Senior Leadership to Help Derby Reclaim 6A Crown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My first report of August is pivoting back to the Program Preview series. This second preview for the ‘26 season takes a look at a 6A powerhouse program primed to reclaim its spot at the throne.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's been six years since the Derby Panthers last hoisted the 6A title. While that isn't necessarily a long time, it can feel like decades for a program with the championship pedigree Derby has. They're looking to reignite their championship culture after having their most losses (4) since 2011 last season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fortunately enough for the Panthers they'll be led by a strong senior class that can help get them over the hump. These eight prospects will be instrumental in Derby's success this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Offensive Leaders</em></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers' offense will be headlined by [player_tooltip player_id='491873' first='Arieus' last='Finley Jr.'] Not much more needs to be said about his game. He's a special playmaker and he heads into the ‘26 season with loads of varsity experience. The <em>South Dakota-commit</em> is sure to put up monster numbers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's a few reasons why the Panthers' ground game has the potential to thrive this season. Aside from Finley Jr.'s dynamic play, the Panthers' return two outstanding offensive linemen that will open up huge running lanes. Those linemen are [player_tooltip player_id='1475567' first='Kaelin' last='Scarth'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1588356' first='Weston' last='Jackson']. Both these hogs have next-level potential, and they each are capable of producing an <em>All-State</em> caliber season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some more offensive firepower the Panthers bring to the table is a trio of [player_tooltip player_id='944906' first='Blade' last='Clark'], [player_tooltip player_id='1354313' first='Davon' last='Morrison'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2161163' first='Michael' last='Castillo'].&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clark is the orchestrator of the Panthers' offense, and this will be his second season starting under center. He's an underrated dual-threat that was a stock riser in our recent rankings update. The lefty signal caller has the potential to be one of the top QB's in Class 6A.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the passing game Morrison and Castillo will likely lead the Panthers in targets. These two wideouts are very explosive, as Castillo has recorded 40-yard dash times in the 4.5 range and Morrison has times in the mid 4.3 range. Morrison is also a game changer in the return game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Defensive Leaders</em></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers' defense is set to field playmakers at every level of their unit, but these two seniors will be key leaders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1585530' first='Mason' last='Moaliitele'] will man the middle of the Panthers' defense while [player_tooltip player_id='1614325' first='Carter' last='Valentine'] causes disruption in the trenches. Moaliitele was sensational last season and he's one of the top returning linebackers in Class 6A. Valentine is a little undersized for a defensive tackle, but he's a defender opposing linemen do not want to underestimate. He uses his quickness to his advantage to win matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->