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Carroll, defense pave way for Methuen

Friday, October, 02 By Dave Dyer
Staff writer

METHUEN — This one was special for defensive captain John McCarthy and the rest of the Methuen Rangers.

Following an impressive Merrimack Valley Conference 20-0 shutout of Lowell last night, the Rangers huddled in a large group and chanted “Coach Graham, Coach Graham,” in salute of their third-year head coach, Pat Graham.

Graham was a former assistant at Lowell, for four years, and his brother and several friends still coach there.

The Rangers (3-1) knew that Graham wanted nothing better than to defeat the Red Raiders — especially after losing by two points and one point to them the last two years.

“The last two years, we lost heartbreakers to Lowell, so this was for coach Graham,” said McCarthy. “It’s a huge win for him and a big win for us.”

Admitted Graham: “I never make it personal, but it’s nice to beat Lowell.”

McCarthy and his defensive mates, six of whom are juniors, had a lot to do with the win. The Rangers held Lowell to 87 yards rushing and 75 yards passing and didn’t let it get any closer than their 25-yard line the entire game.

“We feel good about the shutout,” said McCarthy. “We have a lot of young guys, but we’re coming together.”

The defensive line of Jason Doyle, Derek Feole, Pat O’Leary and Mike Lussier were dominant up front, McCarthy, Mike Harper and Matt Delmonte were more than solid as linebackers and defensive back Mike Lima had an interception.

“The defense did a nice job,” said Graham. “For young guys, they’re pretty tough, they’re quick and they have a swagger to them.”

Offensively, junior quarterback Cal Carroll was again the team leader, scoring all three touchdowns, on runs of 3, 2 and 3 yards, while rushing for 77 yards and completing 8 of 20 passes for 78 yards. Classmate Joey Getchel scampered for 95 yards on nine carries, much of it coming on a 57-yard burst in the third quarter that set up the finals score.

Moreover, the Rangers didn’t turn the ball over all game.

“It was a good win because it’s probably the most balanced we’ve been,” said Graham.

As for Lowell (1-3), not only did it struggle offensively, but it was saddled by 10 penalties in what was a sloppy performance.

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