The Axtell Eagles, the reigning 8M-II State Champions, are one victory away from getting back to the State Title game in Newton. 

Standing in their way this week is #2 (11-0) Canton-Galva as (11-0) Axtell will have this game on their home field. 

This is arguably the two best teams in the 8-Man ranks and they meet this week in the Semi-Finals. They've been ranked #1 and #2 all season long. 

Axtell is loaded with talent as they returned all of their key pieces from the State Championship team last season including quarterback Isaac Detweiler. Detweiler is the reigning 8M-II Player of the Year. Detweiler will go down as one of the best all-around players in Kansas history as he has accounted for more touchdowns than any player in the state's history. 

Running back Brandon Schmelzle, running back Eli Broxterman, along with Owen Strathman have also had big seasons helping the Eagles to another undefeated run and now 24 straight wins. 

Schmelzle has rushed for 458 yards and 15 touchdowns while Detweiler has scored 53 total touchdowns and has accounted for over 2,300 total yards. 

Axtell is scoring over 60 points per game while their defense is giving up around eight points per game. Canton-Galva has won 53 of their last 58 games dating back to the start of 2018 and won the State Title in 2019 with an undefeated season. 

Axtell is plus-19 in turnover margin this season while averaging nearly 11 yards per play. Canton-Galva is averaging over 11 yards per play and have forced 36 turnovers this season. 

Canton-Galva is led by all-around athlete Jett Vincent who is the state's all-time leader for career interceptions. Vincent boasts a D1 offer from Colorado State. 

It's Eagles vs. Eagles on Friday night with a trip to the 8M-II State Championship game on the line.