For sophomore Sam Madsen, the 2018 ACGC football season was his first. Despite the inexperience coming out of the gate, Madsen was one of five offensive lineman selected to the All-District First Team for Class 1A District 8.

When Madsen first got to camp this fall, head coach Cody Matthewson wasn’t sure the sophomore would even make the squad. “I didn’t meet Sam until probably a week before the football season started. He was working full time and didn’t come to any weights or anything over the summer. So kind of a kid I didn’t expect to even have on the team. But I remember the first day he showed up and I met him. He shook my hand and I just kind of looked at him, and gave him the eye test, and told some of the other staff that I think we found our fifth lineman.”

Matthewson is certainly pleased with Madsen’s contribution to the team, and believes he will have a bright future in the program. “To see a kid who didn’t even play high school football the year prior. Then in one season, turn around and be an All-District player. Just to see him grow through the offseason coming up this year, he’s got a very high ceiling. I’m very excited to see what the future holds for that kid right there.”

Three of ACGC’s six selections to the top two teams were sophomores. Joining Madsen in that distinction were Gage Buttler and Lucas Marsh, both on the 2nd Team defensive line. The Chargers finished the 2018 regular season with a record of 3-6.