Brent Jackson has led the charge for the Corbin Middle School football program as head coach for the past 28 years. In what could have very well been his final game at the helm, the eighth grade Redhounds went out on top with a 14-8 state championship win over Paducah in the finals of this year’s Kentucky Middle School Football Association Division 2 tournament.
“They are as resilient as any group that we’ve had,” Jackson said of his 2024 eighth grade squad. “I can’t say enough about how proud I am of them.”
The state championship game was played this past Saturday at Lexington Christian Academy. Corbin defeated McCreary County and Boyle County to earn their spot in the tournament finals, while Paducah bested Browning Springs, Union County and Ashland en route to the 2024 season finale.
The Hounds drew first blood Saturday when quarterback Bret Estep connected with receiver Easton Hendrickson for a touchdown with 4:52 remaining in the first quarter. Jackson Marlow ran in the two-point conversion to give Corbin the 8-0 lead.
It looked as if Paducah might tie things up just before the half, but a touchdown was called back due to a penalty with just one second on the clock.
Play continued into the third quarter, when Paducah did manage to tie the game, 8-8, with a touchdown and a two-point conversion at the 2:49 mark.
Estep found receiver Luke Trett for another Redhound score with 6:27 left in the game. This time the conversion attempt failed, but it wouldn’t matter as the boys in red would hold on to secure the 14-8 state championship victory.
“Every kid on this team was so instrumental in this win,” Jackson said, praising his scout team players for the job they did in practice leading up to Saturday’s title game. “I think our scout team offense and defense could’ve beaten a lot of teams out there this season.”
Jackson said that he has been thrilled with his team’s overall development this season, and complimented them on their strong work ethic. “They never took a day off,” he said. “They just continued to work and get better every day.”
This state championship victory is the sixth for the eighth grade team. The seventh grade Hounds have also won three, making it nine trophies for the program as a whole. It will likely be the last for Jackson as head coach, as he admitted that, although nothing has been decided for certain yet, he thinks that the time is probably right for him to step aside in order to focus fully on his new administrative duties at CMS.
Reflecting on his long and successful career as head coach of the middle school Hounds, Jackson said, “None of this would be possible without having coachable kids who buy in. They are a reflection of our community, the parents, and the commitment to excellence at Corbin.”
Jackson also credited the many assistant coaches who have helped lead the program over the years, including defensive coordinator Jeff Barnett.
“We have won or lost every game together,” Jackson said of Barnett. “He has been my righthand man for 28 years, and I just can’t say enough about him.”
After bringing another state championship trophy back to Corbin, Jackson and company will savor the moment as they collectively contemplate what the future will hold for the middle school’s football program.
This year’s eighth grade Redhounds are: Landon Broughton, Liam Flynn, Cameron Nantz, Jake Salmons, Paul Viars, Brody Hart, Matthew Sullivan, Luke Trett, Carson Price, Jackson Marlow, Bret Estep, Bentley Privett, Carson Freeman, Baydin Tucker, Easton Hendrickson, Gunner Duff, Braxton Brock, Eli Hinkle, Eli Troglen, Bentley Morgan, Micah House, Lucas Pratt, Jackson Jones, Curt Walters, Eli Centers, Brennan Hollin, Brennan Miller, Caden Stradley, Rodney Sweet, Landon Jones and Tucker Sullivan.
