Clinics' Conroy, Dodger Defense Tame Hanover Tigers

Anyone daring to drive around Dodge Field in that harassing rain Wednesday night probably mumbled in disbelief on what they saw. It was Madisons’ Peewee football players, holding practice, tempting the teeming downpour to stall their quest for another victory. After all, Saturday’s upcoming game against the Hanover Tigers drew closer by the minute, and the Clinic Dodgers needed to make use of every possible moment to prepare.

The Dodgers took their two game winning streak on the road to the Brickyards of Hanover for the early morning game on Saturday, anxious to prove that drenching practice was well worth the effort. The Offense took first control of the ball and quickly established their running game, but was equally met by a tenacious Tiger defense. After four plays it was evident these teams were engaged in a brutal battle.

Hanovers’ offense proved just as effective in their opening series, being introduced to Madisons’ defense by nose guard Vincent Finelli, linemen Justin Slabaugh and Will Baisch. Running left, they were met by Markus Vali, Anthony Contessa and Scotty Spelker. Going right it was Gabe Artiglere, Michael Keller and Ben Colao, while Andrew Boyd and Colin Faraher blocked the middle.

Madison’s next possession had better results, with long gains by Contessa, Artiglere, Robert Ferris and a sneak by QB Ben Colao behind a much-improved blocking line of Jared Barnes, Nate McKenna, Ronan McGinn and Tommy Packie. Contessa broke loose for the games first score, but that was brought back on a holding penalty, and a quick first half ended deadlocked at 0-0.

Hanover started on offense in the third, and the Madison defense loaded up, stalking their prey like a guide on safari. With more subs than any Main street deli, the Dodgers relentlessly held their ground with support from Elliot Dressler, Nick McKenna, Lenny Jandali, Jakub Szacillo and Jackson Conroy. A Tiger fumble at the fifty-yard line was smothered by the Dodgers like a C-note on a playground, and Madisons’ offense was back in action. Contessa took it to the 30, Ferris to the 17, Artiglere to the 10 and Colao to the 4, where Artiglere trucked it in on third and goal. Ferris’ point after made it 7-0 at the end of three. Contessa took a fourth quarter handoff 38 yards for their next score, and his pass to a wide open Ferris made it 14-0. Madisons’ defense remained diligent, only allowing one substantial Tiger run for about 30 yards, but stuffed that drive better than a seasoned taxidermist.

Always full of surprises, the Dodgers unleashed their secret weapon late in the fourth. Linebacker Jackson Conroy reported in on offense, and got the ball on a reverse. Many of the Tiger defense took the bait, but Conroy juked those who didn’t behind some fine blocking and danced his way into the end zone for the score. It was a fine example of true sportsmanship and every Coach on the field was proud of their players, more so for Jackson himself.

The Dodgers have now won three straight, improving their record to 3-3 with two games left, continuing the streak at home Friday night against the Raiders of Long Valley.