The Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights captured the Class AAAA State Championship last year at US Bank Stadium with a 31-28 win over the Winona Winhawks for their first football state title in school history.  After graduating 20 seniors, this year’s team will look to carry on from last year’s success.

The Red Knights open the season against Waconia at home on Friday night September 1st at 7pm.  The Red Knight program focuses on character development, high academic achievement, knowledge and understanding of football, strength and conditioning, fundamentals, and being a great team member.  

Red Knight Head Coach John Hanks enters his twelfth season as the program’s head coach and expects his team to as he said, “Know your job, play hard, and play together.”  

The Red Knights take on the personality of their fiery tough coaching style in their play. His career at with the Red Knights began in 1993 and he will be looking to maintain his philosophy of building a consistent competitive team.

With the graduation of running back Ricky Floyd and quarterback Will Whitmore the Red Knights lost 3,112 yards of their team total 4200 yards of total offense last year.  The Red Knights are set to re-tool and fill the void left by last year’s seniors.  This year’s team were a part of a successful group last year and will be poised to defend their Class AAAA state title.