Senior running back Brandon Johnson Jr. played a pivotal role in leading St. Rita to a 36-10 victory over Buffalo Grove in a Class 7A first-round playoff game held Friday night in Chicago. Johnson, known for his physical running style, rushed for 174 yards on 22 carries and scored three touchdowns, including the game’s opening score early in the first quarter. His performance helped secure the Mustangs’ advancement to the second round, where they are scheduled to face Downers Grove North next weekend.
Johnson’s ability to break tackles and sustain drives was on full display, notably when he carried eight defenders 20 yards during a dominant third-quarter run. His teammates praised his work ethic and leadership, emphasizing his role as the cornerstone of the offense. Senior receiver Vinny Stubitsch caught a 52-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback John Fennell, while fellow running back Doniven Campbell contributed a 60-yard touchdown run for St. Rita, which improved to a 7-3 record.
Johnson, who committed to Lindenwood University, has been a three-year starter and was instrumental in St. Rita’s run to last year’s Class 7A state championship game. Reflecting on his high school career, Johnson described the experience as “bittersweet” as he prepares to graduate in January to begin his college journey. He acknowledged the team’s resilience and determination following last season’s championship loss and expressed a desire to honor his teammates who will not return next season.
In a separate Class 8A first-round playoff game also played Friday night in Chicago, Mount Carmel secured a commanding 55-21 win against Marist. Junior defensive tackle Caleb Tucker, a 6-foot-5, 370-pound player known by the nickname “Bonecrusher,” recorded three sacks and forced a fumble, playing a key role in the victory. Brady Cloherty, Mount Carmel’s senior quarterback, completed 15 of 19 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns, while running back Nathan Samuels and wide receivers Marshaun Thornton and Duran Sims each contributed multiple touchdowns.
Tucker has been a varsity starter since his freshman year and attracted attention early on for his size and strength. Mount Carmel’s head coach Jordan Lynch praised Tucker’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and his improving leadership on defense. Despite the pressures that come with his high-profile nickname and recruitment, Tucker credited his family’s support in keeping him grounded as he navigates college visits to programs such as Michigan, Miami, Texas, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, and Purdue.
Mount Carmel, now 8-2, is set to host Barrington (7-4) in the second round as the team aims to defend its streak of four consecutive state championships. Both St. Rita and Mount Carmel demonstrated strong performances in their respective playoff openers, signaling continued competitiveness in the postseason.