WEST PALM BEACH – It is all about the team.
Cardinal Newman head coach Jack Daniels, his coaching staff, and his players made sure to focus on the greater good each and every game this past season.
When speaking with members of the Crusaders program at different points of this memorable 2022 campaign, the team concept was quite consistent. This would happen in triumphant moments, as well as some challenging ones.
This is ultimately why Cardinal Newman finished as the No. 1-ranked team by every local media outlet. This is ultimately why the venerable program finished with a 10-0 regular season, the first time it happened since 1982.
And this is ultimately why Cardinal Newman (11-1 final record; reached Class 1M-Region 3 final) would go on to win the Lou Groza Team of the Year honor, which is the most prestigious high school football award in Palm Beach County.
Photo credits: Christian Proscia
“It was a complete team effort,” Daniels said. “A lot of guys contributed. That’s why we have a good team.”
When a team goes on to achieve this milestone for the first time in 40 years, everyone on it has played at least some role in it.
“Football is the best team sport,” Daniels said. “There’s 11 guys. One guy doesn’t do his job, and it’s probably not a successful play. We have a lot of good players. They like each other and bought in.”
Crusaders senior defensive end and Pitt commit/signee Maverick Gracio (58 tackles, 22 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 quarterback hurries, 1 pass breakups in 12 games) chimed in on the team’s amazing accomplishments from this past year.
“We’re pleased for sure,” Gracio said. “One of our coaches was on that undefeated [regular season] team. We really look up to him. Our defensive coordinator, Coach [Bobby] Sifrit, was part of that team.”
Fellow Crusaders senior, team leader and athlete Chris Presto (Your MVP of the 561) spoke on how this season went for everyone.
“We had one of the best season in Cardinal Newman history,” Presto said.
Crusaders senior offensive lineman Brady Shea spoke for the entire team as they accepted the Lou Groza Team of the Year at the West Palm Beach Marriott on Dec. 5, 2022.
“It’s a blessing to be here,” Shea said.
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— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) December 6, 2022
“It’s a blessing to be here,” Shea said.
“All of the hard wouldn’t have been done without our coaches,” Shea continued. “We were nominated for three categories: Placekicker of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Team of the Year. We got Team of the Year, but truth be told, we have coaches of the year…We’re just thankful to be here. Newman is going to be around for a long time.”
Daniels was quite happy about the special team honor, which Cardinal Newman won for the first time in school history.
“That’s the ultimate goal to have the best team of the year,” Daniels said. “We had some other awards up, but this is the one that matters the most. They’re a great group of kids.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Christian Proscia
