High School Football in California

From the best players to the best coaches and some of the most legendary schools and teams in US history, California high school football has it all. High School Football in California takes an inside look at the state's greatness in the sport, from the best players when they were in high school to those who've gone on to be stars as collegiate players or pros. It's about record-setters, trend-setters, and some of the most inspirational families and people you'll ever meet. Some of the players and coaches featured include Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Bob Ladouceur, Tom Flores, Trent Dilfer, and many more!

Extending from the first published report of a game from 1873 to the present, this book presents high school football in a manner never done before. One of the many stories featured recounts how the late Charlie Wedemeyer, former coach at Los Gatos High who suffered from ALS, called plays by having his wife read his lips and then give the plays to assistant coach Butch Cattolico. Cal-Hi Sports editor Mark Tennis mixes amazing anecdotes and interviews with the many who've experienced California high school football from every imaginable angle.

Mark Tennis has been watching California high school football games since 1973 when he was in the ninth grade in Sacramento. He co-founded Cal-Hi Sports with his late uncle, Nelson Tennis, in 1979. Since then, he has been editor of Cal-Hi Sports from its inception as a newsletter to its current website CalHiSports.com. Tennis also has edited and helped compile seven California high school sports record books and was editor of the national Student Sports Magazine for eleven years (1993-2004). He was inducted into the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Hall of Fame along with Nelson as the first two media members in 2010.

“Mark Tennis is without a doubt the ‘go to’ authority on high school football in California. This book brings to life the storied history of CIF football with some of the greatest athletes the sport has ever seen. An enjoyable read which includes not just the history of the game, but most importantly the people who made the game what it is today.” --Roger Blake, Executive Director of the California Interscholastic Federation

“This was a great read, and there is no one more qualified to write a book about the history of California football than Mark Tennis. If you're a stat geek like myself, you'll love the records and top 20 lists of the greatest players in state history. The backstories of California legends like Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and John Elway is worth the read alone and no one has more knowledge of the greatest program and coach in state history, the De La Salle Spartans and their legendary head coach Bob Ladouceur.” --Greg Biggins, National Recruiting Analyst for 247Sports

“High School Football in California offers insight and intrigue into the history of the sport in the Golden State, from great players to prolific teams to memorable games. It doesn't matter if you are young or old, the stories will get you thinking and debating and reveal how important high school sports has been in the state.” -- Eric Sondheimer, high school sports editor, Los Angeles Times

“If you like sports history, this is a must-read book. There are so many interesting facts and stories I didn't know prior to reading. I have known Mark Tennis for 39 years. He is the consummate expert and historian of all high school sports, especially California. It's perfect for your personal library.” --Bob Ladouceur, head coach of seven-time national champion De La Salle (Concord)