Headhunters Leading Derby On Another Title Run

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <em>Derby Panthers</em> are well-known throughout the state as one of the top programs, particularly in football. Since Head Coach Brandon Clark took over in 2006, the <em>Panthers</em> have won six state championships while fielding some of the best teams in history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It wasn't always that way, as in '06 <em>Derby</em> would go 1-8 in Clark's first season and 5-5 the next. Fast forward to year eight and the pieces came together for his first <em>Panther</em> championship as the team finished 12-1. They would go on to win six state titles in the next eight years, with one stretch from 2015-2020 when they won a jaw-dropping 71 games and only lost four in six years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since their last championship in 2020, Derby has continued to be one of the juggernaut programs in the state, <em>just not elite</em>. In that span they have never lost more than three games in a season but have struggled to ring the bell when they got in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 team intends to change all that and bring back the title hardware where it belongs - in <em>Panther</em> country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this report, the first in a series, we will cover some of the key players getting ready to go to war this fall. I will follow-up with several additional articles to make sure and cover as many of the <em>Panther</em> playmakers as possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below we lead off with a couple of senior defensive ballers, followed by a slam-dunking offensive lineman and then two rising-star transfers who are going to strengthen the team considerably.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, without further adieu, let's take a look at what these guys have been doing to get ready for this fall:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904440' first='Dalton' last='Hornback']</strong></strong>, Edge/OLB, 6'2, 220, <em>Derby</em>, '<strong>26</strong>. He is coming off another standout season as a defensive end/edge rusher on the <em>Panther's</em> formidable defensive front. He has developed into one of the top players in the state at his position as a destroyer on the edge causing chaos in the backfield as well as cutting off backs trying to hit the perimeter. With his size, closing speed and finely-tuned read and react skills he diagnoses the play quickly before lowering the boom on arrival. Last fall he had 51 tackles, eight TFL, four sacks, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He has had a strong summer with his training already paying dividends as he is bigger and faster than last year. With his high-IQ game and aggressive mindset he is positioned to once again be one of the top defensive ends in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1401788' first='Houston' last='Bowlin']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/houston-boline/"></a> </strong>, 6'2, 280, DL,<em> Derby</em>, <strong>'26</strong>, He is another senior baller in the trenches who is a two-year starter after an excellent junior season. As a mauling, brawling force in the middle of the <em>Panther </em>defensive front, he is coming off a good season when he earned all-state honors while racking up 37 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and caused a fumble. He is a wrecking ball nose guard in the middle of the defense who can stone-wall gaps and keep blockers off his linebackers but also has the lateral mobility to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. With his powerful base, good reach and weaponized hands he really stands out as a run-stuffing NG who uses his skills and experience to blow up double teams and put pressure on the quarterback. This guy is ready to wage war in the trenches this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1475567' first='Kaelin' last='Scarth']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kaelin-scarth-2/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kaelin-scarth-2/"></a> </strong><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kaelin-scarth-2/"></a> </em></strong>, 6'3, 265, OL, <em>Derby</em>,<strong> '27</strong>. A year ago he stepped up as one of the few sophomore starters as a versatile offensive lineman who can play either guard or tackle but last year made a difference at right guard. This year he will settle in at right tackle along the <em>Panther</em> offensive front. With his size, strength and reach he also brings impressive athleticism, as he easily performs a walk-up slam dunk with a basketball. With that explosiveness, coupled with quick feet and agility he walls off in pass pro but can also pull and plaster defenders on the perimeter. He has had a strong off-season focusing on strength and speedwork and has put on 10 pounds while getting his 40 down to 4.9. With his next-level skills and drive, this guy is getting ready to man-handle defenders across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585530' first='Mason' last='Moaliitele']</strong></strong>, 6'0, 210, LB/RB, <em>Derby</em>, <strong>'27</strong>. He is another great addition for <em>Derby</em> after a productive season at <em>Winfield</em>. The former all-conference <em>Viking</em> standout is a two-way playmaker who can operate as a hard-charging running back on offense but really shines as a battering ram of a linebacker. He has developed into one one of the top young backers in the state after a season when he made 83 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and had two sacks a year ago. In one two-game span late in the season he piled up 30 tackles and three tackles for a loss. His off-season training has been aggressive as he has established PR's in all the major lifts while getting faster. The <em>Panthers</em> got a baller with this guy and with an impressive sophomore season under his belt he is going to dominate this fall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1362958' first='Levi' last='McLaughlin']</strong></em></strong>, 6'3, 185, DB/WR,&nbsp;<em>Derby</em>, <strong>'27</strong>. He is one of the young guns I have been following since his early days as a <em>Rose Hill Rocket</em> and as he enters his junior season he is poised and ready to not only have a breakout season, but help the <em>Panthers</em> get another title. Transferring to <em>Derby</em> in the off-season he brings elite skills to his new team, with prototype size and athleticism for a D1 defensive back after piling up 50 tackles and had 10 pass breakups a year ago. In the secondary he can get in the wide receiver's grill, flip hips at the snap and lock him up throughout the route. He can also move back and play safety as a ballhawk with impressive closing speed attacking the ball. His off-season training has been strong as he clocked a 4.5 40 and a 37" vertical. Get your popcorn handy, this guy is getting ready to put on a show this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action – you will not be disappointed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, as usual…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Keep grindin'</em></strong>…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->