>> Bobcats schedule, team page <<

With another solid cast returning, Basehor-Linwood eyes its 12th winning season under Rod Stallbaumer, and other hardware along the way.

The Bobcats finished 8-2 in 2024, including a tie atop the United Kansas Conference with a 6-1 mark. BLHS, which is 83-32 in 11 seasons under Stallbaumer at the helm, returns six offensive starters and seven on defense.

Leading the way on the offensive side will be senior quarterback Carson Dixon (6-foot-2, 180), who zinged the ball for 1,828 yards and 22 touchdowns, as well as 338 rushing yards.

“Carson made huge strides in his first year as a starter last season,” recalled Stallbaumer. “Carson is also a track athlete as well, so he has really good speed to go along with his arm.  He’s a great decision maker and has done as good of a job as any quarterback we have had at reading a defense and finding the open receiver and distributing the ball well.”

Dixon will gain interior protection behind three returning starters on the offensive line in seniors Eli Stanton (5-foot-11, 235), Isaac Renfro (6-foot-3, 320) and Tyson Heffley (6-foot-1, 220).

Renfro may slide out from right guard to right tackle, as he “moves well for his size, has good length and athleticism.”

Joining the senior trio will be fellow senior lineman Travis Harshbarger (6-0, 205) and juniors Matthew Hyde (6-foot-2, 25) and Jordan Kramer (6-0, 240).

A cast of running backs will take handoffs in senior Jeremiah Buie (6-foot-2, 185), juniors Peter Rodriguez (5-foot-11, 170) and Caelum Theno (6-foot-1, 18) and sophomore Gavin Mitchell (5-foot-10, 185).

On the outside, Dixon will target returning starters in first-team UKC selection at tight end, senior Roman Miller (6-foot-3, 200), who snagged 297 yards and two touchdowns, along with senior wideout Nash Morrison (6-foot-4, 175), who hauled in 42 receptions for 551 yards and nine touchdowns.

“Roman is a very skilled receiver for us and a big target. He’s improved as a blocker, but right now is more of a receiving tight end but has all the tools to excel at both,” analyzed Stallbaumer “Nash is a long, athletic receiver with deceptive speed.”

Also snaring passes will be senior wideouts Nate Martin (6-0, 170) and Teahen Bradley (5-foot-10, 140), and junior Anderson Essary (5-foot-10, 150).

“After returning just one starter a year ago, we will bring back a lot of experience this year,” Stallbaumer boasted. “We had multiple running backs who gained experience in reserve roles and should make a talented backfield.”

While the defense loses the services of 2024 team MVP Garrett Pierce, the defense returns multiple starters at all three levels. Up front, senior Cooper Ingram (6-foot-3, 210) registered 44 tackles – six for loss – and 3.5 sacks, and senior R.J. Madrigal (5-foot-11, 220) anchor the defensive line as returning starters. Joining the duo will be junior Jack Lough (6-foot-1, 300).

While Pierce departs the linebacking corps, a pair of senior returning starters will lead the way. Tucker Hutchinson (5-foot-9, 190) racked up 71 tackles, while Jacob Sharp (5-foot-1, 175) tallied 55 tackles – seven for loss – and two interceptions.  Three juniors in Theno, Charlie Peek (6-0, 175) and Brady Oaks (5-foot-11, 165) and sophomore McCoy Martin (5-foot-11, 185) also will patrol at linebacker.

In the secondary, Martin returns as a first-team all-league selection after tallying 54 tackles and two interceptions. Martin also returns kicks, including one for a touchdown last year, and three in his career.

“Nate is a dynamic all-around player and athlete,” touted Stallbaumer. “He has great instincts and football IQ, and is a playmaker.”

Fellow senior returning starters in Cole Hofer (6-foot-1, 170) and Noah Gutierrez (5-foot-10, 150) each notched 22 tackles in 2024. Junior Talon Elliot (5-foot-10, 150) will join the secondary.

“We expect our defense to be stout again,” Stallbaumer forecasted.

Stallbaumer does point out one key stat come the postseason – since 2014, Basehor-Linwood has posted a 12-2 record vs public schools, and 0-9 vs private schools.

“We need to take the next step and get over that hump against a private school,” said Stallbaumer, as BLHS bowed out to St. James a year ago.

But despite the statistic, Stallbaumer likes this year’s team.

“This team made great strides last season and gained valuable experience in a tough conference and loaded 5A,” Stallbaumer summarized. “We look for them to take the next step to make a deep run this year. Consistency of effort in the offseason and improved strength and athleticism will be key.”

>> Bobcats schedule, team page <<