By Lewis Marien – Mercury Staff Photographer & Toby Hammes
DERBY — The premier rivalry of the Kansas 6A playoff over the last several seasons was rekindled Friday night as No. 2 Manhattan High football upset top-seeded Derby 31-21 to win the sub-state championship.
The sub-state win is their ninth in school history, the first since 2022, when the Indians won their third state title.
The scene in Derby was set for a brisk battle between the two 11-0 heavyweights — and they delivered but it was the Indians (12-0) playing spoiler against the Panthers (11-1) in the end.
Manhattan High linebacker Colby Altevogt pressures Derby running back Arieus Finley during their 6A sub-state championship game Friday night at Panther Stadium in Derby. The Indians beat the Panthers, 31-21.
Manhattan High running back Jaydin Hudley takes a handoff from quarterback Carter Aslin during Friday night’s 6A sub-state championship game against Derby at Panther Stadium in Derby. The Indians beat the Panthers, 31-21.
