Basehor-Linwood, under head coach Rod Stallbaumer, will again lean on ironman toughness and elite strength as it follows up a 5A state runner-up finish. Stallbaumer’s nomination centers on Gavin Mitchell, the only true two-way player in the Bobcats’ program. Mitchell starts at nose tackle on defense and at running back on offense, an increasingly rare combination at the 5A level. He was an instrumental piece in last season’s deep playoff run and is described as the team’s strongest player.
Mitchell’s numbers match the reputation. In the weight room, he is in the 1,200-pound club, with a 520-pound squat, 355-pound clean and 325-pound bench, and he is also an all-state wrestler. On the field, he recorded 68 tackles on the defensive line and rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year, showing impact on both sides of the ball. His combination of strength, leverage, motor and production makes him one of the most unique and valuable players in Kansas, and Basehor-Linwood will again build around him in 2026.
