LOOKING BACK

The Redhounds did not play well but still managed to gain a rather homely 21-0 win over South Laurel.

It seems like it was only yesterday when the headline of the other newspaper screamed “Cardinals win their third straight over Corbin”, but no it is back to business as usual as the Redhounds pummeled the Cardinals as they have over 90 percent of the time they have met down the years, first as the Laurel County Cardinals.

I would call this a rivalry but it would hardly qualify as such.

I would say over the years the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets would certainly be the Redhounds biggest rivalry.

The Redhounds and the Jackets have met almost very year since the ‘30s. I believe they did miss a year or so, but it has been a hard fought rivalry that has probably been very close in wins and losses.

This week’s game against Hazard may be more than we bargained for. The Bulldogs program has been on the rise the last few years and they have been putting up the points big time this year.

The Kentucky Wildcats looked a little vulnerable this past Saturday trying to defend against Louisville.

If they think the Cardinals are difficult to stop, wait until Tim Tebow and those terrible Gators arrive at Commonwealth Stadium Saturday.

I was very disappointed in the ‘Cats defense, but I felt their offensive line played very well. I am still not real confident with Mike Hartline at quarterback but I feel he is certainly surrounded with good players on offense.

Randall Cobb is a great player and a player who will win games for his team. Cobb may be the most versatile player the Wildcats have had since Steve Mielinger.

Mielinger played for the ‘Cats in the 50’s and played halfback, quarterback and end. Mielinger even performed with the band at halftime of one game.

Cobb is out of Alcoa, Tennessee and how the Vols ever let him out of Big Orange Country baffles me.

On November 21^st or there about, the principals of the 17 high schools in the 13^th region will vote on the possibilities of holding the regional basketball tournament at the Arena located in Corbin. I personally feel it would be a very good move for the fans, but that may not be a mutual feeling shared by everyone.

As I watch the scores each weekend from high school football games across the state, I wonder if Kentucky High School football is on par with neighboring states. The Bell County Bobcats thought to be a Kentucky powerhouse takes on Alcoa, Tennessee at Log Mountain and gets wiped out by the Tennessee team. Louisville Trinity, thought by many to be the best high school football program in Kentucky plays Cincinnati St. Xavier, and Cincy St. X blasts Trinity, 43-13.

Ryan Fritts continues to improve each week since returning from last year’s injury. Fritts mobility and confidence are very obviously picking up the Redhounds already very potent offense.

Caleb Watkins continues to impress with his speed and power. Matthew Taylor not only is very good offensively, but also like Watkins is a sure tackler on defense.

Roman Mitchell whose quarterback play has really come along nicely also has an explosive toe, and his kickoff attempts have been high and deep into the opponent’s territory.

Paul Pietrowski my golfing buddy, and I played a few rounds of golf with Josh Hopkins, Isaac Wilson and Madison Johnson this past summer. These three young men along with Aaron Manns and Travis Smith will be the nucleus of the Redhound basketball team this season.

Hopkins, Wilson and Johnson are going through conditioning for the upcoming season while Travis Smith is recuperating from knee surgery and Manns is playing football.

I look for another great basketball season this year under Coach Tony Pietrowski and his staff.

I spoke with a Redhound from the past this week, as I received a call from Gail “Dago” Phillips, who played on the great ’55 state championship team. “Dago” seems to be doing fine.