Derby-Goddard wrestling rivalry heats up

When Derby and Goddard wrestlers face off tonight at Newman University, it might appear that history is on Goddard’s side. Or is it?

Goddard has edged Derby for the Class 6A state title two years in a row. Goddard is the No. 1 team in 6A this season, according to Kansas high school wrestling coaches, while Derby is ranked No. 2. And Goddard won this year’s Derby tournament, followed by Valley Center (second) and the host (third).

That sounds like a pretty good resume for the Lions. There’s just one problem: Derby has beaten them in league duals the past two years in a row. Perhaps history is on the Panthers’ side after all.

In 2007-08, Derby defeated Goddard 51-30 in their dual. Goddard went on to beat Derby 209-204.5 at state, where Derby settled for second place.

In 2008-09, Derby topped Goddard 38-31 in dual action. Goddard took revenge at state, compiling 180 points to again relegate Derby, with 155.5 points, to second place.

This year, Derby will be seeking its first 6A title since 1985 and 1986, when it won back-to-back championships.

The Panthers commanded attention early in the season, when they won the December Duals, a dual tournament at Valley Center. They didn’t fare as well in their own tournament, where Goddard prevailed.

Goddard features 10 ranked wrestlers, but Derby is close behind with eight. Tonight’s dual is sure to be a fierce battle and possibly the deciding contest in the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division I race.

It could be a win-win situation. If recent history is any indication, a loss at the dual could mean a victory at state.