Football Game Preview: Axtell Wildcats vs. Franklin Flyers

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Previous 3 Games

10/18/24 - Home	60-28 W
09/28/18 - Away	71-0 W
10/02/15 - Home	39-14 W

Axtell has gone a perfect 3-0 against Franklin recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Thursday. The Wildcats are taking a road trip to take on the Flyers at 7:00 p.m. Axtell is looking for their season's first victory.

Axtell's offense might be in the hot seat on Thursday considering what happened against Elm Creek on Friday. They took a blow against the Buffaloes, falling 57-0.

Meanwhile, Franklin got the win against Blue Hill on Friday by a conclusive 34-12. With the Flyers ahead 20-0 at the half, the matchup was all but over already.

Axtell better keep an eye on Calvin Carraher. He was instrumental in Franklin's win, rushing for 200 yards and one touchdown while picking up 8.3 yards per carry, and also picking up 36 receiving yards and one TD. Carraher is becoming a predictor of the Flyers' success: when he posts at least 100 rushing yards the team is undefeated (and 0-4 when he doesn't). Aragorn Green was in the mix as well, providing Franklin with two scores.

Franklin was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 255 rushing yards. They are a perfect 3-0 when they've run for more than 200 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Franklin's defense and their three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Jacob Jackson, Isaac Haack, and Eldon Haack, who each picked up one sack apiece.

Axtell's loss dropped their record down to 0-7. As for Franklin, their win ended a five-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 3-4.

Everything came up roses for Axtell against Franklin in their previous meeting back in October of 2024, as the team secured a 60-28 victory. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Carraher, who threw for 343 yards and four touchdowns. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will the Wildcats still be able to contain Carraher? There's only one way to find out.