RallyNorth.net

Laguerre’s huge day leads Haverhill past Methuen

Friday, September, 30 By David Willis
Staff writer

METHUEN — J.C. Laguerre had already run for 132 yards and a touchdown, but as halftime arrived the Haverhill senior’s mind was focused on the fumble that allowed Methuen to cut his team’s lead to one score.

“I was so mad that I fumbled,” said Laguerre. “So I said to myself that I had to bring it in the second half. I feel like I did that and we came though at the end for a good win.”

Laguerre opened the second half with a touchdown, and added a fourth quarter score for good measure as

Haverhill wore down pesky Methuen on the way to a 34-12 victory.

“We love beating them, especially on their home field,” said fullback Jason Tufts. “Methuen is a tough team and they always give us a good game. But there is nothing better than coming to a rival’s field and getting the win.”
It was the third straight victory for the Hillies (3-1), who will host unbeaten Central Catholic (3-0) on Friday in a battle that could decide the Merrimack Valley Conference Division 1.
“We can’t wait for Friday now” said Laguerre. “We are going to do everything we can and we know we are going to bring it against Central on out home field.”
Laguerre heads into that rivalry game on the heals of a monster performance against Methuen.
The returning Eagle-Tribune All-Star tailback ran for a 204 yards on 21 carries and the three scores. It was the second best performance of his career, behind just the 247 yards he ran for on Thanksgiving last season.
“I love that kid,” said Tufts. “Without that guy running behind me, it wouldn’t be the same. He’s powerful, fast and has heart.”
Haverhill wasted no time jumped ahead on Methuen, as Jukka Morales ran the opening kickoff back 87 yards for a touchdown.
After a Methuen 3-and-out, Laguerre broke free for a 69-yard run on his first carry, and two plays later he plunged in from 2 yards out for a 13-0 lead.
But the Rangers quickly bounced back thanks to a 15-yard touchdown run by speedster Peter Kwakye.
Haverhill responded with a Morales 25-yard touchdown run, but Kwakye cut the lead to one score again with a 9-yard touchdown rush.
“We went in at halftime and said to each other that we knew we could beat them,” said Tufts. “The coaches came in and told us they knew we could do it, and we were pumped up to go.”
The Haverhill defense started the second half with a 3-and-out, and seven plays later Lagurerre scored an 11-yard TD. Two posessions after, Lagurerre locked up the win with a 12-yard score.
Methuen suffered a major hit in the second half, as quarterback Jordan Perdomo reagrivated an ankle injury suffered a week ago, and had to be carried off the field. He left the game wearing a walking boot.
The Hillies now set their eyes on Central and the potential for a statment victory.
“I think it’s going to be a fantastic game,” said Tufts. “I can’t wait for the compeition of playing them. I expect people to pick them, but we aren’t worrying about it.”