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.
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.
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.
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.
