Five hundred sixty-eight points scored.

Eighty-one points against.

Fourteen seconds behind, all year.

Twelve wins. No losses.

The numbers tell the story. Mountain Valley High School of Rumford-Mexico was the Sun Journal’s All-Region football team of this and many years.

“Coming from freshman year to now, it’s been an amazing ride,” said Justin Staires, a four-year, two-way starter and semifinalist for the Fitzpatrick Trophy, presented each year to the outstanding senior football player in the state.

Mountain Valley reached the Class B final for the third straight year, routing Morse, 52-7. The Falcons have hoisted the state champion’s Gold Ball two of the last three seasons and three out of five.

With a touchdown and an extra point midway through the first quarter, Morse took a 7-6 lead over Mountain Valley, becoming the first team to enjoy a lead over the Falcons.

Staires swiped away the exultation and momentum in the space of a few rapid heartbeats, running back the ensuing kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. Mountain Valley led 20-7 by the end of the first quarter.

By game’s end, Staires stole the show with more than 300 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns. Matt Laubauskas, Staires’ cousin and cohort in the Falcons’ backfield the last three years, ran over the Shuipbuilders for two more scores.

Built like most other teams’ linemen, Staires and Laubauskas gave Mountain Valley a one-two punch not even their most physically mature opponents could stop.

“When you come into a game and have Justin Staires and Matt Laubauskas healthy, you know that all you have to do is run the ball straight up,” said Mountain Valley coach Jim Aylward.

John Gorham, a senior wingback, provided another breakaway threat when the Falcons needed a change of pace.

Sophomore quarterback Cameron Kaubris excelled in his first year with the keys to the Mountain Valley offense. Travis Ruff and Staires were his favorite receivers.

Mountain Valley averaged 47 points per game behind an offensive line that ranged from 180-pound center Brian Cogley to 300-point giants Ryan Laubauskas and Kenny Grant. Cole Clark was a two-way, all-region standout.

The Falcons’ defense mustered only two shutouts, but that total was deceiving. Gray-New Gloucester, Fryeburg and York each scored in the fourth quarter of a one-sided game against Mountain Valley substitutes. And with the exception of a 28-19 win over Cape Elizabeth in the Western Maine final, nobody reached the end zone more than once.

Staires, Matt Laubauskas, Matt Duka and Christian Durland joined Clark as linchpins of the defense.

“We knew (the state final) would be the same as every other game,” said Gorham, “or worse.”

Yes, at the end of the day, 52-7 was just about average.