The SJR football team unfortunately started the 2026 season with a defeat. The Green Knights lost to Mt. Carmel Caravan (IL), 48-44 in their prime-time nationally televised season opener. The match up featured two teams who are both reigning State Champions, and top-tier state powerhouses. 

From the opening kickoff the Green Knights dominated the first quarter. During the action packed quarter SJR scored on a touchdown pass, rushing touchdown, blocked punt-touchdown, and a safety, establishing a 23 point lead. The Green Knights continued to dominate early in the second quarter, with a Stalin Knowlden punt-return touchdown, which built a commanding 30-0 lead. 

 The duration of the second quarter was less eventful for SJR, who put 7 points on the board. The momentum drastically shifted as Mt. Carmel scored 28 unanswered points, ending the first half with the Green Knights leading 30-28.

The Green Knights scored 2 touchdowns in the 3rd quarter, clinging to a 2 point lead but in the 4th the Green Knights ran out of gas. Mt. Carmel scored the go ahead, and game winning touchdown with under 5 minutes to play in the game on a 4th down score.

Overall there were a ton of positives for the Green Knights who scored six touchdowns. Three were from senior co-captain WR Stalin Knowlden, two from RB Andrew Wilson Jr. and one from senior DB Colton Romanoff. Other Highlights included an interception by sophomore LB Jonah Parker, and a safety by senior Co-captain DB Ryan Barry.

The Green Knights will look to bounce back with their home opener on Saturday, September 5th. SJR will host the Creekside Seminoles (GA), who went undefeated last season and also won their respective State Championship. The Game is at Dinallo Stadium and kickoff is at 1PM EST.