SEPTEMBER 14, 2007 – CASSTOWN
In a much anticipated match-up between two Cross County Conference teams, the Covington Buccaneers remained unbeaten with a 28-10 victory over a rugged Miami East team, Friday.

Covington overcame three turnovers and nine penalties, two of which nullified touchdowns, to pull away in the fourth quarter for the win.

“We put ourselves into some tough situations (with the penalties and turnovers),” said Covington coach Dave Miller. “But the kids faced the adversity and overcame it. I’m pleased with the way we responded in the fourth quarter.”

The Buccs had no other alternative as Miami East cut a 14-3 deficit to 14-10 in a blink of an eye late in the third quarter.

Just as Covington was driving methodically down the field, the Buccs fumbled on a fourth-and-one play at the Viking 26-yard line. Kyle Karadak scooped up the ball and raced 64 yards for the score.

“We moved the ball well all night,” Miller said. “Even on that drive we were moving the ball. It’s one of those things where we have to do a better job of protecting the football.”

With the Viking crowd smelling the upset, the Buccaneers waisted little time taking the momentum back.

Starting at its own 25, Covington marched 75 yards doing what Miller loves to do best – running the football.

Brock Iddings capped the drive with a four-yard run and then kicked the extra point to push the Covington lead to 21-10.

“That was a good response to come down and score after they had the big play,” said Miller. “We had a poor return and started at the 25, but we were able to move the ball and keep the chains moving. That was a big drive.”

Iddings, who score all 28 of Covington’s points, applied the dagger on Miami East’s next possession.

The senior stepped in front of a Viking pass and dodged his way into the end zone for an apparent touchdown.

However, the score was nullified by a penalty but Covington retained the ball.

Moments later Iddings scooted in for his fourth touchdown and kicked the extra point for the 28-10 win.

“Brock had his best game yet,” Miller praised. “He was more physical night on both sides of the ball and that’s something we’ve been looking for from him.”

Iddings wasn’t the only player who had a big night. Senior quarterback Bill Dickey led Covington in rushing with 98 yards on 13 carries.

“Bill did a good job running the triple (option),” Miller said. “He had a couple of throws we’d like to have back, but overall he ran the offense very well.”

Miller was equally pleased with the offensive line that opened up holes to the tune of 298 yards on the ground and 319 yards of offense.

“I thought our line played well,” he said. “The kids were physical up front. We made some mental mistakes, but overall the line did a nice job.”

Covington’s defense has been stellar all season. Tonight was no different.

The Buccs forced seven Miami East turnovers and held the Vikings to just 104 yards of total offense.

“I felt like our defense continues to get better and better,” Miller said. “We were very good against the run (72 yards) and our secondary was outstanding. We had four picks tonight, which was big in this game.”

The victory for the Buccs, combined with Twin Valley South’s 35-34 win over Bethel, sets the stage for a showdown of unbeaten teams next week at Smith Field. It will also be homecoming for the Buccs.

“We are looking forward to that game,” grinned Miller. “A game like that where you have two unbeaten teams is why you play this game. It will be a great game.”

Scoring by Quarters:
Covington …….14…..0…..0…..14 – 28
Miami East ……..3…..0…..7…….0 – 10

Scoring Summary:
Miami East – #22, 29-yd field goal
Covington – Bill Dickey 3-yd pass to Brock Iddings (Iddings kick)
Covington – Iddings 14-yd run (Iddings kick)
Miami East – Kyle Karadak, 64-yd fumble ruturn (#22 kick)
Covington – Iddings 4-yd run (Iddings kick)
Covington – Iddings 5-yd run (Iddings kick)