METHUEN – The first three quarters were a testament to weeks of preparation against Marshfield.
“It was 80 degrees this week, I was running scout team quarterback on the defense to try and simulate the no huddle stuff,” said Methuen coach Ryan Dugan. “I’m yelling at them, they’re dying of heat exhaustion, but it’s so nice to see it paid off.”
In an 18-13 opening week thrilling victory for Methuen over the Rams, the defense stole the show. With two interceptions, and two key fourth down stops, the Ranger defense showed up and shined.
“We have to win games on defense,” said Dugan. “We’ve lost a lot of good offensive players over the years, so that’s our key this season.”
Evidently, with plenty of new contributors on both sides, the offense was extremely rusty throughout the first half.
Scoreless through a quarter-and-a-half, the Rangers took the lead with 7:35 remaining in the second, as Josh Danella found Josh Defatima for an eight yard score.
Vinny DeMaio, as per usual throughout the past few years, wreaked havoc up front, forcing Ram quarterback Nate Rollinson to empty out of the pocket and make uncomfortable throws.
Rollinson threw his first interception on the opening drive, as Methuen’s Jeyvien DeLeon made a diving catch.
After a quiet third quarter offensively, things broke open in the fourth.
Marshfield finally got on the board just 15 seconds into the quarter, as Rollinson found Luke Richardson for a 12 yard touchdown.
However, Methuen stormed back with a score of their own.
Following a late hit penalty on fourth down, the Rangers had a second life, and Danella threw his second touchdown of the game to Tim Domezon, this time a 27-yard reception.
Of course, the Rams weren’t going anywhere. As Cole Summers escaped a missed tackle, Marshfield immediately regained the lead on a 64-yard touchdown, before a failed two point try.
Methuen desperately needed a strong drive of their own. And that’s exactly what Danella orchestrated.
On a five-minute, 62-yard drive, the senior quarterback capped things off with a one-yard sneak of his own, handing Methuen an 18-13 lead with 2:35 remaining.
“We went into the locker room (up) 6-0, and it’s like, we cannot let what happened last year happen again,” said Danella.
To seal the deal, Alex Santiago’s interception just seconds after Danella’s score capped off a statement victory for Methuen.
For Dugan, a Methuen High alum, and someone who has patiently waited for this opportunity on the coaching staff for years, the moment was special.
“My wife and kids are over there, and they’re awesome support,” said Dugan. “I’m pretty much out of the house for 12 hours daily, so it feels really good. I know my kids are ecstatic over there, and I’m excited for my family.”
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Methuen 18, Marshfield 13ME – 0 6 0 12
MA – 0 0 0 13
Second Quarter:
Josh Defatima from Josh Danella, 8 yd, 7:35 (PAT blocked)
Fourth Quarter:
Luke Richardson from Nate Rollinson, 12 yd, 11:50 (kick good)
Tim Domezon from Danella, 27 yd, 8:15 (two point try no good)
Danella 1 rush, 2:35 (two point try no good)