Derby tops Olathe North for 5th state title in 7 years, setting records along the way

The Derby Panthers claimed another Kansas Class 6A state championship Saturday with a 63-26 victory over Olathe North — the most points scored by a team in 6A title-game history.

Derby is no stranger to state-title games, either. The Panthers were making their sixth championship game appearance in the past seven years.

The Panthers became the first 6A team to roll to back-to-back undefeated seasons capped by state championships since the 2006-07 season, when Hutchinson pulled it off.

In addition to setting some title-game records, the Panthers also became the first 6A team to play 13 games and win every one by at least 21 points.

Before Saturday’s state championship game, senior Tre Washington said the Panthers talked about setting records and leaving a lasting impression.

“Before the game, we talked about leaving our legacy,” Washington said. “(The legacy) being one of the best teams that ever came through Kansas … so we went out there and executed.”

The Derby football legacy was also weighing on the coaching staff’s minds leading up to the championship game. The Panthers’ senior class was a special one for coach Brandon Clark. This group of seniors won three state championships during its four years with the program.

“We knew this would be our last game with them regardless if we won or lost,” Clark said. “It was an emotional week knowing we’d have to walk off the field and say goodbye to them as Panther football players.”

Clark said that it wasn’t just the athletic ability of these seniors that made them so special, but the way they treated their teammates off the field and fortified even further the elite football culture at Derby.

“What makes them so special is that they care so much about each other,” Clark said. “It’s amazing — it doesn’t matter if you’re third- or fourth-string or a starter, you’re cared about just as much as everybody else, which is pretty awesome.

“Every year it’s a new group of seniors and a new experience, and you’ve got your new ups and downs and your new adversities to overcome. This group has been special. It’s been smooth sailing. They’ve taken care of business on and off the field. It’s very delightful.”

The Panthers posted an early 21-point lead Saturday, but Olathe North, in the state final for the first time since 2010, scored back-to-back touchdowns to make it 21-13. Derby then answered with consecutive scores to take a 29-point lead into halftime.

Olathe North quarterback Arland Bruce IV rushed for three touchdowns Saturday, giving him 43 total TDs this season.

But Derby didn’t ease up until the fourth quarter, when the Panthers took out their starters. The Eagles capitalized, scored twice, but it was too little, too late.

Soon, Derby would be celebrating yet another championship.

“Coach Clark doesn’t let us get satisfied at all. He tells us we have to get better every single day,” Washington said. “When you go to a school that has this winning tradition, you got something to uphold.”

This story was originally published November 30, 2019 at 5:32 PM.