Derby has produced its share of defensive stars over the years, but junior middle linebacker Mason Moaliitele carved out his own space in that lineage this fall — through toughness, leadership and a motor that never shut off, even when his body demanded otherwise.
Moaliitele, who moved to Derby just last semester, quickly proved he wasn’t just another new face in the locker room. He was a tone-setter.
“I would say my biggest strengths are my football IQ and my drive to be the best,” Moaliitele said. “I will push my team to be the best they can be at all times.”
That intensity didn’t take long to surface. Teammates learned quickly that when Mason spoke, he meant it.
“I’m a very intense teammate,” Moaliitele said. “If you’re going to play with me, that’s what you’re going to do — give your best. When I first moved here, nobody really knew me or expected much. But once I pushed them, they knew I was serious.”
Despite missing three games due to injury, he still put together one of the most impressive stat lines in Kansas. In just 8.5 games, he had 108 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack and two interceptions.
At one point, before the injury, he was leading the entire state in tackles.
His goals were clear from the start: lead Derby in tackles, earn All-League honors, and help bring home a state title. Even though Derby didn’t win 6A, the postseason run proved this group had heart — and Moaliitele hit both of his personal marks.
“Our goal was to win state,” he said. “We came up short, but made a very good run in the playoffs. We’ll be working towards the same goal next year.”
Recruiting attention is starting to build, too.
“Yes, I plan on playing at the next level,” Moaliitele said. “I haven’t heard from a bunch of coaches yet, but I’ve heard a little from KU and Lindenwood. I’m confident the season I had will boost my recruitment a lot.”
But for Moaliitele, football is about more than tackles and college offers.
“To be recognized as one of the best players in the state means a lot,” he said. “I’ve worked so hard for recognition, and it feels amazing to finally get some. I wouldn’t be able to do anything I’ve done without God. I just want to use my success as a stage for God’s word.”
