Unbeaten Madison Reaches 3rd Straight State Final

The two-time defending state champions are heading "home."

The Madison High football team is returning to a familiar place next weekend when the Dodgers will attempt to win a third straight state championship after blasting Bernards High School 46-21 Saturday in the semifinals at home.

Madison (11-0), which did not attempt a single pass on Saturday, will face Mountain Lakes next Saturday for the North Jersey Section 2, Group 2 title at Kean University at 10 a.m.

"It is like going back home," quarterback Carson Lassiter said about going to the championship. "It is all we have been talking about, just getting by this team and making it back to where we belong."

Madison was clearly the class of the day rushing for 429 yards, 183 coming on 12 carries by quarterback Carson Lassiter. 

"We go with what the defense gives us," Lassiter said. "We never go in with a set plan whether we are going to run or pass, we just react to what the defense gives us. Today our line was opening up holes and our backs were hitting them hard so that is what we went with."

Justin Goodwin came up big with 141 rushing on 18 carries, two touchdowns and a 73 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Bernards was led by quarterback Devin Ray who went 16 for 32 passing for 270 yards and two touchdowns.  John Maddalina made 7 catches for 153 yards and two touchdowns.