Based on the sequence of images, it looks like you’re looking at a classic Inside Run/Fullback Dive from a heavy set (likely an I-formation or a Pro-set).
In these frames, the offensive line engages immediately, and the backfield converges toward the "A" or "B" gaps (the spaces between the Center and Guards). The defense is playing tight, clearly expecting a power run, which creates the perfect scenario for some deceptive play action.
Analysis of the Current Play
The Look: The offense is bunched tight. The defense is "stacking the box," meaning they have most of their players near the line of scrimmage to stop a short-yardage run.
The Result: You can see in frames 0075 through 0078 that the play results in a "cloud of dust"—a heavy collision in the middle. While effective for 2–3 yards, it's high-contact and predictable.
Suggested Alternative Play Actions
If the defense is biting this hard on the interior run, here are three ways to punish them using play action:
1. The Naked Bootleg
The Fake: The QB fakes the handoff to the running back heading into the middle (exactly like the play in the photos).
The Move: Instead of staying in the pocket, the QB hides the ball against their hip and sprints out toward the sideline (the "boot").
Why it works: In frame 0076, you can see the defensive ends crashing inward to stop the run. A bootleg would leave the QB completely unblocked with an open lane to run or a clear throwing window to a trailing tight end.
2. The "Pop" Pass (Y-Seam)
The Fake: Hard aggressive run-blocking by the offensive line to draw the Linebackers forward.
The Move: The Tight End (TE) fakes a block for one second, then immediately releases vertically into the space vacated by the charging linebackers.
Why it works: Look at the gap between the defensive line and the safeties in frame 0072. If those middle linebackers take two steps forward to stop the dive, the TE will be wide open for a quick 10–15 yard strike over their heads.
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Yes, let's dive into the "chess match" on the field.
Looking at the Warriors (Maroon and Gold) and their opponent (White and Red), the defensive positioning tells a very specific story about where the "soft" spots are for a rollout or bootleg.
Defensive Breakdown
The Box is Overloaded: In frames 0072 and 0073, you can see the defense has committed 8 or 9 players to the box. They are playing a "4-4" or a "5-3" look, which is a classic response to a team that loves the power run.
The "Crash" Technique: Notice the defensive ends (the players on the far edges of the line). In frame 0074, as soon as the ball is snapped, they aren't holding their ground—they are "crashing" or diving toward the interior pile.
Secondary Alignment: The cornerbacks are playing relatively tight, but they are flat-footed. They are watching the backfield, not their receivers, which makes them very susceptible to a double move.
Identifying the "Weak" Side
Based on the alignment, the Left Side (Offensive Right) is the prime target for a rollout. Here’s why:
Flow of the Play: The entire defensive front is slanting toward the offensive left (the bottom of the screen in the images). This is a "Pursuit" defense. If the QB fakes the handoff and rolls back to his right (toward the top of the image), he will have a massive amount of "green grass."
The Over-Pursuit: In frame 0079, look at how many white jerseys are buried in the middle of the field. There isn't a single defender within 10 yards of the offensive right sideline.
The Recommendation: "Sprint Right Option"
If I were calling this game for PCHS:
The Action: Fake the dive to the left.
The Rollout: Have the QB sprint out to the right.
The Read: The Tight End or the Flanker should run a 10-yard out route. Because the defense is so focused on the run in the middle, that defender on the edge will be trapped in no-man's land—either he stays to stop the QB's run, or he drops back to cover the pass. Either way, the offense wins that 1-on-1.
Would you like me to look at any other specific frames to see if the defense adjusts their "gap integrity" after the initial contact?
I’d love to. Since these look like classic Pocahontas County High School clips, and the film quality suggests that gritty VHS era, gap integrity is exactly where these games are won or lost.
Let's look specifically at the transition from 0076 to 0079 to see how the defense reacts once the bodies start flying.
Gap Integrity Analysis
In a disciplined defense, every player is responsible for a "gap" (the space between offensive linemen). If everyone stays in their lane, there’s nowhere to run. Here is what's actually happening:
1. The "Flow" (Frames 0076-0077)
As the play develops, notice the linebackers in the middle. Instead of "filling" their assigned gaps and waiting for the runner to come to them, they are scraping—moving laterally toward the sideline to follow the ball.
The Result: They are vacating the "cutback" lane. If the running back were to plant his foot and head back toward the center of the field, there would be a massive hole because the linebackers have over-pursued.
2. The Loss of the "Backside" Edge (Frame 0078)
Look at the defender on the far right of the defensive line (the "Backside" End). By frame 0078, he has completely turned his shoulders toward the pile.
The Error: He has lost his "contain." In coaching terms, he "bit the cheese." If this were a counter play or a reverse, he would be completely out of position to stop it.
3. The "Wash" (Frame 0079)
By the end of the play, the offensive line has successfully "washed" the interior defenders down into a pile. You can see a cluster of white jerseys all in the same spot.
The Takeaway: When a defense "clumps" like this, it’s a sign that they are playing with emotion rather than assignment. They are all trying to make the tackle, which is great for effort, but terrible for gap integrity.
Strategic Conclusion
The defense is over-aggressive. They are reacting to the first movement they see rather than reading their keys.
Against a defense that flows this hard:
The Counter-Trey: A play where the linebackers flow one way, but the ball goes the other behind two pulling blockers.
The Bootleg: As mentioned before, the backside is completely unprotected by frame 0078.
3. The Power Sweep/Pitch Fake
The Fake: QB fakes the inside dive to the first back.
The Move: The QB then tosses or pitches to a second back (or a receiver on an end-around) heading toward the sideline.
Why it works: The defense is very "clumped" in the center in these images. By the time they realize the ball isn't in that pile of players (frame 0078), a fast runner on the outside would already be around the corner and into the secondary.
Would you like me to break down the defensive positioning in these frames to see which side of the line is the "weak" point for a rollout?
I'd be happy to. Looking at the "box" (the area near the line of scrimmage) in this sequence, the defense's discipline starts to fray as the play progresses, revealing a clear weak point.
The Breakdown: Defensive Alignment
The Overload: The defense is playing a 4-4 "Split" look, but they are shading heavily toward the offensive left (the bottom of the frames). They’ve got five defenders keyed on that side, clearly expecting the run to follow the lead blocker.
The "Hole" in the Perimeter: Look at the defender on the far right of the line (the Offensive Right / Defensive Left). In frame 0072, he is standing upright and playing with "soft" leverage. He isn't braced for a drive block.
Linebacker Commit: By frame 0074, the two middle linebackers have both feet in the dirt and are lunging forward. This "vacates" the second level of the defense.
The "Weak" Point for a Rollout
The weak point is definitely the Offensive Right (the top side of the field in these images). Here is why a rollout to that side would be devastating:
1. Loss of Contain
In frames 0076 and 0077, the defensive end on that top side has completely crashed inside. He is trying to help with the tackle in the "A-gap" (between the Center and Guard). Because his shoulders are turned inward, he has zero contain. If the QB pulls the ball out and rolls toward that sideline, that defender is effectively blocked by his own momentum.
2. The "Flanker" Isolation
Notice the receiver (Flanker) on that top side. In frame 0073, the cornerback covering him is playing about 7 yards off and is "cheating" toward the middle to watch the backfield.
The Exploit: If the QB rolls right, that cornerback is caught in a "conflict of assignment." He has to decide whether to charge the QB or stay with the receiver. Usually, in high school ball, they charge the QB, leaving the receiver wide open for a 15-yard gain along the sideline.
3. The Lack of a "Spy"
The backside linebacker (the one closest to the top of the frame) has also bitten on the run fake. By frame 0078, he is behind the offensive line's wall. He has no clear path to the sideline to chase down a rolling QB.
The Strategic Verdict
The defense is playing "See ball, hit ball" football. They are following the mass of bodies. A simple "naked bootleg" to the right would likely result in the QB standing alone on the sideline with nobody within 15 yards of him.
Would you like me to look at the offensive line's footwork in these frames to see if they are actually "down-blocking" to seal that weak side even further?
AI Imagery
The "Pop" Pass (Y-Seam) is arguably the most lethal play-action concept in a high school playbook because it exploits the most basic instinct of a linebacker: "See the run, stop the run." Looking at your analysis of frame 0072, you’ve hit on the exact reason this would be a "house call" (a touchdown) for the Warriors. Here is a breakdown of why that specific play is so effective against this Tygarts Valley defense:
1. The "Seam" Vacuum (Frame 0072)
In frame 0072, notice the depth of the safeties. They are playing about 12–15 yards back, likely terrified of getting beat deep. This creates a massive "no-man's land" between the linebackers and the defensive backfield.
The Math: If the linebackers are at 4 yards and the safeties are at 12, there is an 8-yard window of open grass.
The Execution: When the TE releases, he is entering that vacuum. Because the linebackers are charging forward to meet the fullback, they are moving away from the person they are supposed to be covering.
2. The Linebacker's "Mental Trap"
High school linebackers are coached to read the "guards." If the guards pull or drive-block aggressively (as seen in frames 0074-0075), the linebackers' brains scream RUN!
The Commitment: By the time the linebackers realize the Tight End hasn't actually engaged in a block, they have already lost their "cushion."
The Result: They are flat-footed or moving toward the line of scrimmage while the TE is sprinting past them. In football terms, they are "out-leveraged."
3. Why it’s "High Percentage"
Unlike a deep post route that requires a 40-yard bomb, the Pop Pass only requires the QB to "flick" the ball over the heads of the defensive line.
The Window: The ball is usually in the air for less than a second.
The Safety Factor: In frame 0073, the safeties are spread wide to cover the sidelines. The middle of the field (the "Y-Seam") is completely unprotected. A quick toss to a trailing TE often leads to an immediate collision with a safety who is out of position, or a clear run to the end zone.
Strategic Summary
| Feature | Defensive Reaction | Offensive Advantage |
| Aggressive Block | Linebackers "plug" the gaps. | Vacates the middle of the field. |
| 1-Second Delay | Defense assumes TE is a blocker. | TE gets a "free release" past the line. |
| Vertical Release | Safeties are too deep to help. | QB has a massive, high-percentage target. |
Pro Tip: In the VHS era of PCHS football, this was often called the "Sucker Play." If you ran the dive 5 times in a row, the 6th play—the Pop Pass—was almost guaranteed to go for 20+ yards because the defense was so desperate to stop the interior "bleeding."
Would you like me to analyze the "Safety rotation" in the later frames to see if they eventually caught on and started "cheating" toward the middle?
Analyzing the safety rotation in these frames reveals a classic case of "Run-Force" aggression. By looking at the deep defenders (the Safeties) from the start of the snap to the whistle, we can see exactly how they are being "sucked in" by the Warriors' power run game.
Safety Rotation: Frame-by-Frame
Frame 0072 (The Pre-Snap Look): The safeties are playing a standard "Two-High" shell. They are deep (about 12 yards) and wide. At this point, they are respecting the pass and keeping everything in front of them.
Frames 0074 – 0075 (The Read): As the fullback dives into the line, you can see the Bottom Safety (closer to the bottom sideline) immediately break his backpedal. He plants his foot and starts "driving" toward the line of scrimmage. He is no longer a pass defender; he is now the "eighth man in the box."
Frames 0076 – 0078 (The Commitment): The Top Safety (near the top sideline) begins a "robber" rotation. Instead of staying deep to cover the half-field, he drifts toward the center of the field (the hashes). He is "cheating" toward the middle to provide support in case the runner breaks through the first wave of linebackers.
Frame 0079 (The Result): By the end of the play, both safeties have moved significantly closer to the line of scrimmage. The "shell" has collapsed.
Rotation Effectiveness Table
| Defender | Initial Position | Final Position | Impact on "Pop" Pass |
| Bottom Safety | 12 yards deep, wide | 5-7 yards deep, charging | Critical Vulnerability. He is completely out of the play if the TE streaks behind him. |
| Top Safety | 12 yards deep, wide | 8 yards deep, moving to hash | High Risk. He is leaning toward the pile, leaving the "Seam" or the "Post" wide open. |
The Verdict: Did they catch on?
No. In fact, they did the opposite of "catching on" to the pass—they doubled down on the run.
By the later frames, the safeties aren't just cheating toward the middle; they are abandoning their deep responsibilities. They have clearly decided that the Warriors' interior run is the only threat. This is exactly what a play-caller wants to see. If you run the "Pop" pass on the very next play, that Top Safety is in a "dead zone"—he’s moved just close enough to the middle to be beat over the top, but he's moving too fast to recover.
Would you like me to analyze the offensive line's "pulling" guards to see if they are the ones successfully baiting these safeties into charging?
I would love to. In the world of "smash-mouth" football, the guards are the conductors of the orchestra. Their movement dictates exactly where every pair of eyes on the defense—from the nose guard to the free safety—is going to look.
Looking at the Warriors' offensive line in this sequence, we can see if they are using a "Down-Block" scheme or a "Pulling" scheme to manipulate that Tygarts Valley secondary.
The Offensive Line Analysis
1. The "Heavy" Initial Step (Frames 0072-0073)
At the snap, look at the Right Guard (top of the line). He doesn't step backward into a pass-pro set; he fire-steps forward.
The Bait: This aggressive forward lean tells the linebackers and safeties one thing: Power Run. * The Effect: When a guard "uncoils" like that, the Safeties see the "high hats" (linemen standing up to drive) and immediately trigger their run-force assignments.
2. Searching for the "Puller" (Frames 0074-0076)
If there were a pulling guard, we would see him "bucket step" (step back and lateral) to wrap around the tackle.
Observation: In these specific frames, it actually looks like a Straight Dive/ISO play rather than a Power-O with a puller. The guards are "base blocking"—taking the man directly in front of them and moving him out of the gap.
Why this baits the Safeties even better: A pulling guard is a "key" that some disciplined safeties might read as a possible play-action indicator. However, Straight Base Blocking looks so much like a desperate short-yardage plunge that it triggers a more primal response from the Safeties. They see the entire line surging forward and think they must help or the runner will break the line.
3. The "Wash-Out" (Frame 0078)
By frame 0078, the line has successfully created a "wall." Even without pulling, the guards have displaced the interior defenders.
The Result: Because the guards won the initial 1-on-1 battle so convincingly, the Safeties felt they had to "fill" the gap. As we saw in the previous analysis, this is what caused them to abandon their deep coverage.
The Strategic "Trap"
If the Warriors wanted to take it to the next level, they would run a "Guard-Trap" on the next play:
The Guard lets the defensive tackle through (making the defender think he's winning).
The other Guard pulls across and blindsides that defender.
The Play Action: To the Safeties, a pulling guard usually confirms a run to the outside. If the QB fakes that outside run and then hits the Tight End on the "Pop Pass" we discussed, the Safeties will be 20 yards out of position.
Conclusion
The guards are successfully baiting the defense not by being "fancy" with pulls, but through sheer aggression. They are playing so downhill that the Tygarts Valley safeties feel they are the only ones left who can make the tackle.
Would you like me to look at the "Center-Guard" exchange in the first frame to see if there’s any "tell" in the QB's footwork that gives away the direction of the dive?
I would love to. In the high-stakes "VHS era" of high school football, the Quarterback's feet are the first and most honest indicator of where the ball is going. If a defender (or a scout) knows what to look for at the moment of the snap, the "mystery" of the play-action often evaporates.
Let's look at the "Center-Guard" triangle and the QB's initial movement in Frame 0072.
The QB "Footwork" Breakdown
The "Cheat" Step: Look closely at the QB's feet as he receives the snap. In a straight-ahead fullback dive, a QB should ideally take a "6 o'clock" step (straight back) to clear the path for the runner. However, in these frames, it looks like the QB is taking a slight "4 o'clock" step (back and to his right).
The Tell: This indicates the ball is intended for the Left "A" Gap. By stepping slightly to the right, he is opening his hips to "hand off" to the back coming from his left side.
Weight Distribution: In 0072, the QB’s weight is shifted heavily onto his back foot. This is a classic "Power I" movement. He isn't balanced for a quick drop-back pass; he is braced to absorb the impact of a charging fullback and "ride" the handoff into the gut of the defense.
The "Midline" Displacement: Notice the relationship between the Center's tail and the QB's lead foot. If the QB stays "on the midline," the play is a dive. If he clears the midline immediately, it’s a sweep or a rollout. Here, he stays on the midline for a split second too long, which screams "Interior Run" to any linebacker watching the exchange.
The Center-Guard Communication
The "Double-Team" Tell: Look at the Center and the Left Guard (bottom of the image). In 0072, their inside feet are almost touching. This is a "Combo Block" or a "Double-Team" setup.
Why it matters: You don't double-team the Nose Guard if the ball is going to the outside. The moment those two linemen "mesh" their feet, they are telling the defense: "We are moving this man backward right now."
The Bait for Play Action: If the QB wanted to hide the play-action, he would need to take a wider "bucket step" to make it look like a sweep, or a perfectly straight drop-back to keep the linebackers guessing. By "cheating" his step toward the handoff, he is actually helping the play-action work better later in the game because he is confirming the defense's suspicion that it's a dive.
Summary of the "Tell"
| Action | Meaning to Defense | Offensive Strategy |
| 4 o'clock Step | Ball is going Left. | Clear the "A" gap for the FB. |
| Weight on Back Foot | No threat of a quick pass. | Prepare for a high-velocity handoff. |
| Center/Guard Mesh | Interior power gap is the target. | Move the Nose Guard out of the hole. |
The Verdict
The QB’s footwork is highly directional. A savvy Tygarts Valley linebacker who is watching the QB’s "belt buckle" and feet would know within 0.2 seconds that the ball is staying inside the tackles.
Since we've analyzed the QB and the Line, would you like me to look at the "Depth" of the running backs in the backfield to see if their starting distance changes between this run and a potential pass play?
I would love to. In the coaching world, we call this "Backfield Alignment Tells." It is one of the most common ways high school players "accidentally" give away the play before the ball is even snapped.
When you’re playing on a field like the one at Dunmore, where the crowd is right on top of you and the adrenaline is surging, players often subconsciously adjust their stance to get a "head start" on their assignment.
The Backfield Depth Analysis (Frame 0072)
1. The "Power I" Stack
In 0072, the running backs are in a classic vertical stack.
The Fullback (Lead Back): He is roughly 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage. This is "contact depth"—he is close enough to the line to hit the hole instantly and lead the way for the tailback.
The Tailback (Ball Carrier): He is roughly 6-7 yards deep.
The Tell: For a power run, the Tailback needs this depth to build up speed (momentum) before he hits the line. If he were any closer, he’d run into his own blockers before the hole opened.
2. The "Stance" Indicator
Look at the posture of the back furthest from the ball. He is "leaning" forward with his hand almost touching the grass.
Run Tell: When a back is that low, he is in a "launch" position. He is purely focused on forward explosion.
Pass Tell: On a pass play, a back will often stand a bit "taller" or shift his weight slightly to his heels so he can more easily "leak" out into the flat or step wide to pass-protect against a blitzing linebacker.
How the Depth Changes for a Pass Play
If the Warriors were going to run that "Pop Pass" or a Rollout, keep an eye out for these subtle shifts in the next series of downs:
| Position | Run Depth (Current) | Pass/Play-Action Depth | Why the Change? |
| Fullback | 3 Yards | 4-5 Yards | He needs an extra half-second to "fake" the block or clear the path for the QB's rollout. |
| Tailback | 7 Yards | 5-6 Yards | He wants to be closer to the "flat" (the sideline) to be an outlet receiver if the deep pass is covered. |
| Alignment | Perfectly Vertical | Slightly "Offset" | To get a better angle for pass protection or to avoid the "traffic jam" in the middle. |
The "Pocahontas County" Strategic Hook
In an era of PCHS football where they relied on "Power" to wear teams down, they often used these "Tells" to their advantage. A smart coach would have the backs line up at "Run Depth" but then call a pass—specifically to trick the Tygarts Valley linebackers into crashing even harder.
Since we've decoded the backfield, would you like me to look at the "Hand Placement" of the Wide Receivers in these frames to see if they are "blocking" or "releasing" at the snap? (It’s often the subtle difference between a fist and an open palm that gives it away!)
Looking at the wide receivers in these frames—particularly the "Split End" (at the bottom of the field) and the "Flanker" (at the top)—the hand placement is a dead giveaway that this is a high-aggression run play.
The Wide Receiver Breakdown
1. The "Fisted" Power Stance (Frame 0072)
In frame 0072, the receiver at the bottom of the field is in a "heavy" stance. If you look at his hands resting on his lead knee, his fingers are tucked.
The Tell: A receiver looking to release for a pass typically has open, relaxed palms or "active hands" to fight off a cornerback's press coverage.
The Run Indicator: By clenching his fists and leaning his chest over his front foot, he is preparing to "fire out" and drive-block the cornerback. He isn't looking to run a route; he's looking to put his hands on the defender's chest and move him toward the sideline.
2. The "Lazy" Flanker (Frame 0073)
Now look at the Flanker at the top of the image. His hands are down, but he is standing relatively tall.
The Tell: In many high school schemes of this era, the "backside" receiver (the one furthest from where the play is going) would often "take the play off" or "stalk block."
The Execution: Because his hands aren't up in a "ready" position to catch a pass, he is signaling to the cornerback that he is just a spectator on this play. This is actually a tactical error—a smart cornerback will see those "lazy hands" and immediately abandon his coverage to charge the run.
Hand Placement Comparison
| Stance Element | Pass Release Look | Current "Run" Look |
| Fingers | Open, extended ("Ready to catch") | Tucked/Fisted ("Ready to punch/block") |
| Wrist Angle | Relaxed, "Floaty" | Locked, rigid to transfer power |
| Elbows | Tucked for aerodynamic release | Slightly flared to create a "wide" blocking base |
The Play-Action "Fix"
If the Warriors want that Pop Pass to work, they have to coach their receivers to "Sell the Fade." 1. On the next play, the receiver needs to have open palms and an explosive first step as if he’s going deep.
2. The Cornerback, seeing the "Pass Hands," will bail out and run backward.
3. This creates even more space in the middle for the Tight End to "pop" open.
The "Pocahontas Pride" Observation
In these clips, the Warriors look like they take a lot of pride in their downfield blocking. Even though the ball is in the "A-gap," you can see the receivers working to "seal the edge." It’s that blue-collar, "everyone blocks" mentality that made those PCHS teams so hard to beat in the fourth quarter.
Would you like me to analyze the "Head Tilt" of the Center right before the snap? Often, a Center will subconsciously look toward the side he’s about to "Reach Block," giving the defense a split-second head start.
I would love to. In the trenches, the "Center's Glance" is the ultimate poker tell. Because the Center is responsible for both the snap and the initial engagement, his pre-snap head movement is often a subconscious "GPS" for the entire play.
Let's look at the Warriors' Center in the moments leading up to the snap in Frame 0072.
The "Head Tilt" Analysis
1. The Shaded Glance
In 0072, the Center’s helmet isn't perfectly square to the line of scrimmage. There is a subtle tilt toward the Offensive Left (the bottom of the frame).
The Reason: He is likely checking the alignment of the "Nose" or the "One-Technique" defensive tackle.
The Tell: A Center only tilts his head like that when he is preparing to "Reach" or "Step-Around" a defender. He is visually "pre-loading" the block. Since he's looking left, he is telling the defense that the strength of the push is going to that side—which aligns perfectly with our earlier analysis of the QB's footwork.
2. The "Nod" of Command
Notice the tension in his neck. In high school ball, many Centers will give a slight "nod" or "dip" of the head right before they snap the ball.
The Rhythm: If he dips his head every time he's about to fire forward for a run, a savvy middle linebacker will time his "blitz" to that exact movement. In 0073, you can see the linebackers have already taken their first step before the ball is even fully out of his hands. They've timed him.
3. The "Eyes on the Target" vs. "Eyes on the Air"
Run Look: Eyes are down, focused on the defender's belt buckle or chest plate. (This is what we see here).
Pass Look: On a pass play, a Center will often keep his head "up" slightly more to scan for a delayed blitzing linebacker or to see the "stunt" (defensive linemen crossing paths).
Pre-Snap "Tell" Summary
| Movement | Defensive Interpretation | Offensive Reality |
| Left Tilt | Play is following the Guard. | Center is sealing the "A" gap to the left. |
| Helmet Dip | The snap is imminent (within 0.5s). | The linebackers gain a "jump" on the snap. |
| Fixed Downward Gaze | "I'm about to hit the person in front of me." | No concern for secondary pass rushers. |
The "Warrior" Coaching Adjustment
If I were the PCHS coach watching this film back in the locker room, I’d tell the Center:
"Keep your chin level. If you're going to look left, look right first to keep 'em guessing. And for heaven's sake, stop the 'pre-snap nod' or Tygarts Valley is going to live in our backfield all afternoon."
The "Pop" Pass Connection
This is why the Pop Pass works so well. If the Center gives his "Run Tilt" and his "Run Nod," the defense will charge with 100% confidence. When he then stands up to pass-protect instead of drive-blocking, the defense’s momentum will carry them right past him, leaving the middle wide open.
Would you like me to analyze the "Shoulder Level" of the offensive tackles? Often, a tackle will sit "lower" in his stance for a run and "higher" for a pass to give himself a better angle for a kick-step. Would you like me to see if their heights are consistent in these frames?
I would love to. In the world of high school scouting, we call this the "Tackle's Tip-off." When you're playing on a grass field that might be a little slick or uneven—like the one in Dunmore—offensive tackles are notorious for subconsciously adjusting their center of gravity to make their job easier. Let's look at the Warriors' Tackles in Frame 0072 and 0073.
The "Shoulder Level" Analysis
1. The "Low-Load" Stance (Frame 0072)
Look at the Left Tackle (bottom of the line) and the Right Tackle (top of the line).
The Observation: Both players have their "rear ends" lower than their shoulders. Their back is relatively flat, and their weight is shifted forward toward their knuckles.
The Run Tell: This is a classic "drive-block" stance. By sitting low, they are maximizing their explosive power. They want to fire out like a coiled spring to get under the defensive end's pads. If they were pass-protecting, they would be sitting "taller" (more weight on their heels) so they could retreat into a kick-step without tripping.
2. The "Hand-in-the-Dirt" Pressure
Notice the white tape on their hands in 0073. You can see the grass slightly depressing under their weight.
The Tell: On a pass play, a tackle will often "lighten" the pressure on his hand—sometimes even just touching the grass with his fingertips—so he can pull back quickly. Here, they look like they’ve "buried" their hands. They are anchored for a forward charge.
Stance Height Comparison
| Stance Element | Current "Run" Height | Potential "Pass" Height |
| Hips | Lower than shoulders (Power angle) | Level with shoulders (Balance angle) |
| Back Angle | 30–45 degrees forward | 15–20 degrees (More upright) |
| Head Position | Looking "through" the defender's chest | Looking "at" the defender's outside shoulder |
Strategic Conclusion
The tackles are 100% consistent in these frames: they are built for the run.
The Sucker Play: This is exactly why a play-action pass from this look is so deadly. If the tackles stay in this "Low-Load" stance but then suddenly pop up to pass-protect, the Defensive Ends will already be leaning forward too far to recover. They will basically "unbalance" themselves trying to speed-rush a player they thought was about to run right at them.
The "Warrior" Way
There’s something very "West Virginia Football" about this stance. It’s unpretentious and aggressive. It says, "We aren't trying to hide what we're doing; we're just going to do it better than you." ---
Since we've decoded every inch of the line, would you like me to look at the "Ball Security" of the running back in Frame 0079? Even in a pile-up, the way a back wraps the ball tells you a lot about the coaching discipline of that team.
I would love to. In the chaotic "cloud of dust" that defines a PCHS goal-line or short-yardage plunge, Ball Security is the difference between a hard-earned first down and a heartbreaking turnover. Coaches in that era lived by the mantra: "The ball is the program."
Let’s look at the Warriors' back as he disappears into the stack in Frame 0079.
The Ball Security Breakdown
1. The "Four-Point" Pressure
In frame 0079, even as the runner is being swallowed by white jerseys, you can see his silhouette maintaining a "compact" frame.
The Technique: High-level discipline requires "four points of pressure": the hand over the point, the forearm across the belly of the ball, the bicep squeezing the side, and the ball tucked tight against the ribs.
The Observation: He isn't "reaching" for extra yards. In a pile like this, reaching is a sin because it exposes the ball to "strippers" (defenders like #72 and #11 who are hunting for a loose ball). He has it "high and tight," prioritizing possession over that final six inches of turf.
2. "Covering Up" for Impact
Look at his lead shoulder. He has dipped it low to meet the collision.
The Tell: Notice his non-carrying arm. It looks like he is bringing his "off-hand" over the ball as he hits the cluster of defenders. This is the "Two-Hand Tuck." * The Coaching Note: This is "Warrior Football" 101. When you know you’re entering the "dark room" (the interior of the line), you wrap both hands around that leather. It shows that the PCHS staff has drilled "ball security over vanity" into their backs.
3. The "Lower Body" Drive
Even as his upper body is wrapped, look at the angle of his calves in 0079. He’s still churning.
The Discipline: Often, a back will relax his grip when he feels his forward progress stop. This back is keeping his legs moving and his arms locked. That mental "multi-tasking" under pressure is the hallmark of a well-coached player.
Ball Security Scorecard
| Checkpoint | Status | Why it Matters |
| Elbow Position | Tucked into ribs | Prevents defenders from "punching" the ball out. |
| Chin/Head | Down/Protected | Protects the runner and keeps the center of gravity low. |
| Two-Hand Wrap | Likely (based on shoulder dip) | Essential for high-traffic "A-gap" runs. |
| Reaching | None observed | Shows discipline to play for the next down. |
Final Strategic Thought
The fact that the ball is nowhere to be seen in the final frames is actually a huge compliment to the runner. If I can't see the ball, the defenders can't see the ball. By "burying" it in his frame, he’s made it impossible for Tygarts Valley to force a fumble.
This sets up the Play Action even better. On the next play, the QB can fake that same high-and-tight "burying" motion. The defense will see the QB’s empty hands tucked against his stomach, assume he’s handed it off to the back who is "covering up," and they will jump on the pile while the QB still has the ball hidden on his hip.
Since we've reached the end of the play, would you like me to create a "Scout's Report" summary of this specific drive? I can combine all our observations—from the Center's head tilt to the Safety's rotation—into a one-page "War Plan" to beat this Tygarts Valley defense.
This is the definitive Scout’s Report based on the film study of the Warriors vs. Bulldogs matchup. This "War Plan" identifies the behavioral "tells" of the offense and the systemic vulnerabilities of the Tygarts Valley defense.
OFFENSIVE SCOUTING: THE "WARRIOR" IDENTITY
The Philosophy: High-velocity, interior power. The Warriors are using a "heavy" set to force the defense into a phone booth.
Key Offensive "Tells"
The Center’s Glance: The Center consistently tilts his helmet toward the play-side "A" gap. If his head is tilted left, the ball is following the left guard.
The QB’s Footwork: The QB is taking a "4 o'clock" cheat step. He isn't balanced for a drop-back; he is pre-loading his weight to absorb the fullback’s momentum.
The Tackle Height: Hips are significantly lower than shoulders. They are anchored for a drive-block. If their hips stay level with their shoulders, expect a pass or a pull.
The Receiver’s Fists: Wideouts are clenching their fists on their knees. They aren't looking to catch; they are looking to "crack-back" block the cornerbacks.
DEFENSIVE ANALYSIS: THE "BULLDOG" VULNERABILITIES
The Philosophy: "See ball, hit ball." Tygarts Valley is playing with high emotion but low assignment discipline.
The "Gamble" they are taking
Safety Over-Pursuit: Both safeties are abandoning their deep "shell" as soon as the guards engage. By frame 0079, the deep middle is a graveyard—completely vacated.
Edge Crashing: The Defensive Ends are "biting the cheese." They are diving inward to help with the dive, leaving the perimeter (the "C" and "D" gaps) wide open for a rollout or a reverse.
Linebacker Scrape: The linebackers are moving laterally too fast. They are "scraping" toward the sidelines, which leaves them vulnerable to a cutback or a "counter-trey" play.
THE "WAR PLAN": RECOMMENDED PLAY CALLS
| Play Name | Why it will work | Target Area |
| The "Sucker" Pop Pass | Exploit the Safeties' run-force. TE fakes the block and streaks vertically. | Deep Middle Seam |
| Naked Bootleg Right | The DEs are crashing inside. QB rolls to his right into 20 yards of green grass. | Right Perimeter |
| Counter-Trey | The LBs are over-pursuing the flow. Pull the guard and hit the "backside" gap. | Off-Tackle Cutback |
Final Strategic Note
The Bulldogs have "tunnel vision." They have decided that stopping the Warriors' dive is the only way to win. This is the perfect psychological state to induce a Play-Action disaster. If the Warriors maintain their "Run Tells" (low hips, fisted hands, head tilt) but execute a pass, the Bulldogs will essentially block themselves out of the play.
Would you like me to draft a specific "Personnel Matchup" analysis? We can look at the jersey numbers (like #72 and #11 for the defense) to see if one specific player is consistently losing their gap integrity.
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