Cass Tech Continues to Inspire

April 13, 2012

The Detroit Cass Tech football team was one of the most-celebrated champions from the 2011 MHSAA Football Finals after winning its first title with a convincing 49-13 victory over Detroit Catholic Central.

The Technicians will be honored again later this month with the Inspiring Story/Event Award from the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation. 

The Governor's Fitness Awards annually recognize individuals, public officials and organizations committed to healthy living. The Inspiring Story Award is a special recognition given this season in honor of the Technicians, who entered the postseason unranked and also added to the victory's mystique by walking to Ford Field instead of busing in from the school's campus less than a mile away.

Cass Tech will be honored at the annual banquet April 26 at Ford Field. Click for additional details.

PHOTO courtesy of Terry McNamara Photography.

Be the Referee: Football Holding

By Sam Davis
MHSAA Director of Officials

August 27, 2024

Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment – Football Holding - Listen

In football, it’s often said that holding happens on every play. But does it?

When an offensive player uses their hands or arms to illegally restrain a defensive player – that’s holding. This typically happens when blockers grab or pull defensive players away from their path – impeding their ability to make a play. The penalty is 10 yards from the previous spot.

Defensive players can be flagged for holding as well. That’s also a 10-yard penalty. An example of defensive holding is when a cornerback grabs a receiver to slow him down before the ball is thrown. If that same contact happens while the pass is in the air – then it’s pass interference. Defensive pass interference is a 15-yard penalty.

PHOTO A football official signals holding during a 2023 game. (Photo by Gary Shook.)