Written by: Chad Washington
Interviews by: Casz Clayton & Samantha Roseff
1-0. After finishing the regular season with a 7-1 record, winning games by an average of 22 points, Cardinal Newman hosted 4-6 Evangelical Christian out of Fort Myers in the Class 1A State playoffs.
Interview with Head Coach Jack Daniel
Newman’s defense made a statement throughout the whole night, starting on the first drive where they forced a quick three-and-out. Almost immediately after, Jaylin Brown, the Louisville commit ran it in from 29 yards out to begin the offensive show put on by the Crusaders.
After another defensive stop, Newman star quarterback Jyron Hughley took matters into his own hands, rushing for a touchdown to complete a one play drive.
It wouldn’t take long for Cardinal Newman to get the ball back and Hughley to connect with Leslie Mosley in the end zone for another 6. Cardinal Newman’s defense got another stop and Jaylin Brown touched the end zone again, giving the Crusaders a 28-0 lead. By this time, the energy on their sideline was contagious and there was no looking back.
The Crusaders defense and special teams blew open the lead in the second quarter beginning with a quick field goal by kicker Jack Beylo, followed by an interception returned for touchdown by Janarro Sumpter, Quickly pushing the lead to 38.
This is when the Max Redmon show began… the Florida State commit picked off ECA quarterback Jamarion Mcelroy, immediately following that with a touchdown reception. On the very next drive, Redmon recovered a fumble as time ran out in the second quarter.
Interview with Max Redmon & Jaylin Brown
Cardinal Newman played their younger guys in the second half and sophomore Parker Sullivan was able to get a scoop and score to put the Crusaders up 51-0 in the waning moments of the fourth quarter.
Cardinal Newman is now set to host Community School of Naples next week en route to their ultimate goal. A State Championship.
