Falcons fall to strong Ranger team

RUMFORD -- It certainly has been a trying season for the Mountain Valley football team, but when faced with adversity it's important to dig down deep and hopefully turn things around.

The Falcons had great expectations when they traveled south to Cumberland. However, it became apparent early in the game that they simply didn't have enough weapons.

The combination of a swarming defense and a well-rounded offense was the difference as Greely posted a 35-0 win over Mountain Valley in a Class B tilt game Friday night.

It was the second straight week that Mountain Valley was shut out, Wells had won 28-0 in Rumford. Ranger QB Drew Hodge made out to be a dual threat by throwing for two TDs and also rushed for a score. This included a 58-yard strike to Nick Maynard and one-yard to Svenn Jacobsen.

The Rangers (6-1), who beat the Falcons for first-time ever, set the tone when they scored on the opening possession of the contest. Hodge capped a 10-play drive with a 31-yard run and made it 14-0 on an 18-play drive in second quarter. Jacobson gained 100 yards in first half.

The Rangers´ defense smothered the Mountain Valley offense in the opening 24 minutes. The Falcons made it over midfield only once in the first half, managed only two first downs and totaled 39 yards of offense.

"They were just real quick," said Mountain Valley Coach Jim Alyward, who returned after undergoing throat surgery earlier in the week. "They´re a terrific team and they play very physical. They´re not overly big but the kids they have are strong and quick. I thought they played terrific."

The loss marked a third straight setback for the Falcons. Hodge completed nine of 20 for 125 yards. The Falcons had planned to match up man to man with in secondary with Ryan Nicols, Jake Theriault and Dom Haines.

Mountain Valley (2-5) needed to find a way to move the ball, offensively, but that didn't materialize. MV quarterback Ryan Nicols was constant under pressure, Pat Finnegan intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for a TD.

The Falcons have a chance to redeem themselves this Friday night in the regular season final with Cape Elizabeth. RUMFORD -- It certainly has been a trying season for the Mountain Valley football team, but when faced with adversity it's
 important to dig down deep and hopefully turn things around.
The Falcons had great expectations when they traveled south to Cumberland. However, it became apparent early in the game that they simply didn't have enough weapons.
The combination of a swarming defense and a well-rounded offense was the difference as Greely posted a 35-0 win over Mountain Valley in a Class B tilt game Friday night.
It was the second straight week that Mountain Valley was shut out, Wells had won 28-0 in Rumford. Ranger QB Drew Hodge made out to be a dual threat by throwing for two TDs and also rushed for a score. This included a 58-yard strike to Nick Maynard and one-yard to Svenn Jacobsen.
The Rangers (6-1), who beat the Falcons for first-time ever, set the tone  when they scored on the opening possession of the contest. Hodge capped a 10-play drive with a 31-yard run and made it 14-0 on an 18-play drive in second quarter. Jacobson gained 100 yards in first half.
The Rangers´ defense smothered the Mountain Valley offense in the opening 24 minutes. The Falcons made it over midfield only once in the first half, managed only two first downs and totaled 39 yards of offense.
"They were just real quick," said Mountain Valley Coach Jim Alyward, who returned after undergoing throat surgery earlier in the week. "They´re a terrific team and they play very physical. They´re not overly big but the kids they have are strong and quick. I thought they played terrific."
The loss marked a third straight setback for the Falcons. Hodge completed nine of 20 for 125 yards. The Falcons had planned to match up man to man with in secondary with Ryan Nicols, Jake Theriault and Dom Haines.  
Mountain Valley (2-5) needed to find a way to move the ball, offensively, but that didn't materialize. MV quarterback Ryan Nicols was constant under pressure, Pat Finnegan intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for a TD.
The Falcons have a chance to redeem themselves this Friday night in the regular season final with Cape Elizabeth.