And yesterday, in beautiful weather at Northeast's Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium, that approach worked handsomely.
On the game's very first play, Malone retreated deep downfield and made a leaping interception. Midway through the third quarter, he went the not-so-instant-replay route and, in time, the Burrs, the defending state champions, owned a 47-8 win over Bishop McDevitt and their sixth consecutive league title (four in AA, two in the ol' Blue Division).
To boot, Malone had a game ball (though he droppped it just before shaking hands with a midfield visitor shortly after game's end).
Both of Malone's picks set up touchdowns and when he said he was good in math, the question needed to be asked.
So, how far do you think you went on the returns?
"I'd say about 30 yards," he responded. "Well, somewhere between 30 and 40."
Not bad for a rough guess. Malone's first sashay took him 40 yards to McDevitt's 27 and Jaleel Reed scored on a 12-yard keeper five plays later. He covered 38 yards on the second, to the Lancers' 30, and Reed scrambled in from the 7 three plays hence.
"I should have scored on both plays," Malone said. "I used to play running back in [youth ball; he was a member of the Frankford Chargers' national championship team in 2008], so I'm used to having the ball in my hands. No big thing.
"My chances were better on the second one, but I cut the wrong way. I really should have scored on that one. My fault."
Malone has been starting since Week 4 of the 2009 season. His original position was cornerback, but now he's a safety and he shifts between free and strong depending on personnel. These picks raised his totals to three [season] and eight [career].
Also, this was his second game ball of 2011.
