FIRST WIN

Slow Start?
What Slow Start?!
The Corbin Redhounds returned to the friendly confines of Campbell Field and forgot about an 0-5 start by beginning the second half of their season with a hard fought 27-19 win over Pulaski County.
Corbin Head Coach Steve Jewell was happy with the effort he got out of his team and was glad to see them reep the benefits.
“Credit goes to the whole team,” said Jewell. “I promise there’s no way to mention all the kids, because they all left it on the field tonight. This is one that they’ll remember. That’s a sweet victory when your 0-5 and get that first victory, that’s something to build on.”
Corbin got started midway through the opening period. Started near mid-field,, the Redhounds used a solid running game to cover 27 yards on just four plays and setup an early score. On third and one, Clint Cashen hit Ryan Tate on a slant pattern for a 24 yard touchdown pass. Chance Hendrickson split the uprights and Corbin had a 7-0 lead.
Early in the second quarter, Pulaski County answered. On just the third play of the drive, quarterback John Perkins found brother Ty Perkins for a 33 yard touchdown strike. The pass and point after kick tied the score with 8:58 before the half.
On the ensuing kickoff, Tate made an impact on special teams as he returned the kick back to the Maroon 22 yard line. Corbin’s offense used the big play as momentum and quickly took advantage by scoring on their second play. Eric Blackwood broke loose for a 19 yard touchdown run to regain the lead. However, the kick was blocked leaving the score 13-7.
The offensive shootout continued when Pulaski County got the ball back. After hitting Darrick Bechard for a 48 yard gain through the air on the drive’s first play, Perkins looked to him again. Bechard didn’t disappoint as he hauled in a 16 yard touchdown reception for the Maroons. The score remained tied at 13-13 due to a bad snap on the kick attempt.
After forcing a Corbin punt, the hot Maroon offense kept its momentum going. It was the Perkins brothers hooking up for the second time on the night as the two connected on the drive’s second play for a 25 yard score through the air. Again, Pulaski County had trouble in the kicking department, this time missing the extra point and having to settle with a 1913 advantage, which would stand as their halftime lead.
In the beginning of the second half, Corbin’s Andy Millard made a play that might be considered the turning point of the season. The senior linebacker intercepted a Perkins pass and after rumbling, bumbling, and stumbling his way to a 29 yard return his team had great field position. The Redhounds didn’t waste his efforts as they scored on their first play. Blake Freeman ran 22 yards for the score and then Chance Hendrickson tacked on the point after to give Corbin a 20-19 lead.
It was Corbin’s first second half lead of the season and a lead they would not relinquish. The Redhounds’ defense ended Pulaski County’s next drive when Josh McHargue blocked a field goal attempt.
The play turned out to be just the start of the Maroons’ struggles as they would fumble on their next two possessions with Zach Woody and Millard making the recoveries for Corbin.
Just when the Maroons felt they had something going midway through the fourth quarter, the Redhound defense made another big stop. It was Tate making it happen for Corbin by perfectly stripping the ball away from Pulaski’s Bechard allowing Jesse Hayden to make the Redhound recovery.
Turnovers played a major role in the game as the Maroons laid the ball on the ground time after time.
“Soon as we get some momentum going, make a big play and we’re driving down to get into scoring zone we turn it over,” said the Pulaski County Head Coach. “It’s just so frustrating.”
The big play setup another Corbin touchdown. The Redhounds kept the ball on the ground for all five plays to find pay dirt. Blackwood was the recipient of every carry with none being bigger than his 16 yard scoring run. Blackwood finished the game with 122 yards rushing. The point after kick by Chance Hendrickson gave Corbin a 27-19 lead with only 3:30 to go in the game.
Pulaski County would mount one final drive to try and win the game. Behind the strong running and throwing of quarterback John Perkins, the Maroons drove to the Corbin 17 yard line. Then, on fourth and four and under a minute to go in the game, Perkins tried to go around the left end, but was stuffed by a host of Redhounds. The stop forced Pulaski to turn the ball over on downs and sealed Corbin’s first win of the season.
Corbin Head Coach Steve Jewell was proud of the way his team continued to battle throughout the game.
“They just kept fighting,” said Jewell. “They just kept going, different people did different things. It was a total team effort, great effort out of all the kids.”
The Redhounds will try to make it two in a row this week as they play host to the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Pulaski County at Corbin
Pulaski County 13 6 0 0-19
Corbin 7 6 7 7-27
First Quarter
C – 24 yard pass from Clint Cashen to Ryan Tate (Chance Hendrickson kick)
PC – 33 yard pass from John Perkins to Ty Perkins (Chris Harnoe kick)
Second Quarter
C – Eric Blackwood 19 yard run (kick blocked)
PC – 16 yard pass from Perkins to V (kick no good)
PC – 25 yard pass from J. Perkins to T. Perkins (kick no good)
Third Quarter
C – Blake Freeman 22 yard run (Hendrickson kick)
Fourth Quarter
C – Blackwood 16 yard run (Hendrickson kick)