The challenges continue to mount for Methuen High.
A week after losing quarterback Josh Danella to a broke collarbone, the Rangers travel to one of the state’s premier programs, fellow Merrimack Valley Conference power Tewksbury.
The Redmen (1-0) enter the contest ranked No. 11 in the state, after rolling past Winthrop (34-6) in their opener. Methuen is ranked No. 25.
And this rivalry has a recent history of thrilling finishes.
A year ago, the Methuen held on for a 35-28 win to clinch the MVC Division 2 title. Danella threw two TDs in the victory. Two years ago, the Rangers pulled off a wild 27-24 win on a squib kick recover and field goal in the game’s final seconds. Prior to that, the teams hadn’t played since 2019, a 26-14 Tewksbury win.
The Rangers will have to slow Redmen QB Will Harrison, who completed 12 of 14 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown and ran for 108 yards and two TDs in the season-opening win. Jonny Sullivan had 85 yards and a TD receiving.
Can Methuen score a third straight big win in this series? Expect a thriller.
Prediction: Tewksbury 24, Methuen 20
Thursday’s Game
Lowell Catholic (0-1) at Whittier (2-0) — It’s been a huge start to 2025 for the Wildcats, who have scored a combined 80 points in two games, including 44 against Lawrence last week. Can the Crusaders, who fell to Chelsea 14-8 in their opener last week, do anything to keep pace with Noah Allen (372 rushing yards, 7 TDs) and Co.? Don’t bet on it.
Prediction: Whittier 38, Lowell Catholic 14
Friday’s Games
Central Catholic (1-1) at St. John’s Prep (2-0) — The rivalry is renewed between the two top 10-ranked (Prep No. 3, Central No. 6) teams in Mass. The Raiders have to find a way to slow Lawrence’s Chris Vargas (263 passing yards last week) and running back Jordan Toribio (298 rushing yards, 5 TDs through two weeks). The Prep did allow 36 points in Week 1.
Prediction: St. John’s Prep 31, Central Catholic 28
Salem (2-0) and Pinkerton (2-0) — Rivals and two of the top teams in the Granite State. Pinkerton has rolled to a pair of victories by a combined 69-0, while Salem has scored two wins by a combined 68-21. Salem scored the upset over the eventual Division I champs a year ago in Derry, so the Astros are hungry. Which defense can make a game-changing play?
Prediction: Pinkerton 34, Salem 28
Haverhill (0-1) at Shrewsbury (1-0) — The Hillies rallied from three scores down to nearly stun Beverly last week (28-26). Shrewsbury edged Hudson (14-6). Three-year starting QB Drew Vincequere ran for both Shrewsbury TDs last week. He’s headed to play baseball at Babson. Can be outdo new Hillie QB Michael Bayko (287 yards, 3 TDs passing last week)?
Prediction: Haverhill 28, Shrewsbury 26
Chelmsford (0-1) at Andover (1-0) — The Warriors opened eyes by beating Wellesley (31-23) last week, and are now ranked No. 17 in the state. The Lions fell to No. 8-ranked Bishop Feehan (24-12), allowing 242 passing yards. So this has the makings of another big game for new Warriors QB Kyle Olson (198 passing yards, four combined TDs last week).
Prediction: Andover 28, Chelmsford 14
Masconomet (2-0) at North Andover (0-1) — The former Thanksgiving rivalry poses a momentous challenge for the Knights. Masco has scored 79 points and allowed 29 in its two wins, moving to No. 15 in the state. The Chieftains feature a variety of playmakers, led by running back Jack Fabiano (298 rushing yards in two games).
Prediction: Masconomet 32, North Andover 17
Salem (1-1) at Greater Lawrence (1-1) — The Reggies got back on track, beating Cathedral (52-30) behind seven TDs for Gustavo Varela. The Witches opened the season by edging CAC foe Kipp (21-14) before falling to Danvers (also 21-14). Elvis Espinal has run for 238 yards and scored three TDs so far. But Salem’s defense allowed 276 rushing yards last week.
Prediction: Greater Lawrence 28, Salem 21
Spaulding (1-1) at Timberlane (0-2) — Both teams suffered two-possession losses to Winnacunnet. Spaulding responded by beating Keene last week (29-21), after trailing by a touchdown at halftime, the first win for new head coach Andy Jackson. Timberlane needs a healthy Matt Fitzgerald at QB and more consistency.
Prediction: Spaulding 24, Timberlane 21
Windham (0-2) at Alvirne (0-2) — It’s been a tough start for both squads, with the Jaguars being outscored 56-7 and the Broncos outscored 81-7. But while the Jags have hung tough, trailing 7-0 twice at halftime. Alvirne struggled mightily against Salem, trailing 35-0 one play into the third quarter. Time for Windham to break through.
Prediction: Windham 24, Alvirne 14
Hanover (1-1) at Pelham (2-0) — The Pythons have come flying out of the gates, outscoring opponents 88-8. Hanover dropped its opener to Trinity (33-10) before crushing Milford (35-0) last week. Leading the Bears last week were QB EJ Frechette (181 yards, 2 TDs passing) and running back John Taylor (183 yards 2 TDs rushing). But it’s still Pelham.
Prediction: Pelham 34, Hanover 24
Saturday’s Games
Brooks (0-0) at Roxbury Latin (0-0) — Brooks will look to bounce back from last year’s 1-7 record, led by the likes of Methuen’s Jagger Carreiro and ex-Timberlane star Liam Corman. Roxbury Latin went 3-5 last year, but did beat Brooks 21-6 in the season finale for both teams.
Prediction: Roxbury Latin 24, Brooks 21
Williston Northampton (0-1) at Phillips Academy (0-0) — The Big Blue welcome Willison, coached by former Eagle-Tribune Athlete of the Year Tommy Beaton and featuring former Central Catholic star receiver/defensive back Drew Alsup. Phillips fell a week ago to Hotchkiss (12-9).
Prediction: Willison Northhampton 21, Phillips 17
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