LOOKING BACK

 The coaching staff of the Corbin Redhounds may well have done their best job in this 2010 football season. They never complained about the youth of their team or its inexperience. The coaches just knuckled down and made the best of a difficult situation. They developed a game plan for each game that has been meticulous.

Even their losses against Boyle County and Hazard, the coaching staff implemented special team maneuvers to help afford the young Redhounds a chance to win against teams with far more experience.

I don’t know which coach handles the special teams, but whoever it is has done a terrific coaching job.

The seniors, who will be honored Friday evening at the Corbin-Lexington Christian game, have provided outstanding leadership. Matthew Taylor has had a tremendous career as a Redhound and is certainly an all-state candidate.

Josh Coppock has been terrific on offense and defense. Wes Tipton has been very aggressive and very physical and like Coppock and Taylor has been a key to the success of the season.

Roman Mitchell has played wherever the coaches needed him and is very athletic. Saxon Okuma will go down as one of the Redhounds all time best place kickers as well as one of the ‘Hounds most tenacious defenders. Alex Wynn played very well as running back when called upon.

As always senior night is bitter sweet, as we say good bye to six young men as they make their way from Campbell Field, but leave the memories of their achievements for all of us.

There is much ahead, however, for many of these young standouts. Brady Foley, a junior, has had a great year both on offense and defense. I have been particularly impressed with the young defensive linemen. Grant Grigsby, Cody Harp, Nick Howington and Marquis McGee are all playing very well.

Mitchell Frederick is very quick and along with Hunter Grubb have been excellent pass defenders. Tony Bernardo and Cody Boyle are getting good play on the offensive line.

On special teams, Derek Mahan, Donnie Mills and Nick Mills are standouts.

This Redhound team is very solid, and should advance deep into the playoffs. Ty Cobb plays with very good poise and throws the ball accurately.

Josh Jewell has excellent hands and is one tough receiver. Josh will catch the ball in traffic and will not be knocked loose from it. Josh’s cousin Matthew Jewell is also tough as nails on defense.

Former Redhound Rusty Onkst passed away last week at age 51. Rusty was an all time great offensive lineman and starred on the state champion Redhound team of 1976. Coach Archie Powers always spoke highly of Rusty.

Don Karr, a friend of my family and mine also passed away last week. I always felt Don was one of those big ones that got away.

All the great fisherman have that big one that got away. The same holds true with basketball coaches. Adolph Rupp as great as he was let Frank Selvy and Jerry Smith get away to Furman and Jeff Mullins go to Duke. Well, Corbin Coach Harry Taylor missed a few right under his nose as well. Don Karr, Jack Garrett and Bill Shotwell were outstanding players after leaving Corbin High School. Karr played at Kentucky Wesleyan before returning to Corbin where he was a standout player in the independent league.

Don became a master carpenter and along with his brother, Casey, built many homes in Corbin.

This week’s player from the past is Phillip Ray Henderlight, quarterback of the Redhounds last undefeated team in 1960. Henderlight could not run like Tim Tebow nor throw the ball like Peyton Manning. From the highest point of his flat top, to the tip of his toes Phil stood about 5’7” and he weighed about 140 with a pocket full of change. His coach, Walt Green, however, rated Henderlight’s football IQ as among the very best.

The Redhounds played the mighty Crimson of Louisville Dupont Manual, the 1959 Kentucky State Champions, in the 1960 finale. With Henderlight directing the offense, the running of Barry Brooks and Rodger Bird, and the defense of Jesse Grant, the great Manual team melted like a Popsicle on a radiator. Corbin 46, Manual 34.

Phil Henderlight, 1960, is this week’s Player from the Past.

Congratulations to Whitley County’s Jordan Singleton, who ran for 211 yards on six carries and one touchdown against Perry Central Friday night. Whitley County beat Perry Central, 37-22 to win and take the third seed in the district.