MIAMI – Play together.
Play for each other.
Play as a team.
These are three things that Cardinal Newman head coach and Palm Beach County coaching legend Jack Daniels has instilled in his players all season long.
This mantra has played out relatively well, so much so that the Crusaders have beaten all 10 of their opponents by at least 20 points in the regular season.
It includes Gulliver Prep, their opponent from Thursday (Nov. 3) at Tropical Park Stadium in Miami.
Many players had a role in the Crusaders 54-14 blowout win over the Raiders, whether they contributed to the scoring or not.
“It was a complete team effort,” Daniels said. “A lot of guys contributed. That’s why we have a good team.”
Daniels had more to say about the teamwork concept at Cardinal Newman.
“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.”
Top-ranked Cardinal Newman (10-0) finished with an undefeated regular season for the first time in 40 years. It means that 1982 was the last time this particular feat had transpired at Cardinal Newman.
It was noted by Crusaders senior defensive end Maverick Gracio, who was nominated for our MVP of Week 11.
“We’re pleased for sure,” Gracio said. “One of our coaches was on that undefeated team. We really look up to him. Our defensive coordinator, Coach [Bobby] Sifrit, was part of that team.”
With that said, Gracio (three sacks against Gulliver Prep; 21 sacks in 10 games this season to date) is now focused on the Class 1M playoff run his team looks to have.
“We’re hungry,” Gracio said. “I’m hungry. I’m starving, actually. I can’t wait to start this playoff run for sure. Chaminade, we’re coming.”
Daniels is focused on the task ahead for No. 2 seed Cardinal Newman.
With his team having a bye week, the next opponent is No. 3 seed Benjamin (5-4) in the Class 1M-Region 3 semifinal round. The rematch will be held at Cardinal Newman on Friday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.
“There’s only 16 teams in our classification,” Daniels said. “We gotta have a really good next week of practice during the bye and be ready for our opponent. I’m excited for where we’re at.”
SIDE NOTE: We had several standouts who scored in last Thursday’s regular season finale against Gulliver Prep. They were as follows:
•Warnock – 240 passing yards, four touchdowns, no interceptions
•Sophomore running back and Offensive Player of Week 11 Jaylin Brown – 10 carries, 120 yards, one rushing touchdown
•Senior tight end and Breakthrough Player of Week 11 Kristian Strong – two receptions, 41 yards, one touchdown; 30-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Luke Warnock (four total touchdown passes) in the second quarter
•Senior lineman Sebastian Scott: 1-yard rushing score at the game’s final buzzer to make it 54-14
•Senior running back Henry Bennett: rushing score in the first quarter
•Junior defensive lineman and Defensive Player of Week 11 nominee Ta’Narie Locust: three sacks
•Sophomore athlete Naeshaun Montgomery: touchdown catch from Warnock
•Senior athlete Chris Presto: Interception return on defense; had a pick-six that was called back
VIDEO CREDITS: Kenly Napoleon/PMO Sports
