Wellsboro weathers soggy start, topples Troy.

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Its said lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But during the Wellsboro Hornets' season opener against Troy Friday, August 30, lightning struck three times.

Wellsboro running back Brandon Keck demonstrated his lightning speed on the first play from scrimmage when he took the hand-off from Will Osgood and raced 61 yards for a touchdown.

Keck added two additional touchdowns before the half and led Wellsboro to a 41-7 season opening NTL win.

Shortly after Keck's touchdown, the game was delayed for 40 minutes due to lightning.

"We had a forty-two minute delay. I was concerned about our guys keeping focus but they picked up where they left offand played well," first year head coach Chris Morral said.

This season Wellsboro is keeping the same offense, the Wing-T, and basic defense. But this year the squad has a new leader.

Morral has taken over the helm of the squad. He served as assistant coach for the past five years and although the basic scheme of the team will remain the same, Morral plans to bring something new to the program.

"Really, my main goal is bringing in a different philosophy to the program," he said. "I want to have the kids work hard with one goal in mind, but at the same time keep in mind key aspects of being a team and, as a team, being part of a larger program. I really feel we can have a good season."

Morral is looking to keep the program consistent from Small Fry all the way to the varsity level.

"I really think it's important younger players see older players, and everybody goes through," Morral said. "I now feel the program is going in the right direction. Small Fry, middle school, and high school is heading in the right direction. It takes a group to do this."

Leading Wellsboro's offense this year is four year starter Will Osgood.

"Will (Osgood) is very composed. Always focused a good team leader makes good decisions on the field. I have a lot of confidence in him," Morral said.

Also returning to the Hornet offense as a fourth year starter John Johnson at tackle. Dustin Harsch, a three year starter, will fill the other guard position.

Tackles Ed Weaver and Willie Blackwell will fill the guard positions. Although Blackwell was injured for the first game of the season, Chuck Compton stepped in and did the job. Chase Kriner holds down the position at tight end.

"He's a big target with good soft hands and is an excellent blocker," Morral said.

In the backfield for the Hornets is Brandon Keck at fullback with Shawn Tom and Jeremy Walrath sharing halfback responsibilities.

Other players who will see quality time are Travis Morton and Colie Stone.

Not only did Wellsboro's offense enjoy a stellar night - 196 yards on 31 carries led by Keck's 126 yards rushing - the defense peaked as well.

"Defensively I thought Mike Pietropola and Jeremy Richardson did a great job with the game plan. As a staff we knew what to do before they did it," Morral said. "Late in the second quarter and early in the second half our guys stepped it up and put 11 guys around the football."

Wellsboro's defense held Troy on their first series of the game. Then outside linebacker Colie Stone blocked a punt which led to Keck's second score of the game, giving Wellsboro a 12-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Stone later blocked another punt and highlighted the night with an interception he returned 55 yards for a touchdown.

 "Colie (Stone) stepped up big. He was put in a position to make things happen and those are the kids we look for," Morral said. They might not be a starter but want to play and have an impact on the game. Those are the ones you love to see on the field."

Special teams were a big key to Wellsboro's decisive win, according to Morral.

"My focus, when I took over, was to really emphasize special teams. They can win or loose a game," Morral said.

In the second half, Keck returned to the end zone again after a 19 yard scamper. Wellsboro's two-point conversion pass by Pat Coolidge was complete and gave them a 20-0 lead.

Just five minutes later, Wellsboro scored again. This time Osgood found Shawn Tom open and completed a five yard touchdown toss which increased Wellsboro's lead to 27-0 following Coolidge's extra point kick.

In the last minutes of the second frame, Stone made the interception he returned for a touchdown, giving the Green Hornets a 34-0 halftime lead.

Tom added his second touchdown of the night when he rushed for a sixyard touchdown with 1:46 remaining in the third frame.

Troy finally got on the board with a minute remaining in the game as Michael Austin punched the ball into the end zone from five yards out.