In 2010, Madison Lacrosse defeated perennial powerhouse Delbarton to advance into the Morris county finals against Kinnelon, which, unfortunately, the Dodgers would go on to lose. Nevertheless, Madison, a small public high school, formed a presence in the lacrosse world with notable wins against Seton Hall Prep, Mountain Lakes, Summit, Chatham and Delbarton. All Americans, first team all state selections, and top ten Division I recruits seemed to stream out of Madison from 2005 to 2010. The Dodgers played a vital role in the list of high school teams that made Morris County, known among college lacrosse scouts as a so-called “hotbed” for lacrosse.
In 2012, however, Madison Lacrosse took a turn for the worst. The combination of an incredibly challenging schedule, loss of several starters, and lack of senior leadership resulted in the deterioration of a once formidable team. The Dodgers began their 2012 campaign with a devastating eight game losing streak. The team finally showed some chemistry in the final weeks of the season, but their play off run was short lived.
Though for Senior Captain Mark Langan, this year is different. “We’re going to do well in our new conference, but it all comes down to the school’s support. That means getting the student body to go to games and cheer us on,” explained the Division III Franklin and Marshall College commit. “We were missing that motivation to play hard last year, but now, there is this whole new feeling both in the weight room, and on the field as preseason comes around. We just need more of those committed, willing, driven athletes.”
The Dodgers have been preparing harder than ever before for the 2013 season. New faces appear every day in the weight room, and they’re not just football players. The Dodgers are determined to return a great name to the Madison Lacrosse program.
“I don’t know about you boys, but I couldn’t be more excited for this season,” Junior attackman Christian Scarpello mentioned the other day in the locker room. “This season will be different.”