Nov 09, 2024

Blue Jays fall to top-seeded Derby Panthers

Posted Nov 09, 2024 7:30 AM
The 2024 Junction City High School Blue Jay Football team. (Photo courtesy of  the JCHS Journalism Class)
The 2024 Junction City High School Blue Jay Football team. (Photo courtesy of  the JCHS Journalism Class)

By Anthony Gorges 

JC Post

The Junction City Blue Jay football team traveled to Derby Friday night for the second round of the Kansas State High School Football playoffs. On a cold, windy, rainy night, the Derby Panthers beat the Blue Jays 42-14.

On the third offensive play of the game, Derby senior quarterback Drew Kemp connected with senior tight end Da’Saahn Brame over the middle for a 77-yard touchdown. That started the scoring for Derby, who then poured it on the Blue Jays thanks to four first-half rushing touchdowns by sophomore running back Arieus Finley. The Panthers led Junction City 42-0 at halftime.

On the first drive of the second half, Junction City moved the ball down the field and got into the end zone, courtesy of a three-yard touchdown run by junior running back Justice Fonoti. The Blue Jays also scored on the last possession of the game, on a 10-yard touchdown run by sophomore running back Aaron Woods.

Derby, the number one seed in class 6A West, beat Junction City 42-14. The Panthers will move on to the Sectional round of the playoffs next week and will host Wichita East.

Junction City High School head football coach Randall Zimmerman spoke about his team following their final game of the season. Zimmerman said, “I’m very, very proud of our kids and how they developed throughout the season.” After starting the year with a 1-4 record, Zimmerman’s Blue Jays won four of their final five games to finish the season with an even 5-5 record.