Harrison Briles was a three-year varsity tackle for the Napa High School Indians in 1936, 1937 and 1938. He was an All-North Bay League selection at tackle in 1937 and 1938. In addition to his hard-nosed play in the middle of the line, Briles was known for his booming kickoffs. The 1938 football team beat Vallejo for the first time since 1926 and scored against Vallejo for the first time since 1929 with Briles as a member of the squad. Some quotes about Briles from the pages of the Napa Register and the Napa Journal read: “Blocked a punt and recovered for touchdown…” “Stonewall on defense. Best in the game…” “Almost deheaded the Santa Rosa Panther single-handed…” “Only a sophomore and gummed up more plays than any three fellows on the field…” “Vicious tackling forward wall headed by Harrison Briles…” “Bulwark at tackle…” But Briles also competed in basketball and track while at Napa High School. He went on to Stockton Junior College where he helped his team win the league championship in 1940. As with so many athletes of this era, World War II ended his college athletic career.
