Story by Joseph Stern '22
SJR Media Club
Photo by Lucas Mortell '24
SJR Media Club
On a beautiful autumn day in Sparta, The Green knights improved to 2-2 on the season after a commanding 31-5 win over Pope John. The dominant performance was led by a powerful rushing attack led by Luke Tucci ´23 and Yasin Willis ´24.The tandem ran for a combined 21 carries for 175 yards and three scores. The ground and pound attack was complemented by Donovan McKoy ´23 who tallied 3 catches for 40 yards including his first varsity touchdown as a Green Knight. The offense was clicking on all cylinders as SJR ran 53 plays for 289 yards averaging 5.4 yards per play.
As the Green knights found their offensive groove Saturday afternoon the defense continued to be one of the states’ best as the group is allowing just 14 points per game this season. Senior captain Jack Smiechowski led the defense with 6 tackles and an interception while also contributing with a touchdown on offense. Jalen Wade exploded on defense as well racking up the first two takeaways of his SJR career. The third phase of the game, special teams, was also spectacular as Marcos Ruiz ´23 was 4 for 4 on extra points and added a 28 yard field goal.
The Green Knights will now shift their focus towards their next opponent the 2-2 Montclair Mounties who are coming off of 38-0 victory over Bloomfield High School.This is a super football crossover matchup between two of the states most storied programs. It will be an extra special day for 25 football players, as it is a day to honor the seniors on their accomplishments throughout the last four years. It is also homecoming weekend where we welcome back all alumni, family and friends to the SJR campus. The game is scheduled for a 2:30 kickoff at Robert Dinallo stadium on Tony Karcich field. The football team will be looking for their first win on their recently renovated field named in honor of their legendary former coach.