After spending his first nine years as the Garden City high school defensive line coach, Derek Goble was brought on the Panthers’ staff by coach Brandon Clark. Goble was the linebackers coach at first and then became the defensive line coach the next season, a position he has had since 2018.
“I really just love teaching and coaching,” Goble said. “It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I had such a great experience playing football under great coaches that made an impact on me.
“There aren’t many things in this world that build culture and brotherhood the way football does. Doing these things in Derby is even more special. There is not another program or community in Kansas like it.”
Goble has had the privilege of coaching both his sons – Peyton, a junior, and Easton, a freshman. Peyton played a pivotal part for the Panther offensive line this year despite being hurt.
Derby’s defense was stellar, allowing just 10.3 points per game. During its first nine games, the Panthers had one shutout and didn’t allow more than seven points per game.
The Panthers finished with an 11-1 record after falling to Manhattan 31-21 in the Class 6A semifinals. The loss stunned the Panthers.
“You don’t shake games like that off easily,” Goble said. “A game like that sticks in your gut for a long time. The hardest thing is that you feel for the seniors. This was a very special group, they worked their tails off and prepared as well as you could all season long.
“The important thing is that they understand that one game doesn’t diminish their legacy. They left their mark in a positive way on this program.”
With the work only now beginning for next season, Goble is going to continue his way of coaching because he knows just how special next year’s team will be.
“I’d say that I’m detail-oriented,” Goble said. “Discipline and fundamentals are everything at this position. Coach Wuthrich and Coach Haynes are the masterminds at the scheme,
“I just want to know how we fit the puzzle and get our guys equipped. I am energetic. I feel like that’s contagious at practice. No matter if it’s (zero hour), weight room workouts, drills or a Friday night game, bringing the same energy is key.”
