The Glenvar football team was able to pull out a win in a bizarre home opener last Friday.

The Glenvar defense didn’t allow a point but the Highlanders struggled to beat Covington, 28-14. “It was an ugly win, but you have to win those ugly games,” said Glenvar coach Kevin Clifford. “That was the best Covington team we’ve played since I’ve been here and we only gave up 96 yards.” The Highlanders led 14-0 at the half on an 18 yard run by Bradey Loder in the first quarter and an 18 yard pass play from Landry Gerbers to Colby Street in the second period. However, Covington scored on a 63 yard fumble return in the third quarter to cut the lead to 14-7.

It was a classic “scoop and score” play that had the Cougars Juan Miller heading the other way before the Highlanders could recover. A 62 yard pass play from Gerbers to Nick Sebolt got the lead back up 14 at 21-7 but another turnover turned into a touchdown and kept the game close. This time Ed Tyson of Covington picked off a pass in Glenvar territory and took it 22 yards to the house. It wasn’t until Christian Smith scored on a one yard run that Highlander fans were able to breath easily. “They were a sound team and we had four unforced turnovers,” said Clifford. “And we also forced four turnovers. Like I said, you have to win the ugly ones.” Loder had another big night rushing, gaining 224 yards on 31 carries. In two weeks the junior tailback has piled up 385 yards on 60 attempts. Gerbers was five for 14 passing for 120 yards. He had two touchdown passes and was picked off twice. Sebolt had two catches for 80 yards.

The real stars of this game were on the defensive side of the ball. Street had 16 tackles, including two for losses, while Maxx Philpott had 10 tackles with a sack and three for losses. Blake Custer had 12 tackles, Jacob Crowder had nine tackles and an interception and Justice Forster had four tackles and a pick. Domenick LaRose had seven tackles and a sack and a half. This will be the last year for the Covington-Glenvar rivalry, as the Cougars are dropping Glenvar after this year. Clifford is in his 12th season as head coach at Glenvar and he’s 11-1 against Covington.

This week the Highlanders are back on the road to play Cave Spring at Bogle Stadium. The Knights opened the season with a 42-14 loss to William Byrd but took it out on Staunton River last week, pounding the Eagles 62-20. “Their quarterback(Jacob Knight) can chuck it,” said Clifford. “And they have a good running back(Zach Bowling). They’re very capable, we’re going to have to play well.”