Weather Delays, but the excitement remains: Brother Rice and St. Rita Head to Championship
The Illinois high school football season was supposed to draw to a close over the weekend, but Mother Nature had different plans. A sudden snowstorm forced a postponement, pushing the final day of the campaign to Wednesday. The action kicks off at Northern Illinois University’s Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, with two nail-biting state championship games scheduled. The first matchup, set to begin at 3 p.m. local time, features two Chicago powerhouses: Brother Rice and St. Rita. The anticipation is palpable as both teams aim to etch their names in the history books.
Smooth Sailing for the Crusaders
Brother Rice enters the championship game with a commanding 12-1 record and a solid No. 2 ranking in the Chicago Sun-Times Super 25. The Crusaders have had a remarkably smooth path to the championship, steamrolling their way through the postseason with dominating victories. Their wins include a 57-0 shutout, a 46-0 blowout, a 42-18 triumph, and a 45-17 victory over Downers Grove North in the state semifinal. Brother Rice’s last state championship was in 1981, and they have been runners-up twice, in 1985 and 2018. This year, they are hungry to reclaim the top spot and add another title to their storied history.
A Tougher Road for the Mustangs
St. Rita, on the other hand, has had a more challenging journey to the championship game. They bring a 9-4 record and a No. 3 ranking in the Chicago Sun-Times Super 25. The Mustangs have had to fight for every win, with closer margins such as 30-20, 31-28, 56-42, and 54-34. St. Rita has a rich history of success, having won state championships in 1978 and 2006, and they have also been runners-up in the past two years, 2019 and 2021. This year, they are determined to overcome the odds and secure their third state title.
Rematch of a Familiar Rivalry
These two teams are no strangers to each other, having faced off in Week 3 of the regular season. Brother Rice emerged victorious with a 28-10 win, setting the stage for this highly anticipated rematch. The familiarity between the teams adds an extra layer of intensity to the game. Both programs boast talented players and experienced coaches, making for a compelling matchup. The Crusaders will look to maintain their dominance, while the Mustangs aim to redeem themselves and prove that their earlier loss was a mere hiccup in an otherwise strong season.
First Half Dominance by Brother Rice
The first half of the championship game was dominated by Brother Rice, who displayed their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Jaylin Green, the Crusaders’ star running back, was a standout performer, rushing for 73 yards on 15 carries. Despite being limited to just 4 yards in the passing game, Brother Rice managed to build a 9-0 lead by halftime. The highlight of the first half was a 2-point safety, courtesy of a sacks and a low snap by St. Rita’s punter that resulted in the ball being downed in the end zone. Kameron McGee was a disruptive force on defense, racking up three tackles for loss. St. Rita struggled to find their rhythm, with quiet possessions and a lack of offensive firepower.
A Crucial Second Half
As the second half unfolds, the pressure is mounting on St. Rita to make a comeback. The Mustangs will need to find ways to break through Brother Rice’s formidable defense and capitalize on scoring opportunities. The temperature at kickoff was a chilly 30 degrees, and the conditions could play a role in how the game progresses. St. Rita has shown resilience throughout the season, and they will need to draw on that experience to turn the tide. Meanwhile, Brother Rice will aim to maintain their lead and clinch their first state title in over four decades. The stakes are high, and the entire city of Chicago will be watching to see which team emerges victorious in this thrilling championship clash.
Looking Ahead to the 8A Final
Following the Brother Rice and St. Rita game, the action continues with the 8A state championship at 6 p.m. Mount Carmel and Oswego will face off in what promises to be another exciting contest. The weather may have delayed the festivities, but the passion and dedication of the players, coaches, and fans have only intensified. As the final games of the Illinois high school football season are set to unfold, all eyes will be on Huskie Stadium, where history is about to be made.
