You won the opening coin toss...

[JChipwood]

Defer, very good points here. Last year in youth ball we didn't give up a point and our strategy was usually give them the ball. On fourth and 15 or 20 we usually were sitting pretty. Of course punting is a task at that age level and if successful the punt is still very returnable and not far from the original line of scrimmage. Ball control teams (running) really benefit from the deferral b/c they have the opportunity to control the clock in the third qtr which is, imo, the most important qtr of the ballgame. I totally agree with the official being more considerate of dealing with young nerves in hs ball. Coach saying he wants to "kick" probably means defer but emotions of the pre-game cause kids especially to become less level headed than normal. Maybe in a situation as a huge underdog you take the ball and try to make something happen early to gain momentum but as a huge underdog it usually doesn't matter in the end.

4ever, I was there and you are right on with your post.

d&c, great post!

swamisez, That was a great win if it was the year I am thinking. Way to rep the SEOAL.