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Back-to-Back Brilliance: Madison Defense Delivers Second Straight Shutout, 31-0
Behind a relentless O-line and a defense that refused to give an inch, the Dodgers left no doubt that they're a team built to dominate.
MADISON, NJ — The Madison Dodgers Super Pee-Wee team once again proved why they are a force to be reckoned with, delivering a commanding 31-0 shutout victory over the Somerset Hills Mountaineers on Saturday, September 13.
The tone was set early. Madison’s Will Jacobson opened the game with a 10-yard kick return, igniting the crowd before the offense even took a snap. From there, the Dodgers leaned on their thunder-and-lightning backfield of Mike “The Italian Stallion” Del Vecchio and Austin Atkinson, pounding the ball inside and stretching the field wide. Their hard running set the stage for Jacobson to break free on a 7-yard touchdown run, sprung by a crushing block from Del Vecchio and the ever-explosive offensive line. Jacobson drilled the extra point, giving Madison an early 8-0 lead.
Somerset Hills tried to answer as Nick Picillo broke through several tackles on the kickoff return before being swallowed up by a wall of Dodgers. But when Madison’s defense took the field, the momentum shifted sharply. Under the guidance of Defensive Specialist, Coach Frank Iannarone, the Dodgers swarmed to the ball, shutting down every Mountaineer attempt. Picillo’s first two carries were stuffed on the edge by Jacob Chase and Cash Hanna, and his third—an inside run—was demolished by defensive tackle Zach Reed, who blasted through his blocker and met Picillo in the backfield. The Mountaineers were forced to punt.
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The Dodgers’ offense wasted no time reasserting itself. Jacobson opened the drive with another strong carry, while Del Vecchio, Atkinson, and Jacobson kept hammering through lanes carved by the powerhouse offensive line: Joey Kane (LT), Jacob Meshki (LG), Cooper Chaput (C), Connor Buckley (RG), and Teddy Lynn (RT). Time and again, this group mauled Somerset Hills’ defensive line, giving the Dodger backfield plenty of room to run.
Atkinson electrified the second quarter, taking an end-around, slicing through defenders with sharp cuts, and following a monster block from tight end Cash Hanna to set the Dodgers up deep in Mountaineer territory. Jacobson finished the drive in style, breaking ankles and tackles on a 15-yard touchdown run before tacking on the extra point for a 16-0 lead.
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The Mountaineers turned to the air but found no relief. A tipped ball at the line by Joey Kane landed in Atkinson’s hands, who returned the interception to the 5-yard line. Quarterback Nolan May finished the job, bulldozing into the end zone from five yards out. Jon Healy’s extra point extended Madison’s cushion to 24-0 at halftime.
Out of the break, the Mountaineers tried again to find life through the air, but Atkinson picked off his second pass of the day, weaving through tacklers before being brought down.
With the game firmly in control, Madison unleashed Teddy “The Terminator” Lynn. Lining up in the backfield, Lynn bulldozed through Somerset Hills’ defense on three consecutive carries, dragging tacklers and firing up the crowd. His bruising effort set up Jacobson for his third touchdown of the day—a 9-yard burst to the outside. Healy’s extra point split the uprights, stretching the lead to 31-0.
Somerset Hills, still searching for their first first down of the game, tried another deep shot, only to watch Lynn haul in Madison’s third interception of the day.
The closing moments belonged to Harrison Keen, who ripped off tough runs—juking defenders, lowering his shoulder, and keeping the chains moving to bleed out the clock and secure a decisive Madison victory.
Final: Madison 31, Somerset Hills 0
Madison’s offense was balanced and explosive, but it was the offensive line that stole the spotlight—opening holes, setting edges, and imposing their will all game long. On the other side, the Dodgers’ defense pitched a flawless shutout, holding the Mountaineers without a single first down.
The Dodgers look every bit the powerhouse as they continue their season—and if Saturday was any indication, their mix of grit, power, and precision will keep them on top of the league.
Up Next: Madison travels to Vernon to take on the Vikings on Saturday, September 20, at 3:00 p.m. This is a game you won’t want to miss.
