an 11 a.m. game on September 10 that will be televised by ESPN2, tickets start at $40, while tickets for Fort Riley Day and University Family Day surrounding the Tulane game on September 17 begin at $25. The Wildcats and Green Wave will kick at 2 p.m. in a game shown on Big 12 Now.

K-State will hold its annual Celebrate Ag game to begin Big 12 play on October 1 against Texas Tech with tickets beginning at $30. The same price also gets fans into the next home game on October 29 against Oklahoma State, which serves as Homecoming and Varsity K Club Weekend.

View level seating for the final two home games – November 5 against Texas and November 26 against Kansas – are priced at $40 apiece. The game against the Longhorns serves as Harley Day, while Senior Day festivities will be held prior to the game against the Jayhawks.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;With anticipation of the 2022 K-State Football season rising throughout the summer, K-State Athletics announced Thursday that single-game tickets will be on sale next week. Presale for Ahearn Fund members will begin on Monday, June 13, while the general public can begin purchasing tickets on Wednesday, June 15.In addition to purchasing tickets to single games, fans will also have the opportunity to buy a mini plan to attend three games for $199, picking one game per month.Tickets to the season opener against South Dakota on September 3 – which serves as the Ring of Honor Class of 2022 celebration, Golden Cats reunion and the 10-year anniversary of the 2012 Big 12 Championship team – begin at just $25 for view level seating. The game will kick at 6 p.m. and be shown on Big 12 Now.When former conference foe Missouri comes calling for an 11 a.m. game on September 10 that will be televised by ESPN2, tickets start at $40, while tickets for Fort Riley Day and University Family Day surrounding the Tulane game on September 17 begin at $25. The Wildcats and Green Wave will kick at 2 p.m. in a game shown on Big 12 Now.K-State will hold its annual Celebrate Ag game to begin Big 12 play on October 1 against Texas Tech with tickets beginning at $30. The same price also gets fans into the next home game on October 29 against Oklahoma State, which serves as Homecoming and Varsity K Club Weekend.View level seating for the final two home games – November 5 against Texas and November 26 against Kansas – are priced at $40 apiece. The game against the Longhorns serves as Harley Day, while Senior Day festivities will be held prior to the game against the Jayhawks.

Single-Game Tickets for 2022 K-State Football On Sale Next Week

Mid Plains League standings for Thursday June 9th

Junction City ( 3-0 ) will host the Sabetha Bravos ( 2-3 ) in summer collegiate baseball Thursday evening at Rathert Field. Game time is 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654774764641.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City ( 3-0 ) will host the Sabetha Bravos ( 2-3 ) in summer collegiate baseball Thursday evening at Rathert Field. Game time is 7 p.m.

Brigade swing back into action Thursday evening

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — MJ Melendez and Emmanuel Rivera drove in two runs apiece, leading Brady Singer and the Kansas City Royals over the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 to end a three-game losing streak. 

Singer allowed home runs to Raimel Tapia and Zack Collins but only allowed one other run in five innings. He improved to 3-1 in his five starts while the rest of the Kansas City rotation is 3-25 in 50 combined starts. Toronto briefly tied the game 3-all before Trevor Richards allowed three more runs in the fourth and fifth innings to take the loss for the Blue Jays.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — MJ Melendez and Emmanuel Rivera drove in two runs apiece, leading Brady Singer and the Kansas City Royals over the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 to end a three-game losing streak. Singer allowed home runs to Raimel Tapia and Zack Collins but only allowed one other run in five innings. He improved to 3-1 in his five starts while the rest of the Kansas City rotation is 3-25 in 50 combined starts. Toronto briefly tied the game 3-all before Trevor Richards allowed three more runs in the fourth and fifth innings to take the loss for the Blue Jays.

Royals pick up win over Toronto

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alek Manoah scattered six hits in six scoreless innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0. Alejandro Kirk had four hits and scored a run for Toronto, and Bo Bichette reached base five times — including three walks. The Blue Jays have won back-to-back shutouts for the first time since last July. Manoah worked around a bases-loaded jam in the sixth after putting two of the runners on with two-out walks. Brad Keller (1-7) allowed three runs and seven hits in six-plus innings for Kansas City. He walked two and struck out four, and induced three inning-ending double plays. The Royals have been shut out in consecutive games for the first time since May 2021.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alek Manoah scattered six hits in six scoreless innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0. Alejandro Kirk had four hits and scored a run for Toronto, and Bo Bichette reached base five times — including three walks. The Blue Jays have won back-to-back shutouts for the first time since last July. Manoah worked around a bases-loaded jam in the sixth after putting two of the runners on with two-out walks. Brad Keller (1-7) allowed three runs and seven hits in six-plus innings for Kansas City. He walked two and struck out four, and induced three inning-ending double plays. The Royals have been shut out in consecutive games for the first time since May 2021.

Blue Jays shut out the Royals

Junction City ( 3-0 ) rolled to a 12-2 eight inning victory over the Topeka Farmers ( 1-3 ) at Rathert Field Tuesday night.

The Brigade drew eight walks from Topeka pitchers and connected for nine hits including a leadoff first inning triple by Aaron Gerdes enroute to the win.

Junction City will host the Sabetha Bravos at 7 p.m. Thursday at Rathert Field.

Junction City ( 3-0 ) rolled to a 12-2 eight inning victory over the Topeka Farmers ( 1-3 ) at Rathert Field Tuesday night.The Brigade drew eight walks from Topeka pitchers and connected for nine hits including a leadoff first inning triple by Aaron Gerdes enroute to the win.Junction City will host the Sabetha Bravos at 7 p.m. Thursday at Rathert Field.

Brigade improve to 3-0 on the season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Bichette hit one of three Toronto home runs and five Blue Jays pitchers combined on a two-hitter in an 8-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. Ross Stripling (2-1) earned the win as he allowed just one hit over five innings, matching his season high. He struck out two and didn’t walk a batter. Stripling pitched more than four innings for just the second time this season. Stripling, who made his sixth start, has been used out of the bullpen eight times. Bichette’s home run was the first Toronto hit of the night after the game was delayed 2:05 because of weather. Daniel Lynch (2-5) took the loss. He allowed six runs on six hits, with two walks and four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Bichette hit one of three Toronto home runs and five Blue Jays pitchers combined on a two-hitter in an 8-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. Ross Stripling (2-1) earned the win as he allowed just one hit over five innings, matching his season high. He struck out two and didn’t walk a batter. Stripling pitched more than four innings for just the second time this season. Stripling, who made his sixth start, has been used out of the bullpen eight times. Bichette’s home run was the first Toronto hit of the night after the game was delayed 2:05 because of weather. Daniel Lynch (2-5) took the loss. He allowed six runs on six hits, with two walks and four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

 Toronto shuts out the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Álvarez hit his 16th home run of the season and Framber Valdez won his fifth straight start for the Houston Astros, who beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4 on Sunday. Álvarez extended his hitting streak to seven games. Valdez allowed only a third-inning leadoff single before the Royals got on the board in the sixth. Valdez went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits, walking three and striking out five. Rafael Montero got his fourth save. Salvador Perez had a home run and RBI double for the Royals.. Jonathan Heasley was given the loss for the Royals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Álvarez hit his 16th home run of the season and Framber Valdez won his fifth straight start for the Houston Astros, who beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4 on Sunday. Álvarez extended his hitting streak to seven games. Valdez allowed only a third-inning leadoff single before the Royals got on the board in the sixth. Valdez went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits, walking three and striking out five. Rafael Montero got his fourth save. Salvador Perez had a home run and RBI double for the Royals.. Jonathan Heasley was given the loss for the Royals.

Royals fall to the Astros on Sunday

MANHATTAN&nbsp;–&nbsp;A charter member of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame and K-State Football Ring of Honor, former Wildcat halfback&nbsp;Veryl Switzer&nbsp;passed away on Saturday at the age of 89.

One of the best overall athletes in K-State history, Switzer was also a trailblazer and opened the doors for many that followed him, as he was the first African American scholarship player to graduate from K-State.

“Today is a sad day for Kansas State University,” Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;said. “Veryl was one of the most influential and impactful K-Staters in our lifetime and helped pave the way for so many others to follow in his footsteps. He will be forever remembered as a true trailblazer as we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.”

Switzer’s K-State legacy began in 1950 when he accepted an athletic scholarship, and he went on to pick up All-America honors in three consecutive seasons from 1951 to 1953. One of the most well-rounded players in the school’s history, he was a team leader in practically every statistical category. He led the team in rushing in 1952 and 1953, while he was one of the best punt returners in school history. Nearly 70 years after his final season as a Wildcat, he still ranks in the top 10 for a career in five punt-return categories: touchdowns (t2nd; 3), longest return (t3rd; 93), yards (6th; 596), average (6th; 14.2) and attempts (9th; 42).

Voted the team’s most inspirational player in 1953, the Wildcats broke a string of five straight seventh-place finishes in the Big Seven that year by skyrocketing to second.

Switzer’s success wasn’t limited to the football field though. He was the Big Seven Indoor Long Jump Champion in 1952 and garnered three letters in track and field.

Following his senior season, Switzer was a favorite invitee of the college all-star games. He co-captained the West team in the 1954 East/West Shrine Game and was the runner-up for MVP honors. He earned the same honor in the&nbsp;Chicago Tribune’s College All-Star game against the World Champion Detroit Lions.

Switzer was the first halfback and the fourth player overall selected in the 1954 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. To this day, he remains the highest drafted player in school history. During his rookie season, Switzer topped the NFL in punt returns with a 13-yard average. However, professional football was interrupted for Switzer from 1956 to 1958 as he entered the U.S. Air Force as a first lieutenant. It was back to the gridiron in 1958 when he played for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He completed his pro stint in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes from 1959 to 1960.

Following his playing days, Switzer spent a decade working at the Chicago Board of Education before returning to K-State in an administrative capacity in 1969. At first, he was charged to develop the school’s first university-wide student minority program. Additionally, Switzer wrote the original grant proposal and was awarded one of the nation’s comprehensive federal programs for minority student support, which went to educational supportive services and talent search.

Many programs – some that are still in motion today – were developed under Switzer’s leadership, including Ebony Theater, United Black Voices, Hispanic advocacy groups and Black Student Union. For decades, the university enjoyed increased student enrollments and graduation rates and attracted more faculty and staff of color, all a direct product of Switzer’s energy and passion for students. He then went on to work in the athletic department until his retirement.

Switzer graduated from K-State in 1954 with a degree in physical education, while he earned his master’s in education from K-State in 1974.

Switzer was a charter member of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame (1990) and K-State Football Ring of Honor (2002). He is also a member of the Kansas All Sports Hall of Fame and the Big Eight Sportswriters Football Hall of Fame.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654452226259.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN&nbsp;–&nbsp;A charter member of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame and K-State Football Ring of Honor, former Wildcat halfback&nbsp;Veryl Switzer&nbsp;passed away on Saturday at the age of 89.One of the best overall athletes in K-State history, Switzer was also a trailblazer and opened the doors for many that followed him, as he was the first African American scholarship player to graduate from K-State.“Today is a sad day for Kansas State University,” Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;said. “Veryl was one of the most influential and impactful K-Staters in our lifetime and helped pave the way for so many others to follow in his footsteps. He will be forever remembered as a true trailblazer as we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.”Switzer’s K-State legacy began in 1950 when he accepted an athletic scholarship, and he went on to pick up All-America honors in three consecutive seasons from 1951 to 1953. One of the most well-rounded players in the school’s history, he was a team leader in practically every statistical category. He led the team in rushing in 1952 and 1953, while he was one of the best punt returners in school history. Nearly 70 years after his final season as a Wildcat, he still ranks in the top 10 for a career in five punt-return categories: touchdowns (t2nd; 3), longest return (t3rd; 93), yards (6th; 596), average (6th; 14.2) and attempts (9th; 42).Voted the team’s most inspirational player in 1953, the Wildcats broke a string of five straight seventh-place finishes in the Big Seven that year by skyrocketing to second.Switzer’s success wasn’t limited to the football field though. He was the Big Seven Indoor Long Jump Champion in 1952 and garnered three letters in track and field.Following his senior season, Switzer was a favorite invitee of the college all-star games. He co-captained the West team in the 1954 East/West Shrine Game and was the runner-up for MVP honors. He earned the same honor in the&nbsp;Chicago Tribune’s College All-Star game against the World Champion Detroit Lions.Switzer was the first halfback and the fourth player overall selected in the 1954 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. To this day, he remains the highest drafted player in school history. During his rookie season, Switzer topped the NFL in punt returns with a 13-yard average. However, professional football was interrupted for Switzer from 1956 to 1958 as he entered the U.S. Air Force as a first lieutenant. It was back to the gridiron in 1958 when he played for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He completed his pro stint in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes from 1959 to 1960.Following his playing days, Switzer spent a decade working at the Chicago Board of Education before returning to K-State in an administrative capacity in 1969. At first, he was charged to develop the school’s first university-wide student minority program. Additionally, Switzer wrote the original grant proposal and was awarded one of the nation’s comprehensive federal programs for minority student support, which went to educational supportive services and talent search.Many programs – some that are still in motion today – were developed under Switzer’s leadership, including Ebony Theater, United Black Voices, Hispanic advocacy groups and Black Student Union. For decades, the university enjoyed increased student enrollments and graduation rates and attracted more faculty and staff of color, all a direct product of Switzer’s energy and passion for students. He then went on to work in the athletic department until his retirement.Switzer graduated from K-State in 1954 with a degree in physical education, while he earned his master’s in education from K-State in 1974.Switzer was a charter member of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame (1990) and K-State Football Ring of Honor (2002). He is also a member of the Kansas All Sports Hall of Fame and the Big Eight Sportswriters Football Hall of Fame.

K-State legend, trailblazer Veryl Switzer dies

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

The Salina Liberty closed out their 2022 regular season in style with a comfortable 36-13 win over the Southwest Kansas Storm to secure the two-seed and a first-round bye in this year’s CIF playoffs.

While Salina and Sioux City take a rest next week, Billings, Omaha, Wyoming, and Southwest Kansas will battle it out for a spot in the semifinals.

In their regular-season finale, the Liberty put on a show in a game that embodied all of the usual Salina hallmarks.

The Storm got on the board first with an early field goal, but Salina quickly reclaimed the lead and never looked back, outpacing SW Kansas 36-10 the rest of the way.

On defense, the Liberty refused to allow a single touchdown, holding the opposing offense to just three field goals all night.

“We’d rather give up field goals than touchdowns and defensively our second half was amazing,” Salina HC Heron O’Neal said. “Our special teams put us in bad positions all night but our defense made all the plays we needed with big turnovers.”

The Liberty turned their expansion foe over three times, with Tron Folsom responsible for both a pick and a fumble recovery on the night.

This game was also another opportunity for new QB1 Javin Kilgo to put on a show, adding four more touchdowns and 150 yards to his season tally.&nbsp;

“I was happy with Javin with how he responded in the second half,” O’Neal said. “He was able to really put it out of reach.”

In his first three CIF games, Kilgo has ten touchdowns to just one interception, completing 69% of his passes for just shy of 500 yards.

While this Liberty win came comfortably, it was not without its toll, and Salina will need the bye to get back to as close to 100% as they can before the semifinal round.

“It’s unfortunate to have guys dinged up in the last game of the season,” he said. “It’s good that we have a week to rest up because we’re beat up.”

The six-team playoff will begin next week with the Liberty hosting a quarterfinal winner in a Salina Semifinal the following week.

For more on the Liberty in the postseason stay tuned to the Salina, JC and Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617409785202.png" alt="Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Liberty closed out their 2022 regular season in style with a comfortable 36-13 win over the Southwest Kansas Storm to secure the two-seed and a first-round bye in this year’s CIF playoffs.While Salina and Sioux City take a rest next week, Billings, Omaha, Wyoming, and Southwest Kansas will battle it out for a spot in the semifinals.In their regular-season finale, the Liberty put on a show in a game that embodied all of the usual Salina hallmarks.The Storm got on the board first with an early field goal, but Salina quickly reclaimed the lead and never looked back, outpacing SW Kansas 36-10 the rest of the way.On defense, the Liberty refused to allow a single touchdown, holding the opposing offense to just three field goals all night.“We’d rather give up field goals than touchdowns and defensively our second half was amazing,” Salina HC Heron O’Neal said. “Our special teams put us in bad positions all night but our defense made all the plays we needed with big turnovers.”The Liberty turned their expansion foe over three times, with Tron Folsom responsible for both a pick and a fumble recovery on the night.This game was also another opportunity for new QB1 Javin Kilgo to put on a show, adding four more touchdowns and 150 yards to his season tally.&nbsp;“I was happy with Javin with how he responded in the second half,” O’Neal said. “He was able to really put it out of reach.”In his first three CIF games, Kilgo has ten touchdowns to just one interception, completing 69% of his passes for just shy of 500 yards.While this Liberty win came comfortably, it was not without its toll, and Salina will need the bye to get back to as close to 100% as they can before the semifinal round.“It’s unfortunate to have guys dinged up in the last game of the season,” he said. “It’s good that we have a week to rest up because we’re beat up.”The six-team playoff will begin next week with the Liberty hosting a quarterfinal winner in a Salina Semifinal the following week.For more on the Liberty in the postseason stay tuned to the Salina, JC and Little Apple Post.

Storm fizzles out as Liberty secure first-round bye

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Álvarez, Aledmys Díaz and Martín Maldonado each homered and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 10-3 for their fifth straight win. Kansas City has lost 12 of 14. Álvarez, who reportedly reached agreement on a $115 million, six-year contract, also had a pair of singles for his fifth straight multi-hit game. His 15 home runs are second in the American League behind the Yankees’ Aaron Judge.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Álvarez, Aledmys Díaz and Martín Maldonado each homered and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 10-3 for their fifth straight win. Kansas City has lost 12 of 14. Álvarez, who reportedly reached agreement on a $115 million, six-year contract, also had a pair of singles for his fifth straight multi-hit game. His 15 home runs are second in the American League behind the Yankees’ Aaron Judge.

Home runs help the Astros defeat the Royals

The Salina Liberty enter the final week of the regular season in a tie for second place, and will look to lock up the 2-seed and a first-round bye in Southwest Kansas on Saturday.

Salina holds tiebreakers over the other two 6-3 teams and can secure that bounty with either a win or losses by Omaha and Billings.&nbsp;

The final regular-season test for the Liberty comes in the form of the 5-4 expansion Storm, who got off to a hot start but have sputtered down the stretch.

Salina meanwhile, has been gaining steam with Javin Kilgo assuming the role of QB1 with six touchdowns to no picks in two weeks, and the return of both MVP Tracy Brooks and Special Teams Player of the Year Jimmy Allen.

“Tracy is a calming agent for everybody that’s out there and establishing that run game has helped Kilgo settle in and really step up for us,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “I’m very excited with what our future looks like with the pieces that we’ve added.”

In their first week on the field together Kilgo and Brooks torched the Topeka Tropics for 62 points, a dangerous showing for a team that already boasts the best scoring defense in the league.

While the opponent changes once again, Salina remains committed to its goal of consistent and steady improvement as the playoffs approach.

“We want to be 2% better than the last time we went out no matter who we play,” O’Neal said. “We want to improve on our kicking game and on our kick returns. We’ve had some great returns but we still need to help Autrey house one here.”

Despite their recent struggles, Southwest Kansas remains a threat not to be taken lightly, and the Liberty will have to weather the Storm in familiar territory.

“They have a good, long athletic defense,” he said. “They fly to the football and they’re up there in the league in interceptions and sacks. They’re a very well-coached team and things always get rowdy in Dodge, we just need to go in, play good, sound, injury-free football and start peaking for the playoffs.”

Salina will likely have to contend with an unknown quantity under center as the Southwest Kansas quarterback carousel continues this week with the signing of Josh Floyd.

While Floyd will have to get to grips with the game quickly, he will have one of the better fronts in the CIF to buy him time to do just that.

“Our defense will be tested and they know that this won’t be easy. Their offensive line is the real deal.”

Kickoff between the Liberty and Storm is set for 6 pm in Dodge City and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617387097958.png" alt="Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Liberty enter the final week of the regular season in a tie for second place, and will look to lock up the 2-seed and a first-round bye in Southwest Kansas on Saturday.Salina holds tiebreakers over the other two 6-3 teams and can secure that bounty with either a win or losses by Omaha and Billings.&nbsp;The final regular-season test for the Liberty comes in the form of the 5-4 expansion Storm, who got off to a hot start but have sputtered down the stretch.Salina meanwhile, has been gaining steam with Javin Kilgo assuming the role of QB1 with six touchdowns to no picks in two weeks, and the return of both MVP Tracy Brooks and Special Teams Player of the Year Jimmy Allen.“Tracy is a calming agent for everybody that’s out there and establishing that run game has helped Kilgo settle in and really step up for us,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “I’m very excited with what our future looks like with the pieces that we’ve added.” In their first week on the field together Kilgo and Brooks torched the Topeka Tropics for 62 points, a dangerous showing for a team that already boasts the best scoring defense in the league.While the opponent changes once again, Salina remains committed to its goal of consistent and steady improvement as the playoffs approach.“We want to be 2% better than the last time we went out no matter who we play,” O’Neal said. “We want to improve on our kicking game and on our kick returns. We’ve had some great returns but we still need to help Autrey house one here.”Despite their recent struggles, Southwest Kansas remains a threat not to be taken lightly, and the Liberty will have to weather the Storm in familiar territory.“They have a good, long athletic defense,” he said. “They fly to the football and they’re up there in the league in interceptions and sacks. They’re a very well-coached team and things always get rowdy in Dodge, we just need to go in, play good, sound, injury-free football and start peaking for the playoffs.”Salina will likely have to contend with an unknown quantity under center as the Southwest Kansas quarterback carousel continues this week with the signing of Josh Floyd.While Floyd will have to get to grips with the game quickly, he will have one of the better fronts in the CIF to buy him time to do just that.“Our defense will be tested and they know that this won’t be easy. Their offensive line is the real deal.”Kickoff between the Liberty and Storm is set for 6 pm in Dodge City and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

Liberty look to get out of Dodge with 2-seed

IRVING, Texas (AP) — The Big 12 Conference is distributing a record $426 million of revenue to its 10 schools for the 2021-22 school year. That is a nearly 25 percent increase over last year and 10 percent higher than its peak before the pandemic. Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec, chairman of the Big 12 board of directors, says the league is in a very strong position. Schovanec also said Friday at the league's annual spring meetings that the search for a new conference commissioner is on track to be completed by mid-July.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — The Big 12 Conference is distributing a record $426 million of revenue to its 10 schools for the 2021-22 school year. That is a nearly 25 percent increase over last year and 10 percent higher than its peak before the pandemic. Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec, chairman of the Big 12 board of directors, says the league is in a very strong position. Schovanec also said Friday at the league's annual spring meetings that the search for a new conference commissioner is on track to be completed by mid-July.

Big 12 distributes record revenue

Junction City Brigade baseball opens their 2022 season at Rathert Field Friday night against the Baldwin City Blues. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The teams were scheduled to play Thursday night in Baldwin City but that contest was cancelled due to a wet field following rains this week.&nbsp;

The Brigade will field some returning players from the Cowdin Cup championship team in 2021, says Head Coach Brandon Bochar. He noted that Grant Howard, Jayce Stewart, Austin Geretty and Keyahn Taylor are some of the returning players. Players will come from multiple schools ranging from Cloud County and Cowley County Community Colleges to other junior colleges in Kansas and Nebraska, along with Oral Roberts. Gus Freeman will also return from last year after he recovers from a surgery.

Bochar expects the Brigade playing style to be similar to last year. "We're going to be aggressive, make the other team make the play and have a lot of fun."

Bochar is back for his second season guiding the Brigade.

There will be a fireworks display following the game Friday night at Rathert Field.&nbsp; This will be the tenth season for the Brigade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654220021536.jpeg" alt="Rathert Field" />
 <figcaption>Rathert Field</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City Brigade baseball opens their 2022 season at Rathert Field Friday night against the Baldwin City Blues. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.The teams were scheduled to play Thursday night in Baldwin City but that contest was cancelled due to a wet field following rains this week.&nbsp;The Brigade will field some returning players from the Cowdin Cup championship team in 2021, says Head Coach Brandon Bochar. He noted that Grant Howard, Jayce Stewart, Austin Geretty and Keyahn Taylor are some of the returning players. Players will come from multiple schools ranging from Cloud County and Cowley County Community Colleges to other junior colleges in Kansas and Nebraska, along with Oral Roberts. Gus Freeman will also return from last year after he recovers from a surgery.Bochar expects the Brigade playing style to be similar to last year. "We're going to be aggressive, make the other team make the play and have a lot of fun."Bochar is back for his second season guiding the Brigade.There will be a fireworks display following the game Friday night at Rathert Field.&nbsp; This will be the tenth season for the Brigade.

Brigade baseball is set for Friday night at Rathert Field

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie Konnor Pilkington struck out eight in five innings for his first major league win and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 to complete a three-game sweep. Pilkington, making his third career start and sixth appearance, worked out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the fourth. The left-hander is taking the rotation spot of injured Aaron Civale. José Ramírez had a run-scoring groundout in the fifth for his major league leading 52nd RBI. Amed Rosario, Andrés Giménez and Richie Palacios also drove in runs for Cleveland. Kansas City has dropped 11 of 13 and has the worst record in the majors at 16-33.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie Konnor Pilkington struck out eight in five innings for his first major league win and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0 to complete a three-game sweep. Pilkington, making his third career start and sixth appearance, worked out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the fourth. The left-hander is taking the rotation spot of injured Aaron Civale. José Ramírez had a run-scoring groundout in the fifth for his major league leading 52nd RBI. Amed Rosario, Andrés Giménez and Richie Palacios also drove in runs for Cleveland. Kansas City has dropped 11 of 13 and has the worst record in the majors at 16-33.

Guardians shut out the Royals

CLEVELAND (AP) — Austin Hedges hit a three-run homer and rookie Oscar Gonzalez doubled in two runs, sending the Cleveland Guardians to an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Hedges’ third-inning drive to left barely cleared the 19-foot wall and scored Ernie Clement and Oscar Mercado, extending Cleveland’s lead to 6-2. The Guardians put 11 men on base in the first three frames against Daniel Lynch. Gonzalez, who is 9 for 21 through five games in the majors, tacked on a two-run double in the sixth. Cal Quantrill worked 6 1/3 innings to remain unbeaten in his career at Progressive Field and against the Royals.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Austin Hedges hit a three-run homer and rookie Oscar Gonzalez doubled in two runs, sending the Cleveland Guardians to an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Hedges’ third-inning drive to left barely cleared the 19-foot wall and scored Ernie Clement and Oscar Mercado, extending Cleveland’s lead to 6-2. The Guardians put 11 men on base in the first three frames against Daniel Lynch. Gonzalez, who is 9 for 21 through five games in the majors, tacked on a two-run double in the sixth. Cal Quantrill worked 6 1/3 innings to remain unbeaten in his career at Progressive Field and against the Royals.

Cleveland defeats Kansas City

Manhattan won two out of three games that they played in the Class 6A State Baseball Tournament this past weekend. The Indians finished second after falling in the championship game to Overland Park-Blue Valley West 4-3.

Manhattan defeated Overland Park-Blue Valley Northwest in the first round of the tournament 3-2 and downed Olathe West in the semifinal round 8-2. The Indians finished the season with a final record of 21-4.

Manhattan won two out of three games that they played in the Class 6A State Baseball Tournament this past weekend. The Indians finished second after falling in the championship game to Overland Park-Blue Valley West 4-3.Manhattan defeated Overland Park-Blue Valley Northwest in the first round of the tournament 3-2 and downed Olathe West in the semifinal round 8-2. The Indians finished the season with a final record of 21-4.

Manhattan finishes second in state baseball tournament

CLEVELAND (AP) — Andrés Giménez hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning off rookie Collin Snider, sending the Cleveland Guardians to a 7-3 win over the injury-riddled Kansas City Royals. Giménez’s shot to center field off scored pinch-runner Ernie Clement and rookie Oscar Gonzalez, who singled in the inning to make up for a gaffe earlier when he threw the ball into the stands with two outs. José Ramírez hit his 13th homer and drove in three more runs for the Guardians, raising his major league-leading total to 51 RBIs. Emmanuel Rivera homered for the Royals, who rallied in the eighth but couldn’t stop from falling to 16-31 — the AL’s worst record.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Andrés Giménez hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning off rookie Collin Snider, sending the Cleveland Guardians to a 7-3 win over the injury-riddled Kansas City Royals. Giménez’s shot to center field off scored pinch-runner Ernie Clement and rookie Oscar Gonzalez, who singled in the inning to make up for a gaffe earlier when he threw the ball into the stands with two outs. José Ramírez hit his 13th homer and drove in three more runs for the Guardians, raising his major league-leading total to 51 RBIs. Emmanuel Rivera homered for the Royals, who rallied in the eighth but couldn’t stop from falling to 16-31 — the AL’s worst record.

Royals fall to the Guardians

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

The Salina Liberty put on a show in their final home game of the season handing the Topeka Tropics a 62-26 reciprocal rout in front of a rowdy home crowd.

With this win, Salina moves ahead of Omaha in third place with just one regular-season game left to play while Topeka’s quest for win number one continues.

After much anticipation, reigning MVP Tracy Brooks returned to the Liberty lineup and had an instant impact, scoring three big touchdowns and igniting the Salina faithful.

“I’m happy for Tracy,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “He’s been through a lot this year and it’s been tough but I’m glad he was able to get right to get this opportunity. Doing what he did tonight put any doubts to bed about our MVP, he’s back.”

This game also proved to be a terrific home debut for Javin Kilgo, who added four more touchdown passes in just his second start under center for the red, white, and blue, solidifying the final piece the Liberty needed after the departure of Tyrie Adams.

With Brooks back on the field, Salina found a new gear, blowing the doors off the Tropics in their second widest margin of victory this season.

“When you lose a player of Tracy’s magnitude that hurts more than people realize,” O’Neal said. “He’s the most humble superstar I’ve ever seen and he cares about the team more than he cares about himself or his stats.”

The Salina defense was as stout as ever tonight, blanking the Tropics for the entire first and third quarters and scoring a touchdown of their own on a Kendrick Harper scoop and score from 28 yards out.

The Liberty will play one final regular-season game next Saturday when they travel to Southwest Kansas for a date with the 5-3 Storm, the final test of a brutal schedule that the Salina has seen as an opportunity.

“We’re playoff ready because we played a playoff schedule,” O’Neal said. “All the schedule-makers did was help us when it’s all said and done because we don’t play creampuffs, we play the best of the best and that has us prepared and I want to thank them.”

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617387097958.png" alt="Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Liberty put on a show in their final home game of the season handing the Topeka Tropics a 62-26 reciprocal rout in front of a rowdy home crowd.With this win, Salina moves ahead of Omaha in third place with just one regular-season game left to play while Topeka’s quest for win number one continues.After much anticipation, reigning MVP Tracy Brooks returned to the Liberty lineup and had an instant impact, scoring three big touchdowns and igniting the Salina faithful.“I’m happy for Tracy,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “He’s been through a lot this year and it’s been tough but I’m glad he was able to get right to get this opportunity. Doing what he did tonight put any doubts to bed about our MVP, he’s back.”This game also proved to be a terrific home debut for Javin Kilgo, who added four more touchdown passes in just his second start under center for the red, white, and blue, solidifying the final piece the Liberty needed after the departure of Tyrie Adams.With Brooks back on the field, Salina found a new gear, blowing the doors off the Tropics in their second widest margin of victory this season.“When you lose a player of Tracy’s magnitude that hurts more than people realize,” O’Neal said. “He’s the most humble superstar I’ve ever seen and he cares about the team more than he cares about himself or his stats.”The Salina defense was as stout as ever tonight, blanking the Tropics for the entire first and third quarters and scoring a touchdown of their own on a Kendrick Harper scoop and score from 28 yards out.The Liberty will play one final regular-season game next Saturday when they travel to Southwest Kansas for a date with the 5-3 Storm, the final test of a brutal schedule that the Salina has seen as an opportunity.“We’re playoff ready because we played a playoff schedule,” O’Neal said. “All the schedule-makers did was help us when it’s all said and done because we don’t play creampuffs, we play the best of the best and that has us prepared and I want to thank them.”