Pittsburgh Central Catholic junior tailback D.J. Myers runs for daylight. Myers is looking to play a major role offensively this season. Photo Provided

Pittsburgh Central Catholic has a proud tradition and has garnered much success. It has produced Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino and current St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger. It’s that same tradition and success that led the Vikings to a WPIAL AAAA state championship in 2007, the second consecutive season they played for the title. But the beginning of the 2008 campaign is an unknown one for Pittsburgh Central Catholic. Only five starters return from the state championship team that pummeled Parkland. And that could be a big problem for the Vikings in their season-opening contest Monday at the Friends of Coal Prep Classic on Wheeling Island Stadium. The Vikings face Lakeland, Fla., a speedy group of players that could make it a long day for Coach Terry Totten. ‘‘First off, it’s a big honor to be playing in the Friends of Coal Prep Classic,’’ Totten said. ‘‘We are bringing a lot of youth and inexperience to the game, and we are going to be in there with a great program.’’ Pittsburgh Central Catholic has played in four WPIAL title games since 2001, reaching the final three times in a row from 2001-2004. The Vikings won in 2004 behind former coach Art Walker Jr. Totten took over the program the following season and led the Vikings to two semifinal appearances before finally getting over the hump and taking home the title last season. ‘‘There is plenty of tradition here and it’s something I love being part of,’’ Totten said.