Parker Resources

291. "The Anatomy of a Playoff Upset" with Jackson Dean

In this episode, Coach Parker talks to Coach Jackson Dean, Head Football Coach at Berrien (GA). Coach Dean and Coach Parker talk about the recipe for a big playoff upset. Coach Dean's Berrien team came into the 2025 GHSA playoffs as the #31 seed and defeated the state's #2 team in the first round.

The Leader Matters 3: Speak it into existence

Come along on my journey, teaching the teenage Parker, Ellie, leadership. I'm sure it will be applicable to all leaders.  Today's lesson is the next part of showing Ellie how to "Set the Vision" as a leader. The importance of speaking your vision into existence. When should you speak your vision? How do you turn "your" plan into "our" plan?

290. "Building Player Leadership" with Jared Zito

In this episode, Coach Parker talks to Jared Zito, Head Football Coach at SE Bulloch (GA). Coach Parker and Coach Zito talk about his career and specifically building player leadership in your program.

The Leader Matters 2: Be bold in your aspirations, but logical in your approach

Come along on my journey, teaching the teenage Parker, Ellie, leadership. I'm sure it will be applicable to all leaders.  Today's lesson is the next part of showing Ellie how to "Set the Vision" as a leader. How do you know your vision is bold enough? How do you know your vision is logical enough? What is the process to create a bold, logical vision?

289. "GHSA Reclassification: Past, Present, Future" with Curt Miller

Coach Parker and Curt Miller discuss reclassification that occurs every 2 years in the Georgia High School Association. Dr. Miller is the leader of the Reclassification committee.  This episode covered several key topics related to Georgia high school sports reclassification:Main Discussion Areas: * Reclassification Process Overview: How the GHSA Executive Committee works, with each region electing representatives who make rules (not the state office) * Power Rankings Implementation: Extension of power rankings from A-3A to all classifications (A-7A), with 1-32 rankings across all classes * Classification Changes: Renaming of divisions (bringing back 7A name while maintaining 7 total classifications) * Current Cycle Specifics: 11 months of committee work, competitive balance considerations, multipliers, and out-of-district enrollment rules Future Improvements Discussed: * Pod System Proposal: Geographic grouping of schools across classifications to reduce travel and isolation issues * Scheduling Flexibility: Allowing schools to schedule games across classification levels within pods * Formula Refinement: Potential adoption of Maxwell power ranking formula over current PSR system Process Details: * Appeals process and regional balancing challenges * Minimum 9-game requirement for power ranking eligibility * Region champion safeguards (guaranteed top-16 placement) * Geographic considerations vs. competitive balance Challenges Addressed: * Travel and isolation issues for rural schools * Guaranteed game scheduling * Executive committee representation * Maintaining rivalries while improving equity The discussion emphasized the complexity of balancing geographic, competitive, and logistical factors while serving student-athletes statewide.