Ryan Baker
Last week we took a deep dive into the 2025 season as a whole for the Madison Radicals. This week we look at the first two obstacles in the way of Madison’s hopeful playoff run.
This weekend the Radicals travel to Texas for the first time matchup against the Houston Havoc, and then they conclude the doubleheader against the Austin Sol. This will be the first time Madison will be traveling for an out-of-region game since Covid. They currently stand at 1-1 in that timeframe in out-of-region games with a win against the Colorado Summit last year and a loss against the Sol in 2022.
The biggest question heading into the weekend is whether the Radicals can hold up in the southern heat for two games in two days. The Houston game looks like an 80-degree start time temperature, while the Austin game looks to be in the mid-70s at game time. That may sound terrible to most, but the Midwest hasn’t gotten near that hot this year, and the humidity will play a big factor as well.
“We're going to bring a couple of extra guys in case we need to change some legs over. Playing in the heat early is always a challenge. It usually takes a game or two before your body remembers how to combat that sort of heat. It's going to be a big challenge for us,” said Head Coach Jacob Spiro.
Looking at the squad that is heading down south, it is very similar to that of last year. Furthermore, all the new additions besides Kainoa Chun-Moy will not be joining the team for the season debut. However, we do get to see Sam Stark and Kai DeLorenzo hit the field after both having injury-riddled 2024 seasons.
The D-line is going to need to sink their teeth into a Houston team that may not have the chemistry built up given their new additions. Look for players like Jake Carrico, Mitchell McCarthy, and Luke Marks to take advantage of a Houston O-line that converted just 47% of the time last weekend against the Sol.
The O-line just needs to do its job. Given the circumstances, any type of extra play off of turns by the offense could prove to be crucial in their recovery and preparation for the next game. Kelsen Alexander will be touching the disc a lot more in the offense, hopefully providing a calming presence.
“I feel confident in our O-line and the people I'm playing with. That makes my job simple at times. I just need to be consistent and I'm not worried about us finding open hands and good looks when we get separation,” said Alexander.
In the Houston and Austin opener last week, Houston’s offense had some new names putting up numbers. Tyler Reinhardt, who came over from Austin this year, had five goals. New addition Chase Cunningham had four assists and rookie Mark Turner threw five assists and caught three goals.
“I would say Houston is a team that you should expect to take a step up this year. They've had some good additions, and in their third year, they've looked better every year. If you go into that game expecting it to be a walkover, you are going to be disappointed. We're going to have two real challenging games off the bat, but I love it,” said Spiro.
The morning after the Radicals’ season debut, they will have to drive nearly three hours to Austin for, arguably, the harder matchup of the two. The Sol handled business in their seven-point win last week against the Havoc. Austin’s offense was simply better. They only turned the disc over 13 times and only missed on three of their 16 hucks.
“I think the tone for this weekend is to come out hot and not let off the gas in any of these games. I think for me it’s to stay hydrated, stretch, and rest. I think the team is really excited to play this doubleheader because we haven’t really traveled out of the region in the last few years. As long as we don’t let the heat work its way to us, we will have a very successful weekend,” said Anthony Gutowsky.
Madison will have to find a way to stop veteran and top player Kyle Henke after his three assists, four goals, and 800+ total yard game in his 2025 debut. Myles Armstrong also had a strong game in his Atlanta debut with four assists and three goals.
“We can't simulate the heat, but we have put in as many hours as any team in the league does since January. We'll be prepared to play. We've been scouting Houston and Austin and feel like we have a good chance. I think both teams have improved with players from Dallas moving over,” said General Manager and Defensive Coach Tim DeByl.
Flying back to Madison 2-0 is very doable for the organization. It will be a matter if the Radicals can stay consistent enough on offense and produce just a few blocks. Houston can be shaken quickly, so look for Madison to come out swinging out of the gate. Austin will be a tougher team to phase, but it’s nothing the returning stellar D-line can’t handle.
Friday, May 2nd at 7:30 p.m. CT is the season debut for Madison against the Houston Havoc.
Saturday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. CT is the conclusion of the doubleheader for Madison against the Austin Sol.
To watch both games, click here!
