RallyNorth.net

METHUEN — Connor Bryant came back at quarterback, Zac Bergeron had a huge game running the ball and Methuen snapped a five-game losing streak with an exciting 28-20 victory over Chelmsford.

METHUEN - Yes, it was only one play in a long game of many, but it certainly didn't help Methuen.

On the game's opening kickoff, Zac Bergeron caught it at the 20 and weaved his way through Acton-Boxboro defenders on his way to the end zone, firing up the Methuen faithful that sat frozen to their seats on a brutally cold night (24 degrees, 12 degrees with wind chill) at Nicholson Stadium.

ANDOVER - Andover vs. St. John's Prep in the Division 1 North tournament.

Now where have we heard that before?

How about three years ago, when quarterback E.J. Perry IV threw the game-winning touchdown to Cedric Gillette with 1:23 left to clinch a 35-28 semifinal win? Remember that?

LAWRENCE — The Central Catholic defense came to play Saturday, and Kevin Higgins was a big part of it.

Kevin Higgins? If you're not familiar with the senior from Newton, N.H., don't feel bad. He didn't even start until two weeks into the season but, since being inserted as an outside linebacker, he's been stellar.

HAVERHILL - After the first 24 minutes of play Saturday, undefeated Methuen not only found itself trailing at intermission for the first time this season, but also discovered that its starting quarterback would spend the second half with crutches on the sideline.

METHUEN — Rugged junior Anthony Romano, like a number of players on the Methuen football team, did not have his best game Saturday afternoon.

The junior tight end/linebacker was whistled for three penalties, missed a couple of assignments and was not in quite as many tackles as usual.

TEWKSBURY - Tom Ryan's next vacation in Wells, Maine is going to be a whole lot sweeter now.

The Methuen coach often times heads up I-95 for a little R&R with good friend and Tewksbury coach Brian Aylward during their down time. Ryan lives in Tewksbury, and was the defensive coordinator for the Redmen under Aylward. But for the past seven years - ever since Ryan started patrolling the Rangers sideline - he's never had the bragging rights.

METHUEN — Understandably, Methuen quarterback Connor Bryant was just happy to start playing real games once again Saturday afternoon.

"After a long preseason, after all the work we've put in, it was good to get out here and see what we can do," said Bryant following the Rangers' season-opening 47-14 romp over Malden Catholic.