Note: A series of articles about the history of the Gloucester Catholic vs. Gloucester High football games was published in a booklet released in 1993 entitled “The Renewal of Friendship”. This incredible history of the series was put together by members of the Gloucester High Alumni Association.
In 1957, in what was the most thrilling game of their 10-game series, Gloucester Catholic High captured its fifth straight city championship. By doing so, they evened the series at five wins apiece.
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GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ–(November 1957)An estimated 3500 spectators witnessed the game at the Charles Street Stadium, which, when the final whistle blew, saw the Rams victorious by a 12-7 score.
The determined Public High eleven looked good even in defeat and were pressing until the end.
Catholic scored in both the second and third quarters and had to beat back a fourth-period rally by the Blue and Gold, who, having scored in the third period, went all out to try to upset the ultimate victors.
Richie Shields and Ray McCann produced the touchdowns for the Rams, while bothTerry Reiss and Ozark Underwood failed in the P.A.T.
Jack Persichetti plunged over from the one to gather the Public High score, after which Larry Pusey added the extra point.
Early in the first period, City High threatened when it reached the Rams’ 19 after Persichetti returned a punt from the 40. However, Catholic stiffened and, following a 78-yard drive of their own, went on to hit pay dirt.
McCann started with a 12-yard gain at the middle, to be followed by Shields and Frank DiGiacomo, who, with McCann, combined to bring the pigskin to the nine-yard line as the quarter ended.
On the next play, DiGiacomo went to the six and Shields went around end to score.
During the same period, Bill Brennan of Gloucester scampered 28 yards to put the ball on the Rams’ 30, but the Catholic team, with the help of Pat Grace, stiffened and held for downs to take possession on their own 25 as the period ended.
Gloucester started fast in the second half as it reached Catholic’s 27 on a series of running plays, mainly by Persichetti, and a 19-yard pass play from Persichetti to Joe Connolly. Catholic stopped this threat and began a drive of its own that netted its second touchdown.
Shields, DiGiacomo, and Reiss bore the brunt of the march that covered 73 yards. Shields had the biggest run in the drive, an 11-yard smash through tackle, while Bill Reinhart had a six-yard pass completion to Reiss in the effort. McCann covered the final 17 yards on a wide sweep to his left, in which he smartly faked out the last defender on the five.
Gloucester fumbled on the first play after the following kickoff, and Catholic recovered on the 27. Gloucester’s defense then tightened up and took over on its own 25. The Raiders promptly began their touchdown drive.
A roughing penalty gave Gloucester the ball on the Gloucester 42, and Avis connected with Bart Rettew on a 19-yard pass completion play that was worked from a single wing formation. Persichetti then hit Connolly with a 20-yard pass gainer to reach the Rams’ 19. A running play made two yards, and Catholic was caught on a pass interference violation to put the ball on the one. Persichetti then bucked over, and Pusey converted.
Gloucester was not through yet, as a Catholic after picking up one first down following the kickoff was forced to punt. Taking over on its own, 43 Gloucester had two plays left.
Avis hit Persichetti with an aerial near the sidelines, and the halfback shook off one tackler and only a good defensive tackle by co-captain DiGiacomo on the Catholic 43 prevented Persichetti from going the distance. Avis was thrown for an eight-yard loss while attempting to pass on the final play of the game.