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Issac Covington makes 'play after play after play' as Tulsa Union beats Edmond Santa Fe

EDMOND — Issac Covington isn’t sure when he’ll get opportunities to play on offense.

Primarily a standout defensive back, the Tulsa Union senior is known for thriving on that side of the football.

But late in the Redhawks’ game against Edmond Santa Fe on Thursday, Covington got his chance to shine at running back.

“They just put me in I guess when they need a big play,” he said.

Covington gave his team exactly what it needed against the Wolves.

With Tulsa Union clinging to just a one-touchdown lead, Covington helped the Redhawks march down the field with carries of 22, 33 and five yards before scoring on a 1-yard run with 11:03 left. He also intercepted a pass later in the quarter.

His production late helped second-ranked Tulsa Union pull away and earn a 31-10 victory at No. 4 Edmond Santa Fe.

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Union’s Issac Covington is pictured in Tulsa, Okla., as part of the Oklahoman’s Super 30 high school football players on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
Union’s Issac Covington is pictured in Tulsa, Okla., as part of the Oklahoman’s Super 30 high school football players on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

Covington is a key player on a loaded Tulsa Union squad, and what he showed on both sides of the football Thursday showed just how valuable he can be.

“It feels special,” Covington said. “I feel like it’s a blessing because I know a lot of people can’t do this. But I feel like I’m the chosen one that can be able to put that on the field.”

Although Tulsa Union (7-1, 5-0 District 6A-I-2) won by three touchdowns, Edmond Santa Fe (5-2, 4-1) battled and hung with the Redhawks for a good chunk of the game.

Edmond Santa Fe junior tailback Demarius Robinson led the Wolves’ offense as he’s done throughout the year and finished with 23 carries for 158 yards and a touchdown.

Leading Tulsa Union’s offense was freshman Kason Delgado as star junior signal caller Shaker Reisig sat with an injury.

Delgado, in his second week manning the offense, completed 10 of 18 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown.

Junior running back Jordan Schelling also had a solid night for Tulsa Union, running for 124 yards on 26 carries.

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Edmond Santa Fe's Demarius Robinson (6) carries the ball against Tulsa Union during a high school football game at Wolves Stadium in Edmond, Okla., Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
Edmond Santa Fe's Demarius Robinson (6) carries the ball against Tulsa Union during a high school football game at Wolves Stadium in Edmond, Okla., Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.

Tulsa Union couldn’t have had a better start — junior Boston Carrasco returned the opening kickoff 93 yards for a score — but Edmond Santa Fe hung around, and it was tied at 10 at halftime.

“What really stood out in this game were particularly just the hard work we put in at practice to prepare for this game,” said Covington, who holds offers from Air Force, Army and New Mexico State, among many others.

“Because all week, we had the mindset that we could not lose this game. We came in here, we had to start strong. We felt like we had to strike first.”

Tulsa Union’s defense simply dominated in the second half, as did Covington.

His versatility was on full display, and Tulsa Union coach Kirk Fridrich is glad to have him.

“I don’t think he’s a hidden gem,” Fridrich said. “We’ve known about him for a long time. Just one heck of a player. He can play just about any position on the field. His top-end speed is really good. And again, just continues to make play after play after play.”

Nick Sardis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Nick? He can be reached at nsardis@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @nicksardis. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Nick's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma high school football: Union downs Edmond Santa Fe