With the season around the corner, the first game was in question because the game against Newcastle, Oklahoma, was canceled due to COVID-19.

But athletic director Russell Baldwin and coach Brandon Clark went to work to find an opponent that will most definitely test the Panthers. 

Derby will play at Mill Valley on Sept. 4 to start their quest to win three Class 6A championships in a row, but this time they will be starting off against the defending 5A champs. 

“I feel excited to be playing a team of that caliber,” senior quarterback Lem Wash. 

Now with the season in question because of the Covid-19 pandemic — the City League canceled all fall sports — a lot of people are worried about the safety of everyone instead of football.

Wash isn’t.

“I know for a fact me and my guys will be ready,” he said.