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> Back to Football 2010

Axtell coach Mike Cadell doesn’t think there’s much difference between Class 1A and 2A’s comp-etition. He’ll have the chance to prove that assertion this year.

Week 7 likely will decide the district title when Italy quarterback Jasenio Anderson faces Buffalo’s grind-it-out offense and stingy defense.

Italy Gladiators

Head coach: Craig Bales (3rd season: 10-10)

All-time: 471-335-30 since 1919

Playoff history: 38-28-1 in 30 trips, most recently 2009; 0 state championships

Returning: 12 lettermen; 6 offensive, 6 defensive starters

Outlook: QB Jasenio Anderson is back, and that might be all the Gladiators need to win the district. The two-time district offensive MVP totaled more than 3,300 total yards last season.

Axtell Longhorns

Head coach: Mike Cadell (14th season: 62-72)

All-time: 288-306-17 since 1947

Playoff history: 5-6 in 6 trips, most recently 2008; 0 state championships

Returning: 17 lettermen; 10 offensive, 9 defensive starters

Jacob Kubitza
Jerry Larson / Waco Tribune-Herald

Outlook: Axtell’s move to 2A hasn’t stunted Cadell’s optimism, and he will have an experienced squad.

Offensively, the Long-horns hold a strong hand in the backfield. Running back Jacob Kubitza (right) could stand to make a splash in 2010 with blocking back Brandon Bordovsky making big holes for him. Cadell also plans to give Bordovsky more touches.

Quarterback Josh Reynolds will direct the offense. Jay Helleck, a 6-foot-5 receiver, will be extremely “dangerous after the catch,” Cadell said. J Pat Martin has a chance to be the best linebacker in the district.

— Bateman