As motorcycles roared and rain sputtered, the Panthers made their way out onto the football field to take on Hays in the season opener on Friday. 

The rain made it tough for both offenses to score, but after Hays scored to get within one with five seconds remaining, the Indians lined up for the two-point conversion. 

The Panthers’ defense held coverage but Hays quarterback Zane Viegra fired it quickly to tight end Parker McGuire, who made the game-winning catch in Hays’ 22-21 win.

“It hurts,” coach Brandon Clark said. “We gave them too many yards and opportunities on both sides of the ball.”

Hays scored on the first drive, and followed it with a three and out on defense. 

The Derby defense settled in and did what it did most of the night; get a stop and create energy. 

Early on in the first half the defensive line created two turnovers on downs. 

“I think our defense played pretty well, especially our front seven,” Clark said. 

The Panthers faced adversity with penalties, committing nine for 65 yards. 

One penalty stood out from the rest. 

With three minutes to go in the fourth quarter, the Panther defense had a huge third-and-long play. 

Viegra threw a screen pass to a receiver who was hit out of bounds behind the line of scrimmage. 

The fans cheered, the game had been sealed, that is until everyone saw the dreaded yellow flag go up then fell in what felt like slow motion. The unsportsmanlike call gave Hays an automatic first down and kept their hopes alive. 

The Indians proceeded to make use of the penalty marching down the field and putting up six with five seconds on the game clock. 

Despite the tough loss, the Panthers led for a majority of the game, as senior quarterback Krystian Dorsey threw touchdown receptions to Rowan Foster and a 53-yard bomb to Michael Castillo. Dorsey had a rushing touchdown, too. 

“These boys played their tails off; Hays is a good team,” defensive line coach Derek Goble said. 

The Panthers play at Campus on Sept. 12.