Tonight was a fever dream for old head football truthers. I’m referring to the ones that just “can’t stand all this air raid nonsense”, the ones that beg for some good ole fashioned, hand in the dirt ground and pound game instead of the fancy RPO’s. To quote the great Sandra Bullock from The Blindside– you need to run the dang ball.
If you find yourself relating to the previous sentences, listen up dear reader because this article is for you!
Tonight, the Cardinal Newman Crusaders hosted the Community School of Naples Seahawks in a matchup that was just simply a rushing masterclass. The Crusaders- who are known for their thundering ground game- threw down their most prolific rushing attack of the season, totaling 6 of their 7 (do not laugh child) touchdowns from scrimmage. The Newman backfield does it again in style, as QB Jyron Hughley (’26, West Virginia Commit) and RB Phoenix Donghia (’26, James Madison Commit) both came away with three end zone trips on the night. Cardinal Newman’s final score came on a spectacular tip drill turned pick 6 interception by Aydan Elam in the final minutes of the contest.
Despite what the box score said, Newman made sure to get the pass game some reps, led largely in part by a 7 reception night from WR Leslie Mosley (’26). Mosley continues to be the do it all guy when the Crusaders take flight, as his reliable hands and natural twitch provide extra comfort to Hughley. Leslie would go onto put his flashiness on full display on special teams, returning numerous kicks/punts for large gains.
Defensively, the Crusaders were stifling, led by multi tackle nights from LB Adam Balogoun-ali (’26, Auburn Commit) and WLB Janarro Sumpter (’27). Sumpter in particular was electric on defense, as his hat seemed to be in the middle of every play, and whenever he made contact- a pad pop echoed shortly after.
The Seahawks reached the end zone twice tonight, as Duke commit RB Jayvian Tanelus broke off a 23 yard score, and QB Caden DiLoreto connected with WR Fletcher Kean for the lone passing touchdown of the night. Both scores came in the end of the second quarter.
Following the win, Jyron Hughley put in perspective the blessing it is to be fortunate to practice throughout this upcoming holiday week with his brothers.
“As always I want to give all glory to God first….Before the game, I spoke with my coaches and team and we all said we wanted to play like a State team, we did that….” Hughley stated. “Phoenix and I got the hat trick, he balled, I balled. We just put the trust in our legs and it opened up plays for touchdowns….. I’m thankful that me and my team get to play in November and practice on Thanksgiving next week….. We’re coming for it all”
Phoenix Donghia would later add:
“I give every ounce of credit to my big guys up front. They allow me to make the explosive runs you see, and they allowed me to have three touchdowns. They make me look good.” Donghia shared. “Me and Snow {Hughley} are the best duo in the State of Florida. It’s not even close. We’re going to keep making explosive plays, so watch out.”
Cardinal Newman has advanced to the FHSAA 1A Regional Finals. In true mascot spirit, they will take Crusade to face off against St Petersburg Catholic on Friday, November 28. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 PM EST.
