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The Wellsboro Hornets picked up their first home victory of the season Friday night, defeating the Cowanesque Valley Indians 26-13 on September 4.

Both teams battled defensively throughout the opening quarter, but Wellsboro created an early opportunity by blocking a Cowanesque Valley field goal and setting up a scoring drive.

With eight minutes remaining in the first half, the Hornets were positioned just inside Indian territory. Griffin Morral dropped back to pass and launched a deep ball down the sideline to Christian Main, who was brought down just short of the goal line.

A few plays later, Morral called his own number and powered into the end zone for the game’s opening touchdown. The Hornets took a 6-0 lead.

At halftime, Wellsboro also recognized three new inductees into the Wellsboro Sports Hall of Fame. Sharon Zuchowski, Hannah Zuchowski and Dick Cruttenden were each presented with commemorative plaques during the ceremony.

Wellsboro added to its lead in the third quarter. Facing third-and-14, Morral dropped back and found Main over the middle for a big gain. A few plays later, Main hauled in a slant pass and crossed the goal line for his second touchdown of the night.

The Hornets went for two, with Morral connecting with Grady Morral in the corner of the end zone to make it 14-0.

Cowanesque Valley responded later in the quarter with a big play of its own. Quarterback Dave Hess escaped pressure from the Wellsboro defensive front, faked a keeper and found Max Millard for a substantial gain.

With four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Hess finished the drive himself, running up the middle and powering across the goal line to put the Indians on the board. The score stood at 14-7.

Wellsboro answered early in the fourth quarter. After driving down the field, Reed Richardson powered his way into the end zone, dragging several defenders with him to extend the Hornets’ lead to 20-7.

Cowanesque Valley refused to go quietly. With Hess under pressure, the Indians quarterback lofted a pass downfield that found Cam Stahli wide open for another touchdown.

However, Wellsboro’s Jorden Hines came up with a key play by breaking through the line and blocking the extra point, keeping the Hornets ahead 20-13.

The Hornets then put the game away on the ensuing kickoff, which earned the Blaise Alexander Play of the Game. Grady Morral fielded the kick, faked to the right and raced along the sideline for a touchdown, giving Wellsboro a 26-13 victory.

The Hornets will look to make it two straight wins next Friday when they travel to take on the Loyalsock Lancers.