Los Gatos High School Football Coach Mark Krail Gets Troops Ready

New Los Gatos High School varsity football coach Mark Krail was working his squad hard this week when we stopped by impromptu at Helm Field to check out the scene.

Krail, 49, officially began his coaching duties after being hired at the end of January to replace legendary coach Butch Cattolico who retired last school year.

Krail worked during the spring and summer at LGHS coaching and he began teaching health and fitness on Monday, Aug. 19, the start of the school year.

"We're hoping to continue a long tradition of excellence," he said about what's anticipated this football season. "We should expect a team that plays hard every week and plays smart and plays fast and is physical. If we can do those things I think we'll be pretty successful."

There are 49 players—juniors and seniors—on the LGHS varsity football roster, Krail said. LGHS also has a junior varsity football team coached by Andy Holland.

The Cats began practicing Friday, Aug. 16.

Asked how the players were selected for the team, Krail responded: "We don't really cut athletes in football so if the kids want to come out and love being out here and work hard, they're a part of our team."

The first game of the season is against powerhouse Archbishop Mitty High School "Monarchs" football team at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd. in Los Altos.

Some of the returning senior players are quarterback Nick Bawden, an all-league player last year; Cody Marshall, a tight-end line backer; and Logan Chapman, a possible receiver, kicker and punter, said Krail.

"These three guys stand out as solid returning seniors and there are others," he said. "We practice six days a week."

"The community and the parents have been great and we're excited to get this thing going and kick it off," Krail said.

Krail was head football coach at Santa Clara High School for three years.

He also served as head football coach at Pioneer High School for 12 years and has received many awards and accolades for his coaching, including the State CIF “Model Coach for Football" in 2009 and CCS “Honor Coach” for Football in 2005.

He was also inducted into the Santa Clara County Youth Mentor Hall of Fame in 2009.