Marathon native and St. Thomas Aquinas High School junior Parker Konrath recalls the moment he and his teammates became state champions following a 31-21 victory over Orlando’s Edgewater High School on Dec. 19, 2020 at Doak Walker Stadium in Tallahassee.
“There’s no words. It was unbelievable,” Konrath said. “I’ve never really experienced anything like that. If you would have told me two years ago, ‘Hey, you’re going to win a state championship.’ I would say you’re crazy.”
Konrath’s passion for football has taken him from the fields of Marathon during the peewee years to the high school gridiron under the Friday night lights against some of Florida’s top football talents. The 6-foot-1-inch, 225-pound junior plays defensive end and tight end for the Raiders. He’s under the tutelage of ex-NFL stars turned coaches, like Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor, who currently serves as defensive coordinator for the team.
“It’s a great football school. But you really got to grow up. It’s not just about playing football,” he said. “It teaches how to compete and want something.”
Attending Marathon High School until his sophomore year, he ventured north to attend St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. Konrath said his passion for football kicked into gear during his freshman year, when the training became more intense and the workouts were nearly every day.
Today, he’s a state champion who’s ready to show his athleticism and talent come next season as a senior. He attributes his growth and success to his mom, Teresa, and his old coach, Luis.
“I would get hurt pretty often. My mom would always be there and coach would always help me up,” he said. “My mom would always boost me and tell me to go for the best.”
With a win against Edgewater in the state championship, the Raiders finished the season 8-1. Konrath said the team had some top-level talent, between new recruits and returning players.
“We started the season real late. Everybody started way ahead of us,” he said. “We didn’t start workouts until September. With the hard work we put in, there was nothing less to expect.”
Konrath said he particularly enjoyed playing at Florida State University for the state championship and wearing a gold medal following the team’s victory.
“There’s nothing like it,” he said.
Going into next season as a senior, Konrath is looking to have a bigger and better role as a leader. While he’s looking to attend a school in Florida once he graduates, Konrath said he’ll be happy going to a college that presents him with a good opportunity.
