Madison, Lenape Valley set for playoff rematch

On Sept. 19, Lenape Valley traveled to Ted Monica Stadium to face Madison, a team the Patriots had not defeated since 2009, a span of eight straight games.

But the Patriots, led by do-everything running back/receiver/placekicker and defensive back Steve Leyden, made the big plays to emerge with a 23-15 victory. Leyden kicked a 32-yard field goal, rushed for 196 yards and scored two touchdowns and made nine tackles in the big win.

As the two teams prepare to face each other again in a NJSIAA North 2 Group II semifinal tonight in Stanhope, the head coaches both agree the first game was then and this is now.

“It’s a new game,” said Don Smolyn, who is in his 40th season as the head coach of the Patriots. “They’re playing so much better now than they did in Week Two, and I think we’re playing better as well. We’re not going to change much. We have a pretty good idea of what they’re going to do, and I’m sure they know what we’re going to do. It comes down to execution.”

Added Madison coach Chris Kubik: “When you lose, you’re always looking at things to fix. Week Two was such a long time ago. We’re working on things that we think we didn’t do the first time.”

The first meeting essentially came down to two big plays: Leyden's 83-yard touchdown run off a misdirection sweep in the second quarter, and an onside kick that led to the Patriots’ second touchdown.

Just like that, the Dodgers trailed 17-0 and had to scramble to make it close, but they fell short in the end.

“Without a doubt, those two plays were huge,” Smolyn said. “It comes down to big plays, but you don’t know when those plays are coming. I think whoever wins, it will come down to a handful of plays.”

The winner will move on to the North 2 Group II title game to face the winner of tonight's game between Hanover Park and Rutherford.

Madison (7-2) knows all about playing in big games, having won three straight North 2 Group II championships between 2011 and 2013, during a stretch when the Dodgers won an astounding 39 straight games.

But Lenape Valley (9-1) is looking for its eighth state sectional title under the masterful watch of Smolyn. The Patriots last won a state title in North 1 Group II in 1999.

The Patriots are led by quarterback John Cagnola, who is a playmaker in the air and on the ground.

The Dodgers have a host of running backs quarterback Nick Coviello can give the ball to, among them Dom Luppino, who had 155 yards and a touchdown against Mountain Lakes last week, as well as Joe Mobley, Zach Shupe, P.J. Mulcahy and the Dalena cousins, Justin and Mike.

“That has been our M.O. (modus operandi) for years,” Kubik said. “Even if we had a great dominant back, we’d still like to spread it out, because it’s much harder to stop four or five than it is to stop one.”

Kubik, whose team has won six straight since a 42-41 loss to Butler in Week 3, has been playing solid defense of late, allowing just two touchdowns in the past two games against playoff teams Hanover Park and Mountain Lakes.

“I like our personnel,” Kubik said. “I like the way we’re playing. Lenape is Lenape. They have a nice three-headed monster that we have to deal with on offense. They’re always well coached, and they’re going to play well. That we know. ... Throw the records out. It’s a rivalry game and a good rivalry game. They always play us tough, and we expect more of the same.”

Smolyn is looking for a typical Lenape Valley-Madison game.

“We have to take care of the football,” Smolyn said. “When we don’t turn the ball over, we win 92 percent of the time. ... We need a good effort every day. If we practice well, we should be in good shape. If we don’t, then we’re in trouble. I like the fact that we’re home. We have a good fan support to come to the games. The kids like the idea of ‘Friday Night Lights’ at home. It’s going to be a good night.”

Here’s a look at the other NJSIAA playoff games involving Morris County teams this weekend:

FRIDAY

Cedar Grove (8-2) at Boonton (9-1), North 1 Group I: The Bombers return to a sectional semifinal, where they fell to Cresskill last year. This time around, QB Gage Cabalar, RB Quinn Sweeney and the hardworking Bombers hope to get back to a state championship game for the first time since 2003.

Pequannock (9-1) at Mahwah (9-1), North 1 Group II: The Golden Panthers have won eight straight games, not surrendering more than two touchdowns in any of those eight games. Two-way tackle Jake Foukas and linebackers Zach Toback and Justin Fuss have been instrumental in Pequannock's stingy defensive effort.

Hanover Park (8-2) at Rutherford (9-1): The Hornets will count on QB Donato Casolaro and do-everything back Anthony Olivieri. Don’t dare sleep on defensive playmaker Michael Centanni, who had two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a sack of the punter in last Saturday’s win over Caldwell.

SATURDAY

West Essex (6-4) at Chatham (8-2), North 2 Group III: The surprising Cougars, easily the feel-good story of Morris County football, managed to get a home game against the Knights. QB Alex Sands had a 400-yard passing day just two weeks ago against Morristown. He’s a gigantic playmaker. Matt Nestler is a powerful runner. Ryan Barnett is a capable receiver.

DePaul (4-6) at Delbarton (8-2), Non-Public Group 3: The Green Wave is riding the crest of an eight-game win streak after dropping the first two games of the season. RB Andrew Sanders is positioning himself to be the best player in Morris County. Despite the 4-6 mark, the Spartans are shooting for their third straight Group III title with RB Kareem Walker leading the way.