WELLS – The thought of wrestling wasn’t on Ben Madigan’s mind. He had to contend with the flu as well as his opponents.

But he eventually took care of business on the mat. His efforts were welcomed by Mountain Valley which went on to win the Atlantic Invitational Saturday by beating runner-up Lisbon, 194-174. It was the Falcons first Atlantic win since repeating in 1994 and 1995.

The Falcons had received a shot in the arm when freshman Zach Bradley won the 119 final by beating Charlie Stambach of Lisbon. It was the only head-to-head final matchup between the teams. Bradley countered Stambach to score a takedown and near fall in the final minute for a 6-4 decision. Lisbon, three-time defending Class C state champions, won the Atlantic in 2002.

The Mid-State League rivals battled for bragging rights the entire day, with the Falcons leading after the consolation finals. Mike Gilbert and Chris Cayer placed third at 103 and 135, respectively. Madigan put Mountain Valley ahead to stay by pinning Corey Brown of Wells in the first period.

“I knew the score with Lisbon was close,” Madigan said. “They had caught us in the lower weights. I wasn’t sure if I could even wrestle today because I’m just getting over the flu. But the more I wrestled the better I felt.”

Lisbon took a three-point lead after Mitch Harmon stuck Kyle Miele of Dirigo at 145. The Greyhounds’ Tyler Clark (103) and Tim Sewall (125) won crowns. Clark stuck Sam Clark of York.

Mountain Valley champions Chris Smith (171), Travis Dragoon (189) and David Smith at (275) each raised their records to 12-0. Chris Smith came from behind to decision Dan Racenellio of Kennebunk 14-12. David Smith stuck Mike Sickengen-Han.

The Falcons’ Travis Child (130) and Mike Hanson (215) were finalist. Child, previously unbeaten, was decisioned 6-4 by Lincoln Academy’s David Gregory, who was voted the most outstanding wrestler. Child had beaten the Eagle wrestler twice, but Gregory figured things out.

“Three things were key today” Lincoln coach Andy Mullin said. “David shot in for takedowns, and unlike last week, he didn’t give up any back points. Plus, he had choice in the third period and I think that’s an advantage.”

Pat Castin (15-0) of Wells won a major decision.

Hollis-Brookline of New Hampshire was third with 109 points, followed by Wells 97 and Kennebunk 95.

Dirigo returned to the tournament following a one-year absence and earned fourths by Devin Brann (152) and Randy Hall (160).

“These kids are gaining,” Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert said. “Despite their youth, they are coachable.”

Nate Hix of Lisbon was bumped up to 135, but won another championship. Greyhound finalists were Justin Cornell (112), Troy Clark (140) and Ian McKeag (160). Clark lost 10-5 to Kennebunk state champion Mike Dumis.

“What more could we do,” Lisbon coach Mark Stevens said. “The kids wrestled great. Two kids reached the finals who surprised us and Harmon was a No. 8 seed.”

Shawn Hoagland of Fryeburg was third at 125.

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