CHS comes back to beat Franklinton

Spurred by four turnovers in the second half, Covington High pulled out a come-from-behind victory against the Franklinton High Demons Sunday, 21-14.

Playing in a rare Sunday game due to weather concerns brought on by Hurricane Ike Friday, the Lions scored the game-winning touchdown when Covington defender Ryan Robinson intercepted a pass from FHS quarterback Terrance Magee near the Franklinton 5-yard line and ran it to the end zone with 6:56 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Franklinton’s offense did have another opportunity to tie it up in the final minute after a Covington punt placed the Demons near midfield, but Lion safety Denizel Ladner intercepted Magee’s pass to clinch the win. Covington quarterback Tyler Scott completed 5-of-18 passes for 87 yards and one touchdown, and CHS running back Phillip Bickham ran for 102 yards and one touchdown — a 59-yard mad dash in the second quarter that tied the game 7-7.

For Franklinton, Magee completed 13-of-26 passes for 133 yards and ran for 164 yards. He scored one rushing touchdown, a 5-yarder, in the second quarter that put the Demons on top 14-7.

The Demons looked to be in control of the game after that, bringing the ball down the field on their next drive but settling for a 25-yard field goal attempt with 2:09 left in the first half. However, the kick was blocked, and the Lions were able to march down the field and score on a 5-yard pass from Scott to receiver Blake Bruhl with 14 seconds left, tying things back up at 14-all. After an 80-yard drive in the third quarter, Franklinton looked poised to regain the lead, but the Demons fumbled 3 yards away from the end zone, and Covington recovered.

In the fourth, rain began to pour down on Demon Stadium, and it didn’t help the home team as Franklinton marched down the field again, only to fumble 15 yards from the end zone, and again, Covington recovered.

On the ensuing drive, the Lions’ offense took the ball to midfield and then punted, sending the Demons deep into their own territory. This set up the game-winning interception and score.

“The turnovers, obviously, were crucial,” said FHS coach Shane Smith.

The coach said his team was moving the ball well but had problems pounding the ball in after reaching the red zone.

“Those kinds of things you’ve got to cash in on,” Smith said.

Franklinton junior LeSean Williams was the leading receiver on the day, hauling in nine catches for 100 yards.

The Demons move to 1-1 on the season and travel to West St. John on Friday. Covington (1-0) will host the Denham Springs Yellowjackets Friday night at Jack Salter Stadium.