Playing both ways

[SixManNewb]

Right off the bat, obviously some schools have to play their best players both ways bc they don't have enough players. Are there any six man schools that don't play their best players both ways? Every team we've played the last two seasons has their best athletes on the field on offense and defense.

 

[justlookin']

Right off the bat, obviously some schools have to play their best players both ways bc they don't have enough players. Are there any six man schools that don't play their best players both ways? Every team we've played the last two seasons has their best athletes on the field on offense and defense.

I think you'll find most teams at this level have the same mostly the same players playing both ways.

 

[CACC1219]

I agree you will in most situations find players are playing both ways because those are your athletes.

 

[Postman]

In Division II, you don't have much choice. With enrollment in the 30's it's tuff to have a practice squad some years.
My hats off to teams that schedule Division I teams for non district competition.

 

[Wildcats5421]

Westbrook has three that for the most part only play defense and the same way on offense.

 

[SixManNewb]

Westbrook has three that for the most part only play defense and the same way on offense.

Are those three the top 3? or are they kids 4-9? It's been my experience that every team has kids at the top who have clearly separated themselves from the pack, and then there's a second tier of player where the differences are much smaller.

Full disclosure....our coach and I don't see eye to eye on this issue. We technically have enough players to go 6 & 6, but the 2nd six aren't in the same class as our first six. We've got two elite players and then maybe maybe 6-7 who are all in the same class. For two years we've only used our elite players sparingly on defense, and used tier 3 kids to fill in the gaps. We get away with it most of the time bc we have one of the easiest schedules in the state. Then we get to tough games and we get our butts kicked. His defense of his decision is to ask "how many NFL, NCAA or HS 6A players go both ways?" Good analogy....since we're playing 6A football right? We can't stop the other team, but at least our stars are fresh for offense!! It drives me crazy.

We played Covenant Classical last year (TAPPS D3 state champs). They played their best both ways, including their QB.

 

[Wildcats5421]

One of them is the defensive player of the year last year in 1a and another was all state lineman.

 

[SixManNewb]

One of them is the defensive player of the year last year in 1a and another was all state lineman.

I guess what I'm asking is would they be one of your best players on the other side of the ball if they played both ways?

 

[Wildcats5421]

I guess what I'm asking is would they be one of your best players on the other side of the ball if they played both ways?

Yes for sure

 

[CoachSandersACS]

We played the same 6 on offense, defensive, and special teams all year.

 

[pistol]

Yes for sure4

Westbrook has three that for the most part only play defense and the same way on offense.

I thought of the defensive starters started on offense with #8 getting some time in the backfield as well

 

[justlookin']

I guess what I'm asking is would they be one of your best players on the other side of the ball if they played both ways?

I would answer this way. In public D1 it is more common to have maybe a total of eight starters total, with two being mostly defensive specialists. They can also be key contributors on offense. Last year for example, Strawn, a D2 team had ten seniors. They started a freshman at tailback on offense and also he played defense. But they used 11 players constantly subbing at least two and sometimes 3 each play on offense and sometimes the same on defense depending on the situation. That is almost unheard of in D2 and is rare even in D1. Classes that large are rare. Westbrook I know is blessed with large numbers and also subs liberally, but I'm not as familiar with their substitution packages. What I've noticed in the past is that regardless of division most really good teams do sub a lot with 8-9 players. it is rare for more than that to get equal playing time.

 

[SW59]

I thought of the defensive starters started on offense with #8 getting some time in the backfield as well

You’re right. 8 and 21 mostly play defense and 11 and 44 only play offense. The other four play both ways

 

[Wildcats5421]

I thought of the defensive starters started on offense with #8 getting some time in the backfield as well

Yes he does get some reps on offense just not a lot

 

[Football58]

Right off the bat, obviously some schools have to play their best players both ways bc they don't have enough players. Are there any six man schools that don't play their best players both ways? Every team we've played the last two seasons has their best athletes on the field on offense and defense.

Most small school play their best players both ways

 

[oldfolks]

Most small school play their best players both ways

I know of a couple of 4A schools that play some of their players both ways and they don’t get a lot of rest. Best athletes in best positions.