The South Loup Bobcats begin their season tonight when they host Elm Creek. South Loup returns a strong core of players that qualified for the D2 state playoffs and finished 6-4 overall last season. The Bobcats have been receiving strong recognition heading into the season including a #1 preseason rating in Class D2 by the Huskerland Prep Report. Head coach Mat Jagelar told KCNI/KBBN sports that he has been very pleased with the team’s focus heading into their season opener.
“It’s the kids’ 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.”
Elm Creek is led by first year head coach Blake Schwarz. It will be a homecoming of sorts for Schwarz who graduated from Arnold and played for South Loup. Schwarz told KCNI/ KBBN sports that there will be some emotions involved with his first game as a head coach being against the Bobcats.
“It’s going to be fun. I’m still good buddies and of course my dad (Andy Schwarz) is good friends with all those coaches so I see them around. We golf together once in awhile. It’s going to be fun. It is going to bring back some emotions for me. But that’s part of it. It wouldn’t be great football without emotions.”
Tonight’s South Loup / Elm Creek game will be broadcast on KBBN 95.3 FM and kbbn.com. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.
In other area action scheduled today, Burwell will travel to face Sandhills/Thedford in Dunning.
Interview with South Loup head coach Mat Jagelar
Interview with Elm Creek head coach Blake Schwarz
