Madison Varsity Dodgers Soar over Boonton 38-20

The Madison varsity Dodgers took their caravan of players and an undefeated record north to Boonton on Sunday, looking to clip the wings of the toughened Grayhawks on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Coach Scott Spelker and coordinator Mike Mantone seemed more at home on the road again than a Willie Nelson tour bus followed by a convoy of groupies. They never looked back, handing Boonton a 38-20 thumping, before getting back on that road again.

A glinting coin toss gave the ball first to Madison, who promptly returned it to the 35. Patrick Penders took it to the 50, John Geier to the 22, and quarterback Jack O’hearen to the 5, where Penders took it in with an easy run. Matthew Gero hit the first of many Points after kick, and it was 8-0 before Boonton touched the ball.

Boontons opening drive made it to the 40 before stalling out with fine defensive tackles by Gero and Geier, and Madison took over there. O’hearens first play was a pass to Nick Esposito who galloped in for another quick score, and Geros’ 2 made it 16-0. Boontons next series started out on their 40, had a big pass play to the 15, a run to the 5 before the quarter ended. The Grayhawks proceeded to score on the first play of the second quarter, but missed the point after, to trail 16-6

Madison again took over on their 40, and Penders and Jaden Adams collectively carried it to the 20, setting up for Penders second score on an end run. Gero hit the 2, and it was 24-6. Boontons next possession was quickly derailed by a timely interception by Matthew Monaco, sending the offense back out for Madison.

Spelker called for his newly created play of the week, which almost worked, but Geier made up the difference by stomping through for a first down. A screen pass to Penders got him his trifecta as he ran down the sidelines for the score, and still perfect Gero hit the deuce before the half ended with a commanding 32-6 Dodger lead.

The third quarter did not open well offensively for either team, as Boonton turned it over quickly on downs and new QB Ryan Marquardt came up just short for a first down. The ensuing punt was sacked by Boonton, giving them great field position on the Madison 40. Their first play was a pass that put a quick six on the board, but the point after missed, and Madison was holding steady to a 32-12 lead as they entered the fourth quarter.

Matthew Monaco and Patrick Quinn carried well for Madison, as did Timmy Holland, and Quinn managed a huge first down that eventually saw Marquardt on a qb keeper for six of his own. This time Gero was just a bit shy of the crossbar, so it was 38-12 late. Boonton responded with a huge pass play from their own 40, and their points after made it 38-20. Jaden Adams’ super kickoff return gave some excitement to a standing crown as he bolted to the 30, where time ran out on the Grayhawks and Madison improved their record to 3-0. Never at a loss for words, Coach Spelker relayed “ The coaches are all very happy to see the players’ hard work pay off. Dodgers roll to 3-0.” The Varsity Dodgers are back on the road again next Sunday against the Braves in Newton.