Curtiss Sallie, a Madison native and longtime educator at Madison High School, has stepped into the role of head coach for the Dodgers football program after the departure of Chris Kubik. Sallie brings more than a decade of experience, having earned six championship rings as a player and assistant before transitioning to the sidelines.
Under his leadership, the team finished the previous season as North 2, Group 2 finalists for the first time since the unbeaten 2016 campaign, extending a streak of sectional titles that includes championships in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016.
Building on Experience
Despite losing 18 seniors, including 12 starters, the roster retains key seniors such as Ryan Nallin, Charlie Natoli, Nolan Tracy, Leo DeSimone and Liam Lehmann, who are expected to anchor the lineup.
The 2024 schedule features matchups against traditional rivals like Raritan, Mountain Lakes, Sparta and West Side, as well as new contests with Pequannock, Hanover Park, Lenape Valley, Caldwell and Morris Hills.
Summer workouts have drawn a record 82 participants, the highest turnout Sallie has seen since he began coaching at Madison, reflecting growing enthusiasm within the program.
Sallie emphasizes daily focus and effort over external expectations, stating that the team can control its dedication on the field each practice and game.
The coach also points to the synergy between the high school program, Madison Junior Football and the local youth basketball initiative as key drivers of the team’s recent physical development and skill refinement.