Prep profile : West Valley receiver Flynn piles up yards

Parker Flynn has played a wide receiver since Grid Kids football. But in eight seasons he’s never had a year catching the football quite like this.

In seven games, the West Valley senior has caught 40 balls for 962 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s averaging 24.1 yards per touch and has eclipsed 100 yards receiving in every game, averaging nearly six catches and more than 137 yards a contest.

By comparison, he’s about 90 yards short of the best single season in Greater Spokane League history. Such numbers, if projected over the 13-game seasons of current state record holders, puts him on target for one of the top single seasons.

Throw in the two interceptions he’s grabbed on defense and it’s been a remarkable year.

“I’ve always had the hands,” said Flynn.

The difference has been improved speed and more precise route running.

“I think it’s a maturity thing,” said Eagles coach Craig Whitney. “We got him into track last spring (under first-year coach Vic Wallace, who also is now a WV football assistant). It worked for him and Tim Pring, who unfortunately is done. They both made huge strides speed-wise.”

Flynn likewise gives credit to Wallace, not only for his track regimen, but also for his contributions as receivers coach.

“I don’t know what it is about him, but he’s able to teach you well,” said Flynn.

Parker also went to several camps and it has paid off.

With his dad, Dennis, being a member of East Valley’s state championship football team in 1981, it was inevitable that Parker, although small through middle school, be an athlete.

When he joined a youth tackle football team in fifth grade, it included current Eagles quarterback Bryan Peterson and an eight-year bond formed. (Bryan’s father, Mike, a former Washington State receiver, also helped Flynn with his route running over the summer.)

“In flag football I was a running back,” Flynn said. “I’d never played with a kid who could throw like he did. I don’t know if I’d have been a receiver, but I switched and he threw to me all day.”

The two today can sense what the other is going to do. Now 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Flynn has grown into the position.

WV’s slow 1-4 start before scoring 104 points in two recent victories will likely preclude a 13-game season and state record run for the Great Northern League wide receiver. But the significance of his accomplishments is beginning to dawn on Flynn, a Gates Grant scholar who has drawn college interest.

“I’ve always dreamed of this,” he said. “But I see the stats now and think it’s kind of crazy.”