October 17, 2003 – COVINGTON
In a memorable night, the Covington Buccaneers honored the 30th anniversary of the 1973 state championship team with a 46-0 win over long-time rival, Bradford.

Prior to the game, the Covington faithful paid tribute to the ’73 team in a ceremony at mid-field where a commemoration state championship logo was painted on the field by members of the Bucc Boosters. The entire 2003 Buccaneers lined up on the sideline and greeted each player from the ’73 team as their names were introduced.

The aura of the ’73 team had an effect on the current Buccaneer’ roster.

“This was a special night for our kids,” said coach Finfrock. “The kids were in awe of those guys (the players from 1973). We watched film this morning of the 1973 team and they were amazed at how big and dominating they were. It really inspired them to come out and play well tonight.”

The Buccs wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. After holding Bradford on their first drive, Brady Reck connected with Jared Hague on a 29-yard scoring strike to give Covington a 7-0 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, Matt Fulks pinned the Railroaders deep into their own territory. Unable to move the ball on three straight plays, Bradford was forced to punt. The snap sailed over the head of the punter and Covington’s Matt McCord was there to record the safety for a 9-0 Buccaneer’ lead.

McCord then pushed the Covington lead to 16-0 on a 1-yard run after Reck found Ross Mohler down the sideline to put the Buccs inside the Bradford 10-yard line.

Bradford continued to find it difficult to penetrate the Buccaneer’ defense throughout the game. The Railroaders only managed 82 yards of total offense throughout the game.

After a Matt Fulks 26-yard field goal, the Buccs put two more touchdowns on the board before halftime. Reck connected with freshman Gene Studebaker on a 15-yard scoring strike, then McCord scored his second touchdown of the night on a 15-yard run.

Leading 33-0 at the half, Covington kept their starters in the game until midway through the third period. The result was another Reck touchdown pass, this time to Ross Mohler from 52-yards away. Reck connected with Mohler over the middle and Ross ran untouched the rest of the way to put the Buccs up 40-0.

Reck made Covington history by breaking his own single season passing record of 1420 yards. Needing on 25 yards coming in, Reck connected for 248 yards to increase his season total to 1643 yards through the air. Reck also increased his touchdown passing record to 21 with three scoring strikes.

With the game well in hand, Covington’s second unit took over and scored the final touchdown of the night. Gene Studebaker ran through the Bradford defense from 4 yards out for his second touchdown of the night.

“We played well at times, but we still have plenty to work on,” said Finfrock. “Our pass protection was solid, but we never really established a solid running game. Bradford played us tough, but our line didn’t block the way we are capable of. We have to come out next week and correct that.”

The Buccs improve to 9-0 on the season and lock down at least a share of the CCC title with a 8-0 conference record. They can win the title outright with a win over Tri-County North next week in Covington.

Bradford drops to 2-7 on the season and 2-6 in the conference.

Scoring by Quarters:
Covington …….16…..17…..7…..6….46
Bradford ……….0…….0…..0…..0……0

Scoring Summary:
Covington – Brady Reck 29-yd pass to Jared Hague (Matt Fulks kick)
Covington – Matt McCord safety
Covington – McCord 1-yd run (Fulks kick)
Covington – Fulks 26-yd FG
Covington – Reck 15yd pass to Gene Studebaker (Fulks kick)
Covington – McCord 13-yd run (Fulks kick)
Covington – Reck 52-yd pass to Ross Mohler (Fulks kick)
Covington – Studebaker 4yd run (Kick failed)