It’s always a tough assignment playing the top team in any sport. The Mountain Valley Falcons are soaring high atop the Eight-man Football Small Conference with little-to-no competition. It was Boothbay’s turn Oct. 7 as they hosted the undefeated Falcons and became the sixth Mountain Valley foe to be overwhelmed with a 54-0 loss at Sherman Field. Boothbay is 1-5 coming off a couple hard-fought, but close losses to Telstar and Dirigo. This was Boothbay’s fifth straight loss. 

“We knew coming in how good Mountain Valley is,” Coach Ed Crocker said. “They have dominated the league and probably have the three best running backs in the conference. One scored seven touchdowns and ran for 450 yards. They have enough players and are good enough to still be playing 11-man.”

Mountain Valley is 6-0 which includes three shutout victories. But Boothbay planned on combating the Falcons with hard-nosed, smart football. “We didn’t roll over and die. We played hard and hit them hard at times,” Crocker said. “We are good enough to be one of the better teams in the league, but mistakes keep killing us.”

This was also the last home game for eight seniors: Kayden Ames, Drew Meader, Connor Wenners, Dylan Plummer, Caden Royal, Tyler Barter, Ryan Amaral and Damien Torre. Crocker described them as close-knit, cohesive group. “Each is one is so different, I think that is why they work so well together,” he said. “They are all good friends who work hard and push each other every day.”

Boothbay travels to Kittery to play their final conference game against winless Traip at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15.