Madison Shines in Win Over Freedom

By Matt Tobin

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Coming off a disappointing loss at Broad Run, Heritage hoped to rebound at home against winless Freedom on Friday.

Thanks to running back Ross Madison, they were able to do so in resounding fashion.

Madison rushed 14 times for 131 yards and three touchdowns in the first half of a 33-7 win for the Pride (4-2, 2-1 AA Dulles).

Madison, who also plays defensive back, intercepted a pass that set up his third touchdown. That last score put Heritage up, 27-0, at halftime. The junior running back was quick to credit his offensive line.

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Freedom vs. Heritage

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The Heritage band marches off the field after the national anthem. (Anne Malinee)

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The Pride and the Eagles face off at the line of scrimmage. (Anne Malinee)

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Heritage junior Ross Madison pumps his fists as he leaves the field after a first-quarter play. Madison had three touchdowns and rushed for 131 yards during the first half. (Anne Malinee)

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The Heritage band performs a 'superhero' medley during halftime with music from The Incredibles, Superman and Zorro. (Anne Malinee)

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Heritage color guard members twirl flags during the halftime performance. (Anne Malinee)

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The Eagles huddle during the third quarter as they try to make a comeback. (Anne Malinee)

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Eagles No. 68 Dennis Carrignan, No. 55 Taylor Guttenburg and No. 27 C.J. Thomas rest on the sidelines during the third quarter. (Anne Malinee)

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Freedom cheerleaders Marcy Thompson, left, and Alexa Wodack hug Danielle Glumsic to keep warm. (Anne Malinee)

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Freedom's Ali Assadi holds the ball so Nico Vivaldi can take a practice kick. (Anne Malinee)

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Heritage players shake hands with the Freedom team after defeating them 33-7. (Anne Malinee)

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Freedom players take a knee as they listen to the coaches' postgame talk. (Anne Malinee)

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"They just did their job (the offensive line) and that just makes me do my job even better," said Madison, who was only used as a kick returner in the second half.

Said Pride Coach Wes Driskill: "Ross is a hard worker. He's a good athlete. I give credit to the offensive line for doing a good job on those plays, too."

Driskill was also impressed with the play of his defense.

"I thought for the most part that we played hard," Driskill said. "We got a little sloppy there in the second half and I want to improve on that, but for the most part, I think we did a decent job tonight."

The only defensive lapse the Pride saw came in the third quarter on a long run from Freedom (0-6, 0-3) running back Jeff Pugh. Pugh found a seam along the sideline wide enough to allow him to run 33 yards for the Eagle's only touchdown of the game.

Next Friday, Heritage hosts Dominion (2-4, 1-2) for their homecoming night. Driskill foresees a tough match with Dominion Coach Mike Dougherty.

"I respect what he's done with that program," Driskill said of Dougherty. "He'll come in here and play blood and guts football, coming right at you, and you've got to be ready for that."

Madison, unlike his coach, did not make predictions.

"We're going to take care of it on the field," he said.

Extra Points

By Paul Tenorio and Matt Brooks