Dirigo grapplers down Mountain Valley

RUMFORD -- It isn't always the way it seems, or is it?

Regardless, the Mountain Valley wrestling team has no choice except to forge ahead with the individuals available. The limited numbers hinder their competitiveness in dual meets and that was clearly evident against neighboring rivals.

On the opposite side of the mat, Dirigo has nearly a full team with the potential to make noise in Class C. However, there is little margin for error. The Cougars can't afford to let up.

The action on the mat proved to be eventful, with the Cougars posting a 51-30 win. Still, the intensity of the rivalry was subdued with the numerous forfeits that dotted the lineups in the double-dual meet between four Mid-State League teams.

Based on the meet having started at 106 pounds, Dirigo led 6-0 following a forfeit to Griffyn Smith. The Falcons flexed their muscles by winning the next four meets, including a forfeit to Mike Provencher, who had bumped up to 120.

Nicole Burgess pinned Misty Steward in 1:25 at 113. The night lights resumed with Jake Thornton sticking Gus Brown and Brandon Gill turning Reilly Lombardi, each in first period at 126 and 132, respectively.

"We have a long way to go," said Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert. "Not having any practice during this week (due to inclement weather) really hurt us. We still have some kids with the flu, but hopefully this snow cover cuts down on the number of kids with illness."

A trio of forfeits followed, Dakota Jacques of MV at 138, but the Cougars Spencer Vaughn and Brett Whittemore each drew raised hands.

At 160, the match was interesting as Thomas Barnett of Dirigo held off Ian Austin for a 4-3 decision. Nelson Pepin bumped up to 195 and pinned Zack Cross in 2:40. MV actually won three of the five matches contested on the mat.

Both teams were scheduled to compete in the Atlantic Invitational on Dec. 22.

Oak Hill and Monmouth were also at Mike Puiia Gymnasium. Steward earned redemption by pinning a Raider opponent in 29 seconds. Dirigo also had pins by Dylan Lord at 126 in 39 seconds; Lombardi in 16 seconds; Vaughn; Whittemore in 36 seconds; DJ Webber in 49 seconds; Pepin and Zack White one minute at 220. Dexter Verrill won a 12-1 major decision at 138.

Against Monmouth, pins by Smith and Cliff Boynton at 285. Vaughn was stuck by Stuart Buzzell. The Cougars responded with sticks by Whittemore, Webber and White.

MV is at the two-day Noble Tournament this week and after the new year, the Cougars go to the Nokomis Tourney, with Foxcroft, Skowhegan and Mt. Blue.

Dirigo grapplers down Mountain Valley Photo: Picasa

Nicole Burgess of Mountain Valley (bottom), seen here in the McDonald's Invitational, pinned Misty Steward in a meet with Dirigo in 1:25 at 113. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

Dirigo grapplers down Mountain Valley Photo: Picasa

Reilley Lombardi of Dirigo (top) pinned his opponent here in the 132-pound division at the McDonald's Invitational. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

Dirigo grapplers down Mountain Valley Photo: Picasa

DJ Webber of Dirigo (top) is seen about to pin his opponent in the 170-pound division at the McDonald's Invitational. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

Dirigo grapplers down Mountain Valley Photo: Picasa

Anthony Boucher (top) of Mountain Valley is in control of this 182-pound division match at the McDonald's Invitational. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)