The Madison High School wrestling team displayed total dominance against Dover High on Thursday night as seven pins and two decisions led to a 66-9 victory in Dover.

The Dodgers rattled off five straight wins to start the match as Peter Willis (145 pounds), Matt Allen (152), Nick Haboj (171) and Jack Anzul (189) staked Madison to a quick 27-0 lead.

After a loss by Tom Tracy at 215 pounds, Madison got back on the winning track, recording wins in seven of their next eight matches including victories by John Costa (119), Patsy Davis (125), Conor Stark (130) and Max Gotsch (135).

“I think we wrestled real well, our team as a whole,” said Davis, who bumped up from his customary 119 pounds to 125 pounds. “Dover has always got a bunch of tough kids, good, physical kids, and I think most of our guys went out there on the attack. We’ve been working a lot in the room on a lot of offense on our feet because nobody was really shooting. I think everyone really shot a lot and gave a good effort today.”

The Dodgers also received forfeits at 103 pounds (David Schuckman), 160 pounds (Ed Carr) and heavyweight (Mike Boardman).

While Madison has been battling some early-season struggles, coach Steve Healey said the win proved to be a step in the right direction.

“We expected to beat them but not quite as bad as we did,” Healey said after the match. “I would like to think that we’re getting things in the right direction. I think we’ve settled into our weight classes a little bit and as long as we can continue to stay there and be healthy, I think we’ll be okay.”

“Everybody feels really good,” Davis said. “Not everyone is at one weight, so we’re more flexible. I think a lot more people are serious now.”

With Madison slated to face Verona High School on Saturday, Healey is pleased to see his team wrestle well.

“We’ve got a big match against Verona, because they’re ahead of us in the power points right now,” he said. “So if we want to qualify for the sectionals, that would be a must-win for us. If we wrestle like we did tonight, I think we can pull that off.”