It has been three years since Preston Jones introduced the pistol offense and it has made a tremendous impact on his football program. The Pumas record since installing the offense is 18-8, while also averaging 38.4 points per game. During that span they have put up 999 points in 26 games. Only four times have they been held to single digit points.

The pistol offense was developed in 2004 by Chris Ault, the Univ. of Nevada football coach. It is a basic strategy offense where the quarterback lines up three and a half yards behind the center and the running back is even further behind. It’s a four receiver set, where two receivers line up five to seven yards outside the tackle and the other two line up further from them.

It’s a dual threat offense because teams can either run behind all the lineman, run an option, or run with the quarterback or running back. Teams can also pass because you have four receivers lined up. It’s an effective way to stay balanced.

“It gives [my team] an opportunity to win,” Head football Coach Jones stated. “The kids understand it.” The pumas are getting noticed; some of their games have been broadcasted live.

Not only is the varsity influenced by this offense, the rest of the team is also.

Sophomore quarterback Austin Nightingale said, “I like running the pistol offense because I saw Josh Uhlorn do it and it seemed exciting.” Another reason why the Pumas are successful is because they’re one of the few teams who run the pistol. It brings a challenge to opposing defenses when they prepare for the same offense every time, then they see Perry on their schedule and have to adjust in one week.

The opposing teams do have a slight advantage though because it is the same formation every single time.

“Any offense works,” Jones states, but it seems like the Pumas have found their offense that gives them the best opportunity to win every week.