By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter

bnimmons@thepccourier.com

CENTRAL — The Daniel Lions returned to Singleton Field fresh off a bye week and looking to turn around a disappointing season on Friday night.

The Lions entered the region opener against Wren at Singleton Field with a 1-4 record, but a win would give them a leg up in region play.

However, a number of costly penalties and turnovers stalled the Lions’ effort in a 35-14 loss to the Hurricanes.

“Turnovers are a problem,” Daniel coach Jeff Fruster said following the loss. “Those turnovers turned the tide and changed the momentum of the game in their favor.

“In spite of them, we still have to stay aggressive and still have to get some points on the board. We just have to do a better job of being smart with our decision making and do a better job of knowing where to attack.”

The Lions were also dealt a massive blow as quarterback Tyler Venables went down at the end of the first half. Venables, who played admirably after taking over the starting duties under center over the Lions’ previous two games, kept the game close with his dual-threat ability.

Noah Lupton came in to replace Venables and produced mixed results, as a long touchdown pass to Drew Swinney was dampened by three interceptions.

“Tyler’s injury certainly changed the mode of attack, but it didn’t change the way we called the game,” Fruster

You must be logged in to view this content.