Just in case anyone needed reminding or had lingering doubts, after two games it's quite evident the four-time defending region champion Madison Warhawks are poised to have another standout high-school football season.
In those non-district contests, Madison (2-0) won comfortably over two other defending region title holders and perennial powers, 17-0 against the Stone Bridge Bulldogs, then 36-15 the night of Sept. 6 against the host Lake Braddock Bruins.
Each victory was sparked by a strong defensive performance and a balanced offensive attack.
Madison led start to finish against Lake Braddock, controlling the ball and building a 22-0 first-half lead. The Warhawks also dominated possession in the second half, scoring the first two times they had the ball to put the game away. Madison amassed 368 total yards, holding Lake Braddock to 183.
Senior runningback Dominic Knicely, a Coastal Carolina University commit, and senior quarterback Cael Yates led the offensive attack.
Knicely had an all-around versatile performance. He rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown and a two-point conversion, he caught five passes for 92 yards, including a 39-yard scoring pass from Yates, and he had an 85-yard kickoff return to set up a second-half TD.
Yates passed for 166 yards, with Matthew Weiler and Anthony Voinis having multiple catches. Weiler also ran for 79 yards and a TD and Yates had two scoring runs and more than 23 yards rushing on the ground.
Giving Yates time to pass and opening running holes were linemen Ari Resenberg, Maukon Khazami, Owen Mannering, Jack Vaught and Teddy Lewis. Tight end Jay Pendry and fullback William Helvey also provided blocking, as well as running the ball and catching passes.
Leading Madison's defense in tackles were Jack Ambruzs, Caden Green, Oscar Espanol, Matthew Vojta, Luke Salvosa, Joseph Gore and T.J. George among others. Graham Gorkowski had an interception.
Julian Hopewell kicked four extra points.
Next for Madison is another non-district game against the host Robinson Rams (1-1) on Friday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. in Fairfax.
NOTE: Stone Bridge in Class 5 and Lake Braddock in Class 6 also were state-tournament semifinalists last season. Madison was a Class 6 state semifinalist in 2023, as well.
