8-Man Div. II Standouts to Meet Again

Prep Redzone Staff

November 21, 2021 @ 10:36 AM

Wheatland-Grinnell advanced to its first ever state championship game by edging Victoria 42-30. The Thunderhawks will hope for a different outcome when they face 12-0 Axtell Saturday for the 8-man Div II title. Axtell whipped Wheatland-Grinnell 62-16 in the first game of the season. Axtell advanced to the championship by bowling over Thunder Ridge 46-0. Here are some players to watch in the big game: Wheatland-Grinnell <strong>Trey Vincent</strong>, 6-foot-2, 170 pound quarterback, 2022: Vincent is a multi-sport star who makes the Thunderhawks go. He completed over 61% of his passes this season and hit 27 touchdown passes. When he runs, he picks up 9.3 yards per carry. [player_tooltip player_id="170391" first="Jett" last="Vincent"], 6-foot-2, 180 pound receiver/defensive back, 2023: The younger brother of the quarterback was lights out all season with 1,194 yards and 17 receiving touchdowns. The Thunderhawks have a lot of reliable receivers in their high-octane attack, but the younger Vincent is a standout athlete. [player_tooltip player_id="159148" first="Isaac" last="Mendez"], 5-foot-10, 190 pound running back/linebacker: Mendez was the star of the semi-final win over Victoria. He ran for 121 yards and three touchdowns, while also providing six receptions for 89 yards. He was just as dominant on the defensive side, bringing down 19 tackles Friday. On the season, Mendez has been absolutely unstoppable, rushing for 1,577 yards and a ridiculous 35 touchdowns, while adding 370 yards and four touchdowns through the air. Axtell: [player_tooltip player_id="123617" first="Isaac" last="Detweiler"], 5-foot-11, 165 pound quarterback/defensive back, 2023: Detweiler is a dual-threat quarterback, with over 1,500 yards passing and over 1,000 yards rushing. The guy is touchdown machine and takes care of the football, throwing only a couple fo picks all season. A true do-everything star, Detweiler leads the defense in tackles as well. <strong>Brandon Schmelzle</strong>, 6-foot-1, 166 pound running back, linebacker, 2025: A young freshman to watch, Schmelzle is one of several playmakers for the Eagles. Schmelzle is a threat to run or catch passes. He has gone over 500 yards receiving and rushing, and also leads the team in interceptions.