WELLINGTON – It can be said that Kevin Thompson had perhaps the most loaded Palm Beach Central team in school history.
It can also be said that the Broncos head coach made history by reaching the Class 4M state semifinal round in his first year at the helm.
How does a first-year high school football head coach win a team over in his quest for success?
He listens to his players. He listens to his fellow coaches. He listens to the program’s support staff and his superiors.
Most importantly, he practices authenticity with every individual who is affiliated with the Palm Beach Central football program.
If one can get a very well-respected and much accomplished player like Justin Bostic to buy in, that is saying a lot.
“Coach Thompson is one of the best coaches in Palm Beach County,” Justin said. “He’s not just only a good coach, but a great person as well off the field. He’s one of those coaches that everyone likes. The one thing I can say for most of my teammates is that he keeps everything real. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything.”
Thompson, who won the Lou Groza Coach of the Year honor on Dec. 5, 2022, was able to produce at least three award-winning players from this past season’s Palm Beach Central team.
WELLINGTON – It can be said that Kevin Thompson had perhaps the most loaded Palm Beach Central team in school history.
It can also be said that the Broncos head coach made history by reaching the Class 4M state semifinal round in his first year at the helm.
How does a first-year high school football head coach win a team over in his quest for success?
He listens to his players. He listens to his fellow coaches. He listens to the program’s support staff and his superiors.
Most importantly, he practices authenticity with every individual who is affiliated with the Palm Beach Central football program.
If one can get a very well-respected and much accomplished player like Justin Bostic to buy in, that is saying a lot.
“Coach Thompson is one of the best coaches in Palm Beach County,” Justin said. “He’s not just only a good coach, but a great person as well off the field. He’s one of those coaches that everyone likes. The one thing I can say for most of my teammates is that he keeps everything real. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything.”
As a result of this success, Thompson won the Lou Groza Coach of the Year honor on Dec. 5, 2022.
Photo credits: Christian Proscia
Thompson was able to produce at least three award-winning players from this past season’s Palm Beach Central team.
They are as follows:
•MVP of the Year: QB Ahmad Haston (2023)
•Co-Defensive Player of the Year: DB Justin Bostic (2023)
•Lineman of the Year: OL Chris Cirillo (2023)
All three of Thompson’s award winners were key leaders in Palm Beach Central’s historic run to the state semifinal round. And Thompson’s style of leadership helped to make that happen.
One thing that can be said about Thompson is his ability to push his players forward. We have seen this many times for ourselves.
Here’s one example of how this statement is true.
When Thompson gathered around a pool of media members after Palm Beach Central’s magical season ended in a 27-24 home loss to Apopka in the 4M state semifinals, he spoke quite glowingly of his seniors and his entire team.
“A lot of what’s known to Central is local, very Palm Beach,” Thompson said. “When I interviewed for the job, one thing I told them – one of our plans was to make sure we grow the brand, and people start recognizing Central outside of here. That’s why we played some of these games outside of here. That’s what I told them, ‘Fellas, you put us on the map.’”
For the seniors who were four-year varsity players, they finished their high school career with a 36-8 record and three playoff appearances. They were also the first seniors to help capture a regional championship.
According to Thompson, this season was the most special because the players – particularly the seniors – bonded on and off the field.
“Those guys, they hang out every day. All 36 of them sit next to me at lunch, and we know their families. We have gumbo and all that other stuff,” Thompson said. “These dudes are really legit family, and I’m going to miss them, man.”
Among the memories for Thompson was a pre-season summer youth camp that Palm Beach Central hosted, where the players coached like the games mattered.
“They were coaching like they were in a state championship. Our guys were so focused on these little kids,” Thompson said. “I’m like, ‘You guys are Division 1 athletes,” and they’re like, ‘No coach, my team’s gotta win for some seventh and eighth graders.’ That one is burnt into my head.”
Although players like Bostic and quarterback Ahmad Haston are committed to universities, not every senior is committed. The priority for Thompson and his coaching staff has shifted to making sure those seniors find their homes.
“I think the colleges are kind of tired of us reaching out and calling them. But it is our priority right now to get these guys in college, and it’s always been our priority,” Thompson said. “As our principal says, they’re student-athletes. The next step is for the guys who want to go to college, we’re going to help them.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: New Era Prep Staff Writer Kevin Fielder also contributed to this story.
PHOTO CREDIT: Christian Proscia
