PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 93 St. Rita

93. St. Rita (Chicago)
Last season’s record: 10-4, lost in second round 7A playoffs, won Prep Bowl (quasi private vs. public city championship)
Coach: Todd Kuska
Key players: LB Martin Hopkins (6-3, 233, Sr.), DB Dave Marciano (5-10, 195, Sr.), RB/DB Danny Dispensa (6-0, 185, Sr.), WR Dan O’Niell (6-2, 180, Sr.), DB Alex Vitakavskas (6-2, 185, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Defensive secondary, skill positions
Question mark: Three new starters on the offensive line and new starting QB
Outlook: The Mustangs are well-fortified to challenge for a second state title in three seasons. Not only are seven starters back on defense, last year’s leading rusher and receiver are among the three regulars returning on offense. Dispensa carried the ball 115 times for 877 yards (7.6 average) and 13 TDs. O’Neill, who has great hands and runs good routes, caught 21 passes and nine were for touchdowns.
Toughest games: Aug. 31 vs. Lakota West (Ohio) at Kirk Herbstreit Challenge in Cincinnati, Sept. 19 vs. Mount Carmel, Sept. 26 at Providence Catholic