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Miscues, bad timing doom Methuen upset bid

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.

Methuen looking to make final statement

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.

Thanksgiving Day Preview: Methuen at 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.

Central grinds past spirited Rangers

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.

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.

Methuen will remember the Titans

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 runs over Methuen

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.

Lowell shocks Methuen on last play

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.

Tewksbury too much for Methuen

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.

Rangers get attitude adjustment

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.

Methuen ends MVC drought at 33 games

HAVERHILL | Methuen senior and tri-captain David Koerner has enjoyed plenty of fine moments in athletics, but they all paled compared to last night.

"This is the best feeling I've had by far, and I play three sports," said Koerner after the Rangers snapped a 33-game Merrimack Valley Conference losing streak, dating back to 2002, with a convincing 28-7 victory over Haverhill before more than 1,000 fans.

Methuen's Bartlett twins ready to end losing streak

New England sports fans place the No. 33 on a pedestal. After all, it was worn by the great Celtic Larry Bird. But that same harmless 33 draws nothing but ire from Methuen High football players, who have come to despise the digits. The "33" now represents the Rangers' tailspin, the number of consecutive losses against Merrimack Valley Conference competition.

Billerica stampede crushes Methuen's upset hopes

METHUEN | Methuen's defense wouldn't break, so Billerica's pass-happy offense had to.

The upset-minded Rangers | they led the powerhouse Indians 3-0 at the half | used patience to create a clutch turnover, take a halftime lead, and force the Indians to change. If Methuen were to snap its 32-game conference losing streak, this would be in storybook fashion.

Methuen drops opener

CONCORD | Playing just minutes from the Old North Bridge and the starting point of the Revolutionary War, the Methuen football team could not get off to the revolutionary start they were hoping to last night at the Rangers fell to Concord Carlisle, 29-7.

Koerner, Methuen have high hopes

David Koerner's ears are ringing with motivational mantra.

The 6-foot-2, 150-pound receiver/defensive back, a tri-captain on the Methuen football team, has been wearing his "work to win" T-shirt with pride. And first-year coach Pat Graham, Koerner said, has been instructing his Rangers to "get an identity."

Ranger Revival

METHUEN | Justin Marsan stood in the middle of the Methuen football world.

Pop Warner players did jumping jacks. Coaches blew whistles. Parents watched in lawn chairs.

Done for the day, the high school team jogged off, leaving the expansive practice fields to the younger kids. Marsan, a junior running back and punter, hung back.

Methuen High School football preview

2006 record: 1-9

Returning starters (12): Matt Dugan, Sr., C, 5-9, 230; Eric Eldred, Sr., G, 5-9, 220; Chris Getchell, Sr., DE/OT, 6-1, 265; Dan Higgins, Sr., WR, 5-9, 150; Ricky Joaquin, Sr., NT, 5-11, 200; David Koerner, Sr., S/WR, 6-2, 150; Matt Naylor, Sr., QB, 5-11, 200; Steve Saba, Sr., G/DE, 6-1, 220; Matt Bartlett, Jr., QB/CB, 5-11, 160; Mike Bartlett, Jr., RB/LB, 5-11, 175; Josue Henriquez, Jr., TE/LB, 6-2, 190; Justin Marsan, Jr., FB/LB, 5-11, 175