NTL FOOTBALL: WYALUSING HEADS BACK TO THE VALLEY TO TAKE ON ATHENS (2023-09-07)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Wyalusing had some success in the valley last week against Sayre, and they’ll be hoping to get some more up there tonight when they take on Athens.

“Last week’s win did built the team’s confidence but everyone was eager to get right back to work and get better,” said Wyalusing coach Rich Rogers.

The Wildcats are a young team, but growing. They took some steps forward last week in their come from behind win at CV.

“Athens, like us, have to learn to come together behind a new staff, and get to know each other and how to work together,” said Rogers. “It is a process.”

Offensively they ran the ball at will last week, and this week they continued to sharpen up their game up front.

“We continue to work on improving our offensive line play, and coming off the football,” said Rogers. “Hopefully, we make strikes each week.”

Defense has been the one area that Rogers has worked the hardest to improve because it’s the fastest way for the team to be competitive.

“We need to stay aggressive defensively and be prepared for an Athens squad that has improved each week,” he said.

KEYS TO THE GAME

Wyalusing - Keep finishing off drives. They didn’t do it in the first game, they did it in the second, and that was one of the big differences between the two. Last week showed they can’t let Athens hang around into the second half, because they have the ability to rally.

Athens - Cut down on the penalties. Athens was penalized 11 times for 95 yards last week, which was part of the reason why they got in such a big hole. They can’t give a rolling Wyalusing team any help on the field.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Dylan Johns, Wyalusing, RB, CB - Johns ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns last week as a counter weight to Ayden Hunsinger and Casey God. He has the most big play ability on the team, and can be tough to stop in the open field.

Cooper Robinson, Athens, RB - Robinson ran for 118 yards last week, while also hauling in two catches for 60 yards and a score. He may only be a sophomore but he’s shown he can have upper classman performances.

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