Gibson puts winning 'spin' on Holtville

Gibson puts winning 'spin' on Holtville

By Josh Moon

Barry Gibson is doing a lot of teaching in his new gig as Holtville High's head coach.

On this year's syllabus: How to win, instill discipline, confidence, a new defensive philosophy and an entirely new offensive scheme.

Yeah, it's going to be a tough road.

"This is a team that's won three games in two years, so we know there's a lot to be taught here," Gibson said. "There's some talent, and we'll rely on that to start with. But our main focus right now is just getting these guys in the right frame of mind."

The biggest key to the Bulldogs' season will be the ability of the players to pick up Gibson's "Spin" offense, a variation of the triple option that uses a complex variety of misdirection and deception.

The "Spin" is Gibson's baby, so to speak.

He developed the style seven years ago and has taught it to numerous other coaches around the country. He currently has three DVDs being sold online and has taught the system to several coaches. He said there are currently around 300 schools across the nation using it.

"We'll run multiple formations out of it and line up a lot in the old single-wing formation," Gibson said. "I think, for the most part, the kids are excited about the new offense. They've worked very hard in practice, I'll say that. We couldn't ask for more out of them."

Junior quarterback Daniel Arant, who started as a sophomore for the Bulldogs last season, will lead the new offense. Also returning in the offensive backfield is junior running back Akevious McCall.

"We don't have a lot of experience returning," Gibson said. "This team went 2-8 last year and it wasn't because they were young. We lost a lot of seniors.

"This year will be about rebuilding and getting this team in position to do well in the future. Maybe we can surprise a few teams, too."

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Montgomery Advertiser
425 Molton St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
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Holtville High School
10425 Holtville Rd
Deatsville, AL 36022
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