Two football teams.

Both undefeated.

One game.

The Panthers take on the Maize Eagles tonight at Panther Stadium. Both teams are 7-0. 

“Preparation is the same for our team whether we play a (Derby Junior Football) team or the New England Patriots,” junior Coleson Syring said. “We rep their plays and formations over and over until we can recognize it through film and on the field.” 

Both teams were unbeaten in 2018, as well. Derby won at Maize last year 35-21. Maize advanced to the 2018 Class 5A semifinals, while Derby won Class 6A.

“Playing Maize is just another obstacle to overcome,” senior Jacob Karsak said. “What really matters is competing for state.”