1968: BARKER, STEVENSON PULL ONE OUT FOR THE BUCCS

  • Post category:1968 SEASON
Brad Barker leads the Buccs onto the field before a thrilling win over Tecumseh.

COVINGTON – An 80-yard Brad Barker to Herb Stevenson touchdown pass with less than two minutes to go pulled one out of the fire for Coach Larrie Tisdale’s Buccaneers at Tecumseh last evening when Covington extended their victory skein to six in a row with a 14-12 win over the Tecumseh Arrows.

Trailing 12 to 8 with only 1:20 remaining, the Buccaneers took the aerial route for the winning touchdown in an exciting game that almost spelled upset.

Currently sporting a 6-0 record, Covington is perched atop the MRVL, along with Northeastern, a 28-18 victor over Springfield Shawnee last evening, and all indicators point to a showdown between the two league powers two weeks hence.

In last night’s encounter, Covington tallied quickly, on the first play from scrimmage, when Terry Swallow shot off-tackle for an 82-yard touchdown run. Ed Shilt added conversion points and Covington enjoyed an 8-0 lead in the early moments of the game.

The Arrows came right back, capitalizing on a blocked punt, and shortly before the first quarter ended, Bob Cook hit the endzone from 2 yards out. Bruney’s run failed for points after and the first period ended with Covington leading 8-6.

The lead was short lived, however, as Dewey Bruney uncorked a 94-yard jaunt with 7:43 remaining to put the Arrows on top 12-8 at halftime, an advantage they held until the final moments of the game.

Although the Buccaneers had one touchdown nullified by a penalty, it was the closing minutes of the game that provided victory on the Barker to Stevenson pass play. Swallow’s plunge for points after fell short, but the Buccaneers came home on the long end of a 14-12 count.

FROM THE PRESSBOX:
Covington had 10 first downs to Tecumseh’s 8. The Buccaneers completed one of five aerials (a dandy), while the Arrows hit on 5 of 9; there were no interceptions. Covington committed three fumbles, lost the ball once, while Tecumseh made but one miscue and gave up the ball. The Buccaneers were penalized 50 yards to the Arrows 10. Everybody is after Covington now. Last night was supposedly a breather, but is wasn’t. Over confidence could ruin it all. Next week, explosive and always dangerous Miami East.

Herb Stevenson caught the game-winning touchdown with under two-minutes left.