Conference: CCL/ESCC Green
Head coach: Martin Hopkins
2024 record: 10-3 (Lost 43-24 to Mount Carmel in the Class 7A semifinals)
2025 outlook:
The Mustangs have high hopes this fall coming off a 10-win season when their only losses were to state champs Mount Carmel (twice) and Nazareth.
St. Rita’s passing game will be a headache for opposing defenses with senior quarterback Steven Armbruster (6-0, 180), senior receiver/defensive back Walter Jones (5-10, 165) and junior receiver Donovan Evans (6-1, 165) all back as starters. Armbruster completed 59% of his pases for 1,811 yards with 17 touchdowns and six interceptions last year. Jones had 46 catches for 767 yards and six scores, while Evans finished with 35 receptions for 390 yards and four TDs.
Lead back Nick Herman has graduated, but No. 2 rusher Brandon Johnson Jr. (5-10, 200) returns after running 67 times for 446 yards and five scores a year ago.
Junior Mitch Street (6-1, 240) is the lone returning starter on the offensive line, and he’s also slated to start on defense.
Two-way standout Justin Buckner is gone, but seven senior starters return on defense: linebacker Owen Lynch (6-2, 215), defensive back.receiver Langston Smith (5-10, 175), defensive back James Franklin III (5-11, 180), linemen Israel Easley (5-9, 240) and Brayden Medrano (6-1, 240), defensive back/running back Andrew Elwood (5-11, 175) and linebacker Killian Lacy (6-0, 165).
Schedule
Aug. 29 Marist, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 5 at Mount Carmel, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 12 Brother Rice, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 19 St. Francis, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 26 at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 3 at Nazareth, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 Leo, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 at St. Patrick, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 24 at IC Catholic, 7:30 p.m.