Unbeaten Covenant not taking recent success for granted

So far, the season has brought unprecedented success to Covenant's football program.

At 11-0, the Rams have surpassed the best season in program history.

Now, however, comes a bigger prize. Covenant hosts Community Christian (6-4) on Friday in the GICAA Division I-AA semifinals, and a Rams victory would allow them to host next week's state championship game against either Calvary Christian or Creekside Christian.

The lure of a state championship trophy helps keep Covenant's focus moving ahead and not looking at what it has accomplished.

The Rams roll into Friday having bowled over the competition, recording five shutouts and holding two opponents to six points. Covenant's closest challenge came Oct. 23 in a 49-35 win over Calvary Christian.

"They've taken each week one game at a time; they don't ever look forward and say, 'Hey, in two weeks we have a tough game coming up.' They've handled it really well," Covenant head coach Chris Oxford said. "After a win, they've enjoyed it and gotten back at work again for the next one."

A major reason for the Rams' offensive success lies in the backfield. Senior tailback Khristian Tate has stockpiled big numbers, gaining 1,806 yards with 25 touchdowns. Having a reliable signal-caller has helped the Rams, as well. Cody Farr has thrown for 684 yards and 11 touchdowns and has not been intercepted.

So with a talent such as Tate combined with Community Christian having seen him first-hand in a 37-13 Covenant victory earlier this year, the Rams more or less know what to expect Friday when their offense has the ball.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they put eight to nine guys in the box. They know we'll give it to Tate," Oxford said. "What we're starting to do this week is account for our blocking on certain plays, and as long as we can account for everybody and get to the secondary, we'll be all right."

The Rams welcome the opportunity to play such a big game in front of a fan base and student body that have been energized throughout the season.

"The buzz around here is unbelievable, having pep rallies all the time," Oxford said. "Everybody is talking about football."

And with a win, Covenant will get to do something no program in the GHSA or GISA is able to do anymore.

The GICAA holds its football championships on the home field of the highest seed. And with the Rams having the top seed, the chance to host a state title game is there for the taking.

"We talk about it every day -- the season is one thing, now it's a whole other thing," Oxford said. "The team we're playing, Community, has nothing to lose and are going to throw everything they have at us and pull out all the stops."

This story was originally published November 12, 2015 at 8:01 PM with the headline "Unbeaten Covenant not taking recent success for granted ."