2026 Football Under-Varsity Timing/Special Rules

9-Player Schools

Houston, Grand Meadow, Lanesboro, Spring Grove, Mabel-Canton, Kingsland, Wabasha-Kellogg, Bethlehem Academy, AC/GE, LeRoy-Ostrander, Lyle-Pacelli (JH only)

JV games: 10 minute quarters with standard timing. All rules are the same as varsity.

JH games: 8 minute quarters with standard timing of start/stop like a varsity game.

• A kicked extra point counts 2 points and a run or pass for extra point counts 1 point. If no goal posts are available, the extra point counts 2 points.
• 1 point for running/passing a conversion.
• Only down linemen (up to 5) will be allowed to rush the JH passer. Blitzing will not be allowed in SEC junior high football. Blitzing is defined as: a planned action by a defensive player(s) normally in a linebacker or defensive back position to cross the line of scrimmage in an attempt to get to the QB or runner behind the line of scrimmage. No defensive player standing (not in a 3 or 4-point stance) on the line of scrimmage or lined up anywhere off the line of scrimmage, will be allowed to blitz the quarterback. Once the quarterback has handed the ball off, anyone can cross the line to make a tackle. There will be a 5 yard penalty and replay the down.
• The spirit and intent of the rules is to only have down defensive linemen on the LOS between offensive tackles rush the QB before they hand the ball off.

Mid-South Schools A and AA

Fillmore Central, Blooming Prairie, Lewiston-Altura, Southland, Hayfield, Medford

JV/B-games: 12 minute quarters with standard timing. All rules are the same as varsity.

JH games: 15 minute quarters with running time.

• Stop timing with standard timing during the last 2 minutes of each half, team TO’s, and injuries.
• 7th grade only - one coach may be on the field.

Southeast Central Schools AA, AAA, and AAAA

Austin, Cannon Falls, Lourdes, Chatfield, Kenyon-Wanamingo, Triton, Goodhue, Cotter, LaCrescent, Lake City, PEM, Pine Island, Red Wing, Z-M, Dover-Eyota, St. Charles, Caledonia, Rushford-Peterson

JV/B-games: 12 minute quarters with standard timing. All rules are the same as varsity.

C-games: 10 minute quarters with standard timing. All rules are the same as varsity.

JH games: 15 minute quarters with running time.

• Stop timing with standard timing during the last 2 minutes of each half, team TO’s, and injuries.
• The clock stops after scores and is not restarted until the ensuing kickoff is legally touched by the kickers or receivers.
• 3 time-outs per half.
• Halftime shall be 5 minutes.
• For 7th grade only, one coach may stay on the field to organize and instruct players. Once the play is ready to begin, the on-field coach must step back and not coach during the play.

Big Southeast Schools AAAA and AAAAA

Stewartville, Byron, Kasson-Mantorville, Winona, John Marshall, Mayo, Century

JV games: 12 minute quarters with standard timing. All rules are the same as varsity.

9th grade games: 12 minute quarters with standard timing. All rules are the same as varsity.

JH games: 15 minute quarters with running time.

• Stop timing with standard timing during the last 2 minutes of each half, team TO’s, and injuries.
• The clock stops after scores and is not restarted until the ensuing kickoff is legally touched by the kickers or receivers.
• 2 time-outs per half.
• No OT, game ends in a tie.
• Blitzing: Teams may blitz one player. If a team is up by 20 points, they can no longer blitz. Once the lead drops below 20 points, the team may blitz again.
• Punts: Team must declare punt/NO FAKE PUNT. Punting team may send 2 gunners and center on the snap. All other players are allowed to move once the ball leaves the punter’s foot. If the punter does not catch the ball, the punt will be made where the punter picks up the ball. No players are allowed to rush the punter.
• Extra Points: One or two point conversions are allowed. If kicking extra point - NO RUSHING.