If for some reason you feel you have to ask the kid, do so within earshot of the coach so he can "advise".
ALWAYS ask the Captain, that's his JOB, and the respect you pay him for being a Captain can pay enormous dividends elsewhere during the game, when, and if, you might need assistance. Of course,
whenever possible and especially with confusing or complex choices, handle explanations within earshot of the HC, so he can offer guidance when necessary.
NFHS 2-32 "Player Designations":
Art. 5: A captain of a team
is a player designated to represent his team during:
a. The pregame and overtime cointoss (Limit of 4 captains in uniform)
b.
Penalty desicions following a foul. c. Ball placement on a Try, KO, after a safety, after a FC, after an awarded FC,, after a touchback
and to start an overtime period
If a Captain (alone) seems to be making a "bad choice", there's nothing wrong with suggesting, "Perhaps I didn't explain your choices carefully enough, allow me to review them again, slowly....."