By Blake Chadwick

For the second straight year, Derby quarterback Grant Adler has suffered an injury. But while he missed the final two months of the 2018 season, the hope is he’ll be back in the postseason after suffering a foot injury this week. 

But the unbeaten Panthers didn’t stumble on Friday against Hutchinson. While the two teams have been combined to be a part of a state championship game in 16 out of the last 17 years, it was all Derby.

The Panthers cruised to a 56-7 win, thanks to backup quarterback Lem Wash and running back Tre Washington. 

Wash, the offensive juggernaut, scored five touchdowns in his first start. 

“At first I was nervous, but my teammates stayed confident in me, and they told me they knew how talented I was so they just made it easy for me,” Wash said. 

Wash who threw for one touchdown and ran for four more, wasn’t shy about stepping onto the big stage. 

“I’m not satisfied,” Wash said. 

The Panthers forced two fumbles and had two interceptions. One of the two interceptions was by senior cornerback Terry Ginyard, who scored on the 55-yard return.

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Maize took care of business against Salina South 51-7 to stay unbeaten at 6-0.

Maize South continued its winning ways with a 10-0 win over a very hot team in Eisenhower. The Mavericks move to 6-0. Eisenhower, which had won three straight, is 4-2. 

McPherson advanced to 6-0 after a 56-14 win over Augusta. 

Andale also moved to 6-0 after a 47-7 win over Collegiate. 

Northwest’s defense impressed again in a 52-2 win over Garden City to stay undefeated. 

Belle Plaine wins a close one against Fredonia 13-6. The Dragons move to 6-0. Belle Plaine scored the final 13 points, getting two safeties initially.

Garden Plain took care of business 57-20 to beat Chaparral. 

After losing its first game on Oct. 4 to Maize South, Andover Central got back to its winning ways by beating Great Bend 41-7 on Homecoming.

East won its fourth straight game 48-12 win over Liberal. 

Bishop Carroll won 23-13 over Kapaun to improve to 4-2. 

Cheney won its fifth straight as the Cardinals move to 5-1 following a 38-6 win over Haven. Their only loss is to undefeated Garden Plain in the season opener. 

Conway Springs also moved to 5-1 with a 42-7 win over Remington.

Salina Central won its fourth straight after a win over Newton 47-14.

Heights has won three straight after a 42-23 win over Wichita South.