In PA (and most states) you have a mercy rule, a running clock in the second half when a team is up by 35 or more.
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I can’t believe they would do that beyond pee-wee football!
I’ve never heard of such a rule, so I question your “most states” comment. Not saying you’re wrong, but just questioning what you said.
Texas HS football is played by the rules. If a team gets trounced, it’s within the rules of a full game.
Aledo HS was playing bench warmers through the 2nd half and calling running plays (to run the clock; not to run up the score). The opponents just couldn’t stop them.
Again, high school players are just kids. No one needs to see slaughters prolonged.
If you look up “mercy rule” on Wikipedia, it says that 34 states use it in HS football. It also gives examples where coaches have mutually agreed to use it in the NCAA.
It’s not a bad thing.