The Alternative Press

MADISON, NJ - Both Madison and Chatham entered Saturday's football contest undefeated, but it did not take long to see which squad was the better team.

Madison ran into the end zone three times in the first quarter en route to a 22-0 lead and Chatham never recovered.

The Dodgers stretched their winning streak to 16 games with a dominating 50-8 win over Chatham in a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom division contest.

Madison running back Justin Goodwin collected three touchdowns on the day including a 78-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Goodwin said that the team relishes that other teams are looking to break Madison's winning streak.  "We know that we have a target on our back," said Goodwin. "We have to keep working hard."

The Madison victory over Chatham on Saturday represented the third year in a row that the Dodgers have defeated the Cougars. "We go up against them well and our defense is a perfect fit for their offense," said Goodwin.

The junior running back gave kudos to his offensive line, led by Jesse Ruela and Nick Labarbera. "We know that our offensive line works hard and know that we can run," said Goodwin. "They are amazing and they block hard and open the seams."

The victory gave Madison a 3-0 record.  They will take on Hanover Park on Saturday.  Chatham drops to 3-1 on the season and has a tough battle with Lenape Valley on Friday.

In addition to Goodwin's three touchdowns, junior Shone Register rumbled for a pair of touchdowns as part of his 85 yards on the ground. Also Dilan Kluge ran for a touchdown in the first quarter and quarterback Carson Lassiter snuck in for a one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

For Madison head coach Chris Kubik there is no doubt what they have to do to get back to the state championship. "If you want to win a championship you have to run the ball," said Kubik.

Madison and Chatham might battle again this year, given the quality of both of the teams.  "I think we might see them again," said Chatham headcoach Morgenroth. "That is a good football team over there. We have to get our heads on straight against Lenape."