Lake County Sentinel
Perry Beats Madison 39-7, Takes Home Little Brown Jug for 11th Straight Year
BY JOEY SCHNEIDER
STAFF
(MADISON, OH) - The Perry Pirates and the Madison Blue Streaks renewed their rivalry on Friday in week one of the 2026-2027 Ohio high school football season. Both teams seem to mirror each other as both teams have great players year in and year out, both teams are built on grit and determination, and both teams have great head coaches with Perry's Mike Gecewich and Madison's Mike Gilligan.
As a rivalry, Madison has the overall lead, but Perry has won 10 straight games. The teams fight for the Little Brown Jug trophy, a tradition that started in 2008. Perry has aspirations of adding another Division IV state title to their name as their last championship came in 2023 in a perfect 16-0 season. Last year the Pirates came up just short, losing to eventual state champions Glenville in the semi-finals. Madison was knocked out in the first round of the Division III playoffs last year by Kenston. With both teams eyeing a return to the playoffs the first step was one in Madison in the Battle for the Little Brown Jug.
Before the game Madison coach Mike Gilligan talked about his team’s youth. "We had a lot of players from last year graduate and have a young team, but they are working hard on the field and in the weight room. One of best players is out for the season, but we need to go out there and do our best to succeed."
Perry's was asked about the state of his team. "Yeah, we have some big guys who have been working hard in the weight room, a lot of younger guys we are working with too, looking to add more depth."
Perry came out like a team possessed scoring just 31 seconds into the game on a connection between Quarterback Nate Trefzger and Wide Receiver Brody Krantz that went 57-yards for a touchdown. Trefzger and Krantz would link up again a few minutes later on a 22-yard touchdown that had Perry leading 14-0 not even halfway through the first quarter.
Perry didn't stop there as their defense was stifling all night, giving their offense the ball and the Pirates stayed red hot in the first half. Trefzger threw a quick pass to Greg Mechenbier who blazed down the field for an 85-yard touchdown. Nate Trefzger would run the ball into the end zone on a one-yard sneak still in the second quarter. On the point after, the snap was mishandled and holder Nolan Anderjack looked for a pass before sprinting toward the pylon and diving into the end zone for a two-point conversion. Perry wasn't quite done as with just six seconds left in the half, Trefzger threw his fourth touchdown of the night this time to Wide Out Brayden Martin who laid out for a 14-yard score, and the Pirates went into half leading 36-0 and would have the rolling clock going into the third quarter.
Madison came out with some determination in the second half stopping Perry on two straight series and then went on a very long drive of their own spanning almost nine minutes, which was capped off with the Blue Streaks Anthony Telenko rumbling into the end zone on a one-yard touchdown and stopping the running clock.
That was the only score for Madison however, as Perry would kick a field goal with 6:50 left in the game, restarting the running clock. Both teams let some younger players into the game to get some experience and after a Perry interception, the Pirates let the clock run out winning their 11th straight against Madison and retaining the Little Brown Jug.
After the game Nate Trefzger talked about his massive night going 15/18 for 318 yards and four touchdowns along with five rushes for 22 yards and a score. "It's a lot of film work and prep this week. Our scout team helped us out a lot. It's just easy when the guys around you are so good helping you out, and the offensive line is blocking great."
Next week the Perry Pirates look to make it two in a row as they are again away from home this time against the Kenston Bombers. The Madison Blue Streaks will look get their first win also on the road, taking on the Maple Heights Mustangs. Both games are scheduled for Friday, August 28th, with 7:00 pm start times..
POSTED 08/22/2026 01:49
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