07 Dec 2011 Malvern, PA set for rematch in 4A final

by Mark Oliver

Rematches seem to be popular this time of year.

As December begins and high school football draws to a close, the 4A championship game will be decided by just that: a rematch between 7-4A conference rivals Pulaski Academy and Malvern at noon Saturday.

Pulaski Academy (13-0, 7-0) is no stranger to playing at War Memorial Stadium – this will be the team’s fourth trip in six years. However, in the past three appearances in title games, the Bruins have only won once, defeating West Helena, 35-32, in 2008 for the 5A state title.

Since then, the Bruins have moved down to 4A play and have made it to at least the semifinals each year, falling to Shiloh Christian, 61-40, in the 4A title game in 2010.

Malvern (12-2, 6-1) returns to War Memorial Stadium for the first time since 1993, when the team won it all. The Leopards enter Friday’s action with its only losses to Pulaski Academy (47-16) and 5A quarterfinalist Hot Springs Lakeside (34-26). Malvern has had a relatively easy time with their opponents throughout the 4A playoffs so far, averaging 21 points per victory, and hopes to achieve the upset bid over the favored Bruins, who are seeking to cap off a perfect season.

This will be the third meeting between both 501 teams. Pulaski Academy has won the past two contests convincingly: 41-21 in 2010 and 47-16 earlier this year. In fact, Pulaski Academy may have only been tested once this season: against 6A runner-up Lake Hamilton in week three, 38-28. The Bruins trailed by a large margin at halftime and completely shut the Wolves down in the second half for a victory.

Despite Pulaski Academy’s success against Malvern, one thing is for certain: this will be one David vs. Goliath match up that will be a must-see game.