Axtell scored the final 52 points to defeat Thunder Ridge 76-28 in the Class 8-Man DII State Championship.

There was a total of seven lead changes in the first half, but the Eagles scored 30 unanswered points in the final 5:08 in the first half to take a 54-28 lead into the break.

During that time, sophomore Eli Broxterman blocked a punt to set Axtell up inside the redzone with senior quarterback Isaac Detweiler getting an 18-yard rushing touchdown. Freshman Landon Schmitz also had a crucial pass breakup on a fourth down in the redzone and a fumble recovery during that time.

In the second half, on the first play of Thunder Ridge’s drive, sophomore Brandon Schmelzle made an interception to keep their momentum going. Axtell didn’t allow Thunder Ridge’s offense to get any sort of rhythm in the second half.

Detweiler had 389 yards from scrimmage (275 passing, 114 rushing) with eight total touchdowns (seven passing, one rushing).

Schmelzle had 147 scrimmage yards (65 rushing, 82 receiving) with three total touchdowns, including the game-clinching 42-yard rushing touchdown.

Broxterman had four total touchdowns with three of those being touchdown receptions and the other being a first quarter rushing touchdown. He had 77 receiving yards and nine rushing yards.

Senior wide receiver Evan Buessing had two receptions with one being a 32-yard touchdown. Junior wideout Grady Buessing had an 18-yard touchdown among his three reception and 68-yard afternoon.

With the win, Axtell wins their third state title in school history, including back-to-back state titles. The Eagles enter the 2023 season with 26 consecutive wins.