October 3, 2003 – COVINGTON
The Covington Buccaneers reached a milestone tonight as they pounded Mississinawa Valley 48-8 for their 40th straight regular season victory. The Buccaneers scored 41 points by halftime and coasted the rest of the way to raise their record to 7-0 on the season.

“This was a special win,” said Covington coach Kevin Finfrock. “It meant a lot to the players and it was personally special for me.”

After being forced to punt on their first possession, Brady Reck found Jared Hague for a 33-yard scoring strike to give the Buccs a 6-0 lead. The 6 point lead would stand until the second quarter as Covington failed to convert on the 2-point conversion.

Those who thought they were in for a close game were misled as the Buccs erupted for 35 points in the second quarter. Reck found Hague from 27-yards out only 41 seconds into the quarter and suddenly the Buccs were up 13-0.

Matt McCord then took over and reached the end zone three times in the quarter, his first coming from 5 yards out to increase the Buccaneer lead to 20-0. McCord then scored from 11 yards and 1 yard and the route was on.

The final Covington score prior to the end of the first half came on a 9-yard pass from Reck to Ross Mohler. The Buccs went into halftime with the game well in hand, 41-0.

Reck and Mohler hooked up again top start the second half. This time they connected from 8 yards out giving the Buccs a 48-0 lead. It was Reck’s fourth touchdown pass of the night.

“Brady threw the ball well at times,” complimented coach Finfrock. “We executed very well considering the weather conditions. The receivers made some tough catches even though the ball was wet. I’m pretty satisfied with our offense tonight.”

Leading 48-0 and assured of their 7th victory, coach Finfrock turned things over to the second unit midway through the third quarter. Mississinawa Valley took advantage by scoring their only points of the night, a 2-yard run by senior Travis Brunk with 4:26 left in the game.

Covington racked up 377 yards on the night while Mississinawa Valley totaled 143. The Black Hawks managed on 30 yards of total offense on Covington’s starting defense.

Mississianawa’s only scoring threat against the Buccaneer starters came in the second quarter after a Brady Reck fumble was returned to the Covington 8-yard line. On third down from the 7, Nick Christian stepped in front of a Black Hawk pass and returned the ball 103 yards for an apparent touchdown. Unfortunately for the Buccs, a yellow flag came out due to a clipping penalty negating the touchdown and returning the ball back to midfield.

“That was unfortunate for Nick,” commented coach Finfrock. “He made a heck of a play on the goal line and to have it called back is a shame. It would have been nice to see him get that score.”

Despite the touchdown being called back, the Buccaneer defense still had another solid night.

“Our defense just continues to make plays,” continued coach Finfrock. “Nick had 2 picks, our defensive line and linebackers a playing well and our secondary is playing tough. I’m really pleased with our defense.”

Covington improves to 7-0 on the season and 6-0 in the CCC. They travel to Bethel next Friday in another conference showdown.

Scoring by Quarters:
Buccs: ………6…..35…..7…….0 – 48
‘Hawks: ……..0…….0…..0……..8 – 8

Scoring Summary:
Covington – Brady Reck 33yd pass to Jared Hague (Mohler pass failed)
Covington – Brady Reck 27yd pass to Jared Hague (Fulks kick)
Covington – Matt McCord 5-yard run (Fulks kick)
Covington – Matt McCord 11-yard run (Fulks kick)
Covington – Matt McCord 1-yard run (Fulks kick)
Covington – Brady Reck 9yd pass to Ross Mohler (Fulks kick)
Covington – Brady Reck 8yd pass to Ross Mohler (Fulks kick)
Mississinawa – Travis Brunk 2yd run (Brunk Run)