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NTL FOOTBALL: WYALUSING READY FOR WILDCAT CHALLENGE (2020-09-25)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Even though Wyalusing coach James Buchman knew his team could get off to a fast start this year it still feels good for them to be undefeated going into week three.


“2-0 is a great feeling,” he said. “I expect us to be there. We are building our program up every year. More kids and more weight room investment.”


They blanked Towanda 25-0 in week one while pulling away from CV 46-21 in week two. Now they face a 1-0 Athens squad at home for week three.


“Athens has some big bodies we have to account for,” said Buchman. “On defense they attack fast, which we need to block up.”


Their offense was clicking against the Indians as they had over 500 total yards, 400 of them on the ground as their new running game as propelled them so far this season.


“We just need to run our offense and make the proper reads,” Buchman remarked. “Nothing special or fancy, just do everything we have been working on.”


The Wildcats allowed just seven points two weeks again in their 10-7 win over Sayre but the ‘Skins were able to win time of possession.


On the other side of the ball Athens is returning their quarterback (Mason Lister) and running back (Shayne Reid) from a year ago, so they have experience at the key skill positions.


“On defense we have to align properly to their formations and play fundamentally sound,” Buchman said. “There is nothing special on defense, just line up, know your responsibility and go play football. We took the thinking out of our defense. We want our kids to play fast.”


Despite wins the past two weeks they’ve started slow in the first quarter, finding themselves behind 7-6 to CV at one point last week. Buchman would like to see his team lose that habit this week.


“We need to start fast right out of the game,” he said. “If we do, that will help us. In the past, Wyalusing and Athens have always had close games. I expect the same thing this year.”


What to watch when Wyalusing has the ball: The Rams look like a completely different team on offense now they have their ground game going. They’ve also done it by spreading the ball around as Mitchell Burke, Kashawn Cameron and Alex Mosier have all done well when given the chance - especially Burke and Cameron in the big play department. The Athens defense will have to slow them down and get off the field if they’re going to limit the big play chances.

What to watch when Athens has the ball: Wyalusing’s new run stoppers will have a chance to shine this week. Athens had just 58 yards two weeks ago and struggled to give Reid space to run. Last year Wyalusing had the worse run defense, now they have one of the best through two weeks. If they can force Athens into second and third and longs it will be a long night for the Wildcats.


Players to watch: Ben Pernaselli, Athens, TE/DE: If Athens is going to hold down the Wyalusing offense Pernaselli will be key. The 200-pound defensive end can make plays all over the field and will likely need to. On offense, if Wyalusing’s run defense holds, he’s a big target for Lister.

Alex Mosier, Wyalusing, RB/LB: Mosier is averaging over 100 yards per game on the ground for the Rams. Athens will be a different defensive challenge for the Rams this week, but if he can keep the production up, then they will be a tough team to beat as it will open holes for their other weapons. 



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