1995 COVINGTON BUCCANEERS

After a decade of frustration, the 1995 Buccaneers reestablished the winning tradition by finishing 9-1 and winning a league title.

1995 Covington Buccaneers Roster: Front Row: Keith Monroe, Scott Fetters, Dan Yohey, Justin Bubeck, Dustin Cope, Brian Brown, Jeremiah Herron, Mike Peters, Nathan Knavel, and Lincoln Wills. Second Row: manager John Frock, Chuck Gibson, Derek Baker, Joe Dye, Randy Menke, Walker Graher, Dale Thompson, Eric Boothe, Brett Baker, Donnie Martin, Shad Gerken, Dale Morrow, and assistant coach Dave Tobias. Third Row: Head Coach, Bob Riley, Assistant Coach Jerry Shaw, Matt Apple, Mack Snyder, Andy Dysinger, Bill O'Connor, Travis Bubeck, Matt Weikert, Jeremey Ingle, Sam McCool, Noah Turner, Justin York, Mitch Schmidt, Manager Dave Brandenburg, Assistant Coach Doug Swartz, and Assistant Coach Bill Wise. Fourth Row: (Seniors) Paul Post, Jason Staudt, Brian Rudy, Nick Manson, Lee Schmidt, Jason Durbin, Josh Carder, Adam Hittle, Bill Hicks, Andy Shaffer, and Brian Cassel.
Bob Riley

One point! That’s all that prevents the 1995 Covington Buccaneers from an unbeaten regular season and a trip to the state playoffs for the first time since 1985.

The Buccs had dominated the competition trough eight weeks, only surrendering 20 points for an 8-0 record. Looking to improve to 9-0, Covington faced its stiffest test of the season as they traveled to face unbeaten Cedarville.

In a classic battle, Covington was within reach of capturing the win after junior Travis Bubeck picked up a Cedarville fumble and raced 17 yards for the touchdown, Unfortunately, Cedarville held on for a 21-20 victory, sending the Buccs home with their first and only loss of the season.

The loss to Cedarville left the Buccs on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. Despite destroying Bradford 63-7 on the last week of the regular season, the Buccs finished 5th in the computer rankings, one spot short of a playoff birth.

After a decade of suffering mediocrity, The Buccs opened the season with a 28-0 shutout of Miami East. They then took care of National Trail 33-6 and Tri-County North 28-7.

The Buccaneer defense, which was virtually impossible to penetrate all season, recorded two straight shutouts over Bethel, 20-0, and Mississinawa Valley, 49-0 to improve to 5-0 midway through the season.

With playoff hopes at an all-time high Covington took on pre-season conference favorite, Arcanum. In a close battle, Covington took a 19-7 win and a leg up in their quest for a conference title.

After a 48-0 shellacking of Twin Valley South, Covington forged a defensive battled with Ansonia in week eight. Covington defense rose to the occasion once again, prevailing 14-0.

After the loss to Cedarville, Covington finished their season with a 63-7 shellacking of long-time rival Bradford. The win gave the Buccs the Cross County Conference title, but the championship was bitter-sweet as there would be no week eleven.

Covington finished the season at 9-1 overall and 8-0 in league play.

The 1995 Buccaneers were led by a talented group of seniors: #68 Lee Schmidt, #56 Adam Hittle, #82 Nick Manson, #66 Jason Durbin, #63 Paul Post, #22 Josh Carder, #30 Brian Rudy, #50 Jason Staudt, #37 Brian Cassel, #32 Andy Shaffer and #79 Bill Hicks. They have reestablished the Covington tradition of winning and hopefully set the tone for years to come.

With a solid nucleus of juniors returning next season as seniors, and a talented group of reserves (who finished 8-1) moving up to varsity, the Covington Buccaneers look like a team on the rise.

1995 BUCCS - 9-1

OPPONENT

SCORE

Miami East

28-0

National Trail

33-6

Tri-County North

28-7

Bethel

20-0

Mississinawa Valley

49-0

Arcanum

19-7

Twin Valley South

48-0

Ansonia

14-0

Cedarville

20-21

Bradford

63-7

Senior Football Players (Right Photo): #68 Lee Schmidt, #56 Adam Hittle, #82 Nick Manson, #66 Jason Durbin, #63 Paul Post, #22 Josh Carder, #30 Brian Rudy, #50 Jason Staudt, #37 Brian Cassel and #32 Andy Shaffer. (#79 Bill Hicks not shown)
Seniors Andy Shaffer and Brian Cassel accept the "Team of the Week" award from Channel 2 News.
Shad Gerken runs in the open field against Bethel.