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Defense dominates as Andover squeaks past Central

LAWRENCE | Andover senior linebacker Tripp Stevens took one last long look at the scoreboard as the power was being turned off and chuckled.

"Unbelievable," he said with a smile from ear to ear. "Our offense is usually in control of the game. But today it was the defense that took control. We did what we had to do."

Central, Andover have plenty to play for

Don't try to tell Central Catholic coach Chuck Adamopoulos that his Raiders have little to play for.

"It's Andover!" exclaimed the Raider coach. "And, of course, we'd also like a 6-5 finish to the season."

Thanksgiving Day Preview: Andover at Central Catholic

Where: Lawrence Veterans Stadium

Date: Thursday, Nov. 22

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Quarterbacks: Mike Pierce, Andover; Shain Jowett, Central Catholic

Coaches: Ken Maglio, Andover; Chuck Adamopoulos, Central Catholic

Hughes, Andover far from outmatched

ANDOVER | After allowing its opening two drives to fizzle in Andover territory, Valley Forge Military Academy finally seemed poised to grab the lead with the ball on the Golden Warriors' 8-yard line. But Brendan Hughes had other plans.

Abreu, Andover sack Methuen

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.

Andover still has no answers for Chelmsford

ANDOVER | The curse strikes again.

Andover continued its more-than two-decade-long struggles against Chelmsford, falling to the Lions 42-29 in a crucial Merrimack Valley Conference battle last night at Eugene V. Lovely Field.

Andover avoids repeat by drubbing Lowell

LOWELL | The weather made the comparison inevitable.

"Last year we had a rainy game (against Lowell) and ended up losing in overtime," said wide receiver Matt Rayner. "It was a little added inspiration. We weren't going to let it slip away like last year."

Andover midseason coach's chat

The Golden Warriors remain right in the thick of things in the MVC race, needing to run the table against Lowell, Chelmsford, Methuen and Central Catholic to ensure at least a share of the title.

Coach Ken Maglio says:

Andover runs over Tewksbury

TEWKSBURY | Yesterday was Andover senior Zack Kutchin's kind of game.

"I couldn't be any happier because I play offensive line and we were able to run the ball down their throats," said the right tackle. "Power offense is the best thing in the world. It felt good on the line to win a game like this for once."

Quarterback Evolution

Charles Darwin would've loved studying the quarterback.

At an early age, he is led into the jungle, where he's forced to fight off predators.

If he's weak, he'll fall behind. If he's strong, he'll lead the pack.

Andover rallies to dominate Haverhill

ANDOVER | Andover needed a big win.

After dropping two of its last three games with a messy win over Dracut in the middle, the Golden Warriors finally came up with a clean victory, a 35-7 defeat of Haverhill last night on the new turf at Eugene V. Lovely Field.

Billerica's Morrison shoots down Andover with 5 TD passes

BILLERICA | Andover tri-captain Sam Clark's frustration was clear.

"This team is down right now," said the linebacker. "We poured our hearts out for this one. We played a great game on both sides of the ball, but I have to give all the credit in the world to Billerica."

Pint-sized Hitchko packs a wallop

Ken Maglio was brutally honest about Kevin Hitchko.

"As a sophomore, we wanted to play him, but we were afraid because he was so small," said Maglio, whose Golden Warriors travel to Billerica Friday night for a pivotal Merrimack Valley Conference game.

Layne's interception locks up Andover win over Dracut

ANDOVER | The collective sigh of relief was almost audible as the ball fell into Yogi Layne's hands.

"I saw the ball the whole way," said the junior. "I'm always going for the ball and I knew I wanted to make the play. If I didn't make the catch, I was going to knock it down."

Red zone troubles cost Andover

BOSTON | The problem that plagued Andover last night was blatantly clear to coach Ken Maglio.

"We need to be able to make the big play when we need them," he said. "We need to get that big first down when we need it and we need to play better in the red zone."

Defense, Pierce (4 TDs) do the trick as Andover wallops Knights

NORTH ANDOVER | Andover quarterback and tri-captain Mike Pierce made it a point to pat most every defensive player on the back after last night's game.

"What more can you ask for than zero points," said the returning Eagle-Tribune All-Star. "We really came into our own late yesterday and it especially showed in the defense."

Andover football preview

2006 record: 8-3

Returning starters (12): Zack Kutchin, Sr., C, 6-0, 245; JonLars Carlson, Sr., OG, 6-3, 235; Mike Pierce, Sr., QB/FS, 6-0, 203; Sam Clark, Sr., LB, 5-11, 207; Brendan Hughes, Sr, RB/SS, 5-9, 175; Peter Hanson, Sr., WR/LB, 6-0, 196; Matt Rayner, Sr., WR/DB, 5-11, 170; Derrick Beasley, Sr., WR/DB, 6-0, 170; Chris Abreu, Sr., RB/LB, 6-1, 191; Tripp Stevens Sr., LB, 6-1, 228; Mike Morander, Sr., TE/LB, 6-0, 185; Kevin Hitchko, Sr., DB/WR, 5-8, 155