RallyNorth.net

DRACUT | Methuen had the lead early in the fourth quarter, but, as they did all game long, critical mistakes cost the Rangers dearly.

With the ball at their own 36 and holding a one-point lead, a snap sailed well over the head of punter Justin Marsan. Marsan ran back and picked it up, but was tackled for a loss of 26 yards. Dracut did not waste the first-and-goal opportunity and Matt Grimard ran for a 13-yard score that iced the game and the season, 18-13.

The Valley is watching Pat Graham this Thanksgiving. So aren't West Methuen, and the Arlington district, and the folks out at Homestead Acres, too.

The rookie Ranger coach understands it, and says his club will be ready for Dracut.

Methuen quarterback: Matt Bartlett

Methuen coach: Pat Graham

Parking: The cluster of lots surrounding Dracut High are sufficient. If you're looking to get close to the field, stay to the right of the school. Those looking for a quick exit should head left.

METHUEN | Chuck Adamopoulos and the Central Catholic coaching staff weren't the only ones not happy with the way the Raiders were playing in the first half last night, when they trailed a spirited Methuen squad 13-7.

ANDOVER — By the end of the game, Methuen had to be tired of hearing Chris Abreu's name.

The linebacker sacked Rangers quarterback Matt Bartlett four times to pace Andover in a 41-12 victory last night.

METHUEN | After last night's game with Nashua North, Methuen coach Pat Graham couldn't help but scratch his head. He had just watched his injury-plagued Rangers get run over by a Titan offense that rushed for 288 yards on 35 carries. Nashua North's John-Leon Gosselin, a 5-foot-11, 215-pound fullback, had just smashed Graham's defense in the mouth, continually running up the gut, daring the Rangers to stop him to the tune of 170 yards on 24 carries.

CHELMSFORD | The only thing sloppier than the field at the end of the game was Methuen's offense during it.

The injury-riddled Rangers only picked up 53 yards of water-logged offense, 47 of that on one long run from Mike Bartlett, as the MVC-leading Chelmsford Lions rolled to a 28-0 win.

METHUEN | "They all hurt," said Methuen coach Pat Graham after last night's 31-30 heartbreaking loss to Lowell, but this one may have hurt just a little more.

The Rangers (2-4) took a commanding 27-0 lead in the first half and, after a 20-yard Giuliano Pizzo field goal, still led 30-21 with just 3:09 left to play in the game.

METHUEN | David Koerner was carried off the field to a standing ovation.

Unfortunately for Methuen, it wasn't after an inspiring win, but early in a 34-7 loss to Tewksbury.

The senior was on his way to a career night, making a pair of stellar interceptions on back-to-back Tewksbury drives. The first, a diving grab on a tipped pass by Chris Texiera, looked easy compared to Koerner's spectacular second pick. Texiera fired a pass over the middle under pressure from the backfield, and Koerner soared head and shoulders over the leaping mob of Redmen to make a one-handed snatch in mid-air.

Beating Belchertown is one thing, but Methuen High football players hit the halls this week with a bit more pep in their step.

Their mammoth Merrimack Valley Conference losing skid is a thing of the past thanks to a dominating 28-7 win over Haverhill.