We Took Names: The Time of Vikings, Friends and Family (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780692787175)

A true coming of age story of friends and football and how the two made them the best.

They were wild and reckless as friends and champions as teammates. This real inspiring story follows a group of military brats in their quest to be the best and how they became one of the top football teams in California and in the country.

From ages 13 to 18 they ruled the gridiron as "No Names." They won 45 games, lost 4, and tied 2. They had three undefeated seasons. Their coaches developed unparalleled programs. Their conditioning training was unrivaled. Their fortitude was unmatched.

They weren't ordinary football players or average teens. When not handling bullies, pulling pranks, or running from the base security police, they were defeating opponents on the field. On Friday mornings before school they were in church, and on Friday nights after games they were secretly engaging in dangerous stunts that would shock their coaches and parents.

A revealing memoir gives a firsthand account and a behind the facemask visual how they became champions; and a comeback of a high school football player who wanted to share the field with his friends one last time.

Football is a violent sport. The author, Jeff Rooney, learned that the hard way after being knocked unconscious, for three hours, from a hit during a game. He returned the next season, wearing a special helmet, to co-lead his team in their quest for the championship.

Pictures throughout this 516 page book give life to their incredible journey.

"Thirty years after our championship season we returned to Vanden High School for our first reunion. Photos from that reunion are in the book. The book also contains quotes from some coaches and players and 'Where are they now?' There are 300 plus images: consisting of newspaper article photos, headlines, and quotes, plus personal and game photos and more."