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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.

The Haverhill Hillies came close again, but fell short at Dracut, 20-14, last night.

The Hillies had a chance to win the game late, but couldn't capitalize as senior quarterback Peter Byron | who otherwise had a fine game | threw an interception with 1:48 left to allow Dracut to hold on.

DANVERS | Football coaches preach all the time about avoiding turnovers. For the most part, the players listen, but turnovers happen anyway.

Failure to protect the ball led to the third straight loss for St. John's Prep Saturday. The Eagles turned the ball over six times on four interceptions and Dracut recovered two fumbles. All the scoring for the Middies came in the first half, but they were able to stave off a second half rally by the Eagles for their second win of the season, 23-16 at Cronin Memorial Stadium.

LAWRENCE | Central Catholic and Dracut played an instant classic under the lights of Veterans Stadium, but one key penalty early in the game cost the Middies an extra point, which was the difference in the Raiders' 21-20 win.

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."