KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Wednesday, Oct. 1, the Kansas City Chiefs announced their Week 5 Coach of the Week recipients for the 2025 season.
University Academy Head Coach Andrew Blakemore (Missouri) and Basehor-Linwood High School Head Coach Rod Stallbaumer (Kansas) are the Chiefs Week 5 selections for their teams' performances in the fifth week of the high school football season. This weekly honor aims to recognize Kansas City-area head coaches for their success on the field and leadership off the field.
As part of their recognition, both coaches will receive a $500 grant from the Hunt Family Foundation, a Chiefs bucket hat, a certificate of recognition and a custom game ball. Both coaches also qualify for the Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award, which is selected at the end of the high school regular season by a panel from the Missouri and Kansas Boards of the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association.
University Academy moved to 5-1 after defeating Kauffman School 28-0 on Friday, Sept. 26. After dropping their season-opener to Lincoln College Prep at home 13-12, the Gryphons have won four-straight. Through the Gryphons' four-game win streak, they have outscored their opponents 146-6. The Gryphons look to continue their hot streak as they match up against Summit Christian Academy at home on Friday, Oct. 3.
"I want to express my immense gratitude to the Chiefs for being named Coach of the Week," Blakemore said. "This award truly belongs to THE CO-OP's incredible coaching staff and to the young men who we are blessed to work with. Through their relentless dedication to being meticulous, positive, and together, we continue to grow as a team."
Blakemore is in his third season leading the Gryphons but has been with the team since 2012 in a variety of roles, including offensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, quarterbacks coach and defensive backs coach. This is the second time the Kansas City native has taken home Coach of the Week honors, previously winning in Week 4 of the 2022 season, his first year at the helm. In that game, the Gryphons defeated Pembroke Hill with a final score of 40-27.
The Basehor-Linwood Bobcats remain undefeated, knocking off the previously undefeated De Soto Wildcats in a 42-38 rally. The Bobcats entered the fourth quarter with a 35-24 lead, before De Soto answered with two touchdowns early in the quarter to give them a three-point advantage. The Basehor-Linwood defense stood strong through the remainder of the quarter, giving the offense a go-ahead drive, which led to a Bobcats touchdown with 13 seconds left to remain undefeated through four games. Basehor-Linwood's offense totaled 528 yards through the air and on the ground. The team is seeking their second-consecutive 5-0 start when they take on the West High School Chargers at home on Friday, Oct. 3.
"This award is a reflection of the hard work of our student athletes, the dedication of our assistant coaches and the support of our parents and community, all three factors are paramount to a successful football program," Stallbaumer said.
"We are very blessed here at Basehor-Linwood and appreciative of the recognition. We also want to thank the Kansas City Chiefs and PrepsKC for their continued support and dedication to high school football in Kansas City."
Stallbaumer is in his 12th year leading the Bobcats, boasting an 87-32 record since 2014. This is the third year in a row the Bern, Kansas, native has taken home Coach of the Week honors, along with nomination in 2014.
Now in its 29th year, The High School Coach of the Week program is a joint initiative between the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League. In addition to highlighting head coaches for their team's performance, this award honors individuals who make a difference in the lives of high school student-athletes by preparing them for life beyond football.
The Kansas City Chiefs partner with PrepsKC to select Coaches of the Week from Missouri and Kansas each week. For the past 16 years, PrepsKC has been Kansas City's only complete multimedia outlet covering high school offering a dynamic website, weekly magazine and comprehensive weekly radio show. More information about PrepsKC, including scores, schedules and coverage can be found at www.prepskc.com.
