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 Newman's edge rusher and tight end.
WATCH BELOW: Cardinal Newman football looks to defend state title
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.
