Senior quarterback Steven Armbruster is steering St. Rita into the Class 7A state title game against South Side rival Brother Rice this Saturday. This matchup holds special significance for Armbruster, who once served as a ball boy for the Mustangs during their last state championship appearance.
Back in 2021, Armbruster was just an eighth grader watching from the sidelines as his older brother, Charlie, played on the team that ultimately lost 35-6 to Wheaton North in the Class 7A final. Reflecting on that experience, Armbruster stated, “Being a ball boy at state, that was a really cool experience for me, getting to see it firsthand.” He emphasized that since then, his primary goal has been to reach this level as a player.
Armbruster”s objective will come to fruition at 4 PM on Saturday at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Illinois, where St. Rita (9-4) will clash with Brother Rice (12-1). “It means a lot,” Armbruster noted, pointing out that few St. Rita teams have had the chance to compete for a state championship, and even fewer have succeeded.
Heading into the game, Armbruster is in peak form, having recently delivered standout performances. In the quarterfinals, he threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for two more in a thrilling 56-42 victory over Hersey. Following that, he added 239 yards passing and four touchdowns, along with a rushing touchdown, in a 54-34 win against Batavia. “It always starts up front with the O-line,” Armbruster acknowledged, crediting his offensive line for their crucial support.
Armbruster”s senior receiver, Walter Jones, corroborated his quarterback”s elevated play. “I”ve seen it all with Steven, the lows and the highs,” Jones remarked. He expressed admiration for Armbruster”s ability to maintain his level of play despite challenges.
Armbruster took over as the starting quarterback midway through his sophomore season, leading St. Rita to a Prep Bowl title that year. “That really helped,” he remarked about his experience. However, he emphasized that the program”s aspirations extend beyond a single title, aiming for the state championship.
The Mustangs” season started on a rocky note, sitting at 2-4 before rallying to win seven straight games. “When we were 2-4 and everyone thought we were done, we used that as fuel just to prove everybody wrong,” Jones explained, highlighting the team”s determination.
Head coach Martin Hopkins has witnessed Armbruster navigate the pressures of being a senior quarterback and captain, particularly after facing early-season setbacks. “He did a great job just settling in and focusing on the now,” Hopkins remarked.
Now, the former ball boy is poised to take the field on one of high school football”s grandest stages. “Kids dream about being the quarterback in a state championship game but not many kids get to live it out,” Hopkins said, expressing his pride in Armbruster”s journey. Both Armbruster and Jones missed their earlier matchup against Brother Rice, a 28-10 loss in Week 3, and they are eager for a chance to turn the tables. “Everything over the last four years here kind of led me to this moment,” Armbruster concluded, ready to seize the opportunity he has long envisioned.
