Pedro Martinez embraces pressure as Cardinal Newman's new QB

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.

Atlantic quarterback Pedro Martinez (15) rushes for a first quarter touchdown during a 41-0 victory over Blanche Ely on Sept. 12, 2025, in Delray Beach, FL.

In addition to his football abilities, Cardinal Newman coaches have raved about Martinez’ work ethic on and off the field.

“First off, he’s a great leader,” Crusaders coach Jack Daniels said. “Extremely hard worker. Love the way he understands the game and gets rid of the ball. I love the way watching the way he moves out here in practice every day.”

As with any personnel change, Cardinal Newman’s offense will look a little different this year. At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, Hughley was a dynamic athlete in the backfield. The 5-foot-11, 176-pound Martinez may not have the same abilities to run over people the way Hughley did, but he is a dual-threat quarterback who is a very accurate thrower.

“I know I’m coming into a coaching staff that knows what I can do,” Martinez said. “It’s definitely going to be a different offense, different looks this year. We’re going to change it up a lot.”

Martinez said he’s still adjusting to Cardinal Newman’s offense and how it uses the run to set up the pass. Daniels said Martinez will have to be able to read the defense and know when to pull it or hand it off.

But the early returns this spring have been very promising.

“He can throw,” Daniels said. “He’s very accurate with the ball. He hits his spots. He knows where he’s going pre-snap. He’s super intelligent out there. He’s going to be a great addition for us.”

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Pedro Martinez takes over as Cardinal Newman QB