CORBIN — A familiar hurdle stands between the Corbin Redhounds and another trip to Kroger Field.
Winners of seven straight, Corbin (10-3) will hit the road Friday for a Class 4A State Semi-Final showdown with perennial powerhouse Boyle County (12-1), a program that has become both a benchmark and a barrier for the Redhounds over the past decade.
The matchup brings no shortage of storylines — most notably the reunion with former Corbin coach Justin Haddix, now leading the Rebels, who is 2-0 against his former team, including a state championship win in 2022.
Boyle County enters with Class 4A’s top RPI (.78711), while Corbin holds the No. 8 spot (.64069).
It’s a clash of heavyweights who mirror each other statistically, creating what may be the most anticipated matchup in Class 4A this season.
A Rivalry Tilted Toward Boyle
Boyle County leads the all-time series, 5–4, and has won five of the last six meetings, including the past two. The Rebels edged Corbin 21-14 in 2023, while the Redhounds’ last win came in 2018—a 21-0 victory.
Both teams enter this week on impressive streaks. The Rebels, whose lone loss was to Lexington Catholic (17-7), have won 10 straight. Corbin’s only setbacks came against Pulaski County (35-28), Frederick Douglass (28-7), and Johnson Central (37-34).
Corbin’s Balanced, Explosive Offense
The Redhounds average 35.3 points per game, powered by one of the state’s most efficient quarterbacks in senior Mason Salmons.
Salmons has thrown for 2,311 yards and 29 touchdowns, with only one interception in 168 attempts, and added 465 rushing yards and seven scores.
Corbin’s ground game is equally lethal.
• Cole Stevens: 1,017 rushing yards, 13 TD; 29 receptions, 583 yards, 6 TD
• Cam Estep: 231 rushing yards, 5 TD; team-high 32 receptions, 625 yards, 8 TD
• Trey Person: 238 rushing yards, 4 TD
• Zach Thomas: 24 catches, 571 yards, 6 TD
• Clay Akins: 18 catches, 307 yards, 7 TD
The Redhounds average 180.4 yards rushing and 177.7 yards passing per game.
Redhound Defense Making Impact Plays
Corbin’s defense has been opportunistic, forcing 19 turnovers, including 14 interceptions, and recording 18 sacks.
Standouts include:
• Silas Mahan: 81 tackles
• Malachi Brown: 64 tackles, 11 TFL, team-high 8 sacks
• Cam Estep: team-high 4 interceptions
• Lucas Brittain: 3 interceptions
• Estep & Brown: both with 2 fumble recoveries
The Redhounds allow just 15.4 points per game, 61.4 passing yards, and 123 rushing yards.
Boyle County’s Championship-Caliber Balance
The Rebels enter averaging 35.5 points, allowing only 9.9, and boasting elite production on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback Jhet Raleigh has thrown for 1,745 yards and 20 touchdowns with only two interceptions, while adding 323 rushing yards and five scores.
Boyle’s deep backfield features:
• JiDyn Smith-Hisel: 1,446 rushing yards, 14 TD; 19 receptions, 221 yards
• Darryl Yancey: 359 rushing yards, 8 TD
• Adryan Newell: 179 rushing yards, 2 TD
The receiving corps includes multiple big-play threats:
• Seneca Driver: 44 receptions, 775 yards, 8 TD
• Jakeem Ray: 18 catches, 404 yards, 7 TD
• Nathaniel Schepman: 19 catches, 284 yards, 1 TD
• Kain Logan: 27 catches, 269 yards, 3 TD
Boyle County averages 220.3 rushing yards and 190.9 passing yards per game.
Rebels’ Defense Among the State’s Best
The Rebels have forced 27 turnovers, including 15 interceptions, and produced 22 sacks.
Top defenders include:
• Lucas Akers: 104 tackles
• Jax Crowe: 88 tackles, 19 TFL, 6 sacks
• Brayden Borders-Coffman: 86 tackles
• Darryl Yancey: 73 tackles, 19 TFL, 7 sacks
• Driver: team-high 5 interceptions
• Ray: 4 interceptions
Boyle is especially tough against the run, allowing just 60.6 rushing yards per game, the best mark among semifinalists.
