Prediction: Parker (Ala.) repeats as AHSAA 6A champs

The 2025 high school football season will be getting underway in just a few short weeks, which means it’s officially preview season. Rivals is breaking down the nation’s top teams from coast-to-coast, and today we make our way to over to Yellowhammer State as we examine the schedule of the defending AHSAA 6A state champion Parker Thundering Herd. This team proved, other than a loss to Georgia’s Carrollton, that they can hang with anyone in the state of Alabama. After a season that saw the Thundering Herd take the 6A title in 2024, can they repeat as champions this 2025 campaign?

Player Spotlight: DL Vodney Cleveland

The 6-foot-2, 335-pound defensive tackle is a handle for any interior offensive linemen attempting to block Cleveland. The Texas Longhorns’ commitment was the main cog on a defensive unit that recorded five shutout victories and was only yielding just over 10 points per contest. Cleveland last season for the Thundering Herd kept opposing rush offenses at bay, making 50 total tackles, 7.5 for a loss and got to opposing quarterbacks 5.5 times in 2024. Expect the defensive tackle to be the heart of the front line.

Others to watch: CB Johnny Moody, WR Kentrell Davis, RB Chancellor Sparks, EDGE Robert Taylor, OL Kendarius Blair, QB Dylan Reese

Season Prediction: 8-2

You see the two losses and are probably scratching your head right now saying ‘to who?’

Parker plays practically the same schedule they did a year ago, which they only dropped one game during the season like we aforementioned, finishing 14-1 with a 6A title. Well, this season, we could see one more loss during the regular season, but still see the Thundering Herd come away with a state championship. Yes, we predict losses to Carrollton, again, and then this season to Hoove,r whom Parker only edged out 14-10 in 2024. The one extra loss won’t stop Parker from winning another state title as we see them running the postseason table en route to a repeat.

Game-By-Game Predictions

Aug. 21 – at Ramsay (Ala.) Rams – W
Parker begins their title defense with a blowout win over Ramsay.

Aug. 29 – Mountain Brook (Ala.) Spartans – W
Now this will be the first real challenge of the season for the Thundering Herd. They find a way at home to beat Mountain Brook, 34-21.

Sept. 4 – Gardendale (Ala.) Rockets – W
The Rockets stand no chance up against the Thundering Herd, as they roll to win No. 3.

Sept. 12 – at Mortimer Jordan (Ala.) Blue Devils – W
Needing to head into the following week undefeated, Parker takes care of business on the road.

Sept. 19 – Carrollton (Ga.) Trojans – L
It’s deja vu again for the Thundering Herd as they fall against the Trojans at home.

Sept. 26 – Hoover (Ala.) Buccaneers – L
The last time Parker lost back-to-back games was in the 2022 season when they went 7-5.

Oct. 3 – at Jackson-Olin (Ala.) Mustang – W
Thundering Herd get back on track with a rout of the Mustang.

Oct. 10 – at Minor (Ala.) Tigers – W
Parker makes it two in a row after a 2-game losing streak.

Oct. 17 – Homewood (Ala.) Patriots – W
The Herd make quick work of the Patriots entering the final week of the regular season.

Oct. 23 – Woodlawn (Ala.) Colonels – W
In the regular season finale, the Herd leave no doubt as they head into the AHSAA 6A playoffs.