Too many mistakes

By Les Dixon / Sports Editor

The Corbin Redhounds turned out to be their own worst enemy in the Class 2A, Region 1 title game.

After dominating first quarter action, while jumping out to a 7-0 lead, the Redhounds surrendered 23 unanswered points to Prestonsburg during their 23-7 loss to the Blackcats.

Corbin had numerous opportunities to take control of the game, but five turnovers and an 0-for-3 effort on fourth-and-short situations inside the Prestonsburg 35-yard line led to the 16-point loss.

The Redhounds finished the season with a 10-3 record, while the Blackcats remained perfect at 13-0 and will now advance to the Class 2A State Semifinal game against Louisville Desales, who defeated Newport Central Catholic on the road, 23-10.

Corbin started the game off on the right foot, marching 50 yards into Prestonsburg territory before a 13-yard run by Ryan Fritts resulted in a turnover.

But the Blackcats couldn’t take advantage of Corbin’s miscue and was forced to punt after only three offensive plays.

The Redhounds took over on their own four-yard line on the ensuing play and drove the ball 66 yards before a 14-yard pass play from Roman Mitchell to Matthew Taylor resulted in Corbin’s second turnover of the game.

But once again, Prestonsburg couldn’t convert after going three-and-out for the second straight series.

The Redhounds outgained the Blackcats 138-11 in the game’s first 12 minutes.

Corbin finally scored 22 seconds into the second quarter, as a 58-yard pass play from Taylor to Ben House led to Watkins’ eight-yard touchdown run.

It didn’t take long for Prestonsburg to answer. Quarterback Michael Burchett connected with Joseph Jamerson for a 11-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at seven apiece with 9:03 remaining in the first half.

Corbin had a chance to take the lead again, but Matthew Taylor was stopped on a fourth and one situation on the Blackcat 33-yard line.

Prestonsburg answered again on its ensuing possession, as Burchett’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Josh Blackburn capped off a seven-play, 67-yard drive to give the Blackcats a 14-7 lead at the :49 mark.

Corbin turned the ball over for the third time in the game, as Watkins misplayed the ensuing kickoff, which led to a 37-yard field goal by Jamerson, as Prestonsburg’s lead grew to 17-7 at halftime.

Corbin outgained the Blackcats 226-141 in the first half in total offense, as Watkins led the way with 91 rushing yards.

The Redhounds managed to stop Prestonsburg on its opening drive of the second half and took over on the 43-yard line, but Watkins was intercepted after throwing in triple coverage on a first and 22 situation.

Prestonsburg couldn’t capitalize on Corbin’s fifth turnover of the game, but the Blackcats made a huge stop on the Redhounds’ next possession.

Corbin drove down to Prestonsburg’s 33-yard line, but Watkins was stopped on a fourth-and-one situation, which resulted in another turnover on downs.

The Redhounds had a chance to get back into the contest midway through the fourth quarter, but Watkins was stopped on a fourth-and-two situation on the Blackcat 21-yard line.

Prestonsburg put the game away on its ensuing possession, as Burchett’s six-yard touchdown pass with 5:20 remaining in regulation gave his team a commanding 23-7 lead.

Burchett finished the game with 253 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Watkins led all rushers with 147 yards on the ground.