Copyright Chicago Tribune
Junior receiver Lucas Strang loves to play to his strengths for Brother Rice. Admittedly, he doesn’t mind the physical play. But he understand what fuels his fire. “I love to run and I love to use my speed,” Strang said with a nod. “I love running after the deep balls and I love playing physical. But I love to make a move and get into open space.” Those wide-open spaces belonged to Strang on Friday night. He scored a rushing touchdown and also added a receiving TD, sparking the host Crusaders to a 57-0 victory over Rockford Jefferson in a Class 7A first-round playoff game in Chicago. Army-bound senior quarterback CJ Gray also scored a rushing TD and threw TD passes to senior receiver Jovan Green Jr. and sophomore tight end Jack McNamara for sixth-seeded Brother Rice (9-1), which will play Saturday’s winner between Jacobs and Addison Trail in the second round. In his first career playoff game, the 6-foot, 165-pound Strang displayed his versatility by scoring on a 10-yard reverse and catching the 17-yard strike from Gray as the Crusaders led 43-0 at halftime. “It’s a surreal feeling, to be honest,” Strang said. “We knew we were the favorites and our game plan was just to execute. I also thought I’d have limited minutes because we’d be far ahead. “We just want to keep getting better each day.” Green’s ability to spread the field has opened up avenues of opportunity for Strang. “When you have attention on Jovan, that allows him to flourish, especially as a junior,” Brother Rice coach Casey Quedenfeld said of Strang. “We didn’t come into the season saying he was going to be the one. He’s a surprise who has been able to show off his excellent speed. “That has allowed him to flourish.” In his first year playing with Strang, Gray marveled at the ease of their bond on the field. “We instantly connected,” Gray said. “Lucas came in so easy. He knows his role. He’s just a baller who wants to go out and play. He’s a great teammate. He listens. “He’s a great deep-ball threat with the speed he has. I’m just very happy to have him.” Strang has that knack for getting open, making their connection natural and fluid. “CJ and I got very close over the summer,” Strang said. “Jovy and I are also very close now. We ran routes together over the summer. Everything has been planned out and worked beautifully.” Strang, who has the makeup and mentality to excel in any situation, is the oldest of five kids. His exuberance and confidence illustrates the theory of the first born being a natural leader. “I’m an outgoing kid,” he said. “I’m a funny kid. I love to hang around my family, and I’m very enthusiastic. My younger brothers, I really want to set an example for them. “With my 12-year old brother, the next oldest, I need to set a standard with him so when I leave to go to college, he knows how to take over and lead.” Strang’s favorite activity outside of sports is drawing. When he reviews game film on Hudl, he draws copious notes and illustrations on a pad of paper to break down the opposition. An uncle on his mother’s side was his earliest influence, introducing him to football as a child. He started with a youth team in Oak Lawn. Now, the game is a platform to show off his skill. “It’s natural that the coaches want to play seniors,” Strang said. “I had to prove myself, work really hard and communicate with the coaches and make sure I knew the playbook. “The coaches believed in me. All I needed was their trust in my ability to make the play.” Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
