Madison – Madison High kicked off their season with a non-conference away game against Haysville and Polk County. Madison lost both but against a couple of great teams.
“The Patriots will take it one game at a time,” said Head Coach James Extine.
The Patriots just finished playing North Buncombe Friday night for the “Jug.” The “Jug,” which used to be an old moonshine jug – but times being what they are, has been traded in for something less controversial. The “Jug” is for bragging rights to see who will keep the coveted icon for another year.
Last year, the Patriots went 3-8 overall with a conference record of 2 – 4, and in the 2021 season, they went 4-6 overall and 2-4 in conference. They also took home the “Jug” both years but lost it this year back to North Buncombe in a 22-6 defeat.
Asked what to expect from the Patriots this year, Extine said of his team, we “will run the spread offense and a 3-3 stack defense. Players to watch are (Senior) Levis Shelton (22) at running back. He is a two-time all-conference player and the leading tackler coming back. ” Shelton is 5′ 11″ and 195 lbs. Another player Extine says to watch for is newcomer sophomore Gavin Gault (3). At 6′ 0″ and 150 lbs, Gault “is very athletic and skilled.”
Extine says, “The outlook for the Patriots is rebuilding after quarterback Caden Hilemon has left to play at Mars Hill. Two sophomores are battling for the starting position. Dallas Bartlett (9) [at 5′ 10″ • 145 lbs] and Zane Buckner (12) [at 5′ 11″ and 160 lbs].” He goes on to say, “The Patriots have a big sophomore class of 16 players.”
Madison will meet the Mitchell Mountaineers on Friday in their first conference game.