Close to 25 Highlight: K/P Bernie Cueto provides leg up for King’s Academy

WEST PALM BEACH – For the past several years, King’s Academy has had one of the most reliable and stable programs in Palm Beach County.

There are plenty of individuals – players, coaches, administrators, and support staff – who have played a role in this run of success. One of them is Lions kicker/punter Bernie Cueto.

Under the leadership of head coach Keith Allen, the specialist had a sensational junior campaign last year. In 10 games played, he connected on 37 of his 40 point after tries (PAT’s) with a 92.5 percent success rate and converted on four of his five field goal attempts with an 80 percent success rate, while adding six touchbacks and having 49 total points.

Cueto’s best individual game for King’s Academy came in Week 8 against Calvary Christian Academy, which resulted in a 33-17 loss. He made his season-long 36-yard field goal, recovered his own onside kick, and went 2-for-2 on PAT’s.

King’s Academy finished last season with a 5-5 record and came close to qualifying for a return appearance in the Class 3A playoffs.

“I was happy with how I performed, but not satisfied,” the 5-foot-7, 145-pound kicker said. “I know that I can do better to contribute more to the team. The 5-5 record was definitely not what we wanted, nor was it up to our standards. We can let that motivate us to perform better this year.”

As a result of his efforts, Cueto was selected as a nominee for the Lou Groza Placekicker of the Year. The other nominees were seniors Tron Rhodes (Berean Christian) and Morgan Suarez (Wellington).

Suarez was the odds-on favorite to win the coveted award and went on to prevail accordingly. But Cueto is hoping to return as a two-time Lou Groza Placekicker of the Year nominee at the very least this upcoming December.

“ It was such an honor,” the Lions scholar-athlete said. “When I first learned of my nomination, I was so surprised. Being recognized as one of the county’s top kickers was a huge honor after only having been kicking for just over a year. Although Morgan deservingly won the award, the entire experience, including meeting the top college kickers in the nation, was amazing. I hope to be back and win this year.”

With all the recognition Cueto has received for his work on the field, he earned his first college scholarship offer to Rose-Hulman on March 24. He is also getting looked at by Columbia, as evidenced by his 4.55 grade point average and ACT test score of 34.

“It felt great,” Cueto said. “I was so excited to have finally earned my first offer. Felt like a lot of work finally paid off. It also motivated me to not let that be my last offer. Hopefully, it’ll be the first of many.”

With the current coronavirus pandemic altering how players and coaches work out in the offseason, Cueto has had a remarkable outlook on this situation. He uses a good part of his time now to have a series of workouts from his place of residence.

“This pandemic has really changed my everyday life, as it has for everyone else,” Cueto said. “Although it is making school a bit more difficult, it is allowing me to spend some much needed time to rest and be with family. One good thing that has come out of this terrible situation is that I now have much more time to train at home and perfect my craft.”