(Photo/Clara Sales - TheTribe561)
By Blake Quilleon:
The Cardinal Newman Crusaders, ranked #11, hosted the First Baptist Academy Lions, rated #40, at Sam Budnyk Field last Friday in the 1A Region 3 Championship. The Crusaders, fresh off consecutive shutouts and victories of 40 points or more, took on a Lions team that had dominated their last two opponents. Both sides made impressive defensive stands to start the game, with Brennan King's sack halting the Lions' first drive. On their second possession, the Crusaders' offense took over, as Jaylen Brown scored a rushing touchdown to end an eight-play drive and establish an early 6-0 lead.
Two crucial interceptions marked a turning moment in the game. To increase Newman's advantage to 13-0, Gabriel Avin produced a spectacular one-handed interception and returned it for a touchdown. The Lions showed some tenacity, though, with a field goal and an interception of their own, but Newman's defense always came through. The defensive line stopped crucial conversions, and Dylan Frechete and the secondary smothered the Lions' passing game. As the game entered halftime, the Crusaders led 13–3.
Newman relied on their ground game to gain ground in the second half. The defense, headed by King and Leslie Mosley, stopped many Lions drives, while quarterback Jyron Hughley added two rushing scores. Despite a late touchdown by First Baptist Academy, they were unable to narrow the difference, and the Crusaders won 27-9 to claim the regional title. Cardinal Newman then plays in the state semifinals at home against #25 Clearwater Central Catholic. A victory would advance them to the 1A State Championship at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, where they would face either #8 Chaminade Madonna or #93 Trinity Christian Academy.
