DIAGRAM 1: 4 Midline Right, Vs. 4-3 Cover-2. The midline option has been one of our most productive plays. We ran it as a double-option with the FB and QB attacking either the 2- or 3-technique.The play-side OT and TE cross-block, with the OT blocking out on the end. The play-side OG rips to the Mike LB. The center and backside OG combo block to the Will LB. The backside OT must control the B-gap. The QB clears to the midline and meshes with the FB and unless the DT attacks the dive, it’s a “give” read. If the DT closes, the QB pulls the ball and replaces the dive key. The TB inserts himself through the C-gap and blocks the first opposite-colored jersey (usually the safety).
DIAGRAM 2: 4 Midline Right With Arc Scheme Vs.
4-3 Cover-2. This variant from the midline option turns from a double-option into a triple option. The QB meshes with the FB and reads the 3-technique (DT). Unless the 3-tech closes on the dive, it’s a “give” read. If the 3-tech closes on the dive, the QB pulls the ball and attacks the inside shoulder of the pitch key (DE). If the DE commits to the QB, the QB pitches to the TB, who maintains a 5-by-1 pitch relationship with the QB. If the DE doesn’t attack and closes in on the dive, the QB keeps the ball and turns it upfield.
DIAGRAM 3: 4 Midline Right With Switch Scheme Vs. 4-3 Cover-2. In this scheme, the TE and WR switch blocking assignments. The QB clears the midline and meshes with the FB. Unless the DT attacks the dive, it’s a “give” read. If the DT attacks the dive, the QB pulls the ball and attacks to the inside shoulder of the pitch key (DE). If the DE attacks the QB, he pitches the ball to the TB. If the DE doesn’t attack, the QB keeps the ball and turns it upfield.
—Craig Harrison, Varsity Assistant Coach,
Central Montcalm High School,
Stanton, Mich.