5 Key Takeaways From The St. Augustine Prep Football 2025 Season: The Hermits' Non-Public A Gauntlet

The St. Augustine Prep football program, known as the Hermits, completed another grueling campaign in the highly competitive New Jersey Non-Public A division, finishing the 2025 season with a respectable 6-4 record. This latest chapter in Hermits football history, played on the hallowed grounds of Fr. Stephen J. LaRosa Field in Richland, NJ, proved once again that Head Coach Pete Lancetta's squad is built for the trenches, relying on a philosophy of "substance over style" that defines their physical approach to the game.

As of December 14, 2025, the Hermits have wrapped up their schedule, which was widely regarded as a New Jersey "gauntlet," featuring matchups against some of the state's perennial powerhouses. The team’s performance was highlighted by a strong start and a valiant, though ultimately unsuccessful, run in the NJSIAA Non-Public A playoffs, confirming the Hermits' standing as a consistent force in South Jersey high school football.

St. Augustine Prep Football: The 2025 Season Snapshot and Program Profile

The 2025 season saw the St. Augustine Prep Hermits navigate the rigorous West Jersey Football League (WJFL) American Division schedule. Their 6-4 finish is a testament to the program's disciplined structure under Coach Pete Lancetta, who brought a successful, blue-collar coaching mentality to the school after a long tenure at Hammonton.

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• School Name: St. Augustine Preparatory School (All-boys, Catholic, Augustinian)
• Location: Richland, New Jersey (NJ)
• Mascot: Hermits
• Head Coach (2025): Pete Lancetta
• 2025 Season Record: 6-4
• League/Division: West Jersey Football League (WJFL), Division II
• Home Field: Fr. Stephen J. LaRosa Field
• Key Playoff Division: NJSIAA Non-Public Group A
• Program History: The varsity program debuted in 1989 and boasts a history that includes four outright and four shared championships.

1. The Non-Public A Playoff Run and Key Season Results

The Hermits’ 2025 schedule was intentionally designed to prepare them for the brutal Non-Public A playoff bracket, where they face elite competition like Don Bosco Prep, Red Bank Catholic H.S., and St. Peter's Prep. This strength of schedule is a core component of the program’s identity.

The team secured crucial early-season victories, including a dominant 26-0 win over Paul VI and a 35-0 shutout against Cherokee. These wins were essential for building momentum and securing a favorable seed in the postseason.

However, the gauntlet proved challenging in the later stages, marked by a tough 19-6 loss to Winslow Township. The season culminated in the Non-Public Group A Quarter Final where the #7 seeded Hermits faced the formidable #2 St. Peter's Prep. In a hard-fought battle, St. Augustine Prep ultimately fell 31-17, ending their playoff aspirations for the 2025 season. This loss, while disappointing, highlighted the program’s ability to compete with the state’s absolute top-tier teams.

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2. The Rising Stars: Top Recruiting Entities for the Hermits

A major focus for the St. Augustine Prep program is developing talent for the collegiate level, and the 2025 roster featured several high-profile recruits, particularly in the Class of 2026. The Hermits’ success on the recruiting trail is critical for maintaining topical authority in the NJSIAA landscape.

Cameron Greene: The Anchor of the Offensive Line

One of the most talked-about recruits is Offensive Tackle Cameron Greene. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, Greene is ranked among the top 2026 football recruits in New Jersey. His size and athleticism have drawn significant interest from major Division I programs, including a notable offer from Rutgers, solidifying his status as a cornerstone for the Hermits' future success and a top collegiate prospect.

Defensive and Offensive Versatility

The roster is also deep with two-way players who embody the physical nature of Coach Lancetta’s system:

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• Danny Francis: A versatile junior (Class of 2026) who excels as a Running Back (RB), Middle Linebacker (MLB), and Outside Linebacker (OLB). Francis was a tackling machine, recording an average of 5.6 tackles per game in the 2024-2025 season, demonstrating his impact on both sides of the ball.
• Jaden Green: A senior (Sr.) MLB and RB, Green’s 6'0", 208-pound frame makes him a powerful presence in the middle of the defense and a reliable short-yardage back.
• Nick Costa: A standout 6'4", 235lb Defensive End (DE) in the Class of 2026, Costa represents the defensive line talent that keeps the Hermits competitive against larger schools.
• Damari Simeon: Another key Defensive Line (DL) entity, Simeon is a multi-sport athlete whose explosiveness translates directly to the field, where he logged 28 tackles in the previous 2024 season.

3. Coach Pete Lancetta's "Substance Over Style" Philosophy

Head Coach Pete Lancetta’s arrival at St. Augustine Prep marked a significant moment for the program. His coaching style, often described as prioritizing "substance over style," has instilled a disciplined, physical identity in the Hermits. Lancetta's teams are known for their willingness to "put its knuckles in the ground and push forward," suggesting a reliance on a strong running game and a punishing defense that controls the line of scrimmage.

This approach is essential for a team competing in the WJFL and the Non-Public A bracket, where every game is a physical battle. Lancetta’s success at his former school, Hammonton, demonstrated his ability to build consistent winners, a trend he is continuing at St. Augustine Prep by focusing on fundamental football and player development.

4. The Importance of the West Jersey Football League (WJFL)

The Hermits compete in the WJFL, one of the most respected and challenging high school football leagues in the Northeast. Playing in this league ensures that St. Augustine Prep is consistently tested, which is crucial for their preparation for the NJSIAA playoffs. The league features numerous teams that are regularly ranked in New Jersey’s Top 25, creating a high-stakes environment every week.

The intense competition within the WJFL, coupled with the annual matchups against Non-Public A heavyweights, prepares the Hermits for the kind of high-level, high-pressure games they will face in the postseason. This commitment to a rigorous schedule is a deliberate strategy to build a championship-caliber program.

5. Historical Context and Program Legacy

The St. Augustine Prep football program has a rich history dating back to its varsity debut in 1989. The program's foundation was laid by early coaches like Frank Fucetola, who guided the Hermits through their nascent years. The team has consistently been a contender, evidenced by its eight total championships (four outright and four shared) throughout its history.

Today, the program continues to emphasize the school's Catholic, Augustinian mission, aiming to form young men of character, faith, and excellence. The legacy of the Hermits is not just about wins and losses, but about the tradition of discipline and teamwork fostered on Fr. Stephen J. LaRosa Field, preparing players for life beyond high school football, including sending numerous athletes to Division I, II, and III collegiate programs.