The last time Brother Rice’s football program started a season 3-0, C.J. Gray was an eighth-grader dreaming of taking the varsity field.

It was 2021 when the Crusaders won their first three games, posted a 10-3 record and advanced to the Class 7A state semifinals. Brother Rice hasn’t recorded a double-digit winning season since, but the Crusaders are 4-0 this year and appear primed for a deep run.

“Everybody has been buying in on both sides of the ball,” Gray said. “I’ve been on the same page with my guys and I have a full season under my belt, so I’m feeling more comfortable. Everybody has been doing their job and we’re doing the simple things right.”

Gray, now a senior quarterback and a key leader for the Crusaders, has been an integral part of Brother Rice’s success so far. A sec

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