The football team has a tough matchup on Friday at the Maize Eagles, who are unbeaten.

 The last matchup between the two teams was in Week 8 in the regular season finale where the unbeaten Panthers whooped the unbeaten Eagles 55-7. Coming into the game, Maize had given up 48 points in seven wins.

In 2018, Derby beat Maize 35-21 when both teams were unbeaten.

Last week, the Panthers (3-1), the two-time defending Class 6A champion, came back after a two-week break due to Covid-19 and beat Campus with ease, 48-13.

But Maize is Derby’s toughest opponent since Week 1 when the Panthers lost 45-14 at Mill Valley, the defending 5A champion.

Senior Jack Hileman is looking to make a statement this week and wants to repeat what the Panthers did in 2019.

“I think we can come out with a big win if we all come together,” said Hileman when asked if he is anyway nervous about the game.

Hileman is looking forward to this tough matchup and wants to prove to everyone that Derby football hasn’t taken a step back.