Motivation no problem for offensive POY Parks

Motivation was not a problem for Gate City senior Tyler Parks this fall.

Coming off their first losing season in football since 1998, the Blue Devils were picked third in the new five-team Clinch Mountain District.

"Nobody expected anything from us, but we knew that we had the potential," Parks said.

That potential translated into a 10-4 record and a berth in the Group A, Division 2 state championship game.

The preface to the Blue Devil success story actually began just weeks after the 2006 season ended.

"We started our work in the weight room right after Christmas, then worked all summer," Parks said.

According to Parks, the sting of that 4-6 record helped push all the Blue Devils through hours of grueling sprints, workouts in the summer sun and intensive players-only meetings.

"That losing record was such a disappointment to our team and fans," Parks said. "Our seniors definitely wanted to go out with a better taste."

The transformation began to develop during a 35-0 victory over CMD rival Virginia High on homecoming at Legion Field. As Gate City went back to its traditional power-based T-formation, Parks accounted for 102 yards and three touchdowns.

The 5-7, 180-pound Parks scored 19 touchdowns in the regular season, then picked up the pace during Gate City’s run to the state title game in Salem.

For example, Parks rushed for 136 yards and two scores on 32 carries in the 14-6 regional championship victory over Powell Valley. He then followed with 165 yards and two touchdowns on a whopping 41 carries in the 21-14 regional semifinal win over George Wythe.

"When the game is on the line, I want the ball in my hands," Parks said. "I know the team is depending on me, so I have to do it."

Gate City quarterback Tihlee Anderson said the Blue Devils always have confidence with the relentless Parks in control.

"Tyler is the toughest person I know," Anderson said. "He takes big hits and just keeps going. That inspires all of us."

A big reason for the struggles of Gate City last year was a hamstring injury which sidelined Parks after the sixth game. To build up his strength and endurance, Parks spent months working with a trainer at Wellmont Regional Medical Center in Kingsport.

"We all came into this season with a new attitude," said Parks, who can bench press 275 pounds. "There is a lot of tradition in Gate City football and people in the community take pride in our success. We wanted to add to that tradition."

While many of the Gate City standouts have fathers who starred for the Blue Devils, Parks took a different route.

Sammy Parks, Tyler’s father, was a star fullback and linebacker at Twin Springs High School. Tyler grew up playing youth football in the Nickelsville area before transferring to Gate City in the seventh grade.

"I played little league football in Gate City for the first time in the sixth grade," Parks said. "You could tell that people in the community loved their football."

Thanks to the support of the versatile Anderson and a hungry cast of blockers, Parks became the most popular man in Gate City this fall.

"I was hoping for the best ... I just don’t think any of us could have dreamed how special the season turned out to be," said Parks, who finished with more than 1,700 yards rushing. "I’ve learned a lot about running the ball through the years, but my success came down to the blocking of my teammates. I really appreciate those guys."

After taking a week and a half to heal his many aches and pains, Parks rejoined the state title contender Blue Devil basketball team. As for his plans next fall, Parks is noncommittal.

"A few of the local colleges have talked to me. I haven’t decided if I want to play more football or just be a student," Parks said.

For now, Parks simply wants to savor his special season.

"We accomplished what very few teams are able to do by making the state title game," Parks said. "I’ll be proud of that until the day I die."