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It’s just another manic Monday …

Nov 2nd, 2009 by Hector Longo

Some random thoughts while I wonder how Susanna Hoffs is looking these days …
Sorry Sondra, the song is just sticking in my head.
The news whispers like the wind around the Merrimack Valley. All sides, remember I have nothing to do with this other than report the rumor. Do not ATTACK me.
There is word that a movement is gaining momentum against Central Catholic remaining in the MVC.
I’ve heard dribs and drabs about it from two fronts.
It looks like some folks in power want the Raiders out. Whether or not enough people in the league do probably is up for debate.
As one coach told me today, “Central, like them or not, is good for our league. They build up gates and fill up gyms.”
There is so much going on with so many leagues in flux.
I spoke to Methuen’s Jim Weymouth Saturday and he stated that the motion to disband league play in football and play with divisions to set up a playoff system.
That could have a huge influence in the MVC situation, so could a potential addition of North Andover. Then, there’s always the vacancy in the dual county created by Arlington’s move to the Middlesex. Might a Chelmsford or Billerica get courted there?
Weymouth, who said nothing about a potential anti-Central sentiment in the league, noted that one of his fears is a suburban split among the ADs in the league, which might not bode well for the likes of Methuen, Lawrence, Lowell and Haverhill.
Again, this is me reporting what I’ve heard. Take it for what you will.

Let me jump to Methuen for a minute. Finally, got a chance to see Methuen against Tewksbury Saturday.
I’m going to guess that it wasn’t the best from the Rangers, at least Pat Graham intimated that.
Much was as I expected.
Cal Carroll was the playmaker I’ve grown accustomed to seeing out of this kid in three sports.
Raudy Minaya made plays like you’d expect. Nick Bourgoin ran HARD!!! Never saw that one coming. He earned every one of his yards against stacked fronts, very impressive.
And the defense swarmed as well as any team we’ve seen. Methuen runs to the football. They fought from the first snap to the last.
Give Graham credit, he’s come in and turned things around nicely as promised.
There’s major interest in the program. The home games are again mobbed.
And as Jimmy Weymouth said, “We’ve got every number from 1-99 on the roster covered.”
Love the excitement, love to see it. Hopefully, it continues to grow. Methuen football being strong is a good thing for the competitive balance of the conference.

OK, time to rant.
What happened to the folks at Central Catholic. The Homecoming crowd against Lawrence was amazing, lively, jam-packed with boisterous, classy students. And then the Raider Express chugs to Chelmsford …
I could have lobbed grenades into the stands with no impact. Where did you people go? It was Chelmsford, not Chicopee. Very disappointing. Very disappointing. You’re team is unbeaten in league play. You are on a collision course with destiny. And the bandwagon is empty.

On to the update on the Fantastic Four:
1. Salem - No reason to doubt the Devils now. I’m going to say this for Name and for all the folks in the Granite State. Salem is the best team in the Merrimack Valley and all of New Hampshire. Better than Bishop Guertin of Nashua - another team in the Merrimack Valley I don’t put in my rankings - and better than Central Catholic and better than Billerica and anyone else out there.
2. Central Catholic - Solid win over Chelmsford. Now you’ve got some turf to protect against the Rangers.
3. Methuen - Oh yeah, Methuen. Solid win over Tewksbury. They just win. You have to love that. And now it’s the hated Raiders. Sounds like a raucous Friday night coming up.
4. Whittier Tech - There was serious thought here to make this a Fantastic Three, what with Andover tumbling at Dracut and Pinkerton falling to Manchester Central. But then the Cats knocked off a previously unbeaten Chelsea team. Wildcats, I’m telling you now, you lose to Manchester Essex, you’re back on the outside looking in

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments

  • Name
    H.L. Stop reporting hear say. Your not suppose to report hear say. But I know you knew that. H.L. Stop acting like a 5yr old when you make your Fan. 4. Its not about me. Its about the schools that you put in your Fan.4. Just because I followed up a question by 1 of your reads does make me a bad person. I or your readers just want to know who can be in your Fan. 4. It's not a hard question. Also, please, you don't have to have a excuse why your not putting in Pinkerton ( CC of N.H. ) in your Fan. 4. They don't belong there. Plain and simple.
  • Name
    H.L. you say that ( There is word that a movement is gaining momentum against Central Catholic remaining in the MVC.
    I’ve heard dribs and drabs about it from two fronts.
    It looks like some folks in power want the Raiders out. ). Well, who you are they. Lets hold them accountable for what they are saying. A anti-Central sentiment. Come on. It's 2009. It's called change. Things in the MVC have to change things. Even if it means moving CC out of the MVC. Stop making this a bad thing. If and only if CC wants to leave the MVC, than so be it. Them leaving would be a good thing for both CC and the MVC. All there sport programs are just to strong for the MVC. This is not a bad thing. It's just time to move on. When Lawrence High could not compete in the MVC they had to move on and drop to a league where to could compete. Lowell and Lawrence games came to a end. It was time for a change. Please don't act like a 5yr old. Tell us where you are hearing this and than we could hold them accountable for what they are saying.
  • Name
    H.L. a friend of mine just E-Mailed me and said you made that up about a anti-Central sentiment and they want them out. Is this true. Are you making things up. If I was the CC, AD, I would want to know where this is coming from. I would ask the eagletribune why are they letting you reporting things about it's school on hear say. This type of story is not good for the school. If there is a anti-Central sentiment out there. Than they have to be stopped. If CC leaves on it's own, than OK. Forced out of the league is not a good thing for CC or any school in the MVC.
  • bighec711
    Amesbury, Andover, Central, Georgetown, Gr. Lawrence Tech, Haverhill, Lawrence, Londonderry, Methuen, North Andover, North Reading, Pelham, Pentucket, Pinkerton, Salem, Sanborn, Timberlane, Whittier.
  • James_2
    Hector, keep up the great work, I love reading your blogs, very insightful and great humor. Keep it up.

    Now onto Billerica/CC, the classic that awaits in two weeks for all the Large MVC marbles. How do you think this game is going to turn out ?
  • rangerfan2009
    Hey Hector,

    Why don't you give Methuen's offensive line some credit? They have played exceptionally all year long and you never make mention of the fact that without them Cal Carroll and Nick Bourgoin wouldn't have the yards per carry that they do. I am not down playing Cal and Nick's hard work, they are both excellent football players. I am just upset that you mentioned every aspect of the Methuen team and never gave the "O" line their due diligence.
  • HectorL
    So tough to focus on offensive line play.
    It's a great call, they deserve some credit, too. It's just tough to see all that's going on in the trenches.
    My apologies.
    To be honest, unless you see a guy make a big hit in the open field or outside on a screen, drilling a linebacker, it's tough to highlight.
    And with Methuen, where they are platooning, it's even tougher, because the offensive linemen don't even get a chance to make tackles. I promise, I'll try to watch closer, starting Friday night.

    HL
  • John Stark
    Name: fyi, there has been "anti-Central" sentiment since Central left the Catholic Conference in the early 70's. It's nothing new, and most folks at Central are amused by it. Personally, I believe it starts with envy and transcends into "...it's not fair". It would be interesting, though, if Hec could name names. Let's face it, this is about resentment over Central's success and nothing more. Nobody ever seems angry with Central's swim, soccer, or lacrosse teams. It's success in the Big Ones that rile people. And for those who insist that Central join the Catholic conference because they've 'outgrown' the MVC, I wonder where you think Central's girls should play in light of the fact that the Catholic Conference is comprised of all-male schools. If it's the Catholc Central League, it would be horrible for Mass. high school sports as the Lady Raiders would go undefeated in every sport.

    And Hec, come on. Salem better than BG?? Ask Brian O'Reilly about that. btw, BG is every bit as resented in NH as CCHS is in the Merrimack Valley. And Whittier #4?? Lawrence, Londonderry, Pink, and probably Timberlane are all better teams. Love the banter, but are these your four Best or four Trendiest?
  • NHfootballDad
    Great BG Salem 2010 Preview last night at the JV game. I attended because it would be my only chance to see Salem and BG play and I'm glad I did. There was more excitement there than any of the Salem games other than the close Timberlane game. I also attended the BG Chelsea game... BG is good, too bad they do not get to play Salem.
  • the_other_side
    North Andover back to the MVC? They would get killed in so many sports. I think they could hold their own in soccer, field hockey, lax...but football, basketball? Unless they are planning on this move helping them to keep some of the kids who otherwise choose CCHS, then I don't see this really helping. Of course, the thought could be it is better for them to be tested vs AHS, LHS, CCHS, twice a year and ready them for state tourney play. This is what the Middlesex league does for its division 2 teams and they are seemingly better for it. NA wallops the CAL, inflates their record and gets beat by a lower seeded Middlesex team just about every year.

    I could see NA jumping on board if there were a suburban split, as you call it. I also spoke to someone back over the summer when NA was trying to get into the Middlesex League who said don't be surprised to see the MVC split in a suburban/urban similar to what you suggest and try to lure NA, Westford, and possibly Masco for a new league. Andover, Dracut, Tewksbury, Chelmsford, along with NA, Westford, and Masco...interesting dynamic there.

    Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Methuen would almost need CCHS IMO. That leaves Billerica floundering. I'm not sure Dual County is a great fit for them geographically. They would likely have to side with the "urban" MVC schools.

    Would a school like Greater Lawrence Voc/Tech ever jump in with a league like the "MVC urban" schools?
  • Guest
    hey john stark,


    let's relax a LITTLE bit...If you want to say Bishop Guertin should be at number 4 instead of whittier...i'd agree with you...but londonderry? lawrence? pinkerton? pinkerton is nothing that what they've been in the past. Londonderry needs a ton of help getting into the playoffs. and lawrence is a nice story on getting in the MVC but def not a "fab 4" team. lets give whittier some credit. 2 years ago when greater lawrence was successful they were in the fab 4 well before whittier made it now with a lot weaker schedule...god forbid we enter whittier into the mix.
  • Name
    Guest, you have to understand. This is all about Pinkerton ( CC of N.H. ). As H.L. likes to call him, John Stark ( a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way ). Remember, there is no other team other than Pinkerton ( CC of N.H. ) in John Stark ( a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way ) eyes. H.L. refuses to tell us who can be in his Fan. 4 and who could not be in. Whittier was put into his Fan. 4 because of the write up in the Globe this weekend. Something the eagletribune would never do. Unless it was Pinkerton ( CC of N.H. ) of couse. John Stark ( a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way ). Come on there has been "anti-Central" sentiment since the 70's. Now I know H.L. made this story up. Now your telling me this has been going on since the 70's. John Stark ( a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way ) and H.L. you have to name names. Please tell us about this make believe anti-Central" sentiment. Are these made up people in your heads or do you see these people. John Stark ( a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way ) we will never know if BG is better than Salem. If they were to play today I would take Salem. John Stark ( a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way ) and H.L stop acting like you are 5yrs old.
  • bighec711
    Amesbury, Andover, Central, Georgetown, Gr. Lawrence Tech, Haverhill, Lawrence, Londonderry, Methuen, North Andover, North Reading, Pelham, Pentucket, Pinkerton, Salem, Sanborn, Timberlane, Whittier.
  • John Stark
    Guys, guys, I'm not saying (nor did I even suggest) that BG should be in the Fab4. They're not in the Trib's reading audience and are not part of the equation. Londonderry does not need a "ton of help" to get into the playoffs. They only need a heavily-favored Salem team to beat Central this week. I'm all for giving Whitter credit for a fine season. But to be a Fab4 team you are forced to compare them with other teams with far more competitive schedules, since they don't ever play any of those teams. Hec was a bit down on them because they hadn't played anyone. Then they beat Chelsea. But who has Chelsea played? A team called "Brighton/BostonAcademy/Snowden" will never be confused with Xaverian. Name, this is not about Pink (the Lowell of NH) who, we agree, is not what they have been. But even a mediocre Pink team is much better than Whittier. As is Timberlane, who took top-ranked Salem into OT. As for Lond and Lawrence, the records don't support it, but the on-field talent does. They are simply better teams with better talent than Whittier, and it's really not that close.

    Name, if you truly don't believe that there's been CCHS resentment for decades, you're simply not paying attention. It last boiled up seriously after the Raiders back to back super bowl wins in '97 and '98. If they win their next three games it's likely to get ugly again, especially heading into the hoop season.
  • Name
    H.L., We are begging you. Please tell us who can be in your Fan. 4 and who can not. Please don't make anything up. We want to know the truth. If you tell the truth, good things will happen. Trust me. Making up story's is not about what the eagletribune is all about. At least I hope not. Readers of the eagletribune need to know. Please tell us. Who is in and who is out. I'll start you off. #1, Pinkerton ( CC of N.H. ). See, now was that hard. Please continue with the list.
  • bighec711
    Amesbury, Andover, Central, Georgetown, Gr. Lawrence Tech, Haverhill, Lawrence, Londonderry, Methuen, North Andover, North Reading, Pelham, Pentucket, Pinkerton, Salem, Sanborn, Timberlane, Whittier.
  • Name
    John Stark ( a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way ). Please don't lower your self and answer for him ( H.L. ). H.L. you don't even have to make a list of who can not be in your Fan. 4. Just tell us who can be in your Fan. 4. I'll start the list for you. #1, Pinkerton ( CC of N.H. ). Now don't make up anything like you just did with anti-Central" sentiment movement. Tell the truth.
  • bighec711
    Amesbury, Andover, Central, Georgetown, Gr. Lawrence Tech, Haverhill, Lawrence, Londonderry, Methuen, North Andover, North Reading, Pelham, Pentucket, Pinkerton, Salem, Sanborn, Timberlane, Whittier.
  • Methuen Fan
    Name, are you just an idiot? Everyone knows who can be in his Fab 4. That is why you are being ignored. What can t you figure out?
  • Name
    Methuen Fan, Hello. Not everyone know's. See, H.L. wrote ( I had a reader chime in as to whether the prep schools in the region, Brooks and Phillips, were included in the Fanty Four. ) So that means that reader didn't know. I don't know. Everyone I ask don't know. Maybe you know. Lets hear it from the man himself H.L.. Than we will all know. I don't feel, I'm being ignored. H.L. must be trying to get more BS on this anti-Central" sentiment movement thats going on with him and that 70's guy John Stark ( a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way ).
  • frankfromgloucester
    YO Moron,
    Born in NH, John Stark (August 28, 1728 – May 8, 1822) was a general who served in the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He became widely known as the "Hero of Bennington" for his exemplary service at the Battle of Bennington in 1777.
    That's why Hector says he was a "great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way."
    He was trying to give you a little history lesson to broaden your narrow mind.
    There is life outside of the MVC.
  • bighec711
    Amesbury, Andover, Central, Georgetown, Gr. Lawrence Tech, Haverhill, Lawrence, Londonderry, Methuen, North Andover, North Reading, Pelham, Pentucket, Pinkerton, Salem, Sanborn, Timberlane, Whittier.
  • AhugePinkertonfan
    Great football players are tempermental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental, and that my good friends is why the Pinkerton Academy Astros will be D1 State Champs!
  • Name
    frankfromgloucester, WHAT. Are you part of this made up anti-Central sentiment movement. I'm looking for these people that are part of this so called anti-Central sentiment. frankfromgloucester if you know anything and I mean anything. Please contact H.L. or John Stark ( a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way ). You know the "Hero of Bennington" I think he was a general in the 1970's. This is when the anti-Central sentiment movement started. This is a joke. 1st he won't tell us who can be in his Fan. 4. Than he makes up this story about a anti-Central sentiment movement. History lesson. Come on, don't you know who I am. You will and I know you will take back YO Moron.
  • bighec711
    Amesbury, Andover, Central, Georgetown, Gr. Lawrence Tech, Haverhill, Lawrence, Londonderry, Methuen, North Andover, North Reading, Pelham, Pentucket, Pinkerton, Salem, Sanborn, Timberlane, Whittier.
  • bobbyDi
    To be honest Pinkerton Fan, I think your boys are going to struggle against North this week, and next week in the first round of the playoffs...
  • John Stark
    pinkfan: I've seen the Astros three times. They brought it against Brockton, a very winnable game. At Salem they left their heart back on their 170 acre campus. Very, very disappointing performance that day. Just flat. It was almost like somebody told them they were playing in the Greater Lawrence Christmas Tournament. I think the next two (or three?) weeks will largely depend on which team shows up, and who's healthy.

    Hec, thanks for helping Name out with some basic American history. But you forgot to mention that John Stark was also a proud member of "Rogers' Rangers", a unit started in the French and Indian War and expanded during the revolution. Rangers... Hmmmm. Rangers... Name, any lights going on here? Hint: Methuen (you're familiar with them, right?) does not get it's nickname from law enforcement officers in Texas. Were you in detention when they covered all this?

    Hec, in fairness, you did drop a bomb with the CCHS stuff. Is it more than the usual petty silliness?
  • Name
    John Stark ( a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way ), ( "Hero of Bennington" ), ( General ), ( anti-Central sentiment movement believer ) and now a member of "Rogers' Rangers". Thats way to much to handle. Your right you are the man and H.L. is a fake. That was the man ( I mean fake ) H.L. using a fake name ( frankfromgloucester ). You work for the eagletribune and you start your blog off with YO Moron. I wonder what the eagletribune would say about this. H.L., be a man ( not a fake ) and stop hiding behind a fake name and stop lieing and own up to that there was and never had been a anti-Central sentiment movement. It's OK. We know there never was one. It was you and your bloggers playing like 5yr old kids. Back to the Fan. 4. I don't care what name you use. Get it, name. Just give us the list. Pinkerton is 1 of them. Who else.
  • bighec711
    Amesbury, Andover, Central, Georgetown, Gr. Lawrence Tech, Haverhill, Lawrence, Londonderry, Methuen, North Andover, North Reading, Pelham, Pentucket, Pinkerton, Salem, Sanborn, Timberlane, Whittier.
  • CentralFan
    Hec, you can expect the faithful to come out this weekend. I agree, not much of a turnout in Chelmsford, in the stands...everyone was on the field for cry'in out loud. Clean up the sideline and allow only essential personnel.
    Been a while since CC has had a football team this good...only time will tell if they are great.
    Don't hear much about defense, but that's what wins titles. This CC defense could be one of the best around, not only this year but in recent memory. Take a look at there points against, turnover ratio, size, speed and agility...several opportunistic playmakers. Great Div. 1 team stats. Why don't Trib. scribes report on defense. Every week we see the offensive tally, but no defensive stats...short sighted for sure. It would be great if we could see where they rank(all the teams) in the giveaway/takeaway dept. Forget the individual stuff give us some team Stats. This Central team plays both sides of the ball well, with the edge going to their defense. They will be tested for sure the next 3 weeks. If they come up on top, they might break the top ten? What's up with that. Time to get on the Bandwagon. Keep CCHS in the MVC, what would we talk about without them...Big News! Freshaman that never played a game goes back to North Andover...only newsworthy 'cause you have CCHS. Be careful what you wish for. See you in Methuen!
  • Name
    CentralFan, I don't think you heard, but, according to H.L. there is a anti-Central sentiment movement. He was told by some folks in power that they want the Raiders out of the MVC. John Stark ( a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way ), ( "Hero of Bennington" ), ( General ), ( anti-Central sentiment movement believer ) and now a member of "Rogers' Rangers". Did say it started in the 70's. So enjoy Friday nights game, because it could be the last time Methuen and CC play each other in MVC play. If CC does get thrown out of the MVC. Will they still be in H.L. Fan. 4.
  • bighec711
    Amesbury, Andover, Central, Georgetown, Gr. Lawrence Tech, Haverhill, Lawrence, Londonderry, Methuen, North Andover, North Reading, Pelham, Pentucket, Pinkerton, Salem, Sanborn, Timberlane, Whittier.
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