Brother Rice Wins State Championship; Brayden Parks Shines

UPDATE: Brother Rice has captured the Class 7A state championship with a commanding 16-0 victory over St. Rita at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb on December 3, 2025. Junior defensive lineman Brayden Parks played a pivotal role, solidifying his reputation as a top recruit.

In a game that showcased the Crusaders’ defensive prowess, Parks recorded six tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss, and contributed three pass breakups. “It’s an amazing feeling,” Parks stated. “We came, we saw, we won.” This victory marks Brother Rice’s first state title since 1981, ending a long wait for the program.

The Crusaders, with a season record of 13-1, had been determined to achieve this championship. Parks emphasized the team’s dedication: “We’ve been working for this week in and week out.” The defense, which Parks claimed is among the best in the nation, effectively contained St. Rita, limiting them to just 160 total yards.

Crusaders quarterback CJ Gray was instrumental, rushing for 80 yards and scoring a touchdown, while also throwing a 9-yard TD pass to Colin Goggin to secure the win. Fellow teammate Jaylin Green added 104 yards on the ground, solidifying their offensive strategy.

Despite entering the game with a seven-game winning streak, the Mustangs struggled against Brother Rice’s relentless defense. St. Rita’s Jack Schapendonk led the team with 12 tackles, but could not prevent the Crusaders from dominating.

Parks, who has drawn attention from major programs like Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Alabama, reflected on his growth: “My run defending took a big step. I’ve gotten better in pass rush, too.” His commitment to improvement has paid off, and his performance in the championship game has only strengthened his recruiting position.

The emotional weight of the title was evident, especially for Coach Casey Quedenfeld, who praised the team’s journey. “The Class of ’26 came in when I moved here from Houston, and they bought into a vision. And now it just came into fruition,” he remarked.

As the Brother Rice players lifted the championship trophy, the celebration was a culmination of years of hard work and determination. The team’s previous attempts to secure a title in 1985 and 2018 made this victory even sweeter.

Looking ahead, the Crusaders will enjoy their well-deserved celebration, but Parks and his teammates are already focused on future challenges. “We always go out there feeling like we’re going to win. With all that talent around me, I know we’re going to get it done,” Parks concluded.

This triumph not only marks a historic moment for Brother Rice but also highlights the resilience and spirit of its players. The community can now revel in the glory of their team’s hard-fought victory.