Mount Carmel - Southern Rivalry, Eleven Games Young

Back in 1996, Mount Carmel and Southern squared off for the first time in the modern era. At the time each had a state championship in the bank with both winning in 1994 in Altoona. The talk in Tiger territory was that Southern would have beaten Mount Carmel's 1994 team. Mount Carmel fans on the other hand didn't have a respect for the Southern schedule.

As the game quickly unfolded in 1996 and what was to be a prelude to Southern losing six straight state title games was the speed factor and balance. Mount Carmel proved their dominance early winning six of the first eight games. With close wins of 19-12 in 2000 and 34-28 in OT in 2003, most of the Red Tornadoes victories were one-sided. Often one negative play by Southern would result in the floodgates opening up to big a lead and a tough defeat.

In talking to Jim Roth in 2004, he said this about the rivalry. "We have a chance to play one of the best AA programs in the state and they are only a few miles away." "Some people keep asking why do we play them (MCA) if we are going to lose." "It gives us a chance to raise our program to the next level." Raise the program they did.

Beginning in 2004, Southern has reeled off three straight in the series and completed their 5th straight PIAA title. Last year's 54-0 win was one of the worst for Mount Carmel in nearly 50 years. Past frustration for Southern turned into future dividends. The Tigers now know what it takes to be on top.

This year almost has the same curiosity as 1996. This year is not some much a clash of titans in their respective classification, but what weeknesses shown in the first two weeks of the season by both teams will be exploited.

NOTES

- In 1997, Southern became one of the few teams to win in the Silver Bowl on their first trip.

- Mount Carmel has never won a state title without beating Southern in the series. The four titles Mount Carmel won after 1994 included a victory over Southern in the regular season.

- Southern won two state titles while coming up on the short end against the Red Tornadoes.

- The home team is only 4-7 in the series.