Madison head coach Ray Seals knows to take the good with the bad.

While he was impressed with how his offense looked in the team’s spring game Thursday night at Butler Stadium, he knows his defense may need a lot more work before the season starts in late August.

“The big guys need to spend more time in the weight room,” he said.

The Marlins did show their fans, friends and family that their offense can be potent in 2008. Senior quarterback Broderick Thomas, who was a two-year starter at Fort Bend Elkins, showed some great moves running the football, as he scrambled for a 38-yard touchdown in the first quarter for the White team, which beat the Blue team 36-18.

“Broderick is one of those kids with God-given talent,” Seals said. “He’s not a Vincent Young (a Madison graduate), but he’s not too far behind. He’s still trying to learn the system and what we’re doing here. But he’s been a great joy to work with while he’s here.”

Eligibility issues could keep Thomas on the sidelines. However, other quarterbacks like Terrance Smith and Daryl Dixon also showed they can produce as well.

Despite the number of points allowed, Seals is confident that his defense will be strong, led by defensive lineman Michael Ware and linebacker James Washington.

“Defensively, we have a majority of our people coming back,” Seals said. “I’m not that worried about them. I’m concerned about it, but as long as we keep them all healthy.”

Madison is looking to improve from a 7-5 season last year, which included a second-place finish in District 20-5A and a playoff win over MacArthur. The Marlins fell to eventual state champion Katy in the second round.

The Marlins will open their 2008 season against Willowridge on Sept. 4 at Mercer Stadium.

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