8-Man II
Who: Axtell (12-0) vs. Thunder Ridge (11-1)
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Fischer Field, Newton
Overview:
- Axtell looks to win back-to-back state championships.
- Thunder Ridge is 1-1 in state championship games and is looking to get its second state championship.
Axtell Eagles
Coach Eric Detweiler
Key players:
QB/LB Isaac Detweiler, senior, 5-11, 180 pounds (120-164 for 1,867 passing yards, 38 passing touchdowns one interception, 794 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns)
RB/WR/DB Brandon Schmelzle, sophomore, 6-2, 185 pounds (489 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, 702 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns)
RB/WR/LB Eli Broxterman, sophomore, 6-0, 185 pounds (955 all-purpose yards, 62 total tackles and 10.5 TFL’s)
WR/CB Grady Buessing, junior, 6-2, 175 pounds (28 receptions, 476 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns and 51.5 tackles)
What makes your team special?
“We have a very talented group of boys that play for each other. None of them are concerned with individual awards or stats. We have a good amount of experience at all position groups.”
Who have been key players for you this season?
“Isaac Detweiler, Brandon Schmelzle and Eli Broxterman.”
Have any players been a surprise?
“Grady Buessing.”
What got your team into the state championship game?
“Hard work throughout the summer and a mindset by the players each week where they are completely focused on the task that week. The boys aren’t satisfied with winning the state championship last year – they want to repeat.”
What does your team need to do in order to win the state championship game?
“We have to remain focused and each person needs to concentrate on making sure they are in the correct position each play and take care of their responsibilities. We must win the turnover battle and make sure we don’t make mental mistakes.”
Thunder Ridge Longhorns
Coach Joel Struckhoff
Key players:
QB/LB Dylan Bice, senior, 6-2, 205 pounds (84-132 for 1,278 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, three interceptions, 1841 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns and 141 total tackles)
RB Jace Randall, senior, 6-0, 180 pounds (85 rushes, 676 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns)
RB/DE Dalton Bice, senior, 6-1, 210 pounds (92 total tackles and 11 sacks)
TE/DE Kaleb Wagenblast, senior, 6-2, 235 pounds (94 total tackles and eight TFLs)
TE/CB Mason Baker, junior, 6-1, 175 pounds (62 total tackles)
LB Josh Ferguson, junior, 6-1, 210 pounds (162 total tackles and 10 TFLs)
DT Brian Shaw, senior, 6-3, 310 pounds (52 total tackles)
What makes your team special?
“The group of young men that are seniors really helped set the process by working hard in every aspect of football, the weight room, the film study and have set the standards for underclassmen.”
Who have been key players for you this season?
“Dylan Bice, Dalton Bice, Josh Ferguson, Kaleb Wagenblast, Jace Randall.”
Have any players been a surprise?
“Brayden Burge.”
What got your team into the state championship game?
“Hard work and determination to not be denied this year after making it to the sub-state championship game last year and losing.”
What does your team need to do in order to win the state championship game?
“Play as a team, play physical, play assignment proof football, and play smart.”
