GARDINER — Sometimes during a winning streak, the ball just bounces your way.

That’s the way 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, was 9 of 15 passing for 126 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He switched out at times 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.”

Sophmore running back Jaydiin Ruiz rushed 16 times for 135 yards for Medomak Valley (2-3). Senior running back Shamus Pease added 73 yards on 11 carries.

How did they get there?

Success in all three phases. Offensively, the Tigers had a well-balanced attack. The duo of Madore and Doody combined for 157 passing yards, two touchdowns and an 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 in having to prepare for two different sets. We’ve showed a little more here and there of what they can do, but there’s plenty more where that is.”

Gardiner rushed for 177 yards. Senior Owen Chadwick had 34 yards on three carries, with a touchdown.

Medomak Valley finished with 259 yards, 248 on the ground, but every time the Panthers were close to the end zone, the Tigers were able to force 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 had success in the return game, particularly on a 57-yard return by Elliott late in second quarter. Chadwick scored on a 6-yard run after that return to give the Tigers a 21-0 halftime lead.

Slugging back

The Panthers showed fight throughout and delivered some heavy blows in the run game with Pease, senior Logan Vigue and senior Jack Simmons. That trio, particularly Pease, gained yards several times with multiple Tigers trying to haul them down.

Medomak Valley scored late in the game when senior receiver Ashton Lowe returned a punt 38 yards.

They said it

“They really dedicated themselves in the offseason and we’ve had a pretty good work ethic throughout the season. We have a lot of multi-sport athletes that play a bunch of sports. A lot of them are pretty active, and those that weren’t were sticking through and doing 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. Every week, it’s been a defensive player or an offensive player, or Brayden with special teams, it’s huge. Nobody cares in this group (about stats), they just want to win football games.” — Munzing, on Gardiner’s success this season.

“We’ve got a lot of team connection, a lot of togetherness. The more we can keep building and supporting each other as a family, it goes a long way.” — Madore, on what Gardiner needs to do in order to continue its success.

Statistical leaders

Gardiner: Isaac Madore (9 of 15 passing, 126 yards, TD, INT), Justin Doody (1 of 2 passing for 31 yards and a touchdown, 78 yards rushing and 1 TD), Chase McGrane (6 receptions, 94 yards)

Medomak Valley: Jaydiin Ruiz (16 carries, 135 yards), Shamus Pease (11 carries, 73 yards), Ashton Lowe (38-yard punt return TD)