M.S. Football Finishes Season at 7-1

By: Ed Weaver  /  November 1, 2013

The Wellsboro Middle School football team took their unblemished record into South Williamsport Thursday night to take on the 7-1 South Williamsport Mounties. South Williamsport’s only loss on the year came on a last second, one point defeat to Danville. Needless to say, there was a lot of anticipation for the game.

"There was a lot of build up for the game. Our team had some high expectations to try and finish undefeated." said head coach Shane Mascho. "We knew the game was going to come down to blocking and tackling."

Wellsboro came out with a lot of intensity, with Robert Brown recovering a fumble for the Hornets on South Williamsport's first possession. The offense would strike quickly, as Cole Cavanaugh would punch it in from 10 yards out to finish the drive. The extra point attempted failed, making it 6-0 Hornets early.

"In hindsight, it might have hurt us to score first," added Mascho. "We have been used to getting up so big this year that our players seemed like they lost some intensity after the first score."

South Williamsport came out undaunted on their next drive and drove the field to eventually score on a pass to the flat. They would successfully complete the two-point conversion, making it 8-6 South Williamsport. The Mounties would put another touchdown on the board in the second quarter as their receiver got behind the secondary and beat Wellsboro's defense on a long pass. The conversion attempt failed. Wellsboro would punt the ball on their next possession and stop South Williamsport to make the score 14-6 at halftime.

Wellsboro received the ball to start the second half and mounted a drive deep into South Williamsport territory. The Hornets used their no huddle offense to keep the Mounties off balance. The drive would eventually stall, as quarterbackQuinn Henry was unable to convert a run on fourth down and two.

South would go back to their ground and pound game as they went right through the Hornet defense for gains of 5 to 6 yards at a time. The methodical drive would result in a touchdown and successful conversion, making the score 22-6 South.

Wellsboro did not go down without a fight, as Dalton Prough returned the ensuing kickoff to the three-yard line. Cole Cavanaugh would power his way in for Wellsboro's second score of the night. Quinn Henry was stuffed on the two-point conversion, leaving the Hornets down 22-12 with minutes to go.

South Williamsport went back to their bruising running game to close out the game.

Mascho had high regards for the team and the season.

"This team is a special one," stated Mascho. "This will not be their last meaningful game. I hope it is an eye opener that there is work to be done in the off-season to get bigger and stronger. They went toe to toe with one of the toughest teams in the district and lost by a touchdown and conversions. If a play or two went our way, we are on the winning side."