Senior, Matt McCord returns after a dominating junior season in which he played multiple positions.

2003 BUCCS – 10-1 DATE OPPONENT W/L 8/22 @Miami East 34-0 8/29 @Anna 38-6 9/5 TV South 49-0 9/12 @Nat. Trail 60-0 9/19 Ansonia 51-6 9/26 @ Arcanum 21-0 10/3 Miss. Valley 48-8 10/10 @ Bethel 48-14 10/17 Bradford 46-0 10/24 TC North 40-18 11/1 Marion Local 8-35 Select Result for Game Story 2003 CCC STANDINGS TEAM CCC ALL COVINGTON 9-0 10-0 ANNA 8-1 9-1 ARCANUM 7-2 8-2 TC NORTH 5-4 6-4 BETHEL 5-4 5-5 ANSONIA 4-5 4-6 MISSISSINAWA 3-6 4-6 NATIONAL TRAIL 2-7 2-8 BRADFORD 2-7 2-8 TV SOUTH 0-9 0-10

2003 BUCCANEER LINKS 2003 SEASON IN REVIEW '03 COVINGTON BUCCANEERS '03 BUCCS CHEERLEADERS McCORD IN ALL-STAR GAME FINFROCK HIRED AS COACH 2003 SEASON PREVIEW

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| team | seniors | letterman | captains |

August 19, 2003 – COVINGTON
Despite the graduation losses and the coaching change since last season, the Covington Buccaneers still have a solid program. After all, the Buccs have a nucleus of talent coming back and a stable coaching staff with last year's offensive coordinator, Kevin Finfrock taking over for the retired, Ted Peacock. The Buccs also retain the services of assistants, Doug Swartz and Dave Tobias and have added another assistant in Tom Barbee.

Coaches Finfrock, Swartz and Tobias have all been together throughout the entire Ted Peacock era so there is a familiarity and continuity as a coaching staff. Coach Barbee has taught and coached at Covington for nearly three decades, so he is also familiar with the Covington tradition, current coaching philosophies, and most importantly, the kids.

The fact that the coaches and players are familiar with one another, the head coaching transition hasn't been a transition at all. The Buccs have been going about their business in a workman-like manner, and appear to be ready for the season opener against Miami East.

"You know, even with the coaching changes, sometimes I still feel like just the offensive coordinator," laughed coach Finfrock. "Everything is pretty much the same except for some minor things here and there. The kids…the seniors in particular, know how I am and they know what we are trying to do, so really, nothing has changed."

If ever a group of seniors were more vital to a team's success, this is the year. The Buccs are young in many areas and the seniors will be counted on to provide the necessary leadership to get the younger players to step up and perform. So far, the seniors have done just that.

For example, in a recent scrimmage against Eaton, the Buccs failed to move the ball on their first possession as a result of poor blocking from the offensive line. Prior to the next possession, quarterback Brady Reck pulled the young lineman together and gave them words on encouragement. The Buccs then moved the ball methodically down the field, mixing running and passing, and scored on a 15-yard pass play.

Another example came in the Versailles scrimmage. The Buccs were struggling offensively. They were tired from the heat and humidity, and they had one more possession left. Again, as the unit came together, Brady Reck said, "We have about 3:00 left and we have to score on this last drive. Come on guys, let's pick it up."

The Buccs, starting from their own 20, put together a scoring drive capped off by a Nick Christian run with under .30 seconds left before the junior varsity squad took over.

Those two drives in the two scrimmages are an early indication of the leadership qualities coach Finfrock has stressed to his seniors throughout two-days.

"Our seniors have really step up as leaders to this point," said coach Finfrock. "I'm really pleased with their approach and attitudes. They've been very instrumental in preparing the younger kids."

If the younger players can gel with the seniors early in the season, the Buccs will again content for a fourth straight playoff appearance. If not, it will be tough considering the difficult early schedule the Buccs face. Four out of their first six games are on the road, including tough conference games against Anna, National Trail and Arcanum. The first two home games are no guarantees either with Twin Valley South and homecoming against Ansonia.

"We have two really toughy games right out of the shoot," continued coach Finfrock. "Miami East and Anna will be gunning for us and they have us at their place. We have to come out ready to play right off the bat."

Should the Buccs get through week six unscathed, they will have the luxury of hosting three out of their last four games at the friendly confines of Smith Field. Their final game could be for the conference championship against a much improved, Tri-County North squad.

"Tri-County North will be really good this year," complemented Finfrock. "They have a ton of kids back, their very well coached, and they gave us all we could handle last year."

Even with the tough early schedule and the potential barn burner at the end, coach Finfrock is excited to get the season going and looks forward to what lies ahead.

"We're ready," finished Finfrock. "We'll take the best 11 players we have, put them on the field and see what happens. I like our chances."

So does the rest of Covington.