A common belief in society is that nothing lasts forever or that anything good will eventually come to an end. Over a hundred and fifty years ago, the first ever college football game was initiated between Rutgers and Princeton. While the National Football League was founded, approximately fifty-two years later, a battle for Ohio would commence as the Dayton Triangles would go head-to-head against the Columbus Panhandles on October 3rd, 1920. One hundred years later, college and professional football have continued to blossom without having an end in sight. An individual may ask how a sports game has survived for over a century. Immediately, it can be acknowledged that automobiles, television, fast food, etc. have all continued to maintain a level of importance despite being as old as the sport. Someone can argue that the pigskin pales in comparison to other objects created at the same period. This argument has merit. However, the sport of football, like other resources, has continued to evolve, therefore it can be understood why the game has continued to succeed.
The gridiron has consistently evolved in a way that is beneficial for players and compelling for fans. Mike Garofano, a former college player and current head football coach for the Springstead Eagles, described how the game of football has grown to become more strategic, which has resulted in the evolution of different styles of offense and defense. Coach Garofano explained that different teams use different offenses, such as power, west coast, spread, and many more. He compared the sport to the game of chess, stating, "similar to chess, football requires us (coaches) to put our pieces (players) in a position to succeed." Springstead runs a spread offense, which is best known for spreading the defense out and giving the offense a numerical advantage on the field, which places players in a better position to attack the opponents' defense.
SPREAD OFFENSE PASSING FORMATION
When asked about how defenses have evolved, Coach Garofano described how defenses are requiring players to make calculated decisions in such a short period of time. He stated that "defense has become more challenging because even the smallest amount of hesitation from the defense can result in a major change of momentum for opposing offenses." Coach Garofano ended the discussion by providing insight about how defenses are becoming more prepared by watching film and observing the opponents' tendencies.
DEFENSIVE PLAYERS ADJUSTING TO THE OFFENSIVE FORMATION
Both pro and college football are more exciting for fans because of the increase in offensive scoring. Coach Greg Harper believes that the sport has evolved to favor the offensive side of football. When asked if he could provide more insight about his belief, Coach Harper stated, "Players have gotten bigger, faster, and stronger, but the game is no longer as physical as it used to be, which benefits offenses." Coach Harper became fired up and began describing how he misses watching players be allowed to play football with some physicality and mentioned players such as Ray Lewis, Lawrence Taylor, and Troy Polamalu, who are a few of many players that played the game of football with a physical edge. Coach Harper described that he loves football and that he hopes history will repeat itself. When asked to clarify his statement, Coach Harper stated, "Football has changed and will constantly change, and hopefully at some point the defensive side of the football will no longer be limited because of rules that are biased in protecting only the offensive side of the football. Coach Harper was asked if, even though the rules for defenders have changed, are there any defensive players who play physical? For a few seconds, he would think to himself, and then he would say two names: Micah Parsons and Aaron Donald, who are currently two of the NFL’s best defensive players.
Coach Garofano and Coach Harper identified how the game of football has evolved over time and both coaches believe that the sport which many have grown to love will continue to evolve into something greater.
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