October 21, 1960 – Casstown
Although scored upon for the first time in their last six outins, Coach Blair Irvin’s Covington Buccaneers unharnessed all the horses during Friday night’s nine touchdown, 68-6 trouncing of the Miami East Vikings on the latter’s home gridiron for their seventh consecutive triumph of the 1960 football season.
A momentary lapse by Irvin’s defensive unit allowed fleet Gary Taylor to slip behind the secondary and snag a Paul Ponchilla pass, the play good for 85 yards and six points, the first touchdown scored against the Irvinites since Tipp City accomplished the feat seven weeks ago.
To Covington fans, the gem of the evening came in the waning minutes of the game, when Left Tackle Danny Cotrell was inserted into the offensive fullback slot, scored a touchdown and then pulled an end sweep for conversion points. It was the first time in a four-year career that the ace lineman operated from a backfield position.
Once again, Irvin used his “2nd Eleven” extensively, giving them valuable experience for next year. The reserves figured in four of the Buccs’ nine touchdowns. The Vikings, despite the point spread and a ground game that proved useless, nevertheless used the short pass, and aided by penalties, actually executed more plays from scrimmage against the Buccaneers than any other team so far this season.
Covington moved to a 14-0 first half lead on touchdowns by Bob Hartley and Gordon McMaken, and Hartley’s blast for points-after. The Buccs broke the game open in the second period on Hartley’s 10-yard scoring play and subsequent run for conversion; a Jerry Fessler to Steve Wells pass play that netted 36 yards, Hartley’s third successful conversion charge and Roger Looker’s 58-yard gallop that closed the first half scoring with Covington ahead 36-0.
Doug Murray’s 39-yard sprint at the outset of the second half gave the Buccs their sixth touchdown, Hartley’s plunge registered two more points and Covington led 44-0. At this point, the Vikings uncorked their 85-yard aerial that garnered them their only score of the evening. But minutes later, Roger Looker’s 66-yard burst and Dave Wimmer’s plunge gave Covington eight more points; and shortly before the end of the third quarter ended, Wimmer was in the end zone again. Bud Weer crashed for points-after and the period ended with Covington on the long end of a 60-6 score, setting the stage for Lineman Cotroll’s fourth period eight-point play that ended the game 68-6.
FROM THE PRESSBOX:
Covington rolled to 19 first downs, Miami East 5… the Buccs threw 5 passes, completed two, while the Vikings went to the air 22 times, completed 7 and had two stolen… Covington lost 55 yards via penalties, Miami East 10.
