RUMFORD — Mountain Valley had an opportunity to get back on track friday night, and the Falcons didn’t waste the situation.

A trio of runners — Curtis Gauvin, Kyle Farrar and Troy Cochran — each scored touchdowns and the Falcons benefitted from a stout defensive effort en route to a 20-0 triumph over Freeport before a Homecoming crowd at Chet Bulger Field.

The Falcons have been struggling, but recent results have changed the team’s mindset and has instilled a degree of positivity in the latter part of the regular season. 

Mountain Valley (2-4) clinched a playoff berth for the second straight year with the win. The Falcons established the line of scrimmage in the second quarter and benefitted from a defense that held Freeport to 165 total yards of offense.

“Freeport came to play,” Mountain Valley coach Steve LaPointe said. “It was a physical game. I’m proud of our kids because they played hard and got the job done.”

Mountain Valley received excellent field position to start the second quarter and immediately marched up the field. Farrar caught a short pass from quarterback Alex Ridley to set up a first and goal at the 9. Three plays later, Gauvin followed the left side of the line, for a 1-yard plunge. The attempted point after was kicked in to the line, but the Falcons led 6-0.

“We had planed to run it right at them,” said Farrar, who gained 156 yards on 24 carries). “Our line is working well, plus it helped because their backs were playing up close to the line and allowed us to bounce outside.”

On the ensuing possession, Freeport’s Max Doughty broke containment and ran 55 yards, but Farrar tackled him in the red zone. The Falcons defense stiffened with a tackle by Alan Carrier pn third down and a sack by Drew McKenna for a 21-yard loss. Mountain Valley took over on downs.

Farrar ran in a 33-yard TD and Mike Provencher (27 yards) rushed the conversion with 5:54 remaining in the first half to lead 14-0.

“It was a good night,”LaPointe said. “‘We not only clinched a playoff spot, but the seniors were able to go out on top on Homecoming and senior night.”

Mountain Valley had a productive running game (215 yards). In the fourth quarter, Cochran bolted over the line for a 2-yard TD.

“The defense forced Freeport to turn the ball over on downs four times, including twice in the red zone.

“We wanted to punch them right in the mouth,” Brennick said. “It’s like bringing back old Mountain Valley football. We are like a family and I wouldn’t want to play with any one else.”