Kevin Kelley, the head coach at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, is known for his unorthodox approach to the game. The subject of articles in both American Football Monthly and Gridiron Strategies, Kelley’s philosophy includes never punting the ball, more often than not going for a two-point conversion, and often using the onside kick – regardless of the score.
Not using conventional wisdom has led Kelley’s teams to a winning percentage over .800 and three state championships. He is the offensive coach in this issue’s edition of Point-Counterpoint in which the subject is close to Kelley’s heart – offensively and defensively – the onside kick.
His defensive counterpart is Jim Schroeder, the defensive coordinator for Benedictine University. A veteran defensive coach, Schroeder has coached at his alma mater, Valparaiso University, as well as Davidson and Columbia. He has been on the Benedictine staff since 2005 and his 2012 defense ranked 11th nationally among all Division III schools.
Both coaches respond to questions about their philosophy and strategy for the onside kick, the psychological advantages of being successful – offensively and defensively – with an onside kick, practice time devoted to it and what types of athletes are needed on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball to maximize success. Kelley feels that recovering an onside kick is not viewed on the stat sheet as a turnover, but it is just that. “And in every level of football,” Kelley said, “the number one factor in determining who wins or loses games is turnovers.”
In a game two years ago, Kelley’s team scored on their first four possessions and led 29-0 before the other team had run an offensive play. Pulaski Academy recovered an opening onside kick by Cabot High School and then was successful in recovering three consecutive onside kicks. Imagine the frustration of the Cabot coaching staff.
As always, we hope you enjoy this issue of GS and welcome your feedback.
Sincerely,
Rex Lardner
Managing Editor