Carey's Corner
FROM THE MALVERN ARCHIVES
A LOOK BACK
August 2020
The previous two articles highlighted the highest scoring offenses and the stingiest defenses. What if we compared and combined those averages to see which teams top the list of widest margins of victory? Or to put it another way, who “Beat the Spread”. I am sure you have lost sleep, wondering which teams? Once again from 1950 to 2019 (www.tedsilary.com) who topped the list? The criteria to make the list was a spread of 20 points or more. Why did I pick 20? No real formula. Its 3 touchdowns. That is a pretty good margin of victory.
From the top
OTHER NOTES OF INTEREST
Just missing, in the 18/19 point “Beat the Spread” range, were 1974,1979,1986,1987,1997,1999, 2011,2018. That is not too shabby either. If you score points and you shut down the other team, it proves your program is probably going to win a ton of football games. In these 8 years Malvern was 75-5 with 5 undefeated teams. The 1974 and 2018 teams were also undefeated. Combine the teams in the 18-19 margin of victory and the record is 149-13. 16 times in 48 years (1972 to 2019) a Malvern team has beaten their opponents by an average of at least 3 TDs. Malvern Prep has had 8 undefeated teams (1975 had 1 tie) so the “Beat the Spread” is a good indicator for a great year.
Hope I didn’t miss anyone but a BIG shout out the teams of 1980 and 2001 who made all 3 lists- TD Club, 30 for 30 and Beat the Spread. The 1972,1995,2005,2006,2008 and 2015 squads hit the mark in 2 out of 3 categories.
It is said defense wins championships but when you score early and often, offense can win championships too.
This is the conclusion of the 3-part series. There were many MP teams that were highlighted in this series. Consistently good teams are the foundation of good programs. That is Malvern Prep Football
More to come……………
08.14.20
