The South Loup football team finished the regular season 5-3 last year and qualified for the Class D2 state playoffs where they picked up a win in the opening round against Kenesaw before falling to state runner-up Howells-Dodge in the round of sixteen. The Bobcats will be anchored by a strong, talented, and experienced senior class. The group persevered through a winless season as freshmen and are now part of group that is receiving high praise from several state publications entering this season. Head coach Mat Jagelar visited with KCNI/KBBN radio about the upcoming year and said this senior class has definitely matured and grown up over the years.
“Yeah the seniors this year they pretty much started the whole time since they were freshmen. Their freshman year we were 0-8…These five seniors pretty much started and they’ve really grown up and you can tell. They’re definitely well experienced.”
When asked what has stood out to him during fall camp thus far, the coach said he has been impressed with the focus and determination of this year’s group.
“For one it’s the kid’s focus and determination. How hard they’re working in practice. Everyone is just ready to go. Listening and learning and we are going to get better each day.”
South Loup will play in the D2-9 district this year with Sandhills/Thedford, Mullen, Anselmo-Merna, Hyannis, and Leyton. The Bobcats will begin their season August 24th when they host Elm Creek which will be broadcast on KBBN 95.3 FM and kbbn.com. Other scheduled South Loup broadcasts on Central Nebraska’s Sports Source this season include a showdown with Sandhills/Thedford on September 15th and the regular season finale with Anselmo-Merna on October 13th.
Listen to our full interview with South Loup head coach Mat Jagelar
