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Tim Houston scored two goals to give Central Catholic a 3-3 tie with a strong Tewksbury club. Jonathan Daniels added the other goal and Brendan Slein, Justin Kurek and Steve Balsamo each had an assist for the Raiders (6-10-5).

There was no celebration in the locker rooms last night. "There was a lot of emotion on both sides," said Andover coach Mario Martiniello. "Both teams had a goal they wanted to accomplish. There were a couple breakdowns and both teams took a few tough penalties."

Central Catholic forward Brendan Slein knew the feeling all too well.

"We were playing Mount Saint Charles in a preseason scrimmage," he remembered. "I got hit three times really quick and I just started to feel queasy."

Central Catholic forward Brendan Slein knew the feeling all too well.

"We were playing Mount Saint Charles in a preseason scrimmage," he remembered. "I got hit three times really quick and I just started to feel queasy."

When Tim Houston's second assist of Monday's game was announced, he and his teammates were busy playing out the final seconds of Central Catholic's 2-2 tie with Catholic Memorial, the No. 1-ranked team in Eastern Mass. But after the game, Houston had more to celebrate than the impressive tie.

When Tim Houston's second assist of Monday's game was announced, he and his teammates were busy playing out the final seconds of Central Catholic's 2-2 tie with Catholic Memorial, the No. 1-ranked team in Eastern Mass.

NORTH ANDOVER | A year ago, Central Catholic goalie Mike Alesse was in net for the Raiders' 10-1 loss to Catholic Memorial in the first round of the Super 8 tournament.

So when CM appeared on the schedule this season, the senior netminder was anxious for a little redemption.

NORTH ANDOVER | As the horn sounded for the end of the game, Central Catholic's players flew over the boards and mugged goalie Mike Alesse in a celebration that was worthy of state championship victory.

After scoring only two goals a year ago, Central Catholic defenseman and 2007 Eagle-Tribune All-Star Mark Brien spent much of the offseason working on his shot.

Yesterday, it paid off in a big way.

Cam Fisichelli scored two goals and assisted on another to lead Central Catholic to a 6-2 victory over Chelmsford. Tim Houston had a goal and three assists while Brendan Slein and Nick Leonard each had a goal and an assist and Justen Kurek had the final goal for the Raiders.