COVINGTON – The Covington Buccaneers put together an outstanding performance on Senior Night with an impressive 47-6 victory over the Milton-Union Bulldogs.

What made the beginning of the evening so enjoyable for everyone from Covington in attendance was the large number of seniors and their parents who were honored prior to the game. All of the seniors in the band, cheerleading squad and football team are great kids, which is a credit to their parents.

Another enjoyable and emotional moment for everyone came on the first offensive play of the game when standout senior Brock Lyons took the field. Brock has been a very talented offensive and defensive lineman for the Buccaneers since his freshman year. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious injury on the night of the Midnight Hit, which ended his senior season. However, he has continued to make a significant impact on the team through his leadership.

This is why it was so special to see Brock Lyons enter the game for Covington’s opening offensive play. The Buccaneers intentionally took a delay-of-game penalty to prevent him from having any contact. What made the moment even more special was Milton-Union’s coach declining the penalty. After the play was completed, Brock was embraced by his teammates and received a tremendous ovation from the large Covington crowd.

Covington went three-and-out on its first possession, but Jonathan Miller quickly gave the Buccaneers another opportunity by intercepting a pass and returning it to the Bulldogs’ 21-yard line. Two plays later, his brother Jordan Miller scored on an 8-yard touchdown run. This put the Buccs ahead 6-0 with 9:17 left in the first quarter.

Covington’s defense then held the Bulldogs to a three-and-out and got the ball back at its own 43-yard line. Two plays later, Jordan Miller broke free for a 46-yard touchdown run. Filip McMaken’s extra point increased the Buccs’ lead to 13-0 with 7:28 left in the first quarter.

Milton-Union went three-and-out again on its next possession, and Covington got the ball back at its own 29-yard line. Unfortunately, the Buccs also went three-and-out, giving the Bulldogs possession at their own 45-yard line.

Covington’s defense continued its impressive execution and stopped Milton-Union on fourth down to regain possession at its own 31-yard line. Landin Cassel broke a long run for a touchdown that was called back due to a penalty, but fortunately, a few plays later, Jordan Miller scored on a 9-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 19-0 with 9:57 left in the half.

The Buccaneers scored again on their next possession with a 43-yard touchdown run by Landin Cassel. This extended Covington’s comfortable lead to 26-0 with 7:12 left in the half.

After the defense held the Bulldogs to another three-and-out, the Buccs drove into the red zone behind several great runs and an impressive pass from Landin Cassel to Parker Hoying. The drive was capped off by a 7-yard touchdown run by Trenton Havenar. This increased Covington’s lead to 33-0 with 1:12 left in the half.

A few plays later, Filip McMaken intercepted a pass from the Bulldogs to close out the first half. This was McMaken’s 13th career interception, tying Denny Cain, who played from 1968 to 1971, for second place in program history.

On Milton-Union’s first possession of the second half, Diego Lopez intercepted a pass to give the Buccaneers possession at the Bulldogs’ 34-yard line. A few plays later, Jordan Miller scored his fourth touchdown of the game, this time on a 3-yard run, to extend the lead to 40-0 with 3:14 left in the third quarter.

Milton-Union then fumbled on its next possession, and Trenton Havenar recovered the ball at the Bulldogs’ 45-yard line. Cooper Turner eventually scored on a 9-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 47-0 with 7:21 left in the game.

The Buccaneers rotated more players onto the field throughout the remainder of the game. Milton-Union took advantage by driving down the field and scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run with 2:56 remaining.

Covington then took a knee to close out the impressive 47-6 victory.

Overall, Covington tallied 327 total yards of offense, including 287 rushing yards. Jordan Miller rushed for 140 yards and scored four touchdowns, while Landin Cassel added 115 rushing yards.

Defensively, the Buccaneers held Milton-Union to just 83 total yards and forced four turnovers, including three interceptions and one fumble recovery.

Another impressive aspect of Covington’s performance was its discipline, as the Buccaneers committed only four penalties throughout the entire game and did not turn the ball over for the second straight contest.

The Buccaneers are now 6-3 overall and 5-1 in the TRC. Covington will close out the regular season next Friday against Lehman Catholic at Sidney High School.

SCORING:
1st – COV: Jordan Miller 8-yard run (PAT Failed – 6-0
1st – COV: Jordan Miller 46-yard run (Filip McMaken PAT Good) – 13-0
2nd – COV: Jordan Miller 9-yard run (PAT Failed) – 19-0
2nd – COV: Landin Cassel 43-yard run (Filip McMaken PAT Good) – 26-0
2nd – COV: Trenton Havenar 7-yard run (Filip McMaken PAT Good) – 33-0
3rd – COV: Jordan Miller 3-yard run (Filip McMaken PAT Good) – 40-0
4th – COV: Cooper Turner 9-yard run (Filip McMaken PAT Good) – 47-0
4th – MU: Mason McGuffrey 4-yard run (PAT Failed) – 47-6