MARIA STEIN — Sixty-three and counting.
Of all the other-worldly statistics associated with Maria Stein Marion Local, it’s the one that draws the most attention.
The Flyers have won 63 straight high school football games going into Friday’s Division VII state championship against Hillsdale. Marion Local broke the state record in the regular season finale, a 35-0 win over Division VI state finalist Coldwater. The former mark of 57 was held by Delphos St. John’s.
Marion Local’s last loss came on Nov. 6, 2020, a 24-17 defeat at the hands of fellow Midwest Athletic Conference member New Bremen in the regional final. The Flyers fell to New Bremen 21-13 in Week 2 of the pandemic-altered 2020 season. New Bremen went on to win the Division VII state championship.
While the active winning streak captures the most headlines, it’s hardly the only amazing stat for the Flyers. Here’s a look at Marion Local by the numbers:
14
State championships for Marion Local, the most for any program in the state. The Flyers have also been state runner-up three times. All 17 state championship game appearances have come since 2000.
494
Points scored by Marion in its 14 state championship game victories, an average of 35.3. The Flyers allowed 110 points in those games, or 7.9 per game.
27
All-time playoff appearances for Marion Local. The Flyers have reached the state semifinals 22 times.
107
All-time playoff victories for Marion Local after last week’s 41-6 win over Columbus Grove in the state semifinals. No other program in the state has topped the century mark in postseason wins.
.871
Coach Tim Goodwin’s winning percentage. In his 26 seasons, the Flyers are 324-48. He took over in 1999 and led Marion Local to its first state title the following year.
.938
Goodwin’s winning percentage the past 13 years. Marion Local is 181-12 with 10 state titles and two runner-up finishes since 2011.
1
Year the Flyers didn’t make the playoffs during Goodwin’s tenure. The 2004 team finished 4-6.
66
Players on Marion Local’s roster this fall, including 18 seniors.
49
Points allowed by Marion Local in 15 games this season, an average of 3.3 per game.
9
Shutouts by the Flyers, including six straight during the second half of the regular season. Marion Local didn’t surrender a point in October.
3
Straight state championships for Marion Local. The Flyers won four in a row from 2011 to 2014.