Spread Offense

1
 Table of Contents
Motivational Thoughts 3

Philosophy and Goals 6

Defensive Recognition 8

Offensive Mechanics 9

Formations and Tags 11

Offensive Series 14

Running Game 15

Passing Game 21

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 FAITH
WE WORK TOGETHER EVERY SINGLE DAY,
YOU HAVE COME TO HAVE FAITH IN ME,
BELIEVE IN ME
AND EVEN
DEPEND ON ME.

AND ALL I WANT,

IS TO DO ALL THAT I CAN,
TO LET YOU KNOW . . .

YOU WERE RIGHT!!!

Together WE can . . . !!!

3
 THE BUILDER
I SAW A GROUP OF MEN IN MY HOMETOWN.
I SAW A GROUP OF MEN TEARING A BUILDING DOWN.

WITH A HEAVE AND A HO AND A MIGHTY YELL,

THEY SWUNG A BEAM AND THE STAIRWAY FELL.

AND I SAID TO THE FOREMAN, “ARE THESE MEN SKILLED,

THE TYPE YOU’D HIRE IF YOU WANTED TO BUILD?”

AND HE LAUGHED AND SAID, “WHY NO INDEED.”

HE SAID, “COMMON LABOR’S ALL I NEED.”

“FOR I CAN TEAR DOWN IN A DAY OR TWO . . .

WHAT IT TOOK A BUILDER TEN YEARS TO DO.”

AND I THOUGH TO MYSELF AS I WALKED AWAY,

WHICH OF THESE ROLES AM I GOING TO PLAY?

AM I THE TYPE THAT CONSTANTLY TEARS DOWN

AS I MAKE MY WAY, FOOLISHLY, AROUND?

OR AM I THE TYPE THAT’S TRING TO BUILD WITH CARE,

IN HOPE THAT ME TEAM WILL BE GLAD I’M THERE?

-LOU HOLTZ

4
 1 JOB
A PLAYER HAS ONLY 1 JOB!!!

IT’S THE COACH’S JOB TO TEACH THE

PLAYER WHERE TO GO, WHEN TO GO,
WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER
HE GOES.

THE MOST IMPORT JOB THAT THE PLAYER

HAS IS TO GO WITH AS MUCH EFFORT AS
HIS HEART CAN POSSIBLY SUMMON
FROM HIS BODY.

5
 Offensive Philosophy
1. Attitude: A.M.F.

2. Spread the Field: Formation or Motion

Force Defense to Declare Coverage
Force Defense to Declare Blitz
Simplifies the Run Game
Creates Mismatches

3. Throw to Uncovered Receivers

By Alignment
By Motion

4. Hurt the Blitz

Protections Must Be Simple
Attack the Blitz
Hot Routes
Screens

5. Game Planning
Must Adjust During the Game
Must Have the Right Tools in the Toolbox

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 Offensive Goals
1. To Outscore Our Opponent Insuring Victory
2. To Score 6 Times A Game
3. To Out Hit Every Defense We Face
4. To Average 325 Yards of Total Offense
5. At Least 50% Completion Percentage

Offensive Objectives
1. Attack: We will play a fast break up tempo style of
offense. We will force each opponent to react and adjust to
our offense. We will always use intelligence and
conditioning to our advantage.

2. Score: We will score first, last and fast. We will

maximize the Red Zone and we will take advantage of every
turnover that our defense creates by scoring points.

3. Team: Foremost, we must become a true team. On and

off the field, we act as one, united as a whole group, where
together we can accomplish greatness.

“Hang Loose, One of Us is Fixing to Score!”

7
 Defensive Recognition
Our first key to success is to recognize the defense. The beauty of our
offensive schemes is that it limits the number of fronts that defenses can run
against us. A majority of the time defenses with have 5 or 6 men in the box.
This includes defensive linemen and linebackers.

For our offense to be successful, it is very important for our players to

recognize and understand what the defense is doing. We will have tools in
the toolbox for everything we will see, but we have to know what they are
doing.

The common fronts that we will see are outlined below.

M S M
E T T E E T T E

4-2 4-1

W M S M S
E N E E N E

3-3 3-2

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 Offensive Mechanics
Our offense begins with offensive organization. With our simple
organizational tools, we are able to implement a very multiple offense.
Organization is the key to our success. Our play calling is a simple approach
that allows us to tell different players certain things to change the look we
give the defense. Each player has words that affect him or himself and
another player working together. We have one rule to our basic
communication system.
1. Focus Only On the Words That Affect You
This is the key to our simple play calling; do not get caught-up by all
of the words in the play. Listen only to the words that speak directly
to you.

Huddle Procedure

LOS

5 Yards

W L T R X

• Center sets the huddle 5 yards from the ball.

• Linemen will bend down slightly, with hands on knees.
• Tackles will turn in at 45-degree angle to face the QB.
• The back line, the receivers and back, will stand straight up.
• AS the QB steps in front of the huddle, all talking will stop.
• All eyes will focus on the QB’s mouth.
• QB will then call the play.
• Focus only on the words and terms that specifically apply to you.

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 Play Calling
We will call all of our plays using a 3 digit number (If it is a 2 Digit Number,
the 1st Digit is a “0” and we are in a “0” Formation. The 1st number tells us
the formation that we will line up in. The last 2 numbers tell us the play that
we are running. We may also attach words to tag routes or adjust formations
and the presnap look.

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The Last 2
The 1st Number Tells Us the Numbers Tell Us
Formation. In This Case it is a 100 the Play. In This
Formation Case it is 24
Zone.

Cadence
We will use a non-rhythmic cadence. 95% of the time we will go on one.
Our cadence will sound as follows:
1. Down
2. Word-Number, Word Number
3. Set
4. Go

If we want to change the snap count to pull the defenders offsides, we will
call “Repeat” in the huddle. Our “Repeat” cadence will sound as follows:
1. Down
2. Word-Number, Word-Number
3. Set
4. Go, Go, Go, Go, Go, Go
5. Set
6. Go
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 Formations
Formations allow our offense to spread the field. We like to make our
opponent defend the entire field. We will stretch the defense both vertically
and horizontally. We will use 3 base formations and several tag words to in
the pre-snap alignment that we want.

“0” Formation
W X
L R

TB

“1” Formation
W X
R L

TB

“2” Formation
W X
L R

TB

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 Formation Tags
We only run 3 formations, but we have several tags that we can add to our
formation. These tags change the alignment of one player or a group of
players to give us a pre-snap advantage.

Tiger 200
“Tiger”
Tells Our TB to Align as the #2 T
Receiver Away From Trips

Cluster 200
“Cluster”
Puts Our Receivers in 1X1
Relationship with Each Other

“Bunch” Bunch 200

Puts Our Receivers in 1X1
Relationship with Each Other with
the Middle 2nd Receiver 3 Yards from
the Tackle

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 Motion
We will use motion to help us gain an advantage over the defense.

L Mo 200
“Mo”
Mo is Our Simplest Motion. It Tells
the Called Player To Motion Across
the Ball to the Formation Called

“In” L In 200
It Tells the Called Player to Align
Outside of Their Normal Alignment
and Motion into the Formation Called

Empty 200
“Empty”
Tells Our Tailback to Motion into
“Tiger”

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 Offensive Series
10.19 QB Runs
10 Q Draw
14/15 Lead
16/17 Speed Option
20-29 TB Runs
20 R Draw
24/25 Zone
26/27 Shovel
28/29 Toss
30-39 3 Step
31 Quick Smash
32 Turn
33 Slant
36 Fade Out
50-59 5 Step
50 4 Verticals
51 Search
57 Cross
70-79 Screens
70 TB Middle Screen
72 Flare Screen Right
73 Flare Screen Left
74 Bubble Right
75 Bubble Left
78 Slip Right
79 Slip Left
80-89 Sprint Right
81 Quick Smash
86 Fade Out
90-99 Sprint Left
91 Quick Smash
96 Fade Out

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 10 Q Draw
Gun 10 Vs. 4-2 Gun 10 Vs. 4-1

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Gun 10 Vs. 3-3 Gun 10 Vs. 3-2

W M S M S
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Assignments & Responsibilities

QB Catch Ball. Take 5 Step Drop. From Gun, Catch Snap

RB Align to the Playside. Look Outside In on 2nd and 3rd Level.

PT Pass Set, Zone.

PG Pass Set, Zone. If Even Front, Fold With Center.

C Pass Set, Zone, If Even Front, Fold With Right Guard

BG Pass Set, Zone.

BT Pass Set, Zone.

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 14/15 Lead
Gun 14 Vs. 4-2 Gun 14 Vs. 4-1

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Gun 15 Vs. 3-3 Gun 15 Vs. 3-2

W M S M S
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Assignments & Responsibilities

QB Catch Ball. Follow TB. Read First Linemen Past the Center For Cutback.

RB Align to the Playside. Lead on Playside Linebacker.

PT Zone. Do Not Rush to Second Level.

PG Zone. Do Not Rush to

C Zone.

BG Scoop.

BT Scoop.

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 16/17 Speed
16 Vs. 4-2 Gun 16 Vs. 4-1

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17 Vs. 3-3 Tiger 17 Vs. 3-2

W M S M S
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Assignments & Responsibilities

QB Hop Step Back. Attack the D-Ends Outside Shoulder. If he: 1 Crosses Your Face, Turn Up Field;
2. Plays Slow, Absorb Defender and Pitch; 3. Crash, Pitch Right Away.
RB Depth Step then Lateral Step to Maintain 5 Yard Pitch Relationship with the QB. On “Gun” Tag,
Align to the Playside. In “Tiger” Formations Take Two Steps Back To Get In Pitch Relationship.
PT Zone to Second Level. Leave Defensive End.

PG Zone to Second Level. Leave Defensive End.

C Zone.

BG Scoop.

BT Scoop.

24/25 Zone
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 24 Vs. 4-2 Gun 24 Vs. 4-1

M S M
E T T E E T T E

25 Vs. 3-3 Gun 25 Vs. 3-2

W M S M S
E N E E N E

Assignments & Responsibilities

QB We want to run this play at the A-Gap defender. Hop Back and open to the backside. Stare down
DE away from play. Hand Off the ball and boot away from the play.
RB Open with play side foot. Role on your second step, plant and square up to press the LOS.
Aiming point is the play side guard. Read the first defender play side of the center. Do not cut
before you reach the LOS. If “Gun” Align Opposite The Play Side
PT Zone.

PG Zone.

C Zone.

BG Scoop.

BT Scoop.

26/27 Shovel
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 Tiger 26 Vs. 4-2 Gun 26 Vs. 4-1

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E T T E E T T E

Tiger 27 Vs. 3-3 Gun 26 Vs. 3-2

W M S M S
E N E E N E

Assignments & Responsibilities

QB Take Sprint Out Steps to Get Depth. Read Defensive End. If He Comes Up Field Pitch Ball to
TB. If Defensive End Squares to the TB Keep the Ball.
RB If in Gun, Align Away From the Playside Attack the Inside Shoulder of Defensive End. Expect
Pitch.
PT Zone to Second Level. Leave Defensive End.

PG Zone to Second Level. Leave Defensive End.

C Zone.

BG Scoop.

BT Scoop.

28/29 Toss
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 28 Vs. 4-2 Gun 28 Vs. 4-1

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29 Vs. 3-3 Gun 29 Vs. 3-2

W M S M S
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Assignments & Responsibilities

QB Open Playside. Step and Toss Ball. Boot Away.

RB If in Gun, Align Playside. Take a Step Back for Depth. Run to the Top of the Numbers and then
Cut Hard Downfield.
PT Reach Defensive End.

PG Pull and Block First Defender to Show. Most Likely Playside Linebacker. If Tackle is a B-Gap
Threat, Reach Him
C Zone.

BG Scoop.

BT Scoop.

“30” Quick Protection

Our 30’s Series use Quick Protection. Our Quick Protection is a man
protection scheme. This is a 5 or 6 man protection depending on the
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 formation (one back or no back.) We run block the defenders initially. This
is a very aggressive block because we have to get the defenders’ hands
down. The TB will always protect to the right unless given a “Louie” call.
The TB will double read any linebackers to the right of the center. The
center will double read any linebackers on or to the left of him. If there is a
nose, the center will block the nose and the left guard will double read the
linebackers on his side.

30’s Vs. 4-2 Cover 3 30’s Vs. 4-1 Cover 2

W M S $ W M S
E T T E E T T E

30’s Vs. 3-3 30’s Vs. 3-2

W M S W M S $
E N E E N E

31 Quick Smash
QB Assignments and Read
Vs. Cover 3 Read Softest Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Hitch. If He Comes Up
Throw Flag.
Vs. Cover 2 Read Softest Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Hitch. If He Comes Up

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 Throw Flag.
Vs. Man Hitch to the Softest Corner
Route Packages
#1 Hitch
#2 Flag
#3 Post/Seam

31 131

Tiger 231 Bunch 231

32 Turn
QB Assignments and Read
Vs. Cover 3 Shoot to Turn. Can Not Protect Blitzing Linebackers, Throw Shoot
Quick.
Vs. Cover 2 Shoot to Turn. Can Not Protect Blitzing Linebackers, Throw Shoot
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 Quick.
Vs. Man Shoot to Turn. Can Not Protect Blitzing Linebackers, Throw Shoot
Quick.
Route Packages
2 Receiver Side 3 Receiver Side
#1 Fade, Must Outside Release. Fade, Must Outside Release.
#2 Turn (6 Yards) Shoot
#3/T Shoot to Field. Turn (6 Yards)

32 132

Tiger 232 Bunch 232

33 Slant
QB Assignments and Read
Vs. Cover 3 Read Flat Defender
Vs. Cover 2 Read Flat Defender
Vs. Man Throw Off the Softest Defender
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 Route Packages
#1 Slant
#2 Slant
#3 Arrow

33 133

Tiger 233 Bunch 233

36 Fade
QB Assignments and Read
Vs. Cover 3 Read Softest Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Out. If He Comes Up
Throw Fade. Be Aware of OLB Running to the Flats.
Vs. Cover 2 Read Softest Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Out. If He Comes Up
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 Throw Fade.
Vs. Man Take Quick Peak at the Fade, Then Come Down to the Out.
Route Packages
#1 Fade
#2 Out
#3 Post/Seam

36 136

Tiger 236 Bunch 236

“50” Protection
Our 50’s Protection is a man schemes like our 30’s protection. This is a 5 or
6 man protection depending on the formation (one back or no back.) Unlike
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 30’s protection, we will take a pass set instead of firing out into the defender.
The TB will always protect to the right unless given a “Louie” call. The TB
will double read any linebackers to the right of the center. The will block
the first linebacker on or to the left of him. If there is a nose, the center
will block the nose and the left guard will block the first linebacker on or to
the left of the center. We will control a second linebacker to the left by
having our inside receiver on the left running a quick (hot) route. If we are
in a “Tiger” formation, the TB will also make a hot read on the OLB to his
side of the ball

50’s Vs. 4-2 Cover 3 50’s Vs. 4-1 Cover 2

W M S $ W M S
E T T E E T T E

Q Q

50’s Vs. 3-3 50’ Tigers Vs. 3-2

W M S W M S $
E N E E N E

Q Q T

50 Vertical
QB Assignments and Read
Vs. Cover 3 Read FS. Throw Seam Opposite His Break.
Vs. Cover 2 Pick a Safety. If He Goes Straight Back or Inside, Throw Fade. If He
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 Breaks Outside, Throw Seam
Vs. Man Take a Peak at Tagged Man. Throw at Their Weakest Defender.
Route Packages
#1 Fade
#2 Seam
#3 Opposite Hash
If We Tag This Play With a Route, He Runs a Shallow Cross. The Other
Receivers Will Act As If He Isn’t In The Play When Finding Their
Number

50 150

Tiger 250T Bunch 250R

51 Search
QB Assignments and Read
Vs. Cover 3 Read the Flat Defender. If Widens, Throw the Curl Behind Him. If He
Stays Inside Throw Flat Route
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Vs. Cover 2 Read the Flat Defender. If Widens, Throw the Curl Behind Him. If He
Stays Inside Throw Flat Route
Vs. Man Check Backside Curl, To Playside Triangle.
Route Packages
#1 12 Yard Curl
#2 Flat Route
#3 Sit Route

51 151

Tiger 251 Bunch 251

57 Cross
QB Assignments and Read
Vs. Cover 3 Dig-Cross
Vs. Cover 2 Crosses
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Vs. Man Pick a Side, Read Comeback to Crosses
Route Packages
Inside Most Shall Cross (Right Behind Left)
#1 15 Yard Comeback
#2 Dig

51 151

Tiger 251 Bunch 251

70 Middle Screen
Read Playside Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Hitch. If He Comes Up

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QB Throw Flag.
W,L,R,X Run Off, When Man Begins to Read Stalk
TB Step Up as if Pass Pro, Find the Centers Butt, After 2 Count, Turn and
Look For Ball.
Line 50 Pass Pro For 2 Seconds, Release Man, Get to 2nd & 3rd Level.

70 Gun 270

Gun Tiger 270 Gun Bunch 270

72 Flare Screen
QB Right, Left Throw.
W,L,R,X All Receivers Block Biggest Threat
30
TB Flare To The Play Call
Line Same as 74 Zone

72 Gun 272

Gun Tiger 172 Gun Bunch 272

73 Flare Screen
QB Right, Left Throw.
W,L,R,X All Receivers Block Biggest Threat
TB Flare To The Play Call
Line Same As 25 Zone
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 73 Gun 173

Gun Tiger 273 Gun Bunch 173

74 Bubble Screen
QB Right, Left Throw.
W,L,R,X Inside Receiver on Right Runs Bubble
All Other Receivers Block Biggest Threat
TB Flare Away From Play Call
Line Same As 24 Zone
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 74 Gun 274

Gun Tiger 274 Gun Bunch 274

75 Bubble Screen
QB Right, Left Throw.
W,L,R,X Inside Receiver on Left Runs Bubble
All Other Receivers Block Biggest Threat
TB Flare Away From Play Call
Line Same As 25 Zone

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 75 Gun 275

Gun Tiger 175 Gun Bunch 175

“80” Sprint Protection

We use this protection for a semi-roll by the QB. It is always a 6 man
protection. The TB checks and helps against the playside defensive end. If
the end is secured, he leads the QB and checks blitzes from the outside in.
The play-side guard and tackle reach or man block without losing ground.
The center and backside reach and hinge. The backside tackle has to control
the backside defensive end.

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 80’s Vs. 4-2 Cover 3 Gun 80’s Vs. 4-1 Cover 2

W M S $ W M S
E T T E E T T E

80’s Vs. 3-3 Gun 80’s Vs. 3-2

W M S W M S $
E N E E N E

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QB Assignments and Read
Vs. Cover 3 Read Playside Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Hitch. If He Comes Up
Throw Flag.
Vs. Cover 2 Read Playside Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Hitch. If He Comes Up
Throw Flag.
Vs. Man Hitch to the Softest Corner
Route Packages
#1 Whip
35
#2 Flag
#2 Post/Seam

81 281

Tiger 281 Bunch 281

86
QB Assignments and Read
Vs. Cover 3 Read Playside Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Out. If He Comes Up
Throw Fade. Be Aware of OLB Running to the Flats.
Vs. Cover 2 Read Playside Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Out. If He Comes Up
Throw Fade.
Vs. Man Take Quick Peak at the Fade, Then Come Down to the Out.
Route Packages
#1 Fade
36
#2 Out
#2 Post/Seam

86 286

Tiger 286 Bunch 286

“90” Sprint Protection

We use this protection for a semi-roll by the QB. It is always a 6 man
protection. The TB checks and helps against the playside defensive end. If
the end is secured, he leads the QB and checks blitzes from the outside in.
The play-side guard and tackle reach or man block without losing ground.
The center and backside reach and hinge. The backside tackle has to control
the backside defensive end.

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 90’s Vs. 4-2 Cover 3 Gun 90’s Vs. 4-1 Cover 2

W M S $ W M S
E T T E E T T E

90’s Vs. 3-3 Gun 90’s Vs. 3-2

W M S W M S $
E N E E N E

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QB Assignments and Read
Vs. Cover 3 Read Playside Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Hitch. If He Comes Up
Throw Flag.
Vs. Cover 2 Read Playside Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Hitch. If He Comes Up
Throw Flag.
Vs. Man Hitch to the Softest Corner
Route Packages
38
#1 Whip
#2 Flag
#2 Post/Seam

91 191

Tiger 191 Bunch 191

96
QB Assignments and Read
Vs. Cover 3 Read Playside Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Out. If He Comes Up
Throw Fade. Be Aware of OLB Running to the Flats.
Vs. Cover 2 Read Playside Corner. If He Goes Back Throw Out. If He Comes Up
Throw Fade.
Vs. Man Take Quick Peak at the Fade, Then Come Down to the Out.
Route Packages
39
#1 Fade
#2 Out
#2 Post/Seam

96 196

Tiger 196 Bunch 196

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