September 11, 2004 – W. Alexandria
For the first time in five years the Covington Buccaneers were looking to redeem themselves after a regular season loss. What the Buccs got was more than redemption. They made a statement that they are not a team on the decline, but one on the rise.
Covington took their frustrations from last weeks loss to Anna out on the Twin Valley South Panthers and came away with a 54-0 victory. Covington scored in just about every way possible, and thoroughly dominated the Panthers in West Alexandria.
“This is a big win and it gives us our confidence back,” said Covington coach Kevin Finfrock. “Our kids came out and played with passion and intensity. I’m very pleased with our performance tonight.”
Things didn’t start out well for the Buccs as sophomore running back, Gene Studebaker fumbled on Covington’s opening possession. South nearly turned the turnover into points, but the Buccaneer defense turned them away by blocking a field goal attempt.
Studebaker made amends for his early miscue by putting the Buccs on the scoreboard first. The 6’3″, 195 lb. sophomore powered his way in from 14 yards out to give Covington a 7-0 lead with 2:35 left in the opening quarter.
Moments later, after South fumbled the ball over to Covington, Buccaneer quarterback Seth Mohler connected with senior wideout Kevin Wright on a 39-yard scoring strike. Wright streaked behind the Panther secondary and Mohler hit him in stride down the middle of the field.
Matt Fulks connected on the point-after to push Covington’s lead to 14-0 with 8 seconds remaining in the first.
Covington kept the offensive fireworks going in the second period with three more touchdowns. First, Gene Studebaker bounced to the outside and outran the entire Panther defense on a 61-yard scoring jaunt.
Studebaker followed that up with his third score of the night, this time from 14 yards away.
Seth Mohler then called his own number from the one to push Covington’s lead to 35-0 at the half. Mohler’s touchdown was set up by a quick pass to Kevin Wright who raced down the sidelines before being pushed out just short of the end zone.
The Mohler to Wright connection found success again in the third quarter. The sophomore quarterback found Wright again in the back of the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown pass. Fulks connected on his sixth straight point-after making the score 42-0 with 2:30 to go in the third.
“Seth had a very good night,” said Finfrock. “He did really well reading the defense and managing the offense.”
Moments later sophomore linebacker, Drew Craft stepped in front of Twin Valley South pass and raced 36 yards for Covington’s seventh touchdown of the night. Fulks’ kick was blocked keeping the score 48-0 in favor of the Buccs.
Covington found paydirt once more in the final stanza. Sophomore Corey Patty joined the offensive party with a 1-yard run to make the final score 54-0.
Overall, coach Finfrock was pleased with his teams offensive performance.
“Gene ran the ball hard and the offensive line did an excellent job opening up some holes,” said the coach.
Studebaker racked up 168 yards on the ground and scored three times, while Kevin Wright caught 5 passes for 114 yards, two going in for scores.
Seth Mohler completed 6 of 8 passes for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Covington improves to 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the Cross County Conference. They host National Trail next Friday in their annual homecoming celebration.
Scoring by Quarters:
Buccs: …….14……21…..13…..6 – 54
South: ………0…….0…….0…..0 – 0
