MADISON – Bart Barnum was as eager as he had ever been to play football when he lined up last year in an exhibition game against Foxcroft Academy.

After all, the Madison tackle had missed the previous season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. This would be the year he would make up for all that lost time.

But on a routine play, Barnum took a hard hit up high. His spikes stuck in the ground when he tried to move laterally. The ACL snapped again.

“It was a complete blow to me. I didn’t even see it coming. It was awful to go from doing so good to being in the shower at halftime and thinking, ‘I’m not going to be playing anymore,'” he said.

Barnum had to watch as his teammates struggled to a 3-5 record and missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

For coach Chris LeBlanc, who is beginning his second year at the helm, it was a rude awakening.

LeBlanc played on Madison’s 1988 and 1989 state championship teams and is accustomed to success.

“To win three games, for me as a player, was unheard of. It was not an enjoyable thing. I’m not win at all costs … but winning is just more enjoyable,” he said.

Apart from Barnum, seven other Bulldogs were sidelined by injuries during the year. Dave Rackliffe (leg) and Nick Labun (ankle) required surgery.

It’s not surprising that Barnum said a key for the team this year is staying healthy. Beyond that, LeBlanc said the Bulldogs just need to learn how to win.

LeBlanc installed a new offense and a new defense last year. This year, he has tried to install offseason commitment.

“Football doesn’t begin in August. It begins [when the prior season ends] in November,” he said.

LeBlanc had the Utah-based Bigger, Faster, Stronger program put on a two-day weightlifting clinic in March. About 100 Madison and Skowhegan athletes attended the clinic.

He believes that his athletes have remained faithful to the conditioning program.

“We have some kids that have dedicated themselves. … We will have a better record,” he said.

Senior running back Chris Price has starred in the weight room, squatting more than 300 pounds and dead lifting 400 pounds. Price’s power will complement the speed of Isaah Finney, who will split time with Price at running back and tailback.

For his part, Barnum had to be faithful to his personal rehabilitation program. The process took eight months, two months longer than the first time he tore the ACL. He also couldn’t play basketball for the second year in a row.

His off-field example inspired his teammates to vote him a summer captain along with John Cannon.

Now, Barnum just wants to get out on the field again.

“We’re really craving some winning,” he said.

MADISON BULLDOGS

2000 results: 3-5, 6th in Class C West Campbell Conference

Head coach: Chris LeBlanc, 2nd year

Key players: Jared Deck, QB, Sr.; Chris Price, RB-DE, Sr.; Bart Barnum, OT-DT; Sr.; John Cannon, OG-LB, Sr.; Jeff Hayden, LB, Sr.; Isaah Finney, RB-LB, Sr.; Dave Rackliffe, DT-OT, Sr.; Joe Ducharme, C-DT, Sr.

Outlook: Quarterback Deck had a rough transition in his first year in the starting slot, but LeBlanc said he has shown marked improvement and expects him to throw 12-18 times per game. An improved offensive line also has made Deck more confident in the pocket. The Bulldogs have 14 seniors and their experience could help the team to improve its record.