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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.

Jason Smith has to be the Merrimack Valley's biggest Syracuse fan.

The 32-year-old Methuen swimming and softball coach graduated in 1997, but still catches the Orange on TV and in person whenever possible.

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.

Jessi McCarthy and Dana Shaffer scored to help Methuen shut out Haverhill 2-0. Alison Krusell and Brittany Forkus each played well for the Rangers. Briana Guerin made 15 saves for the Hillies.

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.

Methuen High cheerleaders, five-time state champions in the past six years, are trying something new this year, they'll be competing in the co-ed division for the first time.

The 23-member squad has two males on the team for the first time. Coach Jessica Hamilton said the boys, freshman Michael Hamel and senior Sean Bibeau, are a great addition to the team.

Last Updated October 4, 2007

This week's mileage award has to go to the Methuen boys varsity and JV teams. Looking to venture out of the MVC, the Rangers made the lengthy trip from Methuen to Hyannis Saturday morning and then hopped an 11 a.m. ferry to Nantucket, where the Rangers took on the aptly named Whalers of Nantucket High.

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.

Catherine Gross scored her six goal of the season five minutes into the second half to give Andover a 1-0 victory over Methuen. Brittany Isenhart added the assist, Nicole Gagnon and Kathleen Cheney stood out on defense and Tameka Geaslen made two outstanding saves for the Golden Warriors. For the Rangers, Irene Cassidy had 16 saves.