Football is an America standard. Its fans are at least as passionate as any baseball fan, devoted more than in basketball, and the most intense game for players from the earliest grades. Fathers rarely stand prouder than when their son throws the winning touchdown pass, or catches it – even though if after that moment a television camera is on hand and the player calls out to mom.
Such is the phenom of football. Such is America.
So there should be no surprise that I mention Oaks Christian High School. Never heard of it? It’s a private high school that in 2006 had Jimmy Clausen, the best in the nation’s high schools as quarterback who then went to Notre Dame, Marc Tyler, now at USC, and another 9 players that are now in Division 1 schools. Oaks Christian may be a private school but it has groomed many gridiron heroes.
Still if you are not familiar with this school I doubt you will continue to be unaware of it. That’s because there are 3 players whose future holds the torches of their fathers before them. The sons are Trevor Gretsky, Nick Montana, and Trey Smith. Yep, dad for these 3 are Wayne Gretsky, Joe Montana, and Will Smith.
Now if you were paying attention to this high school earlier you might have noticed that the elder Smith and Gretsky appear at these games. In fact the helicopter used by Will Smith to get to one of his son's games may have been hard to miss. It might not be eco-friendly, but I’d have been damn proud to see my dad fly in just to watch me play.
But if you are expecting to catch the games, the sons, or their famous fathers and family on Access Hollywood or the various celebrity rags you’re going to wait a long time. The school has banned Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight, and security is on a constant watch for paparazzi. And in case there are any real media hoping to capture the son of one of the best Black actors in this generation, or arguably any, he is a media blackout. Trey is off-limits to all media.
Now I applaud Will Smith’s decision. There is enough pressure in high school, and it’s amped up being in football. Add to that the fact that recruiters and scouts are at all the games and it’s a boiler. No need for the added scrutiny of mobs of reporters and camera toting yahoos.
But I understand Wayne Gretsky allowing his son to be photographed. His son is good (though not at hockey which he doesn’t play at all) and with the schools reputation for top division schools getting used to the media is part of the drill. [I believe that all their sons are too young and will not include their photos. Were they in movies or television and thus the public eye already I would have a different opinion.]
So expect to hear more in the next couple of years about college and the names Gretsky, Montana, and Smith. And for the football fans, Gretsky – quarterback JV, Montana – quarterback new to team, Smith – receiver JV.
As for me, I wish the kids good luck. And most of all I want to mention the son and father currently ignored by the media frenzy on the famous fathers. The son is Tony Macarena who is the Varsity quarterback for Oaks Christian. Tony is 5’ 11” in the class of 2009. I believe he is looking to go to Fresno State. His father is Sergio Macarena. He should be applauded for the fact he has a son going to college and an excellent athlete – in that order. And it should be noted that the elder Macarena “lifts furniture” for a living. If nothing else he deserves a mention for that.
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