September 30, 2005 – COVINGTON
If there is one word to describe Covington’s 63-12 win over Ansonia it would be dominating. You could even throw in a few other descriptive words and you wouldn’t hear an argument from anyone in attendance Friday night at Covington’s Smith Field.

Words like physical, disciplined and execution…all words Covington coach Kevin Finfrock used to describe his Buccaneers’ performance on Friday night.

“We were very physical up front on both sides of the ball,” describe Finfrock. “I thought were were very disciplined and executed very well on both sides of the ball.”

Covington executed to the tune of 452 yards of total offense, 435 yards coming on the ground.

The Buccs physical play resulted in five Ansonia turnovers, one going for a 60-yard touchdown on an interception by Gene Studebaker. Two other turnovers also resulted in scoring drives for the Buccaneers.

The Buccaneer’s discipline resulted in just 191 yards for the Ansonia offense, much of that total coming when the game was well decided and the reserve unit was on the field.

Covington opened up the scoring on its first offensive possession as Studebaker broke free from 29 yards out.

Moments later Studebaker used his arm as he connected with Dusty Kimmel in the flat on a 9-yard pitch and catch for the score.

The junior standout then picked off a Tiger pass and weaved his way through the opposition for a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown.

“Gene is something else,” said Finfrock with a smile on his face. “He did an outstanding job once again running the offense and he managed to come up with the big play on defense.”

Studebaker wasn’t the only Buccaneer having a big night as Dusty Kimmel scored the Buccs’ fourth touchdown in the first period on a 6-yard run. Also, Tyler Kanet was good on all four first period extra points as Covington built a 28-0 lead.

Looking to get back into the game, Ansonia received a spark as Tyler Printz broke loose on an 83-yard kick-off return for the score to close the gap to 28-6 on the last play of the first period.

The Buccs struggled with penalties and missed opportunities in the second period, but did manage another score before the half. Studebaker connected with Drew Craft from 9 yards out to make the score 35-6 at the half.

The Covington offensive juggernaut found it’s groove again in the third period as Studebaker scored his third touchdown of the contest on a 27-yard run.

Kimmel then scored his third touchdown from 4 yards out to push Covington’s lead to 49-6 midway through the third stanza.

“Dusty Kimmel was possessed running the ball tonight,” said Finfrock in reference to the senior’s big game which resulted in 192 yards on 21 carries. “He ran over some people tonight.”

With the game well in hand, Covington turned the game over to the second unit.

Ansonia took advantage and put together its only offensive scoring drive of the game.

Behind the running of Ryan Fosnaugh, Ryan Moody and Eric Biesner, the Tigers moved the ball methodically down the field and scored on a 2-yard run by Biesner.

The extra point was blocked by Covington’s Carl “Bopper” Brown to keep the score 49-12 with one quarter to play.

The Buccaneer second unit offense then took over where the starters left off as they scored two more touchdowns in the final stanza.

Corey Patty reached the end zone twice as one of his touchdowns was set up by a fumble recovery by senior Dan Philabaum, much to the delight of the Covington crowd.

“Dan Philabuam came in and got a nice fumble recovery, which was nice to see,” commented Finfrock. “He deserved that because he never misses anything. You talk about a team player…Dan’s the ultimate team player.”

After Patty’s final score, Tyler Kanet connected on his ninth extra point of the night to cap a 63-12 win.

Kimmel led the Buccs with 190 yards on the ground, while Studebaker racked up 134 yards on just 10 carries. Corey Patty added 52 yards on 8 carries and two touchdowns.

Covington improves to 5-1 on the season and 4-1 in the Cross County Conference. The Buccs have the toughest part of their schedule ahead, beginning next week at unbeaten Arcanum.

“We have the beef of our schedule ahead,” said Finfrock. “We need to step it up a notch. We have to play disciplined and execute very well on both sides of the ball.”

Scoring by Quarters:
Buccs: …….28……7…..14……14 – 63
Tigers: ……..6……0……6……..0 – 12

Scoring Summary:
Covington: Gene Studebaker 29-yard run (Tyler Kanet kick)
Covington: Dusty Kimmel 9-yard pass from Studebaker (Kanet kick)
Covington: Studebaker 60-yard INT return (Kanet kick)
Covington: Kimmel 6-yard run (Kanet kick)
Ansonia: Tyler Printz 83-yard kick return (kick failed)
Covington: Drew Craft 9-yard pass from Studebaker (Kanet kick)
Covington: Studebaker 27-yard run (Kanet kick)
Ansonia: Eric Biesner 2-yard run (kick blocked by Carl Brown)
Covington: Corey Patty 1-yard run (Kanet kick)
Covington: Patty 26-yard run (Kanet kick)