FORT THOMAS — Two tradition-rich programs will collide Friday night with a berth in the Class 4A state semifinals on the line as the Corbin Redhounds (9-3) travel north to face the Highlands Bluebirds (10-2) in the Region 4 championship.
The matchup marks only the third all-time meeting between the schools.
Corbin won the first contest in 1962, 10-0, while Highlands claimed a 27-14 victory in 1990.
This year’s showdown features two surging teams that have found their stride at the perfect time.
Redhounds Riding Six-Game Win Streak
After starting the season 3-3 with losses to Pulaski County, Franklin Douglass, and Johnson Central, Corbin has reeled off six straight wins while sharpening both sides of the ball.
The Redhounds have been dominant defensively during the postseason, shutting out Russell County, 35-0, in the opening round and rolling past Lincoln County, 47-14, last week.
Corbin enters the Region Final averaging 35.4 points per game while allowing just 15 per contest. The Redhounds’ offensive balance has been a key factor, producing 164.5 rushing yards and 188.2 passing yards per game.
Quarterback Mason Salmons continues to perform at a high level, throwing for 2,259 yards and 28 touchdowns with only one interception in 161 attempts. He has also added 358 rushing yards and six scores.
Versatile playmaker Cole Stevens powers the ground game with 865 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, while also serving as one of the Redhounds’ top receiving targets with 28 catches for 546 yards and five scores.
Salmons spreads the ball around effectively, with Cam Estep leading the receiving corps with 30 catches for 610 yards and eight touchdowns. Zach Thomas has added 571 yards and six touchdowns on 24 receptions, while Clay Akins has contributed 307 yards and seven touchdowns.
Defensively, Corbin has generated 16 turnovers — 12 of them interceptions — and produced 18 sacks. Estep leads the unit with four interceptions and two fumble recoveries, while Malachi Brown has delivered a disruptive season with 61 tackles (11 for loss), eight sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
Silas Mahan anchors the unit with a team-high 73 tackles.
Bluebirds Bring Balance, Takeaways, and Tradition
Highlands enters with a higher RPI (.71021 compared to Corbin’s .64069) and a four-game win streak of its own. The Bluebirds’ only losses came in competitive battles against state power Boyle County (21-20) and Cincinnati Elder (40-16).
The Bluebirds handled business in the postseason, defeating Greenup County, 35-7, in the first round before overwhelming Ashland Blazer, 45-7, last week.
Highlands averages 34.6 points per game and allows 17.3, producing nearly identical offensive balance to Corbin — 152.2 rushing yards and 193.4 passing yards per game.
Quarterback Rio Litmer leads the Bluebirds with 1,998 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, though he has thrown six interceptions in 224 attempts. He has also rushed for 316 yards and three touchdowns.
Highlands’ featured player is Tayden Lorenzen, son of former Kentucky star Jared Lorenzen.
He leads the team with 451 rushing yards and an impressive 18 touchdowns, while contributing 295 receiving yards and four more scores.
Colt Kremer, Gabe Williams, John Feldbrugge, and Cale Harris round out a deep offensive arsenal.
Feldbrugge leads the receiving group with 489 yards and five touchdowns, while Harris provides another steady target with 324 receiving yards.
Defensively, Highlands has been exceptional at creating turnovers.
The Bluebirds have forced 25 takeaways, including 14 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries.
Five players share the team lead with two interceptions apiece, while two others have two fumble recoveries.
Highlands has also recorded 18 sacks, with Cooper Benke and Griffith Benke tied for the team lead with three each. Ryan Dunn anchors the defense with a team-best 68 tackles.
