With a Week 0 matchup against Alma looming, Superior has been focused on learning the ins and outs of 8-Man football.

"It was really slow just understanding the different things you have to do in 8-Man and understanding that the field is so much smaller," said senior Jacob Meyer. "After our first warmup game we played against Palmer, it really picked up and we just started to get the hang of it more and more as we went on."

With a smaller squad than usual, the Wildcats had to reclassify from Class C2 to D1 and will play 8-Man for the first time since 2017.

Fortunately, Superior head coach Paul Heusinkvelt has experience coaching 8-Man football from his time at Overton.

"I brought a lot of my offense from Overton, so a lot of what we are going to do is similar to what I did before," said Heusinkvelt. "We're going to go off of that and hopefully have a good season."

The Wildcat's JV team also played 8-Man football, so some of the newer varsity members will have experience with the format.

Another adjustment for Superior comes under center with senior Aiden Humphries taking over the reigns at quarterback.

"He's done a great job so far stepping into that role as a senior," said Heusinkvelt. "The positive influence and stuff that we are trying to teach him to do is something that he's taken on and he's doing a good job. We just hope he progresses and as an athlete, I think he'll be just fine out there."

Humphries saw limited time at QB last season as Dane Miller carried the offensive load for the Wildcats, but the team captain is working hard and has already developed chemistry with Superior's top receiver from 2021, Jacob Meyer.

"It'll be a huge strength," said Humphries. "Right now, he not playing that wide receiver that he was last year. He's playing that fullback, but everyone will be shocked when he catches a ball."

"Aiden is a little bit different," said Meyer. "His passes are in different spots than where Dane's were, but I'm really liking the adjustment now. It's a lot closer. I have more of a personal connection with Aiden now since he's in our class so I feel like this year will be really fun."

Superior kicks off at home against Alma on August 19th at 7 p.m.