RUMFORD – Two Mountain Valley High School seniors were honored Friday morning by students and staff for their athletic achievements.

Justin Staires, 18, of Roxbury, was lauded as a finalist for the prestigious Fitzpatrick Trophy, given to the best football player in the state. He is a running back for the Falcons and has also played basketball and baseball.

Ernie Matthews, 18, of Rumford, was lauded for breaking the record for most wrestling match wins at the school. He has won 139 matches so far, topping Jesse Peterson’s record of 129 in 2000.

He also is on the tennis and golf teams.

“We were in front of the whole school. My parents were in the front row. This made me really happy,” said Matthews, who plans to attend college next fall to study criminal justice.

“It was a great honor to be honored by the school,” said Staires, who also plans to attend college in the fall but has not decided on his major.

Both attributed much of their success to their coaches.

“We’re blessed with having Gary Dolloff as a coach. He always pushes us,” Matthews said of his wrestling leader.

Staires said football coach Jim Alyward has been critical to his achievement, and, “I like the team spirit.”

Staires’ football jersey, No. 15, and Matthews’ wrestling uniform will be framed and hung on the wall outside the high school gym.