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Lowell to burst Methuen's bubble


Published: October 16, 2008

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Dave Dyer

Has the Methuen football team finally turned the corner? Will the Rangers now become consistent winners?

We should know the answer tomorrow night when the Rangers (3-3) play at improved Lowell (3-2) with the chance to win three straight games in the same season for the first time since 1998.

Methuen looked very impressive in its surprising romp over Chelmsford last week, but the improving Red Raiders showed their physical toughness while defeating Central Catholic.

Methuen, when the Bartlett brothers are on top of their game, can be very tough. But they haven't shown that they can produce on a regular basis. Plus, while Methuen dominated Chelmsford, which was the No. 11-ranked team in Eastern Mass., could it be that Chelmsford is a little overrated?

Lowell's defense has been strong against the run, so Methuen's best chance will be to enjoy success through the air.

Either team could win this, but Lowell has been more consistent, so ...

PICK: Lowell 20, Methuen 14

TOMORROW'S GAMES

ANDOVER (2-3) at dracut (4-1)

Dracut was beginning to question itself until it defeated St. John's Prep last week.

PICK: Dracut 24, Andover 14

Staples (Conn.) 4-1 at North Andover (2-3)

All I know about Staples of affluent Westport, Conn., is its record and nickname (Wreckers).

PICK: Staples 28, Andover 16

Manchester Memorial (1-5) at Londonderry (4-2)

After losing two in a row, Londonderry is hungry to get back on track.

PICK: Londonderry 27, Manchester Memorial 10

Wilmington (5-0) at Lawrence (2-3)

Wilmington is not as strong as its record indicates, and Lawrence has the potential to pull an upset, but don't bet on it.

PICK: Wilmington 20, Lawrence 12

Nashua North (3-3) at Salem (2-4)

Salem has been reeling, losing its last three games, but it could regain some momentum with an impressive victory here.

PICK: Salem 20, Nashua North 13

Exeter (6-0) at Timberlane (4-2)

Exeter's defense, which has posted three shutouts, will be tough on Owls back Derek Furey.

PICK: Exeter 20, Timberlane 7

Kearsarge (4-2) at Pelham (5-0)

Kearsarge believes it can pull off an upset, but it won't happen as the Pythons will post their 17th straight win.

PICK: Pelham 26, Kearsarge 13

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Merrimack (3-3) at Bentley (3-4)

Merrimack suffered a humbling loss last week to winless St. Anselm and may be questioning itself, but Bentley may be reeling after a 47-14 loss to Southern Connecticut.

PICK: Merrimack 24, Bentley 20

Haverhill (1-4) at Central Catholic (2-3)

Central Catholic should be able to move the ball with much more success this week after Dracut held the Raiders to 55 yards on 30 carries.

PICK: Central Catholic 26, Haverhill 13

Amesbury (4-1) at Pentucket (4-1)

The Sachems' defense is extremely tough (18 straight quarters without giving up a point). Amesbury, which lost a battle of unbeatens to Georgetown last week, will probably need to go to the air to prevail in yet another intriguing Cape Ann League matchup.

PICK: Pentucket 16, Amesbury 14

Murdock (3-2) at Georgetown (4-0)

Murdock is one of the better smaller schools in Central Mass., so the Royals had better not have a letdown.

PICK: Georgetown 28, Murdock 21

Hamilton-Wenham (3-2) at North Reading (3-2)

Hamilton-Wenham has been up and down, while North Reading is struggling.

PICK: Hamilton-Wenham 19, North Reading 14

North Shore (4-1) at Greater Lawrence (1-4)

Every once in awhile, you need to go with an upset.

PICK: Greater Lawrence 20, North Shore 20

Manchester Essex (5-0) at Whittier (4-1)

Manchester has been explosive behind Brian Ciccone (9 TDs) and Pat Orlando (8 TD passes). The visitors will create problems for the Wildcats. This could go either way.

PICK: Manchester 22, Whittier 20

Sanborn (1-5) at lebanon (1-5)

The Indians have a chance to win two in a row — another milestone. But the breaks won't go their way.

PICK: Lebanon 24, Sanborn 12

Phillips Academy (3-1) at Northfield Mount Hermon (3-1-1)

Northfield is all fired up after edging Phillips Exeter last week.

PICK: Phillips Academy 23, NMH 17

Brooks (1-3) at Lawrence Academy (3-0)

Lawrence Academy, which has outscored the opposition 125-9, is rock solid on both sides of the ball and features one of the state's best QBs in Charlie Loeb (7 TD passes).

PICK: Lawrence Academy 33, Brooks 6

Season record: 66-28