One of the best football rivalries in WPIAL history took place between two schools that weren't even WPIAL members at the time the rivalry started. The Central Catholic-North Catholic rivalry started in 1942, long before both schools were admitted to the WPIAL in 1975. But no matter if it was part of the old Pittsburgh Area Catholic League or the WPIAL, the annual battle between the Vikings and the Trojans was the highlight of the season for many players and fans. One person who experienced the rivalry first hand is current Penn Hills coach Neil Gordon, a member of Central's 1964 undefeated team. "I would be hard-pressed to try and figure out a bigger rivalry unless you go back to the Ambridge-Aliquippa rivalry or the New Castle-Butler," Gordon said. "We'd play at South Stadium, now called Cupples Stadium, and the place was filled. Plus, they'd be four or five deep on the bridge and ramp overlooking the stadium." Besides bragging rights, the game was huge in the standings. Between 1942-1958, the winner of the Central Catholic-North Catholic game was the conference champion. Famous people were also part of the rivalry, Steelers chairman and NFL Hall of Fame member Dan Rooney quarterbacked North in 1949. Nick Skorich coached Central in the early 1950's, and he later became Cleveland Browns coach and was considered, along with Joe Paterno, for the Steelers' job that went to Chuck Noll. After joining the WPIAL, both schools ordinarily played on opening night. If not, the game took place whenever the schools could get together. In 1978, Central was already in the playoffs, but played North between the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs, despite the risk of injury to a player for the playoffs. The annual get-together continued until 2001. Central had won 11 of 13 years, but North wanted to continue the rivalry while Central decided to move on. "There were blue-collar players who hit hard; now, Central has rivals like Wooodland Hills and Penn Hills, but I don't believe kids from North Catholic can experience a rivalry today like the one with Central," said Gordon, who grew up in the Point Breeze section of Pittsburgh. Central leads the all-time record between the schools at 29-24-7.
Five best players Dan Marino, Central Catholic: Led Vikings to 1978 WPIAL semifinals before re-writing NCAA & NFL record books. Marc Bulger, Central Catholic: Starred at West Virginia and now an NFL mainstay with the Rams Sal Sunseri, Central Catholic. Kodak All-American and Pitt linebacking great who was an assistant at his alma mater and is now defensive coordinator for NFL Panthers. Richie McCabe, North Catholic: Defensive back who attended Pitt and played seven years in the NFL from 1965-71. Chuck Walker, North Catholic: Defensive lineman who went to Duke and played in 143 NFL games from 1965-75 for Cards and Falcons.
Five best teams 1958 North Catholic 9-0-1: The only blemish came in a tie against Windber, a PIAA District 5 school. 1964 Central Catholic 10-0-0. First perfect record in school history earned a 556 power rating, one of the highest compiled by PIAA historian Roger B. Saylor. 1970 North Catholic 9-0-0. Perfection attained by the Trojans winning seventh and final Catholic conference title. 1988 Central Catholic 10-2-3. Vikings lost WPIAL finals but won first PIAA tournament over Cedar Cliff when Upper St. Clair backed out. 2001 Central Catholic 11-2: Made WPIAL finals before losing to Woodland Hills before WPIAL record crowd of 38,000 at Heinz Field.
Five best games 1942: Teams began series with a 0-0 tie at Forbes Field 1964: Ron Markowski and George Carbinos scored two touchdowns each, as Central finished unbeated, 54-6. 1970: 10,000 fans at Three Rivers Stadium watch Fred Zargos set North rushing mark in 33-7 Trojans victory. 1978: Dan Marino's scoring pass in fourth quarter to Lou Lamanna secures a 21-13 Central victory at Mt. Lebanon. 1997: Mayor Luke Ravensthal passed for a touchdown and ran for another, as North wins for last time, 20-0.
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