By Staff
GETTING READY n Jared Parten gets ready for another play Friday night during the West Lauderdale Knights' win over Florence. Parten has committed to play college football at the University of Southern Mississippi. Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Marty Stamper/The Meridian Star
Sept. 3, 2001
Note to all football players on West Lauderdale's 2001 schedule: If you thought Jared Parten was big and bad last year, wait until you see the new and improved version this fall.
Parten committed to the University of Southern Mississippi on Aug. 13.
At West Lauderdale, they have a competition where players are rated based on their strength, speed, and stamina. Those who reach the Iron Knight level get a picture of themselves placed on the wall in the West Lauderdale weight room. Only two players reached that status this summer – Parten and junior running back Carlessio Blanks.
Parten ran his 40 in 4.8 seconds.
Not bad for a 6-foot-4, 250-pound senior.
Parten plays noseguard and fullback for the Knights and was selected a Preseason Top 40 recruit by The Clarion-Ledger.
The Knights opened the season Friday with a 30-21 victory over Florence. West Lauderdale returns to action this Friday when it visits Union.
Marty Stamper is a sports writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3234 or e-mail him at sports@meridianstar.com.