Bees Buzz By Lions, 48-16

TONY STINNETT, Courier Co-Editor


Bees Buzz By Lions, 48-16

Cannon County's Cody Petro (2) prepares to catch a pass during action Friday night against Upperman. (JOEL FRANKLIN photo)

Cody Petro did what he has consistently done all year, turning in two outstanding touchdown receptions and securing more than 200 all-purpose yards against Upperman Friday (Oct. 28).

Unfortunately, for Cannon County, the Lions were also consistent in that the problems that have plagued the team all season were evident in a 48-16 setback against Upperman at Schwartz Field Friday.

The Lions' offense (0-10, 0-5) committed four turnovers, leading to 28 Upperman points, and the defense failed to get off of the field on key third- and fourth-down conversion plays that either kept drives alive or led to touchdowns for the Bees (4-6, 2-3).

Put it all together and the end result was another one-sided setback for the Lions.

"I know we are capable of doing so much more than what we are," Cannon County Head Coach Joel Schrenk said. "For whatever reason it is not transferring to the field. Defensively, we were better at times but then when we needed a stop a big play would happen. We would blow a coverage or wouldn't make a check. Ultimately that is my fault for not having them ready. We do it all week in practice."

Petro continued to do what he has all season too.

The junior receiver was outstanding as he turned two passes from quarterback Ryan Jordan into touchdown grabs of 47 and 36 yards, respectively. He had 126 yards receiving and more than 75 yards on kickoff returns.

"Cody had a great game and played very well," Schrenk said. "He's been one of the bright spots this season."

Trailing 41-0 in the third quarter, Jordan and Petro connected on a 54-yard scoring play. Jordan's two-point conversion to Waylon Sedtal capped the drive. Petro and Jordan would hook up again in the fourth quarter, this time for a 36-yard scoring play. The two-point attempt failed.

Jordan finished with more than 200 yards through the air as Justin Tobin also had another good night with more than 70 yards receiving. Despite the positives, Jordan also was guilty of three interceptions and fumbled once.

"If we throw the ball to who we are supposed to then we are wide open," Schrenk said. "We are past being young and learning. It is just not executing. We gave them four extra tries and that's four less opportunities for us."

Upperman didn't need too much help.

The Bees led 14-0 after one quarter and stretched the advantage to 34-0 by halftime. Cannon County's defense ended the regular season allowing 40 points or more in nine of the 10 games. They allowed 39 points in the other contest.

Cannon County did score a safety when the Bees snapped the ball out of the end zone in the fourth quarter. B.J. Daniel and Sedtal also had fumble recoveries for the Lions, who have an 11-game home losing streak dating back to the 2009 home playoff loss.