Heading into Friday night’s matchup at Frankfort, the Axtell Eagles were looking to bounce back after falling the week before in a heartbreaker to 8-man DII power Hanover 50-42.

The task wouldn’t be easy, as the Eagles were facing a Wildcat team that was 6-0 with mercy rule wins over their first six opponents.

Axtell was up for the task and made another statement as to why they are ranked second in the state, as the Eagles blew out the Wildcats on the road 76-28 with the game ending with 4:25 left in the third quarter.

After forcing a three-and-out on the Wildcats opening possession the Eagles wasted no time jumping out on top, as Axtell junior quarterback Quinn Buessing found George Volle on a 29-yard touchdown pass up the right sideline to take an 8-0 initial lead.

Frankfort didn’t panic and found the end zone on their next drive on a Brandon Bussman 3-yard run, but the 2-point try failed leaving the Eagles on top 8-6.

The momentum completely swung to the Eagles on the ensuing kickoff, as Hunter Koch fielded the kick at his own one yard line near the left hash, went up the middle and then out to the right before racing up the sideline for a 79-yard kick return touchdown.

After another stop Axtell took a three score lead, as Buessing found J.J. Hart on a 21-yard touchdown pass while Volle added the 2-point run to give the Eagles a 24-6 lead after one.

Frankfort did respond with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Bussman to Carson Schreiner, but Axtell found the end zone four more times in the second quarter to take a 56-22 lead into halftime.

The Eagles went on to score three more times early in the third quarter, with the last score coming on a 39-yard screen pass for a touchdown from Buessing to Hart which effectively ended the game.

Buessing finished with another huge stat line, as the junior was 19 of 29 through the air for 322 yards and five touchdowns while on the ground rushing for 67 yards and two scores. J.J. Hart had three receiving touchdowns and 94 yards in the win, while Hunter Koch caught his 23rd touchdown reception of the season moving him six touchdowns away from the state record.

Frankfort finished with just 195 yards of total offense, as Brandon Bussman finished with a touchdown rushing and passing.

Axtell (6-1, 4-1 districts) next will finish up the regular season at Doniphan West (3-4), while Frankfort (6-1, 4-1) travels to undefeated Hanover (7-0, 5-0).