David vs Goliath. The New Kids on the Block v a Perennial Powerhouse. Palm Beach County vs Broward.

This afternoon, the Cardinal Newman Crusaders of West Palm Beach faced off against the Chaminade Madonna Lions from Hollywood in a matchup that shook the stratosphere of Florida High School Football. Chaminade entered this afternoon’s matchup as the #16 team in the Country, and in the pursuit of their 5th consecutive State Title. As for Cardinal Newman, the Crusaders have never made the DriveToThe305, mainly because most seasons of old ended by the hands of the Lions.

Today’s meeting between the two heavy hitters wasn’t the flashiest offensively, as each program’s stout defensive units controlled the chaos. With that being said- there’s one man that’s controlled the Crusaders’ destiny all year, and once again put the team on his back. West Virginia Quarterback Commit Jyron Hughley has been that dude throughout his senior season, commanding South Florida’s most explosive backfield. Every week, “Snow” Hughley has been the BEST player on the field, regardless of whatever team he’s matched up against, and today was no different.

Per usual- Jyron was dynamic both in the air and on the ground, as he tallied 2 total touchdowns, and recording 69 yards passing alongside another 111 on the ground. The Snowman set the tone early in the second quarter, breaking off a 68 yard rushing touchdown in the game’s inaugural score. Hughley would throw the go ahead score to WR Ethan Holland towards the end of the 3rd quarter.

Chaminade Madonna didn’t roll over by any means necessary, as Texas commit RB Derrek Cooper recorded two rushing touchdowns from scrimmage on the afternoon.

The Crusader defense was stifling, as DL Kyrus Haston recorded two sacks and one forced fumble during the game. All in all, Newman’s explosive and imposing defense disrupted the flow of the very young NadeBoyz offense.

As the final whistle blew, and the hit tracks from Grammy Award winning artist Pitbull began to play over the PA systems, Cardinal Newman emerged victorious, earning their first State Title in program history.

This afternoon continues to be momentous for Palm Beach County. After defeating Chaminade, this becomes the first time that two different 561 based teams won consecutive State Titles since Glades Day in 2010, and American Heritage Delray in 2011.