Gavin Cornelison and Branden Bussman

Heading into week seven of the high school football season the Frankfort Wildcats were undefeated and feeling good looking to avenge a 76-28 loss to Axtell a year ago which ended what was at the time a perfect season.

On Friday night the Wildcats did just that and showed they are for real this season and one of the top teams in the state with a wild, stunning 24-20 win over previously unbeaten and No. 1-ranked Axtell led by junior Gavin Cornelison and senior Branden Bussman.

It wasn’t easy at all for Frankfort who found themselves down 20-18 with only 40 second left and Axtell in possession with a chance to milk the clock away, but after a mistake by the Eagles of stopping the clock the Wildcats got the ball back with a chance to make some magic.

The eventual game-winning drive for Frankfort started in disaster with an 8-yard sack on the first play of the drive, but after a pass interference penalty on Axtell and a 23-yard catch by Bryce Stowell the Wildcats had one final play with four seconds on the clock at the Eagle 32-yard line.

On the ensuing play Gavin Cornelison was able to avoid a blitzing linebacker, step up in the pocket and throw an absolute dime to Branden Bussman in the front left corner of the end zone with no time on the clock for the game-winner.

Cornelison finished the night 6-of-8 passing for 86 yards and the one touchdown while he ran for 44 yards and another score.

Bussman caught three passes for 41 yards and the game-winning score.

On the season Cornelison has thrown for 576 yards and 10 touchdowns while he has also run for 606 yards and 10 more scores.

Bussman meanwhile has done it all for Frankfort rushing for 465 yards and 10 touchdowns while also catching 16 passes for 327 yards and five scores.

The tandem will look to lead the Wildcats to a deep playoff run as Frankfort will wrap up the regular season by hosting Hanover Friday night in another top five showdown in the state.