The 2025 football season for the South Loup Bobcats kicks off tonight, Aug. 28, as the team travels out west to Hemingford for an 8 p.m. CST contest. The Bobcats are under the leadership of Mat Jageler, who is in his 25th year of coaching - the past seven years as head coach for South Loup.

Jageler is assisted on the sidelines by Andy Schwarz, Mike Weverka, and Zac Sweet.

The Bobcats come into the year off of a 7-3 record in 2024. The team returns four starters from last year’s squad who all played on both sides of the ball: Dylan Pandorf, Conner Paulsen, Paxton Bierman, and Crew Witthuhn.

“Our goal is always to make the playoffs, but we just need to try to improve each week and see what happens,” said Coach Jageler. “The boys have a great attitude going into the season.”

Jageler addressed what he sees as strengths and weaknesses facing his team this season. “Our skill positions will be very tough. We will have to have the underclassmen step up and fill some major roles.”

The coach said he feels his team has had a good off season and has put in the necessary work to get 2025 started strong. “We had a few camps, and had good attendance in the weight room,” he added.