Marist Vs. Brother Rice: Stage Set For IHSA Semifinal Showdown

CHICAGO — For more than 50 years, the football rivalry between Marist High School and Brother Rice High School has been one of the best on the South Side. With the two schools separated by just a two-mile stretch of Pulaski Road in the city's Mount Greenwood neighborhood, most families in Catholic parishes for miles have allegiance to one of the two schools.

But through all the great games the two schools have played on the football field through the decades, none has been more important than the contest set to take place this Saturday at Marist. That's when the 11-1 RedHawks will host the 12-0 Crusaders in an IHSA Class 8A state semifinal game. The winner will advance to the IHSA State Championship Game against the winner of the other semifinal game between Lincoln-Way East and Loyola Academy.

Marist and Brother Rice have only played one another in a playoff game one time, that being a 1994 first round contest. With a state championship game appearance on the line this time, the buzz at both schools this week has been electrifying.

Here’s your Throwback Thursday. Last time—and only time—Marist and Br. Rice football met in the state playoffs. The year is 1994. pic.twitter.com/a8BGEenN81
— Kyle Garmes (@KyleGarmes) November 15, 2018

"Everyone around here is really excited," Marist Head Football Coach Ron Dawczak said. "All of the faculty, students, alums. Everyone involved with the school is excited about this weekend's game."

For Marist, that means a shot at the fourth appearance in an IHSA football championship games. Marist teams in 1986, 2009 and 2015 all made it to the final game, but never has the school celebrated a state football championship.

The hype is just at feverish over at Brother Rice, which boasts a team seeking to stay undefeated just one year after a 2-7 finish in 2017.

"It's an exciting time to have a chance to play your rival with a state championship game on the line," Brother Rice Head Football Coach Brian Badke said.

The two teams faced off head-to-head in the season opener back in August, with the Crusaders prevailing in a game that went down to the final minute, 20-16. Since then, neither team has lost. The Pulaski Road rivals are a combined 22-0 since then.

"There's so much history between these two schools, and right now it's really exciting to see both programs doing well," Badke said.

But both coaches say the added rivalry element won't affect how the teams prepare for their biggest game of the season thus far.

"Our effort and our preparations do not change no matter who the opponent is," Dawczak said. "We know Brother Rice, and we know there will be a great atmosphere with both teams competing really hard."

"We are going to come out and do what we do, and they are going to do what they do," Badke said. "So nothing changes in preparing for them in August and preparing for them now."

Here's everything to know about the big game:

The Basics

Brother Rice will face Marist in the IHSA Class 8A Football Playoff semifinal match-up at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Marist High School.

How To Get Tickets: Brother Rice

See the tweet below on information on how and when Brother Rice fans can get tickets to the game.

The Crusaders will take on Marist this Saturday, November 17 at 1 p.m. in the state semifinals!
Tickets will be available for $6 at Br. Rice on Thursday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. & Friday from 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
There is a 2 ticket limit. Tickets will not be sold at the Marist gate. pic.twitter.com/2Oii24e1TJ
— Brother Rice Chicago (@BrotherRice) November 13, 2018

How To Get Tickets: Marist

Tickets are $6 per person as set by the IHSA. Everyone, including children, needs a ticket to enter the stadium.

Sales to the public will start at Marist on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Marist will sell them at the main office doors from 1 to 4 p.m. while supplies last. Marist will accept cash and checks to Marist High School. There is a limit of two tickets per person.

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE GATE. No passes can be accepted.

Marist vs. Brother Rice Football Semifinal Game Info

What To Know If You Go - via Marist High School

Parking

Parking will be extremely limited. The parking lots at Marist will open 90 minutes before the game (11:30 a.m.) and the gate will open 60 minutes before kick-off (12 p.m.). We suggest people carpool. Please be aware of parking regulations on side streets throughout Alsip.

• Worth Township, 11601 S. Pulaski, has generously offered its parking lot for use on game day.
• Parking is also allowed at the Alsip baseball field at 117th and Karlov.

Tailgating

Tailgating is not allowed on the Marist campus. The possession, distribution, sale and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited at the site and on any affiliated property of any IHSA state series contest (IHSA by-law 2.020). Patrons of any IHSA state series contest determined to be in violation of the policy will be removed from the premises, and law enforcement officials will be called as warranted.

Who will win?

A Twitter poll we shared earlier this week says that Brother Rice is the favored team by a thin margin.

Big game this weekend in the IHSA football semifinals. Who will win?
— Beverly-MtG Patch (@BeverlyMtGPatch) November 12, 2018

Live Stream

The game will be live streamed online here. Viewers can watch by paying a monthly fee.

If you can't make it to the game and opt not to pay the fee to watch it online, the game's live stream will be shown at a few neighborhood bars including Hippo's, Barney Callaghan's Pub and Reilly's Daughter Oak Lawn.

Also, 115 Bourbon Street will host a watch party.