Pre Clinic Dodgers Storm Over Hanover

           By Steve McKenna

Just about a year ago most of New Jersey thought we were amply prepared for superstorm Sandy. That’s how, once again, the Hanover Tigers felt on Saturday 10/19 at their Bee Meadow Field as they awaited the arrival of the Madison Dodgers. And once again, as the surge of Dodgers swelled onto their field, they realized too late the magnitude of their miscalculations. They weren’t ready for Markus Vali tearing apart their offensive line, seeping into every gap and destroying anyone touching a football. They weren’t ready for the steady pounding of Gabe Artiglere, Anthony Contessa, Andrew Boyd, Chris Anderson and Nick McKenna on their weakening line of defense, chipping away one play at a time.

            The Dodgers took the field behind alternating QBs Ben Colao and Jared Barnes, who chartered their course for the Hanover end zone, and never looked back. Their front line blocking led by center Will Baisch, Ronan McGinn, Michael Keller,Elliot Dressler, Tommy Packie, Lenny Jandali and Patrick Roelke punched more holes for Madison ball carriers than the Tigers had sandbags for. After a huge 40 + yard run by Nick McKenna, Robert Ferris made the first strike with a swift run from ten yards out and Madison was up 6-0. In the second quarter, Barnes handed off to hurricane Gabe who left a path of destruction around the end for a 35 yard score, seemingly dimming the lights for the Tigers as Madison led 12-0. Hanover however bounced right back and impressively made their way into the end zone for their first score just before the end of the half, closing the gap to 12-6.                                                                    The sparks that ignited the Tigers continued to fire them up beginning the third, as they caught the Dodgers behind the line in their own end zone for a safety, escalating their threat to Madison’s dwindling lead to 12-8. Not even the best weatherman could have forecasted the advancing surge about to descend upon Bee Meadow. The Dodger defense took the field behind nose guard Vincent Finelli, Joey DeMarzo, Jackson Koehler, Collin Faraher, John Hanna and Nate McKenna. This line was virtually impenetrable, but if an occasional victim came through, they were given a warm greeting by Mehki “The Crumpinator” Crump, who led the Dodger secondary, backing up the devastating play by Vali.                                                                                                                Tension ran high as the clock ticked away, until late in the fourth when Artiglere got it on third and ten and chugged his way 50 yards for the score, and McKenna made the point after. On their final possession, Hanover steadily began driving down field, when lightening struck again for Madison. Cornerback Scotty Spelker came out of nowhere and intercepted the pass, bolting 40+ yards for a huge resounding score, only to have it brought back due to a penalty. It was enough to deplete any surge in the Hanover offense, however, and Madison went on to win a great game 19-8. The Dodgers continue their streak next week at Hopatcong.