The Bobcats got a rough start to the 2026 football season on Friday, Aug. 28, when they traveled to North Platte to take on the St. Patrick’s Fighting Irish.

The offense of the Irish proved to be a difficult challenge for the Bobcat defense, as St. Pat’s racked up 56 points to easily get the victory.

The Schacher brothers each rushed the ball across the goal line to put points on the board for South Loup, and the PATs brought the final score to 56-14.

The Bobcats' offense relied primarily on the ground game, with junior quarterback Tysen Schacher only going to the air four times, completing half of those passes for 12 yards. He led the team in rushing yards, however, gaining 74 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. He also contributed on the defensive side of the ball with 1 solo tackle for lost yards and 2 assists.

Senior Elijah Cool rushed for 40 yards on 15 carries, had 1 reception for 2 yards, and led the defense with 4 solo tackles and 9 assists, with 1 tackle for loss.

Freshman Cruz Mason got the call 3 times, picking up 27 yards, while fellow freshman Jaxsen Schacher punched the ball across the goal line for the team’s other touchdown. Sophomore Remi Flynn carried the ball 3 times and gained 24 yards while adding 2 tackles. Fellow sophomore Dawson Downing finished the night with 9 rushing yards on 2 carries, a 10-yard pass reception, and 4 solo tackles.

Sophomore Jett Morgan also had 4 solo tackles and 4 assists, while senior Noah Anderson helped out with 6 tackles including teaming up with Cool for a quarterback sack.

The Bobcats will be back on the field tonight, Sept. 3, for their first home game of the season as they host Sandhills Valley in Arnold. The Mavericks already have two games under their belts and are still seeking their first win of the year. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.