Playbooks
PA Mtn Power O is a play-action counter to the Wing Over I Form run game that sells inside zone or power O blocking before releasing the fullback and tight end into the flow of the fake. The offensive line and fullback show the power O pull scheme, drawing linebackers up and opening play-action windows in the intermediate and vertical passing zones. This is primarily a zone beater since the run fake occupies underneath zone defenders and linebackers, and the primary read progression starts with the deep vertical shot off the play fake before working down to the intermediate crosser and finally the check down to the fullback or tight end leaking out of the backfield.
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is in a run-heavy front with linebackers creeping to the line, since that alignment confirms they respect the power O run fake and will be vulnerable to the play-action shot. Watch for single high safety looks like Cover 1 or Cover 3, these shells are the most exploitable because the deep middle defender often bites down on the run action, opening the vertical route. Against Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with two safeties sitting deep, expect the underneath zone defenders to still flow toward the run fake, so target the intermediate crosser or the check down instead of forcing the deep ball. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker or user-controlled defender at the second level, if he steps up hard on the fake you have a clean throwing lane to the intermediate route, if he sits and reads you should progress quickly to the check down. Beware disguised blitzes where the defense shows base personnel but brings a linebacker or safety on a delayed blitz through the play-action pocket, keep an eye on the fullback release as a hot read outlet if the pocket collapses early.
Run this on early downs, ideally first or second and short to medium, when defenses expect Mtn Power O to be a base run play based on personnel and formation tendency.
Check the safety depth pre-snap, if you see two high safeties sitting deep the run fake will not fully bite but the intermediate crosser should still be open against soft zone drops.
If linebackers are stacked tight to the box and safeties are showing single high, this is your green light to trust the play fake and take the deep shot on first read.
Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or slant if you diagnose man coverage from the cornerback pre-snap, since the play fake alone will not create enough separation against tight man coverage.
Sequence this play after running HB Sweep or HB Stretch a few times to condition the defense to bite on outside zone action, then come back to PA Mtn Power O to punish linebackers flowing hard to the run fake.
Pair this call with PA Waggle or PA Boot Flow later in a drive so the defense cannot key on one specific play-action shell out of this formation.