BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Senior quarterback Malik Muhammad threw for three touchdown passes as Parker went on to a 49-6 win over Jackson-Olin in a Class 6A, Region 5 matchup at Jackson-Olin Stadium. Parker running back Amari Brundidge was another critical piece of the offense, with a touchdown receiving and rushing in the game.
Parker (3-0, 1-0) limited the Jackson-Olin defense for most of the night and has a chance to be special this season. "We still are making too many penalties and need to fix them," said Thundering Herd head coach Frank Warren. "We need to fix those mistakes now. Overall, we made some mistakes that can be fixed, and that is a good thing. I thought we made some plays when we were supposed to. I'm trying to get them (the defense) to understand to be legendary. We have to play every play series. I'm proud of those guys."
Parker scored first in the game as Muhammad hit Brundidge on a wheel route for a 38-yard touchdown pass. With the score, Parker led 7-0 with 9:29 left in the first quarter. With 10:24 left in the second quarter, Parker brought in the big package, and defensive lineman Jourdin Crawford scored up the middle on a 4-yard touchdown run. Parker led 14-0 early in the second quarter with the score.
Parker came right back to score again with 6:08 left in the second quarter when Muhammad found Kentrell Davis in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown. Parker led 21-0 late in the first half. With Jackson-Olin driving in the game, the Parker defense forced a fumble, and Crawford scooped it up and raced over 50 yards for a touchdown. Parker led 28-0 with 4:32 left in the half. Right before halftime, with Jackson-Olin driving, Parker defensive back Carlton Duncan picked off a pass to end a JO scoring opportunity.
Jackson-Olin scored with a good drive coming out of halftime when quarterback Marquarius Davis found Ty'Kee Thomas for a 6-yard touchdown pass. With the score, Jackson-Olin still trailed 28-6. Jackson-Olin wide receiver Kendrid Jones made a long reception to set up the touchdown.
With 5:39 left in the third quarter, Muhammad hit Jeremiah Jelks on a 23-yard touchdown pass play, and Parker led 35-6. With 11:56 left in the fourth quarter, Cam Jennings scored on a 3-yard touchdown run, and Parker held a 41-6 advantage. Keshaun Johnson picked off a Jackson-Olin pass and set up Parker for another score as he returned it deep into JO territory. With 4:07 left in the game, Chancellor Sparks scored on a 2-yard touchdown run. Jennings scored on the 2-point conversion, and Parker led 49-6.
Next, Parker will host Mortimer Jordan, while Jackson-Olin will host Minor.
