(1) PERSONAL NEWS: After covering high school sports for nearly 7 years here in North Fulton and Forsyth, today I am announcing I am no longer with Appen Media Group or the Milton Herald. Covering sports in this area has been the most fun and enjoyable work experience I've had.

My final article covering sports in North Fulton was on Roper's 6-touchdown performance against South Forsyth. It was fun to watch. I damn sure didn't want to have to write this one. But this shows how much of an impact his life, on and off the field, had on those who knew him.

Dozens gathered in Woodstock today, where Robbie Roper formerly played, to pay their respects. My thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates.

Four years ago Blessed Trinity won its first football state championship, but before that, I had to speak out against the disappointment that was the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (snow year)

Well, I wasn't wrong. Good luck to @MiltonEagles_FB today!

I've been missing local sports, even if its collegiate

(7) . who took the time and effort to highlight the fantastic landscape of high school sports we have in this area. It’s been a hell of a ride and a lot of fun.

(6) When I started here, I aimed to make Appen Media the go-to for high school sports coverage, which was extremely difficult at times due to my other, non-sports duties, but I still think I accomplished that. And it was only possible because of all the great people here. .

(5) . highlighting their athletic accomplishments during their high school athletic heyday. And that, in a word, is awesome. Thank you to all the coaches, players, athletic directors, staff, parents, volunteers and others I have worked with over the last seven years.

(4) But perhaps one of the best aspects of this job has been knowing that, in some small way, I’ll still be present in some of your lives down the road. Decades from now, athletes from this area will be able to show their kids a scrapbook that includes articles from Joe Parker. .

(3) I’m going to miss so many aspects of high school sports - the excitement I’d always get before a game , thunderous cheers of the crowds, trash talk from the student sections, all the noises, sights, sounds and smells. But especially, I’m going to miss the people.

(2) I’ve loved telling the stories of thrilling games, the fantastic athletes and top-tier coaches during my tenure. This is truly a special place for high school athletics, not just for the quality of play, programs or players, but also for the vast amount of great people here.

. @roswellsports QB @robbieroper2022 had a 6 TD performance to lead the Hornets to a 45-26 win over @sofofootball Friday night. He's the first North Fulton player to throw for six scores in a game since 2018. Read more about the game:.

Here's your rundown of North Fulton/Forsyth County games from the first week of the 2021 season.

RT @PaladinsFCS: FINAL SCORE: FCS 31, Christian Heritage 21 @WSBTVsports @High5Sports @11AliveSports @CBS46Sports @samcrenshaw23 @joeparker….

FINAL . @sofofootball 26.@roswellsports 45. @robbieroper2022 throws 6 TDs to lead the Hornets over South Forsyth. Roper had 3 scores in each half. Roswell defense also has a strong night keeping South mostly at bay.

RT @PaladinsFCS: Paladin Football Score Update: FCS 31, Christian Heritage 21 2:36 left … Cole 26-YD TD Run!! @WSBTVsports @High5Sports @11….

5:03 4th . @sofofootball 26.@roswellsports 45. South Forsyth not done as Watkins scores on a QB keeper from 3 yards out. 2-point play no good.