HANOVER, KS — The Hanover Wildcats and Axtell Eagles are right where they are expected to be.

For the fourth season in a row, the two northeast Kansas powers will meet in the regular season as undefeated teams. Hanover beat Axtell in the regular season and playoffs last year and Axtell beat Hanover in both matchups in 2019. Wildcats senior Emmitt Jueneman says there’s lots of energy around the rivalry.

“There’s a lot of emotion between both teams I would say,” Jueneman said. “I feel like it’s a really fun time to play them. It’s a very exciting game.”

The Wildcats are defending state champions and winners of four of the last five state titles. Sr. fullback and defensive back Keagan Dimler says Hanover’s key to success is the effort put in during the offseason.

“Weights, extracurriculars,” Dimler said. “You come into the season shooting for another state title not shooting for substate or regionals or something like that. You’re just always shooting for that high goal and you always push yourself to get there.”

Hanover must replace some big pieces from last year’s championship team, including their starting quarterback, top ballcarrier and top receiver. Jueneman says young players are working hard to make up for the lost production.

“It’s a lot to ask to step up without any varsity experience and I feel like they’re making very big strides with their play,” Jueneman said.

It’s homecoming week and a rivalry matchup. Hanover players are focused, but don’t be surprised to see a Wildcat crack a smile if things go well.

“We want to win. It’s fun, the crowd loves it, we always have a lot of people at our games so it’s fun,” Dimler said. “But we want to win.”

Kickoff in Hanover is at 7:00 Friday night and you can listen on Ol’ Red 99-5.