Wildcats’ Kelly backs up desire with performance

Kyle Kelly first stepped onto the Colton High School football field in 2002 as a freshman fullback and linebacker on a winless team.

He stayed in the backfield as a sophomore, but he was derailed for seven weeks with a sprained ankle. During the following winter, he constantly lobbied Colton-Pullman Christian head coach Tim Sperber and offensive coordinator Clark Vining to switch to quarterback.

“He basically talked us into it last year, and I was against it all the way,” Sperber said, “[but] this year he’s on fire.”

Kelly is on fire to the tune of 19 touchdown passes and just one interception while leading the third-ranked Wildcats to their first 5-0 start since they went to the B-8 semis in 1999.

“The scary thing about Kyle is he’s still getting better,” Sperber said. “He’s smarter, with better feet. Every game he does things that are just like ‘Wow.’ “

Kelly has improved in many facets of the game since his freshman year, especially his knowledge of CPC’s spread offense.

“I remember my freshman year, I had this wristband with 10 plays because I had a hard time remembering them,” Kelly said. “Now I have to know about 250 plays and run them. I’ve learned the offense much better.”

The 6-foot, 185-pound Kelly still runs like a fullback, pounding his way to eight rushing touchdowns in 2005, including four at Touchet last week.

But he throws the ball like a veteran quarterback, lighting up the Prescott defense on Sept. 23 for 363 yards and seven touchdowns on 19-of-24 passing.

“My arm strength is just incredible,” Kelly said. “I remember watching games last year and just being embarrassed. This year, I’m actually throwing firm passes.

“My ability to read defenses is [also] better, especially after watching game film almost every day. “

This season, the Wildcats are confident heading into the bulk of their schedule, including road trips to St. John-Endicott, three-time reigning state champion LaCrosse-Washtucna and upstart Tri Cities Prep.

“I think this is going to be our shot for a long time that we’re going to be able to make it to the state championship,” Kelly said. “We’ll have some close games, and it’ll come down to who wants it more.”