RUMFORD – Mountain Valley is reaping the benefits of altering its lineup by moving individuals into different weight classes.

The Falcons swept their three matches Saturday, getting a clinching pin from Josh Allen (189 pounds) in a 39-36 triumph against York.

Mountain Valley (13-4) had earlier crushed Fryeburg 59-3 and then finished strong by beating Wells 48-25 by winning nine straight matches. The streak included Josh Thornton (135) and Brian Cogley (171) getting victories in overtime.

The results provided a preview for the Mid-State League and regional championships scheduled for the next two weekends.

“We’ve made the team stronger,” Falcons coach Gary Dolloff said. “The adjustments have also given the kids a better chance, beginning with Matt Duka at 145, where he is a lot better than at 160. Even though he lost by (7-6) to (Alex) Hymanson of York, it will speak volumes in the future.

“Our practices have been great, and the conditioning is right there.”

Thornton countered Matt Dibona in the extra session by securing a leg and pushing in. Thornton eventually rotated his upper body to gain control. Cogley forced overtime by executing a takedown in the final second of regulation. The Falcons’ sophomore then spun behind his opponent for the winning takedown.

“It’s easier for me to compete at 171,” Cogley said. “When I was (at 215), the wrestlers were just too big for me. Now I can move a lot better.”

Derek Sicotte, a two-time state finalist, has dropped to 140 and is encouraged following six straight wins. The move was made easier because Sicotte didn’t need to pull any weight in a match against Ryan Vartanian. The Wells senior led 2-1 when Sicotte pinned the Warrior.

“I’ll stay at 140 now,” Sicotte said. “I knew (Vartanian) would be a tough match. It wasn’t a lateral I threw, but I had a chicken wing, and I felt his weight lean in, and he went right to his back.”

The Falcons responded quickly against York (20-10) with pins by Ryan Burgess (112) and Cody Magoon (119). T.J. Burgess lost, but the pins resumed with Ernie Matthews (130), Sicotte, Taylor Bradley (152) and Allen. Eddie Estes won an 11-5 decision at 160. Every point was needed because the Wildcats nearly erased a 21-point deficit.

“We’ve still never gotten to Mountain Valley in a dual meet,” York coach Wally Caldwell said. “We moved a few kids around and had a chance, but a couple we thought would win didn’t. The next few weeks should be interesting and a lot will depend on how each kid matches up.”

Fryeburg senior Jessie Sawin continued his winning ways with three victories at 285.