The Madison Mavericks have established a formidable presence on the defensive side of the ball, achieving a remarkable start to the season with back-to-back shutouts. In their latest matchup, the Mavericks defeated the Jay Mustangs 21-0 at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio, Texas, on Friday, September 4, 2026. This victory not only solidifies their strong defensive performance but also marks Madison's first 2-0 start since 2023.
From the outset, Madison (2-0) took control of the game, quickly jumping to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. The Mavericks' defense was relentless, limiting Jay (0-2) to just 207 total yards and forcing four turnovers, including three fumbles and one interception. Notably, one of the fumbles was returned for a touchdown, showcasing the defensive prowess that has become a hallmark of this year's team.
Senior linebacker Liberty Boss, a key figure in the Mavericks' defensive lineup, praised the influence of new head coach Myles Duelm and defensive coordinator Kyle Lengyel. Boss emphasized the shift in culture within the team, stating, "We got a young crew on defense. We’re rolling. We got something to prove. We only went 3-8 last year and made the playoffs barely, but we’re coming back and we’re working really good every single day. We’re trying to prove something here." His comments reflect the determination and commitment that the Mavericks are bringing to the field this season.
Coach Duelm, who transitioned from being the offensive coordinator at Reagan to leading the Mavericks, acknowledged the significant impact of Lengyel's leadership on the team's defensive success. He remarked, "It starts with the leadership of our defensive coordinator Kyle Lengyel. He invests a lot of time and effort in his players. He cares about his players. He cares about his craft." This strong leadership has evidently fostered a sense of unity and purpose among the players.
The Mavericks' defensive front, particularly the linebacker group, has been instrumental in their success. Duelm highlighted the effectiveness of Boss, Juan Gonzalez, and Mikel Byles, stating, "That second level, that linebacker group, are really, really good about taking whatever happens in the front and making them right with how they play. They all fly to the ball really, really fast." This collective effort has made it challenging for opposing offenses to find their rhythm.
On the offensive side, senior running back Decoreion McMillian was a standout performer, rushing for 138 yards and scoring a touchdown on 16 carries. Madison's offense managed a total of 266 yards, just enough to secure the victory against Jay. The Mavericks' first touchdown came quickly, with McMillian initiating a drive that culminated in a 27-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brady Eggleston to Elijah Brito, putting Madison ahead just 40 seconds into the game.
Despite the impressive win, Coach Duelm noted areas for improvement, particularly regarding penalties, as the Mavericks were assessed 128 yards in infractions. He expressed confidence that these issues would be addressed as the team prepares for their upcoming road game against San Marcos. Duelm stated, "We’re moving in the right direction. Eventually, we will be playing cleaner. But right now, we’re not playing cleaner on offense. We got a lot of getting better to do, but lessons after a win are way better than lessons learned after a loss." Meanwhile, Jay, under first-year coach Joshua Campbell, will look to regroup as they prepare to face Roosevelt next Saturday.
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