FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP -- Travis Karlowsky took the handoff and ripped through a giant hole on the left side of the line. The fullback garnered applause from the Charleroi Area coaching staff.
One play later, quarterback Randy Taylor collided with his running back Jermaine Thurston during a botched handoff, drawing rants from coach Nick Milchovich and assistant Dave Grillo.
It was only practice, but the Cougars continued to display the topsy-turvy world that is the wing-T offense. With the Cougars both smaller and quicker than last year, Milchovich and offensive coordinator Tim Bukowski have installed the wing-T as Charleroi's full-time offense in 2004.
"We knew we had to make some changes and I think we've really met our personnel needs," Milchovich said. "I was hesitant about it, but when you win two games you don't stand your ground."
The wing-T requires a three-man backfield. The fullback acts as a keystone, taking his spot 5 yards behind his quarterback. Two quicker wingbacks set up behind their respective offensive tackles.
The main goal of this is using misdirection to confuse opponents while forcing aggressive line-backers onto their heels.
"Our quarterback (Taylor) is getting the hang of it and we've got quick people in the backfield who can run," Karlowsky said. "I see this offense taking us a lot farther than last year. I think it can confuse defenses a lot more."
That fact, however, is two-fold.
The wing-T can also mystify the very players who operate it. Since all three running backs and five offensive linemen must execute synchronized routes, it often demands near-perfect orchestration.
Some Cougars have already stumbled the wing-T's complexities, despite working just a modified version of eight plays to either side.
"There's a lot of plays that look alike and sound alike, but there's different directions for every one," senior wingback Dom Scorza said. "There's a lot of fakes that if you don't carry out, it messes up the play, but our line is quick enough to make up for it."
This unfamiliarity actually gives Milchovich reason to smile. After studying practice film during Wednesday's mid-day break, the second-year coach said the wing-T has provided a new foundation.
"Right now, the linemen are light years ahead of our backs, but I'd rather have it that way," Milchovich said. "The older kids don't even know this offense; nobody knows it. Back in the day, the older guys would take a play off or two. Now, everyone's been thrown in the water."
For one, right guard Ron Ermlick likes the fact he's always busy; always thinking.
"We pull guards and tackles so there's always someone to fill in for," the senior said. "It's hard for us to pull all the way down the other side of the line, but it works out because you always get to hit somebody."
While the wing-T formation is rare in Mid-Mon Valley circles, it's not a completely foreign concept at Charleroi. The Cougars tried running it four years ago under Bukowski and former coach Jim Dumm. However, they scrapped it late in the season for a simpler power game.
Milchovich said fans should not expect a repeat. Even as Milchovich groaned over witnessing even more "growing pains" as the offensive unit ran its reps, he vowed the wing-T is here to stay.
"Our linemen are very quick and we have a few scat backs on the wings that can make plays and we hope to take advantage of that," Milchovich said. "We could go 0-10 and we'll be running this offense. We're establishing our little version of Cougar football and I think it's a change for the better."
