West Boca Celebrates State Football Glory as Berean's Future Hangs in Balance

Jacksonville Beach, Florida, USA - West Boca has recently celebrated an impressive achievement, clinching the Class 6A state championship with an undefeated season in 2024. This victory marks a significant milestone for Palm Beach County, as it’s the first title in a decade. However, the victory is juxtaposed against the sobering news from Berean Christian School, as the school’s varsity football program has been placed „on pause“ for the 2025-26 academic year, pending evaluation.

Despite the Bulldogs finishing the previous season with a disappointing 2-9 record and only having 32 players on their roster, hopes were high during the 2024 season. In a surprising turn of events, athletic director Doug Walters confirmed that the decision to pause the program was made on July 6. This move aims to allow for a thorough evaluation of the program’s future viability. The Bulldogs have already been noticeably absent from schedules across the state, including what would have been a spirited homecoming game against Harvest Community in Jacksonville on September 19.

A Legacy on Pause

Berean Christian’s football program has a long and storied past, having first fielded a team from 1977 to 1981 as the „Patriots“ before dropping the sport due to participation issues. Back then, Dan Whitney, now famously known as „Larry the Cable Guy,“ left his mark as a notable player during that era. The program was revived in 2008 thanks in large part to Whitney, who contributed over $75,000 for uniforms and equipment after the program had been suspended for nearly three decades due to low participation.

Since its revival, Berean Christian has seen moments of triumph, with three winning seasons and the Bulldogs last making the Sunshine State playoffs in 2019. The program celebrated the opening of its first true home field in 2023 and even hosted a spring game for the school’s milestone 60th anniversary this past May. However, the recent suspension has many wondering what will happen next, especially for a program that has seen the ups and downs of the game.

Larry the Cable Guy’s Impact

Daniel Lawrence Whitney, known to many as Larry the Cable Guy, has had a fascinating journey both on and off the field. Born in Pawnee City, Nebraska, on February 17, 1963, he moved to West Palm Beach at the age of 16. Whitney’s comedy career took off in the early 2000s, and he became one of the most recognized faces of American comedy, particularly as part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour alongside legends like Bill Engvall and Jeff Foxworthy. His catchphrase “Git-R-Done!” is as famous as his role as Mater in the Pixar „Cars“ franchise.

Whitney not only supports his hometown roots but has also established the Git-R-Done Foundation, helping those in need since 2009. His deep commitment to the local community resonates with his efforts to revitalize Berean’s football program, showing that he is committed not just to his career but also to giving back to the place that helped shape him.

Funding the Future

As Berean Christian reassesses its football program, there might be avenues for financial support on the horizon. The NFL Foundation offers Player Matching Grants, which provide funding up to $5,000 to schools and nonprofit organizations. These grants are aimed at programs focused on youth and high school football, making it a possible lifeline for restoring Berean Christian’s football ambition. Current and former NFL players can apply for matching grants, ensuring programs have the necessary resources to create a safe and competitive environment for players.

The application deadline for these grants comes up on September 30, 2025, offering Berean a potential path forward. With the right support, perhaps the Bulldogs can rise again, as they have before, reconnecting with their community, alumni, and the legacy of figures like Whitney and future sporting legends.

While the immediate future of the Bulldogs remains uncertain, the resilience of the community and the impactful legacy of Larry the Cable Guy might just pave the way for revival and renewed hope for aspiring football players at Berean Christian.