Running clock, boy was it ever!

[mr.stimson]

I officiated for four years. Now I am in my first year coaching at the high school level. If this was a lopsided freshman football game, the officials will run the clock after the half on their own. For Varsity, both coaches would be asked if it was o.k. Obviously the coach on the losing end agreed, or he would have raised a fuss.

[schmitty1973]

Worst I ever saw was 82-0. The winning team only had 1 first down the whole game, that's because the losing team only made 1 tackle.

[BoomerSooner]

Originally Posted by schmitty1973

Worst I ever saw was 82-0. The winning team only had 1 first down the whole game, that's because the losing team only made 1 tackle.

Touchdowns count statistically as first downs. So they had to have had more than 1.

[HawkeyeCubP]

Originally Posted by BoomerSooner

Touchdowns count statistically as first downs. So they had to have had more than 1.

Really? I've never kept statistics, but that seems strange to me. Acheiving the "line to gain" and being awarded a "1st down" are two completely different things in my mind. One usually follows the other, yes, but not when the line to gain is the goal line.

[Forksref]

We had one last Monday night, JV game, where it was 42-0 at the half and probably 35 degrees temp. The winning coach suggested shortening the quarters to 10 min. and the losing coach agreed. Along with the mercy rule, it was a nice quick second half and everyone was happy with that.

[Texas Aggie]

In Texas, there is a mercy rule for 6 man football games. Some states play 8 man, but here we play 6 man (80 yard field; 3 on the line; everyone eligible; required exchange before run) in both public and private organizations. After one team is leading by at least 45 after the half, the game is called. My first varsity game this year, we left at halftime. It was 60-something with a couple of minutes left in the first half, and we didn't stop the clock on some first downs late.

I knew we were in for a short game when the first play from scrimmage went about 55 yards untouched for a TD.

[parepat]

In Ohio we are forbidden from running a continuous clock. We are to shorten quarters by agreement of the coaches. Problem is, the ego of the losing coach will usually not let them do it. Running clock would be much more effective.