REPLAY: Vandebilt Catholic uses all phases to defeat Covington, 20-6

HOUMA – Vandebilt Catholic got big plays in all three phases of the game to rally for a 20-6 victory over Covington Friday night at Buddy Marcello Stadium.

The game was broadcast live by Crescent City Sports.

The Terriers (6-1), who entered the game at No. 7 in the Crescent City Sports Class 4A rankings, trailed 6-0 at halftime and were held to 61 yards in the first half.

Landon Rogers’ 64-yard punt return to the Covington 1 set up a game-tying 1-yard plunge by Wildcat quarterback Hunter Porche. The point after try hit the upright, leaving the game tied at 6-6.

It stayed that way until midway through the fourth quarter, when Bryden Roundtree – Vandebilt’s leading rusher who was held to 22 yards in the first 3½ quarters – broke free for a 57-yard run to the Covington 18.

Three plays later, Porche took it in from the 3 to give the Terriers their first lead of the night, 13-6.

After an exchange of punts, Covington (2-5) had one last chance, starting at its 10-yard line with 2:13 left. The Lions moved to midfield before Evan Frank intercepted a tipped pass – his second of the night – and returned it 70 yards for the game-clinching touchdown with 46 seconds remaining.

“The offense got it going when we had to,” said Vandebilt coach Lance Ledet. “The punt return picked us up.”

Covington opened the game with drives of 10 and 14 plays, reaching the red zone each time, but the Vandebilt defense stiffened.

Roger Ponce kicked field goals of 22 and 30 yards to give the Lions a 6-0 lead in the opening moments of the second quarter.

“It was almost a feeling out process,” said Ledet, referring to the fact that Friday’s matchup was only settled on Thursday afternoon.

Vandebilt went three-and-out on each of its first two series before putting together a 17-play drive covering more than seven minutes, but the Terriers failed on a fourth-and-22 after a pair of negative plays and a penalty.

Friday’s game came together after each team’s district opponent was forced to cancel because of COVID-19. Covington was scheduled to host Northshore on senior night, while Vandebilt was scheduled to meet Assumption in a battle of the top two teams in District 8-4A.