When it comes to playing the highest-profile position on the football field, senior quarterback John Fennell upends a lot of natural assumptions for St. Rita.
For one, Fennell is actually a converted linebacker. He spent many years delivering big hits before suddenly trading in his physical, punishing style to be a first-time varsity starter behind center.
“I’ve got a lot of heart in me,” Fennell said with a knowing nod. “I love running the ball and I love taking hits. There’s always going to be tension and people watching me.
“I just have to go out there and do whatever’s best for my team.”
Fennell had one of his best games Friday night, running for two touchdowns and throwing a TD pass for the Mustangs in a 28-12 Catholic League Green victory over defending Class 5A state champion Wheaton St. Francis.
In a short span, Fennell has developed a great rapport with senior receiver Vinny Stubitsch, who had the 52-yard TD catch for St. Rita (2-2, 1-0) against the Spartans (1-3, 0-1).
Junior receiver TJ Burgos leads the Mustangs in catches and yards receiving per game.
“John’s just got a great heart and mindset,” Burgos said. “He’s not afraid to put his body on the line for the team. I think that’s what makes him such a great player.
“He’s the same way off the field. He’s not afraid of challenges. He’s not going to back down from anything, and he always wants to be the best he can be.”
More Top Picks Best Weighted Blankets For Seniors
Last season as a junior, Fennell played tight end and linebacker after losing the quarterback competition to the graduated Steven Armbruster.
Fennell started at linebacker for the Mustangs in the Class 7A state championship game against Brother Rice.
“He’s a jack-of-all-trades,” St. Rita coach Martin Hopkins said. “He’s a hard-nosed player and he’s not afraid to hit you. He has a good knowledge of how defenses are set up and how they’re trying to defend him. And he has a heck of an arm.
“When he was a sophomore, we had him up with us in the playoffs. We were running a drill about defending a Hail Mary pass. He rolled out and threw a ball 70 yards in the air against our defense.”
Last fall, Fennell was used situationally in the Wildcat formation. He passed for two TDs and rushed for two TDs. He also caught a TD pass.
The patience he’s shown waiting for the chance to start at quarterback has only deepened his appreciation for the demands of the position.
“I’ve definitely waited a long time, all of my years, for this,” he said. “Steve definitely played a big role with me last year. I saw the way he took control of the offense and that really inspired me.
“I spent a lot of time in the offseason preparing for this moment. It’s very gratifying because I think it just shows that hard work definitely pays off on the field.”
The game has always been deeply ingrained. His father started his high school career at Leo, finishing his last two years at Brother Rice. And John isn’t the only quarterback in the family.
His freshman sister, Jessica, is the starting quarterback on Mother McAuley’s flag football team.
John played quarterback in eight grade playing for grammar school powerhouse St. John Fisher. He originally leaned toward Mount Carmel before deciding on the Mustangs. His uncle, Mark, played four years at St. Rita.
Now the only thing he really misses is making those huge hits at linebacker. Hopkins has played him exclusively at quarterback to avoid any injury risk.
“I could play both ways, but I wanted to take the big role at quarterback,” he said. “I’ve played different positions. I know how everyone feels. Quarterback is a big change, but I really like it.”
More Top Picks Best Slow Cooker
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.