WebFire;1537950 wrote:The percentages actually say to go for it. I'll have to see if that is posted somewhere.
I have seen the percentage I think last year when this was getting talked about. To be honest, that really is only going to benefit the teams that usually are heads and shoulders above their opponants.
That always doesnt tell the whole story. There are so many variables.
Especially in HS where many times teams simply are just that much better than their opponants an average percentage can be manipulated by the games you are against teams that you just man handle.
You play two horrible teams. Go for it lets say 20 times on 4th down. Get it lets say 15 times.
What about when/IF you are matched up against a team that is comparable to yours and you get it only 2 of 10? A few times deep in your own territory and it gives them a short field, and they score? Over those 3 games yeah it may look great.....17-30 times and many extra scores, but overall it may cost you the game when it didnt work that well.
Our HS team has been extremely good, and I bet if our coach did that it would work alot of times, and I imagine the percentages would look pretty damned good. But those few games where the opponant is very strong.....you could very easilyl hose yourself!
You wont see this in the NFL, or even in the competitive CFB because the teams are more evenly matched.
Fact of th ematter is this...this team who does this is extremely good, and would be winning without doint it. Just like someone mentioned kenton (but they do punt some times). They would still be 12-0 without going for it alot and going for 2 every time. We have played kenton enough, and beaten them more than they have beaten us in the last 15 or so years, and I can tell you it hurt them a number of times and put them into a bad spot because of going for it.
Now...if you are midfield and greater.......I think the risk in HS is very minimal if you are a good team and go for it on 4th down. Our coach usually decided to punt and pin them back, and most times ended up with the bll back with better position, but if had chosed to go for it the scores woulda been more lopsided overall