With a 3-2 record, is it really time for the Panthers, the two-time defending Class 6A champs, to panic?

No. 

As long as coach Brandon Clark is at the helm, then the people of Derby don’t have much to worry about.

The man has five rings in the past seven seasons, for goodness’ sakes. 

The Panthers haven’t had two regular-season losses since 2011, and even that team made it to the semifinals where it lost to Wichita Heights. 

Yes, the Panthers have lost to two 5A teams, but 5A is just as tough as 6A nowadays, if not more difficult. 

The undefeated Maize Eagles are a strong team — and so are the Panthers.

With a backfield of sophomore running back Dylan Edwards and senior quarterback Lem Wash, along with the experience up front with the offensive line, the Panthers will put up points and control the clock.

Then there’s the experience on the other side of the ball, as well, with Tanner Knox and Jack Hileman captaining the defense.

With this talent and experience, the Panthers are poised to make a deep run into the playoffs, as usual. 

The Panthers will have a chance to bounce back this week in their first home game of the season against the 4-2 Maize South Mavericks. 

The two show a similarity — both played Maize and both went down to the wire before losing.