Two weeks ago at the Meade County vs Central Hardin game, I witnessed 2 field goals that were kicked within 20 yards of the goal line. They were both misses. After the unsuccessful attempts, the ball was placed on the 20 yard line.

Why did this happen? Why didn't the defensive team take over at the line of scrimmage?

The ball on a field goal is a live ball that can be returned if it doesn't reach the goal line. Once it reaches the goal line it becomes dead and is considered a touch back and the ball is put back in play at the 20 yard line.

 

If the ball is badly missed and goes out of bounds on the sideline at the 3 yard line then the ball would be put back in play to the other team at the 3 yard line.

Two weeks ago at the Meade County vs Central Hardin game, I witnessed 2 field goals that were kicked within 20 yards of the goal line. They were both misses. After the unsuccessful attempts, the ball was placed on the 20 yard line.

Why did this happen? Why didn't the defensive team take over at the line of scrimmage?

 

A field goal is considered a scrimmage kick, and is thus no different from a punt. If the ball goes into the end zone, it is a dead ball, and a touchback...non kicking team takes over at the 20. If the ball doesn't reach the end zone, it is a live ball and will be spotted where it becomes dead (where it goes out of bounds, is downed by the kicking or receiving team, or returned to by the receiving team). This is another rule that is different in HS than in college and/or the pro's.

So you should have your best athlete stand within 5 yards of the goal line on a long FG, I guess?, Right

It is actually a rule that Coach Wallace at BGHS (and I am sure many other coaches) has used quite well. If you know for sure that your field goal kicker can at least get it to end zone from 40 or more it is a smart move to attempt. It gives you a chance at 3 points but if you miss, opposing team has to go 80 yards.

 

The only negative about that train of thought is chance of a bad snap but you would have same chance of a bad snap on a punt. For whatever reason, most coaches will choose to punt. If you have a kicker with enough leg - go for the 3. If he misses, it is as good as a punt.