Over the past few years, the triple option has seen a resurgence in usage.
Not long ago, the triple option was nearly extinct in the state of Georgia. With only a handful of coaches continuing to base their offenses out of the exceedingly rare formations, such as the flexbone, Wing-T, and single wing, it seemed like these systems would become relics of the past. However, something interesting happened, schools began returning to the classic offense. Every year, more and more teams are running the triple option. The question for many is why, and how is it helping smaller schools win more games?
The first question that needs to be answered is why teams are returning to the triple option. The main reason is that it utilizes a type of talent that is more common than what many modern offenses require for success. The advantage is in the ability to use a smaller offensive line. Additionally, the quarterback position is not as critical. Many teams rotate multiple quarterbacks, and since the passing game is not as emphasized, being a good athlete is more important than being a dynamic passer. Lastly the size of running backs isn’t as important with many backs straying away from the prototypical 5-foot-10 200 pound running backs of most modern offenses.
In recent years, the triple option has become more competitive, even at the highest levels of the sport. In 2021, legendary coach Jeff Herron came out of retirement to take back over at Camden County. During his first tenure with the program from 2000-2012, the Wildcats won 144 games, 12 region titles, and three state championships. After Herron’s departure, Camden County struggled by it’s standards, going 50-36, missing the playoffs three times in eight years, and winning only three playoff games. When Herron returned in 2021, the Wildcats resumed running his Wing-T offense. This move started the Wildcats down a path toward success. The first year was challenging, with the team going 4-8 and losing in the first round of the playoffs. However, in 2022, the team improved to 8-4, winning its first playoff game since 2015. Finally, in 2023, the Wildcats broke through. They went 10-4, their best record since 2015, making the semifinals for the first time since their last state title, under Herron, in 2009.
Marist has long been the model of consistency in the state. Under head coach Alan Chadwick and his flexbone based offense, the War Eagles have made the playoffs every year since 1986. However, 2023 may be the most impressive season during Chadwick’s tenure. The War Eagles went 12-2 and reached the semifinals. On paper, the season might not seem extraordinary, as the team has been runner-up seven times and won three championships under Chadwick.
However, the 2023 team competed in 6A at the time, the second-highest classification. In that semifinal game against Thomas County Central, the War Eagles pushed the eventual state champions to the limit, having multiple chances in the fourth quarter to take the lead and win the game. Other teams like Savannah Christian made the finals last year in 3A, and many small school powerhouses still run the triple option. Another type of school that has switched to the triple option are schools trying to level the playing field including programs like Madison County. When Chris Smith took over the Red Raiders program in 2012 the team was not known for winning, having only made the playoffs twice and never winning or hosting a playoff game in program history.
Smith implemented a flexbone-based triple option offense, and over his more than a decade in Danielsville, the team has made four playoff appearances, winning its first two playoff games in 2019, and hosted the school’s first playoff game last year and looks to have another historic season this season.
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