How Long Is Overtime in High School Football?
High school football games can be incredibly intense, often leading to a tie at the end of regulation time. In such cases, overtime periods are used to determine a winner. Overtime in high school football follows slightly different rules than the professional level, and it is essential to understand how the process works. In this article, we will answer some common questions about how long overtime lasts in high school football.
1. What is the duration of a high school football game?
A typical high school football game consists of four quarters, with each quarter being 12 minutes long.
2. How does overtime work in high school football?
If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, overtime periods are used to determine a winner.
3. How long is each overtime period?
In high school football, each overtime period is typically 10 minutes long.
4. How many overtime periods can be played?
High school football allows for an unlimited number of overtime periods until a winner is determined.
5. What happens if the game is still tied after the first overtime period?
If the game is still tied after the first overtime period, additional 10-minute periods are played until a winner is decided.
6. When does a team get possession of the ball in overtime?
In high school football, both teams have an equal opportunity to possess the ball in each overtime period.
7. How is possession determined in overtime?
Possession in overtime is determined a coin toss. The winner of the coin toss can choose whether to start with offense or defense.
8. How is the ball placed on the field at the start of overtime?
The ball is placed on the opponent’s 10-yard line at the start of each overtime period.
9. How many plays does each team get in overtime?
Each team gets one possession consisting of a series of four downs to attempt to score.
10. Will there be a kickoff in overtime?
In high school football, there are no kickoffs in overtime. The ball is simply placed on the opponent’s 10-yard line to begin each possession.
11. What happens if a team scores a touchdown in overtime?
If a team scores a touchdown in overtime, they will attempt a two-point conversion immediately after the touchdown.
12. Can a team kick a field goal in overtime?
Yes, a team can attempt a field goal in overtime, and if successful, they will be awarded three points.
13. What happens if one team scores a touchdown and the other team kicks a field goal?
If one team scores a touchdown and the other team kicks a field goal in the same overtime period, the team that scored a touchdown will be declared the winner.
14. What happens if the score remains tied after each team’s possession in an overtime period?
If the score remains tied after each team’s possession in an overtime period, another overtime period will be played until a winner is determined.
In high school football, overtime periods can be thrilling and unpredictable. With each team getting an equal opportunity to possess the ball, the duration of each overtime period is crucial. Understanding the rules of overtime in high school football ensures that players, coaches, and fans are aware of what to expect if a game extends beyond regulation time. So, the next time you find yourself at a high school football game that goes into overtime, you’ll have a better understanding of how long the game might last and what the rules entail.
