photo by: John Young

Derby senior quarterback Brady Rust (5) slips out of a tackle attempt by Free State senior linebacker Paul Bittinger (7) during their game Friday night at Panther Stadium in Derby

photo by: John Young

Derby junior defensive lineman Peerlus Walker (47) jumps up to knock down a pass attempt by Free State senior quarterback Bryce Torneden during their game Friday night at Panther Stadium in Derby. The Firebirds fell to the Panthers, 35-14.

photo by: John Young

Free State senior running back Sam Skwarlo, center, has trouble finding room to run as he is hit by Derby junior linebacker Lane Sadler (48) at the line of scrimmage.

photo by: John Young

Free State senior quarterback Bryce Torneden, left, takes a hard hit from Derby sophomore defensive back Alex McGill (32) during their game Friday night at Panther Stadium in Derby.

photo by: John Young

Free State senior quarterback Bryce Torneden, left, slips past Derby’s DaMare Simms as he takes off down field during their game Friday night at Panther Stadium in Derby. The Firebirds fell to the Panthers, 35-14.

photo by: John Young

Free State senior quarterback Bryce Torneden, left, is brought down for a loss by Derby junior defensive back Keyshawn Jones (38) during their game Friday night at Panther Stadium in Derby.

photo by: John Young

Free State senior quarterback Bryce Torneden, center, scrambles as he tries to evade Derby’s Ryan Stang (49) and Peerlus Walker (47) during their game Friday night at Panther Stadium in Derby.

photo by: John Young

Free State seniors Bryce Torneden (1) and Tanner Liba (76) walk off the field as Derby players celebrate in the background during their game Friday night at Panther Stadium in Derby. The Firebirds fell to the Panthers, 35-14.

photo by: John Young

Free State senior Sam Skwarlo brings down Derby senior running back Kristian Breedlove (3) after a short gain during their game Friday night at Panther Stadium in Derby. The Firebirds fell to the Panthers, 35-14.

photo by: John Young

Free State senior quarterback Bryce Torneden (1) looks for a receiver downfield as he is chased from behind by Derby’s Ryan Stang (49) and Peerlus Walker (47) during their game Friday night at Panther Stadium in Derby. The Firebirds fell to the Panthers, 35-14.

photo by: John Young

Free State junior Zack Sanders (11) celebrates his pick six with teammates during their game against Derby on Friday night at Panther Stadium in Derby. The Firebirds fell to the Panthers, 35-14, in the state semifinals.