Following Cardinal Newman’s 2025 FHSAA 1A State Championship victory over Chaminade Madonna, the Crusaders lost a deep 2026 class, including West Virginia dual threat QB Jyron Hughley. As the Off-season began, Cardinal Newman started the process of finding that next signal caller to take the program back to the promised land.

Look no further Crusader fans, because Cardinal Newman has got their guy: 2028 QB Pedro Martinez. Martinez broke out onto the scene as one of South Florida’s premier passers during his sophomore campaign at Atlantic, recording the following stat line:

169/264 Completions (64%)

2335 Passing Yards

33 Passing TD’s

571 Rushing Yards

8 Rushing TDs

Now taking his talents to Cardinal Newman, Pedro Martinez plans to be the piece under center that the Crusaders need to run back another deep post-season push. The new age of Cardinal Newman ball starts now, as Martinez is joined by one of his favorite targets from last season- 2028 WR Justin Barrera, who made the move on February 11th. Cardinal Newman boasts a just as elite 2028 core defensively, as EDGE Ty Kirkpatrick and DB Ayden Elam headline this young unit.

Will the addition of Pedro Martinez be what Cardinal Newman needs to defend their State Championship? Only time will tell!