October 27, 2006 – BRADFORD
Heading into Friday’s rivalry contest with neighboring Bradford, the Covington Buccaneers weren’t concerned at all with the weather.

Instead, the Buccs were looking to forget the bad memory of a 14-7 loss the last time they traveled to Bradford.

“We weren’t concerned so much by the weather,” said Covington coach Kevin Finfrock. “We were more concerned about executing on both sides of the ball and preventing the mistakes that cost us the last time we played here.”

The Buccs did just that by executing to the tune of nearly 400 total yards of offense in a 43-0 route of the Railroaders under adverse weather conditions.

“The seniors remember coming over here as sophomores and getting beat,” Finfrock continued. “We fumbled six times here two years ago. Tonight our varsity unit didn’t put the ball on the ground once.”

It was evident early that Covington came ready to play as it stuffed Bradford on its opening possession. The big play came on third down as junior Jake Wise caught Bradford quarterback Skie Abney in the backfield to force the punt.

“Jake played well tonight defensively,” said Finfrock. “He played with confidence and that’s what we need from him. We need Jake to play the way he is capable of and he did that tonight.”

After the Bradford punt, Covington took its first possession in for the score on an eight-yard run by Corey Patty.

Tyler Kanet then kicked the extra point to give Covington at 7-0 lead.

From there, the Buccaneers erupted for 28 points in the second quarter to put the game away.

First, after a fumble recovery by Andy Sparks gave Covington possession to open the second, Gene Studebaker splashed his way through the mud and slop to score from nine yards out. The big play on the drive came on a 18-yard pass from Studebaker to Drew Craft.

Again, Kanet’s kick was good to make the score 14-0.

Bradford turned the ball over on its next possession as Seth Mohler stripped Abney of the ball and recovered in Railroader territory.

Moments later Patty received the pitch from Studebaker and ran untouched into the end zone from the three. Kanet again made good on the conversion attempt to push the Covington lead to 21-0. Again, the big play to set up the touchdown came on a 25-yard Studebaker pass to Craft.

“Drew Craft had a big night, not only offensively but defensively,” said Finfrock. “He made some nice catches to get us in scoring position and then made some big plays on the defensive side of the ball.”

Bradford never could get anything going offensively against the Buccaneer defense. Two more turnovers resulted in touchdowns before the half as Studebaker ran in from six yards out and then connected with Seth Mohler from four yards out.

“Our defense was swarming to the ball tonight,” Finfrock said. “They were having fun out there (playing in the mud). Every kid dreams of playing in a game like this.”

The fun continued for Covington in the third quarter as Studebaker connected with Mohler on a 19-yard scoring strike to push the Covington lead to 41-0. The final points of the night were scored on a two-point conversion pass from Mohler to Derek Brumbaugh after Mohler ad libbed after a pour snap from center.

With the game well in hand, Finfrock turned the game over to his younger kids in the fourth quarter.

The results were the same as Covington kept out of the end zone.

Bradford did threaten late in the game as it moved the ball inside the Buccaneer 20-yard line. Covington ended the threat, however, as sophomore Kyle Kanet sacked Tray Sanderson on fourth down.

“It was good to see our younger kids come in and play well,” Finfrock said.

With the win Covington finishes the regular season at 10-0, an accomplishment Finfrock is proud of.

“It’s very hard to go 10-0,” Finfrock described. “These kids work very hard and improved in each game.”

The Buccaneers host a first round playoff game next Friday, although the opponent is yet to be determined. Still, Finfrock is pleased with how his team is playing heading into the week eleven.

“We’re playing well and are excited about the opportunity,” Finfrock continued. “Everything from here on out is a bonus for us.”

Regardless of who Covington plays, Finfrock is confident his team will be prepared.

“Nobody thought we’d be where we are at this point,” concluded Finfrock. “These kids have scratched and clawed for everything they’ve gotten to this point. I like our chances because this group will battle to the end.”

Scoring by Quarters:
Covington …..7…..28….8….0 – 43
Bradford ……0…….0…..0….0 – 0

Scoring Summary:
Covington: Patty 8-yd run (Kanet Kick)
Covington: Studebaker 9-yd run (Kanet Kick)
Covington: Patty 3-yd run (Kanet Kick)
Covington: Studebaker 6-yd run (Kanet Kick)
Covington: Studebaker 4-yd pass to Mohler (Kanet Kick)
Covington: Studebaker 19-yd pass to Mohler (Mohler pass to Derek Brumbaugh)