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After a sub-par season a year ago, the Covington Buccaneers have high expectations once again. The reason is simple, the Buccs only lost four seniors from a year ago, return much of the roster, and new players have been added who didn't participate in the past.
The quarterback situation is unsettled, but will likely be strong as both candidates are very talented and athletic. Juniors Gene Studebaker and Seth Mohler both have the ability to lead the team. Each brings their own attributes to the position, which will make the decision harder for the coaching staff. Whether the Buccs decide to go with one over the other, or utilize both throughout the season, you can be sure there will be some excitement generated from the quarterback position. Depth is stronger than in years past with 6'4" junior Derek Brumbaugh capable of filling in.
The running back position is more settled, but can be adjusted depending on what shakes out at quarterback. Senior rookie Dusty Kimmel joins the Buccs and has loads of potential. He has speed to burn as evident by his performance in track as a junior. If Kimmel can find his football legs, he will be a very dangerous weapon for the Buccs.
Gene Studebaker could also see action again as a running back depending on the quarterback situation. Studebaker has game-breaking speed and the size coaches dream about. With Studenaker and Kimmel, the Buccs have two backs over 6'2" and 200 lbs., which doesn't bode well for opposing defenses.
Fullback is another position unsettled as a number of players can see action here. Senior Nick Christian is the likely candidate, but he can also see action at wideout. Junior Corey Patty is another possibility as he has shown the ability to make the tough yards as well.
Wide Receiver is another position the Buccs could run by committee. Both Mohler and Studebaker can run, have size, and the ability to make the difficult catch. Junior Skyler Mitchell has also been a dependable target, while sophomore Jordy Burelison can makes plays as well.
Covington has four capable tight ends on the roster in returning starter Drew Craft, and seniors Zach Deeter and Chase Manson, along with junior Derek Brumbaugh. Craft will likely be the starter, but the Buccs may utilize the other three in various situations, making the tight end position one of the most flexible positions on the team.
The only unit on the offense that is settled is the offensive line. All five return from last year with seniors Logan Brown, C.J. Potter, Brian Ely, and Nick Meyer leading the way. A battle at center has been brewing between senior Bobby Wiltshire and junior Tyler Kanet, but the Buccs will be in good hands either way.
Depth on the line is strong as well with senior Dan Philabuam, juniors Tom Sampson, Brad Plank, and Bryant Hale, and sophomores J.J. Thompson, Jake Wise, and Lucas Broughman.
With the flexibility the Buccs have on the offensive side of the ball, expect balance and plenty of excitement in 2005.
The defensive unit is very strong as well with the majority of the positions filled by proven players.
The secondary will consist of a host of talented players in senior Nick Christian, and juniors Corey Patty, Skyler Mitchell, Seth Mohler, and Gene Studebaker. Each player brings speed and quickness to the secondary and with the experienced they gained a year ago they should be strong in '05.
The linebacking corp may be the strongest position on the team with all-state candidate Logan Brown returning for the third straight year at the position. Brown is strong, fast, relentless and delivers a punishing hit. Joining Brown will be sophomore Jordy Burelison who has come into his own after starting as a freshman.
On the edges of the defensive line will be four athletic players with size. With seniors Dusty Kimmel, Zach Deeter, and Chase Manson, along with junior Drew Craft, the Buccs have the the ability to get to the quarterback and close down the outside running lanes for opposing running backs.
The interior lineman are experienced and strong as well. The tackles will be seniors Nick Meyer and C.J. Potter with the nose being filled by senior Brian Ely. Senior Bopper Brown and juniors Bryant Hale and Tom Sampson, and sophomores J.J. Thompson and Jake Wise may also see action in the trenches as well.
The kicking game will be in the hands of junior Tyler Kanet, while the punter will be junior Brad Plank. Both have shown strong legs and accuracy in practice. If success on the practice field can translate into success on Friday nights, the Buccs' kicking game should be strong.
The Buccs have a host of player who can contribute in the return game. Senior Nick Christian, juniors Corey Patty and Gene Studebaker, and sophomore Jordy Burelison all have proven to be dependable. With the team speed the Buccs have this year, don't be surprised if the Buccs put points on the board in the return game.
With all of the players the Buccs return in 2005, there is one wild card Covington has on it's side...an angel on the field in sophomore Dan Rindler. Known as "Dan The Man", Rindler will be there providing the Buccs with spirit and inspirational leadership as they make the journey through the 2005 season.
