By Ronnie Gallagher
rgallagher@salisburypost.com
MOUNT ULLA ó He came up from the eighth grade with a reputation that was pretty good
He leaves with a reputation that’s legendary.
Today in Raleigh, K.P. Parks will wear the blue uniform one more time. And fans will be expecting a legendary performance when the Falcons go for their second straight 3A state championship against Eastern Alamance.
Parks goes into today’s game with 3,640 yards rushing on the season and 10,741 for his career.
Last year, he was on the big stage for the first time, facing off against undefeated West Craven. The big question: How would he do against somebody not named Statesville or North Iredell?
His first carry of the championship game went for 82 yards and a score.
Question answered.
Actually, this won’t be the last time Parks puts on the blue uniform. In the near future, the Post will hold all-county photos at Catawba.
It will be a special day for Parks and not just because he is the offensive player of the year.
Another great Rowan County running back, Billy Ray Barnes, will also be there. He had a pretty good reputation coming out of high school, remember?
No one has ever forgotten how great Billy Ray was.
Next week, he’ll stand beside another great running back we’ll never forget.