News Summary

Perry Parks has been appointed as the new head football coach at River Bluff High School in Lexington, S.C. After four years at the collegiate level, Parks returns to high school football with hopes to build on the program’s recent successes. Notably, he has a strong history of coaching and playing in the sport, looking to instill a winning culture among the Gators. With an enthusiastic approach to leadership and community, Parks aims to lead the team into what promises to be an exciting season.

Exciting Times in Lexington: Perry Parks Takes the Helm as River Bluff High School’s New Head Football Coach

Lexington, S.C. – Big news is coming out of River Bluff High School as new head football coach Perry Parks steps into his role, bringing with him a wealth of experience and passion for the game. After spending the last four years coaching at the college level, Parks is returning to his roots in high school football, and he couldn’t be more excited about it!

The Journey Back Home

Parks has made quite the journey through the world of football. For the last few years, he has been honing his coaching skills as a wide receivers coach at the collegiate level. He held positions at Charlotte and Coastal Carolina, but now he’s ready to come back to the Midlands, where it all began for him. Before coaching at the collegiate level, Parks made his mark at Ridge View High School from 2015 to 2020, where he led the team to an impressive 44-24 record, including a memorable run to the Class 4A Upper State championship game in 2019!

Building on Previous Success

Parks takes over from former coach Blair Hardin, who guided River Bluff to new heights, including a record-setting 10 wins in the 2024 season and a solid playoff appearance. With expectations high, Parks aims to build on this successful foundation, laying down the groundwork for a culture that emphasizes doing things the right way.

A Rich Connection to Football

Not just a coach, Parks is a man with deep roots in the sport. He shone as a wide receiver at Sumter High School before joining Coastal Carolina as a walk-on in 2002. Working hard, he earned a full scholarship and even became the team captain before graduating in 2007. That kind of dedication to the game is what he hopes to instill in his players at River Bluff!

Strong Foundations and Future Goals

Parks’ appointment marks an important moment for River Bluff, as he becomes the third head coach in the history of the football program and the second Black head coach at a Lexington 1 school. His previous experience coaching at Lakewood High School also adds to his notable coaching resume, making him a perfect fit to lead the River Bluff Gators.

The Road Ahead

During his introduction, Parks made it clear that he is all about building a sense of community and family within the football program. He emphasized the importance of hard work and integrity, two core values he learned during his time at Coastal Carolina. With the highly competitive Region 4-5A on their schedule, including tough opponents like Dutch Fork and Irmo, Parks knows there’s much work to be done.

Getting Ready for Spring

As he begins this new chapter, Parks wasted no time meeting with his players and getting familiar with the Gator culture. He plans to put together a coaching staff and have everything in place by the start of spring practice. Key players like quarterback Brayden Moore and 1,000-yard rusher Hayden Myers are set to return, promising excitement for the upcoming season, even though Parks will have to find replacements for several defensive standouts who are graduating.

Creating a Winning Culture

In his role as head coach, Parks is focused on establishing a strong program culture that values hard work, dedication, and community ties. His enthusiasm for high school coaching shines through, and it’s clear he is ready to tackle the challenges ahead, aiming to inspire his players and create a lasting legacy at River Bluff High School.

As fans, players, and parents await the start of the season, the excitement for what’s to come under Perry Parks’ leadership is palpable. The River Bluff Gators are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating season ahead!

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