Pulaski (Arkansas) Academy's football program might be the most innovative and creative high school athletic program in the country. In fact, in one game during the 2011 season, the opponent was down 29-0 before touching the ball. Coach Kevin Kelley's team never punts, they attempt onside kicks at every opportunity, they never return punts, and their playbook features many unique tricks. Has there ever been a program that has defied conventional wisdom like the Bruins? It seems to be paying off in the W/L column, especially since Pulaski has won a couple state titles under Kelley, and have compiled an impressive W/L record. What's more important is that the players absolutely LOVE playing this style of football and the "outside the box" thinking...you know that in life these kids will develop into risk-takers who are not afraid of change. Yes there are critics (as there are with anything in life, especially anything involving something different), but Kelley and his players don't mind...maybe it's the critics who wish they would have thought of these tactics first.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
THE MOST INNOVATIVE PROGRAM IN THE COUNTRY?
Pulaski (Arkansas) Academy's football program might be the most innovative and creative high school athletic program in the country. In fact, in one game during the 2011 season, the opponent was down 29-0 before touching the ball. Coach Kevin Kelley's team never punts, they attempt onside kicks at every opportunity, they never return punts, and their playbook features many unique tricks. Has there ever been a program that has defied conventional wisdom like the Bruins? It seems to be paying off in the W/L column, especially since Pulaski has won a couple state titles under Kelley, and have compiled an impressive W/L record. What's more important is that the players absolutely LOVE playing this style of football and the "outside the box" thinking...you know that in life these kids will develop into risk-takers who are not afraid of change. Yes there are critics (as there are with anything in life, especially anything involving something different), but Kelley and his players don't mind...maybe it's the critics who wish they would have thought of these tactics first.
