Charger head coach J.R. Kirby was pleased with the performance of his team in Friday’s 44-0 demolition of the Millington Trojans considering the week that preceded the game.
“We had three or four kids out sick all week, staff were sick as well”, Kirby said. “The absence of Daylin Edwards and Daniel Harrison due to injuries required some last minute adjustments. It was a tough week, but we got through it.”
Covington “got through it” with an assist form a Trojan squad that could not get out of its own way.
Millington (1-2 overall, 0-1 Region 7-3A) surrendered 272 rushing yards to CHS and then added a free 134 yards on 14 penalty flags, including six majors.
For the second straight week, the Chargers (2-1, 1-0) blistered their opponent in the first half, leading to a running second half clock while the defense pitched a shutout.
Jamarion Dowell picked up 120 yards on 10 attempts with three touchdowns, including a shifting, darting 55-yard scamper that closed the first half. His running mate, fullback Skylan Smith, had the ball just seven times. He racked up 110 yard and three scores, including a 54-yard burst in the first period. Braden Gover had 5 rushes for 21 yards and he completed 1 of 3 passing attempts for four yards. Gabe Wellentin was a perfect 7 of 7 on PATs.
The Trojans gained 107 yards, completing 11 of 23 passing attempts. They were dominated on the ground, netting a minus-5 yards.
“The defense played well,” said Kirby. “The young guys got a lot of experience in the second half and kept them off the board.”
For the season, Covington has allowed just 28 points and has held its last two opponents to a total of 150 offensive yards.
“We are a lot like (the) 2017 (team),” Kirby said. “We have a number of seniors, but several of them have not played. Players are stepping up and we are improving.”
The next test for Covington, which is ranked third in this week’s Class 3A Associated Press state poll, comes on the road at Brighton at 7 p.m. Friday.
Kirby said, “You can throw out the record books. It’s Covington and Brighton.”
