The Rivals

The Rivals

This story takes place in Maine, but it's a tale that occurs throughout America as summer gives way to the first chill of fall. Two rival high schools from rival towns settle their differences on the football field. White collar vs. blue collar. Haves vs. have-nots. The game can crown only one victor, but the lessons it teaches about discipline, respect and brotherhood will produce multiple winners.

The Rivals: Sneak Peek

Tensions mount as the town that has everything faces off against the town that is struggling to get by.

Aaron Filieo

Aaron Filieo

3 Years Coaching 17 Wins - 12 Losses Aaron Filieo grew up in South Portland, Maine, located between the state's biggest city, Portland, and one of its wealthiest suburbs, Cape Elizabeth. In his playing days Filieo led his high school football team to the state championship as an All-State offensive lineman. Influenced by his high school coach, who Filieo says helped mold him into the hardworking man he is today, Filieo attended college and earned his teaching degree before returning to South Portland to apprentice under his old high school coach. While working for the nearby Cape Elizabeth school district, the opportunity arose to become the head coach for their new football team. Filieo seized the opportunity, with the hopes of building a program like the one from which he came. Leading a brand new football team in a "soccer town" provided enough challenges without having to contend with the likes of a powerhouse like Mountain Valley every year. But, Coach Filieo's tenacity was contagious and soon his team became as tough and as hungry as he was. In just three short years they found themselves competing with the best, much to the dismay of Mountain Valley.

The Capers

The Capers

Cape Elizabeth, Maine is just 90 miles south of Rumford, but a world away. For "Cape kids" the future is bright and the new AstroTurf is always green. Football is one of many distractions in a well-funded school known for its academic excellence. Football Stats: Cape Elizabeth's football team is only three years old, but the town has so much money and drive that they are already threatening Mountain Valley's football dynasty.

Jim Aylward

Jim Aylward

19 Years Coaching 146 Wins - 43 Losses Mountain Valley High School football coach Jim Aylward grew up in Rumford, Maine, where he was the quarterback for his high school football team. Determined to avoid working in the mill like his father and grandfather, Aylward went away to college to earn a teaching degree after high school, but he never lost his love for football. He began coaching in various capacities until he earned the head coaching job at Mountain Valley High School. Today, after nearly 20 years, he has amassed an impressive record. Aylward has taken the Mountain Valley Falcons to the conference championships 13 times in 19 years and has brought home two state championships. When rival team Cape Elizabeth showed up in 2006 and challenged Mountain Valley's supremacy, Coach Aylward knew the Capers would be a thorn in his side for years to come.

The Falcons

The Falcons

Rumford is a blue-collar town in the rugged mountains of western Maine. Supported by a dying paper mill that is losing jobs almost daily, its citizens are a tight-knit community proud of their winning football team. Football Stats: The Falcons football team has won 6 conference and 2 state championships in the last 20 years. Key players: Dean McCrillis (TE) and Justin Staires (RB)