Athens downs Wellsboro.

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ATHENS - The Wildcats picked up a huge victory Saturday night to advance to the second round of the District IV playoffs by knocking off fellow NTL Large School team Wellsboro, 43-6.

The game played out as a one-sided affair all throughout the contest as the Hornets struggled to punch the ball into the end zone on numerous occasions. Athens looked to be in full force even without running back Garrett Morgan, out with a thumb injury, throughout the game. On this cold, frigid night at Alumni Stadium, the Athens receivers played a major role in the victory.

The game began quickly for Athens as it would receive the opening kickoff to begin the contest. Shane Raupers and a handful of seniors took the field ready to make a statement to begin the game. The Wildcat attack drove all the way to the Hornets' six-yard line before being stopped on fourth down.

The Wellsboro offense then hit the field looking to drive down into Athens territory to answer right back. After a first down run by Pat Driebelbies, the Hornet offense was met by the black hole that is the Athens defensive line. On third-and-12, quarterback Cameron Jones attempted to scramble away from pressure; however, he ran right into a host of Athens defenders, causing the sack and a punting situation.

Raupers returned the punt all the way down to the Hornets' 11-yard line to begin their next drive. After three straight unsuccessful plays, Raupers drilled a 27 yard field goal to put the Wildcats up 3-0 with 4:13 remaining in the first quarter of play.

Raupers was just getting started on his monster night as he and the offense took the field late in the first, looking to build on their 3-0 lead. After converting on fourth-and-one, Raupers found Josiah Lesser, who broke numerous tackles and ran over defenders to scamper 46 yards into the end zone to give the Cats a 10-0 lead heading into the second quarter of play.

The Hornet offense continued to gain first downs as it gained more than the host Wildcats, but failed to make use of them. The Athens defensive unit deserves a good share of credit too as it allowed only 161 yards and forced seven punts.

Midway through the second quarter, Raupers went off. On the second drive of the quarter, Raupers found Jarred Gambrell for a 41 yard touchdown reception to build Athens' lead to 17.

After a Hornet punt, Athens re-took the field with the same gameplan, pass the ball. After Garrett Russell broke off a 42 yard run, Raupers hit Josh Clark for a 33 yard score, increasing the already large lead to 23-0. Jones and Driebelbies had no answer as the Athens defensive line held Driebelbies in check and pressured Jones all night. After a Hornet punt, Raupers called his own number and broke free 51 yards down the sideline, outrunning Hornet defenders to the end zone. After a blocked point-after attempt, Athens found itself with a sizeable 29-0 halftime advantage over the Hornets.

Wellsboro hit the locker room looking to get something if anything going on offense and some possible way to slow down Raupers and the Wildcat offense. The Cats received the ball to kick off the second half.

After huge runs from Russell and Lesser, Athens was set up with first-and-11 from the Hornet 11-yard line. Two plays later Raupers threw his fourth touchdown of the night, this time to senior tight end Dillin Rudloff. Up to this point, Raupers had accounted for all 37 points Athens had on the scoreboard.

Jones then led the Hornet offense onto the field looking for a comeback bid, which was not found. After three straight plays of no gain, Wellsboro was forced to punt for the sixth time on the night.

Waiting to return was Raupers, who fielded it and took off. Raupers managed to find a seam down the sideline heading for the end zone before being knocked out of bounds by Driebelbies at the one-yard line. Three plays later it was Lesser who got the call from eight yards out to get his second touchdown of the evening.

With its season coming to an end, Wellsboro wanted to avoid the shutout and look to build toward next season. Jones found Ethan Callahan for the five yard touchdown pass to draw the score to 43-6.

That final would stand, as Athens advances to round two of district play. The Wildcats were led by Raupers, who went five of 11 for 129 yards with four touchdowns passing. Raupers also added 53 rushing yards along with a rushing score and a field goal. Wellsboro was led by Driebelbies, whose 56 yards on 24 carries led the Hornets.

Wellsboro's season now comes to an end, after a great year in which it grew significantly.

Athens now prepares for the tough task of Montoursville next Friday at home in the District 4, Class AA semifinals. Montoursville earned a spot in the semifinals with a 56-26 win over Towanda.