Brother Rice’s dominant defensive line, led by soph Kam McGee, shuts out St. Rita to win Class 7A

DEKALB, Ill.— Way back in the summer, when the high school football season was just getting started, there was a buzz around Brother Rice’s defensive line.

Seniors King Liggins (Illinois) and Michael Fitzgerald were expected to combine with junior Brayden Parks and sophomore Kameron McGee to form the area’s most impressive overall unit.

There were no ups and downs and dramas over the course of the season. The Crusaders’ defensive line went out and did exactly as everyone expected. They dominated. That high-level of play continued on Wednesday in the Class 7A state championship game at NIU’s Huskie Stadium.

Brother Rice shut out St. Rita 16-0 to win the school’s first state title in 44 years. The Crusaders won the 6A title in 1981 and lost championship games in 2018 and 1985.

McGee blew up several of St. Rita’s offensive plays on the opening drive and spent the game showcasing why he’s considered one of the best players and college prospects in the country. He finished with six tackles, two sacks and 4 TFLs. Parks had six tackles and 3.5 TFLs.

Brother Rice (13-1) scored on its opening drive. Quarterback CJ Gray, an Army recruit, ran in for a six-yard TD halfway through the first quarter.

Bad luck struck St. Rita (9-5) a few minutes later. While grabbing the snap on a punt, the Mustangs punter put one knee down in the end zone for a safety. That put Brother Rice up 9-0 and was all it would need.

St. Rita finished with 117 total yards. Running back Brandon Johnson Jr. had 13 carries for 54 yards. Quarterback Steven Armbruster was 12-for-29 for 97 yards. The Mustangs threatened to score just once, midway through the fourth quarter. They missed a 42-yard field goal with eight minutes left.

Jaylin Green had 23 carries for 104 yards for Brother Rice. Gray was 5 of 12 for 13 yards with on TD and had 16 carries for 82 yards.

St. Rita has two state titles, Class 7A in 2006 and 5A in 1978. The Mustangs lost title games in 2021 and 2019.

Check back later for reaction from Brother Rice and St. Rita players and coaches.