Parks ready to win games, gain attention for Columbus East

The date and site will forever be a part of his legacy.

On Oct. 11, 2019, Columbus East’s Malachi Parks, who started at cornerback, receiver and punter, got his first taste of meaningful action under center at quarterback at Seymour High School and made the most of his opportunity.

A 39-yard touchdown run by Parks, who took over when starter Cole Gilley was injured, proved to be the difference maker as Columbus East notched a 14-7 win that night to claim a share of the Hoosier Hills Conference crown.

For Parks, the moment was something he had been waiting on since he began playing football in the second grade.

“My favorite player was Peyton Manning and I wanted to be just like him, so I went out for quarterback,” Parks told Sideline Prep Sports Report.

However, he does admit he was “nervous,” but confident.

“With the Seymour game, I was nervous going into the game with it being tied and the weather conditions we had during the game. After a couple of prayers, warming up and the first couple of hits, I finally just settled in and played my game. I give it all to the linemen during the game, we didn’t throw the ball once in the second half, and we came out on top,” Parks said.

Parks tells Sideline Prep Sports Report the game and moment has helped him prepare for this season, which he hopes is a breakout one.

“I am not surprised by my success because it doesn’t just take me, it takes the whole team and coaching staff. We also talk about playing as a team and winning as a team. What I do to help our team out is being a leader to my teammates,” Parks said.

A season ago, Columbus East finished 7-3, losing to Center Grove 31-7 in the sectional opener. The loss snapped a six game win streak.

This year, Parks said the Olympians have a goal of winning at the Class 6A level.

“We always say if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, and there is some great and talented teams in our sectional,” Parks said.

Personally, Parks tells Sideline Prep Sports Report that he wants to be able to lead the team to its goals and be the quarterback and leader he can be. In addition, he is hopeful he can claim All-State honors.

“Those are my goals,” Parks said.

Currently, the signal caller has attracted the attention of several Division III programs, including Franklin College, Mount St. Joseph, Illinois Wesleyan and DePauw.