Team of the Week: Perry Parks keeping Ridge View focused after big win

Ridge View coach Perry Parks is doing his best to make sure there is no hangover following Friday’s big win over Goose Creek.

Parks put his team through a tough physical practice Monday to shake off any lingering celebration of the 28-27 victory over the Gators, who entered the game ranked No. 10 in Class 4A in the latest statewide media poll.

“That is my job as the head coach to let them know that stuff last week is over with,” Parks said. “We got a lot of goals set for this season and a lot yet to accomplish this season. The focus is getting on the fundaments and getting us ready for this week.”

The Blazers take on Irmo, which is 0-2 and coming off a blowout loss to Northwestern.

Getting an early taste of success is something Parks hoped for in his first year after coming over from Lakewood. The former Coastal Carolina receiver brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the program, and has gotten the community and school on board for the rebuilding project.

The Blazers have had their share of struggles in recent years, and have won more than four games in a season just once since 2007.

Ridge View lost to Blythewood, 28-14, in its opener and then fell behind Goose Creek by 14 points on two different occasions, including 21-7 in the third quarter.

But Ridge View rattled off 21 straight second-half points to take a 28-21 lead, then held off a late Goose Creek comeback. The Gators cut it to 28-27 with less than a minute left, but the Blazers stopped Evan Ulery on the two-point conversion.

“Just seeing the look on their faces and to see them celebrate after the game was a great feeling,” Parks said. “They been through so much and you wanted the best for them. They don’t know how to win the games. But to get a big win like that, it will do big things for the confidence.”

Ridge View will get another boost this week as quarterback D’Marco Zeigler should return to the lineup. The Keenan transfer has missed the first two games with Jaylen Nelson and Tre High filling in.

Parks said there is a chance all three quarterbacks might see time against Irmo.

Running back Ali Kelley leads the Blazers’ strong ground game and has 285 yards in two games. As a team, Ridge is averaging 366 yards on the ground.

This story was originally published September 8, 2015 at 8:35 PM with the headline "Team of the Week: Perry Parks keeping Ridge View focused after big win."