Pulaski Provides Unique Challenge For Scots
Pulaski Academy never punts. That’s not because the Bruins never face traditional punting situations, necessarily, but rather because they refuse to follow traditional methods.
That’s the philosophy of Pulaski head coach Kevin Kelley, who has built a powerhouse on a unique offensive strategy built on post-snap reads that involves no punting and almost no traditional kickoffs, either. His ideas have generated national media coverage and become a source of discussion for statistical aficionados.
The Bruins will bring their high-powered attack to Highlander Stadium on Friday to face Highland Park in its home opener. And in the process, they might provide local players, coaches, and fans with something they’ve never seen before.
Friday’s game will be the season opener for Pulaski, a private school in Little Rock, Ark. The Bruins finished 11-1 last season after being upset in the second round of the Arkansas Class 5A playoffs.
At any rate, the Scots will be tested after an impressive season debut at the Tom Landry Classic last week, when Highland Park shut out Frisco Centennial 47-0.
The HP offense looked dominant for the most part, with Brooks Burgin completing 17 of 22 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns in addition to rushing for three scores.
All three touchdown passes went to Campbell Brooks, who finished with 163 receiving yards. Kevin Ken, Sam Welfelt, and Andrew Frost also posted multiple receptions.
Meanwhile, the inexperienced Scots defense posted their first regular-season shutout since 2011 by holding a powerful Centennial offense in check. Remember, the Titans either won or shared a district title in each of the past three years.
The Bruins are led on offense by quarterback Will Hefley, who passed for more than 4,000 yards and 54 touchdowns last season and has verbally committed to Tulsa. His favorite targets are Will Hastings, Tre Bruce, and Zack Kelley, the coach’s son.
It will be the first of two out-of-state games for Pulaski, which will travel to New Smyrna Beach (Fla.) next week. Pulaski also will visit Highland Park next season.
