Overland Park ? Lawrence High coach Dirk Wedd joked he didn’t learn much about his team after Monday’s 7-on-7 passing drills, saying “we don’t throw the football.”

After what he saw, though, the coach might have to reconsider – especially after getting just a glimpse of what his new quarterback has to offer.

Chance Riley put on a passing clinic during the two simulation games, completing a combined 16 of 30 passes for 275 yards and six touchdowns.

Not only that, the senior-to-be did all his work without tossing an interception.

“He’s really worked hard on his mechanics,” Wedd said. “He used to be a lanky kid whose arm would go in 15 different directions.”

Not any more. The quarterback has improved his game in the off-season, attending quarterback camps at Kansas University, Kansas State and Purdue for additional instruction.

They have been helpful not only in the art of throwing, but also in the mental aspect of the game.

Riley said he had been able to make better reads since returning and also had been able to translate what he had learned to other players on the field.

Lawrence High quarterback Chance Riley looks downfield before unleashing a pass during the Lions' 7-on-7 matchup against Roeland Park Miege. Riley led the Lions to scores on six of their seven possessions during Monday's games against Miege and Baldwin at Overland Park Aquinas High.

Now comes the tough part: convincing the old-school, run-it-down-their-throats Wedd that a few more passes might be best.

“As a quarterback, that’s all I want to do is pass,” Riley said. “I’m definitely going to talk to him, and hopefully we can throw more than last year.”

Riley presented some of his case on the field Monday.

He led LHS to scores on six of his seven possessions as the Lions defeated Roeland Park Miege, 2-1, and tied Baldwin, 4-4.

He also showed his arm strength on one particular pass against Baldwin.

Starting at the Bulldogs’ 40-yard-line, Riley rolled to his right behind the line of scrimmage. He then quickly stopped and fired to his left, launching the ball more than 50 yards in the air to find a streaking Nathan Padia.

The receiver caught the jump-ball in the end zone to complete the touchdown connection.

“I think (a passing game) is something we need for a state championship,” Riley said. “It runs the defense for a loop and could get us some big plays.”

Lawrence High's Josh Wedel, left, blocks a pass against Roeland Park Miege during 7-on-7 drills. The Lions defeated Miege during Monday's competition at Overland Park Aquinas High.

Wedd knows Riley doesn’t have the look of most high school quarterbacks – mostly because he is 6-foot-5 and has the body of a collegiate signal-caller.

With that height, Wedd is reminded of Bryce McMichael, who was the Lions’ quarterback during his first season as the LHS head coach.

McMichael passed for 950 yards in 1999, the most at LHS since Lance Flachsbarth in 1986.

“I’m not saying Chance is going to get that many yards because it depends on our running backs,” Wedd said. “Also, passing is two-fold. You have to find people who can catch it.”

Though the LHS receivers had six drops, they still ended up with gaudy numbers. Padia finished with a combined five catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns, while Tony Williams had six receptions for 96 yards and three scores.