Unbeaten: The 1964 Madison Football Dodgers – the Season That Changed Everything

A story of grit, unity, and a perfect season in small-town New Jersey

Based on contemporaneous newspaper reports, player interviews, and archival film footage. Players contributing to this historical account: Ralph Artigliere, Carl Caskey, Dick Herbst, Wayne Willis, [others?]

Introduction: The Season That United a Town

The Madison High School football team of 1964—anchored by the Class of 1965, supported by underclassmen, and guided by an extraordinary coaching staff—achieved something no Dodger team had ever done: They finished a season undefeated and untied.

It wasn’t an easy road. The path was marked by critical injuries, dramatic turning points, and pressure-packed moments that could fill a TV miniseries. Yet this team endured, pushed forward, and triumphed—bound by a commitment to each other, their coaches, their families, and their town.

This is their story—told through contemporaneous newspaper accounts, surviving game films, and the firsthand recollections of the players who lived it. It is dedicated to their teammates, including those who are no longer with us. It is a story of teamwork, perseverance, and shared will.

Where the Story Really Begins

This story doesn’t begin on a football field in 1964. Its roots stretch back to the years just after World War II—to a town built by returning veterans, factory workers, and young families settling into the promise of postwar America.

The children born in 1946 and 1947 filled the classrooms of a growing Madison, New Jersey. Many grew up in neighborhoods of modest new homes built for the Greatest Generation. Their mothers were often teachers, nurses, or wartime factory workers; their fathers served as blue collar workers, police officers, postal workers, tradesmen, and teachers. Across town lived the company men—the business owners and executives who commuted daily to New York City on the train that ran through the heart of town.

There were, quite literally, two sides of the tracks.  And the boys who would come together on the football field—some from working-class roots, others from more affluent families—would need to become something more than neighbors. They would need to become one team.

They were shaped by a school system that emphasized excellence, discipline, and inclusion. As Madison grew, so did its schools. New buildings rose.  Curriculums expanded.  And dedicated teachers—many of them parents of classmates—guided the students who would one day form the core of the 1964 Dodgers.

The original high school became Madison Junior High. A new high school rose on the former Dodge estate. And with it came a nickname—the Dodgers—that would soon carry statewide meaning.

Cohesion Forged in Childhood

These boys didn’t meet on the first day of high school—they had grown up together. At Lucy D. Anthony Elementary School, Coach Jack Davies, a 5th-grade teacher and former professional baseball player, taught physical education. Coach Herb Pennoyer, a 6th-grade teacher and Freshman football coach, coached many of the boys in junior high football.

Davies introduced gymnastics, wrestling, and baseball. Pennoyer instilled football fundamentals and discipline. Athletic competitions between schools—Anthony, Kings Road, Green Village—fostered a spirited but respectful rivalry. Little League baseball—coached by men named Jilleba, Natale, and Mauro—gave the boys early experience with competition, teamwork, and success.

When the boys merged at Madison Junior High, they already knew each other—and, more importantly, respected each other.

A Brotherhood Without Barriers

They became more than just teammates. They became friends across lines that divided much of America in the 1960s—race, religion, income, and background. While the nation wrestled with civil rights and social unrest, the young people of Madison quietly showed a better way.

Classrooms were integrated from kindergarten. Homer Meade, the team’s starting end and an African American leader, was elected president of the Class of 1965. His leadership and friendship were valued without reservation. The commitment among these boys was never about where you lived or what your father did—it was about your dedication to the team and to each other.

They laced up cleats together on an undefeated freshman squad under Coach Pennoyer. They learned structure and discipline from Coach Davies in gym class and in freshman wrestling. And when the 1964 season arrived, they stepped onto the field not just as a team, but as a brotherhood—hardened by shared experience, lifted by community support, and destined for something great.

What It Takes to Be Champions

The Offseason That Forged a Team

The 1964 Madison football team was deep in talent—sometimes two or three strong athletes at each position. Most were seniors, but several underclassmen emerged as crucial contributors, including junior Bud DeBiasse in the defensive backfield, junior Jim Johnson, and sparkling sophomore Spencer Hoppin in the offensive backfield. But it was the returning seniors who formed the backbone of the team—battle-tested leaders who tasted both victory and frustration the year before.

The Class of 1965 filled most of the starting slots on the 1963 team that went 7–2, falling in close contests to Suburban Conference rivals Summit (13–0) and Chatham (12–6). The Summit loss stung deeply. Madison outgained Summit in total yards and threatened twice inside the 10-yard line—but came away empty. The Chatham game was lost when the Dodger offense failed to make a fourth-and-inches try deep in Chatham territory on a late-game drive. That disappointment lingered. Coach Ted Monica, never one to overlook a lesson, told the team bluntly: “We’re not ever going to lose close games because we’re not in shape again.”

So when the 1963 season ended, the countdown began. A few quality seniors graduated—including captain Bobby Mauro, a two-way standout who would go on to star at South Carolina, along with lineman Stephen Smith and defensive back Jimmy Vivona—but the core remained.

Pete “Super Jet” Jilleba returned at running back, having led the nation in scoring with 206 points as a junior. Quarterback Dick Herbst, a hockey player by background, brought that same tenacious, physical mindset to the gridiron. On sweep plays, linemen recall Herbst joining them downfield as a lead blocker for Pete Jilleba or Bob Gero.

The backfield featured Herbst, Jilleba, speedy Bob Gero, and Homer Meade—a punishing and dynamic unit. The receiving corps was deep and dangerous, with Carl Caskey, Doug Hale, and Rusty Engle. Up front, the offensive line—Wayne Willis, Ralph Artigliere, Bob Stehlgens, John Mantone, and Bill Notte—formed a physically dominant wall. Every one of them was a senior.

Special teams were a weapon of their own. Senior kicker Carl Pierce brought versatility and reliability to special teams. Pierce could boom kicks deep or drop an onside kick^{[note 1]} at just the right moment—one of Coach Monica’s favorite tactics. Jilleba, Pierce, and Rhys Foulkes all contributed to field goals and PATs, giving the Dodgers multiple dependable options.

And the defense? Championships, after all, are built there. Many players started on both sides of the ball, including Artigliere, Willis, Stehlgens, Caskey, Hale, Gero, and Notte, but key defensive contributions came from seniors Bob DeSombre, Rhys Foulkes, and Rick Hadley, along with juniors Bud DeBiasse and Jim Johnson.

It was a complete and balanced squad—and as the season unfolded, they would need every ounce of that talent and toughness to chase perfection.

But the starters were not the full story. While Dick Herbst held the starting spot at quarterback, his backup Paul Natale was as good a quarterback as any other local team had. Natale was so good that he earned a college football scholarship after the season. He was also one of the most admired and respected teammates, as he was a leader among his peers in Little League baseball and other youth teams. Kicker Pierce was a terrific backup center. Lou Corea, Jack MacDonald, and Carl Peterson were excellent ends who probably would have started on other teams in the county.

Football is a tough sport, and injuries are commonplace. No team goes through a season unscathed. But the then-unknown challenges faced by the Madison squad would test their will, their confidence, and their ability to accomplish their goal of perfection.

Preseason Practice: On the Path to Excellence

The Two-a-Days That Made Men

Expectations were high. But no one took the season for granted. Not the coaches. And definitely not the players.  Official practice wasn’t allowed until September 1, just days before school began. But well before that date, dozens of players—most of them seniors—were already running drills and conditioning together on the fields at nearby Drew University. Haunted by the memory of the Summit and Chatham games from the prior year, they pushed themselves. They wanted to be ready. And they needed to be. It would be a scorching September.

When the official two-a-day practices began on September 1st, the tone was set. The locker room was plastered with Vince Lombardi slogans: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Team manager Allen “RP” Meyer helped fit players with high-top cleats. Line Coach Dave Adams reminded everyone to take salt pills and drink water before heading out. Ends and backs Coach Jack Davies showed players he knew and taught from childhood how to wrap their ankles, dust their feet with tough skin powder, and mentally brace for the work ahead.

Each morning, the team ran together to the field, crossing over a painted sign on the pavement that shouted:
“LET’S GO, 9 AND 0.”

Practice began with stretching, conditioning, blocking and tackling drills, and seemingly endless running. There was no water on the field in those days. Relief came in the form of a single shared sponge—dirty, sweaty, but blessedly wet. Players would sponge their heads. Some even sucked on it for a few drops of moisture.

The drills tested strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. But what was really being built was discipline. Grit. Mental toughness. The raw ingredients of a championship team.

Certain drills burned themselves into memory. One in particular: a full-speed tackling drill between two upright dummies placed just a few yards apart. The offensive back ran through the chute; the defensive player had to meet him and bring him down. When Jilleba ran the drill, he was a force of nature. Bigger, stronger, faster than anyone else, he struck fear into even the most confident teammates. The only respite? Watching others take their turn. Unless, of course, you were next in line.

Not everything went to plan. During one early sled drill, Coach Monica climbed aboard the eight-man blocking sled to add weight. But when the linemen slammed into it, they disturbed a nest of wasps. The swarm took out their fury on Coach Monica. In that moment, even Monica, the toughest man on the field, showed he could be rattled. But only for a moment. True to form, the ex-Marine shook it off, shifted to another drill, and the practice marched on.

After each morning session came refueling and chalk talks with the coaches. Then came the afternoon grind. Blisters were common. Soreness was constant. But camaraderie deepened. The hard days forged bonds stronger than any chalkboard scheme.

By the time the final two-a-day ended, these boys weren’t just in shape. They were forged—into a single unit. A team of individuals no longer. And heaven help whoever lined up across from them.

The season awaited.

South Side

Madison‘s Mighty Dodgers Launch Perfect Season With Statement Win Over South Side

September 26, 1964 – Madison, NJ

Pregame Rituals

Every team has its own pregame rhythm. Madison was no different—but theirs reflected a quiet unity and personal routine that shaped their focus before kickoff.

On the morning of the first game, the team’s Catholic players attended Mass together. All others were welcome, and many joined—less out of obligation than out of respect and team solidarity. Afterward, the players made their way to the locker room, where coaches waited with athletic tape.

Some players stood in line for their preferred coach—ankle taping was first come, first served, and it mattered. A proper wrap could mean the difference between injury and safety in low-top cleats—or between comfort and distraction if the tape was too tight.

Game uniforms went on next—but without shoulder pads. Pre-game warmups were done in special warmup tops Coach Monica had secured for the season, giving the team a professional, unified look.

Then came the quiet. The players stretched out across the gym—on benches, in corners, on the bleachers—settling into their own mental space. Every week, the same Duane Eddy guitar instrumental echoed through the loudspeakers, played on loop. It was part of the ritual now. The twang of those low, rolling notes filled the gym as each player focused in silence, carrying thoughts of teammates, assignments, and what lay ahead.

South Side Silenced: Dodgers Open with 28–0 Statement Win

By the time the final whistle blew on a sunlit Saturday afternoon in The Rose City, the scoreboard told a tale that would echo all season long: Madison 28, South Side of Newark 0. But the real story lay in what that dominant win foreshadowed—the rise of a team whose grit, speed, and sheer will would define one of the most remarkable runs in Morris County football history.

The Madison Dodgers, often dismissed as a small-school power in a Group II world, opened their 1964 campaign with a daring challenge: a clash against South Side of Newark, a formidable Group III opponent loaded with size, speed, and swagger. If anyone in the county questioned the wisdom of scheduling such a matchup, they weren’t in the stands by game’s end.

South Side’s roster was large, fast, and physically imposing. During pregame warmups, the Newark squad entered the field in black uniforms, marching in a single file line around the perimeter where the Madison players were stretching. With rhythmic hand-claps and tight formation, the show of force was unlike anything seen before at Twombly Field—an unmistakable attempt to intimidate the smaller Madison squad.

But Madison wasn’t shaken. This was a team of veterans, many of whom had opened the 1963 season by dismantling defending Group III champion Tenafly, 39–0. Back in the locker room, Coach Ted Monica reminded them of that moment:

“They’ve got a lot more students in their school than us, but they can only put eleven on the field at a time.”

Inspired by Monica’s words, the Dodgers unleashed their signature brand of strength, precision, and purpose—surprising South Side with a relentless offensive onslaught and a defense that played like men possessed.

Enter the Super Jet

The day belonged to Peter “Super Jet” Jilleba, Madison’s do-it-all back and returning state scoring champion. Wearing No. 17, Jilleba erupted for over 200 total yards and three touchdowns, slicing through South Side’s defense like a blade through silk. His performance—highlighted by an electrifying 18-yard touchdown gallop and a leaping airborne score captured on camera—served early notice that his junior year dominance was no fluke.

South Side had no answers. Not for Jilleba. Not for Bob Gero, who added power and speed to the backfield. Not for quarterback Dick Herbst, who efficiently completed 12 of 16 passes for 164 yards. Not for Doug Hale, who stretched the field and helped keep the defense guessing. And certainly not for Madison’s offensive line, which blocked with discipline and aggression, opening lanes for the backs to carve up the field.

Defense Sets the Tone

This wasn’t just an offensive clinic—it was a defensive statement. Madison’s front seven smothered South Side’s vaunted backfield duo of Richie Booker and Bruce Bevins, holding them to just 112 yards rushing and 3 yards passing. The defense was anchored by Bob DeSombre, Wayne Willis, Carl Caskey, and Bob Stehlgens, who imposed their will from the first snap to the last.

The turning point came early in the second quarter. With Madison leading 7–0, South Side drove deep into Dodger territory and appeared poised to tie the game. But a ferocious goal-line stand, capped by a South Side holding penalty, killed the drive. Madison responded with a long, clock-eating march capped by Jilleba’s second touchdown.

From there, it was all Dodgers. Bob Gero added the final blow with a spectacular 71-yard scoring dash that sent the home crowd into a frenzy—and sent the visitors packing.

A Price Paid in Blood and Grit

The game, however, was not without cost. Senior Homer Meade—a three-sport letterman and emotional leader—suffered a devastating knee injury in the second quarter that ended his season. His absence would be felt deeply, both on the field and in the locker room.

Coach Monica, visibly shaken, later remarked,

“I would rather have lost the game Saturday than to have Homer injured.”

But Meade’s presence lingered. Visiting him in the hospital, a room full of his teammates surrounded his bed and vowed to carry on with the fire and focus he embodied. The injury, coming so early in the season, forged a deeper bond—and a clear purpose. They would play for the brother who could no longer strap on the pads.

Setting the Stage for Greatness

With the victory, Madison staked its claim as the team to beat in Morris County. Their shutout win over a larger, faster opponent confirmed what insiders already suspected—Madison was no ordinary team. This was a championship-caliber squad, forged in discipline and united by purpose.

Each Monday after a game, the team crowded into a small 15×20-foot room off the gym, folding chairs packed wall to wall. Film study was not optional. There was nowhere to hide as Coach Monica broke down every snap—rewinding missed blocks, pointing out blown coverages, and occasionally nodding at plays well executed.

After the critique came the honors. Offensive Player of the Game: Bob Gero. Defensive Player of the Game: Bob DeSombre. The team applauded, then got to work.

With the game now behind them, the focus shifted. On the chalkboard, the coaching staff laid out the schemes for the next opponent before heading to the practice field.

One game down. Eight to go.

The road to perfection had begun—with a statement.

Final Score: Madison 28, Southside 0

Hanover Park:

No One-Man Show: Madison Humbles Hanover Park in 34–6 Statement Win

October 3, 1964 – East Hanover, NJ

If Week 1’s dismantling of South Side of Newark was Madison’s thunderclap, then Week 2 against neighboring Group III team Hanover Park was the echo that shook the county. On a brisk fall afternoon in front of a partisan Hanover Park home crowd, Coach Ted Monica’s Dodgers silenced skeptics and sent a clear message to the Suburban Conference: This team is no one-man show.

Despite facing a larger school with home-field advantage and a mission to slow down the much-hyped Peter “Super Jet” Jilleba, the Dodgers rolled to a commanding 34–6 victory—and it was a full-team demolition.

Gero, Herbst, and Hale Take the Reins

Hanover Park’s defense came in with a single strategy: stop Jilleba. And to their credit, they held the reigning state scoring champion to just one touchdown. But in focusing on No. 17, they lost sight of the arsenal around him.

Halfback Bob Gero was unstoppable from the opening snap, racking up 144 yards on the ground and scoring two touchdowns. His first came on a bruising 58-yard drive in just five plays to open the game. Then he added a crowd-roaring 20-yard dash after a key 45-yard punt return by Jilleba set the table.

Quarterback Dick Herbst was as cool as the October air, threading passes with precision and poise. He connected with Doug Hale twice for touchdowns, one a beautiful 20-yard strike and another a slick 6-yard rollout, putting Madison up 27–0 before the third quarter ended.

As one reporter wrote, “Herbst and Hale dazzled the Hanover Park crowd with some mighty pretty heroics.”

The Super Jet Still Soars

Even with only 10 points to his name, Jilleba was electric. He racked up 167 yards on 21 carries, averaging nearly eight yards per touch. His 24-yard touchdown run in the third quarter was vintage Pete—cutting, juking, and powering through would-be tacklers with the smooth acceleration that earned him his Super Jet nickname.

It wasn’t his flashiest outing, but Jilleba’s contributions—field position, blocking, and relentless pressure—opened the field for others to shine.

Dominance on Both Sides of the Ball

Madison’s defense again delivered in full. Led by Wayne Willis, Bill Notte, Bob DeSombre, Bob Gero and Ralph Artigliere, the Dodgers smothered Hanover’s offense. The Hornets managed just 122 total yards, with their lone touchdown—a 64-yard breakaway run by Ed Smith—coming late in the fourth after Madison had emptied its bench.

Coach Monica’s crew dominated. The starters held Hanover to just 38 rushing yards before reserves rotated in. The game’s most telling stat? Madison had 17 first downs to Hanover Park’s 2.

County Takes Notice

As local columnist Lee Romano wrote, “Saturday’s brilliant efforts by Bobby Gero, Dick Herbst, and Doug Hale simply underlined the fact that Madison is loaded with talent.” What was once a campaign centered on stopping Jilleba had quickly turned into a chess match—one Monica was winning with an abundance of powerful pieces.

In the Monday meeting, Quarterback Dick Herbst garnered the offensive player of the game and the defensive player of the week was Carl Caskey.

After two weeks, Madison stood at 2–0, having outscored opponents 62–6. Next up: Caldwell, and with it, the Dodgers’ march toward the Suburban Conference crown—with the quiet confidence of a team no longer just chasing respect, but history.

Final Score: Madison 34, Hanover Park 6

Caldwell

Caldwell Crushed: Jilleba’s Historic Day Overshadowed by Chaos in 47–0 Rout

October 10, 1964 – Twombly Field, Madison, NJ

On the scoreboard, it was a masterpiece: Madison 47, Caldwell 0. On the field, it was sheer domination. But in the stands and along the sidelines, it turned chaotic—a game marred by brawls, ejections, and a fourth-quarter melee that forced the police to intervene and officials to call the game early. It was a Saturday to remember—for both the brilliance of the football and the senseless bedlam that followed it.

Jilleba Ascends to Legend

 

Before the first punch was thrown, Peter “Super Jet” Jilleba put on the single greatest scoring performance in Madison High School history. The senior halfback accounted for six touchdowns, rushed for 205 yards on 30 carries, and kicked three extra points, racking up 39 total points—a new school record and the most in Morris County history for a single game. His performance eclipsed even his own 37-point mark set the previous season.

Jilleba scored five touchdowns on the ground and added a sixth on a 16-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Dick Herbst, who completed 6 of 12 passes for 91 yards.

Madison’s offensive machine churned out 298 rushing yards and 390 total yards, while the defense, led by Wayne Willis, Bob Gero, Bill Notte, Doug Hale, John Mantone, Ralph Artigliere, Carl Caskey, and Bob DeSombre, held Caldwell to a mere 26 rushing yards and 36 total—a shutout that could’ve been worse had the game run its course.

The Game That Got Away

But what should have been a career-defining afternoon devolved into chaos. With five minutes remaining and Madison leading 47–0, Madison’s youngest players were on the field. A series of on-field altercations escalated. Multiple personal fouls were called. Two Caldwell players and one Madison player were ejected. Tensions boiled over after a Caldwell player was driven to the turf and retaliated. When benches cleared, the crowd poured onto the field in a scene more fitting for a riot than a high school football game.

Police officers—more than 20 —rushed in to separate fans and players. Coaches and school officials from both sides joined the effort. After ten tense minutes, order was restored, and the game was ended by mutual agreement between the schools.

Said Madison’s Athletic Director, Harris Bonnel, “There will be nothing accomplished by continuing the game.” He praised the conduct of the Madison players, saying, “I was proud of their behavior.”

The Aftermath: Applause and Alarm

Despite the ugly finish, sportswriters were unanimous in their praise of Madison’s football excellence. One headline read: “One of the best football games ever played by a Madison High School grid team.” Another rightly asked: “With numbers like this, who wouldn’t be mad?” referring to Jilleba’s jaw-dropping stats.

Yet the spotlight dimmed as the weekend faded. Superintendent David McLean of Madison Schools called a meeting with Caldwell officials to ensure that such an incident would never happen again. As columnist Lee Romano put it, “Everybody is still talking about the donnybrook that spoiled Madison’s resounding 47–0 victory … and not all the stories seem to jibe.”

Romano’s message was clear: don’t let the fight erase the feat. What the Dodgers did between whistles was football of the highest order—relentless, smart, explosive. For three straight weeks now, they had not just won—they had obliterated their opposition by a combined score of 109–6.

Three Games, One Message

With a record-setting running back, a creative and disciplined quarterback, a hard-hitting defense, and a deep supporting cast, Coach Ted Monica’s team had revealed itself as a force with championship intentions—and the balance to get there.

The crowd may have spilled onto Twombly Field in a frenzy, but as the dust settled, the takeaway was unmistakable: the 1964 Madison Dodgers weren’t just good—they were historic.

Final Score: Madison 47, Caldwell 0

Not surprisingly, at the Monday meeting Pete Jilleba garnered the offensive award. The defensive player of the week was linebacker Bill Notte.

Boonton

Dodgers Overcome Boonton in Mud and Grit, 19–0

October 17, 1964 – Boonton, NJ

The sky was gray, the field was soaked, and the stakes were high as undefeated Madison traveled to Boonton for the final chapter in a football rivalry that had spanned four decades. Boonton came in led by an elite defensive player—Jim Kiick, who would later star at Wyoming and win two Super Bowls with the Miami Dolphins. And their defense hadn’t allowed a single point at home all season.

In a contest that felt more like trench warfare than high school football, Coach Ted Monica’s Dodgers gutted out a 19–0 victory—preserving their perfect season and proving that championship teams win not only with fireworks, but with fundamentals and fortitude.

A Rivalry’s Final Chapter

Though Boonton had already suffered two losses, they made Madison earn every inch. Madison’s offensive rhythm was disrupted early. Starting quarterback Dick Herbst was sidelined with illness, and star halfback Bob Gero exited early with a leg injury. That left the offense in the hands of backup quarterback Paul “Goog” Natale, and, as always, Peter “Super Jet” Jilleba.

Natale and Jilleba carried the day. Jilleba ran the ball 37 times for 172 yards, scoring two touchdowns and adding an extra point. Though Boonton’s defense made him fight for every blade of grass, his power and endurance proved decisive.

Backup Stars Shine in the Muck

With Herbst unavailable, Natale stepped into the spotlight—and delivered. He earned his nickname “Goog” from Coach Monica, who saw in him the same calm command as Ralph “Goog” Guglielmi, the Notre Dame All-American who once backed up Y.A. Tittle for the New York Giants.

Like his namesake, Natale answered the call. He directed three scoring drives with steady confidence, completing 6 of 9 passes for 85 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown strike to Jimmy Johnson on the opening possession.

Columnist Lee Romano later wrote:

“He came back in the second half and threw a scoring pass… then three more passes out of the fire.”

Natale’s performance was proof that Madison’s depth was just as dangerous as its starting lineup.

Defense Leads the Way

Once again, the Dodgers’ defense dominated. They intercepted two passes—one each by Bill Notte and Bud DeBiasse—and held Boonton to just 60 yards of total offense. The Bombers never crossed midfield in the second half.

Wayne Willis, Rhys Foulkes, Ralph Artigliere, Carl Caskey, and Bob DeSombre led a punishing front seven that overwhelmed Boonton’s line from the first snap. Through four games, the Madison defense had surrendered just six points total.

The End of a Rivalry

The 19–0 win marked Madison’s fourth straight shutout of Boonton, extending their win streak in the series to three. With Boonton moving to the Jersey Hills Conference, this game marked the end of one of the region’s longest-running rivalries.

It had all the hallmarks of old-school football—mud, muscle, and momentum. And in the end, Madison stood tall—bloodied, perhaps, but unbeaten.

By the Numbers

Final Score: Madison 19, Boonton 0

Key Stats:

• Jilleba: 172 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 1 XP
• Natale: 6/9 passing, 85 yards, 1 TD
• Madison Defense: 2 INTs, 60 yards allowed, 1 fumble recovery

With the win, Madison improved to 4–0 and turned its attention to the Suburban Conference title chase. The next test: a surging Verona team.

Player of the Week Honors:

• Offense: Paul Natale
• Defense: Ralph Artigliere

Verona

Jilleba Scores 22 as Madison Steamrolls Verona, 40–6

October 24, 1964 – Twombly Field, Madison, NJ

The stat sheet said 40–6. But the real story of Madison’s fifth straight victory of the season was written in explosive touchdowns, bruising runs, pinpoint passes, and the thud of two perfectly struck field goals off the right foot of Peter “Super Jet” Jilleba.

The visiting Verona Hillbillies arrived with grit and size—but they left outmatched and outclassed by a Madison team that has evolved from great to downright dominant.

Jilleba Does It All—Again

Jilleba’s legend grew once more. The senior star, already the county’s top scorer, racked up 234 rushing yards on 27 carries, scored two touchdowns, and added two field goals—from 16 and 40 yards—for 22 total points. That brought his season total to 102 points across just five games.

Whether slashing off-tackle, exploding down the sideline, or booting field goals through the uprights with metronomic precision, Jilleba left no doubt: this is his team, his moment, and his title to chase.

His first touch of the game was an electrifying 58-yard touchdown. Later, after three passes from Paul “Goog” Natale set up a first-and-goal, Jilleba bulled over from the four. He also nailed three PATs and his pair of field goals, becoming the first Madison player in memory to handle both rushing and placekicking duties with such dominance.

Natale Continues to Impress

Filling in again for the sidelined Dick Herbst, Natale once more showed poise, accuracy, and leadership. He completed six of 12 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns, including a 45-yard strike to Doug Hale and a 16-yard scoring pass to Jimmy Johnson.

Columnist Lee Romano offered high praise: “Paul Natale guided the Madison offense the rest of the way like a seasoned pro.” And Coach Monica echoed the sentiment: “If there’s one position we’re strong at, it’s quarterback.”

Natale’s ability to lead three separate touchdown drives in the second half showed how deep and dangerous the Dodgers had become.

Offense, Meet Defense

The offense put on a show—but the defense was no mere supporting act. Madison’s front wall, powered by Ralph Artigliere, Wayne Willis, Bill Notte, Rhys Foulkes, and Bob Stehlgens, crushed Verona’s running game and allowed just 48 yards rushing and 5 first downs. The starting line gave Verona’s quarterback no time to breathe. Verona’s lone score came against Madison’s second unit with the game well out of reach.

Dominance in Every Phase

Madison gained 288 rushing yards and 148 passing yards for 436 total yards, nearly tripling Verona’s offensive output. They scored on lightning-fast drives, long grinds, and sudden bursts, each time finding a new way to get into the end zone.

By the final whistle, Madison had made it five straight by a combined margin of 168–12. The Dodgers were now 5–0, first in the Suburban Conference, and one step closer to a dream season.

Final Score: Madison 40, Verona 6

Key Performers:

• Jilleba: 234 yards rushing, 2 TDs, 2 FGs (16, 40 yds), 3 PATs
• Natale: 6/12 passing, 150 yards, 2 TDs
• Hale: 45-yard TD reception
• Johnson: 16-yard TD reception
• Defense: 5 first downs allowed, 1 score in garbage time

Coach Monica‘s squad had answered every challenge with dominance. The title chase was officially on.

Summit

Dodgers Exorcise 1963 Demons, Roll Past Summit 40–6 for Sixth Straight Win

October 31, 1964 – Twombly Field, Madison, NJ

In football, revenge is a dish best served fast, physical, and relentless.

Facing one of the two teams to beat them in 1963, the Madison Dodgers answered any lingering doubts with a 40–6 rout of Suburban Conference rival Summit before a crowd of over 3,000 fans. Though it wasn’t their sharpest effort, it may have been their most meaningful: a full-circle triumph that not only avenged last season’s disappointment but reaffirmed Madison‘s place as New Jersey’s top small-school power.

Sluggish Start, Explosive Finish

Coach Ted Monica‘s team came out flat in the first half, missing key starters Doug Hale, Bob Stehlgens, and Bobby Gero to injury. Still, they led 14–0 at the break, thanks to two big defensive plays.

• Carl Caskey recovered a Summit fumble and returned it 72 yards, setting up an early TD plunge by Pete Jilleba.
• Later, Bud DeBiase picked off a pass at the 35-yard line and raced it in for a second score.

But it wasn’t until the third quarter that the Dodgers fully shook off the rust. A fierce goal-line stand from Summit late in the first half seemed to light a fire under Madison.

Second-Half Onslaught

The third quarter saw the Dodgers break loose. Jilleba carried seven times in a row, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown to make it 21–0. On the next possession, Dick Herbst—back after missing two games with illness—fired a 33-yard pass to Caskey, and then hit Doug Hale from 11 yards out for the fourth score.

Summit answered with its only TD of the day, a 5-play drive capped by Carl Wilkerson’s short run. But Madison wasted no time retaliating.

In perhaps the most dazzling play of the game, Jilleba took a punt at his own 30-yard line, shook off three defenders, and sprinted 70 yards for his third touchdown—his 16th of the season. Later, Spencer Hoppin capped off the day with a 5-yard plunge.

By the Numbers

Final Score: Madison 40, Summit 6

• Pete Jilleba: 145 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs, 1 punt return TD, 1 PAT
• Carl Caskey: 72-yard fumble return, 33-yard reception
• Dick Herbst: 8 of 13 passing, 112 yards, 1 TD
• Doug Hale: 4 receptions for 44 yards and 1 TD
• Defense: Allowed just 1 Summit TD in garbage time

Madison Scoring:

• Jilleba 5 run (kick failed)
• DeBiasse 35 interception return (Jilleba kick)
• Jilleba 2 run (Jilleba kick)
• Hale 11 pass from Herbst (kick failed)
• Jilleba 70 punt return (kick failed)
• Hoppin 5 run (Jilleba kick)

Despite playing “sluggish” football by their standards, Madison totaled 288 yards rushing, forced four turnovers, and held Summit to 5 first downs. It was a game that showcased their championship mettle—not just in skill, but in focus and resolve. And it was a fitting answer to the bitter loss in ’63.

Season Snapshot

With the win, Madison improved to 6–0, outscoring opponents 248–30. Jilleba crossed the 1,200-yard mark for the season and now had 118 points, extending his lead as Morris County’s top scorer. More importantly, the Dodgers stayed unbeaten in Suburban Conference play and now faced just two final conference hurdles: Chatham and then Millburn—the two teams closest behind them in the standings.

With some of their toughest rivals in the rearview mirror and confidence growing by the week, the Dodgers were now not just chasing wins—they were chasing history. Next up: a nonconference game against scrappy Cedar Grove.

Cedar Grove

Dodgers Prevail, But Lose Their Star: Jilleba Injured in Emotional Victory

November 7, 1964 – Cedar Grove, N.J.

What was expected to be a routine win for the undefeated Madison Dodgers turned into one of the most emotional afternoons of the season. Madison emerged from Cedar Grove’s Memorial Field with a 26–6 victory and their seventh straight win—but lost brilliant halfback Pete “Super Jet” Jilleba to a season-ending leg injury just before halftime.

The game began with familiar Madison dominance. On the opening drive, Jilleba capped a steady ground march by slicing into the end zone from two yards out. But the PAT missed, and Cedar Grove responded with fire. Taking advantage of good field position, the Panthers drove inside the Madison 5-yard line and threatened to take the lead.

The Dodger defense held firm. Running an Alabama-style 6–5 front^{[note 2]} — a scheme introduced by Coach Davies years earlier with SEC game film during Junior High—Madison stuffed the drive. On fourth down, Bob Stehlgens and Ralph Artigliere shot through the narrow gaps on either side of the center, sandwiching quarterback Jim McAndrew and halting the drive cold.

They had to. This was shaping up to be Cedar Grove’s half—and maybe their game to win.

Cedar Grove struck again with momentum. McAndrew connected on a 24-yard pass to Bill Brannan, and on a dramatic fourth down, launched a 40-yard touchdown pass off a fake punt—a play recognized only by defensive end Carl Caskey, who dropped back but was left alone in a depleted secondary. The trick play tied the game at 6–6.

Then came the moment that changed Madison’s season.

With 2:53 remaining in the second quarter, Jilleba fielded the ensuing kickoff near the Madison 10 and darted through the coverage. Near midfield, after eluding four would-be tacklers, he was hit hard by Marty Cooney and went down awkwardly. The crowd fell silent as he was helped off the field. X-rays later confirmed a fractured right fibula. In a single play, the arc of Madison’s championship season changed.

Tied 6–6 and without their star, the Dodgers went to the locker room to regroup.

Second-Half Surge Without the Super Jet

Shaken but not broken, Madison emerged from halftime with renewed purpose. The defense—anchored by Bob DeSombre, Bill Notte, Bob Stehlgens, Bud DeBiasse, and Ralph Artigliere—took control at the line of scrimmage. Special teams miscues and fumbles by Cedar Grove handed Madison short fields.

Midway through the third quarter, DeBiasse recovered a muffed punt at the Panther 11. Jim Johnson followed with two punishing runs—first for three yards, then for eight and the touchdown. With Jilleba out, Rhys Foulkes handled kicking duties and split the uprights. Madison led 13–6.

The fourth quarter was all Dodgers. Under relentless pressure, McAndrew fumbled after being hit by a trio of Madison linemen. Bill Notte scooped it up at the 16 and raced into the end zone. Less than a minute later, another turnover became six more points when Jimmy Johnson plucked a pitchout deflected by Carl Caskey out of the air and sprinted 40 yards for the final score.

In the second half, Madison’s defense scored as many touchdowns as the offense.

By the Numbers

Final Score: Madison 26, Cedar Grove 6

• Madison outgained Cedar Grove 118–103 on the ground
• Only 7 first downs, but 5 scoring drives started in Cedar Grove territory
• Passing: 3-of-11, but highly efficient
• Defense forced 5 fumbles and intercepted 1 pass

Jilleba’s Season Ends—But His Legacy Stands

Jilleba’s final stat line was already legendary: 1,227 rushing yards on 160 carries, an average of 7.6 yards per attempt, and 126 points. Scouts were in attendance, hoping to see more from the state’s top scorer. His final carry—electrifying, defiant, unforgettable—was a fitting close to an extraordinary season.

The team and community responded with heart. Madison’s coaches and players delivered a signed game ball to Jilleba at home. Messages of support poured in from around the state—including from Hanover Park’s Booster Club.

Coach Monica, visibly shaken, told reporters:

“I’d rather lose the rest of our games than have this happen.”

But the season was not over—and neither was Madison’s resolve. With the Super Jet sidelined, the rest of the team now had one goal: Carry the Dodgers across the finish line. And the experience of adversity and a goal line stand would ultimately prove to be critical in the next two games. The Dodger first string defense had only given up two touchdowns in seven games, and they were now battle tested and ready. But when offensive power is blunted by injury, all of the players on defense become stressed to the limit, especially linemen and linebackers playing both sides of the ball without relief. Would they rise to the challenge?

Chatham

A Clash of Grit and Defense in Front of 6,000 Fans

November 14, 1964 – Chatham, N.J.

Chatham shares a border with Madison, and the rivalry between the two schools has always been intense. The year before, Chatham had tripped up a favored Madison team, and now, with the game on their home field, the Eskies were eager to play spoiler again. But this time, an undefeated season was on the line.   And there were serious questions about whether Madison could win:

There were no illusions: without the dazzling Pete Jilleba in the backfield, Madison’s high-powered attack looked different. But Coach Ted Monica’s resilient Dodgers once again proved they were more than a one-man team, outlasting a determined Chatham squad 13–7 in front of a raucous crowd of over 6,000 fans.

The Turning Points

• Gero’s Explosive Run:
  After a scoreless first quarter, Madison broke through in the second. With outstanding blocking from the offensive line—led by Doug Hale and Bob Stehlgens—Bobby Gero found a seam on a brilliantly executed draw play and sprinted 31 yards to the end zone. Carl Pierce added the PAT to make it 7–0.
• Chatham Answers:
  The Eskies responded with grit, mounting a 60-yard drive aided by Madison penalties. Quarterback Steve Pfeiffer found rhythm, and workhorse Tim Keeley powered in from five yards out. Al Boehm’s extra point tied the game at 7–7.
• Bill Notte’s Moment of Glory:
  Midway through the third quarter, with the game deadlocked, linebacker Bill Notte jumped a pass, intercepted it in stride, and streaked 60 yards down the sideline, eluding defenders for what proved to be the decisive touchdown. The extra point failed, but Madison led 13–7.

A Team Effort Without Its Star

Still adjusting to the loss of All-State halfback Pete Jilleba, Madison leaned heavily on its depth, discipline, and will. Gero carried 21 times for 98 yards, while Junior back Jimmy Johnson added 42 more. Under steady pressure, quarterback Dick Herbst completed 5 of 11 passes for 92 yards—enough to keep Chatham’s defense honest.

The lines on both sides of the ball—anchored by two-way stalwarts Ralph Artigliere, Wayne Willis, and Bob Stehlgens—controlled the trenches, creating running lanes on offense and generating pressure on defense.

Dodger Defense Delivers Again

Chatham had four late possessions with a chance to tie or take the lead. Each time, Madison’s defense stood tall. Interceptions by Bill Notte, junior Mike Prudente, and Carl Caskey, along with a key fumble recovery, thwarted every threat. The Eskies were turned away four times inside the Madison 30-yard line.

Coach Monica later called the game “a defensive war,” and it was. Just as they had done against Summit and Cedar Grove, Madison’s defense answered the call.

By the Numbers

Final Score: Madison 13, Chatham 7

Category	Madison	Chatham
First Downs	12	9
Rushing Yards	177	106
Passing Yards	92	16
Total Yards	269	122
Passes Attempted	11	8
Passes Completed	5	2
Interceptions Thrown	2	2
Fumbles Recovered	2	1
Penalty Yards	30	40

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The Stakes Rise: A Showdown for the Ages Looms

With the win, Madison improved to 8–0 overall and 4–0 in conference play. Across the county, Millburn remained unbeaten after a 20–0 win over Verona, setting up a Thanksgiving Day showdown for the Suburban Conference title—the first time since 1933 that both rivals would enter the finale without a loss.

Stripped of their most celebrated player, the 1964 Dodgers were now 48 minutes away from a perfect season—a feat not achieved at Madison since the pre-war era.

Everything was on the line. The final chapter would be written against Millburn.

Millburn

Would There Be A Perfect Ending to a Perfect Season?

Pity the poor Madison Eagle, a weekly set to print on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, when the big game would be played.  They ran a story that would work win, lose or draw:

County-wide Anticipation

November 26, 1964 – Madison, NJ

On a rainy Thanksgiving morning, before a record crowd of more than 9,000 fans packed into Twombly Field, the Madison Dodgers prepared to etch their place in history. Across the muddy sideline stood previously unbeaten Group III power Millburn. Watching on crutches with his cast wrapped in plastic, star running back Pete Jilleba cheered on his teammates along with Homer Meade—their seasons over, but their team spirit undiminished. The matchup had been billed as a toss-up: Millburn’s high-powered offense seeking redemption from the previous year’s disappointment, while Madison’s relentless defense carried the hopes of an undefeated season. Sportswriters were split. But titles aren’t won on paper. They’re earned in the mud, snap by brutal snap.

Opening in the Shadows, Rising to the Moment

The game couldn’t have started worse. Jimmy Johnson fumbled the opening kickoff, and Millburn’s Dan Aubel recovered at the Dodger 20. Moments later, Millburn’s star end—West Point–bound Brent Barth—hauled in a pass and was knocked out of bounds inside the 10.

But there was no sign of panic, as Madison’s defense delivered a goal-line stand for the ages. Lined up in their familiar Alabama 6–5 formation—just as they had seen on film in Coach Davies’ junior high locker room—the Dodger eleven repelled four straight running plays. The line held and the back five closed on any effort to come over the top. Grit, pride, and muscle turned a dangerous opening into a defining moment. The tone was set.

The Grind and the Breakthrough

The first half turned into a punting duel, a battle for field position waged on a field that had become a muddy quagmire. Backs slipped, receivers slogged, and ball security became paramount. But Madison was prepared. From day one, coaches had drilled the fundamentals: Center Artigliere and quarterbacks Herbst and Natale hadn’t fumbled a single exchange in 18 games over two years—and there was not one muffed snap on punts, field goals, or extra points. And this game would feature eight Madison punts and two important extra points.

That reliability paid off. After nine combined punts between the two teams, the breakthrough finally came with fifty one seconds left in the half. Quarterback Dick Herbst dropped back on his own 42 and found Doug Hale in the right flat. Hale was covered by Millburn DB Shawn Reischmann but somehow made the catch and raced down the sideline through the muck for a 58 yard touchdown. The packed crowd erupted. Carl Pierce split the uprights on the extra point. At the break: Madison 7, Millburn 0.

Second-Half Seals the Deal

The Dodgers didn’t let up. Bobby Gero, pounding the ball with relentless energy, added a 7-yard touchdown on the first drive of the third quarter—set up by a critical 40-yard strike from Herbst to dependable and sure handed Carl Caskey. Carl Pierce notched the point after. With a 14–0 lead and their defense swarming, Madison was ready to shut the door.

For the game, Millburn managed just 121 total yards and only six first downs. But it was not easy, as the Millers did not give up. The bulk of their yardage came in the second half. Twice they advanced to the Dodger 30 in the fourth quarter, but the tenacious Dodger defense stood tall and came through with stop after stop. Hermiston was harassed all day by the defensive line, and his passing was held to 57 yards. Millburn’s vaunted run game? Just 64.

From Bob DeSombre, Wayne Willis, Bob Stehlgens, Carl Caskey, and Ralph Artigliere on the line, to Bill Notte, Bob Gero, and Bud DeBiasse in the backfield, the defense played with fury and discipline. Two-way players, soaked in rain and caked in mud, pushed past exhaustion. Conditioning from September’s two-a-days and relentless wind sprints paid off. Coaches barked at linemen to keep chasing Millburn’s quarterback, and they did—again and again.

They dug in. They fought for each other. In the offensive huddle, team Captain Herbst and veterans like Hale, Willis, Notte, Artigliere, Mantone, Stehlgens, and Caskey locked eyes, urging each other on. On defense, DeSombre joined the trench warriors to repel every Millburn advance. Senior leaders Gero, Notte, and Hale rallied the juniors in the defensive backfield. This was a team that would not break.

A Complete Team Effort

The win sealed Madison’s first-ever 9–0 season, clinched sole possession of the Suburban Conference title, and delivered a Group II state championship. It erased any lingering doubt: this wasn’t merely one of New Jersey’s best teams in 1964—it was among the greatest teams ever to wear Madison’s colors.

The title-clinching game against another unbeaten showed exactly how championships are won. Talent mattered—Gero and Hale reached the end zone. But unity won the title. Herbst, Hale, and Caskey showed poise under pressure. The offensive and defensive lines dominated the trenches. The defense, bruised and battered in heavy, mud-soaked uniforms, never blinked. After the opening kickoff fumble, the Dodgers never mishandled the ball again—an extraordinary feat in a game fought in the slop.

Herbst completed just two passes. Both were daggers. And when Millburn threatened, the defense responded—again and again.

By the Numbers

Final Score: Madison 14, Millburn 0

• Total Yards: Madison 258, Millburn 121
• Rushing Yards: Madison 160, Millburn 64
• Passing Yards: Madison 98, Millburn 57
• First Downs: Madison 10, Millburn 6
• Key Plays: 58-yard TD pass from Herbst to Hale; 7-yard TD run by Gero; 40-yard pass to Caskey

Coach Monica’s Masterpiece

For Coach Ted Monica, the win was a triumph 10 years in the making. The Dodgers had battled through close games, tough injuries, and the loss of stars like Pete Jilleba and Homer Meade. But when it counted most, they rose.

They finished undefeated. They silenced past heartbreaks. And they made sure Thanksgiving Day in Madison would never be the same.

Legacy Secured

This 1964 team now takes its place alongside Madison’s legends. The record will show 9-0, but the memory will be one of grit, resilience, and unity. With the scoreboard showing zero for the opposition yet again, the Madison Dodgers walked off the field to thunderous applause, champions in every sense of the word.

As the final seconds ticked off, the Madison sideline erupted, fans poured onto the field, and Monica, Jilleba, Hale, and Gero were hoisted in the air and carried away by the team, soaked by a now celebratory rain shower. From the first play of the season to the final whistle on Thanksgiving Day, these Dodgers left no doubt—they were the best team in Morris County and undoubtedly the finest squad Madison High had ever fielded.

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Postscript: Echoes of Perfection

Before the final whistle faded into memory, the 1964 Madison Dodgers had already etched their place in school history. What followed was reflection, recognition—and a legacy that endures.

A Season for the Ages

The 1964 Madison Dodgers were more than just undefeated—they were unyielding. Through torrential rains, physical battles, and the emotional toll of losing their brightest star, the team never flinched. They posted five shutouts, outscored their opponents 230-33, and relied on each other with uncommon trust.

Key Stats:

• Record: 9-0 (5-0 in Suburban Conference)
• Points Scored: 230
• Points Allowed: 33
• Shutouts: 5
• Average Margin of Victory: 22 points

Standout Offensive Performers:

• Pete Jilleba: 1,227 rushing yards, 126 points (before injury)
• Dick Herbst: Consistent field generalship and clutch passing
• Bobby Gero: Steady, physical running in key games
• Bill Notte: Two-way impact, INTs

Team Captains: Dick Herbst, Pete Jilleba, Doug Hale, Bob DeSombre

Honors & Legacy

Team:

• Suburban Conference Champions, Morris County Team of the Year (Daily Record), Group II State Champions; and 6th Best Team in New Jersey All Groups, the only Group II school in the top 10 (Saylor Football Rankings).
• First perfect season in school history

Individual:

Individual awards are, by nature, subjective. After a season like 1964, those receiving individual recognition do so standing on the shoulders of their teammates. The depth and balance of talent across the Madison roster meant that many deserving players were inevitably left out of limited all-state, all-county, and all-conference selections. Still, it is tradition to name such teams. Every player on the squad shares in the honors earned by their teammates, because individual accolades would not be possible without the collective effort, discipline, and commitment that led to team victories.

•  All-County (Morris): Offense- Pete Jilleba, Ralph Artigliere, Dick Herbst, Doug Hale, and Bob Gero. Defense- Wayne Willis, , Bob DeSombre, Bill Notte and Bud DeBiasse. Madison posted 9 of 21 spots on the All County team, an unequaled feat.
• Individual All Conference (Suburban)- Pete Jilleba, Dick Herbst, Bobby Gero, Doug Hale, Bill Notte, Ralph Artigliere, and Wayne Willis.
• Individual All State: Newark News and Newark Star Ledger: Pete Jilleba (First Team), Doug Hale (Second Team), and Bobby Gero (Third Team).
• NY Herald Tribune New Jersey All Stars: Pete Jilleba (First Team), Ralph Artigliere (Second Team)
• AP All State: Pete Jilleba (Second Team)
• Division II All State: Peter Jilleba, Doug Hale, Bill Notte, and Ralph Artigliere (First Team); Bobby Gero and Dick Herbst (Second Team); Bobby Gero (Third Team)

POST-SEASON ATHLETICS AND CAMARADERIE

The story of the ’64 Dodgers is not just one of victory—it’s a story of character. They remain a model of team play, toughness, and heart—a legacy that still echoes through the halls of Madison High School sixty years later.

Madison was, and is, a small school that relies on its athletes to fill multiple rosters across seasons. The talent on the 1964 football team transcended the gridiron. Led by Peter Jilleba, a two-time New Jersey state heavyweight wrestling champion, a dominant wrestling team under Coach Jack Davies featured a lineup of other football players who also excelled on the mat: Rhys Foulkes (Regional Champion), Bill Notte (District Champion), Doug Hale, Ralph Artigliere, and Bob Stehlgens. Wayne Willis and Carl Pierce were standouts on the basketball team. Carl Caskey, Pete Jilleba, Ralph Artigliere, and Dick Herbst took their talents to the baseball diamond and a Dodger winning campaign—Jilleba, Caskey, and Herbst having played together since their Little League days. Carl Pierce was a stellar miler on the track team.

Off the field, the camaraderie continued. Bobby Gero was a friend to all—and a ladies’ man—generously teaching awkward linemen like Ralph Artigliere a few dance steps so they wouldn’t embarrass themselves at school socials. Bob DeSombre had his own moves that drew a crowd at every dance, with footwork that would make today’s break dancers take notice.

This was a special year for a special group of young men in a small post–World War II town—a team for the ages, who grew into manhood together through grit, friendship, and shared purpose.

Alembic Summary

This is how the 1965 Alembic remembered the season: