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.

Unforgettable 5ive: 2021 Football Playoff Week 4

By Jon Ross
MHSAA Director of Broadcast Properties

November 26, 2021

Here's a look at our Playoff Week 4 "Unforgettable 5ive" from MHSAA.tv and MHSAA media partner broadcasts:

► Brent LaBonte throws the 48-yard touchdown pass to Luke Gorzinski as Powers North Central wins a second-straight 8-Player Division 2 championship, beating Colon 63-0. 

► Adrian Lenawee Christian's Ashur Bryja scores on an 11-yard run to give his team the lead in its 8-Player Division 1 championship win. The Cougars defeated Suttons Bay 31-20. 

► Hudson came back from 22 down to defeat Ottawa Lake Whiteford 28-22. Bronson Marry scored the game winner.   

► Lawton's Landon Motter converted the two-point conversion with 46 seconds left to give his team a 21-20 win over Jackson Lumen Christi. 

► Teshawn Thomas scores on a 46-yard run for Warren Michigan Collegiate in its 36-29 win over Michigan Center.