BIG NIGHT

Junior Josh Sanders ran for 180 yards on 18 carries and scored three touchdowns in leading the Corbin Redhounds to a 49-26 win over the Pulaski County Maroons in Somerset Friday night.
Sanders scored on runs of 10 and 3 yards in the first quarter and Jake Reeves returned a kickoff 74 yards as Corbin jumped out to a 21-6 lead in the first quarter thanks to three PAT’s by Jordan Wagers.
Junior quarterback Clint Cashen had an outstanding game as well throwing the pigskin for 230 yards on 15 of 27 passes and two touchdowns. Corey Sewell, who had five catches for 79 yards hauled in both TD passes. However, the big night belonged to Rob Madon, who had eight catches for 138 yards setting up many of those touchdowns.
The Redhounds had 578 all-purpose yards in the win. “We did much better, we blocked better, the backs ran harder and blocked for each other better,” said Corbin coach Steve Jewell.
“We were slow at making some adjustments, but once we made them I felt like we played real well,” said Jewell.
Jewell praised the play of Madon. “He has the knack to find that open area.”
“Clint (Cashen) did an exceptional job of eluding some rush and was able to not panic and hit the open receivers which was a big plus for us. He was also able to run and pick up a couple of first downs,” said Jewell. Cash was the second leading ground gainer with 34 yards on five carries.
Jewell said of Sanders big game. “He is feeling healthier and I think he is running harder. The line is blocking better.”
“Josh is a hard runner, he is just missing that break away speed,” said Jewell.
As pleased as Jewell was about the Redhounds offense, he was displeased with the defensive play. Especially late in the game. “The varsity held them to just 12 points but we gave up a lot of yards rushing the ball,” he said.
“We did a very poor job tackling,” said Jewell. “I wasn’t pleased at all defensively tackling. They got 170-some yards against the JV, still yet, even when the varsity was in there they had some long runs.”
The Maroons finished with 554 all-purpose yards, 283 on the ground as Darrick Bechard had 169 yards on 10 carries. It was Bechard who broke loose for a 66 yard TD in the first quarter to pull the Maroons within a point. But, Reeves answered with his kickoff return of 75 yards to put the ‘Hounds ahead 14-6. Sanders added his second touchdown from three yards out late in the first quarter as the Redhounds took a 21-6 lead into the second period.
“The kids went out and took it to them,” said Jewell. “We didn’t have any lulls, which was a good sign. We have been talking about putting four quarters together. We have either been getting out quick or like Bell County, waited to the second half,” said Jewell.
“I think we played three offensive quarters,” he said. “But, defensively, it was probably our worst game.”
The Redhounds will travel to Middlesboro this week before getting a week off. “They are consistent on offense, they are going to run their veer package, their option package and they have a good passing attack,” said Jewell.
“They have some good quick receivers and good team speed,” said Jewell. “They have a group of kids that have played together for three years now and have started since they were sophomores. They are real confident with each other.”
“But, I do think, especially after the ball game with Pulaski, they will try to use their speed to their advantage as far as spreading us out,” said Jewell.
Jewell feels like the line play will be a key to this game. “I really believe it is,” he said. “I really believe the line of scrimmage is going to play out, even though they have a great group of skilled players.”
“Our backs and receivers are starting to catch the ball better,” said Jewell. “But, I really think which line controls the other is going to win out in this ballgame.”

Corbin 21 7 14 7- 49
Pulaski County 6 0 6 14- 26
First Quarter
C – Sanders, 10 run (Wagers kick)
PC – Bechard, 66 run (kick failed)
C – Reeves, 74 kickoff return (Wagers kick)
C – Sanders, 3 run (Wagers kick)
Second Quarter
C – Sanders, 4 run (Wagers
Third Quarter
C – Sewell, 8 pass from Cashen (Wagers kick)
PC – Bechard, 69 run (run failed)
C – Sewell, 39 pass from Cashen (Wagers kick)
Fourth Quarter
C – Martin, 11 run (Wagers kick)
PC – Muse, 21 run (Claiborne pass)
PC – Claiborne, 34 pass from Muse (pass failed)

Individual Statistics

Rushing: Corbin – Sanders 18-150, Cashen 4-40, Sewell 1-15, Martin 1-11. Pulaski – Bechard 9-153, Muse 16-88, Hines 9-72.
Passing: Corbin – Cashen 15-27-0-230. Pulaski – Muse 8-19-1-172.
Receiving: Corbin – Madon 8-138, Sewell 5-79, Wagers 1-10, McPheron 1-3. Pulaski – Claiborne 6-118, Hines 1-54, Bechard 1-0.