It’s not common among the large school ranks for players to play on both sides of the football. So Cooper’s Jaylen Parker is already somewhat unique just by doing so.

The lone returner from a talented CHS receiving corps , the senior entered the season expecting to be an impact player on offense. But circumstances forced — or more accurately, allowed — Parker to double those responsibilities over the final four weeks of the regular season, when he added “starting cornerback” to his list of duties.

While the new role added a new loop in what’s been a rollercoaster of a season for both the Cougars and Parker, it also highlighted an underlying truth about Parker: he cares first and foremost about the Cougars and will always prioritize team success over his own.