Transitioning from the Flexbone to the Triple Gun: A Program’s Evolution
Ryan Lott
Head Football Coach
Pinckneyville Community High School (IL)
"The transition from the Flexbone to the Triple Gun was a major step for our program—but the
numbers and on-field results show it was the correct one"
Changing an offensive system is never a small decision. For us, the move from the traditional Flexbone to the Triple Gun wasn’t about abandoning option football—it was about adapting our system to match our personnel and putting our players in the best position to succeed. After three seasons of evaluation, growth, and challenges, the Triple Gun emerged as the right direction for our program.
Why the Need for a Change?
In Year 1, the Flexbone worked because we had the perfect piece to build around: a dominant B-back who could handle a heavy workload and change the game on any snap. With that kind of weapon, the Flexbone s downhill, interior-oriented option attack fit us well.
But Years 2 and 3 told a different story. We struggled to get the consistent buy-in and execution required up front to run the Flexbone triple option at a high level. The system demands precision, discipline, and synergy among the offensive line—any breakdown in technique or assignment reduces the effectiveness of the entire offense.
The question became simple: How could we stay true to option football while creating a system our program could execute more consistently?
What Led to the Switch to the Triple Gun?
Our transition began with familiar concepts. We were already using Tony DeMeo’s three-step boot, a staple from his days at Washburn. That package bridged the gap between the Flexbone world and a gun-based option system that allowed for quick game, play-action, and a more forgiving protection structure.
The Triple Gun offered everything we valued—triple-option structure, formation versatility, perimeter stress—but with advantages we needed:
The Triple Gun didn’t change our identity; it evolved it.
What the Numbers Tell Us
The 2025 season gave us our clearest evidence that the move was right. For the first time in several years, our offensive production balanced out—and in some areas surged.
Passing Production Up Significantly
Under the Triple Gun, our passing game became a legitimate weapon.
The ability to attack space efficiently through the air validated one of the biggest reasons we adopted the Triple Gun.
Hitch-Quick Game Base passing concept
Rushing Game Still a Core Identity
While our rushing totals didn’t replicate Year-1 Flexbone numbers, the run game remained productive and diversified:
The Triple Gun allowed us to maintain a downhill run identity while giving us multiple runners who could attack different parts of the field.
Gun Triple vs 4-3 Defense
Why the Triple Gun Was the Right Move
The statistics reinforce what we saw on film and on Friday nights:
The Triple Gun didn’t just solve problems—it opened doors. It gave us flexibility, created opportunities for playmakers, and expanded the ways we could threaten a defense.
Conclusion
The transition from the Flexbone to the Triple Gun was a major step for our program—but the numbers and on-field results show it was the correct one. We preserved our option roots while modernizing the structure to fit who we are today.
We didn’t change our identity. We evolved our Option identity to put Speed in Space.