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November 20, 2009

Fear 'Les' Forecast

Les Dixon

Corbin at Prestonsburg

Where: Prestonsburg High School

Date: Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

Team Records: Corbin 10-2, Prestonsburg 12-0

The inside scoop: The Corbin Redhounds are one win away from capturing their third straight regional championship, but trying to win region title No. 3 isn't going to be easy.

The Redhounds will take their 10-2 record to Prestonsburg today for a showdown with the unbeaten Blackcats (12-0). Prestonsburg is one of only three teams in Class 2A that can lay claim to still being undefeated.

Corbin will try to repeat its feat of last year's win over Prestonsburg today, but this isn't the same type of Blackcat team the Redhounds faced off against last season.

Last year's version of Prestonsburg loved to run the ball, but this year's version is totally different.

Just how different?

Well, Prestonsburg can throw the ball just as well as run with it and with that said, Corbin's defense will be tested early and often.

The Blackcats are the second highest scoring team in Class 2A with a 43 point scoring average.

So what are the keys to today's game?

No. 1 - Corbin's running trio of Caleb Watkins, Ryan Fritts and Matthew Taylor must turn in a stellar effort, so that means the Redhounds' offensive line must answer the bell, which they have this season. If Watkins, Fritts and Taylor combine for more than 250 yards, I believe Corbin will win.

No. 2 - Redhound quarterback Roman Mitchell MUST have a mistake free game. At times Mitchell has been spot on this season, and at times, he has struggled. The key for Mitchell is to not force the pass. If he has to take a sack - — do it.

No. 3 - Corbin's defense must be on its toes at all times. Players such as Aaron Manns will have to come up big and I believe he will along with players such as Brady Foley and Saxson Okuma.

No. 4 -The Redhounds must also put pressure on Prestonsburg quarterback Michael Burchett, which teams have had trouble doing this season. Burchett has picked apart opposing defenses this season, completing 140-of-213 pass attempts for 2,518 yards, 32 touchdowns and only four interceptions. And when he's not passing, he's running with the ball. He has 435 rushing yards for 435 yards and nine touchdowns. His main target is Joseph Jamerson, who has 42 pass receptions for 732 yards and 10 touchdowns. Matter of fact, Burchett has five targets he likes to go to. Receivers Josh Blackburn, Josh Craynon (who also leads the team with 691 rushing yards and eight touchdowns), Tyler Hall and Austin McKinney (has 426 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns).

So Corbin does have its hands full.

Will Corbin win? I believe so, but the Redhounds can't make any mistakes. They need to control the clock to advance to the Class 2A State Semifinals — and I believe they will.

Fear ‘Les’ Forecast: I’m going out on a limb and taking Corbin, 35-34.

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