[Spirit100]

I think reps are incredibly important at a young age. Raceland though, doesn't have the ability to set up that system due to numbers. I think no matter what direction you go, you have to prepare the kids from a young age to be able to run the offense the High School Runs. Coaches do change at times, but kids learn easily. Enough reps and they'll get it. I never understood why, in my 7th grade year we were still running the wishbone, when the high school was running the spread. Then my 8th grade year, the freshman above us weren't prepared enough for the offense, thus my 8th grade year, we just about completely did away with the wishbone.

The way we assured reps in the FTJFL was to split the quarters in half between the starters and second team. During our time there each team averaged about 22 kids by design. Some may have had a couple more. So before the half each player had atleast a quarter of play under their belt.

The third quarter was split as well. The fourth quarter was wide open. If you were down you could play your starters. If you were up you could play the second team.

Again the benefit is shared amongst all of the teams. The coaches had a mutual respect for one another and no one ever would run up the score. But don't be fooled we had plenty of heated contests. Do know that not all coaches would run the Highlands offense. Defense was a set 52 with a roving LB and 3 deep set. Our team did run Highlands plays and I know that by the end of my sons 4th grade season he knew atleast six plays in his sleep.

I'd be surprised if each team had more than 10 offensive plays. Again, best wishes on future success!inglepar