Let's Get Ready for Ford Field

November 27, 2013

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

The MHSAA fall sports season will close this weekend with our most popular Finals as 16 teams play for eight 11-player football championships Friday and Saturday at Ford Field. 

Here's a little something we cooked up to help you recall last season's games and prepare for another trip to Michigan high school football's biggest stage. Second Half previews on all eight Finals will be posted later today.

Be the Referee: Football Rules Differences

By Sam Davis
MHSAA Director of Officials

August 23, 2023

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 Rules Differences - Listen

The first week of the high school football season is always exciting … and sometimes confusing. Here are some – not all – differences between the high school game and what you see on Saturdays and Sundays.

In high school, there is no such thing as an uncatchable ball when judging pass interference. It is a penalty if there is illegal contact, whether the ball is catchable or not.

In overtime, high school teams start with the ball at the 10-year line – not the 25 like in college. And in high school overtime, you are only able to get a first down via penalty. And, at no time is a high school team required to go for two points.

And on extra point plays, if the defense gains possession, the try is over. The defense cannot return the ball for two points.