The Covington Fighting Lions continue to impress their faithful fans by getting off to a surprising start. The Lions (3-2, 2-1) play host to the struggling Hammond Tornadoes (0-4, 0-3) tonight at Jack Salter Stadium.

Hammond took last year’s game 26-12.

CHS has posted two straight district victories, coming off a 20-10 road win over the Fontainebleau Bulldogs.

Covington's Ryan Robinson (30) brings down Fontainebleau'€™s Perrin Sims in last week'€™s district game played at FHS. Tonight the CHS Lions host the winless Hammond Tornadoes at Jack Salter Stadium. (File Photo by Gwen Ladner)

Hammond fell to Northshore 56-21 last week at home. Lions’ junior running back Phillip Bickham continued his consistent play rushing for 82 yards on 19 carries in the victory over the Bulldogs.

CHS junior quarterback Tyler Scott hit on 6-of-13 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Last week, the Lions got on the scoreboard on their first possession on an 82-yard drive that ended with Scott hitting Colt Bruhl for 43 yards.

Scott also connected with Neil Blanchard on a 72-yard scoring pass.

The pass intended for Eddie Pea, bounced off of his hands, and Blanchard was in position for the rebound to score on the play.

Covington continues to play tough, aggressive defense, which has helped keep the Lions in ballgames. The CHS defense did its part last week with junior safety Otis Jacobs picking off two passes to help spark the Lions’ victory.

Jacobs returned his second pick for a 71-yard touchdown in the third quarter to give the Lions a 20-3 lead. Jacobs was also in on five individual tackles and four assists with a tackle for a loss.

Junior linebacker Kyle Crouch registered 10 tackles (four solo, six assists). Crouch was also credited with a quarterback hurry. Senior Casey Hebert was in on eight tackles, including three individual stops, while Jeremiah Sasso had three solo tackles, two assists and a sack for the Lions.

CHS’ defense has played well in concert with the offense, keeping the Lions in the district race, one game behind district leader Mandeville.

Covington first-year coach Malter Scobel said his club continues to show improvement.

“We are getting better every week. We did move the ball, which gave our defense a rest. We were able to win the field position battle last week against Fontainebleau,” Scobel said.

Scobel said his team isn’t taking Hammond lightly. “We have to prevent their big play capability. Turnovers, penalties and special teams miscues have hurt Hammond this year.

“He had a tremendous game last week,” Scobel added.

Hammond second-year head coach Rusty Barrilleaux described Covington as a team that is on the rise. “Covington is definitely a different team from last year. They are much improved. They have beat some good teams. We will have to play with intensity. It will be a tough challenge.”

Barrilleaux said despite the disappointing record, his players continue to work hard. “Our players realize they still have an opportunity to turn things around. The season isn’t over,” Barrilleaux added.

Hammond senior running back Torian Weber, who has been nicked with a serious finger injury, had a breakout game last week against Northshore rushing for 235 yards on 19 carries. He scored two touchdowns on runs of 68 and 13 yards.

Sophomore quarterback Trevor Ragan operates the Tors’ I-formation.

Ragan has completed 9-of 29 passes in three district games for 75 yards with one TD and four interceptions.