As we settle into the football season, three core principles have consistently shown their importance on the field. Over the years, through countless coaching clinics and conversations, these themes repeatedly emerge across generations of coaches. They are simple, yet vital to the game of football – and might even surprise you.
In the first month weeks of this season, I’ve seen these three factors play a significant role in whether a team is on the right track or still trying to find its footing.
1. Great Offensive Line Play
The first essential factor is outstanding offensive line play. Sure, most fans will rave about quarterbacks and skill players, but none of those athletes can succeed without a strong offensive line. Take, for example, the Carroll Chargers, who boast one of the most explosive offenses in the area. While names like Jimmy Sullivan and Jaidon VanPelt get much of the spotlight, it’s the unsung heroes on the offensive line who drive their offensive success.
It’s not just stars like Caiden Abbs, but rather the entire unit working as one. The Chargers have been one of the most balanced teams in the area for years, thanks to both their exceptional pass protection and aggressive run blocking. These elements have consistently led to impressive numbers for Carroll quarterbacks, year after year.
2. Exceptional Defense
The second key to success is playing great defense. This season, several teams have stood out in this regard, but none more so than the undefeated Leo Lions. While Brock Schott garners much attention, it’s the disruptive play of defensive tackle Tristan Roberts that has been instrumental. Roberts has caused mayhem up front in defensive coordinator Jon Zolnik’s “chaos” scheme, and it’s clear that Leo’s success hinges on contributions from all three levels of its defense.
Bishop Luers is another team proving the value of defense. In its matchup against Northrop in Week 3, the Knights managed to contain some of the best receivers in the area, forcing turnover after turnover. If Luers wants to secure another state championship, especially in a different class, its defense will need to continue performing at this high level. The competition only gets tougher as the Knights face even more skilled athletes down the road in the Summit Athletic Conference.
3. Great Special Teams
The final, but equally important, factor is great special teams play. Often overlooked, special teams account for a third of the game, and in high school football, the plays on special teams can be game-changers. In critical moments, special teams often determine the difference between winning and losing.
Take the Week 3 game between Wayne and Homestead, for instance. In the first half, a snap sailed over the Wayne punter’s head, resulting in a safety that fueled further momentum in the Spartans’ favor. Wayne allowed the first 22 points in a 22-8 loss. While that play wasn’t the sole reason for the defeat, it had a significant impact on the outcome.
The Concordia Cadets also showcased the importance of special teams in Week 3. They opened their game with an onside kick, recovering it and marching down the field to score against Snider, one of the top programs in the area. Although the play didn’t ultimately decide the game, it sent a message that the Cadets were there to compete, and it sparked an intense battle with the Panthers.
The Bigger Picture
Of course, these aren’t the only factors that contribute to winning football games. But, whether you’re looking at outcomes from the first three weeks or projecting into the rest of the season, these three elements – offensive line play, defense and special teams – loom large. If teams can consistently execute in these areas, they’ll be well on their way to success this season and beyond.
Coaches Corner appears weekly at Outside the Huddle. The author Ben Martone played football in the SAC and has coached at North Side and Northrop. He is currently a teacher at Weisser Park Elementary in Fort Wayne Community Schools.
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