ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The sixth quarterback selected in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/nfl-draft-2024-updates">2024 NFL draft</a>&nbsp;was No. 1 in the Denver Broncos' eyes.

The Broncos bypassed a bevy of blue-chip defenders to draft former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th pick Thursday night.

“He stood out in a lot of areas,” coach Sean Payton said. “His arm strength, we saw it at his pro day, but then even in the private workout was very good. And he’s super smart.”

Denver has churned through 13 starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning retired as a Super Bowl champion following the 2015 season. None of the signal-callers who have followed him has been able to lead Denver back to the playoffs.

Their eight-year playoff drought is exacerbated by seven straight losing seasons and watching Patrick Mahomes lead division rival Kansas City to three Super Bowl parades in five years, including the past two.

There was plenty of speculation the Broncos would have to move up to get in on the quarterback run, but they've already unloaded three first-round draft picks since 2022, including two in the Russell Wilson trade that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-sean-payton-nfl-draft-2605ee521f58b7d3ebb1d2e4647c4578">didn't work out</a>.

Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye went 1-2-3 as expected, and when the New York Giants bypassed a QB at No. 6, Payton felt good about the three QB-needy teams — Minnesota, Denver and Las Vegas — all being set to get their man.

Then, the Atlanta Falcons pulled off the stunner of Round 1, selecting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 even though they just signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.

“New York would have been the surprise team and if New York took a quarterback, then there's three waiting for two,” Payton said. “And so once New York cleared, I'm sure every team we're talking about felt like all right. And then Atlanta takes a quarterback and that's the fun part about this draft. You can't dive into everyone's draft room to know how they feel about someone.”

The Falcons' move threw teams for a loop and the Broncos sweated it out when the Vikings swapped the No. 11 pick for the New York Jets' 10th overall selection. They exhaled when the Vikings took QB J.J. McCarthy and the Jets took an offensive tackle.

"We could have moved a couple of picks back and maybe gotten a couple of picks,” general manager George Paton said. “But at the end of the day, 'This was our guy. Let's just take him. Let's not overthink it.' And we would have been sick if we lost him just for, you know, a couple of fifth-round picks or what have you.”

So, ultimately, the Broncos stood pat and didn't have to part with any picks to get the quarterback they wanted, one whom Payton acknowledged was “bigger than I thought he was” at 6-foot-2 and 217 pounds.

Half of the top dozen selections were quarterbacks for the first time ever.

“I wasn't shocked. I think the six of us, we're all capable of playing at the next level,” Nix said. “It's going to be fun to watch everybody and see how they develop. I wasn't shocked at all because I think this class of quarterbacks was very strong.”

Nix joins a quarterback room that includes newly acquired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-broncos-zach-wilson-0f36a1ec7cd75358ccdd7d51f19791ee">Zach Wilson</a>, whom the Broncos traded for Monday after the 2021 second overall pick had three disappointing seasons with the New York Jets.

Also on the roster is Jarrett Stidham, who split his two starts last season after coach Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson, and Ben DiNucci.

“They're all going to compete,” Payton said. “Bill (Parcells) taught me a long time ago, let's just let them play and we've got to maximize the reps that we have and let them develop, and that stuff will sort itself out."

“Well, I know everybody has to compete, I know everybody has to go to work,” Nix said. “We haven't had any conversations thus far past draft prep. But I just can't wait to get around the locker room, I can't wait to get around the guys, meet all my new teammates, meet coaches and get to work.”

Russell Wilson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but remains the highest-paid player on Denver's roster because the Broncos will pay $37.79 million of his $39 million salary in 2024. That's on top of the $85 million in dead cap charges they'll absorb over the next two years.

After three solid seasons at Auburn, Nix had two terrific seasons at Oregon, where he threw for 74 touchdowns with 10 interceptions and he completed almost 75% of his passes in 27 games.

Because he capitalized on the extra year the NCAA granted athletes because of the pandemic, Nix played in a whopping 61 college games.

Now he's ready to lead Denver out of its nearly decade-long doldrums.

He thanked the Broncos for “putting their beliefs in me.”

Nix is the first player the Broncos have selected in the first round since 2021, when they chose cornerback Patrick Surtain II with the ninth overall pick.

Story by Arnie Stapleton AP Pro Football Writer<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714133460248.jpeg" alt="Oregon quarterback Bo Nix looks to pass against Washington during the first half of the Pac-12 championship NCAA college football game Dec. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Denver Broncos drafted former Nix with the 12th pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, April 25, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Oregon quarterback Bo Nix looks to pass against Washington during the first half of the Pac-12 championship NCAA college football game Dec. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Denver Broncos drafted former Nix with the 12th pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, April 25, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The sixth quarterback selected in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/nfl-draft-2024-updates">2024 NFL draft</a>&nbsp;was No. 1 in the Denver Broncos' eyes.The Broncos bypassed a bevy of blue-chip defenders to draft former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th pick Thursday night.“He stood out in a lot of areas,” coach Sean Payton said. “His arm strength, we saw it at his pro day, but then even in the private workout was very good. And he’s super smart.”Denver has churned through 13 starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning retired as a Super Bowl champion following the 2015 season. None of the signal-callers who have followed him has been able to lead Denver back to the playoffs.Their eight-year playoff drought is exacerbated by seven straight losing seasons and watching Patrick Mahomes lead division rival Kansas City to three Super Bowl parades in five years, including the past two.There was plenty of speculation the Broncos would have to move up to get in on the quarterback run, but they've already unloaded three first-round draft picks since 2022, including two in the Russell Wilson trade that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-sean-payton-nfl-draft-2605ee521f58b7d3ebb1d2e4647c4578">didn't work out</a>.Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye went 1-2-3 as expected, and when the New York Giants bypassed a QB at No. 6, Payton felt good about the three QB-needy teams — Minnesota, Denver and Las Vegas — all being set to get their man.Then, the Atlanta Falcons pulled off the stunner of Round 1, selecting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 even though they just signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.“New York would have been the surprise team and if New York took a quarterback, then there's three waiting for two,” Payton said. “And so once New York cleared, I'm sure every team we're talking about felt like all right. And then Atlanta takes a quarterback and that's the fun part about this draft. You can't dive into everyone's draft room to know how they feel about someone.”The Falcons' move threw teams for a loop and the Broncos sweated it out when the Vikings swapped the No. 11 pick for the New York Jets' 10th overall selection. They exhaled when the Vikings took QB J.J. McCarthy and the Jets took an offensive tackle."We could have moved a couple of picks back and maybe gotten a couple of picks,” general manager George Paton said. “But at the end of the day, 'This was our guy. Let's just take him. Let's not overthink it.' And we would have been sick if we lost him just for, you know, a couple of fifth-round picks or what have you.”So, ultimately, the Broncos stood pat and didn't have to part with any picks to get the quarterback they wanted, one whom Payton acknowledged was “bigger than I thought he was” at 6-foot-2 and 217 pounds.Half of the top dozen selections were quarterbacks for the first time ever.“I wasn't shocked. I think the six of us, we're all capable of playing at the next level,” Nix said. “It's going to be fun to watch everybody and see how they develop. I wasn't shocked at all because I think this class of quarterbacks was very strong.”Nix joins a quarterback room that includes newly acquired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-broncos-zach-wilson-0f36a1ec7cd75358ccdd7d51f19791ee">Zach Wilson</a>, whom the Broncos traded for Monday after the 2021 second overall pick had three disappointing seasons with the New York Jets.Also on the roster is Jarrett Stidham, who split his two starts last season after coach Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson, and Ben DiNucci.“They're all going to compete,” Payton said. “Bill (Parcells) taught me a long time ago, let's just let them play and we've got to maximize the reps that we have and let them develop, and that stuff will sort itself out."Nix knows that.“Well, I know everybody has to compete, I know everybody has to go to work,” Nix said. “We haven't had any conversations thus far past draft prep. But I just can't wait to get around the locker room, I can't wait to get around the guys, meet all my new teammates, meet coaches and get to work.”Russell Wilson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but remains the highest-paid player on Denver's roster because the Broncos will pay $37.79 million of his $39 million salary in 2024. That's on top of the $85 million in dead cap charges they'll absorb over the next two years.After three solid seasons at Auburn, Nix had two terrific seasons at Oregon, where he threw for 74 touchdowns with 10 interceptions and he completed almost 75% of his passes in 27 games.Because he capitalized on the extra year the NCAA granted athletes because of the pandemic, Nix played in a whopping 61 college games.Now he's ready to lead Denver out of its nearly decade-long doldrums.He thanked the Broncos for “putting their beliefs in me.”Nix is the first player the Broncos have selected in the first round since 2021, when they chose cornerback Patrick Surtain II with the ninth overall pick.

Broncos select former Oregon QB Bo Nix with the 12th pick in the NFL draft

(AP) The Denver Broncos drafted former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, bypassing a bevy of blue-chip defenders to grab a signal-caller they believe could be their first one since Peyton Manning to establish a foothold at the position.

The Broncos have had 13 starting QBs since Manning retired a Super Bowl champion after the 2015 season, and Denver hasn't been back to the playoffs since.

Ultimately, they didn't have to part with any picks to get the quarterback they wanted. Nix was the sixth QB selected, behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy.

The Broncos traded for quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-broncos-zach-wilson-0f36a1ec7cd75358ccdd7d51f19791ee">Zach Wilson</a>&nbsp;on Monday. The 2021 second overall pick had three disappointing seasons in New York. Also on the roster is QB Jarrett Stidham, who went 1-1 last season after Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson.

Russell Wilson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers but remains the highest-paid player on Denver's roster because the Broncos will pay $37.79 million of his $39 million salary in 2024.

(AP) The Denver Broncos drafted former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, bypassing a bevy of blue-chip defenders to grab a signal-caller they believe could be their first one since Peyton Manning to establish a foothold at the position.The Broncos have had 13 starting QBs since Manning retired a Super Bowl champion after the 2015 season, and Denver hasn't been back to the playoffs since.There was plenty of speculation the Broncos would have to move up to get in on the quarterback run, but they've already unloaded three first-round draft picks since 2022, including two in the Russell Wilson trade that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-sean-payton-nfl-draft-2605ee521f58b7d3ebb1d2e4647c4578">didn't work out</a>.Ultimately, they didn't have to part with any picks to get the quarterback they wanted. Nix was the sixth QB selected, behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy.The Broncos traded for quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-broncos-zach-wilson-0f36a1ec7cd75358ccdd7d51f19791ee">Zach Wilson</a>&nbsp;on Monday. The 2021 second overall pick had three disappointing seasons in New York. Also on the roster is QB Jarrett Stidham, who went 1-1 last season after Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson.Russell Wilson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers but remains the highest-paid player on Denver's roster because the Broncos will pay $37.79 million of his $39 million salary in 2024.

Broncos bringing Bo to Denver: Nix one of record 6 QBs taken in NFL Draft 1st Round

By: John Murphy CSC Sports Information Director

CHADRON, Neb. -- The Chadron State College softball team suffered two low scoring defeats against the Black Hills State Yellow Jackets in Chadron Thursday afternoon, losing in game one 2-0 before being defeated 2-1 in game two.

The losses drop CSC to 11-37 overall and 11-27 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. BHSU improves to 14-31 overall and 13-27 in the conference.

In game one, the Eagles finished with six hits and had one error. The Yellow Jackets had two runs, five hits and one error.

The Yellow Jackets took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning. With runners on first and second, Tyler Whitlock hit a double to right center for the Yellow Jackets, scoring the runner from third.

Their second run was scored in the top of the fourth inning. BHSU began the inning with a single and a double to put two runners in scoring position. The next batter hit a single to center field to make the score 2-0 in the visitors' favor.

The Eagles, who had a runner on in every inning except the fourth, had runners advance to second base in the sixth and the seventh innings but were unable to bring them home.

Kenzi Garner received the loss on the mound. The junior allowed five hits, two runs and had four strikeouts. Neither team drew a walk in the game.

In the Eagle's 2-1 defeat in game two, they finished with one run with five hits and two errors. The Yellow Jackets had two runs, nine hits and no errors.

Black Hills State took an early 2-0 lead after scoring one run in first and one in the second inning.

In the first, a two-out double to center field brough in a run from third base. The guests second run was scored after two consecutive errors by the CSC defense in the second inning.

The Eagles first hit of the game occurred with the leadoff batter in the bottom of the third inning.

J'lyssa Martinez led off the inning with a solo homer to right field, making the score 2-1.

Defensively, the Eagles found the bases loaded in the top of the fourth inning but a Brooklyn Levin strikeout ended the scoring threat from the Yellow Jackets.

After leaving two runners on in the bottom of the inning, the Eagles didn't record another hit until the bottom of the seventh inning.

Trailing 2-1, the Eagles needed one run in the seventh to force extra innings. With one out, CSC hit three consecutive singles to load the bases.

CSC's next two batters fouled out to third base, ending the game with a final score of 2-1 in the guests favor.

Levin received the loss in seven innings of work. The freshman allowed nine hits and two runs, one being earned. Despite walking two batters, Levin set a new career high with 10 strikeouts.

The Eagles and Yellow Jackets will both conclude their seasons with another double-header tomorrow. Four seniors from each team will be honored between the two games. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714098868511.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: John Murphy CSC Sports Information DirectorCHADRON, Neb. -- The Chadron State College softball team suffered two low scoring defeats against the Black Hills State Yellow Jackets in Chadron Thursday afternoon, losing in game one 2-0 before being defeated 2-1 in game two.The losses drop CSC to 11-37 overall and 11-27 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. BHSU improves to 14-31 overall and 13-27 in the conference.In game one, the Eagles finished with six hits and had one error. The Yellow Jackets had two runs, five hits and one error.The Yellow Jackets took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning. With runners on first and second, Tyler Whitlock hit a double to right center for the Yellow Jackets, scoring the runner from third.Their second run was scored in the top of the fourth inning. BHSU began the inning with a single and a double to put two runners in scoring position. The next batter hit a single to center field to make the score 2-0 in the visitors' favor.The Eagles, who had a runner on in every inning except the fourth, had runners advance to second base in the sixth and the seventh innings but were unable to bring them home.Kenzi Garner received the loss on the mound. The junior allowed five hits, two runs and had four strikeouts. Neither team drew a walk in the game.In the Eagle's 2-1 defeat in game two, they finished with one run with five hits and two errors. The Yellow Jackets had two runs, nine hits and no errors.Black Hills State took an early 2-0 lead after scoring one run in first and one in the second inning.In the first, a two-out double to center field brough in a run from third base. The guests second run was scored after two consecutive errors by the CSC defense in the second inning.The Eagles first hit of the game occurred with the leadoff batter in the bottom of the third inning.J'lyssa Martinez led off the inning with a solo homer to right field, making the score 2-1.Defensively, the Eagles found the bases loaded in the top of the fourth inning but a Brooklyn Levin strikeout ended the scoring threat from the Yellow Jackets.After leaving two runners on in the bottom of the inning, the Eagles didn't record another hit until the bottom of the seventh inning.Trailing 2-1, the Eagles needed one run in the seventh to force extra innings. With one out, CSC hit three consecutive singles to load the bases.CSC's next two batters fouled out to third base, ending the game with a final score of 2-1 in the guests favor.Levin received the loss in seven innings of work. The freshman allowed nine hits and two runs, one being earned. Despite walking two batters, Levin set a new career high with 10 strikeouts.The Eagles and Yellow Jackets will both conclude their seasons with another double-header tomorrow. Four seniors from each team will be honored between the two games. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m.

Eagles Softball: CSC offense struggles in tight losses to BHSU

DENVER (AP) — Elias Díaz capped Colorado's six-run eighth inning with a tiebreaking RBI double, and the Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 10-9 on Thursday.

Elehuris Montero and Hunter Goodman homered for Colorado, which earned a split of the four-game series. Brenton Doyle and Brendan Rodgers each had three of the Rockies' 14 hits.

“Everybody put everything together, took a good (at-bat), and the results came,” Díaz said.

Rodgers started Colorado's big rally with a one-out double. Sean Bouchard then walked before Goodman greeted Wandy Peralta (1-1) with a 448-foot drive to left-center for his first homer of the season.

The 24-year-old Goodman was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday.

“(Peralta) works mostly away, so I was looking for something up in the zone,” Goodman said. “He hung a changeup and I put a good swing on it.”

Jacob Stallings singled, Ezequiel Tovar walked and Brenton Doyle singled to produce another run for Colorado. After Tovar scored on a passed ball, Díaz lifted the Rockies to a 10-9 lead when he doubled into the left-field corner against Stephen Kolek.

Peralta faced five batters in the eighth and gave up three hits and a walk.

“The second a guy gives up a home run, I can’t just go take out a guy who has a microscopic ERA and has gotten righties out all year,” San Diego manager Mike Shildt said. “I’ve got a veteran guy out there who knows now to get a ground ball and is one pitch away from getting a ground ball. It didn’t work out.”

Tyler Kinley (1-0) got three outs for the win. Justin Lawrence pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save.

Ha-Seong Kim and Jurickson Profar homered for Padres, who had won three of four. Xander Bogaerts had two hits and drove in a run.

Kim hit a three-run drive in the third against Dakota Hudson, and Profar added a two-run shot in the seventh against Nick Mears. Eguy Rosario’s RBI single in the top of the eighth gave the Padres a 9-4 lead.

Hitting second in the order for the second time this season, Doyle scored three times and swiped two bases while raising his batting average to .330. Díaz finished with three RBIs as the Rockies improved to 5-8 at home and 7-19 overall.

“You never know a game is going to play out,” Colorado manager Bud Black said. “No doubt we are off to a tough start, so every win we get we feel good about. It gives us the direction. We know some numbers are going to turn around. We just have to hang in there.”

Colorado's eight series without a series win to start the season is the longest such stretch to begin a season in franchise history.

The Padres had won seven of eight against the Rockies, who have trailed at some point in each of their first 26 games. The 1910 St. Louis Browns trailed in their first 28 games for the major league record.

Next up for Colorado is a two-game series against Houston this weekend at Mexico City’s Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium, which has an elevation of 7,349 feet. The games will be played at the highest altitude in major league history.

“It still comes down to baseball,” Black said. “Us against them.”

“Mexico loves baseball,” Black continued when asked about potential expansion. “I’m sure it is in deep conversations about where to go.”

Padres: CF Jackson Merrill (right groin tightness) was scratched.

Rockies: OF Nolan Jones (stiff back) missed his second straight game after leaving in the seventh inning Tuesday.

Padres: RHP Joe Musgrove (3-2, 5.74 ERA) brings a two-game win streak into the opener of a three-game home series against Philadelphia. RHP Aaron Nola (3-1, 3.16 ERA) starts for the Philles on Friday night.

Rockies: RHP Cal Quantrill (0-2, 4.33 ERA) faces Astros RHP Ronel Blanco (2-0, 1.33 ERA) on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714098712437.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Elias Díaz capped Colorado's six-run eighth inning with a tiebreaking RBI double, and the Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 10-9 on Thursday.Elehuris Montero and Hunter Goodman homered for Colorado, which earned a split of the four-game series. Brenton Doyle and Brendan Rodgers each had three of the Rockies' 14 hits.“Everybody put everything together, took a good (at-bat), and the results came,” Díaz said.Rodgers started Colorado's big rally with a one-out double. Sean Bouchard then walked before Goodman greeted Wandy Peralta (1-1) with a 448-foot drive to left-center for his first homer of the season.The 24-year-old Goodman was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday.“(Peralta) works mostly away, so I was looking for something up in the zone,” Goodman said. “He hung a changeup and I put a good swing on it.”Jacob Stallings singled, Ezequiel Tovar walked and Brenton Doyle singled to produce another run for Colorado. After Tovar scored on a passed ball, Díaz lifted the Rockies to a 10-9 lead when he doubled into the left-field corner against Stephen Kolek.Peralta faced five batters in the eighth and gave up three hits and a walk.“The second a guy gives up a home run, I can’t just go take out a guy who has a microscopic ERA and has gotten righties out all year,” San Diego manager Mike Shildt said. “I’ve got a veteran guy out there who knows now to get a ground ball and is one pitch away from getting a ground ball. It didn’t work out.”Tyler Kinley (1-0) got three outs for the win. Justin Lawrence pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save.Ha-Seong Kim and Jurickson Profar homered for Padres, who had won three of four. Xander Bogaerts had two hits and drove in a run.Kim hit a three-run drive in the third against Dakota Hudson, and Profar added a two-run shot in the seventh against Nick Mears. Eguy Rosario’s RBI single in the top of the eighth gave the Padres a 9-4 lead.Hitting second in the order for the second time this season, Doyle scored three times and swiped two bases while raising his batting average to .330. Díaz finished with three RBIs as the Rockies improved to 5-8 at home and 7-19 overall.“You never know a game is going to play out,” Colorado manager Bud Black said. “No doubt we are off to a tough start, so every win we get we feel good about. It gives us the direction. We know some numbers are going to turn around. We just have to hang in there.”Colorado's eight series without a series win to start the season is the longest such stretch to begin a season in franchise history.The Padres had won seven of eight against the Rockies, who have trailed at some point in each of their first 26 games. The 1910 St. Louis Browns trailed in their first 28 games for the major league record.SOUTH OF THE BORDERNext up for Colorado is a two-game series against Houston this weekend at Mexico City’s Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium, which has an elevation of 7,349 feet. The games will be played at the highest altitude in major league history.“It still comes down to baseball,” Black said. “Us against them.”“Mexico loves baseball,” Black continued when asked about potential expansion. “I’m sure it is in deep conversations about where to go.”TRAINER’S ROOMPadres: CF Jackson Merrill (right groin tightness) was scratched.Rockies: OF Nolan Jones (stiff back) missed his second straight game after leaving in the seventh inning Tuesday.UP NEXTPadres: RHP Joe Musgrove (3-2, 5.74 ERA) brings a two-game win streak into the opener of a three-game home series against Philadelphia. RHP Aaron Nola (3-1, 3.16 ERA) starts for the Philles on Friday night.Rockies: RHP Cal Quantrill (0-2, 4.33 ERA) faces Astros RHP Ronel Blanco (2-0, 1.33 ERA) on Saturday.

It's never over, until it's over at Coors Field!

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Colorado became the 11th state in the U.S. to sanction girls&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flag-football-women-olympics-team-usa-ef810674ccfc9807ac8aac8ca02198e9">flag football</a>&nbsp;as a high school sport this week, thanks to an assist from the Denver Broncos.

The Colorado High School Activities Association's legislative council approved the fall sport following a three-year pilot program supported by the team and its foundation.

Team owner Carrie Walton Penner said Wednesday that with the sport's approval, “more young women will be able to participate in a game they love. More young women will join teams and create relationships that last a lifetime."

“To all you trailblazing athletes who helped launch this sport: You have not only found your community — you have built one."

Walton Penner said a majority of the 1,500 girls who took part in the pilot program wouldn't have participated in a fall sport were it not for flag football.

“That’s why this moment matters," Walton Penner said. “It matters for every girl who loves football but has never seen a place for herself."

Walton Penner called the sport's arrival on the Colorado high school football scene “part of a larger movement in which women’s sports are drawing attention like never before."

The Denver Broncos Foundation launched the state's girls flag football pilot program in the fall of 2021 with support from the Broncos and CHSAA, funding and operating both seasons in which about 1,500 athletes from 50 schools across 10 districts participated.

The Broncos hosted the program's championship tournaments both years at its fieldhouse in suburban Englewood as well as a round-robin exhibition tournament last fall.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Colorado became the 11th state in the U.S. to sanction girls&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flag-football-women-olympics-team-usa-ef810674ccfc9807ac8aac8ca02198e9">flag football</a>&nbsp;as a high school sport this week, thanks to an assist from the Denver Broncos.The Colorado High School Activities Association's legislative council approved the fall sport following a three-year pilot program supported by the team and its foundation.Team owner Carrie Walton Penner said Wednesday that with the sport's approval, “more young women will be able to participate in a game they love. More young women will join teams and create relationships that last a lifetime."“To all you trailblazing athletes who helped launch this sport: You have not only found your community — you have built one."Walton Penner said a majority of the 1,500 girls who took part in the pilot program wouldn't have participated in a fall sport were it not for flag football.“That’s why this moment matters," Walton Penner said. “It matters for every girl who loves football but has never seen a place for herself."Walton Penner called the sport's arrival on the Colorado high school football scene “part of a larger movement in which women’s sports are drawing attention like never before."The Denver Broncos Foundation launched the state's girls flag football pilot program in the fall of 2021 with support from the Broncos and CHSAA, funding and operating both seasons in which about 1,500 athletes from 50 schools across 10 districts participated.The Broncos hosted the program's championship tournaments both years at its fieldhouse in suburban Englewood as well as a round-robin exhibition tournament last fall.

Colorado now 11th state to sanction girls high school flag football

DENVER (AP) — Xander Bogaerts had a season-high three hits, Matt Waldron gave up one run in six innings and the San Diego Padres beat the Colorado Rockies 5-2 on Wednesday night.

“Getting ahead was the name of my game today,” Waldron said. “(Catcher Kyle Higashioka) and I executed well and the offense did what they do. It’s awesome. It was a fun win. Hopefully, we can keep it rolling.”

Ha-Seong Kim and Jackson Merrill had two RBIs to help the Padres beat the Rockies for the 11th time in their past 14 meetings. Kim had two hits, including a bloop double to right field that drove in the game’s first two runs and spurred a four-run first inning.

“When (Colorado starter) Ty (Blach) is on, he’s hitting his spots,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “The first inning, he didn’t. Then the baseball got him with the blooper. Really good pitch to Kim and then it’s just the little dorker right down the right field line. That’s baseball.”

Waldron (1-2) rebounded from his worst outing of the season, a loss against Toronto in which he allowed five runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. With four runs on the board before he took the mound for the first time, Waldron got some much-needed run support after San Diego scored just seven runs in his previous four starts.

“Credit goes to Waldron,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “He was very, very good. All pitches working. He mixed it in masterfully and had command of it. It was really filthy.”

Robert Suarez picked up his ninth save of the season, retiring the Rockies in order on seven pitches.

The multi-hit outing was the second in the past four games for Bogaerts, who entered Wednesday night batting just .198.

The game was the 25th consecutive to start this season in which the Rockies have trailed at some point. They’re only the second team to reach that mark since 1900, joining the 1910 St. Louis Browns.

In his first start of the season, Blach (3-4) took the loss for the Rockies, giving up four runs and five hits in five innings.

“I think I had a pretty good feel in the first inning,” Blach said. “I made a lot of really good pitches with two strikes. They battled and fouled them off. It’s just kind of one of those things where I wouldn’t really change anything.”

Ryan McMahon and Elias Díaz each hit solo home runs to center field for Colorado, which left six runners on base, including three in the fourth inning when it had the bases loaded with just one out before a pop-up and groundout ended the threat.

The Rockies have been outscored 35-7 in the first inning this season, the most runs allowed by any team in the first inning. It finished with two runs or fewer for the eighth time in the past 10 games, despite five of those contests taking place at hitter-friendly Coors Field.

Colorado RHP Dakota Hudson (0-4, 5.06 ERA) was set to face RHP Randy Vásquez (0-1, 1.80) in the fourth and final game of the series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714053211299.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Xander Bogaerts had a season-high three hits, Matt Waldron gave up one run in six innings and the San Diego Padres beat the Colorado Rockies 5-2 on Wednesday night.“Getting ahead was the name of my game today,” Waldron said. “(Catcher Kyle Higashioka) and I executed well and the offense did what they do. It’s awesome. It was a fun win. Hopefully, we can keep it rolling.”Ha-Seong Kim and Jackson Merrill had two RBIs to help the Padres beat the Rockies for the 11th time in their past 14 meetings. Kim had two hits, including a bloop double to right field that drove in the game’s first two runs and spurred a four-run first inning.“When (Colorado starter) Ty (Blach) is on, he’s hitting his spots,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “The first inning, he didn’t. Then the baseball got him with the blooper. Really good pitch to Kim and then it’s just the little dorker right down the right field line. That’s baseball.”Waldron (1-2) rebounded from his worst outing of the season, a loss against Toronto in which he allowed five runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. With four runs on the board before he took the mound for the first time, Waldron got some much-needed run support after San Diego scored just seven runs in his previous four starts.“Credit goes to Waldron,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “He was very, very good. All pitches working. He mixed it in masterfully and had command of it. It was really filthy.”Robert Suarez picked up his ninth save of the season, retiring the Rockies in order on seven pitches.The multi-hit outing was the second in the past four games for Bogaerts, who entered Wednesday night batting just .198.The game was the 25th consecutive to start this season in which the Rockies have trailed at some point. They’re only the second team to reach that mark since 1900, joining the 1910 St. Louis Browns.In his first start of the season, Blach (3-4) took the loss for the Rockies, giving up four runs and five hits in five innings.“I think I had a pretty good feel in the first inning,” Blach said. “I made a lot of really good pitches with two strikes. They battled and fouled them off. It’s just kind of one of those things where I wouldn’t really change anything.”Ryan McMahon and Elias Díaz each hit solo home runs to center field for Colorado, which left six runners on base, including three in the fourth inning when it had the bases loaded with just one out before a pop-up and groundout ended the threat.The Rockies have been outscored 35-7 in the first inning this season, the most runs allowed by any team in the first inning. It finished with two runs or fewer for the eighth time in the past 10 games, despite five of those contests taking place at hitter-friendly Coors Field.UP NEXTColorado RHP Dakota Hudson (0-4, 5.06 ERA) was set to face RHP Randy Vásquez (0-1, 1.80) in the fourth and final game of the series.

Padres grab game three from Rockies

With plenty of rain in the extended weekend forecast local track meets are making changes to their schedules:

&gt; Scottsbluff Middle School Meet - Postponed to Monday, April 29. Field events begin at 9:00. Track events begin at 10:00.

&gt; Western Conference HS Meet at Scottsbluff - Postponed to Tuesday, April 30. Field event now begin at 9:00. Track events begin at 10:30.

&gt; Alliance JV Quad Meet - Remains on schedule for Monday, April 29.&nbsp; Field events begin at 3:00. Track Events begin at 4:30.

With plenty of rain in the extended weekend forecast local track meets are making changes to their schedules:&gt; Scottsbluff Middle School Meet - Postponed to Monday, April 29. Field events begin at 9:00. Track events begin at 10:00.&gt; Western Conference HS Meet at Scottsbluff - Postponed to Tuesday, April 30. Field event now begin at 9:00. Track events begin at 10:30.&gt; Alliance JV Quad Meet - Remains on schedule for Monday, April 29.&nbsp; Field events begin at 3:00. Track Events begin at 4:30.

Local track meet schedules altered with wet weather in forecast

The Panhandle Conference will hold its track and field meet at Morrill on Thursday.&nbsp; The meet was set for Friday, but has been rescheduled because the weather is expected to be better then than it will be later in the week.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Morrill girls and the Hemingford boys are the defending champions and are apt to repeat if all of their athletes are healthy.

&nbsp;Morrill sprinter Brooklin Hess, who won all three of the sprints at her school’s Early Bird Meet to open the current season and also at the Bayard C-D Meet the next week, did not compete at the Western Trails Conference Meet on April 13.&nbsp;

The addition of Hyannis to the conference’s membership this year might be a factor in the outcome.

No records have been set since 2017, but seniors Gage Mintken of Hay Springs and Theron Miller of Hemingford could change that trend.&nbsp; Each has marks this season that exceed conference records that were set by an athlete from his school.

Mintken has a chance to break Heath Lee’s long jump record of 20-8 that was set in 2011 and Miller will be striving to sail the discus farther than Adam Wacker’s record of 163-7 set in 2000. The latter also was the Bobcats’ school&nbsp; record until Miller threw 169-3 last Friday at the Chadron Twilight Meet.&nbsp;

Miller also could erase conference’s shot put record of 52-1¾ set by Crawford’s Paul Shimek in 1985.&nbsp; Miller has hit 52-3 this spring.

By: Con MarshallThe Panhandle Conference will hold its track and field meet at Morrill on Thursday.&nbsp; The meet was set for Friday, but has been rescheduled because the weather is expected to be better then than it will be later in the week.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Morrill girls and the Hemingford boys are the defending champions and are apt to repeat if all of their athletes are healthy.&nbsp;Morrill sprinter Brooklin Hess, who won all three of the sprints at her school’s Early Bird Meet to open the current season and also at the Bayard C-D Meet the next week, did not compete at the Western Trails Conference Meet on April 13.&nbsp;The addition of Hyannis to the conference’s membership this year might be a factor in the outcome.No records have been set since 2017, but seniors Gage Mintken of Hay Springs and Theron Miller of Hemingford could change that trend.&nbsp; Each has marks this season that exceed conference records that were set by an athlete from his school.Mintken has a chance to break Heath Lee’s long jump record of 20-8 that was set in 2011 and Miller will be striving to sail the discus farther than Adam Wacker’s record of 163-7 set in 2000. The latter also was the Bobcats’ school&nbsp; record until Miller threw 169-3 last Friday at the Chadron Twilight Meet.&nbsp;Miller also could erase conference’s shot put record of 52-1¾ set by Crawford’s Paul Shimek in 1985.&nbsp; Miller has hit 52-3 this spring.

Preview: Panhandle Conference Track Meet in Morrill Thursday

NEW YORK (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans, the Heisman Trust announced Wednesday.

“We are thrilled to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HeismanTrophy/status/1783139051849085118">welcome Reggie Bush back</a>&nbsp;to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”

Bush had won the trophy awarded to the top player in college football after amassing more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history.

The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.

“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush said in a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”

The USC football program wrote in a social media post,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/uscfb/status/1783133293996814470">“back where it belongs.</a>&nbsp;" The reinstatement of Bush gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, most of any school.

The Trust said in its statement that its decision followed a “deliberative process” in which it closely monitored changes in the college athletics landscape. That included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to athlete compensation; the ability of players to be paid for their name, image, and likeness; and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments.

“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005,” the Trust said.

Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner from Texas A&amp;M,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1763937014766821689">said on social media</a>&nbsp;last month that he would not participate in Heisman festivities unless Bush got his trophy back. He&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1783127654599991675">thanked the Trust on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;“for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold. There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December (Reggie Bush) you deserve it.”

Among others praising the decision were 2022 winner and the projected No. 1 pick in Thursday's NFL draft,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CALEBcsw/status/1783122113672429952">Caleb Williams</a>&nbsp;of USC, 2001 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/croucheric/status/1783131968147779800">Eric Crouch</a>&nbsp;of Nebraska and 2011 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RGIII/status/1783125679975895198">Robert Griffin III</a>&nbsp;of Baylor.

Bush had his award vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with NCAA sanctions when it was found that Bush and his family received money and gifts from fledgling marketing agents who were hoping to represent him.

The NCAA also erased 13 wins in which Bush played, as well as the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.

Bush was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, by New Orleans, and he played for five teams over 11 seasons.

NEW YORK (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans, the Heisman Trust announced Wednesday.“We are thrilled to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HeismanTrophy/status/1783139051849085118">welcome Reggie Bush back</a>&nbsp;to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”Bush had won the trophy awarded to the top player in college football after amassing more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history.The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush said in a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”The USC football program wrote in a social media post,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/uscfb/status/1783133293996814470">“back where it belongs.</a>&nbsp;" The reinstatement of Bush gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, most of any school.The Trust said in its statement that its decision followed a “deliberative process” in which it closely monitored changes in the college athletics landscape. That included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to athlete compensation; the ability of players to be paid for their name, image, and likeness; and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments.“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005,” the Trust said.Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner from Texas A&amp;M,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1763937014766821689">said on social media</a>&nbsp;last month that he would not participate in Heisman festivities unless Bush got his trophy back. He&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1783127654599991675">thanked the Trust on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;“for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold. There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December (Reggie Bush) you deserve it.”Among others praising the decision were 2022 winner and the projected No. 1 pick in Thursday's NFL draft,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CALEBcsw/status/1783122113672429952">Caleb Williams</a>&nbsp;of USC, 2001 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/croucheric/status/1783131968147779800">Eric Crouch</a>&nbsp;of Nebraska and 2011 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RGIII/status/1783125679975895198">Robert Griffin III</a>&nbsp;of Baylor.Bush had his award vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with NCAA sanctions when it was found that Bush and his family received money and gifts from fledgling marketing agents who were hoping to represent him.The NCAA also erased 13 wins in which Bush played, as well as the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.Bush was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, by New Orleans, and he played for five teams over 11 seasons.

Reggie Bush is reinstated as 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, with organizers citing NIL rule changes

DENVER (AP) — Brendan Rodgers hit a go-ahead grand slam in a five-run fourth inning, and the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 7-4 on Tuesday night for just their second win in 10 games.

Colorado trailed 4-1 before Rodgers' first career slam, a drive into the left-field bleachers on an up-and-in fastball from Michael King (2-2) with an 0-2 count. Rodgers had not homered since Sept. 29 — he hit all four of his homers last year in a 10-day span.

“Bases loaded, 0-2 count. We’re going, ‘Come on, B!’” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “And he got the head on a fastball. Big exhale. The dugout was pumped. That was big, and you hope that these types of moments can give us a jumpstart.”

Rodgers said he was relieved to come through in that situation and give his struggling team a lift.

“You know, (Ryan McMahon) came up to me and said, ‘That’s one of the biggest swings of the year,'’' Rodgers said. "And it kind of felt like it, being down early and then getting guys on base in that inning. I got down in the count and then I took a good short, two-strike swing. It definitely was a good feeling.”

King allowed six runs — four earned — eight hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings, leaving after a bases-loaded walk to Elehuris Montero.

“I got away from my sinker/sweeper and was throwing a lot of four-seamers,” King said. “I was executing early in the count but I felt they were making the mid-at bat adjustment. I should have gone to other pitches to either get them off of it or go back to it and I got burned on it.”

Ezequiel Tovar added an RBI single in the fifth for the Rockies, who stopped a six-game losing streak to the Padres.

Nolan Jones had an RBI single in the second that stopped an 0-for-26 skid. He left after six innings because of back stiffness.

Colorado, 4-7 at Coors Field but 2-11 on the road, ending a streak of six consecutive home games in which it had been held to three or fewer runs. The Rockies have trailed at some point in each of their first 24 games to start the season — a feat that since 1900 had been accomplished only by the 1910 St. Louis Browns in their opening 28 games.

Jalen Beeks (2-1) pitched three three hitless innings in relief of Ryan Feltner, who allowed four runs and 10 hits in four innings. Justin Lawrence got three outs for his first save this season.

Jake Cronenworth had an RBI single in the first and Jurickson Profar a sacrifice fly. Luis Campusano had a run-scoring double in the third and scored on Jackson Merrill's single.

Rockies: INF/OF Kris Bryant, sidelined since April 14 with a lower back strain, has not yet been able to resume baseball activities and won’t come off the 10-day IL when he’s eligible on Wednesday, manager Bud Black said. Bryant was injured April 13 when he crashed into an outfield wall at Toronto. “He’s still in the training room and weight room trying to strengthen his back,” Black said.

RHP Matt Waldron (0-2, 4.74 ERA) is slated to start for San Diego on Wednesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713970001930.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Brendan Rodgers hit a go-ahead grand slam in a five-run fourth inning, and the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 7-4 on Tuesday night for just their second win in 10 games.Colorado trailed 4-1 before Rodgers' first career slam, a drive into the left-field bleachers on an up-and-in fastball from Michael King (2-2) with an 0-2 count. Rodgers had not homered since Sept. 29 — he hit all four of his homers last year in a 10-day span.“Bases loaded, 0-2 count. We’re going, ‘Come on, B!’” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “And he got the head on a fastball. Big exhale. The dugout was pumped. That was big, and you hope that these types of moments can give us a jumpstart.”Rodgers said he was relieved to come through in that situation and give his struggling team a lift.“You know, (Ryan McMahon) came up to me and said, ‘That’s one of the biggest swings of the year,'’' Rodgers said. "And it kind of felt like it, being down early and then getting guys on base in that inning. I got down in the count and then I took a good short, two-strike swing. It definitely was a good feeling.”King allowed six runs — four earned — eight hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings, leaving after a bases-loaded walk to Elehuris Montero.“I got away from my sinker/sweeper and was throwing a lot of four-seamers,” King said. “I was executing early in the count but I felt they were making the mid-at bat adjustment. I should have gone to other pitches to either get them off of it or go back to it and I got burned on it.”Ezequiel Tovar added an RBI single in the fifth for the Rockies, who stopped a six-game losing streak to the Padres.Nolan Jones had an RBI single in the second that stopped an 0-for-26 skid. He left after six innings because of back stiffness.Colorado, 4-7 at Coors Field but 2-11 on the road, ending a streak of six consecutive home games in which it had been held to three or fewer runs. The Rockies have trailed at some point in each of their first 24 games to start the season — a feat that since 1900 had been accomplished only by the 1910 St. Louis Browns in their opening 28 games.Jalen Beeks (2-1) pitched three three hitless innings in relief of Ryan Feltner, who allowed four runs and 10 hits in four innings. Justin Lawrence got three outs for his first save this season.Jake Cronenworth had an RBI single in the first and Jurickson Profar a sacrifice fly. Luis Campusano had a run-scoring double in the third and scored on Jackson Merrill's single.TRAINER’S ROOMRockies: INF/OF Kris Bryant, sidelined since April 14 with a lower back strain, has not yet been able to resume baseball activities and won’t come off the 10-day IL when he’s eligible on Wednesday, manager Bud Black said. Bryant was injured April 13 when he crashed into an outfield wall at Toronto. “He’s still in the training room and weight room trying to strengthen his back,” Black said.UP NEXTRHP Matt Waldron (0-2, 4.74 ERA) is slated to start for San Diego on Wednesday night.

Rodgers belts a grand slam sparking Rockies to win over Padres

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Artturi Lehkonen had a goal and assist and the Colorado Avalanche scored four goals in the second period in a 5-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night to tie the first-round playoff series at a game apiece.

Miles Wood, Zach Parise, Josh Manson and Valeri Nichushkin also scored for the Avalanche. Alexandar Georgiev made 28 saves for Colorado, a bounce-back effort after allowing seven goals on 23 shots in the series opener.

“They showed so much support to me over the last couple of days. A very rough first game, obviously,” said Georgiev, who allowed seven goals on 23 shots in Winnipeg’s 7-6 Game 1 victory on Sunday.

“I just felt so much trust in the room from everybody and I appreciate it so much. It helped me reset, to know that they have got my back. I know I’ll help them out as well during this playoff.”

David Gustaffson and Mark Scheifele scored for the Jets. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 27 of 31 shots.

Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Friday night in Denver.

Scheifele said the Jets probably didn’t test Georgiev enough.

“But he did make some big saves,” Scheifele acknowledged. “(Kyle Connor) hit the crossbar in that third period. We get some looks.

“He hits the post in the second period and then they go down and score shortly after. That’s playoffs, you know? We’ve just got to continue to make adjustments and try to find ways to get to the front of the net a little more and get a few more chances and get a bit more o-zone time.”

The Jets led 1-0 after the first period before Colorado took control with a 4-1 scoring edge in the second period that included three goals in the final 5:37 of the frame.

Winnipeg fans were razzing Georgiev from the start, giving the netminder a loud cheer when he made his first save of the game.

Gustafsson beat Georgiev 3:15 into the first period when he scored on a loose puck off a rebound. It was the fourth-line forward’s first career playoff goal in his fifth career postseason game.

The Avalanche trailed 9-2 in shots on goal about 13 minutes into the game. But Colorado rallied and led 15-12 in shots by the end of the period.

Wood tied it at 1:59 into the second period. Ross Colton won a faceoff and picked up an assist on Wood's goal.

The Avalanche went on a four-minute power play after Jets winger Kyle Connor received a double-minor for high-sticking Cale Makar. Colorado had one shot on net during the advantage.

“I think we need some more zone time,” Connor said of making Georgiev work harder. “We were just too quick on a lot of our plays. Getting shots blocked. They did a good job getting into lanes.”

Winnipeg responded 32 seconds after the penalty expired when Scheifele raced to the net and redirected a pass from Gabriel Vilardi at 8:37.

After Connor had a shot hit the post and bounce out, Colorado scored three in a row.

Lehkonen tipped in a Makar shot at 14:16 and Parise made it 3-2 three minutes later during a scramble for the puck in front of the Winnipeg net.

Manson came out of the penalty box for roughing and received a breakaway pass from Nathan MacKinnon, beating Hellebuyck with seven seconds remaining.

Jets defenseman Logan Stanley crushed Avs’ defenseman Sean Walker in the corner going for the puck nine minutes into the third. Walker headed to the locker room, while Stanley and Colorado forward Brandon Duhaime went to the penalty box for roughing.

Duhaime was again sent to the penalty box a few minutes later for interference, but Winnipeg couldn’t capitalize.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Artturi Lehkonen had a goal and assist and the Colorado Avalanche scored four goals in the second period in a 5-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night to tie the first-round playoff series at a game apiece.Miles Wood, Zach Parise, Josh Manson and Valeri Nichushkin also scored for the Avalanche. Alexandar Georgiev made 28 saves for Colorado, a bounce-back effort after allowing seven goals on 23 shots in the series opener.“They showed so much support to me over the last couple of days. A very rough first game, obviously,” said Georgiev, who allowed seven goals on 23 shots in Winnipeg’s 7-6 Game 1 victory on Sunday.“I just felt so much trust in the room from everybody and I appreciate it so much. It helped me reset, to know that they have got my back. I know I’ll help them out as well during this playoff.”David Gustaffson and Mark Scheifele scored for the Jets. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 27 of 31 shots.Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Friday night in Denver.Scheifele said the Jets probably didn’t test Georgiev enough.“But he did make some big saves,” Scheifele acknowledged. “(Kyle Connor) hit the crossbar in that third period. We get some looks.“He hits the post in the second period and then they go down and score shortly after. That’s playoffs, you know? We’ve just got to continue to make adjustments and try to find ways to get to the front of the net a little more and get a few more chances and get a bit more o-zone time.”The Jets led 1-0 after the first period before Colorado took control with a 4-1 scoring edge in the second period that included three goals in the final 5:37 of the frame.Winnipeg fans were razzing Georgiev from the start, giving the netminder a loud cheer when he made his first save of the game.Gustafsson beat Georgiev 3:15 into the first period when he scored on a loose puck off a rebound. It was the fourth-line forward’s first career playoff goal in his fifth career postseason game.The Avalanche trailed 9-2 in shots on goal about 13 minutes into the game. But Colorado rallied and led 15-12 in shots by the end of the period.Wood tied it at 1:59 into the second period. Ross Colton won a faceoff and picked up an assist on Wood's goal.The Avalanche went on a four-minute power play after Jets winger Kyle Connor received a double-minor for high-sticking Cale Makar. Colorado had one shot on net during the advantage.“I think we need some more zone time,” Connor said of making Georgiev work harder. “We were just too quick on a lot of our plays. Getting shots blocked. They did a good job getting into lanes.”Winnipeg responded 32 seconds after the penalty expired when Scheifele raced to the net and redirected a pass from Gabriel Vilardi at 8:37.After Connor had a shot hit the post and bounce out, Colorado scored three in a row.Lehkonen tipped in a Makar shot at 14:16 and Parise made it 3-2 three minutes later during a scramble for the puck in front of the Winnipeg net.Manson came out of the penalty box for roughing and received a breakaway pass from Nathan MacKinnon, beating Hellebuyck with seven seconds remaining.Jets defenseman Logan Stanley crushed Avs’ defenseman Sean Walker in the corner going for the puck nine minutes into the third. Walker headed to the locker room, while Stanley and Colorado forward Brandon Duhaime went to the penalty box for roughing.Duhaime was again sent to the penalty box a few minutes later for interference, but Winnipeg couldn’t capitalize.

Avalanche of 2nd period goals evens playoff series for Colorado

Nebraska couldn’t climb out of an early four-run deficit, as the Huskers fell 9-4 vs. Kansas on Tuesday night at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.

Nebraska (25-13) scored four runs on eight hits, while Kansas (22-15) totaled nine runs, 11 hits and an error.

Tyler Stone led the way for the Huskers, going 3-for-4 with a solo home run in the second inning. Cayden Brumbaugh finished 1-for-4 with an RBI double, while Riley Silva extended his on-base streak to 13 games and stole his 23rd base of the season. Josh Caron, Dylan Carey and Joshua Overbeek each added a hit for the Big Red.

Drew Christo fell to 1-3 on the season after giving up four runs on four hits in two innings. The junior recorded a season-high five strikeouts and issued two walks. Caleb Clark allowed one run on one hit with a pair of strikeouts in an inning of work.

Tucker Timmerman and Kyle Froehlich combined to pitch an inning, while Jalen Worthley, Evan Borst, Kyle Perry and Casey Daiss threw one relief inning apiece. Grant Cleavinger and Trey Frahm teamed up to record the final three outs for the NU pitching staff.

Silva was plunked in the first inning, before stealing second and taking third on an errant throw from the KU pitcher with one out. A lineout followed by a strikeout prevented the Husker offense from plating the game’s first run in the opening frame.

The Jayhawks erupted for four runs in the top of the second to jump ahead 4-0. KU had runners on first and second with a one-out single and a walk, while an RBI double to left-center, followed by an RBI groundout had the visitors up a pair. Kansas plated their third run of the night on a wild pitch, before John Nett’s solo homer to right made it a four-run game.

Nebraska immediately got one of the four runs back with Stone’s 418-foot solo homer to begin the bottom of the second.

The lead grew back to four in the top of the third after a leadoff solo home run to right off the bat of Michael Brooks.

Kansas led off the inning for the second straight time with a solo homer in the fourth, while an RBI single later in the inning built the lead to 7-1.

The Huskers trimmed the deficit to four with a pair of runs on two hits in the fourth inning. Walks to Garrett Anglim and Overbeek gave the NU offense a pair of baserunners with two outs, setting up Brumbaugh’s two-RBI double off the wall in right-center.

After two scoreless frames in the fifth and sixth innings, the Jayhawks added to the lead with a two-RBI single from Collier Cranford to extend the lead to 9-3 in the seventh.

Nebraska had a pair of baserunners with two outs in the eighth after a full-count walk to Clay Bradford and Carey’s first-pitch single through the left side. Bradford came around to score on Overbeek’s RBI single that was drilled to right field.

The Huskers loaded the bases in the ninth inning, but couldn't come through as a flyout ended it.

Nebraska wraps up its homestand with a weekend series vs. Iowa on Friday-Sunday, April 26-28 at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park. First pitch in Friday’s series opener between the Huskers and Hawkeyes is set for 6:05 p.m. (CT)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713969781996.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy: Husker AthleticsNebraska couldn’t climb out of an early four-run deficit, as the Huskers fell 9-4 vs. Kansas on Tuesday night at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.Nebraska (25-13) scored four runs on eight hits, while Kansas (22-15) totaled nine runs, 11 hits and an error.Tyler Stone led the way for the Huskers, going 3-for-4 with a solo home run in the second inning. Cayden Brumbaugh finished 1-for-4 with an RBI double, while Riley Silva extended his on-base streak to 13 games and stole his 23rd base of the season. Josh Caron, Dylan Carey and Joshua Overbeek each added a hit for the Big Red.Drew Christo fell to 1-3 on the season after giving up four runs on four hits in two innings. The junior recorded a season-high five strikeouts and issued two walks. Caleb Clark allowed one run on one hit with a pair of strikeouts in an inning of work.Tucker Timmerman and Kyle Froehlich combined to pitch an inning, while Jalen Worthley, Evan Borst, Kyle Perry and Casey Daiss threw one relief inning apiece. Grant Cleavinger and Trey Frahm teamed up to record the final three outs for the NU pitching staff.Silva was plunked in the first inning, before stealing second and taking third on an errant throw from the KU pitcher with one out. A lineout followed by a strikeout prevented the Husker offense from plating the game’s first run in the opening frame.The Jayhawks erupted for four runs in the top of the second to jump ahead 4-0. KU had runners on first and second with a one-out single and a walk, while an RBI double to left-center, followed by an RBI groundout had the visitors up a pair. Kansas plated their third run of the night on a wild pitch, before John Nett’s solo homer to right made it a four-run game.Nebraska immediately got one of the four runs back with Stone’s 418-foot solo homer to begin the bottom of the second.The lead grew back to four in the top of the third after a leadoff solo home run to right off the bat of Michael Brooks.Kansas led off the inning for the second straight time with a solo homer in the fourth, while an RBI single later in the inning built the lead to 7-1.The Huskers trimmed the deficit to four with a pair of runs on two hits in the fourth inning. Walks to Garrett Anglim and Overbeek gave the NU offense a pair of baserunners with two outs, setting up Brumbaugh’s two-RBI double off the wall in right-center.After two scoreless frames in the fifth and sixth innings, the Jayhawks added to the lead with a two-RBI single from Collier Cranford to extend the lead to 9-3 in the seventh.Nebraska had a pair of baserunners with two outs in the eighth after a full-count walk to Clay Bradford and Carey’s first-pitch single through the left side. Bradford came around to score on Overbeek’s RBI single that was drilled to right field.The Huskers loaded the bases in the ninth inning, but couldn't come through as a flyout ended it.Nebraska wraps up its homestand with a weekend series vs. Iowa on Friday-Sunday, April 26-28 at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park. First pitch in Friday’s series opener between the Huskers and Hawkeyes is set for 6:05 p.m. (CT)

Kansas takes Tuesday tilt at Nebraska, 9-4

Best in the West - Scottsbluff, NE 4/23/24 Full&nbsp;<a href="https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/539602/results">Results Link</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629461621684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Best in the West - Scottsbluff, NE 4/23/24 Full&nbsp;<a href="https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/539602/results">Results Link</a>

Best in the West Track Meet - Results

DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray didn't even see the biggest basket of his career. At least not live, he didn't.

Murray swished a step-back 15-footer over Anthony Davis at the buzzer Monday night, giving the Denver Nuggets a stunning 101-99 win over the Los Angeles Lakers and capping a comeback from a 20-point second-half deficit.

Murray tumbled into the Nuggets' bench along with Davis just as his shot fluttered in the net and the roar from the crowd shook Ball Arena.

“I just lost my balance and fell. I think A.D. was in my way or somebody was in my way and I just heard everybody scream and that's how I knew it went in," said Murray, who was mobbed by his teammates after his bucket gave the reigning NBA champions their 10th consecutive win over the Lakers.

More importantly, it gave Denver a 2-0 lead in a Western Conference first-round series that shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713898974443.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray didn't even see the biggest basket of his career. At least not live, he didn't.Murray swished a step-back 15-footer over Anthony Davis at the buzzer Monday night, giving the Denver Nuggets a stunning 101-99 win over the Los Angeles Lakers and capping a comeback from a 20-point second-half deficit.Murray tumbled into the Nuggets' bench along with Davis just as his shot fluttered in the net and the roar from the crowd shook Ball Arena.“I just lost my balance and fell. I think A.D. was in my way or somebody was in my way and I just heard everybody scream and that's how I knew it went in," said Murray, who was mobbed by his teammates after his bucket gave the reigning NBA champions their 10th consecutive win over the Lakers.More importantly, it gave Denver a 2-0 lead in a Western Conference first-round series that shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday night.Murray missed 13 of his first 16 shots and was easily the most flustered, frazzled and frustrated of all his teammates when it appeared the Nuggets would lose to the Lakers for the first time in 494 days.“I told my teammates when I was struggling, ‘I’m gonna look for y'all,' and every single one of them told me to keep shooting,” recounted Murray, who did just that, going 6 for 8 for 14 points in the fourth quarter to finish with 20 points.“They told me to stay aggressive and keep looking for it, keep hunting and when I had the ball with 2 seconds left, I knew once I had made a couple, the next one should go down, as well.”Nuggets coach Michael Malone chose not to call a timeout after Michael Porter Jr. grabbed the rebound off LeBron James' missed 3-pointer with 13 seconds left and the game knotted up at 99.“We got the stop. Tie game. Why let them get set?” Malone reasoned. “Because, when they can get set and they switch out everything, you might not even get the ball inbounds. So, I wanted to make sure we could just flow into it and let our best players make plays.”Murray faked like he was going to take a 3-pointer, got A.D. to close and then beat him to his spot along the right baseline for the clear look.“That's Jamal Murray right there," Malone said. “He can struggle, he can struggle, he can struggle. He sees one go in and he's never shying away from the moment, the spotlight. And that was just an incredible play.”Nikola Jokic said Murray “made the tough shots today and he missed the easy ones. It was that kind of game.”Asked to go though that final sequence, Davis demurred, saying simply, “Jamal Murray made a shot,” then standing up, dropping the mic — not figuratively — and walking off from the postgame podium.Jokic posted a triple-double with 27 points, 20 boards and 10 assists. Porter added 22 points and Aaron Gordon 14 for Denver.Davis led the Lakers with 32 points, James had 26 points plus a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakers-nuggets-nba-score-852aa29e2f83f98414c806ec203af643">major beef with the officiating</a>&nbsp;and D’Angelo Russell added 23 with a career playoff-high seven 3s, including six in the first half to help the Lakers build a 59-44 lead at the break.The Lakers stretched their advantage to 68-48 two minutes into the second half and they still led by 10 entering the fourth quarter.“I don't have a 20-point play,” Malone said. “You've got to just keep chipping away.”That they did, finally tying it at 95-all on Porter's 3-pointer with 1:15 left before the frenzied final minute.“A 20-point lead in this league, it's not safe, especially against the defending champion,” James said. “We've got to do better. But we had our chances.”