RUMFORD — The Dirigo wrestling team made a statement Saturday, dominating the field to win its first Class B South regional championship.

The Cougars had participated in Class C until this season as the Maine Principals’ Association merged the bottom two classes due to lower numbers.

Dirigo’s overall depth, regardless of class, was evident as the Cougars scored 200 points with five individual champions to claim the team crown Saturday, pulling away from River Valley rival Mountain Valley, which scored 147.5.

Dirigo champions Griffyn Smith (113-pounds), Hunter White (138), Bryce Whittemore (152), Dalton Berry (195) and Lucas McDonald (220) earned the most points for the squad.

“Some Class C coaches had been told that we had soft state meets — I hadn’t heard it — so we couldn’t compete up here,” Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert said. “So to come in here and win by 50 (points) is impressive.”

Mountain Valley champions included Caleb Austin (126), Ethan Boucher (132) and Eddie DeRoche (145).

Wells 103.5, Erskine Academy 88.5, Lisbon 63, Monmouth Academy and Oak Hill rounded out the top six.

The top four wrestlers in 14 weight classes have qualified for the state meet next Saturday at Oceanside High School in Rockland.

Dirigo had its mind geared toward dethroning Mountain Valley, which won the Class B regional crown last year. The Cougars advanced eight to the finals and held a 46 point lead entering the championship consolations and finals, which were held simultaneously.

Dirigo secured the team crown after Vinny DeRoche of Mountain Valley was pinned by Ryan Norton of Wells at 106 pounds. Smith, a three-time state champion, pinned Xavier Adams of Lisbon in the finals.

“We’ve wrestled with each other for years. It leads to great team chemistry,” said Smith, who won his fourth regional title. “We know when to push someone in practice or here at a tournament.”

Mountain Valley won two of three head-to-head matches against Dirigo in the finals. After Austin defeated Cullen Cummings of Wells by technical fall at 15-0, Boucher, a two-time Class B state champion, stuck Colin Woodhead of Dirigo in 2:35.

In a rubber match, White won a 4-2 decision against the Falcons’ Mike Provencher. The two had split matches the past two weeks. Provencher executed the initial takedown and the score remained the same in to the third period. White was on defense and grabbed an arm that exposed Provencher’s back to the mat. Provencher still maintained control, but the mat official awarded two near-fall points before awarding a reversal.

“The day didn’t start well, with two wrestlers not making weight. But, the guys who were (counted on) won,” Mountain Valley coach Gary Dolloff said. “There was some surprises, like Tyreek (Rankins), who has been out for two weeks and is going to states. Issac Therrian (third at 152) pulled one out. I just love watching Danny Bruno (third at 182) and Vinny (DeRoche) has a lot of heart.”

Eddie DeRoche pinned Tucker Barnett of Dirigo in 3:22.

“I’ve wrestled him several times this season and I knew what Tucker was going to do,” Eddie DeRoche said. “I went very aggressive and he doesn’t like that and wrestles a slower pace.”

Oak Hill’s Danny Buteau and Brendon Tervo each won championships at 120 and 170, respectively. Buteau, a two-time state champion, executed a 2-point near fall with 22 seconds left for a 6-4 decision over Calvin Thompson of Monmouth. Tervo reached back for a head chancey and stuck Jake Spofford of Wells. Whittemore built an early lead and then alertly rolled out of a near pin for a 13-1 win over Justin Studholm of Erskine. Berry pinned Zach Morin of Lisbon.

“Our team depth was key,” said MacDonald, who recorded his 150th win after sticking Brendon Dean in finals. “We have eleven wrestlers who can score points. We’ll need every one against Foxcroft (Academy) next week in the state meet.”

The Cougars’ Spencer Vaughn was a finalist at 182. John Flagg at 120, John Wainwright at 126 and Nolan DeGroot at 170 each placed third. Kurtis Bolton of Lisbon and Mountain Valley’s Ian Brennick placed third at 138 and 220, respectively.