The Madison High School Bulldogs are ready to end the drought.

After going 3-6 and being outscored 229-42 in 2000 as they made the adjustment to first-year head coach Chris LeBlanc, they were much more competitive a year ago and came within one win of their first playoff appearance since 1996. The Bulldogs went 4-5 and three of their five losses were by 10 points or less.

They outscored their opponents 230-152.

“We have 18 seniors and the whole class can bench-press at least 240 pounds,” said senior two-way tackle Josh Huard. “We came together last year. We had good senior leadership. We started believing in each other. And it has carried over into this season.”

LeBlanc admits that “expectations are higher this year. We expect to make the playoffs and have a better record than 4-5. The pressure is on.”

LeBlanc has been ecstatic with the positive attitude of his players and said he has been blessed to have a “great coaching staff” with him for his three years.

The Bulldogs have devoted a lot of time to defensive fundamentals as they will look to improve on a season in which they allowed the fourth-fewest points among the nine teams in the Campbell Conference.

He said a hard-nosed, “gang-tackling defense” has been one of the trademarks of Madison football over the years.

“Our defense should be real strong this year. We’ve stepped it up since last year,” said senior Trapper Lemay, who helps fortify the unit at his inside linebacker spot.

Huard; cornerback Dave Clark, an All-Campbell Conference first teamer as a utility player; end Dorin Pinkham; cornerback Justin Watt; safety Matt Stewart, and inside linebacker Ken Rackliff will also be integral parts of the defense.

The Bulldogs should be formidable offensively, especially if the relatively inexperienced line comes around. Madison’s 230 points a year ago were the third-most in the conference.

“We have a lot of weapons and a lot more depth,” said Clark, who will move from wingback to tailback.

“There are a lot of us who can run the ball, catch the ball, or throw the ball,” agreed Lemay, who added that opposing defenses won’t be able to key on only one or two players.

Juniors Stewart and Watt are the quarterbacks and provide a nice contrast.

Stewart is a better runner and rollout type of quarterback, while Watt is a strong-armed pocket passer.

One of the men they will look to get the ball to will be wide receiver Justin Franzose.

Lemay and Rackliff provide the Bulldogs with a pair of solid fullbacks. The catalysts in the offensive line will be senior center Ben Ducharme, tackle Huard, and tight end Pinkham.

The Bulldogs run a variety of offenses, including the wishbone.

“Trapper is the perfect option fullback,” said LeBlanc, who added that it will be up to him and his coaches to “make sure our skill players get enough touches.”

MADISON BULLDOGS

2001 results: 4-5 in Campbell Conference

Head coach: Chris LeBlanc, 3rd year

Key players: David Clark, TB-CB, Sr.; Dorin Pinkham, TE-DE, Sr.; Josh Huard, OT-DT, Sr.; Trapper Lemay, FB-ILB, Sr.; Matt Stewart, QB-S, Sr.; Justin Watt, QB-CB, Jr.; Ben Ducharme, C-DT, Sr.; Ken Rackliff, FB-ILB, Sr.; Justin Franzose, WR, Sr.

Outlook: The Bulldogs should be in the hunt for their first playoff appearance since 1996. They expect to be sound defensively and they have some impressive weapons offensively. They will need a productive season from the offensive line to earn that playoff spot.