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Prep Hoops: Traxler earns All-State honors for EHS football

Joe Clark calls Jacob Traxler humble and unchanged by his success. Although part of the Eldorado's football coach's success this year was largely because of Traxler.

The Eldorado senior was the lone Southern Illinois representative to be named to the IHSA Class 2A All-State Team.

"He's just a rare kid and so many times kids like him that are that talented don't always reach their potential at a school our size," Clark said. "He was obviously able to do that. He's a hard worker, who has a great perspective on life and deserves all the recognition. This is a neat honor for him, our school, our program and our community."

Traxler helped Eldorado to a 8-3 season, which came to an end at Marora-Forsyth in a rematch of last year's Class 2A second round playoffs.

For the second straight season, the Eagles earned a first round playoff win against a non Black Diamond Conference opponent when Eldorado knocked off Red Bud 38-13.

In 11 games this past season, Traxler had 128 carries on the ground of 1,185 yards and and 12 touchdowns. He averaged 9.26 yard per carry and was good for 107.73 yards a game.

On defense, Traxler led the Eagles in nearly every category. His 107 tackles was first, followed by Braden Attebury, who was second with 72 tackles. Traxler had 52 solo and 55 assist and had one sack, four interceptions, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Clark added that Traxler is one of the better players to ever go through the Eldorado program, but Traxler as an individual is about much more than a player.

"He loves the team success and the team environment. He's a team first kind of guy. I know he appreciates his individual accolades, but he never puts that before his teammates."

Traxler also continues a trend of All-State players to walk off Boz Adams Field. Payton Price (2016), Logan Bowen (2015) and Austin Miller (2013) are the latest from Eldorado.

"It takes a certain level of talent to be at that level and I think that's the one common denominator between all those guys," Clark said. "We try hard here with our coaching staff to develop that talent and see that trend continue and to get state recognition is awesome."

Traxler gave a verbal commitment to the Southern Illinois University football team and head coach Nick Hill back in September. His signing is expected to happen in the coming months.

Michael Dann covers prep and college sports for the Harrisburg Register, Eldorado Journal & The Gallatin County Democrat. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.