By Blake Chadwick
After trailing 6-0 to visiting Lawrence, the Derby Panthers (9-1) ran away with the game 48-6 thanks to their stifling defense and another big game from tight end Da’Saahn Brame, who had two touchdown catches and 116 receiving yards. Quarterback Braxton Clark had 231 passing yards, completing 16 of 19 passes, and running back Derek Hubbard had a touchdown and 95 rushing yards.
The Panthers scored 48 unanswered points and will play at defending Class 6A champs Manhattan next week. Manhattan has won the last three meetings dating back to August 2022.
Omari Elias and the Kapaun Mount Carmel Crusaders (9-1) survived a close one against Great Bend, winning 36-34. Kapaun will play host to Maize South.
Maize South (8-2) stormed back to beat Hutchinson 21-20 after trailing 20-7 at halftime.
Wichita East (8-2), which knocked off the Grizzlies on a last-second play earlier in the season, left no doubt this time around by dominating the Grizzlies 48-28. East had a 20-0 lead through the first four minutes of the third quarter. The Aces will play at Washburn Rural.
McPherson (7-3) took care of Buhler 26-3. The Bullpups will play Andover Central.
Andover Central (7-3) moves on after a tough win against Abilene.
An end zone interception helped close out the game 28-21 for the Jaguars.
Wellington (8-2) beat Coffeyville on a touchdown in the game’s final seconds for the 27-20 win. Wellington will play Wamego.
Eisenhower (9-1) dominated Hays 41-7 and will play host to Maize next week.
Maize (5-5) continued its surprising playoff run by beating Liberal 35-26.
Wichita Collegiate (9-1) took care of Rock Creek with a 47-28 win and will play Andale again. Quarterback Hudson Ferralez threw for 231 yards for two touchdowns, connecting with James Shackelford eight times for 110 yards. Running back Julian Johnson had 31 carries, four touchdowns and 125 rushing yards.
Andale (9-1) went on the road and won 44-8 at Scott City.
Hoisington (10-0) defeated Beloit 35-6 and will play SE-Saline, which beat Kingman.
Conway Springs (8-2) beat Sterling 52-22 as Nathan Berntsen had three touchdowns and Brayden Kunz scored three, finishing with 170 rushing yards on 19 carries. The Cardinals will play Marion.
Cheney (10-0) beat Holcomb 37-8 and will play Clay Center, a 47-6 winner over Hesston.
Tonight’s scores
Andale 44, Scott City 8
Andover Central 28, Abilene 21
Cair Paravel 76, Central-Burden 30
Chase County 36, Moundridge 26
Cheney 37, Holcomb 8
Clay Center 47, Hesston 6
Conway Springs 52, Sterling 22
Cunningham 66, Lost Springs 0
Derby 48, Lawrence 6
Eisenhower 41, Hays 7
Ell-Saline 68, Meade 20
Ellsworth 34, Garden Plain 31
Frankfort 66, Canton-Galva 28
Hoisington 35, Beloit 6
Kapaun 36, Great Bend 34
Maize 35, Liberal 26
Maize South 21, Hutchinson 20
Marion 38, Smith Center 14
McPherson 26, Buhler 3
Lyndon 68, South Sumner 22
Medicine Lodge 17, Hutchinson Trinity 14
SE-Saline 36, Kingman 28
Valley Heights 52, Sedgwick 40
Wamego 42, Rose Hill 14
Wellington 27, Coffeyville 20
West Elk 72, Little River 60
Wichita Collegiate 47, Rock Creek 28
Wichita East 48, Wichita Northwest 28