Madison>>Blue Streaks

Just the facts

School: Madison

Conference: WRC

OHSAA: Division II, Region 5

Coach: Mike Gilligan, second year (0-8) 2020: 0-8

Twitter: @MadFootball212

Home field: Dick Hamblin Field

Outlook

The Blue Streaks went through some growing pains last season with a lot of youth. The good news is a lot of starters return — eight on offense and seven on defense. Can that experience pay off? There’s a lot to like about this team, including Michael O’Brien back at QB for a second straight year and a veteran receiving and defensive back corps. The offensive line has good size and strength, though there are a few inexperienced spots up front. Madison must stay healthy, since there’s not a lot of depth and numbers (mid-40s) are a little low. The Blue Streaks want to get back to the ground-and-pound style of running the ball to set up the pass.

Player to watch

The return of Michael

O’Brien at QB is huge for

Madison. He’s 6-2, athletic, has a strong arm and sports a team-best 4.83GPA.

Who wouldn’t want that as the leader of their team? Underclassman to watch:

Cole Sundquist (6-4, 255) had a breakout season as a starting sophomore. He’s a potential Division I college player with his size, strength and agility. He’s coming off a collarbone injury, but should be ready for Week 1.

Bottom line

IF: Madison can run the ball effectively and not turn it over. THEN: The Blue Streaks will be hard to deal with in the WRC.

— John Kampf

Michael O’Brien is back at starting quarterback this year for Madison.

Schedule

Aug. 20: Geneva at Madison, 7

Aug. 27: Madison at Lakeside, 7

Sept. 3: Madison at Perry, 7

Sept. 10: South at Madison, 7

Sept. 17: Riverside at Madison, 7

Sept. 24: Madison at North, 7

Oct. 1: Kenston at Madison, 7 (HC) Oct. 8: Madison at Chardon, 7

Oct. 15: Mayfield at Madison, 7

Oct. 22: Madison at Garfield Heights, 7

NEWS-HERALD FILE

O’Brien