By Brian Sylvia

HAMBURG, N.Y. – When the Hilbert Hawks line up in their rare, ground-pounding flexbone offense, fans might wonder why they opt for a relentless run game over flashy passes. The answer lies in a bold strategy shift that’s transforming this young Division 3 program.

Hilbert College, a small school in Hamburg, NY, launched its NCAA Division 3 football program in 2022. Starting from scratch, the Hawks faced challenges typical of a new team: a roster of mostly freshmen competing against teams with seasoned juniors and seniors. Recruiting for a small college with no football legacy is tough, making Hilbert true underdogs. In 2024, head coach Ted Egger hired offensive coordinator Aaron Aydelott to overhaul the offense, moving from a spread style to the flexbone. The flexbone is a run-focused, deceptive scheme designed to give undersized teams an edge. After a season and a half, the Hawks are already seeing improved offensive efficiency, aiming to make their mark in Division 3.

The flexbone’s roots trace back to the 1960s, when Emory Bellard developed the wishbone offense at the University of Texas. This formation featured a quarterback under center, a fullback, and two halfbacks in a “Y” shape, emphasizing the triple option: the quarterback could hand it off to the fullback, keep the ball, or pitch to a halfback. This forced defenses to make quick, often incorrect, decisions, making the offense lethal. In the 1980s, Ken Hatfield at the Air Force Academy tweaked the wishbone, creating the flexbone by moving the halfbacks (now slot backs) closer to the offensive tackles. This adjustment added pre-snap motion and passing threats while maintaining the focus on controlling possession and time.

Today, the flexbone is rare in college football, thriving at places like the service academies and Harding University, where Aydelott previously coached. At Harding, the flexbone offense powered a Division 2 national championship and broke NCAA rushing records. Aydelott brought this expertise to Hilbert, drawn to the offense’s sustainability. “It’s not reliant on having consistently better talent,” he told me. “It’s different and being different makes preparation difficult for opponents.” The flexbone’s uniqueness forces defenses to prepare for something unfamiliar in the fast-paced, week-to-week world of college football, giving Hilbert an advantage.

However, the offense’s unpredictability means Hilbert must be ready for any defensive response. Aydelott addresses this by practicing against every possible defense, ensuring players master their assignments and play with confidence. “We want our guys to be tougher, more detailed, and relentless,” he said, emphasizing an identity of grit and unity over raw talent.

Hilbert is still chasing its first program win, but the flexbone has already boosted their performance, Aydelott’s vision isn’t just about victories, it’s about “steady long-term progression” and building a brotherhood of tough, disciplined players who fight as one. Aydelott wants people to say, “we’re a group of guys that fight really hard for each other, that battle for each other, and we are a true, strong brotherhood where we’ve got eleven guys moving as one part every time we touch the field.”

As Hilbert’s program grows, the flexbone could be their weapon to defy the odds. So, the next time you watch a Hawks game and wonder why the ball isn’t soaring through the air, remember this methodical offense is designed to steal momentum and wear opponents down. The Hawks will fight to the final whistle, embodying their underdog spirit.

Editor’s note: Brian Sylvia is a former Hawks Football Wide Receiver and the 2024-25 Coaches Award Winner.