October 13, 2006 – UNION CITY
Looking to extend their winning streak to eight straight games, the Covington Buccaneers came out much like the weather – cold.

Mississinawa Valley took advantage by marching down the field and scoring first on a seven-yard run to take a 7-0 lead after the extra point attempt.

“We lacked some intensity tonight,” said Covington coach Kevin Finfrock. ‘We wasn’t as physical as I’d like to see us play, especially defensively.”

Still, the unbeaten Buccaneers had too many weapons and were able to overcome a lackluster performance for a 39-13 win.

While Mississinawa focused on stopping Buccaneer quarterback Gene Studebaker, running back Corey Patty had a career night. The senior rushed for a career high 186 yards on 25 carries and scored three touchdowns.

“Corey ran the ball hard tonight,” Finfrock said. “The line opened some big holes and Corey made plays.”

After Mississinawa scored on its opening drive, Patty became the workhorse and sparked the Buccs’ first scoring drive of the contest.

Starting at its own 35, Covington marched down the field as Studebaker hit Seth Mohler down the right sideline to put the ball at the three.

Patty then plowed his way in to close the gap to 7-6 after the extra-point attempt fell wide.

The Covington defense clamped down on the Mississinawa offense on its next drive as Brock Iddings battled a Blackhawks receiver for the ball to come up with the interception.

Moments later Studebaker connected with Drew Craft from 16 yards out to give Covington its first lead of the contest, 12-6. The kick for the extra point was blocked, however.

“Drew had some big catches for us tonight,” Finfrock said. “He got open down the middle of the field and Gene just put the ball one the money.”

Still, the Buccaneer offense scored twice more before the half on a 15-yard touchdown run by Patty and a 20-yard run by Studebaker.

Trailing 25-7 to begin the second half, Mississinawa took its opening possession in for a score to cut the margin to 25-13.

Any thoughts of a Blackhawks comeback were dashed as Patty and Studebaker responded to put the game away with two more Covington scores.

Studebaker closed out the third period with a 3-yard touchdown run, while Patty scored his third touchdown of the night on a 6-yard run early in the fourth quarter.

Even with the 39-13 win, Finfrock sees room for improvement as Covington committed 5 untimely penalties and lost two fumbles to stall potential scoring drives.

“We had too many penalties and too many fumbles,” said Finfrock. “We have to get those mistakes corrected.”

Covington has its biggest game of the season next week as Bethel comes to town.

“Bethel has some athletes,” said Finfrock looking ahead to a huge match-up with conference title implications. “They have a lot of speed and experience at the quarterback and running back positions. We’ll have to come in ready to play.”

The Buccs will head into the big game with Bethel at 8-0 overall and 7-1 in the CCC, while Bethel comes in at 7-1 on the season and 6-1 in conference play.

Scoring by Quarters:
Covington ……6……19…..7……7 – 39
Miss. V ………7……..0…..6……0 – 13

Scoring Summary:
Mississinawa: Brunk 7-yd run (kick)
Covington: Patty 3-yd run (kick failed)
Covington: Studebaker 16-yd pass to Craft (kick blocked)
Covington: Patty 15-yd run (Kanet kick)
Covington: Studebaker 20-yd run (conversion attempt failed)
Mississinawa: Brunk 7-yd run (kick blocked)
Covington: Studebaker 3-yd run (Kanet kick)
Covington: Patty 8-yd run (Kanet kick)