PRZNY Team Previews: South Park Sparks

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Last Season (6-4)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Park started the 2023 season with two straight blowout losses to CBA from Syracuse and newly acquired division rival, Pioneer. The Sparks were then able to string together 5 straight wins before a season finale loss to Health Sciences. South Park entered the sectional playoffs with a 5-3 record and the #8 seed. In the first round, they traveled to Lackawanna and defeated the heavily favored #1 ranked Steelers. The Sparks season ended the following week in the semi finals, once again, to Pioneer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top Prospect</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806592"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1195959,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c76bdbca85b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">South Park is expected to the run the ball more this season and [player_tooltip player_id='806592' first='Adam' last='Nunes'] will be the guy that they depend on the most. "Bam", as he is known, is an incredibly athlete, fast and is a nightmare for defenses in the open field. Nunes will be a big part of their offense but he is also an exceptional Safety with phenomenal instincts and excellent tackling technique.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Three X-Factors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1283641"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1290549,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c76bdbca8d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1283641' first='Demarious' last='Hood'] is a tremendous two-way lineman with a great amount of strength. Hood will start the season as the Spark's Left Guard. At 6'3 285 lbs. he is very agile and can pull well. He hits with a lot of force and can manhandle opposing DTs. How much DL he will play with South Park is yet to be seen but he will be a standout Offensive Line player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1285256"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c76bdbca91f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1285256' first='Krishawn' last='Steward'] is a name that will soon be known around Western New York. He started at Center as a Freshman for the Sparks. Weighing in at over 300 lbs. he was a catalyst to their high powered offense. Now, South Park is expected to be more run oriented and if they have success with it, it will begin with Steward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806773"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c76bdbca960"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='806773' first='Julius' last='Jackson'] is a big bodied Wide Receiver that will be playing with a new QB. But at 6'4, he is a WR to watch. South Park lost several players on offense to graduation so it is expected for Jackson to take over as their top target.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakout Player</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1399527,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jahzier Parsons","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"170","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"South Park","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c76bdbcaa31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jahzier Parsons is a dual threat QB with a big arm. He is incredibly fast and has amazing footwork. He was Cheektowaga's entire offense last season. But with the Section VI all-time passing leader, Noah Willoughby graduating and playing at Lock Haven this year, Parsons transferred to South Park where he will have excellent weapons and get himself more notoriety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Names to Know</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table {"hasFixedLayout":false} --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Position</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Notes</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='648807' first='Brandon' last='Simmons-Bragg']</td><td>2025</td><td>A three year starter in the backfield and is expected to be their top OLB</td></tr><tr><td>LB</td><td>Jashier Robinson</td><td>2025</td><td>An athletic LB that can make plays in space</td></tr><tr><td>WR</td><td>Seville Lucas</td><td>2025</td><td>A quick and shifty WR/DB combo</td></tr><tr><td>OL</td><td>Joe Sacco</td><td>2026</td><td>A 300 lb. Junior that will start at RG and be a critical part of their success</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Losses</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table {"hasFixedLayout":false} --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>QB</td><td>Noah Willoughby</td><td>Lock Haven</td></tr><tr><td>DB</td><td>Dre'On Johnson</td><td>Alleghany</td></tr><tr><td>WR</td><td>Corey Williams</td><td>Erie Community College</td></tr><tr><td>LB</td><td>Samir Bowie</td><td>Leading tackler</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>9/6</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/sanborn/niagara-wheatfield-falcons/football/">@Niagara-Wheatfield</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-06-2024/football-24/niagara-wheatfield-vs-south-park.htm?c=_NIJE_Z7K0uduJJTiZePHw">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/13</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/williamsville/williamsville-south-billies/football/">vsWilliamsville South*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-13-2024/football-24/south-park-vs-williamsville-south.htm?c=QQLLwqtTXkSMkpBe4pNOsg">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/19</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/elma/iroquois-redhawks/football/">vsIroquois*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-19-2024/football-24/iroquois-vs-south-park.htm?c=KdKE7w0b0kqn87OXPgA8YA">7:05pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/26</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/yorkshire/pioneer-panthers/football/">vsPioneer*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-26-2024/football-24/pioneer-vs-south-park.htm?c=QGoBc0OLo0KDLRMdIASiAw">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/4</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/angola/lake-shore-eagles/football/">@Lake Shore*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-04-2024/football-24/lake-shore-vs-south-park.htm?c=vU73VrECYE6tEVlldGPLrg">6:30pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/11</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/east-aurora/east-aurora-holland-blue-devils/football/">vsEast Aurora/Holland*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-11-2024/football-24/east-aurora-holland-vs-south-park.htm?c=FActIuKTh0ioNig9BHn7ig">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/18</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/cheektowaga/cheektowaga-chargers/football/">@Cheektowaga*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-18-2024/football-24/cheektowaga-vs-south-park.htm?c=KyxTBpCc_E2pBnnwk3N14w">6:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/25</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/lockport/starpoint-spartans/football/">@Starpoint</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-25-2024/football-24/south-park-vs-starpoint.htm?c=PAnfXuppyU2oZswWN7OKKQ">7:00pm</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Outlook</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Current Head Coach:</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Tim Delaney (Entering his 17th season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of South Park's biggest opponents will be Week 3 when they host Iroquois; a team that were class B champions in 2022 and looking to get back. Then, the following week when they look for vengeance against Pioneer; the team that beat the Sparks twice last season. They will close out the campaign on the road against the Starpoint Spartans; an organization the Sparks are very familiar with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3 Things Going For The </strong>Sparks</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A ground and pound attack that can control the clock with [player_tooltip player_id='806592' first='Adam' last='Nunes'], [player_tooltip player_id='648807' first='Brandon' last='Simmons-Bragg'] and new to the team, dual threat QB Jahzier Parsons</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A massive OL led by senior LG [player_tooltip player_id='1283641' first='Demarious' last='Hood'] and sophomore Center [player_tooltip player_id='1285256' first='Krishawn' last='Steward']. Nobody on the line is under 260 lbs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A coaching staff that has been together for 10+ years and has a proven track record of winning, which includes 7 division title, 3 sectionals and a NYS championship</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1 Area of Concern</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Do their RBs have the endurance to carry the load? Within the last several years, South Park's offensive attack has been in the air. Even when they did use their RBs, it was a player with significant size but now they will be counting on Nunes and Simmons-Bragg, who are both in the 5'7-5'9 range and under 200 lbs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Last Word</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class B may be the most competitive class in Section VI. There are legitimately 6-7 contenders amongst them. South Park is one of those programs that can be a threat to take home the crown in 2024. Their newly formed ground and pound attack mixed with the exciting play of their new signal caller will put points on the board. Even if they don't win their division, their coaching staff has the experience and football IQ to take control of a game and go deep into the playoffs; maybe winning it all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->