LEWISTON – For a half of football Friday night, Lewiston felt a little blue.

Mt. Blue used big plays to chalk up three first-half scores as the Cougars handled the Blue Devils, 21-7, in Eastern Class A Pine Tree Conference action at Don Roux Field.

The win spoiled Senior Night at Franklin Pasture, boosting the visitors’ playoff aspirations while putting a serious crimp in those of Lewiston (1-5).

Mt. Blue (4-2) wasted little time taking control. Garrett Lake found Pete Tinguely for a 51-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline less than two minutes into the contest.

“We’ve been working all week to change our fade and lead him more,” said senior quarterback Lake. “I just put it out there and let him go get it.”

While it was the Cougars’ only score through the air, coach Gary Parlin had nothing but praise for his senior quarterback.

“I thought it was the best game he’s played,” said Parlin. “He threw the ball real well tonight. He’s a hard worker, and he keeps at it.”

The Cougars wasted little time expanding their lead. After forcing a three-and-out, Mt. Blue took its time covering the 65 yards in four-and-a-half minutes. Lance Meader scored the first of his two touchdowns on a three-yard plunge up the middle.

“Our offense came out strong,” said Meader. “The blocks were right there, and we had the motivation to stick it in.”

Midway through the second quarter Meader broke free for a 46-yard score. The senior took the pitch to the right side and had to avoid two open-field tackles as he tightroped down the sideline.

Despite a 21-0 halftime lead, both teams heard a lecture in the locker room.

“I think we were as bad as we’ve been to them all year,” said Parlin. “They came down thinking it was over. We told them they (Lewiston) were down with their backs against the wall and their seniors playing their last home game. It wasn’t over. They may be the best 1-5 team in the state.”

In the Blue Devils huddle, the message, although from a different angle, was pretty much the same.

“We were a little bit down coming off the field at halftime,” said Lewiston coach Bill County. “The captains got in the locker room and did a good job. They said regardless of the score, let’s go out and play football because we enjoy it.”

Lewiston managed to close the holes in the second half, keeping Mt. Blue out of the end zone for the remainder of the game. The Devils avoided a shutout with one final push in the game’s final seconds.

After recovering a fumble at midfield with 40 seconds left, Chris Ford hit Brian Harris twice. The first took the team to the 17, the next the end zone with six ticks on the clock.

“We’re not successful right now,” said County, “but we’re still doing what we love to do on Friday night.”

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