Southeast Kansas Round-Up—September 20, 2026
Editor’s Note: Students at four Southeast Kansas high schools—Chanute, Fort Scott, Labette County, and Pittsburg—submit stories each Monday recapping the prior week’s athletics. Those stories are reviewed by editors in the multimedia journalism program of Pittsburg State University’s Department of Communication. To learn more about the department at pittstate.edu/communication.
The Purple Dragons lead this week’s Round-Up after a big win over Paola in football and Parsons in volleyball, although it was a great week for all four partner schools.
Pittsburg Purple Dragons
By John Johnson
The Purple Dragons dominated across multiple sports last week, blowing out Paola at home in football 24-3 and winning big in volleyball.
Quarterback Dean Rollins threw for two touchdowns, connecting with two receivers, junior Eli Thompson and senior Raymond Williams, in the first half. After halftime, a three-yard run by Tyreek Shaw kept Pittsburg well out of reach, with a 20-yard field goal by Wyatt Nash rounding out the score.
In other sports, the volleyball team spiked down a home-team Parsons in three sets. Cross country placed third in the Labette Invitational, hosted by Labette County High School near Altamont.
The attention next week will be on volleyball, with Pittsburg hosting Fort Scott, while girls tennis players will square off at their first meet of the season in Chanute.
Photo: Fort Scott player #7 gets hands on with Pittsburg player during the game between the two teams in Pittsburg, Kansas on September 26, 2025, with a Pittsburg win 22-16. Photo credit Lauryn Keller
Labette County Grizzlies
By Jane Janeston
The Grizzlies secured a 21-14 victory over Independence last week behind a strong ground game and a late defensive stand.
Running back Colton Smith led the offense with 140 rushing yards and two scores. The defense sealed the win with a goal-line interception and a late safety.
In other sports, the girls’ varsity cross country team took first place at the Labette Invitational. The girls’ golf team also finished second in a multi-school tournament on the road.
The football team travels to Coffeyville next week for a conference game against Field Kindley. The volleyball squad will also be in action at a triangular meet against the Comets and Golden Tornado.
Photo: Prairie View defender Parker Schwarz tackles Humboldt’s Layne Wagner Oct. 3. The Cubs lost 56-14 at home against the Buffaloes. Photo credit Brystal Hudlin | HHS Multimedia
Chanute Blue Comets
By Tim Timpton
Chanute’s football team moved to 3-0 after a 35-7 win over Fort Scott that featured a dominant passing attack.
The Blue Comet quarterback threw three first-half touchdowns, including two to the starting tight end. The defense held firm in the second half by forcing three turnovers on downs.
Beyond the turf, the boys’ soccer team earned a shutout victory at home. The girls’ tennis team swept their doubles matches, while the volleyball team won a tough four-set match.
The undefeated football team hosts Tonganoxie this Friday night in a major regional matchup. Meanwhile, the golf team heads to Pittsburg for a tournament featuring several top-ranked teams.
Photo: Coffeyville quarterback Kaylan Austin can’t escape the pressure of Chanute’s Kris Harding II during Chanute’s 55-0 win in Chanute, Kansas on September 12, 2025. Photo credit Kaanin Pontious
Fort Scott Tigers
By Francis Franc
A late 15-yard touchdown run gave the Tigers a thrilling 28-21 win over Coffeyville in front of a home crowd.
The Tigers used a triple-option offense to control the clock before scoring the tie-breaker in the final two minutes. The victory capped off a 10-play drive that exhausted the defense.
In other action, the girls’ tennis team won three of four individual flights at their home meet. A lead runner for the cross country team also placed fifth at a large meet in Iola.
The Tigers hit the road next week for a massive rivalry game against the Pittsburg Purple Dragons. The volleyball team also travels to Parsons for a midweek dual against the Vikings.
Photo: Independence senior Kellen Lanning leaps over a tackle attempt by Chanute senior defensive back Gage Cummings during the first half of Chanute’s 27-20 win over the Bulldogs in Chanute, Kan. on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit Kaanin Pontious
THIS PAGE IS A MOCK-UP; PHOTOS AND STORIES ARE FOR DESIGN PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE FACTUAL OR PUBLISHED.