RallyNorth.net

A year ago, Methuen ended an albatross-like 33-game Merrimack Valley Conference losing streak.

Thanksgiving morning, a little more than one full season later, the Rangers can make history as they host Dracut.

METHUEN — Matt Bartlett spoke for every Methuen player, coach, fan, parent and alum scattered across the Merrimack Valley and beyond.

“I wish,” he said, “that the standings didn’t matter.”

METHUEN — Judging by the tears Methuen’s Justin Marsan was pushing away from his red eyes after the game, this was not just another win for the Rangers.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been here,” said the emotional Marsan. “From where we were the last few years, you would never think that we would be back to where we are now. It is just overwhelming.”

METHUEN — Talk about a fast start.

Just 1:31 into the game, Methuen had already caused two turnovers and Mike Bartlett turned them into a pair of touchdowns as the Rangers went on to down pesky Haverhill 28-6 last night.

LAWRENCE — With all the strides Methuen High football has made in less than two seasons under Pat Graham, legitimacy would always elude the Rangers if they couldn't deal with Central Catholic.

LOWELL — The defense set the stage but the offense couldn't provide the encore. 

When struggling Methuen finally came together behind the brothers Bartlett, quarterback Matt and running back Mike, an impressive 57-yard drive ensued which put the Rangers two points away from a deadlock with Lowell. But a conversion pass failed with 1:44 left in the game, allowing the Red Raiders to prevail in a bruising 14-12 battle.

LOWELL — The defense set the stage but the offense couldn't provide the encore. 

When struggling Methuen finally came together behind the brothers Bartlett, quarterback Matt and running back Mike, an impressive 57-yard drive ensued which put the Rangers two points away from a deadlock with Lowell. But a conversion pass failed with 1:44 left in the game, allowing the Red Raiders to prevail in a bruising 14-12 battle.

METHUEN — A packed house stormed the field at Methuen’s Nicholson Stadium last night, swarming the Rangers’ football team that just finished dominating the defending MVC and Division 1A Super Bowl champions Chelmsford, 34-7.

TEWKSBURY — The first time Methuen ran the play, Mike Bartlett let the pass slip through his hands. The second time, there was no way the senior was going to drop it.

“It was a new play and I don’t know why I didn’t catch the ball the first time,” said Bartlett. “But I just got myself open again and I knew I would catch it this time. I brought it in and it was just total joy.”

BILLERICA - Defense kept Methuen High in the game, stride for muddy stride with Billerica, at least for three full quarters. Mistakes and the moist, muddy conditions denied the Rangers a much-needed upset, here at the Marshall Middle School Field.