Through six games the 1971 Covington Buccaneers were primed to become the first team to finish unbeaten since the 1968 team accomplished the feat just three years ago.

Unfortunately, three straight losses followed as the Buccs recorded a 7-3 record.

Led by eight seniors, the Buccs opened the season with a hard-fought 14-12 victory over Tipp City.

Four straight shutouts followed as the Buccs racked up 103 points in the four-game streak. The shutout wins came against Bradford, 41-0; Northeastern, 24-0; Graham, 16-0; and Northwestern, 22-0.

Covington then improved to 6-0 with a 20-14 win over Greenon and at this juncture of the season the Buccs had outscored their opponents 137-26.

The first loss of the season came in week seven as Springfield Shawnee handed Covington a 23-6 defeat.

Two more losses followed against Tecumseh, 12-8, and Miami East, 18-6.

Owners of a 6-3 record heading into the final week of the season Covington regrouped for a 27-20 win over a powerful Urbana team.

On the season the Buccs outscored their opponents 184-99.

Three Buccaneers received numerous post season honors in 1971. Senior, Denny Cain, who rushed for a school record 1354 yards, was named All-League Halfback, SW District First Team Offense, SW District “Back of the Year”, UPI-AP First Team All-State, and All-Ohio Second Team. Dave Stacy earned recognition as an All-League Linebacker, SW District First Team Defense, UPI Second Team All-State, and AP Third Team All-State. Larry Gearhardt was named All-League Center, MRVL Offensive Lineman of the Year, and UPI-AP All-State Honorable Mention.

Covington loses the services of eight seniors; Denny Cain, Dave Stacy, Larry Gearhardt, Joe Ellis, Denny Robinson, Denny Burgess, Garry Manson, Mark McMaken.

The future of the Buccs looks promising, however, as the reserve squad accumulated a 7-0 record, including four shutout wins. The reserve team only surrendered 20 points all season while scoring 158 points in seven games.