21 minutes ago, se7ens said:

The Redhounds have had a simply dominant streak since losing 37-34 to Johnson Central on October 3rd

Could be because they have played a very soft schedule since then.

Birds got to be careful of not overlooking the Redhounds.  By now in the playoffs everybody can play.  Corbin has no bad defeats as both Pulaski and Frederick Douglass are still playing and their loss to Johnson Central was extremely competitive.  Birds should win 35-21 as long as they don’t get ahead of their skis.  

Stay focused Birds!  Eye on the prize and one game at a time!

Birds by 7. 

Highlands 35-20.

On 11/15/2025 at 9:07 PM, se7ens said:

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.

Thanks for the insight. Corbin, regardless of SOS, has been on a roll. How is their defense constructed? Big DL, strong front 8? Or are they competent at defending the pass? Curious how their size, team, and play style will match up.

27 minutes ago, PawPrints said:

Thanks for the insight. Corbin, regardless of SOS, has been on a roll. How is their defense constructed? Big DL, strong front 8? Or are they competent at defending the pass? Curious how their size, team, and play style will match up.

Malachi Brown anchors their line. He is a monster. 8 sacks on the year. Offers from the likes of Alabama, Indiana, Miami (FL), Tennessee, and, of course, Louisville & UK. 6'4, 265. 

Linebacking core is lead by leading tackler Silas Mahan as well as Malachi Zachery. 

Then you get to the secondary where you have the likes of super athlete and two way star Cam Estep as well as Zach Thomas. 

To answer your question, versatility and athleticism everywhere with some real standout talent in Brown, maybe some questions of depth on the line after him.

I think this game believe it or not, will be a toss-up; I favor the home team. Corbin can match up with Highland's size a bit, still going Bird 28-21 in a tight one.

Can we get more info on Corbin offense, defense and special teams?  Style of offense?  Type of defense?  Quality of special teams?  Who do they compare to in Kentucky?

I don't quite think it's a toss-up, and believe Highlands will win, but I don't think it will be the evening stroll that most think it will be.   

1 hour ago, Jack of all Trades said:

Can we get more info on Corbin offense, defense and special teams?  Style of offense?  Type of defense?  Quality of special teams?  Who do they compare to in Kentucky?

See my notes on defense. Mason Salmons is the QB and he's a dual threat. Cam Estep is their playmaker on both sides of the ball as a receiver and deepback. They are going to trend run heavy and show that in a variety of ways but not so run heavy that they are a one-note team. Salmons can throw and he definitely has a few options to throw to, not the least of them being Estep. I think they will lean on the run and clock control to make sure things don't spiral. To me, the "big play game" is where this is won or lost. I don't know if Corbin can absorb something like Highlands getting a defensive touchdown or some 80 yard touchdown run or a kickoff return for a score. 

1 hour ago, Jack of all Trades said:

Who do they compare to in Kentucky?

I've thought hard on this one. Ryle but with less depth?

Highlands rolls in this one by multiple scores.

Lorenzen and the Birds run over Corbin!