Crusaders top RedHawks in "Battle of "Pulaski"

The Brother Rice Crusaders football team was victorious in their season opening showdown against non-conference rival Marist, as they tamed the RedHawks by a final score of 21-14. Despite a slow start, the Brother Rice running game proved to be too much for Marist, who hasn't beaten Brother Rice since 2001.

The rivalry between the two schools that are located just two miles from each other in Mount Greenwood returned to Gary Little Stadium for the first time since 2002. The rivalry took a hiatus from 2003-05 because neither team was allowed to schedule a non-confernece opponent. Brother Rice won the first renewal game at Marist, 25-0 in 2006.

The star of the game on Friday, August 24, 2007 was Crusader senior captain Jeremy Rhodes, who comes from St. John Fisher Parish. Rhodes had a number of key rushes in taking the pressure off young Brother Rice quarterback Tom Gibson and also scored a rushing touchdown. Rhodes also made a big splash on defense and special teams. An interception late in the fourth quarter by Rhodes ended a late Marist rally attempt.

The Crusaders look to be a running team with four runners who can rip through a tough defensive line. In addition to Rhodes, speedy junior Dwyane Dade, fullback Dan Murphy, and senior Tom Grant all had impressive runs in the victory over Marist.