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EASLEY—When Easley High takes the field this fall, it will assume an offensive philosophy known as the double-wing.

The double-wing features two tight-ends and two wings, and is based on steady offensive gains through the running game in order to wear down the opponent.

“Byrnes and teams like that train their programs on speed. We train ours on strength and toughness,” said Easley head football coach Chad Smith. “There is more than one way to skin a cat, but we are trying to wear you down and milk the clock.”

The Green Wave usually throws the ball less than five times per game in favor of the double-wing attack.

“You take a team like Byrnes or even Wren, they are going to throw it 60 percent of the time, and even balanced teams are at 50 percent. We are going to run it at least 90 percent of the time,” said Smith. “Our passing game is predicated on you stopping the run.”

The quarterback in the double-wing offense will not be asked to throw the ball much, but he must understand a variety of blocking assignments.

“Blocking is more important in our scheme than passing the football. With us running the football so much, passing is going to be there. It is more important for the quarterback to be blocking and making sure everyone else is doing their right assignment,” said quarterback coach, Terry Patterson.

The double-wing has helped Coach Smith lead Easley to 20 wins in just two years, and the expectations are high for the upcoming season. Coach Smith, however, realizes the many variables in the game of football and how they can have an impact on the field.

“Barring injury, we could have a very special year. We are going to have to stay healthy, but as long as we do that, we should be okay,” said Smith.

Only two other Division AAAA schools (South Aiken, and White Knoll) in the state run the double-wing.