Post Top 25 countdown: No. 14 Centennial

Saturday, August 18, 2012
by Matt Porter

Centennial senior Jay-nard Bostwick stood at a podium for a recent video interview in The Post's studios. Bostwick, dressed in a black suit, was asked to play a politician character and field questions from reporters.

For viewers in Palm Beach County, he was asked, please explain what the Treasure Coast is.

"The Treasure Coast," he responded, "is where and what I dominate."

His tone was mock-serious, but his play speaks truth to his words.

Bostwick, a thickly built 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, is considered one of the top linemen in the nation. He plays offense and defense, commanding double teams on both sides of the ball.

The college programs who want his endorsement - Miami, Florida, Alabama, LSU and Oregon - are pushing hard, but Bostwick is uninterested in adding to the buzz surrounding his recruitment. He won't make his decision until after the season.

After all, he's got dominating to do.

Bostwick is the largest piece of Centennial's biggest strength: its heavyweight offensive and defensive lines. Whereas many teams struggle to find enough big bodies, the Eagles run two-deep at many spots.

"I like power football," Centennial coach Ron Parker said. "Run the ball, play defense and don't turn the ball over. That's a recipe for success for me."

He'll be able to do that this season thanks in large part to Bostwick and senior Justin Martinez, a Western Kentucky commit. They'll line up at the tackle spots on offense and all over the defensive line.

Centennial (5-4) edged Treasure Coast and Vero Beach last year for the District 8-8A title, its first since 2003. The three-team group should be just as strong this season, but the Eagles will be tough to stop with 6-0, 223-pound senior fullback A.J. Villareal paving the way for shifty junior tailback Greg Green. Villareal also stands out at middle linebacker.

There are question marks at receiver and the secondary, where three-year starters Justin and Ty Jackson graduated. Senior quarterback Kevin Lowe takes over for standout Tim Caffey in a pro-style offense.

Parker, in his third year as coach of the Eagles, feels good about his pass rush on defense and his up-front push on offense. Facing Bostwick in practice, he said, has made his second unit ready for prime time.

"We haven't had this kind of depth since I've been here," said Parker, a former Fort Pierce Central assistant who moved to Centennial when it opened in 1998. "We're going to be able to move the chains."