The Panthers edged Washburn Rural 29-28 on Friday to secure their place in the Class 6A championship game.

The Panthers didn’t lead until kicker Grady Jesseph’s 25-yard game-winning field goal. It was Jesseph’s second consecutive game-winning field goal. He also helped beat Manhattan in the quarterfinals.

After falling to Manhattan in the season opener, the Panthers, who last played in the title game in 2021, are unbeaten. The Panthers (11-1) will play Gardner-Edgerton (11-1) in the title game at Emporia State’s Welch Field on Nov. 25.

Senior quarterback Braxton Clark completed 23 of 33 passes for 322 yards and four touchdowns. Colton Ruedy had three touchdowns on nine receptions for 166 yards, while running back Derek Hubbard had 18 carries for 134 rushing yards. 

Washburn Rural led 28-13 in the fourth quarter when the Panthers went on a furious rally. They got to within 28-26 but the two-point conversion failed.

Washburn Rural returned the kickoff to the Derby 19, but the Panthers’ defense held and the offense put Jesseph in position for a 24-yard field goal with 1:40 remaining. But his field goal was wide left.

The Panthers’ defense held again, forcing a punt with 36 seconds to go, and Jesseph hit the game-winner as time expired.