On Saturday, the Green Knights football team completed their 2026 regular season with a big win. SJR defeated Paramus Catholic 35-14.
Heading into the NJSIAA playoffs, SJR is officially ranked as the No. 2 seed, and established a 5-4 record. The team will could be home through the semifinals if they advance.
Saturday's win marks 11 straight victories over Paramus Catholic in a game that was an action-packed showcase of New Jersey football.
After a slow start SJR capitalized on a turnover as Stalin Knowlden '27 came through with a rushing touchdown to put the Green Knights on the board first. Following the early touchdown, Paramus Catholic quarterback Rowan Martin threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Yahzir Sylvester to tie the game at 7.
In the second quarter, SJR reclaimed the lead with junior running back Andrew Wilson Jr. recording a 15-yard rushing touchdown. Later in the second, SJR quarterback William Mitchell '30 threw a wide-open touchdown pass to Stalin Knowlden '27. To enter halftime, the score was 21-7 SJR.
In the third quarter, quarterback William Mitchell '30 recorded a rushing touchdown. Unfortunately, Mitchell went down with an injury during this play, putting him out for the rest of the game. Junior quarterback Ralph Tristani was subbed in for the remainder of the game.
"I've got a ton of trust in Ralph," said Head Coach Augie Hoffmann.
"Ralph's a great player. We're not worried at all,"
The rest of the second half was highlighted by a Nasir Snead '27 interception, and an Andrew Wilson Jr. '28 rushing touchdown.
"Defense showed up again, and played really well. I think the offense did a really good job this week. We ran the ball, we were able to throw it, and we were balanced," said Head Coach Augie Hoffmann.
The 2026 season was a roller coaster for the Green Knights. This season highlighted growth, and redemption. To start the season, SJR went 0-2. They made it back to .500, beating Delbarton and then DePaul then faced Don Bosco in a State Championship rematch, and came short 23-10. After a beneficial bye-week, SJR defeated Saint Peter's Prep 38-30 in the Homecoming game. Following the win, the team went to West Orange, where they lost a hard-fought battle against Seton Hall Prep. Coming back home for their last two games of the season, SJR hosted rival Bergen Catholic. The Green Knights claimed the rivalry title for the second straight year, winning 10-7. And finally to end the regular season, SJR hosted Paramus Catholic on Halloween, winning 35-14.
As the playoff picture is set for 2026, SJR has a good path that will be a catalyst for another State Championship run. On SJR's side of the bracket, there is Delbarton, Bergen Catholic, and St. Augustine. SJR beat all of those teams in their most recent match ups.
Following the win over PC, SJR officially claimed the #2 seed for Non-Public A and will have a bye week.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Green Knights host #7 seed Delbarton. This is a rematch of last year's first round game, where SJR shutout the Green Wave 35-0. The other quarterfinal game on SJR's side of the bracket is Bergen Catholic hosting St. Augustine, which could set up a November 21st rematch between SJR and Bergen Catholic
On the opposite side of the bracket, No. 1 seed Don Bosco hosts St. Joseph Metuchen and No. 4 seed Saint Peter's Prep hosts Seton Hall Prep.
Kickoff between SJR and Delbarton is set for 1:00 PM Saturday, November 14, at Dinallo Stadium.
