Cardinal Newman football has done the unthinkable at Pitbull Stadium in Miami.
The Crusaders dethroned four-time reigning state champion Chaminade-Madonna 17-14 in the FHSAA Class 1A state championship game on Thursday, Dec. 11 at Florida International University. It’s the first state championship in Cardinal Newman football history.
Chaminade-Madonna had won the state title in its classification the last four seasons and nine times overall, tied for third-most in FHSAA history.
The Crusaders avenged its recent postseason pain against Chaminade-Madonna, which eliminated Cardinal Newman from the playoffs from 2021-23 by a combined margin of 137-16.
How it happened
Cardinal Newman (12-3) managed to stymy Chaminade-Madonna (11-3), one of the state’s most prolific offenses, with multiple turnovers, sacks and blocked field goals.
Quarterback Jyron Hughley broke loose for a 69-yard touchdown run off the left side for the game’s opening score. He connected with Ethan Holland for a 40-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter for the Crusaders’ go-ahead touchdown.
Nathaniel Parks hit a 36-yard field goal, his second made field goal of the year, in the fourth quarter to give Cardinal Newman a two-possession advantage.
Cardinal Newman was in position to potentially run out the clock after forcing a turnover on downs with 5:34 left in the fourth quarter.
Hughley fumbled in the Chaminade-Madonna red zone, however, and the Lions took over possession at the 10-yard line with just over 2 minutes to play. The Lions drove down the field and scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown with 49 seconds remaining.
Cardinal Newman sophomore wide receiver Knox Fletcher rose up and absorbed a huge hit to recover Chaminade-Madonna’s last gasp onside kick.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Cardinal Newman football upsets Chaminade-Madonna in state championship
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