By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/ksu-football-team-to-honor-losses-suffered-in-devastating-wildfires/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas State 
University football team will wear a special decal on their helmets 
during the Jan. 4 bowl game to express empathy for people who suffered 
losses from wildfires that scorched more than 400,000 acres in central 
Kansas.

The Wildcats are scheduled to play Louisiana State University in the TaxAct Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the many Kansans who were affected
 by the recent storms and wildfires,” said Gene Taylor, director of 
athletics at Kansas State in Manhattan. “This helmet sticker is a small 
department-wide gesture that will let all K-Staters and those effected 
by this storm know that we are with them as they rebuild their lives and
 their livelihoods.”

On Tuesday, K-State officials said the decal would be affixed to the back of players’ helmets.

Winds that topped 100 miles per hour on Dec. 15 spread <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/20/ball-of-rolling-fire-and-smoke-wildfires-rip-through-north-central-kansas/">brush fires that destroyed</a> homes, vehicles, barns, equipment and was responsible for killing livestock and pets.

Damage stretched from smaller fires in Finney, Scott and Gove counties and included the four-county fire infiltrating parts of Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Osborne counties.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said farmers or ranchers in need of immediate mental health assistance could contact the Kansas Suicide Prevention Line at 785-841-2345. In addition, Kansas&nbsp;Recovery Resources can be found through the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01JM&amp;crop=15450.66065470.5582443.8067403&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fagriculture.ks.gov%2fnews-events%2fkansas-wildfire-recovery-resources-december-2021%3ffbclid%3dIwAR10UvqmCjpLL7JY1zYSOaQQrrdnxPE5AKC33Ji9Z-cpXxY9d_gxyGXT1wg&amp;redir_log=019837287941046">here</a>.

Donations can also be made through the Kansas&nbsp;Livestock Association&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01JM&amp;crop=15450.66065470.5582443.8067403&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.kla.org%2fnews-center%2fnews-releases%2fnews%2fdetails%2f28680%2fklf-initiates-relief-effort-for-storm-victims%3ffbclid%3dIwAR0xRyPkIV7uCO6BhF54x6uegPaZ_pF0hqm2gFTowj19XXG6ptc8DadsViQ&amp;redir_log=075535717831208">here. </a>HitchPin is working to coordinate assistance through <a target="_blank" href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01JM&amp;crop=15450.66065470.5582443.8067403&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hitchpin.com%2fdecember-15&amp;redir_log=905083650617244">this form.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640795500898.png" alt="The image from video shot from an airplane illustrates the scope of Dec. 15 wildfires that burned about 400,000 acres in Kansas. On Jan. 4, the Kansas State Wildcats will wear special wildfire stickers on their helmets during the bowl game against LSU. (Screen capture/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The image from video shot from an airplane illustrates the scope of Dec. 15 wildfires that burned about 400,000 acres in Kansas. On Jan. 4, the Kansas State Wildcats will wear special wildfire stickers on their helmets during the bowl game against LSU. (Screen capture/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/ksu-football-team-to-honor-losses-suffered-in-devastating-wildfires/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas State 
University football team will wear a special decal on their helmets 
during the Jan. 4 bowl game to express empathy for people who suffered 
losses from wildfires that scorched more than 400,000 acres in central 
Kansas.The Wildcats are scheduled to play Louisiana State University in the TaxAct Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston.“Our thoughts and prayers are with the many Kansans who were affected
 by the recent storms and wildfires,” said Gene Taylor, director of 
athletics at Kansas State in Manhattan. “This helmet sticker is a small 
department-wide gesture that will let all K-Staters and those effected 
by this storm know that we are with them as they rebuild their lives and
 their livelihoods.”On Tuesday, K-State officials said the decal would be affixed to the back of players’ helmets.Winds that topped 100 miles per hour on Dec. 15 spread <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/20/ball-of-rolling-fire-and-smoke-wildfires-rip-through-north-central-kansas/">brush fires that destroyed</a> homes, vehicles, barns, equipment and was responsible for killing livestock and pets.Damage stretched from smaller fires in Finney, Scott and Gove counties and included the four-county fire infiltrating parts of Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Osborne counties.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said farmers or ranchers in need of immediate mental health assistance could contact the Kansas Suicide Prevention Line at 785-841-2345. In addition, Kansas&nbsp;Recovery Resources can be found through the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01JM&amp;crop=15450.66065470.5582443.8067403&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fagriculture.ks.gov%2fnews-events%2fkansas-wildfire-recovery-resources-december-2021%3ffbclid%3dIwAR10UvqmCjpLL7JY1zYSOaQQrrdnxPE5AKC33Ji9Z-cpXxY9d_gxyGXT1wg&amp;redir_log=019837287941046">here</a>.Donations can also be made through the Kansas&nbsp;Livestock Association&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01JM&amp;crop=15450.66065470.5582443.8067403&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.kla.org%2fnews-center%2fnews-releases%2fnews%2fdetails%2f28680%2fklf-initiates-relief-effort-for-storm-victims%3ffbclid%3dIwAR0xRyPkIV7uCO6BhF54x6uegPaZ_pF0hqm2gFTowj19XXG6ptc8DadsViQ&amp;redir_log=075535717831208">here. </a>HitchPin is working to coordinate assistance through <a target="_blank" href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=KS01JM&amp;crop=15450.66065470.5582443.8067403&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hitchpin.com%2fdecember-15&amp;redir_log=905083650617244">this form.</a>

KSU football team to honor losses suffered in devastating wildfires

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Due to COVID-19 related issues within the North Florida program, Kansas State’s men’s basketball game scheduled for tonight (December 29) against the Ospreys has been canceled.

The game will not be rescheduled. Ticket purchasers for Wednesday’s canceled game will receive additional information from the K-State Athletics Ticket Office via email.

The Wildcats’ next home game will be with No. 17/18 Texas (10-2) at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.&nbsp;Tickets start at just $1 for Dollar Night in Bramlage Coliseum. Tickets can be purchased by visiting k-statesports.com, calling (800) 221.CATS, or by visiting the Bramlage Coliseum ticket office in person from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., CT, Monday through Friday.&nbsp;

K-State will open Big 12 play at Oklahoma (10-2) on Saturday night at 7 p.m., CT on ESPNU.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Due to COVID-19 related issues within the North Florida program, Kansas State’s men’s basketball game scheduled for tonight (December 29) against the Ospreys has been canceled.The game will not be rescheduled. Ticket purchasers for Wednesday’s canceled game will receive additional information from the K-State Athletics Ticket Office via email.The Wildcats’ next home game will be with No. 17/18 Texas (10-2) at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.&nbsp;Tickets start at just $1 for Dollar Night in Bramlage Coliseum. Tickets can be purchased by visiting k-statesports.com, calling (800) 221.CATS, or by visiting the Bramlage Coliseum ticket office in person from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., CT, Monday through Friday.&nbsp;K-State will open Big 12 play at Oklahoma (10-2) on Saturday night at 7 p.m., CT on ESPNU.

K-State announces men's basketball game cancellation

John Madden, the Hall of Fame coach turned broadcaster whose exuberant calls combined with simple explanations provided a weekly soundtrack to NFL games for three decades, died Tuesday morning, the league said. He was 85.

The NFL said he died unexpectedly and did not detail a cause.

Madden gained fame in a decade-long stint as the coach of the renegade Oakland Raiders, making it to seven AFC title games and winning the Super Bowl following the 1976 season. He compiled a 103-32-7 regular-season record, and his .759 winning percentage is the best among NFL coaches with more than 100 games.

But it was his work after prematurely retiring as coach at age 42 that made Madden truly a household name. He educated a football nation with his use of the telestrator on broadcasts; entertained millions with his interjections of “Boom!” and “Doink!” throughout games; was an omnipresent pitchman selling restaurants, hardware stores and beer; became the face of “Madden NFL Football,” one of the most successful sports video games of all-time; and was a best-selling author.

Most of all, he was the preeminent television sports analyst for most of his three decades calling games, winning an unprecedented 16 Emmy Awards for outstanding sports analyst/personality, and covering 11 Super Bowls for four networks from 1979-2009.

“People always ask, are you a coach or a broadcaster or a video game guy?” he said when was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “I’m a coach, always been a coach.”

He started his broadcasting career at CBS after leaving coaching in great part because of his fear of flying. He and Pat Summerall became the network’s top announcing duo. Madden then helped give Fox credibility as a major network when he moved there in 1994, and went on to call prime-time games at ABC and NBC before retiring following Pittsburgh’s thrilling 27-23 win over Arizona in the 2009 Super Bowl.

“I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more,” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement.

Burly and a little unkempt, Madden earned a place in America’s heart with a likable, unpretentious style that was refreshing in a sports world of spiraling salaries and prima donna stars. He rode from game to game in his own bus because he suffered from claustrophobia and had stopped flying. For a time, Madden gave out a “turducken” — a chicken stuffed inside a duck stuffed inside a turkey — to the outstanding player in the Thanksgiving game that he called.

“Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”

When he finally retired from the broadcast booth, leaving NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” colleagues universally praised Madden’s passion for the sport, his preparation, and his ability to explain an often-complicated game in down-to-earth terms.

“No one has made the sport more interesting, more relevant and more enjoyable to watch and listen to than John,” play-by-play announcer Al Michaels said at the time.

For anyone who heard Madden exclaim “Boom!” while breaking down a play, his love of the game was obvious.

“For me, TV is really an extension of coaching,” Madden wrote in “Hey, Wait a Minute! (I Wrote a Book!).”

“My knowledge of football has come from coaching. And on TV, all I’m trying to do is pass on some of that knowledge to viewers.”

Madden was raised in Daly City, California. He played on both the offensive and defensive lines for Cal Poly in 1957-58 and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the school.

Madden was chosen to the all-conference team and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, but a knee injury ended his hopes of a pro playing career. Instead, Madden got into coaching, first at Hancock Junior College and then as defensive coordinator at San Diego State.

Al Davis brought him to the Raiders as a linebackers coach in 1967, and Oakland went to the Super Bowl in his first year in the pros. He replaced John Rauch as head coach after the 1968 season at age 32, beginning a remarkable 10-year run.

With his demonstrative demeanor on the sideline and disheveled look, Madden was the ideal coach for the collection of castoffs and misfits that made up those Raiders teams.

“Sometimes guys were disciplinarians in things that didn’t make any difference. I was a disciplinarian in jumping offsides; I hated that,” Madden once said. “Being in bad position and missing tackles, those things. I wasn’t, ‘Your hair has to be combed.’”

“I always thought his strong suit was his style of coaching,” quarterback Ken Stabler once said. “John just had a great knack for letting us be what we wanted to be, on the field and off the field. ... How do you repay him for being that way? You win for him.”

And boy, did they ever. Many years, the only problem was the playoffs.

Madden went 12-1-1 in his first season, losing the AFL title game 17-7 to Kansas City. That pattern repeated itself during his tenure; the Raiders won the division title in seven of his first eight seasons, but went 1-6 in conference title games during that span.

Still, Madden’s Raiders played in some of the sport’s most memorable games of the 1970s, games that helped change rules in the NFL. There was the “Holy Roller” in 1978, when Stabler purposely fumbled forward before being sacked on the final play. The ball rolled and was batted to the end zone before Dave Casper recovered it for the winning touchdown against San Diego.

The most famous of those games went against the Raiders in the 1972 playoffs at Pittsburgh. With the Raiders leading 7-6 and 22 seconds left, the Steelers had a fourth-and-10 from their 40. Terry Bradshaw’s desperation pass deflected off either Oakland’s Jack Tatum or Pittsburgh’s Frenchy Fuqua to Franco Harris, who caught it at his shoe tops and ran in for a TD.

In those days, a pass that bounced off an offensive player directly to a teammate was illegal, and the debate continues to this day over which player it hit. The catch, of course, was dubbed the “Immaculate Reception.”

Oakland finally broke through with a loaded team in 1976 that had Stabler at quarterback; Fred Biletnikoff and Cliff Branch at receiver; tight end Dave Casper; Hall of Fame offensive linemen Gene Upshaw and Art Shell; and a defense that included Willie Brown, Ted Hendricks, Tatum, John Matuszak, Otis Sistrunk and George Atkinson.

The Raiders went 13-1, losing only a blowout at New England in Week 4. They paid the Patriots back with a 24-21 win in their first playoff game and got over the AFC title game hump with a 24-7 win over the hated Steelers, who were crippled by injuries.

Oakland won it all with a 32-14 Super Bowl romp against Minnesota.

“Players loved playing for him,” Shell said. “He made it fun for us in camp and fun for us in the regular season. All he asked is that we be on time and play like hell when it was time to play.”

Madden battled an ulcer the following season, when the Raiders once again lost in the AFC title game. He retired from coaching at age 42 after a 9-7 season in 1978.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia, and two sons, Joseph and Michael. John and Virginia Madden’s 62nd wedding anniversary was two days before his death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640439615693.jpeg" alt="John Madden in 2007 wikicommons" />
 <figcaption>John Madden in 2007 wikicommons</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOSH DUBOW, AP Pro Football WriterJohn Madden, the Hall of Fame coach turned broadcaster whose exuberant calls combined with simple explanations provided a weekly soundtrack to NFL games for three decades, died Tuesday morning, the league said. He was 85.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary John Madden. Statement » <a href="https://t.co/9Drm7UNvf6">https://t.co/9Drm7UNvf6</a> <a href="https://t.co/HA0GDGPN46">pic.twitter.com/HA0GDGPN46</a>&mdash; Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raiders/status/1475992603254423553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The NFL said he died unexpectedly and did not detail a cause.Madden gained fame in a decade-long stint as the coach of the renegade Oakland Raiders, making it to seven AFC title games and winning the Super Bowl following the 1976 season. He compiled a 103-32-7 regular-season record, and his .759 winning percentage is the best among NFL coaches with more than 100 games.But it was his work after prematurely retiring as coach at age 42 that made Madden truly a household name. He educated a football nation with his use of the telestrator on broadcasts; entertained millions with his interjections of “Boom!” and “Doink!” throughout games; was an omnipresent pitchman selling restaurants, hardware stores and beer; became the face of “Madden NFL Football,” one of the most successful sports video games of all-time; and was a best-selling author.Most of all, he was the preeminent television sports analyst for most of his three decades calling games, winning an unprecedented 16 Emmy Awards for outstanding sports analyst/personality, and covering 11 Super Bowls for four networks from 1979-2009.“People always ask, are you a coach or a broadcaster or a video game guy?” he said when was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “I’m a coach, always been a coach.”He started his broadcasting career at CBS after leaving coaching in great part because of his fear of flying. He and Pat Summerall became the network’s top announcing duo. Madden then helped give Fox credibility as a major network when he moved there in 1994, and went on to call prime-time games at ABC and NBC before retiring following Pittsburgh’s thrilling 27-23 win over Arizona in the 2009 Super Bowl.“I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more,” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement.Burly and a little unkempt, Madden earned a place in America’s heart with a likable, unpretentious style that was refreshing in a sports world of spiraling salaries and prima donna stars. He rode from game to game in his own bus because he suffered from claustrophobia and had stopped flying. For a time, Madden gave out a “turducken” — a chicken stuffed inside a duck stuffed inside a turkey — to the outstanding player in the Thanksgiving game that he called.“Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”When he finally retired from the broadcast booth, leaving NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” colleagues universally praised Madden’s passion for the sport, his preparation, and his ability to explain an often-complicated game in down-to-earth terms.“No one has made the sport more interesting, more relevant and more enjoyable to watch and listen to than John,” play-by-play announcer Al Michaels said at the time.For anyone who heard Madden exclaim “Boom!” while breaking down a play, his love of the game was obvious.“For me, TV is really an extension of coaching,” Madden wrote in “Hey, Wait a Minute! (I Wrote a Book!).”“My knowledge of football has come from coaching. And on TV, all I’m trying to do is pass on some of that knowledge to viewers.”Madden was raised in Daly City, California. He played on both the offensive and defensive lines for Cal Poly in 1957-58 and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the school.Madden was chosen to the all-conference team and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, but a knee injury ended his hopes of a pro playing career. Instead, Madden got into coaching, first at Hancock Junior College and then as defensive coordinator at San Diego State.Al Davis brought him to the Raiders as a linebackers coach in 1967, and Oakland went to the Super Bowl in his first year in the pros. He replaced John Rauch as head coach after the 1968 season at age 32, beginning a remarkable 10-year run.With his demonstrative demeanor on the sideline and disheveled look, Madden was the ideal coach for the collection of castoffs and misfits that made up those Raiders teams.“Sometimes guys were disciplinarians in things that didn’t make any difference. I was a disciplinarian in jumping offsides; I hated that,” Madden once said. “Being in bad position and missing tackles, those things. I wasn’t, ‘Your hair has to be combed.’”The Raiders responded.“I always thought his strong suit was his style of coaching,” quarterback Ken Stabler once said. “John just had a great knack for letting us be what we wanted to be, on the field and off the field. ... How do you repay him for being that way? You win for him.”And boy, did they ever. Many years, the only problem was the playoffs.Madden went 12-1-1 in his first season, losing the AFL title game 17-7 to Kansas City. That pattern repeated itself during his tenure; the Raiders won the division title in seven of his first eight seasons, but went 1-6 in conference title games during that span.Still, Madden’s Raiders played in some of the sport’s most memorable games of the 1970s, games that helped change rules in the NFL. There was the “Holy Roller” in 1978, when Stabler purposely fumbled forward before being sacked on the final play. The ball rolled and was batted to the end zone before Dave Casper recovered it for the winning touchdown against San Diego.The most famous of those games went against the Raiders in the 1972 playoffs at Pittsburgh. With the Raiders leading 7-6 and 22 seconds left, the Steelers had a fourth-and-10 from their 40. Terry Bradshaw’s desperation pass deflected off either Oakland’s Jack Tatum or Pittsburgh’s Frenchy Fuqua to Franco Harris, who caught it at his shoe tops and ran in for a TD.In those days, a pass that bounced off an offensive player directly to a teammate was illegal, and the debate continues to this day over which player it hit. The catch, of course, was dubbed the “Immaculate Reception.”Oakland finally broke through with a loaded team in 1976 that had Stabler at quarterback; Fred Biletnikoff and Cliff Branch at receiver; tight end Dave Casper; Hall of Fame offensive linemen Gene Upshaw and Art Shell; and a defense that included Willie Brown, Ted Hendricks, Tatum, John Matuszak, Otis Sistrunk and George Atkinson.The Raiders went 13-1, losing only a blowout at New England in Week 4. They paid the Patriots back with a 24-21 win in their first playoff game and got over the AFC title game hump with a 24-7 win over the hated Steelers, who were crippled by injuries.Oakland won it all with a 32-14 Super Bowl romp against Minnesota.“Players loved playing for him,” Shell said. “He made it fun for us in camp and fun for us in the regular season. All he asked is that we be on time and play like hell when it was time to play.”Madden battled an ulcer the following season, when the Raiders once again lost in the AFC title game. He retired from coaching at age 42 after a 9-7 season in 1978.Survivors include his wife, Virginia, and two sons, Joseph and Michael. John and Virginia Madden’s 62nd wedding anniversary was two days before his death.___

John Madden, Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster has died

TaxAct Texas Bowl K-State vs. LSU

CATS, TIGERS TUSSLE IN FINAL BOWL GAME OF 2021

Kansas State is back in the bowl scene after a one-year hiatus as the Wildcats were rewarded for their seven-win regular season with their 23rd bowl berth all-time and will take on LSU in the TaxAct Texas Bowl. The game is slated for an 8 p.m., kickoff on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, inside NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Wildcats and Tigers will meet for just the second time ever and the first in 41 seasons, as K-State fell at LSU, 21-0, to open the 1980 season.

K-State is in the Texas Bowl for the third time, having played in the inaugural game in 2006 and topping Texas A&amp;M, 33-28, in 2016. It is the eighth time the Wildcats will play a bowl game in the state of Texas, while they are playing an SEC opponent in a bowl for a fifth time.&nbsp;&nbsp; The TaxAct Texas Bowl is the second bowl game under head coach Chris Klieman, making him the first coach in school history to lead his team to two bowl games in his first three season at the helm. He is also the first coach in K-State history to guide the Wildcats to at least seven wins twice in his first three seasons.

The Wildcats are one of just 25 Power 5 teams in the nation to advance to at least 10 bowl games in the last 12 seasons and one of four from the Big 12, joining Baylor, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The Wildcats have won two of their last three bowl games – which includes the 2016 Texas Bowl – and will be looking for three bowl wins in a four-game span for the first time since 1999-2002.

• Kansas State raced out to a 3-0 start in 2021, highlighted by a season-opening 24-7 win over Stanford at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in addition to an impressive 38-17 victory against Nevada, which finished the year with an 8-4 record and boasts a potential first-round NFL Draft pick at quarterback. Big 12 play began with three losses against teams that were either ranked in the top-25 at the time or were a preseason top-25 team.

• However, K-State was able to right the ship and rattle off four-straight wins, its second-straight season with a four-game winning streak in conference play. The streak began with a gusty 25-24 victory at Texas Tech, a game in which K-State trailed, 24-10, at halftime before pitching a second-half shutout against a Red Raider team that eventually reached the postseason. The Wildcats then came home and throttled TCU, 31-12, as they limited an explosive Horned Frog team that 34.3 points per game entering the contest.

• Kansas State opened the month of November by winning its 13th-straight game against Kansas to retain the Governor’s Cup. The 13-straight wins over KU is tied for the fourth-longest active streak by a team against any one opponent in a series that has been contested each year since at least 2009. K-State then turned around and topped West Virginia – another bowl team this season – 34-17 as the Wildcats snapped a five-game losing streak to the Mountaineers.

• The Wildcats will enter the TaxAct Texas Bowl on a two-game slide after they dropped the final two regular-season games by two or less scores. The Wildcats held a potent Baylor offense – which led the Bears to a Big 12 Championship and a berth into the Sugar Bowl – to just 20 points after averaging 35.4 points per game entering the contest, as K-State fell, 20-10. The Cats then lost at Texas, 22-17, on a short turnaround as they played the day after Thanksgiving.

• The Wildcats were led during the regular season by a pair of sophomores – one on each side of the ball – as running back and all-purpose player Deuce Vaughn was named a First Team All-American by several publications, while defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah was one of the nation’s top pass rushers this season.

• Vaughn enters the TaxAct Texas Bowl ranked eighth in school history in single-season rushing yards with 1,258, while he enters the postseason as one of only two players in the nation with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards this season. Anudike-Uzomah enters the bowl game ranked first in the nation in forced fumbles (6), while he is ninth in the nation and second in the Big 12 in sacks (11.0) and second in the Big 12 in tackles for loss (14.5). A First Team All-Big 12 selection by the league’s coaches, Anudike-Uzomah tied a school record with 4.0 sacks against TCU. He is a half sack shy of tying the school record for sacks, and he enters the TaxAct Texas Bowl tied for the school record in forced fumbles.

• LSU finished the regular season with a 6-6 record, including a 3-5 mark in conference play to tie for fifth place in the SEC West. The Tigers won their final two games to get bowl eligible – a 27-14 win against ULM and a 27-24 upset victory over 14th-ranked Texas A&amp;M.

• The Tigers have averaged 27.1 points per game this season while giving up 25.3 per game. Tyrion Davis-Price has rushed for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns, while LSU’s quarterback situation is uncertain following the transfer of starter Max Johnson after the regular season.

• On defense, the Tigers are giving up 137.3 yards per game on the ground and 234.9 through the air. Damone Clark, a Second Team All-America pick, leads the way with a SEC-best 135 tackles on the year, including 15.5 for losses, while BJ Ojulari leads the way with 6.0 sacks. Freshmen defensive end Maason Smith and wide receiver Malik Nabers were also named to the Freshman All-SEC team. Offensive guard Ed Ingram and placekicker Cade York were also named second team All-SEC selections.

TaxAct Texas Bowl K-State vs. LSUDate: Tuesday, January 4, 2022Kickoff: 8 p.m.Location: Houston, TexasStadium: NRG Stadium (70,000)Series: LSU Leads, 1-0TV: ESPNCATS, TIGERS TUSSLE IN FINAL BOWL GAME OF 2021Kansas State is back in the bowl scene after a one-year hiatus as the Wildcats were rewarded for their seven-win regular season with their 23rd bowl berth all-time and will take on LSU in the TaxAct Texas Bowl. The game is slated for an 8 p.m., kickoff on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, inside NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Wildcats and Tigers will meet for just the second time ever and the first in 41 seasons, as K-State fell at LSU, 21-0, to open the 1980 season.K-State is in the Texas Bowl for the third time, having played in the inaugural game in 2006 and topping Texas A&amp;M, 33-28, in 2016. It is the eighth time the Wildcats will play a bowl game in the state of Texas, while they are playing an SEC opponent in a bowl for a fifth time.&nbsp;&nbsp; The TaxAct Texas Bowl is the second bowl game under head coach Chris Klieman, making him the first coach in school history to lead his team to two bowl games in his first three season at the helm. He is also the first coach in K-State history to guide the Wildcats to at least seven wins twice in his first three seasons.The Wildcats are one of just 25 Power 5 teams in the nation to advance to at least 10 bowl games in the last 12 seasons and one of four from the Big 12, joining Baylor, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The Wildcats have won two of their last three bowl games – which includes the 2016 Texas Bowl – and will be looking for three bowl wins in a four-game span for the first time since 1999-2002. A LOOK AT K-STATE• Kansas State raced out to a 3-0 start in 2021, highlighted by a season-opening 24-7 win over Stanford at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in addition to an impressive 38-17 victory against Nevada, which finished the year with an 8-4 record and boasts a potential first-round NFL Draft pick at quarterback. Big 12 play began with three losses against teams that were either ranked in the top-25 at the time or were a preseason top-25 team.• However, K-State was able to right the ship and rattle off four-straight wins, its second-straight season with a four-game winning streak in conference play. The streak began with a gusty 25-24 victory at Texas Tech, a game in which K-State trailed, 24-10, at halftime before pitching a second-half shutout against a Red Raider team that eventually reached the postseason. The Wildcats then came home and throttled TCU, 31-12, as they limited an explosive Horned Frog team that 34.3 points per game entering the contest.• Kansas State opened the month of November by winning its 13th-straight game against Kansas to retain the Governor’s Cup. The 13-straight wins over KU is tied for the fourth-longest active streak by a team against any one opponent in a series that has been contested each year since at least 2009. K-State then turned around and topped West Virginia – another bowl team this season – 34-17 as the Wildcats snapped a five-game losing streak to the Mountaineers.• The Wildcats will enter the TaxAct Texas Bowl on a two-game slide after they dropped the final two regular-season games by two or less scores. The Wildcats held a potent Baylor offense – which led the Bears to a Big 12 Championship and a berth into the Sugar Bowl – to just 20 points after averaging 35.4 points per game entering the contest, as K-State fell, 20-10. The Cats then lost at Texas, 22-17, on a short turnaround as they played the day after Thanksgiving.• The Wildcats were led during the regular season by a pair of sophomores – one on each side of the ball – as running back and all-purpose player Deuce Vaughn was named a First Team All-American by several publications, while defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah was one of the nation’s top pass rushers this season.• Vaughn enters the TaxAct Texas Bowl ranked eighth in school history in single-season rushing yards with 1,258, while he enters the postseason as one of only two players in the nation with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards this season. Anudike-Uzomah enters the bowl game ranked first in the nation in forced fumbles (6), while he is ninth in the nation and second in the Big 12 in sacks (11.0) and second in the Big 12 in tackles for loss (14.5). A First Team All-Big 12 selection by the league’s coaches, Anudike-Uzomah tied a school record with 4.0 sacks against TCU. He is a half sack shy of tying the school record for sacks, and he enters the TaxAct Texas Bowl tied for the school record in forced fumbles. A LOOK AT LSU• LSU finished the regular season with a 6-6 record, including a 3-5 mark in conference play to tie for fifth place in the SEC West. The Tigers won their final two games to get bowl eligible – a 27-14 win against ULM and a 27-24 upset victory over 14th-ranked Texas A&amp;M.• The Tigers have averaged 27.1 points per game this season while giving up 25.3 per game. Tyrion Davis-Price has rushed for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns, while LSU’s quarterback situation is uncertain following the transfer of starter Max Johnson after the regular season.• On defense, the Tigers are giving up 137.3 yards per game on the ground and 234.9 through the air. Damone Clark, a Second Team All-America pick, leads the way with a SEC-best 135 tackles on the year, including 15.5 for losses, while BJ Ojulari leads the way with 6.0 sacks. Freshmen defensive end Maason Smith and wide receiver Malik Nabers were also named to the Freshman All-SEC team. Offensive guard Ed Ingram and placekicker Cade York were also named second team All-SEC selections.

K-State - LSU Texas Bowl preview

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers arrived at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday with their playoff hopes beginning to fade.

Then, they played like a team ready to disappear into the offseason.

Ben Roethlisberger was picked off on a first-half flea flicker that helped Kansas City build a big early lead. Chris Boswell missed a field goal in the swirling wind. Diontae Johnson inexplicably dropped the ball for a fumble to start the second half. Roethlisberger also fumbled in the fourth quarter with the outcome already decided.

All the Chiefs had to do was cruise to a 36-10 victory that wrapped up their sixth consecutive AFC West title and left the Steelers even further behind the AFC North-leading Bengals with two games left in the regular season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers arrived at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday with their playoff hopes beginning to fade.Then, they played like a team ready to disappear into the offseason.Ben Roethlisberger was picked off on a first-half flea flicker that helped Kansas City build a big early lead. Chris Boswell missed a field goal in the swirling wind. Diontae Johnson inexplicably dropped the ball for a fumble to start the second half. Roethlisberger also fumbled in the fourth quarter with the outcome already decided.All the Chiefs had to do was cruise to a 36-10 victory that wrapped up their sixth consecutive AFC West title and left the Steelers even further behind the AFC North-leading Bengals with two games left in the regular season.

Chiefs roll by the Steelers

&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas State football program will wear a special decal on the back of its helmets when the Wildcats take the field for the TaxAct Texas Bowl in support of Kansans who were affect by last week's wildfires, K-State Athletics officials announced this week. Many K-Staters and fellow Kansans in Western Kansas were dealt a devasting blow on December 15 when fires fueled by 100-plus mile an hour winds burned over 400,000 acres of pasture, destroying homes, vehicles, barns, equipment, pets and killing thousands of head of cattle. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the many Kansans who were affected by the recent storms and wildfires," Athletics Director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff.aspx?staff=1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;said. "This helmet sticker is a small department-wide gesture that will let all K-Staters and those effected by this storm know that we are with them as they rebuild their lives and their livelihoods." Fans wishing to donate to the recovery of the wildfires can&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/news-events/kansas-wildfire-recovery-resources-december-2021">click here</a>&nbsp;to select how they want their contributions used. Kansas State takes on LSU in the TaxAct Texas Bowl on January 4, 2022, inside NRG Stadium in Houston. The game kicks off at 8 p.m., and will be shown on ESPN.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas State football program will wear a special decal on the back of its helmets when the Wildcats take the field for the TaxAct Texas Bowl in support of Kansans who were affect by last week's wildfires, K-State Athletics officials announced this week. Many K-Staters and fellow Kansans in Western Kansas were dealt a devasting blow on December 15 when fires fueled by 100-plus mile an hour winds burned over 400,000 acres of pasture, destroying homes, vehicles, barns, equipment, pets and killing thousands of head of cattle. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the many Kansans who were affected by the recent storms and wildfires," Athletics Director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff.aspx?staff=1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;said. "This helmet sticker is a small department-wide gesture that will let all K-Staters and those effected by this storm know that we are with them as they rebuild their lives and their livelihoods." Fans wishing to donate to the recovery of the wildfires can&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/news-events/kansas-wildfire-recovery-resources-december-2021">click here</a>&nbsp;to select how they want their contributions used. Kansas State takes on LSU in the TaxAct Texas Bowl on January 4, 2022, inside NRG Stadium in Houston. The game kicks off at 8 p.m., and will be shown on ESPN.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wildcat football team will wear a special decal

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas State men’s basketball team has added a home game with North Florida on Wednesday, December 29 at 7 p.m., CT. The game will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

North Florida replaces Morgan State, which was originally scheduled for that date but had to cancel due to COVID-19 related issues within their team.&nbsp;Season ticket holders and current Morgan State single-game ticket purchasers should use their original ticket to scan in for next Wednesday’s game.

The Ospreys (4-9), who had a recent road game at Florida State canceled, have won consecutive games at home over Austin Peay and Trinity Baptist after facing a challenging stretch to open the season, which included road games at Texas Tech, Texas A&amp;M, Grand Canyon, Arizona State, UCLA, Kentucky, FIU, FAU and Florida.

Fans attending the game will be able to enjoy LEGO Night at Bramlage Coliseum, as the first 200 kids will be able to build their own K-State letter ‘K’ out of lavender LEGO bricks to take home. Emmet from the LEGO movies will be in attendance, while an official LEGO Master Builder who will be building a large LEGO Powercat.

Tickets start at just $10 and can be purchased by visiting k-statesports.com, calling (800) 221.CATS, or by visiting the Bramlage Coliseum ticket office in person from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., CT, Monday through Friday.&nbsp;

Led by former Baylor assistant coach&nbsp;Matthew Driscoll&nbsp;who is in his 13th&nbsp;season at North Florida, the Ospreys are one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the country, ranking 11th&nbsp;nationally in 3-point field goals made (133). They are averaging more than 10 3-point field goals per game on 37 percent shooting and have 4 players (Jose Placer,&nbsp;Carter Hendricksen,&nbsp;Jarius Hicklen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Emmanuel Adedoyin) with 23 or more made 3-pointers this season. &nbsp;

It will be a stiff challenge for K-State (8-3), which is allowing 5.9 made 3-pointers per game and ranks fourth nationally in 3-point field goal percentage defense (24.6).

Placer (12.8 ppg.) and Hendricksen (10.2 ppg.) are among 6 players averaging 6 or more points for the Ospreys, who are averaging 69.5 points per game as a team on 42.9 percent shooting.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas State men’s basketball team has added a home game with North Florida on Wednesday, December 29 at 7 p.m., CT. The game will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.North Florida replaces Morgan State, which was originally scheduled for that date but had to cancel due to COVID-19 related issues within their team.&nbsp;Season ticket holders and current Morgan State single-game ticket purchasers should use their original ticket to scan in for next Wednesday’s game.The Ospreys (4-9), who had a recent road game at Florida State canceled, have won consecutive games at home over Austin Peay and Trinity Baptist after facing a challenging stretch to open the season, which included road games at Texas Tech, Texas A&amp;M, Grand Canyon, Arizona State, UCLA, Kentucky, FIU, FAU and Florida.Fans attending the game will be able to enjoy LEGO Night at Bramlage Coliseum, as the first 200 kids will be able to build their own K-State letter ‘K’ out of lavender LEGO bricks to take home. Emmet from the LEGO movies will be in attendance, while an official LEGO Master Builder who will be building a large LEGO Powercat.Tickets start at just $10 and can be purchased by visiting k-statesports.com, calling (800) 221.CATS, or by visiting the Bramlage Coliseum ticket office in person from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., CT, Monday through Friday.&nbsp;Led by former Baylor assistant coach&nbsp;Matthew Driscoll&nbsp;who is in his 13th&nbsp;season at North Florida, the Ospreys are one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the country, ranking 11th&nbsp;nationally in 3-point field goals made (133). They are averaging more than 10 3-point field goals per game on 37 percent shooting and have 4 players (Jose Placer,&nbsp;Carter Hendricksen,&nbsp;Jarius Hicklen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Emmanuel Adedoyin) with 23 or more made 3-pointers this season. &nbsp;It will be a stiff challenge for K-State (8-3), which is allowing 5.9 made 3-pointers per game and ranks fourth nationally in 3-point field goal percentage defense (24.6).Placer (12.8 ppg.) and Hendricksen (10.2 ppg.) are among 6 players averaging 6 or more points for the Ospreys, who are averaging 69.5 points per game as a team on 42.9 percent shooting.

K-State adds a home game

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Nijel Pack and Marquis Nowell each scored 18 points and Selton Miguel added 17 more off the bench as Kansas State rolled to a 74-59 win over McNeese State for its third straight victory. Pack hit 4 of 8 from beyond the 3-point arc and the Wildcats collectively knocked down 10 3s. Nowell converted 7 of 8 from the free throw line and dished out 10 assists for his second double-double of the season. Miguel reached double-figure scoring for the fifth time this season and set a season-high.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Nijel Pack and Marquis Nowell each scored 18 points and Selton Miguel added 17 more off the bench as Kansas State rolled to a 74-59 win over McNeese State for its third straight victory. Pack hit 4 of 8 from beyond the 3-point arc and the Wildcats collectively knocked down 10 3s. Nowell converted 7 of 8 from the free throw line and dished out 10 assists for his second double-double of the season. Miguel reached double-figure scoring for the fifth time this season and set a season-high.

K-State defeats McNeese State

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Abilene 81, Chapman 24Arkansas City 62, Circle 48Buhler 50, McPherson 49Elyria Christian 68, Rural Vista 39Goessel 46, Peabody-Burns 26Lansing 54, Tonganoxie 51Leavenworth 56, Spring Hill 42Little River 47, Herington 9Ness City 73, Dighton 45Northern Valley 68, Arapahoe, Neb. 40Oakley 71, Oberlin-Decatur 27Solomon 80, Centre 47Wellington 71, Winfield 70, OT

High School boys basketball results

Arapahoe, Neb. 59, Northern Valley 44Chapman 44, Abilene 40Circle 29, Arkansas City 24Elyria Christian 35, Hope 20Elyria Christian 35, Rural Vista 20Lansing 57, Tonganoxie 31Lawrence 76, Lathrop, Mo. 26Little River 49, Herington 24McPherson 63, Buhler 15Ness City 38, Dighton 31Oberlin-Decatur 37, Oakley 25Solomon 44, Centre 31Spring Hill 53, Leavenworth 26Wellington 57, Winfield 34

High School girls basketball results

MANHATTAN, Kan. - K-State’s women’s basketball’s non-conference finale has been canceled due to COVID-19 issues on the opposing team.

K-State Athletics announced Monday afternoon that Tuesday’s game against UIC has been canceled due to Tier 1 personnel in the Flames’ program dealing with “COVID-related issues.”

The Wildcats will return to play in the New Year, tipping off Big 12 play against No. 9 Baylor 1:00 p.m., Jan. 2.

Tickets can be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>, calling (800) 221-CATS or in person at the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.

MANHATTAN, Kan. - K-State’s women’s basketball’s non-conference finale has been canceled due to COVID-19 issues on the opposing team.K-State Athletics announced Monday afternoon that Tuesday’s game against UIC has been canceled due to Tier 1 personnel in the Flames’ program dealing with “COVID-related issues.”The Wildcats will return to play in the New Year, tipping off Big 12 play against No. 9 Baylor 1:00 p.m., Jan. 2.Tickets can be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>, calling (800) 221-CATS or in person at the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.

KSU women's basketball game canceled

K-State: Bruce Weber [Wisconsin-Milwaukee ‘78]

McNeese State: John Aiken [Southern Maine ‘08]

K-STATE HOSTS McNEESE STATE BEFORE HOLIDAY BREAK

COACHESK-State: Bruce Weber [Wisconsin-Milwaukee ‘78]Record at K-State: 177-133/10th YearCareer Record: 490-288/24th Yearvs. McNeese State: 0-0 [0-0 at K-State]McNeese State: John Aiken [Southern Maine ‘08]Record at McNeese State: 3-8/1st YearCareer Record: 33-41/3rd Yearvs. K-State: 0-0 [0-0 at McNeese State]SERIES HISTORYOverall: First meetingCurrent Streak: n/aIn Manhattan: First meetingAt Bramlage Coliseum: First meetingLast Meeting: n/aWeber vs. Aiken: First meetingPROJECTED STARTING LINEUPKansas State (7-3)G: #1 Markquis NowellG: #13 Mark SmithG: #24 Nijel PackF: #25 Ismael [Ish] MassoudF: #20 Kaosi EzeaguMcNeese State (3-8)G: #0 Trae EnglishG: #15 Zach ScottF: #5 Myles LewisF: #12 Kellon TaylorC: #35 Brendan Medley-BaconK-STATE HOSTS McNEESE STATE BEFORE HOLIDAY BREAK<ul>
 <li>Kansas State (7-3) makes a quick turnaround on Tuesday night, as the Wildcats play host to first-time opponent and Southland Conference foe McNeese State (3-8) at 7 p.m., CT at Bramlage Coliseum. It will be K-State’s second game in a 3-day span after knocking off Nebraska, 67-58, on Sunday night before a sold-out crowd at Pinnacle Bank Arena.</li><li>The Wildcats have now won 5 of their last 6 games with their only loss in that span coming by 1-point to Marquette on Dec. 8, while they have started the year with consecutive road victories (Wichita State and Nebraska) for the first time since the 2017-18 season. They held both the Shockers and Cornhuskers to less than 60 points in the victories.</li><li>K-State boasts a 5-1 record at Bramlage Coliseum this season, averaging 74.3 points in those contests on 49.1 percent shooting, including 40.9 percent from 3-point range, while holding opponents to 55.7 points on 37.3 percent shooting.</li>
 </ul>OPENING TIP<ul>
 <li>K-State looks to wrap up the calendar year 2021 on a winning note with non-conference home games against McNeese State (3-8) and Morgan State (4-7) before opening Big 12 play at Oklahoma (9-2) on New Year’s Day. The team needs just 2 wins to equal its entire win total (9) from 2020-21.</li><li>The Wildcats’ 3 losses to No. 13/12 Arkansas (64-72), No. 14/15 Illinois (64-72) and Marquette (63-64) have come by a combined 17 points.</li><li>K-State turned to its reliable defense to grind out the 67-58 win at Nebraska on Sunday night, holding the Cornhuskers to 17 points under their scoring average in the first meeting with their old conference rival in more than a decade. The Wildcats held the Huskers to their second-fewest points of the season and their second-lowest field goal percentage (32.8 percent / 19-of-58). They started the game 5-of-10 from 3-point range before missing their final 18 attempts from long range, including all 11 in the second half.</li><li>K-State struggled to find consistency on offense, finishing at 39 percent (23-of-59) from the field, including 23.1 percent (6-of-26) from 3-point range. However, the Wildcats did take advantage of their opportunities in the paint, scoring 34 points, while getting 23 points from its bench and outscoring the Huskers, 22-11, in points off turnovers. The team also made sure to take care of their chances at the free throw line, converting on 15 of 18 attempts.</li><li>K-State also got a big lift from sophomore Nijel Pack, who returned to the starting lineup against Nebraska (12/19/21) after coming off the bench against Green Bay (12/12/21). Pack, who missed consecutive games against Wichita State (12/5/21) and Marquette (12/8/21), posted a team-high 15 points in the victory to go with a career-high 8 rebounds and a season-tying 5 assists and 2 steals in a season-best 34 minutes of action. Pack has now scored in double figures in 7 of his 8 games played this season, as he leads the Wildcats in scoring (14.5 ppg.), double-digit scoring games (7) and 3-point field goals (21).</li><li>K-State continue to hang its hat on defense, where the team ranks among the top-30 in 4 defensive categories, including first in 3-point field goal percentage defense (23.8), 18th in defensive rebounds (29.5), 20th in field goal percentage defense (37.8) and 26th in scoring defense (59.5). The Wildcats have held 5 of 10 opponents under 60 points, including back-to-back opponents (North Dakota and UAlbany) to under 50 points for the first time since December 2015. They are also averaging 17.8 points per game off opponent turnovers.</li><li>McNeese State enters Tuesday’s game with a 3-8 record after having dropped its last 5 contests (Samford, Seattle, Wyoming, Louisiana and UTEP) with 4 of those coming on the road. The Cowboys are averaging 71.7 points per game on 43.1 percent shooting, including 28.6 percent from 3-point range, and have a pair of double-digit scorers in forward Myles Lewis (10.7 ppg.) and center Brendan Medley-Bacon (10.1 ppg.) under first-year head coach John Aiken.</li><li>This will be the first meeting between K-State and McNeese State and just the fourth-ever against a Southland Conference foe after victories over Northwestern State and New Orleans in 1999 and Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi in 2003.</li>
 </ul>

K-State hosts McNeese State Tuesday night

K-State will host a Bowl Game Watch Party in the Shamrock Zone for fans attending the Wildcats’ Big 12 men’s basketball home opener with Texas on Tuesday, January 4 at Bramlage Coliseum.

Tickets to the Bowl Game Watch Party will be $5 and limited to those with a men’s basketball ticket. Select concessions items will be available for purchase and a cash bar will be available.

The 13,500-square foot Shamrock Zone, which connects the south concourse of Bill Snyder Family Stadium and the main concourse of Bramlage Coliseum, opened in August 2021. The space features a 50-foot bar as well as two 30-foot wide video boards and 36 TVs to watch the bowl game.

Doors to the Shamrock Zone will open at the conclusion of the men’s basketball game, which has been moved up to a 6 p.m., CT tipoff to allow fans to watch the kickoff of the Wildcats’ game with LSU in the TaxAct Texas Bowl, which is slated for an 8 p.m., CT kick on ESPN.

With many K-State fans in Houston for the Texas Bowl, the athletics department is offering all general admission tickets for just a $1 as well as free general admission parking when the Wildcats play host to the Longhorns at Bramlage Coliseum. General admission tickets are located in Section 19 through 25.

Season-ticket holders who will be traveling to Houston can contact the Athletics Ticket Office to donate their tickets to a Fort Riley soldier and their family.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting k-statesports.com, calling (800) 221.CATS, or by visiting the Bramlage Coliseum ticket office in person from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.&nbsp;

K-State will host a Bowl Game Watch Party in the Shamrock Zone for fans attending the Wildcats’ Big 12 men’s basketball home opener with Texas on Tuesday, January 4 at Bramlage Coliseum.Tickets to the Bowl Game Watch Party will be $5 and limited to those with a men’s basketball ticket. Select concessions items will be available for purchase and a cash bar will be available.The 13,500-square foot Shamrock Zone, which connects the south concourse of Bill Snyder Family Stadium and the main concourse of Bramlage Coliseum, opened in August 2021. The space features a 50-foot bar as well as two 30-foot wide video boards and 36 TVs to watch the bowl game.Doors to the Shamrock Zone will open at the conclusion of the men’s basketball game, which has been moved up to a 6 p.m., CT tipoff to allow fans to watch the kickoff of the Wildcats’ game with LSU in the TaxAct Texas Bowl, which is slated for an 8 p.m., CT kick on ESPN.With many K-State fans in Houston for the Texas Bowl, the athletics department is offering all general admission tickets for just a $1 as well as free general admission parking when the Wildcats play host to the Longhorns at Bramlage Coliseum. General admission tickets are located in Section 19 through 25.Season-ticket holders who will be traveling to Houston can contact the Athletics Ticket Office to donate their tickets to a Fort Riley soldier and their family.Tickets can be purchased by visiting k-statesports.com, calling (800) 221.CATS, or by visiting the Bramlage Coliseum ticket office in person from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.&nbsp;

K-State to Host Bowl Game Watch Party after Texas Men’s Basketball Game

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nijel Pack scored 15 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished five assists, sparking Kansas State to a 67-58 win over Nebraska. Pack saw his first full action after missing two games, including the Wildcats’ one-point loss to Marquette, after suffering a concussion in practice.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nijel Pack scored 15 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished five assists, sparking Kansas State to a 67-58 win over Nebraska. Pack saw his first full action after missing two games, including the Wildcats’ one-point loss to Marquette, after suffering a concussion in practice.

K-State upends Nebraska

NEW YORK (AP) —The NBA on Sunday postponed a total of five games involving nine teams in response to rising coronavirus numbers, raising the number of contests that have been pushed back this season to seven.

Called off were three Sunday games: Cleveland at Atlanta, Denver at Brooklyn and New Orleans at Philadelphia. Also shelved were Orlando's game at Toronto on Monday and Washington's game at Brooklyn on Tuesday.

The postponements came on the same day that Atlanta announced star guard Trae Young entered the league's health and safety protocols and the Los Angeles Lakers said coach Frank Vogel also was added to the list.

Leaguewide, through Sunday afternoon, there were at least 68 players who have either been ruled out to play — or in the case of the postponed games, would have been ruled out — because they are in the protocols. That number has soared in recent days, with the NBA just one of many sports leagues worldwide dealing with a rapidly worsening issue.

U.S. officials are expecting a wave of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated given the surge of holiday travelers and gatherings expected in the coming days. The NBA has said 97% of players are fully vaccinated and somewhere around 60% had received boosters as of last week. It was not clear how many of the current positive cases involve those who are ineligible for a booster shot or those who have chosen not to receive one.

Also not clear is how many of the NBA cases involve asymptomatic players. The NFL has revised its protocols so that only unvaccinated players and those experiencing possible symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested. The NHL has five teams shut down through Christmas because of outbreaks, and numerous college games at all levels have been canceled in recent days.

“It is what it is. Just trying to stay safe as possible and that’s all you can do,” Lakers guard Russell Westbrook said of the NBA’s rising numbers. Westbrook was briefly in the protocols late last week, before returning at least three negative coronavirus tests and being cleared to return to play without missing a game.

The league and the National Basketball Players Association have been discussing a plan in which teams in desperate need of players would be able to sign reinforcements to 10-day contracts but without those deals impacting salary cap and luxury tax figures. That deal has not yet been finalized, though talks are continuing.

The Cavaliers had five players enter the protocols on Sunday, the team said. All five — center Jarrett Allen, forwards Lamar Stevens and Dylan Windler and guards Denzel Valentine and RJ Nembhard — tested positive for COVID-19, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team did not release that specific detail.

They joined Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley, who entered the protocols previously.

Vogel won't be on the bench when his Lakers play Sunday at Chicago. David Fizdale will coach in Vogel's place, the Lakers said. The Bulls are returning to the court after having two games postponed last week.

Chicago still doesn't have all of its players back yet, either. Among those listed as out Sunday and still in protocols is Olympic gold medalist Zach LaVine.

Through Saturday’s games, those were the only games the NBA had pushed back during this outbreak. But on Sunday, the league added significantly to the list of postponements, with teams simply not having enough players to compete.

Brooklyn alone has 10 players, plus some staff, in the protocols.

“It’s just crazy,” Nets forward Blake Griffin said.

Brooklyn's list of players in protocols includes Kevin Durant, James Harden and — even though he’s still not yet able to play — Kyrie Irving, who has sat out all season for not complying with New York City's vaccine mandate. The team reversed course Friday and said Irving would be welcomed back “for games and practices in which he is eligible to participate,” knowing he’d still miss two games at the Knicks and trips to Toronto and Golden State.

The Nets had eight available players for Saturday night's game against Orlando. The Magic had nine, including four players — Aleem Ford, Hassani Gravett, B.J. Johnson and Admiral Schofield — who were signed late last week to hardship contracts because of virus issues and injuries decimating Orlando's roster.

Here's how necessary they were: Magic coach Jamahl Mosley had all four on the court together in two separate stretches of Orlando's win.

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 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —The NBA on Sunday postponed a total of five games involving nine teams in response to rising coronavirus numbers, raising the number of contests that have been pushed back this season to seven.Called off were three Sunday games: Cleveland at Atlanta, Denver at Brooklyn and New Orleans at Philadelphia. Also shelved were Orlando's game at Toronto on Monday and Washington's game at Brooklyn on Tuesday.The postponements came on the same day that Atlanta announced star guard Trae Young entered the league's health and safety protocols and the Los Angeles Lakers said coach Frank Vogel also was added to the list.Leaguewide, through Sunday afternoon, there were at least 68 players who have either been ruled out to play — or in the case of the postponed games, would have been ruled out — because they are in the protocols. That number has soared in recent days, with the NBA just one of many sports leagues worldwide dealing with a rapidly worsening issue.U.S. officials are expecting a wave of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated given the surge of holiday travelers and gatherings expected in the coming days. The NBA has said 97% of players are fully vaccinated and somewhere around 60% had received boosters as of last week. It was not clear how many of the current positive cases involve those who are ineligible for a booster shot or those who have chosen not to receive one.Also not clear is how many of the NBA cases involve asymptomatic players. The NFL has revised its protocols so that only unvaccinated players and those experiencing possible symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested. The NHL has five teams shut down through Christmas because of outbreaks, and numerous college games at all levels have been canceled in recent days.“It is what it is. Just trying to stay safe as possible and that’s all you can do,” Lakers guard Russell Westbrook said of the NBA’s rising numbers. Westbrook was briefly in the protocols late last week, before returning at least three negative coronavirus tests and being cleared to return to play without missing a game.The league and the National Basketball Players Association have been discussing a plan in which teams in desperate need of players would be able to sign reinforcements to 10-day contracts but without those deals impacting salary cap and luxury tax figures. That deal has not yet been finalized, though talks are continuing.The Cavaliers had five players enter the protocols on Sunday, the team said. All five — center Jarrett Allen, forwards Lamar Stevens and Dylan Windler and guards Denzel Valentine and RJ Nembhard — tested positive for COVID-19, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team did not release that specific detail.They joined Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley, who entered the protocols previously.Vogel won't be on the bench when his Lakers play Sunday at Chicago. David Fizdale will coach in Vogel's place, the Lakers said. The Bulls are returning to the court after having two games postponed last week.Chicago still doesn't have all of its players back yet, either. Among those listed as out Sunday and still in protocols is Olympic gold medalist Zach LaVine.Through Saturday’s games, those were the only games the NBA had pushed back during this outbreak. But on Sunday, the league added significantly to the list of postponements, with teams simply not having enough players to compete.Brooklyn alone has 10 players, plus some staff, in the protocols.“It’s just crazy,” Nets forward Blake Griffin said.Brooklyn's list of players in protocols includes Kevin Durant, James Harden and — even though he’s still not yet able to play — Kyrie Irving, who has sat out all season for not complying with New York City's vaccine mandate. The team reversed course Friday and said Irving would be welcomed back “for games and practices in which he is eligible to participate,” knowing he’d still miss two games at the Knicks and trips to Toronto and Golden State.The Nets had eight available players for Saturday night's game against Orlando. The Magic had nine, including four players — Aleem Ford, Hassani Gravett, B.J. Johnson and Admiral Schofield — who were signed late last week to hardship contracts because of virus issues and injuries decimating Orlando's roster.Here's how necessary they were: Magic coach Jamahl Mosley had all four on the court together in two separate stretches of Orlando's win.———

NBA postpones more games as COVID rocks sports world

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Remy Martin hit a 3-pointer with one minute to go to extend a three-point lead and help No. 7 Kansas over Stephen F. Austin 80-72 on Saturday night. The Jayhawks (9-1) led 73-70 before Martin buried the 3 from the top of the key. Christian Braun scored a game-high 21 points, Ochai Agbaji had 18, Martin contributed 15 and Jalen Wilson scored 10.  The Lumberjacks (8-4) were led by David Kachelries with 18 points, Gavin Kensmil scored 16, Sadaidriene Hall had 14 and Calvin Solomon scored 10.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Remy Martin hit a 3-pointer with one minute to go to extend a three-point lead and help No. 7 Kansas over Stephen F. Austin 80-72 on Saturday night. The Jayhawks (9-1) led 73-70 before Martin buried the 3 from the top of the key. Christian Braun scored a game-high 21 points, Ochai Agbaji had 18, Martin contributed 15 and Jalen Wilson scored 10. The Lumberjacks (8-4) were led by David Kachelries with 18 points, Gavin Kensmil scored 16, Sadaidriene Hall had 14 and Calvin Solomon scored 10.

KU holds off Stephen F. Austin

Bishop Miege 73, Kauffman Charter, Mo. 40

Hutchinson Central Christian 62, Caldwell 61

Immanuel Lutheran, Okla. 59, Tyro Community Christian 49

Northern Valley 80, Wheatland-Grinnell 66

St. James Academy 70, St. Thomas Aquinas 55

St. John's Beloit-Tipton 53, Southern Cloud 29

Wichita Sunrise 56, Destiny Christian, Okla. 34

Chapman vs. Marysville, ppd. to Jan 25th.

Northern Heights vs. Central Heights, ppd.

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Andale 45, Clearwater 31Andover 71, Arkansas City 42Atchison 49, Rossville 40Augusta 61, Circle 57BV Northwest 69, BV North 54Belle Plaine 71, Ell-Saline 58Beloit 55, Ellsworth 52Berean Academy 48, Medicine Lodge 40Bishop Miege 73, Kauffman Charter, Mo. 40Bluestem 57, Burden Central 47Burrton 75, Fairfield 73, 3OTCedar Vale/Dexter Co-op 84, Oswego 28Colby 43, Scott City 40Columbus 46, Riverton 45Concordia 53, Abilene 50Conway Springs 39, Remington 36Derby 57, Goddard-Eisenhower 52Dewey, Okla. 46, Caney Valley 35Dighton 53, Wallace County 34El Dorado 77, Winfield 59Ellinwood 50, Ellis 49Flinthills 81, Eureka 46Garden City 65, Wichita Life Prep 62Girard 61, Fort Scott 49Goessel 50, Udall 46Great Bend 46, Emporia 38Greeley County 72, Quinter 57Haven 71, Central Plains 22Hays 73, Liberal 33Hesston 53, St. John 16Hillsboro 66, Southeast Saline 57Holcomb 74, Goodland 43Hutchinson 55, Salina South 38Hutchinson Central Christian 62, Caldwell 61Immanuel Lutheran, Okla. 59, Tyro Community Christian 49Independence 67, Coffeyville 37Junction City 66, Topeka Hayden 49KC Bishop Ward 50, KC Turner 25Kingman 68, Hutchinson Trinity 57La Crosse 58, Otis-Bison 29Labette County 56, Chanute 44Lakeside 68, Chase 30Lakin 69, Stanton County 56Lawrence 64, SM North 52Lawrence Free State 80, SM Northwest 52Macksville 51, Stafford 39Moundridge 62, Garden Plain 35Northern Valley 80, Wheatland-Grinnell 66Norton 45, Russell 41Norwich 60, South Haven 37Oakley 53, Smith Center 28Osborne 56, Tescott 22Oskaloosa 29, McLouth 27Paola 46, Ottawa 42Pawnee Heights 65, Ashland 37Perry-Lecompton 65, Riverside 55Phillipsburg 65, Plainville 58Pittsburg 72, Parsons 59Pratt 68, Nickerson 46Salina Sacred Heart 62, Minneapolis 40Satanta 61, Sublette 44Sedgwick 61, Chaparral 51Smoky Valley 68, Halstead 29Southwestern Hts. 63, Ulysses 53St. James Academy 70, St. Thomas Aquinas 55St. John's Beloit-Tipton 53, Southern Cloud 29St. Mary's 63, Silver Lake 30Sterling 55, Wichita Trinity 46Sylvan-Lucas 62, Pike Valley 26Topeka 86, Highland Park 16Topeka West 78, Manhattan 65Triplains-Brewster 63, Weskan 53Valley Center 48, Goddard 39Wabaunsee 64, Rock Creek 50Wakefield 26, Herington 22Wamego 64, Clay Center 51Washburn Rural 51, Topeka Seaman 34Wellington 64, Rose Hill 17Wellsville 52, Burlington 45West Elk 51, Fredonia 33Wichita Campus 77, Newton 51Wichita Collegiate 51, Mulvane 49, OTWichita Home School 78, Bucklin 57Wichita Independent 56, Bennington 54Wichita Sunrise 56, Destiny Christian, Okla. 34POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS=Chapman vs. Marysville, ppd. to Jan 25th.Inman vs. Cheney, ppd. to Jan 25th.Kinsley vs. Ness City, ppd. to Feb 14th.Logan/Palco vs. Natoma, ppd.Northern Heights vs. Central Heights, ppd.Wilson vs. Lincoln, ppd.

Friday night boys basketball results

Rawlins County 41, Hitchcock County, Neb. 29

St. John's Beloit-Tipton 61, Southern Cloud 9

Topeka Heritage Christian 45, KC Christian 25

Wheatland-Grinnell 65, Northern Valley 38

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Andale 47, Clearwater 39Andover 49, Arkansas City 10Ashland 40, Pawnee Heights 24BV Northwest 46, BV North 38BV West 46, BV North 38Beloit 45, Ellsworth 43Bishop Miege 73, Park Hill, Mo. 47Bluestem 58, Burden Central 33Burlington 74, Wellsville 27Cedar Vale/Dexter Co-op 51, Oswego 24Central Plains 46, Haven 26Circle 35, Augusta 29Columbus 31, Riverton 28Concordia 39, Abilene 36Derby 47, Goddard-Eisenhower 21Dewey, Okla. 41, Caney Valley 24Dexter 51, Oswego 24Dighton 51, Wallace County 38Ellinwood 58, Ellis 41Emporia 47, Great Bend 39Fairfield 45, Burrton 41Fort Scott 43, Girard 30Fredonia 39, West Elk 37Goddard 44, Valley Center 39Goessel 47, Udall 22Goodland 71, Holcomb 38Hays-TMP-Marian 75, Stockton 39Herington 45, Wakefield 23Hesston 44, St. John 34Hodgeman County 48, Meade 36Hugoton 66, Cimarron 44Hutchinson 56, Salina South 31KC Bishop Ward 43, KC Turner 27La Crosse 36, Otis-Bison 35Lakeside 56, Chase 31Lawrence 66, SM North 40Liberal 62, Hays 39Lyndon 34, Chase County 29Macksville 71, Stafford 22Manhattan 69, Topeka West 52Marysville 45, Chapman 30Minneapolis 37, Salina Sacred Heart 27Mulvane 51, Wichita Collegiate 39Nemaha Central 35, Royal Valley 25Nickerson 56, Pratt 40Olathe North 60, Gardner-Edgerton 20Osborne 47, Tescott 32Ottawa 48, Paola 39Phillipsburg 71, Plainville 10Quinter 61, Greeley County 43Rawlins County 41, Hitchcock County, Neb. 29Riverside 41, Perry-Lecompton 30Rock Creek 48, Wabaunsee 29Rossville 63, Atchison 25Rural Vista 48, Centre 27Russell 52, Norton 44Scott City 42, Colby 38Smith Center 44, Oakley 30Smoky Valley 60, Halstead 28Southeast Saline 49, Hillsboro 36Spring Hill 43, Baldwin 40St. John's Beloit-Tipton 61, Southern Cloud 9Sublette 34, Satanta 23Sylvan-Lucas 55, Pike Valley 22Topeka 86, Highland Park 16Topeka Heritage Christian 45, KC Christian 25Trego 55, Oberlin-Decatur 40Ulysses 44, Southwestern Hts. 32Wamego 38, Clay Center 28Wellington 64, Rose Hill 17Wheatland-Grinnell 65, Northern Valley 38Wichita Campus 40, Newton 10Wichita Life Prep 48, Garden City 34Winfield 57, El Dorado 20POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS=Kinsley vs. Ness City, ppd. to Feb 14th.Logan/Palco vs. Natoma, ppd.Wilson vs. Lincoln, ppd.

Friday night girls basketball results

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Adrian Martinez is heading from Nebraska to Kansas State. The four-year starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers announced on Twitter he would transfer to K-State. He is immediately eligible to play for the Wildcats. Martinez was a three-time captain at Nebraska but went just 14-25 as the starter. He completed 62% of his passes for more than 2,800 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this past season. Martinez could play two more college seasons because the NCAA granted players an extra year of eligibility during last year’s shortened COVID-19 season.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Adrian Martinez is heading from Nebraska to Kansas State. The four-year starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers announced on Twitter he would transfer to K-State. He is immediately eligible to play for the Wildcats. Martinez was a three-time captain at Nebraska but went just 14-25 as the starter. He completed 62% of his passes for more than 2,800 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this past season. Martinez could play two more college seasons because the NCAA granted players an extra year of eligibility during last year’s shortened COVID-19 season.

Former Nebraska quarterback transfers to K-State

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Travis Kelce scored on a 34-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied for a 34-28 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce caught a tying 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, then ended the game with his catch-and-run in overtime. On first-and-10, Kelce pulled in Mahomes’ pass at the 30 and eluded two tackles en route to the end zone, where he was swarmed by teammates. Mahomes finished 31 of 47 for a season-high 410 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Kelce had 10 receptions for a career-best 191 yards and two touchdowns.&nbsp;

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Travis Kelce scored on a 34-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied for a 34-28 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce caught a tying 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, then ended the game with his catch-and-run in overtime. On first-and-10, Kelce pulled in Mahomes’ pass at the 30 and eluded two tackles en route to the end zone, where he was swarmed by teammates. Mahomes finished 31 of 47 for a season-high 410 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Kelce had 10 receptions for a career-best 191 yards and two touchdowns.&nbsp;

Chiefs rally to win

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman has announced the signing of 12 high school prospects and one community-college prospect during the early 2022 signing period on Wednesday.

Thus far, K-State’s Class of 2022 is comprised of seven players on defense and six on offense. There are four defensive backs, three offensive linemen, two apiece of linebacker and tight ends, and there is one defensive end and one wide receiver.

The state of Texas leads in terms of most from one state with three from the Lone Star State, while there are two apiece from Kansas, Georgia, Nebraska and Oklahoma. K-State has signed at least one player from the state of Georgia each of the last nine years as the Wildcats have inked a total of 22 from the Peach State during that time. The two Oklahoma players are the first signed by the Wildcats since 2018.

The Wildcats’ Sunflower State signees are Sterling Lockett and Tobi Osunsanmi. Lockett, a native of Leawood who attends Blue Valley High School, is the son of Kevin Lockett, who was a wide receiver for K-State from 1993 to 1996. His brother, Tyler, was a receiver for the Wildcats from 2011 to 2014 and is currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks. Osunsanmi is one of the top-ranked players in the nation while playing for Wichita East. He is ranked as the 229th-best overall player in the nation, the 20th-best linebacker and the second-best player in the state by 247Sports.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman has announced the signing of 12 high school prospects and one community-college prospect during the early 2022 signing period on Wednesday.Thus far, K-State’s Class of 2022 is comprised of seven players on defense and six on offense. There are four defensive backs, three offensive linemen, two apiece of linebacker and tight ends, and there is one defensive end and one wide receiver.The state of Texas leads in terms of most from one state with three from the Lone Star State, while there are two apiece from Kansas, Georgia, Nebraska and Oklahoma. K-State has signed at least one player from the state of Georgia each of the last nine years as the Wildcats have inked a total of 22 from the Peach State during that time. The two Oklahoma players are the first signed by the Wildcats since 2018.The Wildcats’ Sunflower State signees are Sterling Lockett and Tobi Osunsanmi. Lockett, a native of Leawood who attends Blue Valley High School, is the son of Kevin Lockett, who was a wide receiver for K-State from 1993 to 1996. His brother, Tyler, was a receiver for the Wildcats from 2011 to 2014 and is currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks. Osunsanmi is one of the top-ranked players in the nation while playing for Wichita East. He is ranked as the 229th-best overall player in the nation, the 20th-best linebacker and the second-best player in the state by 247Sports.

Wildcats Ink 13 During 2022 Early Signing Period

Hutchinson Central Christian 54, Macksville 35

Rawlins County 59, Dundy County-Stratton, Neb. 23

Manhattan 39 Junction City 17Andover Central 64, Valley Center 27Axtell 51, Wetmore 29Baldwin 35, Louisburg 34Beloit 57, Republic County 27Bennington 63, Lakeside 52Bluestem 33, Fredonia 25Burlington 56, Iola 27Cimarron 52, Scott City 40Circle 50, Buhler 31Colby 45, Holcomb 39Ell-Saline 61, Ellinwood 43Fairfield 44, Wichita Classical 29Fort Scott 61, Chanute 29Great Bend 43, Larned 24Hays-TMP-Marian 48, Oakley 23Hiawatha 46, Nemaha Central 38Hutchinson Central Christian 54, Macksville 35Independence 58, Pittsburg 38Kingman 64, Medicine Lodge 47Nickerson 52, Haven 31Northern Heights 41, Chase County 22Northern Valley 48, Logan/Palco 22Olathe East 59, Gardner-Edgerton 33Ottawa 46, Atchison 29Phillipsburg 63, Ellis 36Pittsburg Colgan 54, Baxter Springs 19Pratt 56, Russell 53Rawlins County 59, Dundy County-Stratton, Neb. 23Riverton 47, Oswego 21Shawnee Heights 64, Topeka West 55Smoky Valley 47, Hesston 36St. John 63, Rock Hills 34Topeka 38, Emporia 36Topeka Seaman 65, Highland Park 30Trego 53, Stockton 42Washburn Rural 56, Topeka Hayden 27West Franklin 53, Lyndon 41

Girls prep basketball results

Macksville 54, Hutchinson Central Christian 36

Wichita East 64, Wichita Bishop Carroll 63

Andale 69, Wellington 42Andover 69, Goddard-Eisenhower 36Atchison 62, Ottawa 61Axtell 42, Wetmore 40BV Northwest 78, Belton, Mo. 36Baxter Springs 50, Pittsburg Colgan 47Bluestem 66, Fredonia 38Bucklin 69, Spearville 40Buhler 58, Circle 50Burlington 54, Iola 32Clay Center 71, Riley County 54Concordia 52, Marysville 34Cunningham 50, Argonia 13Ellinwood 69, Ell-Saline 24Ellis 66, Phillipsburg 64Haven 72, Nickerson 38Hays-TMP-Marian 68, Oakley 40Highland Park 71, Topeka Seaman 69Hillsboro 78, Marion 14Holcomb 67, Colby 62Hutchinson 52, Newton 37Junction City 52, Manhattan 37Lakin 84, Sublette 61Lansing 61, SM North 57Lawrence Free State 51, Mill Valley 23Lyndon 62, West Franklin 42Macksville 54, Hutchinson Central Christian 36McPherson 66, El Dorado 14Meade 22, Ashland 14Medicine Lodge 60, Kingman 52Metro Academy 40, Nevada, Mo. 36Northern Heights 46, Chase County 43Northern Valley 59, Logan/Palco 54Osage City 62, Central Heights 32Pittsburg 60, Independence 48Pratt 63, Russell 45Riverton 65, Oswego 17Scott City 63, Cimarron 40Smoky Valley 59, Hesston 40South Haven 50, South Barber 44Stafford 65, Centre 36Tonganoxie 56, KC Turner 37Topeka 45, Emporia 42Washburn Rural 34, Topeka Hayden 27Wellsville 78, Osawatomie 43Wichita East 64, Wichita Bishop Carroll 63POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS=Lincoln vs. Sylvan-Lucas, ppd.

Boys prep basketball results

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Following an impressive regular season that saw him total over 1,000 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards, Kansas State sophomore running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;has been named one of five finalists for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, SPORTyler announced Tuesday.

Vaughn is the Wildcats’ first finalist for a national award for his work on the field since Tyler Lockett won the Johnny “Jet” Rodgers National College Football Return Specialist award following the 2014 season.

A product of Round Rock, Texas, Vaughn is joined on the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award finalist list by UTSA running back Sincere McCormick, Baylor running back Abram Smith, Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson and Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe.

The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award goes to the top offensive player who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity. In addition, the nominee must either be born in Texas, graduated from a Texas High School, and/or played at a Texas-based junior college or four-year Division I Texas college.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Following an impressive regular season that saw him total over 1,000 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards, Kansas State sophomore running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;has been named one of five finalists for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, SPORTyler announced Tuesday.Vaughn is the Wildcats’ first finalist for a national award for his work on the field since Tyler Lockett won the Johnny “Jet” Rodgers National College Football Return Specialist award following the 2014 season.A product of Round Rock, Texas, Vaughn is joined on the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award finalist list by UTSA running back Sincere McCormick, Baylor running back Abram Smith, Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson and Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe.The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award goes to the top offensive player who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity. In addition, the nominee must either be born in Texas, graduated from a Texas High School, and/or played at a Texas-based junior college or four-year Division I Texas college.

K-State’s Vaughn Named Finalist for Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award

The NFL is requiring players, coaches and other team personnel to receive a COVID-19 booster by Dec. 27.

In a memo sent to teams on Monday and obtained by The Associated Press, the league said: “Given the increased prevalence of the virus in our communities, our experts have recommended that we implement the CDC’s recommendation.”

The league’s requirement extends to all Tier 1 and Tier 2 individuals who have previously received the vaccine. The CDC recommends an individual who received a second Pfizer or Moderna shot to complete the primary vaccine series more than six months earlier should receive a booster shot. An individual that received the Johnson and Johnson shot more than two months earlier should receive a booster shot.

The following do not have to meet the requirement:

—An individual who is not eligible for a booster pursuant to the CDC definition.

—An individual who is in the 90-day test holiday after a confirmed positive COVID-19 test

—An individual who received monoclonal antibodies within the immediately preceding 90

—An individual whose “S” antibody level on an antibody test administered via BRL (BioReference Lab) at the club facility is 2500 or greater.

The league says any individual who is not currently subject to the requirement for boosters will be required to obtain the booster within 14 days of becoming eligible.

Teams were asked to provide booster shots to all eligible tiered staff as soon as possible, and to consider making booster shots available for player and staff families and cohabitants.

A season-high total of 36 players were placed on the COVID-19/reserve list Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593142110654.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROB MAADDI, AP Pro Football WriterThe NFL is requiring players, coaches and other team personnel to receive a COVID-19 booster by Dec. 27.In a memo sent to teams on Monday and obtained by The Associated Press, the league said: “Given the increased prevalence of the virus in our communities, our experts have recommended that we implement the CDC’s recommendation.”The league’s requirement extends to all Tier 1 and Tier 2 individuals who have previously received the vaccine. The CDC recommends an individual who received a second Pfizer or Moderna shot to complete the primary vaccine series more than six months earlier should receive a booster shot. An individual that received the Johnson and Johnson shot more than two months earlier should receive a booster shot.The following do not have to meet the requirement:—An individual who is not eligible for a booster pursuant to the CDC definition.—An individual who is in the 90-day test holiday after a confirmed positive COVID-19 testunder the league protocols.—An individual who received monoclonal antibodies within the immediately preceding 90days.—An individual whose “S” antibody level on an antibody test administered via BRL (BioReference Lab) at the club facility is 2500 or greater.The league says any individual who is not currently subject to the requirement for boosters will be required to obtain the booster within 14 days of becoming eligible.Teams were asked to provide booster shots to all eligible tiered staff as soon as possible, and to consider making booster shots available for player and staff families and cohabitants.A season-high total of 36 players were placed on the COVID-19/reserve list Monday.___