Hornets claim overtime victory.

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The Hornets promised a season that would be worth watching this year, and so far - they have shown a true commitment to improving and displaying a game that is just that.

Wellsboro has focused on each matchup on the field individually, one at a time and most recently had set their sights on redeeming a 0-47 shutout to the Lancers from 2010, even with the mud-slicked field ahead of them.

"Our focus is and has been one game at a time this year," stated Wellsboro head coach Steve Boyce. "Each week we go into a game and focus on what they do well and what we need to stop and what we do well and what we need to continue to do well to win."

The Lancers might have a younger team this season compared to last, but still remain strong on the defensive side, matching up with the Hornets' rebuilt, focused and determined squad to give them a game to battle for.

"We knew going in that Loyalsock was banged up some, but they have great skilled players and an all state linebacker. But we also believe in ourselves and know if we come to play we have a great chance every week to win," continued Boyce.

Loyalsock capitalized on a short one-yard stint by Mike Kinney with only five minutes remaining in the first half, allowing the first lightup on the scoreboard 7-0.

Wellsboro junior, Ben Shaw focused on what he probably could make out as the end zone as the rain pelted the already soaked field, leaving both teams looking much of the same of brown-muddied bodies. From 43 yards out, Shaw scored to tie the game in the third, and eventually advancing the two squads into overtime, where senior Thomas Johnston pushed through the line form three yards out allowing the Hornets to secure a battled 13-7 victory, improving to their best record since 2008, posting 4-3.

The Hornets last win facing Loyalsock came in September 1976, during Wellsboro's home opener where they claimed a 7-0 shutout.

Shaw passed six for 34 yards, while also 14 for 89 yards rushing. With only three games remaining in the regular season, Shaw is also looking to be the third quarterback in WHS history to post back-to-back 1,000 yards in a season, needing only 353 yards more*.

Former Hornet squad members Cameron Jones and Todd Coolidge are the only other two to record such a career milestone.

"Loyalsock was definitely a tough opponent. We seem to be getting better each week as the season progresses. We are eliminating mental mistakes, drawing less penalties, and moving the ball well," Boyce stated.

Wellsboro returns to the field this Friday night, October 21, during homecoming festivities, as they play host to Troy.

The Trojans just defeated North Penn in overtime also on Friday night, October 14 and has held victories over the Hornets for at least the past three seasons.

Wellsboro will host Towanda on October 28, concluding the NTL season when they travel to Island Park, Blossburg to face off with rivals, North Penn, on November 4.

"We are going to have to continue these things with our three toughest games left a head of us. Any given week you can win or lose, so as long as we continue to prepare like we have, stay loose, and have fun, we will still pull a few victories out.

"We can only control so much in a game, from there it comes down to who is ready to play, who wants it more, and who is sill playing in the fourth quarter. Three of our four wins we dominated in the fourth quarter and in overtime. Their hard work on the weight room and conditioning is what sets them apart from other teams," Boyce continued.

When asked about junior Ben Shaw and his attempt at breaking records at Wellsboro, Boyce stated, "Shaw is an outstanding leader. He doesn't say a lot, but when he speaks guys listen. They see what he does on the field and know that he will make good things happen when given the opportunity. He makes plays with his arm, his feet, and his head. A leader like that at quarterback is invaluable! Coach Hildebrand has worked with Ben for three years now and designed an offensive system that is suited for a quarterback like Ben. Coach Hildebrand's decision to go out of the spread in the second half vs. Loyalsock was a difference maker. It opened the field and allowed Ben the ability to get loose a couple of times and he made the defense pay for it," concluded Boyce.

* - Records may not be accurate to date due to incomplete stats. If you know of a record not currently listed on this website, or have game statistics or film from previous years, please contact us.