A Breakfast of Champions : Locke’s Parker, Crenshaw’s Smith and Garrett Take Top City Times Honors

In 1993, running back Sirr Parker of Locke High was disappointed to only make the City Times’ Prep Football All-Star second team.

Locke Coach E.C. Robinson said he had never had a player more deserving of first-team honors than Parker. “He is the nicest kid and one of the most talented players I’ve ever coached,” he said. “You have to see this kid.”

But Parker turned disappointment into inspiration, working harder during the summer break, lifting weights and running.

The work paid off, because Parker not only earned his spot on the 1994 City Times’ All-Star first team, he also received one of the ceremonies’ biggest honors: Back of the Year.

Parker, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior who gained 1,129 yards and scored 16 touchdowns rushing, received the award at the City Times’ awards brunch Sunday at the Holiday Inn Crown Plaza near USC.

“Last season, I thought I deserved to make first team,” Parker said. “This season, I not only made first team, but I won most valuable player. It was a great addition.”

Crenshaw defensive end Kabeer Smith was selected Lineman of the Year. Robert Garrett, who guided Crenshaw to a 12-2 overall record and to the City Section 4-A division finals, was named the Coach of the Year.

“I was surprised to win the award because my team didn’t do very well this season,” Parker said. “When I got the award, I was wondering what the crowd was thinking. Did I really deserve this?”

Parker doubted he would win the award because his team finished with a disappointing 0-10 record, including forfeits of two victories. College football coaches, however, noticed Parker’s winning attitude and have made him one of the area’s most recruited athletes. He is considering Division I scholarships from Notre Dame, Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Texas A&M;, Florida State, USC and UCLA.

“I’m not leaning toward any school,” he said.

Smith, a 6-4, 205-pound senior who led the Cougars with 92 tackles, 18 sacks and five fumble recoveries, is just beginning to gain recognition.

“I tried to sell recruiters on Smith since last spring,” Garrett said about Smith, who also scored three touchdowns as a tight end. “Now they are coming out of the woodwork all within the last two weeks.”

The Division I schools showing interest in Smith include Cal, UCLA, Washington, Fresno State, Colorado State, San Diego State, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oregon, and San Jose State.”

Smith uses mathematical and statistical principals when trying to evade a blocking lineman.

“He studies football through math,” Garrett said. “He will draw angles and intercepts trying to figure out the best way to succeed.”

Smith’s biggest play of the season came in the City semifinals when he followed a Dorsey offensive tackle across the line of scrimmage. Smith tackled Jemell Gordon for a three-yard loss when the Dorsey running back had the opportunity to break away for a long touchdown.

“No one was in front of Gordon,” Garrett said. “(Dorsey Coach) Paul Knox told Kabeer if he hadn’t made that tackle, Dorsey would have gone to the championship game and not Crenshaw.”

Several coaches turned in outstanding performance worthy of coach of the year honors. Bell’s Henry Santiago led the Eagles to the City 3-A title in his first season as coach. South Gate’s Gary Cordray won the Southeastern Conference with a perfect 8-0 record. Loyola Coach Steve Grady took the Cubs to the playoffs again. Dorsey reached the City 4-A semifinals under Coach Paul Knox.

But Garrett did the unthinkable, going undefeated in the Southern Pacific Conference with a 7-0 record. He took the Cougars to the 4-A championship game, where they were humbled, 38-6.

“Coaching is not about winning awards,” Garrett said. “Coaching is about making better citizens out of young people. It’s about molding and steering young student-athletes in the right direction.”

“If I got married, I would want Coach Garrett to be my best man,” Crenshaw running back Farrel Payton said. “He’s very strong and loving and kind. He’s a big motivator.”

Said Crenshaw running back Brandon Seals: “To me, he’s my best friend. He cares about you as a football player, but also about your academics. He makes us strive to be better.”