By Jacob Karsak

The Panther’s Tale

The Derby varsity soccer team started its first six games 2-2-2, including wins over Hays and a last-second, game-winning shot in overtime against Newton.

“We have improved a lot since last season since we only won four games,” Panthers coach Paul Burke said.

The improvement Burke has seen boils down to improved chemistry throughout the team.

“We have a much younger team, and it’s really nice to see them working and playing together,” Burke said. With the Panthers’ youth, senior goalkeeper Jose Alonzo “has been the backbone of the team and has held us together. Grant Sacket has really been the leader of our attack and has been playing well.”

The Panthers finished second in the B bracket in the Titan Classic on Sept. 10, losing to Great Bend in the championship.

“We started the game really well, but the second half we got outworked which lost us the game,” Burke said. “We play Andover Central on Tuesday, Sept. 13; it’s a  winnable game. We match up well.”