Ferris’ Pat Parham fires up gridiron defensive effort

Despite finishing last season with a very successful 7-3 record, the Ferris Saxons were on the outside looking in when the playoffs began. One player who took that disappointment to heart preparing for this year was defensive lineman Pat Parham.

“It motivated me tons,” said Parham. “It drove me so much more because I wanted it so bad and I didn’t get to have it last year.

“It means that much more to me to have it this year.”

The other teams in the Greater Spokane League will probably get the message soon enough. Parham led a swarming Ferris defense to a win over North Central in the season opener last Friday, and Parham wants the Saxon defense to match the usually productive Ferris offense.

“I really think our offense is our strong point,” said the senior defensive end. “We have a lot of returning starters on offense.

“I think our defense needs to swarm to the ball a little better. We need a few more hitters to step up there.

“In recent years, we’ve been soft in hitting. I want to change it. With this new coach, I’m trying to turn these guys into hitters.”

The new coach is Jim Starkey, who comes to Ferris after three seasons at Battle Ground (Wash.) High School, and it didn’t take him long to notice who would be leading his defense.

“Two things really stand out: his physical strength and his quickness,” said Starkey. “He’s really worked out, especially in the weight room.

“Good football players use the weight room, and he’s kind of a role model for us in that respect. He’s a 300-pound bench kid, and a 350-pound power-lift kid. We expect a lot out of Pat this year. If we have success, he’ll be one of the big reasons why.”

The 225-pound Parham has been on the Ferris varsity since his sophomore season, when he began working out with former Saxon all-league performer Cameron Elisara. Elisara, who is playing at the University of Washington this year, proved to be the perfect role model for Parham.

“The kid made me better,” Parham said. “When I came in as a sophomore, I was weak. I went up against him, and he was the biggest challenge I could have ever had, and he made me better. Every aspect of the game I learned from him.”

The Ferris senior is also hoping the lessons learned from last year’s class will help him lead the Saxons this season.

“Last year we had a lot of seniors,” said Parham. “They taught me a lot, and that’s what I’m going to teach the younger guys this year.

“I’m going to be telling all my players, go all out on every play. It takes 11 to win. I’m more a lead by example, but the coaches have pressured me, and I’ve started to be more of a vocal leader this year.”

Parham still leads by example, though, driving himself through endless workouts during the off-season.

“I’ve done tons of conditioning, nonstop. I went to the Idaho football camp, Eastern (Washington) football camp, Eastern Oregon. I got a lot of one-on-one work with them.

“I’ve improved greatly. A massive amount of strength. That’s all I’ve been doing is lifting weights. It’s my life.”

The Saxon defender is hoping his favorite college will take note of his achievements.

“I like the Vandals,” said Parham. “I’d love to go to school there. I’d love to play there.”