Two South Loup athletes were selected to participate in the Sertoma 8-Man All-Star football game on Saturday, June 15, in Hastings. Trey Connell and Joey Sallach represented the Bobcats on the West All-Star team, who came away with an easy 22-6 victory.

The West team was able to blow the game open as they scored 16 unanswered points in the final quarter of the game. Six of those points came on a rushing touchdown by Connell. Twin Loup’s Quincey Ryker also broke loose for a 41-yard touchdown run in the fourth.

Sandhills-Thedford defensive lineman Rhett McFadden added to the score for the West when he tackled the East ball carrier in the endzone for a safety with four minutes remaining in the game. At the conclusion of the All-Star game, Connell was named Offensive MVP after leading the West team to a comeback victory in the fourth quarter, which included an 11-yard scamper breaking multiple tackles for a touchdown.

“The week was super fun. It was really special to get to play alongside the great talent that you have spent your whole career playing against,” said Connell when asked what it meant to him to be selected for the All-Star roster. “Representing my school one last time on the football field meant a lot to me. There is no feeling like strapping on those pads and to get a final run was a very cherished moment that I will never forget.”

Sallach was also honored to be selected for the All-Star game. “It was great for me to put the helmet back on one last time. I had a lot of fun,” he shared. “It was a special experience to be able to represent my community one more time.”