Driebelbies stars as Hornets top Towanda.

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The Wellsboro Hornet football team opened its 1984 season on an "up" note by downing Towanda 19-6 Friday night, August 31, in a Northern Tier League opener for both teams at Towanda High School.

The Hornets were led by junior tailback/defensive back Tim Driebelbies. Driebelbies rushed for 133 yards on 23 carries, scored a touchdown on a 45 yard fumble return and intercepted a Towanda pass.

The Wellsboro defense was stellar, also, allowing the Black Knights only 97 yards of total offense, in eluding a meager 37 yards rushing on 21 attempts (1.8 yards per carry).

"The fumble return by Driebelbies keyed our win," third year head coach Jeff Strohl said. "It really sparked our players."

The return came in the second period with Wellsboro ahead 6-0 and followed a Towanda pass completion.

Strohl added, "The defense was prepared to stop Towanda, and our stunts worked very well. The defense gave the offense an opportunity to win the game by completely shutting down the Black Knight offense."

Wellsboro scored on its initial drive of the night with quarterback Perry Prough scoring on a one yard keeper. The drive covered 72 yards, lasted 12 plays, and took six and a half minutes. Marty Henneman's extra point try was wide right, and the Hornets led 6-0.

Driebelbies' score in the second quarter followed by Henneman's successful conversion, put Wellsboro on top 13-0 at intermission.

Flanker Bob Bowers caught a nine yard pass over the middle for a score to cap a 60 yard third quarter scoring march. The extra point missed, and the Hornets led 19-0.

Towanda's lone score came midway through the final period when the snap on a Hornet punt attempt went awry. Bart Koontz fell on the ball in the end zone for six points. The conversion attempt failed.

"Our fullbacks also keyed our win," Strohl said. "George Dempsey and Dave Bryant combined for 65 yards from the fullback position. Their effectiveness forced Towanda's defense to respect our fullbacks and not key solely on Driebelbies."

Junior quarterback Prough, making his first varsity start, also earned the praise of his coach.

"He showed a lot of poise out there, and executed two nice drives that helped us control the football," Strohl concluded.

Dave Bryant led the defense with 12 tackles, five solos and seven assists.

Wellsboro's next game is this Friday night at 8:00 p.m. versus the Sayre Redskins. It's the home opener for the Hornets.