BRUCE K. HUFF / Union-Tribune Grandfather Al Carroll, son Donnie Carroll and grandsons Brian (in uniform) and Jeremy represent three generations of East County athletics at Granite Hills High.

It was common in the early 1960s. Several Grossmont Conference schools played home games on the infield of Cajon Speedway because the facility had lights and bleachers and many of the high school fields did not.

Despite having the area combed by a herd of human metal detectors, Carroll said players routinely had extra cuts and bruises.

And then there was halftime. Carroll, a defensive back and wide receiver during the 1961-62 seasons, said the Eagles would get back on the school bus to hear coach Glenn Otterson talk strategy.

“I remember the windows fogging up more than what was being said by our coach,” said Carroll, whose wife Charlotte was Granite Hills' first homecoming queen. “Conditions were a lot different then than they are now.”

Few families have experienced the evolution of East County athletics as the Carrolls have.

The family's third generation is represented on the Granite Hills campus this year by Al's grandsons, junior Brian and sophomore Jeremy, the sons of Donnie Carroll, a 1987 Granite Hills graduate and current vice principal at the school.

“I'm happy that my kids are so close together and are able to attend the same school that I did,” Donnie said. “It's kind of neat that they will experience the same traditions.”

During his high school days, Donnie was a quarterback in the same backfield with former NFL standout “Touchdown” Tommy Vardell (1984-86). In baseball, Donnie was a blue-chip center fielder and a second-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1987. He and Padres outfielder Brian Giles were high school teammates.

Donnie elected to turn pro rather than accept a baseball scholarship to Cal State Fullerton. His career, which included being teammates with Mike Piazza, Eric Karros and Pedro Martinez on the Dodgers' Bakersfield farm team, ended in his sixth season when the organization suggested he switch from center field to pitcher.

“I didn't want to be a career minor leaguer,” Donnie said. “So I went back to school and started a family.”

Brian Carroll, a varsity shortstop last spring and a free safety for the Eagles this fall, is making his mark. Against Mount Miguel last week, Brian returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown. He is tied for the Grossmont Conference lead with four interceptions.

“My arrangement with the school is I only work with freshmen,” Donnie said. “So on Friday nights I get to be a parent. I sit and watch purely as a spectator.”

Donnie acknowledges his blood pressure may be higher in the spring.

“The individual aspect of baseball can expose you for every mistake you make,” he said. “I don't know if Brian will play sports at the next level, but I am pleased that he ranks sixth in his class with a 4.6 GPA. His future is between his ears.”

Donnie's sons are familiar with their father's athletic success.

“My dad never talks about himself, but I've read all his newspaper clippings,” Brian said. “He is such a positive role model. After every game, he's the first one I call. I respect his view and input on more than just sports.”

Jeremy, who competes in basketball, tennis and surfing for Granite Hills, supports the football team each week. The Eagles (1-5) play at 7 p.m. Friday at Steele Canyon.

“I'm one of those bare-chested crazies in the stands with my brother's No. 44 painted in our school colors on my body,” said Jeremy. “That's an indication of how close our family is.”

The boys' uncle, Kent Paine, a 1978 Granite Hills alum, coaches the Eagles'secondary.

Gillespie Field and Cajon Speedway are long gone now. Granite Hills plays football on campus, where the field has new synthetic turf.

“To think that I'm able to play a small part in all that family history is an honor,” said Eagles head coach Randy DeWitt, a 1994 Granite Hills graduate. “I just wish I had more of those kinds of families as the Carrolls.”