Falcon wrestlers down Cougars, 45-27

RUMFORD -- The Mountain Valley wrestling team utilized its veterans, again to pull away from Dirigo with a 45-27 win in Mid State League action.

Mountain Valley and Dirigo each tuned up by crushing Monmouth by 64-12 and 59-15, respectively.

The Falcons utilized its upper weights to beat Dirigo 44-27 last month. The rematch was anticipated to be more competitive.

Mountain Valley (13-2) took control when it was necessary, winning nine of the 11 contested matches, including ruling the upper weights with 24 points by Taylor Carey (171), Josh Allen (189), Christian Durland (215) and Ryan Glover (285).

“I told the kids go for a pin,” said Falcon coach Gary Dolloff, who is retiring after 24 years with the program. “It was the final home meet and don’t leave anything on the mat.”

In a rubber match, Allen pinned Kyle Foyt-Bridges of Monmouth. The two seniors had split in two previous matches this season. Allen had won 18-6 on the same mat two weeks ago. This time, Allen executed two front Salto throws to shock the Mustang wrestler.

“I didn’t know if I’d be able to throw the second salto,” said Allen. “Ryan Glover had just shown it to me. (Foyt-Bridges) is a good wrestler.”

Class C Dirigo (12-2) had actually taken a 21-18 lead on wins by Thomas Barnett and DJ Webber at 160 and 152. Webber stuck Santos Rodriguez (152). Barnett executed a reversal with 25 seconds left for a 7-5 decision over fellow freshmen Zach Cross.

“We have five freshmen and six sophomores,” said Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert. “I’m looking for a good effort from the kids. They need to wrestle for the entire match.”

Two-time state champion Ryan Burgess of MV decisioned Caleb Hall by 2-0 in overtime. The two had been scoreless through regulation. Hall was in deep on a takedown, but Burgess grabbed a leg and pushed it over.

MV senior Cody Magoon stuck Brett Whittemore at 125.

“I felt strong,” said Magoon. “I used arm bars and tried not to put any strain on my injured shoulders.

Both of my shoulders have been operated on and when I was injured earlier this season I thought my career was over, but coaches talked me into coming back and I’m glad I did.”

Joe Provencher (135) spun behind with one second left to beat Jesse Hutchinson, 9-7. MV state champion Josh Thornton (145) stuck Julian Baldinelli and Jake Thornton pinned Eric Holman at 112.