CORBIN — It didn’t take long for Corbin to make a statement in the opening round of the KHSAA Class 4A football playoffs.
The Redhounds erupted for 37 first-quarter points and never looked back, cruising to a 64-7 victory over Russell County to advance to the second round of postseason play.
The win improved Corbin to 9-2 on the season while Russell County finished its campaign with a 1-10 record.
Corbin showcased its offensive firepower and special teams explosiveness throughout the opening quarter, scoring touchdowns through the air, on the ground and on kickoff returns while also recording a safety.
The Redhounds wasted little time getting on the scoreboard as Mason Salmons connected with Jake Salmons on a 25-yard touchdown pass with 10:47 remaining in the first quarter. The extra point gave Corbin an early 7-0 advantage.
Russell County answered with a 25-yard touchdown run at the 8:11 mark, tying the contest at 7-7.
That turned out to be the Lakers’ only score of the night.
Corbin immediately regained the momentum when Clay Akins returned the ensuing kickoff 60 yards for a touchdown, putting the Redhounds back in front 14-7 with 7:57 remaining in the opening period.
The Redhounds continued their offensive assault just minutes later.
Trey Person broke loose for a 21-yard touchdown run with 5:04 remaining in the first quarter, extending Corbin’s advantage to 21-7.
Mason Salmons followed with an 8-yard touchdown run at the 2:40 mark, pushing the lead to 28-7.
Corbin’s defense then joined the scoring when the Redhounds recorded a safety with just 27 seconds remaining in the quarter, increasing the advantage to 30-7.
Zach Thomas returned the ensuing kickoff 67 yards for another touchdown with 14 seconds remaining, giving Corbin an impressive 37-7 lead after the opening 12 minutes.
Corbin continued its dominance in the second quarter as Person scored his second touchdown of the night on a 2-yard run with 9:40 remaining before halftime.
The score extended the Redhounds’ advantage to 44-7.
Mason Salmons then delivered another explosive play just before halftime, breaking free for a 53-yard touchdown run with 30 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
The touchdown gave Corbin a commanding 51-7 halftime lead.
The Redhounds continued adding to their advantage in the third quarter.
Nunnelly scored on a 5-yard touchdown run with 8:20 remaining in the period, extending Corbin’s lead to 58-7.
Cameron Nantz capped the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run with one second remaining in the third quarter, giving the Redhounds their final 64-7 advantage. No conversion was attempted following the touchdown.
Mason Salmons accounted for three touchdowns, throwing one scoring pass and rushing for two more, including the 53-yard second-quarter run.
Person added two rushing touchdowns while Akins and Thomas provided a pair of special teams highlights with kickoff returns of 60 and 67 yards, respectively.
