Hounds looked amazing at Classic, best of luck to Bryan Hopkins, plus more

The 2023 high school football season got started off with a bang last week. Here are a few of my thoughts after witnessing the action that took place in week 1…

• The Redhounds are the real deal. Of course, Corbin is always strong in most athletics, especially football, but this team truly looks next level. I was on the sideline at the 2023 Pigskin Classic at the University of the Cumberlands last Friday night, and oh boy, domination doesn’t even begin to describe how the Hounds handled their opponents from Hughes, OH.

First of all, the Smith twins, Jacob and Jarod, more than lived up to the hype. These two have been the topic of much conversation landing in Corbin upon their return to the Bluegrass State earlier this summer. Originally from Somerset, they have gained widespread notoriety in recent years due to their outstanding play in the state of Connecticut.

After getting the chance to see them in action up close and personal at the Pigskin Classic, I now fully understand why they have the attention of high-level college programs. With one on each end of the Redhounds’ defensive front, opposing offenses are in trouble – big trouble.

The Smith’s childhood friend, Guy Bailey, also looked good for Corbin last week, by the way. The fellow Somerset native ended the night with a rushing TD and a pass reception for a score.

• The Rhymer era is off to a good start at Whitley County. I really didn’t know what to expect going into the Colonels’ season opener at Knox Central last week, but I will admit to being a bit surprised that the red-and-black attack were able to hang nearly 50 points on the Panthers on their own home field. That is a great win no matter how you slice it, and is especially important considering the fact that it was Head Coach Matt Rhymer’s first official game at the helm.

I was really happy to see the Whitley football program get this new era kicked off in such a big way, and I hope that they can keep it rolling this week when they host the North Laurel Jaguars for the first game on their brand new turf field. I urge all Colonel supporters to show up and get loud as the team attempts to go 2-0 to start off their 2023 campaign.

• Best of luck to Coach Hopkins. Before I wrap things up this week, I would like to wish Coach Bryan Hopkins the best of luck in the future after it was announced last week that he will no longer be the head coach of the Williamsburg High School baseball program.

Bryan took over head coaching duties at Williamsburg right around the same time that I began covering sports full time for the News Journal. I watched as the program struggled through some lean years, but eventually managed to turn things around to become a contender in the 50th District and All “A” 13th Region. Some of my fondest memories of covering baseball will always be seeing the Jackets win their All “A” championship titles and earn the right to compete in a state tournament.

On a more personal note, I will miss getting to eat Bryan’s special spicy chili at the annual Yellow Jacket Baseball Chili Supper fundraiser. Perhaps there will be another time and place to enjoy that jalapeno-loaded chili in the future…

Best of luck to Coach Hopkins in whatever position he eventually finds himself in, and I look forward to finding out soon who will be tasked with leading the WHS varsity baseball program into the 2024 season, and beyond!