WELLSBORO CLICKS EARLY, ROLLS TO 49-13 WIN OVER ATHENS

WELLSBORO CLICKS EARLY, ROLLS TO 49-13 WIN OVER ATHENS

October 22, 2021 Tim Birney

WELLSBORO — Conner Adams caught two TD passes and ran for two more scores in the first half as Wellsboro raced out to a 42-7 halftime lead en route to a 49-13 win over Athens here Friday night in NTL Large School football action.

Adams, who added a TD in the third quarter, rushed for 137 yards and three TDs on just nine carries, and caught three passes for 77 yards, and two TDs.

Wellsboro QB Isaac Keane completed 8 of 11 passes in the game for 235 yards and three TDs.

“We showed what we can do when it’s clicking,” Wellsboro coach Matt Hildebrand said. “We’re getting guys back and we’re getting healthy.”

Wellsboro needed just four plays to get on the scoreboard. On the second play of the game, Keane connected with Jack Poirier on a 54-yard completion to the Athens 15. Two plays later, Darryn Callahan scored on a 7-yard TD run. Poirier’s PAT kick made it 7-0 with 10:02 remaining in the first quarter.

After forcing a three-and-out, Wellsboro put together another quick scoring drive, with Keane connecting with Adams on a 28-yard scoring strike to make it 14-0 with 7:16 left in the first quarter.

After another Athens three-and-out, Wellsboro found paydirt again. On fourth-and-6, Keane hooked up with Adams on a 33-yard TD pass to make it 21-0 with 3:06 left in the first quarter.

The Wildcats picked up their initial first down of the game on their next possession, but a deflected pass on third down resulted in a Keane interception and 19-yard return to the Athens 24.

On the final play of the first quarter, Keane found Spencer Wetzel open for a 25-yard TD to make it 28-0.

The scoring pace slowed, until a 7-yard TD run by Adams with 1:56 remaining in the first half extended the lead to 35-0.

The Wildcats offense clicked to life following the ensuing kick-off. Junior QB Mason Lister connected with senior tailback Shayne Reid for a 40-yard completion to the Wellsboro 25, then found senior Karter Rude for an 18-yard completion.

On the next play, Reid made a diving catch in the end zone to put the Wildcats on the board. Reid’s PAT kick trimmed the deficit to 35-7 with 59 seconds remaining in the first half.

However, the first-half scoring was not finished.

Despite being backed up to their own 15 by a penalty on the ensuing kickoff, the Green Hornets quick drove down field, powered by a 24-yard scramble Keane, who then found Dylan Abernathy open for a 46-yard completion to the Athens 15.

The next play appeared to be a tailback-option pass, but Adams, who took a pitch from Keane, pulled the ball down and scampered 15 yards to paydirt with 12 seconds remaining in the half. Poirier’s seventh PAT kick of the half made it 42-7.

Senior J.J. Babcock hauled in a 27-yard TD pass from Lister with 3:04 remaining in the third quarter, but just 60 seconds later, Adams busted loose on a 74-yard TD run to provide the final margin.

Lister completed 15 of 25 passes for 180 yards, two TDs, and one interception. Rude led Athens’ receivers with five catches for 85 yards, while Reid had four receptions for 40 yards, and one TD, and Babcock added three grabs for 53 yards and one TD.

Athens managed just 3 rushing yards on 25 carries, thanks in part minus-27 yards from Lister, who was sacked four times. Reid led the ‘Cats with 29 yards on 15 carries.

Wellsboro amassed 520 yards in total offense, including 285 rushing yards.

Athens, now 5-4, wraps up the regular season Friday night at Sayre in the annual “Rusty Rail Game.”

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ATHENS BLANKS TROY, 8-0; WINS SEVENTH LEAGUE TITLE IN EIGHT YEARS

ATHENS BLANKS TROY, 8-0; WINS SEVENTH LEAGUE TITLE IN EIGHT YEARS

October 21, 2021 Tim Birney

EAST TROY — Athens scored two quick goals, and cruised to an 8-0 win over Troy here Thursday afternoon to clinch the NTL boys soccer title.

For the Wildcats, who posted a 9-1 mark in league play, it is their seventh league title in eight years, after being displaced from the top spot by Wellsboro last year.

“It feels good to be back on top,” said Athens coach Jake Lezak. “We gained a lot of perspective after last year. I think it leveled the players to know they had to fight for it, and work for it.

“It means a lot to these guys,” noted Lezak. “To lose at home (to Wellsboro), then to have to beat Wellsboro there, and win out the remainder of the season … the guys talked about having to win out, and getting one step closer with each win.

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ATHENS SWEEPS TOWANDA; CLINCHES POSTSEASON BERTH

ATHENS SWEEPS TOWANDA; CLINCHES POSTSEASON BERTH

October 20, 2021 Chris Manning

TOWANDA — Athens started strong and cruised to a sweep of Towanda here Wednesday night in NTL Large School volleyball action, clinching a postseason berth in the process.

With the win, Athens improves to 6-6 and qualifies for postseason play. Because there are just two Class AAA teams in District 4, the Lady Wildcats will attempt to play its way into the state tournament through District 2. They open play Saturday at top-seeded Berwick (12-1) at noon in the opening round of the District 2-4, Class AAA Sub-Regionals.

“I am really proud of this team for putting it together,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “We talked a lot about finding a way or making one.

“They have come together as a team and that's the biggest thing,” added Hanson. “Learning that together everyone achieves more is the most important life lesson.”

The Lady Wildcats topped the Lady Black Knights Wednesday by scores of 25-10, 25-16, and 25-17.

“I am very proud of the girls, and how they played tonight,” said Hanson. “The girls played incredible.

“We were missing Taylor Walker, who is one of our loud girls, (but) Ally Martin really stepped up and was loud and had massive kills tonight,” Hanson added.

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BRONSON WINS TOM KOONS VALLEY INVITE

BRONSON WINS TOM KOONS VALLEY INVITE

October 19, 2021 Tim Birney

WAVERLY — Athens freshman Sara Bronson ran away from the field, finishing 42 seconds ahead of runner-up, Waverly freshman Harper Minaker, here Tuesday afternoon in the varsity girls portion of the annual Tom Koons Valley Cross Country Invitational.

The Lady Wildcats won the team title by virtue of having the only complete team.

Bronson clocked in at 20:23, and Minaker finished in 21:05, while Waverly sophomore Elizabeth Vaughn was third in 22:40, Waverly senior Olivia Nittinger was fourth in 23:17, and Athens sophomore Thea Bentley finished fifth in 24:09.

Sayre junior Corey Ault was sixth in 26:50, edging out Athens sophomore Emily Henderson was seventh in 26:52, Athens sophomore Cailyn Conklin was eighth in 27:23, Sayre’s Rose Shikanga was ninth in 27:27, and Waverly sophomore Ally Barrett was 10th in 27:28.

Athens senior Ruby Kinsman finished 11th in 30:48, and Sayre Deborah Shikanga was 12th in 31:23.

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ATHENS HAS 5 OF TOP 6 FINISHERS AT TOM KOONS VALLEY INVITE

ATHENS HAS 5 OF TOP 6 FINISHERS AT TOM KOONS VALLEY INVITE

October 19, 2021 Tim Birney

WAVERLY — Athens, led by senior Matt Gorsline and junior Ethan Denlinger, had five of the top six runners to cross the finish line here Monday afternoon in the varsity boys race at the annual Tom Koons Valley Cross Country Invitational at the Waverly Glen.

The Wildcats won the team title, and were the only complete team in the field.

Gorsline clocked in at 17:39.0, and Denlinger was second in a wild finish with the next two runners just 0.56 behind.. Denlinger finished in 17:45.57, while Waverly senior Nate Ackley was third in 17:45.88, and Athens senior Kyle Anthony was fourth in 17:46.13,

Athens freshman Carter Lewis was fifth in 18:52, and Athens sophomore Nate Prickitt was sixth in 19:47.

Waverly seniors Sam VanDyke (19:50) and Gavin Schilmoeller (20:11) finished seventh and eighth, respectively, while Athens seniors Izaak Hobday (20:20), and Sander Bertsch (21:45) were ninth and 10th.

Sayre’s Braylon Dekay was 11th in 22:18, while Waverly sophomore Brayden Hurd was 12th in 22:32, and Athens senior Brendan Jones (23:31) was 13th, and Athens freshmen Pierce Oldroyd (24:29), Ryan Gorman (27:11) and Lohith Kinthala (29:06) were 14th through 16th.

Sayre’s Andrew Panek was 17th in 31:44.

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RYAN LEADS ATHENS IN SWEEP OF TROY

RYAN LEADS ATHENS IN SWEEP OF TROY

October 18, 2021 Tim Birney

ATHENS — Junior Jenny Ryan had a triple-double to lead Athens to a sweep of Troy here Monday night in NTL Large School volleyball action.

The Lady Wildcats, now 5-6, won by scores of 25-17, 25-15, and 26-24.

“The ladies played well tonight,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “They worked great as a team tonight again.”

Ryan recorded 18 digs, 11 kills, and 13 setter assists to go along with five service points to lead the Lady Wildcats, while senior Taylor Walker had 12 points, 13 digs, five kills, and three assists, and senior Ally Martin had 10 points (two aces), 16 digs, seven kills, and one block.

Freshman libero Ella Coyle had eight points, and 22 digs in the win, and junior Cassy Friend registered five blocks and two kills.

“Ella Coyle with 22 digs and 17 serve receptions; she showed why she is wearing that purple jersey,”
 said Hanson. Casey Friend was a wall tonight, with f solo blocks — that has got to be a record at Athens.”

Junior Braelynn Wood added seven points, four digs, and two kills for the Lady Wildcats, while freshman Kassie Babcock had three points, and two kills, and junior Audrey Clare chipped in with four assists.

Athens returns to action Thursday at Towanda.

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HUGHESVILLE KNOCKS OFF ATHENS, 3-1

HUGHESVILLE KNOCKS OFF ATHENS, 3-1

October 18, 2021 Tim Birney

HUGHESVILLE — Hughesville scored early in the second half on an Athens miscue to take a 2-0 lead on its way to a 3-1 win over Athens here Monday night in non-league girls soccer action.

“We played really well overall against a very good team,” said Athens coach Rich Pitts. “Our defense played really well all night

“I’m also happy with how we are getting forward and getting looks,” added Pitts. (But) we need to keep working on the finishing part.”

Kayleigh Rocker, off a feed from Haley Sherwood, gave the Lady Spartans a 1-0 lead midway through the first half.

The Lady Wildcats fell behind 2-0 about five minutes after the intermission on an own goal that was credited to Kate Forten.

Senior Hannah Walker put the Lady Wildcats on the board about 2 1/2 minutes later with a free kick from 20 yards out to trim the deficit to 2-1.

“It was a perfect strike into the upper-90,” said Pitts.

However, sophomore Sophia Clark found the net from 25 yards out on a free kick with 19 1/2 minutes remaining to put Hughesville up 3-1.

Hughesville had an 8-4 edge in shots-on-goal, and a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Karlee Bartlow recorded seven saves in net for the Lady Wildcats.

Athens, now 9-8, returns to action Thursday when it travels to Northeast Bradford.

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ATHENS DROPS 2-0 DECISION TO BLOOMSBURG

ATHENS DROPS 2-0 DECISION TO BLOOMSBURG

October 16, 2021 Tim Birney

ATHENS — Bloomsburg scored in the 11th minute of the game, and then tacked on an insurance goal late in a 2-0 non-league win over Athens here on a rainy Saturday morning.

“We played really great soccer in tough conditions,” said Athens coach Rich Pitts. “I challenged the girls pre game to put a total 80 minutes together, and we had only two moments that cost us goals.

“They did what I asked game-plan wise, other than finishing a few balls,” he noted. “We were way better going forward and attacking. 

“On to Monday for another tough, non-conference match-up that I think we we ready for,” added Pitts, in reference to the Lady Wildcats’ trip to Hughesville.

Elaina Flick put Bloomsburg on the board about 10 1/2 minutes in the game on a shot that slipped through the hands of the Athens keeper.

With 5:44 remaining in the contest, freshman Teagan Serrano scored on a direct kick to provide the final margin.

Athens had a 4-3 advantage in shots-on-goal, and a 1-0 edge in corner kicks.

Athens falls to 9-7 on the season.

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ATHENS BOYS WIN COACHES INVITE TEAM TITLE; BRONSONS FINISH 1-3 FOR LADY WILDCATS

ATHENS BOYS WIN COACHES INVITE TEAM TITLE; BRONSONS FINISH 1-3 FOR LADY WILDCATS

October 16, 2021 Chris Manning

ROME — It couldn’t have been a better day for Athens runners at the NTL Coaches’ Invitational. The boys won the team title, avenging their dual meet loss to CV earlier this week, while the Bronson sisters took first and third in the girls’ race.

The Wildcat boys had four in the top 12, and five in the top 20. They finished with 49 points, outpacing second-place Wyalusing (63) by 14 places. The Rams edged CV (63) for second place via tie-breaker.

On Tuesday, CV was able to go 1-2-3 on Athens, but on Saturday, the Wildcats’ Matt Gorsline (18:01.8) and Kyle Anthony (18:08.60) broke up that pack, getting ahead of CV’s third runner, Nathaniel Welch (18:13.6), to take sixth and seventh overall.

“I knew I had to get that number three Cow Val kid,” said Gorsline. “Kyle’s been struggling with an injury, and, he’s been struggling to get back to where he was, and today he executed really well, so I’m hoping he’s starting to feel better going into districts.”

Ethan Denlinger (18:24.6) finished in the top 10 at ninth, while Carter Lewis (18:39.2) was 11th, and Isaac Hobday (19:43) took 20th.

Nate Prickitt (19:58.2) finished 24th, and Sander Bertsch (21:07.3) was 38th to round out their top seven.

They had the tightest split of any team at the meet, just 1:41 between 1-through-5, and 40 seconds between 1-through-4.

While it was more than enough to claim the Invitational title, they’ll need to keep working if they want to do well at districts. The defending state champions for Class AA, Lewisburg, are in District IV, while Danville will also be a formidable opponent.

“We’re going to be hitting some tough workouts,” said Gorsline. “Really just prepping for it. We know where in the pack we need to be. Hopefully, three of us will work together - Ethan, Kyle, and I.”

In the girls’ race, freshman Wildcat Sara Bronson (21:01.3) cruised to the win, besting runner-up Alyssa Parks of Troy (21:40.3) by nearly 40 seconds.

“It was a pretty competitive race, which is good,” said Sara. “I’m pretty happy with how I ran. It’s nice being able to train with great teammates who help, and great coaches really help too.”

Her sister, Emma Bronson (21:57.6), took third overall coming off an injury. She missed Tuesday’s dual meet race at NEB.

“I felt pretty good,” said Emma. “It felt good to run again.”

This is the first time the two have been teammates, and they’re enjoying the extra time they’re spending together.

“It’s awesome being able to run with her,” Emma remarked.

Emma won the NTL Invitational last year, while Sara took second in the junior high race a year ago.

“It’s really nice being able to train together, and push each other, because we run so well,” said Sara.

Fellow Wildcat Thea Bentley (24:29.7) finished 20th as Athens was third as a team with 102 points. Troy (57) and Wyalusing (62) took first and second, while the Wildcats edged NEB (112).

Emily Henderson (26:40.5) finished 36th, and Caitlyn Conklin (27:53.7) took 48th to round out their top five.

For Sayre, Corey Ault (26:55.5) took 39th in the girls’ race, while in the boys’ race Braylon DeKay (23:31.9) finished 59th, and Andrew Panek (31:02.9) was 79th.

In the junior high boys race, Athens (38) was edged out by Troy (35) for the team title. Graham Wanck (10:29.7) and Eli Hicks (10:45.5) took second and fourth, respectively, for the Wildcats.

On the girls’ side Addison Bruns (12:26.40) came in fifth for the Wildcats, who were third overall with 70 points. Sayre’s Mackenzie Chamberlain (12:42) finished seventh overall.

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CANTON'S GROUND GAME TOO MUCH FOR ATHENS IN 34-10 WIN

CANTON'S GROUND GAME TOO MUCH FOR ATHENS IN 34-10 WIN

October 15, 2021 Chris Manning

ATHENS — The good and the bad was on display for Athens in its 34-10 loss to unbeaten Canton in NTL football action here Friday at Alumni Stadium.

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NORTH PENN-LIBERTY SWEEPS PAST ATHENS

NORTH PENN-LIBERTY SWEEPS PAST ATHENS

October 14, 2021 Tim Birney

LIBERTY — North Penn-Liberty remained unbeaten in league play with a sweep of Athens, which was playing in its third road match in four nights, here Thursday evening in NTL volleyball action.

The Lady Mountaineers won by scores of 25-6, 25-20, and 25-14.

“We played like a team and played like we were winning,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “The attitudes were awesome and play was hard. As a coach, that’s what you want to see.

“NPL is a great team,: she noted. “We definitely had to earn our points.

“Interestingly, we missed six serves tonight and we missed 6 serves last night,” added Hanson. “When you win 6 missed serves isn't a lot. When you lose 6 missed serves is a lot.

Jenny Ryan had 21 digs, three kills, and two points (two aces), while Ella Coyle had 17 digs, Ally Margin had 13 digs, and five kills, and Taylor Walker registered seven kills and five digs.

Braelynn Wood had four kills and four digs for the Lady Wildcats, while  Kassie Babcock chipped in with seven digs, Audrey Clare added six digs, and Cassy Friend chipped in with two kills and two digs.

Aubry Pequingot led NP-L with 22 assists, 13 digs, and three aces, while Darby Stetter had 15 kills and 20 digs, Megan Spohn added 10 assists, and three aces, and Payton Chapel and Emerald Walker had kills and one block apiece.

Athens, now 4-6, hosts Troy Monday night.

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WALKER TALLIES LONE GOAL; ATHENS EDGES TOWANDA, 1-0

WALKER TALLIES LONE GOAL; ATHENS EDGES TOWANDA, 1-0

October 14, 2021 Chris Manning

TOWANDA — Senior Hannah Walker scored midway through the first half to lift Athens to a 1-9 win over Towanda here Thursday night in NTL girls soccer action.

“Defensively, we did a really ice job,” said Athens coach Rich Pitts. “Towanda played really hard tonight and battled for 80 minutes.

“I thought we played OK in moments, but we need to be a whole lot better offensively,” added Pitts. “So, the next two weeks we need to work in the offensive end more. “

Athens outshot Towanda, 10-2, and had a 7-0 edge in corner kicks.

Athens, now 9-6, hosts Bloomsburg Saturday at 11 a.m.

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ATHENS BLANKS GALETON, 6-0

ATHENS BLANKS GALETON, 6-0

October 14, 2021 Tim Birney

ATHENS — Athen scored three goals in less than 10 minutes early in the first half in a 6-0 win over Galeton here Thursday afternoon in NTL boys soccer action.

The Wildcats dominated play, outshooting Galeton, 20-1. They also had a 9-0 edge in corner kicks.

Junior Levent VanHolden scored about four minutes into the game to give Athens a 1-0 lead, and senior Nate Quinn, off a feed from senior Mason Hughey, scored 3 1/2 minutes later to make it 2-0.

With 26:34 remaining in the first half, Hughey scored an unassisted goal to give the Wildcats a 3-0 lead.

Senior Daniel Horton capped the first-half scoring with 12:30 left int he first half to make it 4-0.

Quinn scored 2 minutes into the second half to extend the lead to 5-0.

Sophomore Korey Miller finished off the scoring with 8:30 remaining in the game, off an assist from senior Jason Gao.

Athens, now 10-6, improves to 8-1 in league play, and can clinch the NTL title Thursday with a win at Troy.

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ATHENS SWEEPS TOWANDA

ATHENS SWEEPS TOWANDA

October 13, 2021 Tim Birney

TOWANDA — Back at full strength, Athens put together one of its best performances of the season in a sweep of Towanda here Wednesday night in NTL volleyball action.

The Lady Wildcats, who were without two starters Tuesday in a loss to Wellsboro, won by scores of 25-15, 25-16, and 25-20.

“It was a great ‘team’ effort,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “No ‘one’ individual outperformed the other. They all did it together.”

The Wildcats were nearly perfect at the service line, putting 64 of 70 serves (91 percent) in play.

Jenny Ryan led Athens with five service points, four kills, one block and four digs, while Audrey Clare had three service aces, eight kills, and seven digs, and Kassie Babcock had two aces, eighth kills and three digs.

Ella Coyle recorded 18 digs for the Lady Wildcats, while Ally Martin had two aces, four kills, and six digs, Braelynn Wood had two aces, three kills, and four digs, Taylor Walker had five kills and six digs, Cailin McDaniel added four digs, and Cassy Friend chipped in with one block.

Paige Manchester had 21 kills, two blocks, two points, and 10 digs for Towanda, as Addy Maynard had eight points, and nine digs.

Maddy Maynard finished with six points, and 11 digs, as Aliyah Nimmo had a point, with six digs.

Athens, now 4-5, returns to action Thursday night at North Penn-Liberty in its third road match in as many nights.

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SHORT-HANDED ATHENS SWEPT BY WELLSBORO

SHORT-HANDED ATHENS SWEPT BY WELLSBORO

October 12, 2021 Tim Birney

WELLSBORO — Short-handed Athens, playing without two starters, dropped a 3-0 decision here Tuesday night in NTL Large School volleyball action.

The Lady Green Hornets won by scores of 25-9, 25-17, and 25-13.

Taylor Walker led Athens with 13 setter assists, two kills, and one block, while Cassy Friend had 13 digs, two kills, and one block, and Braelynn Wood added seven kills, one block, and three digs.

Ally Martin had six digs and two kills for the Lady Wildcats, while Ella Coyle registered five digs and two kills, and Kassie Babcock chipped in with three kills and three digs.

Athens, now 3-5, returns to action Thursday at Large School-leading North Penn-Liberty.

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