Legendary South Jersey Football Coach Pete Lancetta Leaves St. Augustine Prep

After nine seasons leading the Hermits, Lancetta departs as the winningest coach in school history.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Pete Lancetta, one of the most successful high school football coaches in South Jersey history, has stepped down from his position as head coach of the St. Augustine Prep Hermits. Lancetta leaves the Hermits program as the winningest coach in school history after a nine-year tenure.

Why it matters

Lancetta's departure marks the end of an era for one of the top high school football programs in the region. As the fifth winningest coach in South Jersey history, Lancetta built a strong foundation during his time with the Hermits that will impact the program for years to come.

The details

Lancetta previously spent 26 seasons as the head coach at Hammonton High School, where he compiled a 215-64-2 record and won one South Jersey Group III title, three South Jersey Group II titles, and 12 conference championships with the Blue Devils. He left Hammonton in 2014 to coach at Rowan University for two seasons before taking over the Hermits program in 2017.

  • Lancetta coached at Hammonton High School from 1988 to 2014.
  • Lancetta coached at Rowan University from 2014 to 2016.
  • Lancetta became the head coach of St. Augustine Prep on May 24, 2017.
  • In 2025, Lancetta's Hermits went 6-4, playing in the NJSIAA's Non-Public Group A.
  • Lancetta has stepped down from his position as head coach of the St. Augustine Prep Hermits in 2026.

The players

Pete Lancetta

The winningest coach in St. Augustine Prep history and the fifth winningest coach in South Jersey history, Lancetta spent nine seasons leading the Hermits football program after a highly successful 26-year tenure at Hammonton High School.

Mike Rizzo

The athletic director at St. Augustine Prep, Rizzo expressed gratitude for Lancetta's contributions to the Hermits football program over the past nine years.

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What they’re saying

“We are deeply grateful to Coach Lancetta for his nine years of service to the Hermits football program. His passion for the game and his care for our student-athletes helped build a strong foundation that will benefit the program for years to come.”

— Mike Rizzo, Athletic Director, St. Augustine Prep (973espn.com)

What’s next

St. Augustine Prep has opened the search for its next head football coach, and interested candidates can send an email to Athletic@Hermits.com.

The takeaway

Lancetta's departure marks the end of a highly successful era for St. Augustine Prep football, as the legendary coach leaves behind a strong program that will continue to be a force in South Jersey high school football.