Two of the tops running backs in Kansas are set to face off on Friday when Derby plays host to Wichita East in the class 6A quarterfinals 

Derby sophomore Arieus Finley Jr. has had a phenomenal year, rushing for 1263 yards on 21 touchdowns with an average of 11 yards per carry.

East junior Aaron Bohannon Jr., who has rushed for 1599 yards whilst averaging 13.4 yards per carry and has 22 touchdowns, will line up against Derby’s defense, which hasn’t allowed more than 14 points all season and has yet to play a full 4 quarters. 

The two grew up together, playing for the Wichita Cowboys from third grade until they got to high school. 

“I’m ecstatic to see my boy succeeding,” Finley said. “I’m sure his monster season will come to an end on Friday, though.”

Their coach growing up was Finley’s dad Arieus Finley Sr. He is very excited to watch them play against each other for the first time since first grade where the two originally met.

“I can’t wait,” Finley Sr. said. “I will be in the stands rooting on my boys, but in the end, Derby has to come out on top.”

Bohannon, although the most notable, is not the only player that Finley played with growing up. He said that he played with multiple players on the East team. 

“I’m not really fazed by playing (Bohannon) because I have played with about half the team,” Finley said. 

Some athletes try to find extra fuel and motivation, but Finley already has his.

“I’m fueled by winning a state championship in three weeks, not someone on the other side of the line,” he said.

Finley showed this in last week’s win against Junction City. He had 12 carries on the ground with 194 yards, and found the end zone four times, 3 of which were on the ground.

Bohannon and his squad have been hyping the game up for a week now. They know this is their biggest game of the year.

Finley however believes the opposite. 

“This is a regular game,” he said. “We win, we keep playing. we lose, I check in my pads.”