LEAK TD LOTTERY: WHO GETS RECORD?
Independence quarterback 5 TDs from setting national mark
CLIFF MEHRTENS
Staff Writer
Some Independence receiver today likely will latch on to a national record touchdown catch. They're all clamoring to snag No. 171 of quarterback Chris Leak's career.
He has 166, and needs five to break the mark Rhett Lashlee of Shiloh (Ark.) Christian set in 1999-2001.
Leak has the solution even before Independence, 10-0 and winner of 40 straight, plays at Vance at 7 p.m.
"I took care of that," Leak said. "I did a little raffle. We put all the names in a hat, and a coach picked the slip of paper. It's ... well, I can't say because we don't want Vance to know."
The raffle winner also was ordered silent. Vance (7-3, 5-1 in ME-CA 8 4A) will find out soon enough.
In the past three weeks, Leak has thrown 22 touchdown passes.
He has passed for more than 430 yards in three straight games, including a state record 585 against North Mecklenburg.
He has 45 touchdown passes this season. Leak threw 57 as a junior, 51 as a sophomore and 13 as a freshman.
Leak also won't reveal if he's planning any special celebration, but expect the calm demeanor he's flashed during nearly all previous 166 touchdown throws.
"All the touchdowns are special," he said. "By putting up big numbers, you're helping your team.
"The record means a lot to us. If we get it, it will be a team record."
Leak had no trouble recalling his first touchdown pass. It came in 1999 as a freshman against Boiling Springs Crest, "to Mario Raley, a slant (pattern) about 10 or 15 yards."
Since, Leak has wiped out most of the state passing records and helped turn Independence into a national power. The Patriots are No. 2 in one poll, and No. 3 in another.
Coach Tom Knotts was at West Charlotte when Leak debuted as a freshman.
"I don't think they threw a slant, so we blitzed him every down," Knotts said. "I think we sacked him nine times. He took a pounding, but kept getting up."
Knotts moved to Independence before Leak's sophomore season, and the touchdowns have piled up.
"Chris deserves the record, and I'm going to give him the opportunity," said Knotts, who said he's heard criticism for letting Leak accumulate sizeable numbers this season.
"It's a once-in-lifetime thing. He's worked year-round, and nobody else has worked like he has."
-JD
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