2024 Large-School All-Area Football Team: Strader savoring rarefied air: Ashland QB enjoys record passing season, shares honors with Tackett

CANNONSBURG A stat is only a number.

LaBryant Strader’s focus is firmly planted on just one number.

Wins.

The senior quarterback helped Ashland tally plenty of both in his final season. The Tomcats recorded 11 victories in 2024, a district title in dramatic fashion and earned a spot in the Class 4A region finals.

“I feel I grew as a leader,” Strader said, “and as a person. You have a whole city that depends on you and comes out to support you. I feel that I grew on and off the field. You have to take care of yourself off the field and stay away from bad things and stay on the right track.

“We embody that we not me mindset every Friday night,” he added. “This is not a place you go if you want to set big numbers. It’s a place you go if you want to win. Winning always comes first compared to stats. Hopefully, that always holds true.”

The team-first mentality has guided Strader and his teammates during their time in an Ashland jersey. With so many playmakers on the field, the winning numbers can come from several sources.

“When we go into a game, they know that multiple guys are going to touch the ball,” Ashland coach Chad Tackett said. “There are so many guys that can make plays and had success for us. It speaks volumes to the strength of our team from a talent and numbers standpoint.

“It’s just this group of seniors and the success that they’ve had since they started their career here at Ashland,” he added. “We did a good job of improving each week. Our coaching staff was a tight-knit group this year. All those things combined resulted in a very successful year.”

Strader was named the Large School All-Area Player of the Year. Tackett received Coach of the Year honors.

Strader may not have concentrated on his numbers but they continued to pile up. He ends his career with many of his…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-large-school-area-football-045900450.html

Author : The Daily Independent, Ashland, Ky.

Publish date : 2025-01-12 04:59:00

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