OAKLAND $ The Bangor High School football team dispatched Messalonskee 34-19 in a closer-than-it-looks game Friday night.

Bangor tailback Adam Billings rushed for 108 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Rams in the season opener for both teams.

Lonnie Hackett added two rushing touchdowns for Bangor, which finished runner-up in the Pine Tree Conference Class A to Lawrence in each of the last two seasons.

Messalonskee, which trailed just 7-0 after the first quarter and 14-7 at the half, used its double wing offense to stay in the game.

Fullback Desmond Nutter rushed for a team-high 91 yards for the Eagles, who finished with 252 yards of total offense.