Rice Advances, Prepares For Catholic League Showdown

As expected, the Crusaders took care of business on the field Saturday against Hales Franciscan on Saturday afternoon, winning by a score of 40-7. However, the game took much longer than most players, coaches, and fans would have preferred.

It was unseasonably warm on this November day and the skies were as clear as could be. The Crusaders had taken a commanding lead of 24-0 with 4:04 remaining in the first half. It was then that an official spotted lightning in the distance, and players and fans alike had to evacuate the area, some retreating to their cars, but most found a temporary home in the Brother Rice cafeteria. Twice were players allowed back onto the field only to be sent back off as a result of the storm. The delay accumulated to more than an hour and a half, but near everyone stayed strong until play finally resumed.

Despite the unusually circumstances, the Crusaders stayed hot on both sides of the football. Hales hardly crossed midfield all afternoon as Rice played lockdown defense, lead by the efforts of defensive lineman Brian Craft. Offensively, given good field position for the majority of the game, quarterback Matt Page and the offense dominated. Page threw three touchdown passes in the first half alone, including a five-yard completion in the corner endzone to Chris Rozell, and a 23-yard TD pass over the defense to Luke Mueller.

The second half was more of the same. Page found Nuntreae Jackson in the redzone for Jackson’s second TD reception. Sophomore Alex Alarcon picked up a short rush TD as well. Even the Crusader defense put points on the board, picking up a safety and concluding Rice’s scoring. Coach Badke could not help but enjoy watching his team play, but that does not mean he will downgrade his intensity level come next Saturday at Gary Little Stadium.

With this win, Brother Rice advanced to the Catholic League Championship game, and will face the St. Rita Mustangs for a second time. Back in the fourth week of the season, the Crusaders defeated the Mustangs 23-21 in what was then a miracle victory. Though the Mustangs have not had the season they hoped for, they are still a force to be reckoned with. If Rice is able to pull out another clutch victory this week, they will then play at Soldier Field against a public league opponent in the Prep Bowl Championship. At this point, it is the Crusaders ultimate goal, and St. Rita is the next obstacle standing in their path.