It was the battle of the Bobcats, as South Loup opened their 2025 football campaign on the road at Hemingford on Friday, Aug. 29. Unfortunately, it was not the start they were hoping for.

The last time the two teams met South Loup handed Hemingford a loss. Clearly, they had not forgotten as they came out clawing and defeated South Loup 44-18.

South Loup's loss came despite strong showings from Crew Witthuhn and Dylan Pandorf. Witthuhn gained 184 total yards and two touchdowns, while Pandorf rushed for 60 yards and one touchdown. Witthuhn was no stranger to the big play, cutting upfield on a catch that went for 65 yards.

Though South Loup never had the lead in the game, they managed to stay within striking distance throughout the first half and were able to find the end zone in each of the first two quarters. Hemingford put up 14 points in the first quarter, but South Loup held them to one touchdown and a 2-point conversion in the second, to make the score 22-12 at the half.

South Loup came out in the third quarter with new life and added another 6 points to their side of the board, while playing strong defense and holding Hemingford scoreless in the period to trail by just 4 points, 18-22, heading into the final quarter.

However, Hemingford unleashed in the fourth - doubling their score by adding 22 points. South Loup lost steam and was unable to find the end zone in the fourth, as they took a loss to open the year.

Senior quarterback Dylan Pandorf went 5-10 in the air for 143 yards and one touchdown. His primary target was fellow senior Crew Witthuhn, who had 3 receptions for 141 yards.

Pandorf and Witthuhn also led the team in rushing yards with 60 and 43, respectively. Witthuhn averaged 6.1 yards per carry.

On the defensive side of the ball, senior Paxton Bierman was the leading tackler with 4 solo tackles and 13 assists. Junior Elijah Cool had 3 solo tackles and 13 assists, while Witthuhn finished the night with 14 total tackles and Pandorf with 11. Sophomore Tysen Schacher contributed 4 solo tackles and 3 assists.

Small schools often find their athletes playing multiple positions, as is the case for the Bobcats. Pandorf and Witthuhn not only used their hands but also their feet to assist their team, as Witthuhn had the kickoff duty, averaging 32.5 yards per kick, while Pandorf is the punter and had an impressive 45-yard punting average on the night.

The Bobcats will open their home season on Friday, Sept. 5, as they host the Hi-Line Bulls. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.