Hornets conquer Indians.

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Setting high hopes and goals for the 2011 season, the Wellsboro Hornets mean business after another NTL win, 28-8 over Cowanesque Valley Friday night, September 16, posting a 2-1 overall record.

Halfway through the first quarter (5:48), Wellsboro's senior Thomas Johnston started his stellar evening with a six yard touchdown run into the end zone to put the Hornets up 6-0.

Continuing throughout the night with dominating pressure, Dan Saniga connected on a 19 yard pass from Ben Shaw (11:46) to add to the Hornets tally 12-0 in the second quarter.

Johnston returned from 11 yards out to score again while Caleb Weiss kicked in a 28 yard field goal to conclude the first half, 21-0 over the Indians.

On a 10 yard run Johnston took the ball into the end zone during the fourth quarter, before Cowanesque Valley ran with a 56 yard stint, adding a two-point conversion to eliminate a shutout.

Johnston posted 208 yards rushing taking on Cowanesque Valley, while quarterback Ben Shaw recorded 11 completions for 152 yards passing.

On defense, Johnston also posted 8 tackles with teammate Jake Page adding in 4.

"In comparing the battle to last years with CV, I think our guys came out ready to play," stated Head Coach Steve Boyce. "The win on Monday (over Montgomery) helped us be ready. On top of that we were at home, we had a great turnout, and they had the desire to win. Last year we didn't quite wake up until the second half.

"We are also playing with guys that have a lot of game experience so that helps also. These guys push themselves too hard to let games they can win slip away from them. They felt that this was one of those games.

"Above and beyond Thomas Johnston would be the player of the game on both sides of the field," continued Boyce. "He rushed for over 200 yds and ran people down on defense all night long. There were a couple of plays that it looked like CV might get a big gain and out of no where, Thomas is making another big play.

"Our focus is the little things. I think our guys are confident in knowing the offense and defense, so it is the little things that we have to correct coming into the tougher part of our schedule. We eliminated the penalties in this game, but we continue to give the ball away.

"In the past two games we turned the ball over in the red zone at least four times. We cannot do that against Athens, Towanda, or North Penn and have a chance in winning. The other thing is we are starting to eliminate the mental mistakes. We have to clean up those and individuals taking a play off here and there to make great things happen. If we can clean up those things, we might be able to steal a game or two that we aren't 'suppose to win.'"

Boyce was then asked about the starting freshmen and forming a team with the upperclassmen on the field.

"As far as starting and playing freshman on the varsity it hasn't been an issue. I think camp helped that. Everyone saw how hard everyone else pushed themselves during those days. I think the older guys would agree that this freshman class is a very competitive class. They brought a chip on their shoulder to camp that was infectious. Guys pushed harder because they wanted to win and those freshman were part of that driving force. Our guys know that everyone that steps on to that field has earned the position, whether they are a fourth-year starter or a freshman. Everyone earned their spot. Because of camp, they all talked with everyone, hung out between practices, stayed up late together, and ran that dreaded hill together. This is the best team that I have ever coached as far as staying together and acting as a team," concluded Boyce.

Wellsboro travels to Athens on September 24, for a 1:00 p.m. start.