The Derby (KS) varsity football team will face Manhattan (KS) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 6A, organized by the KSHSAA.
What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Derby (KS) vs Manhattan (KS)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets: (KSHSAA) – Class 6A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
A Look Ahead: Manhattan vs. Derby – A Clash of Undefeated Titans
As the high school football season heats up, two teams have stood out as elite contenders in Kansas: Manhattan and Derby. Both schools have finished the regular season undefeated, boasting 11-0 records and dominating their respective opponents. With an exciting matchup on the horizon, let’s take a closer look at these teams and how they stack up against each other heading into what promises to be an intense showdown.
Manhattan (24-25)
The Manhattan Indians have been nothing short of dominant in 2024-25. With an undefeated record of 11-0, they have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Their defense has been impenetrable, allowing only 138 points across 11 games, which averages out to just 12.5 points per game. This remarkable feat reflects their exceptional preparation and execution on both sides of the ball.
Key Stats:
- Points per game: 44.7
- Rushing yards per game: 277.6
- Passing yards per game: 134.5
- Total yards per game: 412.2
- Tackles per game: 61.0
- Sacks per game: 1.2
The team’s offense is led by quarterback Carter Aslin, who has racked up impressive totals with 117.5 rushing yards per game and 119.8 passing yards per game. Aslin is also a key contributor to the team’s scoring, averaging 13.8 points per game. His dual-threat ability has been a cornerstone of Manhattan’s offensive success.
Derby (24-25)
Similar to Manhattan, Derby has also gone undefeated, finishing with an 11-0 record. The Derby Panthers have a high-scoring offense, averaging 53.5 points per game. With a robust and well-balanced attack, Derby’s offense has been lethal, racking up 589 points on the season. Their defense has been just as impressive, allowing only 93 points across 11 games, a mere 8.5 points per game.
Key Stats:
- Points per game: 44.6
- Rushing yards per game: 241.3
- Passing yards per game: 151.5
- Total yards per game: 392.7
- Tackles per game: 75.1
- Sacks per game: 2.8
The offense is spearheaded by Arieus Finley, a dynamic running back who averages 130.3 rushing yards per game and has been the focal point of the Panthers’ ground game. Additionally, quarterback Drew Kemp has been efficient in the passing game, adding 129.6 yards per game through the air. The Panthers’ defense has been incredibly aggressive, averaging 2.8 sacks per game, led by defensive standout Milan Colvin.
Team Comparisons:
The statistics for both teams are incredibly close, with Manhattan slightly edging out Derby in rushing yards per game (277.6 to 241.3), while Derby has the advantage in passing yards (151.5 to 134.5). When it comes to overall offensive output, both teams are well-matched, with Manhattan averaging 412.2 yards per game and Derby at 392.7 yards per game.
On the defensive side, Derby holds a slight edge in tackles per game, averaging 75.1 to Manhattan’s 61.0. Additionally, Derby has been more effective in generating sacks, averaging 2.8 per game compared to Manhattan’s 1.2.
Common Opponents:
Both teams have faced off against the same opponents this season, with both securing victories across the board. Manhattan and Derby both triumphed over Hays, Junction City, and Maize, although Derby’s victories came by larger margins in some instances. Notably, Derby defeated Maize 59-7, while Manhattan triumphed 49-0 in their meeting. These results further emphasize the dominant nature of both teams this season.
- Manhattan vs. Hays: 34-30 (Win) | Derby vs. Hays: 40-7 (Win)
- Manhattan vs. Junction City: 52-0 (Win) | Derby vs. Junction City: 42-14 (Win)
- Manhattan vs. Maize: 49-0 (Win) | Derby vs. Maize: 59-7 (Win)
Head-to-Head Breakdown:
With both teams entering this matchup undefeated, the head-to-head battle will come down to which team can impose its will both offensively and defensively. Both teams have proven they can dominate across the board, but the key differences may come down to small details: Manhattan’s ability to move the ball with Aslin’s versatility and Derby’s depth, particularly on the defensive line.
The Matchup to Watch:
With both teams averaging over 44 points per game, expect an exciting, fast-paced matchup. Manhattan’s offensive efficiency and strong rushing game will test Derby’s stout defense, while Derby’s explosive playmaking ability will challenge Manhattan’s defensive schemes. Special teams and turnovers could also play a critical role in deciding this game.
This matchup is a battle of two juggernauts of Kansas high school football, and with both teams hungry for the ultimate prize, it’s sure to be an unforgettable contest.
Conclusion:
The matchup between Manhattan and Derby represents the best of Kansas high school football in 2024-25. Both teams have demonstrated impressive consistency, putting up dominant numbers on both offense and defense. As the two undefeated titans prepare to clash, it will be interesting to see which team emerges victorious in what promises to be an exciting, high-stakes showdown.
