The Great America Football Classic - A Celebration

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The Great America Football Classic™ – A Celebration

The concept was simple. Walter Camp the visionary. And through that vision in 1879, this truly American version of the game of football was born.

Walter Camp, a Yale graduate, literally “wrote the rule book” on American football by making changes to the English versions of soccer and rugby. He then served as the official editor of football rules from 1888-1925. His key changes included:

• One side retained undisputed possession of the ball, until that side gives up the ball as a result of its own violations
• Created the “line of scrimmage”
• Reduced teams from 15 players to 11
• Created the quarter-back and center positions
• Created the forward pass
• Standardized the scoring system
• Created the safety, interference penalties, and the neutral zone
• Permitted tackling as low as the knee - 1888
• Increased a touchdown to six points and field goals went down to three points – 1912

It is our celebration of the great game of football developed by Walter Camp that spawned the idea for the Great American Football ClassicTM. No sport more American, no passion more intense, high school football brings with it the memories and excitement of our youth, the sense of pride in watching our team play and the feeling of community created in cities and towns all across this country.

And high school football in Missouri and Illinois is certainly no “Johnny come lately” to the party. With a high school football legacy that stretches back 124 years to 1888, football in these states is something of great intensity, pride and community every Friday night.

“Always remember, when you put on that uniform and strap on that helmet you represent more than just a team.  Rather you represent a football tradition so deep that everyone who has ever worn the uniform will travel from miles away to cheer not only for the team, but a part of their life!”

Mike Potsou

Pattonville Class of ‘95

From ‘The Legends Playbook”

And Mike had it right. The six games of this inaugural edition of the Great American Football Classic bring with them the rich tradition of great high school football that is Missouri and Illinois. They mark the beginning of a celebration we hope to see continue for many years to come as the grand sport of football does what it has always done… Spark emotion, rally the team, strengthen our communities and create memories for a lifetime.

Enjoy the Games!

From the

Great American Football Classic

You can relive all this weekend’s action in video and photos at www.GAFClassic.com