BUCCS SQUANDER OPPORTUNITIES AGAINST RIVERSIDE

  • Post category:2024 SEASON
Filip McMaken intercepted two passes in the first half to help put the Buccs in potential scoring position. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo

DEGRAFF – The Covington Buccaneers had several opportunities to put themselves in position to capture a win against Riverside, but failed to execute in critical situations in a 26-14 loss.

Opportunities are always available in football games, but the Covington Buccaneers have struggled to take advantage of them in the six losses they have had with just one game left in the regular season.

Things started off horrible for the Buccs as they fumbled the ball on the first offensive play and Riverside took advantage of the miscue by recovering the fumble at the 19 and scoring on a four-yard touchdown pass to go up 7-0 with just 1:34 off the clock.

Despite being put in a bad situation early, the Buccaneer defense played phenomenal throughout the rest of the first half by holding Riverside in check. Plus, the Buccs picked off three passes in the first half, two by Filip McMaken and one by Jack Blumenstock.

The interceptions gave the Buccaneer offense ideal situations to potentially score. Once the Buccaneers moved the ball inside the red zone and another possession the ball was moved inside the thirty, but both times Covington failed to take advantage of the opportunities to put the ball in the end zone.

The score remained 7-0 in favor of Riverside at the half, but the Pirates were finally able to score again on their opening possession in the third quarter. On the drive, Covington had Riverside in fourth-and-long situations three times and the Pirates were able to convert first downs to keep the chains moving and eventually scored on a 37-yard run to go up 13-0.

The Buccaneer went three-and-out on the ensuing possession and Riverside put yet another time consuming drive that was capped by a 38-yard touchdown pass on fourth down to push its lead to 19-0 with 11:08 left in the fourth quarter.

Covington, who struggled dramatically throughout the game on offense, finally got things rolling on the ensuing possession. The drive was capped by a 51-yard touchdown pass from Landin Cassel to Parker Hoying to keep the Buccaneers in contention with the score 19-7 with 6:06 left in the game.

The Buccaneers then executed an onside kick perfectly to put the offense in another potential scoring position with the ball at the Riverside 49. Unfortunately, Covington couldn’t execute the drive and the ball was turned over to Riverside on a failed fourth down attempt.

The Pirates then broke free down the left side on a 47-yard run to put themselves inside the Buccaneer ten for first-and-goal. Two plays later the Pirates scored on a nine-yard run to go up 26-7 with 3:24 left on the clock.

Despite trailing by three scores, the Buccaneers never relented and were able to move the ball down the field in quick fashion. The biggest play came on a long reception by Parker Hoying to put the Buccs inside the five. Jordan Miller then ran the ball in from four yards out to close the gap to 26-14 with 2:59 left in the game.

The Buccaneers attempted another onside kick, but Riverside was able to recover it. Still, Covington’s defense held the Pirates in check and took over the ball with 1:10 left in the game.

Covington moved the ball near midfield, but all hope of a victory was eliminated on an interception with 24 seconds left. Riverside then kneeled on the ball to close out the clock.

Despite the loss, there were some highlights for the Buccaneers to build on – in particular the three interceptions by the defense, the six catches for 125 yards in the fourth quarter by Parker Hoying and the never quit mentality the team put forth.

Overall, Covington tallied 288 yards of offense with 245 yards through the air and 43 yards on the ground. Riverside tallied 336 total yards with 183 on the ground and 153 through the air.

Covington falls to 3-6 overall and 1-5 in the TRC. Next up is a huge showdown at home with rival Miami East.

Jack Blumenstock picks off a pass in the first quarter. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo

SCORING SUMMARY:
1st – RIV: Landon Purtee 4-yd pass from Gavin Osborne (PAT Good) – 0-7
3rd – RIV: Tony Robinson 37-yd run (PAT Failed) – 0-13
4th – RIV: Landon Purtee 32-yd pass from Gavin Osborne (2-pt Failed) – 0-19
4th – COV: Parker Hoying 51-yd pass from Landin Cassel (Wyatt Parker Kick) – 7-19
4th – RIV: Tony Robinson 9-yd run (PAT Good) – 7-26
4th – COV: Jordan Miller 4-yd run (Wyatt Parker Kick) – 14-26

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Trenton Havenar powers through a Riverside defender for a long gain. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo
Day’Lynn Garrett hurdles a Riverside defender for extra yardage. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo
Parker Hoying had a huge night with 6 catches for 125 yards and one touchdown, all in the fourth quarter. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo