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Change in offense helps Trotwood run to victory

New formation inserted last season has made Gilbert, Rams a force  to be reckoned with.

Trotwood running back Antwan Gilbert celebrates after carrying the ball for another touchdown late in the second quarter in game against Mount Healthy Friday, Nov. 6, at Trotwood.

Jan Underwood Trotwood running back Antwan Gilbert celebrates after carrying the ball for another touchdown late in the second quarter in game against Mount Healthy Friday, Nov. 6, at Trotwood.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer Updated 11:45 PM Wednesday, November 18, 2009

TROTWOOD — With its offense sputtering and the losses mounting, the Trotwood-Madison High School football team had to change midway through last season.

The Rams had run mostly a spread formation or a jumbo package in its first five games, all losses. In practice, Trotwood coach Maurice Douglass inserted promising sophomore Antwan Gilbert into the I-formation.

“He was hitting it,” Douglass said. “I said, ‘Man, with this guy, and our line, and our fullback, this could be something.’ ”

Since the change to the I-formation, both Gilbert and Trotwood have flourished. After the 0-5 start to last season, the Rams (9-3) have won 13 of their past 17 games to reach the Division II, Region 8 final against Cincinnati Winton Woods (10-2) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at Mason’s Dwire Field at Atrium Stadium.

Gilbert has done just as well. After gaining 121 yards in the first five games last season, Gilbert finished with 743 in the final five games and has gained 2,538 yards this season. In the past 17 games since switching to the I-formation, Gilbert has a total of 3,281 yards, or 193 per game.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound junior has run behind a vastly improved offensive line and helped Trotwood make its deepest playoff run since 1981 with his combination of elusiveness and speed. In two playoff games, Gilbert has gained 507 yards.

“He could be one of the best ever to play high school ball in this area,” Douglass said.