RUMFORD — Chris Day probably could have predicted how many snaps he might get when the football season began — none.

The senior backup quarterback figured his opportunities behind center were going to be limited if not non-existent this season for the Mountain Valley Falcons.

“I didn’t even think I was going to be on offense,” said Day, a two-year starter in the secondary. “I thought I’d keep my defensive spot and keep the sidelines up on offense.”

A funny thing happened on the way to today’s Western B final at Cape Elizabeth. Day not only got a surprise start in the season opener, but has been the Falcons’ quarterback for much of the season. 

“Chris has applied himself to high school sports all the way through,” said Mountain Valley coach Jim Aylward. “He takes them seriously. He’s been dedicated to the basketball program, and he’s been dedicated to the football program. It’s kind of what he’s been working for. It’s great to see a kid get an opportunity that they’ve worked for that they might not have gotten in different circumstances. There’s a silver lining in every problem.”

The problem for the Falcons was that starter Cam Kaubris injured his shoulder in the preseason. He missed the season-opener with hopes of returning quickly. Day filled in and did a fine job as the Falcons opened the season with a win at Lake Region. Day  threw a pair of early touchdown passes and completed six-of-seven passes for 161 yards. He figured it might be his one and only start.

“That first game, that’s why it meant so much to me,” he said. “I thought that was going to be my one opportunity for the year.”

Day remained the starter as Kaubris’ return was delayed. The Falcons hummed along, and Day improved as he got more comfortable in the role.

“My ability has been able to progress over the season,” he said. “That comes from playing. I’ve had opportunities to get better because of my line and my receivers are outstanding.”

Kaubris returned for three games, against Greely, Cape Elizabeth and York. The Monday before the playoff game at York, Day learned that Kaubris would not be able to finish the season, and the quarterback job was his once again. Most teams would have been reeling had they learned their starting quarterback was lost just prior to the playoffs, but the Falcons barely missed a beat. Day threw for a touchdown and passed for 84 yards on seven completions to lead the Falcons to a 14-10 win.

“I think it helps the whole team,” said Aylward. “Injuries can be an excuse. High school kids and coaches will say, ‘We lost this, so now everything is sunk.’ When you know that the kid that is stepping in has already proved he can do it, you want to work harder. You have a belief that we can still get this done. It’s not as devastating. We’ve been very fortunate. Even though we’ve been without Cam, we’re not starting from square one with Chris.”

The Falcons have been a team that needed a number of players to step into larger roles this season. Many of the go-to players from last year’s state championship team graduated. Day has helped set the tone for what has been a year of transition and growing pains for the Falcons, but also one in which Mountain Valley has still maintained its lofty status in Western B.

Day’s leadership and work ethic has been a significant factor in his ability to step in and fill such a challenging role on such short notice. Aylward says it is an opportunity he has worked diligently for for three years. Having succeeded, he’s given hope and proof to any player on the sidelines waiting for that moment.That’s been important since injuries have hit the Falcons hard. Day had a concussion at one point. Matt Duka injured his ankle. Tyler
Mason was lost to a knee injury while others players have been banged
up or hobbled. Aylward says halfback Tim Ross is another player that has come in because of injury and taken advantage of his chance.

“He’s not only in there, but he’s in there making plays,” said Aylward. “It’s great as a coach when you see kids that close their mouths, work real hard and have good thing happen to them.”

Day didn’t play against Cape Elizabeth the first time around. With the playoff win at York under his belt, he’s ready for his chance to win a regional title.

“The whole team is feeling pretty confident,” said Day. “We’re working hard this week in practice, and we’ll work hard Saturday and we’ll see what happens.”

In a season that has already been better than he could have imagined, a win Saturday would be fitting.

“That’d be a memory I’d never forget,” he said. “That’d be pretty cool.”