John played in the North-South Rivalry in his junior and senior years, 1972-1973. As quarterback and captain of the 1973 team, he led the team to a 36-21 victory over South, an undefeated season, and a No. 1 ranking in the Metro East. John ran the ball 12 times for 178 yards in the game against South, scoring on touchdown runs of 66 and 2 yards while throwing for three scores. In his two years as a starter, North won 17 of 18 games.