Michigan signees Jasper Parker and Jacob Washington shine | Preparatory sports

The Shaw football program had high expectations in 2024 with a senior class led by University of Michigan signees Jasper Parker and Jacob Washington.

Shaw was looking to win its first state championship since 1987, with longtime coach Hank Tierney making his second appearance at the school. The Eagles achieved their goal with a 28-25 victory over ED White in the Division II select state championship game at Caesars Superdome, with Washington and Parker leading the way.

Washington and Parker came to Shaw after reassignment allowed the pair to transfer from Jesuit without sitting out last season, and they were able to finish as state champions for the Eagles before heading to Ann Arbor.

“(Parker and Washington) have done this all year, so it doesn’t surprise me,” Tierney said. “Mason Wilson (the quarterback) too. These are the guys who carried us offensively.”

Washington breaks out for two touchdowns

Washington caught two touchdowns from Wilson in the win and finished the game with a Shaw-high 105 receiving yards on eight receptions.

Washington’s two-touchdown performance led to him being named Shaw’s Most Outstanding Player in the state title game. The freshman from Michigan didn’t have any eye-catching receiving stats this season, but was a key player against ED White.

Washington’s first touchdown from Wilson came for 35 yards on a play that Tiery said was designed by the players. Washington was wide open in the game and almost dropped the ball, but was able to maintain the score, which led to the tie at halftime.

Shaw’s offense started slowly as ED White opted to stack the box against Parker, forcing Washington to step up. In the fourth quarter, he caught another touchdown from 10 yards out that put Shaw ahead by two points.

“There is no better feeling than helping my team win at a crucial moment,” Washington said. “After my first catch I managed to get going. It’s the Superdome, so those catches got my adrenaline pumping.”

Parker’s great second half seals the win

Parker had been the focal point of Shaw’s offense in 2024, but it took some time for him to find his rhythm in the state championship matchup.

ED White’s defense held strong against Shaw’s ground attack in the first half, but Parker and the running game kept coming down the stretch. Parker finished the game with 174 rushing yards on 19 carries, including a 62-yard rushing touchdown.

Parker struggled with an ankle injury and was briefly sidelined early in the fourth quarter, but the injury didn’t bother him the rest of the way. Parker grabbed the 62-yard score on Shaw’s next drive and added another long run in the fourth to seal the victory.

“I saw daylight and just had to turn on the jets (on the landing flight),” Parker said. “I just have to thank my O-line for setting it up and sticking with it this game and all season.”

“I have had a few ankle injuries since last year. I just have to get up, start running and let the adrenaline carry me.”

Shaw’s future seems bright

Shaw will lose some of his op players in Washington, Parker and Wilson, but the program appears to be trending up.

Shaw’s identity could shift to leading defense with the young talent they have on that side of the ball. Sophomore defensive back Rontrae Carter and sophomore linebacker Tahj Turner started and played crucial roles for the Eagles in the state title game.

“This was the first time Tahj (Turner) started,” Tierney said. “(Carter and Tuner) will be great players.”