FARMINGTON – The Mt. Blue football team was forced to change its strategy, and it paid off at chilly Caldwell Field Friday.

Mt. Blue scored on its first four possessions, including two by Mike Toothaker, en route to a convincing 43-0 win overt Oxford Hills in a season opener.

Mt. Blue (1-0) went to work early behind the huge offensive line as Toothaker ( 84 yards) ran in from 1 and 5 yards, respectively. The explosive Cougar gun offense had failed to materialize fully in their scrimmage.

“After last week, this performance feels good,” Mt. Blue coach Gary Parlin said. “We couldn’t get out of our own way against Brunswick. Tonight we did, and I also became a grandfather today, so all is good in the world.”

Oxford Hills (0-1) simply couldn’t sustain good drives against the Cougar defense, led by Eric Gilbert, Chris Gross and Pete Farnum. QB Jon Cote passed to Ethan Sutton for 4 and 23 yards.

Kyle Purington rambled 32 yards on broken tackles for a TD. QB Joe Gilbert passed 28 yards to Curtis Steele for a score. Gilbert was seven of 15 for 117 yards in the first half

“The coaches up in the booth called those pass plays,” Gilbert said. “I thought the team did well for our first game. The line blocked well and the backs kept running.”

The Vikings’ Andrew Hart intercepted a pass and Josh Flanders rushed for 48 yards. Art Trask kicked five PATs, and Justin Lowe caught three passes for 48 yards.

“We changed our count,” Parlin said. “Having the offensive line get off the ball was a key. “

Mt. Blue scored in the second half on runs by Derek and Shane Luker. Oxford Hills converted one of 11 on third down.

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