SANTA ROSA — Cardinal Newman's defense turned away Marin Catholic at every critical moment Friday night, and James Curoso powered home two second-half touchdowns as the Cardinals pulled away for a 28–7 Homecoming victory at Ed Lloyd Field.

Newman overcame an early Wildcats touchdown by forcing repeated stops, including a fourth-down pass breakup, a goal-line interception and several late defensive stands. Curoso and the Cardinals' offensive line then took over after halftime, wearing down Marin Catholic and sealing Newman's fifth consecutive win.

The victory improved Newman to 5–2 overall and 2–0 in the Redwood Empire Conference Adobe Division. The Cardinals held Marin Catholic scoreless after the first quarter and turned a competitive opening half into a decisive finish.

"Our offensive philosophy is built on being tough, physical, and finishing with great effort," said associate head coach and offensive coordinator Sean Embree. "I couldn't be prouder of our Big Uglies up front. They played their best game when we needed it most, dominating in the run game and doing an outstanding job in pass protection, which allowed us to hit two big plays downfield."

After the Cardinals missed a 49-yard field goal attempt by Devon Taylor, Marin Catholic struck with an explosive play. Quarterback Dylan Skrinar connected with Cooper Milan on a slant over the middle, and Milan turned it into a 74-yard touchdown for a 7–0 Wildcats lead.

Curoso immediately helped Newman answer, delivering a long kickoff return to set up the Cardinals' offense. LT Retamoza then found Joseph Jacobs for a 33-yard touchdown, dropping the ball over two defenders in the end zone to tie the game at 7–7.

Newman's defense created the next opportunity.

Facing fourth-and-one from its own 29-yard line, Marin Catholic elected to go for it. Finn Dyck batted down Skrinar's pass, giving the Cardinals possession deep in Wildcats territory.

Diego Molidor helped turn that field position into points, catching a pass over the middle and powering through contact to get inside the five. Retamoza finished the drive with a touchdown run to the corner of the end zone, putting Newman ahead 13–7.

Marin Catholic threatened to answer before halftime, driving into scoring position. But Aidan Thistle intercepted a pass in the end zone as time expired, preserving the Cardinals' six-point advantage heading into the break.

That stop carried into a second half defined by Newman's physical play on both sides of the ball.

After forcing a Wildcats punt, the Cardinals leaned on Curoso and an offensive line that began opening holes as the battle up front intensified. Curoso broke tackles and fought through contact for first downs, moving Newman deep into Marin Catholic territory.

He capped the possession with a power run from inside the five. A successful two-point conversion extended the lead to 21–7.

"Juice ran hard, and LT did a great job managing the game," Embree said. "We faced a well-coached defense, and our guys responded to the challenge. Our receivers continue to improve as downfield blockers, and that's a big part of our success."

The Newman defense forced another punt, but Marin Catholic's Jake Fitzpatrick intercepted a pass to give the Wildcats another opportunity. The Cardinals prevented Marin Catholic from turning that takeaway into points and carried their 21–7 lead into the fourth quarter.

Special teams then helped Newman deliver the decisive score.

Following another Wildcats punt, Kordell Strane returned the ball to the Marin Catholic 26-yard line, giving the Cardinals a short field. Curoso finished the ensuing possession from eight yards out, taking the snap in the Wildcat formation and running for his second touchdown of the half.

The extra point pushed Newman's lead to 28–7.

Marin Catholic continued to threaten, but the Cardinals kept closing the door. Devonte Guevarra tipped away a pass in the end zone to force fourth down on one late drive. On the next play, Finnegan Dyck hit Skrinar from behind as he attempted to throw, ending the Wildcats' possession.

Marin Catholic mounted one final drive, only to come away empty again when Newman stopped another fourth-down attempt.

From Dyck's early pass breakup to Thistle's interception and the late defensive stands, the Cardinals repeatedly answered when Marin Catholic had opportunities to change the game.

The victory also kept Newman pursuing No. 2 Pittsburg in the North Coast Section rankings picture. Pittsburg won its Friday matchup 44–0.

Newman returns to Ed Lloyd Field next Friday to host American Canyon, which is coming off a 37–30 victory over San Marin.

"We still need to clean up penalties in critical situations, but I love the direction we're heading," Embree said. "We have another tough challenge ahead, so it's about stacking great practices and continuing to get better every week."