Sports

Handshake Line Devolves Into Chaos With Ugly Spat After Stunning High School Football Upset

#High School Football
by Last Updated

iStockphoto

Chaos erupted after a high school football game in Pennsylvania.


The Bergen Catholic High School football team was upset by Central Catholic in Pennsylvania over the weekend. A postgame handshake line devolved into chaos after the fact.

A pushing match erupted as the teams gathered at midfield. It was an ugly end to an otherwise exciting contest.

The game was the season opener for both programs, which are each highly regarded in their respective states. Bergen Catholic is the No. 3 team in New Jersey, boasting a Top 40 national ranking upon entering the season.

Central Catholic is the No. 3 team in Pennsylvania. They welcomed the Crusaders to Pittsburgh on Friday.

Google Maps

Bergen Catholic travelled to Pittsburgh to play Central Catholic.


Bergen made the six-hour trip west to the Keystone State. They left with a shocking loss.

Central Catholic pulled the upset.

Bergen Catholic is a powerhouse in New Jersey, having won 20 state titles. The Crusaders met their match in Game 1.

Central Catholic grabbed an early 10-7 lead in the first quarter before blowing the game open. They led 24-7 at halftime. The Vikings then held off a furious comeback attempt to secure a 45-30 victory.

Bergen cut the lead to a touchdown after halftime. Central responded with back-to-back scores to put the game on ice.

Central Catholic is no schlub. It’s won 10 games or more in each of the last three seasons. That includes a 13-2 final record in the 2025 campaign.

With that being said, they probably weren’t expected to take down the Crusaders on Friday night. The upset could propel them to another deep run.

The win was a statement for the Vikings. Unfortunately, it was somewhat overshadowed by a postgame tussle.

High school football spat mars season opener.

After the game, the two sides lined up at midfield for handshakes. A Bergen Catholic player appeared to go after one of his counterparts.

What was said in the moments that led to the interaction is unclear. The school president allegedly responded with a message after the fact.

Brian Mahoney looked to clear up any misconceptions circulating social media. He clarified that his team did shake hands with Central Catholic though he did not comment on the postgame tussle.

There are also accusations of a Central Catholic player throwing a punch. Some believe they instigated the fight. All we have to go on is the short clip posted on social media.

The pushing and shoving put a black eye on the high school football bout. Bergen Catholic lost the game. Frustrations got the best of one of its players.

It now returns home to New Jersey at 0-1.