The Derby Panthers had a phenomenal first half against Bishop Carroll Friday night.

Seniors Mercer and Drake Thatcher, who are twins, had a combined three touchdowns — Mercer scored the game’s first two touchdowns and Drake had one — as Derby hung on to beat Carroll 44-36.

Juniors Dylan Edwards scored twice, including a 93-yard kickoff return, and Kade Sheldon scored on a pick six. Edwards had 15 carries for 185 yards.

But after taking a 44-23 lead at the half, it got a little rougher.

Carroll held Derby to three second-half points — Scott Simmons hit a field goal with 4:42 to go — while the Eagles scored 19 unanswered to get within five points at 41-36.

Derby’s defense made up for it, though, by forcing two huge fumbles in the last few minutes of the game.

Junior Samuel Samè forced the last fumble to help seal the win for Derby. 

“Man, it was a play that needed to be made against a well-coached Bishop Carroll team,” Same said. “Me and my teammates saw an opportunity to make a play, and we did it.” 

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