Defense leads Winthrop football to win over Mountain Valley

Winthrop’s Jacob Fieth, left, carries the ball while Mountain Valley’s Dylan Theriault moves in to attempt the tackle during the Ramblers’ 42-0 win on Thursday in Winthrop. (Joe Phelan/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image

WINTHROP — In its football season opener, Winthrop’s offense led the way to a victory.

In Week 2, the Ramblers’ defense paved the way.

Winthrop held Mountain Valley to 109 yards and forced four turnovers — three in the first quarter — on the way to a 42-0 victory in a Class D game Thursday night at Charlie’s Field.

Ben Porter, a senior, had a sack and caught four passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

“That’s what we wanted, to go out and set the tempo as a defense and play to our pace,” Porter said. “The thing we pride ourselves on is turnovers and we got that job done tonight.”

Sophomore Porter Lavigne was forced into action at quarterback for Winthrop after starter Jacob Feith suffered an arm injury. Lavigne was steady throughout, completing 6 of 10 passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Also the team’s punter and kicker, Lavigne was 4 of 5 on extra points.

“There were some nerves there originally,” Lavigne said. “I went into the huddle to calm down and managed to finish that first drive with (a touchdown pass to Porter).”

Colton Gallant had 37 rushing yards on 13 carries for Mountain Valley (0-2).

How did they get there?

A dominant defense. Winthrop’s defense created havoc. In the first quarter, Brock Dewar and Clyde Moody each intercepted a pass by Blake Small (5 of 10, 88 yards). The Ramblers also forced a fumble.

“We just want to be physical with people (on defense),” said Winthrop coach Joel Stoneton. “When we get physical, we start to see things (like turnovers) happen. We’re starting to see that.”

Mason Fish also had an interception for Winthrop.

Winthrop struggled to run the ball, though Carter Rand did rush for 78 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Ross Fitchthorn had 38 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.

“It’s great to know we’re a well-balanced team, but we know if we don’t come out and play to our level, we won’t get the outcome we want,” Porter said. “We need to play to our level every single week and elevate the offense and defense like we know we can do.”

The Ramblers’ passing game got a jolt when Lavigne entered the game. He hit Porter for a 22-yard touchdown pass on his first drive. The pair also connected on a 29-yard play in the second half, when Porter yanked the ball away from a Falcons defender.

“We always say in practice, ‘Put Ben on a 50-50 ball and he’ll always come down with it,’ and it shows,” Lavigne said.

Lavigne had a 4-yard touchdown pass to Brody Adams in the fourth quarter.

Key moment

Lavigne’s touchdown pass to Porter gave Winthrop a 13-0 lead in the second quarter, and confidence it could win the game with its sophomore quarterback.

“We always preach next guy up,” Stoneton said. “We always make sure we do equal reps (in practice) to make sure the next guy is ready to go. (Lavigne) played with good poise and did a nice job.”

Comic relief

With his team up 27-0 in the third quarter, Lavigne boomed a punt into Mountain Valley territory. Fichthorn ran down the field on punt coverage, ready to make a tackle on the returner.

Not seeing the ball, the punt bounced off the top of Fichthorn’s helmet and through the end zone. The play was ruled a touchback.