Pedro Martinez embraces pressure as Cardinal Newman's new QB
Pedro Martinez takes over as quarterback for Cardinal Newman, replacing state champion Jyron Hughley. He embraces the pressure.
WEST PALM BEACH — Pedro Martinez has a chill vibe. That should serve him well as Cardinal Newman High School’s new quarterback , because others might overthink the situation or wilt under the pressure. Newman is less than six months removed from the first state championship in program history and Martinez steps into a spot previously occupied by Jyron Hughley .
Now a quarterback at West Virginia, Hugley threw for 2,018 yards, rushed for 1,528 yards and accounted for 36 touchdowns in 2025 — including both of the Crusaders touchdowns in the Class 1A state championship game . High school football: 5 QB transfers to know for Palm Beach County “I know it’s a lot of pressure,” Martinez said. “Jyron Hughley, he was that guy for sure.
It’s definitely a lot of pressure, but I’ll step up to it. I know the work I put in. ” Martinez may be new to Cardinal Newman, but he isn’t new to a starting role on a team with major postseason goals.
The rising junior started for Atlantic in 2025. He completed 169 of 264 passes for 2,238 yards and 33 touchdowns and rushed 66 times for 483 yards and eight scores. Martinez’ play was a key reason why the Eagles started the year 9-0 and reached the regional semifinals.