On Saturday, the Green Knights football team returns to Dinallo Stadium to play the 8th game of their 2026 season. SJR hosts rival Bergen Catholic as the 3–4 Green Knights work to close out the regular season with two home wins.
The Augie Hoffmann-led Green Knights look to repeat last season's performance, when they defeated BC in an overtime thriller. SJR came out on top 43–42 thanks to Nate Bailey's game-winning two-point conversion. This year's rematch falls almost exactly one year later.
Going through an up-and-down campaign, SJR's 2026 season is far from over. The Green Knights face back-to-back games that will not be easy. After dropping last week's game at Seton Hall Prep, SJR now has a chip on its shoulder heading into the final two match ups.
Freshman William Mitchell continues to lead the SJR offense. Through his first four starts, Mitchell has thrown for 700 yards and 9 touchdowns while remaining a major threat on the ground with 247 rushing yards and a touchdown vs. SHP. Junior Ralph Tristani has also proven vital for the Green Knights. Seeing key snaps at QB between the St. Peters Prep game and last week's Seton Hall Prep game, Tristani has been exceptionally efficient. In the Homecoming game where SJR hosted SHP, Tristani connected with junior wide receiver David Forster for an 80-yard touchdown pass. Last week, he entered midway through the fourth quarter, leading the offense downfield and finding Forster in the end zone once again.
On defense, the Green Knights will look to improve off of last week's disappointing performance. The defensive line features senior co-captains Cam Aime and Chaz Gray, backed by co-captain linebackers Tahj Gray and Ryan Barry. Secondary coverage is led by senior co-captain Jonathan Galette and freshman Brice Johnson.
"This game means a lot to this team and means a lot to me especially because this could be my last time playing them," Said Aime.
Last week, the Green Knights welcomed back Galette, who made his first start since the 2025 State Championship game. Galette is a talented defensive back who committed to Penn State in April.
Through seven games, the SJR defense has accumulated impressive numbers: 413 total tackles, 39 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, and 5 interceptions.
SJR now turns its attention to a tough 4–3 Bergen Catholic squad led by Head Coach Vito Campanile, who guided BC to four straight State Championship titles from 2021 to 2024. The Crusaders are led by 4-star quarterback Trey Tagliaferri, an Oklahoma commit coming off a 24–17 victory over Delbarton in Morristown.
Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET this Saturday in Montvale.
