The Derby and Maize game was the game of the week, and it lived up to all the hype.

The Panthers won 42-41, hanging on to the win after getting an interception in the end zone on Maize’s two-point conversion attempt.

Maize started hot, scoring two quick touchdowns before Derby had an answer. Down 21-7, the Panthers scored four unanswered touchdowns for the 35-21 lead in the third quarter. 

But Maize responded with its potent offense led by quarterback Avery Johnson, who had 288 passing yards. The Eagles got the ball with 1:33 to go and scored with 38 seconds remaining. 

Instead of tying the game with a point after, the Eagles went for two nd failed.

Senior quarterback Mercer Thatcher scored three of Derby’s six touchdowns. He had 108 rushing yards and 89 passing. 

Junior running back Dylan Edwards also had a big night with 266 rushing yards rushing and two touchdowns, including a 70-yard run.