WEST PALM BEACH – Cardinal Newman has had a variety of players stepping up in big situations over the past six games.

In last week’s 15-3 home win over Belen Jesuit (Miami), sophomore athlete Vinkevus Pierre had his best game of the season to date. He tallied 217 all-purpose yards, which included 31 carries for 128 yards and 1 touchdown, a 39-yard reception, and a 50-yard kickoff return.

Pierre’s all-around performance was enough for him to earn our Breakthrough Player of Week 7
honor.

With Cardinal Newman up 7-3 over Belen Jesuit in the fourth quarter, Pierre caught a 39-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Joe Thomas to get the home team in scoring position. Pierre’s best play of the game happeed at the 8:04 mark of the final frame.

“I had a catch out the back field,” Pierre said. “The play before I just had broke a 15-yard run on second-and-10. But it was called back for hold and Joe Thomas was sacked on the second-and-15 play. I knew I had to make a play if Coach Wilts called my number.”

Pierre had more to say about his catch.

“It was third-and-long, and I knew if I get that first down we would win the game,” Pierre said. “When I saw Jason, DK and Keith all locked in blocking, I knew one person was not going to tackle me before I got to the first down. Those guys were the key to the play, and I just did what my dad has been teaching me since my youth days. One cut and get vertical.”

Thomas provided his thoughts on how Pierre performed last week against Belen Jesuit.

“He performed great and helped the team out any way he could,” Thomas said.

Pierre shared the credit with his teammates for how well he did last week.

“I played good overall, but without my teammates and coaches setting me up to be successful, it wouldn’t happen,” Pierre said. “I give all the credit to the offensive line. Those guys really do a great job. No one gives them their credit.”

Cardinal Newman head coach Daniel Burack spoke on Pierre’s overall impact on last week’s contest.

“He’s a hardworking young man who has really come into his own,” Burack said. “We ask a lot from him as a sophomore and he is able to handle it. He will be a big-time athlete to come out of Palm Beach County. He has great size, speed, and athleticism. He’s a yes sir, no sir type of player that puts his team first.”

Next game for Pierre and Cardinal Newman: Tomorrow (Oct. 30, 7 p.m. kickoff) at home vs. American Heritage (Delray Beach)