By Joanna Chadwick
Derby’s defense has always been one of the best, if not the best, in the state year after year. This season is no exception.
Senior safety James Middlebrook is a big part of leading a shutdown secondary and setting the tone physically for every game.
“Being in the Derby program means a lot, and you learn many things that develop you as a person,” he said. “And if you embrace the program, it can help you in life.”
Through four games, the senior has 24 tackles, 10 pass breakups and a sack, despite only playing seven total quarters due to complete and total domination throughout.
Derby has outscored its opponents 235-21 and is 4-0.
Middlebrook has played football for 10 years and has always been a superb athlete who has used his quickness and physicality to put him in the right spots and fly around.
After making it to the Class 6A state championship game a season ago and losing to Gardner-Edgerton 22-19, Middlebrook intends to make it back there.
“I have not won a state championship since my class got here freshman year,” Middlebrook said. “This year, we have a chance to get after it. So I want to do that with my team before leaving.”
