Things may be turning around in Madison.

After literally nursing a fairly young team through a nine-game schedule each of the last two years, despite total player numbers in the teens, numbers – as well as expectations – are up for the Bulldogs.

“We had 30 kids out, including grades 9 through 12, and that’s a lot higher than we’ve had the last couple years with 17 to 18 kids total,” said head coach Joe Hayden. “This fall, we may have had 11 freshmen at one point.”

There are other reasons for optimism if you’re a Bulldogs fan. Madison has nine senior players, with seven starters back on offense and eight on defense.

“I think this team has a composure or air of confidence that we haven’t had before,” Hayden said. “We’ve had a few years with not very good records and they think we’re going to be better. If we stay healthy, enthusiastic and a little lucky, we could contend for a playoff spot.”

That kind of talk has been almost unheard of in recent years, but there’s reason for it, starting with experienced returnees like senior captains and three-year starters Jake Linkletter, Sam Perkins and Nico Varney.

Another reason for optimism is the versatility already demonstrated by most of the team’s returning players.

Perkins has been a wide receiver and cornerback but may see time in other spots since he can also play quarterback and halfback in Madison’s veer (split backs) offense, and safety or even linebacker in the “50” defense featuring five down linemen.

“The question is what position doesn’t he play? He’s one of our most versatile players,” Hayden said.

The 5-foot-11 Linkletter will start out at center, but he has also played tackle and guard. On defense, he’ll be at tackle. Varney, 6-1, is slated for guard and defensive end, but he also has experience at tackle, center and even wide receiver.

There are at least five other veteran players with similar adaptability, giving Madison rare depth and flexibility.

“We had 17 or 18 kids on the team three years ago and finished with 14, but had a 4-5 record and I see a lot of parallels with this team,” Hayden said.

Hayden likes what he sees as far as intangibles such as leadership, especially at quarterback, which has been a question mark.

“I was concerned in the offseason, wondering who’d step up. Then we had camp and we had a few decent candidates,” Hayden said. “It’s more a question of who’ll make the team function the best, as far as how their abilities fit into that veer offense.”

Junior Jeff Mercier is the other QB candidate. He’ll play at running back if he’s not behind the center. He and Perkins could both take handoffs if neither falters in preseason.

“I’m not ruling that out,” Hayden said. It’s nice to have a lot of versatile guys which allows me to decide where to put them instead of having the situation dictate it.”

MADISON BULLDOGS

2007 results: 1-8

Head coach: Joey Hayden, 5th year

Key players: Sam Perkins, QB/RB-S/LB, Sr.; Jake Linkletter, C-DT, Sr.; Nico Varney, G-DE, Sr.; Lucas Libby, RB-S/LB, Jr.; Kyle Costigan, TE/OL-DE, Jr.; Ivan Cobb, WR-CB/LB, Jr.; Tucker Freeman, WR-CB, Jr.; Jeff Mercier, QB/RB-CB/LB, Jr.; Jake Curtis, OL-DT, Jr.; Zack Pooler, OL-DL/LB, Jr.

Outlook: The presence of eight returning starters would normally be enough cause for excitement for Hayden, but he’s even more excited about having 30 players out for the team after nursing squads in the high teens through the last two seasons. The linebacking corps is a concern due to a lack of experience, but there is plenty of upperclass talent to choose from.