Warriors shut out the Falcons, 28-0

 RUMFORD -- Senior Drew Shelley had three long touchdowns runs as the Wells Warriors came up big several times in a 28-0 shutout over Mountain Valley in a football game before a homecoming crowd at Bulger Field on Friday night

Mountain Valley needed to play an all-around game, but came undone, especially after having to recover four of its own fumbles in the first two possessions of the first quarter.

Wells (5-1) exploited the Falcons' shortcomings. The Warriors, who had shut out Mountain Valley in the Campbell Conference championship game last November, broke open the game by scoring three times in the second quarter.

"I can't remember a Wells team ever coming up here and having so much success against Mountain Valley," said Wells coach Tim Roche, whose offense gained 244 yards on the ground in the first half. "We knew Mountain Valley would be keying on Dante Fanning (74 yards, 11 carries), and he did have a few good runs, but we had success with Drew (112 yards) with sweep plays."

Mountain Valley coach Jim Aylward missed his first game in 25 years due to a medical procedure.

"I just hope Jim is okay; he is a great guy," said Roche.

The Warriors' defense held the Falcons on their first six series. This provided the Wells offense with excellent field position. Shelley opened the second quarter with a 32-yard touchdown. On the ensuing possession, Ryan Marsh intercepted Mountain Valley quarterback Ryan Nicols at the Falcons' 42. Three plays later, Jake Moody scored on a 22-yard run.

Mountain Valley (2-4) received a golden opportunity when tackle Zackery Marston intercepted Wells quarterback Gavin Snapp at the Warriors' 15. The Falcons turned the ball over on downs and didn't move the ball again until Jake Theriault threw a 35-yard halfback option to Dom Haines to set up first and goal on the four. Four incomplete passes ended the first half.

“We shut Wells down in the second half and couldn't be prouder of the kids,” said Mountain Valley assistant coach Steve LaPointe. "With the score 28-0, we went in at halftime and talked about playing with some pride. The kids deserve credit because they didn't quit.''

Wells had taken a lead when Spinelli broke through the line, cut across the grain and sprinted 54 yards up the right sideline for a TD. Spinelli kicked the PAT with 3:24 left in the first quarter.

The Warriors defense held Mountain Valley to 128 yards of total offense.

"We knew it would be tough coming in here for their homecoming," said Spinelli, who added an intercepted pass. "Two years ago, when I was a sophomore, we came up here and they beat us in the regional championship game. So yes, we wanted revenge. Our offensive line did a great job of blocking."

Warriors shut out the Falcons, 28-0 Photo: Picasa

Falcon back Brett Beauchesne gets ready for contact from the Warrior defense. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

Warriors shut out the Falcons, 28-0 Photo: Picasa

Falcon receiver Jacob Theriault is brought down but not before a nice gain on this reception. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

Warriors shut out the Falcons, 28-0 Photo: Picasa

Mountain Valley quarterback Ryan Nicols rolls out on an option run/pass play deep in Wells territory. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)