NOVATO — Cardinal Newman scored on its opening drive Friday, then quickly added another touchdown after Finn Dyke executed a perfect onside kick as the Cardinals opened REC Adobe League play with a 40–0 victory at San Marin.

James Curoso packed a full night's production into the first half, rushing for 164 yards and three touchdowns as Newman built a 37–0 lead at the break. The second half was played with a running clock.

"Proud of the way we came out and competed as a team and excelled in all 3 aspects of the game," head coach Kenny McMillan said. "We played hard and played for each other. Excited to see how we continue to grow as a unit the rest of league."

As productive as the Cardinals were offensively, their defense delivered an equally commanding performance. Newman held San Marin to just nine total yards and one first down for the game, while also putting points on the board when Gavin Brockett recorded a sack for a safety.

The combination left the Mustangs little room to recover as Newman took control from the opening drive and maintained it throughout the evening.

Quarterback LT Retamoza threw for 163 yards and added a rushing touchdown. Zion Cargill supplied big plays in the passing game, hauling in two receptions of more than 40 yards along with a three-yard touchdown catch.

With "Juice" Curoso powering the ground game and Cargill stretching the field, the Cardinals presented San Marin with challenges both underneath and downfield. Newman reached 30–0 late in the second quarter, then extended the lead to 37–0 before intermission.

Asher Holzapfel kicked a third-quarter field goal to complete the scoring while the defense finished the shutout. Just one first down and nine total yards told the story of a unit that controlled the game from start to finish.

Coming off a dramatic 22–21 comeback victory at Punahou in Hawaii and a bye week, Newman returned to action with a decisive road win. This time, no late rally was necessary.

The Cardinals begin REC Adobe play at 1–0.