WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. – Spring football is back in session across the state, this includes the defending 1A State Champs.

Cardinal Newman announced at the beginning of the month that they would be having a blue and yellow game as their spring scrimmage this year instead of going the traditional way of playing another school which most programs in the county have opted for.

Newman of course has a massive target on their backs, not only being the defending champions, but being in a predicament where some people would say that it has to be a rebuilding year. After senior leaders Jyron Hughley, Phoenix Donghia, and Adam Balogoun-Ali all graduated, Newman looks to be in a spot where some roster restructuring may be in order.

One of the biggest stories of the offseason, was Atlantic’s Quarterback Pedro Martinez, who came off a stellar sophomore year with the Eagles, jump over to Newman, seizing the opportunity for a fresh start, but to also play for a team that is still in contention for back-to-back state championships.

Martinez took reps with the first-team offense today, looking very comfortable in the pocket but also showing flashes of his speed which gave him an edge over opposing defenses last year.

Martinez finished the day with two passing touchdowns before the first-team offensive squad was pulled off the field.

After about 30 minutes of the second and third-team offenses being on the field, the scrimmage was wrapped up.

After the entire team was summoned to the 35 yard line to watch their kicker sink a field goal from around 40 yards out, the scrimmage had concluded.

“No more BS” was the phrase the echoed through the team breakdown.

“No more BS, no more messing around, we’re locking in this summer, we don’t have an easy schedule this fall, we have to be ready, because we know we deserve to be back on the field in December defending what’s ours.” was the defining statement from Coach Jack Daniels.

Newman is taking on a monumental hike for their schedule, opening their season at Vero Beach for the kickoff classic, followed by hosting a state final four regular when the Community School of Naples comes to town.

The rest of their schedule includes bouts with powerhouses Cardinal Mooney, West Boca in a thrilling rematch of last years overtime contest, a state title rematch at home against Chaminade-Madonna, and state-finalist West Broward.