September 5, 2018
2017 In Review: The Dodgers were 5-5, scoring 223 points for a 22.3 average, while allowing 218 for a 21.8 average. Wins included Verona, Kinnelon, and Millburn, while losses were to Lenape Valley, Pequannock, and Mountain Lakes.
Graduation Losses: RB/LB Brian Bradley – Gettysburg, TE/LB Brian Harris – Moravian, QB/DB Ryan Schmitz – Dickinson (Pa.) for lacrosse, OL/DL Paul Links – baseball
Offense: Madison runs a multiple Wing-T and return three starters. The new quarterback is sophomore Jack O’Hearen (6-1, 140), while senior Matt Mulcahy (5-8, 170) returns at one halfback. The other halfback, senior Nasir Love (5-10, 155), had playing time and junior Austin Schmitz (5-11, 205) will be the fullback.
Senior Anthony Mazzella (6-1, 170) is back at tight end, with junior Wyatt Fritsch 6-1, 215) and senior Ryan D’Ambola (5-11, 170) will also see action. Split end will have senior Brendan Quinn (5-8, 160), junior Vince Costa (5-10, 155), and sophomore Ryan Marquart (6-0, 140) in the mix.
The lone starter returning is senior Liam Barry (5-8, 255) at right tackle. The right guard will be senior Chris Penev 5-10, 255) and center is between sophomore Brady McDonald 5-7, 160) and senior Ryan Luttinger (5-7, 175), who saw time at guard last year. The left side will have sophomore Matt Gero (5-9, 225) at guard and junior Paul Saurer (6-4, 225) at tackle. Supplying depth are sophomores Nick Esposito (5-8, 180) at guard and Luke Voorhees (5-10, 220) at both tackle and center.
Defense: The Dodgers play multiple four, five, and six-man fronts, returning five starters. Barry and senior Mike Osorio (5-9, 255) return at the tackles and both Gero and Penev will play at either tackle or nose guard. Saurer will be the weak side end, with Costa or junior Joe Luppino (5-7, 160) on the strong side.
Mazzella is back at outside linebacker with junior Ryan Kleiven (6-0, 160) on the opposite side, and sophomore John Geier (5-7, 155) in reserve. Schmitz and Luttinger will be the inside linebackers, with McDonald and junior Steven Herrera (5-8, 165) supplying depth.
Love and Mulcahy return at cornerback, while Quinn will play safety. Marquart and Costa may also see time at safety.
Special Teams: Fritsch returns as the kicker and the return men are Mulcahy and Love.
Schedule:
Saturday, 9/8, Mountain Lakes at home, 2 PM
Saturday, 9/15, Hackettstown at home, 1 PM
Saturday, 9/22, Bernards at home, 1 PM
Friday, 9/29, at Chatham, 1 PM
Friday, 10/5, Parsippany Hills at home, 7 PM
Saturday, 10/13, Lenape Valley at home, 1 PM
Friday, 10/19, at Hanover Park, 7 PM
Friday, 10/26, at Newton, 7 PM
Recruits: Mulcahy and Barry are D2/D3 prospects.
Concerns: Numbers, depth, and youth in certain positions.
Coach’s Comments: “We’re excited and looking forward to the season. We have a chance to contend if we play smart football.” – Head Coach Chris Kubik