Anytime a blowout makes headlines it is often cause for scrutiny and It seems like each case can be looked at differently.

Common adult concepts I have seen from early before the half running clocks have included

Winning:

Method 1: Pull starters early, Keep the play calling the same.

Varsity the entire 1st half, they need reps too. Sometimes the 1st drive out of the half.

JV 3rd Quarter

Frosh 4th Quarter (If the level is still not even.)

I understand this one. You run the plays you run, you pull your guys, I get it. Maybe your play calling becomes more conservative, but maybe not. I at least see the sportsmanship coupled with still running your program. I mean you can't just take a knee every play, its not fair to the younger guys either.

Cons: you can still appear to run the score up.

Method 2: Pull Starters after a set amount of points (35, 42, etc)

Varsity until you are up 35 (Running Clock)

JV/Frosh after that. Usually conservative play calling at least.

Cons: Sometimes this is against such a bad team your offense gets little work at all. I was at a game last year with three TD off of Punt return (2 blocks, 1 returned, and 2 Returns for a TD) This game was 42-0 after the 1st quarter and the Offense ran 3 plays for 3 TD.

If there are other methods Please share. I do think its important for a coach to have a philosophy on this before the occasion arises. You do not want fly by the seat of your pants and not be able to justify after the heat of the moment.

Losing:

Method 1: Keep your guys in and get competitive in the game. pretty self explanatory.

Methods 2: Slowly sub your JV guys in. The Varsity guys get mad, but you could very simply say " your game is over at 35-0, let the young guys get work in."

Can also run the play clock down after every play to drain clock and shorten game.

Winning side - I believe Method 1 is the way to go.

Losing side - Get the second team at least one series on both sides of the ball.

I like method 1.

Starters don’t get much out of beating the life out of somebody.

Get young guys reps as it’s a long season. And don’t get starters hurt in garbage time.