By Thomas Grant Jr.
River Bluff has found its “perfect fit” to fill the head football coaching position.
With those effusive words, Athletics Director Andrew Peckham introduced Perry Parks during a Wednesday press conference. He succeeds Blair Hardin, who led the Gators to their most wins in school history.
“We want to build a program that’s a championship caliber program to match the championship caliber academics that this school has,” he said. “We want to set the standard for the state of South Carolina and I can’t wait to get to work. Go Gators!”
Coaching the Gators was a long time coming for the Sumter native. A former head coach at Lakewood High School, he was originally a finalist to replace his former college coach at Coastal Carolina David Bennett.
After Hardin was hired, Parks went on to lead Ridge View for six seasons. His first season saw the Blazers hand Dutch Fork its only region loss in eight years.
Parks posted a 44-24 record in six seasons at Ridge View. This included winning 2016 Class 4A Coach of the Year and leading the Blazers to a 2019 Class 4A Upper State final appearance.
In 2020, Parks moved up to the college ranks. He spent two seasons as the wide receivers coach at Charlotte and returned to his college alma mater in 2023 for the same position.
With the River Bluff position open again and having a desire to bring his family back to the Midlands, Parks jumped at the opportunity for a second chance. This time, the school leadership embraced him with open arms.
“Coach Parks is a dynamic leader,” Peckham said. “He’s a passionate mentor and a proven program leader. His commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field and his ability to build championship programs make him the perfect fit here at River Bluff.”
He now looks to build upon the Gators’ most successful season in school history. They went 9-3 overall, losing twice to Dutch Fork and once to Irmo, and advanced to the third round of the Class 5A Division I playoffs.
Parks also joins a Region 4-5A which has sent two teams to the state championship game two years in a row.
“This is the SEC of high school football in the state of South Carolina,” he said. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way. As a football player, you’re always a competitor. So you want to be able to measure yourself up against some of the best programs of the state.
“You see those guys in this region and the type of coaches that are in this region and the type of coaches that are in this region, you’re kind of excited because every Friday night is going to be a battle. So, excited about that for sure.”
Along with a winning program, Parks looks to develop strong minds by teaching fundamentals and life lessons.
“I’m thankful for my four years on the college level, but I’m thankful for the natural resources, thanks to Lexington County, that I just inherited today,” Parks said. “The resources that we have here, along with the resources that I’m bringing, we will be able to set the standard for high school football in the state of South Carolina. I know that’s a bold statement, but I fully guarantee we’re going to work and we’re going to get to that point. It’s not going to happen overnight, but it’s going to happen.”
Despite the Gators losing several seniors, Parks expects to compete right away. He plans to have an “aggressive” offense that utilizes the tight end and running game and “an attacking style” defense that’s fundamentally sound and forces turnovers.
Following the press conference, Parks met with prospective players following the meeting and began interviewing assistant coaches.
(Photo by Thomas Grant Jr.) – New River Bluff head coach Perry Parks and R.B.
