Description

Rick Darlington, Head Coach, DeLand High School (FL)

Full video on Glazier Drive: Trick Or Treat: Our Best Trick Plays, Screens, & Reverses Through the Years 

OVERVIEW

This transcript covers offensive play designs and execution strategies from a football coaching clinic, focusing on two key plays: "Razerback" and a trick play inspired by the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.

RAZERBACK PLAY

The Razerback play uses an unbalanced line formation with the quarterback positioned out wide and the wingback taking the snap. The tailback goes in jet motion to the strong side and receives the handoff. The play features a two-man route concept with max protection, where the tight end runs a route to the far end zone and the wingback runs a wheel route on the opposite side. The coach emphasizes a critical protection adjustment: bringing the blocking back to the weak side to handle three defenders, as the unbalanced line only provides two blockers (center and guard) on that side. The play works particularly well against man coverage, as defenders often lose track of the wingback on the wheel route.

PROTECTION LESSONS LEARNED

The coach shares multiple game film examples showing how they learned proper protection through mistakes. In one playoff game they lost by a touchdown, the H-back failed to get to the weak side quickly enough, allowing a third rusher to hit the quarterback during the throw, resulting in an overthrown ball that would have tied the game. After correcting the protection issues, they successfully executed the play in another playoff game, hitting the wingback on the wheel route for a touchdown.

2007 FIESTA BOWL-INSPIRED PLAY

The second major play discussed was adapted from Oklahoma's game-winning play against Boise State in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. The play features trips formation to the right with a dig route to the left. The running back provides protection initially but can release into a second phase if no pressure exists. A key component is a "slow shallow" route where the receiver jogs lazily across the field before accelerating after the catch. The coach notes he would prefer adding another receiver on the weak side to clear out the cover four or cover two safety who tends to drive on the dig route.

GAME-WINNING EXECUTION

Film examples show the play's success in crucial situations, including a completion when trailing 31-24 with four minutes remaining against a highly talented opponent (eventual state champion with multiple Division I players). In another playoff game, they ran the play four consecutive times before halftime until executing it correctly, ultimately scoring and winning by one touchdown. The coach emphasizes how these "trick plays" or special plays can be game-changers in critical moments.

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