Wildcats outlast Falcons in turnover-plagued game

YORK -- Every week represents a bigger test, and in football there is numerous aspects that need to be addressed, so Mountain Valley needed to have all its wings in flight in a Class B Campbell Conference tilt last Friday night.
The Falcons lined up with standing water on the field as the inclement weather and York was too much to overcome in a 14-12 loss.
MV quarterback Ryan Nicols tried to generate a drive in the final two minutes, but it concluded with a turnover. The teams combined for over a dozen turnovers, under adverse conditions.
Mountain Valley entered the game having won two-straight games, including a 35-6 win over Gray-New Gloucester the previous week.
The initial miscue by York was a fumble on its own niney, set MV up. On fourth and goal, Jake Theriault ran in a four-yard touchdown.
On the ensuing possession, York tried a pass, but the ball slipped away and into the hands of Dom Haines, who returned it 52 yards for a TD.
"Really proud of the kids. We knew this would be a hard game," said MV coach Jim Aylward, well aware that York presented a bigger challenge. "You don't like losing, but in a loss like that with the effort we put in, I'm very pleased."
Following both MV scores, it was unsuccessful on attempted two-point conversions. This would come back to haunt the Falcons.
York (4-1) was stout defensively, limiting MV to 16 yards of total offense in the game. The Wildcats QB Ross Hogan scored on a nine-yard run and the extra point made it 12-7.          
"York is a terrific team," said Aylward. "They returned 20 of 22 position starters and have a big offensive line."
MV received the second-half kickoff, but couldn't move the ball and was forced to punt. York took possession and marched down field, highlighted by a 25-yard pass play. Back Ross Hogan scored on a nine-yard run and a second PAT.
MV entered less than full strength. Matt Hosie was a game time decision; still limited by nagging leg injuries. Brett Beauchesne was nursing a sore ankle.
Two other starters were doubtful from being banged up at GNG. The Falcons had new starters on the offensive line for the fifth straight week. A positive has been the play by Dom Haines, who transferred from Telstar. Aylward definitely wasn't making excuses and said MV will play who is available.