For those that worry about being unbeatable in football, the only thing I can say is have you seen the difference from ninth graders playing football to varsity high school football players.
Big John Fontana is an amalgamation of coaches whom I know that agree with parents worried about concussions that football is a game that should only be played once the child's brain is formed and can't be destroyed quite so easily. No Pop Warner football, no middle school football and freshman year of high school should only be getting in shape to play football.
Simplistically, each level adds about 50 pounds of meat and muscle to players and the mental strength to understand if you do something wrong, you could hurt yourself or someone else.
Personally, I think ninth grade is the perfect time to start playing football. Earlier than that is like playing barefoot in a room filled with rat spring traps. You are gonna come out hurt.
The jump from level to level is a big. Understanding how far back an offensive lineman keeps his back set foot is a sign of what he intends to do. Ninth graders don't know that yet. Looking at the knuckles of a defensive lineman is a sure sign of what he is going to do. Ninth graders generally don't know that. Pure speed and strength in freshman football is going to make you look amazing.
Higher the level the more technique and understanding of the game you will need to be successful... or at least be able to survive for the party after the game!
Sorry had to vent. Saw the score steady at 8.07 then go write a few pages and decide to look one more time and it's back down to 8.06. UGH!!!!