The 2001 Buccaneers go into the new season with momentum, experience and confidence. Momentum from the 12-1 record from a year before, experience from the returning letterman and confidence because they have been there before.
The key to the Buccs' season, however, may be depth. The Buccs lost key lineman on both sides of the ball which may be hard to replace. Big Dusty Hess does return but a few young players will have to step up and contribute for the Buccs to repeat as CCC champs.
The Buccs do look solid at skill positions. Quarterback Dusty Blythe returns for his second year at the controls of the Buccs' offense along with All-SW-Ohio Running Back, Josh Burelison. Boomer Schmidt, Jordan Shafer, Clint Mohler, Mike Molesky and Alex Hague also return.
Top Challengers for the CCC Title:
Ansonia Tigers – 9-3 in 2000 (Coached by Eugene Hoening)
The Buccs and Tigers have developed a rivalry the past few years. Ansonia ended the Buccs season in 1999 and the Buccs returned the favor in 2000. Look for 2001 to be another battle. Ansonia returns seven starters including Quarterback Stuart Beisner and Running Backs Kyle Warvel and Zack Evers. As usual, the Tiger defense will be tough with Zack Stammen returning after recording 147 tackles last season
Bethel Bees – 7-4 in 2001 (Coached by Steve Pytel)
Bethel returns perhaps the best Quarterback in the CCC in All-SW-Ohio performer, Brian Shoup. His favorite targets also return in Mike Poppa and Kevin Shoup as well as a shifty Running Back, Drew Bowman. Bethel also returns a solid core of defensive players. The Bees are a serious threat to challenge for the CCC Title.
Anna Rockets – 8-3 (Coached by Bryan Rioch)
Who? Anna…isn't that a basketball town? Not anymore! Last year was their first season in High School Football and they made the playoffs with an 8-3 record. Now they join the loaded CCC and they return 10 starters from last years team. With Quarterback Nate Berner and Running Back Andy Wyan the Rockets could cause major problems for the rest of the CCC powerhouses. Covington against Anna in the last game of the year could be for all of the marbles.
The Buccs Program is Thriving:
The Covington Football Program is thriving. Back-to-back playoff appearances, two CCC championships and a 21-3 record the last two years can lead a person to think that the Buccs just had great players. It goes beyond that, players have to be groomed, consolled, taught, enouraged, disciplined and coached.
Coach Ted Peacock and his staff are the reason the Buccs were able to do what they have done the past few years. They have brought out the best in their players regardless of the situation. When the Buccs fell 1 yard short in the 1999 playoff game, the Buccs coaching staff took the blame upon themselves taking the pressure off of the players. Last season, the Buccs lost a teammate in an audomobile accident and the coaches helped the team put things into perspective. All season long, John Starry's memory was honored by the players; a credit to the coaching staff. This is high school football and the players are still just kids. The life lessons they learn from these four coaches will last a lifetime. Win or lose, the Covington Football Program is solid as a rock.
He could play in any era...
When you think of great Covington running backs certain names come to mind. Names like Denny Cain, Steve Pennington, Roger Finfrock, Kevin Finfrock, Heath Finfrock, Jim Stickley, Joe Schmidt, Andy Shafer and Mike Cope. Well, you can add another name to that list; Josh Burelison.
Heading into his senior season Josh has brought back memories of seasons past where great Buccaneer backs have left their mark on Covington football.
Josh is much like current offensive guru and former Buccaneer great, Kevin Finfrock. Both lack size but they trive on their quickness. Josh has the opportunity to break the 1,000-yard barrier for the second straight year which will place him among the best of the best.
