Clinic Dodgers lose bid for first win

Clinic Coach Greg Colao stressed the importance of beating Route 80’s rush hour traffic to his team as they traveled to Newton to take on the Braves on Friday night. It wouldn’t be their only obstacle as the Dodgers set out to get their first win this season.

The young Dodgers took the field before a chilled crowd at Memory Field, ready for the challenge ahead. Their offense took first possession and QB Ben Colao took control, making a first down after four quick plays. It was on the next play that Anthony Contessa followed tremendous blocks by Justin Slabaugh, Joey DeMarzo, Will Baisch, Markus Vali and Ronan McGinn and took it 65 plus yards for the first score of the game. Gabe Artiglere was stopped just short of the goal for the point after, and Madison lead early 6-0. Not to be outdone in their home opener, Newton answered quickly with a score of their own, and after one it was tied 6-6. Early in the second quarter, Newton mounted a threatening drive, but a fourth down pass was intercepted by Colin Faraher. The Dodgers were unable to capitalize and the Braves scored on their next possession, leading now 13-6. Madison then trampled forward and made progressive plays until they were stopped on fourth down with :15 seconds left in the half, where Newton took over. Disaster struck the Dodger Defense as a miscue opened a gap for the Brave back who ran all the way for the score as time ran out, ending the half with a crushing score of 20-6 Newton.

Madison’s defense regained its composure and came out determined to hold strong with a wall of players lead by Vincent Finelli, Tommy Packie, Michael Keller, Robert Ferris, Scotty Spelker, Jackson Conroy and Nick and Nate McKenna. They held Newton to four plays in the third, and Madison scored on a fine QB sneak by Jared Barnes behind solid blocking, making it 20-12. The entire fourth quarter both teams played hard and became stingy on defense, not allowing any points to be scored by either team, and the Dodgers had to settle for their ksecond loss this season, 20-12.

The Clinic Dodgers continue to display their ever-improving skills this Friday Night at the Madison Rec complex as they take on the Blue Angels of Denville, so come show your support and watch some thrilling Dodger football.