It was an easy advance for Corbin to reach the region final round for the seventh straight year, dropping Lincoln County 47-14, in what is likely the last home game they'll have this year thanks to an inferior RPI to most teams that remain.  It was the sixth straight win for the Redhounds, who will be seeking a state semifinal appearance for the second straight year.  They'll make the long trip to Highlands, who similarly had no trouble in a 45-7 win over top ten Ashland - the Bluebirds continued their playoff mastery over Ashland, having defeated them four times previously during the Riherds era. Only one team in Kentucky has beaten Highlands this year - that being #1 Boyle County by a single point, on the road.  Highlands is looking for their third straight trip to the state semifinals, although the previous two came in 5A.

I don't know how often these teams have played otherwise, but this is the second playoff meeting, with the first coming back in 1962, a 10-0 win for Corbin.  These teams have not often been near each other in terms of class - just seven years ago Corbin was in 3A and Highlands in 5A. 

Highlands enters the game ranked #2 by BluegrassPreps, while Corbin enters at #7.  This is a marquee matchup between two storied programs.  Corbin has not won a road playoff game since 2017, falling in their last seven attempts in road + neutral postseason games.  Highlands has won 11 games in a row at home.  Will that disparity help carry the day?

Birds by a comfortable margin as long as they keep the ball on the ground. 

Corbin's offense won't get much traction against Highlands, and their defense was suspect when we played them. I think Highlands wins comfortably at home. 35-14.

Corbin is going to come ready to play. The Birds will win. Game will be closer than most think.

5 hours ago, BlueBloodedColonel said:

Corbin is going to come ready to play. The Birds will win. Game will be closer than most think.

I know nothing about Corbin besides they’ve been really good the past few years and their uniforms are top notch. 

Corbin's Schedule

Sat, Aug 23, 25 Linton-Stockton (Linton), IN at Campbell Field Corbin (W) 42-20 
Fri, Aug 29, 25 North Laurel away (W) 28- 14
Fri, Sep 5, 25 Bryan Station away (W) 7 - 0
Fri, Sep 12, 25 Pulaski County away (L) 28 - 35
Fri, Sep 19, 25 Frederick Douglass at Campbell Field Corbin (L)    7 - 28
Fri, Oct 3, 25 Johnson Central at Campbell Field Corbin (L) 34 - 37
Fri, Oct 10, 25 Harlan County away (W) 53 - 6 
Fri, Oct 17, 25 Whitley County at Campbell Field Corbin (W) 49 - 6
Fri, Oct 24, 25 Perry County Central at Campbell Field Corbin (W) 47 - 13
Fri, Oct 31, 25 Great Crossing away (W) 47 - 7
Thu, Nov 6, 25 Russell County home (W) 35 - 0
Fri, Nov 14, 25 Lincoln County home (W) 47 - 14    

10 minutes ago, El Diablo said:

I know nothing about Corbin besides they’ve been really good the past few years and their uniforms are top notch. 

The above results tell me Corbin is good, not great.

TP94 Power Ratings

Highlands 81.56
Corbin 66.94

I don’t think this will be a close game. I see Highlands advancing rather easily.

5 hours ago, BlueBloodedColonel said:

Corbin is going to come ready to play. The Birds will win. Game will be closer than most think.

I agree. Don’t know if it will be as tight as CC and JC was last night, but Corbin will make this game competitive in my opinion. I believe Highlands wins by 10-14.

1 hour ago, theguru said:

Corbin's Schedule

Sat, Aug 23, 25 Linton-Stockton (Linton), IN at Campbell Field Corbin (W) 42-20 
Fri, Aug 29, 25 North Laurel away (W) 28- 14
Fri, Sep 5, 25 Bryan Station away (W) 7 - 0
Fri, Sep 12, 25 Pulaski County away (L) 28 - 35
Fri, Sep 19, 25 Frederick Douglass at Campbell Field Corbin (L)    7 - 28
Fri, Oct 3, 25 Johnson Central at Campbell Field Corbin (L) 34 - 37
Fri, Oct 10, 25 Harlan County away (W) 53 - 6 
Fri, Oct 17, 25 Whitley County at Campbell Field Corbin (W) 49 - 6
Fri, Oct 24, 25 Perry County Central at Campbell Field Corbin (W) 47 - 13
Fri, Oct 31, 25 Great Crossing away (W) 47 - 7
Thu, Nov 6, 25 Russell County home (W) 35 - 0
Fri, Nov 14, 25 Lincoln County home (W) 47 - 14    

Looking at their schedule… looks like FD handled them pretty easily. But they had a really close game with Johnson Central… interesting. I think Highlands has a one score lead at halftime and pulls away the second half. 
Corbin 23

Highlands 38

I’m not seeing this game being close. 

Highlands by a lot.

HHS takes care of business.  31-17. 

I’ll be surprised if Corbin gets more than two scores.

The Redhounds have had a simply dominant streak since losing 37-34 to Johnson Central on October 3rd. They have been clicking on all cylinders offensively with Mason Salmons being among the most efficient quarterbacks in the state. Cole Stevens has been stellar in the rushing game where Salmons has also contributed. Cam Estep, while also being a dangerous deepback on defense, has proven to be Salmons' favorite receiver.

Defensively, they have only let up 46 points over the last 6 games. But now, they face a team in the same orbit as Johnson Central, Highlands. Not only that, but they have to go on the road. I tend to think, based on their competitive games earlier in the year before district play, that a slower pace of play with lower scoring favors Corbin. I think if the pace picks up Highlands may get away from them. That doesn't mean Corbin won't try for some big plays, but I do expect them to not make this a boat race.
 

With all that said, I will go Highlands 35 - Corbin 14. Highlands controls pace of play at home and Corbin can’t hang.