JR Lions score back-to-back wins

BY TONY STINNETT, Courier Sports Editor

Cannon County's Junior Lions turned in back-to-back wins when they held off Jackson County for a 26-22 win at Schwartz Field Thursday (Sept. 18).

Cort Litchford's punt return for a touchdown proved to be the game winner. Jackson County had rallied from a 18-8 halftime deficit to take a 22-18 lead.

The Lions forced a punt and Litchford returned it for a touchdown to provide the comeback win.
Cannon County opened the scoring when quarterback Charlie Parrish connected with Wade Love for a 40-yard touchdown strike and the Lions added the 2-point conversion for an early 8-0 lead.

The Lions (4-3) primarily pounded the middle with Gabe Elrod and Jacob Raines between the tackles. They hit Jackson County with another pass; however, when Parrish connected with Reece Smith for a 10-yard touchdown. Cannon County added the 2-point conversion when Love took a pitch from Elrod and scored on a reverse.
Bryson Bell, Alex Clark and Blake Farless continued their strong play on the line. Ty St. John, Litchford, Gage Jones did a good job on the corners.

"It was another four-quarter battle that the boys refused to lose," JR Lions Head Coach Jason Elrod said. "We teach mental and physical toughness that these boys demonstrate on the field. They are a great group of boys who are always willing to fight to the whistle."