RallyNorth.net

Perdomo accounts for seven touchdowns, Methuen runs past Andover

Friday, October, 06 By David Willis
Staff writer

METHUEN — For years, Jordan Perdomo had dreamt of facing off against Andover football, and he was heartbroken a season ago when he missed the matchup with an injury.

One year later, he delivered the game of his career against Methuen’s rival.

The senior QB rushed for three touchdowns, threw three more scores and caught a touchdown from David Kelly as Methuen rolled over rival Andover 63-36.

“I’ve never played Andover in varsity football,” said Perdomo. “It was something I’ve been waiting for. So it feels amazing to go out and get a win like this. It’s great to finally get Methuen a win over Andover.”

The victory snapped a five-game losing streak for the Rangers against the Golden Warriors, dating back to the 2010 season. The winner of the rivalry each season is presented with the Larry Klimas-Dick Collins Cup, named for the late Hall of Fame coaches for each school.
“I think we played an amazing game,” said running back/linebacker Saul Cespedes. “We didn’t commit some of the mistakes we have made in the past and it was an amazing night. It means a lot to beat Andover. And Jordan played an amazing game.”
Perdomo finished the night with 177 yards rushing on just 13 carries, including a 94-yard score. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 167 yards — all in the first half — and caught the 12-yard score from Kelly on a reverse pass.
“Jordan was great,” said Ranger star lineman Bryce Smith. “Seeing him run around the field making plays is crazy. He sure makes my job a lot easier.”
Andover could do nothing to slow a Methuen offense that accumulated 552 total yards.
“I don’t think I have ever had a game like this,” said Perdomo. “I was nervous going into this one, but I felt like if we did everything we had to do, we would be able to have a big game.”
The Ranger starters scored on nine of their 10 possessions, including their first six straight to build a 42-14 halftime lead.  After that lone failed possession, Methuen scored on its next three straight offensive plays.
“We knew the offense was strong,” said Cespedes. “But we put it all together today. Jordan was amazing. He was making plays, he was making great reads. He always looks out for the team. He makes big plays, but he sets us up for big plays too.”
Cespedes added a pair of touchdown runs, including a 57-yard score. Kelly caught seven passes for 97 yards and a score. Peter Kwakye ran for 54 yards on seven carries and caught two passes for 52 yards and a score. Sawyer Bilich caught Methuen’s other TD.
The Rangers focused their defense on slowing down star Andover receiver Cedric Gillette. Kwakye played the reigning Eagle-Tribune All-Star tight, while Kelly provided coverage over the top.
Cespedes led the Ranger defense with 12 tackles, Travis Manick had 10 tackles and a sack and Wesley Correa picked off a pass to set up a score.
“This is a big win for us,” said Smith. “This pushes towards the playoffs, and shows us mentally what we have to do to get it done in the postseason. It’s a big win after a lot of hard losses.”