RallyNorth.net

2006 record: 5-10-3, didn't qualify for state tournament

Returning starters (9): Irene Cassidy, Sr., goalkeeper; Stephanie Chaisson, Sr., forward; Jessica Donovan, Sr., midfield; Brittany Forkus, Sr., back; Alison Krusell, Sr., back; Jordan Loffredo, Sr., midfield; Jessi McCarthy, Sr., forward; Kaileigh Hintlian, Jr., back; Ashley Adams, Soph., forward

David Koerner's ears are ringing with motivational mantra.

The 6-foot-2, 150-pound receiver/defensive back, a tri-captain on the Methuen football team, has been wearing his "work to win" T-shirt with pride. And first-year coach Pat Graham, Koerner said, has been instructing his Rangers to "get an identity."

METHUEN | Justin Marsan stood in the middle of the Methuen football world.

Pop Warner players did jumping jacks. Coaches blew whistles. Parents watched in lawn chairs.

Done for the day, the high school team jogged off, leaving the expansive practice fields to the younger kids. Marsan, a junior running back and punter, hung back.

Catherine LoMedico scored two goals and dished out an assist in Andover's 5-0 shutout of Methuen. The Golden Warriors (1-0) also had goals from Satin Zarkar, Jess Morrow and Katelyn Caro. Andover goalie Camille Fantini made four saves in the shutout. Midfielder Alexandra Bengston also played well for the Golden Warriors, who jumped out to a 4-0 lead at the half. Methuen (0-1) goalie Rebecca Caterino made 12 saves in the loss.

2006 record: 1-9

Returning starters (12): Matt Dugan, Sr., C, 5-9, 230; Eric Eldred, Sr., G, 5-9, 220; Chris Getchell, Sr., DE/OT, 6-1, 265; Dan Higgins, Sr., WR, 5-9, 150; Ricky Joaquin, Sr., NT, 5-11, 200; David Koerner, Sr., S/WR, 6-2, 150; Matt Naylor, Sr., QB, 5-11, 200; Steve Saba, Sr., G/DE, 6-1, 220; Matt Bartlett, Jr., QB/CB, 5-11, 160; Mike Bartlett, Jr., RB/LB, 5-11, 175; Josue Henriquez, Jr., TE/LB, 6-2, 190; Justin Marsan, Jr., FB/LB, 5-11, 175

2006 record: 10-10-1, lost in Division 1 North preliminaries

Returning starters (6): Jarrod Burke, Sr., defense; Jimmy Cote, Sr., midfield; Alex Kingsley, Sr., midfield; Bill Gagne, Jr., midfield; John Mosley, Jr., defense; Jonathan Borden, Jr., midfield

2006 record: 7-9-1, didn't make tourney

Returning starters (5): Megan Sessa, Soph., defense; Rachel Condon, Soph., defense; Kim Marino, Soph., midfield; Hayley Dolbeare, Soph., striker; Amy DeSimone, Jr., striker

METHUEN | Wind, rain, mud and Dracut combined to spoil Methuen's Thanksgiving morning.

Moments after a 35-6 defeat in front of about 400 fans at Nicholson Stadium, the Rangers gathered at the goal line for a final time this season. Coach Glen Gearin, whose club finished the year with a 1-9 record, managed a smile when talking about his players.

HAVERHILL | Haverhill High quarterback Peter Byron and ace receivers Andy Powell and Peter Early found out again last night that first-year coach Tim Briggs is a man of his word. "He told us in the summer that we'd be passing the ball if we had the chance," said Early. "So all three of us worked out together three days a week, after lifting, to get ready."