WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — If you’re a football fan, and call Palm Beach County home, let's say we're spoiled.
"It's just super competitive. We're in South Florida, it's probably one of the most competitive parts of the country, and we've got a good team to compete with everybody,” said Ty Kirkpatrick, Cardinal Newmans, edge rusher and tight end.
That great team that can compete with the best of them is Cardinal Newman, the 2025 1A FHSAA State Champs - the first in school history.
"It was a great experience, coming over from Benjamin; that was our goal the whole year. It was just a great experience, something I'll never forget,” said Kirkpatrick.
A year to never forget indeed; the team went 12-3 and featured several Division I prospects like quarterback Jyron Hughley, who is playing for West Virginia, who they’ve now replaced with the dual-threat QB Pedro Martinez.
"It's a lot of pressure for sure, replacing a quarterback like they had last year. I was at Atlantic, so it was a big step up for sure, but it's the same thing I've been doing all my life - playing good,” said Martinez.
That confidence and poise have the Crusaders among the favorites to repeat.
But the guys know, they have a tough road ahead.
"We're going to put up a fight in every game, win or lose; we're going to win more than we lose, though,” said Kirkpatrick.
"A lot of electric plays and a lot of wins,” said Martinez.
I love the energy, and after a Week 1 30-0 win - now the Crusaders turn their eyes to a trip to Sarasota for a matchup against Cardinal Mooney. Best of luck.
