Hornet football dominates Wyalusing in season opener

By: Ed Weaver  /  August 31, 2013

The Wellsboro Varsity football team started the 2013 season off with a 49-8 trouncing of the Wyalusing Rams.

The Hornets wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as Junior Quarterback Michael Pietropola connected with Junior Kieron Smethers on their first play from scrimmage for a 35 yard touchdown with 10:21 remaining in the first quarter. Junior Jack Chambers kicked the extra point to put the Hornets up 7-0.

The Hornet defense held Wyalusing to a three-and-out on their next series to get the ball back before Pietropola threw his second touchdown pass on the night, this time to Senior Brandon Owlett for 32 yards. After Chambers' kick, the Hornets led 14-0.

Pietropola threw one more touchdown to Senior Dylan Prough for 44 yards to put the Hornets up 21-0 as the first quarter drew to a close. The Hornets would score twice more in the second quarter on runs from Pietropola and Senior Wyatt Covert to give the team a commanding 35-0 lead at the half.

The Hornets kept up their pace in the second half, holding the Rams to only 1 score in the early fourth quarter, while adding scores from Junior Levi Mack and Sophomore Anthony Cooper to seal the victory.

First year head coach Matt Hildebrand was very pleased with how the squad performed.

"We knew Wyalusing was going to be big," Hildebrand said. "We told our guys that and that they needed to come ready to play. We've had a lot of time to practice since the kids haven't started school and I think they were chomping at the bit to go against another opponent and get the first game under our belt, and our defense did a great job inverting the line of scrimmage tonight."

Pietropola led the Hornets through the air, completing 5 of 7 passes for 163 yards and 3 touchdowns. Senior Jermain Brooks led the ground attack with 92 yards on 9 carries, and Prough led the receivers with 44 yards. Defensively, Wyatt Covert had 8 tackles and a fumble recovery.

With the win, the Hornets are 1-0 (1-0 NTL Division 1) on the year. The team will be back in action next Friday, September 6 as they host Troy.