Russ Hepner was the Head Coach for Grosse Pointe South from 1968 to 1986. Additionally, he was the Defensive Coordinator at South from 1989 through 1992. During his tenure as head coach, his record in the rivalry game was 8 wins and 10 losses. Two of those victories over GP north in 1982 and 1983 were needed to preserve back to back undefeated seasons for his Blue Devils. It was during Coach Hepner’s 18th year of his head coaching career at South that the foundation of this intense rivalry was established. Coach Hepner lead South to victory in the very first football game between the two Grosse Pointe High Schools. The 1969 inaugural game was a 7-6 win for GP South and came on a 4th quarter comeback touchdown. Coach Hepner preserved the game ball from the original rivalry game and later donated in back to the high school where it is now encased in the North Vs South trophy that the two schools compete for each year.