RUMFORD – Mountain Valley coach Jim Aylward told his football players that when they prepare well, they play well. The Falcons were nearly perfect Friday night.
Senior running back Aaron Arsenault went over 1,000 yards for the season, while quarterback Andy Shorey and Travis Fergola each scored touchdowns as unbeaten Mountain Valley cruised to a 40-0 victory over Lake Region at Hosmer Field.
Mountain Valley (8-0), the defending Class B champions, extended its unbeaten streak to 20 games, the longest in the state. The Falcons have clinched home-field advantage throughout the upcoming playoffs.
“We knew Lake Region would be out to get us,” Arsenault said. “We’d heard they had gotten 20 kids back, and we worked hard. Our team was aware that we could get home-field advantage in the playoffs and we wanted it.”
The Falcons utilized their ball-control offense and Arsenault (187 yards, 16 rushes) was a key piece. The running back broke several tackles on a 36-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
“I was pumped tonight because I wanted to go over 1,000 yards,” Arsenault said. “The offensive line really opened up some holes.”
The Falcon defense proved equally strong, limiting the Lakers to 45 yards on the ground and no first downs. Matt Glover had two sacks, and Kyle Dow and Thaddeus Bennett clogged up the middle. That left linebackers Brendan Bradley and Fergola free to pursue.
“This is a great team with a lot of spirit,” Fergola said. “The defense had been solid, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Fergola gained 72 yards on seven carries, while scoring on runs of 3 and 34 yards. Fergola will require surgery on his right hand after the playoffs.
Mountain Valley’s pressure prevented Lake Region (2-6) from generating any positive yardage. QB Nick Mullins (0-8, two interceptions) was constantly flushed out of the pocket. Corey Dillman gained 28 yards.
The Lakers’ Brandon Allen picked off a pass at the Falcons 32-yard line, but two plays later, Falcon freshman Jason Stairs intercepted his second of the first half.
Mountain Valley had a 3-to-1 advantage in total plays. Devin Roberts scored on a 9-yard burst and D.J. Gerrish kicked four extra points.
The Falcon scored on all five possessions in the first half.
Shorey scored on keepers of 1 and 2 yards.
“We practiced hard all week,” Shorey said. “The team continues to execute, and defensively we focused on shutting down their QB from getting outside and passing in the flats.”
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