Posted: Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:03 AM - 8,169 Readers

By: Matt Wixon

 For the first time in 11 years, Richardson has beaten Richardson Pearce. For the first time in three years, Lake Travis has lost a game. And for the first time this season, but probably not the last, a team has thrown for more than 500 yards and lost.

The reason for all three is the same: an offense that's more gritty than pretty.

A strong offensive line and a stable of running backs has long been a recipe for success, but it lost some flavor over the last 10 years as spread offenses gained favor. State champions such as Ennis, Denton Ryan, Lake Travis and Southlake Carroll made it look easy with passing attacks that pummeled opponents.

Just don't kick dirt on "three yards and a cloud of dust" yet, because some early-season success stories are fueled by the run.

Mansfield, which is 3-0 for the first time in three years, runs for 330 yards per game and passes for 110. Richardson, which is 3-0 for the first time in more than 10 years, grinds out 263 of its 372 yards per game on the ground. Each has a win over a prolific passing team this season.

Mansfield and Richardson are far from alone in taking down high-powered passing offenses. Through three weeks of the season, the top eight 5A area teams in passing have a combined record of 11-12.

The record would be even bleaker without undefeated Coppell, which has thrown for a lot of yards but is no way a pass-happy team. Coppell running back Cam McDaniel carries the ball 31 times per game, more than any other running back in the area.

"We're trying to be as physical as possible," McDaniel said of his team earlier this year.

Being as physical as possible was key for Aledo, which ran the ball 48 times Friday in its win over a beaten-up Lake Travis team. That was also the key for Arlington Martin, which beat Flower Mound despite allowing 528 passing yards. Flower Mound's offense was spectacular at times, but Martin took control with a heavy dose of running.

Allen did the same thing when it pounded out 230 yards rushing in a win over Longview on Friday. Allen has been running out of the spread formation for years, and with its recent string of high-profile recruits at quarterback, the Eagles are known for throwing the ball.

But the spread offense is a formation, not a philosophy. And no matter how well a team can pass, it needs to be able to run, too. That's even more clear this season as players and coaches talk about grinding out wins and being physical.

Plano West coach Mike Hughes talked about it Friday after his team improved to 2-0. Last year, Plano West gained twice as many yards passing as rushing, but the Wolves are now powered by a big offensive line and running backs such as Jarrett Horan.

"Strong defense and moving the chains," Hughes said. "That's what I want our identity to be this year."

That identity should be a winner.

*  Story Contributed by: Matt Wixon