In America, the winner takes all.

Chapter 154: An iron wall; an unprecedented problem (two in one)

Finals day, California State University, Sacramento, Hoent Stadium.

"Sitting in the commentary box now, I can still accurately recall the day I first saw Ethan O'Connor. I saw in this young man the future of rugby and a new opportunity. In fact, he later His performance did not live up to my expectations..." Matt Millen once again appeared in the commentary box. This old friend of Ethan, this time he can be regarded as volunteering to commentate on the game.

And Ethan is gradually getting used to the huge crowds. This time it is not even as huge as the previous national finals. The reason is also very simple. The number of seats at Hornt Stadium is much less than that of Georgia's Sford Stadium, with only two seats. Thousands of seats.Therefore, the audience's voice was not as heroic as before.

However, Yi also saw many BHHS students come to the California capital to cheer for the Norman team.

On the other side, the number of spectators from De LS High School was no less than that of bhhs. They wore pure white uniforms, which formed a sharp contrast with the audience wearing orange uniforms.

"There is no doubt that there are two completely different voices on the field today, and the styles of the two final teams are also completely different. DeLS High School pays more attention to the team. Under the creation of the meritorious coach Bob Ladouceur , the team has completely become a whole, regardless of you and me. According to authoritative statistics including many sports media, the tactics of the LS team are the most diverse among all high school teams in the United States, and the styles are also the most changeable."

"If the LS Spartans represent the ultimate team style, then the BHHS Normans represent the ultimate individual heroism. I believe Ethan O'Connor no longer needs to be elaborated too much. He is now The hottest young football player in the country, he even has his sights set on Hollywood, which may be the decision that every young man who becomes famous in Los Angeles goes through."

"And Ethan's answer is: He wants them all. Before the California Open, Ethan even went to shoot a movie, and after returning to the team, he still maintained his bravery! This may be genius, okay , now we see the captains of both teams walking into the center of the pitch, allowing us to officially enter the game.”

Ethan looked at Coach Bob Ladouceur who was standing on the bench not far away. At this time, he was looking at him coldly and chewing gum in his mouth.

Although Bob was not on the court, this game was undoubtedly a showdown between the "strongest player" and the "strongest coach."

Ethan and Thomas have privately watched the videos of DeLS High School, especially the knockout stages of the California Open. It can be said that the Spartans rarely use the same tactics in a game.

Moreover, the California Open does not have an extremely intensive schedule like the National Finals. Both teams have sufficient time to prepare. Obviously, De LS High School will prepare sufficient tactics this time.

Especially for your own tactics.

As for the Normans, they are naturally prepared...

The game officially started. Fortunately, Ethan once again lost the pre-game coin guessing session. While he maintained his "bad luck", he also gained a little more confidence in the game.

The Spartans conducted the opening return attack, and the returner was Spartan running back Maris Mouari. His movements were very fast and flexible, using continuous disguises and turns to constantly impact the Norman formation.

Best of all...he's very fast!
Like a strong wind, he often nimbly dodges the Norman special team before they can even touch the hem of his clothes, and rushes past the fifty-yard line in less than ten seconds. His legs almost turned into afterimages. In the end, the experienced Reno succeeded in knocking him down with a reverse feint.

"With a 63-yard return, the Spartans' returner and running back in the team undoubtedly performed very well. He showed amazing speed. Before the Normans could form an effective defense, he relied on absolute The speed advantage passed the most dangerous range. If the Norman safety guard was not on the field, the Spartans would have most likely completed the return touchdown at this time."

said on-field commentator Matt Millen.

"But the current situation doesn't look much different from the return touchdown. Now there are only 37 yards left from the Normans' zone. The situation is very favorable for the Spartans!"

"Sure enough, the tactics are hidden." Thomas, who was on the bench at this time, seemed a little angry. He had watched almost all the Spartans' videos before and had a certain understanding of the Spartans' returners, and Bob pulled Dussel was replaced as soon as he came on.

This was a special return attack specially prepared for the Normans.

In other words, the previous Spartans simply did not send the strongest returner!
At this time, Ethan turned his head and looked at Ladouceur not far away, who had just passed by the side where the Norman bench was.

"This is just an appetizer. Maybe you will lose this game by a big score!" Bob Ladouceur showed absolute confidence at this time.

"Sorry, I'm very hungry. I don't know if your team members are enough to fill my teeth." Ethan responded with a smile.

In fact, it can be seen from this counterattack that Bob Ladouceur is the real commander. He has injected his own distinctive brand into the team he commands. He has deliberately confused No. from previous games. Man people.

Ethan turned his attention to the field and could see the Spartans' offense taking the field.

Before officially taking the field, these young people wearing white jerseys stood together, put each other's hands on the shoulders of their teammates, and kept chanting prayers. Before going on the field, these young people would also kiss the crosses and crosses worn on their chests. site.

There is only a distance of thirty yards. Even if you use short-code passes frequently and advance bit by bit, it is enough to complete the touchdown. After all, the game has just begun.

However, the Spartans' offensive team did not use any conservative tactics. Two receivers plus fullbacks and running backs, a tight end and an offensive forward on the other end, six attack points, in the first offense Whenever possible, they provide each other with cover.

But this continuous movement caused some trouble to the Norman defense team. For a while, many people made mistakes in their defensive movements. Ethan alone saw three or four gaps. If it was If he were present, he might have passed the ball by this time.

But the Spartans' quarterback needs to face a whole new problem.

That's pocket penetration by the defensive line.

Based on the Spartans' quarterback style, Thomas developed a strategy for the defense to attack the pocket before the game.

There is no doubt that this is a tactic that is very suitable for the Norman defense team. It can be said that Norman's defensive team can be called "the strongest in the United States". Albert is on the left, and there are two heavyweight goalkeepers in the middle. Also a fresh signing this semester.

In terms of hard power, he is no worse than any high school offensive lineman.

In terms of the result, it was indeed as Thomas expected, the pocket was easily broken through.

Ethan enjoyed watching the game very much. He always faced similar situations before, but now someone can finally taste his taste...

But the result surprised everyone present, especially the Normans.

Facing the three forward players approaching, the opponent's quarterback not only did not leave the pocket or move, but rushed directly towards Albert.

It looked like a temporary change. Even Albert himself was not prepared and subconsciously blocked it, and then was knocked down.

At this time, the Spartans' quarterback changed from running to passing, directly found the wide receiver, and gained fifteen yards.

There were only a little over 20 yards left in the Norman zone.

"You underestimate your opponent." Ethan shook his head.

"This is your habitual move, Ethan. The other party is also imitating you, but unlike Tommy, he has good strength himself, and his physical fitness is much stronger than before, plus Albert I suffered a loss because I was not fully prepared." Thomas, who was standing next to Ethan, analyzed at this time.

The Spartans' line was a few points closer to the Norman's area. It can be said that this offense has lost its suspense, and Thomas' tactical purpose of restricting the quarterback has not been achieved.

Steve Thacker got the ball out without much interference.

A total of 6 attacks were played, and except for two failed passes in between, all other attacks were successful.

In the end, the Spartans scored a touchdown. After the PAT, it was the Norman offense's turn.

"The five sets of tactics prepared today are all tailor-made for German LS. As for which one to use, you need to decide on the spot." Thomas remained the same, giving Ethan the greatest freedom of choice.

As for Ladouceur, who was standing on the other side, he was in a completely different state. Like a chess player, he began to constantly adjust the position of the defensive team on the spot.Commonly known as "on-the-spot micro-management"

"Cover 2!" His shout enveloped the venue.

Hearing this voice, Thomas shook his head and sneered.

No high school team can achieve this kind of professional defensive formation coverage.

In football, the tactics of the offensive team are simpler than those of the defensive team. As for the seven types of coverage of the defensive team, they are generally only used in NCAA games.

For one thing, college teams tend to have longer days to practice.

Secondly, college teams are at a higher level than high school teams in terms of experience, physical fitness, and coordination.

High school teams simply don't have the ability to use it.

But soon as Ethan held the ball and the Spartans' defensive team began to move to a certain extent, Thomas's expression changed drastically.

"This is impossible!" he couldn't help shouting, with a look of disbelief on his face.

At the same time, Ethan, who was standing on the field, also clearly felt that the Spartans' defensive team was different from the opponents he had faced before...

There were bursts of cheers from the audience, interspersed with Matt Millen's live commentary.

Ethan was standing safely in the pocket at this time, his eyes constantly scanning the opponent's defensive team's arrangement.

Facing the individual movements of several offensive points of the Norman offensive team, the Spartan defensive team did not seem to panic at all, and including the three line positions and the more advanced second line defense, as long as one of several people If you lose position, several other people will adjust their positions accordingly. This position always divides the playing field area and ensures that someone can take care of every gap.

At the same time, Ethan's reading defense is still working, but the more carefully you observe, the more you can feel the special features of the opponent's "dynamic defense". There are no defensive gaps that appeared in the past.

Flea, another wide receiver, Ford, Cooper, Henry, and Ethan felt that no matter if the pass was passed to any one of the five people, the opponent would be double-teamed by two or three people at the same time when receiving the ball.

"Ethan, it's time to pass the ball!" Ethan heard Cooper's voice diagonally ahead.It wasn't that he was urging, but he really couldn't hold it anymore. He collided with an opponent's linebacker, and the two of them exerted force on each other. Cooper's body was shaking, and he probably couldn't hold on for long.

Ethan finally passed the ball to Flea.

The football drew a special arc in the air. Although Flea was accurately found, two Spartan defensive staff members appeared around him, one cornerback and one linebacker. At the same time, the safety The guard's position is blocked slightly in front of Flea, and even the return route is covered.

Iron walls!

Under the interference of two opponents, Flea failed to catch the ball and the rugby rolled to the ground.

Pass failed.

"Coach Ladouceur has come up with a very good technical and tactical style. This kind of tight COVER2 defense has almost never appeared in high school football games before. This is a difficult problem. I don't know the Norman offensive team, especially Ethan O'Connell. How will Nahu solve this problem?"

Ethan hears Matt Millen's live commentary.

In the second attack on the spot, Ethan used another tactical routine that Thomas had arranged before the game...

It is still a defensive line lineup with one fullback, one running back, and one quarterback, but the line has changed to a certain extent. After the offense starts, several offensive linemen on the strong side of the offensive line cooperate with each other to form forward pressure. At the same time, the pocket The angle has changed.

Fullback Cooper and running back Ford did not directly cover the run, but kept a certain distance from Ethan. The three stood in different positions and launched road attacks from the gap opened on the strong side.

This is called the V-shaped triple option offense (Veer Triple Option Offense). It is a special option tactic. It is also the first time the Norman team has used it on the court. It is one of the five secret tactics Thomas prepared before the game.

This tactic can make good use of Ethan's dual-threat characteristics, confusing the opponent from the beginning and making it impossible for the opponent to know who the receiver is.Compared with general option tactics, the characteristic of this type of tactics is that through carefully constructed positions and movements, there are three passing options to choose from.

The response chosen by the Spartans is also very simple. Since they don't know who is the specific receiver, then three receivers will defend at the same time.

It is still dynamic coverage. With the Zone Blocking of the Norman forward, the entire Spartan defensive team moves accordingly.

Eason finally passed the ball to Cooper, and his attempt to break through the first defender failed and only gained a measly one yard.

"We saw that the Normans used a triple option tactic that had never been used before. It seems that the Normans also made extra sufficient preparations before the game, but such an option tactic did not work in the face of dynamic coverage. How big an effect it has, it can be said that... it has been perfectly resolved." Matt Millen said at this time.

In fact, he was partial to Ethan in his heart, but on such an important occasion, as the commentator on the scene, he had to remain neutral.

The Norman defense experienced a rare failure and only gained 1 yard in the first two offenses.

In the third attack, Ethan used his most convenient continuous fake moves combined with a complicated return pass route.

Ethan rushed forward with the ball. It seemed that he was going to break through the middle, which is often used by full-backs. In fact, he passed the ball to Ford with a behind-the-back pass. Ford, who accelerated, also completed the return pass, and Ethan's The target of the pass is actually a flea at the deep end...

This scene has been staged more than once, and it has been successful many times, even in the national finals, but it has no effect at all against the current DeLS High School.

Flea was once again disturbed. When facing the opponent's corner one-on-one, the quick change of direction he was proud of before didn't work.

The opponent barely even "turned his hips", obviously knowing that he would expose his flaws. Even with a very awkward posture like facing the flea sideways, he seemed not to give the flea any chance.

The third pass failed again.

The first round of attack only took three blocks. In the past, these three blocks were enough for the Normans to advance twenty or even thirty yards, but at this moment, they only advanced a pitiful "1 yard."

"If this gear fails again or cannot advance the remaining nine yards, the offense and defense will be switched on the spot, and the Spartans will launch an attack in front of the Normans' area again. Obviously, this is not good for the Normans who have already fallen behind. It’s an extremely unfavorable situation.”

"Let's see if the Normans choose to force it, or...we see Ethan getting ready to walk off the field!"

"Norman chose to punt!"

The so-called punt is to kick the ball in place and kick the ball to the opponent.

The advantage of this is that you can kick the ball as far as possible and restart the attack.

This is slightly better than the situation of switching offense and defense in place.

However, considering the speed of the opponent's running back, obviously this is not a good choice.

But the Normans had no choice.

"As far as I know, the Normans have almost never chosen to attack back. It seems that the Norman offensive team has encountered resistance for the first time in a long time!"

Some people in the audience also shouted.

Especially for Spartan supporters.

"Get out of here! Ethan O'Connor, victory belongs to us!"

"No one can beat the Spartans! We are the best."

"The so-called individual genius is vulnerable in front of a real team!"

Ethan heard the curses from the audience.

As the number one player of the Normans, he would naturally receive the attention of the opposing fans. Ethan naturally knew this and walked back to the bench without any reaction.

"I'm sure I won't go up and participate in the kick-off. I don't want to attract Ladouceur's special attention in case the tactics are discovered." Ethan looked not far away.

Thomas nodded, he also listened to Ethan on this point.

At the same time, Bob Ladouceur couldn't help but smile. He knew that his tactics were successful.

It can be said that the most critical point why the Normans are so unstoppable is the extremely special player Ethan O'Connor. Several opponents who have encountered the Normans before have more or less tried to restrict Ethan, but the results were all. Failed.

Ladouceur can be regarded as learning from the lessons of these coaches. He also targeted the Normans to a certain extent, but the plan he implemented was not targeted at Ethan. He did not deploy any individual tactics for Ethan.

Instead... use all your strength to target Ethan's teammates.

As long as Ethan's teammates are restricted to death, Ethan can only use his physical advantages to break through.

With the current physical fitness of the Spartans, Ethan would not be able to rush the ball a few times.

Now it seems that Ladouceur believes that his tactics are undoubtedly successful, and he has forced the Normans to punt.

Mark, the kicker, fist-bumped Ethan before taking the field.

The two nodded.

"We saw the Norman special team came on the court and held the ball upright. The Spartans' special team also stood ready. Mark started to retreat, and he kicked the ball out. It seemed like the force was coming from the wrong point, the rugby ball drew a vertical arc, and the force was very weak!"

"It's a gambling kick!" Matt Millen saw it.

The football had almost no tendency to move forward, but slowly flew out diagonally in front of the Norman special teams team.

When the ball was about to hit the ground, the Norman players who were nearby did not choose to get the ball directly at the first time. Instead, they waited until the football was sure to roll to a position ten yards away from the kick-off point before hurriedly grabbing it. Pick up the ball.

The rules of the game state that the kick must be more than ten yards.

This is a "fake punt, real run" tactic. As for why it is called a gambling kick, the reason is also very simple. The flight trajectory of football is very slow, and if the opponent grabs the first landing point, the situation will be reversed. The ball side is very disadvantageous.

Fortunately, the risky tactic arranged by Thomas before the game still achieved very good results. In the end, the Normans successfully gained 17 yards. Not only did the front line move forward greatly, but it also helped the Normans to successfully continue their attack.

A new round of Norman attacks began, and Ethan put on his helmet.

Facing an opponent who is absolutely ahead of him in defensive tactics.

There is only one way to use it now, a very special tactic!

Ethan couldn't help but think back to that afternoon ten days ago...

　There's a big chapter left around one o'clock.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)