What happens if a player touches the ball after it has been kicked off but before it crosses the goal line?

When a player touches the ball after it has been kicked off but before it crosses the goal line, the relevant rule states that the ball remains in play until it either becomes dead according to the rules or a player possesses it legally. In this scenario, if the receiving team touches the ball, they have the opportunity to take possession at the spot where the ball was touched. This means that the kicking team does not retain possession, and the play is not called dead or assessed a penalty simply for touching the ball.

The receiving team's action of touching the ball prior to its crossing the goal line results in them taking over possession at the spot of the kickoff, establishing a fair play situation that aligns with the rules set forth for kickoffs in NFHS football. This ensures that the game continues in an orderly manner, maintaining the flow of play and allowing the receiving team to capitalize on the situation.