Krebs in command of triple-option

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CARY – Tyler Krebs had tons of extra homework last winter and spring.

Krebs watched videos and studied angles, but it had nothing to do with geometry. He studied motion, but it had nothing to do with physics.

After his regular homework, Krebs spent time on his football homework.

“We did more film study than I ever imagined you could do,” said Krebs, the Cary-Grove senior quarterback. “I got a big booklet I took home of the games we played. This year it was more personal because it was me [playing] and I could see what I was doing. Film was huge because I got a better understanding of what the defense was doing and where to go.”

For the way Krebs has directed the Trojans’ offense this season, he would graduate summa cum laude. He is speedy, shifty and deceptive as the engine driving C-G’s offense to the IHSA Class 6A state championship game.

C-G (13-0) faces Providence Catholic (12-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday at the University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

Krebs follows Brian Mitz, Billy Meyer and A.J. Hoger in a line of quarterbacks that have led the Trojans to a 68-6 record since the beginning of 2004. C-G coach Bruce Kay said all his quarterbacks had qualities that made them special.

Mitz was a three-year starter who took the Trojans to the Class 7A state championship game in 2004. Meyer quarterbacked C-G the next two years, then Hoger took over for one year. Krebs stepped in last season and is 24-1 as a starter.

“Brian was a better home-run hitter. Billy was a better passer. A.J. was faster, and a pretty good home-run hitter,” Kay said, “but Tyler is the most consistent decision-maker. We think he does all phases better than the other guys. He can give it, keep it, pitch it and his passing has been pretty good.”

Krebs has completed 36 of 81 passes for 748 yards and 15 touchdowns, with only three interceptions. He has rushed for 732 yards and 12 touchdowns. Those are solid numbers, but Krebs’ contributions go far beyond statistics.

Teams defending C-G last season could look for fullback Eric Chandler to get the handoff or Krebs to keep it most of the time. This season, running back Alex Hembrey has 1,255 yards, many of which come on pitches around the outside.

“I attribute it to the workouts we had and I got a lot better at reading coverages,” Krebs said. “Our blocking’s been outstanding, and I’ve gained a lot more confidence from last year. I’m more confident being able to run to the defender and being able to pitch off to [the running backs], the third phase of the option. That was huge. That brings Al [Hembrey] and Hap [Steve Hapanovich] into the mix.”

C-G guard Sean Considine admires Krebs for his command of the triple-option this season.

“Coach Kay tells us the plays, but they’re suggestions,” Considine said. “Tyler really has the offense figured out and he’s picking the right plays this year.”

Considine said the offensive linemen also enjoy seeing Krebs, who is 5-foot-7, 165 pounds, finish runs downfield.

“It’s incredible watching him run over kids,” Considine said. “He’s a buck-60 and he’s running over guys [New York Giants’ 260-pound running back] Brandon Jacobs. Our O-line coach [John Bryan] just loves when he runs guys over.”

Krebs says his diligence with offseason homework has paid off in a big way. His film study helped him better evaluate when he should give, when he should keep and when he should pitch the ball.

“I’m looking more at the defense [on film], the numbers they’re giving us and the angles we have blocking,” Krebs said. “[Angles] are the biggest key. That’s the first thing you want to have and the leverage you get from that.”

Kay knows whatever play he suggests, Krebs likely is going to make something productive out of it.

“He has a working knowledge of defenses, he understands defenses and the various things defenses want to do to us,” Kay said. “There’s not much that goes on that we even have to point out to him.”