Cole Heading To First High School Wrestling Match

After going undefeated as a seventh and eighth-grader, Cole gets his first taste of high school wrestling this Saturday when he goes to a junior varsity tournament at Emporia.  The tournament starts at 9 a.m. and is probably only 75 minutes away, yet he has to report to Lawrence High School at 4:45 a.m. to weigh in, get gear and get on the bus.  Really?  4:45 a.m.?  My thought right now is Ridiculous.  Maybe there is method to this madness, but I don't see it right now.  This makes for an extremely long day.

Brad Postseason Awards Update

So far Brad has been named:

Top 11 by Wichita Eagle

Wichita Eagle interview link: http://blogs.varsitykansas.com/blog/2012/11/27/the-wichita-eaglevarsitykansas-com-2012-top-11-football-team/

Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal will have their teams announced Sunday.

Simone Award Finalist for top player in Kansas City Metro area. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the high school of the winner.

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/27/3937314/finalists-announced-for-simone.html

http://810varsity.com/wp-content/uploads/simone-2012/simone-2012.html

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2012/nov/28/lhs-quarterback-strauss-named-finalist-area-award/?sports

All-Sunflower League First Team as Quarterback and Defensive Back (second straight year he accomplished this)

http://sunflowerfootball.blogspot.com/2012/11/2012-coaches-all-sunflower-league-teams.html

Sunflower Leage Offensive Player of the Year by Sunflower League Blog (second straight year for this award)

http://sunflowerfootball.blogspot.com/2012/11/eli-underwoods-sunflower-league-elite.html

Coming up in the next week (maybe), will be:

All-state honors by class from the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal

(Brad was first-team all-state safety as a junior and honorable mention quarterback as a sophomore and junior)

All-metro team by the Kansas City Star

(Brad was on this last year)

Gatorade Kansas Player of the Year

(he is a candidate this year, but no idea)

Lawrence Journal World all-area team

(Brad was on this team as a sophomore and junior and was the all-area player of the year as a junior)

 

Hopefully he will be on some of these lists.

 

Football Season Ends In Second Round

The dream of a state championship ended Friday, Nov. 9 when Lawrence High fell 21-14 to Shawnee Mission West in the second round of the Kansas playoffs.  Missed opportunities in the red zone once again did in the Lions against the Vikings.  This team was extremely fun to watch and though physically over-matched all season long, played with so much heart.  They finished the year 8-3 with the three losses coming to two teams playing in the state semifinal.  They created great memories for their families and fans, but most importantly for themselves.  Thank you guys.

Lawrence Journal World Recap

Kansas City Star Recap

PrepsKC Recap

Photo Gallery

Lions Win Playoff Game

I don't recall watching a more exciting high school football game than Lawrence's 34-32 win against Garder Edgerton last night.  Brad was extremely limited in practice due to a sprained foot suffered in the Free State loss and was sick all day Friday (threw up on the way to the game, had chills and a fever).  Brad only played offense in this game.  GE has an incredible running back - Traevohn Wrench, who ran 50 times for 328 yards.  Brad was 21 of 28 for 320 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.  He also rushed 11 times for 56 yards and another score. However, he fumbled on LHS's last two possessions giving GE opportunities.  The LHS defense bent, but did not break sending the Lions to the second round of the playoffs.  Very emotional result as it would have been a shame for Brad's career to end because of his fumbles.  However, his TEAM was there to make up for it and it was awesome.  LHS will host Shawnee Mission West, who beat LHS in the first game of the year, Friday at 7 p.m. to see who moves to the state semifinals.
Lawrence Journal World Recap

LHS Wins Fifth Straight With 32-15 Win Vs. Shawnee Mission South

A lot of great media attention this week for Lawrence High and Brad.  There are three videos on KC Metro Sports facebook page, a feature in the Kansas City Star and the recap from the Lawrence Journal World.

Brad was 19 of 22 for 235 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.  One of the touchdown passes in the game of the week video reminded me of Todd Reesing's throw to Kerry Meier against Nebraska in 2008.

Lawrence, now 5-1 overall, 5-0 in league play, won 32-15 and has won five in a row for the first time since 2005.

Facebook KC Metro Sports
Look for three videos titled:
Lawrence vs. SM South Hy-Vee Game of the Week 10-5-12
Lawrence vs. SM South Hy-Vee Game Wrap 10-5-12
Brad Strauss Story 10-5-12


KC Star Feature on Brad

Lawrence Journal World Recap

Lawrence Jouranl World Photo Gallery

Huge Win Against Defending State Champions

Wow.  Incredible team effort by the defense.  Offensive line did great.  Wow.  Brad was 15-21 for 215 yards and two touchdowns (no interceptions) passing and he ran 15 times for 64 yards and three touchdowns.  Made some great hits on defense as well.  I have to admit for the first time I was nervous leading into the game as there were scouts from 19 different colleges there.  He played well.  Team was awesome.  I am very happy for them.

Lawrence Journal World Recap

Lawrence Journal World Photo Gallery

Brad Four Game Highlight Video

Here is Brad's four-game senior year highlight video:

 

Watch Video

 

2013 (Four Games)

Averaging 207 passing and 86 rushing yards per game.

In four games has six rushes for 20-plus yards and 11 passes for 20-plus yards.

Played first game in rain, sat out fourth quarter in second game, sat out 1 ½ quarters in fourth game.

Play defending state champion Olathe South Sept. 28.

 

Quickly

Three-year starter at quarterback, safety and return man

2011 All-State First Team Defensive Back

2011 Top 11 Second Team (only junior on first or second team)

Two-Time All-State Honorable Mention Quarterback

2011 All-Sunflower League First Team as Quarterback and Defensive Back

2011 Simone Award Semifinalist for top player in Kansas City metro area (only junior)

 

Passing Statistics

Year                Comp-Att        Pct.     Yards  TD       Avg.

2010 (So.)       106-188           .564     1249    10        138.8

2011 (Jr.)         130-206           .631     1596    13        159.6

2012 (4 gm)       53-  94           .564       828      9        207.0  

                

Rushing Statistics

Year                Att.                  Yards  TD       Avg.

2010 (So.)       134                  603        5        67.0

2011 (Jr.)           94                  626      11        62.6

2012 (4 gm)       56                  345        5        86.3

 

Total Offense Statistics

Year                Plays               Yards  Avg.    TD Responsible For

2010 (So.)       322                  1852    205.7   15

2011 (Jr.)         300                  2222    222.2   24

2012 (4 gm)     150                  1173    293.3   14

 

Defense          Tackles           Other

2010 (So.)       Not Available

2011 (Jr.)         39                    3 Blk PATs

2012 (4gm)      23                    2 INT, 1 Blk PAT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lawrence Wins Third Straight, Beating SM North

For the third straight game LHS scored on its first three possessions en route to a 46-20 victory against Shawnee Mission North.  Brad played the first half and just two possessions in the second half before mass substitutions were made.  Brad threw for 159 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 124 yards and two more scores.

Lions Roll Over Shawnee Mission North

Photo Gallery

6 News Lawrence Look At LHS Offense

Nice piece by Kevin Romary, 6 News Lawrence on the LHS Football Offense.  Through three games, LHS is averaging 393 yards per game, including 223 passing and 170 rushing. 

Watch the Video Here

Lions Bounce Back In Second Game

The Lawrence offense scored on each of its first three possesions and five of the first six times it had the ball, while the defense didin't allow a first down until Shawnee Mission Northwest's fifth possession en route to a 42-13 victory.  Brad threw for 169 yards and two touchdowns on 11 of 15 attempts (no interceptions), rushed 10 times for 89 yards and a 55-yard touchdown, recorded his first high school interception and returned it 17 yards, punted twice for a 38.0 average, returned two punts for 11 and five yards and was in on about three tackles.  He did not play in the fourth quarter.

Here are newspaper story and photo gallery links:
Lawrence Journal World Recap
Kansas City Star Recap
Lawrence Journal World Photo Gallery

Cole Earns Starts On Offense and Defense

After playing sparingly in the season opener, Cole's effort was rewarded by his coaches in game two as he started at wide receiver on offense and safety on defense against Shawnee Mission Northwest.  In the first game (which included two extra quarters for those who hadn't played much in the regular game) he made a couple of tackles, pulled down an interception and had three receptions.  He also blocked well and played hard every play.  That was noticed.  And while he started game two, he did not have any balls thrown his way, but ran twice (no positive yardage).  His team won 40-0 to improve to 1-1.  We are very proud of the smallest kid on a big 44-player team to earn starts on both sides of the ball.  Go Cole!

Week One: LHS vs. Shawnee Mission West

The week started with Cole and his freshmen team playing Shawnee Mission West on Wednesday.  LHS scored on a 60-yard run on the first play of  the game, but ended up losing 34-14.  Cole saw time at wide receiver and safety and had one kickoff return for about 15 yards, one reception and one tackle.  Due to the fact both teams had about 40 total players, they played two extra quarters so all the kids could have a chance to play.  Cole played in both of the extra quarters and came up with two more catches.  He played well - caught everything thrown to him and blocked well.

By the way the temperature at kickoff was 99 degrees.

Fast forward two days to Friday and the rain from the hurricane made its way to Kansas.  With temperatures in the low 70s and a constant rain, the LHS varsity slogged it out with SM West before falling 20-14.  In terrible conditions, Brad was 17-33 passing for 195 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, while rushing 17 times for 45 yards and another score.  He also returned a punt 54 yards and served as the team's punter for the first time.

Lawrence Journal World Recap

Lawrence Journal World Photo Gallery

Finally Game Week

Cole starts his freshman football season Wednesday and Brad and the varsity open up Friday.  Here are a couple of nice things about Brad from the Kansas City Star. 

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/25/3777277/sunflower-league-preview.html

 

http://varsity.kansascity.com/blog/entries/preseason-simone-chatter/

 

 

 

 

Sunflower League Blog Clippings

Here are two nice preseason pieces from the Sunflower League Blog

Brad ranked as top player in league

Brad ranked in three different categories

Kansas Pregame Magazine Cover Boy

Brad respresented Class 6A football players on Kansas Pregame Magazine this season.  There is a nice feature on him inside (it starts on page 27 of the digital version, which you can find at this link:http://kpreps.com/magazine.php).

Good websites to follow Brad and Lawrence High this year include:

Lawrence Journal World
6News Lawrence (TV)
Sunflower Blog
Kpreps.com
Mike Strauss Facebook Page
Mike Strauss Twitter Page: @Mike_Strauss

LHS Football Mom's Camp

The best day of the year when the moms get to do what their sons do on the football field.  Check out the video from 6NewsLawrence to see highlights of Lisa in action:

VIDEO LINK

Brad and Cole's Football Schedules

Varsity Football Schedule - Brad

Fri., Aug. 31           SHAWNEE MISSION WEST                    7 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 7            at SM Northwest (SM North Stadium)       7 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 14           OLATHE EAST                                        7 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 21           at Shawnee Mission North  (SM North)   7 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 28           OLATHE SOUTH                                     7 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 5              at SM South (SM South Stadium)             7 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 12            LEAVENWORTH                                     7 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 19            at Wyandotte                                           7 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 26            FREE STATE                                          7 p.m.

Freshman Football Schedule - Cole

Wed., Aug. 29         at Shawnee Mission West                        4:15 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 6         SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST        4:15 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 13        at Olathe East                                          4:15 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 20        SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH                  4:15 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 27        at Olathe South                                        4:15 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 4           SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH                  4:15 p.m.

Wed., Oct. 10         at Leavenworth                                        4:15 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 25         at Free State                                            4:15 p.m.

First Day of School, 2012

Brad and Cole heading off to their first day of school in August, 2012.  Brad is a senior and Cole is a freshman.  They are riding to school together.

Kansas Pregame Magazine

Brad is pictured on the cover representing Class 6A in Kansas and has a feature written about him starting on page 29. Digital edition of the magazine is available here.

Channel 6 LHS Season Preview (8-15-12)

Link to the Lawrence TV station season preview of Lawrence High School football from August 15.  Brad is not interviewed, but is shown (#11) and talked about.  Let's get the season started.

Sunflower League Preseason Into

Here are a couple of preseason stories from the Sunflower League Blog.  Follow Lawrence High School football and the league at http://www.sunflowerfootball.blogspot.com/.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

2012 Player Spotlights: Brad Strauss

Brad Strauss
Lawrence

Position: Quarterback/Safety
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 lbs.
Year: Senior

Stat to Note
Last season Strauss was a First Team All-Sunflower League selection as a quarterback and as a defensive back.

Scouting Report
There's no way around it--expectations are sky high for Strauss as he enters his senior campaign with the Chesty Lions. The 2012 season will be his third as the starting quarterback for Lawrence High and if can build on his numbers from the last two seasons he will not only be the top player in the Sunflower League, but he'll also be in contention for the Simone Award. And perhaps more importantly, Lawrence High will be among the league's elite.

In his first year as the starting quarterback in 2010, Strauss, then just a sophomore, helped LHS to a 3-6 record just a season after they finished 1-8. That year he passed for 1,141 yards and 10 touchdowns and rushed for 603 yards and five touchdowns. He came back huge in 2011, passing for 1,554 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushing for 707 yards and 11 touchdowns (not to mention being one of the top defensive backs in the league) in an injury-shortened season. LHS qualified for the playoffs and went 6-4.

Looking ahead to this fall it's hard to downplay the impending "make or break" season Strauss and LHS program will have riding on their shoulders. The Chesty Lions head coach, Dirk Wedd, has described Strauss as a once-in-a-lifetime type of player, and Strauss has lived up to that title the past two years. His senior season, however, will be where his true legacy is engraved. If he can stay healthy and continue to produce the way he has in the past LHS could be in for a very fun season ahead.

* * * * *

Sunflower League Preseason Power Rankings

 2. Lawrence
Head Coach: Dirk Wedd (12 years, 67-60)
Last Season: 6-4, Regionals



You never want to put the expectations of a program on one player, but in all honesty, Lawrence is going to go as far in 2012 as their star quarterback Brad Strauss (6-1, 185) can take them. Let's start with the talented signal-caller. In his two seasons as the starting quarterback at LHS he's combined to pass for 2,695 yards and 21 touchdowns and rush for 1,310 yards and 16 touchdowns. He took the reins at quarterback following Lawrence's tumultuous 1-8 season in 2009 and responded by helping the team to a 3-6 record in 2010.

Last year he led Lawrence to a 5-3 record before suffering a season-ending ankle injury late in the year. He was still a first team all-league selection as both a quarterback and a defensive back, but the question remains, does Lawrence risk another injury to Strauss by playing him on defense in 2012? That remains to be seen, but Strauss isn't going to do everything on his own.



The Chesty Lions return one of the league's best receiving duos in Erick Mayo (5-10, 175) and Drake Hofer (6-0, 180), both of whom are a threat to take any catch the distance. Running back Tyrone Jenkins (6-0, 205) came on strong late in 2011 and even quarterbacked LHS to victory in the regular season finale against Free State. This year he'll have a good workload out of the backfield and he should be a tremendous compliment to Strauss' running ability.

Heading up the trenches will be senior Kharon Brown (5-10, 225), a first team all-league selection last season as a defensive lineman. He's not massive but he plays with great leverage and he has a tremendous motor for getting to quarterbacks and ballcarriers.

Fast Fact: Lawrence's 31 undefeated seasons are the most of any high school football program in the country.

Summer Workout Story

The Lawrence Journal World did a story on Brad working this season with Jordan Webb, who was the starting quarterback at Kansas last season, but is transferring to Colorado.  Read

Player Spotlight

Here is a look at the player spotlight written on Brad on the Sunflower League Blog Spot this June.
http://www.sunflowerfootball.blogspot.com/

Local TV Reports on First Day of LHS Summer Camp

Watch the Lawrence TV station (6 News Lawrence) report of the first day of summer football camp.  Starts with a nice photo of Brad's ankle.

Watch Here

First Day of 2012 High School Football Conditioning

Tuesday May 29 was the first day of football conditioning and camp for Lawrence High School for the 2012 season. It is Cole's first day as a high school football player and the first day of Brad's senior year. I hope they have a lot of fun this year.

Kansas City Youth Lacrosse League All-Star Game

Cole was selected to play in the KCYLL all-star game, which was played at Livestrong Park, home of Kansas City's professional soccer team.  The game took place before the Kansas City Metro Lacrosse League Championship.  Cole, who wore number four for the red team, played the first and third quarters and scored a goal on his only shot.  His team won 10-9 in overtime.  He had a great time playing and we had a better time watching him.

Cole Lacrosse 2012

Cole's Blue Valley team vs. the other Blue Valley team. This was second-to-last regular season game.  Cole scored two goals in their 9-8 loss.

TV News Clips From 2011

Came across a few links from Lawrence TV Station Channel 6 from Brad's junior year in 2011. Here they are:

Summer Workout
Season Preview
Shawnee Mission South Preview
Review of his Six-Touchdown Game vs. Shawnee Mission South

Cole Takes It Inside

Cole scored on this layup the other day. The little guy is not afraid to take it inside on the big fellas.

Brad's Football Highlight Videos

Here is a link to Brad's 2010 (sophomore) and 2011 (junior) football highlight videos.

Brad's Highlights

A Few Photos From Our Winter Cruise

Just a few shots from the winter cruise we took. We will add more photos later.

Cole's Eighth-Grade Basketball Debut

Cole didn't get to play in South's season opener, a three-point loss at Washburn Rural, however, in middle school here they play a fifth-quarter for the kids who didn't get to play in the game or who saw limited time. This game they got to play two extra quarters and Cole played the entire 12 minutes of this extra half.

Cole played very well, scoring eight of his team's 13 points on three of five shooting, adding two steals, one rebound and committing one turnover. He missed four practices over break, while out of town on vacation and has some catching up to do.

His team takes the floor again Monday and Tuesday. Go South!

Brad Named First Team All-Kansas City Metro Defensive Back

Add another honor to Brad's junior football season as he was named to the Kansas City Star all-metro team. Here is a link to the write up.

Still waiting on the K.C. Star all-state teams.