What is the penalty for targeting an opponent?

The appropriate penalty for targeting an opponent in high school football is indeed a 15-yard penalty from the previous spot, and it comes with the possibility of ejection from the game. Targeting is defined as striking an opponent above the shoulders with the crown of the helmet, which is considered a serious safety violation intended to protect players from dangerous impacts.

The 15-yard penalty reflects the severity of this infraction, emphasizing the commitment to player safety and sportsmanship. Additionally, the potential for ejection serves as a stronger deterrent against such behavior, reinforcing the rules against dangerous hits. This allows officials to maintain control of the game and prioritize player safety, as targeting can lead to serious injuries.

Other potential penalties listed, such as a mere 5-yard penalty or a loss of down, do not accurately capture the severity of targeting. Instead, they apply to different infractions that are less dangerous, which is why they are not suitable in this context. The concept of issuing a verbal warning does not align with the expectations for addressing such a critical safety violation in high school football.