Wellsboro wallops Wyalusing.

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The Wellsboro Green Hornet football team upped their league record to 2-0 after soundly defeating the Wyalusing Rams 28-10 Friday, September 5.

Wellsboro out gained the Rams 277-147 on the ground and first year head coach Chris Morral gives a lot of credit to the Hornet defense for containing the Ram offense and helping the team garner the win.

"Our defense did an outstanding job. They played physical and contained the quarterback," Morral said.

Wellsboro's defense was putting a few helmets and hard hits on Wyalusing throughout the game.

On the fourth play of the Ram's first series of the game. Wellsboro's defense put Wyalusing's starting quarterback out of the game with a separated shoulder, limiting them to a running game.

The Wellsboro defense then went to work and limited Wyalusing to only three first downs in the first half Wellsboro opened on their first play from scrimmage and showcased speed and dexterity.

Will Osgood, seeing the opening on the first play, kept the ball and raced for a 72 yard touchdown run. Shawn Tom added the two-point conversion to earn Wellsboro an 8-0 lead with 5:25 remaining in the first quarter.

"Will (Osgood) went outside and then we added the two-point conversion which gave us the early momentum and was a key to the game," Morral said.

But Wellsboro's lead was short lived as Wyalusing's Clayton Dulaney returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown.

Wyalusing went for the two-point conversion. Zach Reinhart completed a pass to Anthony McKennas to knotthe game at 8-all with 5:10 remaining in the frame.

"That was the first time this season we had to under go adversity," Morral said. "But as a staff we wanted to see how they would overcome. At that time I was stressing to them to stay composed. Our main job was to keep them focused on what they need to do. They did, making key plays and blocks," Morral added.

Retaining focus during those times was the focus during the week leading up to the league contest.

"During practice we stressed to them to take care of their individual assignments. If they do that, they will come together as a team," Morral said.

Wellsboro's Brandon Keck, who led all Wellsboro rushers with 134 yards, regained the lead for the Hornets with an 11 yard touchdown run with 10:59 remaining in the second frame. Pat Coolidge added the extra point to give Wellsboro a 15-8 lead.

"Keck was coming off a three touchdown week so we realized they would be keying on him," Morral said. "To counter that we had Tom and Walrath more involved in the offense to spread Wyalusing out."

Tom and Jeremy Walrath added 19 and 28 yards rushing, respectively. Walrath also had two completions for 25 yards. Chase Kriner also pulled in two receptions for 31 yards.

The passing game helped pace the Hornets throughout the game. Osgood ended the night going 5-13 for 63 yards.

Osgood also did a lot of rushing, accumulating most of his 96 yards rushing in the first half.

Wyalusing's top running back Dulaney, who was coming off a 249 yard rushing game the week before, wasn't able to find much daylight in the Wellsboro defense.

Dulaney was held to only 27 yards rushing on the night.

"Going in I knew they had athletes on both sides of the ball," Morral said. "Their fullback, Shantz, is big and strong. To have success we had to stop him."

"Their tailback was coming off a game with 249 yards and their quarterback, who is 6'4", 190 pounds, made a very solid back field."

But the Wellsboro offensive line did their job in the trenches and continued to open the holes for the Wellsboro back field.

"The offensive line stepped up to the plate and did a good job," Morral said.

Wellsboro added another touchdown before the end of the first half. With 1:40 remaining in the second quarter, Wellsboro drove down to the Wyalusing one yard line where Osgood punched the ball into the end zone for a second time. Coolidge added the extra point to give Wellsboro a 22-8 halftime lead.

Early in the fourth quarter Wellsboro struggled to get out of Wyalusing territory. On fourth down Wellsboro went to punt but the ball went out of the end zone giving Wyalusing two points due to the safety.

Wellsboro scored their final touchdown of the night when Osgood punched in for his third score of the night from one yard out with 1:40 remaining in the game. The extra point attempt failed but Wellsboro had already secured the win.

Wellsboro returns to their home field this Friday, September 12 to host non league opponent Jersey Shore.

Morral said the contest, although not a league game, will be a key contest on the season.

"Jersey Shore is a big, physical team. Although they are 0-2 they have played two tough teams, Shamokin Dam and Selinsgrove," Morral said. "It's important to keep our guys focused and take the season one week at a time."