Kroger KSR Game of the Week: Corbin at Boyle County Preview

This week’s Kroger KSR Game of the Week could be labeled as the game of the decade. No. 2 Corbin (11-0) and No. 1 Boyle County (12-0) have been on a collision course since the beginning of the 2023 season. Many thought this game would be played next week. But the RPI indicated otherwise.

The Rebels are KSR’s top-ranked team regardless of classification while the Redhounds enter Friday night at number two in the state. This one has all the makings for an instant classic, with the winner advancing to the semifinal round of the Class 4A playoffs next week. As you can imagine, we are excited to travel to Danville on Friday night for the 7:30 p.m. EST kickoff.

It’s hard to come by such a great matchup in the state quarterfinals. Both teams would be feared by any squad ranging from 1A-6A. Justin Haddix’s Rebels are a well-oiled machine at this point. Boyle County has dominated the entire state for roughly the past 15 years, including three state championships in a row starting in 2020. In 2022, Corbin was on the opposite side of the Rebels at Kroger Field. The Redhounds fell to Boyle County 32-26 last December.

Almost a year later, the Redounds will have their revenge shot at the kings of 4A. More than that, they get the opportunity to knock off the three-peat Rebels on their own turf in Danville.

#1 Boyle County Rebels

The playmakers

Different year, same story: the Boyle County Rebels are the premier team in Kentucky. Led by senior quarterback Sage Dawson, the offense has exploded for an average of 48 points a game. Montavin Quisenberry and Avery Bodner are the premier playmakers in this Boyle offense, with stats that scare any defensive coordinator. Avery Bodner has rushed for 1,009 yards and scored 16 TDs on the ground. He’s also recorded 22 catches for 306 yards and four receiving touchdowns in his senior year.

Avery Bodner scores on 4th down to make it 14-0 Boyle over Douglass. 2Q pic.twitter.com/n5HIPmVbnu

— Troy Howell (@teeroyhowell) October 28, 2023

Kentucky has offered junior running back/wide receiver Montavin Quisenberry, who has added 425 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. He also leads Boyle with 34 receptions for 737 yards and has 12 receiving scores. Quisenberry is the most electric playmaker in the Commonwealth. With two punt return scores and two kick returns for six, Corbin will have to be smart with their possession changes on Friday.

Sophomore Montavin Quisenberry@vincemarrow @BCRebelFootball pic.twitter.com/0cpF3Cezcn

— Cody Couch (@Couch_29) December 3, 2022

In a recent interview with KSR, Coach Justin Haddix spoke about how good Quisenberry is and what it’s like to coach such a dynamic athlete.

“He’s special, put the ball in his hands and let him go, he’s a really good player,” Haddix said. “The thing about him is he’s a great teammate. Doesn’t care about the ball; he comes to practice ready to work every day.”

Dawson and the Rebels defense

However, when it comes to a big game like this, you have to have faith in your quarterback. Coach Haddix has this in the folds with senior Sage Dawson. This season Dawson has thrown for 2,223 yards and 28 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions, along with three rushing touchdowns. He will play his college football at Air Force Academy next year.

Boyle County’s defense has been elite this season, allowing just 11.4 points per game. The only squad to give Boyle an actual test was four-star QB Cutter Boley (committed to Kentucky) and the Lexington Christian Academy Eagles. In LCA’s 38-47 defeat to Boyle, Boley threw for 406 yards and three touchdowns. However, the difference was three interceptions from Boyle County’s defense. Demauriah Brown had two in the contest, with Quisenberry adding the other. Since then, Boyle County has not allowed more than 21 points in a game. As much fun as the offense is, this defense is LEGIT.

#2 Corbin Redounds

The unbeaten Redhounds, under the seasoned guidance of Corbin’s legendary head coach Tom Greer, mirror Boyle County by frequently resting their starters during the latter halves of their games. This strategic approach is reflected in the individual player statistics. Remarkably, Corbin boasts an impressive offensive prowess, averaging 38 points per game, while concurrently maintaining an outstanding defensive record, conceding a mere 4.7 points per outing in the highly competitive 4A category.

The main attraction for Corbin is the Kentucky-bound Smith twins. Jacob and Jerod were recently given Under Armor All-American honors after their flipped commitment from Michigan to UK. Jacob Smith is Corbin’s top tackler with 93 stops, including five for loss and four sacks. Jerod Smith has recorded 84 tackles, 20 TFLs, and eight sacks. Nasty numbers from the pair.

Offensive Domination, Defensive Prowess

This offensive dominance and defensive prowess results in an exceptional average scoring margin of 33.5 points per game, solidifying the Redhounds’ status as a formidable threat to Boyle’s championship efforts.

Third and long is no problem for Corbin as Kade Elam connects with Carter Stewart for a TD!
21-7 Corbin over Lex Cath 2Q pic.twitter.com/snBmaROwYK

— Troy Howell (@teeroyhowell) September 2, 2023

Junior quarterback Kade Elam stands as a hidden gem in Kentucky. The Louisville baseball commit completes 73% of his passes and has thrown 2,344 yards and 26 touchdowns. He is also comfortable on the ground, rushing for 215 yards and nine TDs. Elam is the most dynamic player on the Corbin offense, plus he’s beyond fun to watch.

Wide Receiver Carter Stewart is 4A’s third-leading pass catcher with 50 receptions for 1,030 yards and 13 scores. Sophomore TE Eli Pietrowski holds a UK offer and has 12 receptions for 272 yards and three scores. Guy Bailey is Corbin’s leading rusher with 707 yards and 15 touchdowns. 

Buckle up, and get ready for the best matchup in recent Kentucky high school football memory. Follow along on X (@BByrdwellKSR) or on KSR+ with the whole KSR crew.

Thanks to Kroger for allowing us to travel the Commonwealth to bring you the best high school football coverage in Kentucky. Kroger, where quality meets affordability. I visit the Lexington Kroger on a daily basis where I find the perfect fresh and delicious produce.