By Blake Chadwick

With time running down in the season, the number of teams winning and surviving dwindles, too. 

But, boy, are these teams making some noise. 

Wichita Northwest (12-0) advanced to the 5A state title game for the second straight year after an 80-42 win over rival Maize high. 

The Grizzlies were led by junior running back Julius Bolden, who scored five touchdowns, and senior quarterback Reagan Jones who also added four touchdowns to the scoreboard. 

The Grizzlies (12-0) take on Mill Valley (9-3) in the 5A state championship game on Nov. 30.

Derby (12-0) beat Topeka 63-35 and advanced to its fifth straight Class 6A title game with the chance of winning its fifth 6 title in seven seasons.

“We had to come in and dominate like we did against Maize and for the last three weeks,” Derby senior center Kevin Washington said. 

The Panthers were able to take care of business against Topeka’s high-powered offense of running Ky Thomas, who committed to Minnesota, and quarterback Da’Vonshai Harden. 

An early score and pick-six by junior linebacker Jack Hileman put Derby up 14-0 quickly.

Topeka failed to contain the potent backfield of senior running back Tre Washington and junior quarterback Lem Wash, who combined for 345 rushing yards. 

Thomas rushed for 358 yards on 48 carries. 

The Panthers move on to the 6A state championship game on Nov. 30 against the Olathe North Eagles (10-2) . 

The Panthers are looking to win their second straight.

The Andale Indians cruised to a state championship berth for the second time in the last three years. 

The Indians beat the Cheney Cardinals 55-20. The first time the two teams played, Andale won 29-22, their closest game of the season.

Andale running back Mac Brand had 110 rushing yards, while Andale held Cheney to 60 rushing yards.

The Indians (12-0) will face off against Perry Lecompton (9-3) on Nov. 30.

The Andover Central Jaguars punched their ticket to the 4A state championship game. 

The Jaguars beat the McPherson Bullpups 7-0, in a battle of grit and defense. 

The Jaguars’ only touchdown was scored off a special teams fumble by McPherson early in the second quarter. 

For the second time in program history the Jaguars are going to a state title game. 

The Jaguars (11-1) will face off against the 4A powerhouse in Bishop Miege for the 4A state championship game on Nov. 30.