Lions, Jackson Co. tie

TONY STINNETT, Courier Co-Editor


Lions, Jackson Co. tie

Tailback B.J. Daniel, 24, follows the block of offensive lineman Bradley Gunter for a gain. Daniel has made the switch from offensive line this season. (JOEL FRANKLIN photo)
Jake Todd connected with Cody Petro for an exhilerating 97-yard touchdown pass in a scrimmage against Jackson County last Tuesday (Aug. 7) to highlight the preseason workout.

Unfortunately, for the Lions, that was the extent of offensive highlights as the Lions battled Jackson County to a 7-7 tie.

“We just didn’t sustain drives well enough,” said Petro, who started at quarterback but lined up at a receiver spot for the scoring play. “We showed the ability to move the ball and gain yards but we have to put drives together and finish them by getting into the end zone.”

Todd finished the scrimmage 2-for-2 for 114 yards and the touchown to lead the offense. He accounted for all of the team’s passing yards. Hawk Love led the ground attack with 21 yards on six carries.

“We just have to keep working and improving and things will continue to get better,”Head Coach Brent Bush said. “We are still a work in progress. I am still a work in progress. That’s why these scrimmages are good. We need an opportunity to work out the kinks against other competition.”

Outside of one breakdown where the Lions lost containment, the defense was sound once again. It did give up a 80-yard touchdown run for Jackson County’s only score. Otherwise, big hits and lost-yardage plays highlighted the Lions’ defense.

Terry Parker, Dillion Jackson, B.J. Daniel, Dalton Ryan and Jonathan Smith were solid up the middle and outside, and senior linebacker Ryan McLaurine continued to play like a beast from his middle linebacker postion.

McLaurine had several big hits and tackles for loss.

“I just want to do my best and help put our team in position to win,”McLaurine said. “I believe we are playing better as a team.”