⛳ High School Girls District Golf Results - Monday, October 3 Click the links for results

<a href="https://secure.nsaahome.org/nsaaforms/go/finaldistresults.php?sport=go_g&amp;distid=93">Class B-4 Results at Ogallala</a>

<a href="https://secure.nsaahome.org/nsaaforms/go/finaldistresults.php?sport=go_g&amp;distid=98">Class C-5 Results at Kimball</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629461621684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>⛳ High School Girls District Golf Results - Monday, October 3 Click the links for results<a href="https://secure.nsaahome.org/nsaaforms/go/finaldistresults.php?sport=go_g&amp;distid=93">Class B-4 Results at Ogallala</a><a href="https://secure.nsaahome.org/nsaaforms/go/finaldistresults.php?sport=go_g&amp;distid=98">Class C-5 Results at Kimball</a>

⛳ High School Girls District Golf Results - Monday, October 3

🥎 High School Scoreboard - Monday, October 3

Chadron &amp; Scottsbluff advance to District Championship games, which will be announced in the near future

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598106120087.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>🥎 High School Scoreboard - Monday, October 3C-10 Subdistricts at ChadronF|&nbsp; #12 Chadron 12, #4 Bayard 0F|&nbsp; #2 Hershey 7, #3 Chase County 5F| Chadron 14, Hershey 0B-10 Subdistricts in ScottsbluffF| #3 Alliance 12, #2 Gering 1F| #1 Scottsbluff 14, Alliance 1Chadron &amp; Scottsbluff advance to District Championship games, which will be announced in the near future

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Russell Wilson had his most productive day with the Broncos, but it wasn't enough to overcome numerous mistakes and an awful third quarter by Denver's offense in a 32-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

“I thought we battled in a tough environment. ... I thought we did some really great things in the first half, we really executed well and made some big plays,” said Wilson, who completed 17 of 25 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. “And then in the third quarter, we hurt ourselves.”

The Broncos' totals for that quarter: 11 offensive plays for 7 yards over three possessions, all of which ended in punts.

To its credit, Denver’s defense responded by limiting the Raiders to one field goal in the third quarter. But the offense couldn't stay on the field.

Denver, which came into the game converting 37% of its third downs, was a dismal 3 for 11 (27%) on Sunday, with seven of those attempts coming on third-and-8 or longer.

“You don’t want to be in those situations,” Wilson said. “It’s a game of trying to stay on schedule, obviously. Especially going against a good team and tough rivalry. If we could just stay on schedule in those situations, we’ll give ourselves a really good chance.

“I think the biggest thing is that the third quarter, we kind of hurt ourselves — that’s the game.”

The Broncos also wasted three opportunities with good field position — twice in the second quarter when they kicked a field goal and when Melvin Gordon III fumbled, leading to a touchdown by Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson — and once in the third quarter.

“We set ourselves back,” receiver Courtland Sutton said. “Yes, we had those times in the game where we had prime field position and we took advantage of a couple of those. We didn’t take advantage of all of them, we took advantage of a couple of them. But the times that we’re starting on the 25, we gotta go put a job together. We can’t go out there and have a hold on first down, hold on second down. Those are the things that are taking us off schedule.”

Denver, which came into the game with a league-high 30 penalties for 236 yards, was penalized seven times for 50 yards.

Despite their miscues, turnovers, penalties, and finishing with less than 300 yards of offense for a second straight game, the Broncos made it close late. Wilson ran for a 3-yard touchdown that cut the Raiders’ lead to 25-23 after torching the Raiders’ secondary with a 55-yard pass to KJ Hamler on the previous play.

Wilson joined Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Joe Flacco as active quarterbacks to reach the 38,000-yard mark. Sutton caught five passes for 52 yards and a touchdown and is off to the best start of his career with 24 receptions and 343 yards through four games.

But Denver couldn't stop the Raiders' Josh Jacobs, who finished with a career-high 144 yards rushing and two touchdowns, including a 7-yard scamper with 2:07 left that put the game away.

“We’ll have to study the film, figure out where we can get better. I think it’s gonna be simple,” Wilson said. “Just try to stay away from penalties, and staying on schedule. That’s probably the biggest part of this game, and then just keep believing each other.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664803922748.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Russell Wilson had his most productive day with the Broncos, but it wasn't enough to overcome numerous mistakes and an awful third quarter by Denver's offense in a 32-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.“I thought we battled in a tough environment. ... I thought we did some really great things in the first half, we really executed well and made some big plays,” said Wilson, who completed 17 of 25 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. “And then in the third quarter, we hurt ourselves.”The Broncos' totals for that quarter: 11 offensive plays for 7 yards over three possessions, all of which ended in punts.To its credit, Denver’s defense responded by limiting the Raiders to one field goal in the third quarter. But the offense couldn't stay on the field.Denver, which came into the game converting 37% of its third downs, was a dismal 3 for 11 (27%) on Sunday, with seven of those attempts coming on third-and-8 or longer.“You don’t want to be in those situations,” Wilson said. “It’s a game of trying to stay on schedule, obviously. Especially going against a good team and tough rivalry. If we could just stay on schedule in those situations, we’ll give ourselves a really good chance.“I think the biggest thing is that the third quarter, we kind of hurt ourselves — that’s the game.”The Broncos also wasted three opportunities with good field position — twice in the second quarter when they kicked a field goal and when Melvin Gordon III fumbled, leading to a touchdown by Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson — and once in the third quarter.“We set ourselves back,” receiver Courtland Sutton said. “Yes, we had those times in the game where we had prime field position and we took advantage of a couple of those. We didn’t take advantage of all of them, we took advantage of a couple of them. But the times that we’re starting on the 25, we gotta go put a job together. We can’t go out there and have a hold on first down, hold on second down. Those are the things that are taking us off schedule.”Denver, which came into the game with a league-high 30 penalties for 236 yards, was penalized seven times for 50 yards.Despite their miscues, turnovers, penalties, and finishing with less than 300 yards of offense for a second straight game, the Broncos made it close late. Wilson ran for a 3-yard touchdown that cut the Raiders’ lead to 25-23 after torching the Raiders’ secondary with a 55-yard pass to KJ Hamler on the previous play.Wilson joined Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Joe Flacco as active quarterbacks to reach the 38,000-yard mark. Sutton caught five passes for 52 yards and a touchdown and is off to the best start of his career with 24 receptions and 343 yards through four games.But Denver couldn't stop the Raiders' Josh Jacobs, who finished with a career-high 144 yards rushing and two touchdowns, including a 7-yard scamper with 2:07 left that put the game away.“We’ll have to study the film, figure out where we can get better. I think it’s gonna be simple,” Wilson said. “Just try to stay away from penalties, and staying on schedule. That’s probably the biggest part of this game, and then just keep believing each other.”

Ugly third quarter costs Broncos in Vegas

&nbsp; The Chadron State College volleyball team was unable to get a road win against Adams State University in Alamosa on Saturday afternoon, falling in three sets (18-25, 27-29, 21-25). The Eagles drop their record to 7-10, and 5-3 in the RMAC. In the first set, ASU jumped out to a 7-3 before CSC rallied back to tie the game at eight, off a kill from junior&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4331">Rylee Greiman</a>. The Grizzlies pulled ahead on a 10-3 run to go up 18-11.&nbsp; The Eagles were able to get the game back within five at 16-21, but the Grizzlies were able to stop the momentum the Eagles started, and they went on a 4-2 run to end the set. In the second, the Eagles led for 34 of the first 35 rallies, by a margin of two to five points. Their biggest advantage came at 16-11, but the Grizzlies were able to answer and tie the game at 18-18, off an attack error from Harvey. Adams was able to take the lead at 24-23 but the Eagles would not go down without a fight. Keeping it within a point Adams was able to tie the game at 24 all, forcing the match to extra points. At 27-28, a kill from ASU's Madeleine Benally gave the second set to the Grizzlies.&nbsp; The third set started off with the Grizzlies jumping out to a 6-1 lead. The Eagles were able to battle back and tie the game at six from a solo block by freshman middle&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8451">Bella Adams</a>. The teams battled back and forth and tied the set eight different times. The Eagles were able to take the lead late at 20-18, but they could not hold on. ASU went on a 7-1 run to end the game and take the match. The Eagles had a better hitting percentage than their last road trip, hitting .228, with a total of 38 kills. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8433">Aiyana Fujiyama</a>&nbsp;had a hitting percentage of .300, along with freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8451">Bella Adams</a>.&nbsp; In total kills,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8436">Amber Harvey</a>&nbsp;had 11, and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8447">Mayson Fago</a>&nbsp;had eight of her own.&nbsp; Defensively, Harvey and Adams led the team with two blocks.&nbsp; The Eagles recorded seven blocks on the night. CSC also recorded 52 digs with freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8446">Kiera Alfred</a>&nbsp;recording 20.&nbsp; CSC will host MSU Denver on Friday October 7, and Colorado Christian on Saturday October 8, at the Chicoine Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NMH ends CSC's five-match RMAC win streak

&nbsp; The Chadron State College volleyball team took its second loss in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule, to drop to 5-2 in the league standings, and 7-9 overall, in three sets (25-16, 25-19, 25-23) on the road at New Mexico Highlands. The Cowgirls evened the season series against the Eagles at 1-1. The loss snapped a five-match streak in the RMAC for the Eagles. "We can't get complacent with how we've been playing these past few weeks," said CSC Head Volleyball Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/coaches.aspx?rc=522">Jennifer Stadler</a>. "We still have a lot of things to get better at, and our focus needs to be on our improvement. Unfortunately, we didn't play to our abilities tonight, and Highlands played a good match." The Eagles struggled with their offense, hitting .042. sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8436">Amber Harvey</a>&nbsp;and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8451">Bella Adams</a>&nbsp;led the team with seven and six kills respectively. Adams hit .417 on the night. The Cowgirls hit .220 on the night totaling 42 kills compared to the Eagles' 27. The Eagles also struggled defensively, as sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8433">Aiyana Fujiyama</a>&nbsp;only had two blocks on the night. The Eagles only recorded four blocks for the match. The Cowgirls opened up on an 8-0 run to open up the first set. NMHU recorded three serving aces and had two kills from Jontara West. The Eagles never recovered. They trimmed the lead down to 13-19 but that was the closest the Eagles got to a comeback. An attack error from junior&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4331">Rylee Greiman</a>&nbsp;gave the point need for NMHU to take the first set. New Mexico Highlands opened the second set on a 3-0 run before the Eagles fought back and took the lead at 4-3. Both teams went back and forth as there were two lead changes and three ties before the set was tied at 10-10. NMHU went on a 10-5 run sparked by a kill from Terayah Stukes to go up 20-15. CSC was not able to catch up as they were only able to score four more points before another attack error by the Eagles gave the final point to NMHU. CSC jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the third set. A 4-0 run put NMHU back in it and tied the set at 10-10. NMHU got its first lead at 11-12 off a kill from Terayah Stukes. Both teams battled it out as neither team led by more than three for most of the period. The Eagles took a three-point lead at 16-13 from an&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8436">Amber Harvey</a>&nbsp;kill. They were able to hold off the Cowgirls, until CSC took a 22-18 lead, but NMHU went on a 7-1 run to end the set and take the match. The Eagles will visit Adams State on Saturday October, 1st.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664727836114.jpeg" alt="CSC VB 2022" />
 <figcaption>CSC VB 2022</figcaption>
 </figure>BY: BROCK VOTH CSC Sports Information&nbsp; The Chadron State College volleyball team was unable to get a road win against Adams State University in Alamosa on Saturday afternoon, falling in three sets (18-25, 27-29, 21-25). The Eagles drop their record to 7-10, and 5-3 in the RMAC. In the first set, ASU jumped out to a 7-3 before CSC rallied back to tie the game at eight, off a kill from junior&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4331">Rylee Greiman</a>. The Grizzlies pulled ahead on a 10-3 run to go up 18-11.&nbsp; The Eagles were able to get the game back within five at 16-21, but the Grizzlies were able to stop the momentum the Eagles started, and they went on a 4-2 run to end the set. In the second, the Eagles led for 34 of the first 35 rallies, by a margin of two to five points. Their biggest advantage came at 16-11, but the Grizzlies were able to answer and tie the game at 18-18, off an attack error from Harvey. Adams was able to take the lead at 24-23 but the Eagles would not go down without a fight. Keeping it within a point Adams was able to tie the game at 24 all, forcing the match to extra points. At 27-28, a kill from ASU's Madeleine Benally gave the second set to the Grizzlies.&nbsp; The third set started off with the Grizzlies jumping out to a 6-1 lead. The Eagles were able to battle back and tie the game at six from a solo block by freshman middle&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8451">Bella Adams</a>. The teams battled back and forth and tied the set eight different times. The Eagles were able to take the lead late at 20-18, but they could not hold on. ASU went on a 7-1 run to end the game and take the match. The Eagles had a better hitting percentage than their last road trip, hitting .228, with a total of 38 kills. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8433">Aiyana Fujiyama</a>&nbsp;had a hitting percentage of .300, along with freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8451">Bella Adams</a>.&nbsp; In total kills,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8436">Amber Harvey</a>&nbsp;had 11, and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8447">Mayson Fago</a>&nbsp;had eight of her own.&nbsp; Defensively, Harvey and Adams led the team with two blocks.&nbsp; The Eagles recorded seven blocks on the night. CSC also recorded 52 digs with freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8446">Kiera Alfred</a>&nbsp;recording 20.&nbsp; CSC will host MSU Denver on Friday October 7, and Colorado Christian on Saturday October 8, at the Chicoine Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>NMH ends CSC's five-match RMAC win streak</h2>&nbsp; The Chadron State College volleyball team took its second loss in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule, to drop to 5-2 in the league standings, and 7-9 overall, in three sets (25-16, 25-19, 25-23) on the road at New Mexico Highlands. The Cowgirls evened the season series against the Eagles at 1-1. The loss snapped a five-match streak in the RMAC for the Eagles. "We can't get complacent with how we've been playing these past few weeks," said CSC Head Volleyball Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/coaches.aspx?rc=522">Jennifer Stadler</a>. "We still have a lot of things to get better at, and our focus needs to be on our improvement. Unfortunately, we didn't play to our abilities tonight, and Highlands played a good match." The Eagles struggled with their offense, hitting .042. sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8436">Amber Harvey</a>&nbsp;and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8451">Bella Adams</a>&nbsp;led the team with seven and six kills respectively. Adams hit .417 on the night. The Cowgirls hit .220 on the night totaling 42 kills compared to the Eagles' 27. The Eagles also struggled defensively, as sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8433">Aiyana Fujiyama</a>&nbsp;only had two blocks on the night. The Eagles only recorded four blocks for the match. The Cowgirls opened up on an 8-0 run to open up the first set. NMHU recorded three serving aces and had two kills from Jontara West. The Eagles never recovered. They trimmed the lead down to 13-19 but that was the closest the Eagles got to a comeback. An attack error from junior&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4331">Rylee Greiman</a>&nbsp;gave the point need for NMHU to take the first set. New Mexico Highlands opened the second set on a 3-0 run before the Eagles fought back and took the lead at 4-3. Both teams went back and forth as there were two lead changes and three ties before the set was tied at 10-10. NMHU went on a 10-5 run sparked by a kill from Terayah Stukes to go up 20-15. CSC was not able to catch up as they were only able to score four more points before another attack error by the Eagles gave the final point to NMHU. CSC jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the third set. A 4-0 run put NMHU back in it and tied the set at 10-10. NMHU got its first lead at 11-12 off a kill from Terayah Stukes. Both teams battled it out as neither team led by more than three for most of the period. The Eagles took a three-point lead at 16-13 from an&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8436">Amber Harvey</a>&nbsp;kill. They were able to hold off the Cowgirls, until CSC took a 22-18 lead, but NMHU went on a 7-1 run to end the set and take the match. The Eagles will visit Adams State on Saturday October, 1st.

Disappointing road trip ends in two sweeps for Chadron State

By: CON MARSHALL CSC Sports Information

&nbsp; CHADRON, Neb. -- October, 1, 2022 -- Chadron State scored the first nine points during the Eagles' homecoming football game Saturday afternoon, but did not score again, as nationally-ranked Colorado Mines Orediggers rolled to a 45-9 victory in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference contest. The Orediggers were scoreless in the first quarter, when they were forced to punt, had a pass intercepted and missed a field goal. They also had to punt again early in the second period, but scored three touchdowns and added a field goal on their next four second period possessions to build a 24-9 halftime lead. Now 3-2 for the season and 3-0 in the conference, Mines also scored the first two times it had the ball in the third quarter, added another TD in the fourth. The Orediggers finished with 476 total net yards, almost exactly twice the Eagles' figure. As is his habit, senior quarterback John Matocha was masterful while directing the Mines offense. Yes, the Eagles' defense sacked him twice and his first interception of the season after throwing more than 130 passes this fall led to Chadron State's field goal that opened the scoring. But, for the game the senior from Texas completed 24 of 32 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns while getting plenty of help from a stout offensive line and receivers with a knack of getting open Matocha had completed six of his first seven passes before his eighth toss was tipped and then grabbed by Chadron State linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4587">Xavier Harrell</a>&nbsp;at the Orediggers' 38.&nbsp; With Chadron State's No. 3 quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8268">Preston Pearson</a>, a redshirt freshman, at the controls because both of the signal callers ahead of him on the depth chart—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8322">Heath Beemiller</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4585">Mason Hamilton</a>—are injured, the Eagles soon made two of their biggest plays of the game. Pearson pitched the ball to true freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8290">Tommy Thomas</a>&nbsp;on an end around play for a 12-yard gain and connected with sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4622">Grant Swenson</a>&nbsp;on a 29-yard pass that carried to the Mines four.&nbsp;&nbsp; That's where the drive died and Chadron State had to settle for&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8248">Gunnar Jones'</a>&nbsp;20-yard field goal with 5:48 left in the opening quarter. Mines missed a 43-yard field goal as time was running out in the first frame. On the second play after taking possession, Pearson, a southpaw from Kearney, hit wide receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8239">Ahlonte Hair</a>&nbsp;with a 38-yard pass that carried to the visitors' 34. Chadron State tailback&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8219">Dorian Collier</a>&nbsp;ripped off a 17-yard run on the first play of the second quarter, then caught Pearson's pass along the north sideline and fought his way into the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown.&nbsp; Although the extra point attempt was blocked, the Eagles led 9-0. The Eagles forced another punt on Mines' next possession, but after being called for holding, Chadron State also had to punt. The Orediggers' Mason Pierce returned the ball 43 yards to the CSC 28. Three plays later, Matocha hit wide receiver Max McLeod with a touchdown strike in the back of the end zone for their team's first touchdown. On the Eagles' ensuing possession, their punt was blocked at their own 35. After a first down on three running plays and Matocha's 15-yard pass to his favorite receiver, Josh Johnston, the Mines quarterback hit tight end Kenny Wright with a five-yard TD pass. Mines scored again in short order after Pearson's pass was intercepted by Matt Minnehan and returned 19 yards to the Chadron State eight.&nbsp; With lineman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8417">Blayke De La Rosa</a>&nbsp;leading the way, the Eagles showed some feistiness by sacking Matocha for a nine-yard loss, but passes of 12 yards to Mason Karp and five to alternate running back Landon Walker in the corner of the end zone put Mines ahead 21-9. It appeared the 0-5 Eagles might retaliate late in the first half.&nbsp; Pearson's passes to Thomas and tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4596">Peter Krohn</a>&nbsp;along with a roughing the passer penalty on the toss to Krohn, gave Chadron State a first down at the Mines 33.&nbsp; However, the Eagles' next pass was intercepted by safety Jaden Williams, who returned the pick 37 yards. CSC also was assessed 15 yards for sideline interference on the return, and Matocha connected with McLeod on a 23-yard pass that carried to the CSC 10.&nbsp; With just three seconds left on the clock, Mines settled for a 26-yard field goal by Matt Eich that made the halftime score 24-9. The difference continued to grow in the third quarter, when Matocha hooked up with Johnston, on an 84-yard pass play for a touchdown. Soon afterwards, the same pair connected on a 41-yard gain that was cashed in by Walker's 12-yard rumble. The game's final touchdown came with 10:30 to play when Chris Yoo ran the final 10 yards to wrap up an 11-play, 80-yard drive that saw Matocha complete five consecutive passes for 61 yards. Johnston caught five passes for 156 yards while McLeod had six for 79. The Orediggers' all-star tailback, Michael Zeman, carried six times for 28 yards in the first quarter and did not play again. Walker was the primary replacement and became the game's leading rusher with 11 carries for 45 yards. Pearson will undoubtedly long remember his first college start that was played before a large crowd and against one of the top teams in Division II with more than 30 seniors on the roster.&nbsp; He was sacked seven times and picked off twice but completed 17 of 27 passes for 183 yards and one touchdown. Chadron State Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/coaches.aspx?rc=503">Jay Long</a>&nbsp;said Pearson is among the players on his young team who are learning and will get better each week. "We've got eliminate turnovers and not make so many mistakes," the coach said.&nbsp; "We've played a tough schedule and I'm sure we'll have more success the second half of the season." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CSM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CSC &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First Downs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 11 Total Net Yards&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 476&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 233 Rushes, Yards&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 35-116&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 32-50 Passing Yard&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 360&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 183 Passing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 28-36-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 17-27-2 Return Yards&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 137 &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 24 Punts, Average&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4-39.5&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9-37.8&nbsp; Fumbles, Lost&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 0-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1-0 Penalties, Yards&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 7-70&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 7-53 Colorado Mines&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0 &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ---45 Chadron State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ----9 CSC—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8248">Gunnar Jones</a>&nbsp;20 field goal CSC—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8219">Dorian Collier</a>&nbsp;12 pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8268">Preston Pearson</a>&nbsp;(kick failed) CSM—Max McLeod 29 pass from John Matocha (Matt Eich kick) CSM—Kenny Wright 5 pass from Matocha (Eich kick) CSM—Landon Walker 5 pass from Matocha (Eich kick) CSM—Eich 26 field goal CSM—Josh Johnston 84 pass from Matocha (Eich kick) CSM—Walker 12 run&nbsp; (Eich kick) CSM—Chris Yoo 10 run&nbsp; (Eich kick) Rushing: CSM—Landon Walker 11-45, Michael Zeman 6-28, John Matocha 9-14, Chris Yoo 6-21, Evan Foster 2-3, Jack Lowry 1-minus 6. CSC—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8219">Dorian Collier</a>&nbsp;8-28,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4235">Ali Musa</a>&nbsp;2-15, Jalen Sarks 7-13,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8290">Tommy Thomas</a>&nbsp;1-12.&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8206">Rylan Aguallo</a>&nbsp;1-3,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8268">Preston Pearson</a>&nbsp;13-minus 20. Passing: CSM—John Matocha 24-32-1, 306 yards, 4 TDs; Evan Foster 4-4-0, 41 yards.&nbsp; CSC—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8268">Preston Pearson</a>&nbsp;17-27-2, 183 yards, 1 TD. Receiving: CSM—Josh Johnston 5-156, Max McLeod 6-79, Mason Karp 6-31, Sean Roberts 3-32, Zach Hoffman 2-23, Landon Walker 2-14, Kenny Wright 2-13, Robert Valenzuela 1-8, Josh Krause 1-4. CSC—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4596">Peter Krohn</a>&nbsp;5-29,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8290">Tommy Thomas</a>&nbsp;3-26,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8239">Ahlonte Hair</a>&nbsp;2-44,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4622">Grant Swenson</a>&nbsp;2-40,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4235">Ali Musa</a>&nbsp;1-21,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8219">Dorian Collier</a>&nbsp;2-17,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8204">Ro Abercrombie</a>&nbsp;1-3,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4621">Jalen Starks</a>&nbsp;1-3.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: CON MARSHALL CSC Sports Information&nbsp; CHADRON, Neb. -- October, 1, 2022 -- Chadron State scored the first nine points during the Eagles' homecoming football game Saturday afternoon, but did not score again, as nationally-ranked Colorado Mines Orediggers rolled to a 45-9 victory in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference contest. The Orediggers were scoreless in the first quarter, when they were forced to punt, had a pass intercepted and missed a field goal. They also had to punt again early in the second period, but scored three touchdowns and added a field goal on their next four second period possessions to build a 24-9 halftime lead. Now 3-2 for the season and 3-0 in the conference, Mines also scored the first two times it had the ball in the third quarter, added another TD in the fourth. The Orediggers finished with 476 total net yards, almost exactly twice the Eagles' figure. As is his habit, senior quarterback John Matocha was masterful while directing the Mines offense. Yes, the Eagles' defense sacked him twice and his first interception of the season after throwing more than 130 passes this fall led to Chadron State's field goal that opened the scoring. But, for the game the senior from Texas completed 24 of 32 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns while getting plenty of help from a stout offensive line and receivers with a knack of getting open Matocha had completed six of his first seven passes before his eighth toss was tipped and then grabbed by Chadron State linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4587">Xavier Harrell</a>&nbsp;at the Orediggers' 38.&nbsp; With Chadron State's No. 3 quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8268">Preston Pearson</a>, a redshirt freshman, at the controls because both of the signal callers ahead of him on the depth chart—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8322">Heath Beemiller</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4585">Mason Hamilton</a>—are injured, the Eagles soon made two of their biggest plays of the game. Pearson pitched the ball to true freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8290">Tommy Thomas</a>&nbsp;on an end around play for a 12-yard gain and connected with sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4622">Grant Swenson</a>&nbsp;on a 29-yard pass that carried to the Mines four.&nbsp;&nbsp; That's where the drive died and Chadron State had to settle for&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8248">Gunnar Jones'</a>&nbsp;20-yard field goal with 5:48 left in the opening quarter. Mines missed a 43-yard field goal as time was running out in the first frame. On the second play after taking possession, Pearson, a southpaw from Kearney, hit wide receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8239">Ahlonte Hair</a>&nbsp;with a 38-yard pass that carried to the visitors' 34. Chadron State tailback&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8219">Dorian Collier</a>&nbsp;ripped off a 17-yard run on the first play of the second quarter, then caught Pearson's pass along the north sideline and fought his way into the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown.&nbsp; Although the extra point attempt was blocked, the Eagles led 9-0. The Eagles forced another punt on Mines' next possession, but after being called for holding, Chadron State also had to punt. The Orediggers' Mason Pierce returned the ball 43 yards to the CSC 28. Three plays later, Matocha hit wide receiver Max McLeod with a touchdown strike in the back of the end zone for their team's first touchdown. On the Eagles' ensuing possession, their punt was blocked at their own 35. After a first down on three running plays and Matocha's 15-yard pass to his favorite receiver, Josh Johnston, the Mines quarterback hit tight end Kenny Wright with a five-yard TD pass. Mines scored again in short order after Pearson's pass was intercepted by Matt Minnehan and returned 19 yards to the Chadron State eight.&nbsp; With lineman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8417">Blayke De La Rosa</a>&nbsp;leading the way, the Eagles showed some feistiness by sacking Matocha for a nine-yard loss, but passes of 12 yards to Mason Karp and five to alternate running back Landon Walker in the corner of the end zone put Mines ahead 21-9. It appeared the 0-5 Eagles might retaliate late in the first half.&nbsp; Pearson's passes to Thomas and tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4596">Peter Krohn</a>&nbsp;along with a roughing the passer penalty on the toss to Krohn, gave Chadron State a first down at the Mines 33.&nbsp; However, the Eagles' next pass was intercepted by safety Jaden Williams, who returned the pick 37 yards. CSC also was assessed 15 yards for sideline interference on the return, and Matocha connected with McLeod on a 23-yard pass that carried to the CSC 10.&nbsp; With just three seconds left on the clock, Mines settled for a 26-yard field goal by Matt Eich that made the halftime score 24-9. The difference continued to grow in the third quarter, when Matocha hooked up with Johnston, on an 84-yard pass play for a touchdown. Soon afterwards, the same pair connected on a 41-yard gain that was cashed in by Walker's 12-yard rumble. The game's final touchdown came with 10:30 to play when Chris Yoo ran the final 10 yards to wrap up an 11-play, 80-yard drive that saw Matocha complete five consecutive passes for 61 yards. Johnston caught five passes for 156 yards while McLeod had six for 79. The Orediggers' all-star tailback, Michael Zeman, carried six times for 28 yards in the first quarter and did not play again. Walker was the primary replacement and became the game's leading rusher with 11 carries for 45 yards. Pearson will undoubtedly long remember his first college start that was played before a large crowd and against one of the top teams in Division II with more than 30 seniors on the roster.&nbsp; He was sacked seven times and picked off twice but completed 17 of 27 passes for 183 yards and one touchdown. Chadron State Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/coaches.aspx?rc=503">Jay Long</a>&nbsp;said Pearson is among the players on his young team who are learning and will get better each week. "We've got eliminate turnovers and not make so many mistakes," the coach said.&nbsp; "We've played a tough schedule and I'm sure we'll have more success the second half of the season." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CSM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CSC &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First Downs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 11 Total Net Yards&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 476&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 233 Rushes, Yards&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 35-116&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 32-50 Passing Yard&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 360&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 183 Passing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 28-36-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 17-27-2 Return Yards&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 137 &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 24 Punts, Average&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4-39.5&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9-37.8&nbsp; Fumbles, Lost&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 0-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1-0 Penalties, Yards&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 7-70&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 7-53 Colorado Mines&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0 &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ---45 Chadron State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ----9 CSC—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8248">Gunnar Jones</a>&nbsp;20 field goal CSC—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8219">Dorian Collier</a>&nbsp;12 pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8268">Preston Pearson</a>&nbsp;(kick failed) CSM—Max McLeod 29 pass from John Matocha (Matt Eich kick) CSM—Kenny Wright 5 pass from Matocha (Eich kick) CSM—Landon Walker 5 pass from Matocha (Eich kick) CSM—Eich 26 field goal CSM—Josh Johnston 84 pass from Matocha (Eich kick) CSM—Walker 12 run&nbsp; (Eich kick) CSM—Chris Yoo 10 run&nbsp; (Eich kick) Rushing: CSM—Landon Walker 11-45, Michael Zeman 6-28, John Matocha 9-14, Chris Yoo 6-21, Evan Foster 2-3, Jack Lowry 1-minus 6. CSC—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8219">Dorian Collier</a>&nbsp;8-28,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4235">Ali Musa</a>&nbsp;2-15, Jalen Sarks 7-13,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8290">Tommy Thomas</a>&nbsp;1-12.&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8206">Rylan Aguallo</a>&nbsp;1-3,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8268">Preston Pearson</a>&nbsp;13-minus 20. Passing: CSM—John Matocha 24-32-1, 306 yards, 4 TDs; Evan Foster 4-4-0, 41 yards.&nbsp; CSC—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8268">Preston Pearson</a>&nbsp;17-27-2, 183 yards, 1 TD. Receiving: CSM—Josh Johnston 5-156, Max McLeod 6-79, Mason Karp 6-31, Sean Roberts 3-32, Zach Hoffman 2-23, Landon Walker 2-14, Kenny Wright 2-13, Robert Valenzuela 1-8, Josh Krause 1-4. CSC—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4596">Peter Krohn</a>&nbsp;5-29,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8290">Tommy Thomas</a>&nbsp;3-26,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8239">Ahlonte Hair</a>&nbsp;2-44,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4622">Grant Swenson</a>&nbsp;2-40,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4235">Ali Musa</a>&nbsp;1-21,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8219">Dorian Collier</a>&nbsp;2-17,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8204">Ro Abercrombie</a>&nbsp;1-3,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4621">Jalen Starks</a>&nbsp;1-3.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Eagles scare #22 Mines early but fall 45-9 on Homecoming

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Casey Thompson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another and Nebraska beat a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent for the first time in 364 days with a 35-21 victory over Indiana on Saturday night.

Thompson, benched for a series in the first half and shaken up on a big hit in the third quarter, threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Trey Palmer early in the fourth to break a 21-all tie and followed with a 1-yard run to give the Cornhuskers a two-score cushion.

The win ended a nine-game losing streak against FBS opponents — the Huskers' previous one was against Northwestern on October 2, 2021 — and was Mickey Joseph’s first since he was named interim head coach following the firing of Scott Frost on Sept. 11.

“I love Mickey. I want to ride with Mickey,” defensive end Garrett Nelson said. “He was put in a tough situation and he’s flourished in that spot.”

The Huskers (2-3, 1-1 Big Ten) broke open the game in the fourth quarter as Thompson came through with big plays during what had been an up-and-down performance.

Palmer had a couple steps on Phillip Dunnam as he ran his post pattern on a third-and-9 and caught the ball in stride for a 28-21 lead with 13:43 left.

“My number got called. I made the play. That’s what I’m here for,” Palmer said.

The touchdown gave Palmer the first 100-yard receiving game of his career. The fourth-year player, who transferred from LSU after last season, finished with eight catches for 157 yards.

After Indiana (3-2, 1-1) went three-and-out, Thompson led a 12-play, 54-yard drive that chewed more than six minutes off the clock. He completed three short passes and handed off to Anthony Grant seven times for 31 yards before he ran in for the final margin. Grant finished with 136 yards on 32 carries.

The Huskers held Indiana to 290 yards and had three sacks and six quarterback hurries in Bill Busch's first game as interim defensive coordinator.

“We're finally realizing what we are as a defense,” Nelson said. “Great win. We showed what we can do. Got to carry that over to the coming weeks.”

Thompson gave the Huskers a scare in the third quarter when he held his right shoulder area after James Head Jr. put a big hit on him. Chubba Purdy, whose fumble in the end zone led to an Indiana touchdown in the first half, took over for one play on the next series and then Thompson returned.

Thompson was 18 of 27 for 270 yards with an interception to go with his two TD passes. Indiana's Connor Bazelak was 22 of 44 for 223 yards with a touchdown and interception.

The teams combined for 23 penalties for 202 yards, one of the most flag-filled FBS games of the season.

Indiana scored twice in the final 3:09 of the second quarter to go into halftime tied 21-all.

Indiana: The Hoosiers were hamstrung on offense because their top two receivers, Cam Camper and D.J. Matthews, were out with injuries.

“Obviously, they’re huge parts of our offense,” Bazelak said. “So it was tough not having them, but we had some guys step up and we made some plays but we've got to find ways to make more.”

Nebraska: The Huskers were able to win despite spurts of undisciplined play and periods of stagnant offense.

Thompson got chewed out on the sideline by enraged offensive coordinator Mark Whipple after taking a drive-killing sack in the second quarter. Thompson was on the bench when Nebraska got the ball back at its 10.

Whipple was sending Thompson a message, but it came with a cost. On third down Purdy fumbled while a blitzing Louis Moore began pulling him down, and Myles Jackson recovered for a TD.

Nebraska’s Chris Kolarevic blocked James Evans’ second-quarter punt and Malcolm Hartzog picked up the ball with a clear path to the end zone for a 30-yard touchdown. It was Nebraska’s first blocked punt returned for a touchdown since 2009.

Nebraska offensive lineman Turner Corcoran was ejected late in the second quarter after getting called for unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct on consecutive plays.

Corcoran charged into the pile after Thompson's facemask was pulled while going down, negating the penalty on the Hoosiers. On the next play Corcoran punched Aaron Casey while the linebacker was on the ground.

Indiana: Hosts No. 4 Michigan on Saturday.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664727474620.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Casey Thompson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another and Nebraska beat a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent for the first time in 364 days with a 35-21 victory over Indiana on Saturday night.Thompson, benched for a series in the first half and shaken up on a big hit in the third quarter, threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Trey Palmer early in the fourth to break a 21-all tie and followed with a 1-yard run to give the Cornhuskers a two-score cushion.The win ended a nine-game losing streak against FBS opponents — the Huskers' previous one was against Northwestern on October 2, 2021 — and was Mickey Joseph’s first since he was named interim head coach following the firing of Scott Frost on Sept. 11.“I love Mickey. I want to ride with Mickey,” defensive end Garrett Nelson said. “He was put in a tough situation and he’s flourished in that spot.”The Huskers (2-3, 1-1 Big Ten) broke open the game in the fourth quarter as Thompson came through with big plays during what had been an up-and-down performance.Palmer had a couple steps on Phillip Dunnam as he ran his post pattern on a third-and-9 and caught the ball in stride for a 28-21 lead with 13:43 left.“My number got called. I made the play. That’s what I’m here for,” Palmer said.The touchdown gave Palmer the first 100-yard receiving game of his career. The fourth-year player, who transferred from LSU after last season, finished with eight catches for 157 yards.After Indiana (3-2, 1-1) went three-and-out, Thompson led a 12-play, 54-yard drive that chewed more than six minutes off the clock. He completed three short passes and handed off to Anthony Grant seven times for 31 yards before he ran in for the final margin. Grant finished with 136 yards on 32 carries.The Huskers held Indiana to 290 yards and had three sacks and six quarterback hurries in Bill Busch's first game as interim defensive coordinator.“We're finally realizing what we are as a defense,” Nelson said. “Great win. We showed what we can do. Got to carry that over to the coming weeks.”Thompson gave the Huskers a scare in the third quarter when he held his right shoulder area after James Head Jr. put a big hit on him. Chubba Purdy, whose fumble in the end zone led to an Indiana touchdown in the first half, took over for one play on the next series and then Thompson returned.Thompson was 18 of 27 for 270 yards with an interception to go with his two TD passes. Indiana's Connor Bazelak was 22 of 44 for 223 yards with a touchdown and interception.The teams combined for 23 penalties for 202 yards, one of the most flag-filled FBS games of the season.Indiana scored twice in the final 3:09 of the second quarter to go into halftime tied 21-all.THE TAKEAWAYIndiana: The Hoosiers were hamstrung on offense because their top two receivers, Cam Camper and D.J. Matthews, were out with injuries.“Obviously, they’re huge parts of our offense,” Bazelak said. “So it was tough not having them, but we had some guys step up and we made some plays but we've got to find ways to make more.”Nebraska: The Huskers were able to win despite spurts of undisciplined play and periods of stagnant offense.BAWLED OUTThompson got chewed out on the sideline by enraged offensive coordinator Mark Whipple after taking a drive-killing sack in the second quarter. Thompson was on the bench when Nebraska got the ball back at its 10.Whipple was sending Thompson a message, but it came with a cost. On third down Purdy fumbled while a blitzing Louis Moore began pulling him down, and Myles Jackson recovered for a TD.BLOCK THAT PUNTNebraska’s Chris Kolarevic blocked James Evans’ second-quarter punt and Malcolm Hartzog picked up the ball with a clear path to the end zone for a 30-yard touchdown. It was Nebraska’s first blocked punt returned for a touchdown since 2009.ROUGH STUFFNebraska offensive lineman Turner Corcoran was ejected late in the second quarter after getting called for unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct on consecutive plays.Corcoran charged into the pile after Thompson's facemask was pulled while going down, negating the penalty on the Hoosiers. On the next play Corcoran punched Aaron Casey while the linebacker was on the ground.UP NEXTIndiana: Hosts No. 4 Michigan on Saturday.Nebraska: Visits Rutgers on Friday.

Huskers handle Hoosiers 35-21

🏐 High School Volleyball Scoreboard - Thursday, September 29

Western Trails Conference Tournament

Gordon/Rushville def. Kimball, 18-25, 25-18, 25-21

Bayard def. Gordon/Rushville, 25-19, 25-16

Kimball def. Morrill, 17-25, 25-19, 25-17

Mitchell def. Morrill, 20-25, 25-15, 25-22

Gordon/Rushville def. Bridgeport, 25-22, 25-20

Hemingford def. Bridgeport, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22

F| Leyton def. Arthur County, 25-12, 25-15, 15-25, 20-25, 15-12 (3-2)

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>🏐 High School Volleyball Scoreboard - Thursday, September 29Western Trails Conference TournamentBridgeport def. Mitchell, 25-15, 25-11Gordon/Rushville def. Kimball, 18-25, 25-18, 25-21Hemingford def. Morrill, 25-16, 25-16ChampionshipBayard def. Gordon/Rushville, 25-19, 25-16Consolation TriangularKimball def. Morrill, 17-25, 25-19, 25-17Mitchell def. Morrill, 20-25, 25-15, 25-22SemifinalBayard def. Hemingford, 25-15, 25-13Gordon/Rushville def. Bridgeport, 25-22, 25-20Third PlaceHemingford def. Bridgeport, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22F| Leyton def. Arthur County, 25-12, 25-15, 15-25, 20-25, 15-12 (3-2)Source: NSAA, AP

🏈 Week 6 High School Football Schedule &amp; Kickoff Times - September 30

◼ Alliance at Mitchell - 7:00 - 92.5 FM 📻

◼ Gordon/Rushville at Valentine - 6:00 (MT)

◼ Crawford at Cody-Kilgore - 12:00 (MT)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598106863926.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY: DAVE COLLINS Sports Director🏈 Week 6 High School Football Schedule &amp; Kickoff Times - September 30◼ Sidney at Chadron - 7:00◼ Alliance at Mitchell - 7:00 - 92.5 FM 📻◼ Scottsbluff at Waverly - 6:00 (MT)◼ Lexington at Gering - 7:00◼ Gordon/Rushville at Valentine - 6:00 (MT)◼ Ogallala at McCook - 6:00 (MT)◼ Bridgeport at Kimball - 6:00◼ Mullen at Leyton - 1:00 (MT)◼ Hemingford at Bayard - 7:00◼ Crawford at Cody-Kilgore - 12:00 (MT)◼ Minatare at Hay Springs - 7:00◼ Creek Valley at Banner County - 7:00◼ Hyannis at South Loup - 2:00 (MT)◼ Garden County at South Platte - 7:00

🏈 Week 6 High School Football Schedule & Kickoff Times - September 30

Chadron State Head Coach Jennifer Stadler discusses the team's five match RMAC win streak and much more with Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins.

<div><iframe title="CSC Sports Journal: Volleyball Coach Jennifer Stadler - 9/28/22" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gzxj8-12d5a21-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a"></iframe></div>Chadron State Head Coach Jennifer Stadler discusses the team's five match RMAC win streak and much more with Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins.<figure>
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🔊 PODCAST: CSC Sports Journal: Volleyball Coach Jennifer Stadler - 9/28/22

🏐 High School Volleyball Scoreboard - Tuesday, September 28

Bayard def. Potter-Dix, 25-18, 25-17 (2-0)

Bayard def. South Platte, 25-23, 25-18 (2-0)

Hay Springs def. Edgemont, SD, 25-15, 25-19 (2-0)

Kimball def. Pine Bluffs, WY, 25-17, 21-25, 27-25, 25-21 (3-1)

Morrill def. Crawford, 25-20, 25-23, 25-17 (3-0)

Ogallala def. Gering, 25-27, 26-24, 25-12, 25-23 (3-1)

Potter-Dix def. South Platte, 13-25, 26-24, 25-19 (2-1)

Sidney def. Scottsbluff, 25-19, 25-19, 25-23 (3-0)

Sutherland def. Garden County, 17-25, 25-13, 27-29, 28-26, 15-11 (3-2)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630330349934.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY: DAVE COLLINS Sports Director🏐 High School Volleyball Scoreboard - Tuesday, September 28Bayard def. Potter-Dix, 25-18, 25-17 (2-0)Bayard def. South Platte, 25-23, 25-18 (2-0)Hay Springs def. Edgemont, SD, 25-15, 25-19 (2-0)Kimball def. Pine Bluffs, WY, 25-17, 21-25, 27-25, 25-21 (3-1)Morrill def. Crawford, 25-20, 25-23, 25-17 (3-0)Ogallala def. Gering, 25-27, 26-24, 25-12, 25-23 (3-1)Potter-Dix def. South Platte, 13-25, 26-24, 25-19 (2-1)Sidney def. Scottsbluff, 25-19, 25-19, 25-23 (3-0)Sutherland def. Garden County, 17-25, 25-13, 27-29, 28-26, 15-11 (3-2)Source: NSAA

Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins and CSC Football Head Coach Jay Long discuss last week's game in detail, share team insights and what's ahead for the Eagles as they get ready to face Colorado School of Mines.

<div><iframe title="Jay Long Show - 9/27/22" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j5mmt-12d3f11-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a"></iframe></div>Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins and CSC Football Head Coach Jay Long discuss last week's game in detail, share team insights and what's ahead for the Eagles as they get ready to face Colorado School of Mines.<figure>
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🔊 PODCAST: Jay Long Show - 9/27/22

DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray spotted his two-time reigning MVP teammate in the open and quickly hollered out to him.

"Grab me a grape,” the Denver Nuggets point guard said with Nikola Jokic breaking toward a fruit tray Monday at media day.

With that, Jokic dished out his first assist of the season.

Jokic will have his supporting cast back and healthy this season, with Murray feeling “night and day” better after missing all last year as he recovered from an ACL injury. Michael Porter Jr., too, after being limited to just nine games a year ago due to a balky back.

With the trade for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the signing of Bruce Brown, along with the growth of high-energy guard Bones Hyland, the Nuggets have high aspirations this season — even if they shy away from voicing it out loud.

“We know what we want to do,” said Brown, whose team begins training camp Tuesday in San Diego. “So it doesn’t need to be said.”

It all starts in the middle with Jokic, who signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-nuggets-nba-sports-basketball-c362b97f3d8d23b2c18b869e9278f249">supermax extension in the offseason</a>. He's trying to join the company of Larry Bird, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain as players who won the MVP trophy three straight seasons.

One area the Nuggets want to see him raise to another level — his vocal game.

“Everybody is waiting for him to say something,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “And when he does it has a profound impact.”

The quiet leader wants to be the “Tim Duncan of the Denver Nuggets,” Jokic said. “But I need win a couple of championships to be him.”

He's got the crew around him to make a run.

Shortly after acquiring Aaron Gordon in March 2021, the Nuggets showed flashes of what they could do with a lineup consisting of Gordon, Murray, Porter and Jokic. They went 4-1 before Murray tore his ACL at Golden State. Last season, they lost Porter after the outside threat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-michael-porter-jr-jamal-murray-nikola-jokic-fe7764c78e82b3ee90e360cc6b0d5dba">underwent another procedure on his back</a>.

“I’m looking to build a chemistry with that,” said Gordon, whose team lost to the NBA champion Golden State Warriors in the first round last season. “It’s going to be nice to figure out ... the flow of the game and who gets what, where and when, the how and why — we've still got to put all those questions together. It’s going be fun.”

Especially with Murray looking more like his old self.

"He’s got that confidence back. He’s got that swagger back,” Malone said. “Seeing him in our gym, playing with that confidence and chirping, has been fun to watch.”

Murray's not putting expectations on his return. The Nuggets have missed the playoff version of Murray, who had two 50-point bursts in 2020 when the Nuggets made it to the Western Conference Finals.

“I’ve been taking one day at a time and everybody’s always asking me what’s it going to look like two months from now. I don’t know,” Murray said. “I’m on the right road.”

“Injuries, it just takes time, I would say, to have joy in the game again, no soreness or anything,” Porter said. “It’s good to be on the other side of it. I’m here now and I don’t have any limitations. I’m excited."

In July, the Nuggets picked up Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith from Washington for Monte Morris and Will Barton. Caldwell-Pope is looking forward to working with Jokic, who is known for his no-look passes.

“So I will keep my eyes on him at all times,” Caldwell-Pope cracked.

To develop team chemistry, Jeff Green hosted an offseason camp in Miami for the younger players. In addition, Gordon had teammates over to his place for hoops and then some paintball.

"Both returning and new players and veterans understand the importance and the opportunity that we have,” Malone said. “You don’t want to waste that opportunity.”

Nuggets center DeAndre Jordan will wear No. 6 to honor the late Russell. It's a number that has been retired by the NBA, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-bill-russell-lebron-james-national-basketball-players-association-f4d1eda4268a874010b49311679e75c2">players who have worn it in the past are</a>&nbsp;permitted to do so.

“Bill Russell was a great pioneer for not only the game of basketball but for off-the-floor things as well,” Jordan said.

Jack White, a 6-foot-7 forward from Australia, has been winning 3-point shooting contests in practice over the summer.

“I haven’t stepped into that yet,” Caldwell-Pope said of the contests. “For now he is.... I’m looking forward to competing — and taking the top spots.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664246600144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray spotted his two-time reigning MVP teammate in the open and quickly hollered out to him."Grab me a grape,” the Denver Nuggets point guard said with Nikola Jokic breaking toward a fruit tray Monday at media day.With that, Jokic dished out his first assist of the season.Jokic will have his supporting cast back and healthy this season, with Murray feeling “night and day” better after missing all last year as he recovered from an ACL injury. Michael Porter Jr., too, after being limited to just nine games a year ago due to a balky back.With the trade for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the signing of Bruce Brown, along with the growth of high-energy guard Bones Hyland, the Nuggets have high aspirations this season — even if they shy away from voicing it out loud.“We know what we want to do,” said Brown, whose team begins training camp Tuesday in San Diego. “So it doesn’t need to be said.”It all starts in the middle with Jokic, who signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-nuggets-nba-sports-basketball-c362b97f3d8d23b2c18b869e9278f249">supermax extension in the offseason</a>. He's trying to join the company of Larry Bird, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain as players who won the MVP trophy three straight seasons.One area the Nuggets want to see him raise to another level — his vocal game.“Everybody is waiting for him to say something,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “And when he does it has a profound impact.”The quiet leader wants to be the “Tim Duncan of the Denver Nuggets,” Jokic said. “But I need win a couple of championships to be him.”He's got the crew around him to make a run.Shortly after acquiring Aaron Gordon in March 2021, the Nuggets showed flashes of what they could do with a lineup consisting of Gordon, Murray, Porter and Jokic. They went 4-1 before Murray tore his ACL at Golden State. Last season, they lost Porter after the outside threat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-michael-porter-jr-jamal-murray-nikola-jokic-fe7764c78e82b3ee90e360cc6b0d5dba">underwent another procedure on his back</a>.“I’m looking to build a chemistry with that,” said Gordon, whose team lost to the NBA champion Golden State Warriors in the first round last season. “It’s going to be nice to figure out ... the flow of the game and who gets what, where and when, the how and why — we've still got to put all those questions together. It’s going be fun.”Especially with Murray looking more like his old self."He’s got that confidence back. He’s got that swagger back,” Malone said. “Seeing him in our gym, playing with that confidence and chirping, has been fun to watch.”Murray's not putting expectations on his return. The Nuggets have missed the playoff version of Murray, who had two 50-point bursts in 2020 when the Nuggets made it to the Western Conference Finals.“I’ve been taking one day at a time and everybody’s always asking me what’s it going to look like two months from now. I don’t know,” Murray said. “I’m on the right road.”Same with Porter.“Injuries, it just takes time, I would say, to have joy in the game again, no soreness or anything,” Porter said. “It’s good to be on the other side of it. I’m here now and I don’t have any limitations. I’m excited."In July, the Nuggets picked up Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith from Washington for Monte Morris and Will Barton. Caldwell-Pope is looking forward to working with Jokic, who is known for his no-look passes.“So I will keep my eyes on him at all times,” Caldwell-Pope cracked.TEAM CAMARADERIETo develop team chemistry, Jeff Green hosted an offseason camp in Miami for the younger players. In addition, Gordon had teammates over to his place for hoops and then some paintball."Both returning and new players and veterans understand the importance and the opportunity that we have,” Malone said. “You don’t want to waste that opportunity.”HONORING RUSSELLNuggets center DeAndre Jordan will wear No. 6 to honor the late Russell. It's a number that has been retired by the NBA, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-bill-russell-lebron-james-national-basketball-players-association-f4d1eda4268a874010b49311679e75c2">players who have worn it in the past are</a>&nbsp;permitted to do so.“Bill Russell was a great pioneer for not only the game of basketball but for off-the-floor things as well,” Jordan said.TOP SHOOTER?Jack White, a 6-foot-7 forward from Australia, has been winning 3-point shooting contests in practice over the summer.The top shooter on the team?“I haven’t stepped into that yet,” Caldwell-Pope said of the contests. “For now he is.... I’m looking forward to competing — and taking the top spots.”

Nuggets hopes are high for strong season as training camp opens

DENVER (AP) — At first, the San Francisco 49ers were actually relieved that Jimmy Garoppolo stepped out of his own end zone for a safety.

It negated Bradley Chubb's go-ahead pick-6 and left the Niners clinging to a 7-5 lead over the Broncos in the third quarter Sunday night.

Ultimately, that misstep came back to haunt the Niners in their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-49ers-denver-broncos-nfl-sports-79f193332a3ed76c68d90760f2a439f3">11-10 loss at Denver</a>.

It was one of several miscues in Garoppolo's first game in place of injured starter Trey Lance, who broke an ankle in Week 2.

The Niners (1-2) gave up four sacks, committed three turnovers and converted just one third down against a Denver team that prevailed despite going three-and-out nine times.

Garoppolo's safety changed the complexion of the game in which the offenses were stifled on 22 of 29 third downs and there were a whopping 17 punts.

On second-and-10 at his own 2 midway through the third quarter, Garoppolo back-pedaled in his end zone to buy some time and simply ran out of room, planting his right foot on the white paint and unleashing a pass toward the Broncos' sideline.

It was actually a good thing, too, because Chubb snared the ball at the 3, hopped across the goal line and began celebrating his apparent touchdown.

“That was a tough situation that I put him in,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “They had one unblocked guy coming. I wish we had time for the big play. Could have ditched it. But it was a tough situation.”

Not surprisingly, Garoppolo felt a little out of step in his first start of the season.

He underwent shoulder surgery in March, which dampened his value on the trade market. Then, he didn’t get much work with the San Francisco offense and only threw on the side before he agreed to a paycut to serve as Lance's backup.

His misstep in the end zone sent social media abuzz, and one person who chimed in immediately was&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/danorlovsky7/status/1574222602515668992">Dan Orlovsky</a>, the former Detroit Lions quarterback who took numerous steps out of the back of the end zone before realizing his mistake in a game against Minnesota back in 2008.

Orlovsky, now an analyst for ESPN, posted on his Twitter account: “IVE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER ... FFFFREEEEEDDDOOOMMMM.”

Garoppolo finished 18 of 29 for 211 yards with a touchdown and an interception to go with four sacks.

“I’m not trying to make excuses or anything but I’ve just got to get in game shape,” Garoppolo said.

Even with tight end George Kittle back — he missed the opening two games with a groin injury — the 49ers just couldn't sustain any sort of rhythm after Garoppolo's 3-yard TD toss to Brandon Aiyuk in the first quarter.

After that score, Denver defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero adjusted accordingly and the Broncos held the Niners without any points on eight subsequent drives before Robbie Gould's 51-yard field goal made it 10-5 with 14:10 remaining.

That kept the Broncos (2-1) hanging around despite their own offensive struggles.

Russell Wilson, who won for the 17th time in 21 career games against San Francisco, led one long drive all night, a 12-play, 80-yard masterpiece that Melvin Gordon capped with a 1-yard TD run to give Denver its only lead with four minutes left.

Wilson's 2-point conversion was batted down, which meant the Niners only needed to get into field goal range for a chance to win it. But they turned the ball over on their final two possessions.

Former San Francisco pracice squad linebacker Jonas Griffith intercepted Garoppolo at midfield just before the 2-minute warning and safety Kareem Jackson recovered Jeff Wilson Jr.'s fumble in the final minute to preserve just the second 11-10 finish in NFL history.

The other came in 2008 when the Steelers edged the Chargers.

Adding to the Niners' misery, they lost All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams to an ankle injury on the play that resulted in Garoppolo's safety. A cart was brought out for him on the field, but he gingerly walked to the locker room instead and was replaced by Jaylon Moore.

"Hopefully he bounces back fast,” Garoppolo said. “It’s always tough when you lose a guy like that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664213858281.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — At first, the San Francisco 49ers were actually relieved that Jimmy Garoppolo stepped out of his own end zone for a safety.It negated Bradley Chubb's go-ahead pick-6 and left the Niners clinging to a 7-5 lead over the Broncos in the third quarter Sunday night.Ultimately, that misstep came back to haunt the Niners in their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-49ers-denver-broncos-nfl-sports-79f193332a3ed76c68d90760f2a439f3">11-10 loss at Denver</a>.It was one of several miscues in Garoppolo's first game in place of injured starter Trey Lance, who broke an ankle in Week 2.The Niners (1-2) gave up four sacks, committed three turnovers and converted just one third down against a Denver team that prevailed despite going three-and-out nine times.Garoppolo's safety changed the complexion of the game in which the offenses were stifled on 22 of 29 third downs and there were a whopping 17 punts.On second-and-10 at his own 2 midway through the third quarter, Garoppolo back-pedaled in his end zone to buy some time and simply ran out of room, planting his right foot on the white paint and unleashing a pass toward the Broncos' sideline.It was actually a good thing, too, because Chubb snared the ball at the 3, hopped across the goal line and began celebrating his apparent touchdown.The whistle had already blown.“That was a tough situation that I put him in,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “They had one unblocked guy coming. I wish we had time for the big play. Could have ditched it. But it was a tough situation.”Not surprisingly, Garoppolo felt a little out of step in his first start of the season.He underwent shoulder surgery in March, which dampened his value on the trade market. Then, he didn’t get much work with the San Francisco offense and only threw on the side before he agreed to a paycut to serve as Lance's backup.His misstep in the end zone sent social media abuzz, and one person who chimed in immediately was&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/danorlovsky7/status/1574222602515668992">Dan Orlovsky</a>, the former Detroit Lions quarterback who took numerous steps out of the back of the end zone before realizing his mistake in a game against Minnesota back in 2008.Orlovsky, now an analyst for ESPN, posted on his Twitter account: “IVE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER ... FFFFREEEEEDDDOOOMMMM.”Garoppolo finished 18 of 29 for 211 yards with a touchdown and an interception to go with four sacks.“I’m not trying to make excuses or anything but I’ve just got to get in game shape,” Garoppolo said.Even with tight end George Kittle back — he missed the opening two games with a groin injury — the 49ers just couldn't sustain any sort of rhythm after Garoppolo's 3-yard TD toss to Brandon Aiyuk in the first quarter.After that score, Denver defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero adjusted accordingly and the Broncos held the Niners without any points on eight subsequent drives before Robbie Gould's 51-yard field goal made it 10-5 with 14:10 remaining.That kept the Broncos (2-1) hanging around despite their own offensive struggles.Russell Wilson, who won for the 17th time in 21 career games against San Francisco, led one long drive all night, a 12-play, 80-yard masterpiece that Melvin Gordon capped with a 1-yard TD run to give Denver its only lead with four minutes left.Wilson's 2-point conversion was batted down, which meant the Niners only needed to get into field goal range for a chance to win it. But they turned the ball over on their final two possessions.Former San Francisco pracice squad linebacker Jonas Griffith intercepted Garoppolo at midfield just before the 2-minute warning and safety Kareem Jackson recovered Jeff Wilson Jr.'s fumble in the final minute to preserve just the second 11-10 finish in NFL history.The other came in 2008 when the Steelers edged the Chargers.Adding to the Niners' misery, they lost All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams to an ankle injury on the play that resulted in Garoppolo's safety. A cart was brought out for him on the field, but he gingerly walked to the locker room instead and was replaced by Jaylon Moore."Hopefully he bounces back fast,” Garoppolo said. “It’s always tough when you lose a guy like that.”

Broncos top 49ers in sluggish game, 11-10

&nbsp; The Chadron State College volleyball team won in five sets, (25-23, 25-23, 23-25, 22-25, 15-4), against Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference rival Fort Lewis on Friday night, September 23 to improve its record to 6-8 overall, and 4-1 in the RMAC. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8433">Aiyana Fujiyama</a>&nbsp;was a force at the net once again with 12 total blocks. Junior&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4359">Lexi Hurtado</a>, and Adams both had 6 blocks included in the 18 total blocks the Eagles defense tallied. The Eagles defense tallied a total of 95 digs led by senior&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4358">Breshawna Kelly</a>&nbsp;and Fago with 16 each. Greiman added 14 of her own. The Eagles had a decent .173 hitting percentage with 59 total kills led by junior&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4331">Rylee Greiman</a>, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8447">Mayson Fago</a>, and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8451">Bella Adams</a>&nbsp;with 15, 11, and 11 respectively. Adams had a hitting percentage of .500 by herself. In the first set, the Eagles jumped out to a 4-0 lead before the Skyhawks went on a 5-0 run to take the lead 5-4. The set went back and forth with each team regaining the advantage. The Eagles gained the edge from a kill by Greiman to take the lead 21-20. The Eagles ended the set on 4-3 run to take the first set. The second set picked up right where the first set left off, with each team pulling ahead before the other team took the lead back. There were 10 tied scores and seven lead changes. When the set was tied at 23, a block by Fago and Fujiyama propelled the Eagles to take the set with the help of an ace serve from senior&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4339">Abby Schaefer</a>, and a kill by Fago. In the third set, the Eagles' biggest lead was two points, at 11-9, before the Skyhawks went on a 6-1 run sparked by a kill from Javiana Romero. The Eagles fought back to tie the game at 16-16. The Skyhawks would not allow the Eagles to take the lead back by pulling ahead 22-18. A run from the Eagles fell short as a kill from Rylee Johnson averted the sweep for the Skyhawks at 25-23 for the visitors. The Eagles were playing catch-up most of the fourth set, falling behind 6-3, then rallying to tie the game at six apiece. CSC soon found itself down by five after another Romero kill, but the Eagles fought back to make it close at 22-24. A kill from Lauren Shea gave the Skyhawks the point they needed to force a fifth set. The fifth set was all Eagles. CSC jumped out to an 11-1 lead before the Skyhawks were able to get another point. Fago led the offense, while Adams, and Hurtado led the defense at the net for the Eagles. The Skyhawks never threatened the Eagles as Chadron State only allowed three more points before an attack error, from JJ Curry, allowed the Eagles to win the match and their fourth straight in the RMAC. The Eagles will host Western Colorado on Saturday September 24, at 6 p.m. at the Chicoine Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664025706550.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY: BROCK VOTH CSC Sports Information&nbsp; The Chadron State College volleyball team won in five sets, (25-23, 25-23, 23-25, 22-25, 15-4), against Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference rival Fort Lewis on Friday night, September 23 to improve its record to 6-8 overall, and 4-1 in the RMAC. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8433">Aiyana Fujiyama</a>&nbsp;was a force at the net once again with 12 total blocks. Junior&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4359">Lexi Hurtado</a>, and Adams both had 6 blocks included in the 18 total blocks the Eagles defense tallied. The Eagles defense tallied a total of 95 digs led by senior&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4358">Breshawna Kelly</a>&nbsp;and Fago with 16 each. Greiman added 14 of her own. The Eagles had a decent .173 hitting percentage with 59 total kills led by junior&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4331">Rylee Greiman</a>, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8447">Mayson Fago</a>, and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8451">Bella Adams</a>&nbsp;with 15, 11, and 11 respectively. Adams had a hitting percentage of .500 by herself. In the first set, the Eagles jumped out to a 4-0 lead before the Skyhawks went on a 5-0 run to take the lead 5-4. The set went back and forth with each team regaining the advantage. The Eagles gained the edge from a kill by Greiman to take the lead 21-20. The Eagles ended the set on 4-3 run to take the first set. The second set picked up right where the first set left off, with each team pulling ahead before the other team took the lead back. There were 10 tied scores and seven lead changes. When the set was tied at 23, a block by Fago and Fujiyama propelled the Eagles to take the set with the help of an ace serve from senior&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4339">Abby Schaefer</a>, and a kill by Fago. In the third set, the Eagles' biggest lead was two points, at 11-9, before the Skyhawks went on a 6-1 run sparked by a kill from Javiana Romero. The Eagles fought back to tie the game at 16-16. The Skyhawks would not allow the Eagles to take the lead back by pulling ahead 22-18. A run from the Eagles fell short as a kill from Rylee Johnson averted the sweep for the Skyhawks at 25-23 for the visitors. The Eagles were playing catch-up most of the fourth set, falling behind 6-3, then rallying to tie the game at six apiece. CSC soon found itself down by five after another Romero kill, but the Eagles fought back to make it close at 22-24. A kill from Lauren Shea gave the Skyhawks the point they needed to force a fifth set. The fifth set was all Eagles. CSC jumped out to an 11-1 lead before the Skyhawks were able to get another point. Fago led the offense, while Adams, and Hurtado led the defense at the net for the Eagles. The Skyhawks never threatened the Eagles as Chadron State only allowed three more points before an attack error, from JJ Curry, allowed the Eagles to win the match and their fourth straight in the RMAC. The Eagles will host Western Colorado on Saturday September 24, at 6 p.m. at the Chicoine Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chadron State wins 4th straight RMAC match

🏈 High School Football Schedule &amp; Kickoff Times -  Friday, September 23

F| Scottsbluff 28, Grand Island Northwest 21

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663982235627.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY: DAVE COLLINS Sports DirectorUpdated: 7:16 AM, Saturday🏈 High School Football Schedule &amp; Kickoff Times - Friday, September 23FootballF| Ogallala 44, Alliance 6F| Gothenburg 35, Chadron 28F| Scottsbluff 28, Grand Island Northwest 21F| Seward 42, Gering 7F| Mitchell 49, Hershey 0F| Gordon/Rushville 19, Chase County 14F| Bridgeport 65, Bayard 20<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629461621684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>F| McCook 38, Sidney 13&nbsp;2Q | Sandhills/Thedford 38, Hyannis 0F| Maxwell 64, Hemingford 28◼ Sioux County at Crawford - 7:00F| South Platte 70, Creek Valley 26F| Garden County 50,&nbsp;Hay Springs 32◼ Cody-Kilgore at Minatare - 2:00F| Kimball 46, Morrill 12F| Potter-Dix 92, Banner County 12F| South Loup 50, Leyton 6

🏈 High School Football Scoreboard -  Friday, September 23

Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins with this week's update across CSC sports.

<div><iframe title="CSC Sports Journal - 9/21/22" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=sb9we-12cc768-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a"></iframe></div>Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins with this week's update across CSC sports.

🔊 PODCAST: CSC Sports Journal - 9/21/22

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska interim coach Mickey Joseph tilted his head and held back a smile at his news conference Tuesday when asked what kind of defense he would like to see under new coordinator Bill Busch.

“A defense that stops the run and stops the pass and shuts people out,” he said. “That's a good defense.”

The Cornhuskers (1-3), who have an open date this week before they host Indiana on Oct. 1, have proved to be far from a good defense through four games.

The 642 yards surrendered in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-nebraska-cornhuskers-scott-frost-0140a2b88dd94f960792b0f546e05dee">a 45-42 loss to Georgia Southern</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 10 were the most ever by an opponent at Memorial Stadium and third-most all-time against Nebraska. That defeat cost head coach Scott Frost his job.

Last week, in Joseph's first game in the interim role, they gave up 580 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-nebraska-oklahoma-sooners-421ac7ca63075b8baf67e027f84f0d61">a 49-7 loss to No. 6 Oklahoma.</a>&nbsp;That prompted Joseph to dismiss defensive coordinator Erik Chinander on Sunday and replace him with Bill Busch for the rest of the season.

“Chins is a good man and a good coach, but the numbers didn’t add up,” Joseph said. “I didn’t see us getting better from Week 1 to Week 4. So I had to make a decision, the best decision for the kids, because it’s about the boys."

Busch was in his first year as special teams coach. That job now is being handled by Joey Connors, who joined the staff last year as a special teams quality control assistant.

The 57-year-old Busch is in his third stint on the Huskers' staff. He had been a graduate assistant under Tom Osborne from 1990-93 and special teams coordinator and safeties coach under Bill Callahan from 2004-07.

Joseph got to know Busch when both were assistants at LSU. Joseph was receivers coach from 2017-21 and Busch was safeties coach from 2018-20.

Joseph noted that Busch has worked extensively with one of the game's best defensive minds in Dave Aranda, now head coach at Baylor. Busch and Aranda were on staffs together at Utah State, Wisconsin and LSU.

“Bill is built for this,” Joseph said. “He's sharp. He’s going to be detailed. He’s a really good football coach.”

Safety Myles Farmer said the defense has a long way to go.

“It’s not going to happen overnight,” Farmer said after the Oklahoma loss. “We’ve been tagging off for four years.”

By that, Farmer meant the Huskers had not done live tackling in practices under Frost. Asked about Farmer's comment Tuesday, Joseph said there was live tackling in scrimmages previously. He said tackling has been part of practices since Frost's firing.

Joseph said he plans to slow the pace of the offense the rest of the season to help the defense get more rest. He said he regretted not doing that against Oklahoma. The Huskers mostly played an up-tempo style under Frost.

The question now is how much improvement can be reasonably expected over the next eight games.

Nebraska ranks 128th out of 131 Bowl Subdivision teams in total defense, 124th against the run, 115th against the pass, 114th in scoring defense and 100th in sacks. The Huskers are among 10 teams allowing opponents to convert at least half of their third downs.

The Huskers' average of 13.5 missed tackles per game, according to Pro Football Focus, ranks 126th.

Joseph said everything he's doing is meant to keep hope alive for the rest of the season.

“I’m going to hold everybody accountable from coaches all the way to players and keep encouraging them that we can get better if we come out and give the effort," he said.

Joseph said he also plans to keep working to upgrade talent through recruiting, even though he knows he and the rest of the staff might not be retained. Joseph is hitting the road to recruit late this week, as are some of his assistants.

“We’re not going to try to sabotage anything,” he said. “If we don't get the job, they're going to say we left this place better than we found it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663770364137.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY: ERIC OLSON APLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska interim coach Mickey Joseph tilted his head and held back a smile at his news conference Tuesday when asked what kind of defense he would like to see under new coordinator Bill Busch.“A defense that stops the run and stops the pass and shuts people out,” he said. “That's a good defense.”The Cornhuskers (1-3), who have an open date this week before they host Indiana on Oct. 1, have proved to be far from a good defense through four games.The 642 yards surrendered in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-nebraska-cornhuskers-scott-frost-0140a2b88dd94f960792b0f546e05dee">a 45-42 loss to Georgia Southern</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 10 were the most ever by an opponent at Memorial Stadium and third-most all-time against Nebraska. That defeat cost head coach Scott Frost his job.Last week, in Joseph's first game in the interim role, they gave up 580 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-nebraska-oklahoma-sooners-421ac7ca63075b8baf67e027f84f0d61">a 49-7 loss to No. 6 Oklahoma.</a>&nbsp;That prompted Joseph to dismiss defensive coordinator Erik Chinander on Sunday and replace him with Bill Busch for the rest of the season.“Chins is a good man and a good coach, but the numbers didn’t add up,” Joseph said. “I didn’t see us getting better from Week 1 to Week 4. So I had to make a decision, the best decision for the kids, because it’s about the boys."Busch was in his first year as special teams coach. That job now is being handled by Joey Connors, who joined the staff last year as a special teams quality control assistant.The 57-year-old Busch is in his third stint on the Huskers' staff. He had been a graduate assistant under Tom Osborne from 1990-93 and special teams coordinator and safeties coach under Bill Callahan from 2004-07.Joseph got to know Busch when both were assistants at LSU. Joseph was receivers coach from 2017-21 and Busch was safeties coach from 2018-20.Joseph noted that Busch has worked extensively with one of the game's best defensive minds in Dave Aranda, now head coach at Baylor. Busch and Aranda were on staffs together at Utah State, Wisconsin and LSU.“Bill is built for this,” Joseph said. “He's sharp. He’s going to be detailed. He’s a really good football coach.”Safety Myles Farmer said the defense has a long way to go.“It’s not going to happen overnight,” Farmer said after the Oklahoma loss. “We’ve been tagging off for four years.”By that, Farmer meant the Huskers had not done live tackling in practices under Frost. Asked about Farmer's comment Tuesday, Joseph said there was live tackling in scrimmages previously. He said tackling has been part of practices since Frost's firing.Joseph said he plans to slow the pace of the offense the rest of the season to help the defense get more rest. He said he regretted not doing that against Oklahoma. The Huskers mostly played an up-tempo style under Frost.The question now is how much improvement can be reasonably expected over the next eight games.Nebraska ranks 128th out of 131 Bowl Subdivision teams in total defense, 124th against the run, 115th against the pass, 114th in scoring defense and 100th in sacks. The Huskers are among 10 teams allowing opponents to convert at least half of their third downs.The Huskers' average of 13.5 missed tackles per game, according to Pro Football Focus, ranks 126th.Joseph said everything he's doing is meant to keep hope alive for the rest of the season.“I’m going to hold everybody accountable from coaches all the way to players and keep encouraging them that we can get better if we come out and give the effort," he said.Joseph said he also plans to keep working to upgrade talent through recruiting, even though he knows he and the rest of the staff might not be retained. Joseph is hitting the road to recruit late this week, as are some of his assistants.“We’re not going to try to sabotage anything,” he said. “If we don't get the job, they're going to say we left this place better than we found it.”

Joseph opens up on Chinander firing & what he thinks makes a strong defense

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche are making Nathan MacKinnon the highest-paid player in the NHL’s salary cap era.

MacKinnon, who just turned 27 earlier this month, signed an eight-year contract worth $100.8 million, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team did not announce terms of the contract.

His new $12.6 million salary cap hit that goes into effect at the start of the 2023-24 season surpasses Connor McDavid’s $12.5 million as the highest in the league. McDavid’s $100 million, eight-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers signed in 2017 was the previous record for the highest annual cap hit since the system went into place in 2005.

“Obviously it’s really cool, for sure,” MacKinnon said of being the highest-paid player in hockey. "Hoping there’s no more pandemics and the cap goes up even more, but, yeah, I think the term was the most important thing. I just wanted to be here for the rest of my career and hopefully I get another deal after this, too.”

The only richer deals than MacKinnon's in NHL history are Alex Ovechkin’s $124 million, 13-year contract with Washington, Shea Weber’s $110 million, 14-year contract with Nashville and Sidney Crosby’s $104.4 million, 12-year contract with Pittsburgh. The collective bargaining agreement has since limited contract lengths to eight years for a players re-signing with his own team and seven for free agents.

MacKinnon agreed to the deal with training camp about to start. It's been a short offseason for MacKinnon and the Avalanche after they captured their first Stanley Cup title since 2001.

“We’re just thrilled that it’s done before the start of training camp, and Nate can focus on hockey,” general manager Chris MacFarland said. “What he does for us is really important, and to have him locked up for nine years is really crucial to the short- and long-term planning for us. It’s a big day.”

The hard-shooting, fast-skating center tied for the league lead with 13 postseason goals. It was second-highest in a single playoff run in franchise history, trailing only Hall of Famer Joe Sakic's 18 goals in 1996 (when Colorado won its first Cup).

“It shows a lot of loyalty,” said Sakic, now Colorado's president of hockey operations. “Nathan wanted to get this done, we wanted to get it done and he’s a franchise player and we’re really excited that he’ll remain here in Colorado for the rest of his career.”

MacKinnon, the top overall pick in the 2013 draft, has been a finalist for the Hart Trophy in three of the last five seasons ('17-18, ‘18-19, ’20-21). He has 242 career goals and 406 assists — the most of anyone from his draft class.

The native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was the youngest player in franchise history to make his NHL debut (18 years, 31 days) and went on to win the Calder Trophy that season as the league’s top rookie. He also won the Lady Byng Award for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in 2020. In addition, he's been named a captain for the Central Division in the last three All-Star Games.

MacKinnon’s last contract, which expires after the upcoming season, was worth $44.1 million over seven years at a cap hit of $6.3 million. Only four players topped the 495 points he put up in the regular season since that deal went into effect, and his 83 in the playoffs are second-most in the NHL since then.

That's why for years, MacKinnon was known as the most underpaid player in hockey — a title he really didn’t care for.

These days, he has another one: Stanley Cup champion.

He's part of a core Avalanche group that also includes defenseman Cale Makar, forward Mikko Rantanen and captain Gabriel Landeskog.

MacKinnon is now signed through 2031. Colorado also has versatile forward Valeri Nichushkin signed through 2030, Landeskog through 2029 and Makar, the playoff MVP, through 2027. MacFarland’s task next summer is an extension with Rantanen.

“Denver’s the only place I want to be, for sure,” MacKinnon recently said in Henderson, Nevada, during a preseason player media tour.

McDavid considers being surpassed as the highest-paid player, “good for hockey, I guess, to keep raising the bar."

“But ultimately the salary cap system’s a weird system where the more money you make, the less money someone else can make,” McDavid added. "It’s kind of a weird system that way. There’s always going to be give and take.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663770199731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche are making Nathan MacKinnon the highest-paid player in the NHL’s salary cap era.MacKinnon, who just turned 27 earlier this month, signed an eight-year contract worth $100.8 million, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team did not announce terms of the contract.His new $12.6 million salary cap hit that goes into effect at the start of the 2023-24 season surpasses Connor McDavid’s $12.5 million as the highest in the league. McDavid’s $100 million, eight-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers signed in 2017 was the previous record for the highest annual cap hit since the system went into place in 2005.“Obviously it’s really cool, for sure,” MacKinnon said of being the highest-paid player in hockey. "Hoping there’s no more pandemics and the cap goes up even more, but, yeah, I think the term was the most important thing. I just wanted to be here for the rest of my career and hopefully I get another deal after this, too.”The only richer deals than MacKinnon's in NHL history are Alex Ovechkin’s $124 million, 13-year contract with Washington, Shea Weber’s $110 million, 14-year contract with Nashville and Sidney Crosby’s $104.4 million, 12-year contract with Pittsburgh. The collective bargaining agreement has since limited contract lengths to eight years for a players re-signing with his own team and seven for free agents.MacKinnon agreed to the deal with training camp about to start. It's been a short offseason for MacKinnon and the Avalanche after they captured their first Stanley Cup title since 2001.“We’re just thrilled that it’s done before the start of training camp, and Nate can focus on hockey,” general manager Chris MacFarland said. “What he does for us is really important, and to have him locked up for nine years is really crucial to the short- and long-term planning for us. It’s a big day.”The hard-shooting, fast-skating center tied for the league lead with 13 postseason goals. It was second-highest in a single playoff run in franchise history, trailing only Hall of Famer Joe Sakic's 18 goals in 1996 (when Colorado won its first Cup).“It shows a lot of loyalty,” said Sakic, now Colorado's president of hockey operations. “Nathan wanted to get this done, we wanted to get it done and he’s a franchise player and we’re really excited that he’ll remain here in Colorado for the rest of his career.”MacKinnon, the top overall pick in the 2013 draft, has been a finalist for the Hart Trophy in three of the last five seasons ('17-18, ‘18-19, ’20-21). He has 242 career goals and 406 assists — the most of anyone from his draft class.The native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was the youngest player in franchise history to make his NHL debut (18 years, 31 days) and went on to win the Calder Trophy that season as the league’s top rookie. He also won the Lady Byng Award for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in 2020. In addition, he's been named a captain for the Central Division in the last three All-Star Games.MacKinnon’s last contract, which expires after the upcoming season, was worth $44.1 million over seven years at a cap hit of $6.3 million. Only four players topped the 495 points he put up in the regular season since that deal went into effect, and his 83 in the playoffs are second-most in the NHL since then.That's why for years, MacKinnon was known as the most underpaid player in hockey — a title he really didn’t care for.These days, he has another one: Stanley Cup champion.He's part of a core Avalanche group that also includes defenseman Cale Makar, forward Mikko Rantanen and captain Gabriel Landeskog.MacKinnon is now signed through 2031. Colorado also has versatile forward Valeri Nichushkin signed through 2030, Landeskog through 2029 and Makar, the playoff MVP, through 2027. MacFarland’s task next summer is an extension with Rantanen.“Denver’s the only place I want to be, for sure,” MacKinnon recently said in Henderson, Nevada, during a preseason player media tour.McDavid considers being surpassed as the highest-paid player, “good for hockey, I guess, to keep raising the bar."“But ultimately the salary cap system’s a weird system where the more money you make, the less money someone else can make,” McDavid added. "It’s kind of a weird system that way. There’s always going to be give and take.”