Week 1 of the season, Covington fans were shocked to face their first loss in an opener since 2017 to Munford, which went on to go undefeated in the regular season.
According to head coach J.R. Kirby, they were written off by many, building up worries on how the Chargers would perform for the rest of the season.
Instead of looking for someone to blame, they adjusted well and went on to become region champs, win eight games in the regular season and make a deep playoff run to reach the semifinals before losing to East Nashville 41-15 Friday night at home.
The Eagles (12-2) rushed to a 21-0 lead with 4:41 minutes left in the first half before the Chargers (11-3) could score late in the second quarter from the 2-yard line with a Jamarion Dowell run.
Next quarter, Covington came up with a six-play drive that was completed with a 9-yard Dowell run. Braden Gover threw a two-point conversion to Kydric Mason to cut the lead down to 21-15.
East Nashville answered with three straight touchdowns to end the game and Covington’s season.
Azarion Harris led Covington’s rushing attack with 113 yards on 22 carries. Dowell added 57 yards on 16 carries and Skylan Smith ran nine times for 31 yards. Gover rushed for 22 yards and passed for 15.
Covington had more first downs (16-11) than East Nashville, but 171 yards and some big plays by East Nashville proved to be pivotal.
Kirby gave praises to his team, especially to all 13 seniors because they were freshmen when he became head coach.
“I just can’t say nothing else about the seniors, this group, as they are a special group and they have got a future ahead of them. I hate to see them go.”
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