>> Bobcats 2022 Team Section <<

On paper, Basehor-Linwood will be rebuilding in 2022. But typically, the Bobcats just reload with the next man up.

Such will be the case in the ninth season under Rod Stallbaumer, 62-23 in his time at BLHS. The Bobcats come off a United Kansas Conference title in 2021, which ran a perfect 9-0 record until falling to eventual state champion St. James Academy in the Kansas Class 4A playoffs.

Basehor-Linwood saw 27 seniors depart from last year’s squad, but return some key starters and boasted a junior varsity that went 8-0.

“We will need multiple players to step in and fill roles,” stated Stallbaumer. “We will lack varsity experience, but will need some guys to step up.”

No bigger role to step into will be at quarterback, where junior Brady VanDonge takes the helm from Zack Sisemore. VanDonge, 5-foot-11, 165, did see time last year with 170 passing yards, completing 15 of 19 attempts, along with two touchdowns.

Also stepping into a bigger role will be running back Jekai Harris. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior rumbled for 353 yards and six touchdowns on the ground in 2021.

The two will line up behind three returning starters on the line. Senior Levi Cooley (6-foor-4, 310) comes back as a four-year starter,  and a two-time all-state selection. Junior Sam Lough (6-foot-4, 245) also brings size and experience. Fellow senior returning starter Logan Gall (5-foot-9, 190) will join newcomers in seniors Wyatt Frost (6-foot-2, 290) and Colby Barnes (6-0, 220).

On the outside, senior receiver Brant Wilson comes back as a first-team all-UKC selection, after snagging 35 balls for 463 yards and six scores. Junior Mile Hinkle (6-foot-3, 170) roped in 184 yards and a touchdown in 2021. Also catching passes will be junior Isaac Neil (6-0, 165), sophomore Austin Adair (6-0, 170) and junior tight end Nash McCarty (6-foot-1, 200).

“We return a lot of players on offense that either started on the offensive line, or who gained experience in varsity action. The offense will be our stronger, experienced side of the ball early on for sure,” Stallbaumer said.

Defensively, the Bobcats return just two starters – senior linebacker Gabe Greer (5-foot-11, 190) who notched 44 tackles – seven for loss, and junior defensive back Kaleb Scott (6-0, 180), who picked off two passes a year ago.

Up front, Basehor-Linwood will look to senior defensive end Tyler Nyp (6-foot-1, 165) and junior d-linemen Trevor Carmitchel (5-foot-11, 230) and Corbin Christopher (6-foot-2, 215).

Joining Greer will be senior linebacker Will Coddington (5-foot-7, 175) and junior Caden Swartz (5-foot-11, 165). In the secondary, seniors Bryce Orton (6-foot-1, 150) and Mason Morgan (6-0, 150) will join juniors Brody Torkelson (5-foot-11, 150) and Austin Burnett (6-0, 150).

The United Kansas Conference teams will bring back an old rival to Basehor-Linwood, as Piper rejoins the cast. Also joining the league will be Topeka West and Seaman.

“The league will be highly competitive with the new members for certain,” Stallbaumer said.