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November 9, 2009

Whitley County looking good

Colonels roll past Cardinals; now ready for Maroons

By Les Dixon / Sports Editor

Week 12 of high school football is in the books and now it’s time to take a seat and look at what we learned this past week.

Player of the Week — It’s not always easy picking a Player of the Week. I mean, Whitley County had several players that could very well earn the honor, but then again, what about Knox Central’s Chad Merida? He rushed for more than 100 yards and reached paydirt, but in the end, I’m going with Corbin’s Matthew Taylor. He had touchdown runs of 14, 10 and 55 yards, while finishing with 197 yards on only nine carries during the Redhounds’ 40-6 win over Morgan County.

Biggest surprise — I figured Whitley County would cruise past South Laurel, but I didn’t expect the Cardinal defense to give up so many points, so quick. Let’s just say the Colonels are peaking right now.

Making a statement — It’s gotta be Whitley County. Since losing to Letcher Central at home, 34-27, on Oct. 9, the Colonels are 4-0 and have outscored their opponents 199-52 during the process. That’s right, Whitley County averaged 49.7 points a game during the past month.

Last game — It’s sad to see Williamsburg quarterback Ryan Moses’ career come to an end. Lynn Camp’s Tyrone Person and Wesley Steele also played their last game as a Wildcat.

Big playoff wins — Corbin, Knox Central and Whitley County outscored their opponents by a score of 134-20 during first round action of the KHSAA State Playoffs.

Big playoff losses — Turnovers have been a thorn in Lynn Camp’s side the entire season and an interception late in the game cost the Wildcats a chance at upsetting homestanding Raceland. Williamsburg had homefield advantage against Fairview, but just couldn’t take advantage of the situation.

Round two of the playoffs — Whitley County will pay a visit to No. 1 seed Pulaski County on Friday during the second round of the Class 5A playoffs, while Corbin will host Shelby Valley in Class 2A action. Knox Central will have its hands full on the road against unbeaten Lawrence County.

They said it — “The kids were really focused and took control early. We wanted to set the tone with our defense and we did that.” — Whitley County coach Jim Black

“We lost four starters and it just showed tonight,” he said. “They brought it to us tonight and we lost up front.” — Williamsburg coach Jerry Herron

“Matthew is overshadowed, but he’s a dandy of a player. He showed tonight he can step in and do the job when we need him to and I believe he showed us a preview of things to come for next year, too.” — Corbin coach Steve Jewell

“Their speed is deceptive. You have to pack it in on them, but their speed was a lot more than we were accustomed too. They are a quality football team.” — South Laurel coach Jim Black

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Sports Editorials
  • Les Dixon Could this year’s Wildcats beat the 1996 version? I don’t believe so

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    February 10, 2012 1 Photo

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    he Black Bears saw their season-best nine-game win streak come to an end after losing to 14th Region favorite Perry Central on the road, 52-42.

    February 9, 2012 1 Photo

  • 0124 John Henson.jpg Several young players have impacted the region this year

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    February 7, 2012 1 Photo

  • Les Dixon Friday turned out to be a very good day

    If you attended the North Laurel-South Laurel boys basketball match-up this past Friday at South Laurel High School, you got your money’s worth.

    February 6, 2012 1 Photo

  • Les Dixon The front-runners for the boys and girls Players of the Year are ...

    The past two weeks I’ve been bombarded by high school basketball fans on who will be the 2011 Times-Tribune Boys and Girls Prep Basketball Tri-County Players of the Year.
    Well we still have a few weeks to go before postseason play begins, but I suppose I can let the cat out of the bag and at least be nice enough to give the front-runners.

    February 3, 2012 1 Photo

  • Les Dixon I remember 1982 state championship game just like it was yesterday

    It’s hard to believe it’s almost been 30 years since Chuck Broughton’s Laurel County Cardinals captured the 1982 Boys Sweet Sixteen state championship. I remember it like it was yesterday.

    February 2, 2012 1 Photo

  • 1201 Fear 'Les' Basketball Rankings logo.jpg Fear 'Les' 13th Region Basketball Rankings

    The Black Bears continue to win. Harlan County is now a perfect 10-0 against 13th Region teams and shouldn’t be tested again (region-wise) until its Feb. 10 battle against Jackson County and a Feb. 13 contest against Corbin.

    February 2, 2012 1 Photo

  • 0124 John Henson.jpg How the region is stacking up

    With Clay County and North Laurel drawing in opposite brackets of the 49th District Tournament, this year’s 13th Region Tournament at The Arena in Corbin could feature the most balanced field in at least 35 years.

    January 31, 2012 1 Photo

  • Les Dixon The postseason is almost here

    We’re two days away from February and that means we’re a month away before the 40th, 50th, 51st and 52nd District Tournament’s tip-off.

    January 30, 2012 1 Photo

  • 0124 John Henson.jpg 13th Region contenders

    With approximately a month left in the regular season, the contenders for 13th Region championships in both boys and girls basketball have started to separate themselves from the rest of the field.

    January 24, 2012 1 Photo