The South Loup football team all agree they have something to prove in 2024. After falling just short of a berth in the state championship game, this year’s squad is seeking redemption.

“I think our speed and our team chemistry is our biggest strength this season,” said junior Conner Paulsen. “And we all have a chip on our shoulder. I’m most excited to be the underdog this year and going out and proving to people that we really are good again.”

Senior Harper Johnson agreed, and said he feels the team’s biggest strength this year is “probably doing the little things right.”

“I’m most excited just to get back out on the field,” he added.

Chemistry is a word that also came up when junior Dylan Pandorf was asked his thoughts on the upcoming season. “I would say our biggest strengths would have to be our chemistry and our ability to build each

cont. PAGE 12 - Football other up. I’m most excited to see how we progress throughout the season,” said Pandorf.

“We have 22 kids out and we jump up a class to D1 but go down in numbers,” said Bobcat Head Coach Mat Jageler. “The schedule is going to be tough, every game should be very competitive. We lost a bunch last year but return a very good core group. Our depth is gonna be an issue, we need to bring some young kids along. If we can stay heathy, we will be ok, but injuries could be devastating. Look for AJ Starr, Connor Paulsen, and Ethan Furne to be very productive on the offensive side of the ball.

We have moved some kids around to try to fill the holes left from graduation.

Defensively, we should be pretty tough with lots of speed and kids that played a lot last year.”

The Bobcats are bringing an 11-1 record from last season onto the field as they kick off the 2024 season at home in Arnold this evening (Aug. 29) against Hemmingford. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.