Madison controls its own destiny as they make longest road trip of the year

Squaring off against the only undefeated team in the AUDL, Minnesota Windchill (7-1), Madison Radicals (6-2) faced a lot of uncertainty. After facing off against reigning AUDL Champions Dallas Roughnecks (8-2), Madison found themselves on the road without Tom ‘Animal’ Annen (1G/5A/2D with 44 completions and 2 throwaways in 2 games) and Ben Nelson (7G/11A/2D with 143 completions and 4 throwaways in  6 games), two of Madison’s strongest handlers.

Even without them, Madison was able to score quickly in their first offensive possession. Establishing their short game early, Minnesota was unable to keep up with the fast paced movement of Madison and they were able to shred through the Minnesota defense for their first hold and tying the game up at 1’s. With Minnesota reeling, Madison was able to continue the pressure with an Andrew Meshnick (1G/3A/1D with 15 completions over 31 points) skying grab. A couple of quick throws later, Madison scored the first break of the game. It was not without a cost, however, as Bill Everhart (4G/9A/4D with 142 completions and 4 throwaways in 8 games) had an unfortunate ankle injury. Unable to continue, Madison was without its core defensive handler.

Soon after, Minnesota was able to score both a hold and a break of their own, partially due to some miscommunication by a Madison offense still trying to find its rhythm. The defense took the field to retie the score, and then used a mixture of their man-to-man and zone offense to create separation. 2 quick scores put Madison up 5-3, but not before Madison had 2 drops of their own. Madison had a chance to increase their lead right there, but another miscue caused a Minnesota turnover to go to waste.

After Madison used their deep game to score in moments, the 1st quarter was coming to a close. With only moments left, Peter Graffy (1G/4A/4D with 20 completions over 33 points) scored a critical interception in the endzone to keep the game at 6-4. Starting on offense in the 2nd quarter, Madison’s offense needed 2 opportunities to score, but were able to punch in the goal.

Finally fired up, Madison’s defense took to the field and pressured Minnesota into 4 straight breaks, bringing the score to 11-4, Madison’s biggest lead of the night. After Minnesota settled down and were finally able to convert, an unfortunate drop allowed Minnesota to get a break of their own after a marathon, almost 5 minute point. With less than 2 minutes left, Madison had a chance to take a shot to end the half, but a miscommunication had the half end with no attempt taken.

Up 11-6 at the half, it looked like Madison would roll keep rolling over Minnesota as Kevin Pettit-Scantling (4G/2D with 12 completions over 23 points) got a midfield d, and Madison was able to convert a break out of the half. Graffy was able to get a skying d on the next point, but an miscue gave Minnesota back the disc and they were able to march the disc back down the field for the score.

Both offenses seemed to have found their grooves, scoring quickly and efficiently over the next 2 points. However, disaster struck as Madison gave up 3 straight breaks to a stifling Minnesota defense. Still up 13-11, Madison was finally able to convert, but quickly broke down again and gave up 2 more breaks after a Minnesota hold. The 3rd quarter came to a close with a failed goal attempt by Madison, and the game was tied up at 14.

The 1st point of the 4th quarter was chaotic for Madison as well, as a drop by Madison gave Minnesota a chance to break but a poor decision gave Madison back the disc near at midfield. A quick huck and Madison took back the lead. Minnesota and Madison each had uneventful offensive possessions immediately after, Thomas Coolidge (1G/1A/1D with 11 completions over 21 points) got a pressure d off the swing handler, and Madison extended their lead to 2 points.

It looked like Madison would convert yet another break, but the defense was stopped on the goal line and Minnesota eventually converted their own offensive point. Madison looked to quickly return the lead to 2 points, but the huck fell short and Minnesota tied the game up at 17. While both teams had chances to break over the next 8 points, both Madison and Minnesota were unable to break the tie for more than a point, and the 4th quarter came to a close with the score tied 21-21.

Madison started the 1st overtime period on offense, but Minnesota came out with a hot defense, forcing the Madison turnover. When it became clear the defense couldn’t convert, they called a timeout and put on their offensive line. This turned out to be a fatal mistake as Sterling Knoche (2G/1A/3D with 6 completions over 27 points) got a huge layout d on the goal line. 2 quick throws later and Madison was up 22-21. Minnesota fired back with a goal of their own in under 30 seconds, and Madison did the same in the following point. With only 20 seconds left in the game, Minnesota had 1 last chance to tie the game, but their Hail Mary fell short as Knoche came down with the big d to end the game, 23-22.

While Madison got the big win over the Midwest division leaders, it’s still a long road to retake 1st place in the Midwest. Madison now travels to take on Pittsburgh Thunderbirds (4-3) and Detroit Mechanix (1-6) on their longest road trip of the year. This will be a true test of Madison’s resolve, as both the offensive and defensive lines will be missing crucial players.

The offensive line will be without standout cutting/handler hybrid Kevin Brown (4G/13A/2D with 85 completions and 12 throwaways 4 games), who is still recovering from a heel injury. Brother and veteran handler Andrew Brown (3G/15A/1D with 255 completions and 5 throwaways over 7 games). With Jadon Scullion, Ryan Tucker and Nate Thibedeau also missing, Madison’s offense will rely heavily on returning handlers Nelson and Animal as they rotate defensive standouts into the offensive line.

Off the defensive line, Everhart will miss some playing time after only missing 2 games all last season. Joining him on the sideline will be Joshua ‘Jdub’ Wilson and Sterling Knoche, meaning Madison will be without some of its strongest defenders as they attempt to run the table.

2 Madison players will make their season debut this weekend. Veteran Madison player Adam Drews (defensive or offensive line handler) returned to the United States after traveling abroad, and will have an immediate impact for Madison. First year player Jack Kelly, recovering from a leg injury, is also expected to play for Madison.

Madison takes on Pittsburgh at 6pm CST on Saturday 6/17. The Brass Ring bar in downtown Madison will host a viewing party for the event.

Madison Radicals active roster:

  1. #1 Adam Drews
  2. #2 Andrew Meshnick
  3. #4 Pat Shriwise
  4. #6 Jeff Maskalunas
  5. #7 Tom ‘Animal’ Annen
  6. #8 Benjy Keren
  7. #12 Ross Barker
  8. #13 Brian Hart
  9. #14 Logan Pruess
  10. #17 Avery Johnson
  11. #21 David Wiseman
  12. #26 Peter Graffy
  13. #32 Colin Camp
  14. #40 Marquis Mason (r)
  15. #41 Victor Luo
  16. #42 Chase Marty (r)
  17. #48 Thomas Coolidge
  18. #68 Ben Nelson
  19. #77 Jack Kelly
  20. #80 Kevin ‘KPS’ Pettit-Scantling

 

 

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