FAQs

  1. Can a football player also participate in marching band in the fall? Yes. That's really impressive.


  1. Do I need my physical forms turned in— with all signatures included—before I can attend practice in the fall? Yes. Mandatory. No exceptions. Both Brandon clinics offer physicals. Take care of this simple requirement. We care about your health first.


  1. How does BV Football promote safety? All coaches take yearly courses on concussions, first aid, and prevention/care of sports injuries. Accordingly, we coach proper techniques to all our student-athletes. Our training staff has authority and does an exceptional job caring for our student-athletes' health needs.


  1. How many classes do I have to pass to be eligible to play football? You must pass 4 classes the previous spring to be eligible to play football— or participate in any school activities—in the fall.


  1. Will we practice on any Sundays in the fall? Yes. Those rare Sunday practices should occur during only the weeks that we have a game on Thursday night.


  1. Can I buy my own mouthpiece, chin strap, helmet, girdle? Yes, some players have done that; however, these equipment items are provided. Also, all player-purchased equipment must meet standards; for example, helmets must go through the reconditioning/approval process. BV Football does provide quality equipment to athletes.


  1. How many fundraising cards should I sell? Your program really benefits when you sell 20, when every player sells 20. A student named Kellen sold 150 one season to set the record, so 20 is certainly doable. These cards are great deals; they sell themselves, really. People make money by using them. Heading out to sell in your neighborhood before blitz night is a really intelligent move. (Blitz night is when we all set time aside to drive around the communities to finish the card-selling process.)


  1. What does "JV" mean? "JV" stands for "junior varsity". This team is comprised of sophomores and juniors. JV games typically take place on Mondays after school. Some JV players will also play in varsity games on Thursdays (which are rare), Fridays, or Saturdays.


  1. When does the freshmen team play games? Typically, freshmen games are on Thursdays after school. Usually, freshmen will watch film of their games on Fridays before light workouts to help their bodies recover from the game the previous day.


  1. Can freshmen play with the junior varsity or varsity? Yes, but freshmen participating with the junior varsity or varsity is uncommon. Sometimes, the varsity roster will need a lift in certain position groups, so one or more freshmen may be called upon. Sometimes, freshmen are invited to join the varsity roster after their own freshmen season is over.


  1. Can I be "benched" for conduct deemed detrimental to the team? Definitely. For example, our principals have prevented student-athletes from traveling to games for objectionable conduct in school on the days those games are to be played. Also, our coaches have demoted players for insubordination to teachers and principals. Football is a means toward learning life lessons. Football participation is also a privilege, not necessarily a right. We are lucky to be able to have the opportunity to participate in such a fun, rewarding program. And an enormous percentage of our student-athletes take full advantage of that wonderful opportunity.


  1. What do I do if I have a conflict? Coach Christensen has always said student-athletes should develop self-advocacy, following a "chain of command" approach. Speak with your position coach first. Then, if not resolved, speak with your coordinator (offensive or defensive). Then, if not resolved, speak with our head coach. Then, if not resolved, speak with our activities director. Conflict resolution is a major component of maturity. So is advocating for oneself.


  1. What is a core role to focus on? A great program layout for player roles:
    —Freshmen year: Be coachable
    —Sophomore year: Understand the process
    —Junior year: Set the example
    —Senior year: Leave a legacy


  1. In the winter, what should I do if I don't play basketball or wrestle? Join the powerlifting team. Compete in the meets. Build your mind, body, spirit. Football programs that show up with armies of powerlifters typically do very well in football during the fall. Lifting can help prevent injuries, too.


  1. In the spring, why should I run track if I'm not fast? To become faster. To compete. To contribute to a team. All of which fortifies you. We have seen track participation help athletes make major gains.


  1. What does BV Football offer in the summer? Details, dates, and signup forms are sent out each February or March. Team weightlifting will occur four mornings per week with Sanford POWER's Charley Smook. Additional mid-day weightlifting time frames may be provided by BV Powerlifting Coach Adam Bobzien. We utilize the cooler evenings for summer football activities. We offer sessions for Elementary athletes (3rd & 4th grades). We host our own weekly camps & indy workouts at BVHS for BVIS (5th & 6th grades), BVMS (7th & 8th grades), and BVHS (9th-12th grades). Grades 9-12 attend Augustana's Legends Camp, which happens during the third week of June. We also send groups to Riggs Premier Football Academy, and participate in the Riggs Rise Above the Region 7 on 7 Tournament during the last week of July. Following SDHSAA rules, no activities of any kind will take place from July 1—July 7.

MOMS NIGHT QUESTIONS:

How can I get involved? Contact the football booster parents.


Help me learn how to watch more of game other than the football And my son. I miss so many other things. Watch the lines collide. Are gaps opening or not?


What is the most important characteristic you want to see in your players? Commitment to team above self. It's the ultimate team game.


Aside from winning on the scoreboard (which is great), how do you as a coaching staff acknowledge other wins? Always try to promote and acknowledge the Lynx Way set forth by Dr. Jarod Larson: Safe, Active Learners, Respectful, Responsible, Kind. Point out players who exhibit these traits. Create alumni awards.


How many times has BV gone to the championship game? 15 times.


Explain the defensive vs offensive positions. Basically, smaller guys go against smaller guys; bigger guys go against bigger guys. We will cover this at Moms Night, we promise. The smaller guys are generally faster/quicker than the bigger. The smaller guys handle the football more often. The bigger guys work to create/prevent space for the smaller guys to run.


I'd like to learn more about the strategy behind how players line up. The formations are all strategic, trying outflank or outrank the opponent in a given area.


Activities to expect for the season beyond games. The practice schedule is consistent each week. See the game schedule and the August schedule linked at this home page.


What kind of interference is allowed from a defensive player without drawing a penalty? This question seems targeted toward pass interference, which is hotly debated at all levels of football. The defensive players ("defensive backs," typically) may not shove or grab receivers while the ball is in the air, thrown by the quarterback. The offensive players may not do that, either. However, we must respect referees' judgment calls, modeling the best sportsmanship we can. If referees are too disrespected, we may not have any referees left. No referees = no games.


How many offensive and defensive plays do the players learn? A defensive lineman learns around 10 plays. A defensive back learns about 5 coverages. A linebacker learns about 5 blitzes; linebackers must also know what the linemen and the defensive backs are doing. An offensive players learns around 20 plays, but we have motions and formations that multiple that number significantly.


How many total coaches do you have? See this coaches link, which is another page on this site.


How many different section of football coaches are there? We have offensive coaches and defensive coaches. Some overlap occurs where needed to help the players the most. We also have special teams (kickoff, punt, kick return, field goal, punt return, onside recovery) coaches who ensure we are ready in all phases.


How do you determine which spot a player fills? We look at traits and experience of each player, then make decisions in the best interest of BV Football. We try to serve each player, setting them up in a role they can feel significant within. Football needs many people all pulling the same direction to be successful.


Please explain extra points and different levels. When a touchdown is scored, a team can then elect to kick the ball through the uprights (like a short field goal attempt) for one point, or to successfully achieve getting the ball into the end zone again (like a normal offensive play) for two points, which is generally riskier. The risk is that you may come out with zero points, allowing an opponent to surpass your point total on the scoreboard at some juncture.


What is JV travel eligibility for varsity travel games? When we have just one bus, we must create a smaller travel roster that can still give us the best chance to compete. Most the JV will travel with the varsity when we have two buses. Some players may not be able to receive a varsity uniform for home and away games. We simply may have too many players (more players than available jersey numbers), just like in varsity basketball.


How does BV go about scouting their opponents. Are all games available on Hudl or some other video platform? We study Hudl extensively.

Positions and what they do: We will cover this at Moms Night, but big guys move other big guys. Fast guys handle the ball and evade other fast guys.


Will there be a quiz? No, but not a bad idea. Just learn all you can. We want you to feel included. That's the real goal.


How do they decide what penalty to call? The referees are highly trained and skilled, thankfully. They watch closely, then make decisions. Please work to keep our whole crowd as positive as possible, showing the best sportsmanship. We all are role models.


What does practice schedule look like before school start? See the August schedule link at this site. It's a black button at the home page.


What does my son need from me most before, during and after the game? Amazing question. Support. Promote the Lynx Way. Reminders that fortification of him is occurring regardless of whether he's getting what he personally wants. Football expects unselfishness out of everyone involved.


Is it about the players quality or last name? All decisions have to be made with the best interest of the team prioritized.


I may have one when I get there. :) Great!


What is the best way to embarrass my kid? Just cheer, cheer, cheer.


Do all 10-12 suit up for all games, home and away? Some players may not be able to suit up for varsity games, given that we will likely have more players than available jersey numbers, like basketball.


How much film do coaches watch in a week? Coach Garrow always showed us that we need to do all we can to empower the players, giving the team the best chance of success. Frankly: many, many hours. Saturday, Sunday, weeknights, Friday just before the game. We are proud to work hard for the players we serve.


Many coaches and their roles. Emphasize those that are volunteering. Jeremy Risty (17 years) is a volunteer linebackers coach. Darieon Smith (6 years) is a volunteer running backs coach. A.J. Garrow (1st year) is a volunteer wide receivers coach. Larenzo Williams (3rd year) is a volunteer safeties/defensive backs coach. Kelly Meeker is a volunteer freshmen offensive coach. Riley Frantzen is a volunteer freshmen coach.


What does each position do? Really all the things about the positions! Offensive linemen block. Tight ends block and catch. Receivers catch and block. Running backs run with the ball, catch the ball, and block. Fullbacks block and catch. Quarterbacks hand it off, fake other plays, throw the ball. Defensive linemen attack the offensive line and tackle. Linebackers attack the offensive line, tackle, and cover receivers. Defensive backs (safeties and corners) cover receivers and tackle.


What are you looking forward most to with the upcoming Lynx season? Seeing each player grow in a variety of important ways.


What do kids who don't play on varsity get to do to keep them engaged. Play junior varsity games. Practice their craft, fitness, social growth. Challenge the varsity to become even better.


What’s the most winning streaks BV has had? We enjoyed undefeated seasons in 1979, 1974, 1957, 1956, 1955. Click HERE for our tradition document, which is also linked at this home page as a button.


What’s the average number of kids on the freshman team. 40-45 players.


What exactly does a running back do? Typically aligns near the quarterback before the play begins. Runs with the ball when handed off to him from the quarterback. Blocks defenders. Receives passes from the quarterback. Executes fakes (where he looks like he has the ball but does not). Rarely will get the ball, then hand it to another teammate in a deception/reverse play.


Do we use the same playbook from one season to the next season? Sometimes. We keep similar concepts, but we always tailor the plays to fit the players' talents the most/best.


What’s so special about special teams? Punt, punt return, field goal, kickoff, kickoff return can all change the entire game. One play can lead to entirely different outcomes. They are special because they require special skills like snapping, punting, kicking, and tackling/blocking in odd areas/manners.


What is difference between offsides and encroaching? And learn some ref signals. Offsides (crossing the line prematurely) and encroachment (crossing the line prematurely and contacting an offensive player) are committed by the defense when they cross the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped, starting the play, by the offensive center.


How do you know when there is holding? The referee decides when. The referee is looking for unfair blocking advantages an offensive player may have over a defensive player. For example: grabbing a defensive player outside his chest plate area, or holding onto him or his jersey while he spins away. Offensive linemen grip strength is paramount.


Hopefully we don't find ourselves in games like this too often, but can you explain the important things to know in terms of OT rules? Teams get the ball near the end zone and have to try to score touchdowns and field goals, always trying to outdo the opponent to win. Each team gets the same opportunities. A team wins when the opponent fails to match the scoring. The game can become especially interesting in this format.


What is a pick six? When a defensive player PICKS/intercepts the ball and runs it into the opposite end zone for SIX points. It's a major turn of events/fortune in the game.


How should my athlete eat during season to maintain energy and muscle mass? Beef and pork, both of which have associations that have helped us by donating to our program! Eat SD Beef and SD Pork!


Does the center always have to snap the ball or can he run with it also? The ball must be passed to another player. Rare, strange plays occur when the quarterback/receiving player fumbles on purpose, deceptively leaving the ball for an unexpected teammate to run the the ball. The "Fumble Rooski" is such a play, which was famously run by the Nebraska Cornhuskers and player Randy Schleusener, who is originally from Rapid City, SD.


Can you please explain holding calls in more depth? Holding occurs when the offensive player is grabbing the defensive player outside the "cylinder" of his chest/chest plate. It's debated at all levels of football. Referees are highly trained and should be respected.


What exactly is a safety? It is worth 2 points correct? This occurs when a team is tackled in the end zone they are defending, the opposite of their goal. They have been pushed backwards by a variety of circumstances. Yes, 2 points are awarded to a team that forces/achieves a safety. "Safety" is also a defensive back position. Safety is also important; we keep the players as safe as possible. Frustrating vocabulary exists in football. "Tackle" is a defensive verb (bring down a ball carrier) and an offensive position (big blocking guy). Confusing.


I don’t understand a lot, but I’m really clueless on how “downs” work. They mean "chances/tries" to get yards. 1st Down and 10 = you are on your first chance/try (out of four) to get/gain/achieve 10 yards on the field.


2nd Down and 20 is bad for the offense = you're on your second chance/try to gain yards, but now it is 20 and not 10! You must have lost 10 yards somehow—via penalty, offensive mistake, or defensive mastery.


3rd down, you really need to try to get the first down because you'll likely want to punt to the other team if you don't succeed on 3rd down. 4th down becomes the highest risk/reward chance/try.


4th down and 1 = you are on your fourth/final chance/try to gain just 1 yard this time. Hard to do because the defense knows you need just 1 yard. Easier, though, because it is just 1 yard, and not 10. If an offense doesn't gain the yardage


What is concussion protocol? A specific system designed to maximize the health of all athletes. Each coach must take a concussion course each fall.


Is there really holding in every play, and it’s just a matter of it gets caught by the refs? Offensive coaches say no. Defensive coaches say yes.


Is there a level below beginner where I can learn? Yes! You'll fit right in at Moms Night!


How do they decide who plays what position? Based on players' traits and interest.


Can you help me understand flags, penalties & ref signals? That's an elaborate realm of learning that we won't cover much at Moms Night.


Hmmm… Brian usually explains the rules to me as the game is going. That's ok for now. Soon, you can explain to others!


What classifies a false start? When an offensive player moves illegally before the ball is snapped. One offensive player can "be in motion" (but only backward or laterally) before/during the snap of the ball by the center.


Can there be holding penalties against offense and defense? Yes. Typically, holding on offense is by a blocker (lineman, tight end, receiver, fullback) vs. a pursuing tackler. Typically, holding on defense is by a defensive back vs. an offensive receiver.


What is an eligible receiver? Any player with jersey number 1-49 and 81-99 who is lined up in the backfield (behind the line of scrimmage) or is the end man on the line of scrimmage, either left or right side. Receivers are typically fast and athletic. Players with jersey numbers 51-79 are not eligible to receive passes.


What rules are being added to prevent concussions and CTE. Many, thankfully. Players may no longer deliberately hit/target the heads of quarterbacks and receivers. Players may no longer viciously block unaware opponents, either.


Unsure about different kinda of fumbling. Sometimes it is and sometimes not. When a player has full possession of the ball, then loses the ball, that's a fumble. Incomplete passes are not fumbles because players have not possessed the ball.


What are considered good play calls? Plays in which the outcomes are favorable. It's challenging to make good play calls because the opponent is highly knowledgeable, highly skilled, and extremely motivated to see us fail. We are trained and motivated to make highly educated guesses with play calls that give our boys a great chance to succeed. Execution is entirely up to the players; hence, they deserve the most credit. It's their team.


Difference between live ball and dead ball? A "dead ball" occurs when the referees stop a play because an infraction has been committed by someone. Or when a timeout was called but not everyone was aware of that timeout.


Is it a false start if the QB lines up under center and the snap goes between the QB's legs and he is not the next person to touch the ball? No, but good question. Interesting. Has us thinking.


How many hours of film are watched each week in preparation for a game? Many. We really, really care about giving our boys the best chances at success out there.


What is strategy to continue same plays when they are not running well? Some plays look the same, but are drastically different to an opponent. A power play looks a lot like a counter play, but they are not the same at all. Also, sometimes a play that didn't work in the first quarter is the winning play in the fourth quarter.


When do you alter your game plan when things are not going according to plan? We always have contingency plans in place. Sometimes those contingency plans work, other times not as much. The opponents we face are exceptional most weeks. We work tirelessly to give our boys the best chance to compete successfully.


I would guess you watch lots of game film and strategize throughout the week to come up with a game plan. How much does the game plan change during

the game? Sometimes not at all. Sometimes a lot. Opponents may be trying different angles and attack points.


I’m assuming I have to type something in bc it’s starred as required…sooo… You'll know more after Moms Night!


Generally, I'd just like to learn more about strategy. You will be empowered to run offense and defense at Moms Night!


Thanks for always supporting football moms! You're welcome! We want you to feel included! You're essential!


Does BVHS FB always learn trick plays to place into games? We always have trick plays ready; sometimes, the time arises smoothly to utilize those.


Who covers who at each position? This is a simplification:

Offensive line vs. Defensive Line.

Tight Ends, Running Backs, Fullbacks vs. Linebackers.

Wide Receivers vs. Safeties and Corners.

Quarterbacks vs. the whole defense.


What determines if you are going to kick it for extra point or go for 2? Many factors. The kicker. The blockers. The opponent The game score. The game time remaining. The wind. The other weather conditions.


How the coaches determine the play calls. Many factors, but the most important: what gives our team the best chance to succeed collectively. Play calls vary greatly from year to year, roster to roster, and game to game.


Something about B gap....I'll ask my son to make sure I ask it correctly 😉 The "B gap" is between the offensive guard and offensive tackle (big linemen dudes). There are two "B gaps" on every play, one on each side of the center, between the offensive linemen. The A gap is the first gap from the ball going both directions (right and left), then B, then C, then D. "E gaps" are rare, but possible based on offensive formation. We will show you in our classrooms on Moms Night.


How do you decide on what is best strategy per game? We ask ourselves: What do we do best? What does the opponent do best? How can the opponent beat us? How can the opponent change our plans? What gives our boys the best chance to win?


I would have no clue about any kind of strategy to even form an intelligent question. No worries! Moms Night will help!


Why do the younger kids never get much playing time? The younger kids play in JV games primarily. Varsity football contests place a high priority on the outcome of the game, so our players are selected by the coaches as the ones who can achieve that goal. They play until the outcome is assured. At that point, given remaining game time, we work to send in other younger players on the roster, so they can develop their traits through experience.


How do coaches determine which plays are practiced and executed in any given game? Coaches design game plans Sundays, then try those out throughout the week of practice. We keep what looks best, trying to employ the best plays at the optimal times.


Do the coaches allow the offense to read the defense and call plays, or do coaches always call plays? Reading the defense really happens every play, pre-snap and post-snap. The players make decisions constantly; it is really a cerebral game.


Why pass vs run? Passing can result in big gains. Passing is riskier in some ways: the defense could intercept the pass or the pass could fall incomplete. A balance of run and pass is ideal because a defense should not be able to know what is coming, what to predict; however, many passing plays accomplish what run plays also accomplish. Defenses need to be attacked right, left, far, near.


What's your favorite trick play? The one that works the best. (Plays that are timely and unpredictable and that exploit a defense's coaching and rules, using their rules against them.)


How key plays are called in intense action/moments. We go with what our players seem the most confident executing during the week of practice.


Throw vs pass. Same thing. A ball is thrown/passed down field to an offensive teammate, but risking an interception by the defense.


When do you choose a running vs throwing play? We decide based on the likelihood we will achieve the yardage/distance necessary to get a first down again and increase our chances of success.


How do the plays get called and communicated to the field? Defense: Through a series of hand signals that are their own sign language. Offense: Through a series of hand signals that represent numbers that are typed on a wrist band worn by the quarterback, who then verbalizes the wording to the whole offense. The players are very cerebral. The offensive play caller is typically in the coaches' booth above the fans.


How do you decide about throwing or hand offs? We decide with many factors in mind, especially the chances of success. Nothing is guaranteed because the opponent is trying to win too.


Do you want bigger kids or smaller kids? A football roster needs both. We want all players to be as strong and fast as they can. We want all players to feel fully significant and impactful in whatever role they play.


How do you decide when to turn the ball over on 4th down or try for a 1st down? On fourth down, we will likely punt if the chances of gaining a first down do not outweigh the risks. Opponents are factors. Positions on the field are factors (how close/far away we are from each end zone). Our personnel is a factor. It's a big game of risk vs. reward involving many factors that show up during the week of practice, oftentimes.