Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League

Perfection and one of the greatest quarterbacks in WPIAL history were the earmarks of this team. Beaver Falls finished 9-0 and outscored teams, 305-63. Back then, only undefeated teams played for WPIAL championships, but since the Tigers were the only perfect team in Class 2A, they were declared champions. This team was led by senior Joe Namath, the legendary quarterback who went on to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In an era where teams didn’t throw much, Namath completed 85 of 164 for 1,564 yards. Tom Krzemienski was his favorite receiver, catching 54 passes. Both players were named all-state. Tony Golmont was another standout receiver while Bo Hayden and Butch Ryan were top running backs. Namath played at the University of Alabama, Golmont at North Carolina State and Ryan at Iowa. The team was coached by Larry Bruno, who was in only his second season with the Tigers and went on to become one of the WPIAL all-time greats.