Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Thunder Football running back Lorine Parker was named Minnesota College Athletic Conference Eastern Division Offensive Player of the Week for games played on Saturday, September 2, 2017.
Parker was the featured running back in his debut for the Thunder, gaining 198 yards on 29 carries with no fumbles and scored his team’s only touchdown during the Thunder’s 13-6 loss to Ridgewater Community College last Saturday at Spartan Field in Superior. Parker had a long run of 30 yards and averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Parker’s effort puts him into the overall lead of NJCAA football in yards per game after Week 1, almost 10 more than the next closest competitor. Parker is a sophomore from Zephyrhills High School in Zephyrhills, FL.
The Thunder’s closely contested 13-6 loss to MCAC Western Division opponent Ridgewater Community College was the season-opening game for both teams. The Thunder offense produced 266 total yards primarily using a rushing attack as they only attempted five passes. The Thunder defense allowed just 146 total yards to fourth-ranked Ridgewater, but the Thunder special teams gave up a long punt return for a touchdown with just under four minutes remaining in the game that ended up being the difference in the final score.
The 2017 Thunder Football team is currently 0-1 on the season. The Thunder host their second home game this Saturday when they play Northland Technical & Community College at 4:00 p.m. on September 9 at Public Schools Stadium in Duluth. The team will then play two consecutive games on the road.
The Minnesota College Athletic Conference is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association. The football conference includes 12 teams which are divided geographically into Eastern and Western Divisions. More information about the conference is available from the league’s website located at http://www.mcacsports.org.

Lorine Parker