Parker Holds Own in Friendly Rivalry

It was through no fault of Jason Parker that Oxnard High lost to Ventura, 43-30, last week.

Parker, a running back and defensive back, accounted for 28 of the Yellowjackets’ points. He rushed for 58 yards, with touchdown runs of five, nine and seven yards. He had two catches for 85 yards, including a 77-yard scoring reception, and caught a pair of two-point conversion passes from Tim Eglin.

He intercepted a pass from his left cornerback position for good measure.

“Going into the game, I felt like I had to have one of my best games,” Parker said. “I feel like I did my job.”

Parker, one of four senior team captains, leads Oxnard (1-4) with 273 yards and six touchdowns in 51 carries and with nine receptions for 193 yards.

“This year, we’ve got a young team and I like to try to lead them and show them how to play,” Parker said.

Parker and running back Tyler Ebell of Ventura played youth football together.

They played as eighth-graders on the Ventura Packers. Before joining the Packers, Parker played for the Channel Islands Warriors.

“We’re good friends,” Parker said. “It’s always fun to play with Tyler. He’s always bringing the best out of me.

“But I guess I bring out the best in him, too, and that’s not so good,” he said with a laugh.

Ebell, the region’s top rusher with 1,785 yards and 24 touchdowns, rushed for 379 yards and five touchdowns in 32 carries against the Yellowjackets.

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Senior lineman Glenn Propst sat out Camarillo’s 39-21 loss to Palmdale last week because of a strained back, and he will probably be sidelined again when the Scorpions (2-3) open Pacific View League play Friday night against Channel Islands (1-4).

“He’s doubtful,” Camarillo Coach Carl Thompson said. “He had some trouble with it last year, but lately, it’s been really bothering him. It’s a big loss that hurts us a lot.”

Propst (6-2, 320), an all-league defensive lineman last season, also has been a force at right guard this season.

Ryan Byrne (6-1, 235) played in Propst’s place against Palmdale and is expected to get the start again this week.