This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Sports

Summit Defeats Madison to Advance to State Championship Game

Hilltoppers defeat Dodgers 23-14.

SUMMIT – Having won every game this season in convincing fashion, the Summit Hilltoppers had yet to face a true test. In the semifinals of the state tournament, however, Summit had their hands full against a talented, gritty Madison squad.

Much of Saturday’s game was a battle between Summit and Madison’s defenses. Summit defenders Ryan O’Malley, Samuel Russell, Mike Watts, and Pat Birosak had strong performances for the Hilltoppers.

“Our defense was outstanding today,” remarked Summit head coach John Liberato. “A lot of people questioned whether or not our defense could hold up and it was obvious today that our defense can hold up.”

Find out what's happening in Summitwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For the first time all season, Summit’s offense had trouble running the ball. When faced with Madison’s strong defensive line, the Hilltoppers instead relied on their passing game to get the job done. Summit quarterback Joe Jaskolski and wide receivers Marcel Godino and Brian Feeney helped carry the Hilltoppers to victory. 

Summit struck early in the first quarter when Jaskolski threw a 25-yard bullet to Feeney for a touchdown. Just two minutes later, Jaskolski and Feeney connected again for a 26-yard gain to Madison’s one yard line. Matt Rea finished the drive with a one yard touchdown run. With 3:41 remaining in the first quarter, Summit led 14-0. 

Find out what's happening in Summitwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For the remainder of the first half, it was truly a defensive battle. Summit had several opportunities inside the red zone but were unable to convert due to Madison’s persistent defense. Summit, in turn, held strong on defense and prevented Madison from reaching the end zone. At halftime, Summit still led 14-0.

“I give credit to (Madison head coach) Chris Kubik and the Madison squad,” said Liberato. “They did a great job defending us. We struck early and got 14 points on the board, and we were facing a lot of adversity – three times inside the ten yard line and to come away with no points, we’re not used to that.”

Madison’s offense heated up in the second half when, on their first offensive play of the third quarter, Madison junior Colin McLinden broke free from Summit’s swarming defense for a 53-yard touchdown run. The score was now 14-7, Summit.

On the following drive, tough play by Madison defenders, particularly captain Will McDonald, kept the Hilltoppers out of the end zone. Instead, Summit’s most dependable player, kicker Alex Melendez, attempted a 26-yard field goal. The kick was good, and Summit now led 17-7 with 6:22 remaining in the third.

On Madison’s next possession, it seemed as if they were building up for another touchdown drive. The combination of a 24-yard run by Justin Goodwin and a 17-yard pass by quarterback Matt McHale to receiver Christian Mazzocchi put the Dodgers in good field position. On the following play, however, Summit’s Samuel Russell anticipated Madison’s pass and made an interception at Summit’s one yard line. The interception was a huge turning point in the game, as Madison was on the brink of scoring another touchdown.

Another turning point occurred just minutes later when Summit’s Brian Feeney blocked Madison’s punt. As a result, the Hilltoppers received the ball with great field position at the Dodgers' 29-yard line.

“(Blocking the punt) felt awesome,” Feeney said. “I blocked two last year, and I finally got one this year.”

With the score still 17-7 and just five minutes remaining in the game, Summit fans started to feel pretty comfortable with the lead; that is, until Madison QB Matt McHale put together a strong drive for the Dodgers that resulted in an 11-yard touchdown run. Madison’s Ed McAndrew converted the all-important extra point, making the score 17-14 with 3:35 remaining in the game.

As fans were on the edge of their seat, Summit senior Matt Rea remained focused and prepared on the field. Just one minute after Madison’s touchdown, Rea broke numerous tackles and ran 44 yards for the Hilltopper score.

“That was the most meaningful touchdown I’ve ever scored,” said an enthused Rea. “Throughout the whole game I was getting stopped, I was getting frustrated. But I knew in the end, me or Dwaine (Dabney) were going to get one.” Summit's Dabney had 91 rushing yards on the day.

After Rea’s clutch touchdown, Hilltopper fans went wild. Two minutes later, as the game clock expired, Hilltopper fans and players alike cheered even louder. Summit had won 23-14 in a true nail-biter.

With the win, Summit (11-0) advances to the North 2, Group II state championship. The loss ends Madison’s season with a 7-3 record.

“Our kids kept battling and we came out with the victory. I’m real happy, real proud,” said Hilltopper coach Liberato.

“It feels very good (to make it to the state championship),” said Summit’s Brian Feeney. “It’s overwhelming.”

The Hilltoppers (1) will face Orange (6) in the state championship game December 3 at Giants Stadium.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?