The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team, under the guidance of head coach Chuck Kenyon, is having a stellar season with still more football to be played.
After eight games, the Wildcats’ record was 6-2, entering a game on Thursday, Oct. 31 at home against Dr. Joaquín García High School. Lurking on the immediate horizon is an all-important district make-up game on Thursday, Nov. 7 at West Boca Raton High School.
If Royal Palm Beach can defeat García and West Boca, the Wildcats will be in recently unchartered waters — playing in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 6A state playoffs.
Royal Palm Beach has been improving during Kenyon’s time as head coach. In 2022, the Wildcats won two games. Last year, the team won three games. This year, the squad was expected to continue to improve, and it has done just that.
In addition to the guidance, direction and coaching provided by Kenyon and his seven assistant coaches — Brandon Bynes, Brandon Huggins, Dale Eby, DJ Rolle, Julius Mitchell, Kebb Mitchell and Samuel Curry — the success of the Wildcats can be attributed to the on-the-field and off-the-field leadership provided five key players.
Those players are senior Andre Williams, senior Diego Calzadilla, junior Chris Wimer, sophomore Derrick Patterson and sophomore TJ McCall. Williams is primarily a linebacker, though he makes occasional appearances as a running back, while Calzadilla plays linebacker and special teams. Wimer plays defensive end and offensive guard. Patterson also plays two positions, as a nose tackle and as an offensive guard. Meanwhile, McCall is a talented and energetic defensive back.
While each player recognizes the value of teamwork, each also realizes that he needs to lead by example on the field during practices and in games in order for the team to succeed.
“When important plays are needed, I step up and make the play,” said Williams, who considers himself as a “playmaker.”
As for Calzadilla, who prides himself on being a hard worker, he feels that he brings “leadership skills and a strong work ethic” to the team.
Wimer, a self-acknowledged team player, feels that he is an “active listener, sparks communication and has an active motor on all downs.”
Patterson, who relishes being a true athlete, knows that he brings “inspiration and guidance” to the team in practice and in games.
McCall, an energetic figure on the team who feels that he is a true leader, fills the role of being an enthusiastic and committed cheerleader during games.
“When my teammates are feeling down, I pump them up and tell them to move to the next play,” McCall said.
