Blue Valley Northwest beats Derby for first Kansas high school football championship

For the first time in the history of the Blue Valley Northwest High School football program, the Huskies are Kansas state champions.

Blue Valley Northwest beat vaunted Derby 41-21 in Emporia Saturday afternoon to claim the Class 6A title in the Huskies’ first state championship game appearance.

The Huskies, who went 0-9 just four years ago, controlled Saturday’s game at Emporia State University’s Welch Stadium from the outset. Coach Clint Rider’s Blue Valley Northwest team had the game well in hand by halftime, 28-0.

Derby came in seeking its fourth straight state championship. Instead, the Panthers left with their first loss of the season in the last possible game.

Blue Valley Northwest quarterback Mikey Pauley ran for four touchdowns in the first three quarters — and threw for a fifth, in the second quarter, to Nick Cusick — for the Huskies (12-1).

Grant Stubblefield also scored a late touchdown as the Huskies put the game entirely out of reach down the stretch.

The Panthers didn’t get on the board until about 6 minutes remained in the third quarter, with Mercer Thatcher scoring on a 39-yard touchdown run.

It was an excellent afternoon — and a historic afternoon — for Blue Valley Northwest in every aspect.

This story was originally published November 27, 2021 at 4:38 PM.