TONY STINNETT, Courier Co-Editor
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 12:00 pm

WESTMORELAND – Cannon County had hoped to find the winning formula that would deliver the first win of the season in a road game at Westmoreland, but instead the Lions were treated to a familiar recipe.

Westmoreland took advantage of five Cannon County turnovers, including two in the first two minutes of the game, and rolled to a 35-0 Homecoming win.

Cannon County never gave itself a chance against Westmoreland. The Lions were down 14- 0 before fans had a chance to get settled in their seats. They fumbled the opening kickoff and Spencer Hodge scored the first of his four touchdowns three plays later. Cannon County regained possession but Westmoreland picked off a Cody Petro pass and returned it for a touchdown to extend the lead to 14-0.

“We just made too many mistakes early,” said Alex Davenport, who was a bright spot with a fumble recovery and eight tackles. “I thought we played pretty well overall on defense. We just couldn’t get anything going. We just have to keep working and try to get back to doing the simple things right like we were doing back during the preseason.”

Westmoreland scored on four of Cannon County’s five turnovers. The Lions were guilty of three interceptions and two fumbles as Cannon County suffered its 14th straight loss.

Dalton Ryan, Jonathan Smith, Ryan McLaurine and B.J. Daniel, along with Davenport, led another overall favorable performance by the defense, which held Westmoreland at bay during the second half.

Cannon County played much better during a second half that saw no scoring. The Lions saw their best chance at avoiding a shutout end when Davenport recovered a fumble that was forced by Brandon James at the Westmoreland 31. Cannon County moved the ball to the Westmoreland 10 but quarterback Cody Petro was intercepted on a third-and-6 play.

The Lions got a stop on defense and Cannon County took over at its 42, but Hawk Love’s fumble onthe first play returned possession to Westmoreland and the Lions were never able to muster a threat from there.

The Lions were shutout for the second straight game and have not scored in nine quarters.

Justin Tobin had another impressive punting effort, averaging 42 yards per kick.

8-AA Football Standings
All District
DeKalb Co.    4-0    1-0
Livingston    3-0    1-0
York    3-0    1-0
Smith Co.    3-1    0-1
Upperman    3-1    0-1
Cannon Co.    0-4    0-1

Last Week’s Scores
Westmoreland 35, CCHS 0
Smith Co. 47, Warren Co. 7
Upperman 38, Harriman 14
DeKalb Co. 58, White Co. 7
Livingston 41, Cumb Co. 20
York was idle

This Week’s Games
Cannon Co. at York
Smith Co. at DeKalb Co.
Livingston Acad. at Upperman
(Kickoff is 7 p.m. for all games)