Mason Co. opens the football season vs. Somerset

The Mason County Royals host the Somerset Briar Jumpers Friday night in the Meadowview Regional Hospital Kickoff Classic. Kickoff is at 7:30. Here are a few facts:

• Somerset beat Mason County 33-6 in last year's season opener at Somerset.
• Jordan Doan is the leading returning rusher for Somerset. He rushed for 678 yards and nine touchdowns in seven games last season. 
• Doan rushed for 159 yards and five touchdowns on nine carries in the win over Mason County.
• Mason Reese, a junior transfer from Southwestern, is expected to start at quarterback for the Briar Jumpers. He passed for 664 yards and four touchdowns last season.
• Somerset has 15 seniors.
• The Briar Jumpers went 6-5 last season and lost to Leslie County 29-26 in the second round of the Class AA playoffs.
• Mason County was 1-9 during an injured plagued season last year with the lone win over West Union.
• Junior Chandler Dunaway is the new Mason County quarterback. 
• The Royals' top returning rusher is junior Malkolm Devine. He rushed for 555 yards and six touchdowns.
• Junior Leevi Dunaway is the leading returning receiver. He had 15 receptions for 180 yards.
• The offensive line is expected to be a strength for Mason County. 
• Senior linebacker Tyrion Fox is back after missing most of last season with an injury. He also will play some at running back.