CCHS

Wildcats take a bite out of Lions; Cannon remains winless

October 3, 2011 By Phillip D. Self Leave a Comment

Woodbury — The Cannon County Lions fell to 0-7 after being thumped 62-16 by Livingston Academy Friday night. The Wildcats jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead halfway through the first quarter before the Lions quarterback, Ryan Jordan hit Justin Tobin on a 30-yard touchdown pass. However, LA led 27-8 at the end of the first period. Livingston added three more scores in the second quarter, while Jordan hit Waylon Sedtal for Cannon County’s only second quarter points, which made the halftime score 48-16.

Brandon James (Tisha Self Photo)

Creed Hayes, LA’s tailback, scored on a two-yard touchdown plunge, which was the only score of the third quarter. This extended the Wildcat lead to 55-16. Livingston added a late touchdown with its starters on the bench, which made the final score, 62-16.

The Lions will travel to Meigs County this Friday to take on the Tigers who sit at 3-3 on the 2011 season.

Filed Under: Cannon, CCHS, Featured

York Institute Wins Battle of the Winless 39-16

September 19, 2011 By Casey Midgett Leave a Comment

York quarterback, Brannon McNellis rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another one in the Dragons' game at Cannon County. Fentress Courier Staff photo.

When York Institute and Cannon County met last Friday night in Woodbury both teams entered the contest with a goose egg in the wins column. Thanks to an impressive rushing attack and a stout defensive performance, York Institute emerged victorious, climbing out of the cellar of District 8AA and taking down the Lions 39-16.

The Lions’ offense struggled all night but was especially inept in the first half. The first two stanzas of the game saw the Lions have four offensive possessions, resulting in just 37 total offensive yards. In contrast, Dragon QB, Brannon McNellis had 81 yards rushing, 29 yards through the air and a rushing and passing touchdown to Andrew Gonzalas in the first half alone. Add in another rushing touchdown by Dragon, Tyler Huddleston, and York Institute totally shut Cannon County down in the first half and found themselves leading at the break 21-0.

Cannon County would finally find some offense in the second half when Lion’s QB, Ryan Jordan would march Cannon County furiously down the field with long passes to Waylon Sedtal and Justin Tobin, before connecting on a 25 yard scoring strike to Justin Weaver for a touchdown with only 41 seconds gone in the third quarter. Lions’ head coach, Joel Schrenk, decided to go for two and Ryan Jordan again found Justin Tobin, this time in the end zone and suddenly Cannon County found itself with life, trailing only 21-8 early in the third quarter.

That life would last long as the Lions would see York Institute string together eighteen unanswered points and hold Cannon County scoreless until garbage time late in the fourth quarter. Huddleston, McNellis and Gonzalas would each add rushing touchdowns in the half, while all three point after attempts would fail.

Ryan Jordan would add another long scoring strike, this time to Cody Petro, late in the game but it wouldn’t be enough as the Dragons would take home their first win of the season, in convincing fashion, while Woodbury would fall to 0-4 on the season.

Tyler Huddleston at Cannon County. Fentress Courier Staff photo.

For the game, York had 321 yards of total offense, while Cannon County managed only 220. York Institute’s Brannon McNellis had an outstanding game passing for 23 yards and a touchdown while adding 171 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Andrew Gonzalas added 15 yards and a touchdown on the ground and 23 yards receiving and a touchdown. Tyler Huddleston had 98 rushing yards and a touchdown while Drew Starr had 31 yards rushing, Brian Crabtree had nine yards on the ground, Byron Matthews had 12 yards rushing and Lance Crockett added 9 yards on the ground.

For Cannon County, Quarterback, Ryan Jordan threw for 184 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions and rushed for 12 yards. Cody Petro had 52 yards and a touchdown receiving and Justin Weaver had 31 yards and a touchdown. Justin Tobin had 56 yards receiving, Waylon Sedtal had 2 catches for 23 yards and James Purvis had one catch for 6 yards. Hawk Love added 17 yards on the ground for the Lions.

The Lions will travel to Wartrace Friday night to take on Cascade.

Filed Under: Cannon, CCHS, Featured

Tigers crush Cannon County, 56-6

September 7, 2011 By Phillip D. Self Leave a Comment

SMITHVILLE – The DeKalb County Tigers continue to look like a potential surprise team in the District 8-AA mix, while the Cannon County Lions continue to look like the young team Coach Joel Schrenk talked about at the season’s onset.

Tiger junior QB Lucas Phillips tossed four touchdown passes, and the DeKalb offense made four Cannon County turnovers hurt in a 56-6 rout, last Friday night. The 56 points was the second-most scored by DeKalb County against their border rival, the most being 63 points in 2008, while the 50-point margin of victory was also the second largest in the series history, ranking second to a 55-0 win by the Tigers in 1991.

DeKalb County (3-0, 1-0 District) had a 28-0 lead at the half, but allowed Cannon County some first half opportunities off turnovers of their own. After blocking a Lion punt on the first drive of the game, the Tigers promptly marched 21 yards in four plays – hindered by a five-yard procedure penalty – and scored on a 25-yard run by senior tailback Dylan Freeney. The Lions bobbled the ball twice on their ensuing possession, but kept the ball in their hands until they were forced to punt on fourth down at their own 46-yard-line. Phillips threw one of his two interceptions on the following drive, but Cannon County returned the favor by fumbling the ball away after a 49-yard pass from QB Ryan Jordan to junior wideout Cody Petro set the Lions up at the Tiger 42. Nine plays after the miscue, DeKalb’s Cody Puckett plowed in from a yard out to put the Tigers up two scores.

Jordan had an interception wiped off on off-setting penalties early in the second quarter, but the Lions punted the ball away, four plays later. Phillips gave the Lions another opportunity with his second interception at the Tiger 45, but four plays later, Cannon gave the ball back over on downs.

The Lions’ opportunities came few and far between after their failure to capitalize on DeKalb’s second turnover. The Tigers took over at their own 31-yard-line after the turnover on downs, and used only two plays to score on a 56-yard pass from Phillips to Will Molander. Zach Taylor kicked his third extra point to put DeKalb up, 21-0, with just under four minutes left in the half. After the Lions failed to move on their following drive, the Tigers tacked on another score on a one-yard run by Chris Chapman, with 32 seconds left in the half.

Cannon County (0-3, 0-1 District) grabbed some short-lived momentum early in the third quarter, as Phillips fumbled the ball away on the first play from scrimmage. Lion junior tailback made the turnover sting, as he rambled 27 yards to put the Lions on the board with 9:23 remaining in the third quarter. The two-point conversion attempt failed however, leaving DeKalb with a 28-6 lead. The Tigers did not allow the momentum to carry, as they stormed right back down field just over a minute later, and scored on an 18-yard pass from Phillips to Zach Thompson. Another Cannon turnover second later set Phillips with his third touchdown pass, this time to older brother Sebastian Phillips, who scored on an eight-yard pass play. With two more Taylor extra points, the Tigers set the mercy rule in effect with a 42-6 lead, with still 7:34 remaining in the third quarter.

The Tigers put up two more touchdowns with little resistance, scoring on a 19-yard run by Freeney, with 3:27 left in the third, then tacking on their final score on a three-yard pass from Phillips to Taylor. Taylor went a perfect 8-for-8 on extra points to finalize the 56-6 score.

Phillips finished the night 8-of-13 passing, with 160 yards and ran for 65 yards on seven carries. Freeney ran the ball 11 times for 140 yards and scored twice, while five different Tiger receivers caught at least one pass.

James ran for 63 yards on 18 carries and scored once to lead Cannon County’s offense.

Filed Under: Cannon, CCHS, DCHS, DeKalb, Featured

2011 District 8-AA Football Preview

August 9, 2011 By Phillip D. Self Leave a Comment

CANNON COUNTY LIONS

Last Season: 1-9 (Missed Playoffs)

District 8-AA: 1-4 (5^th Place)

Head Coach: Joel Schrenk (3^rd season, 7-14 at Cannon Co., 10-31 overall)

Key Players Lost: HB/LB Gabe Walkup, QB/WR/S Heath Simons, WR/DB Colin Jones, OL/DL Daniel Northcutt, OL/LB Jared Melton

Key Players Returning: QB Brandon James, Jr., TB Damon Collette, Sr., TB Hawk Love, So., OL/DL Thomas Stone, Sr.OL/DL Ryan McLaurine, Jr. (All-District)

Outlook: “Young.” That’s the one word third year head coach Joel Schrenk has used to summarize his 2011 Lions. Of the 46 members of this year’s roster, 26 of those players are freshmen. That bodes well for the future, but for the present, there will be some growing pains for the youngsters as they fill in gaps left by the likes of Gabe Walkup, Colin Jones and Daniel Northcutt. But all is not lost in Woodbury this season. A healthy group of returning players – who tasted a District Championship a mere two seasons ago – give this young squad hope of vying for the playoffs. Much will rest offensively on the surgically repaired shoulder of QB Brandon James and pressure will be on Damon Collette and Hawk Love to fill the void left in the backfield by Walkup. The defense was roughed up to the tune of 43.3 points per game last season, but 10 starters return for a chance at redemption in 2011.

Biggest Games: at DeKalb Co. (Sept. 2), at Smith Co. (Oct. 14), vs. Upperman (Oct. 28)

DEKALB COUNTY TIGERS

Last Season: 3-7 (Missed Playoffs)

District 8-AA: 2-3 (4^th Place)

Head Coach: Steve Trapp (7^th season, 22-42 overall)

Key Players Lost: QB/WR/DB Shane Salley, FB/LB Kevin Kijanski, OL/DL Devin Thomas, OL/DL Randall Hansard, WR/DB Matt Giles

Key Players Returning: QB Lucas Phillips, Jr. (28 of 58, 570 yds., 6 TD, 1 INT), TB/LB Sebastian Phillips, Sr., WR/DB.K Zach Taylor, Sr., WR/DB Will Molander, OL/DL Gage Brown, Jr.

Outlook: Seventh year Tiger coach Steve Trapp has been to the lowest valley (a horrendous 0-10 campaign in his first season) and to the highest point (a record-breaking 9-3 record and the program’s first-ever playoff win in 2008). He has instilled the Tiger Pride way of life in the school and the community. Now, he wants to get the DeKalb County program playing at a high level on an annual basis. Last year’s 3-7 season was a bit of a letdown after back-to-back playoff campaigns, but with a promising young quarterback, a veteran offensive line and a stout front seven on the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers are thinking playoffs again in 2011. Lucas Phillips took over the starting duties at QB down the stretch last season and earned a trial by fire along with a young offensive line. Phillips won’t likely recapture the Mr. Football magic of Hunter Poteete, but what he does bring to the table is a good football mind, poise and grit, ingredients that make for a successful QB. Meanwhile, the defense must adjust to its third coordinator in as many seasons, as Don Berninger takes over for the departed Ben Johnson. Success on that side of the ball may dictate the outcome of the Tigers in 2011.

Biggest Games: at Smith Co. (Sept. 16), at York Institute (Sept. 30), vs. Livingston Academy (Oct. 28)

LIVINGSTON ACADEMY WILDCATS

Last Season: 5-6 (Lost to Giles Co., 28-10, in the 1^st Round of the Class 4A State Playoffs)

District 8-AA: 4-1 (2^nd Place)

Head Coach: Bruce Lamb (4^th season, 14-19 at Livingston Academy, 23-40 overall)

Key Players Lost: WR/DB Jake Huitt, WR/LB Hayden Hill, RB/LB Dillon Roberts, OT/DT J.W. Lee

Key Players Returning: QB Brock McCoin, Jr. TB Creed Hayes, Jr., WR Tyler Martin, Sr., OT/DT Ronnie Linder, Jr., OT/DT Cole Presley, Jr.

Outlook: The Wildcats were young in 2010, losing only seven seniors off a playoff team that placed second in 8-AA. In all honesty, Coach Bruce Lamb’s team is still young as it enters 2011, but both the talent and experience is there to make some significant noise. The McCoin name in Overton County is synonymous with quarterbacking excellence, heaping a great deal o expectations on junior signal-caller Brock McCoin. He can handle the pressure, and will thrive behind an experienced offensive line. Explosive tailback Creed Hayes is a player to be watched this season, and when you combine his athleticism with that of McCoin, Livingston’s offense will be tough to contend with. Nine starters return on the defensive side of the ball, including Lukas Reagan and Corey Hamilton, both First Team All-District selections in 2010.

Biggest Games: vs. Smith Co. (Sept. 2), vs. York Institute (Oct. 14), at DeKalb Co. (Oct. 28)

SMITH COUNTY OWLS

Last Season: 10-2 (Lost to Pearl-Cohn, 40-0, in 2^nd Round of Class 3A State Playoffs)

District 8-AA: 5-0 (1^st Place)

Head Coach: Jimmy Maynord (13^th season, 113-35 at Smith Co., 161-77 overall)

Key Players Lost: WR/DB Jagger Edgell (20 rec., 247 yds., 2 TD), WR/DB Joshua Johnston (18 rec., 273 yds, 2 TD), RB Lucas Wakefield (120 carries, 631 yds., 8 TD), FB Cody Holder, DE Logan McKinney, WR/LB Nathan Nuss

Key Players Returning: QB Gage Scurlock, Sr. (78-147, 1,345 yds., 12 TD’s, 5 INT; 521 rush yards, 8 TD’s), TB Jameson Stevenson, Jr. (89 carries, 515 yds., 6 TD’s), TB Jalen Manning, So. (39 carries, 276 yds. 6 TD’s), TE/DE Trey Salisbury, Sr., WR Cody Webb, OL Zach Carter, Jr. (2^nd Team All-District)

Outlook: Just win. It may not necessarily be the Owls’ motto, but it’s what they do, year in and year out. After a 7-4 campaign in 2009 ended with a playoff loss to Pearl-Cohn, Smith County ran the District table en route to a 9-1 regular season in ’10; however, Pearl-Cohn again was waiting, this time in round two of the playoffs. There are certainties with the Owls – no matter how many players Coach Jimmy Maynord loses, the veteran coach reloads, not rebuilds. The Owls will be well-coached. They will play hard every Friday night. They rarely beat themselves. These attributes, plus a boat-load of veteran talent back from last year’s team, make the Owls the favorite again this season in 8-AA. Winning the District is task number one; getting by Pearl-Cohn – or at least that second round of the playoffs – will be the next goal for the Owls this season.

Biggest Games: at Gordonsville (Aug. 26), at Livingston (Sept. 2), vs. White House (Oct. 21)

UPPERMAN BEES

Last Season: 1-9 (Missed Playoffs)

District 8-AA: 0-5 (6^th Place)

Head Coach: Ben Herron (1^st season, 0-0 overall)

Key Players Lost: RB Max Key, RB/CB Kaleb Block, DL Conner Williams, DL Ryan DeVilanueva

Key Players Returning: QB Connor York, So., WR/LB Tyler Hadynski, Sr., WR/DB Vincent Ferguson, Sr., WR/SS Dustin Buck, Sr.

Outlook: A new season, a new head coach and a new outlook for the Upperman Bees football program. After Jason Evans resigned following back-to-back 1-9 seasons, former Upperman player Ben Herron was brought back to Baxter to try and reverse the recent fortunes of his alma mater. What Herron inherited was a young quarterback in Connor York, who took over as a freshman last season, and ended the year with a promising 217 yards and three touchdowns passing in the Bees’ season ending loss to Cannon County. York has a solid corps of receivers to throw to, including All-District selection Tyler Hadynski and fellow seniors, Vincent Ferguson and Dustin Buck. With some talent at the skill positions, Coach Herron will be looking to a group of sophomores and juniors to help provide protection for his young QB up front. Expectations are high in the long run for Upperman’s native son, but there will be work to do in his first year on the job.

Biggest Games: vs. York Institute (Sept. 2), at DeKalb Co. (Oct. 14), at Cannon Co. (Oct. 28)

YORK INSTITUTE DRAGONS

Last Season: 4-6 (Missed Playoffs)

District 8-AA: 3-2 (3^rd Place)

Head Coach: Dickie Brown (3^rd season, 14-10 at York Institute, 119-137 overall)

Key Players Lost: QB Tyler Stephens, TE/LB Denver Hall, OT/NG Tyler Crabtree, OT/DT Shane Doss, DT Trent Dishmon

Key Players Returning: TB Drew Starr, Sr., TB Tyler Huddleston, Jr., QB Brandon McNellis, Jr., C/LB Galen Collins, Sr.

Outlook: The Dragons lost only seven seniors from their 2010 team, which barely missed the playoffs after a State semi-final run in 2009. The Dragons always bring a smash-mouth brand of football, and this year will offer no exception, as York will pound the ball with the tandem backs of Tyler Huddleston (a 1,000-yard rusher last year), Drew Starr, Cullen Roysden and Lance Crockett. Brandon McNellis moves from receiver to under center, and will guide the Dragon attack. Galen Collins will help lead what should be an athletic defensive unit.

Biggest Games: vs. DeKalb Co. (Sept. 30), at Livingston Academy (Oct. 14), vs. Smith Co. (Oct. 28)