Playbooks
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn HB Power O out of the I Form Wing set brings the wing TE in tight and uses a WR motion across the formation before the snap to adjust the edge numbers. This is a Power Run play with a classic Power O scheme: the fullback and pulling linemen lead through the hole while the offensive line down blocks to seal the point of attack, and the halfback follows the kickout block for a downhill run to the play side. The primary read is the HB reading the pulling blocker (guard or fullback) to decide whether to hit the hole inside or bounce it outside based on how the defensive front reacts to the kickout.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defenders shifting with the wing motion pre-snap, which tips man coverage and lets you anticipate leverage on the edge. Read the play side defensive end and outside linebacker: if they crash hard inside on the down blocks, the HB should bounce outside off the kickout block. Look for a linebacker blitzing through the A or B gap before the pull develops, since a well-timed nano blitz can beat the puller and blow up Power O at the mesh point. Stacked fronts with linebackers at depth of two to three yards are the toughest matchup, since they can read the pull and fill quickly. Watch the safety alignment post-snap. If the safety crashes down fast to fill run support, the second level is compromised and a quick cutback lane can open behind the puller.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is running man coverage, since a defender following the motion man reveals man coverage and confirms the box count for your run fit.
Check the linebacker depth before the snap. If the linebackers are stacked tight to the line, expect a quick fill and be ready to bounce the run outside off the kickout block.
This play hits hardest on early downs like first and second and ten when defenses are not selling out against the run.
Pair Mtn HB Power O with Mtn PA Power O and PA Mtn Power O in the same set to freeze linebackers with play-action off the identical motion and blocking look.
If the defense keys the pulling guard and crashes down every time, mix in HB Counter Wk or HB Sweep from this set to keep the same run action but attack the opposite edge.
