4th Ranked Parker Rolls to 5-0 with 41-22 Win Over Gardendale

Gardendale, AL – Under the Friday night lights at Driver Stadium, the Parker Thundering Herd, ranked fourth in Class 6A, notched an impressive 41-22 victory over the Gardendale Rockets.

The Homecoming loss slips the Rockets to 0-4.  Parker, the lone undefeated team in Class 6A, Region 5 improves to 5-0.  

Parker quarterback Malik Muhammad played a huge role in the Thundering Herd victory. He showcased his versatility throughout the contest, racking up a solid 300 yards in total offense while accounting for a pair of scores.

Muhammad’s passing game was on point, completing 6-of-12 throws for a total of 120 yards, and a touchdown. When it came to running the ball, he showed off his wheels, gaining an additional 180 yards on 10 carries, and added a rushing score. 

A’mari Brundidge lead the Parker ground attack, carrying the ball 10 times and racking up 120  yards on the ground.  He crossed the endzone twice, adding a rushing score and hauling in a Muhammad scoring strike. Martavius Purnell contributed to the ground game with eight carries for 80 yards.  

Defensively, Na’eem Offord and Jourdin Crawford were forces to be reckoned with for the Thundering Herd, each scoring a touchdown. Crawford was particularly dominant, leading the defense with seven tackles and sacking Rockets quarterback Mac Beason four times.  

Looking ahead, both metro area teams will step out of region play in in week five. Gardendale, who hasn’t started a season 0-4 since 1995, will look to bounce back with matchup against the 7A Austin Black Bears (3-2) at Driver Stadium.  Parker will travel 12 miles west to Pleasant Grove to face the 3-1 Spartans, ranked 4th in Class 5A.