Brother Rice dominated St. Rita 16-0 on Wednesday to capture the school’s historic first state title in 44 years. The Crusaders’ defense delivered an elite championship performance, led by standout sophomore Kam McGee, who delivered a suffocating display that stifled the Mustangs.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Brother Rice 16, St. Rita 0 at NIU’s Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Illinois
- Championship: First IHSA Class 7A state title for the Crusaders since 1981
- Defense Leader: Sophomore Kam McGee recorded 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 tackles for loss
- Opening Drive Drama: Mustangs punter kneeled down in end zone for safety, gifting Brother Rice 9 points early
Defensive Dominance Defined Wednesday’s Championship At NIU
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Brother Rice’s defensive line dominated from the opening snap at NIU’s Huskie Stadium. The Crusaders’ elite unit, featuring King Liggins (University of Illinois recruit), Michael Fitzgerald, junior Brayden Parks, and star sophomore Kam McGee, executed a flawless defensive game plan throughout the season culminating in this championship shutout.
McGee blew up multiple St. Rita offensive plays on the opening drive, setting the tone immediately. Parks contributed 6 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss in the dominant effort. The Mustangs managed just 117 total yards, suffocated by the relentless defensive pressure.
Brother Rice’s Quick Strike Offense Capitalized On Miscues
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CJ Gray, an Army recruit, struck first for the Crusaders with a 6-yard touchdown run halfway through the first quarter, putting Brother Rice up 7-0. The offense didn’t need to manufacture much on this night as St. Rita’s own mistakes created scoring opportunities.
Jaylin Green led the ground game with 23 carries for 104 yards for the dominant Crusaders. Gray finished with 16 carries for 82 yards and accounted for 2 total touchdowns, providing the offensive backbone in a controlled championship performance.
| Team Stat | Brother Rice | St. Rita |
| Final Score | 16 | 0 |
| Total Yards | TBA | 117 |
| Record | 13-1 | 9-5 |
| State Titles | 1 (2025) | 2 |
St. Rita’s Offensive Struggle Highlighted Championship Game Outcome
The Mustangs managed just one offensive threat all night, missing a 42-yard field goal with eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Running back Brandon Johnson Jr. carried the ball 13 times for just 54 rushing yards, completely negated by Brother Rice’s defensive line dominance.
Quarterback Steven Armbruster completed 12 of 29 passes for 97 yards, operating under constant pressure throughout the contest. St. Rita’s offensive attack never materialized, unable to sustain drives or generate consistent offensive action against the elite defensive unit.
“The Crusaders’ defensive line went out and dominated. That high-level of play continued on Wednesday in the Class 7A state championship game.”
— Michael O’Brien, Chicago Sun-Times
Breaking A 44-Year Championship Drought For Brother Rice Football
Brother Rice’s championship quest reached its culmination on December 3, 2025, ending one of Illinois high school football’s longest championship droughts. The Crusaders last won a state title in 1981 when they captured the 6A championship, finally breaking through after championship game losses in 2018 and 1985.
The program’s defensive excellence this entire season provided the foundation for the breakthrough victory. King Liggins, a University of Illinois recruit, anchored the line throughout the 2025 season, demonstrating the consistency expected from the summer expectations. The elite defensive unit delivered under championship pressure, silencing St. Rita completely.
What Does This Historic Championship Mean For Brother Rice Football Going Forward?
Brother Rice’s dominant defensive performance and championship victory establish a winning foundation for the program moving forward. The Crusaders proved that elite defense wins championships, particularly in high school football where field position and limiting opponent possessions become paramount.
With standout players like sophomore Kam McGee returning next season, the Crusaders possess the talent foundation to build a dynasty. McGee, considered one of the best players and college prospects in the country, will lead the defensive line as a junior in 2026. St. Rita’s two state titles (7A in 2006 and 5A in 1978) mark the Mustangs’ program history, while the Crusaders now join the championship conversation with their historic breakthrough victory.
Sources
- Chicago Sun-Times – Comprehensive championship game coverage and statistics
- Sporting News – Live score updates and game recaps
- Shaw Local – Official game result confirmation
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.