PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA. – As one team looked to extend their dominance, the other was simply searching for their first victory.
The annual showdown between Cardinal Newman and Benjamin is one that many in the county circle on their calendars, for many in Palm Beach County, this meeting has become one of the more prevalent rivalries in the county and never disappoints from a crowd perspective.
However, this game had more at stake, Newman was looking to continue their winning streak over their rivals, while Benjamin was looking to end Newman’s streak and get their first victory over Newman after dropping the last five meetings, along with their first win of the new season.
Benjamin came out with an aggressive attack plan, going for it on 4th down in their first drive of the game deep in their own territory, which was unsuccessful and lead to Newman’s first score of the game as Jyron Hughley connected with Max Redmon for a quick and easy touchdown.
Benjamin would answer later in the quarter with a bold keep from QB Charlie Smith, who made his first career start today in place for an injured Jayden Vega.
@BenjaminBucsFB gets their response as Charlie Smith keeps it himself for the QB Keep TD.
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) September 6, 2024
XP is good.
Game tied 7-7
2:15 left in the first
🎥: @HurriSHane pic.twitter.com/v71HalN40r
Newman would push down the field for one more scoring attempt before the quarter ended, as Hughley found Jaylin Brown on the pitch option for Brown’s first rushing touchdown of the evening.
Benjamin stayed in the fight however, early in the second quarter they would find their response as Phoenix Donghia would push through the Newman defensive line to what should’ve been a game tying score, however, Benjamin missed the extra point as Newman still had a lead.
Benjamin makes it even with a big moment rushing TD from @PhoenixDonghia.
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) September 6, 2024
XP is no good.
Newman holds the lead by one
14-13
4:59 left in the 2nd
🎥: @HurriSHane pic.twitter.com/Bzq0Z0fFE2
Newman would (literally) respond immediately as the self-proclaimed “fastest man in Florida” Zamarii Sanders, took the kickoff right back for a touchdown, opening the gap for Newman’s lead to grow.
TO THE CRIB!@zamariisanders1 takes the kickoff all the way to the house to give Newman a gap@CNHS_Athletics leads 21-13
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) September 6, 2024
4:45 left in the 2nd pic.twitter.com/8KGtkGozCr
Benjamin wouldn’t see the endzone again until the late third quarter as Smith connected with Adam Baloguan-Ali for his first career passing touchdown.
However, the damage was already too much for Benjamin as Newman stood tall and emerged victorious in a thrashing 34-20 victory.
