Inconsistent Cavaliers Lose 24-0 to Madison Football

Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Lee forced the Cavaliers’ Friday night contest against James Madison to be shifted to Saturday afternoon in Vienna. Unfortunately, instead of a cool, under-the-lights experience, Woodson faced warm and humid playing conditions and did not hold up well, falling to the Warhawks 24 – 0. 

Despite the lopsided final, the game was much more competitive than the score might have indicated. The Cavaliers played well on offense and defense at times, but they couldn’t sustain consistency on either side of the ball. Turnovers and penalties also hurt Woodson throughout the game. 

Madison started the first series near its 30-yard line and proceeded to march down the field, eventually scoring on a short run at the 5:54 mark of the first quarter. Woodson’s defense managed several tackles-for-loss on the drive, including hits by Caleb Chiaia, Mike Reaves, Sam Sabolsky and Luke Kaplon. Despite the temporary setbacks, Madison managed to complete the scoring drive, in large part thanks to a quarterback scramble that resulted in a pass completion deep into Cavaliers’ territory.

Woodson’s first offensive series did not go well, and the Cavs were forced to punt after a three-and-out. After Max Weatherly’s strong tackle on the punt return, Madison took possession at its 43-yard line. The Warhawks’ offensive momentum continued on the drive as they drove to Woodson’s goal line early in the second quarter. The Cavaliers’ defense then stiffened on a fourth-and-one when Jonathan Stokes recovered a Warhawks’ fumble to kill the drive.

Woodson’s bit of good fortune was short-lived. After three runs failed to move the ball, the Cavs were forced to punt from deep in their own territory. Madison made the most of the defensive stop when they blocked the Cavs’ punt, scooped up the ball and returned it for a touchdown. The quick score and extra point put the Warhawks ahead 14 – 0 with 9:39 to go in the half. 

Later in the half, Peter Murray’s interception and long return stymied a Warhawk drive and set up Woodson in good field position. The Cavs moved into Madison territory on a third-down completion from Andrew Mackay to Stewart Adams. The drive stalled a short time later, however, and the teams went to half with Madison leading 14 – 0. 

Looking to get on the scoreboard, early in the second half Woodson mounted its first serious drive. Completions from Mackey to Bryce Mauro and Brendan Hogan helped Woodson move deep into Warhawk territory.  Bad fortune then again hit the Cavs when a leaping, highlight reel touchdown catch in the end zone by Jonathan Stokes was nullified by a Woodson penalty. The penalty erased the score and helped stall the Cavs’ drive. Woodson’s ensuing punt was again blocked by Madison and the fate of the game was sealed. The Warhawks went on to add a field goal late in the third quarter and an insurance touchdown in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring.

The loss drops Woodson’s record to 0 – 2. The Cavaliers face another challenge next Friday night when they take on the Oakton Cougars at Woodson’s Pat Cunningham Stadium.