By Mukala Kabongo
NEFJ Staff

METHUEN — Shane Eason put on another fantastic performance as eighth-seeded Methuen got the best of ninth-seeded Franklin, 35-21 in the opening round of the D1 playoffs on Friday night.

This season for Methuen has constantly been called the Shane Eason Show. The senior running back has just been a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Coming into this game, Eason had totaled 1,431 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on the season.

Unfortunately for Franklin, it was their turn to be front and center for the show. Eason ran through the Panthers defense for 285 yards on 38 carries to go along with five touchdowns.

“I have a tremendous offensive line, tremendous receivers, everyone blocking for me,” said Eason. “I would love to get 38 carries every single game if I could.”

After forcing a punt, the Panthers’ offense marched right down the field with quarterback Will Tirrell running it in from one yard out to give the Panthers the early 7-0 lead. Methuen responded very quickly, as Eason and the Rangers’ offense went moved quickly downfield and Eason soon found the end zone from one yard out to tie things up.

“We knew they were good, we were going to face adversity,” said Methuen head coach Tom Ryan.

After a defensive stop, Eason broke off a 32 yard run to get the Rangers in the red zone. One play later Eason scored his second touchdown from eight yards out to give Methuen their first lead of the game at 14-7.

The lead did not last long. Cole Sidwell broke loose up the middle for a 42 yard touchdown run on the ensuing possession for the Panthers, but the Rangers had another response.

Methuen went on an 11-play drive, culminating in a one-yard touchdown run by Eason right before the half that gave the Rangers the 21-14 lead.

“We went up by seven at halftime and we knew that if we could get up by two scores then that would get them out of their double wing stuff,” said Ryan.

Adrian Blake – who had a magnificent game on the defensive side off the ball – got the second half started by picking off Tirrell. The Rangers drive would stall after penalties negated big gains.

After a first half of 21 rushing attempts for Eason, the Rangers reduced his workload – only slightly –  to 17 in the second half. But, with each rushing attempt, fatigue began to kick in on the Panthers’ side.Eason added two more touchdowns in the second half, the final one that put the game away was a statement run as Eason took the carry, bounced to the outside and ran over the defender on his way to the end zone.

“We’re getting better and better every week,” Eason added. “I’m confident in our team and I’m excited for next week.”

With the win, the Rangers will pay a visit to No.1 overall seed St. John’s Prep in the quarterfinals. The two teams scrimmaged before the season began, so there’s some familiarity.

This one will have slightly higher stakes though, a spot in the state-semifinals, one win from Gillette Stadium.