Brother Rice Handles Marist at Soldier Field

CHICAGO, IL - A pair of touchdowns from Ricky Smalling and a stout defensive effort propelled Brother Rice to a solid win over Pulaski Road rival Marist in both team's opener Sunday at Soldier Field.

Much was on the line for both the Crusaders and RedHawks on Sunday. The rivalry that took a one-year hiatus in 2015 was renewed at an NFL stadium with the all-time series knotted at 17 wins apiece. The winner would not only hold bragging rights for winning the game at Soldier Field, but the lead in the all-time series.

Smalling got the Crusaders on board early, hauling in a 56-yard touchdown reception about a minute into the game.

Marist tied it early in the second quarter with a touchdown toss of their own, but it only took a minute for Brother Rice to regain the lead as Xazavian Valladay rushed for a 70-yard score to put his team up 14-7 following the extra point.

Smalling added a second touchdown in the second half as the Crusaders ran away with a 31-7 victory.

Crusaders open the season with a 31-7 victory over Marist. #WeAreBR #BRvsMarist pic.twitter.com/7NL7vHNFU8
— BR Football (@BrotherRiceFB) August 29, 2016

Outside of the Soldier Field component, strong bragging rights are always on the line when Brother Rice plays Marist. The two Catholic high schools are just two miles apart in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood.

“The Marist-Rice rivalry is exciting for students, alumni and the community no matter what sport is being played. It’s a great experience for the kids,” Marist Head Coach Pat Dunne said a week before this year's game.

“A lot of these kids know each other from playing in grade school, and the two schools have always competed for the same kids in the same area,” added Brother Rice Head Coach Brian Badke.

Brother Rice will continue their season Friday, Sept. 2 with a home game against Crete-Monee.

Marist comes home to play Simeon the same night