COVINGTON – The Covington Buccaneers put forth a 53-0 victory over Bradford in the final scrimmage, but still need to advance to a higher level before the opening game of the season next Friday.
A week ago in the scrimmage at Fort Loramie the Buccaneers showcased a much higher level of intensity, physicality and effort than what was displayed tonight against Bradford, a longtime rival. Yes, the score was impressive, but there will be proof on the films that the Buccaneers will need to play much better next week against Arcanum.
The key situations of improvement needed that was visible by the Buccaneers ware the turnover by a fumble, runners hit in the backfield, some unfortunate penalties and several times where there were players not maxing out there effort on every single play. Several players who provide leadership were not satisfied by their performance.
In the scrimmage, the Buccs held Bradford on three-and-out in the first possession of the game. Covington then scored on the first offensive drive on a 25-yard reception by Tyler Palsgrove. The extra point gave the Buccs a 7-0 lead with 7:34 left in first.
Covington’s defense held Bradford again on three-and-out and took the ball at its own 43. The Buccs then moved to the Bradford 30, but turned the ball over by a fumble. Fortunately, the Buccs responded with interception by Jonny Miller and Landin Cassel scored on an 18-yard run to push the lead to 14-0 with 39 seconds left in the first quarter.
On Bradford’s first offensive play in the ensuing possession, the Buccs recovered a fumble by Lucas Lester and then Landin Cassel followed up with a 20-yard touchdown run. This pushed the Buccaneers’ lead to 21-0 with 19 seconds left in first quarter.
The Buccaneers’ defense held Bradford on another three-and-out and took over the ball at their own 38. Two plays later Parker Hoying caught a 53-yard touchdown from a pass by Rider Robbins. The point-after attempt was blocked by Bradford to leave the score at 27-0 with 9:36 left in half.
Covington’s defense then moved Bradford back 12 yards on two straight sacks and then knocked down a pass for another three-and-out. After taking over the possession at the Bradford 45 from a punt, Landin Cassel then ran 40 yards for his third touchdown. An extra point attempt failed again as the Buccs took a 34-0 lead with 6:32 left in the half.
The defense then held another three-and-out to force Bradford to punt again and the Buccs took over the ball at the 50. Landin Cassel then ran a 33-yard touchdown to push the lead to 41-0 with 3:35 left in the half.
The score remained 41-0 at the half and the Buccaneers opened up the third period with the first offensive possession. Eli Brooks opened up the possession with a great catch to move the ball inside the red zone. After a penalty, Landin Cassel closed out the drive with a 6-yard run to push the lead to 47-0 with 7:34 left in the third.
The Buccaneers recover a fumble by Bradford on the next possession at the 22. A few plays later, freshman Xander Feignt scored a 7-yard touchdown run to close out the three quarter varsity scrimmage with a 53-0 victory.
The fourth quarter consisted of ten offensive plays for each team. The Buccaneer defense played very well by preventing Bradford from moving the ball consistently and a huge defensive play was made on an interception by Caiden Walters.
Offensively, the Buccaneers moved the ball well and a touchdown happened by Xander Feight.
The Buccaneers open the 2026 regular season at home next Friday against Arcanum.
