DIAGRAM: This play was originally designed to be run against 5-3 Stack defenses. (This play is drawn against a 3-5 since that is the most common variation we now see.) If we run the play from an I-formation, the TE releases toward the Sam LB and leaves the DE unblocked. The TB breaks outside in the direction of the fake and heads toward the FB and this usually holds the attention of the DE and Sam LB. If we remove the Sam by using a TE-trips formation, the play becomes extremely effective.
Against a 3-5, we try to get the play-side SS to widen by using TE-trips. You can set the play up by running a dive to the FB with the same QB action. You can also run the dive to both the strong and weak side.
If you run the dive to the strong side, you can flip the formation when you run the “Up-The-River” play. Keep in mind that if you run it to the weak side, you’ll be a man short. Running dive weak can greatly help the success of this play because the Mike LB will be looking to get another shot on the FB.
The center has the key block on this play. He must stay engaged with the NG and must not allow him to penetrate, especially in the direction opposite the fake.
The play-side OG goes first to the DT and the play-side OT folds in for the Mike LB. If they have great angles, the TE usually gets an easy wash down on the Sam LB.
It’s important that the QB reverse out and make a great fake to the FB. The FB’s job is to sell the fake and get tackled. After the QB has made the fake, he should plant and run through the A-gap to the hash while reading the block of the TE.
—Andy Thomas,
Head Coach,
Garrett High School,
Garrett, Ind.