West Palm Beach, FL.- December football is officially here.

Tonight, (December 5) the Cardinal Newman Crusaders hosted the Clearwater Central Catholic Marauders in a game for the ages. Early into this one, Newman began with a bang. Chunk play after chunk play of explosive offense on an opening drive that was capped off with a Jyron Hughley to Zamari Sanders 35 yard touchdown connection.

From there, both defenses forced consecutive three-and-outs amongst stalled drives. That was until Clearwater Central star RB Nasir Hutchinson broke off an incredible 42 yard score.

As we headed into the intermission, the score was tied 7-7 all.

On the opening drive of the second half, CCC immediately found paydirt as Jershaun Newton ran loose for another long Marauders’ score. Newman struck back later with a rushing touchdown of their own as Jaylin Brown forced his way into the end zone for the Crusaders’ tying score.

Late in the game, Cardinal Newman’s defense forced a turnover on downs just outside the redzone, putting their offense back on the field. The Crusaders drove down the field, but ultimately didn’t come away with points, sending the 561 to overtime for the second consecutive weekend (St. Thomas Aquinas v Atlantic).

The Cardinal Newman offense trotted onto the field first, and made short work as Hughley kept it himself for a 7 yard rushing score. After Jack Beylo booted the PAT, Newman gained a 21-14 lead over CCC.

The Marauders’ offense returned to the field, and Khayse Barrett powered his way into the end zone. CCC’s offense stayed on the field for the two-point try, and Sean Cuono forced his way into the end zone, securing the win for Clearwater Central Catholic.

The Clearwater Central Catholic Marauders have ADVANCED to the FHSAA 1A State Finals, where they will face the winner of Trinity Christian Academy and Chaminade Madonna, who face off December 6. The State Finals will be held at Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University, 1A will play December 11th at 7:30 P.M.