Kroger KSR Game of the Week: Johnson Central at Corbin

The Corbin Redhounds and the Johnson Central Golden Eagles will square off in a 4A third-round playoff game down I-75 South on Friday in the Kroger KSR Game of the Week. Corbin ranks second in Kentucky according to KSR’s latest poll and has earned that distinction through a dominating defense. The Hounds have shut out six consecutive opponents and haven’t been scored on since September 30. 

10-2 Johnson Central won two state championships in 2016 and 2019. The visitors enter Friday’s showdown fresh off a 43-6 win over Wayne County. The Golden Eagles are traditionally one of the state’s top rushing programs and this year is no exception. JC leads the Commonwealth after averaging 365 yards on the ground per game. Zack McCoart’s 1,641 rush yards and 25 touchdowns are listed near the top in 4A. Chase Price has also impressed with 1,011 yards and 11 scores. The Golden Eagles rank 3^rd in 4A by scoring 40 points per outing and giving up just 12.9 for a winning scoring margin of 27.2. Ryan Rice tops the team with 68 tackles, including six for loss and two QB sacks. 

12-0 Corbin won three state titles in 1976, 1980, and 1982. The Hounds roll up 42.6 points per game and allow a mere 9.6. Carter Stewart paces the team with 45 receptions for 922 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s joined by Cameron Combs’ 1,049 rushing yards and 14 scores. Head coach Tom Greer’s defense has been superb as of late. It’s giving up just 91 yards on the ground per contest which is a stark contrast to Johnson Central’s 365-per-game average. Zayne Hammack leads the defense with 96 tackles, including three for loss and three QB sacks. Zander Curry’s seven interceptions are the second most in 4A. 

Two eastern Kentucky powerhouses will go head to head in order to decide which team advances in the 4A playoff and which team turns in equipment on Monday. Surprisingly, the Kroger KSR Game of the Week has never been to Corbin. We can’t wait to head south on Friday. 

Kroger is a staple in your hometown community just like high school football. There’s nothing quite like Friday nights in the Bluegrass. We are honored to share this journey with Kroger and you for the third consecutive season.