After a highly successful decade of football in the 1940’s that saw the Salem Wildcats go 68-19-2, the 1950 squad carried over that tradition with one of the best years in school history, As a result, the team earned selection to the Salem Community High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Not only was the 1950 squad one of the most successful in Salem history, it was also one of the best overachieving groups.

Headed into the season the Wildcats had only 3 returning starters and it did endure some early growing pains with a 20-0 loss to Lawrenceville in the season opener.

Although that loss would eventually prevent Salem from winning the North Egypt Conference championship, the Wildcats quickly matured and responded for coach Kenny Farrar.

Defense soon became the trademark of the team. After the loss to Lawrenceville, Salem gave up only a single touchdown against Fairfield and Mt Carmel the rest of the season. Shutouts were recorded against Bridgeport, Flora, Centralia, Olney, Benton and Mt Vernon. In those eight games, which were all victories, the Wildcats outscored their opponents by a combined score of 249-14.

The team had some outstanding individual personnel, as fullback Bill Spratt, center Jack Finney and Dick Garden from the backfield all received honorable mention on the coaches all-state team.

Spratt was a particular thorn in opponents side, as he battled for the state scoring title most of the season. He eventually fell a little shy with 126 points.

Spratt and end Frank Lee were both NEC First Team choices. Quarterback Bob Morris, Garden, Finney and tackle Richard McGuire were NEC Second Team picks.

Backfield members Ellis Sanders and Bill Smith plus linemen Jim Williams, Harold Thurman, Jim Bachman, Gary SI. Clair and Jim Brandt all received All-NEC Honorable Mention.