The St. Rita Varsity Football team will play a home playoff game against Chicago Mt. Carmel today at 3 PM. This game is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoffs, Class 7A tournament.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: St. Rita (IL) vs Chicago Mt. Carmel (IL)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 7A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Chicago Mt. Carmel vs. St. Rita: A Look Ahead to the Playoff Showdown

The much-anticipated playoff matchup between the Chicago Mt. Carmel and St. Rita high school football teams is set to take place today at 3:00 p.m. This clash features two of Illinois’ top teams in a game with major implications for the state playoffs. Here’s a detailed preview of the teams, their performances, and key stats heading into this exciting contest.

Team Records & Overview

• Chicago Mt. Carmel (9-3 overall, 1-2 conference) comes into the game with a strong 75% win percentage. They boast an impressive home record of 5-2 and a solid 3-1 mark on the road. The team has scored 458 points this season while allowing 261, showcasing a balanced offense and defense.
• St. Rita (10-2 overall, 2-1 conference), with an 83.3% win rate, enters this game as the favorite based on their superior overall performance. They have dominated at home, winning 6 of 8 games, and remain undefeated on the road (4-0). Their offense has been prolific, scoring 382 points, while their defense has held opponents to just 163 points, demonstrating a well-rounded, disciplined squad.

Head-to-Head: Mt. Carmel Dominates in September

Earlier this season, Chicago Mt. Carmel triumphed over St. Rita in a non-conference matchup on September 6, 2024, with a commanding 28-0 victory. In that game, Mt. Carmel displayed their ability to control both sides of the ball, as they scored all 28 points in the first and fourth quarters, while holding St. Rita to a scoreless performance. This victory will surely give Mt. Carmel confidence heading into the playoffs, but St. Rita will be looking for redemption.

Team Scoring Averages: Offense and Defense

• Chicago Mt. Carmel averages 38.2 points per game, including 12.2 points in the first quarter, showing their ability to jump out to early leads. Their offense is powered by a dynamic rushing game and efficient passing attack. They average 169.7 rushing yards and 153.5 passing yards per game, contributing to a total of 323.2 yards per game.
• St. Rita, on the other hand, scores an average of 31.8 points per game. They tend to perform evenly throughout the game, with 6.9 points in the first quarter and a consistent 9 points in the third. While their offense is potent, they will need to focus on improving their consistency to keep up with Mt. Carmel.

Key Players to Watch

• Chicago Mt. Carmel:
  • Nick Herman – The standout running back has been a key player for Mt. Carmel, averaging 105.5 rushing yards per game and scoring 9 touchdowns. His ability to break through the defense will be crucial to the team’s success.
  • Steven Armbruster – As the starting quarterback, Armbruster has been efficient, throwing for 147.3 yards per game. He will need to make precise throws and manage the clock effectively in this playoff game.
  • Walter Jones – The team’s top receiver with 61.4 receiving yards per game, Jones will be key in providing Armbruster with reliable targets to stretch the field.
  • Justin Buckner – A standout on defense, Buckner leads the team with 8 tackles per game, and his performance will be essential in shutting down St. Rita’s offensive playmakers.
• St. Rita:
  • Owen Lynch – The top defender with 0.4 sacks per game, Lynch will need to disrupt Mt. Carmel’s quarterback and create opportunities for turnovers.
  • Key Runners and Receivers – St. Rita’s offense, led by their running backs and quarterback, will need to establish a rhythm and find success against Mt. Carmel’s strong defensive front.

Common Opponents

Both teams have had mixed results against common opponents this season:

• Against Nazareth Academy, Mt. Carmel came out on top with a dominant 56-33 win, while St. Rita fell short, losing 45-21.
• Brother Rice saw victories against Mt. Carmel (16-13) and St. Rita (14-7), showing the competitive nature of both teams but also revealing their weaknesses.

The Road to the Playoffs

• Chicago Mt. Carmel has posted a 9-3 record, which includes a 5-2 home performance, 3-1 away record, and a perfect 1-0 neutral site record. Their playoff success will be a testament to their resilience in high-pressure situations.
• St. Rita has been strong throughout the season with a 10-2 record, showing dominance at home (6-2) and perfection away (4-0). Their 3-0 playoff record is a strong indicator of their readiness for this postseason challenge.

The Playoff Showdown

This upcoming game is set to be a thrilling encounter as both teams bring different strengths to the table. Chicago Mt. Carmel’s powerful rushing game and balanced attack face off against St. Rita’s explosive offense and stout defense. Mt. Carmel’s early dominance in their previous matchup may give them an edge, but St. Rita’s improvements and undefeated road record make them dangerous.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the winner advancing further into the Illinois state playoffs. Fans of both teams are eagerly awaiting this crucial playoff battle, and it promises to be a memorable showdown in Chicago high school football.