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Covington Catholic defeats Cooper in low-scoring affair

Almost half of Evan Pitzer's 206 passing yards came on one play in the second quarter. His 89-yard completion to Owen Leen gave the Colonels a 14-7 lead that stood up throughout a scoreless second half as Covington Catholic defeated Cooper for the sixth time in as many seasons.

The Colonels got on the board first when Pitzer fired a 23-yard completion to Noah Johnson for a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.

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Covington Catholic running back Owen Leen (22) runs with the ball against Cooper in the first half at Cooper High School Sept. 23, 2022.
Covington Catholic running back Owen Leen (22) runs with the ball against Cooper in the first half at Cooper High School Sept. 23, 2022.

Cooper responded midway through the second as Cam O'Hara found Austin Alexander for a three-yard strike. O'Hara, who averaged 187 passing yards entering the contest, was held to just 120 yards on 12 completions.

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The Colonels would need only 56 seconds to reclaim the lead thanks to the Pitzer-to-Leen connection.

Leen, who leads the Colonels in rushing yards this season, led CCH with 69 yards on the ground as well as two catches for 113 yards.

Cooper tight end Austin Alexander (4) blocks Covington Catholic defensive back Noah Johnson (23) during an extra point in the first half at Cooper High School Sept. 23, 2022.
Cooper tight end Austin Alexander (4) blocks Covington Catholic defensive back Noah Johnson (23) during an extra point in the first half at Cooper High School Sept. 23, 2022.

The offenses went silent for the final 24 minutes of the game. Cooper only managed 28 yards on the ground and 148 total yards of offense. Covington Catholic completed just seven of 14 passes. The ball was fumbled a total of three times but never found its way into the opposition's hands.

After a season-opening loss to Elder, Covington Catholic has since racked up impressive wins over Lexington Catholic, Dixie Heights and Beechwood. The Colonels hope to keep their perfect road record intact as they travel to Boone County next week. Cooper will stay at home and host Madison Consolidated (Indiana).

Covington Catholic 14, Cooper 7

CCH - Johnson 23 pass from Pitzer (Weitzel kick)

C - Alexander 3 pass from O'Hara (Faulkner kick)

CCH - Leen 90 pass from Pitzer (Weitzel kick)

Covington Catholic wide receiver Noah Johnson (23) reacts after scoring a touchdown against Cooper in the first half at Cooper High School Sept. 23, 2022.
Covington Catholic wide receiver Noah Johnson (23) reacts after scoring a touchdown against Cooper in the first half at Cooper High School Sept. 23, 2022.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Covington Catholic stretches win streak to 5 after dispatching Cooper