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Tewksbury too much for Methuen

Saturday, October, 06 By Tim Donovan
Staff writer

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.

Midway through the first quarter Koerner, who was brilliant last week when Methuen ended its 33-game conference losing streak, made a leaping grab 45 yards downfield. When the dust settled, Koerner was still on the ground holding his leg.

He was done for the night and Methuen was no match for Tewksbury (4-1) after that. Coach Pat Graham was unsure of Koerner's status after the game.

With Methuen's go-to player sidelined, the Redmen went on the warpath. Tewksbury's offensive star was senior Derek Lowe (18-168), whose head-first rushes up the middle proved painfully unstoppable for the Ranger defenders.

Not only was Methuen flat on defense, the Rangers offense suffered as well following the loss of Koerner.

"Across the board we didn't do well." Graham lamented. "It's all about blocking and tackling, and we did neither."