October 7, 2005 – ARCANUM | game stats |
When it comes to great games in Buccaneer football history, a few memorable moments are etched into Covington history.
Like the 1968 game between Covington and Tecumseh when the Buccs pulled out a last minute victory on an 80-yard touchdown pass from Brad Barker to Herb Stevenson. Or, the 1973 game between Covington and Graham when the Buccs battled back from a 17-0 half-time deficit to score 26 straight points for the win.
Friday nights contest between Covington and unbeaten Arcanum ranks up there with the best of them and will go down as one of the most memorable games in the tradition rich history of Buccaneer football.
"This is the greatest game I've ever been involved in," said Covington coach Kevin Finfrock after his Buccs recorded a 30-28 comeback win over the Trojans. "There was a lot of ups and downs in this game, but we were fortunate to have the ball when we did at the end and I'm just happy we were able to put the ball into the end zone."
Trailing 28-22 with 2:04 left to play after the Trojans took their first lead of the contest on a 20-yard run by Ty Cates, the Buccs had to dig down for one last push.
Starting at its own 35, Covington marched 65 yards for the go-ahead touchdown as Gene Studebaker connected with Seth Mohler from 7 yards out to tie the score at 28-28. Studebaker then converted on the two-point conversion on a quarterback keeper to give Covington the 30-28 come-from-behind win.
"These young men showed a lot of character tonight," continued Finfrock. "They stayed disciplined through the adversity and never lost their composure. The kids executed the two-minute drill very well in the end."
Covington wasted little time getting on the board as it scored on the opening possession of the game.
It took just three plays as Gene Studebaker raced 20 yards for the touchdown and Dusty Kimmel scored on the two-point conversion to give the Buccs an 8-0 lead.
Arcanum controlled the action for nearly 22 minutes of the half and tied the score on an 8-yard pass from Ty Cates to Adam Sweiterman. Sweiterman then converted on the two-point conversion.
"Arcanum is a very good football team," complemented Finfrock. "Their line played very physical and their backs ran hard. When they get their belly series going, that's tough to defend."
With under 1:00 left in the half the Covington offense finally got untracked. Studebaker connected with Seth Mohler down the Covington sideline on a 46-yard scoring strike. Studebaker ran for two extra points to give the Buccs a 16-8 lead at the half.
"Seth came in and made some very big plays," described Finfrock. "In the end he made the big play, but the catch for the touchdown before the half was very big because it gave us some momentum going into the second half."
Covington's momentum didn't last long as Arcanum cut the margin to 16-14 on a 4-yard run by Cates to start the third period. The run for points after failed, but the Trojans had the momentum on their side of the field.
Proof that the tide turned on a moments notice, the Buccs took the momentum right back to begin the final period of play.
Studebaker found the end zone from 1-yard out, but the conversion failed to keep the score 22-14 in favor of the Buccs.
The Trojans would not be denied as they scored 14 unanswered points on a 1-yard run and a 20-yard run by Cates, to set up the thrilling finish.
Studebaker and company then sealed the deal with the one of the most memorable drives in Covington history.
"Gene had another solid night," said Finfrock. "That was a great game between two very good football teams."
Studebaker led the Buccs with 171 yards rushing on 21 carries, while Dusty Kimmel earned 68 tough yards on 14 carries.
Studebaker also threw for 61 yards on 4 completions, all going to Seth Mohler.
Covington improves to 6-1 overall and 5-1 in conference play. The Buccs host Mississinawa Valley next Friday.
