COVINGTON – Coach Larrie Tisdale unveiled his 1968 Buccaneer football machine at Smith Field Friday night and his charges responded with a convincing 14-0 victory over the Tipp City Red Devils in a display that promises and exciting season of football.

An all-around team effort was highlighted by sparkling defensive action as the Buccaneers held Tipp City to but six first downs, only one during the first half, and dominated the game from the very beginning.

Covington’s initial tally came with 0:45 remaining in the first quarter on a one-yard plunge by Terry Swallow. The score was the result of control football; as the Buccs held possession for six minutes and 11 seconds during the 54-yard sustained drive.

With the clock showing 1:41 left in the second period, Terry Swallow intercepted a Red Devil pass and raced to the Tipp 36. On the second play from scrimmage, Brad Barker hit Herb Stevenson in the endzone with a 32-yard aerial. Swallow plunged for points after giving Covington a 14-0 lead. The defensive unit made it stick for the remainder of the game.

Tipp City’s only serious scoring threat came midway in the third period when Tom Sims broke loose on a 52-yard jaunt to Covington’s 12-yard line. Three plays later, the Red Devils were on the one, but crisp blocking and tackling shook the ball loose and John Weikert recovered for Covington at the four.

An illegal procedure penalty nullified Covington’s third score, a 27-yard Barker to Weikert touchdown pass midway in the final stanza.

FROM THE PRESSBOX…
Covington tallied 14 first downs to the Red Devil’s six. The Buccaneers lofted 11 aerials and completed one while Tipp City went to the air seven times, connecting once and losing three by interceptions. Both squads fumbled twice, with Tipp losing the ball on both occasions. Covington was penalized 15 yards, the Red Devils 30