Saturday, August 18, 2012 4:19 am

Cannon County ws unable tp overcome a slow start and lost its season opener in football Friday night.

Brannon Hill had 119 yards rushing and three touchdowns as Watertown went home with a 31-6 victory.

The Purple Tigers got out to a quick 19-0 lead. However, after the Lion offense was able to settle down and hang on to the football, the Cannon defense followed suit and attempted to keep the game close.

Watertown took advantage of two Cannon County turnovers to build the 19-0 lead.

Cody Petro scored on an 86-yard touchdown run to close the gap 19-6 in the first half.

The Lions were unable tp get their offense running in the second half, but the Lion defense kept them in the game by stopping Watertown's offense on several drives.

The Lions only managed 178 yards, of which 155 were on the ground. Watertown exploded for 333 yards of total offense.

The Lions will be on the road next week to face Grace Baptist in Chattanooga.