Playoffs not likely, but Madison determined to finish with 7-3 record

Madison High School’s football team has never made a playoff appearance and isn’t likely to end that drought this year.

That fact may be disappointing, but it’s not bringing the Mohawks down as they prepare for their regular-season finale against visiting Northridge on Friday night.

“I don’t think losing the games we did defines our team,” said Madison coach Steve Poff, whose squad is 6-3 overall and 3-2 in the Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division. “It wasn’t a lack of work or passion or wanting to get after it on Friday nights. I think we’re still a great team with opportunities to do great things.

“We’re real proud of our (19) seniors and our team. We love ’em a lot, and we’re hoping to go out on a good note on Senior Night.”

The Mohawks, Buckeye champions in 2014 and 2015, remain mathematically alive in the Division IV, Region 16 playoff race. But they need a win and a long list of things to go their way to advance to Week 11.

Madison’s three losses came against three teams that have already qualified for the postseason: Valley View in D-IV, Carlisle and Milton-Union in D-V.

Junior halfback/cornerback Tyler Baumgartner said the team is determined to finish strong.

“When’s 7-3 bad?” he said. “Seven-and-three five, six years ago was kind of a great year, and now we’re kind of pitying about a 7-3 year. We’re still building the program and hoping to be better next year.”

The Mohawks continue to be a ground-and-pound offensive team, collecting 2,790 yards on the ground while throwing for 380.

Sophomore Cameron Svarda (131 carries, 1,090 yards, 13 TDs), Baumgartner (108 carries, 722 yards, seven TDs) and senior Ryan Friend (105 carries, 637 yards, six TDs) are the leading backs.

“My offensive line doesn’t really let me get hit much by the bigger guys,” said the 5-foot-8, 140-pound Baumgartner, who’s had multiple touchdowns negated by penalties this season. “They kind of take care of those, and I’ll worry about the guys more my size.”

Asked about the mentality it takes to be a bruising, run-powered team, Baumgartner replied, “You’ve just pretty much got to be tough. You’re going to take some shots either way, might as well finish them forward.”

Northridge (2-7, 1-5) has a quality back of its own in 5-9, 185-pound senior Derrick Skinner. He’s rushed for 1,413 yards and 10 touchdowns on 166 carries in the Polar Bears’ spread offense.

“I’d say he’s fast, but he’s not a speedster,” Northridge coach Bob Smith said. “He’s got some power. He’ll deliver some punishment.”

The Polar Bears have struggled defensively. They’re allowing 37.1 points per game.

“I play 16 freshmen and sophomores. That’s tough, but that’s what it is right now,” Smith said. “Hopefully the future’s bright for them.

“We’ve got some speed. We’re not going to be as big as Madison, that’s for sure. They’ve had it rolling the last two or three years. Steve does a great job out there.”

The Mohawks have a lot of young talent, guys like sophomore defensive lineman Maximus Evans, who has 11.5 sacks, and sophomore linebacker Cole Pelgan, who has 5.5.

“This is a really fun team to be around. They have a great dynamic,” Poff said. “If we didn’t have football practice, we could still sit out there in the locker room and have a good time.

“We have a great community, we have a lot of support from some alumni, and the kids are playing for the guys next to them. There’s still a lot to play for.”

Friday’s game

What: Northridge (2-7, 1-5 SWBL Buckeye) at Madison (6-3, 3-2 SWBL Buckeye), 7 p.m.

Where: Brandenburg Field, 5797 W. Alexandria Road, Madison Twp.

Last meeting: Madison won 62-38 in 2015

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