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 3

By Jon Ross
MHSAA Director of Broadcast Properties

November 17, 2021

Here's a look at our Playoff Week 3 "Unforgettable 5ive" from MHSAA.tv and MHSAA media partner broadcasts:

► Mason's Cason Carswell finds Dylan Badgley for the game-winning score with 10 seconds to play in a 20-17 win over Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice.

► Jason Skoczylas blocks a Detroit Country Day game-winning field goal attempt and then returns it 50 yards for a game-winning touchdown as Chelsea defeated the Yellowjackets 27-20.

► Sterling Heights Stevenson's Jordan Ramsey returns the fumble 90 yards for a touchdown in a 27-20 win over Macomb Dakota.  

Griffin Henke scores from one yard out for Rochester Adams as it edged reigning Division 1 champion West Bloomfield, 14-13.

Suttons Bay's Shawn Bramer finishes the hook-and-ladder for a 69-yard game-tying score as his team went on to defeat Rudyard 42-36 in overtime.