Derby advances over Lawrence Free State

WICHITA, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - Having been in a few close games this season, the Derby Panthers were able to use regular season experience to survive a late game surge from Lawrence Free State, winning 27-21.

A slow start for both sides saw Free State milk the first quarter clock before a failed fourth down conversion would give the Panthers the ball. Each team would trade the ball numerous times before points would find the scoreboard.

Lawrence Free State looked to Quarterback Jet Dineen for the bulk of the offense adding a mix of designed run plays with pass attempts from the senior signal caller. He would find a late touchdown in the first half to spark the scoring effort after leading the offense on an impressive drive.

Derby’s defensive line spelled trouble for Dineen over the course of the game. Samuel Same was a difficult task for the Free State offensive line making multiple plays in the backfield in the first half.

The Panther offensive line has been an impressive unit all season long. In what may be one of their best showings this season, Derby ball carriers including Mercer Thatcher and Dylan Edwards had wide lanes in the running game. Thatcher looked comfortable in the pocket directing traffic to receivers while waiting in the pocket. A big completion to Drake Thatcher would set the Panthers up close before Mercer scored on a QB keeper behind a convoy of Panther linemen.

Derby would hold off a second half comeback that would bring the Firebirds within a touchdown.

The Panthers will advance to take on Lawrence in the Sub-state matchup.

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