Derby played its final game Saturday, losing 41-21 to Blue Valley Northwest in the Class 6A title game at Emporia State. 

The Panthers have played in seven straight title games, winning in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

BVNW started off the game hot and led 28-0 at the half.

The Panthers fought back.

Senior quarterback Mercer Thatcher led the charge scoring in the third quarter off a 39-yard run.

Junior running back Dylan Edwards scored twice on touchdown runs of five and 10 yards. He finished with 172 rushing yards on 26 carries.

But it wasn’t enough, and BVNW won its first title.

The Panthers’ season might have ended in a devastating way, but it was overall one to remember, with a record of 11-1.