The I-Formation, or simply the “I,” dates back to the early 1950s when Tom Nugent, then head coach at Virginia Military Institute, found it very effective to line up his quarterback, fullback, and two halfbacks directly behind the center.

With the increased role of tight ends over the years, the formation has been modified to include one lined up next to the offensive line

instead of a second halfback in the backfield. Finally two receivers are positioned on the outside.

While there is more blocking for the running game, defenses usually prepare for the run, so big yardage plays are uncommon. However, it helps in picking up a few yards on each play, which goes with Coach Ware’s ball control, move the chains strategy.

Quarterback

In the I-Formation, the rushing game sets up the pass. The role of the quarterback is to manage the running game, throw for first downs in long third down situations, and occasionally pass for a lot of yardage when the defense least suspects the pass.

Senior captain Jeffrey Boyd had been starting at quarterback, but a broken thumb has put sophomore Greg Lyons under center.

The establishment of a running game opens up the passing game for a bootleg or play action pass to open receivers downfield when opposing defensive backs and linebackers move towards the running back, thinking he has the ball.

Running Backs

All the focus in the I-Formation surrounds the backfield that consists of a fullback, senior captain Charlie Stern, and halfback, junior Alvin Jordan or sophomore Zach Tobolowsky, lined up behind the quarterback.

In most running situations, the fullback will lead the halfback through an opened hole on the line or on the outside and block any linebackers or blitzing safeties, not to mention protecting Jeffrey on rollout passes. The backs are also receiving options on several out and flat routes and a running option in short yardage situations.

The role of the halfback is fairly straightforward, run the ball play after play, and pick up yardage while wearing out the opposing defense and opening up an occasional pass play.

Because Alvin runs the ball many times on a prolonged drive, he needs a change of pace back, Zach, to help move offense while he rests. They, like Charlie, must also play a role in passing plays with typically only two receivers and a tight end.

Receivers

Unlike in the spread offense, the wide receivers are not expected to make long catches for big yardage and touchdowns in the I-Formation. Instead, they are counted on for short yardage in situations where they need a first down but running is not a worthwhile option.

The few opportunities each game that the receivers, senior captain Derek Osimiri and senior Charleston Turnley, get are typically critical plays, making their hands very important. It is crucial in this offense that they do not drop easy passes; otherwise it is likely that the drive stalls.
On running plays, it is also the receiver’s job to block the cornerback that had been covering them. If they fail to block the cornerback, then an outside run becomes very difficult.

The tight end, much like the fullback, has a dual role of being an offensive weapon and a dependable blocker. While he is counted on to make catches over the middle, he is also responsible for blocking blitzing defending on running plays.

Sophomore Ben Lewis, according to Coach Ware, fits this role well because he has good size and blocking skills, and good hands to succeed in the passing game.

Offensive Line

Sometimes the most overlooked aspect of an offense regardless of what scheme or formation it runs is the offensive line. It has a significant role in every play, run or pass, in making sure that Jeffrey has enough time to throw, or that Alvin can get out of the backfield.

According to junior Jonathan Gary, left tackle, the offensive line is among the smaller ones as a whole in its division; however, it is among the quickest.

The line relies on speed to keep the defense out of the backfield. On inside runs they open holes on the line for Charlie to lead Alvin, and on outside runs, the non-play side guard must break off the line and reach the outside to block anyone in the ball carrier’s path.

Jonathan has one of the more crucial roles on the line, guarding Jeffrey’s blind side: his left side.

Because Jeffrey throws right handed, he is facing towards the right side of the field and often cannot see pass rushers from the left side.

The 3-4 Defense

The 3-4 Defense sets up three defensive linemen on the line of scrimmage, with four linebackers behind them.
Against a traditional offense with a tight end and two wide receivers, the two cornerbacks line up facing the receivers and two safeties are positioned behind the linebackers. Adjustments are made based on the offensive alignment.
With Coach Ware’s new game plan, Greenhill will consistently play a 3-4 defense that allows the players to concentrate on perfecting skills and pursuing the ball.
The 3-4 best suits the defense because the players are relatively small compared to others in the league. But having a fourth linebacker instead of a lineman allows for more play-calling options because linebackers have more versaility than linemen.

Defensive Line

In adapting to the new formation, the defensive line’s main responsibility is to pass rush in attempt to hurry or sack the opposing team’s quarterback. Another focus of the line is to force the running back inside.
The nose tackle, the center lineman, needs to draw double teams from the offensive line to compensate for the lack of a second tackle.

Linebackers

Along with the line, the linebackers’ job is the stop to run and occasionally blitz. While reading the opposing team’s play, they must also guard receivers coming over the middle and fall back into zone pass coverage.
Because Greenhill has one of the smallest teams physically in the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC), the linebackers play a crucial role in using their speed, agility, and experience to help out the undersized line and pressure the quarterback.

Secondary

The final component of the defense is the secondary, which consists of cornerbacks and safeties. The secondary is accountable for covering wide receivers or a designated spot on the field to protect against the pass. It is also the last line of defense against the opposing running backs if they break through the line and linebackers.

The Result

The new defense has helped the team post a 2-1 record, including a 21-7 victory over Houston Kinkaid, a team that the Hornets had not beaten in four seasons.