The Cardinal Newman football team accomplished the unthinkable at Miami Pitbull Stadium.
The Crusaders defeated four-time defending state champion Chaminade-Madonna 17-14 in the FHSAA Class 1A state championship game on Thursday, Dec. 11 at Florida International University. This is the first state championship in Cardinal Newman football history.
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Chaminade-Madonna has won state championships in that category over the past four seasons, nine total, tied for third-most in FHSAA history.
The Crusaders avenged their recent playoff pain against Chaminade-Madonna, a game that eliminated Cardinal Newman from the 2021-23 playoffs by a combined score of 137-16.
how did this happen
Cardinal Newman (12-3) was able to hold off Chaminade-Madonna (11-3), one of the state’s most prolific offenses, with multiple turnovers, sacks and blocked field goals.
Quarterback Jyron Hughley raced 69 yards down the left side for a touchdown to open the game. He teamed up with Ethan Holland to complete a 40-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to give the Crusaders the lead.
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Nathaniel Parks hit a 36-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, his second of the year, to give Cardinal Newman a two-possession advantage.
Cardinal Newman forced a fumble with 5:34 left in the fourth quarter that threatened to run out the clock.
However, Hughley fumbled the ball in the Chaminade-Madonna red zone and the Lions took possession at the 10-yard line with just over 2 minutes left. The Lions rushed for a 1-yard touchdown with 49 seconds left.
Cardinal Newman sophomore wide receiver Knox Fletcher stood up, absorbed the massive impact, and caught Chaminade-Madonna’s final breaths.
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This is a development story. Please check back for updates.
Eric J. Wallace is the deputy sports editor of The Palm Beach Post. You can contact him at ejwallace@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared in The Palm Beach Post: Cardinal Newman football beats Chaminade-Madonna in state championship game
