RallyNorth.net

Defense powers Methuen to 2-0

Saturday, September, 19 By Jeff Hamrick
Correspondent

MALDEN — Very little provides more comfort to an inexperienced offense than an opportunistic defense. And the youngsters responsible for Methuen's offense are plenty grateful.

The Rangers' ball-hawking defense forced six second-half turnovers yesterday afternoon to defeat Malden 23-6 at McDonald Stadium. Winning for the second straight week to begin the season, Methuen is off to its best start since 2002.

"It really started with our defense giving us great field position,'' said Methuen quarterback Cal Carroll who scored all three Methuen touchdowns on short runs.

A defensive line featuring Pat O'Leary, Mike Lussier, Matt Whittaker, Sean Whittaker and Tyler Bolduc pressured Golden Tornados second-string quarterback Shakarus Semexant into throwing three interceptions and fumbling three times on Methuen's first six possessions of the second half.

"Their offense line was very big but our defensive line is very quick," Methuen coach Pat Graham said. "And our line did a good job of penetrating and getting into the backfield and causing some problems."

Methuen opened the second half when linebacker Mike Harper recovered a fumble at the Malden 4 to set up the Rangers' first touchdown. Harper had an interception on the next Malden (1-1) possession. None of Malden's first six possessions after intermission lasted more than three plays.

"We just tried working hard,'' said defensive back Nick Wright, who had two interceptions. "Coach went through some adjustments on the board (at halftime) and we just went out and did our work. The defense rallied and made some tough plays. It was just a great defensive effort."

The only time the Methuen defense bent was late in the first half when Malden accumulated 91 of its 135 total yards on a drive that ended on the Rangers' 1 as Wright and Jeff McAndrew stopped Semaxant as time expired.

If it wasn't the defense setting up the offense, it was Methuen's special teams helping put points on the board. Josh Baez cut Malden's early 6-0 lead with an end zone recovery of a Golden Tornados punt blocked by Mike Lima.

Despite the great field position, the Methuen offense, which began its first five second-half possession in Malden territory, struggled to take advantage. The Rangers averaged 16.3 yards on those five opportunities, including 30 on their final scoring drive.

"We like our players,'' Graham said. "But offense takes longer to develop than defense. As the season goes on they'll start to get better. They're just young."