Stuck in the middle of a two game losing streak, the Green Knights football team is hoping to bounce back this weekend against Pope John.
The Green Knights (4-2) enter the game following an overtime 17-14 loss against Don Bosco. A game in which SJR out gained the Ironmen by more than 260 yards of total offense. In the loss, quarterback Mason Geis and company were able to be efficient through the air despite rainy conditions. Geis passed for 250 yards, and a touchdown while throwing an interception with a 69% completion percentage.
In Nate Bailey's return from injury, the wide receiver made his presence known, hauling in eight receptions for 81 yards and five rushing yards. SJR was also efficient on the ground, rushing for 103 total yards. Kyshawn Bryant rushed for the most with 46 yards and a touchdown.
Pope John's (1-5) offense on the other hand this year has been very disappointing, only averaging 8.2 points per game against New Jersey opponents.
In the passing game the Lions have been alternating both sophomore Victor Fiore and senior Luke Irwin at QB. Fiore has passed for 333 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions and Irwin has passed for 497 yards, 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.
On the ground, the Lions junior Luke Gialanella has seen 45% of the carries which is first next to Nick Mignone who has seen just 22% of carries. Gialanella picked up a total of 403 yards and three touchdowns while Mignone had just 72 yards and 0 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Green Knights saw improvement versus the number one team in the state limiting the Ironmen to 17 points in the loss. SJR allowed just one touchdown on defense, 64 passing yards and 61 rushing yards and had an interception from AJ Revella. The Green Knights stifled one of the best running backs in the state, Dante DeLuca, to just 65 yards on 19 rushes.
Pope John's defense on the other hand, has still not found their groove. In five games against NJ opponents, Pope John has allowed 30.8 points per game. The Lions worst performance came against Bergen Catholic in a 35-0 loss. The Crusaders that game accounted for 407 total yards, 194 passing and 213 rushing yards.
The game is slated for 1 PM on Saturday, October 18th at Dinallo Stadium with senior day festivities taking place prior to kick off.
