By: Joanna Chadwick

Derek Hubbard is a senior running back for the Derby Panther football team. 

Yep, that’s a statement. And for good reason.

Derby is a running back factory, developing dominant running backs almost every season. 

Hubbard had a challenging task ahead this year, following in the footsteps of Colorado freshman Dylan Edwards. 

“I expected myself to have a really good year,” Hubbard said. “I worked out every day this summer and sometimes even twice a day because I really wanted to have a special senior year.”

After a first-game loss to the then-defending state champion, Manhattan Indians, the Panthers put together a dominant regular season that led to the playoffs, where they knocked off Washburn Rural and Manhattan on last-second field goals to clinch a berth in the Class 6A championship. 

“Winning the last two games by a last-minute field goal is always very nerve-wracking,” Hubbard said. “It’s hard even to watch when he’s kicking the field goal.” 

After a year away from the title game, the Panthers returned to play Gardner-Edgerton. 

Hubbard was massive in the state game, taking advantage of the snowy game where he ran for 182 yards and two touchdowns. 

But the Panthers fell 22-19. 

“I will always remember the brotherhood outside of football, us always hanging out and having each others’ backs,” Hubbard said.