In the college and professional ranks, when a ball-carrier hurdles a would-be tackler, he often elicits “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd.

In high school football, the same breathtaking play draws a much different reaction: a penalty flag.

Why, then, did this amazing hurdle from Ta'Zhawn Henry lead to a 32-yard touchdown run rather than a 15-year penalty?

Sign @TazhawnHeny up for the 2020 Olympics immediately #AllTheWayUp pic.twitter.com/xGiFELCE5Q

— MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) November 5, 2016

Because the state of Texas plays by its own rules.

More accurately, it plays by different rules than most other states, joining Massachusetts as the only states to use the NCAA rulebook rather than the NFHS rulebook for football.

The NFHS (Rule 2-22; 9-4-3d) views hurdling as an act that is dangerous to player safety.

“Coaches must teach their players of the inherent dangers associated with this illegal act, and game officials must call it when observed,” the NFHS states in its description of the rule.

In addition to hurdling, blocking is another area where the differences between the two sets of rules manifest. Some teams from outside of the Lone Star State have refused to play Texas teams because the discrepancy in rules surrounding cut blocks. NFHS rules outlaw cut blocks anywhere outside the tackle box, so running backs and wide receivers can never use them. Neither can pulling linemen out in space.

The rules differences don’t always spell disaster for out-of-staters. U.S. Under-19 National Team head coach Kenny Sanchez led Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) to a road victory against Cedar Hill (Texas) in a high-profile game in August.

It always pays to know the rules. In the case of hurdling, knowing the rules can sometimes lead to jaw-dropping touchdowns.