SPW Dodgers Continue Streak Over Hanover

The Madison Rec Center was the main attraction Friday night as the SPW Dodgers hosted Hanover, intent on extending their win streak by taming the tigers before a rejuvenated standing room crowd.

Hanover returned the opening kick to their 25 and the Maroon defense welcome wagon roared onto the field, led by Justin Slabaugh, Joey DeMarzo, Elliot Dressler, Mayson Messuti, Tommy Packie, Michael Keller and Ronan McGinn. Hanover was forced to kick after three quick carries, and Madison took over on the 30. Center Will Baisch quick snapped it to QB Robert Ferris, who handed off to Scotty Spelker, who then reversed it to Anthony Contessa and Contessa took it down the sideline past the clawing Tigers for Madisons first score. The point after was blocked, and it was 6-0 in the first. Nate McKenna had a thundering stop for Madison on the kickoff, and Hanover was so shaken that they promptly fumbled on their first play, giving it back to Madison. End Jared Barnes’ bulldog blocking paved the way for Gabe Artiglere to rocket in for the score, and Contessas’ kick hit the crossbar, so Madison led it 12-0.

Again the Tigers failed to convert a first down, and Contessa had consecutive runs of 20 and 12 yards to get Madison to the Hanover 9 as the quarter ended, and he then scored his second TD of the game on the next play, perfecting the kick after through the uprights for a 20-0 lead. The Tigers continued to chase their tails throughout the quarter, making little progress, and Madison had runs by Ferris, Artiglere, Ben Colao and Nick McKenna down to the goal line before time ran out in the half.

Hanover started the third in good field position, but Madisons defense covered the catnip and ended that drive. A series of fumbles by both teams continued this defensive struggle, Madison losing one in the Red Zone, through most of the third quarter. Hanovers’ first possession of the fourth again resulted in a fumble, recovered by Gio Collins. Jackson Conroy checked in and led the blocking offensive line that caged the Tigers deep in their own territory, and Nick McKenna attacked the goal line pylon with a huge second-effort score, his first of the season. Conroy charged ahead after getting hit by numerous Tigers, and it took a few more to bring him down on the goal line just shy of the extra point, and Madisons winning streak continued with the shutout over Hanover 26-0. An elated Coach Peter Mazzocchi said afterwards “ It was another total team effort”, adding “ I’m proud of these boys and how well they played today. It shows their potential and our staff couldn’t be more pleased with their performance today.” The 2-3-2 Dodgers are on the road next Friday night at Randolph.