September 24, 2004 – Ansonia
The Covington Buccaneers were put in a position they have rarely had to overcome in the past few years. Trailing 14-7 to start the fourth quarter is something the Buccs are not used to and that’s what they faced against Ansonia tonight.
But, the young Buccs showed the heart many wondered if they had as they scored twice in the final 12:00 to escape with a 21-14 win in a hostile environment.
“This is a big win,” said Covington coach Kevin Finfrock. “We made some halftime adjustments and played a physical game in the second half. The kids showed what kind of character they have tonight.”
The play that got the Buccs rolling came on the first play of the fourth quarter. Junior fullback, Nick Christian, burst through the middle of the Ansonia defense and race 68 yards for the score and the point-after tied the game at 14-14.
“That was a huge play,” commented Finfrock. “Coach Swartz called the play because he noticed their linebackers were keying on the edges. It was a great call and excellent execution.”
Christian’s score sparked some emotion in the Buccs, which was lacking in the previous three quarters of play.
After sophomore running back, Gene Studebaker took Covington’s first offensive play 39 yards for the score, Ansonia controlled the line of scrimmage and kept the Buccs’ defense off balance with a balanced offensive attack. The Tigers, who tallied 70 offensive plays to Covington’s 35 plays, tied the score on a 23-yard pass play from Craig Fosnaugh to Andrew Howdieshell with 2:35 left in the first quarter.
The Tigers took the lead moments later on a 54-yard touchdown run by senior fullback, Tony Koesters.
This came after Covington’s junior linebacker, Logan Brown picked off an Ansonia pass and returned the ball into Tiger territory. Ansonia would hold, however, and Koester’s score led to a 14-7 lead, which the Tigers held throughout the end of the third quarter.
Christian, who racked up 111 yards on 7 carries, kept the momentum going after his game-tying run with a key third down pass breakup to give the Buccs the ball back in excellent field position.
Covington took advantage as Gene Studebaker reached the end zone for the second time on a 25-yard run. Matt Fulks made good on his third straight extra point, giving Covington a 21-14 lead with 3:59 left in the game.
Ansonia went to the air on its next possession and moved the ball into Covington territory on a long pass from Fosnaugh to Howdieshell. All hope of a Tiger comeback was killed as Covington’s Matt Fulks stepped in front of an under thrown Tiger pass and returned the ball 35 yards into Tiger territory.
Covington moved the ball inside the Ansonia 20-yard line, but elected to kills the clock and preserve their fourth win of the season in five tries.
Ansonia held and advantage in total yards with 373 to Covington’s 245. The Tigers torched the Buccs with 195 yards through the air, many of those yards coming in the first half.
Covington racked up 215 yards on the ground as both Christian and Studebaker rushed for over 100 yards individually.
Covington improves to 4-1 on the season and 3-1 in the Cross County Conference. The Buccs are back in action next week as they host Arcanum.
Scoring by Quarters:
Buccs: …….7……0…..0…..14 – 21
Trojans: ….7……7……0…..0 – 14
