| the team | seniors | letterman | captains | coaches |
The 2002 Covington Buccaneers field 36 players who are prime for a fourth consecutive playoff run. Among the 36 players on the roster, the Buccs have 13 returning letterman and 7 returning starters. The other 6 returning letterman played huge roles in all phases of the game last season as the 2001 Buccs made a memorable run into the playoffs.
Leading the way for the Buccs in 2002 are two players who received CCC, District 9 and All-Ohio recognition from a year ago in Boomer Schmidt and Jon Sampson.
Schmidt, a 6-0, 200 lb. senior will gain most of the attention from opposing teams as a powerful running back and relentless linebacker. Boomer's off-season conditioning program only enhances his chances of earning a repeat position of the All-Ohio team in 2002.
Sampson, a 6-2, 190 lb. senior was the Buccs' leading defensive lineman last season. The beneficiary of a quick first step, Jon rattled quarterbacks with 13 sacks last season and is prime for another strong campaign in 2002.
Joining Boomer and Jon will be Dusty Hess who received "Honorable Mention" in the CCC last season. Dusty is the strongest player on the team and the Buccs' most dominating offensive lineman as well as a difference maker on the defensive line.
With Sampson and Hess ancoring the offensive and defense lines, they will benefit having a dominating supporting cast next to them in the trenches. Seniors, David White and Matt Maier provide continuity to an experienced unit and the return of T.J. Warner makes the Buccs line potentially one of the best lines in years.
The Buccs have big play potential with senior Wideout, Jordan Shafer. Shafer is in his third year as a starter on both sides of the ball and his knack of making the big play makes him a vaulable target for the Buccs' new quarterback, Brady Reck.
Lining up opposite of Jordan is junior, Ross Mohler. Ross displayed unbelievable hands last season and is fearless going accross the middle. Mohler will also use his size and athletic ability on the defensive side of the ball as a defensive back.
Senior, Mykal McEldowney returns from a frustrating junior season due to injuries. The addition of a healthy McEldowney gives the Buccs an aggressive liinebacker who can play in covergae with the best of them.
A few roll players from a year ago look to have breakout seasons this year. Dusty Blythe's understudy the past two seasons, Brady Reck, takes over the quarterback duties this season. Reck has a strong arm and the ability to make a play on the run which should keep defenses off balance.
Jesse Hitt was a special team's deamon last season and that has translated into big things in his senior season. The coaches have raved about Jesse's play so far and expectations are very high for him to have a major impact in 2002.
Dusty Rhoades, a junior, may be small but he can play the game. Perhaps the most versatile player the Buccs have on their roster, Dusty will see action in all phases of the game.
The player who has shown the most improvement and may be in for a big year is Nose Tackle, Dan Morrow. Morrow is a work out freak and has really improved his strength and quickness in the off-season.
A newcomer, Matt McCord, will split time with Jared Hague at Tight End and Linebacker for the Buccs. Matt, another junior, played ball last season at Hilliard Darby and his size and ability to stretch the field is a pleasant addition to this year's team. Jared Hague has great hands and understands the Buccaneer' system with his two previous years as a Buccaneer.
The Buccaneers also benefit from an experienced coaching staff. All are former Buccaneer players and Covington graduates which adds to the importance of tradition for the 2002 team. Head Coach, Ted Peacock enters his 4th season with a 29-1 regular season record and 32-4 overall record. Kevin Finfrock, Doug Swartz and Dave Tobias round out the Buccs' coaching staff. All three years these four coaches have been together has resulted in a trip to the playoffs and expectations are there for the Buccs to make it four-for-four.
