COVINGTON – “Offense was the key to the game,” commented Covington head coach Charlie Burgbacher after his Buccaneers destroyed the Trojans from Arcanum, 35-6.
“We came here to get the job done and we did it,” stated Burgbacher. “I’m pleased with the way our team performed tonight. We used our entire backfield and our offensive line did some impressive hitting tonight. I’m just really happy with everyone’s performance.”
Happy indeed, as the Buccs’ offense put 35 points on the board. “Thirty five points on the board against any team is impressive,” stated Burgbacher, “especially against Arcanum who beat us 30-0 two years ago.”
Yet the beating was received by the Trojans this year as excellent passing by Covington’s Matt Pond, and outstanding running by Ty Owens led to the untimely defeat and undoubtable victory by the Buccaneers.
“Basically they controlled the ball in the first half, but we got the advantage by scoring quick, giving us momentum to go on and get the win,” said Burgbacher.
The Buccaneers had a seven-point lead at halftime, which according to Burgbacher was “no safe margin”.
Arcanum’s troubles began in the first quarter when Owens scored quickly on a short run, with the kick good, the Buccs started what seemed to be a shutout. By halftime both teams failed to produce on what seemed to be promising drives.
At the start of the third quarter, the Trojans came out demanding a score, but were repelled by a strong Bucc defense. Taking over, the Buccs managed to move the ball effectively by giving it to Owens, who seven plays later scored the second Buccaneer touchdown. Great defensive plays on the part of Brian Olson and John Boehringer saw the ball back in Covington’s possession and four plays later another touchdown resulted as Jim Stickley unloaded a halfback pass 41 yards to Butch Boehringer.
Amazed and rattled, the Trojans couldn’t comprehend the reality of the situation, but soon understood it as an aggressive Buccaneer defense forced the ball back into their possession. Pond’s effectiveness as a quarterback shown brightly as two complete passes took him to the Trojan’s 3. One, a 53-yard pass to Butch Boehringer and the second a 15-yard pass to Scott Tayler put the Buccs on the 3, allowing Rich Phillis to score on a 3-yard run.
Covington’s last touchdown resulted from a 5-yard quarterback option play, in which Pond kept it to take it in for the score. Surpassing the Trojans 35-0, it seemed that the Buccs would shut them out, but a desperate attempt on Arcanum’s part allowed them to score with six seconds to go in the game on a pitch out pass to Donnie Baker. Missing the extra point, the game ended with Covington the victors.
“What else can I say?” stated Burgbacher. “Our offense was the key to the game. Scoring early on gave us the momentum to keep us up, and the momentum factor that makes or breaks a team.”
Declining comment, Arcanum head coach Martin Montgomery has a lot to think about going into next week’s game.
Burgbacher has a lot to think about also. “We’re really pleased with the win, but we have to look forward at next week’s game also. Next week’s game is a league game, and after coming off of tonight’s big win, Milton Union will be coming after us so we have to keep up the momentum.”
Now 3-0, the Covington Buccaneers will face the Bulldogs of Milton-Union away Friday.
SCORING SUMMARY:
COV: Ty Owens 1-yd run (Bill Besecker Kick)
COV: Ty Owens 1-yd run (Besecker Kick)
COV: Butch Boehringer 41-yd pass from Jim Stickley (Besecker Kick)
COV: Rich Phillis 2-yd run (Besecker Kick)
COV: Matt Pond 2-yd run (Besecker Kick)
ARC: Donnie Baker 4-yd run (Run Failed)
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
Arcanum: 0 0 0 6 = 6
Covington: 7 0 14 14 = 35