By Tim Branstetter / Staff Writer
After starting the game on their own 1-yard line and failing to convert a fourth down try, the Redhounds bounced back with a strong defensive performance.
Whatever hope the Purple Flash had of scoring was gone in a flash as Jake Coppick intercepted a pass on the 10-yard line with 4:17 remaining in the opening quarter. Corbin cruised the rest of the way for a 36-14 victory and a state championship trophy to prove it.
“We knew their quarterback was a talented athlete and we wanted to put pressure on him,” Corbin coach Wendell Foley said. “We did a good job of that and the defense really stepped up today. Our defense has been the key to our success all season. This might be the best defensive game I’ve ever seen.”
The Redhounds grabbed a 6-0 advantage on a 5-yard touchdown run by Coppick, but the Purple Flash answered one play later for the 6-6 score with 2:06 remaining in the first quarter.
Tanner Powers said, whatever you can do I can do better, as he blasted up the middle for a 76-yard touchdown run to give the Redhounds a 12-6 lead with 1:48 remaining in the first quarter.
The Redhound defense added the next score on a 63-yard pick six with 1:29 remaining in the first quarter to grab an 18-6 advantage.
Coppick gave the Redhounds a little more cushion with a 95-yard touchdown run up the middle with 6:08 remaining in the second quarter. Corbin was in control at 24-6.
A 34-yard touchdown by Powers and a 37-yard touchdown pass from Austin O’Neil to Anderson rounded out the Redhounds’ scoring at 36.
“Coppick and Powers are super athletes,” Foley said. “They can take it to the next level. After the first touchdown run I knew they couldn’t stop us.”
Foley wanted to recognize his coaching staff and his defensive specialist, Evan Grisell.
“I want to thank my coaches, Sam Miller, Chance Hendrickson and Mark Payne,” Foley added. “Without them I’m nothing. Evan (Grisell) has played great all year long. I can’t explain how great this feels. It’s not settled in yet. I feel complete. I can retire now.”
Foley admitted he does not plan on retiring anytime soon.
