The fly, or jet, sweep has its roots in old-school football. Technically, a jet sweep brings the SB (or wingback) into the action and the play has worked quite well for the Kauai Red Raiders.

The misdirection threat out of double-slot and trips formations provides a little extra leverage for Kauai’s offensive line. Behind 6-foot-3, 310-pound LG Nate Herbig and 6-4, 320-pound C Devan Ferreira, picking up 4 or 5 yards against most D-II teams is not a problem, especially with RB Reggie McFadden (9).

In its version of the fly sweep, Kauai sends a slotback, usually either Pono Bukoski (8) or Kanoa Iwasaki (5) in pre-snap motion. With defenses often stacking against the dive, the slotbacks can stretch the field from sideline to sideline.

When the slotbacks don’t get the handoff, it’s up the middle with McFadden behind a line that averages 259 pounds per man. The senior RB gained 135 yards and scored a TD in last week’s 28-7 win at ‘Iolani.

Quarterback Kelson Andrade has a capable corps of receivers, so the Red Raiders air it out just enough to keep defensive backs honest. But the bread and butter is McFadden behind Herbig and Ferreira. Watching Ferreira go head to head with Kaiser NT Manase Palu (5-9, 310) will be trench warfare. It’ll be interesting to see if the Red Raiders trap or plow straight ahead against a resilient Kaiser D-line.