I've got a week to prepare my defense for the 6th grade championship against the only team that we've lost to in 2 years. They primarily run the old school Maryland I & but throw in a shotgun version of the equally archaic T Formation. I'm not a big "formation" guy with defense. Because I've coached 9 of my starters for 4 years & I've found they play smarter, more aggressively & more physically when I let them rely on their instinct & talent rather than restricting them with traditional roles. If you made me guess, I'd say our base is generically 4/4 but, again, the kids are very adaptable & versatile so I'm open to any crazy idea that seems effective.

Our previous game against this same team we used a 5 man front for the most part. They really aren't a legit threat with the pass & hardly ever even line someone up wide. But, what they are, is extremely well coached. Their lead blockers are very well versed in reading my LBs to decide which gap to open. We were able to shut them down for 3 quarters but finally, getting pounded by the Maryland I finally took it's toll on us, especially my DL. They gashed us with what proved to be the 32 yard game winning TD at the start of the 4th. My guys were just so tired we just couldn't gain any offensive traction after that.

So, any thoughts on a more effective way to approach the Maryland I? I have adequate numbers to have extras at any position required. Thanks guys!