By Blake Chadwick
Win or go home.
The second week of the playoffs — regional championships — were Friday.
Derby vs. West, the one-seed vs the eight-seed, was just as lopsided as the seedings.
“We watched a lot of film all week, and prepared well. That’s a very young team and they will be good in the next few years,” said senior running back Tre Washington after the Panthers’ 49-13 win on Friday.
Derby (10-0), which just got starting quarterback Grant Adler back from injury, still started backup Lem Wash, who has torn up opponents in his way.
“I love Grant so much. He’s a big brother to me. Without him we aren’t the same. I am just glad he’s back,” Wash said.
The Derby offense was led by both quarterbacks as they switched off between Adler and Wash.
Both took care of business. Wash had four touchdowns, and Adler added two more, one passing and one rushing.
The Panther defense forced three fumbles and the first team defense held West to zero points and not a lot of success in the offensive category as the Pioneers didn’t score until the second half.
Derby will play host to Manhattan (9-1) on Nov. 15 in the quarterfinals.
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Northwest beat Great Bend 48-14. It was the second time the Grizzlies have beaten Great Bend. Northwest has outscored opponents 524-69.
Northwest will play Bishop Carroll, a 35-7 winner over Andover, in the quarterfinals on Nov. 15. Northwest (10-0) beat Carroll 21-17 in the season opener.
Carroll’s only losses are to Northwest and Derby. Carroll is 8-2.
Maize South took care of business 41-10 against Hays. The Mavericks (10-0) will play host to Maize on Nov. 15. Maize improved to 9-1 with a 31-0 victory over Emporia (6-4)
McPherson advanced after a 14-8 win over Goddard. The Bullpups (10-0) avenged their 2018 loss to Goddard, which finished second in Class 4A.
Andover Central (9-1) won 45-7 over Augusta and will play Buhler, which beat Mulvane 24-0. Buhler is 8-2.
Cheney bested Collegiate 30-13 to improve to 8-2 and set up a showdown with Scott City (8-20). Collegiate had an early lead, but couldn’t hang on. Cheney beat Collegiate in Week 6, as well.
Arkansas City beat Winfield 13-3. Ark City (4-6) had lost to Winfield (6-4) 20-18 in the season opener.
Andale is 10-0 after beating Clearwater 49-0 to advance to the quarterfinals against Beloit. Andale also beat Clearwater in Week 7.
Conway Springs shut down Eureka 40-7 and will play Norton (6-3) in the quarterfinals.
Garden Plain improved to 10-0 after shutting out Belle Plaine (8-2) 56-0. Garden Plain has scored 514 points.
Sedgwick (10-0) beat Meade 34-12 and will face Smith Center (10-0) at home in the quarterfinals.
