All-District Football 2009: Call MC's Parsons a big overachiever

Mike Parsons had a goal in mind when he arrived at Modesto Christian -- to beat perennial powerhouse rival Central Catholic. He wasn't aiming high enough.

MC beat Central this year, 40-21 in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 semifinal game. But the Crusaders didn't stop there. They kept on winning until their 44-40 victory over San Diego's Francis Parker in the CIF Small Schools Bowl at Carson on Dec. 18.

By winning the Small Schools Bowl game -- the Crusaders' 15th victory -- MC became the first team in the Stanislaus District to win a state title on the field. For his efforts, Parsons is The Bee's Coach of the Year.

-- RICHARD T. ESTRADA