Last season, as Dracut was rolling to the EMass Division 1A Super Bowl title, Methuen stepped in on Thanksgiving Day and shocked the Middies 37-33.
But this year, if the Rangers are able to emerge victorious, it won't be Dracut heading to the playoffs. The winner tomorrow earns the MVC small crown and a trip to the playoffs.
And, thanks in large part to last season, confidence is high.
"It's definitely a boost," said Methuen coach Pat Graham. "When you're a team with a successful record, it is a positive. This has the makings of a great game."
After a banner 7-4 season last year, a Methuen squad many thought would be rebuilding has surged to an 8-2 record this year, its most wins since the 1998 season (8-3). In 1992, the Rangers finished 9-2 and were the EMass 2A champs.
They haven't been to the postseason since. But they could all change tomorrow.
It all begins with junior quarterback Cal Carroll, who has rushed 199 times for 937 yards and 14 touchdowns and thrown for 853 yards and 10 more scores. His favorite target is receiver Raudy Minaya (8 TDs) and he runs behind a tough offensive line paced by Sean Whittaker and Aaron Ferreira.
The Rangers faces a challenging task in high-powered Dracut, which is averaging 34.7 points a game.
QB Matt Silva has made a seamless transition from Gatorade Player of the Year Matt Grimard, throwing for 21 touchdowns.
He has connected with Jared Gauthier on 11 of those scores.
Linebacker John McCarthy and defensive end Pat O'Leary will have to come up big to slow down the Middies.
"(Silva) is one slippery runner," said Graham. "They are great at taking advantage of a team, but we did well against them last year."
Dracut leads the series 24-19-3.
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