From a clarity standpoint, if your lens has enough aperture (many of the kit lenses don't) set it a couple of stops above the largest aperture, and you will find focus easier to maintain and sharpness better.
Beyond that, I've found auto mode on my K3 to be woefully bad. When I feel like I don't want to have to think too much, or I just don't know what to use, I default to P mode. Take a couple of shots, playing with shutter speed, and check them. Once you get close, note the settings and move to shutter or aperture priority, or full manual. Heck, with Pentax, you can default into shutter or aperture priority while on the P setting by just moving the thumb wheels.
Taking test shots is a huge part of figuring out the light. Get there early and set up and shoot warm ups, and you'll see where you need to be set for the game.
Last edited by dubyam; 12-22-2018 at 08:34 PM.