Madison Clinic Remains Unbeaten with win over Hopatcong

By Stephen McKenna/ Sean O’hearen

Everyone has their own unforgettable memory of last years’ freak, crippling snowstorm. For me, it was the harrowing drive to Hopatcong, where the Madison Dodgers were to battle a tough Warrior team. As the players anxiously prepared for the coin toss, the snow continued to pile up like the empty wrappers of a sugar starved trick or treater. The officials wisely decided to cancel the game, leaving us the greater challenge of navigating Morris Countys’ slippery roads back home to downed trees and loss of power.

One year later, that missed game still haunted the Clinic Dodgers as they once again prepared for their game against Hopatcong on Saturday at the Madison Recreation Complex, under more favorable conditions. Both teams didn’t know what to expect from the other, and nervous coaches couldn’t help settle the mystery. The Warriors got the ball first and decisively drove down the field to the Madison 25, where their first pass attempt was intercepted by Jack O’hearen. Madisons first series quickly went to 4^th and 6 , when O’hearen threw a silver bullet to an outstretched Nick Esposito for the first down. The next play had a reverse to Timmy Holland for a gain of 30. Next,on a fake reverse, the offensive line of SeanPurce, Matthew Gero, John Geier, Jack Wilt, Aiden Feledy and Nick Esposito forced everyone right while Patrick Penders went left, finding more deserted real estate than a midnight cemetery for a 32 yard TD. O’hearens’ keeper made it 7-0 early. Hopatcong started again from their 40, gaining a nice 25 yard pick up and rushing all the way to the Madison 20, where the Dodgers deflected a pass to end that drive. Madison took over, had a pass dropped before Holland got 15 and the first down behind a wall of blockers. Three plays later, 4^th and 2 from their own 45, Ryan Marquardt cut through the line like a Texas chainsaw for another big first down. On second down, Penders again got the call and dissected the Warrior defense for a spine-tingling score. O’hearen again took it himself for the point after, making it 14-0 Madison. The Dodger Defense stepped up again on Hopatcongs, next possession. First it was Aiden Bodner stopping a screen pass. Then an open field tackle by Holland drained some life, followed by a huge hit by Liam Beifus resulting in a loss of 5. Another loss on fourth down sent the teams to half time with an encouraging 14-0 Madison lead , both sides using the reverse more than a panicked driver in a horror flick.

Madison opened the second half with some great gains before a QB sack made it 4^th and 15. Unable to convert on a reverse, Madison turned it over to Hopatcong, who also had little success on the ground after plays by Wilt and Marquardt. Madisons’ next series play from the 23 was even more shocking than the Bride of Frankensteins’ hairdo, as O’hearen called for his O line to open up a hole for Marquardt, who went 77 yards for a heart pounding score. The Dodger celebration was more entertaining than the Thriller video, and the Dodgers led it 20-0. Clinic Coach Peter Mazzocchi once again utilized the talents of every player on the Madison bench, making sure everyone participated in this long awaited showdown. His entire coaching staff also made sure every player experienced what rewarding results a full team effort can give, and that was evident in their faces as the defense again took the field. On Hopatcongs last drive of the day, they put together a combination of runs and reverses that got them as close as the Dodger 5. It was there the Dodger defense of Beifus, Bodner, Peter Kearney, Matt Gero, Patrick  Quinn, Matthew Monaco and Carter Vorhees rose effectively like sunrise to a distracted Dracula, driving in the final wooden stake with a goal line stance, preserving still their unblemished record. Next up is a home game Oct 26^th vs Dover, we dare you to miss it!