St. Joseph football won't look the same in coach's second stint | State of the Program

MONTVALE − St. Joseph has a new boss − same as the old boss − with a different approach.

Augie Hoffmann is back as the head coach at his alma mater after working the last four years in college football with Rutgers and Columbia. Now, he inherits the task of bringing the Green Knights back to No. 1 in New Jersey.

Monday’s practice was graded as a “C” by Hoffmann, but what was striking was the brand-new staff in St. Joe’s green and gold. Gary Nova is now the offensive coordinator and Greg Tanzer is the defensive coordinator. Practice included non-stop action, with position groups breaking up for drills and coming back together repeatedly. It also included Hoffmann scolding, pleading and watching closely, also repeatedly.

He said it’s a different style from his first stint. Call it Hoffmann 2.0.

“I think it’s night and day from five years ago, we’re far more efficient,” Hoffmann said. “There’s just no downtime. The one thing about coaching in college is you understand to keep everyone constantly moving. Everyone is moving. Everyone is working the whole day. Even when the twos are not in, they’re in. They’re following along. We’re getting more done in two hours.”

Hoffmann also is welcoming back his mentor − and field’s namesake − Tony Karcich to an unofficial/official role on staff. Hoffmann calls Karcich a valuable “second set of eyes” and plans to use him on game days.

“You know he coached a lot of championship teams,” Hoffmann said with a smile.

The varsity program is booming with close to 80 players, and there are around 70 freshmen, a huge number.

For the last two years, St. Joe’s has had just as much talent as any team in North Jersey, but couldn't pay it off with a state title. Hoffmann believes a different approach is the right way to get to the top.

MORE: Inside look at HS football teams in Bergen and Passaic counties

The tradition

St. Joe’s owns the most state championships of any North Jersey school in the playoff era (since 1974) with 19, most coming in Non-Public Group 3 under legendary coach Tony Karcich. Bergen Catholic claims 19 state titles, but a handful came before New Jersey held state playoffs.

Saturday afternoon games at St. Joe’s have a small-college feel, with a crowd tailgating in the parking lot, and the signature white cross overlooking the west end zone.

The challenge

Like other elite programs, Hoffmann is confronting the issue of selfishness among his players and trying to get them to focus on team goals instead of individual glory and scholarship offers.

He called that one of his main goals when he took over. He’s enacting a new policy in which the only people allowed to film Green Knights games would be St. Joe’s students, to keep individual videographers away.

“The thing about high school is this is the most pure football you’re ever going to play for the rest of your life,” Hoffmann explained. “Now, college is a business. The NFL is a great business, but a cutthroat business. We’re not enjoying being in high school right now. You can still post stuff coming from St. Joe’s, but I have a problem if we don’t come out with a W and you’re still showing your highlights.”

A totally unified St. Joe’s team with a common goal and devotion could be the best in New Jersey.

MORE: Inside Augie Hoffmann's decision to return as St. Joseph football coach

Expectations

Hoffmann will find out quickly just where his team stands with a Week 0 game against national power St. Frances Academy of Maryland. It will be a litmus test for the program to see how it stacks up.

There’s no proven starter at quarterback. Hoffmann said it was a ‘good competition’ so far and that there was still time to decide.

St. Joe’s was the only New Jersey teamto play Bergen Catholic within a touchdown last season. The Green Knights are still probably the in-state team with the best shot at beating the Crusaders in 2024.

Schedule

Aug. 31: vs. St. Frances Academy (Md.), 1 p.m.

Sept. 7: at Seton Hall Prep, 1 p.m.

Sept. 14: at Stepinac (N.Y), 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 21: vs. Paramus Catholic, 1 p.m.

Sept. 28: vs. St. Peter’s Prep, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11: at Don Bosco, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: at Pope John, noon

Oct. 26: vs. Bergen Catholic, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1: vs. DePaul, 2 p.m.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: St. Joseph football won't look the same in coach's second stint | State of the Program