The Bobcats continue to seek their first win of the 2025 football season, as they lost in a heartbreaker to Perkins County on Friday, Sept. 12.

Neither team was able to get on the board in the first quarter. Then, just a minute into the second period, Dylan Pandorf completed a 33-yard pass to Crew Witthuhn for a touchdown. The offense lined up for a 2-point conversion attempt, and this time it was Pandorf to Callan Witthuhn for the successful PAT to put South Loup up 8-0.

Only a minute later, the Plainsman rushed in for a 28-yard touchdown run and made good on their PAT to even the score at 8. That would be the only scoring of the first half.

About four minutes into the second half, Crew Witthuhn had a great run as he scampered in for a 42-yard rushing touchdown for the Bobcats. This time, Pandorf kept the ball himself and got across the goal line for 2, to go ahead 16-8.

With five minutes left in the quarter, Perkins County got a pick 6, as they intercepted a pass and took it to the house. Their 2-point conversion attempt failed, and the Bobcats maintained a 16-14 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Perkins County came out in the fourth and scored on their first possession on a short rush, but once again failed to add any extra points to make the score 20-16.

Not to be outdone, the Bobcats reciprocated with a touchdown of their own on their first possession of the quarter, when Crew Witthuhn ran the ball up the field for a 70-yard TD. Unfortunately, they also missed the PAT, and the score now sat at 22-20, South Loup.

Both defenses buckled down, forcing the other team to either punt the ball away or turn it over on downs until, with three minutes remaining in the game, the Plainsmen connected with a 34-yard pass for a touchdown. Another failed PAT made the score 26-22 to end the game.

Pandorf completed 6 of 13 passes in the game for 105 yards and 1 touchdown.

Crew Witthuhn was his primary target, with 4 receptions for 94 yards. Crew also had 10 carries for 116 yards rushing, while Pandorf added 52 rushing yards and Conner Paulsen rushed for 21 yards.

Paxton Bierman led the Bobcats' defense, accounting for 19 tackles - two for lost yardage. Paulsen had 17 tackles, and Pandorf had 11 tackles - 6 of which were solo.

The Bobcats will be back on their home field in Arnold on Friday as they take on Sandhills Valley, which is also looking for their first win of the season. It is Homecoming week for the Bobcats, and will include a community parade in Callaway on Friday morning at 10 a.m. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m., with the Homecoming dance following the game.