Lions fail to put together consecutive wins

By TONY STINNETT, Courier Sports Editor

JAMESTOWN - Cannon County was riding a wave of momentum as it traveled to Jamestown to face York coming off of an upset victory of Smith County the previous week.

Heck, there was even talk of possible playoff scenerios if the Lions could win there last three and get a little help.
Those hopes were quickly dashed as York secured a 49-7 win against Cannon County (1-8, 1-4) Friday (Oct. 24). The Dragons have won four straight and used a bruising ground attack to control the game and the Lions.
York piled up 281 yards rushing and added another 119 through the air. It was the most rushing yards and total yards allowed by the Lions' defense this season.

Cannon County's defense had four takeaways. Jake Walkup had an interception. A.J. Daniel had another sterling defensive effort with a game-high 14 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Junior linebacker Eldon Resko continued to be a bright spot in the middle of the Cannon County defense. Resko had 13 tackles. Senior Case Isenhart turned in another stellar effort with 11 tackles, one forced fumble and one sack. Ethan Smith contributed eight tackles and also had a fumble recovery.

But the offense couldn't do anything with those takeaways.

The Lions had just 65 yards passing. Quarterback Josh Walkup was 4-of-23 for 65 yards. He threw three interceptions.

Walkup did hook up with Daniel for Cannon County's only score on a 36-yard touchdown pass that tied the game 7-7 in the first quarter.

It was all downhill from there for Cannon County.

The game turned just before halftime. Trailing 21-7, Cannon County took possession with 46 seconds remaining. Not only did the Lions not run out the clock, but they gave up a 58-yard punt return to send the Dragons into halftime with a 28-7 lead.