How Long Does a High School Football Game Last?

William Nwokoji

This Article was Reviewed by The Chief Editor, Godfrey

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How long does a high school football game last? The answer is 2 1/2 hours. A typical high school football game should last for 2 1/2 hours on an average. 

But the realistic answer to how long a high school football game lasts depends on several factors including but not limited to the location and the game.

In this blog post we will give you a detailed answer to your question, keep reading to find out more.

How Long is a Football Match?

How long is a football match? This question is asked mostly by people either watching or attending a football match for the very first time. And no this question is not out of place, to answer your question, a basic football match lasts a total of 90 minutes.

The 90 minutes is made up of 45 minutes for each half known as half time,

In the middle of the game, there is a 15-minute break known as ‘half-time’. However, the actual amount of time that the ball is in play is much less than this.

 According to a study by the International Association Football Federation (FIFA), the average amount of time that the ball is in play in a professional football match is only 54 minutes. This is because of stoppages for injuries, substitutions, and other delays.

For the NFL football game, the average time it takes for a game is a little over 3 hours, college football on the other hand takes an average of over 31/2 hours. 

From these deductions a highschool football match will last significantly less than that of the college football or NFL.

Instead of the 15-minute break that is normal and typical with the regular football game, the highschool football game takes a 12- minutes break.

  The entire length of the game is increased by 10-20 minutes halftimes in between the second and third quarter as well as timeouts and penalties.

Highschool football games are divided into four 12-minute halves, with the second and third halves separated by a halftime. 

The length of the halftime show might range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the high school and the particular performance.

Therefore, a high school football game should run approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. However, there are other elements that can impact the game’s duration, such as:

  • The score’s closeness. When the score is tight, plays take up more time and stoppages take up less time.
  • the number of wounds. The game will be paused more frequently if there are more injuries, which will increase its overall time.
  • the climate. The game may be postponed or perhaps called off if the weather is terrible, which will clearly cut it short.
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High school football games can last for quite a while despite generally being shorter than college or NFL games. Be careful to allow additional time for halftime and other breaks if you intend to watch a high school football game.

How Many Minutes is a High School Football Game?

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A high school football game is divided into four 12-minute halves, with the second and third halves separated by a halfway break. 

According to the game clock, a high school football game lasts 48 minutes. However, the time of a high school football game can differ based on a variety of variables, including:

  • how long the halftime show will last
  • The total number of timeouts and penalties
  • The score’s closeness
  • Any harms sustained

A high school football game typically lasts between two and two and a half hours. It is typical for games to go over this time limit, especially when they are close or when there are numerous injuries.

According to various criteria, the following is a breakdown of the typical length of a high school football game:

  • 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a typical halftime show.
  • with a lengthy halftime performance: two hours and thirty minutes
  • 2 hours, 45 minutes, with numerous penalties and timeouts
  • 3 hours in a close game
  • 3 hours and 30 minutes, many injuries.

These are, of course, merely averages, and a high school football game’s real length can vary greatly. It is a good idea to be ready for a long day if you intend to attend a high school football game.

How Long Does the High School Football Season Last?

From late August to early November, the high school football season normally lasts for around 10 weeks. The precise dates, however, may change based on the state and the school district.

A few scrimmages, which are unofficial games that let teams prepare for the regular season, usually kick off the season. 

The next 8–10 games make up the regular season, with each side playing both home and away games against each of its rivals.

The top teams in each state after the regular season qualify for the postseason. Each club plays a game each week throughout the single-elimination playoffs, which last until only one winner remains.

Depending on how far a team advances in the playoffs, the length of the high school football season might change overall. Football games for a squad that wins the state title could last up to 14 weeks.

The average schedule for a high school football season is broken down as follows:

  • August: Preseason workouts start.
  • Late August: The first games.
  • the opening game of the regular season.
  • The regular season ends in mid-November.
  • State playoffs start in late November.
  • The state championship game is in early December.

The actual dates may differ based on the state and the school system, however they are only basic recommendations.

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How Long Does a High School Soccer Game Last?

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An 80-minute high school soccer match is split into two 40-minute halves and includes a 10-minute halftime break. In the US, a high school soccer match typically lasts this long. State-to-state differences in the laws do exist, though. For instance, whereas some jurisdictions provide a 15-minute break at halftime, others only let a 5-minute break.

There might be additional stoppage time added to the end of each half in addition to the official playing time. 

Stoppage time is added to the game to make up for any delays caused by things like injuries, substitutions, or time wasters. 

The referee has discretion over how much stoppage time is added.

Thus, the overall playing time of a high school soccer match can range from 85 to 95 minutes. It is crucial to remember that this is only an average and that a game’s actual duration can change based on the situation. 

For instance, a game that is tight or has numerous injuries may go on longer than a game that is clearly in favor of one side.

The average length of a high school soccer match is broken down as follows:

  • 85 minutes, including a typical half-time break.
  • 90 minutes, including a lengthy halftime break.
  • 95 minutes, including a lot of stoppage time.
  • 90 minutes during a close game
  • 95 minutes with a lot of injuries

Here are some key moments that can affect the length of a high school football game:

  • The opening kickoff: The opening kickoff can set the tone for the rest of the game. If the receiving team returns the kickoff for a touchdown, the game is likely to be a close one.The opening kickoff is a significant moment in a high school football game. It is the first play of the game, and it can set the tone for the rest of the contest. If the receiving team returns the kickoff for a touchdown, it can give them a big momentum boost and put the other team on the defensive.

The opening kickoff is also a chance for the kicking team to establish their dominance. If they can kick the ball deep into the receiving team’s territory, it can force them to start their drive from a long way back. This can make it more difficult for them to score points, and it can give the kicking team a better chance of winning the game.

  • The first quarter: The first quarter is often the most exciting quarter of the game. Both teams are still fresh and trying to establish their dominance.In a high school football game, the opening quarter is frequently the most thrilling. Both squads are still young and attempting to assert their superiority. The team that performs well in the first quarter is frequently the team that prevails.

The first quarter is significant for a number of reasons. First of all, it is the only period in which both teams are fully staffed. Teams may begin to tire and commit more errors in the later quarters. Second, the opening quarter of a game is frequently the quarter with the most equitable matchups. The two teams are still getting to know one another and determining each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

  • The halftime show: The halftime show can be a long one, especially if there are a lot of performances.A well-liked tradition in high school football is the halftime show. The teams can take a break from the match, while the crowd can watch some entertainment. The duration, theme, and production quality of halftime presentations can all vary greatly.
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The school’s marching band performs during several halftime concerts. This is a well-liked choice because it enables the band to demonstrate their abilities and delight the audience. Other halftime performances include dance teams, cheerleading squads, or other student organizations. These concerts can be just as entertaining as those of the marching band, and they can also be an opportunity for the students to display their skills.

  • The fourth quarter: The fourth quarter is often the most dramatic quarter of the game. This is when the score is usually close and the outcome of the game is uncertain.In a high school football game, the fourth quarter frequently features the most dramatic plays. At this point, the score is frequently close and the result of the game is unpredictable. Teams must dig deep and discover their inner strength throughout the fourth quarter. It is now up to the players to create plays and the coaches to make calls that will determine the outcome of the match.

The fourth quarter is also when the crowd gets energized. Everything is possible when the game is on the line. The supporters are waiting impatiently for a miracle.

If you are planning on attending a high school football game, it is a good idea to be prepared for a long day. The game itself may only last two to two and a half hours, but the overall experience can be much longer. Be sure to bring plenty of food and drinks, and be prepared to sit through some stoppages in play.

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About the Chief Editor

Godfrey Ogbo, the Chief Editor and CEO of AtlanticRide, merges his environmental management expertise with extensive business experience, including in real estate. With a master's degree and a knack for engaging writing, he adeptly covers complex growth and business topics. His analytical approach and business insights enrich the blog, making it a go-to source for readers seeking thoughtful and informed content.

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