I looked it up and Merrick's attempt was from 63 yards. He used the kickoff tee which is legal for this kick. It was long enough, but just wide left. Part of the problem as I remember there was the prolonged delay as the officials tried to figure out if they were going to let him do it. Coach Hilton had been made aware of this rule by Merrick's Dad and they were looking for opportunity to use it. Finally after several minutes they let him set up for kick and unfortunately the PA announcer said...."now if he makes this kick it will be a new state record....." probably did not help! LOL! Sure caused some excitement anyway!

 

I knew that it was at least 60. I do remember the delay. I think that they officials had been told before the game that if there was a chance that Bell was going to attempt it. So the officials were aware of it. It still took several minutes to get everything squared away. Thanks TL for the info.:thumb:

Ok let me get this straight:

 

The benefit of this rule is that you get a FG attempt that is set up as a kickoff like kick, meaning that the defense cannot block it? You should also be able to get more distance on it as well with this style of kick.

 

But, it's not "free" in the sense that if you don't make it you keep the ball, or you keep the ball even if you make it?

Free in the sense that the defense can't rush the kick. If you make it, then you get 3 points and then kick off to opposing team. If you miss, opposing team gets the ball.

Ok let me get this straight:

 

The benefit of this rule is that you get a FG attempt that is set up as a kickoff like kick, meaning that the defense cannot block it? You should also be able to get more distance on it as well with this style of kick.

 

But, it's not "free" in the sense that if you don't make it you keep the ball, or you keep the ball even if you make it?

 

A freethrow in basketball wouldn't be free either then (Unless there was a lane violation). It's more of a free chance.

Does the clock run on the kick?

That's a potential game changer rule. Great find!!!

Does the clock run on the kick?

 

Yes

I assume any kick that enters the end zone but doesn't go through the uprights is like a touchback and the defense gets the ball on the 20. Right?

I assume any kick that enters the end zone but doesn't go through the uprights is like a touchback and the defense gets the ball on the 20. Right?

 

From the stuff I read, it seems like they would treat it as a field goal on a miss. So, it seems that it would go to the 20.