Wellsboro edged by Loyalsock in opener.

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The Wellsboro Green Hornets Football team opened its 1977 season by losing on the road to the Loyalsock Lancers by a score of 22-21.

The Lancers were able to avenge the opening loss at the hands of the Hornets last year in a hard fought contest that was not decided until the final minute of play.

The Hornets scored first on their second possession. Starting the drive on the Lancer 45-yard line after receiving a punt, the Hornet offense got into gear and marched the ball on the ground to paydirt in 13 plays using 5 minutes. The score was registered by Dave Gibson who plunged over the left side from the one-yard line. Randy Gross added the conversion and the Hornets led 7-0.

After an exchange of punts Loyalsock mounted their first scoring drive from the Hornet 45-yard line. Utilizing a deceptive ground attack the Lancers were able to sneak the ball over from the one. The attempt at the two-point conversion was stopped and the Hornets led 7-6.

With time running out in the first half, the Hornet offense wasted little time in pushing goalward. This time changing the attack to the flanks and chewing up big pieces of real estate, the Hornets moved from their own 17-yard line to score in just seven plays. Again it was Dave Gibson who slashed his way in from the four-yard line. The Hornets elected to go for two, the attempt failed and Wellsboro led at halftime 13-6.

The second half began with Wellsboro receiving the kickoff but failing to move the ball, were forced to punt. Loyalsock wasted no time in breaking off their first play for 71 yards and the touchdown. The two point conversion was good and the Lancers led 14-13.

The remainder of the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth quarter saw both teams moving the ball without scoring. Wellsboro got the big break when Randy Gross intercepted a Lancer pass and returned it to the Loyalsock 20-yard line. Needing only 3 plays Wellsboro again got on the scoreboard when quarterback Tim Cisco circled left end and picked his way into the end zone from 10 yards out. Dave Gibson powered in for the two point conversion and the Hornets led 21-14.

It looked like the Hornets were going to put the game out of reach the first play after the kickoff, when linebacker John Driebelbies picked up a Lancer fumble and carried it down to the Loyalsock 18-yard line. However, the offense sputtered and turned the ball back to Loyalsock on downs. It was from here that the Lancers mounted the scoring drive which would decide the game.

Mixing up the run and pass well and aided by key Hornet penalties the Lancers scored the final touchdown with just 40 seconds remaining. The gallant Wellsboro defense dug in when the Lancers had a first and goal from the four-yard line, but on fourth and inches the Lancer fullback dove in for the score. The Lancers then elected to pass for the two-point conversion and took the lead 22-21.

Wellsboro failed to mount a drive in the closing seconds and the time ran out with Loyalsock on top 22-21.