The South Loup football team is looking to capitalize on last season’s success and continue their upward momentum as they start a new season.

Last fall, the boys had their first winning season in four years, with a 6-4 record and making it to the second round of state playoffs. They were knocked out by Howells- Dodge who advanced to the quarterfinals at state.

The Bobcats also celebrated a handful of milestones last season, including their first home win since 2019; multiple players recognized statewide for their successes; and set the stage for a potentially successful season this year.

This season, the team is led by seniors Trey Connell, Dawson Doggett, Cache Gracey, Rio Remund, Joey Sallach, and Lance Wooters. Last season Remund was ranked 10th in the state for sacks; Connell ranked 13th for touchdowns and points scored and 16th for rushing yards by MaxPreps.com. Junior Ethan Furne was also ranked 7th for kickoff returns.

Head Coach Mat Jageler is heading into his fifth year leading the Bobcats and 23rd year coaching. He has high expectations for his players, but also knows they have the capacity to do great things.

“This will be a very talented group this season and I expect some really improved performances,” he said.

Despite losing four seniors to graduation, the Bobcats are only looking to fill the middle linebacker position, but with a talented group of underclassmen this year, filling it won’t take much.

Jageler is excited to see what his seniors can do on the field, as many of them have played varsity all four years of their careers. He is also looking forward to the first game of the season as the Bobcats host Elm Creek on Thursday in Callaway. Last year, this matchup was one of the team’s three regular- season losses.

Other notable games of the season include a matchup against last year’s state champions - Hitchcock County on Sept. 8 in Trenton; and a chance to avenge last year’s loss to Sandhills Thedford the following week.

Members of the 2023 Bobcat football team are: Front row, from left: Lance Wooters, Cache Gracey, Joey Sallach, Trey Connell, Rio Remund, Dawson Doggett; Second row: Jamie Tickle, Haydn Stretesky, Crew Witthuhn, Ethan Furne, Harper Johnson, AJ Starr, Dawson Mason; Third row: Elijah Cool, Paxton Bierman, Wacey Schultz, Malachi Neth, Carter Wood, Conner Paulsen, Dylan Pandorf; Back row: Shaun Johnson, Kyle Bloomer, Luke Tullis, Ben Linden, Taytum Wiese, Ryan Lords. (Courier photo by Amanda Wehnes)