Make it five: Football is back in the 6A title game

With the season on the line for the Derby Panthers and company, they sure didn’t disappoint. 

While Topeka was a team headlined by two Division 1 commits, the Panthers weren’t worried about that as they went on to win 63-35 to advance to the Class 6A title game for the fifth straight year. 

“We had to come in and dominate like we did against Maize and for the last three weeks,” Derby senior center Kevin Washington said.

The Panthers were led by junior quarterback Lem Wash, who had four total touchdowns and 216 rushing yards, and senior running back Tre Washington, who added two more scores, along with 129 rushing yards. 

Derby’s defense was tested, though. The Panthers gave up the most points in a single game this season and Topeka running back Ky Thomas, who committed to Minnesota, had 358 rushing yards.

Derby (12-0) plays Olathe North on Nov. 30 at Emporia State.