Cannon looks forward to Upperman

TONY STINNETT
Courier Sports Editor

If the Lions are going to end their long losing streak on the gridiron it will have to take place in their season finale at Upperman - which happens to be the site of the team’s last win.

Cannon County suffered a 46-13 setback against Smith County on “Senior Night” at Schwartz Field, dropping the Lions to 0-9 this season and extending their losing streak to 19 games.

“I think we left it on the field tonight but we just faced a better team that was playingwell,” said senior Ryan McLaurine, who blocked and recovered a punt. “My hope is these young guys continue to play hard and realize they can be good.”

Nothing much went well for the Lions against Smith County, which vaulted to a 40-0 halftime leadand didn’t look back.

B.J. Daniel, Jonathan Smith and McLaurine led the Lions’ defense. Daniel and Smith teamed for 14 tackles each. They also had a combined seven tackles for loss with Smith accounting for four.

The Lions once again hurt their cause with five fumbles, losing three.

There were a couple offensive highlights that resulted in late scores.

Hawk Love prevented the shutout when he powered in from 4 yards out with 7:29 remaining in the fourth quarter.  Simon Morey’s extra point was good and pulled the Lions to within 40-7.

After Smith County tacked on its only score of the second half, Cannon County went deep into its bag of tricks for another touchdown.

Backed up to the 17, quarterback Corey Petro completed a seven-yard pass to tight end Bo Bryson. He lateraled the ball to senior Jarrett Melton who went the remaining 76 yards untouched for the touchdown in the final minutes.

“I think we kept fighting in this game and finding ways to do things,” Melton said. “We have tried to keep our confidence even when things didn’t go well.”

Cannon County will be off this week before concluding the season at Upperman. Kickoff for the Upperman game has been moved to Thursday (Oct. 25).