The off-season started with the excitement of a new weight facility and the anticipation of getting back on top of the Cross County Conference. After a frustrating 5-5 season, the 40-plus kids worked their tails off and a belief that the Covington aura was on it's way back.
After a productive summer camp everything was going great and the kids were more than prepared for two-a-days after a week long break.
Things turned from great to devastating in a matter of seconds on August 3rd at 12:45 pm. Sophomore Dan Rindler lost his life as he was riding his moped to a teammate's house for an afternoon of fun.
Suddenly football didn't matter anymore...at least for the time being. The only thing that mattered was Dan Rindler and his family. The team went through all of the emotions; guilt, disbelief, devastation, misunderstanding...you name it.
Fortunately for the kids, they had a coaching staff, school administrators, and each other who would help them cope. Gradually they turned their grieving into inspiration. They became closer as friends and teammates. Dan Rindler had brought them together like no other individual could.
As the Buccs embark on the 2005 season, they have set their expectations very high and plan to keep Dan's legacy and memory alive. It's also obvious they expect to get back to winning football and re-establish the tradition Covington is known for.
But, this team has many obstacles along the way as the rest of the CCC is no longer scared of the Buccs. Also, the league has improved greatly over the skill level the Buccs faced just two years ago when they were on the tail end of finishing unbeaten for the fourth straight year. For Covington to become a dominant power again, it will have to re-establish the intimidation factor where opposing teams knew they were in for a long night when they played the Buccs.
The first test of the season is the lone non-conference game on the schedule against long-time rival, Miami East. The Vikings have struggled over the past decade as Covington has won the last ten meetings, including a 41-6 destruction a year ago. Vikings' coach Max Current will be looking to gain some momentum as they will be added to the Cross County Conference in 2006 and a win over the Buccs would be the jump-start Current is looking for.
Covington begins conference play at home in week two against a mirror image in Tri-County North. Like the Buccs, North returns much of its roster and expectations are very high. Frank Horvath has the Panthers hungry to compete with the top teams in the league and many are thinking playoffs for the Panthers.
Week three is a big one for Covington and for its opponent, Anna. The Rockets gained their first ever win over the Buccs last season in a 42-7 trouncing. This will be Anna's last season in the CCC as they have committed to the MAC in 2006. Covington would love nothing better than to send Anna up north licking its wounds. It won't be easy, however, as the Rockets are at home and despite losing 22 players to graduation they have strength in numbers, and talent.
Should Covington get by East, North, and Anna, they'll have to stay focused for homecoming against Twin Valley South. The Panthers have hit rock bottom as they failed to win a game a year ago and numbers have declined over the years. The last win South had over Covington was a 33-0 shutout win in 1999. The Buccs have won the last five meetings, however.
The midway point of the season comes in week five with the long trip to National Trail. Much like Twin Valley South, the Blazers have struggled for some time. Trail always seems to have a significant size advantage, but it hasn't translated into many wins.
Ansonia comes to town in week six and you can bet coach Eugene Hoening is still fuming about last season's 21-14 loss to the Buccs. Ansonia controlled the line of scrimmage and the game for three quarters until two fourth quarter touchdown runs gave Covington a come-from-behind win. Ansonia always comes prepared and its physical style of play have given opponents fits over the years.
The home stretch of the season hits full swing as the Buccs travel to face Arcanum in week seven. The Trojans are loaded with skill players, headed by Ty Cates and quarterback Mike Eilerman. Coach Jason Schondelmyer leans on the running game and it's proven successful as Arcanum keeps finishing among the top two or three teams in the conference year in and year out. The Trojans feel they have the talent to capture the top spot in 2005, and for good reason.
A much anticipated home game takes place in week eight as Mississinawa Valley comes to town. The Buccs are still steaming over the 24-0 shellacking the Blackhawks handed them a year ago in a contest where everything that could go wrong, went wrong. The Buccs were embarrassed and are looking to avenge last season's defeat.
The season concludes with another grudge match with Bradford, The Railroaders defeated the Buccs for the first time in 11 years with a 14-7 win a year ago. The Railroaders are a team on the rise with coach Jason Brewer re-instilling the pride lost over the years. The community and the players are beginning to believe again and Bradford is looking to take a major step forward in 2005.
With the schedule becoming more and more difficult each year, the Buccs will have to be at their best week in and week out in order to get back on top. Staying healthy will also be a key, as it is with any Division 6 program. Covington has the coaching, the experience, and the talent to make a serious run this year. It's all about attitude, continuity, and how the chips fall into place.
It's also about staying together as a team...and for Dan Rindler!
