Some schools go through a cyclical “rebuilding” process every other year or so.

Superior High football, under the guidance of head coach Jeff Schultz, does not usually do so.

They “re-load.”

After some big losses to graduation, one might think the Bobcats will not be the annual powerhouse they have been for the past decade or more.

Think again.

Gone from the 2022 team that finished 9-2 and advanced to the second round of the Class C 8-player football playoffs, are some key elements, including three all-state players and two who were all-conference.

Heading the list of graduates who have moved on is Decker Milender, the speedy wide receiver who was also a state 126-pound wrestling champion last year. Milender signed a wrestling scholarship offer from Colorado State-Pueblo.

Also gone from the 2022 squad are QB/DB Orion Plakke, and mammoth two-way lineman Wyatt Hawworth, both of whom were named to the all-state team.

Issac Miller, a linebacker and wide receiver, Carter McLees, linebacker and tight end also graduated and moved on, along with two way lineman William Buchanan.

Also lost to graduation is heavyweight wrestling state champ Chandon Vulles, who was a critical element of the Bobcats defensive and offensive lines last year.

But the cupboard is far from bare, thanks to a strong group of freshmen who will provide depth to help returning seniors and all-state players Lucas Kovalsky, a tough middle linebacker and wide receiver, and 6-4 Jaxson Green, who returns as a top candidate for the quarterback position he shared with Plakke last year. Green, who was also a top wrestler on the Bobcats state championship team last year, was a standout defensive end.

Those two will be joined by senior running back/defensive lineman Chase Woodson, a second team all-conference player in 2022. Two other seniors who return and are expected to provide help in the re-load are Jason Merill, center/defensive end, and Micah Acker, a track and wrestler standout who returns as a linebacker/running back.

“Our team is going to have a great mixture of speed and size,” coach Schultz said. “We have a few kids more than 200 pounds, and a few extremely fast kids.”

Schultz said he is counting on experience from the upperclassmen to bolster the 2023 team’s chances for a successful season.

“Our football IQ should also be high,” Schultz added. “We have some very competitive kids who want to work hard and love to win.”

The Bobcats are focusing on fundamentals like blocking and getting off blocks as some of things they would like to improve.

Schultz said Charlo, along with last year’s league champion Mission and Valley Christensen will be among the toughest opponents the Cats face this year.

One of the other tough challenges will be their season-opener this Saturday evening in Superior against I-90 rival St. Regis/Mullan.