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Basehor-Linwood senior running back Chas Rollo is the Hy-Vee 41 Five-Star Athlete of the Week

Posted at 6:57 PM, Nov 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-18 14:11:26-05

Many high school football fans may tell you that it's a bit unexpected for the Basehor-Linwood Bobcats to be undefeated (11-0) at this time of the season.

Never mind the fact that the Bobcats have advanced to their first Kansas Class 4A Division I state semifinal ever.

Senior running back Chas Rollo is a big reason this team has become a title contender. His performance last Friday was outstanding in the state quarterfinals against Ottawa.

Chas ran for 182 yards and three touchdowns in their 48-14 win. He also caught a 28-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter of that game to help seal the win for Basehor-Linwood. That big effort earned him this week's Hy-Vee 41 Five-Star Athlete of the Week honors.

"It feels good. You know, it's an honor," the 5-foot-9-inch, 200-pound running back said. "I've put in the work to accomplish it. [I] trust my linemen and everything. Gotta just trust the system [and] trust the coaches."

Head Coach Rod Stallbaumer is in his third year as Basehor-Linwood Head Coach with 16 years total under his belt. He has seen a lot of football players over the years. However, he feels Chas is one of the best.

"Chas is kind of the epitome of what we want in our program," Stallbaumer said. "He's worked extremely hard over the last four years in the weight room. You know, he's put in the time. He's worked hard and [is] very appreciative of his linemen. And, I think they really enjoy blocking for him."

It is easy to see that Chas is well-liked on the team. Part of why the team chemistry is so strong is because he and the Bobcats teammates have played together for quite a while.

"We've all been playing together since about first grade. So, we've all been close going to the same school," Chas said. "Until middle school, we had a couple more guys join the Basehor side. But then, we all got together in middle school. It's been 12 years altogether. So, we've gotten to know each other pretty well."

Basehor-Linwood will face two-time defending State Champion Bishop Miege in the Kansas Class 4A Division 1 state semifinals. The Bobcats understand it will be a tough game on Friday night, but they're ready for the challenge.

"Chas has definitely provided that inside running presence that you gotta have," Stallbaumer said. "In order to win in the playoffs, you've gotta have guys who can run the ball. Chas has done an excellent job this season. He's [run] with a passion and he [has] great vision. And, he's definitely been a guy that we've leaned on in the districts and the playoffs."

"We just gotta keep our heads in it and not get thrown off," Chas said. "They're a good team. They're gonna make big plays. Keep your head in it. Stick to the strategy and you might come out victorious."

NOTE: The Hy-vee 41 Five-Star Athlete of the Week segment airs every Thursday night during the 10 p.m. sportscast for the entire school year.

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Ryan Marshall can be reached at Ryan.Marshall@KSHB.com.

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