Derby proved to be too powerful for the Junction City Blue Jays in their Class 6A semifinal round playoff football game at Al Simpler Stadium Friday night. The Panthers defeated the Blue Jays 62-27.
Derby opened with a 22 yard touchdown run by Dylan Edwards with 8:28 remaining in the first quarter and never trailed in the game. The Panthers forged a 27-14 lead at halftime and then moved onto the victory.
Blue Jay coach Randall Zimmerman saw his team end the season with a 9-2 record. "These kids are so special, this community is so special." He stated that he was proud of the growth by his team "They were league champs and then sectional champs and regional champs and could not just quite get over the top."
The contest was the final game in the 55 year history of Al Simpler Stadium since the Blue Jays will play in a new stadium next year on the campus of the new Junction City High School that is under construction.
Derby ( 8-2 ) will advance to the 6A state championship game on Saturday, Nov. 28 in Olathe against Blue Valley North.