Question Regarding End of Down

[raiderfan]

I had a play this year. High School. 2nd and 7 yards. A1 running and drops the ball after gaining 4 yards. B1 tries to pick it up { sort of like palming a basketball }and run ,only he is spragging the ball on the ground. His right hand ends up pushing the ball into the turf while he tries to stop his forward motion. He gains control of his feet and begins to pick up the football. Gets it off the ground and smash... A & B players have caught up with the play and the ball is loose on the ground. A2 is sprawled on the ground , reaches out and pulls the ball underneath. I blow the whistle and mark the spot where A2 has the ball. As it turned out , the line to gain was crossed and A team gets the 1st down. During post game , one of the crew asks about this play and if the line to gain is not crossed,would it be 3rd down or would A be given a new set of downs because B possessed the ball, then lost it.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by raiderfan

would it be 3rd down or would A be given a new set of downs because B possessed the ball, then lost it.

That's why we are paid. Use the rules, approved rulings, and your experience to rule accordingly.