High School Groza Awards

Excellence in Palm Beach County

Since 1992, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission has proudly honored the region’s top high school athletes, coaches, and teams through the prestigious Lou Groza Award. Each December, finalists are invited to join the national award contenders at the Lou Groza Award banquet, celebrating their outstanding achievements.

Nominee Selection

Near the end of the season, ESPN West Palm, who’s broadcast team covers the local football program all season, provides the nominees for each award. At the annual Lou Groza Awards banquet in December the top three finalists in each category are recognized and the winner is announced.

2023 Player of the Year Award Winner
Javian Mallory
West Boca Bulls

The Palm Beach County Player of the Year Award is given out annually to the top prep football player in Palm Beach County. The award is open to players of all grade levels and school classifications.

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Past Winners

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2022 Award Winner
DeeJay Holmes
Pahokee BLUE DEVILS
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2021 Award Winner
Markel King
Palm Beach Central BRONCOS
guenson_alexis
2020 Award Winner
Guenson Alexis
Atlantic SHARKS
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2023 Place Kicker of the Year Award Winner
Jake Weinberg
American Heritage PATROITS

The Palm Beach County Place-Kicker of the Year Award is given out annually to the top prep football place-kicker in Palm Beach County. The award is open to players of all grade levels and school classifications.

Past Winners

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2022 Award Winner
Jake Weinberg
AMERICAN HERITAGE PATRIOTS
hayden_gray
2021 Award Winner
Hayden Gray
SEMINOLE RIDGE HAWKS
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2020 Award Winner
Jose Garcia
GLADES CENTRAL RAIDERs
2023 Coach of the Year Award Winner
Jason Kradman
JUPITER WARRIORS

The Sam Budnyk Coach of the Year Award is given out annually to the top prep football coach in Palm Beach County. The award is named in honor of legendary coach Sam Budnyk, head football coach at Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, FL.

jason kradman

Past Winners

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2022 Award Winner
Kevin Thompson
PALM BEACH CENTRAL BRONCOS
jim_basford
2021 Award Winner
Jim Basford
FOREST HILL FALCONS
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2020 Award Winner
Rashad Jackson
GLADES CENTRAL RAIDERS
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2023 Team of the Year Award Winner
Cardinal Newman
CRUSADERS

The Cardinal Newman Crusaders have secured the 2023 Team of the Year Award for the second consecutive year. Guided by the expertise of head coach Jack Daniels, the Crusaders showcased their excellence with an outstanding 10-2 record and clinched the top spot in their district.

Past Winners

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2022 Award Winner
Cardinal Newman
Crusaders
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2021 Award Winner
Palm Beach Central
Broncos
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2020 Award Winner
William T. Dwyer
PANTHERS

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