The Alabama high school football spotlight shines on Gardendale vs Parker this Thursday night, September 4, 2025, at 7 p.m. in Birmingham. The matchup pits two region rivals in very different positions: the Parker Thundering Herd (2-0) enter unbeaten and ranked near the top of Alabama football, while the Gardendale Rockets (0-2) are still searching for their first win of the season.
With Parker looking to continue its dominant start and Gardendale fighting to turn the tide, this game could set the tone for both teams’ 2025 campaigns.
🎟️ Tickets: Digital tickets are available now through GoFan.
đź“ş Live Stream: Fans can watch Gardendale vs Parker live on the NFHS Network.
đź“Ť Location: Parker High School, Birmingham, AL.
For more Alabama high school football events, visit the Alabama section here.
Matchup Overview
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025
- Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Parker High School (Birmingham, AL)
- Teams: Gardendale Rockets (0-2) vs Parker Thundering Herd (2-0)
This will be the first conference game for both programs in the 2025 season.
Team Records and Rankings
| Team | Record | National Rank | State Rank | Class Rank | Points For | Points Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardendale | 0-2 | 2,158 | 58 | 22 | 36 | 77 |
| Parker | 2-0 | 65 | 4 | 1 | 68 | 24 |
- Gardendale Rockets: Still winless after two games, struggling to find offensive rhythm.
- Parker Thundering Herd: Undefeated and dominant on both sides of the ball, earning statewide recognition.
Offensive Comparison
Team Scoring Averages (Points per Quarter)
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardendale | 7.0 | 7.5 | 0 | 3.5 | 18.0 |
| Parker | 7.0 | 14.0 | 13.0 | 7.0 | 34.0 |
Parker averages nearly double the total points per game compared to Gardendale, which highlights the Thundering Herd’s offensive firepower.
Key Players to Watch
Gardendale Rockets
- Chris Jackson (#13):
- Rushing: 41.0 yards per game
- Passing: 108.0 yards per game
- Total Offense: 149.0 yards per game
- Amari Thrasher (#8):
- Receiving: 66.5 yards per game
Jackson is both the leading passer and rusher, shouldering much of Gardendale’s offensive responsibility.
Parker Thundering Herd
- Dylan Reese (#1):
- Passing: 213.0 yards per game
- Total Offense: 224.5 yards per game
- Chancellor Sparks (#22):
- Rushing: 104.0 yards per game
- Jacoby Quates Jr (#2):
- Receiving: 59.0 yards per game
- Nedarius Davis (#0):
- Defensive leader with 3.0 tackles and 1.0 sack per game
Reese and Sparks form one of the most balanced quarterback-running back duos in Alabama high school football this season.
Statistical Breakdown
| Category | Gardendale | Parker |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards per Game | 71.0 | 239.5 |
| Passing Yards per Game | 195.5 | 213.0 |
| Total Yards per Game | 266.5 | 452.5 |
| Receiving Yards per Game | 174.0 | 209.0 |
- Parker’s Ground Game: Averaging 239.5 rushing yards, nearly triple Gardendale’s production.
- Gardendale’s Air Attack: Leaning on the passing game to move the ball, but struggling with consistency.
Recent Highlights
Gardendale Rockets
- Aug. 29: Loss vs Pinson Valley (highlights available)
- Aug. 22: Loss vs James Clemens
- Aug. 15: Loss @ Jasper
Parker Thundering Herd
- Aug. 29: Victory vs Mountain Brook (highlight reel featured on NFHS Network)
- Aug. 21: Victory @ Ramsay
These highlight reels give fans a clear picture of each team’s style—Gardendale’s passing reliance versus Parker’s balanced attack.
Common Opponents (Upcoming)
Both teams will face Jackson-Olin, Minor, Homewood, Mortimer Jordan, and Woodlawn later this season. These matchups could provide further context for playoff seeding.
What to Expect Thursday Night
- Parker’s Defense vs Gardendale’s Passing Attack
- Parker averages 3.5 sacks per game, which could disrupt Chris Jackson’s rhythm.
- Tempo Control
- The Thundering Herd has a consistent ability to score in every quarter. Gardendale needs early momentum to stay competitive.
- Turnovers Could Decide It
- With Gardendale struggling to establish the run, risky passing plays could create opportunities for Parker’s secondary.
FAQs About Gardendale vs Parker
Q: When is the Gardendale vs Parker football game?
A: Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 7 p.m.
Q: Where is the game being played?
A: At Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama.
Q: How can I watch the game?
A: The game will be live-streamed on the NFHS Network.
Q: Where can I buy tickets?
A: Digital tickets are available through GoFan.
Q: What’s at stake in this matchup?
A: Parker looks to remain undefeated and climb further in state rankings, while Gardendale hopes to avoid a 0-3 start.
Conclusion
The Gardendale vs Parker game represents two teams on very different paths this season. Parker’s balance on offense and defense makes them a clear favorite, but Gardendale will aim to pull off an upset by leaning on quarterback Chris Jackson’s versatility.
Fans can expect an exciting conference battle under the Birmingham lights, with playoff implications already taking shape.
👉 For all upcoming Alabama high school football events and to track your favorite team, visit the Find Your School section.
