Last-minute TD lifts Corbin over LCA 29-22

CORBIN — It's World Series time, so it was fitting that Ty Cobb delivered in the clutch Friday night.

But it was in football, not baseball.

Corbin junior quarterback Ty Cobb lofted a 7-yard touchdown pass to Roman Mitchell with 46 seconds left to give the Redhounds a 29-22 victory over Lexington Christian Academy.

For Mitchell, who moved from QB to receiver during his senior year, it was the first TD catch of his career.

"The first was the best," Cobb said, patting his teammate on his shoulder pads.

Mitchell's artful reception — he twisted in the air to snag the ball — capped a dramatic drive by the Redhounds.

With the game tied at 22, LCA appeared headed for the go-ahead score, marching from its 33 to the Corbin 5. But after a penalty backed the visitors to the 10, Scout McCamy's pass to the flat was intercepted by Wes Tipton.

Corbin took over at the 11 with 5:51 left, and ground out 10 consecutive running plays. Matthew Taylor and Brad Foley took turns carrying the ball. Taylor had the big gainer — a 46-yarder.

At the LCA 7, however, Coach Steve Jewell decided to go to the air.

Mitchell, a relative novice at wideout, wasn't sure where to line up, but he figured it out, then made the game-winning catch.

"I told (Cobb) I was his go-to receiver now," Mitchell said with a laugh.

Corbin, No. 4 in Class 2A, according to Dave Cantrall's ratings, notched its fifth win in a row since losing to unbeaten Hazard. The Redhounds (8-2) will host Bath County in the first round of the playoffs next week.

"We feel like we've really come around and meshed together since the Hazard game," Jewell said. "The kids believe in themselves.

"This was a good test, an awesome test, definitely the kind of game that will help us."

LCA, defending Class A champ, had a rough night. It had six turnovers and 15 penalties (for 125 yards) but still pushed Corbin to the wire.

"It was disappointing having all those mistakes," said Coach Ray Graham, whose Eagles host Berea in the playoffs next week. "We tried to do some different things tonight because we had some guys banged up."

LCA was without lineman Zach West. The senior star, who has committed to UK, has a bone spur and might sit out a couple more weeks.

Corbin got strong performances from Taylor and Foley. Taylor rushed 19 times for 130 yards and a TD, and Foley ran 21 times for 101 yards and two TDs. The Redhounds' defense had five interceptions, three by Josh Coppock.

LCA forced four Corbin turnovers, including a pair of interceptions by Hunter Rowe. Max Barjuca was a standout with 11 tackles.

McCamy led the Eagles offense, rushing 15 times for 105 yards. He had a tough night passing, completing 12 of 33 for 188 yards and five interceptions. Chrisitan Fielden provided a highlight with a 95-yard kickoff return.

Lexington Christian 8 6 8 0—22

Corbin 15 7 0 7—29

LCA—Safety. C—Brady Foley 3 run (Saxon Okuma kick). LCA—Chad Hall 1 run (pass failed). C—Foley 1 run (Matthew Taylor run). C—Taylor 11 run (Okuma kick). LCA—Christian Fielden 95 kickoff return (conversion failed). LCA—Chad Snyder 7 pass from Scout McCamy (Snyder pass from McCamy). C—Roman Mitchell 7 pass from Ty Cobb (Okuma kick).

Records—Lexington Christian 7-3, Corbin 8-2.

This story was originally published October 30, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Last-minute TD lifts Corbin over LCA 29-22."