Parkway South Football Off to Super Start

Red meant stop for the Parkway South football team last Friday night in its game against Oakville.

But it did not stop the Patriots from recording their third win in as many games to start the 2011 season as they defeated the Tigers, 12-6.

The Patriots entered the red zone five times, four times in the first half, but could come away with just six points primarily because of penalties and problems in the kicking game.

"Adversity hit us in many forms," Parkway South coach Travis Blevins said. "These were the types of games in year's past where we were not on the right side of the scoreboard."

But Parkway South has been on the right side of the scoreboard in all three games this season and defense was been the main reason.

The Patriots have allowed just 12 points in three games and their defense scored what proved to be the winning touchdown Friday against Oakville.

"It comes down to teamwork, discipline and everybody doing their job," said Parkway South defensive back Terrell Bland of the stout Patriot defense.

Bland had the key interception return for the touchdown in the fourth quarter Friday.

"The defense has definitely kept us going so far this year," Blevins said. "We are going to be outsized in most games but we play with tremendous heart. We are playing sound defense and doing a good job of getting off the ball."

It has been a true team effort on defense for the Patriots although Kellen Ash has been a standout in rushing the quarterback. He had four sacks in a shutout win over Jackson and added a pair Friday night against Oakville.

Parkway South had its problems scoring points offensively Friday with all of the difficulties in the red zone.

But the Patriots offense has helped their defense with a solid running game.

The Patriots rushed for 225 yards in their season opening 19-6 win over Fox. Cameron Bounds had 127 yards on 24 carries while quarterback Eric Laurent added 96 on 16 carries. Laurent rushed for a touchdown and passed for another in the first quarter against the Warriors.

The Parkway South defense held Fox under 200 yards of total offense and recovered three fumbles.

Laurent, who had the only offensive touchdown against Oakville, had a pair of touchdown passes and a touchdown run, in a 42-0 win over Jackson.

The team rushed for 239 yards as Cedric Bankhead led the way with 69 yards on just six carries. Two of Bankhead's rushes went for touchdowns.

Bounds was again the workhorse Friday night against the Tigers. He rushed for 140 yards on 23 carries as the Patriots had a significant edge in time of possession.

Blevins said Friday's win was a signifant one for his team as they had started 2-0 in 2010 only to lose to Oakville en route to a 4-6 season.

"We have a solid senior class who wants to take that next step this season," Blevins said.

The Patriots have a huge challenge next Friday as they host Lindbergh. The Flyers are 2-1 but their two victories have come against common opponents. Lindbergh defeated Oakville 42-0 (South beat the Tigers 12-6). The Flyers also beat Fox 34-3 (South defeated the Warriors 19-6).