When you pull onto the 7700 block of South Western Avenue on a Friday night in autumn, you aren’t just visiting a high school. You’re entering a kind of ritual. The smell of charcoal grills drifts from the parking lots while the hum of the Dan Ryan Expressway feels worlds away. This is the heart of the South Side. This is St. Rita Chicago football, and if you think it’s just another private school program, you haven't been paying attention.
Honestly, the Chicago Catholic League (CCL) is a meat grinder. It’s arguably the toughest high school football conference in the Midwest. Within that ecosystem, St. Rita of Cascia stands as a gatekeeper. They aren't always the flashy team with the five-star recruits from three states away, but they are consistently the team that makes you regret scheduling them.
The Martin Hopkins Era and the 2024 Resurgence
Most people followed the transition from longtime legendary coach Todd Kuska to Martin Hopkins a couple of seasons ago. It’s always weird when a staple like Kuska leaves—he was there for over two decades. But Hopkins, a 2009 St. Rita alum himself, didn't just inherit the keys; he basically rebuilt the engine.
In 2024, we saw that engine roar. The Mustangs finished with a 10-3 record, navigating a schedule that would make most college teams sweat. They didn't just sleepwalk through it. They beat their fierce rivals Brother Rice 14-7 in a defensive masterclass and handled a very dangerous St. Francis squad 31-13.
The season eventually ended in the Class 7A semifinals against Mount Carmel. Losing 43-24 to the eventual state runner-up (and perennial powerhouse) is nothing to be ashamed of, but it left a chip on their shoulder.
You can see the difference in how they play now. It's faster.
Why the 2025 Outlook Is Turning Heads
If you’re looking at the 2025 roster, you’ve gotta start with Steven Armbruster. The senior quarterback is coming off a massive junior year where he threw for over 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s got that "it" factor—the ability to stay calm when the pocket is collapsing against a blitzing linebacker from Mount Carmel or Loyola Academy.
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His favorite targets are back, too. Walter Jones and Donovan Evans are basically a nightmare pairing for any defensive coordinator. Jones is the explosive senior who racked up 767 yards last year, while Evans provides that big-play junior energy.
- Quarterback: Steven Armbruster (Sr.) – 1,811 yards in 2024.
- Wide Receiver: Walter Jones (Sr.) – 46 catches, 6 touchdowns.
- Running Back: Brandon Johnson Jr. (Jr.) – Stepping into the lead role after a strong 446-yard season as the No. 2 back.
- Defense: Led by linebacker Owen Lynch and defensive back Killian Lacy.
The defense is where St. Rita usually hangs its hat. They return seven senior starters. That kind of experience is rare at the high school level. When you have guys like Israel Easley and Brayden Medrano anchoring the line, you don't give up many rushing yards. Period.
The Tradition of the Prep Bowl and National Titles
A lot of folks forget that St. Rita’s history goes back way further than the current CCL/ESCC merger. We’re talking about a school that hosted an intramural team coached by Knute Rockne himself back in 1924. They lost 6-0, but honestly, losing by one touchdown to a Rockne-coached squad is basically a win.
Then there’s 1963. That year, the Mustangs didn't just win a state title; they were the "mythical" national champions. It’s part of the lore that every freshman hears about when they walk into the building.
They’ve also dominated the Prep Bowl—that weird, wonderful Chicago tradition where the top Catholic League teams play the top Public League teams. St. Rita has nine of those titles, including a recent win in 2023. It’s a point of pride. For a Mustang, winning the Prep Bowl is about more than a trophy; it’s about claiming the city.
Doyle Stadium: A Different Kind of Atmosphere
Have you ever actually watched a game at Doyle Stadium? It’s not one of those massive, sterile college-style stadiums you see in Texas. It’s tucked right behind the school. It’s intimate. It’s loud.
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The stadium opened in 1990 after the school moved from its old location at 63rd and Claremont. Fun fact: the original stadium was actually used in the filming of the movie Rudy. You can feel that cinematic history when you’re there. The current field, Pat Cronin Field, uses FieldTurf now, but the vibe remains old-school South Side.
The Coaching Staff’s Secret Weapon
One thing people don't talk about enough is the staff Martin Hopkins has assembled. He brought in Brad Banks. Yes, that Brad Banks—the Heisman runner-up and Davey O’Brien winner from the University of Iowa. Having a guy who played at the highest level teaching high schoolers how to read a defense is a massive advantage.
They also have Darius Fleming, a 2008 St. Rita grad who went on to win a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. He’s working with the defensive line.
Think about that for a second. You’re a 16-year-old kid at practice, and you’re getting tips from a Super Bowl champion and a Heisman finalist. That doesn't happen at your average high school. It’s why St. Rita remains a destination for kids who are serious about playing on Saturdays and Sundays.
What to Expect If You’re Attending a Game
If you're planning to catch a St. Rita Chicago football game this season, there are a few things you should know. They take security and the "game day experience" seriously.
- Parking: You have to enter via 77th Street. Don't try to shortcut it; the personnel will just turn you around.
- Tickets: It’s all digital now. GoFan is your friend.
- The Crowd: Expect it to be packed for the "Big Three" games (Brother Rice, Mount Carmel, and Marist). These are the South Side Triple Crown.
- The Rules: No backpacks. No outside drinks. They keep it family-friendly but strictly enforced.
Looking Ahead: The Road to 7A Glory
The biggest challenge for St. Rita is always the gauntlet of the CCL/ESCC Green division. Playing teams like Nazareth Academy and St. Francis week after week is exhausting. It wears you down.
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But that’s also why they are usually so dangerous once the playoffs hit. They’ve already seen everything. They’ve played in the rain, the wind, and the early Chicago snow. By the time November rolls around, they are battle-hardened.
The 2025 season is looking like a "reloading" year rather than a rebuilding one. With Armbruster under center and a defense that’s been playing together since they were sophomores, the goal isn't just a winning record. It's a trip to DeKalb for the state finals.
If you want to follow the team properly, keep an eye on the Friday night box scores. Look at the rushing attempts. When St. Rita is winning, they are usually controlling the clock and punishing teams with that interior line. It’s not always pretty, but it’s remarkably effective.
To stay ahead of the curve on Mustangs football, make sure to check the IHSA pairings as soon as they drop in late October. St. Rita’s seed is often lower than their actual talent level because of their brutal regular-season schedule, making them the "bracket buster" no one wants to see in the second round. Whether you're an alum or just a fan of high-level prep sports, this program is the blueprint for how South Side football is supposed to be played.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Download the GoFan App: Most CCL/ESCC games, including St. Rita home games, have moved entirely to digital ticketing. Buy them early for rivalry weeks.
- Check the IHSA 7A Standings: Follow the Mustangs' progress relative to Mount Carmel and Brother Rice to gauge playoff seeding.
- Visit the St. Rita Athletic Website: For the most up-to-date roster changes and kickoff times, the official school portal is more reliable than third-party aggregate sites.