Cannon County defensive lineman Dalton Ryan, right, pursues Watertown quarterback Ty Jobe during Friday’s season opener in Woodbury. Ryan had three tackles for loss in the Lions’ 31-6 setback. (JOEL FRANKLIN photo)

Depth was the most pressing issue facing first-year Cannon County Head Football Coach Brent Bush entering the 2012 season.

It became an even greater issue after Cannon County’s 31-6 loss to Watertown in the opener last Friday (Aug. 17).

Sophomore linebacker Jackson Mason (shoulder) was lost for 8-to-12 weeks following an injury sustained two days before the opener.

The Lions (0-1) could have even more players sidelined when they play at Chattanooga Grace (0-1) Friday. Kickoff is 7 p.m. (Central)

Seniors Cody Petro (ankle) and Justin Tobin(shoulder) suffered injuries against Watertown and did not return to the field.

Their status for the first road encounter of the season was considered doubtful.

“You really can’t afford to lose players with our depth but to lose players of their quality who do so much for our team will really test us,”Bush said. “This is an opportunity for other players to step up. We will monitor their progress but it does not look good.”