Just Go For It!

Not insignificantly, in addition to coaching, Kelley, 40, is also the Pulaski Academy athletic director. But even if he worked for the most hidebound of bosses, Kelley would most likely keep his job: The Bruins have won 100 games this decade, including the Arkansas 5A championship last year. In the waning minutes of the 2008 title game, as the Bruins nursed a 35--32 lead, they still went for it four times—each successfully—on their final drive before running out the clock.

Though a decidedly smaller, slower and younger team than Central Arkansas Christian, Pulaski won last Thursday's game 33--20. Afterward, as the teams shook hands, one of the Mustangs sought out Bruins quarterback Wil Nicks and told him, "I wish we played like y'all." After the game Kelley said flatly, "The system won that game." For kindred spirits in the coaching ranks, tempted to topple conventional sports wisdom, Kelley has the same advice he gives his teams on fourth down: Go for it.

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