MIAMI, Fla. — Cardinal Newman (West Palm Beach) made history on Thursday, winning its first-ever state championship. The Crusaders defeated Chaminade-Madonna, winners of its previous four state title games, 17-14. Newman quarterback Jyron Hughley was a key reason the school achieved the feat, winning game MVP honors. Hughley accounted for two touchdowns (one rushing, one […]
MIAMI, Fla. — Cardinal Newman (West Palm Beach) made history on Thursday, winning its first-ever state championship. The Crusaders defeated Chaminade-Madonna, winners of its previous four state title games, 17-14.
Newman quarterback Jyron Hughley was a key reason the school achieved the feat, winning game MVP honors. Hughley accounted for two touchdowns (one rushing, one passing).
“I’m truly blessed,” Hugley said after the game. “Me and my team we had a goal to accomplish this summer. We knew we were the team that was supposed to be here.”
The three-star-rated QB admitted that beating Chaminade as an underdog made it sweeter.
“It makes it better. We knew we had to fight all four quarters. We knew Chaminade would be a tough team to beat. They’ve been here before. We knew that they would come here with a big head, and our defense and offense shut them down, and we just did what we had to do. We knew it was going to be a hard-fought game, and the stronger team was going to win, and we did that.”
Hughley scored on a 69-yard run in the second quarter to open the scoring in the game.
“I saw that on the left side, they didn’t have anybody to contain me. They were trying to spy on the running back. I knew with a long fake, I could take it to the house, and that’s what I did.”
The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder credits his head coach and prominent quarterbacks coach Oliver Bozeman for his development. Hughley completed five of ten passes for 69 yards, including a long of 35 for a score, and rushed for 111 yards on 20 carries.
“[Head] Coach Jack [Daniels] has developed me a lot. He’s helped me become a better man on and off the field. I also want to give a shout-out to Coach OB, Oliver Bozeman, who helped me a lot. The wizard. Thank you for teaching me everything I needed to know.”
The dual-threat seems to be an ideal prospect to lead West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez‘s offense. The WVU coach previously coached college standout QBs Pat White, Denard Robinson, and Khalil Tate.
“I’m happy Rich-Rod trusts me with his offense and is allowing me to be the quarterback of his team. I’m just ready to come in and ready to work.”
Some believe that Hughley would be better suited at safety or wide receiver. The versatile athlete recorded four total tackles (two solo) at the safety position.
“Keep doubting me,” Hughley said of naysayers who don’t believe he should be a quarterback on the college level. “I’m going to keep proving y’all wrong. I love having doubters because when you doubt me, it just makes me hungrier, and that’s what I did. I came out here and won a state title.”
Hughley signed with the Mountaineers during the early signing period in early December and is excited to contribute in Morgantown.
“They’re getting a dog out of me. I’m coming in ready to work. I’m going to show that I can do it. I did it here. I know I can do it at the next level. I’m just blessed. Happy to be in this situation. My family has always believed in me. This is truly a blessing for me.”
Category: General Sports
