**GARDINER — Sometimes during a winning streak, the ball just bounces your way. That’s exactly how it’s going for the Gardiner football team.**

On the Tigers’ first touchdown Friday night, quarterback Isaac Madore threw a pass that was tipped by Medomak Valley’s Grayson Downing. The ball fell 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, completed 9 of 15 passes for 126 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He shared quarterback duties 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 in all three phases.**

Offensively, the Tigers displayed a well-balanced attack. The duo of Madore and Doody combined for 157 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

“It’s great when you can have two No. 1 quarterbacks that can run and throw, but they’re both with a completely different skill set,” 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.

Despite Medomak Valley finishing with 259 yards—248 on the ground—the Panthers struggled to convert near the end zone. Every time they came close, the Tigers’ defense 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 also excelled in the return game, highlighted by a 57-yard return by Elliott late in the second quarter. Chadwick then scored on a 6-yard run after that return, giving the Tigers a 21-0 halftime lead.

**Slugging back**

The Panthers fought hard throughout the game, delivering several heavy hits in the run game, particularly from Pease, senior Logan Vigue, and senior Jack Simmons. The trio consistently gained yards despite multiple Tigers trying 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 several sports. Many have been very active, and those who weren’t have stuck through and done what they need to do.

“Also, I think there’s no one guy in this group. Every week, we have a different guy step up and be the player of the game. It’s been a mix of defensive players, offensive players, or Brayden in special teams. It’s huge. Nobody cares in this group about stats; they just want to win football games.”

Madore added, “We’ve got a lot of team connection, a lot of togetherness. The more we can keep building and supporting each other like a family, it goes a long way.”

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**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 and 1 TD
– Chase McGrane: 6 receptions for 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/