Kroger KSR Game of the Week: Frederick Douglass at Corbin

Last week’s Kroger KSR Hometown Classic produced a “You Got Mossed” number one play. Shawnee’s Khamoni Ball’s incredible catch for an interception actually topped Randy Moss’s list on The Network.

We are heading south on I-75 for the second consecutive week for what could be one of the top matchups in the 2023 season. Defending 5A state champions Frederick Douglass will visit 4A power Corbin in what should be a star-studded event. A $9 million renovation at Campbell Field will also be revealed on Friday night. That alone will bring additional attention and intrigue to this contest.

Corbin

Corbin is led by Coach Tommy Greer. The southeastern Kentucky 4A powerhouse was defeated by Boyle County in last year’s state championship. The Redhounds are loaded with talent and ready to make another run at the title. The Hounds have defeated Cincinnati Hughes 47-12, Lexington Catholic 30-10, and Pulaski County 43-0 so far this season. Corbin is averaging 40 points per game and sports a winning margin of +32.7 per contest. Statistics for Greer’s team are somewhat skewed after playing two games that resulted in early running clocks.

Corbin quarterback Kade Elam, a Louisville baseball commit, is one of the most underrated and best players in the state. The signal-caller has completed 30 of 42 passes (71.4%) for 479 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Elam has a plethora of pass-catching threats at receiver and tight end. Carter Stewart paces the team with 10 receptions for 154 yards and 1 score. Sophomore TE Eli Pietrowski is a player that I’ve been extremely high on for two years now and has contributed 4 catches for 118 yards and 1 touchdown. The Redhounds also rush for 194 yards per game and 242 through the air.

Photo by Zack Geoghegan | Kentucky Sports Radio

The Corbin defense is led by Jerod and Jacob Smith. The twins are ranked by On3 as 4-star prospects. Both are currently committed to Michigan, but that could change. 6’3, 255 lbs. Jerod Smith is a defensive lineman who leads the team with 18 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 3 QB sacks. Jacob Smith, a 6’4, 230-lbs. Edge, ranks second after registering 17 stops including 1 for loss. Greer’s defense is giving up a mere 7.3 points per outing. It also surrenders an average of 54 yards on the ground and 78 via the pass.

Frederick Douglass

The defending 5A champions are now competing in 6A. Coach Nathan McPeek’s team has won back-to-back games following a 45-6 opening week loss to nationally ranked Archbishop Hoban (Akron, OH). The Broncos’ recent two victories include a 17-14 win over Trinity and a 43-0 triumph over Tates Creek. Douglass’s schedule is extremely challenging and includes matchups against Archbishop Hoban (L), Trinity (W), Corbin, Cathedral (Indianapolis), and Boyle County.

The Broncos average 22 points per contest. However, the competition faced must be factored into that equation. Douglass throws for 70 yards and rushes for 74 per outing. Derion Talbert has 3 receptions for 84 yards and 1 touchdown.

Frederick Douglass’s Darion Talbert (4) makes a grab on his way to a touchdown during the second half of their game against Trinity Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023 in Louisville Ky. Mandatory Credit: © Timothy D. Easley/Special to the Courier-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Coach McPeek’s offensive line is led by the duo that is ranked by On3 as 3-star prospects. 6’5, 277-pound OT Zuri Madison is committed to Arkansas and 6’3, 270-pound Demeco Kennedy recently pledged to Purdue.

Frederick Douglass’ defense features a pair of cornerbacks who are both rated by On3 as 3-star prospects. Jeremiah Lowe is a Michigan commit. He’s joined by fellow CB and Northwestern commit Terrion Hicks. The Broncos have allowed 19.7 points per game in 2023. They are giving up 127 yards on the ground and 114 through the passing game. It has also recorded 2 QB sacks, recovered 1 fumble, and intercepted a pass.

Kicker Cooper Ranvier is a weapon and capable of nailing FGs from 55 yards in.

What Does All This Mean?

This is THE marquee matchup in Kentucky this Friday. Corbin and Douglass are both extremely talented and well-coached. If you want to see stars and upper-echelon coaching and player development, make your way to Corbin on Friday; that is, if you can score a ticket. The game will be sold out for reasons that surpass the all-star lineup of prospects.

Campbell Field/Nick Denes Stadium is a Kentucky high school football landmark. It can be argued that Corbin sports one of the most unique and historical home fields in the state. That was the old, but the new is going to be open to the public for the first time on Friday night for the Douglass game.

A $9 million renovation will be largely finished for the September 15 matchup. Updates can be seen in the stands, locker rooms, and on the field. Corbin traditionally had one of the most manicured grass fields in Kentucky. Now, teams will compete on turf. Friday is a must-see for high school football fans. Kroger and KSR will be on site. Can’t wait.