#TBT: Watervliet, Coloma Make it 100
August 24, 2017
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
On a cloudy August night in 2009, with overcast skies similar to what many across Michigan are seeing this afternoon, Coloma and Watervliet played the 100th game of what continues to be one of the longest series in MHSAA football history.
Coloma won that 2009 season opener 21-12, at the time its 10th straight victory over the rival Panthers. But Watervliet ended the streak the following fall, winning 34-6 in 2010, and has won all four meetings since – the teams didn’t play each other from 2012-14.
Watervliet leads the series 66-34-6 and won last year’s game 66-26. Their matchup ranks 13th in MHSAA history for most games played between two teams. Watervliet hosts Coloma in Week 9 this season, Oct. 20.
PHOTO: Watervliet helmet signs line one end of the field prior to the team’s game against Coloma in 2009. (Photo by John Johnson.)
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.)