[EKUAlum05]

so it sounds like josh is going to be starting at hb instead of dixon,hum...

People can say what they want about Haywood and his old school ways, but anyone who has followed Belfry the past ten years can see Haywood has been willing to evolve and adapt with the times.

It started with the change from a "big, line plugging" defensive line that has transitioned to a smaller, yet quicker DL early in the 2000's.

When Jones and Howard he went away from the belly option to more of a veer style to maximize their ability to hit the defense quick.

With May and Lee, Haywood went to a "jumbo"backfield much different then a look Belfry has ever shown before.

The wishbone restricts the passing game and the options along with it, so Haywood implemented the "broken gun" at times with Elkins.

Belfry loses to a much faster Central in the finals. Lee and May leave, enter a smaller, quicker backfield and Mr. All Purpose Thomas Varney. Haywood goes away from the belly and uses primarily the flexbone, he also implements the "Thomcat" to maximize touches by Varney.

What I see happening now is the next step required to compete on the level with Central. He has gradually been working towards this since they first met Central. Belfry for years have been an Iron Man football team with the majority of their players playing both ways. Belfry's feeder program is very strong right now and young talent is making it possible for him to really limit the number of 2 way guys. This reduces risk of injury, allows more reps at their natural position, and allows younger guys to gain more experience.

Now you see Williams playing QB only, Dixon playing primarily at S, Runyon primarily at DE, and very few linemen doubling up as starters. If a man goes down they have capable backups, but as it stands now Belfry is maximizing development, minimizing fatigue, and doubling preparation time in practice. In the past an injury could mean Belfry lost both their star QB and their top DB... with platoon football it means you only have to feel half of the impact.