Dyersburg falls to Covington in Class 3A Quarterfinals

Jason Peevyhouse

Editor, JP Productions Sports

The Trojans fought through all four quarters on Friday night but, in the end, there were just too many big plays that were had by Covington and not enough offensive response as the Chargers ended Dyersburg’s season with a 42-21 loss on the road in Tipton County.

“They scored quick, you know, and we didn’t score enough offensively,” Dyersburg Head Coach Bart Stowe said. “We weren’t able to maintain the ball enough to get enough points.

“We’ve got to play complementary offense and complementary defense and complementary special teams. In all three phases of the game, we had to play well in everything.”

Following the opening kickoff, it didn’t take long for the Chargers to make the first big play of the game as Shawn Macklin broke free for a 66-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage. The extra point gave Covington a quick 7-0 lead less than a minute into the game.

Dyersburg looked to answer but were held on the first three plays after a penalty. The Trojans caught a big break when the punted ball made contact with a member of the Charger return team allowing Trojan Aiden Chandler to get on the loose ball at the Covington 40-yard line.

The black and gold caught another fortunate break – or bounce – as a fumble on the next play by Peyton Hill was recovered by the Trojan running back for an eight-yard gain. Dyersburg capitalized on the next play as Hill scored on a 32-yard touchdown run. Elian Gonzalez added the extra point to tie the game at 7-7 with 8:26 left in the first quarter.

Covington had a quick answer, but not without some drama as Macklin broke free for a 62-yard on the first play of the ensuing drive. But, a big reason for Macklin breaking free was a hold on a Trojan defender, which drew a flag. However, Dyersburg was also flagged for defensive holding on the same play, resulting in off-setting penalties which allowed the touchdown to stand. The extra point put Covington back on top 14-7 with 8:10 left.

Though Dyersburg was held to just one first down on its next drive, the Trojan defense forced a three-and-out on the ensuing Covington possession.

But, after another Trojan punt, a defensive pass interference call by the officials on the first play of the ensuing Covington drive proved beneficial to the Chargers. On the next play, it was Macklin with another long run – this one of 43 – for his third touchdown of the first quarter on the final play of the frame. The extra point put Covington on top 21-7.

Though Dyersburg was able to move the ball some during the second quarter and the defense for the black and gold kept the Chargers off the board, neither team added to the scoreboard in the final 12 minutes of the half.

The Trojans were able to put together the longest drive of the game to open the second half. Starting at their own 37-yard line, Hill was a workhorse on the drive, carrying the ball five times for 21 yards before the drive stalled at the Covington 17-yard line. Gonzalez’s field goal attempt was wide, leaving Covington on top by 14 with 5:21 left in the third.

Covington took only three plays to add to its lead and it was a familiar tune as Macklin broke free for a 71-yard touchdown with 3:47 left. The extra point made it a 28-7 game in favor of the Chargers.

Despite trailing by three scores with the third frame slipping away, Dyersburg was able to strike back quick. After a penalty made for an ominous start to the Trojan drive at the Covington 20-yard line, Logston Morgan found an open Ty Seaton for an 85-yard touchdown pass with 3:30 left in the quarter. The extra point cut the Covington lead to 28-14.

But, Covington was able to answer with a nine-play, 53-yard drive bridging the end of the third quarter and into the fourth that was capped by a four-yard touchdown run by Collen Winfrey. The PAT extended the Charger lead back to 35-14 with 10:39 left in the game.

The Chargers tacked on another drive after stopping the Trojans in Covington territory in the form of a 62-yard quarterback keeper by Walker Davis with 7:07 left in the game. The extra point pushed the Charger lead to 42-14.

Dyersburg continued to battle and got on the board one more time as Morgan connected for a second time with Seaton. This time a 26-yard strike resulted in a touchdown with 5:43 left in the game. The extra point cut Covington’s lead to 21 points.

Though Dyersburg was able to force the Chargers to punt, Covington was able to keep the black and gold off the board to secure the win and end the Trojan season.

Hill led the way for Dyersburg with 24 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown. Morgan was 6-of-12 for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Seaton caught three of those passes for 128 yards and two scores.

“We played well at times but not for four quarters like we should,” Stowe added. “Hats off to Covington. They’ve got a good team and everything.

“I’m so proud of our boys and our seniors who led us to the quarterfinals. The Elite Eight. We had a tough go of it at times but they kept battling back and kept working. So proud of them. So proud of our players and how they did.”

Dyersburg was penalized seven times for 65 yards, while Covington was penalized once for 15 – a pass interference call on the final Trojan scoring drive.

On the night, Macklin had 20 carries for 302 yards and four touchdowns.

The loss ends Dyersburg’s season with a record of 8-5.

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