No. 2 Parker Downs Third Ranked Oxford in Class 6A Semifinal

BIRMIGHAM, AL – The second-ranked Parker Thundering Herd secured a 20-7 victory over the No. 3 Oxford Yellow Jackets in the Class 6A semifinals Friday night at Major Brown Memorial Stadium in Birmingham. 

Oxford (13-1) began the game with a promising drive, advancing inside Parker’s 30-yard line before their offense stalled. Parker’s defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs. The Thundering Herd capitalized with a 70-yard drive, capped by a 3-yard touchdown run from Ohio State commit Na’eem Offord to take an early lead. 

After an exchange of punts, Parker extended their advantage to 14-0 in the second quarter. Quarterback Dylan Reese connected with Clarence Taylor for a 21-yard touchdown, sending the Thundering Herd into halftime with a two score lead. 

Oxford responded early in the second half. Following a three-and-out by Parker, Mason Mims delivered a 53-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Wynn, cutting the deficit to 14-7. 

Parker quickly answered on the following possession, driving 75 yards downfield. Terence Gaines powered into the end zone with a 14-yard touchdown run, making it 20-7 midway through the third quarter. 

Oxford threatened in the fourth, moving deep into Herd territory. However, a personal foul penalty and a key sack forced a turnover on downs. Parker effectively chewed the clock on their final possession, driving to Oxford’s goal line before turning the ball over on downs with an incomplete pass in the closing minutes. 

Parker’s offense showcased an efficient performance. Dylan Reese completed 6-of-12 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown, and Clarence Taylor led the receiving corps with four receptions for 55 yards and one score. On the ground, Terence Gaines carried 19 times for 98 yards and a touchdown. 

For Oxford, quarterback Mason Mims threw for 248 yards, completing 17-of-30 passes with one touchdown and one interception. Nick Richardson contributed with four catches for 72 yards. 

With the win, Parker advances to face No. 1 Saraland in the Class 6A state championship. The title game is set for Friday at 7 p.m. at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium in what promises to be a can’t miss season finale.

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