Cardinal Newman 4-star WR Naeshaun Montgomery scores two impressive TDs in win

WELLINGTON — Just about everything Naeshaun Montgomery did Friday night went according to plan.

Cardinal Newman’s four-star junior wide receiver caught a long touchdown pass and scored on a highlight reel caliber punt return in the Crusaders’ 28-7 win against Palm Beach Central.

The only thing Montgomery didn’t do was get the third touchdown he was predicting before the game.

“I couldn’t get three though, but I got two,” Montgomery said with a smile. “I said it before the game. Before I even stepped over here, I said I was going to go for three.

“I’ll take two.”

Both touchdowns showed why Montgomery is one of the most sought-after receivers in the class of 2025.

With Newman leading 7-0 in the first quarter, the 6-foot, 160-pound Montgomery sped behind the Central secondary and Newman quarterback Luke Warnock found him for an 85-yard touchdown. Crusaders coach Jack Daniels said Montgomery usually is double-covered, so when gets a 1-on-1 matchup outside they want to capitalize.

More: Cardinal Newman football playmaker Josh Philostin commits to Indiana Hoosiers

In the second quarter, Montgomery fielded a punt in Newman territory. He initially took off toward the left sideline and appeared to be hemmed in before reversing fields and taking off down the right sideline.

“The punt return before I had no blockers, so I went to the left,” he said. “I just set up a hole for the next one. The next one, I went to the left, I brung the whole defense with me and took the ball back to the right and scored. My last cut, going to the right, I knew it was to the crib after that. They’re not catching me. I was pretty hype. I’m not gonna lie.

“I’ve been waiting for this all year. Just to ball out for my team in a game like this. It’s truly a blessing. I’ll continue to work hard now it’s the playoffs.”

Montgomery has more than 20 Power 5 offers and said he’s been hearing from just about all of them consistently. His offers include Colorado, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State and USC.

“My recruitment is still 100 percent open,” Montgomery said.

Recruiting news and notes

Cardinal Newman senior defensive back Kevin Levy had a big hit to force an incompletion on Central’s opening drive. Levy is committed to Rutgers.

Newman senior defensive back Josh Philostin (Indiana commit) suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter and did not return. The Crusaders have a week off before playing rival Benjamin in the Region 3-1M semifinals.

Newman junior running back Jaylin Brown scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to put the Crusaders up by 28. Brown has an offer from West Virginia.

Newman edge rusher Devon Byrd was in the backfield all night Friday. He recorded multiple sacks and tackles for loss and was a disruptive force even if he didn’t make the final stop. Byrd’s offers include Bethune-Cookman, Eastern Kentucky, FAU, North Carolina A&T and others.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Cardinal Newman's Naeshaun Montgomery scores two impressive TDs in win