Explosive 1st half by Lions led by 3 passing TD by Geffers, Howard’s big night, sets tone in massive 32-6 win over Thomas A. Edison; Wellsville to visit B-R next weekend

[PHOTOS PROVIDED]

By John Anderson/Wellsville Sun

WELLSVILLE — The Wellsville Lions football team needed the last 77 seconds of the first half to make a statement on offense, defense and special teams on Friday night during a 32-6 victory.

With a 16-0 lead and Edison (Section IV) driving, Wellsville coach Tim Keenan yelled to his defense, "We don't need a repeat of last week. This is where you win the game."

Boy, was he right.

The defense made the stop, the offense scored and after a turnover with under a minute left, another touchdown gave Wellsville a 32-0 halftime lead.

In the second half, Keenan, who has several players from Genesee Valley and Belfast on the 8-man team roster, made sure everyone received meaningful playing time and the Lions never let up on defense. Keenan said playing time and depth are vital to the success of the team this season. After a tough 2-point loss to defending state champion Pembroke last week, the team came out fired up.

"Last year, we had some letdowns week-to-week. This week, we didn't have any let downs from Week 1," said Keenan. "Things clicked and we made some personnel changes from last week with the new players from Genesee Valley/Belfast, so the squad is a little different. After getting our eyes on them, they had some live action. So we were able to make some adjustments which I think really helped us out in both run blocking and pass blocking.

"Defensively, we've got it figured out, we just have to keep guys healthy. But we proved tonight — which was a blessing in disguise — we have depth at almost every single position," Keenan added.

While the defense was impressive for the Lions (1-1), breaking up six passes and an interception, almost forcing Edison to run, quarterback Brennen Geffers put together a stat line that fantasy football owners would take every week. Geffers, a junior, starting for the second season, was 15-of-20 for 268 yards and three touchdowns.

Jayvontay "J.J." Howard caught nine passes for 137 yards and a touchdown while Jack Davis caught four passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Junior Trenton Green had one catch for a 22-yard score.

On the ground, Geffers, Matthew Ritter and Xander Outman ran 12 times for 53 yards and a touchdown.

"I think the guys are learning and if they stay disciplined, I think we can beat just about anybody if we keep playing like we are playing," Keenan said. 

The defense was led by Matt Ritter, who had 11 tackles (four solo), his third forced fumble of the season, dropped the ball carrier twice for a loss and broke up a pass attempt. Sophomore Tyler Rahr had 11 tackles, one solo and David Clark led the team with five solo tackles, seven total and a tackle for a loss.

Xander Outman was all over the field with 10 tackles, two for a loss and three solo stops.

Junior Derek Coleman played strong on the line on both sides of the ball. On defense, Coleman had nine total tackles, and lived in the Edison backfield where he tackled the running back four times for a loss. When Edison tried short passes, Coleman got his paws on the ball and deflected two passes.

J.J. Howard had six tackles, Jack Davis made five and Trenton Green had a stop and intercepted a pass, returning it 30 yards to set up a Lions touchdown. Gabriel Black also had a strong game on defense with eight tackles, two solo while Zach Davis, Bryce Davis (three) and Wyatt Green all had at least two tackles.

Over the years, Wellsville and Bolivar was a big rivalry and even into the Bolivar-Richburg years. With the 8-man schedule, the teams have been able to get back to playing again. Last season, B-R trounced the Lions, 44-8 and also won 44-24 in 2022. Friday night, Wellsville is at Bolivar-Richburg at Dunsmore-Latimer Field in Bolivar, with a 7 p.m. kickoff in store.

The players certainly understand the rivalry and the crowds in Bolivar never disappoint. But Keenan is trying to downplay the hype.

"We are going to keep playing our game. We have talent in every spot," Keenan said. "While the game plan will change week-to-week, we are not going to focus on any one opponent. We are going to try to play our game. If they stay as amped up and focused as they have been, we will play each game as hard as we can."

Thomas Edison 0 0 6 0 — 6

Wellsville 8 24 0 0 — 32

FIRST QUARTER

W — Brennen Geffers 15-yard run (7 plays, 60 yards) , J.J. Howard pass from Geffers, 8-0 Wellsville

SECOND QUARTER

W — J.J. Howard 5 yard pass from Brennen Geffers (8 plays, 63 yards), Geffers run, 16-0 Wellsville

W — Jack Davis 70-yard pass from Brennen Geffers (2 plays, 70 yards), Howard pass from Geffers, 24-0 Wellsville

W — Trent Green 21-yard pass from Brennen Geffers (2 plays, 21 yards), Xander Outman run, 32-0 Wellsivlle

THIRD QUARTER

E - Zane Young 40-yard run (5 plays, 65 yards), run failed, 32-6