SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 – WEST ALEXANDRIA
With a huge matchup next Thursday against Fort Loramie on the horizon, the fear for the Covington faithful who made the long trek to Twin Valley South was if the Buccaneers would focus on the task at hand against the winless Panthers.
Fortunately, there was no looking ahead for Covington. The Buccaneers thoroughly dominated the Panthers, scoring virtually at will. The only bug-a-boo for Covington on this night were the three turnovers and a penalty that negated a fourth quarter score by freshman Chase Vanderhorst.
The first turnover by Covington came on its first possession of the game after the defense forced the Panthers into a three-and-out. The offense moved the ball quickly down the field, but the drive stalled inside the Panther twenty on an interception.
But the Buccaneer defense quickly turned the momentum back into Covington’s favor as Ricky Stephan and Jensen Wagoner forced a Panther fumble that was recovered by Connor Sindelir in the end zone for a 6-0 lead.
Covington then pushed the lead to 13-0 on its next possession on a 22-yard scoring run by Trentin Alexander as the first quarter came to a close.
Like sharks smelling blood in the water, the Buccaneer defense harassed Twin Valley South all night – limiting the Panthers to just two first downs until the second unit took over late in the game. This was critical as the defense bailed the offense out once again after a Buccaneer fumble early in the second quarter.
The offense got back on track and scored on three straight possessions before the half.
First, Jakob Hamilton hauled in a 22-yard pass from Jensen Wagoner and Trentin Alexander followed with a 33-yard scoring run to push the Buccaneer lead to 27-0.
Tyler Owens then closed out the first half with an amazing effort play on a 20-yard scoring pass from Wagoner. Owens, who caught a quick hitch near the Panther sideline, evaded several defenders before diving over the pylon for the score and 33-0 lead at the break.
With the second half being played with a running clock, Covington rotated players in and out of the lineup throughout the final two quarters.
The resulted were the same as junior Landon LaPoint caught a quick-hitter over the middle and muscled his way in from 23-yards out to increase the Covington lead to 40-0 in the third.
Covington reached the end zone once more late in the fourth quarter on a 19-yard run by freshman Chase Vanderhorst, but a holding penalty negated the score.
Moments later Twin Valley South’s Michael Crews found an opening down the right sideline and broke free for an 80-yard scoring run to prevent the shutout.
In all, Covington showcased a balance offensive attack with 203 yards on the ground and 164 through the air for a total of 367 yards of offense on a night where 14 Buccaneers touched the ball.
The defense was stellar all night, limiting the Panthers to negative-23 yards rushing and 18 total yards of offense until the 80-yard run by Crews in the final minutes.
Trentin Alexander racked up 123 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries, while Jakob Hamilton led the Buccs with 82 receiving yards on two catches.
Next up for Covington (3-0) is a home contest against Fort Loramie (3-0) on Thursday Night Lights.
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
BUCCS – 13 – 20 – 7 – 0 = 40
PANTHERS – 0 – 0 – 0 – 7 = 7
SCORING SUMMARY:
1st – COV: Connor Sindelir recovers fumble in end zone (Kick Failed)
1st – COV: Trentin Alexander 22-yd run (David Robinson Kick)
2nd – COV: Jakob Hamilton 22-yd pass from Jensen Wagoner (David Robinson Kick)
2nd – COV: Trentin Alexander 33-yd run (David Robinson Kick)
2nd – COV: Tyler Owens 20-yd pass from Jensen Wagoner (Kick Failed)
3rd – COV: Landon LaPoint 23-yd pass from Jensen Wagoner (David Robinson Kick)
4th – TVS: Michael Crews 80-yd run (PAT Good)
