He doesn’t run from competition; he embraces it. Any opportunity to face the best makes him giddy because he trusts his team. His way of thinking has helped the Falcons win four of the last five Section VI Class B titles, three while partnered with WNY Maritime and last season with Buffalo Academy of Science and Global Concepts/Charter. The program is 41-12 since 2019.

Parker finds a way regardless of the Falcons’ opponent. The program is looking to go back-to-back as section champion, and two games against Class A teams on its non-league schedule will prepare it for the playoffs. Last week, the Falcons lost 17-8 to Starpoint, and on Oct. 3, they will play Clarence, the Section VI Class A champion. First, they face Amherst at 7 p.m. Friday.

“I like it and I love it,” Parker said. “I like the competition. I tell our kids you want to play Clarence, Canisius, Bennett, and St. Francis because that’s film you can send to colleges to get an evaluation versus playing a team that’s not good. I always want to play the best teams because I want my kids to have an opportunity to go to college. We’re not going to win all of those games. To make it to the next level, you need to play elite-level teams. I want to show people in Western New York that Health Sciences is a team to reckon with.”

Parker, a 1994 Burgard High School graduate, played college football at Alfred State, a season at Charleston Southern, and ended his career at Buffalo State. He had a winding path and wants his players to learn from his mistakes and know football can change their lives if they’re as focused in the classroom.

From last season’s team, Montrice Webster has continued his career at Edinboro. Webster was an All-Western New York second-team selection along with Sheldon Cunningham Jr. The team’s offensive leader was Antwan Ceasar, named to the All-WNY first team and a Connolly Cup finalist. With three All-WNY players gone and 10 others having graduated, Parker’s challenge is seeing who’s next. One answer thus far is junior Kavon Pitts, who had 724 rushing yards on 59 carries and seven touchdowns a season ago.

“We are trying to figure out how to replace Antwan,” Parker said. “Kavon Pitts is going to pick up where Tweezy [Antwan] left off. We got a bunch of guys that will have opportunities to make a name for themselves with big shoes to fill. They’re going to get there and won’t fill the shoes until proven, but I’m confident they’ll get it done for us.”

Parker’s confidence stems from treating his program like a classroom. He emphasizes “assignment football” because everyone has a task to accomplish on the field, and either they pass or learn from their mistakes. A chunk of his team was on junior varsity a season ago, and Parker plans to be patient and emphasize tough love so they know there’s a sense of urgency to minimize mistakes on varsity.

“The guys in our program want that spotlight,” Parker said. “They want the write-ups and want to be good. They’re looking forward to making an impact on the team. I’m confident they can play against anybody. I want everyone to do their assignment, and that’ll prepare them for college. They need to know how to do their job assignment, and if they do that, I think we’ll have another championship plaque.”

With development and championship aspirations on his mind, Parker credited his nine assistant coaches for consistently training with the players, as everyone aims to reach their potential and represent the program winningly.

“My coaching staff has been working with these kids since May,” Parker said. “That’s what this is about, getting better at your craft. They do an amazing job, and the head coach is a reflection of his staff. My coaching staff gets our kids right.”

Trench Trophy

Week 1 Trench Trophy nominees: Colin Crowell (Fredonia), Jeremiah Guerrero (St. Joe’s), Owen Haffa (Lancaster), Joey Lipski (Williamsville South), Ryan Norton (Franklinville/ Ellicottville), Andrew Parker (Hamburg), Tommy Pratton (Jamestown).

Games to watch

Williamsville South vs. South Park at All-High, Friday, 7 p.m.: Both teams are coming off blowout wins last week. South Park’s Adam Nunes had two rushing scores against Niagara-Wheatfield and Williamsville South’s Amir Ceasar had three touchdowns versus Kenmore East.

Cheektowaga at Kenmore East, Friday, 7 p.m.: It’ll be the first meeting between the programs after last season’s game was abruptly ended due to player-involved conflicts, which led to both teams forfeiting their next games.

Randolph at CSP, Saturday, 12:30 p.m.: A rematch of last season’s 2023 Section VI Class D semifinal, which ended in a 31-7 CSP win.

Clarence at Kenmore West, Saturday, 2 p.m.: Clarence begins Section VI play and puts its 11-game Western New York winning streak on the line versus a Kenmore West squad coming off a narrow 20-15 win over Williamsville East.

St. Mary’s at Cardinal O’Hara, Saturday, 2 p.m.: Cardinal O’Hara unveils its $1 million sports complex before the Hawks take the field.