Slidell Defeats Covington 19-7 In Historic St. Tammany Rivalry

COVINGTON, La. — The Slidell Tigers claimed bragging rights Friday night, defeating the Covington Lions 19-7 in the 91st meeting between two of St. Tammany Parish’s oldest football rivals.

Playing at Jack Salter Stadium during Covington’s homecoming game, Slidell overcame an early deficit and scored 19 unanswered points to secure the victory.

Covington struck first in the opening quarter when Matthew O’Keefe scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Lions a 7-0 lead.

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Slidell answered just before halftime when quarterback Ricky Williams connected with Deryk Wilson on a 7-yard touchdown pass. A missed extra point left Covington leading 7-6 at halftime.

The Tigers took control in the third quarter when Williams broke free for a 24-yard touchdown run, putting Slidell ahead 12-7.

Running back Ja’Kwan Jones sealed the victory with a 2-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.

Jones led Slidell’s rushing attack with 154 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. Williams contributed 46 rushing yards, 73 passing yards and two total touchdowns.

Covington’s Rodney Clark rushed for 109 yards, while O’Keefe added 48 rushing yards and the Lions’ only touchdown.

The victory improved Slidell’s record to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in district play. Covington fell to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in district competition.

Slidell will host Ponchatoula on Friday, October 23, while Covington will host Hammond.

The rivalry dates back generations, making Friday’s matchup another chapter in one of St. Tammany Parish’s longest-running high school football traditions.

For Slidell, the victory means more than another win in the standings. It means another year of bragging rights over Covington.