Throughout the first 5 games, Coach Hoffmann has led his team to a 4-1 record marking the team's first 4 game winning streak since 2020. The road ahead for the Green Knights includes top teams in NJ like Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep and Depaul Catholic before the playoffs begin. Prior to those big games SJR Media's Cathal Donohow had the chance to talk to Coach about the upcoming challenges and obstacles the team has already overcome.
CD: We see the record, 4-1, but from your perspective how has the team looked this year?
AH: I think I am happy with where we are, I kept telling the guys this is a year of firsts, so everything we went through was going to be something new. I think we handled camp really well, we came out of the gate strong, we beat Seton Hall but we didn't play as well as I would've liked and then Stepinac came around then PC we played really well and then last week against St. Peters we handled business. I'd say we are moving in the right direction.
CD: One of the things that has powered your offense this year has been the versatility of players like Nate Bailey in both rushing and receiving and Lamar Best in rushing and passing. How crucial is it to have players like that who you can use in different ways?
AH: I think it makes things a lot easier when you've a lot of weapons and a lot of toys to play with, especially in this day and age in football. it's hard to just line up and run the ball. Now you have to be creative and give play makers the ball. The reality is Lamar Best is an X-factor because of his legs he can make so many things happen when the play breaks down so a lot of this comes off of that. We are in a good spot with good players and hopefully keep getting them the ball.
CD: Early in the year the offense struggled in the second half, but in the past 2 games you scored 35 points in the second half. What may have changed and how will you guys look to improve in that aspect?
AH: I think the Stepinac game we jumped out early. It was a running clock in the second half and I'm not looking to embarrass anybody. I spoke with the other coach at half time and I think we did the right thing in terms of handling ourselves. Against Seton Hall we had 2 touchdowns called back in the second half due to penalties that we can't have. In the PC and St. Peters games we wanted to put the game out of reach, so that's the thought process. We just have to keep playing our game and putting points on the board.
CD: Looking at the future schedule, you guys face 3 of the top 5 teams in the state. How prepared are you for those tests before playoffs begin?
AH: In high school you have to win in October to set yourself up for November and we just keep talking about that. We get an extra week to work on ourselves and get better off the bye week which is what we are doing and then we will start preparing for Don Bosco and let it fly and see how it goes.
CD: The defense has allowed 10 points per game in the past 4 games, what is it like to have a reliable defense like that?
AH: In my tenure we have been spoiled with great defenses. Back in 2018 nearly that whole defense went and played division 1 football somewhere. So it is nice when you can rely on those guys to get a stop. They have been playing team football. We are bending a little bit but we are not breaking and we have guys flying to the ball which is what we need and we are getting good leadership out of our captains Vin Ferrara and Jahmir Joseph.So when they can't score it makes life a lot easier. I am happy with the way they are playing.
