June 3, 2021
By Adam Ruffner
Tomorrow night disc is back in the "Capital City of Ultimate" as the Madison Radicals will launch the opening pull on their eighth season. Tickets are flying, the city is buzzing, and the weather forecast looks like a perfect Friday summer night on the isthmus. And there's no better place to be than Breese Stevens Field. Here's why.
1) The Radicals Win At Home
No team in league history has more wins at home than the Radicals, who carry an astounding 51-7 record all-time at Breese Stevens FIeld. Madison has always taken high pride in defending home turf, and with the extended time away, that passion will be only greater.
2) New, Fast Paced Offense
Historically, the Radicals' bread-and-butter offense has been great at efficiently converting drives into scores, but with little in the way of flair. After a mediocre 2019 season and a series of player retirements, though, Head Coach Tim DeByl has retooled the offense around speedy throwers Victor Luo and Dylan Power. Both are highly skilled with the disc, and like to initiate action with their legs, pushing opposing defenses with a breakneck pace.
3) De-Fense
Simply put: Madison has had the number one overall defense in the league for the last seven seasons. They retain virtually every starter from the 2019 team that was first in the AUDL in points allowed and defensive efficiency, and second in takeaways. Sterling Knoche and Kevin Pettit-Scantling are two of the best single coverage defenders in the league, and will give the opposition fits every time they're on the field.
4) Kevin Pettit-Scantling
It's been nearly two years since KPS—who has the second most blocks in the league over the last three seasons of play—has cleated up at Breese. But do not think for a moment that the team captain has taken any time off. June 4 has been circled on his calendar since the schedule was announced, and I can virtually guarantee the legendary defender will make his presence known with a highlight in the opening quarter.
5) Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
It's going to be a hot summer's night of ultimate, and you're gonna wanna get a dang cone from Madison's own Chocolate Shoppe. Trust me.
