This piece is for the overlooked, the underrated, the “undersized” or insert any other excuse that people use for why not you. This is for every kid who was told you’re just simply not good enough.

There’s just one more sleep until some of Palm Beach County’s finest prepare to take on the FHSAA State Championships at Pitbull Stadium. The 561 is a county held near and dear to our hearts, but in the football scene, it’s looked at as the little brother county by the superpowers of Dade and Broward. This year is the first year that Palm Beach County has earned multiple bids to the State Title since the legendary Muck Sweep of 2006- where Pahokee, Glades Central and Glades Day all came away with a trophy.

Following last week’s 48-33 victory over Carrollwood Day: parents, friends and media members from all over swarmed the players of the Cardinal Newman football team, and for good reason, this is after all the program’s first State appearance. Through all the madness, the hugging families, the reporters asking questions and cameras flashing, one young man humbly sat under the goal post in solitude, just soaking in the moment with a tear of gratitude in his eye and thankfulness in his heart.

That man is Ignacio “Iggy” Zulaica- the Crusaders’ senior Center. Zulaica is a three year starter and three year captain for the Cardinal Newman offensive line, and has quietly went as one of the most underrated, underlooked, under-appreaciated players in this area. He’s the guy that both fortifies not just the line, but also the lifeblood for his entire team.

“The job’s not finished. We’re hungry.” Zulaica shared with me through a whirlwind of emotions. “Once the dust settled and I looked around, I was like damn, me and my boys did it…I’m glad we were able to defend home field one last time…God intended for us to make that State Championship game, He intended for us to finish the job. And that’s what we’re going to do…I love these guys, and I’d die for them, because I know they’d die for me.”

At 5 foot 11, 290lbs; by no means is Iggy Zulaica the prototypical towering offensive lineman that most QB’s dream of having in front blocking for him. But that doesn’t define him as a player, as during his senior season, Iggy recorded 50 pancakes with a 97% run block win rate, allowing 0 sacks and only 2 QB pressures against some of the most fearsome front sevens in the country.

While he may have been under recruited throughout the process, Zulaica found a home in our beautiful State’s capital of Tallahassee after committing to Florida A&M.

It’s fitting really. Tomorrow morning, the Cardinal Newman Crusaders will travel to Miami to face off against the perennial powerhouse of 1A football- the Chaminade Madonna Lions. It’s one last opportunity for Iggy Zulaica to go to war with his boys, and you best believe he’s ready to give it his all.

“The Lord knows we’ve been thinking about this game for a long time…You can expect us to empty the tank until our last dying breath.” Zulaica stated firmly. “Four quarters, 48 minutes of relentless effort. Tenacity. Nothing less will get the job done.”

At the end of our interview, I wanted Ignacio to reflect the journey to get to this moment. Every “no, you’re not good enough.”, every un read DM from a coach or early morning grinding that led to this final dance. What would he tell the younger version of himself or another under rated kid that needs that little push to stay the course?

“To any kid who has been told they arent good enough, thats only true if you let it be and believe that. You can go as far as you are willing to go, as long as you know that you have to build that road brick by brick yourself, be a self starter, let that motivate you.” Iggy shared. “Someone tells you you’re not good enough? Show them how wrong they are each and every day. Earn their respect, make them notice you and make yourself undeniable each and every day.”