Near the gates leading into Woodland Hills’ Wolvarena, La Salle College High School’s players were bobbing up and down, dancing and laughing to “Jump Around,” which blasted through a large speaker.

Not too far away, there was a more somber scene for Central Catholic. Friday night’s matchup between the Explorers of the Philadelphia Catholic League and Vikings of the WPIAL was billed as a clash of titans.

Future Division I players occupied most positions on the field for both teams. Central Catholic ranked No. 2 in the Post-Gazette’s preseason state rankings. La Salle checked in at No. 3. So, although it was only the first game in what both teams surely expect to be lengthy seasons, there was no shortage of emotion in the aftermath.

Central Catholic didn’t establish enough of a rhythm off

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