This week on The Board Drill Podcast, we dive into the heart of the Flexbone offense with special guest Coach Jose Licon, OC at Hugeton High School in Kansas. Coach Licon brings an authentic, no-nonsense look at midline concepts out of the Flexbone, and how they’re applying it to attack defenses.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intros & How This Episode Came Together

01:20 – The Triple Option Cult & Kansas Football Culture

02:15 – Coach Licon’s Background: From Flexbone QB to OC

03:00 – Overview of Hugeton HS & Their Offensive Identity

04:10 – Why Midline? Simplifying Reads for the QB

06:30 – Split-Back Veer Influence vs. Modern Defenses

09:15 – Midline Variants: Midline Lead, Midline Read, Trap Option

12:50 – Handling 4i Techniques, Slants, and Squeeze Reads

17:10 – Film Breakdown: Key Midline Plays from 2023

22:40 – How They Use Motion to Window Dress the Same Concept

26:05 – Answering “Is Midline Dead?” in Spread Offenses

29:40 – Coaching Points: QB Footwork, Mesh Timing, and RB Path

35:00 – Installing Midline: Drills, Progressions & Scout Prep

40:20 – Q&A: Listener Questions from Twitter

📚 Related Read: Dive deeper with our companion article — Kansas State's Midline Twist on Outside Zone — where we break down how KSU married Midline with Spread principles to punish static defensive fronts.

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Coach Preston Troyer joins Kyle on this episode of the Board Drill Podcast to unpack what it really means to build a system on offense. The Tonganoxie HS head coach and author of Coaching Football Insight shares lessons from 17 years in the profession, including how to refine your scheme, evolve your identity, and stay grounded in player development.

Whether you're a new OC or a vet reworking your playbook, this one’s packed with wisdom.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Coach Troyer’s Journey
04:15 – Building a System: What It Really Means
15:30 – Self-Scouting & Adjusting Over Time
28:45 – Developing Your Coaching Voice
40:00 – Advice for Young Coaches

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In this episode of the Board Drill Podcast, we catch up with Cody Gardner, the Defensive Coordinator at Corner Canyon High School (UT), to dive deep into what it really takes to build and sustain a defensive identity at the high school level.

We talk foundational philosophy, how to reset your structure when needed, and how Cody blends system, player personality, and coaching staff dynamics into a cohesive, flexible defense. Whether you're starting from scratch or evolving your current approach, this episode is a blueprint for aligning scheme, culture, and staff into one united vision.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

01:42 – Gardner’s program vision and year-round player development

08:30 – The role of aggression in defensive identity

14:05 – Building from a 3-4 base with 4-2-5 variation

21:12 – Handling RPO-heavy offenses and adjusting structure

29:45 – Evaluating staff: empowering young coaches and accountability

36:20 – Non-negotiables in team culture

41:58 – Offseason planning and “install backwards” philosophy

48:35 – Advice for young head coaches

55:00 – Final thoughts and closing

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The Board Drill Podcast – S2E30 | Dan Blackbourn: Building a Standalone Quick Game

In this episode, Kyle and Matt sit down with Coach Dan Blackbourn, OC at Brooks County (GA), to break down the fundamentals of quick game passing. Coach Blackbourn takes us through his step-based teaching philosophy, the importance of treating quick game as more than just an RPO extension, and how he installs and evolves the system from Day 1—even with limited time.

▶️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro and Coach Blackbourn joins
01:03 – Why Quick Game Should Stand Alone
02:15 – Adapting Illinois Roots to Georgia Football
03:40 – The Value of Step-Based Routes vs. Yards
05:30 – All-Hitch Install and Coaching Points
08:20 – Building the Offense from Scratch
11:10 – Handling Spring & Summer Limitations
15:45 – Adjusting to Player Skill Levels
18:30 – Formation Variations and Teaching Terminology
22:00 – Practical Tips for High School Installations

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In this episode of the Board Drill Podcast, Kyle and Matt are joined by Tom Elder, Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Chaminade High School (NY), to break down one of the most versatile and effective defensive tools in high school football—5-Man Pressure Systems.Coach Elder dives deep into how Chaminade utilizes a simple yet adaptable pressure philosophy based on four core blitz paths, how they disguise coverages, fit the run with undersized athletes, and put pressure on 17-year-old quarterbacks in a high-academic environment. If you're looking to build a pressure package that’s simple for your players but difficult for opponents to prepare for, this episode is for you.⏱ Timestamps0:00 - Intro & Coach Elder’s Background1:10 - Why 5-Man Pressure is Core to Chaminade's Defense3:00 - Undersized Personnel? Why Movement is the Answer4:55 - Odd vs Even Front Blending in the System6:00 - "Five Notes, Endless Melodies" Philosophy7:30 - 3-Under, 3-Deep Zone Pressure Breakdown9:10 - How to Build Pressure Without Overloading Players12:00 - Split-Safety Structures & Rotation Philosophy13:35 - Day 1-2 Installs: Big 12 & Weak Rotation Coverage15:00 - Teaching Pressure Paths: Edge, Neck, Face18:00 - DL Techniques: Nail, Rail, Anchor20:00 - Using Tags to Dictate Pressure Placement23:00 - Corner Blitz—Why It's a Day One Install26:30 - Scrape & Strike Paths Explained30:00 - Adjusting Pressure for 3x1 & Motion35:00 - Using Pressure to Protect Undersized Fronts37:45 - Real-Game Examples & In-Game Adjustments45:00 - The Power of Motion-Based Blitz Calls51:00 - Closing Thoughts on Simplicity, Speed, and Versatility🎯 Join the Drill

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The Dash Passing Concept with Coach Wakely Bergener | Board Drill Podcast Ep. 28

In this episode of The Board Drill Podcast, we're joined by Coach Wakely Bergener, Offensive Coordinator at Pauls Valley High School (OK), to break down the Dash Passing Concept — one of the most quarterback-friendly protection schemes in football.

Despite some tech hiccups (this is our third attempt to record it!), this episode is a must-watch for coaches looking to create cleaner vision, simplified reads, and smarter protection for their quarterbacks — especially shorter or mobile QBs. Coach Bergener walks us through film, diagrams, and coaching points that have helped his team complete 60% of their passes and average 7.4 yards per play using this concept.

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Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why This Episode Was So Tough to Record

01:00 – What is Dash and Why It Matters for QB Vision

02:30 – Welcome Coach Wakely Bergener

04:00 – Origins of Dash at Pauls Valley (Since 2017)

05:30 – Solving QB Vision Issues with Dash

07:15 – Adjusting the Role of the Tailback

09:30 – Using Dash for Mobile, Shorter QBs

11:45 – Protection Breakdown: Rope & Lasso Calls

13:20 – Film Breakdown: QB Vision & Edge Pinning

16:00 – Coaching the QB: Drop Timing & Reversing Out

18:30 – Adjustments vs. Different Fronts & Blitzes

20:30 – Using Condensed Sets and Quick Game Pairings

22:45 – Empty Dash + GIF Concept Ideas

23:25 – What Makes Pauls Valley’s Program Unique

25:00 – Final Thoughts: Food Trucks, Spring Ball, and Split Zone Ties

💬 Have questions or want to connect with Coach Bergener?

Reach him on Twitter: @CoachBergener

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📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe — and if you’re running Dash or thinking about installing it, we want to hear from you in the comments!

Board Drill Podcast – Ep. 27 | Sprint-Based Football with Coach Shane KinneeWhat happens when a football program builds its entire structure—offseason, practice, culture—around speed? Coach Shane Kinnee joins us to break down how sprint-based training is transforming high school football. From reducing injuries to maximizing performance, this episode is packed with insights for coaches ready to train smarter.🏈 Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:30 - What is sprint-based football?5:45 - The science behind sprint training9:10 - Implementing sprint methods year-round13:20 - Practice structure: how sprint-based football changes everything17:00 - Lifting and speed: marrying the two effectively21:40 - Common mistakes teams make when adding sprint work25:10 - Culture and buy-in: making the shift with your players30:00 - Offseason programming details34:25 - How to track and assess speed in your program38:50 - Recovery, wellness, and why less can be more43:10 - Results: what we’re seeing on the field46:55 - Final advice for coaches looking to go sprint-based📲 Follow The Board Drill:YouTube: Subscribe for weekly film, interviews & scheme talksTikTok: @boarddrill – fast hits from every episodeNewsletter: Get the best articles & tools sent weekly at www.boarddrill.comLike, comment, and share with a coach who’s ready to evolve the way they train their team!#BoardDrill

Board Drill Podcast – Ep. 27 | Bobby Bowring on Building a 3x1 Defensive Toolbox

In this episode, we’re joined by Bobby Bowring, DC at a San Juan HS in Utah, for a deep dive into defending 3x1 formations with clarity, confidence, and a practical system. In this episode we chat about run fits and coverages for 3x1 sets out of a 3-4 base defense.

🏈 Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:45 - Why 3x1 is so hard to defend
4:20 - What Bobby learned from facing elite spread teams
7:35 - Structuring your coverage toolbox
11:10 - Match vs zone: building clarity for players
15:05 - How to get sound against the run and the pass
19:00 - Teaching checks and communication
24:45 - Adjusting your 3x1 plan to match personnel
29:30 - Breaking down trips open vs trips closed
33:00 - Film room keys: diagnosing the threat
37:40 - Favorite coverages and when to use them
41:15 - How to drill and rep your 3x1 system
46:05 - Advice to young DCs installing sub-packages
49:20 - Final thoughts: keeping it simple under pressure

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Welcome back to the Board Drill Podcast! In Season 2, Episode 25, we’re diving into the foundation of gap scheme football with one of the best in the trenches—Coach Ian Tatum, Assistant Head Coach, OC, and OL coach at Walkertown High School in North Carolina.

Coach Tatum breaks down the ins and outs of Power—from install day to adjustments, including QB power, power read, and the toss read series. We talk personnel, back alignment, puller rules, and how to build a nasty offensive line mentality around your gap game.

This is a must-listen for any coach looking to enhance their run game and understand how to marry Duo, Power, and Counter into a cohesive, hard-nosed attack.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Kyle, Matt, and Coach Ian Tatum kickoff

01:00 – Philosophy of Power: "God’s play" and why it’s day one install

02:10 – Base Power from 20 Personnel with a sniffer

03:15 – Installing Duo alongside Power – differences and similarities

04:40 – Adjustments vs. different fronts – fitting Power to your team

06:00 – Power Read and Toss Read variations

07:30 – Teaching Puller Footwork and Rules

10:15 – OL Drills and mindset to build a gap scheme culture

13:00 – Gameplan integration – mixing Duo, Power, Counter

16:20 – Reading the DE on toss vs. power read

18:40 – When to tag QB Power and how to package it

21:00 – Dealing with safeties fitting the backside

24:00 – Creating constraint plays off your base run

28:45 – Managing OL personalities and building toughness

32:10 – Practice scripting and how Tatum installs run game in-season

36:30 – Favorite formations and motions to dress up Power

40:45 – Power vs. odd vs. even fronts – blocking rules

44:00 – Run game adjustments midseason

48:30 – RPOs off Power and Buck Sweep

52:15 – Why Toss Read is underutilized in HS ball

56:30 – Coaching impact, daily player relationships

57:55 – Social media and YouTube/Content support for coaches

59:30 – Final thoughts and sign off

📌 Subscribe to Ian’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCWY5npFCK0gs4fg2zxyVuSg

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In this episode of the Board Drill Podcast, we welcome Mitch Wieland, offensive coordinator at Iowa City Liberty High School, to break down the most common quarterback mistakes and how to fix them. From footwork disasters to bad pocket habits, Coach Wieland gives a clinic on practical drills, quarterback development, and how to coach up any QB, regardless of arm talent.

We also talk about how to integrate film study into your daily QB routine, fixing overstriding, improving pocket presence, and unlocking the deep ball game at the high school level.

Whether you're a QB coach, offensive coordinator, or a defensive coach looking to understand how QBs are taught, this episode is a must-watch.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Welcome & Midwest Coaching Vibes

1:40 - Coach Wieland's background & QB coaching journey

3:30 - How to develop efficient QBs of all sizes & styles

4:49 - Common Mistake #1: Weak finishing position & drills to fix it

9:20 - Filming practice: Why it matters for QB development

12:30 - Common Mistake #2: Overstriding & simple fixes

15:45 - QB drills should be individualized, not one-size-fits-all

17:00 - Common Mistake #3: Eyes on the rush & pocket drills

20:50 - How to drill pocket escapes & throwaways (double evade, chaos drills)

23:50 - Don't try to outrun the rush: Go against the grain

28:50 - Scramble drill chaos & the struggle of WR scramble rules

31:30 - Teaching the deep ball with timing, not arm strength

36:30 - Throwing with touch: Over/under drills & QB anticipation

42:00 - How flight paths drift & adjusting deep balls left vs. right

46:00 - Dropping in the bucket drill explained

48:50 - Best throw in football? The underthrown deep ball

51:30 - Teaching throwing on the run vs. sprinting throws

54:00 - QB mechanics on sprint outs & real-world escape drills

56:30 - Program tradition: Liberty’s Purple Rain & Lightning Jacks

59:00 - Final thoughts & Mitch's advice for QB coaches

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