If you are planning to attend, watch, or stream a high school football game in Missouri, one of the most common questions is simple: how long does a high school football game last? The answer depends on rules, level of play, and game flow, but there is a reliable average you can expect.
High school football in Missouri is governed by the Missouri State High School Activities Association, commonly known as MSHSAA. The organization sets the rules, schedules, and structure for games across the state, including varsity, junior varsity, and middle school competition.
Average Length of a High School Football Game
Most high school football games last about two to two and a half hours from kickoff to final whistle.
If you are asking how long do high school football games last in real time, this includes:
- Four quarters
- Halftime
- Timeouts
- Clock stoppages for penalties and injuries
Many fans asking how long is a high school football game or how long does a hs football game last are surprised to learn that high school games are usually shorter than college or NFL games.
High School Football Quarter Length Explained
One major reason games are shorter is the clock structure.
High school football uses four 12-minute quarters. That means the total game clock is 48 minutes. This answers common searches like:
- high school football quarter length
- how long is a quarter in high school football
- how long is a quarter in football high school
The clock stops less often than in college football, which helps keep games moving.
What Can Make a Game Longer or Shorter?
Even with the same rules, no two games last exactly the same amount of time.
Game length can change based on:
- Number of incomplete passes
- Penalties and reviews
- Injuries on the field
- Long halftime ceremonies
- Close scores that lead to overtime
If you are wondering what time do high school football games end, most Friday night games wrap up between 9:30 and 10:00 PM, depending on kickoff time.
High School Football Overtime Rules
Overtime is one of the biggest variables in total game length.
Under high school football overtime rules, teams alternate possessions starting at a set yard line. There is no game clock during overtime, so a single overtime period can add 10 to 20 minutes.
This applies to searches like:
- hs football overtime rules
- high school overtime rules
If a game remains tied, additional overtime periods are played until a winner is decided.
Is There a Mercy Rule in High School Football?
Yes. Many states, including Missouri, follow a mercy rule.
If the score reaches a certain point difference, the clock may run continuously to shorten the game. This answers a common question: is there a mercy rule in high school football? The goal is player safety, not extending game time unnecessarily.
How Long Are JV and Freshman Football Games?
Junior varsity and freshman games are usually shorter than varsity games.
Typical answers:
- how long are jv football games: about 1.5 to 2 hours
- how long is a junior varsity football game: often four 10-minute quarters
- how long do junior varsity football games last: depends on local rules
- how long is a freshman football game: similar to JV timing
These games are designed for development, not long broadcasts.
Middle School and Junior High Football Game Length
Middle school and junior high games are even shorter.
If you are searching:
- how long does a middle school football game last
- how long do middle school football games last
- how long is a middle school football game
- how long is a junior high football game
The answer is usually 60 to 90 minutes, with shorter quarters and running clocks.
What Is a Football Jamboree?
A football jamboree is a preseason event where teams play shortened segments instead of full games.
This explains searches like:
- football jamboree meaning
- whats a jamboree in football
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If you want to know how long is a jamboree football game, most are broken into short quarters or controlled scrimmage periods that last under an hour per team.
8-Man Football Rules and Timing
Some Missouri schools play 8-man football.
Under 8 man football rules and NFHS 8 man football rules, the game structure is similar, but fields are smaller and play moves faster. This often makes games slightly shorter than standard 11-man games.
Missouri High School Football and MSHSAA
Missouri high school football is regulated by MSHSAA, the Missouri State High School Activities Association.
MSHSAA oversees:
- Game rules and regulations
- Football schedules and playoffs
- Coaching requirements
- Official handbooks and manuals
You can find official information on:
- mshsaa.org
- mshsaa.org football
- missouri state high school activities association
MSHSAA football playoffs and championship games may run longer due to media coverage and ceremony.
Watching Games Live and Online
Many fans now watch games online instead of attending in person.
Popular options include:
- mshsaa tv
- mshsaa.tv
- mshsaa tv live stream
- mshsaa tv live stream free (availability varies)
- mshsaa tv app
- mshsaa live scores and scoreboard
Tickets for in-person games are also managed through MSHSAA, including mshsaa football tickets and mshsaa basketball tickets.
Common Misspellings and Search Variations
Many people search using variations like mssha, mahsaa, mishsaa, mshssa, mshaa football, or mhsaa football rules. These usually refer to MSHSAA or similar state athletic associations. The correct organization for Missouri is MSHSAA.
Frequently Asked Questions About High School Football Game Length
How long does a high school football game usually last?
A high school football game usually lasts about two to two and a half hours. This includes four quarters, halftime, and normal clock stoppages.
How long are high school football quarters?
High school football quarters are 12 minutes long, for a total of 48 minutes of game clock time.
What time do high school football games end?
Most games that start at 7:00 PM end between 9:30 and 10:00 PM, though overtime or delays can extend that time.
How long are JV football games?
JV football games typically last 90 minutes to two hours, depending on quarter length and whether a running clock is used.
How long does a middle school football game last?
A middle school football game usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes, with shorter quarters and fewer stoppages than varsity games.
Can high school football games go into overtime?
Yes. If the score is tied at the end of regulation, overtime rules apply, and the game can last longer depending on how many overtime periods are needed.
Is there a mercy rule in high school football?
Yes. Many states use a mercy rule that allows the clock to run continuously when a team has a large lead, helping shorten the game and protect players.
Final Takeaway
So, how long does a high school football game last?
For most Missouri games, expect two to two and a half hours. Varsity games last the longest, JV and freshman games are shorter, and middle school games are the quickest. Overtime, injuries, and special events can extend the night, but MSHSAA rules are designed to keep games efficient and safe.
Whether you are attending in person, watching on MSHSAA TV, or following live scores online, knowing the timing helps you plan your evening and enjoy the game more.