RUMFORD – A team usually reflects its leader, and if experience counts, then Ted Heroux definitely fits the bill

Under his direction, Belfast scored 190.5 points to repeat as champions Saturday at the 23rd annual McDonald’s Invitational.

For the second straight year, Class C Dirigo finished second with 139 points behind champions Derek Daley (140 pounds) and Jon Smith (145). The Cougars had some strong performances, with six finalists and eight medalists in the top four of their respective weight classes.

Still, it was Belfast that dominated the daylong event with individual champions Josh Robbins (125), Jimmy Spencer (140), Kote Aldus (160), Mike Rollerson (171) and Travis Spencer at 189. The Lions placed 10 wrestlers and had things wrapped up prior to the championships and consolation finals, which were were held simultaneously.

“We came here thinking first or second,” Heroux said, who has been coaching for four decades. “Eight in finals and four in cons is really good. The kids wrestled well, and we have a solid team.”

Lisbon finished third with 121.5 points with its quanity of wrestlers, and host Mountain Valley (102.5) edged Deering by two and one half points.

The surprise of the day was Taylor Bradley (unattached) who won the 152 in triple overtime against Ben Stoodley of Oxford Hills. The Mountain Valley freshman competed as a ‘B’ team and wasn’t able to score a single point for the Falcons’ varsity squad.

Neither wrestler recorded a takedown in the first OT, and Bradley was unable to score from the defensive position in the second OT. Stoodley, who tied the match 10-10 (spladle) at the end of regulation, executed a standing escape with 12 seconds left in the third extra session.

“I thought the match was over at that point,” Bradley said. “I didn’t realize we had to wrestle the final seconds. I had to clear my head, but the fans were behind me.”

Bradley engineered a five-point move and was voted the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.

The Cougars received some upsets early on and certainly flexed their muscles. Daley, the 2006 state champion, rolled the dice and pinned Mountain Valley freshman Josh Thornton with a grapevine.

“Josh is a young wrestler, but he is good,” Daley said. I was able to cover his legs and get inside for the takedown.”

Brett Staples advanced to the 125 finals after a decision over Mike McNamara in the semifinals. Staples credits his new confidence, but he was unable to solve Robbins, a two-time state champion. Other Cougar finalists were Adam Gatchell and Kevin O’Leary at 171 and 189, respectively. Josh Palmer (third) beat Cam Bubar of Lisbon at 160.

Mountain Valley freshman Ryan Burgess stuck Dylan Castonguay in 50 seconds at 103. Matthews wrestled technically to decision Ryan Toussaint of Deering 5-0. Matthews had decisioned Touissant in the Westbrook Invitational finals one week ago.

“I faced him last also, so I knew what to expect,” Matthews said. “He is a good wrestler and a cousin of teammate Derek Sicotte (third at 145). In the third period, I only led 3-0, so I kept my hips (square) and my hands down.”

Smith, two-time state champion, outpointed Zack Shellabarger of Belfast 7-2. Smith utilized his quickness for three takedowns.

“He made me work,” Smith said. “I relied on my quickness because I kept pushing his head down, and when he’d come back up, I’d time my shoots.”

Chris Smith, the Deering three-time Class A state champion, pinned Mike Nicolson of Lisbon at 119. The Greyhounds had thirds from Josh Pomperleau (112), McNamara, Mike McManus (130), Kyle Huston (152) and Joe Doughty (215).

Matt Stoodley (215) of Oxford Hills was pinned by Dustin Weimer of Deering. Jesse Sawin of Fryeburg was a champion at (285).