It’s a new era at Marist under first-year head coach Mike Fitzgerald and his staff.
But the more things change, the more they stay the same; at least when it comes to the recent history of the program’s annual neighborhood matchup with Brother Rice.
RedHawks running back John McAuliffe’s second touchdown of the night proved to be the game-winner as Marist defeated the Crusaders, 34-27 in overtime, on Sept. 6 at Rice. The victory was the RedHawks’ third straight in the series, and the second in as many years that late-game heroics helped determine the outcome.
“It is evident; these kids play for each other,” said Fitgerald, who is in his first year at Marist after six seasons as head coach at York. “They play hard, and I am proud of how we have come together and the connection they have. They never blinked, they found a way and did it for each other.”
Brother Rice junior offensive lineman Joe Siegler signals a Crusaders touchdown as Tyler Lofton crosses the goal line. Photo by Xavier Sanchez
Marist senior receiver Gavin O’Brochta caught five passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-tying 29-yard touchdown reception from Jacob Ritter with 45 seconds to play in regulation.
Ritter, a senior transfer from Lincoln-Way East, completed 12 of 18 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for 81 yards and a score.
Fitzgerald, is no stranger to the Marist-Rice rivalry, having been an assistant coach at Marist from 2008-13. While he recognizes the significance of the Battle of Pulaski, his objective was to ensure his team was ready to play from start to finish.
“All we tried to focus on us and not build it up bigger than it was,” he said. “It is an important game, a special game, but to reach some of our goals all the games are important.”
Brother Rice senior running back Tyler Lofton rushed for 64 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, and quarterback CJ Gray went 10-of-17 passing with 169 and a touchdown. Jimmie Maxson III caught four passes for 107 yards, and Jaylin Green had a TD grab.
Marist returns home to face Montini on Sept. 13. The RedHawks will be looking to go 3-0 for the first time since 2021.
Brother Rice (1-1) will host St. Rita, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 13.
Marist quarterback Jacob Ritter follows the block of senior running back John McAuliffe during the RedHawks’ 34-27 win over Brother Rice on Sept. 6. Photo by Xavier Sanchez
The New Kid
Ritter acknowledged getting acclimated to his new team had its challenges, but he quickly bonded with his teammates and he believes the brotherhood shared by RedHawks players has contributed to Marist’s 2-0 start to the season.
“Coming in, it was definitely difficult,” Ritter. “A lot of new people I never met before but everyone really took me under their wing and brought me to the hangouts, to the workouts and really supported me since January, and I really appreciate that a lot.”
Weekend hangouts included swimming and watching movies.
“Being the new guy is hard, and he came in right away and started to make plays,” O’Brochta said. “He’s a great guy.”
During his first week at Marist, Ritter’s new teammates hyped up the rivalry with Brother Rice.
“What’s the Battle of Pulaski?” he recalled asking them. “I didn’t even know what it was.”
Brother Rice wide receiver Jimmie Maxson III stretches his arms out before hailing in a first-down catch during the Crusaders’ Week 2 loss to Marist on Sept. 6. Photo by Xavier Sanchez