Throughout all of the uncertainties Monday, Derby High School was able to “WIN THE DAY.” 

You might recognize that as a football slogan, and for the team, it definitely feels that way. Friday’s Homecoming game with Salina South is on, according to an email from athletic director Russell Baldwin Monday night.

After a Monday morning meeting when the entire football team, managers and coaching staff was told it was quarantined until Oct. 1 due to two Covid positives, that number has been decreased.

As a result, only 94 people will have to quarantine through Oct. 1., according to a district email sent after 8 p.m.

“It’s honestly a reality check because you actually realize, like, ‘wow, my season could’ve been taken from me just like that,” senior Reid Liston said.

“Earlier today, Derby High School was made aware of two positive cases, which required directing many students and staff to initially quarantine both in classrooms and the entire football team. Throughout the day and into this evening, the Sedgwick County Department investigated the close contacts further. Close contact identification is decided in partnership with the Health Department. They erred on the side of caution removing possible close contacts from school today while working to ensure they had the opportunity to properly identify close contacts of the positive cases and not take more individuals out of school than necessary. A total of 94 individuals were identified as close contacts of the two positive cases at Derby High School and should follow quarantine guidance. This includes individuals in the classroom with the positive case, identified members of the JV/Varsity football team and the entire freshman football team.”

No surprise, the players are thrilled.

“I am glad the school was able to figure out a safe way for us to play while also keeping the spread of the virus to a minimum. I am very proud of the Derby administration and those involved in the decision,” sophomore Samuel Same said.

Additional reporting by Damien Matmanivong