Parks named MVP of O-D All-American Bowl

2010-01-10

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — The East team's best attempt at gang-tackling running back K.P. Parks occurred after the West's 35-0 victory in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.

Parks, a senior at West Rowan High School, and prep teammate Chris Smith were late additions to the national all-star game held on a frigid Saturday night at Doug Shaw Stadium. Representing the West rather than the East, Parks unofficially finished with 23 carries for 197 yards and three touchdowns in an MVP performance.

About a dozen East players encircled Parks as he tried to progress through the postgame handshake line and jokingly called him a traitor.

"They were talking about how the East won because it was really East vs. East," Parks said with a laugh. "I can't help that. I was stuck on the West squad at the end being a replacement back, and it was all good."

Oklahoma-bound back Brennan Clay started for the West, but the 5-foot-7 Parks stole the show after spending time at fullback earlier in the week.