Barretta attended St. John Neumann High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
[2][3] He led the Warriors to a 10–0 record his junior year in 1985, recording 23 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, and 548 rushing yards while earning Associated Press (AP) honorable mention Little All-American honors.
[3] His 32 total touchdowns set a school record while his 2,875 total offensive yards set a school record and also led NCAA Division III that season.
[2] He played in four games for the Pittsburgh Gladiators of the Arena Football League (AFL) in 1989, totaling eight completions on 11 attempts for 161 yards and three touchdowns.
[4] The Gladiators finished with a 3–5 record and lost to the Detroit Drive in the first round of the playoffs.