Redhounds Respond: Corbin Powers Past Johnson Central, 28-18

Corbin needed a response Friday night. The Redhounds delivered one on the road.

With Mason Salmons throwing three touchdown passes and Zach Thomas and Trey Person each reaching the end zone twice, Corbin defeated Johnson Central, 28-18, to snap a two game losing streak and improve to 4-2.

The Redhounds led from the opening quarter to the final whistle, answering Johnson Central’s challenges with timely touchdowns and enough big plays to keep the Golden Eagles chasing all night.

For a Corbin team looking to get back on track, there was plenty to like. A quick start. A touchdown on the final play of the first half. Two explosive scoring plays after intermission. And, most importantly, a victory to bring home.

Corbin Strikes First

The Redhounds wasted little time getting on the scoreboard.

Salmons connected with Thomas for a touchdown with 9:04 remaining in the opening quarter, and the extra point put Corbin ahead, 7-0.

That advantage stood through the end of the first quarter and most of the second before Johnson Central finally broke through. A seven yard touchdown run with just 55 seconds remaining before halftime pulled the Golden Eagles within 7-6.

Suddenly, Corbin’s lead was down to a single point.

The Redhounds had an answer, and they made every remaining second count.

With time expiring in the half, Salmons found Person for a seven yard touchdown pass. The extra point sent Corbin into the locker room ahead, 14-6, turning a tight finish to the second quarter into one of the night’s biggest moments.

Johnson Central had drawn close. Corbin made sure it stayed in front.

Person Breaks Loose

Person’s work was far from finished.

After catching the touchdown that closed the first half, he supplied the next scoring burst with his legs. With 4:43 remaining in the third quarter, Person broke free for a 47 yard touchdown run, stretching Corbin’s advantage to 21-6.

In a game the Redhounds had led by only one point late in the second quarter, they now owned a 15 point cushion.

Johnson Central responded with a 25 yard touchdown pass late in the third. The Golden Eagles could not convert the two point attempt, however, leaving Corbin ahead, 21-12, heading into the fourth.

The home team was still within reach. Salmons and Thomas quickly made that reach a little longer.

Another Big Play Gives Corbin Breathing Room

Early in the final quarter, Salmons connected with Thomas again, this time for a 45 yard touchdown.

Thomas’ second scoring reception of the night, followed by the extra point, pushed Corbin’s lead to 28-12 with 11:24 remaining. It was another timely strike from an offense that repeatedly found a way to widen the gap.

Johnson Central refused to disappear, answering less than two minutes later with a 53 yard touchdown run. But another unsuccessful two point attempt kept the margin at 10.

That was as close as the Golden Eagles would get.

Corbin allowed no further scoring, closing out the 28-18 victory and putting an end to its two game slide.

Salmons finished with three touchdown passes, including two to Thomas. Person contributed a touchdown through the air and another on the ground, giving the Redhounds scoring threats that Johnson Central could not contain when it mattered.

After two straight losses, Corbin left Paintsville with a needed win and a performance worth building on. The Redhounds struck early, answered the pressure and finished the job.

Corbin Scoring Highlights

• First quarter, 9:04: Mason Salmons touchdown pass to Zach Thomas. Extra point good. Corbin led, 7-0.
• Second quarter, 0:00: Salmons seven yard touchdown pass to Trey Person. Extra point good. Corbin led, 14-6.
• Third quarter, 4:43: Person 47 yard touchdown run. Extra point good. Corbin led, 21-6.
• Fourth quarter, 11:24: Salmons 45 yard touchdown pass to Thomas. Extra point good. Corbin led, 28-12.