Parker junior Na’eem Offord is considered one of the nation’s elite cornerback prospects in the Class of 2025.

Offord showed Friday that he’s also an elite punt returner.

Offord returned two punts for touchdowns in the first half – one for 47 yards and another for 45 yards – in the Thundering Herd’s 62-14 victory over Mae Jemison in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs at Major Brown Memorial Stadium in Birmingham.

“Offord is a special player,” Parker coach Frank Warren said. “He’s not ranked as the No. 1 cornerback in his class for no reason. He does everything for us on both sides of the ball.”

Parker (10-1) won its fifth straight game since a one-point loss to Pleasant Grove, while also earning a first-round playoff win for the fourth straight season.

Mae Jemison (3-8) made its first playoff appearance since 2020, but is still looking for its first playoff win since 2017.

Strong performance: Parker quarterback Cameron Jennings completed 5-of-7 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with Kentrell Davis on TD passes of 49 and 38 yards and a 53-yarder to Jeremiah Jelks.

Jennings took over at quarterback earlier this season when started Malik Muhammed suffered an injury.

“Cameron is not scared of the moment,” Warren said. “He has really stepped up and executed and run this offense and added another dimension since he took over.”

Stat sheet: Mae Jemison’s Jayden Burroughs completed 5-of-12 passes for 70 yards, with TD passes of 41 yards to PJ Williams and 36 yards to Rodney Evans, both in the second half. … Parker’s Martavius Purnell ran four times for 102 yards and scored two TDs. … Parker’s Chancellor Sparks scored on an 8-yard run and Marcell Jones returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown.

By the numbers: 337, total yards for Parker – 170 passing and 161 rushing. … 93, yards of total offense for Mae Jemison, with 23 yards rushing on 18 carries. … 0, turnovers for Parker.

They said it …: “We played a good team, but we still have to clean up our mistakes on both sides of the ball.” – Jennings

“I wanted to get me a punt return. I had my mind made up that I was going to get one tonight for a TD.” – Offord

Coachspeak: “We are on a mission to make a strong run in the playoffs. I’ve been preaching all week there’s no second chances. This is it. We were able to play good in all three phases tonight.” – Warren

What’s next?: Parker advances to next week’s second round of the Class 6A playoffs against the winner of Friday’s Oxford vs. Athens game.