What happens during a loss of down caused by offensive holding?

In the case of a loss of down caused by offensive holding, the correct outcome involves the offense losing both yardage and a down. Offensive holding results in a penalty of 10 yards from the previous spot of the foul, and unlike some other penalties, the down does count towards the series. This means that the next play will be third down, rather than giving the offense another chance with a repeat of the down.

This specific ruling is based on the NFHS rules, which treat holding as a serious infraction that not only hinders the offensive team's ability to advance but also disrupts the flow of the game by making them lose a down. Understanding the severity of the penalty is crucial for strategies on both offense and defense, as a loss of down can significantly impact the offensive team's ability to maintain possession and progress toward a first down or scoring opportunity.