Hornets Hang Tough

By: Chris McGann  /  September 24, 2007  /  Photo: Tim McBride

Time and time again, it looked like the Wellsboro Hornets would pull off an upset of undefeated Athens at home in the rain on Friday night.

Despite numerous opportunities and an impressive defensive effort, the Hornets (1-2) ended up on the losing side of a 12-0 shutout that was even closer than the final score reflected.

The swarming Hornet defense allowed just 165 yards of total offense and was helped along by multiple penalties called on the Wildcats. Colton Acorn was credited with three of the Hornets' four sacks. The Wellsboro offense, on the other hand, could not get started and put up just 79 total yards and suffered a safety in the final minute.

Neither squad found the end zone in the first half and things looked promising for Wellsboro after they forced a three and out on Athens' first possession.

Wellsboro's best drive of the half came in the first quarter as the Hornets started on their own 14-yard line. An Athens penalty put the ball at the 19-yard line. Wellsboro drove down to the Athens 35-yard line. The drive ground to a halt when Cameron Jones could not hook up with Acorn on fourth down and five.

The Wildcats did try to get a late drive put together. They called a timeout with less than a minute to go in the half while the Hornets were looking at a fourth down. The timeout forced Wellsboro to punt and Athens took over at the Hornet 45-yard line.

On the very next play, however, Acorn sacked Shane Raupers for an 18 yard loss. Athens then exercised the better part of valor and let the clock expire. Both defenses remained stiff in the second half and the only scoring was a Wildcat field goal.

Midway through the quarter, Wellsboro lost a fumble at their own 19-yard line. The Hornet defense once again rose to the occasion and held Athens to just three yards. Raupers, who also handles the kicking for the Wildcats, then booted a 29 yard field goal at the 5:42 mark to put up the first points of the night.

On the next series, Athens held Wellsboro to a three and out, forcing a punt that Raupers returned to midfield. Penalties pushed the ball back to the 35-yard line where the Hornet defense scooped up an Athens fumble. The Hornets tried to find the end zone, but Patrick Driebelbies came up just inches short on fourth down and eight.

Early in the fourth quarter, Raupers came up with an interception deep in Wellsboro territory.

Three plays later, Athens finally found the endzone on a 23 yard pass to Eric Wells. It was Wells' only reception and the longest catch for either team. Raupers added the extra point to give his team the 10-0 lead. Late in the game, the Wildcats tried to tack on another touchdown, but the Wellsboro defense held on fourth down and two on their own three-yard line.

Athens was not quite done scoring, though. Jones was sacked in the end zone with less than a minute to go, giving the Wildcats a two-point safety and the 12-0 victory.

The next test for the Hornets is a home game against Sayre. It will be Small Fry Night in Wellsboro.