The 2026 Chicago high school football season opened with a big-time matchup as the No. 10 Providence Catholic Celtics traveled to take on the No. 14 St. Rita Mustangs in the always intense Battle of the Augustinians. The Celtics took control of the game early, as they used a powerful run game to jump out to a 14-0 first quarter lead on the back of Brayden McKay, who punched in the first two scores of the game. St. Rita bounced back to start the 2nd quarter, as QB John Fennell found TJ Burgos for a 35-yard touchdown to cut the deficit in half. Providence Catholic would respond just before half, as they continued to pound the ball on the ground, with RB, and eventual game MVP, Broden Mackert finding the endzone for his first touchdown of the game to give the Celtics a 21-7 lead at halftime. After a 3rd quarter that featured multiple defensive stops, St. Rita entered the 4th quarter with a high intensity as they aimed to stage a comeback. A long drive ended with Brandon Johnson Jr. finding pay dirt to cut the lead to one score. Providence Catholic looked to put the game away on their next possession, but the Mustangs special teams stepped up and stopped a fake punt attempt to take over on the 37-yard line. The St. Rita offense immediately rewarded the stop as John Fennell again found TJ Burgos for a passing touchdown on their first play to tie the game at 21. With the game tied, the Celtics responded when it mattered most. Providence Catholic marched down the field using their rushing attack, with Broden Mackert finding the endzone for what proved to be the game winning touchdown. St. Rita rushed down the field, but their last-ditch effort fell just short, as the Providence Catholic defense intercepted a 4th down pass with 30 seconds left to seal the victory. In a game that featured huge momentum swings, big plays, and a dramatic fourth quarter, Providence Catholic came away with a 28–21 victory to start the season 1–0.

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