The Marist RedHawks’ 2025 football season has officially came to a close, and it was a season full of the highest highs and the lowest lows, homecoming and heartbreak, and for many, a final goodbye to the game they love.
Early Season Struggles
Marist started off the season on the road, with the Rowdies overflowing the stands of Doyle Stadium as the RedHawks faced St. Rita. Despite a valiant effort, the Mustangs ended up winning 28-21.
The RedHawks would then suffer a string of heartbreaking losses, starting with the Battle of Pulaski. Brother Rice crusaded into Red and White stadium, defeating Marist 35-0.
Next, Marist went to Lombard and faced the Montini Catholic Broncos. The RedHawks couldn’t handle the stampede and lost by a close 28-21.
Joliet Catholic was next up on the schedule, and this result proved to be no different, with Marist falling in a crushing 23-17 loss.
Trying to Find Mid-Season Momentum
With an 0-4 start and their backs against the wall, Marist had to defend their home turf against IC Catholic. The Knights took the RedHawks for granted, as Marist would pull off the upset, winning 29-28 and getting their first win of the season.
The struggle was not over however, as Marist would have to go down and face off against conference opponent Providence Catholic. The Celtics would end up beating Marist 28-14.
Late Season Resurgence
Luckily, this loss flipped a switch for the team, and proved to be the last of their struggles. The RedHawks shined on homecoming, putting down the St. Ignatius Wolfpack 35-21 in a two-score victory.
The RedHawks then soared down to Aurora to face off against Marmion Academy. The homecoming momentum proved to stay strong as the RedHawks won by a dominant 51-6.
The final game of the season was against Niles Notre Dame where Marist once again showed out in a 42-14 victory, giving the RedHawks a final record of 4-5.
Battling Adversity
While there are many defining factors as to why this season was a struggle, one of the key reasons is player injuries.
“I broke my foot week two and it was tough at first trying to deal with it but eventually I accepted what had happened,” said Linebacker Brandon Hoff.
Hoff was one of nine starters out of action by week four.
However, the RedHawks were able to be resilient and finish the season strong mainly because of their chemistry as a team.
“The biggest strength this season was the bonds each player had with one another. You could see it on and off the field. These guys were really close and are going to stay close even after football,” says manager George Kottoras.
Looking Ahead
As the seniors take their helmets off for the final time at Red and White stadium, they’ll never forget the memories this season and seasons prior gave them.
“I will miss the little moments with my teammates and being able to walk out to a huge crowd and play,” said Hoff.
“l’ll miss the whole thing. I can’t narrow down one specific thing that I’Il miss,” says Kottoras. “The practices, the team dinners, the bus rides, the games, all made up so many memories at Marist that I’lI never forget”.
