Palm Beach County Sports Commission

As part of the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Awards program, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission assembles a panel of Palm Beach County High School football coaches and select members of the local media to select the winners of three awards given out for excellence in Palm Beach County high school football:

• Outstanding Player of the Year Award
• Outstanding Place-Kicker of the Year Award
• Sam Budnyk Outstanding Coach of the Year Award

Near the end of the season, each voter is asked to submit three nominations in each of the three categories. After the nominations are received, the three individuals receiving the most nominations in each category become the finalists for the awards. At the annual Lou Groza Awards banquet in December the top three finalists are recognized and the winner is announced.

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.

2009 PALM BEACH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE YEAR WINNER

Matt Elam - William T. Dwyer

Matt Elam is a senior for William T. Dwyer High School. As a junior, he was selected for preseason Super 11. He also made 1st team All District and was selected as the Gatorade Player of the Week. As a sophomore, he was selected to 2nd team all county. During the 2009 regular season, he rushed for nearly 1,000 yards on 98 carries, scoring 14 touchdowns.  In Dwyer’s first 2009 playoff game, he scored four touchdowns while running for 239 yards. Matt is the son of Addie and David Lewis and Donald Elam.



© Jason Myers Photography
PREVIOUS WINNERS

Palm Beach County Place Kicker of the Year

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

2009 PALM BEACH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL PLACE-KICKER OF THE YEAR WINNER

Cody Parkey - Jupiter Community High School

 © Jason Myers Photography

Cody is a High School All American chosen to play in the Under Armour All American Game for the class of 2010. He is ranked #1 in the Country by ESPN, Rivals, Sporting News, Chris Sailer Kicking and Kohl's Kicking. He is ranked #2 by Scout. In addition, Cody has been voted All-State, All Area, All District and All Conference in FHSAA 6A Football. Cody was the first place-kicker with an official offer for the class of 2010 and committed to Auburn University in November of 2008. Cody has been recruited by over 50 colleges and universities across the country. He finished the 2009 season 9 of 12 on FG with over 95% of his kick-offs going for touchbacks. He was also the punter for his team. Cody was a finalist for last year’s Lou Groza High School Place-Kicker of the Year.

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Sam Budnyk Coach of the Year

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.

2009 SAM BUDNYK COACH OF THE YEAR WINNER

Jack Daniels - William T. Dwyer

Coach Jack Daniels is in his 14th season at William T. Dwyer High School. He has won 9 district championships, includ­ing each of the last five years. Overall, his record is 137-34. Jack played football at the University of Florida and teaches special education.

 © Jason Myers Photography

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Groza Committee Chair, Bill Davis welcomes local awards candidates during 2007 Banquet.