Gardiner football rolls to 5-0 with win over Medomak Valley
**GARDINER —** Sometimes during a winning streak, the ball just bounces your way. That’s exactly what happened for the Gardiner football team Friday night.
On the Tigers’ first touchdown, quarterback Isaac Madore threw a pass that was tipped by Medomak Valley’s Grayson Downing. The ball fell right into the waiting arms of wide receiver Brayden Elliott, who promptly ran into the end zone for the score.
“When I saw Brayden catch that, it was a relief—a huge relief,” Madore said.
A lot went right for the Tigers, who beat the Panthers 28-8 in a Class C matchup at Hoch Field.
Madore, a sophomore, was 9 of 15 passing for 126 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He shared quarterback duties at times with sophomore Justin Doody, who was 1 of 2 passing for 31 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 78 yards and a score on 15 carries.
Junior receiver Chase McGrane had six receptions for 94 yards for Gardiner (5-0).
“It feels great to win,” Doody said. “We just have to keep winning games and doing what we’re doing.”
For Medomak Valley (2-3), sophomore running back Jaydiin Ruiz rushed 16 times for 135 yards. Senior running back Shamus Pease added 73 yards on 11 carries.
**How Did They Get There?**
Success came in all three phases for Gardiner. Offensively, the Tigers executed a well-balanced attack. The duo of Madore and Doody combined for 157 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
“It’s great when you can have two No. 1 quarterbacks that can run and throw, but they’re both with completely different skill sets,” said Gardiner coach Patrick Munzing. “It really makes our offense much more dynamic having to prepare for two different sets. We’ve shown a little more here and there of what they can do, but there’s plenty more where that came from.”
Gardiner also rushed for 177 yards. Senior Owen Chadwick contributed 34 yards on three carries, including a touchdown.
Medomak Valley finished with 259 yards, 248 of them on the ground, but every time the Panthers were close to the end zone, the Tigers forced a turnover. Gardiner’s defense produced three interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
“We won the turnover game, which really wins you ballgames,” Doody said.
Gardiner’s special teams also made an impact, highlighted by a 57-yard return by Elliott late in the second quarter. Following that return, Chadwick scored on a 6-yard run to give Gardiner a commanding 21-0 halftime lead.
**Slugging Back**
The Panthers showed fight throughout the game, delivering some heavy runs with Pease, senior Logan Vigue, and senior Jack Simmons. That trio, especially Pease, gained yards several times despite multiple Tigers attempting to bring them down.
Medomak Valley scored late in the game when senior receiver Ashton Lowe returned a punt 38 yards for a touchdown.
**They Said It**
“They really dedicated themselves in the offseason, and we’ve had a pretty good work ethic throughout the season,” Munzing said. “We have a lot of multi-sport athletes who play a bunch of sports. Many are pretty active, and those who weren’t stuck through and did what they needed to do.”
“Also, I think there’s no one guy in this group. Every week, we have a different player step up and be the player of the game. Every week it’s been a defensive player or an offensive player, or Brayden with special teams—it’s huge. Nobody cares in this group about stats; they just want to win football games.”
Madore shared what Gardiner needs to do to continue their success: “We’ve got a lot of team connection and togetherness. The more we keep building and supporting each other as a family, the further we’ll go.”
**Statistical Leaders**
*Gardiner*
– Isaac Madore: 9 of 15 passing, 126 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
– Justin Doody: 1 of 2 passing for 31 yards and 1 TD, 78 yards rushing, 1 rushing TD
– Chase McGrane: 6 receptions, 94 yards
*Medomak Valley*
– Jaydiin Ruiz: 16 carries, 135 yards
– Shamus Pease: 11 carries, 73 yards
– Ashton Lowe: 38-yard punt return touchdown
https://www.centralmaine.com/2025/10/03/gardiner-football-rolls-to-5-0-with-win-over-medomak-valley/
