Jackson Parke runs wild as Saint Andrews secures first District Championship since 1985

BOCA RATON- It’s always good to win on Senior Night. It’s even better when the win brings home a coveted District Championship.

Tonight (October 27) #5 Saint Andrews hosted #10 Somerset Canyons with the FHSAA Class 2M District 10 Championship on the line. If you closely paid attention pre-game, you could tell something was different. In the spirit of Halloween, that variable was the frightening silence of senior running back, Jackson Parke. Most games, Parke is energetic during warmups, hyping his teammates up, but tonight, the 6 foot back was dead silent, left alone with his thoughts and music.

Parke made sure to let his play on the field speak dividends, as “The Human Cannonball” flew tonight. With his family (and Golden Retriever) in the stands, Jackson put on a show. On just the Scots’ second offensive play of the game, Parke found a wide open gap and shot through it, sprinting into the end zone for a 53 yard touchdown.

That wasn’t all for the feature back, as he continued to dominate the opposing defense, totaling 225+ rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 6 receptions for 70 yards, leading the Scots to a 41-14 victory over the ‘Set. Tonight’s dominant victory awarded Saint Andrews their first District Title since 1985.

For the first time since 1985, Saint Andrew’s is DISTRICT CHAMPS @GoSAScots @CoachRobertson2 @JacksonParke3 @DylanMayers7 @teddyhoffmann_ pic.twitter.com/USZQxgchjE
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) October 28, 2023

Post game interview with St Andrews RB Jackson Parke after his 300 total yard and 4 TD performance in the Scots 41-14 district championship against Somerset Canyons pic.twitter.com/rXOl1f5LmF
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) October 28, 2023

As I stated earlier, tonight was the Scots’ senior night. For Jackson, this game has even more significance. Jackson Parke has attended Saint Andrews since Pre-K, and has played for the football team since eighth grade. After being born and raised a Scot, Jackson made sure to leave a lasting legacy during his final regular season home game.

Jackson’s head coach, Jimmy Robertson, has sang his praises all season. Tonight, Coach Robertson broke down Parke’s game and said:

“Yeah Jackson has been here his whole life. He actually used to be my water boy forever ago.” Coach Robertson said. “He’s one great player for us, he’s electric. It seemed like every time he touched the ball tonight it was a big play. When you have a player like him {Jackson}, and he gets hot, you just got to keep feeding him.”

Post game interview with St Andrews HC Jimmy Robertson after the Scots 41-14 district championship against Somerset Canyons pic.twitter.com/F7Ky6UbS6D
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) October 28, 2023

As Coach Robertson said, Jackson is a powerful runner that has been a threat all season for opposing teams. Parke is a strong, physical runner, he never gets brought down after the first hit, it always takes a swarm to get him on the grass.

There are very few players that can impact a program the way Jackson Parke has impacted Saint Andrews Football. As great of a player Parke is, he is an even better teammate. Throughout my time covering him, Jackson has always been a high character player, constantly bringing up his teammates and coaches rather than talking about his personal accomplishments. Whatever college Jackson commits to is getting a powerful football player, but a stronger man.

Congratulations Saint Andrews on winning the first District Title since the ’80s. In the final week of the regular season the Scots will travel to Pine Crest on November 3rd. Kickoff is slated for 7 P.M.