Over the past three seasons, the Axtell Eagles have had a stranglehold on their competition at the 8-Man Division II level. Three straight 13-0 seasons have produced three straight state titles in 8-Man DII. The Eagles have won 39 consecutive games and 43 of their last 44. That success has led to them having a large contingent of 8-Man All-Stars over that time as well. The 2024 8-Man DII All-Star Game is no different as the Eagles have three representatives this week in Grady Buessing, Grant Buessing and Sawyer Deters.
The three all-stars have helped Axtell to a combined 46-3 record over their four years in high school. Grady Buessing and Sawyer Deters were both 1st team all-state offensive linemen, helping the Eagles amass 3,870 total yards in 2023. As a tight end, Grady also contributed with 27 catches for 535 yards and eight touchdowns receiving.
All three players were also important to the Axtell defense during their senior seasons. After giving up 44 points to Cair Paravel in the season opener, the Eagles held every other opponent to one score or less, including five shutouts, culminating with a 50-0 win in a snowy state title game against South Central in Newton.
Grant Buessing was a first team all-state defensive lineman, putting up 38 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. Grady Buessing had 46 total tackles with three sacks and an interception and Deters had 30 total tackles with 3.5 sacks.
All three Axtell representatives are looking forward to one last chance at 8-Man Football.
Grant Buessing says he’s honored and thanked the support system of the Axtell community.
Grady Buessing offered some thoughts on the moments that stand out in his career and the opportunity to play with his teammates one last time.
Deters looked back on the journey over the past four years and is also happy to have one more game.
The Axtell Eagle all-stars will play for the East squad in the Division II All-Star Game which is set to kickoff at 1:30 on Saturday afternoon in Beloit. If you’re unable to attend, catch the games on KNDY FM 95.5 and here on the web at 8manallstars.com with pregame coverage beginning at 1:00 on the 8-Man All-Star Game Radio Network.
