Why is HighSchool football so popular in America?

[Larry]

Many American boys age 9 to 12 dream of being a star football player. That first stop is High School. If we are great there, Wow! that means that we COULD be great at the University level too! And if we are great there, Wow! We could become household names like rock stars and make it in the professional NFL! In the meantime our Mom and Dad (and who is a better friend then your Mom and Dad!) and other relatives and friends are rooting for us. It's more American than apple pie.......I'm a American living in Canada, but I have always preferred Blueberry pie, so maby a better question would be, why is apple pie considered a all American thing?