The Indians (0-6, 0-3 SWBL Buckeye) won’t change their approach.
WEEK 7 FOOTBALL COVERAGE
“It’s still the first season for a lot of guys, but we’re improving every week and the goal is simply to improve each and every week not only as a team but in our individual positions,” Brown said. “They understand Madison is a good team, but it’s hard to be discouraged when you’re looking for improvement and you see improvement. We’re going to show up and see what kind of toughness and effort we play with.”
Brown could rattle off a bunch of different things the Indians will have to be prepared for against the Mohawks — like their stable of running backs and stingy defense — but Carlisle has enough of its own matters to tend too.
The Indians already were inexperienced at the skill positions coming into the year but also have dealt with some injuries, including one to starting quarterback Zach Jewell in Week 3. Tailback Dane Flatter has taken over in place of Jewell, but the team continues to try to find the best roles for a number of players.
The main thing Brown sees is that the team is still jelling. That’s very much the opposite when he looks at Madison.
“The fact I can’t tell you what concerns me most is what concerns me most,” Brown said. “They’ve got everything pretty much down. They are one of the best football teams I’ve seen in a long time. They’ve got a lot of momentum coming from last year, and you can tell they have the experience.”
Madison, ranked third in Division V, Region 20, made its first-ever playoff appearance last year and advanced all the way to the state semifinals. Most of the team returned, and the Mohawks have picked up right where they left off.
For Madison coach Steve Poff, there is no concern for a letdown.
“Carlisle is a school very close to our community, we’re bordering communities, so it’s a rivalry anytime we play them in any sport,” Poff said. “It’s going to be a hard-fought game no matter what sport it is, so it’s not a tough task at all to get our guys excited about playing them.
“They are dealing with some injuries and youth in spots, but Coach Brown is a great coach. They’ve been really close, a lot closer than the scores suggest in several games. They are just a few little mistakes away from having two or three wins. We’re preparing for a physical game and for them to attack us.”
Madison has outscored opponents its 238-38. Carlisle has managed just 63 points all season.
As solid as the Mohawks appear, Poff said they are still focusing on themselves more than opponents.
“We have a lot of the same players from last year, but we have a lot of new players too and people stepping up in different roles,” Poff said. “We’re just trying to be fundamentally sound. We think the key to any win is to line up right on defense, don’t turn the ball over and don’t lose on special teams, and if we do that, we’ll continue to win games.
“We’re a work in progress. I know there’s some hype and expectations about this team and all that, but we don’t view ourselves as being as close as we can be. We’re still making mistakes, and there’s still some learning to do.”
Friday’s game
What: Carlisle (0-6, 0-2 SWBL Buckeye) at Madison (6-0, 3-0 SWBL Buckeye), 7 p.m.
Where: Brandenburg Field, 5797 W. Alexandria Road, Madison Township
Last meeting: Madison won 31-14 in 2017
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