04/19/24
September 15, 2011
Arkansas High School Coach Never Punts: Kevin Kelley, the head football coach of Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Ark., has a data-driven approach to the game that includes never punting, trying for onside kicks on most kickoffs and telling the punt returner not to run. Against Cabot, one of the state's best teams with five times as many students, Pulaski began with four straight touchdowns and three successful onside kicks. Cabot trailed 29-0 on its first play from scrimmage.
You think that's impressive, watch Pulaski get absolutely annihilated by Shiloh Christian in last year's state title game.
Looks like if you prepare properly, you can shut Pulaski down.
posted by wfrazerjr at 11:05 PM on September 15, 2011
I remember warren sapp talking about statistics proving the concept of always going for it on 4th down...said something like "whoever said that never had to face jerome bettis coming at you from a short field".
Not sure i completely disagree with the never punt rule (althogh i would change that to RARELY punt)....but i'd say i completely disagree about the concept of not returning punts. TDs happen about as often as turnovers on special teams at high school level...and 20 yards difference, outside of either of those extremes, is a pretty big deal
posted by bdaddy at 11:14 PM on September 15, 2011
posted by NoMich at 07:35 AM on September 16, 2011
Grantland had a couple of pieces on unorthodox college offenses recently. I can only find one of them.
posted by yerfatma at 09:45 AM on September 16, 2011
His club allowed 34 points in this game; he doesn't trust his defense?
posted by jjzucal at 10:02 AM on September 16, 2011
Looks like if you prepare properly, you can shut Pulaski down.
True. However, the strategy DID take them to the state title game, so something's working well.
posted by josher71 at 01:53 PM on September 16, 2011
Not one holding call on all those plays from scrimmage on offense. Pretty remarkable.
Knighten's got eyes in the back of his head. Great feel for rush pressure. And quick first step.
He'd be a natural for the Mizzou offense.