Team Preview: Parkway Central

It is officially a new era at Parkway Central, as former offensive line/defensive line and special teams coach [player_tooltip player_id="95953" first="Ryan" last="King"] is stepping up to become the school’s next head coach. King is looking to turn the Colts’ luck around. Following their final four appearance in the 2017-18 season, Parkway Central has gone 7-19, the worst three-year stretch for the Colts in the 21st century. It is not all negative, as in the shortened 2020-21 season, a few players stood out above the rest and are looking to lead their team back into the win column. Parkway Central is expecting big things our of wide receiver/defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="172124" first="John" last="Ellis"]</strong> this season. Entering his senior season, Ellis is poised for a breakout 2021-22 campaign. Ellis tallied 12 receptions for 119 yards in the shortened 2020-21 season, as well as 13 total tackles. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Eax9n">HUDL HIGHLIGHTS</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="172136" first="Elliot" last="Leong"]</strong> was a swiss army knife for the Colts in the shortened 2020-21 season. Leong recorded snaps playing tight end, wide receiver, and H-back on offense, while playing middle linebacker, outside linebacker, and slot corner. Leong is entering his junior season and looks to find a more consistent role. He possesses a high football IQ, has extremely secure hands, and can secure a tackle on just about anyone. I would not be surprised to see Leong develop some interest from the next level if he can continue to improve each and every year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="172138" first="DJ" last="Burgess"]</strong> is an exciting name to keep an eye on for the 2021-22 season. In his freshman campaign, Burgess rushed for 3.5 yards per carry on 122 yards. He showed flashes of greatness through his smooth running style, and excellent vision for a freshman running back who was playing varsity football. I am very excited to see DJ’s jump from his freshman season to his sophomore season because of the important experience that Burgess got last year. There is usually a learning curve for young players when making the jump from 8th Grade into varsity football, but Burgess was not intimidated. He recorded some much needed experience and it would not be a surprise to anyone if he hit the ground running and never looked back this year. The final player of the Parkway Central showcase is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="172141" first="Xavier" last="Cook"]</strong>. Cook is a senior defensive back who recorded the majority of his snaps on the opposite side of Ellis last season. Cook is expected to also see snaps at wide receiver this season, and there is a lot of promise for this young man. Cook is the fastest player on the Colts, and has the potential to be a deep threat target for Parkway Central this season, and it will be interesting to see how he is used this year. He has even more potential on defense where his athleticism has shown significant growth throughout his past two years of football, and if he can continue to grow, he will be a strong pass defender. Cook also plays basketball for the Colts, and his defensive skills in basketball translate to the gridiron well. All in all, I am very intrigued by the Colts this year. It has been a tough three seasons for the Colts, but one thing to note is they are one of the few teams in the entire state to end the 2020-21 Season on a win. Parkway Central won their first playoff game since 2017-18 last season, but were forced to forfeit their round two matchup due to COVID protocols. The Colts are on a redemption tour entering this season, and it will be fun to see how this team will turn out in King’s first season as Head Coach.