Madison seeks Bull Run crown

MADISON — Of all the championship banners in the gym at Madison County High School, the one dedicated to football is closest to being full. The section reserved for Bull Run District titles has just one space left in the bottom corner.
The Mountaineers’ most recent title, however, is a decade old. In 1999, they won the district championship as well as their last Group A title, but no years have been added to the banner since then.
Tonight, the current crop of Madison players can end that dry spell at home against two-time defending Bull Run champion Clarke County.
“There’s one waiting to fill it up so we can have another banner,” said Madison coach Stuart Dean, who is looking for his first district title after replacing his father, Eddie, in 2005.
The Eagles and Mountaineers enter tonight’s game with identical 9-0 records (3-0 in the Bull Run) and both teams have clinched Region B playoff spots — Madison in Division 1, Clarke in Division 2. Even with their postseason fate set, the Mountaineers are
motivated by the Eagles’ success over the past two seasons and their chance to knock them off the district throne.
“We’ve been thinking about this game all year,” said Madison running back Logan Terrell, who has rushed for 710 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. “I won’t say it’s been our main focus, but we’ve been thinking about it. I hope it’s electric [tonight].”
Clarke beat Madison 32-14 midway through last season and reached the Region B, Division 2 final last season before falling to eventual state champion Gretna.
The Eagles rely on a strong ground attack from their Wing-T offense, led by the Shiley brothers in the backfield — Zach (quarterback) and Sam (running back).
The Mountaineers counter with a trio of
running backs with at least 250 yards — Terrell, Ralph Yates and Jarod Williams. Efficient quarterback Dustin Kirby provides balance through the air.
Kirby took over midway through the 2008 season when starter Will Taylor suffered a separated shoulder. This year, he’s taken control of the job with his mistake-free play (nine touchdowns and just one interception).
The Eagles were idle last Friday after routing Manassas Park 41-0 in their season finale the week before. The Shiley brothers each found the end zone in that game, and Madison has a tough task in deciphering the deceptive Clarke offense.
“They execute the
offense very well,” Dean said. “We’ve got to play assignment football to win.”
Kirby described the Clarke attack as “Run, run, run, run and then pop a pass when you’re not expecting it.” The passing game for both teams will be tested after several days of rain in Central Virginia.
“I’ve got to make sure my passes are flat,” Kirby said. “I don’t want them to be hanging up there all day or they’ll go every which way.”
That attention to detail could determine whether or not Madison can end Clarke’s reign atop the district — and finally finish off that banner in the gym.
“It’s been a while since we hung the banner,” said Terrell, “but we’re working toward that [today].”