Senior quarterback Steven Armbruster is preparing for his final season at St. Rita as the team enters the year ranked No. 3 in the Southland according to the Daily Southtown preseason rankings. Last season, Armbruster completed 136 of 230 passes for 1,811 yards and 17 touchdowns, also contributing six rushing touchdowns.
Armbruster attributes much of his development at quarterback to early mentorship from his father, Steve, a former standout at Stagg who played long snapper in college at Notre Dame. “His impact and influence on my life was everything (…) If I ever asked him a question when I was watching film, he was always right there. He’s been one of my biggest supporters,” said Armbruster.
Walter Jones, senior wide receiver who caught six touchdown passes from Armbruster last fall, praised his teammate’s abilities by saying, “He’s just a great dual-threat quarterback (…) We always get things done in the passing game. If we don’t have the time, he knows how to get things done with his feet.”
St. Rita coach Martin Hopkins observed qualities that set Armbruster apart since he assumed the starting role as a sophomore: “Sometimes, sophomores see small pictures (…) He always saw the big picture at a young age. You could tell he was brought up around football (…) He came in right away, ran a varsity offense, and that’s what you need from a quarterback.” Hopkins also emphasized Armbruster’s effect on teammates: “His leadership and his understanding of the playbook are exceptional (…) The intangible is how he motivates those around him. I think he does a great job of rallying the guys.”
Reflecting on lessons learned over previous seasons and his approach to high-pressure situations, Armbruster said: “I think it’s just about staying calm (…) Last season or after the season was over, I’d watch film and just see where I’d be rushing things or trying to do too much. I think the big thing I’ve learned is just never trying to do too much out there and make plays.” He added: ”I like having the responsibility on me (…) I know I can compete, and that’s when I play my best — when I’m under pressure. I just feel really comfortable. I’ve got all of my guys around me. I do what I need to do for the team to win, whether throwing touchdowns, passing for a lot of yards or running touchdowns.” Looking ahead to crucial games this year after close losses last season against eventual state champions such as Mount Carmel and Nazareth, Armbruster commented: “I like competing and I like winning (…). If the game’s close, I like when it’s in my hands. That’s my opportunity to show that it’s my time and prove we are the best team out there.”
Armbruster hopes this season will lead toward opportunities beyond high school football as he seeks consideration for preferred walk-on positions at Villanova or Fordham.
Other key offensive players returning for St. Rita include Walter Jones (senior wide receiver), Brandon Johnson Jr. (junior running back), and Mitch Street (junior tackle). On defense, leaders include Owen Lynch (senior linebacker), Langston Smith (senior defensive back), Mitch Street (junior defensive end), and Brayden Medrano (senior defensive end). Donovan Evans is identified as an X-factor junior wide receiver for this squad.
St. Rita finished last year with a record of 10-3.
