Parker sparks Camden Catholic rout

Jamal Parker took a handoff on a jet sweep, raced around right end, cut back, and ran 68 yards for a touchdown.

That was his shortest scoring play of the game.

Parker, an all-purpose junior, also scored on a 70-yard punt return and a 76-yard interception return in Camden Catholic's 60-6 victory at Gloucester Catholic in a West Jersey Football League game Saturday.

The 5-foot-9, 160-pound Parker made big plays on offense, defense, and special teams as the Irish improved to 2-0 in their first season under coach Nick Strom.

"He's a little bit under the radar," Strom said of Parker. "But I think he's one of the best players in the area."

Parker's longest play of the day wasn't even a touchdown. He returned another interception 80 yards from a yard deep in the end zone to the Gloucester Catholic 21 to set up Camden Catholic's first score, a 6-yard run by junior quarterback Tyree Rodgers.

Parker also blocked an extra point.

"Coach says I'm the athlete of the team," Parker said. "I have to make plays."

Parker's greatest asset might be his versatility. He's a runner and receiver on offense, a ball hawk on defense, and a playmaker on special teams.

"He does a lot for us," Strom said. "We stress to him, 'Do things the right way and you're going to get the chance to make a lot of big plays.' He just has that ability."

Parker, who lives in Pennsauken, says Camden Catholic can be one of the surprise teams of the South Jersey football season.

The Irish were 4-6 in 2013, but have burst from the gate this season with two victories by a cumulative score of 98-9.

"We have a lot of weapons," Parker said. "We have to use them."

Rodgers was 10-for-17 passing for 71 yards and two touchdowns and also ran eight times for 72 yards and a score.

Senior wide receiver Carl Garnes caught two touchdown passes and also scored on a 55-yard punt return for Camden Catholic.

"We've been preaching to the kids the importance of special teams," Strom said. "To get two punt returns for touchdowns, we'll take it."

Camden Catholic has a chance to build some confidence and momentum early in Strom's tenure, thanks in part to a favorable schedule. The Irish's first four games and six of their first seven are against teams that are winless.

"We're still learning," Strom said. "We're putting in new systems. We have new coaches, some new players. We have to continue to work hard to improve."

Parker said the Irish still regard themselves as "underdogs," even after two victories by a combined 89 points.

"We're underdogs this year, but we're ready to step up," Parker said. "We're going to make a statement."

Camden Catholic 15 17 14 14 - 60

Gloucester Catholic 6 0 0 0 - 6

CC: Tyree Rodgers 6 run (Everett Minchew kick)

GC: Neil McGee 5 run (kick failed)

CC: Jamal Parker 68 run (Jordan Jefferson run)

CC: Parker 76 interception return (Minchew kick)

CC: Carl Garnes 55 punt return (Minchew kick)

CC: FG Minchew 42

CC: Garnes 8 pass from Rodgers (Minchew kick)

CC: Parker 70 punt return (Minchew kick)

CC: Garnes 8 pass from Rodgers (Minchew kick)

CC: Joe Hahn 4 run (Wesley Perrottet kick)

Camden Catholic's Jamal Parker looks back at the victory.

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