The Golden Aces feature a Wing-T and triple option attack.
“It takes you back to old school football,” the EHS coach added.
Against Gibson Southern, Mt. Carmel had 209 total yards. Out of 41 offensive plays, they ran the ball on 38 of those snaps. The Golden Aces only attempted three passes, completing two for 73 yards and their lone touchdown, which came in the second half after Gibson Southern had built a 35-0 halftime lead.
“They’re trying to gain four yards on a play, get to 3rd and 3 or 4th and short and then go for it,” Hefner explained. “Once they get close to midfield and they have four yards or less to go on fourth down, they will probably go for it.”
There is a lot of motion by the two wing running backs and faking by the quarterback. Coach Hefner says “eye discipline” is the key.
“This type of offense forces guys that are not used to defending the run to now defend the run,” Hefner added. “It’s easy for them to lose eye discipline. And if they get lulled to sleep, you’ll probably see the quarterback running free or receivers being wide open. It’s not an easy offense to defend.”
Last week, the Effingham defense did not have a stellar performance, even though the secondary intercepted four passes, including three by Wade Bushur. Robinson racked up 405 offensive yards, with 289 of those coming through the air.
The big plays really hurt the Hearts. The Maroons consistently got behind the EHS secondary, completing TD passes of 70, 32, 72 and 58 yards. Add an 83-yard run into that mix and you have 315 of those yards on just five plays.
“Obviously, the coverage in our secondary has to improve,” Hefner admitted. “You just can’t give up that many explosive plays. That is a concern right now.”
But the Hearts had their share of offensive fireworks as well. Led by running back Weldon Dunston IV, Effingham totaled 404 yards, with 298 of those coming on the ground. Dunston was the workhorse, carrying the ball 26 times for 242 yards, and also scoring five touchdowns.
He had seven runs of 10 or more yards, including an explosive 80-yard bolt that helped the Hearts build a 31-18 lead by halftime.
“I thought our offensive line play was a positive,” Hefner said. “Their efforts gave us the ability to run the ball and Weldon can run it really well. But we have to have somebody other than Weldon give us some explosive plays. When we have an opportunity in the passing game to make a play, we have to make them.”
Last week, juniors Jaxon Bridges and Max Buzzard split time at quarterback. The pair combined to complete 6 of 14 passes for 106 yards. Bridges was 4-for-9 for 92 of those yards, while Buzzard added a 12-yard scoring run in the second period.
Hefner noted that Mt. Carmel plays “an old school 50” defense.
“They like to stunt and move,” he explained. “When you see and odd-man front like that, you have to figure there’s a rhyme or reason to their movement. But it is becoming a more popular defense in high school recently.”
The veteran coach listed several keys to the game.
“The first is how quickly we adjust to the speed and movement of their offense,” Hefner said. “Last week, it took Gibson Southern the first drive. Mt. Carmel had a majority of their yards on the first possession before it stalled at the one-yard line. We have to stay disciplined and not give up the big play.”
The list also includes taking care of the football, handling the movement of the Golden Aces defensive line, finding ways to make plays in the passing game and reducing the number of penalties.
The Hearts were flagged nine times for 90 yards. That included three personal foul penalties in the first half. Hefner was not pleased.
“That was frustrating,” he admitted. “It shows a lack of discipline. That’s not how the game is supposed to be played, plus it’s just bad football to give away that many yards. That needs to improve.”
Hefner has been coaching football for many years – the last 10 at EHS. But this will be his first coaching trip to the Mt. Carmel stadium.
“This is a special stadium to play in,” he said. “There’s a rich history there. I hope the kids soak it all in and enjoy the opportunity. I know I’m looking forward to coaching there.”
