Late Field Goal Lifts Athens Over Wellsboro

By: Lee Ed Thomas II  /  October 22, 2003

The Wellsboro Green Hornets needed a win over Athens Friday, October 17 in order to stay at the top of the league race.

As far as touchdowns go, Wellsboro had more. But it was Athens who came out on the winning end of the game due to a strong defensive stand in the second quarter and two fourth quarter field goals by Corey Raupers. The Hornets scored two touchdown while the Wildcats managed to forge their way into the end one only once.

But in the end it was the kicking accuracy of Corey Raupers whose two field goals in the fourth quarter made the come-from-behind win possible.

Malcom Richardson led Athens' ground attack by rushing 24 times for 111 yards. Although Richardson led the Wildcat offense, it was Raupers who came up with the big play that led to the Athens win.

Late in the game the game was tied at 12-all. Wellsboro's defense held Athens who faced a critical third and long situation. Raupers pulled in a pass that pulled Athens within field goal range. Following that play it was Raupers who booted the 25 yard field goal for the 15-12 win.

"Raupers made a big play late in the game with a one hand catch," Chris Morral said. "It was a pivotal play. I give them a lot of credit in order to make plays like that in crunch time."

Athens trailed the Hornets 12-0 three minutes into the second quarter.

Wellsboro struck early, taking less than an minute to strike first when Wellsboro signal caller Will Osgood connected with Pat Coolidge on a 64 yard pass completion for a touchdown. Wellsboro failed on their extra point attempt but held a 6-0 lead with 11:14 remaining in the first quarter. Osgood ended the night going 7-of-16 for 127 yards passing and one touchdown. Coolidge led all receivers with four receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown.

Wellsboro's second score of the night came early in the second quarter when Jeremy Walrath punched the ball into the end zone from two yards out. Wellsboro failed to punch the ball in on the two-point conversion.

Athens whittled Wellsboro's lead to five points when Raupers scored on a eight yard run with 9:02 remaining in the first half. He then added the extra point kick to narrow Wellsboro's lead to 12-7.

"We started out 12-0 and had some things not go our way," Morral said. "That's been the case in every game we've lost. We've not been able to capitalize on any of the opponent's mistakes."

"We came into the game knowing Athens was going to put pressure on us. In terms of our pass protection we need to get better. I thought if we could do that we could have success," he added.

While the passing game fueled the Wellsboro offense, the ground game struggled.

With six minutes remaining in the first half, Wellsboro's offense was stopped in the end zone for a safety. Athens trailed 12-9 at the half. Wellsboro had their least productive rushing game of the season with only 87 yards on 32 carries.

Brandon Keck led the charge with 65 yards rushing on 16 carries. Athens' Richardson accounted for nearly half of the Wildcat's 213 yard rushing. He led the charge with 111 yards on 24 carries. Jason Eby led Athens in the air completing 10-of-19 passes for 98 yards to build Athen's total offensive yardage to 323 yards.

Early in game Wellsboro's offensive line did provide the protection Osgood needed.

"The offensive line stepped up and gave protection but as the game progressed I felt we couldn't," Morral said. "It was one of those games where they controlled the football for nine minutes and that hurt when the ball is out of the offense's hands and the defense can't come up with a turnover."

The Hornets are looking to refine their technique and focus on execution while looking for the big play when they return to league action when they travel to Sayre this Friday, October 24.

Morral said despite the loss, they are remaining positive.

"It was one of those games where they capitalized on our mistakes then added two late field goals to win," Morral said. "Our guys fought hard and it was an overall team effort. We're just coming up a little short. We are only eight plays away from being 8-0 our kids have to realize that in order to win games we must execute and control the line of scrimmage."

Wellsboro may have scored more touchdowns but it was Athens who came away with the league win by edging Wellsboro, 15-12.