When/Where: Friday night, 7 p.m., at Nicholson Stadium, Methuen
The Matchup: Methuen has been in control of this rivalry in recent years, earning five straight wins over North Andover, dating back to the 2015 season. Prior to that, the Scarlet Knights earned three straight victories (2012-14) over the Rangers, in their first three years in the MVC after moving from the CAL. The two teams didn’t meet from 2016-19. Memorable meetings in the rivalry include a 27-26 North Andover victory in 2013 and a 35-34 Methuen win in 2015.
“We’re excited about playing a tough team like Methuen this week. We know that we need to play our best four quarters, all four quarters, stay positive and execute our game plan. This is a great test for us.”
– North Andover running back Ben Iglesias
“ The game against North Andover should be a good, competitive game. We went against them last year and they kept up with us (38-21 Ranger win). We absolutely have to come in there prepared to play.”
– Methuen running back/receiver Josh Kwakye
Five Questions With ….. Whittier running back Anderson Pineda
1. What does it mean to you and the team to be 4-1? “This team has a lot of pride! We believe in one another, we don’t give up on each other, we always work hard and coach Kevin Bradley makes us work even harder to prepare us for the challenges we’re going to face. I’m very happy with how we are playing so far.”
2. Describe your role on this team: “With (current Merrimack College running back) Nick (Almanzar) graduating, it meant I had to step up and become a leader. He was a huge factor in our success last year, but it’s a new year. Being a No. 1 running back means a lot. I’m prepared to perform and be a star and leader on and off the field.”
3. What made you fall in love with football? “I fell in love with football my freshman year of high school. I fell in love because of the family and bonds you make throughout the season. I’ve made so many close friendships with people because of football, and I’m happy I decided to play for Whittier. I knew running back was my position once coach told me to try it out. I fell in love the first day trying it out. I always loved running as a little kid, so it was a perfect fit.”
4. What is your go-to pump up song before a game? “My pump-up song before a game would be ‘0’3 Adolescence’ by J.Cole. It’s a very meaningful song to me. It’s been my go-to song since freshman year.”
5. What’s it like to play your home games at Whittier’s amazing stadium, with the amazing video board? “Playing at this field is definitely an experience you cannot miss. The Jumbotron is definitely a big advantage. It’s loud and gets the fans loud, so it can be a lot for the visiting team that comes to play on our field. I love playing home games because I’m playing in front of family and friends that come to support me. There’s a lot of pressure and nerves, but I don’t let them hurt how I play.”
Mass. Madness Haverhill moving forward
A week after Haverhill dropped a wild 83-54 loss to Billerica that made headlines across the state, the Hillies (1-4) are focused on getting back on track.
Next up is another massive challenge, hosting Central Catholic (2-3) — the No. 6 team in the MIAA Power Rankings.
“The first thing we need to do is put last week’s game behind us and move forward as a team,” said Hillies lineman Jadriel Sanchez. “That was just a small sample of this team’s potential. We have gone hard at practice this week, and need to mentally prepare ourselves for an even better performance, because if we stay at the same level as this past week, it won’t be enough against Central Catholic.”
Haverhill last took down Central in 2016. Prior to that, the Hillies’ most recent win over the Raiders was 2004.
Andover looks to rebound
Andover suffered a crushing loss to Methuen High last week — the second season in a row the Golden Warriors have fallen to the Rangers.
But the Warriors remain confident, heading to Brockton on Saturday.
“Great teams overcome obstacles, and we know that we are a great team,” said Golden Warrior defensive back Connor Acheson. “We put in the work every day at practice, and we have to trust what our coaches have planned for us and come ready to play.”
Brockton (1-3) is No. 15 in the MIAA Division 1 Power Rankings, one spot ahead of No. 16 Andover (3-2).
“What we need to do is keep moving forward,” said Golden Warrior lineman Jackson Fuller. “We know what we are capable as a team and trust our coaches. Good teams overcome adversity and we need to show that this week.”
Granite State of Mind Salem ready to keep rolling
Salem (3-2) takes its three-game winning streak on the road this weekend, when the Blue Devils travel to Rhode Island to take on Cumberland High School (2-2).
And after taking down Pinkerton last Friday, Salem is feeling strong.
“The team is feeling great, especially after our big win against Pinkerton,” said running back/defensive back Felix Gonzalez, who had an interception last week. “I feel like it added to our confidence, which is what we needed. We needed a reminder that we could compete as a top team in this league.
“But coach Abe (Steve Abraham) and the senior leaders on our team, including myself, have done a good job preaching that it was just one win, and we have to continue to get better. We have to just stay locked in and continue to get better at the little things and use the momentum we have gained from the win last week this upcoming week.”
Champs await Pinkerton
After suffering its first loss of the fall last week, to rival Salem, Pinkerton (4-1) faces a momentous challenge, traveling to defending Division I champion Bedford (5-0), the No. 1-ranked team in the state, on Friday. The Astros are ranked No. 3.
“We’re back at practice, doing what we need to do,” said Pinkerton head coach Brian O’Reilly. “It’s a long season. Our path to the (Division I Central) championship just got a lot harder. It’s one game at a time. The first thing we have to deal with is Bedford.”
Highlighting some of the best of the big men that make the big plays possible:
Tommy Osborne, guard, Andover: “While only a sophomore, Tommy has become the lineman’s captain. He makes the best blocks each week, and makes all the calls on the offensive line. In our victory over Chelmsford he had to block (Villanova University commit) Thomas Brown,” said coach E.J. Perry.
Collin Howard, center, Brooks/Derry, N.H.: “Collin is a throwback lineman. He works incredibly hard, never comes off the field for us, and doesn’t care who gets the credit. As a sophomore, he has become our best lineman,” said coach Pat Foley.
Thomas Galusha, guard, Central Catholic: “Tom is a three-year starter and is currently playing his best football. He’s matured a lot over the past year and we are very proud of him. We are depending on Tommy,” said coach John Sexton.
Alex Feil, tackle, Haverhill: “Alex brings consistency and toughness to the whole team. He has worked extremely hard to improve himself and he has become a real leader. He’s instrumental in opening running lanes and is consistent in his pass protection. His positive attitude and work ethic are admirable,” said coach Rob Pike.
Liam Toland, guard/tackle, North Andover: “He’s such a hard-working, dependable kid. We can move Liam between guard and tackle in case of injuries. He’s a two-year starter for us. Big, strong kid who is the perfect team-first lineman type selfless player,” said coach John Dubzinski.
Pat Muise, guard, Pelham: “Pat is one of the most explosive linemen I’ve seen in over 20 years of coaching football. He has the toughness needed, and also brings an athleticism that can be a real difference maker. He’s an extremely coachable young man who competes from whistle to whistle,” said coach Justin Hufft.
Corey Kalivas, guard, Methuen: “Corey is the spark plug on our offense line. He brings energy, passion and an incredible work ethic to every practice and game,” said coach Tom Ryan.
Jimmy Nelson, tackle, Salem: “He’s a first-year varsity starter. He is extremely coachable and plays with a high motor. He’s also very athletic for a lineman. He tackled Pinkerton’s (star running back) Matt Morrison one-on-one on a punt,” said coach Steve Abraham.
Cody Annaloro, tackle, Whittier: “Cody brings stability on the . He’s a three-year starter who has the drive to be playing college football next year. He works on his game all year long, even when he’s playing basketball,” said coach Kevin Bradley.
Connor Belair, guard, Windham: “Connor is a former back who hit the weight room hard and has been able to add size along with his natural speed and quickness. It’s always exciting to see fast, athletic guys put the team first and do the hard work in the trenches. Connor has embraced that role and has helped us get the top 11 football players on the field, “ said coach Jack Byrne.
Fab 5
1. Methuen (3-1)
2. Pinkerton (4-1)
3. Salem (3-2)
4. Central Catholic (2-3)
5. Andover (3-2)
Honorable Mentions: Pelham (5-0), Whittier (4-1), North Andover (2-2)
This Week’s Schedule
THURSDAY
Dracut at Lawrence, 6 p.m.
Exeter at Timberlane, 6:30 p.m.
Greater Lawrence at Weston, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY
Cheshire at Phillips, 11 a.m.
Brooks at Thayer, 3 p.m.
Whittier Tech at Nashoba Tech, 7 p.m.
North Andover at Methuen, 7 p.m.
Haverhill at Central Catholic, 7 p.m.
Pinkerton at Bedford, 7 p.m.
Windham at Merrimack, 6:30 p.m.
Salem at Cumberland (R.I.), 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
Andover at Brockton, 1 p.m.
Pelham at Manchester West, 2 p.m.
Where we’ll be on ‘X’
David Willis (@DWillisET) — Pinkerton at Bedford
Jamie Pote (@JamiePote) — Haverhill at Central Catholic
Bill Burt (@BurtTalksSports) — North Andover at Methuen
TWITTER: DWillisET