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Season Preview: Basehor-Linwood

By Chad Rader, 810 Varsity, 07/08/18, 7:45PM CDT

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Bobcats take winning ways to new United Kansas Conference


Matt McKnight and the Bobcats look for another strong season in 2018. (Photo: Darryl Woods, 810 Varsity)

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After decades in the Kaw Valley League, Basehor-Linwood moves onto a new challenge in the United Kansas Conference. 

The Bobcats move to the new 5A league that will feature defending Centennial League champs in Shawnee Heights, and Frontier League champs DeSoto. But of course, BLHS aren't slouches either, coming off another strong 7-3 campaign in 2017.

Along with the week-in, week-out of playing 5A teams, Basehor-Linwood looks to be one of the state's top 4A teams, returning five offensive and six defensive starters.

Leading the way on offense will be senior running back Nolan Ford, who racked up 860 rushing yards and 10 scores. Fellow senior Marlon McDaniel (5-foot-10, 180) also notched 312 rushing yards and four TDs. 

Dylan Mussett, a 6-foot senior quarterback (573 passing yards) will compete with junior Chase Torkelson for the starting playcaller nod.  His top targets will be senior receivers Dylan Donnelly (160 yards) and Matt McKnight (199 yards, four TDs). Up front, senior Blake Tucker (6-foot-2, 280) and Victor Bejarano (6-0, 300) return on the offensive line. They will be joined by junior Cion Harris (5-foot-9, 240) and senior Reece Miller (6-foot-3, 265) among others.

"We have some good experienced seniors returning that will lead the way, and make it easier for the new starters to get going and comfortable," said head coach Rod Stallbaumer, now in his fifth season at BLHS.

Defensively, the Bobcats lose a lot of their front seven from last season. Senior Jace Friesen (6-foot-1, 205) does anchor the line after registering 70 tackles, including 5 1/2 sacks. Junior Josh Willcutt (5-foot-1, 190) will be among those also in the trenches.

Ford leads the way at linebacker, after notching 36 tackles - 12 for loss. McDaniel and seniors Auston Coulson (5-foot-7, 175) and Phillip Perez (5-foot-6, 160) as well as junior Brock Hofer also will patrol at linebacker.

The secondary will be led by seniors Kyle Alcanter (six interceptions), Jackson Jennings (two INTs), and Joe Phillips.

"We return our entire secondary, but will need several people to step up and fill in to fortify our front seven," Stallbaumer said. "We return a very talented senior class with several players that have been key contributors to our success of the last two seasons. Of course, like any season, we will need to stay healthy, but particularly this year as we have less depth."

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