Nine months ago, the Green Knights football team accomplished what every team in New Jersey works for. To make it to MetLife Stadium, and take home a trophy. This year, SJR is working to do just that again, and go back-to-back as state champions.
After winning the 20th state title in school history, the Green Knights are showing no signs of slowing down. Head Coach Augie Hoffmann is now entering his third year back at SJR, after returning for the 2024 season, and has a team full of high-level talent. This talent is spread all over the team on both sides of the ball. On offense, the Green Knights feature several new faces. Most importantly, a new starting quarterback. This year, leading the Green Knights offense is Junior Ralph Tristani, who recently transferred to SJR from Bergen Catholic.
The SJR offense features many returning veterans who significantly contributed to last year's championship season. These returning veterans include wide receiver David Forster '28, running back Kyshawn Bryant '27, and wide receiver Stalin Knowlden '27. Last year, these three players combined for over 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The offense also includes new players such as junior running back Andrew Wilson Jr., who transferred to SJR from Don Bosco Prep. Wilson Jr. was one of the highlights of the annual Green and Gold game on August 15th with a near 70-yard rushing touchdown.
Another big addition to the team is a talented freshman. William Mitchell '30 is an impactful wide receiver who played many snaps during the Green and Gold game. What makes him an even greater asset to the team, is that he is also a quarterback. During the Green and Gold game Mitchell connected with Stalin Knowlden for a touchdown. He also hauled in a receiving touchdown during the team's scrimmage vs. Saint Joseph's Prep on August 22nd, showing he will make an immediate impact for the Green Knights this season.
On the other side of the ball, SJR's defense is filled with nationally ranked talent. The defense features many returning veterans who will make a huge impact on this season. Standouts include Chaz Gray '27, Tahj Gray '28, Jonathan Galette '27, Cam Aime '27 and Ryan Barry '27.
The catalyst of the defense is junior Co-Captain Tahj Gray. Gray is a 5-Star linebacker who is ranked as the #1 linebacker in the class of 2028.
"My expectation is to go back-to-back this year," said Gray who currently holds 47 Division 1 offers and is a three-time All American. In 2025, Gray had 102 tackles and 4 sacks. He led the defense last year in tackles per game with 10.2.
Another big-time player on defense is Tahj's older brother, Chaz. The senior co-captain is a 4-Star nationally ranked defensive lineman who is committed to the University of Washington. Last season, Chaz had 40 tackles with 3.5 sacks and was a leading force of last year's State Championship journey.
Senior co-captain Cam Aime is a 3-Star defensive end who is committed to the University of Pittsburgh.
"My goals this year are definitely to be the best captain I can be and win the state championship," said Aime who last season Aime racked up 53 tackles and led the team with 8 sacks.
This year's defensive back's room is deep and filled with talent. Senior co-captain Jonathan Galette is a 3-star DB who committed to Penn State in April. Galette was another huge part of the defense last season as he racked up 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks. The defense will also lean on senior co-captain Ryan Barry. Barry was a big part of the defense last year and led the team in interceptions.
"Our biggest goal this season is to compete for a championship and go back-to-back. Personally, the only thing I want to see is this school succeed." said Barry who ended the championship season with 32 total tackles, 2 interceptions and 2 sacks.
"I want to be a leader on and off the field who helps us get there. I want to make the most of my Senior season leading by example, getting better every day, and doing whatever I can do to help the team succeed."
The defense will also feature talented freshmen. Brice Johnson '30 is a cornerback who so far has seen many snaps between the Green and Gold game and the scrimmage on the 22nd. He currently holds offers from Penn State, Syracuse, Rutgers, and Temple.
One thing that will be new this year for the defending champs will be an alternate uniform. On August 22nd the Green Knights unveiled a new uniform that features an all-black look with green numbers outlined by gold. This is their 4th uniform which will be added to the rotation, giving the Green Knights a green, white, gold, and black wardrobe.
The Green Knights have a big-time schedule in 2026. SJR opens the season with an ESPN nationally televised game, on August 28th in against Mount Carmel of Chicago. The team will follow that game a week later with their home opener at Dinallo Stadium against nationally ranked Creekside (GA).
September 25th in Ramsey will be the highlight of the regular season with a showdown with rival Don Bosco Prep. Max Preps officially named this game as the game of the week for high school football across the country. The game will be a rematch of the 2025 NJSIAA Non-public A State Championship game where the Green Knights prevailed 24–21. It was SJR's first time back at MetLife stadium since defeating Bergen Catholic 13-0 to win the state championship in 2018.
The Green Knights latest title defense begins Friday night August 28th, with a nationally televised game in Chicago.
