PRE-GAME HUDDLE

 With just two weeks left in the Kentucky High School football regular season, its time some big district games around the region. None will be bigger this week than the Corbin Redhounds at Middlesboro and the Whitley County Colonels hosting the Perry Central Commodores.

The Redhounds will face an outstanding football team in the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets. The Middlesboro coaches have called for a “black-out” and want all their fans to wear black to honor the Yellow Jackets. Coach Randy Frazier said this was a tough game for his team.

The Jackets (4-4) have been up and down this season and have played an outstanding schedule. Middlesboro lost to Alcoa (Tn) in the City/County Bowl, 64-0, then came back to beat Letcher Central 13-9. They met Clay County in the Appalachian Bowl and had Clay County on the ropes before falling, 43-42 in the final seconds.

Middlesboro defeated Jonesville (Va) 34-20, before losing two straight games to Knox Central (45-0) and Frankfort (48-27).

In the district the Yellow Jackets have beaten Leslie County, 24-14, in a game much closer than expected. They rolled over the Knott Central Patriots last week 65-6.

Some of the top players to watch will be junior quarterback Chase Roark and receivers Cody Smith, Zack Riddle, Sean Frost, Austin Poindexter and Donnie Foister. “They have some tall and talented receivers,” said Corbin Coach Steve Jewell. “Roark has a real strong arm and a nice throw.”

But, what concerns Jewell even more are running backs Josh Delauer, Cody Smith and Eddie Witherspoon.

The leading tacklers on the team are Dalton Hughett and Jon Mikel Evans.

Matthew Taylor and Brady Foley continue to lead the Redhounds on the ground while Josh Coppock has five touchdown catches on the season. Taylor has two while Josh Jewell and Frederick have one each.

The Redhounds have become a solid football team on defense. The defense has picked off 16 passes and has recovered seven fumbles this season. Foley, Taylor, Matt Jewell, Coppock, Saxon Okuma and Frederick lead the defense in tackles.

Jim’s Pick: Corbin 35-20

The Whitley County Colonels are looking for a number three seed with a win over the Perry Central Commodores. This game has the potential of a 100+ points being put on the scoreboard. Whitley County is averaging 33 points per game while Perry Central is averaging 21 points per contest.

The Colonels scored 62 points against Lynn Camp and 56 last week at North Laurel while Perry Central put up 63 points vs. Knott Central and 50 vs. Letcher Central.

Neither team has been shutout, but the Commodores scored just a touchdown against Harlan County last week in a home contest.

Whitley County scored six points in a 49-6 loss to Bell County and scored 27 against the Black Bears at Harlan County.

Quarterback Kyle Huff will have a target on his back. Huff has thrown the football for 26 touchdowns and is 110-of-191 for 1806 yards. His top receivers are Darryl Beatty, Austin Pray and Jay White.

On the ground, the Colonels have to worry about Bryan Rankin, Kegan Robinson and Huff.

On the other hand, the Commodores face a tough challenge stopping Cody Bramlett, Cody Bowlin, Jordan Singleton, Jordan Chute and Justin Goins. Bramlett, who ran for 258 yards last week has 800 yards on the season. Goins has 23 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns.

Jim’s Pick: Whitley Co. 36-34.