Hodgen looks for excitement in first year as Bulldog boss

Posted on Friday, August 20, 2010

With a meaty offensive line and a few talented backs, first-year Madison High School football coach/offensive coordinator Max Hodgen will unleash a new attack when the Bulldogs host Hot Springs on Sept. 3 at Trojan Field.

"We want to be more creative and create some excitement, really have some fun out there. We want to see our numbers grow, and I think with our offensive game plan that will happen -- in the long run," said Hodgen, who also coached at Lennox and Parker.

Part of the goal this year is a greater focus on passing the ball. With only so many hours to work on offense at each practice, Hodgen said that early in the season, Madison will probably run 75 percent of the time.

But he wants that to change over the course of the season.

"As we get our pass protection up to speed, I'd like to have a 50-50 clip run to pass. I think fans will enjoy what they're going to see out there," said Hodgen.

Ryan Lovro and Taylor Bloom will anchor the line this year, according to Hodgen.

After only a handful of practices, either sophomore Eli Roemen or senior Chris Shafer could have quarterback duties.

"Eli Roemen and Chris Shafer have both looked pretty good. Eli is probably going to be under center for us to start out, but that doesn't mean Chris Shafer won't be playing for us, too," said Hodgen.

All Big-8 performer Mitch Benson should lead the wide receivers. Shafer, D'Artist Williams, Nick Page, Matt DeBilzan and others have been taken reps at running back.

Despite not having enough time to work on pass protection, Hodgen likes the linemen who are blocking for the backs.

"I really like the linemen so far. They're big, physical and they move really well," said Hodgen.

Depth has been improved slightly with new additions on the team. Williams, Logan Wray, Andy Hunter and Luke Barrick are among the upperclassmen who did not play football last year.

"They are eager to learn and are stepping right in. That's great to see when we get new athletes out here," said Hodgen. "Once we get them up to speed, I think they'll be a great asset for us."

Hodgen said he will welcome any newcomers even though they didn't practice in the first week.

Sixteen freshmen have gone through fall camp and some have made a statement.

"They're a talented group and they won some games in the past. If things go well for them, and if we have the need, maybe on special teams, I'm not opposed to moving them up. But we'll cross that bridge when we get there," said Hodgen.

As always, the Bulldogs play a difficult schedule. MHS will take on 11A powers Sisseton, Dell Rapids, West Central and Harrisburg and Minnesota power Pipestone, along with Lennox and Vermillion.

Hodgen has several lofty goals for his team.

"We want to improve, we want to make progress and we want to be competitive in every game. For sure we want to create some excitement and ultimately make it to the playoffs. Then we'll see what happens from there," said Hodgen.

But it all starts with the first game.

"The only game I have scheduled is Hot Springs. That's a huge game for us and I am looking forward to it," said Hodgen.

©Madison Daily Leader 2010