Brandon Schmelzle

Our athlete of the week is Axtell freshman Brandon Schmelzle. His Eagles advanced to the 8M-II State Title game this weekend after defeating 2nd ranked Thunder Ridge on Friday in Sub-State 46-0.

A big reason for the monster win at Thunder Ridge was the play of Brandon Schmelzle. Schmelzle had three carries for 91 yards and two touchdowns, and he also added four catches for 52 yards and two more scores.

He also led the Eagles on defense with nine solo tackles with an interception.

As a freshman, Schmelzle is second on the team in rushing and first on the team in receiving yards. In 12 games, he’s compiled 709 rushing yards with 19 touchdowns while averaging over 11 yards per carry and has also added 35 catches for 565 yards and 11 more scores.

Defensively Schmelzle is fourth on the team in total tackles with 41.5 this season and he leads the Eagles with nine interceptions including one returning for a touchdown.

#1 Axtell will look to cap off an undefeated season with a State Title as they play Wheatland/Grinnell on Saturday afternoon in Newton.

Our athlete of the week is presented by Highland Community College.