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    Tim Branstetter

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January 23, 2012

Border Bowl, flag football and basketball

Times-Tribune

CORBIN — I would like to touch on a few things before I head off to the KPA Awards Reception with my sports editor, Les Dixon.

The first thing that comes to mind is the National Guard Border Bowl that I covered a couple of weeks ago. Five local players were a part of the Kentucky All-Stars that competed against the Tennessee All-Stars at University of the Cumberlands.

Corbin’s Brady Foley was named to the All-Bowl team and did an excellent job of representing Corbin. Foley had several tackles and grabbed a big interception, but unfortunately his team came up just short.

I would like to give out a Big Time Timmy Gem to all of the people who contributed in putting together the Border Bowl. I have been to the game every year and it continues to get better and better. This year was nothing short of amazing.

From the helicopter landing at midfield and the pilot delivering the game ball, to the awesome PA announcer that made every play interesting, it was a day to remember. It was all capped off with an exciting finish as the Kentucky squad nearly pulled off a last second hail mary, but it fell incomplete in the back of the endzone.

I think everyone at the event would be upset if I didn’t mention the most entertaining part of the afternoon. During halftime the Knox Central cheerleaders competed against the cheerleading squad from Tennessee in flag football. The game featured some quality athletes, an interesting player from Tennessee, and some very physical play. I don’t think either team was worried about grabbing the flag as much as they were tackling someone. It was something to see and the fans really enjoyed it.

The next thing I would like to mention is the game I covered between Barbourville and Knox Central. I think most people felt the Tigers were the favorite coming into the game, but Knox Central stepped up and protected their homecourt. The crowd was amazing and it really was a region championship-type atmosphere. It was what high school basketball is all about and the Panthers were able to put on a show in front of a rowdy crowd. It should be a lot of fun when the Panthers visit Barbourville.

Last but not least is the race for the 13th Region Player of the Year. This might be the closest race with the most players in the mix in a long time. Several young players have stepped up and made a huge impact on their team this year, but a few veterans are still holding strong. A few of my favorites are: Corbin’s Travis Smith, Knox Central’s Jonathan Barger, Barbourville’s Tanner Broughton and North Laurel’s Marcus Carson. A couple of young players that have impressed me are South Laurel’s Zac Baxter and North Laurel’s Jake Allen. Another player that has really stepped up his game and helped put his team on the map is Williamsburg’s Dalton Sizemore.

Well it’s off to win another award. Maybe this time it will be for putting up with Les Dixon all this time, just kidding.

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