Menominee football's Hofer retires

June 11, 2012

Longtime Menominee football coach Ken Hofer retired today. He finished with a career record of 342-136-3 and led his team to three MHSAA championships.

But he is best known as the state's guru of the single win offense, which doesn't include a traditional quarterback and puzzled opponents who almost always hadn't seen the attack until running into the Maroons in the playoffs.

From Menominee Area Public Schools:

Ken Hofer, Head Varsity Football Coach of the Menominee Maroons, has announced his retirement today.

Coach Hofer first took control of the Maroon Football program in 1966, and led it to 300+ wins in 41 seasons at the helm, including MHSAA championships in 1998, 2006 and 2007.

More importantly, Menominee High School students and the greater Menominee community have been the beneficiaries of his work with young people. Coach Hofer served as teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, coach and mentor in his association with the school. He had helped to shape the adult lives of hundreds of young people through the years. The students, staff, administration and Board of Education of the Menominee Area Public Schools join in congratulating Coach Hofer on his outstanding service to young people. His impact has been felt for generations, and his legacy will continue to inspire students into the future.

--Erik Bergh, Superintendent

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.)