The Story of the Triple Option Football Academy

The Story of the Triple Option Football Academy

 
 

The Beginnings of Transformation

In 2010, Falls City High School (TX) made history. They won their first regional and state championship after hosting a camp with Lou Cella. This success marked the beginning of the Triple Option Football Academy’s influence. Struggling schools started embracing this proven system. Lou Cella’s Triple Option offense brought structure, efficiency, and consistent results.

After running a camp with Lou Cella as Camp Director, Bayfield HS (CO) had an undefeated regular season for the first time since 1996 and advanced to the state championship game in Colorado. They did this with an Offensive Line that averaged 180 pounds. "We were looking to take that next step, and felt that a camp might be just what the doctor ordered. We were not disappointed. We were already committed to the triple option, but the camp brought a much higher level of focus and understanding to our team, both players and coaches. Now when we tell our kids to 'trust the system' they know what we're talking about." - Marshall Hahn, Head Football Coach

Transformations Continue

In 2011, Bayfield High School (CO) achieved an undefeated regular season. They reached the state championship game with a 180-pound offensive line. That same year, Lakewood High School (SC) started 5-0 for the first time ever. They broke their school record for wins and made the playoffs. Riverwood High School (GA) transformed into a playoff team for the first time since 2005. Timmonsville High School (SC) went from 1-9 in 2010 to state semifinals in 2011. Seminole County (GA) also broke their record for wins and reached the state quarterfinals. Hollister San Benito (CA) captured a conference title after seven winless years. Piedra Vista (NM) won nine games after winning just three the year before.

Building Momentum

In 2013, Cashmere High School (WA) broke rushing and total offensive yard records. They advanced to the state semifinals after working with Dr. Cella. This year proved the system’s scalability and consistency in different regions.

In 2015, after running a camp with Dr. Lou Cella as Camp Director, Odessa-Harrington (WA) scored 508 points in 11 games, averaged 46 points/game, made it to the second round of the Washington State Playoffs, and did all this with a roster of 20 players. "Dr. Cella is an absolutely fantastic instructor of triple-option football who taught our players as if he were coaching his own team. From the very beginning of camp he arrived with an enthusiasm, excitement and a passion for football that was infectious for our entire team and coaching staff. "Dr. Cella incorporated a fast-paced, up tempo style that allowed all of our players to have multiple repetitions, thus enabling each of them to easily understand the proper techniques and concepts that were being taught. "Not only is Dr. Cella a master at teaching the proper fundamentals of the triple-option, he also impressed upon our team a mental toughness that is essential in having success on and off the football field. Our camp was a great success and Dr. Cella is truly dedicated to turning programs into champions." - Jeff Nelson, Head Football Coach

Championship Success

In 2015, Odessa-Harrington (WA) reached the 8-Man State Quarterfinals. They scored 508 points with just 20 players. The following year, they went undefeated and reached the state championship. Shadow Ridge (NV) also led their classification in rushing yards per game in 2016. Pamlico County (NC) began their rise in 2016, going from a two-win team to state runners-up in 2018.

Rising Teams

In 2018, Tussey Mountain (PA) went from 2-28 over three years to district semifinalists. Pamlico County (NC) scored 638 points and averaged 43 points per game with only 31 players. This year demonstrated the academy’s ability to revive struggling programs.

From 2015-2017, Tussey Mountain High School (PA) went 2-28 (including a 1-9 season in 2017). In 2018, after running a camp with Dr. Cella, Tussey Mountain went from 1 win to 8 wins and went to the District 5 Class A Semifinals in Anthony Sottasante's first season as head coach. They went on to go 26-6 over the next 3 seasons. "Dr. Cella is a highly-skilled Sports Psychologist and triple option coach that totally understands this offense to the fullest. The most impressive thing about him is his ability to teach players and coaches at a very rapid rate. His organization and time management are the best I have seen. "You will learn how to efficiently run this offense and maximize your usage of time. Anyone who has coached high school football with kids playing on both sides of the ball recognizes that time is precious and must be utilized to the fullest. "Dr. Cella will increase your practice efficiency way beyond the triple option. I give him my highest recommendation." - Anthony Sottasante, Head Football Coach

Continued Growth

In 2020, Tyrone High School (OK) won the Class C State Championship. They scored 668 points in 13 games, averaging 51 points per game. In 2021, BCC (MD) won six games and hosted a playoff game. This marked their first winning season since 2012. Hollis (OK) also made a dramatic turnaround, winning eight games after finishing 2-6 the previous year. St. John Paul II (AZ) achieved their first winning season in school history.

Historic Achievements

By 2023, BCC reached the Maryland Class 4A State Quarterfinals for the first time in 30 years. This year highlighted the ongoing success of programs adopting the Triple Option.

In 2019, Bethesda Chevy Chase (MD) won 2 games, and did not play in 2020 due to COVID. In 2021, after hosting a camp with Dr. Cella, BCC won six (6) games, hosted a home playoff game, and had the school's first winning season since 2012. THEN, in 2023, after hosting their THIRD CONSECUTIVE camp with Dr. Cella, BCC goes to the Maryland Class 4A State Quarterfinals for the first time in over 30 years. "We have worked with Dr. Cella since 2020 doing both the Academy and the camp. He has been an incredible resource and we have seen great results. I thoroughly enjoy his camp and think it goes a long way in helping to instill a foundation and understanding of our new offense with our players. We went 2-7 in 2019 with 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns before working with Dr. Cella and doubled those numbers in 2021 with a 6-4 record, just under 2700 yards, and 29 TDs. He is a great guy, available 24/7, and definitely one you want in your corner!" - Ben Minturn, Head Football Coach

Continued Excellence in 2024

These three schools have added to the tradition of success with the Triple Option Football Academy. Haverford High (PA) transformed their season from 1-9 to 10-2, achieving their first-ever home playoff win after hosting our camp. They play their next game on Thanksgiving Morning. Scobey (MT) advanced from a 2-win season to the state semifinals just months after working with us. They play on Saturday. Questa (NM) won as many games this year as the last eight years combined, reached the playoffs, and achieved this with a first-year head coach just months after working with us. Discover more inspiring transformations at TripleOptionFootball.com/Testimonials.

Haverford Head Coach, Luke Dougherty!

A System That Delivers Results

The Triple Option Football Academy helps teams implement a disciplined offense. Programs see immediate improvements in scoring, ball security, and efficiency. Coaches gain clarity and confidence in their strategies. Hundreds of teams across the nation have benefited from Lou Cella’s guidance. The success stories are proof of the system’s unmatched effectiveness.

Transform Your Program Today

The Triple Option Football Academy offers proven strategies for winning football. Coaches and players alike benefit from this structured, results-driven approach. Reach out to Dr. Lou Cella today to start building a championship program.

 

 
 
 
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