Convincing win over Ponchatoula latest sign Covington poised for return to prominence

It is appropriate that the return to prominence at Covington comes under a head coach named Salter.

Hall of Fame coach Jack Salter guided the Lions to a state championship in 1976 and led the Lions to state title game appearances in 1975, 1981 and 1987.

In 2013, Covington turned over its football fortunes to another Salter as Greg Salter, the grandson of Jack, was given the keys to a formerly rich kingdom. The throne is getting sturdier and more prominent by the day.

In his first season, Salter guided Covington to a surprise run to the Class 5A semifinals, narrowly missing a trip to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in a heartbreaking 28-27 loss to Parkway in the first year of the split between select and non-select schools.

The Lions have been solid since but have been unable to match that success as Salter has led the Lions to the playoffs in each of his four seasons, posting a 30-22 mark overall. That could very well change in 2017.

Covington is now 4-0 after a resounding 47-13 rout of always tough Ponchatoula at The Swamp Friday night in the District 6-5A opener for both teams.

Speaking on The Three Tailgaters Show on WGSO 990 AM Saturday morning, Salter expressed relief to break a bad streak against the Green Wave.

“Ponchatoula is a team that has had our number of late,” Salter said. “They have a ton of talent and outstanding coaching. To go there in a hostile environment and play the way we played showed what our kids are capable of.”

The Lions roared behind the dynamic senior duo of quarterback Joshua Alfaro and running back Devin Brumfield.

Alfaro completed 13-of-17 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns and rushed seven times for 91 yards. Brumfield, a Texas Tech commit, carried 15 times for 198 yards and three scores. Senior wide receiver KeJohn Batiste had five catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Elgin Bell had three catches for 104 yards. Defensively, the Lions were led by lineman Trevor Betz, who was in on 13 tackles, including four for loss with a sack while junior linebacker Juwan Harrell was in on six tackles, including a sack. He forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.

“Over the last three years, Devin has gotten a lot of the credit and deservedly so but Josh has been in the shadow but no less capable. He’s off to an outstanding start and has a great group of receivers. He has such a poise, a calm and control of the offense. It has been great to watch him develop.”

Things could not have started better for Covington as Alfaro connected with senior Mason Cialona on an 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage and the Lions never looked back in a very impressive performance.

The win snapped a four-game losing streak to Ponchatoula (2-2, 0-1).

On the season, Alfaro has completed 46-of-62 (74%) for 922 yards and 10 touchdowns with no interceptions and he has rushed 37 times for 353 yards and two scores. Brumfield has rushed 75 times for 695 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 174 yards per contest. Batiste has 21 catches for 419 yards and six touchdowns while Bell has 14 receptions for 335 yards and two scores. Junior free safety Avery Mendheim is the leading tackler with 35 stops and has an interception. Linebacker Derron Thompson has been in on 36 tackles and Betz has 35 stops and two sacks.

“The main thing is gaining experience on defense,” Salter said. “While we had nine or 10 starters back on offense, we had four or five guys back and it has been an adjustment. We gave up a few touchdowns against Franklinton but the effort, attitude and mentality were there. We knew they would continue to get better as they gained experience. He hasn’t played in two years and is getting better and better. We have a great mix of athleticism along with a great mentality.”

The Lions return to action at home next Friday night at 7 p.m. against long-time rival Slidell. The Tigers (3-1) won their district opener 32-8 over Hammond Thursday night. With a trip to St. Paul’s, who has dominated the district for over a decade, looms on Oct. 6 in the battle of Covington. The Lions must guard against a letdown and against looking ahead to the Wolves against a solid Slidell team this Saturday night.

“We have to be mature enough to prepare properly for a good Slidell team,” Salter said. “They are a tough opponent. You truly have to look at this and approach it one game at a time.”

With a senior-laden (30 seniors), talented and experience squad and a Salter at the helm, Covington is a definite threat in Class 5A, a team to watch the rest of the way in 2017.

“Maybe it was beginner’s luck in 2013,” SaIter said. “I was told it could never be like it was under my grandfather, that the community was not as invested. When we made that run in 2013, buildings, windows and shops were painted. The enthusiasm was still there. I grew up around it. It was one of my fondest memories. It can happen here again and it is great to be part of this tradition. It means so much to my family. It has been ingrained in my DNA since I was a young man growing up. People are excited here. I’m excited and the kids are excited.”

Covington is a team that may have the ability to make its own luck moving forward.