DECATUR — There are three common answers when you ask about Ethan Parker. He loves football, he’s tough and he’s a good kid.

The Newton County Academy star topped off his high school career with a senior season that produced 1,278 yards rushing and 1,780 total yards in football. You would think such strong numbers — which led to an MAIS All-Star berth — would be his favorite memory of his playing days, but Parker said that wasn’t it.

“My teammates, and the hitting are my favorite part of playing, and that’s what I will probably remember and miss the most,” Parker said.

Parker was a multi-talented player for Generals coach Robert Roberts. He played linebacker, defensive end and nose guard on defense and ran the ball on offense.

“He’s always been tough, and I couldn’t ask for a better kid to coach; he’s a good kid on and off the field,” Roberts said. “He wanted to run the ball when he was younger, but I had some older kids ahead of him. He waited for his time and played defense.”

Roberts didn’t have to think long when asked about the biggest play that Parker made for his team.

“We were playing Amite (School Center) in a playoff game, and we were backed up on our own 6-yard line,” Roberts recalled. “I called for Ethan to run the ball up the middle to get us a little breathing room and he took the ball and went 94-yards, untouched, for a touchdown.”

When asked if there was a negative in Parker’s play, Roberts smiled and answered, “Sometimes he just tried too hard.”

Parker is the youngest child of David and Drea Parker and the only male child in the family.

Drea Parker said she remembers when she realized how deep Ethan’s love for football was.

“Ethan was playing junior high, and a kid broke free for a long run,” Drea Parker said. “Ethan caught him, and during the tackle, Ethan suffered a broken arm but didn’t tell anyone and played five more plays. He begged me to let him stay in the game. I knew then just how much he loved football.”

Ethan Parker said that his fondest memory playing for NCA came on a play that he wasn’t even involved in during his junior season. The Generals were playing University Academy in the MAIS Class A state championship game and were up 7-6 following a University Academy touchdown. The Generals stopped University Academy’s two-point attempt them on the 1-foot line with four minutes left in the game. NCA was able to run out the clock to win the MAIS Class-A Championship.

Drea Parker, like most mothers, is proud of Ethan’s accomplishments on the gridiron, but she’s more proud of him as a young man.

“Ethan always loved older people,” she said. “I worked as a nurse and would take him to the hospital with me when he was a child. Sometimes I would have to look for him and I would find him in an older person’s room having a conversation with them. He’s always been a well-mannered kid that really cares about other people.”

Ethan Parker credited his mother and coaches as having the biggest impact on him.

“My mom has always supported me,” Ethan Parker said. “She made it to all of my games and hauled me to practices. Coach Roberts and his son, Coach Rob (Roberts) are outstanding coaches. Coach Roberts always treated me like a man, told me stories about his childhood, but most importantly he taught me about being right with God.

Ethan Parker also said he was excited about his upcoming baptism this coming Sunday.

As for his plans for the future, Parker said he wasn’t sure about his career choice, but he is sure about what he wants to accomplish as a person.

“I want to make a positive impact on people and make a difference in their lives, and help others come closer to God,” Parker said.

With an attitude like that, the young man that everyone called a good kid should go far in life.