ROYAL PALM BEACH – The Royal Palm Beach Wildcats have their new quarterback and team leader.
Let us welcome Max Griner, a 2027 dual threat signal caller who stands at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds at this time.
The sophomore already has earned his first college scholarship offer from Bowling Green, a feat that he achieved on June 19.
And in two games played so far this season, Griner has posted the following statistics – per MaxPreps:
•17 completions out of 32 pass attempts
•298 yards
•4 touchdowns
•No interceptions
•10-yard rushing touchdown in Week 1 against Port St. Lucie in 28-27 comeback win
Griner spoke on Royal Palm Beach’s Week 1 triumph.
“We were down 21-0 to PSL and not one player gave up,” Griner said. “We came back to win 28-27 in a hostile environment at their field. It just solidified our mindset and heart. We really expect to compete with every team we play and will not quit, no matter the score.”
Griner followed that up with four touchdown passes in Week 2 at home against John I. Leonard, which resulted in a 59-19 win.
As a result, Royal Palm Beach is already 2-0 on the season.
“Everyone expected us to win 2-3 games this season,” Griner said. “We lost some good players from last year but reloaded with freshman and couple transfers. We have all clicked and have a real team bond on and off the field. We expect to compete in every game and to have a better season than anyone else expected.”
Griner calls this year’s Royal Palm Beach team The New Royal. He spoke on what it means to him as the team leader.
“We have a new mindset,” Griner said. “We grinded all spring and practiced hard preparing for this season. We have the weapons to compete with any team we play. We will never quit no matter the score.”
Three of Griner’s teammates were recognized as Top Mucksteppers from Week 2. All of them were ranked in the top five.
Here is how they performed against John I. Leonard in their team’s blowout home win:
•WR Demetrius Gibson: 7 receptions, 143 yards, 3 touchdowns – Ranked at No. 3 for Week 2
•OL/DL Derrick Patterson: 2 pancakes on offense; 9 tackles (7 tackles for loss), 3 sacks – Ranked at No. 4 for Week 2
•WR Demetrice Rolle: 2 kick returns for touchdowns on special teams; 1 interception on defense; 181 all-purpose yards – Ranked at No. 5 for Week 2
Griner wants to give all of the Mucksteppers who play for Royal Palm Beach the level of recognition they deserve.
“Those names and James Smith and Jahari Treaure Walker and Al Carter are all dogs,” Griner said. “They are the most underrated skill players in all of South Florida. Every single one of them can score on any play. They all make me look good. I couldn’t do it without them.”
Griner also made sure to credit the coaches for his and his team’s early season success.
“Coach [Chuck] Kenyon is a great coach and instrumental in the new Royal mindset,” Griner said. “He has confidence in me to lead the offense and pushes me to be a leader. OC (offensive coordinator) Sam Curry is also instrumental in our success on offense. I also have a great relationship with Coach DJ [DJ Rolle] and Coach Brandon [Huggins]. They were my coaches on 7v7 two years ago with Coach Curry. Coming to Royal and playing for all of these coaches was a great decision.”
Griner did not stop there.
“I put in a lot of offseason work with my QB coach Oliver Bozeman,” Griner said. “We not only do physical training, but put in mental training on reads and formations and play adjustments. The 7v7 preseason with my teammates this summer really helped us to get our timing down and gel as a team. I am blessed to have such great receivers and an awesome RB. OC Sam Curry was my 7v7 coach 2 seasons ago, so I felt comfortable and confident in his play calling, which really helps my offense.”
Now going into Week 3 on the road against Suncoast (Friday, Sept. 6; 6:30 p.m. kickoff) and Week 4 at home against Dwyer (Thursday, Sept. 12; 6:30 p.m.), Royal Palm Beach has a legitimate chance to improve its record to 4-0.
Griner wants to keep his head down and focus on each game at hand, one play at a time.
“You can expect us to play our best and perform to our own expectations,” Griner said. We don’t care what anyone else thinks or expects. We will do all of our talking on the field.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Rangeman Films
Muck City Media Enterprises 
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