High School Football Weekend-Week 5

FRIDAY

This past Friday night was kind of different. Because of Hurricane Ike last week the weather in Ohio wasn't that great. Several thousands of homes were without power and so were schools.

By the time Friday came around most of the schools had power restored. However as far as our game was concerned, the host school was still affected. So the host school ended up being the visiting school since the game got moved from the home school to the visiting schools field. Confused yet?

So we all get to the locker room as usual and have our pregame. Then we hit the field. We have a pretty competitive game in the first half and of course we had to focus, but maybe a little more so with some option being run. For those of you that don't understand why, sometimes these Qbs hide the ball so well that you have to make sure you see leather before you blow that whistle. One minute you think the half/fullback has the ball and then next thing you know the Qb is running up the field with ball. Don't want any inadvertent whistles.

At halftime I had to use the bathroom amongst the fans from both teams. Fans from both sides are telling me good job and good calls on specific ones that I made. Don't hear that every day. The new home team takes control of the game in the second half and pull out the victory.

We head to the locker, shower, and go out to eat at a place we haven't been before. Then it's off to home and already thinking about our next game which is the next day.

SATURDAY




On this day we have a Saturday night game between two of the top teams in the state. Joining us for our pregame in the locker room we have a guest fellow referee that we respect and will honestly share his feedback on our performance.

Time to hit the field and speak to the coaches. A few minutes later we get the captains for the coin toss, then check the game balls, and speak with the ball boys.

Let me tell you, the atmosphere was electric. Great weather and night for high school football. Tons of fans and they are abnormally loud. So loud for the opening kickoff that I needed to cover my ears.

This is one of those games that you have to be in shape to officiate. These guys did not give us a break. Both teams running no huddle offenses and one of them literally ready to snap as soon as the whistle is blown ready for play. The score was 17-14 at the end of the first quarter.

I had two flags in the game and a couple of other tough calls.

The first tough call came when the home team completed a pass to an open receiver for about a 10 yard pass with a lot of room on the sideline to run. He takes off running up the edge, avoids a couple of tacklers and just steps on the out of bounds line right in front of his team's bench. Then the fans start to boo. Comes with the territory.

Other tough call was when the visitors had the ball and the Qb throws a long pass on my sideline. I had to stay somewhat short and watch the action with another receiver. Then the ball is up in the air. Our Back Judge cheats over a little bit and helps on the play. Looking at the ball at how it was traveling, I thought for certain it was headed out of bounds and no way it would be caught in bounds. I take off to head up field and watch the defender as he reaches out and catches the football and gets down not one, but two feet. I look at the Back Judge and we both have an interception. This is why you have to be focused and ready for anything. As a wingman we have the sideline all the way to the goal line.

These two teams were up and down the field all night. As stated above the score was 17-14 at the end of the first quarter with the home team leading. By the end of the first half the visitors tied it up 24-24.

Halftime we go over a few things as a crew and discuss any questions or comments the coaches may have expressed to us.







Second half more of the same. These teams are up and down the field and executing the no huddle offenses effectively. So many big plays in this game so we were doing a lot of running. Fun game to officiate. Home team ended up winning 52-31 but the game was closer than the final score showed.

We hit the locker room, cool down, and discuss the game. Our guest ref contributes and provides some good feedback and we are appreciative. Time to go out to eat but I can't join the guys this night. Don't want to be in the doghouse with the Mrs.

Back at it again next Friday and back to doing college ball on Saturday.

Back to back nights of well played football. It was a privilege to be a part of and to officiate!