CORBIN — It took Corbin less than 12 minutes to put its second-round playoff matchup with Wayne County out of reach Friday.
The Redhounds erupted for 43 first-quarter points, scoring on offense, defense and special teams, before cruising to a 56-14 victory over the Cardinals in the second round of the KHSAA Class 4A State Football Playoffs.
The victory improved Corbin to 10-2 and sets up a highly anticipated regional championship showdown Friday on the road against Class 4A’s top-ranked Fort Thomas Highlands (10-2).
Corbin wasted little time taking control.
Trey Person opened the scoring with a 33-yard touchdown run just 23 seconds into the contest, giving the Redhounds a 7-0 advantage.
Less than a minute later, Zach Thomas electrified the home crowd with a 57-yard punt return for a touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0 with 10:58 remaining in the opening quarter.
Person struck again with an impressive 5-yard touchdown run at the 8:13 mark, pushing Corbin’s lead to 21-0.
The Redhounds’ defense then joined the scoring parade, recording a safety with 7:12 remaining to increase the advantage to 23-0.
Quarterback Mason Salmons followed with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Thomas, giving Corbin a 29-0 lead with 6:38 still remaining in the first quarter.
The defensive highlights continued when Silas Mahan intercepted a Wayne County pass and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown, extending the Redhounds’ lead to 36-0.
Clay Akins capped the opening quarter with a 5-yard touchdown run at the 1:05 mark, sending Corbin into the second quarter holding a commanding 43-0 advantage.
Wayne County (5-7) finally got on the scoreboard with a 54-yard touchdown pass with 7:20 remaining in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to 43-7.
But Corbin answered with another special teams highlight.
Person returned the ensuing kickoff 74 yards for a touchdown, his third score of the first half, giving the Redhounds a 49-7 halftime advantage.
Corbin added its final touchdown during the third quarter when James Nunley scored on an 8-yard run with 4:52 remaining, extending the lead to 56-7.
Wayne County closed out the scoring with a 44-yard touchdown pass with 5:10 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Person finished with three touchdowns, scoring twice on the ground and once on a kickoff return while Thomas added two scores on a punt return and a touchdown reception.
Mahan’s interception return, Akins’ rushing touchdown and Nunnelly’s scoring run highlighted a balanced Corbin performance that featured contributions from all three phases of the game.
Corbin coach Luke Salmons was pleased with his team’s fast start and overall execution.
“We played good in all three phases,” he said. “We started fast, and I’m excited about moving on to round three. The kids are playing good football right now. Our offense executed well, special teams made some big plays, and our defense played really good. I’m excited to win, be healthy and get ready for the next one.”
