Small town, big dreams: Axtell football sets its sights on fifth-straight state championship

AXTELL (KSNT) – The Axtell Eagles haven’t lost a football game since Nov. 6, 2020, losing 52-6 to the Hanover Wildcats in the second round of the 8 Man Division II playoffs. Since then, the team has never looked back.

The Eagles have won 58-straight games and four-straight state championships.

While some teams might become complacent after so much success, the Eagles know they have a target on their backs. That’s why Axtell football is keeping its foot on the gas as it looks to claim a fifth-straight state title.

“Sometimes it’s difficult and practice gets a little lackluster,” Axtell football head coach Eric Detweiler told 27 Sports. “…we emphasize that everybody’s going to try to beat us and we’re going to get everybody’s best shot, and so we just kind of use that for motivation to work harder ourselves.”

“When you win that many in a row, everyone’s got your target, you’re the biggest, the target is the biggest on your back, you know,” Axtell football’s junior quarterback/safety, Wyatt Detweiler, said. “You’re going to get everyone’s best shot. That makes you prepare harder and harder each and every week.”

The team spends hours practicing and watching film, but they believe having the support of their small town behind them contributes to their success.

“It’s amazing, just looking up in the stands, [they’re] packed, just loud,” Colin Shaughnessy said, a senior tight end and linebacker for Axtell football. “It gets you just that much more fired up.”

“You’re not just playing for your buddies, you’re playing for your whole town,” Wyatt Detweiler said.

“Small town life is everything,” Eric Detweiler said. “…everybody’s willing to help and support us, that’s for sure.”

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