January 07, 2025
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Rock Falls football coach Kevin Parker resigns after six seasons

Rockets went 5-43 in past 6 seasons

By Drake Lansman

Kevin Parker, new Rock Falls football coach, talks to his team Monday afternoon on the first day of practice. (Alex T)

Rock Falls football coach Kevin Parker resigned after six seasons of leading the Rockets.

The Rock Falls High School Board of Education approved his resignation Dec. 18.

A job opening for head football coach is posted on IllinoisEducationJobBank.org.

Parker gave the following statement to Sauk Valley Media.

“I would like to thank all that supported me in my six-year tenure as head football coach at Rock Falls High School. From community groups such as the mom’s club and several local businesses that donated funds to make our team’s experience greater, to individuals such as Charlie Bennett that streamed our games to many individuals across the country, their efforts I will not soon forget.

“I would like to thank school groups such as marching band, cheer and dance that made Friday nights special. I am forever indebted to my coaching staff that had my back every single moment and the incredible character they possess that created incredible role models. And finally, to the players that shared the coaching staff’s vision of creating character through football within the guidelines of passion, accountability, discipline and commitment, you were a joy to have in the Rocket football family.

“I look forward continuing to work as an alternative school teacher and softball coach and increasing my involvement as a grandfather to my granddaughter.”

The Rockets went 1-8 this past season, with their lone win coming via a forfeit by Rockford Christian, which did not field a varsity team.

Rock Falls went 5-43 in six seasons under Parker. The Rockets have not won three games since the 2017 season under Rich Montgomery, and their last winning season was a 5-4 finish in 2009 under Jay Mammosser.

The Rockets last qualified for the playoffs in 1992, when they finished 7-4 under Montgomery.

Parker guided the Rockets through the COVID-19 pandemic, which shortened the 2020 season to three games. Parker also coached his son, Brock, who died in a car crash in 2021.

Rock Falls senior Triston Shaw and coach Kevin Parker represent the team during the coin flip on Friday during the homecoming game against North Boone on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. This was Parker's return to the sidelines after the Sept. 24 death of his son, senior lineman Brock Parker.

Rock Falls senior Triston Shaw and coach Kevin Parker represent the team during the coin flip during the homecoming game against North Boone on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021.. (Shaw Local File Photo)