Rivals become teammates in Classic

INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- Wayne vs. Tolsia is one of the hottest high school football rivalries in the state.

But, this weekend players from both sides merge together in an effort to propel the South Cardinals to victory in the North-South All-Star Football Classic. The 7 p.m. Saturday game is at Laidley Field in Charleston.

Wayne's winning tradition in the past few seasons stayed intact thanks to players such as Justin Gilkerson and Brett Curtis. On the flip side, Tolsia gave the Pioneers all they could handle recently with dedicated players such as Jordan Moore.

When the North-South training camp began this week at West Virginia State University, it didn't take long for the rivalry to fizzle out and some new friendships to develop. In the past four seasons Curtis and Gilkerson didn't speak to Moore one time. In the heat of the battle it's about winning and everything else is thrown out the window.

Moore broke the ice this week by approaching Gilkerson and Curtis. They have spent some of their time just hanging out and playing video games.

"We're friends now and we're not worried about Tolsia-Wayne anymore, because now it's all about the North and the South," Curtis said. "We are just out here to represent our schools and make them proud."

Gilkerson, a 5-foot-8, 180-pound running back, racked up nearly 2,500 yards rushing and 33 touchdowns in two seasons at Wayne.

The 6-5, 320-pound Curtis played on the line, opening holes for Gilkerson.

Moore was a standout lineman for Tolsia at 6-5, 270 pounds.

Gilkerson and Curtis will always hold some bragging rights on Moore after Wayne defeated Tolsia, 33-6, in 2006 to claim the Class AA state championship. Ironically, Tolsia defeated Wayne that year in the regular season, 30-19.

All three players said the North-South game is an opportunity to end their high school careers with a win.

"Instead of opponents we will be on the same sidelines playing as teammates," Moore said.

They all have college football plans. Curtis is headed to the University of Charleston while Moore will be playing at Kentucky Christian University. Gilkerson said he will probably go to Marietta College, but his decision isn't final.