Monroe High School football team honored with championship rings after historic undefeated state title season

Rochester, New York – The Monroe High School football team received a special surprise this week as players were presented with state championship rings celebrating a historic undefeated season that put the Red Jackets into Rochester City School District history.

The ceremony honored the team’s remarkable 2025–2026 campaign and gave players, parents and members of the community a chance to celebrate an achievement that had never before been reached by a football team in the district. The championship rings were presented as part of the school’s annual “Welcome to the ‘Roe” back-to-school event.

The celebration was made possible through the support of several community partners and parents. Glory to Glory Fellowship Church in Greece, Chick-fil-A in Henrietta, and Changing the Community helped fund the purchase and production of the championship rings, ensuring the players would have a lasting reminder of what they accomplished on the field.

For Monroe head football coach Terrell Cunningham, the presentation meant more than simply giving players a piece of championship jewelry. He said the recognition was particularly meaningful because of what the young athletes had accomplished through commitment and teamwork.

“There are not a lot of times in our city where young men of color are being recognized for doing things right,” said Terrell Cunningham, Monroe’s head football coach. “These young men came together every day, six days a week; they put in work, put their mind to a goal and were able to accomplish it.”

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The Red Jackets earned their place in history in December 2025 after completing a perfect 12–0 season. Their final game ended with a commanding 34–0 victory over Sleepy Hollow at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse.

That victory secured Monroe’s first state football championship and made the school the first team in the Rochester City School District to win a state title in football. The accomplishment marked a major moment for the school and its athletic program, while also giving the players a season they are unlikely to forget.

Some of the athletes who helped deliver the championship have already graduated and moved on to college since the season ended last winter. Their families were still able to take part in the celebration, with parents accepting championship rings on behalf of those former players. Returning members of the team also received their rings during the presentation.

Senior Alijah Jones, who plays left tackle and defensive end, described the moment as a reward for the long hours players put into the sport throughout the year.

“It’s a blessing to be able to get this type of hardware by just doing what I love, playing football,” said Alijah Jones, a senior on this year’s team who plays left tackle and defensive end. “We work really hard all year round, so it’s a blessing to see this hard work pay off.”

The ring ceremony was one of several activities featured during “Welcome to the ‘Roe,” which brought students and families together ahead of the new school year. The event included school tours, haircuts and styling provided by cosmetology students, as well as opportunities for families to meet teachers.

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While the championship rings celebrate what Monroe accomplished last season, the Red Jackets are already turning their attention to the next challenge.

The team begins its 2026 season Saturday, September 5, at noon with a game at Edison Career and Technology High School. Monroe will then return home for its opener Friday, September 11, at 7 p.m., when the Red Jackets face McQuaid.

That game will carry another historic distinction. With newly installed lights at the school, Monroe will play the first night game in football program history, giving the defending state champions another memorable chapter to begin writing.