The St. Rita varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Quincy on Saturday, November 16, at 3:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets for the IHSA Class 7A tournament.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: St. Rita (IL) vs Quincy (IL)
When: Saturday, November 16, 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

Analyzing the 2024-2025 High School Football Standings: Quincy vs. St. Rita

The 2024-2025 high school football season has delivered intense competition between some of the state’s top teams. Two notable contenders, Quincy and St. Rita, have both made waves in their respective divisions, demonstrating impressive performances and solid team dynamics. Here’s a breakdown of their records, statistics, and key leaders heading into the latter half of the season.

Overall Team Performance

Quincy has showcased dominance in its season, remaining undefeated with an impressive 11-0 record. Their perfect 6-0 conference record reflects their consistency across all matches. With a staggering 1.000 win percentage and a high-powered offense that has scored 513 points so far, Quincy is clearly a powerhouse, especially at home where they boast a perfect 5-0 record. Their average points per game (44.2) and a nearly 350-yard-per-game offense position them as one of the most dynamic teams this season.

On the other hand, St. Rita has recorded a solid 9-2 overall mark with a 2-1 conference record. While not undefeated, St. Rita has proven itself to be resilient, with a particularly strong 4-0 record in away games. The team’s offensive output (30.3 points per game) and defensive efforts (52.8 tackles per game) indicate a balanced approach, although their overall performance has slightly lagged behind Quincy in terms of total yards and scoring.

Offensive Comparisons

• Quincy’s Offense: The Quincy offense is built on an explosive and versatile attack. They average 506.6 total yards per game, with 147.5 rushing yards and an impressive 359.1 passing yards. Their passing game, led by Bradyn Little, has been especially effective, with Little averaging 349.4 passing yards per game. Wide receiver Tykell Hammers has also been a key contributor, gaining 121.3 receiving yards per game. These strong performances allow Quincy to consistently put up big numbers, including a 46.6-point average per game.
• St. Rita’s Offense: While St. Rita’s offense isn’t as high-flying as Quincy’s, they have been effective in their own right, averaging 307.3 total yards per game. The team has relied more on a balanced attack, with Nick Herman contributing 98.6 rushing yards per game and quarterback Steven Armbruster adding 154.2 total yards through the air. St. Rita’s offensive game plan, while not as explosive, has kept them competitive, as they continue to average 30.3 points per game.

Defensive Strengths

• Quincy’s Defense: Quincy’s defense has been a huge asset, though statistics suggest they have relied more heavily on their offensive prowess. With strong tacklers and the ability to disrupt opponents, Quincy has managed to keep its opponents’ scores low, contributing to their undefeated record. Their dominance on offense has often allowed them to dictate the tempo of the game, limiting their defensive exposure.
• St. Rita’s Defense: The St. Rita defense, led by linebacker James Kingsbury, has been consistently solid, recording 52.8 tackles per game and 1.8 sacks per game. While they may not be as explosive in the sack department, their defensive unit has kept many opponents in check, allowing them to stay competitive even against higher-scoring teams.

Key Players

• Jeraius Rice: Quincy’s standout player, Rice, has contributed massively with 92.4 rushing yards per game. He is a crucial part of their offense, helping to control the ball and set up the passing game.
• Bradyn Little: Little has been a prolific passer for Quincy, averaging 349.4 passing yards per game, leading the team in total yards with 372.4 yards per game.
• Tykell Hammers: With 121.3 receiving yards per game, Hammers is another key piece in Quincy’s powerful offense, consistently creating big-play opportunities.
• Nick Herman: On the St. Rita side, Herman has been a standout rusher, averaging 98.6 yards per game and anchoring the team’s ground game.
• Steven Armbruster: Armbruster, the quarterback, is the leader of St. Rita’s offense, contributing 154.2 yards per game in total offense and keeping defenses on their toes with his passing and rushing abilities.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Teams

As the 2024-2025 season progresses, both Quincy and St. Rita have cemented their spots as two of the state’s top high school football teams. Quincy’s explosive offense, led by stars like Jeraius Rice and Bradyn Little, has proven too much for most of their opponents. St. Rita, while not as dominant, continues to be a tough competitor, especially in away games, and has shown they can be dangerous with a well-balanced offensive and defensive approach.

Quincy’s undefeated record and St. Rita’s consistent performance will likely make for an intriguing matchup if these teams meet in the postseason. Fans can expect intense, high-stakes football as both teams aim for a deep playoff run.