NTL FOOTBALL: TROY LOOKS TO KEEP ROLLING AT WELLSBORO (2024-10-03)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Troy’s (6-0) road trip continues as they travel to Wellsboro (1-5) for a 7 p.m. Friday night kick-off.

The Trojans are coming off a road win at Wyalusing last week, pulling away from a determined Rams team, while the Hornets dropped a close one at Athens, 21-13.

“Wellsboro is a team that has been in many close games that could go either way,” said Troy coach Jim Smith. “They have been very competitive. They have a great coaching staff and they will be very well prepared. We will get Wellsboro’s best I have no doubt. They have nothing to lose, we cannot afford to overlook anybody.”

Last week Wyalusing was able to have enough success running the ball to keep it close for three quarters. This week they’ll face Ryder Bowen, one of the best running backs in the NTL.

“Bowen is a strong physical back,” Smith said. “We can’t let him get going. They will spread us out. We are going to have to tackle well in space and pursue to the football well.”

On the other end Troy was hitting on all cylinders last week, and have shown no signs of slowing down.

“Offensively it’s important to continue mixing things up with multiple formations, schemes and spreading the ball around to different players,” remarked Smith. “It’s allowed us not to become too predictable. When the offense has stalled it’s normally been self induced. We remained focused on the little things and limiting mistakes.”

KEYS OT THE GAME

Troy — Get the defense off the field. Troy has had little trouble scoring this season, outside of the game against Dover, but Wyalusing was able to slow them down for a half last week. The more 3-and-outs they get, the quicker the offense gets back on.

Wellsboro — Run the clock. Shortening the game to just a handful of possession for each team is the best way to combat Troy’s big play offense. Easier said than done - Wyalusing did it for three quarters last week and still lost 41-6 - but it’s the best hope teams have.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Noah Ellis, Troy, LB — Ellis has 46 tackles this season, two for a loss, and we’ll likely be in the thick of things against Wellsboro.

Kody Enck, Wellsboro - Enck is second on the team with 35 tackles, and will be key if the Hornets are going to hang with the Trojans.

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