Hornets sting Trojans in season opener.

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Matt Priset stepped up big for the Wellsboro Green Hornets football team Friday night, August 30, in the season opener of their 2002 campaign against Troy.

Although Priset didn't lead the team in total yardage, he made each one count as he rushed for 99 yards on 19 carries and scored three touchdowns to lead the Hornets to a 35-13 Northern Tier League win.

The Wellsboro offense battered their way down field to set up the first score of the night. Priset completed the drive when he punched the ball into the end zone from two yards out with 8:13 remaining in the first quarter.

Pat Coolidge added the extra point to give Wellsboro a 7-0 lead.

On the night, Wellsboro's offense was more productive than that of the Trojans. Wellsboro earned 18 first downs while holding Troy to only seven.

The Hornets (1-0) also dominated the ground game and rushed 45 times for 251 yards. Troy rushed 27 times for 106 yards.

Also hampering Troy were five fumbles. Only one was recovered by Wellsboro but they converted that into a touchdown.

The only area of the game where Troy had the upper hand was the passing attack. Troy signal caller Eric Jones was 9-of-14 on the night for 107 yards. Jones was responsible for knotting the score with three seconds remaining in the first half when he found Chris Lee open and completed the short pass for the score. Troy added the extra point kick to knot the score at halftime.

After the break, Troy came back to take a 13-7 lead three minutes into the second half when David Coxhead, who led Troy with 90 yards rushing on 14 carries, capped a Trojan scoring drive with a seven-yard touchdown run. Troy failed on their extra point attempt.

It only took Wellsboro three minutes to retaliate with a lead changing touchdown. Wellsboro signal caller Will Osgood raced into the end zone on a keeper to tie the game. Coolidge followed with the extra point kick to give the Green Hornets a 14-13 lead.

Osgood showcased his versatility throughout the game by rushing four times for 16 yards and completing all three passing attempts for a 70 yard tally.

Not wanting to leave the door open for Troy to regain the lead, the Hornets' defense kept Troy from the end zone for the remainder of the night and scored three more touchdowns for added assurance.

Priset garnered a 21-13 lead with a two yard touchdown run and 2:35 remaining m the third quarter. Coolidge added the extra point.

Priset returned to the end zone two minutes into the final frame. Following his five yard run, Coolidge booted the extra point to build Wellsboro's lead to 28-13.

While the bulk of Wellsboro's scoring was due to Priset, the bulk of Wellsboro's offense was due to the rushing efforts of Brandon Keck, 131 yards on 15 carries. He highlighted his night with a 48 yard touchdown scamper in the fourth quarter.

Wellsboro opens home play this Friday night, September 6, when they host Wyalusing. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.